September 2012 baystateparent Magazine

SEPT. 2012

baystatepa baystate parent FREE

Massachusetts’

Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

DEALING WITH TEENS: The Battle Of The Imaginary Bulge

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS Two Local Girls Dream Big BULLYING From All Sides

SHOW STOPPER! Over 100 Theatre and Music Events CLINTON MOM Rocks It On “The Voice” BARRY MANILOW Brings A Musical Gift To Central Massachusetts

arts and EXTRACURRICULARS

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

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2 SEPTEMBER2012

Cornerstone Academy Educating all learners in grades K-6

An elementary preparatory school that celebrates the individual.

Open House November 4th at 1:00 p.m.

Every “Piece”of your child’s education counts.

Individual Attention Small Class Sizes

Academics

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

• Small classes, individual attention.

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

Nurturing Environment Lasting Friendships

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

• Intellectually enriching environment.

• State of the art technology utilized in all classrooms.

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

Comprehensive and Caring Early Intervention Services for Children Birth to 3 Years Old Early intervention is crucial for a child whose development is delayed. Criterion programs provide support, education and individualized therapy services to help parents and caregivers promote their child’s maximum development.

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

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4 SEPTEMBER2012

Blossom Station Child Care Center of Acton ³'DLO\ 'LVFRYHULHV (QGOHVV 3RVVLELOLWLHV´

"If you are planning for a year, sow rice; If you are planning for a decade, plant trees; If you are planning for a lifetime, educate children."

Chinese Proverb

Now Enrolling 222 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720

978-266-2779 www.BlossomStation.com

Start Your Child Off On the Right Track!

BAYSTATEPARENT 5

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our special guest Madeline Grace Cameron Age 5 1/2 Worcester

16

Captured by caitlyn clark www.caitlynclarkphotography.com

table

A TEENAGERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BODY IMAGE

The teenage years can be difficult as parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watch their children grow into adults, but what can parents do when their daughter thinks they are overweight when they are in shape? One mother shares her discussions with her daughter and where she found help to encourage and support her daughter.

32

THE MAINLOW MUSIC PROJECT

Barry Manilow is coming to Worcester this month and leaving his mark on the Worcester Public Schools. He is donating a piano to the school department, and also running a musical instrument drive and offering free tickets to his concert.

52

BULLYING FROM BOTH SIDES

Whether your child is the bully or being bullied, schools and prevention groups are pulling together to make sure there is a zero tolerance for incidents at school and on the school bus. About 160,000 students miss school every day because of perceived or actual bullying at school. Two bullying advocates have led the fight to educate parents and kids about bullying after their children were faced with bullying at school.

the of the home

SEPTEMBER 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ VOLUME 17 â&#x20AC;˘ NUMBER 5

arts & extracurriculars

in every issue 9 10 11 12 13 13 14

WELCOME

26 HATS OFF TO FASHION

GUESTBOOK

28 LETS ROLL: SoWa

TAKE GOOD CARE: Hyperventilating About Health FINALLY FOREVER: Caring For Refugee Children

16 TEEN SERIES: The Battle Of The Imaginary Bulge

32 BARRY MANILOW: Brings The Gift Of Music

18

34 SHOW STOPPER: Theatre, Music & Dance Listings 40 GOOD HEALTH WITH JIU-JITSU

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS SEPTEMBERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHILD

something special

advertising directories 56 60 66 66

42 MOMS ROCK: Noel Nickerson 44 CAPTURED

JUNK DRAWERS

20 GO THE PLACES YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL GO

59 FIGHT LESS LOVE MORE

PARTY PLANNER BULLETIN BOARD SHOW AND TELL ADVERTISING INDEX

sneak peek

back to school *Some of our regular features such as Captured, Moms Rock and Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Roll appear in our Arts & Evtracurriculars section this month.

On My Plate and Dirty Laundry can be found in our Back To School section.

LITTLE GIRLS BIG HEIGHTS

OCTOBER

47 ON MY PLATE: Last Child 49 DIRTY LAUNDRY: With Christine Hurley

52 BULLYING FROM ALL SIDES

WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HEALTH

NOVEMBER

SPECIAL NEEDS

DECEMBER

THE HOLIDAYS

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

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Welcome When I was pregnant with my first son, I remember spending nights printing out checklists and articles on parenting.

Everything from what to buy for the baby’s room to how to stop the baby from crying. Just recently while I was purging papers from my office, I came across the 2-inch thick folder of printouts, magazine cutouts and lists.

Without knowing about my secret anxiety of becoming a new parent, a friend and colleague introduced me to baystateparent Magazine, at the time it had just changed it’s name from Today’s Parent, and I remember feeling this sigh of relief, like I had met a community of mothers who were “experts” and could share their advice with me as a new mom.

As I sit at my desk writing my first editor’s column, I’m in a bit of awe, realizing I’m working with an amazing staff with a rich history and love for what they do. To be part of this team is not only a dream come true as a writer and editor, but also as a parent.

For those of you who know me, you know I would never say I’m a perfect parent, but every day, I realize more and more that I’m learning while raising my kids. And

when I meet other mothers, I love hearing about their child’s triumphs, but honestly, their tribulations are more fascinating to me–not because I’m judging them, but because they make me realize that we all make mistakes and our children love us for always trying to do our best.

Some of my fondest memories from childhood are those vacations that went off-kilter because of a finger caught in the trunk of the car or the unexpected spring snowstorm my parents drove through after a week-long trip in sunny Florida.

Those are the memories our family still talks about today and my dad still wonders why I didn’t move my finger fast enough when he was closing the trunk.

Despite the follies of parenting, my parents were always encouraging us to try new things and do our best at sports or activities that interested us. I was very lucky as a child that my mom kept us very active (when we weren’t off playing in the woods behind our house with neighborhood kids). From swimming and gymnastics to horseback riding and basketball, my parents wanted to keep us active and with other kids.

To this day, I still remember riding “Loco,” the horse from a local farm that was anything but crazy, which is what his name means in Spanish. And to this day, I still don’t know why I couldn’t have gone further in gymnastics. Okay, truth be told, I am almost 6-feet tall and coordination is not one of my strong points.

One of my most memorable achievements in sports was earning a trophy on the swim team when I was about 8. At the time, trophies weren’t given to every participant like they are today; you had to earn it. As a swimmer, I loved the challenge of new strokes and would always be chosen for butterfly (the stroke no one else wanted to do). And in swim meets, I always did well, that is until I would wait for my friend’s to catch up. I didn’t have that competitive edge in sports, but loved being part of the team.

In this issue, we highlight extra-curricular activities like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which helps kids gain confidence and understand how their body moves and two girls’ pursuit to reach the highest peaks

in a hiking article that shows how their parents have encouraged them throughout their pursuits.

We also feature a new column from a mother who is nearing the finish line (or so she thinks) as her youngest is graduating from high school and being challenged by body image.

A delicate topic for most women, the mother has said some of the wrong things, but in talking to professionals is learning how to keep the lines of communication open.

As I pick up the reigns from former baystateparent Editor Carrie Wattu, I wanted to thank her for helping me through this transition and for all her amazing work throughout the last 12 years. I have big shoes to fill, but I’m excited for the challenge.

I also wanted to share a bit about me. I live in Shrewsbury with my husband and two boys, 8 and 5. I have been a reporter and editor for more than 15 years. I grew up in Southern Connecticut, but went to Assumption College and never moved more than 30 miles from the school since moving to the state almost 20 years ago.

If I had to choose, my favorite singer, it would have to be Billy Joel, but I love most songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Currently, my favorite song on my iPod is Some Nights by Fun. I used to play the flute and piccolo in high school and I love classical music and going to plays and operas, especially on Broadway.

I can never remember the punch line to jokes, but only realize it when I’m three-quarters through a joke.

And despite that, I still think I have a great sense of humor.

As I embark on this new adventure as editor of baystateparent Magazine, know that my door is always open for new story ideas, content and feedback. Drop me a note!

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families

baystateparent publisher GARETH CHARTER 508-749-3166 x153 gcharter@holdenlandmark.com editor JENNIFER LUCARELLI 508-749-3166 x251 editor@baystateparent.com

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

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

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

sales & business development manager STEPHANIE PEARL 774-364-0296 stephaniep@baystateparent.com account executive EMILY LAVOIE 774-364-4178 emilyr@baystateparent.com account executive BETH HOFFMAN 774-364-5073 beth@baystateparent.com

e en’s H • Womcial Needs • Spe olidays H 166 • The 49.3

contributing writers photographers SUSANNE BOITANO SUSAN DIPIETRO CHRISTINE HURLEY KATHERINE JACANTE LAURIE PUHN CHRISTINE QUIRK TRISH RESKE

ING COM ON SO alth

MICHELLE CARR CAITLYN CLARK STEVEN KING illustrator

s 08.7 Rate Call 5 ertising v d For A

proofreader BRYAN ETHIER interns ALEX CAULWAY ALANNA MORIARTY

BRIDGET BEORSE CHRIS NICKELS presidents KIRK and LAURIE DAVIS

baystatestateparent 101 Water St., Worcester, MA 01604

508-749-3166

www.baystateparent.com campguide.baystateparent.com www.massfieldtrips.com

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

MEET THE COVER MODEL

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

Madeline adeline GraceCameron AGE 5 1/2, WORCESTER What are you looking forward to in Kindergarten? Painting and drawing.

And making new friends and playing with them.

Tell us about some of your summer fun. Swimming in Gramma’s pool.

Playing with my brother Luke. And going on vacation to the beach.

What’s the best part of being age 5 1/2? Playing, coloring and going to

kindergarten....I think that might be it.

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

What did you like about your photo session? That I looked like a blue peacock.

18 Parenting Media Awards

Who is the first person you will show the September baystateparent cover to? Gramma

16 New England Newspaper Press Association Awards

caitlyn clark photography

Including Best Parenting Publication in North America 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2010 BAYSTATEPARENT 9

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Dirty Laundry with Stephen Rich [Dirty Laundry August 2012] had me cracking up this month!

So funny and so true! I always enjoy reading Dirty Laundry with Stephen Rich! He does a great job of portraying life in a funny, but loving way.

call it â&#x20AC;&#x153;tax-freeâ&#x20AC;? and we go bonkers!â&#x20AC;? said Cassandra Yoga-Diva. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bought absolutely nothing and saved even more money,â&#x20AC;? said Maria Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Avanzo Gross.

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ pages/baystateparent-Magazine/ and join the conversation.

WINNERS

Kelly Madore, Worcester

baystateparent giveaways are announced at baystateparent.com under â&#x20AC;&#x153;Giveawaysâ&#x20AC;? as well as on our Facebook page. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made it easy and quick to enter to win a prize!

Some of our recent prizes and winners include:

On our Facebook page, we asked our fans how they spent the Massachusetts Taxfree Weekend. Here are some of their responses:

The following readers won a Brave Wii game: Rayna Terrell, of Townsend, Brenda Lawrence, of Worcester, Kaia Gray, of Dudley and Johanna Harjumaki, of Gardner.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Got a new bedroom set for my daughter at IKEAâ&#x20AC;Śthe lines were worse than Disney!â&#x20AC;? said Tara Keyes Goodrich. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are redoing a bathroom, so yesterday we ordered all the tile. Today weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re buying the vanity and other fixtures. But honestly, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll save maybe $150 total for all that standing in line and fighting crowds,â&#x20AC;? said Sara Krensky Guerra. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re buying house stuff for house repairs, too. Might throw a new appliance in, too.

As far as electronics we always go to New Hampshire. So it can be tax free weekend anytime you want it to be. I thought it was kind of funny with all the lines to the stores.

Any other time nobody would be excited about a sale with 5 percent or even 10 percent off. People donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t usually think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a deal until you get 15 to 20 percent off. But

The following readers won a War Horse DVD: Kimberly Cote, of West Brookfield, Rebecca Bigwood, of Auburn, Sarah Reinfeld, of Medford, Kathleen Giacchetti, of South Weymouth, Jennifer Braley, of Sterling and Sarah Dionne, of Hubbardston.

Congratulations to the winners.

Prizes will be mailed out this month.

Letters should be sent to editor@baystateparent.com and will be edited for clarity and length. Please include your full name and town for publication.

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Due to an error, Jennifer Rose Photography was incorrectly credited in the August issue of baystateparent Magazine on page 31. Visit her website at www.jenniferrose.org.

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TAKEGOODCARE

HYPERVENTILATING

about HEALTH BY

trish reske

When I hear about skyrocketing healthcare costs, I can’t help but wonder if part of the problem is that people are visiting doctors more often these days for more ailments, just because they want their money’s worth out of their insurance deduction. And once they see a doctor, they inevitably get referred to a specialist for further evaluation.

You can’t go into a doctor’s office healthy and come out healthy. Inevitably, they’ll find something. I know.

I recently had the pleasure of undergoing my annual “physical.” I did all the perfunctory things. I shaved my legs and armpits, put on my pearls, rinsed twice with Scope, and made sure my underwear choice was appropriate. “Dress for undress success!” is my medical motto.

After spraying a little perfume in my belly button for good measure, I headed in to see “Doctor Rich,” who is my general practitioner, but also happens to be an old friend. What can I say? We live in a small town.

I was already rehearsing my answers to Rich’s standard questions about how I’m sleeping (fine!), how often I drink (oh, hardly ever!), how my anxiety is coming along (just fine, what a relief!), have I lost or gained any weight (both, actually).

As usual, I was running late, which I can easily justify, since Rich is chronically overbooked. My ‘late’ is actually his ‘early.’

I got to the hospital, parked the car, made a fast sprint to the front desk, took a deep breath, and checked in. Only five minutes past my appointment–not bad!

A nurse took my blood pressure and weight.

I’ve perfected the art of lowering both on the fly by meditating while stripping down.

After my chart was updated, I was whisked

into a room for the Changing of the Gown.

I sat on the examining table, my thighs sticking to the red vinyl, feeling like Little Orphan Annie in my flowered frock.

While I waited, I started to do my own self examination.

It was the beginning of the end.

Oh my God, I feel so tired, I thought.

Should I mention that I’ve been up too many nights? And what about the multiple trips to the bathroom at night? I can’t help it if my bladder is petite. Oh, and what about those white dots on my legs? Probably a bad tan outcome. Or maybe they’re age spots! And that reminds me, my period is playing hide and seek lately, I’m surely too young to be menopausal and too old to be pregnant, right?

By the time Rich knocked on the door, I was clammy and hyperventilating.

“Hi Trish! How are you feeling today?” he chirped.

“Just fine,” I grimaced.

“How’s the anxiety and the insomnia?”

“Uh, well, I’m still not sleeping great,” I admitted. And I think I’m having a panic attack as I sit here, thank you very much!

It went downhill from there. The more questions Rich asked, the more things I remembered.

I was almost done when I remembered the spots.

“Oh, I forgot. I have these white spots,” I casually remarked, gesturing nonchalantly to my freshly shaven legs.

Rich took a look. Then he looked closer.

“Hmm. Strange.”

‘So this isn’t, like, an age thing?” I suggested.

Rich was already checking my back, my

sweet-smelling belly, and other not-so-sweet places.

“It looks like you have Vitiligo,” he said.

“The Michael Jackson disease?” I gasped.

An image of myself flashed in my mind: I was slowly fading to white, an aged albino with dark sunglasses and a floppy hat.

Suddenly, the wrinkles on my face I’d been obsessing over didn’t seem so bad.

“Yes,” said Rich, “But usually, it starts as a patch, maybe on the hand. You have these little spots everywhere. It’s really odd. I’m going to have to refer you to a dermatologist immediately.”

OK. So now I was concerned. Just an hour earlier, I was a well-adjusted, healthy woman with a decent dose of self-flattery. Now I’m a hopeless Wacko Jacko insomniac?

I gathered up all the paperwork for my liver panel, thyroid test, mammogram, sleep specialist and dermatology referrals, and said a cheery “See you soon!” to Rich.

I headed out for my flu shot, blood work, three referral appointments, follow-up, a double espresso and donut. No sense denying myself at this point, I thought.

With my luck, they’ll find something else in my blood work and I’ll have six months to live. At least I won’t look like a whitewashed vampire when I go.

I texted my husband “Love you!” before I got in the car to drive home. I mean, with all the crazy drivers out there, who’s to know whether I’d even make it home alive?

I kept my paper hospital I.D. band on. Just in case.

Trish Reske is a mother of four and freelance writer. She can be reached at trishreske.com.

BAYSTATEPARENT 11

FINALLYFOREVER

Caring for Refugee Children BY

christine m. quirk

I

mmigration seems to be a hot topic this political season, but little is said about the children who come to this country alone. According to the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, more than 8,000 children were taken into custody in 2010. These children are usually ages 12 to 18 and are apprehended at the border, sometimes sent to detention camps, and eventually end up needing homes.

So who takes care of these kids?

Moms like Kim Nguyen* do. Nguyen has been a foster parent for 15 years.

“Maybe I can do something to make a difference in somebody’s life,” she says.

“I had a kid from Jordan who came here with nothing,” she says. “He didn’t speak English well, he had never been to school, and they put him right in as a freshman in high school.”

Though Lutheran Social Services, which is a referring agency for refugee children, may provide an interpreter to assist the case managers, that service is not available for the day-to-day.

“It’s a very slow process,” Zalieckas says.

“Often, they don’t understand what’s happened and they’re very slow to build trust.”

Nguyen has a simple strategy – she builds trust in her kitchen.

“Love comes from the stomach to the

“It’s special forces foster care,” Jovanovi says.

“There are kids who come from a family that’s not stable, or kids that need little things to help change their lives, and that inspired me.”

Nguyen is a foster mom with Devereux Massachusetts, a Central Mass based agency dedicated to serving children and adolescents with specialized needs.

Sara Zalieckas, a program recruiter for Devereux, says the biggest challenge for these children is the language barrier.

“We have 15 or so children, and they all went into English-speaking homes with very limited or no English,” she says. “The thought process is for immersion – they go straight into school.”

Nguyen can particularly relate to these children – she came to this country 17 years ago from Vietnam.

12 SEPTEMBER2012

heart,” she says. “If they are not happy, they won’t like and trust you. I cook food from their culture. It makes it feel like a home to them. Then they’ll respect and listen to you, and many good things come back to you.”

In any foster care placement, the goal is always permanency. For refugee children, that takes the form of attaining citizenship.

Though there are obviously obstacles, Devereux staff say it’s amazing how much the kids learn about the language and the culture in a relatively short time.

“It speaks to how resourceful they are to cross alone,” Program Recruiter Goran Jovanovi says.

Nguyen’s foster children have had success – they have finished high school and are ready to face more independent living. But

though they move on, many of them keep their ties to their foster parents. The young man from Jordan, for example, is still in touch with Nguyen.

“He still calls me and says, ‘I miss your cooking,’” she says.

Nguyen is also trained for therapeutic foster care, to provide a home for more challenging, needy children. Devereux is one of the few local agencies that provide such care.

Many times, those children have suffered extreme cases of abuse and neglect, Assistant Regional Manager Claire Sullivan says.

“They are more difficult to place,” she says. “They may have aggression or sexualized behavior and so may need to be without other kids.”

Because these children’s needs are so severe, the agency provides intensive training and support.

“There is a different level of training,” Sullivan says. “There are more expectations because there is a higher need of children.

The kids are tougher and need more support.”

Along with the traditional MAPP training (Massachusetts Approaches to Partnerships in Parenting), she explains, there are additional requirements, including crisis prevention and medication administration. Once licensed, the foster parent is then required to complete an additional 24 hours of training per year.

“It’s a huge commitment,” Zalieckas says.

“There is 24/7 supervision. The children can never be left alone. The foster parent needs to be doing the bulk of the care.

They need that level of support.”

“It’s special forces foster care,” Jovanovi says.

Over the years, Nguyen has had about 15 foster children, she says, and she has many memories of the successes and the disappointments.

“The first kid I had was a gang member,” Nguyen recalls. “It was rough. He was dealing drugs and came home with a backpack full of money.”

The young man learned to focus in school

and was having some success, she says, until a family visit which prompted him to reconnect with his old gang.

“The last time he was in with his family he took off from there,” she says. “A couple of years later, he called me from prison and said, ‘Mom, I should have listened to you.’”

Nguyen has four biological children, all adults, who are working professionals.

“When I first started, one of my kids was 7 or so, and asked, ‘Why can’t she (the foster child) live with a neighbor?’” Nguyen recalls. “So I said imagine if something happened to Mom and Dad, how would you feel? This kid needs help and I would hope you would help him. I kind of picture my own kids, and God forbid something happened, I’d want them taken care of.”

Though kids age out of the system when they are 18, they can choose to stay until age 22 for additional support.

“A lot of work is done before a child’s 18th birthday to encourage them to stay,” Zalieckas says. “Many stay in contact with their foster families – it’s a parent relationship and it doesn’t end because of discharge.”

And sometimes, Nguyen said, they leave and come back.

“I had one kid here who was so rough,” she says. “He was suicidal and a runaway, and he stayed four years. … One day, he was found passed out in the park and another child had filed a restraining order against him. He was bouncing from home to home and he asked to come back and finish his senior year. … People think we’re crazy, but I have to give him a chance.”

Another child – a young adult – is still living with her because he has no place else to go.

“He aged out when he turned 22 and he fell through the cracks,” she says. “He has mental health issues and can’t live independently, and his grandparents are too old. I can’t throw him out on the street, so he’ll stay here until we figure it out.

“Baggage is scary, but you take the time to learn about them,” Nguyen says. “For me, when I see the change I make in their lives,

*Ms. Nguyenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name has been changed to preserve the privacy of her foster children.

Christine Quirk is a Central Mass freelance writer and the mom of two children.

SEPTEMBERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;SCHILD

Highlights of Septemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Adoption-Related Events

FRIENDS

For more information on Devereux or becoming a foster parent, visit devereux. org and choose â&#x20AC;&#x153;Massachusettsâ&#x20AC;? from the drop-down menu.

CIRCLEOF

that is the most rewarding thing.â&#x20AC;?

The Devereux staff is appreciative of their foster families. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a group of well-educated foster parents who are in this for the right reasons,â&#x20AC;? Zalieckas says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are a resourceful, incredible bunch of people.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that stigma that bad things happen in foster care,â&#x20AC;? Jovanovi says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just not true. We see our kids be really successful. We have seen some pretty phenomenal things.â&#x20AC;?

Wiffle Ball Tournament with Waiting Teens. Sun., Sept. 23 at the Springfield Boys and Girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club: 481 Carew St., Springfield. 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3:30 p.m. Enjoy wiffle ball, a BBQ and a great group of teens. Contact Maurine Albano, Western MA MARE representative, at 413-452-3431 for more information.

Boston Adoption Informational Meetings-DCF. The Mass.

Department of Children and Families (DCF)- Boston holds these meetings

every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at DCF Boston, 451 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester. Learn how you can change the future of a child in need by becoming a foster or adoptive parent with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.

Contact Marsha Donovan, LCSW, at 617-989-9209. No registration required.

MAPP Training at the Home for Little Wanderers. Home for Little Wanderers, 50 Redfield St.,

Dorchester. Held on Saturdays: Oct. 13, 20, 27 & Nov. 3, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Contact Karin Gemeinhardt with questions: 617-264-5368.

Please submit Octoberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adoption-related events by Wednesday, September 5 to be included in the October edition of baystateparent. Events submitted after the 5th of the month will be included in our online calendar only. To submit an event, visit baystateparent.com and click â&#x20AC;&#x153;Calendarâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Submit an Event.â&#x20AC;?

BECKER

A COLLEGE STUDENT AND A FULL-TIME PARENT!

Kim Kim is looking to be the shining star in someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. She wants to connect with someone and have the permanence of a forever family. Having just turned 13, Kim, who is of Hispanic descent, enjoys your typical teenage activities such as shopping, going to the movies and listening to music.

She also loves swimming.

At her last school setting, Kim achieved much success and was no longer receiving special education services. She enjoys school activities and is a good reader. Kim loved reading The Hunger Games series.

She gets along well with her peers as well as with younger children.

Kim has a relationship with an older brother who is in a long-term foster placement. This relationship is important to her and Kimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worker is looking for a family that can recognize that and help them to maintain contact. Kim is legally free for adoption, and with her big smile and even bigger heart, would be a welcome addition to any family.

For more information on Kim or the adoption process in general, please contact Department of Children and Families Adoption Supervisor Eileen Griffin at 978-353-3629. The DCF Adoption Office in Worcester holds monthly informational meetings about the adoption process. The office is located at 121 Providence St. (the old St. Vincent Hospital Building) on the third floor. Please call 508-929-2143 to register.

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

www.becker.edu 508.373.9500

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

MADE FROM THE HEART

DOUBLE DADDIES The stork brought a surprise to two brothers, Gregory and Christopher Mullin, and their families on Tuesday, July 3. Sofia Grace, daughter of Jenilee and Gregory Mullin of Westborough, was born just hours after her cousin, Camden James, at Emerson Hospital in Concord.

Camden is the second son of Jennifer and Christopher Mullin. The brothers had been joking that their children might share the same birthday, but no one expected it to actually happen. The family has been blessed twice and thrilled to be able to share this experience with each other.

FROM CROPS TO THE CLASSROOM Susan Halpin of Northborough was awarded the annual Massachusetts AgriScience Excellence Award from the Eastern States Exposition and Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom in Ludlow earlier this year.

Halpin is a nutrition and culinary arts teacher at Algonquin Regional High School for grades 9 through 12. She started a garden in her first year at the school and soon after, procured supplies through a MAC grant to develop Canning and Preserving workshops to make jam with her students. Students also harvested, washed and cooked fruits, vegetables and herbs and created a variety of dishes. Students learned about healthy eating, where food originates from and the effect on the food system. Excess crops were donated to the Northborough Food Pantry and the town’s recreation department’s summer camp allows students in grades 3 through 5 the chance to work in the garden and learn how to cook nutritious recipes with the harvest.

Halpin and 60 students will be guests of Eastern States Exposition at this year’s Big E on Massachusetts Day, Sept. 20, for an educational tour. With her students by her side, she will be saluted on The Big E’s Court of Honor Stage, sponsored by Comcast, for her achievement.

Q&A

These beautiful, handmade cards were designed and created by Jane Phillips of Embellished Stationary Designs of Shrewsbury. She sells her cards at boutiques and craft stores in Northborough including Epiphany Children’s Boutique, Cocobeni Confections, Strut, Craftworks as well as Pine Tree Place Home Shop in Wells, Maine where she spends a good part of her summer. “I made one for a wedding a few years ago, and then people started asking me to make more,” she said. “This is my creative outlet and it’s a good therapy for me.”

Phillips recently had foot surgery and has loved making these small pieces of art that are not only great to go with a gift, but can be framed as art. One fan of Phillips’ cards gave the card as a baby gift for a friend as well as a frame so the new mother could hang it on her wall.

The cards sell for $8 to $12. For custom cards email Jane at jcphlips@yahoo.com.

What plastics are safe for your child?

Moms worry about what they feed their kids, but one question that pops up is what to serve food on? What plastics are safe for kids? One company, The Soft Landing, which is run by moms, offers BPA-free, PVC-free and Phthalatefree food storage containers. Check out their guide at www.thesoftlanding.com. Some tips to keep in mind: glass is one of the best options, followed by stainless steel and then plastic would be a third choice. Plastics with a 1, 2, 4 or 5 on the bottom are better choices as well. Avoid using plastics with a 3, 6 or 7. Also, don’t microwave anything with saran wrap or anything that might leech chemicals.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has not outlawed using certain types of plastics like BPA, but recent studies have raised concerns. For more information, visit www. fda.gov.

- U.S. Food & Drug Administration

ARTHRITIS AMBASSADOR Jeff King, a recent Shrewsbury High School graduate, always loved snowboarding and hockey, but his struggle with joint pain constantly got in the way. “I would have trouble getting up off the ice or snow.” Little did he know, his pain was a result of inflamed joints due to arthritis.

Watching younger children battle arthritis became his biggest inspiration. “I witnessed children younger than myself getting much harsher treatments, and saw firsthand the bravery and strength of these kids,” says Jeff. “It fueled my motivation to get through this, keep a positive attitude and stay strong.”

Jeff is now proud to be the Juvenile Walk Ambassador for the Central Massachusetts Arthritis Walk scheduled on September 9th in Worcester, at the Bancroft School.

To find out how you can join Jeff in his fight against arthritis, participate in the Arthritis Walk, or raise funds to support walkers, contact Margaret Farmer at the Arthritis Foundation of New England, 617-219-8228 or by email at mfarmer@ arthritis.org.

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

14 SEPTEMBER2012

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everythingcutie.com BAYSTATEPARENT 15

JUSTAROUNDTHECORNER

The Battle of the

Imaginary

BULGE BY

katherine jacante bridget beorse illustrator

My daughter missed the end of the school year pool parties last June. She wasn’t sick. She was fat.

That’s the reason my 5’ 8”, 130-pound daughter Mackenzie* gives me for skipping the parties. She thinks she is fat. For those of you who can’t really get a mental picture based on stark numbers, Mackenzie is a slim, multi-sport athlete, one of the tallest girls in her grade, but not alone at that height.

If you were to see her standing with her friends at the middle school dance, an objective observer would say she is on the slender end of the spectrum of body shapes you see among teenage girls. That is the reality.

Reality is irrelevant.

Mackenzie is a size 7, but convinced she should be a size 0 like her tiny-all-over 5’3” friend. And as far as I can tell, her biggest issue is the “flab” around her middle. I am not sure what part of the situation is more heartbreaking: knowing she is missing out on fun because of this imaginary flaw or realizing my child has a potentially serious issue.

As parents, we are constantly reminded of the ridiculous focus our culture puts on a narrow definition of beauty and especially the emphasis on having a “perfect” body. There are countless books that chronicle the perilous journey our children are making (Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls, Queen Bees and Wannabes, Odd Girl Out). Thankfully, there are almost as many books to help us navigate around these potholes, offering advice, outlining programs, promising a healthy well-adjusted child if you follow their prescribed program (I went on Amazon.com and typed in “confident girls” and got 2,300 results. Even after you filter out the barely related titles, that’s a lot of coverage).

I have never been a believer in the strict application of these programs. While many of the issues children and parents face are very similar, every child, every situation is unique.

Building self esteem in your oldest child is different than supporting your youngest. Some children are less self assured than others. That may or may not have anything to do with your parenting. And then there is the issue of balancing how much you encourage a child to be more outgoing, or more sociable, or more whatever, with accepting that your child is naturally quiet, more of a follower than a leader and recognizing that’s OK. It all makes my head spin sometimes.

With all that said, I thought my husband and I had done a good job building self confidence in each of our children, teaching them to value who they are rather than who/what they are not. They are good about judging people through a character lens rather than an assessment of the outer 16 SEPTEMBER2012

packaging.

With Mackenzie, I went the extra mile: we have attended programs together over the years that discussed the body image issue for girls; she is well aware that the images you see in magazines are airbrushed. She intellectually recognizes that the average teenage girl carries more weight than you will ever see on TV or in a magazine.

Unfortunately, all that balanced objective knowledge is moot. She thinks she is fat.

When Mackenzie asks if she could go for liposuction, I calmly say “let me look into it,” rather than allowing the screaming in my head to escape. I think to myself, take some time, let her know I am serious about addressing her concerns, and I am not dismissing her request out of hand. This could be an opportunity to open up a dialogue. Doesn’t that sound like a good idea—“open a dialogue”? The next day when she asks if I have made a decision, I explain that I am not comfortable with the idea for specific reasons. Next, I take a deep breath and tackle the real issue.

“I am sorry you are unhappy with how you look. If you’d like to make some changes, I will pay for you to take Zumba, or spinning or body sculpting classes at the gym.

But I would really like to talk about this image you have of yourself. You are not fat.”

So much for an open dialogue. Mackenzie gets angry, she

tells me I don’t understand, that she is most definitely fat.

Clearly, I should have ended my comments four words sooner rather than making a statement she believes is not true. In her mind I have invited her into a discussion that is all about how she is wrong.

I trip over my good intentions quite frequently while parenting.

I need help.

Scott Schinaman, a psychiatrist, is the director of the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Programs at Walden Behavioral Care, a private psychiatric hospital specializing in the treatment of eating disorders with locations in Waltham, Braintree, Northampton and Worcester. I have two questions for him: how do you frame a conversation with the child to address your concerns? What are the tell tale signs of a serious issue? The answer I heard loud and clear is talk with and listen to your child.

“Many parents are afraid to discuss their concerns with their adolescent child because they think it will ‘push her over the edge’ and create the eating disorder,” according to Schinaman. “In my experience, that is not the case.

Once a child is aware their parents are attentive, it brings the discussion into the open.”

Schinaman stresses it is important that you be honest and be direct with your child about what you are observing and why you are concerned. This is particularly true if a

child repeatedly voices a perception of herself as different than they actually are, like â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am fat,â&#x20AC;? etc. Present what you have noticed in a non-accusatory, non-judgmental way. A good approach is, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve noticed youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been missing meals lately. Are you feeling OK?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard you commenting about feeling fat pretty frequently in the last few weeks. Can we talk about whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; These types of questions may get a conversation started. But be prepared, this will be an ongoing multi-level discussion, not a once and done kind of conversation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Children do not just lay everything out because you have asked about a situation. They give parents tidbits. Listen very carefully to the tidbits and determine which ones need a follow-up. Talk several times a week, always discussing what you observe,â&#x20AC;? says Schinaman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is important to be a good listener.â&#x20AC;?

If you find your child resistant to discussing your concerns, if they try to dismiss you or if they respond by saying â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I am fineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, again, Schinaman suggests parents press forward, maintaining a non-accusatory tone; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;This is not fine and this is why, here are my concerns.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; If you still feel as though there is an issue, insist that she go with you to discuss your concerns with her primary care doctor. It is quite likely that your child will continue to deny there is an issue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have never met a child who comes into the program [at Walden] and thinks there is something wrong; they are never happy to be there,â&#x20AC;? he says.

Schinaman also encourages parents to educate themselves about potential warning signs and where to turn for help (see box).

Because I have spent more than a few nights wondering about the universal parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lament, â&#x20AC;&#x153;where did I go wrong,â&#x20AC;?

I also asked Dr. Schinaman how parents of younger children might â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;inoculateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; their children against the endless emphasis on a limited definition of beauty and the perfect body. He pointed out that eating disorders are very complex and there is no sure path to avoiding the possibility, but we can definitely take some steps. â&#x20AC;˘ Be aware of your concept of yourself. If you are constantly

against whole categories of food (e.g. no carbohydrates, etc.).

vocally obsessing about your weight, that is what your children learn. â&#x20AC;˘ Recognize your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s values on food and health, emphasize healthy eating, healthy living from an early age.

â&#x20AC;˘ Frequent comments about feeling â&#x20AC;&#x153;fatâ&#x20AC;? or overweight despite weight loss.

â&#x20AC;˘ Be aware of the language we use as we identify what is attractive.

â&#x20AC;˘ Anxiety about gaining weight or being â&#x20AC;&#x153;fat.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ Denial of hunger.

â&#x20AC;˘ Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to set limits on your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use of social media.

Thankfully, at one point this past summer, the weather got hot and humid and Mackenzie could not resist an invitation to swim with some friends. It was a small group, not a classwide party, but she went. And she allowed me to bring up my concerns to her doctor when I took her for her annual physical. While she may not have a specific disorder, she has a way to go before anyone would say she has a healthy image of herself. I hope we will keep talking. *The names of the subjects in this series of articles have been changed to protect their privacy.

â&#x20AC;˘ Development of food rituals (for example, eating foods in certain orders, excessive chewing, rearranging food on a plate). â&#x20AC;˘ Consistent excuses to avoid mealtimes or situations involving food. â&#x20AC;˘ Excessive, rigid exercise regimenâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;despite weather, fatigue, illness or injuryâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;the need to â&#x20AC;&#x153;burn offâ&#x20AC;? calories taken in. â&#x20AC;˘ Withdrawal from usual friends and activities. â&#x20AC;˘ In general, behaviors and attitudes indicating that weight loss, dieting and control of food are becoming primary concerns.

Katherine Jacante is a writer and mother of two teenagers living in Central Mass. She uses a pseudonym to protect her relationship with her children and other families who may recognize themselves in these articles.

Just Around the Corner is a series of articles that examines some of the expected and unexpected issues you and your child may face entering the teenage years.

Warning Signs of a Potential Disorder â&#x20AC;˘ Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, fat grams and dieting.

Resources for Help Always start with your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary care doctor for suggestions of local specialists, including therapists and treatment centers with a holistic approach to recovery. In addition, check out these other resources: â&#x20AC;˘ maudsleyparents.org â&#x20AC;˘ medainc.org â&#x20AC;˘ waldenbehavioralcare.com â&#x20AC;˘ childrenshospital.org/clinicalservices/Site1871/ mainpageS1871P0.html

â&#x20AC;˘ Refusal to eat certain foods, progressing to restrictions

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BAYSTATEPARENT 17

On

little girls,

BIG HEIGHTS An Extraordinary Family is Born to Hike BY

18 SEPTEMBER2012

susan dipietro

a bright Saturday last April, Trish and Hugh Herr, and their daughters Alex, 9, and Sage, 7, attended the Appalachian Mountain Club’s annual awards ceremony celebrating people who have hiked all 48 of New Hampshire’s highest mountains. As Trish, Alex and Sage were called up to the stage, the audience burst into loud applause. The presenter swept Sage into his arms, and held her up high to the crowd. At age 6 years and 7 months, she was the second youngest female ever to complete all 48 peaks, supplanting her sister, who’d held the same position since 2009. Alex and Trish, for their part, had scaled all of the state’s highest peaks a second time, but this time all in winter months.

The Herr family, who split their time between homes in Somerville, MA and Campton, NH, may be the top hiking family in New England.

“It’s important for me that my daughters know first-hand that small doesn’t necessarily mean weak, that girls can be strong, and that big, bold things are possible,” says Trish, who holds a master’s degree in biological anthropology from Harvard University, and who homeschools the children. She has chronicled their journey and the lessons they learn along the way in her recently published book, UP, A Mother and Daughter’s Peakbagging Adventure, published by Broadway Paperback.

The Adventure Begins Their adventure began during a chance stop at a roadside kiosk in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. While 5-year-old Alex and 3-yearold Sage ran in circles around a bench, Trish noticed a brochure of AMC Four-Thousand Footer Club. Members receive a patch and a certificate for hiking each of the listed 48 peaks, all over 4,000 feet high. Trish asked Alex, who was always on the go, if she was interested in climbing an adult-sized mountain. “Sure!”

Alex responded, enthusiastically.

In March 2008, mother and daughter attempted to climb Mount Tecumseh, but the higher they climbed, the deeper the snow became, and the girls started sinking up to their waists with each step they took. They decided to turn back before reaching the summit. “No big deal,” says Trish. “I went back and got advice from a lot of people and read some books about hiking.” Trish and Alex set their sites on climbing the same mountain again a few weeks later, and they reached the peak of their first 4,000-foot mountain when Alex was just 5 years and 5 months old.

In the beginning, Trish thought it would take about five years for Alex to complete the list.

However, as they began hiking more often, Alex grew stronger, and they began to hike higher peaks and longer trails. As winter approached Trish knew that it would be difficult for Alex to stop hiking and stay inside, so she learned as much as she could about winter hiking and their journey continued in spite of ice and snow. Alex and Trish hiked all 48 peaks in just 15 months, finishing when Alex was 6 years and 8 months old.

An Inherited Passion Both Trish and Hugh had grown up loving the outdoors, and they had decided even before Alex was born, to instill a bond with nature in their children. “It gives me a sense of peace and calmness being out in nature, and I can’t imagine my kids not having that,” says Trish.

They also believe in spending time with each of their daughters one-on-one. “We trade-off time with the kids every other Saturday. We feel that it’s a way to connect with our kids, and gives us more quality time with them,” she says. While Trish does most of the hiking with the kids, Hugh takes them on adventures such as mountain biking, swimming, paddle boating, and strawberry picking.

While he doesn’t often go along, Hugh completely supports his family’s hiking ambitions. “He has total trust in me and I’m grateful for that,” says Trish. An active outdoorsman growing up, Hugh was an exceptional climber and was considered a child prodigy in the rock and ice climbing community.

A Lesson from Dad But Hugh had one critical lesson to teach the girls. As Alex began to build her strength and confidence on the mountains, Trish noticed that she was taking unnecessary risks such as skipping and jumping over slippery rocks, not paying attention to what she was doing. While a fall in a local park or playground could easily be attended to, an injury in the mountains could require a lengthy hike down to the trailhead before help could be reached, and Trish thought it was time for Alex and Sage to learn about the serious consequences that mistakes can have.

On a warm August evening, Trish and Hugh sat down in their living room with the girls and Hugh shared the story of how he lost both of his legs. While the girls had helped him attach his artificial limbs many times, they had never asked how he lost his own legs. In fact, Trish wasn’t sure they knew he ever had real legs.

To them his artificial limbs were completely normal.

Hugh explained that when he was 17 years old, he was ice climbing in a ravine on the side of Mount Washington with a friend.

When they got to the top of the ice wall, they made a last-minute decision to hike towards the summit. A blizzard developed, creating whiteout conditions. Disoriented, the boys went down the wrong side of the mountain and were lost for four days. A woman who was snowshoeing in the area finally found them.

The snow was so deep that they couldn’t tell if they were walking over land or a river, and Hugh’s legs punched through the snow into the frigid, rapidly-moving ice water. His friend pulled him out with his ice axe, but Hugh’s legs were frozen and were later amputated below the knees. In addition, a rescuer lost his life in an avalanche while searching for the boys.

With a background in metalworking, Hugh was able to design his own artificial

he re re ce ’t h. h ff We s, ” ng es le h ng d ve n a ng

he d d as ot le ly ns he d ge at h d of h er h s. ly

legs for climbing after the accident and within six months, he was back to scaling rock and ice. He went on to get his Masters degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and his PhD from Harvard University. He is now the director of the biomechatronics group at MIT Media Lab, where he invents and builds robotic prosthesis.

Loftier Goals Alex and Sage continue to hike and enjoy the outdoors. They are working on another hiking game called High Pointing, which involves reaching the highest point in every state. They have reached the highest point in 39 states, and plan to attempt one or two more each year.

“The remaining states will be more challenging, because they are all at altitude,” explains Trish.

At high altitude there is less oxygen in the air, making it more difficult to climb. “We will either get them or we won’t, but we will have fun trying,” she says.

They have also made their own list of hikes, which they call the Terrifying Twenty-Five. Sage came up with the name, and Alex drew the picture for the patch. The list contains trails that include tricky elements such as boulder scrambling, ladders or extremely steep sections.

They give each trail a score for fun and fright factors, and anyone that completes the list is awarded a patch.

Trish is happy that her girls love to hike but says it would be fine if they decided to stop. “The goal has to be the kids. It can’t be the parents trying to get the kids to do something. You can suggest something, but if they are not interested it won’t work. I’m happy climbing on rocks or skipping stones if that’s what they want to do,” she says. “I’m just happy being with them out in nature.”

Susan Dipietro is a native of Concord, Mass. now living in New Hampshire. She is a freelance writer and an avid hiker. She can be reached via email at susanjdipietro@gmail.com.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 19

OH, THE

PLACES YOU’LL

GO

mike spencer

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

- dr. seuss

GO CONCORD: The Old North Bridge in Concord not only has a rich history, but is a great place to take a stroll over in the fall. www.concordma.com 20 SEPTEMBER2012

photo courtesy of massachusetts office of travel and tourism

thomas neill

photo courtesy of massachusetts office of travel and tourism

GO HOPPING: The Life is Good Festival is in Canton on Sept. 22 and 23.

The two-day celebration features three stages of live music, hands-on games, interactive arts and activities and a ‘Good Kids’ zone. www.lifeisgood.com/festival

GO BACK TO SCHOOL: Old Sturbridge Village is hosting a Home Schooling Day on Wednesday, Sept. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.osv.org

GO HIKE: Great Barrington has extensive trails including Monument Mountain, Bear Mountain and Race Brook Falls. www.berkshirehiking.com

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

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

1SATURDAY Family Fun Days. Old Sturbridge Village.

9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Play baseball the way early New Englanders did, make a craft, join a game of French & English (left), meet the young oxen in training, try your hand at marbling paper, watch a toy, fire-balloon flight, visit the Freeman Farm, stop and see craftsmen at work and much more. A $24, Y (3-17) $8, C under 2 FREE. 508-347-3362, osv.org. Also Sept. 2 & 3.

Children under 3 are invited to register for this free seminar with examination designed to help parents assure a cavity-free child. The informal format assures that all parents’ questions will be answered by this pediatric dental specialist. Space is limited. Call Dr. Mel at 508-875-KIDS to register. WeeCareAtDrMels.com.

6THURSDAY FREE & ONGOING Playdance OPEN HOUSE! See Sept. 4 listing for details. Also Sept. 7 - 9.

FREE Afternoon Adventures. Marlborough Public Library, 35 West Main St., Marlborough. 4 – 4:45 p.m. Activities and snacks for children ages 6 -10.

Registration is required and is limited. Please register by calling the Children’s Room or stop by: 508-6246902, marlborough-ma.gov.

FREE Blackstone Canal Festival. Harding Street, Worcester. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. This classic street festival includes music, entertainment, vendors, food, an abundance of kids’ activities, horse-and-wagon rides, kayak rides, historic as well as current canal project information, a giant raffle, and much more. At the center of the festival will be an actual, re-created segment of the canal, 75-feet long, filled with over 4,500 gallons of water, recalling the era when it served as a cargo waterway to the sea. blackstonecanalfest.org.

Canaldiggers 5K and Kids Fun Run. Worcester.

10:30 a.m. Fallon Community Health Care (FCHP) sponsors this annual race that coincides with the Blackstone Canal Festival. This year, there is a new kids’ fun run starting at 10:30 a.m. followed by a run/walk and the traditional 5km. Don’t miss the Irish BBQ and music after the race. Register soon! canaldiggers.org and fchp.org.

ONGOING Guided Garden Tours. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. Every Sunday, 2 – 3 p.m. Enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent garden, with seasonal highlights such as summer annuals, the vegetable garden, and a Systematic Garden overview.

Free with admission: A$12, Y $7, C under 6 FREE. 508-869-6111, towerhillbg.org.

Family Fun Days. Old Sturbridge Village. See Sept. 1 listing for details.

4TUESDAY E.B.T.K.S Book Group. Marlborough Public Library, 35 West Main St.,, Marlborough. 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Everything But The Kitchen Sink is a book group for kids ages 10+ who like to read a little bit of everything! Space is limited. Registration is required.

508-624-6902, marlborough-ma.gov.

FREE Be a Princess Open House (Playdance).

Joanne Langione Dance Center, Newton. 10 a.m.

- 2 p.m. For children ages 2 – 4. 617-969-8724, Jldancecenter.com, Also Sept. 5 - 9.

5WEDNESDAY FREE & ONGOING Playdance OPEN HOUSE! See Sept. 4 listing for details. Also Sept. 6 – 9.

FREE Wee Care Infant Oral Health Program. Dr. Mel, 223 Walnut St., Suite 22, Framingham. 10 a.m.

photo courtesy of liz linder photography

Family Fun Days. Old Sturbridge Village. See Sept. 1 listing for details. Also Sept. 3.

3MONDAY

FREE The Sterling Fair. See Sept. 7 listing.

Monday 10 ONGOING Butterfly Landing. Franklin Park Zoo, Boston. 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Stroll through a tranquil environment filled with hundreds of butterflies. This tented, outdoor exhibit also features several garden beds, a pond and soothing surroundsound music. Butterfly Landing is a seasonal exhibit and runs through mid-September (weather permitting). 617-541-5466, franklinparkzoo.org.

FREE Natick Community Organic Farm, 117 Eliot St., Natick. During your visit, you and your children may witness animals reproducing, birthing, nursing young, or dying. We encourage you to use your visit as an opportunity to talk openly about life cycles, and that farm animals are raised for food. Enjoy a barn-side market stand, animals, gardening, and more! It’s free to visit but they offer many programs requiring registration and reasonable fees. 508–655–2204, natickfarm.org.

11TUESDAY

2SUNDAY

Hands on: make your own coil clay pot.

Fruitlands Museum, Harvard. 10 a.m. Many of Native American pots were made by rolling clay into long pieces and coiling them into shape. Drop in at our new Family Learning Center to make your own pot and take it home to show your family and friends.

Materials and instructions are free with admission.

978-456-3924, fruitlands.org.

Fall Family Open House. Danforth Museum, 123 Union Ave., Framingham. 1 – 4 p.m. 508-620-0050.

A free music singalong is scheduled at the Applefest stage in downtown Northborough on Saturday, Sept. 15 from 11 to 11:45 a.m. applecountrymusictogether.com

FREE American Girl Club. Marlborough Public Library, 35 West Main St., Marlborough. 4 – 4:45 p.m. Every month this club features a different American Girl, from the Historicals to the Girls of the Year. Read two books, make some themed crafts and eat snacks! This program is recommended for girls ages 6-12 and their mothers and friends. Parents are requested to participate in the program. Dolls of any kind are encouraged, but not required. Registration is required and is limited to 12 children and their caregivers. To register, please call the Children’s Room: 508-624-6902, marlborough-ma.gov.

Book Club at the Great Escape Playcafe.

Great Escape Playcafe, 21 Sack Blvd., Leominster 1 - 3 p.m. Get together with other reading parents at the Great Escape Playcafe, once a month, to talk literature over coffee and cookies, while the dear children play. Takes place every second week of each month: Tuesdays, 1 – 3 p.m. and Fridays, 5:30 – 7 p.m. If you bring kids, use sibling discount on play admission. 978-227-5886, tgeplaycafe.com.

12WEDNESDAY FREE Applewild School Take a Look Morning.

Applewild School, 120 Prospect St. Fitchburg. 9 a.m.

Applewild School (coeducational independent day school for grades K - 8 serving families in central MA and southern NH) hosts an Open House on the first Thursday of each month. No RSVP necessary. 978342-6053, x110 or applewild.org

7FRIDAY FREE The Sterling Fair, Sterling. A family-oriented, community, agricultural fair with the emphasis on agriculture and education. Last year’s attendance was over 40,000 people. Also Sept. 8 & 9. sterlingfair.org.

8SATURDAY Basket Weekend. Fruitlands Museum. Harvard.10 a.m. Fruitlands has an extensive collection of baskets in our Native American, Shaker and Farmhouse museums. Enjoy in-depth highlight tours, informative lectures, demonstrations and hands-on activities all weekend long! Free with admission.

978-456-3924,fruitlands.org. Also Sept. 9.

FREE The Sterling Fair, Sterling. See Sept. 7 listing.

9SUNDAY Helping Wildlife: Monarch Butterflies.

Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. 1 – 3 p.m. The annual migration of eastern monarch butterflies to central Mexico, and back, is one of the most remarkable events in nature. Tagging adult monarchs in migration is part of a continent-wide research and conservation effort that Wachusett Meadow has participated in for many years. Join in an afternoon of tagging monarchs, learning about other fall butterflies and finding out how you can help monarchs in your own backyard. All ages. Registration required. A $8, C $4 nm. 978-4642712, massaudubon.org/catalog.

Massachusetts Day at Southwick’s Zoo. Southwick’s Zoo, 2 Southwick St., Mendon. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Buy one General Admission, get one free of equal or lesser value when you show your Residency ID. A $20, Y (3 – 17) $15. 800-258-9182, southwickszoo.com.

Home School Day. Old Sturbridge Village.

9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Visit the Village and participate in hands-on activities and participatory programs. $5 $10 plus admission. 508- 347-3362, osv.org.

Garden Discovery Program - A Fruit is a Suitcase for Seeds. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 10 – 11 a.m. Programs are designed for children ages 3-5 and their parent or caregiver. Begin inside with a craft and story time.

Then step outside for a short walk to discover what is new in the garden. Please dress for the weather. A/C pair $8 NM. towerhillbg.org

13THURSDAY FREE Musings: Teen Writers. Marlborough Public Library, 35 West Main St., Marlborough. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Meets the 2nd Thursday of every month. Walk-ins are welcome. 508-624-6900, marlborough-ma.gov.

FREE Playground, Animals & Farm Kitchen.

Tougas Farm, 234 Ball St., Northborough. Enjoy a barnyard, creative playground and farm kitchen BAYSTATEPARENT 21

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO

and pig roast there will be a 50/50 raffle and an item raffle. 508-330-0087.

with delicious farm-fresh treats. Shady picnic tables available with clean restrooms. tougasfarm.com.

Bonsai Weekend. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Talented Bonsai Artists from New England will display their best Bonsai for the weekend. A $12, Y (6-18)$7, C under 6 free. 508-869-6111, towerhillbg.org.

Sawyers Bowl-a -Drome. 13 Blake St., Northborough. Generally open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Families can enjoy candlepin bowling in an oldfashioned, no frills basement bowling alley. Typically $20 an hour. During the summer months, be sure to call ahead to see if Sawyer’s is open. There are quite a few pizza places in the area if you want to combine a meal with your outing. 508-393-8032.

FREE Music Together Singalong. Applefest stage in Downtown Northborough. 11 – 11:45 a.m. Sing,

instructors. 508-791-8159, pakmusic.org.

Applefest. Davis Farmland, Sterling. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. It’s the opening of the apple orchard! Pick your own apples then head over to farmland where there’s more apple fun! Play apple bowling, partake in an apple relay and make some apple prints to bring home with you. Admission fees apply.

978-422-6666, davisfarmland.com. Also Sept. 16.

Agricultural Exhibition. Old Sturbridge Village.

9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Experience an old-fashioned

FREE Somerville Dog Festival. Fundraiser to benefit local animal-related charities will feature a variety of exciting dog sports demonstrations and multiple “try it” rings in which the public can try sports and games with their dogs. somdogfest.org.

Applefest. Davis Farmland, Sterling. Sept. 15 listing for details.

14FRIDAY Friday Evening Hayride and Campfire. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 4 – 5:30 p.m. and 6 – 7:30 p.m. Up to three children per adult; all ages welcome. Fees apply to all participants, both adults and children.

“Backpack babies” (under 12 months and carried in a backpack or sling) are welcome free of charge, though please mention these participants on the registration form. The fee for children between the ages of 12 and 17 months is half the regular participant fee. Rain or shine. $19pp NM. 781-2592200, massaudubon.org

Agricultural Exhibition. Old Sturbridge Village.

See Sept. 15 listing for details.

Jimmy Fund Campout. See Sept. 14 listing.

17MONDAY Join baystateparent’s Facebook page for up-to-date postings on what’s fun and exciting to do today!

ONGOING The Big E. Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. New England’s Autumn tradition and the largest fair in the northeast.

413-205-5039, thebige.com/fair/

hoto courtesy of thebige_ese

18TUESDAY

ONGOING FREE at Five. Providence Children’s Museum. Providence, RI. 5 – 8 p.m. 401-2735437, ChildrenMuseum.org.

Jimmy Fund Campout. A fun-filled weekend of camping and other outdoor activities to support adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, featuring a geocaching GPS scavenger hunt challenge by Geoteaming™. Jimmy Fund Campout will be hosted at Bayley’s Camping Resort in Scarborough, ME; Danforth Bay Camping Resort in Freedom, N.H.; Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough, MA; and Sandy Pond Campground in Plymouth, MA. From Sept. 14 to Sept. 16. For more information or to register, visit www.jimmyfundcampout.org.

15SATURDAY Hogs for Hope SIDS Benefit. Fifty’s Lounge, 168 Mendon St., Bellingham. This event is to benefit Dr. Hannah Kinney and her team of researchers at Children’s Hospital Boston. In addition to a bike run

The Big E is Sept. 14 to Sept. 30 at 1305 Memorial Dr., West Springfield. www.thebige.com/fair dance and play age-appropriate rhythm instruments in an informal, friendly and supportive environment with easy-to-learn songs and movement activities. For families with children from birth through age 7. Space is limited; please RSVP to Children’s librarian. 978729-3697, applecountrymusictogether.com.

Music and Arts Open House. Shrewsbury Arts Alive, First Federation Church, 19 Church St., Shrewsbury. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Music demos, drum circle, hand chimes, improv, instrument tour/ petting zoo, art projects, MasterSingers to Go. This is for families and community members to sample Shrewsbury Arts Alive (SAA) programming and meet

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22 SEPTEMBER2012

Wild About Turtles. Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St., Natick. 1 – 2:30 p.m. Visit “up close and personal” with some of the turtles found around Broadmoor. Can turtles really leave their shells like they do in the cartoons? What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise? Find out for yourself!

Learn more about our wonderful shelled friends and take a short walk to see more turtles in the wild.

Registration required. Ages 4 and up. A $12, C $8 NM. 508-655-2296, massaudubon.org.

agricultural exhibition complete with demonstrations of early New England farm equipment and displays of Village-grown heirloom vegetables and other accomplishments. Plan now to join the exhibition of Visitor-grown heirloom vegetables! A $24, Y (3-17) $8, C under 2 FREE. osv.org. Also Sept. 16. Jimmy Fund Campout. See Sept. 14 listing.

16SUNDAY FREE Boston Arthritis Walk. DCR’s Artesani Park, Brighton. bostonarthritiswalk.org.

ONGOING Sawyers Bowl-a -Drome. 13 Blake St., Northborough. Generally open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Families can enjoy candlepin bowling in an oldfashioned, no frills basement bowling alley. Typically $20 an hour. During the summer months, be sure to call ahead to see if Sawyer’s is open. There are quite a few pizza places in the area if you want to combine a meal with your outing. 508-393-8032.

19WEDNESDAY International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Talk like a pirate, wear your pirate gear and receive half-price admission. Fun and treats await you.

Admission required. 413-298-4100, nrm.org.

Honk, Honk, Goose! Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 10 – 11 a.m. If you are between the ages of 3 and 5, bring your favorite adult for a thematic hour of a story, an activity, and a naturalist-led walk. Registration required. A $8, C $2. 508-753-6087, massaudubon.org.

20THURSDAY Ladies Night. PYOP STUDIO, 290 W. Main St, Northborough. Meets every third Thursday, 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9 p.m. You and your girlfriend will get half off your studio fee. 508-393-3100, pyopstudio.com.

21FRIDAY

Low as portrayed by actress Kate Carney. Discover Norman Rockwellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ties to the Girl Scouts of America in a special gallery tours at 1 and 3 p.m. Special activities throughout the afternoon! $5 per scout or scout leader in uniform or with an active Girl Scouts of America membership card, all others free with museum admission. nrm.org.

FREE Revels RiverSing. Banks for the Charles River by the Weeks Footbridge, Memorial Dr. and Dewolf St, Cambridge. 5 p.m. This giant community sing and celebration of the Autumnal Equinox is a magical time along the water. Picnics encouraged. revels.org.

Fiske Wild West Round Up. Fiske Elementary School, Wellesley. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Family fair with a western flair filled with games, raffle prizes, fun

Team Tylerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Forrest Memorial Road Race 5K. Marlboro. 11 a.m. Team Tyler is a group of athletes of all levels that compete in different types of races (5Ks, 10Ks, Triathlons, etc.) throughout the year to raise awareness and funds for the Tyler Foundation.

Walk for the Kids. Elm Park, Worcester. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. A 2.7-mile course for all levels of walkers, perfect for kids and families. Beginning and ending at beautiful Elm Park, it will wind past Institute Park, through the lovely WPI campus and go by the historic headquarters of Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Friend, where our volunteers will be handing out water. The family-friendly walk will end with a small celebration to include healthy food handouts, kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activities and entertainment. childrensfriend.org.

FOR MOMS Women Business Leaders Conference. Bentley University, 175 Forest St., Waltham. 7:15 a.m. - 3 p.m. This is New Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premiere educational and networking event for women business leaders and supplier diversity professionals. 617-532-0225, cweonline.org.

24MONDAY photo courtesy of massachusetts office of travel and tourism

22SATURDAY FREE Boston Festival of Indie Games.

Kendall Square area, Cambridge. Boston Indies, a community of dedicated independent game developers in Massachusetts, and MIT Game Lab presents Boston Festival of Indie Games, a celebration of independent games made in the New England area! bostonfig.com/about-fig/

KidsFest. Wachusett Mountain, Princeton. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Two full days of food, music and fun for the whole family. baystateparent will be here so be sure to stop by to say hello. Today is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wachusettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talentâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Radio Disney.â&#x20AC;? Tickets at the door: A $10, C (3-12) $6. wachusett.com. Also Sept. 23.

Pirate â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Princess Weekend. Davis Farmland, Sterling. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Admission fees apply. 978422-6666, Davisfarmland.com. Also Sept. 23.

Girl Scout Festival: A Centennial Celebration.

Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge. 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America. At 2 p.m., meet the founder of the Girl Scouts of America Juliette Gordon

KidsFest. Wachusett Mountain, Princeton. 10 a.m.5 p.m. Two full days of food, music and fun for the whole family. baystateparent will be here so be sure to stop by to say hello. Tickets at the door: A $10, C (3-12) $6. wachusett.com.

Pirate â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Princess Weekend. Davis Farmland, Sterling. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Admission fees apply. 978422-6666, Davisfarmland.com. Also Sept. 23.

Homeschool Day. Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth.

Learn about the Native Wampanoag and Colonial English people of Plimoth Colony and discover how Plimoth Plantation can support you. Visit today and your homeschooling family will receive reduced-price combination admission tickets, including Mayflower II, valid for two days. Just show up! plimoth.org.

Life is Good Festival. Canton. A two-day celebration of music and optimism, featuring three stages of diverse live music, hands-on games, interactive arts activities and the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Good Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; zone â&#x20AC;&#x201D; home to the top acts in kids entertainment. lifeisgood. com/festival/. Also Sept. 23.

OH,THEPLACESYOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LLGO

Explore 11 museum houses with trained guides in historic Deerfield off Routes 5 and 10. www.historicdeerfield.org activities, famous cowboy strut, arts and crafts, face painting, cookie coral, lunch at the Chuckwagon, Moon Bounce, dunk tank. fiskepto.org.

Fall Sale of Gently Used Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Items.

Sponsored by Mass. Mother of Twins - Founding Chapter. Winchester High School, 80 Skillings Rd., Winchester. mmota-founding.org/fallspring-sales.

23SUNDAY Life is Good Festival. Canton. See Sept. 21 listing for details.

Whether you run or walk, you can make a difference in the lives of one of the 45,000 children under the age of 15 that develop epilepsy each year. For more information or to join Team Tyler, contact Nikki Blackwell, Team Tyler coordinator, at teamtyler@ tylerfoundation.org FREE Newton Touch a Truck. Newton South High, 140 Brandeis Rd., Newton Centre. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. More than 30 vehicles of all kinds will be available for kids of all ages to climb and explore.

Snacks/food will be available for purchase. Rain or shine. 617-795-0277.

FREE College Night at Museum of Science.

Boston. 5 - 10 p.m. College students with a valid student ID are invited to experience the unique offerings of the museum free of charge. mos.org.

25TUESDAY FREE & ONGOING Overlook Farm. Heifer International, 216 Wachusett St., Rutland. Take a self-guided tour in this scenic spot and learn about the good that Heifer does to feed people all over the world. Visit different homes in the Global Village, meet farm animals, shop in the fair trade store.

Bathrooms, picnic areas and more! 508-886-2221, heifer.org/visit/overlook-farm ONGOING Conscious Yoga for Pregnancy and Fertility. First Unitarian Church of Worcester Chapel, 90 Main St., Worcester. 5:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7 p.m.

Pregnancy is a precious time in a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Learn the tools that will help you grow emotionally and physically through your pregnancy and beyond. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a blanket and mat if you have them. Those preparing to conceive are welcome. No experience necessary. Light refreshments served. Childcare available upon advanced request.

Donation from the heart. Kundaliniyogaforall.com.

26WEDNESDAY ONGOING Preschool and Toddler Wednesdays.

EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Every Wednesday enjoy a story, meet a live animal and

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BAYSTATEPARENT 23

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO get creative with a supervised craft activity -- all geared especially for little ones, age 3 and under. The story and animal circle is held at 10:30 and 11 a.m.

Drop-in craft time continues from 10:30 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. Tickets are issued at the Information Desk on a first-come, first-served basis. Museum admission required: A $14, C (2 – 18) $8, C age 2 and under FREE. ecotarium.org.

13th Annual North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival. 60 Chestnut Hill Rd., Orange. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Inspiring presentations and activities, fabulous kids art and nature and garlic games galore all weekend long. $5 per day for adults; Kids FREE. garlicandarts.org. Also Sept. 30.

42nd annual An Evening with Champions. The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 30 at 2 p.m, at Harvard’s Bright Hockey Center, and will feature world-class skaters performing everything from triple axels to layback spins to support the Jimmy Fund. Since 1970, the

42nd annual An Evening with Champions. See Sept. 29 listing.

ONGOING Story Hour at Old Sturbridge Village Book Store. Weekly on Thursday, 9 – 10 a.m. Every week a new story, followed by open play time with old-fashioned toys. osv.org.

Submit An Event

Fill out our form at baystateparent.com

by September 5.

photo courtesy of mass travel and tourism/aimee o’brien

FREE Monarch Tagging Workshop. Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, 1280 Horseneck Rd., Westport.

4 – 6 p.m. Be a part of this amazing citizen science project where YOU are the investigator; identifying, collecting and tagging migrating Monarchs as they make their way to sunny Mexico for the winter! All ages. 508-636-2437, massaudubon.org/catalog.

28FRIDAY Berkshires Arts Festival Lenox. Shakespeare & Co, 70 Kemble St., Lenox. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Berkshireartsfestival.com.

29SATURDAY National Free Museum Day. Boston. For one day only, museums across the country will join the Smithsonian Institution in its long-standing tradition of offering free admission to visitors. Check out a new museum or an old favorite and enjoy the day! museumfreedays.com.

The Annual B.O.N.E.S. Bash (Beagels of New England States). Collinswood K-9 Services, Auburn.

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. This is a celebration of beagles and their families! Join us for a day of fun; bring your beagles and play games! Come meet our lovable hounds. Rain or shine. bonesbeagles.org.

Traditional Fall Fair for Touchstone’s 30th Birthday.

Touchstone Community School, 54 Leland St., Grafton.

12 – 5 p.m. Square dancing, petting zoo, games, food, local artisans, face painting, and more. 508839-0038, touchstoneschool.com.

13th Annual North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival. 60 Chestnut Hill Rd., Orange. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Inspiring presentations and activities, fabulous kids art and nature and garlic games galore all weekend long. $5 per day for adults; Kids FREE. garlicandarts.org.

Apple Days. Old Sturbridge Village. A weekend dedicated to apple harvest, preservation and cooking.

A $24, Y (3-17) $8, C under 2 FREE. osv.org

27THURSDAY

FREE & ONGOING Playground, Animals & Farm Kitchen. Tougas Farm, 234 Ball St., Northborough.

Enjoy a barnyard, creative playground and farm kitchen with delicious farm-fresh treats. Shady picnic tables available with clean restrooms. tougasfarm.com.

Registration required. $15 NM pp. 413-584-3009, massaudubon.org.

The Topsfield Fair starts Sept. 28 and runs until Oct. 8 at the Topsfield Fairgrounds, 207 Boston St., Topsfield. www.topsfieldfair.org

Do you know a child who loves to sing?

The Choirs of All Saints Church, Worcester

CHORISTER AUDITIONS Pumpkin Fest Weekend. Davis Farmland, Sterling. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Join Moo-Moo and friends for pumpkin picking, pumpkin painting, the great pumpkin roll and other fun pumpkin games.

Showcase your painted pumpkin, for all your farmland friends. Its fall-tastic fun for the whole family! Admission fees apply. davisfarmland.com.

FREE Family Event. Sterling Gym,15 Industrial Dr., Sterling. 1 - 5 p.m. This event supports local families in need. Donations accepted. Inflatables, food, open gym, rock climbing, obstacle courses, and more. 978422-7655, sterlinggym.com.

Apple Days. Old Sturbridge Village. A weekend dedicated to apple harvest, preservation and cooking.

A $24, Y (3-17) $8, C under 2 FREE. osv.org

event has raised more than $2.6 million for the Jimmy Fund, which supports adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. For more information, including updates on performers and ticket sales, visit www.jimmyfund. org/skating or www.aneveningwithchampions.org.

30SUNDAY Late Summer Canoe Trip. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Rd., Easthampton. 1 – 3 p.m. Enjoy a leisurely paddle along the Mill River and Arcadia marsh. Learn about the beaver as you paddle towards its lodge in hopes of getting a glimpse of this large rodent swimming about! Ages 8 and up.

For boys and girls aged 7 years and above who are interested in joining this nationally renowned Choir

The director of Music, Graeme McCullough, is always happy to talk to potential choristers and their parents on an informal basis before an audition takes place.

For further details please contact: The Director of Music, All Saints Church 508-752-3766 x17 or gmccullough@allsaintsw.org

Send in photos of your favorite Halloween-ified Homes: baystateparent Magazine is looking for families from around the area that love to get into the spirit of Halloween by spookifying their homes. If you know of any or would like your home to be featured, email photos with the address and town to editor@ baystateparent.com.

24 SEPTEMBER2012

Oral Surgery Plus Sedation & General Anesthesia for Restorative Dentistry & Oral Surgery

104 Dean Street, Suite #103 - Taunton, MA 02780 Phone: 508.692.9548

www.oralsurgeryplus.net

arts and EXTRACURRICULARS 26

HATS OFF TO FASHION

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LET’S ROLL: SoWa

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BARRY MANILOW: Brings The Gift Of Music

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SHOW STOPPER: Theatre, Music & Dance Listings

40

GOOD HEALTH WITH JIU-JITSUE

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MOMS ROCK: Noel Nickerson

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ART&EXTRACURRICULARS

artistic

HATS OFF TO

FREEDOM

Stephen Jones for Christian Dior Haute Couture, “Olga Sherer inspirée par Gruau” hat, autumn/winter 2007,© Christopher Moore/Catwalking

Paulette, Turban hat, About 1960, © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Reslaw, Powder blue feather hat, 1942, © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

On

Saturday, Sept. 8, the Peabody Essex Museum will be opening its latest exhibit Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones. Hat Designer Marie Galvin chose and styled hats, Stephen Jones discusses his art and creative vision and Hat Designer Orlando Palacios from Worth & Worth, NYC, illustrates how the right hat can infuse any man's outfit with vibrancy and stability.

The opening event is Saturday, Sept. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is located at 161 Essex St., Salem and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.pem.org

Simone Mirman, Langoustine Fantasia, About 1965, © Victoria and Albert Museum, London 26 SEPTEMBER2012

Caroline Reboux, Hat worn by the Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, About 1865, © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Noel Stewart, Stacked Feather Cube, 2009, © Morgan O’Donovan

OPEN HOUSE #0450/ Sept 5, 4:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6pm

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LET’SROLL

Sundays are for

SoWa photos courtesy of sowa

Boston’s original art and indie market

ART&EXTRACURRIC BY

If

carrie wattu

only all Sundays could be like this: an afternoon in the city with one of your best girls, a little cash to spend and time to simply stroll through the white tents of SoWa, a charming outdoor arts market in Boston’s South End. I spent the day with 11-year-old Margot, my daughter who appreciates a quirky ware. I imagined her setting up her own white tent and sailing into this sea of vendors one day, selling her own creations. Together we admired clever T-shirts, bags made out of classic hardcover book covers, buckets of sunflowers, vases made out of soda bottles, vintage clothing stores…on wheels! We also enjoyed booths filled with locally-grown produce and food from all over New England.

Located in a quiet and prospering part of the city, SoWa, which celebrates its 9th year, is filled with interesting, friendly people, arts and foods. The vendors and the visitors feed off one another with pleasantries.

And parking is a gift as the lot is spacious, close to the shopping and just $5 per car.

Perhaps the most unexpected piece of art we found was edible. The food at SoWa is art in its own right.

No hamburgers and hot dogs here (at least not without a twist). Themed food trucks offer inspiring gourmet grilled cheeses, burritos, frozen yogurt, fried dill pickles, fried beets and more.

Be sure to take a meander inside the Artist Studio Building on Harrison Avenue which houses artist studios, galleries and stores. Some are open to the public on Sundays so you may see artists working in a range of media including oils, watercolors, photography, sculpture, jewelry, mixed media, fiber arts, ceramics, wood, glass and metal as well as other types of visual and performance arts. You can also visit on the first Friday of the month where they have open studios from 5 to 9 p.m. This is on our calendars!

You’ll leave the marketplace with a few treasures, a satisfied belly and a wish to soothe your soul at SoWa another Sunday real soon.

Contributing writer Carrie Wattu lives in Central Mass. with her husband and three girls on their wanna-be farm that includes Spanky the Boston Terrier, Martin the fish, chickens, and ant and worm habitats.

28 SEPTEMBER2012

Recreational Education Center 83 Pine St., Peabody • 978.717.5062

ACURRICULARS

Accepting all major insurances Location/Directions

SoWa is located in Boston’s South End on 500 Harrison Ave. While directions are available at sowaopenmarket.com, we tested them out and had some trouble. We love SoWa’s quirks but not when it comes to directions. Have your GPS ready or look for a friendly cyclist, preferably one toting gorgeous sunflowers like we did. She’ll point you in the right direction.

for ABA Programming for Children with Autism.

Hours

The SoWa Open Market operates every Sunday from May 6, 2012 through October 28, 2012. Market hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Admission and Parking

Admission is free. Parking is a reasonable $5 per car. Thank you South End! More money for us all to shop.

Upcoming Events

•Friday, September 6: First Friday invites visitors to meet over 50 artists in their studios from 5 to 9 p.m. sowaartistsguild.com • Saturday and Sunday, September 15 & 16: Open Studios at 450 Harrison Avenue from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Sunday, October 7: MANSWAP 2, a clothing swap for men • Saturday and Sunday, November 24 & 25: Hingham Holiday Market will be held in a huge heated tent at the Hingham Shipyard.

• Saturday and Sunday, December 8 & 9: The 2012 SoWa Holiday Market will be held at the Benjamin Franklin Technical Institute in the heart of Boston’s South End.

Programs Offered: • Open REC (indoor playground) • 13 Week Summer Day Camp • School Vacation Weeks • Weekends • After School • Social Skills and Play Groups • Date Nights & more!

The “REC” is a family resource center that specializes in supporting families with children, adolescents, young adults and those with special needs.

Contacts sowaopenmarket.com sowaholidaymarket.com hinghamholidaymarket.com sowaartistsguild.com

All programs are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.

www.RecreationalEducationCenter.com Hours: Tues.-Fri. 11am-6pm; Sat. & Sun. 10am-6pm BAYSTATEPARENT 29

ART&EXTRACURRICULARS

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R N OLLI E W NG O N

Nationally known for...

Excellence in Dance Education “Where Experienced Teachers Make the Difference”

Est 1974

So much more than piano lessons!

Our complete MUSIC program (ages 4 1/2 to 8) includes:

TINY TOTS TO TEENS

Piano Singing Harmony Rhythm

Guitar Note Reading Ear Training Composition

Recorder Ensemble Playing Music Theory Percussion

Fall Registration Happening NOW!

Worcester-West Boylston Westborough

At Both Locations…

Tatnuck Square • Worcester • 508-753-6110 Westmeadow Plaza • Westborough • 508-366-8961

Making Musi Last a LIFETIME!

Visit ckdance.com to learn more!

30 SEPTEMBER2012

508-898-3888

childrensmusicacademy.org

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Castle Quest

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Have your next Birthday Party with us.

It will B. the most FUHDWLYH! Preschool programs mornings and afternoons: Literacy & art enrichment, art & dance, art & yoga Afterschool classes Teen classes Family Painting Saturdays

Birthday Parties, School Vacation Camps BYOB Adult Classes, Bridal Showers, Fundraisers, Retirement Parties, and Corporate Events For Team Building.

138 Green St, Worcester 508.277.6986 justpaintstudio@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook

Success at its bestâ&#x20AC;Ś Give your child the gift that lasts a lifetime!

Danceâ&#x20AC;Ś

REGISTRATION IS ONGOING Classes for ages 2 through adult â&#x20AC;˘ Tiny Tots â&#x20AC;˘ Adult Jazz/Tap Combination â&#x20AC;˘ Pre-school Dance Variety â&#x20AC;˘ Tap â&#x20AC;˘ Hip-Hop â&#x20AC;˘ Jazz â&#x20AC;˘ Ballet â&#x20AC;˘ Modern â&#x20AC;˘ Pointe â&#x20AC;˘ Lyrical â&#x20AC;˘ Cheerdance w/Poms â&#x20AC;˘ Stretch â&#x20AC;˘ Competitive Dance Team Dance Education Levels from Beginner to Advanced!

32 Years of Dance Experience â&#x20AC;˘ Member of Dance Masters of America 70 James St. at the Auburn - Worcester line

508-792-1144 or 508-832-9374 â&#x20AC;˘ www.ljfdance.com NEW STUDENTS ONLY W/THIS COUPON higgins.org

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ART&EXTRACURRICULARS

Barry Manilow

Brings the Gift of Music Back to Worcester School Children BY

jennifer lucarelli

Plenty of musicians pass through Worcester to perform at the DCU Center, but Barry Manilow plans to leave some music behind.

In response to the needs of local public schools and their severely depleted music

programs, Singer and Songwriter Barry Manilow gathered friends and formed The Manilow Music Project as part of his nonprofit Manilow Health and Hope

Fund.

When Manilow comes to cities for concerts, he works with venues like the Worcester DCU Center to bring musical instruments to local school kids.

This month, Manilow will be donating

a Yamaha piano to the Worcester Public Schools. He is also launching a local musical instrument drive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thrilled to be able to help bring the

gift of music to these kids,â&#x20AC;? says Manilow.

New and gently used musical instruments can be dropped off at the DCU Center until September 14 and fans will receive two free tickets to the Barry Manilow concert that evening. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Worcester Public Schools is extremely appreciative of the generosity of Barry Manilow in generating community support for their music program,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Melinda Boone, superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The arts are a critical component in affording students a very well-rounded education and developing life-long interests and appreciation of music. These instruments will provide opportunity for more students to experience the joy of music through our schools.â&#x20AC;?

Manilow works with local communities and venues when he visits cities across the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;About eight years ago when music programs were being cut, it was breaking his heart that young children wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the possibility of the career he had thanks to the music programs he was part of in school when he was young,â&#x20AC;? said Victoria Varela, of Varela Media who handles publicity for Barry Manilow.

In 2011, Barry Manilow was also touched by the hardship left behind by the Joplin, Missouri tornado. In the late afternoon of May 22, 2011 a tornado ripped through the community leaving 158 dead and about 1,000 people injured.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When he heard that the school children would be without musical instruments, he helped raise $300,000 for the schools,â&#x20AC;?

Varela said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now, every time he comes to a concert venue, he asks the local community to continue to help bring musical instruments to the local schools.â&#x20AC;?

The Manilow Music Project was formed as a grass roots organization to assist local charities and programs. Its primary focus is to provide musical instruments to middle and high schools and to provide music scholarships at universities throughout the United States, Canada and England.

The drop-off location for musical instruments is the box office at the Worcester DCU Center. It is open from Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. staring the Tuesday of Labor Day. Tickets for the Barry Manilow Concert are available online at Manilow.com or Ticketmaster.com, in person at the DCU Center Box Office or by calling 1-800745-3000. The concert is 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 14.

For more information about the Manilow Music Project, you can visit www.manilowmusicproject.org and their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ manilowmusicproject.

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5HJLVWHU 1RZ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building a Foundation of Knowledge Withinâ&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building the Pride Inside Since 1983â&#x20AC;?

Home of the Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Coaches!

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pARTicipate

Saturday, September 15, 11 amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;3 pm Celebrate the collaborative and participatory nature of the fall exhibitions. Join artist collective Okay Mountain for art games to coincide with the unveiling of their brand new Sculpture Park intervention, enjoy an interactive Park tour, and engage with materials and ideas in activities throughout the Museum.

All programs are free with Museum admission.

Children 12 and under are free. For more information, please visit decordova.org.

ARTfull Play

Wednesdays, 10:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;11:30 am, September 12 and 26, October 10 and 24, November 7 and 28, December 12

ARTfull Explorations

Sundays, Drop-in 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3 pm, October 21, November 11, December 9 Explore, play, and discover together the new Sculpture Park installations and Museum exhibitions. Each art-filled program features a unique opportunity to engage with art, materials, and the environment.

Visit Claytime for beading, glass fusing, mosaics, pottery painting, birthday parties and more

2012 Family Programming is made possible, in part, through a grant from the Bessie Pappas Charitable Foundation, Inc.

paint your own pottery & bead studio

51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 decordova.org

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ART&EXTRACURRICULARS

Photography by Scotland Huber

SAVE THE DATE FOR DECORDOVAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FALL FAMILY PROGRAMS!

Cultivating Creativity while CLAYing!

Show

depiction of human relationships for an unforgettable performance. ($25-69). La Belle Et La Bête [Beauty and the Beast] (Musical), Dec. 5-9 (ages 14+, contains some nudity). In this contemporary take on the original tale, the great love story of Beauty and the Beast gets reworked in an astonishing new multi-disciplinary performance. The luminous characters transcend their broken hearts through their inexhaustible thirst for life. Audiences will be spellbound as the performance springs to life, breaking the boundaries between real and virtual. Lemieux and Pilon re-imagine this universal story of resilience and the redemptive power of love against all odds. ($25-69)

ART&EXTRACURRICULARS

STOPPER BY

alanna moriarty, chris nickels illustrator

Looking for something fun to do with the kids now that summer’s over? Why not spark your child’s creativity with a trip to the theatre? Or, if you’re looking for a night away from the little ones, what better way is there to relax than to have a few laughs? Here, baystateparent has rounded up a list of theatrical experiences for both families and adults. *Ratings are only a generalization. Take into consideration the maturity level of your child first, as some of these shows are geared toward adult audiences.

**Ticket prices subject to change.

Amherst

Boston

Massachusetts Dance Festival, Bowker Auditorium, UMASS Amherst. massdancefestival.org. Western Mass. Dance Festival (Dance), Sept. 22-23 (All ages). Massachusetts Dance Festival believes that dance, as a major component of arts and culture, is essential to meaningful lives and healthy communities. Dance and arts education contribute to quality life in the 21st Century by providing rich education for youth and promoting cultural understanding and tolerance, within diverse communities. ($10-25)

Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Ave., Boston agganisarena.com. The Script (Concert, Pop), Nov. 9 (All ages). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. ($44)

Auburndale Turtle Lane Playhouse, Melrose St., Auburndale turtlelane.org. The Who’s Tommy (Musical), Sept. 28-Oct. 28 (Ages 14+). After witnessing the accidental murder of his mother’s lover by his father, young Tommy is so traumatized that he loses his ability to speak. He struggles through life in post-World War II England before finding and falling in love with pinball. He becomes an expert at the game and rises to international fame. ($25-32)

Barnstable Barnstable Comedy Club Theatre, Route 6A, Barnstable Village Hall, Barnstable. home.comcast.net/~rkenneally/ bcchome.html. My Fair Lady (Comedy), Nov. 1-18 (All ages).

This critically acclaimed classic, dubbed “the perfect musical,” involves Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney girl who takes speech lessons from the linguist Professor Henry Higgins, who claims that he can teach Eliza to speak properly and become a lady in only 6 months. Renowned Colonel Pickering wagers that Higgins cannot make good on his claims, and offers to pay for Eliza’s lessons. ($20)

Barre Barre Players, 64 Common Street, Barre barreplayers.homestead.com. Beau Jest (Comedy), Oct. 5-14 (Ages 8+). Comic chaos ensues when a dutiful Jewish daughter attempts to reconcile her parents’ desire that she marry within the faith when her boyfriend is not Jewish. ($10) Rented Christmas (Musical), Nov. 30-Dec. 9 (All ages).

Things don’t go quite as planned when a prosperous but lonely bachelor decides to rent a Christmas - including a tree, a wife, family and all of the happiness for which he has been secretly longing. This heartwarming musical will bring the joy of Christmas to the entire family. ($10) 34 SEPTEMBER2012

Bank of America Pavilion, 290 Northern Ave., Boston ticketmaster.com. Bon Iver (Concert, Alternative/Indie), Sept.

13 (All ages). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. ($45-55). Dropkick Murphys (Concert, Rock), Sept. 21 (Ages 12+). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. ($38-53). Gotye (Concert, Alternative), Sept. 22 (Ages 10+). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. ($45-55) Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave., Boston brightonmusichall.com. Safetysuit (Concert, Pop rock), Sept.

11 (Ages 10+). Featuring opening acts Taylor Berrett and Go Radio. Doors open at 7 p.m. ($19). Ben Sollee (Concert, Alternative), Sept. 18 (Ages 10+). Doors open at 9 p.m. ($17) Boston Opera House, Washington St., Boston bostonoperahouse.com. War Horse (Drama), Oct. 10-21 (Ages 10+). At the outbreak of World War I, young Albert’s beloved horse Joey is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. Joey is soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary odyssey. Albert cannot forget Joey and, not old enough to enlist, embarks on a treacherous mission to find his horse and bring him home. ($55-309).

The Nutcracker (Dance), Nov. 23-Dec. 30 (All ages).

Acclaimed Boston Ballet Director Mikko Nissinen returns with a fresh look for the beloved The Nutcracker Ballet. The story follows Clara, a young girl who is given a beautiful nutcracker as a Christmas gift. In the dead of night, the nutcracker comes to life and takes Clara on a magical journey where she meets talking mice, princesses and the Sugar Plum Fairy. ($93-414) Charles Playhouse, Warrenton St., Boston. Blue Man Group (Other), Sept. 1-30 (All ages). In this spell-binding show, three mystifying characters take the audience through a multi-sensory experience that combines theater, percussion, art and vaudeville into a performance like nothing seen before. The audience is given an experience that is comical, witty and visually stunning. Blue Man Group is truly the perfect form of entertainment. It’s an incredible experience enjoyed by a variety of audiences. ($102-173) Citi Performing Arts Center, 265 Tremont St., Boston.

Ballet Folklórico de México [Mexican Folklore Ballet] (Dance), Sept. 22 (All ages). Mexico’s national dance company, Ballet Folklórico de México, is a visual feast of

Mexican regional folk dances in whirling colors. Founded in 1952 by dancer-choreographer Amalia Hernández, the company of 48 dancers, musicians and singers incorporates a wide range of rituals, from Mayan and Aztec to modern traditions, all with spectacular theatrical flair. ($40-65).

Madame Butterfly (Opera), Nov. 2-11 (Ages 12+). The opera is sung in Italian with projected English translation. A young geisha turns her back on everything she has known and experienced and, in her marriage to an American naval officer, attempts to recreate herself. In the ensuing clash of cultures, the results are ultimately tragic. Her psychological journey is evoked through music of compelling lyric strength and devastating pathos that reveal her obsessions, her fragility and her endless capacity for love. ($30-150). Lar Lubovitch Dance Company (Dance), Oct. 19-20 (All ages).

Over the past 41 years, the company has gained a reputation as one of the world’s top-ranked modern dance companies, performing in virtually every state, as well as in more than 30 other countries. Lar Lubovitch has been cited by The New York Times as “one of the ten best choreographers in the world,” and the company has been called a “national treasure.” ($60-75). Mummenschanz (Dance), Dec. 5-9 (All ages).

For 40 years, audiences of all ages have been delighted by the incredible humor, versatility and pure imagination of Mummenschanz. The celebrated Swiss performance troupe has captivated the world with its groundbreaking non-verbal movement and transformation. ($30-75) Colonial Theater, Boylston St., Boston bostonscolonialtheatre.com. Memphis: The Musical (Musical), Dec. 11-23 (Ages 12+). A music-loving mixed-race couple struggles to survive during the early Civil Rights era in Memphis. What happens when a 1950s Memphis DJ with primarily white listeners decides to play African-American music? Is Memphis ready for it? Is America? The Musical is inspired by the legendary DJ Dewey Phillips and the music that has since became known as “rock ‘n’ roll.” ($74-130) Cutler Majestic Theater, Tremont St., Boston ArtsEmerson.org. Sequence 8: Les 7 doigts de la main (Dance), Sept. 27-Oct. 7 (all ages). This incredible movement-based artistry places extraordinary acrobatics in ordinary contexts. In Sequence 8, emotions heighten until they spring into action. Relationships transform and evolve until they create actual velocity. This acrobatic dance and theatre piece contemplates how we define ourselves.

For their 10th anniversary production, Les 7 doigts de la main combines explosive physical exploits with a thoughtful

House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/boston/. The Offspring (Concert, Rock), Sept. 6 (Ages 12+). Featuring opening act Dead Sara. Doors open at 7 p.m. ($47-63).

Ed Sheeran (Concert, Pop), Sept. 19 (All ages). Featuring opening acts Passenger and Sarah Sue. Doors open at 7 p.m. ($29-42). Seether (Concert, Rock), Sept. 20 (Ages 14+). Featuring opening act Sick Puppies. Doors open at 7 p.m. ($36-47). Boys Like Girls (Concert, Alternative/Pop), Sept. 21 (Ages 10+). With All-American Rejects, featuring opening act The Ready Set. Doors open at 7 p.m. ($32-42).

Two Door Cinema Club (Concert, Alternative), Sept. 30 (Ages 10+). Featuring opening act Friends. Doors open at 7 p.m. ($35-47). Blue October (Concert, Alternative), Oct. 4 (Ages 12+). Doors open at 7 p.m. ($29-40). Alabama Shakes (Concert, Alternative), Oct. 5 (Ages 10+). Featuring opening act Fly Golden Eagle. Doors open at 7 p.m. ($3242). Alanis Morisette (Concert, Rock), Oct. 17 (Ages 12+).

Doors open at 7 p.m. ($57-73). The xx (Concert, Rock), Oct. 25 (Ages 12+). Featuring opening act Chairlift. Doors open at 7 p.m. ($37-53). The Maine (Concert, Alternative), Oct. 27 (Ages 14+) with Mayday Parade. Featuring opening act The Postelles. Doors open at 7 p.m. ($27). Citizen Cope (Concert, Rock), Nov. 2, (Ages 14+). Doors open at 7 p.m. ($40-50). Matt & Kim (Concert, Alternative), Nov. 16 (All ages). Doors open at 7 p.m. ($29-37). Taking Back Sunday (Concert, Rock), Nov. 17 (Ages 14+). Featuring opening acts Bayside and The Menzingers. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ($32-42). Yellowcard (Concert, Alternative), Nov. 18 (Ages 12+). Featuring special guests The Wonder Years and We Are the In Crowd. Doors open at 6 p.m. ($32).

The Gaslight Anthem (Concert, Alternative), Nov. 26 (Ages 12+). Doors open at 7 p.m. ($33-43) Orpheum Theater, 1 Hamilton Pl., Boston orpheum-theater.com/orpheum_theater_boston. The Wiggles (Family), Oct. 11 (All ages). Join the Wiggles in this interactive stage show for all ages! Parents and children alike will enjoy dancing and singing along to their favorite Wiggles songs. Watch your children’s faces light up with joy as they get up close and personal with these television favorites. ($2486). Melissa Etheridge (Concert, Country), Oct. 21 (Ages 10+). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. ($44-112) Paradise Rock Club, 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston thedise.com. Owl City (Concert, Pop), Sept. 13 (All ages.

Featuring opening acts Action Item. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. ($33). Freelance Whales (Concert, Indie), Nov. 3 (All ages).

Featuring opening act Geographer. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. ($25). Motion City Soundtrack (Concert, Alternative), Nov. 9 (Ages 12+). Featuring opening act Jukebox the Ghost. Doors open at 7 p.m. ($27). All Time Low (Concert, Alternative), Nov. 21, (Ages 14+). Featuring opening acts The Summer Set, The Downtown Fiction, and Hit the Lights. Doors open at 7 p.m. ($33).

Paramount Mainstage, Washington St., Boston ArtsEmerson.org. Paris Commune: The Civilians (Musical), Sept. 20-23 (ages 14+). In 1871, working-class Parisians took to the streets and overthrew the French government, launching an effort to radically reinvent society.

Using found texts and original songs from this extraordinary period, Paris Commune tells the story of Europe’s first socialist revolution, bringing alive the idealism, elation and eventual tragic downfall of this uprising. ($25-65) Hamlet (Drama), Oct. 9-21 (ages 14+). Hamlet explores political intrigue, obsession, philosophical reflection, tragic depth and wild humor. Actor Joshua McGuire captures the youthful and less jaded aspects of Hamlet’s personality rarely seen in more traditional interpretations. This production embraces the theatre of Shakespeare’s day by returning to the roots of performance, with actors playing multiple characters. ($25-79). The Pianist of Willesden Lane (Musical), Nov. 23-Dec. 16 (ages 12+). Set in Vienna in 1938

and in London during the Blitzkrieg, The Pianist of Willesden Lane tells the true story of noted pianist and author Lisa Jura.

When she is swept up in the kindertransport, to protect her from the Nazi regime, everything about her life is upended except her love of music and the pursuit of her dream. Mona Golabek, Jura’s daughter, performs some of the world’s most beloved piano music in this poignant tribute to her remarkable mother. The Pianist of Willesden Lane is about hope, survival and how, through our darkest times, music has the power to help us survive. ($25-69) Royale Boston, 279 Tremont St., Boston. royaleboston.com.

Less Than Jake (Concert, Rock), Sept. 11 (Ages 14+) Featuring opening acts A Wilhelm Scream and Junior Battles. Doors open at 7 p.m. ($21) TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston. tdgarden.com. Rush (Concert, Rock), Sept. 24 (Ages 14+). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. ($63-145). Justin Bieber (Concert, Pop), Nov. 10 (All ages). Doors open at 7 p.m. ($53-104). Neil Young (Concert, Rock), Nov. 26 (All ages). Featuring opening acts Crazy Horse, Patty Smith, and Everest. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. ($70-275)

Boylston Calliope Productions, Main St., Boylston calliopeproductions.org/default.htm. Unnecessary Farce (Comedy), Oct. 18-28 (Ages 14+). Take two adjoining motel rooms in a small American city. Add two cops engaged in a stakeout, three crooks and a bumbling mayor, spice it up with an accountant who keeps taking off her clothes, and top it off with a kilt-wearing Scottish bagpiper, and you have a recipe for this hilarious farce that will have you laughing almost non-stop. ($12-15). Scrooge (Musical), Nov. 29-Dec. 9 (All ages). Come along with Ebenezer Scrooge as he embarks on a musical journey of redemption that will change the lives of the residents of London town. In this delightfully memorable stage version of the Oscar-winning movie, our production of this classic story will have you humming the melody to “Thank You Very Much” as you leave the theatre. ($15-18)

Hathorne Circle, Danvers. northshoreplayers.org. Prairie Lights (Musical), Dec. 1, 2, 7-9 (Ages 10+). Prairie Lights tells the story of a Jewish brother and sister, Benjamin and Rose, who journey west on an Orphan Train in 1905. Just before the holidays they are adopted by Wellspring’s only Jewish couple, Abe and Sophie Birnbaum. Devout 12-yearold Benjamin clashes with Abe, a successful shopkeeper who has abandoned his religion. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Rose falls secretly in love with a fellow orphan, thus upsetting Sophie’s marriage plans for her. Townsfolk are further divided by a fearful banker who wants to send all of the orphans back to New York. As the town prepares for Christmas Benjamin finds himself enlisting the young people—orphans and local kids alike—on a quest to reunite Wellspring.

Jamaica Plain The Footlight Club, Eliot St. Jamaica Plain. footlight. org Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Musical), Nov. 3-17, (Ages 8+). In this long-running and internationally-acclaimed musical, we see the story of Joseph, son of Jacob. The favored son, Joseph is betrayed by his jealous brothers, sold into slavery and driven to Egypt.

Though beset with adversity, Joseph perseveres through wit and faith and becomes the governor of Egypt, second only to the Pharaoh.

Burlington The Burlington Players, The Park Playhouse, Edgemere Ave., Burlington. burlingtonplayers.org. Little Shop of Horrors (Musical), September, (Ages 14+). Little Shop of Horrors is set on Skid Row, a dreary and depressed section of Downtown, where a little flower shop sits on a grubby corner.

Owner Mr. Mushnik is assisted by his tenant, Seymour, who seems to do everything wrong. After an unexpected solar eclipse catches the residents of the city unaware, Seymour finds a fascinating plant on his shopping route that he adopts.

Mr. Mushnik is about to close shop when Seymour suggests that his strange new plant be placed in the window to attract customers. Sure enough, customers begin to pour in, and Seymour is left with a conundrum: just how will he feed his new plant when it begins to demand more than a few meager drops of his blood? ($12-21)

Sundays Sept. 14-Oct. 6 (Ages 12+). It is 24 hours away from opening night. The set has been cobbled together on a $35 budget, the cast is made up of has-beens and neverweres, and one of the actors has been mysteriously murdered before the day has even begun. This riotous comedy follows the off-the-wall adventures of a theater company that doesn’t know the meaning of the word “quit,” but sadly seems a little fuzzy on the word “theater” as well. While the laughs pile up, so do the bodies, as the cast and crew march towards certain death both in life and in the eyes of the critics. ($16-18).

Hell Cab (Serio-Comedy), Fridays-Sundays Nov. 16-Dec. 8 (Ages 12+). Deck the halls with a ride in Hell Cab! This long-running Christmas-themed play is about the people we briefly meet by chance, but whose touch lingers. Taking place a couple of days before Christmas and totally within a city taxicab, Hell Cab employs seven actors to play approximately 25 roles, including the dour cabbie. If you’re looking for a different holiday experience, ditch the sleigh ride and hail yourself some tickets to Hell Cab! ($16-18)

Milton The Milton Players, Milton Woman’s Club, Reedsdale Rd., Milton. miltonplayers.org. Steel Magnolias (Seriocomedy), Nov. 2, 3, 9-11 (Ages 14+). In the world of Truvy’s local beauty salon, six very different women come together to share their secrets, fears and love for one another while engaging the audience in hysterical and neighborly gossip. From weddings to divorces, babies to funerals, new beginnings to happy endings, they share each moment in their lives with grace, determination and perfectly coiffed hair.

When tragedy strikes, it is in the familiar comfort of Truvy’s salon where they seek the solace and support that carries them through. ($15-25)

Concord The Concord Players, Walden St., Concord concordplayers.org. Mister Roberts (Comedy), Nov. 2-17 (Ages 14+). In this Tony Award-winning classic, a restless crew aboard a cargo vessel in the South Pacific is desperately craving some onshore action. When the comedic ensemble clashes with their tyrannical captain, it is Mister Roberts who must bail them out. This moving, yet humorous story of an officer who sacrifices his personal quest for his crew has us reflecting on one man’s search for purpose during a time of war. ($20)

Danvers North Shore Players, Hogan Regional Center Auditorium,

Pittsfield Barrington Stage Company, Union Street, Pittsfield barringtonstageco.org. Lord of the Flies (Drama), Oct. 3-21 (Ages 14+). One of the greatest books of the 20th century comes to life on stage this fall. Lord of the Flies is a must-see adventure story that begins with a group of English schoolboys stranded on an island, and ends with a group of savages playing life-and-death games. Mesmerizing and brilliant, this is one show you don’t want to miss! ($15-40) Berkshire Theatre Group, The Colonial Theatre, South Street, Pittsfield. berkshiretheatregroup.org. Oliver!

(Musical), Sept. 7-9 (All ages). Oliver! is the beloved musical about a young orphan who runs away and joins a band of thieves in the pursuit of a real home. Consider yourself invited to Berkshire Theatre Group’s 7th Annual BTG Children’s Theatre Production. ($10-25)

Sturbridge Stageloft Theater, Main Street, Sturbridge. stageloft.com.

Blithe Spirit (Comedy), Fridays-Sundays Oct. 5-28 (Ages 12+). When Charles invites an eccentric medium to his country house to learn about the occult, he has no idea she will contact his late first wife. The dead wife visits and causes quite an uproar, including belly laughs. ($8-17)

Turner Falls Arena Civic Theatre, Shea Theater, 71 Avenue A, Turner Falls. arenacivictheatre.com. Willy Wonka (Musical), Oct. 12-21 (All ages). Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the worldfamous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory; featuring songs from the classic film. (Ticket prices TBA)

Wakefield Wakefield Repertory Theatre, United Methodist Church, Vernon Street, Wakefield. wakefieldrep.org. Bye Bye Birdie (Musical), Sept. 21-23, 28-30 (Ages 12+). Bye Bye Birdie tells the story of a rock-and-roll singer who is about to be inducted into the army. The singer, Conrad Birdie, an Elvis Presley type, has a pompadour and thick sideburns; he wears gaudy gold costumes and speaks in a rugged voice. Albert Peterson, his agent, is a very pleasant and mild-mannered young man, and his faithful secretary Rose Alvarez keeps him and Birdie moving forward in the world. Rosie decides to concoct one final national publicity stunt before Conrad’s induction into the armed forces. ($14-16)

Waltham

Cambridge Green Street Studios, 185 Green St., Cambridge danceforlifeboston.com. Dance for Life Boston (Dance), Sept. 8 (All ages). An individual whose life has been affected by cancer too many times, Lori LoTurco was determined to bridge her passions while raising cancer awareness and funds through dance. Lori hopes this performance will also serve as an opportunity to showcase the breadth of dance talent that Boston has to offer. 100% of proceeds go toward DanaFarber Cancer Institute/Pan-Mass Challenge. ($40)

Young and handsome, Joe merely sees a hefty paycheck and the opportunist eventually becomes Norma’s lover. ($20)

Ludlow Exit 7 Players, Chestnut St., Ludlow. exit7players.org.

Aida (Musical), Oct. 12-28 (Ages 14+). Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida is a contemporary musical take on the timeless bond between an enslaved Nubian princess and an Egyptian soldier. As forbidden love blossoms, the young lovers are forced to face death or part forever. Together, they set a shining example of true devotion that ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between their warring nations, heralding a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity.

Aida is a modern crowd pleaser that embraces multi-cultural casting and exuberant dancing and singing. ($15-19)

Maynard Acme Theater Productions, Summer St., Maynard acmetheater.com/index.asp. Drop Dead! (Comedy), Fridays-

North Andover Pentucket Players, Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, North Andover. pentucketplayers.org. Sunset Boulevard (Drama), Nov. 16-18, 23, 24 (Ages 14+). Sunset Boulevard reveals the fickleness of movie fans and the cruelty of Hollywood. In her rundown mansion on Sunset Boulevard, aging silent screen star Norma Desmond dreams of reviving her long-gone film career. Enter screenwriter Joe Gillis. When the two meet, Gloria sees her opportunity and asks Joe to help her finish a script that will put her back in the spotlight.

Hovey Players, Abbott Memorial Theater, Spring Street, Waltham. hoveyplayers.com. The Porch (Drama), Sept.

7-22 (Ages 14+). Three ladies of a certain age discuss the scandals of 2004–like the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. The ladies are funny and insightful, and they abandoned their censorship long ago. As Labor Day weekend continues, the audience gets to know them and their long-suffering husbands as a mystery unfolds involving one of the ladies and a time in her past that touched her and all her friends.

The drama in The Porch sneaks up on you even as you laugh.

When life attacks suddenly, it is friendship alone that provides the bridge to tomorrow. ($15-18). Dead Man’s Cell Phone (Comedy), Nov. 9-24 (Ages 14+). After you’re gone, how will you be remembered? Jean is just trying to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee in a café, when a cell phone belonging to the man at the next table starts to ring. And ring. And ring. Jean realizes the man isn’t answering it because he’s dead. Out of confusion, annoyance and the tiniest bit of sick curiosity, she answers his phone. A funny and often otherworldly play about how we memorialize the dead, Dead Man’s Cell Phone is the lyrical odyssey of a woman forced to confront her own assumptions about morality, redemption, and the need to connect in a technologically obsessed world. ($15-18) Reagle Music Theatre, Lexington Street, Waltham reaglemusictheatre.org. Christmas Time (Musical), Dec. 7-16 (All ages). The one Boston Christmas spectacle guaranteed to warm any heart! Children of all ages are enchanted by Santa’s Workshop, Teddy Bears’ Nutcracker, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Victorian Christmas, precision dancers and The Living Nativity. Our cast of 200 comes gift BAYSTATEPARENT 35

ART&EXTRACURRICULARS wrapped in fabulous holiday sets and costumes - all backed by a full live orchestra. ($34-54)

Webster Indian Ranch, 200 Gore Road, Webster. indianranch.com.

Charlie Daniels Band (Concert, Country), Sept. 9 (All ages) Featuring Ayla Brown of American Idol. Doors open at 2 p.m. ($20-55). Montgomery Gentry (Concert, Country), Sept. 22 (All ages). Featuring Chad Burdick. Doors open at 1 p.m. ($25-60). Bret Michaels (Concert, Country), Sept. 23 (Ages 10+). Featuring Tim Charron. Doors open at 2 p.m. ($25-55)

Worcester DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. dcucenter.com. Barry Manilow (Concert, Pop), Sept. 14 (All ages). With worldwide sales of more than 80 million records, Barry Manilowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success is a benchmark in popular music. He is ranked as the

top Adult Contemporary chart artist of all time. Rolling Stone crowned him â&#x20AC;&#x153;a giant among entertainersâ&#x20AC;Ś the showman of our generation.â&#x20AC;? Doors open at 7:30 p.m. ($20-130). Carrie Underwood (Concert, Country), Sept. 19 (All ages). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. ($46-66) Hanover Theater for the Performing Arts, Southbridge Street, Worcester. TheHanoverTheatre.org/shows. Mary Poppins (Musical), Sept. 25-30 (all ages). Based on P.I. Travers cherished stories and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins features the original Academy Awardwinning songs. ($35-65). Imperial Acrobats of China Present Chi of Shaoilin: The Tale of the Dragon (Dance), Nov. 9 and 10 (all ages). World-famous and acclaimed Chinese Acrobat and Gold Medalist Yan Yan Zhao, together with Guy Caron, Director for Cirque Du Soleil, proudly present this new and exhilarating show. This show brings incredible talent to tell a powerful, dramatic tale with Shaolin warrior skills, unique acrobatic acts, and amazing circus talent. Enhanced by brilliant backdrops, vibrant

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costumes and dramatic original music, the illusions and choreography create a perfect balance of delight, wonder and excitement that will captivate and dazzle audiences. ($25-45) Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Phineas and Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever!

(Family), Nov. 15, 16 (all ages). Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s out for summer and anything is possible as Phineas and Ferb create their biggest invention yetâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Phineas and Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever! Phineas, Ferb, and the whole tri-state area gang embark on a bold escape, jumping out from behind your TV and onto the stage in a live-action adventure right in your hometown! Before you can wonder, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hey, whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Perry?â&#x20AC;? the beloved pet platypus shifts to his secret double life as Agent P to foil another one of Dr. Doofenshmirtzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evil plans. Musical madness abounds in an escapade so awesome that even Candace canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but join the hilarious hijinks. ($27-67).The Nutcracker (Dance), Nov. 23-25 (all ages). Jump start the holiday season with Worcesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family tradition of The Nutcracker. This magical production is the collaborative artistic effort of the Youth Ballet of Worcester Company joining with the live music of the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra. ($24-36). Boston Pops Holiday Concert (Music), Dec. 7 (all ages). Kick off your holiday season with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Orchestraâ&#x20AC;? joins nationally acclaimed vocal group Five by Design, whose style embraces unforgettable melodies, lush harmonies, and swinging rhythms. Enjoy unique takes on classic favorites and brand new originals, plus a special visit from Jolly Oleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; St. Nick and an audience sing-along. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a holiday tradition that millions cherish! ($55-125). A Christmas Carol (Family), Dec. 15, 16, 21-23 (all ages).Continue our family holiday tradition and start getting in the holiday spirit with Troy Siebelsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; adaptation of Charles Dickensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; classic tale. You know the story; you love the message of Christmas redemption, and the love for mankind that the season brings. Join us for our 5th annual spectacular production of Charles Dickensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; A Christmas Carol. ($28-48).West Side Story (Musical), Dec. 28-30 (ages 12+). From the first note to the final breath, West Side Story soars as the greatest love story of all time and remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The score is considered to be one of Broadwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest and features such classics as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Somethingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coming,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tonight,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;America,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Feel Prettyâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Somewhere.â&#x20AC;? (Ticket prices TBA)

Mechanics Hall, Main Street, Worcester. MechanicsHall. org. A Christmas Carol (Drama), Sept. 21 (all ages).

In celebration of Charles Dickensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 200th Birthday, Gerald Dickensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; will re-create the dramatization of A Christmas Carol first performed in Mechanics Hall by his own greatgreat-grandfather in 1868. Popular at any time of year, Geraldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance has received standing ovations all over the world. Gerald plays over 30 characters using his vocal and physical talents to bring each scene vividly to life. The story tells of sour Ebenezer Scroogeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ethical and emotional transformation after the supernatural visits of Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. ($2035) Worcester County Light Opera Company, Grand View Avenue, Worcester. WCLOC.org. Avenue Q (Musical), FridaysSundays Sept. 28-Oct. 14 (Ages 14+, explicit language, sexuality). Winner of the Tony â&#x20AC;&#x153;Triple Crownâ&#x20AC;? for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, Avenue Q is a laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate (the girl next door), Rod (the Republican), Trekkie (the internet expert), and other colorful characters who help Princeton finally discover his purpose in life. ($5-18) Christmas Belles (Comedy), Fridays-Sundays Nov. 30-Dec. 16 (All ages). A church Christmas program spins hilariously out of control in this Southern farce. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas-time in the small town of Fayro, Texas with the Futrelle Sisters. A cranky Frankie is weeks overdue with her second set of twins. Twink, recently jilted and bitter about it, is in jail for inadvertently burning down half the town. And hot-flash-suffering Honey Raye is desperately trying to keep the Tabernacle of the Lambâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Program from spiraling into chaos.

But things are not looking too promising. All hope for a successful Christmas program seems lost, even with an Elvis impersonator at the manger. (Ticket prices TBA) Alanna Moriarty is a senior at West Boylston High School. She was an intern at baystateparent this past summer, and hopes to continue as a contributing writer in the future.

Shakespeare on the Out Come ACT, WRITE and PERFORM! Explore the ageless stories, crazy characters and mouth-watering words of William Shakespeare.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 39

ART&EXTRACURRICULARS

FAUCHER SCHOOL OF DANCE

ART&EXTRACURRICULARS

GROUND GAME LAYS GROUND WORK FOR

good health BY

susanne boitano, steven king photography

A

group of children are dressed in white, belted gis, pajama-like uniforms, and are laughing and running around during a game of freeze tag. Then they nimbly hop between rungs of a rope ladder, and then they start wrestling each other, like most kids do when playing. Soon they will be imitating butterfly wings with their knees.

What the kids may not realize is that they are in training to be controlled and confidant warriors as they learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

Evidence is mounting that martial arts are a great way to teach children good habits and boost selfconfidence. Considered the master skill in mixed martial arts competitions, until fairly recently, BJJ was almost unheard of outside an elite circle: the Gracies of Brazil. Brought to this South American political family in the early 20th century by a traveling black belt and wealthy business man, Mitsuyo Maeda, the Gracies grabbed hold of the ancient discipline and made it their own.

Flash forward to the1990s, when BJJ exploded on the competitive fight scene. The sporting world watched in wonder when an older, smaller Royce Gracie crushed his younger, larger opponent during a legendary Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) match-up. And Royce kept on doing it.

Crowds loved the David and Goliath dynamic, and BJJ’s effectiveness in and out of the Octagon was forever established. But what you might not know is that behind this esoteric, high-level, hybrid combat technique is a wealth of mind/body benefits for even the smallest of participants.

Classes in this “gentle art,” as it is translated from Japanese, are available at the Boston Brazilian JiuJitsu Academy in Newton, Massachusetts. The school is owned and operated by Professor Roberto Maia, a 40 SEPTEMBER2012

IN KIDS

fourth-degree black belt Gracies of Brazil descendant and father of two.

In a sport where lineage is all, he’s part of the family and the highest ranking practitioner of Gracie JiuJitsu in New England. “I never thought I would do Jiu-Jitsu,” Maia says. “My cousins and I just did it.

Sometimes I’d practice more than other times, but it was always involved in my life. Most people don’t recognize that martial arts isn’t just a sport, it’s a healthy lifestyle.”

That healthy lifestyle is what attracted Agron Belica and his son, Jamal, of Westwood. An UFC fan, Agron knew the need for a good ground game, in any situation, so he steered his young son towards BJJ. What took him aback was not the take-downs, but the emphasis on diet.

“He loves it!” Belica says. “He feels good and he eats less junk food because of BJJ. Professor Maia is always saying, ‘Eat your vegetables!’ Now Jamal is always talking about spinach.”

The father/son duo even made a charming and energetic anti-bullying themed music video that incorporates much of Jiu-Jitsu’s creed in Jamal’s own words and dad’s music and features an impressive cameo by Maia. The song “Can’t Lose: Bully Proof” came into being after the two were inspired to act affirmatively after seeing bullying incidents on the news. The video was produced by Patrick Dreier of double d studio. Jamal, a fifth grader, says he wanted to send bullies a message: “Stop being mean and start being nice, but if someone is trying to fight you, you can fight back with Jiu-Jitsu.”

Jamal’s favorite move is the arm bar and his advice as a fighter is, “Try not to get sick and stuff, don’t go outside in the cold in just shorts.”

For other parents, it was the “wrestling as therapy” factor. Sarah and Neil McMullin were also UFC fans looking for a practice that would help discipline

ART&EXTRACURRICULARS their son, Zach. They found the controlled leverage of BJJ worked better than karate chops for their boy, who eagerly embraced the sport at first grapple.

Sarah, a mother of four and Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree candidate addresses the uneasy, but all too common question: Why would you teach your child to fight? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Before I had a son, I thought the same thing, but BJJ teaches him there are specific rules about when and how to fight, and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dangerous,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It gives him an outlet for a desire to wrestle with his friends, but it also coaches: donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just go do this. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a procedure and a progress in your belt. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better than denying that desire.â&#x20AC;?

Zach, a lively, bright-eyed 8-year-old with a crisp, haircut and sporting a new yellow belt, reports that he enjoys class, learning new moves and playing games. He says it makes him feel â&#x20AC;&#x153;happy and it makes me stronger.â&#x20AC;?

Neil McMullin sees the practical aspect and can relate from the male side of things, â&#x20AC;&#x153;With three sisters at home, it lets him get his boy on.â&#x20AC;?

Maia and co-instructor, Al Bibeau are as calm as Buddha or as Zach says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the teachers are nice and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get mad.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lots of patience,â&#x20AC;? echoes Maia when asked what is the biggest challenge when teaching children. For even the smallest roller, shared learning, challenges and team spirit help them see themselves as a part of something larger, perhaps even more spiritual.

Bibeau, who became hooked on BJJ in the military, defines the mechanics behind the moves, â&#x20AC;&#x153;For kids, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not about choke holds, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more about creating space, keeping space, learning to control their space.â&#x20AC;?

Not only is all this full-body manipulation fun, it is mentally enhancing, too. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Through the interactions with other kids, they learn how to communicate, they gain self-confidence and leadership skills,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;BJJ helps them to think their way out of conflict. Sitting home on the computer, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to get that.â&#x20AC;?

Respect for self and others is what appealed to native Brazilian Vittorio Lemos and his son Caleb. He was taught judo by his black-belted uncle as a child,

but Lemos had never heard of Jiu-Jitsu growing up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was Judo, and there was something else called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;self-defense,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; but it was really Jiu-Jitsu,â&#x20AC;? Lemos says.

He discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after coming to America. Later, when he became a father, he incorporated those new grappling skills when playing with his son. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Caleb loved when daddy would grab him from behind or put his leg over my arm,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would show him martial arts videos, and then he started to understand what daddy was trying to do.â&#x20AC;?

The early rolling years began in earnest this fall when Caleb turned 8 and Lemos enrolled him at the Maia and company.

Already, he notes that Caleb is more respectful of family and friends and that his emotions are settled, less knee-jerk.

Lemos points out, by way of personal experience, that with Jiu-Jitsuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physically intimate dynamic, you quickly get to know teammates better than other sports because you are using your whole body to train. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just come in here and lift things, the other person is the weight,â&#x20AC;?

Maia says.

Dealing with others in close proximity develops confidence to deal with others in the wide world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It helps with self-esteem and how to respect others. In fighting sports, you learn what you are capable of.

You respect your limits and others, too.

You begin to see people with different eyes, less judgmental. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one thing thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helped me,â&#x20AC;? says Lemos who is now a blue belt.

Maia counters the criticism surrounding all forms of martial arts, â&#x20AC;&#x153;People look at martial arts as a way to fight, but if they practice it, they will realize that training is about taking care of your mind and taking care of your body. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also very practical in that if you have a confrontation, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re confident enough to discuss the matter because youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more comfortable with other human beings, and, if you need to, you can defend yourself.â&#x20AC;?

With a mixture of hugs and chokeholds, writer Susanne Boitano lives with her husband and 8-year-old son in Newton, Massachusetts.

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AFTER AFTER SCHOOL SCHOOL PROGRAM PROGRAM Ninja Summer Camp

Elite Academy of Dance Massachusetts Premier Dance Studio

Classes for Everyone! Ages 2-Adult Recreational and Pre-Professional Levels Fall Registration Now Open!

Wednesdays 9:00am-12:00pm & 4:00pm-7:00pm throughout the summer (Please call ahead to schedule an appointment during these hours)

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40 Vinal Square N. Chelmsford, MA 978-251-1331 â&#x20AC;˘ www.alphatkd.com

BAYSTATEPARENT 41

ART&EXTRACURRICULARS

MOMS ROCK!

Noel Nickerson Of CLINTON Age: 45 Mom of Five: Brian, 25; Evan, 23; Heather, 22; Ben 22; Owen 13 Occupation: Small Business Owner by day and Singing Sensation by night BY

amanda roberge, steven king photography

S

wapping apron strings for guitar strings and daytime playdates for a more playful night life, Noel Nickerson is taking the next chapter of her life to the stage.

Noel says this is her time to shine.

“I have sort of just come to this place where I am finally allowing myself to be the person I always wanted to be,” said the Fingercuff front woman and vocalist, who can be heard across Central Massachusetts belting out the Blues.

Her husband John, who shares the joy of their mixed family that includes five kids, is a guitar player and musician who brought the magic of music into all of their lives. Fingercuff, their shared band that offers Live-Band Karaoke each Thursday night in Framingham, is only one of the many groups they work at maintaining. Between their many duos and trios–one of which includes John’s grown son Ben–they are rehearsing or

performing most nights of the week.

“I always loved to sing, but I got more serious about it when I got together with John,” she says. “Because of him, there was always music in the house.”

But what has made the difference between hobby and career is a series of savvy decisions and creative strategies.

After working for years in the field of writing and publishing, Noel started a business several years ago that allowed her a kinder schedule–which freed her up to spend more time with her youngest child, Owen, whose health was delicate at the time. The experience of having a sick child, she said, opened her eyes to some serious priority shifts that needed to happen in her life.

At the same time, the older children were beginning to leave the nest, which was another experience that forced Noel into re-evaluating her life. Her Clinton home, though still bustling with the activity of 13-year-old Owen’s presence,

has become quieter since the four older kids have moved on.

“Letting go of them has been hard,” she said with a sincerity that stabs at even the most stoic mother’s heart. “For so long, they had been my whole life. They always, always came first.”

But the shift in career left Noel with a lot of time on her hands. And with instruments strewn about the house and a husband who enjoyed the passion of her emerging voice, she flew out of her cocoon with the power of a loose cannon.

Her bucket list included the experience of trying out for The Voice, a network television show that offers contestants the chance to compete for judges’ votes based only on the sound of their voice.

“My goal was to just do it, and I did,” she said. “And I wasn’t nervous and I wasn’t scared. It was an amazing experience.”

The audition, which was held in New Jersey, pitted thousands of vocalists against each other for a spot on the show, and

most, like Noel, were turned away and sent packing up to head home. But for her, the experience was in the journey, not the final prize.

“It was this awesome process of allowing myself to dream again,” she said. “And I had to prepare, and follow through and not worry about achieving the bigger outcome.

It was my turn to do something for myself.”

There are small and random moments that Noel still enjoys as a mother, even though the countdown has begun until her nest is empty. One of her children has an apartment just down the road and her kids often congregate there.

“Wait until your kids start sitting around talking about their memories of their childhood,” she warns, saying it is both wildly funny and completely terrifying in the same moment.

But Noel isn’t scared of anything. Not afraid of embracing her emotions, of the future, of whatever life has coming her way.

She uses her musical inspirations, women

We’ll Get You Through the Day! Find baystateparent on Facebook and Twitter.

42 SEPTEMBER2012

your battles and above all remember take care of yourself first. The rest will come naturally.

like Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James, for strength. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The amount of energy and emotion these women had just blows my mind,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was just them and a microphone and one take, and they had no choice but to do it and get it right.â&#x20AC;?

And one take, she agrees, is all any of us have to get it right.

9. No one would guess: I am a Trekkie (The original Star Trek and the next gen).

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was this awesome process of allowing myself to dream again,â&#x20AC;?

Noel Nickerson says.

Amanda Roberge is a freelance writer and mother of three girls who muses online at ConfessionsofaCurvyGirl.com.

Take 15 with Noel 1. I am the queen of: Creating.

2. Three words to describe my family: loud, fun and unpredictable 3. Best part of my day: I try to spread the best throughout the whole day.

4. We love going to (places in Massachusetts): Otter River State Park in Winchendon, Lamb City in Phillipston, Boston to bum around and anywhere there is great live music to be heard.

10. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next? Now that I can cross the Voice off my bucket list, I shall devote myself to the religion of the Blues and become Sabrina Jones, and with the Juggernauts backing me upâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;some serious blues fun will begin!

11. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no such thing as: Perfection... seriously...give that up!

12. Everything I know about being a good parent, I learned from: Trial and Error...

Rosanne (the television show) and my Grandmother.

13. Best things about the town where I am raising my children: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got a small town feel and we are 20 minutes away from everything.

14. My children always tell me: I love you, too, Mom.

where they are because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where they choose to be, making a change is as easy as making a choice.

5. If I could only listen to one album for the rest of my life, it would be: Oooh Tough one...what is the grey area here?

Today I would go for a box set of Etta James.

7. What I miss from when my kids were little: Everything from folding their laundry, the fights, those sweet moments when you hear them all doing something

6. I always tell my children: People are

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constructive (the house is too quiet sometimes), but in the big picture, things are right where they are supposed to be, so I take a deep breath and let that sadness pass.

8. A message for other moms: RELAX! Stop and smell the roses, pick and choose

15. Biggest challenge my family faces: I got nothing, but the usual....the economy, healthcare, environment, blah blah...How wonderful is that?

Seeing the good in what moms do is what our monthly â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moms Rockâ&#x20AC;? feature is all about. Tell us about an inspiring mom you know: editor@baystateparent.com.

Brookline M u s i c School

The Oldest & Largest Cultural Institution in Brookline, Since 1924 25 Kennard Rd Brookline, MA 02445 (617) 277-4593 www.bmsmusic.org

78-6 07=;-

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BAYSTATEPARENT 43

ART&EXTRACURRICULARS

Extracurricular CAPTURED

TRIPLE TAKE: Charlie George, 6, of Dorchester, is a triplet, and he enjoys playing soccer with his siblings and friends.

CRAFT TIME: Michael Murphy, 3, of Leominster, enjoys making crafts with his aunt, Sarah Sparrow, at the Modern Edge Center for the Arts in Leominster.

BACKYARD FLIPS: Hallie Williams, 7, of Shrewsbury, practices a hand stand in her backyard. She takes gymnastics at Massachusetts Gymnastics Center in Marlborough.

44 SEPTEMBER2012

ALL-AROUND GYMNAST: Gianna Duncan, 3, of Leominster, climbs and flips at Massachusetts Gymnastics Center in Leominster.

A BOY OF SUMMER: Dillon Harper, 6, of Rutland swings for the fences at his t-ball game this summer.

Smart Lunches’ online ordering delivers nutritious school lunches that your kids will love.

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FLYING HIGH: Hailey Fairhurst, 11, of Uxbridge, has a passion for ballet. She leaps during a recent dance competition.

SUITING UP: Xander Rosa, 6, of Hubbardston suits up for his t-ball, and coach pitch baseball game.

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GIDDY UP: Saddling up for a drill team competition, Alexis Frechette, 10, of Athol, is ready to gallop.

REELING THEM IN: The fish

weren’t nibbling, but Anthony Bisceglia, 4, of Worcester, enjoyed casting out on Plum Island.

JAZZY: Rory Matthews, 13, of Auburn, plays trumpet at a concert with his trumpet instructor’s band on Webster Lake.

CAPTURED: bsp is looking for photos of Halloween and Fall for our October issue. Email photos to editor@baystateparent.com by Sept. 5th. Don’t forget to include your child’s name, age, town and where the photo was taken.

BAYSTATEPARENT 45

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46 SEPTEMBER2012

ONMYPLATE

Last CHILD BY

diane travers

Last Wednesday was my last High School Senior Night for my last child. It was on the softball field, and as I embraced my daughter, accepted my bouquet of pink carnations, and posed for a picture with the coach, I was stunned. Coming on the heels of the “last” prom two weeks ago, it hit me harder than I thought it would. Of course I have always known that childhood has a shelf life, that my childrens' school years would one day run out, but the expiration date was somewhere in the future, stacked at the back of my cabinet with the soup and the baked beans. After all, four children, four chances to experience every first, and those were countless, but the lasts are so much more finite.

Although I had witnessed these rites of passage for other parents, I always felt a little disconnected from them, because I knew that for me there was more in store, always another child coming up in the ranks to sing the solo in the school concert, execute a perfect pirouette (well, perfect to me), pound down the court for a stolen lay-up, send a ball hurtling

through space over the center field fence. As other parents experienced their “lasts,” I felt relief in the knowledge that it was not my turn, that I would spend many more hours of my existence tangled in the doings of my kids as they worked and crammed and dribbled and swung and sang their way from kindergarten through high school. But now, to quote my husband, “We are done, stick a fork in it, done,” and I am lost.

I know, of course, there will be many more adventures in store for my children, college and beyond, but I won’t be a partner in these activities, which is not a bad thing. They must be free to make their own mistakes and have their own misadventures away from the watchful eyes of Mom, and as much as I worry about them, I have to make peace with that.

This is not about empty nesting. We have, to quote my husband again, a fifth child; her name is SallieMae. As I watched my second son stride across the stage at Bentley University last week to receive his degree, I knew he would join my oldest son at home, living and working to pay down his college loans before lift-off to his next destination. My house will be filled with the language of 20-somethings, but the childhood firsts and lasts will live only on the pages of the overstuffed scrapbooks I carefully craft for my children.

The morning after my “last” on the softball field, I opened my front door to find my yard bedecked and beribboned with rolls and rolls of bath tissue. My daughter’s car was wholly encased in saran wrap, with best wishes from her softball team emblazoned across the windshield. The last “Senior Snicker,” a paper farewell to decades of habits: “Did you finish your homework? You need a jacket! Don’t forget your lunch! You’re going to miss the bus!” a collective 19 years participating, volunteering, and yes, even working in the school system that helped shape my children into the young adults they are today.

Last weekend, my daughter graduated from high school. I was one of the first to arrive for the ceremonies, and when it was over and time to leave I was, of course, last.

Westwood Mom to 4 kids, with the youngest graduating from high school last month.

The story is about the "lasts" that come with winding down nearly two decades of involvement in the lives of my children as they made their way from kindergarten through high school. I wrote it shortly before my daughter's graduation, and think it may resonate with those readers who have also experienced their "lasts". Thank you.

“On My Plate” is a forum for Massachusetts parents. Do you have a viewpoint you'd like to express, a story or experience you'd like to share? It can be serious, humorous, persuasive, informative...whatever you'd like to share with an audience of 100,000 parents. You don't have to be a published writer to be considered. Please submit essays to editor@baystateparent.com for consideration.

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The August Back to School issue has a fun, back-to-school spread from the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden in Springfield.

View it online at baystateparent.com.

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48 SEPTEMBER2012

Thursday, October 25th 6-7 p.m.

with Christine Hurley

BUMBLING

“Where bright minds come together!”

BACK TO SCHOOL michelle carr

Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Six

Summer is over and school is starting.

Things are going to be different in the Hurley household this year-no more mediocre grades, missed homework, frivolous absences, excessive tardiness.

Yeah, right! That’s what I say every September. They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions, so thank goodness I love the heat.

My long-suffering husband, the fabulous Jimmy Hurley, has already delivered the “September Sermon” to our five scholars. Everyone is to come right home from school, and immediately do their homework no television, no Facebook, no Xbox, no napping (I have two teenage girls who nap from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. every day like it’s their job. What is with that?).

They are expected to voraciously dive into their daily assignments that they have so neatly recorded into their shiny brand new agenda/planner, which usually disappears into the agenda abyss by Columbus Day, only to be found under their beds the following June, drifting in a landfill of halffull Poland Spring bottles.

I think this year, more than other years, we are more inspired to make sure the Lil’ Hurleys excel in their studies, among other things. I say this just coming off two weeks of following the Summer Olympics, I mean God love these athletes, but they really put things into perspective, and, quite frankly, always leave me feeling bad, especially in the parenting department. These amazing athletes are quite the overachievers. I think I most admire the fact that these kids pick something and stick with it, they see it through, they finish what they started, they are closers. Not so much in the Hurley house-starting with me.

Like I mentioned before, I do have good intentions in everything I do, but it’s like there is a misfire somewhere in my noggin that just doesn’t ever allow me to complete the task, to close the deal. Case in point: this article was assigned to me some 60, that’s right, 60 days ago and my deadline is 30 minutes ago, as I have procrastinated my way right into an ulcer. But I share the love; one ulcer for me, and an even bigger one for my editor.

As I sit here in my dining room typing, I am surrounded by mountains of physical evidence to remind me of my failures. It is September, and I am staring at four empty jumbo Rubbermaid containers that were purchased in May to store my winter clothes. Well, thank God they stack so neatly, as they will be heading down to the garage to join the four I bought last

May for this very same task. They can join their good friends, the five sad little half-needle-pointed Christmas stockings and the box of baby clothes I have kept because I am going to skillfully tailor these into five keepsake, heirloom quilts.

But I have to be careful not to trip over my make-shift “scrapbooking center” that I started to create back in 1999. I’ve got more glue sticks, rhinestones, glitter and feathers in there than the dressing rooms of “Dancing With the Stars.” My two boys, (ages 10 and 12), have grown so tired of the rough outline of the “Toy Story” mural on their bedroom wall, (started in 2001), that they’ve taken on their own artistic license, (their weapon of choice, a black Sharpie), and I do believe I can make out a very angry Woody giving the finger to Buzz Lightyear.

I am reading what I have written so far to my three daughters. My 20-year-old daughter just brought up a good point– “Mom, it sounds like you have ADHD, like me.” We don’t call her the Hurley brain trust for nothing folks (she was diagnosed last summer and when she informed me that she was being prescribed Adderall, I could barely contain myself as I shrieked, “Colleen!!! Do you know how skinny we are going to be??? *Disclaimer: just kidding, please don’t send any angry emails).

So I guess all Jimmy Hurley and I really want to do is make sure our children turn out nothing like us at all. That no matter what they do, they have an appetite for success, that they tackle everything in life like these Olympians. That’s right, starting with the “September Sermon,” things are going to be different this year!

I am trying to keep positive, trying to move forward after composing this inspirational article, but as I try to email my finished product to my stressed out editor 24 hours past my deadline, reality knocks me down.

No one paid the cable bill-we have no internet.

Comedian Christine Hurley is a Plymouth mom of five who was first runner up in the nationally televised “Nick at Nite’s” search for America’s Funniest Mom contest. For booking Christine Hurley, call Dawn Christensen at 508-746-3998, ext. 15.

Dirty Laundry is a humor column about day-to-day life raising kids. Basically it’s about not being afraid to air out the dirty laundry and say it like it is, making the rest of us not feel so alone.

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ast spring, parents across the country were appalled to hear that students on a New York school bus bullied Bus Monitor Karen Klein. Parents are usually concerned their child would be bullied by other students, but to see with video evidence – thanks to YouTube – that students banded together to bully an adult, was shocking and concerning.

After the incident, the public came together to raise money initially to send Klein on a vacation, but the group ended up raising more than $700,000. The students who bullied her apologized and were later suspended for one year from school. She later retired.

More than 160,000 students miss school every day because of bullying or the fear of being bullied in school, according to bullyingstatistics.org. The U.S. Department of Education says that one-third of U.S. students ages 12 through 18 reported being bullied. Of those, 8 percent said they were bullied on the school bus. Also, girls are twice as likely to be bullied as boys, according to sciencedaily.com.

Up until the Columbine School tragedy,

jennifer lucarelli

bullying was rarely discussed in school or at home by parents.

“In 1993, my son committed suicide after being bullied in school,” says Robin D’Antona, Ed. D., a bullying expert and educational consultant. “After Simon died, we pieced together that 70 adults knew about Simon being bullied, but no one told us. That doesn’t include the children who were aware of the incidents.”

Since her son’s death, she has worked with parents and schools to help prevent bullying. “Before Columbine, no one talked about it, and people considered it a normal part of childhood,” she said. “And, after Columbine, a national conversation about bullying was started.”

In 2010, two Massachusetts students, Phoebe Prince, 15, of South Hadley and Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover, 11, of Springfield, committed suicide after being bullied. The state then enacted an anti-bullying law.

The law requires teachers and staff to report bullying to the principal or another administrator to handle reports when they see or become aware of a problem. It also mandates annual training for teachers and staff about

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prevention and intervention. Each school district is required to have age-appropriate instruction for every grade level to help prevent bullying.

“Schools have to teach children how to respect one another and teach that bullying is not acceptable and is hurtful,” D’Antona says. “I am hopeful that we can make a change, and there has been a cultural shift, but there needs to be zero tolerance when it comes to bullying.”

D’Antona said that some conflicts between students that are not bullying are being called bullying. Bullying is a very specific definition and is unwanted,

aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power balance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated over time. Both kids who are bullied and kids who bully others may have serious, lasting problems, according to stopbullying.gov.

“What happened to Simon was very quick and repeated,” says D’Antona. “It was the first three weeks of school and he made a quick and rash decision to end his life.”

Many parents and teachers focus their anti-bullying efforts on teaching their child what to do if they are a victim of

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principal called him into his office and said if it happened again, he would be suspended from riding the bus,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a next time.â&#x20AC;?

She admitted she wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t surprised by her sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behavior, but was surprised to find

stop in the morning and the second stop in the afternoon,â&#x20AC;? says Liz Nolan, a mother of two from Northborough. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have not had any bully incidents with my kids, and the Peaslee School does a great job of letting parents know what to do if there is

â&#x20AC;&#x153;After Columbine, a national conversation about bullying was started,â&#x20AC;? says Robin Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Antona, a bullying expert. out who the other boy was. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t someone he interacted with before and bullying usually means repeated behavior. I truly think there was something going on in the other boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life or family that caused him to provoke my son.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not an excuse for my sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behavior, as I still punished him,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But it could be an explanation. A week or two after the incident with my son, I heard that the same boy had been punched by a different boy on the bus â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that sort of confirmed what I had thought.â&#x20AC;?

She says she thinks itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult for principals to deal with bullying, especially since so many incidents that may just be student conflicts are being considered bullying. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Without having bullying incidences being recorded somehow, how is a principal supposed to know exactly what happened?â&#x20AC;?

She continues to work with her son to help him understand that bullying will not be tolerated.

Another mother in Northborough said her children havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been a part of bullying on a school bus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thankfully my kids are the second to last

a problem.â&#x20AC;?

Nolan has spoken to her two sons about bullying and what to do if there is a problem. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we were kids, they told us to ignore it and eventually it would stop,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve told our kids they have to be friendly at school, but not everyone at school will be your best friend.â&#x20AC;?

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prevention, visit Robin Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Antonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.stopbullyingma.org.

To report a bullying incident to Safe Zones, call 1-855-SAFEZONES or 1-855-STOPBULLYING or visit their website at www.safezones.org. continued on page 58

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the bus is the bad language her boys pick up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wish there was something more that could be done, but I realize my kids donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t live in a bubble,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just thankful they are only on the bus for two stops.â&#x20AC;?

For more information about bullying

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bullying or witness a bullying incident, but what happens if the incident happens on a school bus?

Jerry Pinto, founder of SafeZones, started the organization after his son was bullied at school. When he approached the school, the officials ignored the incident. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My son was bullied at school and the school blew it off,â&#x20AC;? Pinto said, who now drives a school bus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When they finally took action, I disagreed with what the school did. Instead of kicking them out of school, the kids should have been educated and helped to be rehabilitated.â&#x20AC;?

Through his organization, they work with school departments to create safe zones from bullying. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We put signs up at schools and other places to show kids they can report a bullying incident with no questions asked,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most school programs run from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help if the incident happens after school.â&#x20AC;?

Also, bullying, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s against children, the bus monitor or driver, does happen on school buses, and the school bus driver is required to report the incident, Pinto says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Under the new Massachusetts antibullying laws, school bus drivers are mandated reporters of incidents of bullying on their bus,â&#x20AC;? says Jerry Pinto. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But sometimes school officials or bus companies donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t follow up on the report.

So we help parents follow-up on bullying incidents. We also have 800-numbers to report bullying incidents.â&#x20AC;?

The Safe Zones School Bus Program also allows the bus company to demonstrate to the school systems they serve that companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drivers and employees have been adequately trained in accordance with the law, Pinto says.

A Northborough mom says her son was reported as a bully on a school bus in elementary school. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My son is a bully and bullied at least one child on the bus,â&#x20AC;? she says, though asked not to use her name. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In fourth grade he had a disagreement with a third grade boy on a bus. He threatened to stab the other boy with a push pin that he happened to have in his pocket.â&#x20AC;?

Because it was a threat of bodily harm, the mother says she, his father and the principal all took it seriously. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was punished at home and wrote an apology to the other boy.â&#x20AC;?

She did say her son wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t punished at school, but he was given a warning. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The

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1. Walking with awareness, calm, respect and confidence People are less likely to be picked on if they walk and sit with awareness, calm, respect and confidence. Projecting a positive, assertive attitude means keeping one’s head up, back straight, walking briskly, looking around, having a peaceful face and body and moving away from people who might cause trouble. Show your child the difference between being passive, aggressive and assertive in body language, tone of voice and choice of words.

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The best self-defense tactic is called “target denial,” which means “don’t be there.” Act out a scenario where maybe your child is walking in the school corridor (or any other place where he or she might bullied). You can pretend to be a bully standing by the wall saying mean things. Ask your child what these mean things might be because what is considered insulting or upsetting is different for different people, times and places.

Coach your child to veer around the bully in order to move out of reach. Remind your child to leave with awareness, calm and confidence, glancing back to see where the bully is. Let your child practice saying something neutral in a normal tone of voice like “See you later!” or “Have a nice day!” while calmly and confidently moving away. Point out that stepping out of line or changing seats is often the safest choice.

3. Setting a boundary If a bully is following or threatening your child in a situation where she or he cannot just leave, your child needs to be able to set a clear boundary. Coach your child to turn, stand up tall, put his or her hands up in front of the body like a fence, palms out and open, and say “Stop!”

Coach your child to have a calm but clear voice and polite firm words- not whiney and not aggressive.

4. Using your voice If your child does get into a situation where somebody is trying to push or hit or 58 SEPTEMBER2012

knuckle her or his head, you could practice by holding your child gently and acting as if you are going to do the action gently. Coach your child to pull away and yell NO! really loudly. Coach him or her to say “STOP! I don’t like that!” Coach your child to look the bully in the eyes and speak in a firm voice with both hands up and in front like a fence. Teach your child to leave and go to an adult for help.

5. Protecting your feelings from name-calling Schools, youth groups, and families should create harassment-free zones just as workplaces should. However, you can teach children how to protect themselves from insults. Tell your child that saying something mean back makes the problem bigger, not better.

One way to take the power out of hurting words is by saying them out loud and imagining throwing them away. Doing this physically and out loud at home will help a child to do this in his or her imagination at school.

Help your child practice throwing the mean things that other people are saying into a trash can. Have your child then say something positive out loud to himself or herself to take in. For example, if someone says, “I don’t like you,” you can throw those words away and say, “I like myself.”

If someone says, “You are stupid” you can throw those words away and say, “I’m smart.” If someone says, “I don’t want to play with you” then you can throw those words away and say, “I will find another friend.”

6. Speaking up for inclusion Being left out is a major form of bullying.

Exclusion should be clearly against the rules at school. A child can practice persisting in asking to join a game. Pretend to be a bully who wants to exclude.

Have your child walk up and say, “I want to play.” Coach your child to sound and look positive and friendly, not whiny or aggressive.

Ask your child the reasons that kids give for excluding him or her. Use those reasons so your child can practice persisting. For example, if the reason is, “You’re not good enough,” your child can practice saying “I’ll get better if I practice!” If the reason is, “There are too many already,” your child

might practice saying, “There’s always room for one more.” If the reason is, “You cheated last time,” your child might practice saying, “I did not understand the rules. Let’s make sure we agree on the rules this time.”

7. Being Persistent in Getting Help Children who are being bullied need to be able to tell teachers, parents and other adults in charge what is happening in the moment clearly and calmly and persistently even if these adults are very distracted or rude – and even if asking for help has not worked before. Learning how to have polite firm words, body language and tone of voice even under pressure and to not give up when asking for help is a life-long skill.

Practice is helpful for both children and adults in learning how to persist and get help when you need it.

8. Using Physical SelfDefense as a Last Resort Children need to know when they have the right to hurt someone to stop that person from hurting them. At Kidpower, they teach that fighting is a last resort – when you are about to be harmed and you cannot leave or get help.

However, bullying problems are often not as clear-cut as other personal safety issues.

Families have different rules about where they draw the line. Schools will often punish a child who fights back unless parents warn the school in writing ahead of time that, since the school has not protected their children, they will back their children up if they have to fight.

Learning physical self-defense helps most children become more confident, even if they never have to use these skills in a reallife situation. Just being more confident helps children to avoid being chosen as a victim most of the time. There are different self-defense techniques for bullying than for more dangerous situations — let your child practice a self-defense move like kicking someone in the shins, pinching someone’s leg or upper arm, or hitting someone in the chest. You can practice in the air or by holding a sofa cushion. If you are concerned, consider enrolling your child in a self-defense class. *information courtesy of kidpower.org

FIGHTLESS...LOVEMORE

Is It Good to Go Out

WITHOUT YOUR SPOUSE? BY

laurie puhn

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youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;e ever been asked, do you and your husband go out a lot? you might answer like one of the millions of parents who chuckle and say, yes, sure we do. But not together! With young children at home, finding time and money to have a couples night out on the town, a weekend away or a movie-going afternoon can be more complicated and stressful than itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth.

But you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to stay home all the time, so you trade-off on social events: one for me, one for you.

You might wonder, is that getting the best of both worlds or compromising your marriage for yourself? Fortunately, being alone, within reason, is good for your marriage. New research shows that happy long-married couples often say their secret is that they give each other space.

According to an unpublished study by Terri Orbuch, a psychologist and research professor at the University of Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Institute for Social Research, having enough space or privacy in a relationship is more important to a couples happiness than having a good sex life. This means that girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weekend away is a good thing.

And that a guysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; night out is a great idea.

Of course, this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a rallying cry for spouses to say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This proves that I should be able to do what I want when I wantâ&#x20AC;?.

Instead, as a couples mediator, I bring the peaceful negotiation method to the table, which is, ask first, enjoy second.

If you want to attend an event or make a social plan, talk to your mate before you commit. Offer to trade-off and encourage

your mate to take a guilt-free night out for him/herself while you stay home with the kids. If your mate doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t latch on to the specific night you want out, then consider whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because she/he thinks you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pull your weight when you are home. If thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the case, fess up and follow through on doing more at home in return for some nights off each month.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be honest, be confident and be loving in this conversation.â&#x20AC;?

If your mate just isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thrilled with the idea of separate nights out, then itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for a heartfelt â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love you so muchâ&#x20AC;? talk coupled with â&#x20AC;&#x153;time for myself is really important and helps me stay balanced and happyâ&#x20AC;?. Be honest, be confident and be loving in this conversation. As I write about in Fight Less, Love More (which Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited to announce is now out in Paperback!), if space is what you need to center yourself, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the issue go, but be willing to give in order to get.

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Laurie Puhn is a Harvard-educated lawyer, couples mediator and bestselling author of Fight Less, Love More: 5-Minute Conversations to Change Your Relationship Without Blowing Up or Giving In, who frequently appears on CNN, Good Morning America and The Early Show to offer relationship advice.

Visit her at fightlesslovemore.com

The Knowledge ...the place for mind expanding activities

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BulletinBoard

To advertise call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296 or email stephaniep@baystateparent.com 60 SEPTEMBER2012

Join us for our 22nd year celebrating children and their families!

Two full days of music, food and family fun at Wachusett Mountain.

presented by

September 22-23, 2012 • 10am-5pm FEATURING:

• • • •

Marvelous Mutts Dog Show Flippenout Trampoline Show North East Trick Stars BMX Bike Show WXLO’s Wachusett’s Got Talent • • • • • • •

Scenic SkyRide Music & Magic Shows Pony & Hay Rides Climbing Wall and Bungee Jump Jugglers & Clowns Moonbounces & Field Games And Much More!

499 Mountain Road, Princeton • 978-464-2300 • Details at www.wachusett.com BAYSTATEPARENT 61

Features KidsFest Entertainment Section

Wachusett’s Got Talent, presented by

Sign-up at www.wxlo.com Winner will get to sing the National Anthem at a Worcester Sharks game this winter and receive a spot on Community Auditions

Flippenout Trampoline Show

North East Trick Stars

Extreme Trampoline shows featuring the best athletes in North America including Olympic Medalists and World Champions. They’ve performed worldwide at NBA, NHL and other professional and collegiate sports venues as well as corporate and community events. These explosive shows, emceed to music, feature 25 feet of height, snowboards, skis, triple flips, crazy twists and much more!

Back for their 14th appearance at KidsFest, the group of growing talented riders showcase enhanced stunts, tricks, and flips. North East Trick Star performances will have the crowd “oooh-ing” and “aawh-ing” with excitement and anticipation for the next stunt. The group will stick around for pictures!

Pricing Information: Order tickets in advance and SAVE $$$!

Visit www.wachusett.com for more info!

• Adults $8 advance, $10 door • Kids (3-12) $4 advance, $6 door • 2 and under are FREE!

SkyRide:

Wachusett Mountain’s 22nd Annual Kidsfest, presented by Price Chopper, has something for everyone! Whether it’s taking a ride on our scenic SkyRide, grabbing some free samples from Price Chopper vendors or watching any of the amazing live shows throughout the weekend, we can guarantee you’ll have a smile on your face! baystate parent magazine will be on hand with fun games and lots of prizes! Featured entertainment this year includes everyone’s favorite climbing wall, pony rides, hay rides, moonbounces, the speed pitch challenge and many more fun activities.

62 SEPTEMBER2012

• $10 door • Kids (6-12) $8 door • 5 and under are FREE!

Package Pricing!

Fest Package (includes admission, SkyRide PLUS, $10 food coupon): • Adult $23 advance, $25 door • Kids (3-12): $17 advance, $21 door • Fest 4-Pak (online only – includes 4 admissions, 4 SkyRide PLUS, 4 $10 food coupons): $90 advance only

Troy Wunderle of Wunderle’s Big Top Adventures

s ,

Troy is the Artistic Director of Circus Smirkus and the Director of Clowning for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus

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Clowning Around

Marvelous Mutts Frisbee, Agility and Dock Diving Dog Show

ns

KidsFest is always a great place to see your favorite clowns, take home a special balloon animal or get your face painted!

The Marvelous Mutts, a Canine Spectacular, is a thrilling dog sport entertainment show that showcases some of the world’s finest canine athletes. The dogs amaze audiences as they flip and fly to snatch flying discs out of the air, race through obstacle courses with breathtaking speed, and launch themselves off a dock to catch a toy before it splashes into a pool of water. Spectators, children and adults alike, always leave our shows with smiles on their faces . . . after they pick their jaws up off the ground!

Gramma Potts has become a tradition here at KidsFest. Having been here since the 2nd year of KidsFest – this KidsFest marks her 21st year! Check out all of the clowns.

All of The Marvelous Mutts were adopted from shelters and rescues and do their best to show that “any dog can be incredible!”

People love dogs, and they love to watch dogs do incredible things. Your fans will love The Marvelous Mutts. Featuring some of the world’s finest canine athletes, this team of Mutts, wow crowds with their entertaining tricks, stunts, and athleticism.

Details at www.wachusett.com

Radio Disney Visit the Radio Disney tent on Saturday for great music, fun games and cool prizes! (logo same as last year)

Main Stage Acts Include:

10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:30 3:00 3:30 4:00

• Magic Steve • Dance Groups • Gymnastics Shows • Juggling • Fashion Shows • Martial Arts • Music • And More…

Flippenout Trampoline North East Trick Stars BMX Bike Show Marvelous Mutts Dog Show Troy Wunderle – Juggling Comedy Show Flippenout Trampoline Show North East Trick Stars BMX Bike Show Marvelous Mutts Dog Show Troy Wunderle – Juggling Comedy Show Flippenout Trampoline Show North East Trick Stars BMX Bike Show Marvelous Mutts Dog Show Troy Wunderle – Juggling Comedy Show

*Daily Schedule of Events is subject to change.

Gates are open from 10am-5pm.

Details at www.wachusett.com

General Information:

WXLO’s “Wachusett’s Got Talent” – All Day on the WXLO Stage

BAYSTATEPARENT 63

Vendor

2012

Supermarkets Sampling As of August 20th.

Additional vendors to be added.

Premier Sponsors Nestle Waters/Poland Springs Bottled Water Friehofer Entenmann’s Little Bites Garelick Farms Milk

Partner Sponsors UTZ Wachusett Potato Chips Pepperidge Farm Goldfish & Crackers Stonyfield Yogurt Bachman Pretzels Snyder’s/Cape Cod Chips Pretzels & Chips

64 SEPTEMBER2012

123 Grow Child Center, Inc. Avon Borough's JCC Preschool Central MA Dance Academy CHAPS Children's Music Academy Cutie Patuties Davis Farmland Department of Children and Families Devereux Therapeutic Foster Care FMC Ice Sport John Robert Powers New England KiDoodles Learning Center La Femmina Modeling School Lil' Iguana's Children Safety Foundation Mass Audubon New England Dance Center New England PGA Origami Owl Play-Well Teknologies Ray's Kettle Corn Sand Art/Candle Art Scentsy Shamrock Hives Farm Shining Starz Studio of Dance Sterling Academy of Gymnastics Sweet Entertainers Tupperware Villari's Martial Arts Wachusett Pediatrics Wacky Candy Shack YWCA Central MA Roll On America Giguere’s Gymnastics

Activity Color Paints and Decorating Coloring, Stickers and Samples Pasta & Playdough Flower Making Dance Performances St. Bernard Dogs & Information Playing Musical Instruments Melissa & Doug Games Costume Character, Games, Giveaways Toss Game Temporary Tatoos Bean Bag Toss & Rubber Duck Games Perform a Commercial on Camera Arts and Crafts Model Search Casting Costume Character, Tattoos and Music Butterly Rings Dance Shows Golf Lessons - Hitting into a Net Origami Creations Classroom Games - Giveaways Kettle Corn Sand Art (for purchase) Product Giveaways Free Pencils and Erasers Dance Games / Shows Balance Boards, Agility and Endurance Tests Fingernail Painting Tupperware Shape Game Target Pads & Board Breaking Coloring, Tattoos and Face Painting Candy (for purchase) Handprint Painting for Community Art Project Prize Wheel and Costume Characters Moonwalk

Vendors and activities subject to change.

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Health Source .................................................................................17 Inn at East Hill.................................................................................22 IPARTY.......................................................................................17, 55 John Robert Powers ..........................................................................46 Just Paint.........................................................................................31 Kids Fest.....................................................................................61-64 Kids Kount .......................................................................................47 Knowledge Quest ..............................................................................59 Life is Good .....................................................................................54 Living Earth .....................................................................................23 Mary Kay Cosmetics ..........................................................................66 Music Together .................................................................................37 New Horizon Karate & Fitness ...........................................................39 Next Generation................................................................................51 North Central Charter Essential School ................................................48 NueroCare Center for Research ...........................................................49 Outfit the Kids ..................................................................................17 Pakachoag Music ..............................................................................38 Panara.............................................................................................55 Parenting Solutions...........................................................................48 Performing Arts Connection ................................................................41 Purity Spring Resort ............................................................................6 Riverbend School ..............................................................................39 Roche Bros.........................................................................................4 Skribbles .........................................................................................50 Smart Lunches .................................................................................45 South Shore Therapies ......................................................................53 Speech Language & Hearing Associates..............................................59 St. Judes..........................................................................................51 Sterling Gymnastics ..........................................................................38 Temple Aliyah ..................................................................................36 TLC Christian PreSchool .....................................................................48 West End Creamery...........................................................................15 Wheelock Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre ..............................................................37 Wicked Local ....................................................................................65 Women Earning Six Figures ...............................................................66 Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health of Central Mass .........................................................8 Worcester Academy of Music .............................................................53 Worcester Art Museum ......................................................................30 Worcester JCC ...................................................................................39 Worcester Think Tank ........................................................................51 YMCA of Central Mass. ......................................................................27

A Place to Grow ................................................................................50 Adventure Bootcamp.........................................................................66 All Saints Choir.................................................................................24 Alpha Tae K Wando ..........................................................................41 Applewild School ..............................................................................52 Attorney James Connors ....................................................................15 Ballet Arts Worcester .........................................................................38 Bancroft School ................................................................................68 Barrett Family Wellness ....................................................................48 Baystate Skating School....................................................................39 Becker College..................................................................................13 Belkin Lookout Farm.........................................................................10 Blossom Station .................................................................................5 Boks Kids.........................................................................................43 Boroughs JCC ...................................................................................31 Boston Ballet ...................................................................................27 Boston Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum ................................................................33 Brianna Verdolino Photography .........................................................39 Bright Horizion .................................................................................51 Brighton School................................................................................49 British School of Boston ....................................................................46 Brookline School of Music .................................................................43 Charlotte Klein Dance Centers ...........................................................30 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Academy .................................................................30 Clay Time.........................................................................................33 CoCo Key Water Resort ........................................................................7 Commerce Bank .................................................................................2 Conerstone Academy ...........................................................................3 Creative Behavioral Solutions ............................................................29 Criterion.............................................................................................4 Cutie Patuties ...................................................................................15 Dance Prism .....................................................................................50 Danforth Museum of Art ....................................................................37 Davis Farmland.............................................................................7,22 Dexter Southfield School ...................................................................6 Dr. McCarty ......................................................................................24 Dr. Mel Pediatric Dentistry .................................................................52 Ecotarium ........................................................................................46 Elite Dance Academy ........................................................................41 Fay School ......................................................................................45 Giguere Gymnastics...........................................................................31 Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Little Children Preschool ...........................................................32 Guild of St. Agnes Day Care.........................................................10, 50 Gymboree ........................................................................................39

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BAYSTATEPARENT 67

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Fall Open House October 21 at 1:30 pm

A rounded education.

A grounded experience.

Bancroft students in Lower School explore the world in a safe, exciting, and nurturing environment. They retain their curiosity and expressive nature as they learn by imagining, questioning, and creating.

Lower, Middle, & Upper Schools

68 SEPTEMBER2012

110 Shore Drive Worcester, MA 01605 508.854.9227 www.bancroftschool.org