0914bspwest by baystateparent magazine

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SEPTEMBER 2014

AREA FALL FAIRS & FESTIVALS

BOY SCOUTS EXPAND WESTERN MASS KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM FARM GUIDE: PICK-YOUR-OWN APPLES AND PUMPKINS

Our Annual

Arts & Extracurriculars Edition MUSEUM DAY MEANS FREE ADMISSION FOR YOUR FAMILY ANTHONY FIELD TALKS LIFE WITH THE NEW WIGGLES

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996 Massachusetts

WESTERN MA EDITION

Best Wishes for Back-to-School When it comes to your child’s education, you want the best. The best school. The best teachers. The same is true when it comes to health care. At Baystate Children’s Hospital, we understand. Our medical experts draw from extensive training, research, and experience in caring for the individual needs of children and families. As the only accredited children’s hospital in the region, Baystate Children’s Hospital offers comprehensive pediatric inpatient and outpatient services, including diabetes care, pulmonary medicine, neurology, surgery, cardiology, and weight management, as well as the region’s only: • Pediatric Emergency Department • Children’s Specialty Center • Neonatal and Pediatric ICUs

• Children’s Surgery Center • Adolescent Inpatient Unit • Children’s Cancer Center

We wish all children heading back to school their best and brightest year ever. 9 x 10.75

Learn more about all of our specialties and services at baystatehealth.org/bch CS147757

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table of contents SEPTEMBER 2014 VOLUME 1

NUMBER 7

things we learned

while making

the september issue

If you only have 20 minutes or if you have an entire afternoon, using that time to disconnect from electronics and chaos can reduce fatigue, blood pressure and circulatory disorders. Read more in The Art of Disconnecting on page 16.

Anthony Field, one of the founding members of The Wiggles, told baystateparent that he “started The Wiggles in 1991 and I reckon I’ll still be Wiggling in a walking frame!” See our interview on page 23.

Boys in Western Mass eager to become Scouts no longer have to wait until first grade to be part of a pack. The Boy Scouts of America Western Mass Council is preparing to expand its pilot program for kindergartners. Find the story on page 26.

Our Arts & Extracurriculars Issue

Take Your Pick: Families Flock to Local Farms for Apples and Pumpkins

DISHIN’ WITH THE DIETITIAN: Can a 2-Year-Old Drink Too Much Milk?

BITES: Celebrate the Sweetness of the Jewish New Year

24 26 28 30

Music and the Young Mind For Western Mass Boys, Scouting at a Younger Age 6 Top Tips for Choosing After-School Activities Cue Your Child to Try Drama

in every issue 6

WELCOME: A letter from our editor

6 7 8

OUR SPECIAL GUEST: Meet cover model Jayden Bess

FINALLY FOREVER: For Siblings, Involvement is Key in Adoption

12 13 14 16 17 23

SEPTEMBER’S CHILD: Meet William

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS WOMEN’S HEALTH: Perimenopause, The Great Hormonal Shift

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: Area Adoption Events OUR SEPTEMBER FAVORITES: Facts, Finds and Freebies MOM MATTERS: The Art of Disconnecting OUT & ABOUT: September Calendar of Family Events TAKE 8: Anthony Field of The Wiggles

features

10 32 34 40 42 44

Private Schools in Western Massachusetts Free Admission for Museum Day Live! Fall Fairs & Festivals Guide Cultural Intelligence: What’s Your Child’s Global IQ? Lessons Abroad: Caring for Our Global Community Our Summer in Denmark

advertising directories

39 46

DANCE, GYM & ENRICHMENT EXPLORE & LEARN PARTY PEOPLE PRESCHOOL & CHILD CARE ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 4 5

meet team

welcome to

baystateparent

publisher KIRK DAVIS

creative

For those of us raising kids in Massachusetts, we are fortunate to have the splendor of four seasons — each with unique traditions. And, of course, fall has some of the best! For me, this season means football on the television, baking pies on Sunday afternoons, watching my son jump in a pile of leaves, finding yellow mums for the front stoop and taking a day to go applepicking. Separately, these seem like such little things, but together they set the scenery of autumn memories for my family. In this month’s issue of baystateparent, we explore some of fall’s finest celebrations with our list of fairs and festivals taking place in Western Mass. The list can be found on page 34 and includes annual favorites like the Franklin County Fair, The Big E, KidsFest at

Mt. Wachusett, and the Berkshires Harvest Festival — and there are dozens more to explore. In addition, I invite you to visit baystateparent. com and post information on your favorite autumn fair. Another seasonal feature is our guide to apple and pumpkin picking. You can find this on page 35. It includes area pick-your-own farms, many that offer hayrides, bakeries, music, playgrounds and animals. Ask around to your friends and neighbors and you will likely find that everyone has a favorite place to go apple-picking. Mine is in Northborough — likely because Tougas Farm was one of the first places I had ever gone picking for apples. I had chaperoned my oldest son’s kindergarten field trip and helped a handful of kids twist the apple just-so to make a perfect pick. One boy, mud-covered from our hike through the fields, excitedly ran to me and tugged quickly on my jacket. When I squatted down to listen to him, he showed me his apple — and the tooth that he left behind on the last bite. He asked if he could please take the apple home

to show his mom how he lost his first tooth. We carefully wrapped that apple in a sandwich bag and I carried it back to school for him. I hope his mother and the Tooth Fairy appreciated what had become a somewhat mushy souvenir. Each year since, as I take my family there to pick our apples, I recall how exciting that day was for all of the kids on that field trip — and especially that young boy. My oldest son is grown now, but he still takes time to join his younger brother for our annual apple-picking trek. The photo here shows the three of us picking our apples last year. If you see us this year, be sure to say hello. But, please, if you leave behind a tooth in your apple, you’re on your own for hauling it home. On that note, let’s warm up some cider and cinnamon sticks. Pour a mug and enjoy some time with baystateparent.

MaryJo Kurtz

editor in chief MARYJO KURTZ 508-865-7070 ext. 201 maryjo@baystateparent.com creative director PAULA MONETTE ETHIER 508-865-7070 ext. 221 pethier@holdenlandmark.com senior graphic designer STEPHANIE MALLARD 508-865-7070 design@baystateparent.com

advertising director of sales REGINA STILLINGS 508-865-7070 ext. 210 regina@baystateparent.com western mass sales manager JESSICA O’MALLEY 413-437-4673 jessica@baystateparent.com

In Association With advertising director BETH BAKER 413-283-8393 ext. 245 bbaker@turley.com presidents KIRK and LAURIE DAVIS

photographers STEVEN KING JENNIFER ROSE

copy editor BRYAN ETHIER

meet our special guest

Jayden Bess

baystateparent • Over 50,000 readers

Our cover model this month is 6-year-old Jayden Bess of Springfield, who started first grade this year. Jayden took some time out before the start of school this year to share some fun facts with baystateparent readers.

What are your favorite books? “[the] Captain Awesome series.”

Do you have any brothers or sisters? “[I have] one younger brother, Camden, who is 20 months old.”

How long have you been modeling? “[I] started when I was two.”

What activites do you enjoy outside of school? “Riding my bike, shooting hoops, and going to the driving range.” 6 SEPTEMBER2014 7

• 25,000 copies distributed monthly • Find us in ALL Big Y stores PLUS 400 other locations • distribution manager TOM SIGNA 508-865-7070 ext. 112 tsigna@holdenlandmark.com

What is your favorite TV show? “Dog with a Blog.”

What tips can you offer to others who want to model? “Be yourself and use gentle smiles.”

baystateparent cover photo

JENNIFER ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY

jenniferrosephotography.org

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

www.baystateparent.com

Meet Our September Contributors Most women begin experiencing symptoms of perimenopause in their early 40s, but it can begin earlier. The process can take up to ten years, so get comfy, reports journalist Jen Bouchard in her article Perimenopause: The Great Hormonal Shift on page 8. Jen is a writer and editor for a large insurance company. The busy Massachusetts mom is also a popular blogger on baystateparent.com. Follow her on Twitter @bouchard308. Whether you have ten minutes or an hour, there are steps you can take to tune-out the noise of life to find inner peace, reports Amanda Collins in her article The Art of Disconnecting on page 16. Amanda, a transplant from California who now lives in Sturbridge, is a full-time reporter and freelance writer who lives with her boyfriend, Jonathan, and two one-eyed rescue cats, Sophie and Daryl. Also in this issue, Amanda reports on ways siblings can become part of the adoption process. See her article For Siblings, Involvement is Key for Adoption on page 12. Malia Jacobson is an award-winning parenting and health journalist, sleep coach, and mom to three young children. In this month’s issue, she reports on ways to introduce children to their global community. Find her article Cultural Intelligence: What’s Your Child’s Global IQ? on page 40. When she’s not writing, Malia co-organizes a parenting group, digs in her garden, and explores local hiking trails with her family. Her most recent book is Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades. Acclaimed author Heather Kempskie quickly became a favorite baystateparent.com blogger as she shared her family’s adventures swapping homes this summer with a Danish family. Her stories and photos captivated us, leaving us to imagine doing the same with our families. Read her adventures in her Life Swap blog series on baystateparent. com and find her article Our Summer in Denmark on page 44. Heather is the co-author of the award-winning Siblings Busy Book. Journalist Sue LeBreton explores the benefits of drama programs for children in her article Cue Your Child to Try Drama on page 30. Sue is a health and wellness writer. Her son started drama in preschool on the advice of his autism doctor and the experience has been a boost to his self-esteem. She said she won’t be surprised if he has his own talk show one day. A trained yoga teacher, Sue enjoys working out, nudging her family into a healthier lifestyle, reading and enjoying time with family and friends.

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and mom of two adventurous kids. The writer taps into her personal experience shopping for quality after-school activities in her article 6 Top Tips for Choosing After-School Activities on page 28. Heidi is the author of Detachment Parenting: 33 Ways to Keep Your Cool When Kids Melt Down, offering compassion, perspective and practical strategies for managing family emotions. Read more of her work and learn psychology lessons for everyday life at HeidiLuedtke.com. Keith Regan is a freelance journalist and writer from Hopkinton who is also Dad to two teenagers. Keith reports on a Boy Scouts of America pilot program that is being tested in Western Massachusetts. His article For Western Mass Boys, Scouting at a Younger Age on page 26, explains the new Lions program designed for Kindergarteners. According to the article, scout officials recognize the importance of introducing the scouting program at a time when many families are choosing extracurricular programs for their children. Award-winning journalist Trish Reske explores the importance of music for young children. Her article Music and the Young Mind on page 24 discusses programs specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Trish is a Westborough mom of four, popular local blogger, running coach and business owner. She and her husband, David, are also active in the global community, funding a school in Zambia. Read about their work in Lessons from Abroad: Caring for Our Global Community on page 42. In her piece Lessons from Abroad: Caring for Our Global Community on page 42, journalist Amanda Roberge highlights the work of Massachusetts volunteers who are helping children throughout the world. Among those featured is Dr. Mary Anne Herron of Agawam, a retired school teacher and principal who has been working with families in Cambodia since 2003. Amanda is a business Leominster mother of three daughters. In addition to her work as a writer, she is a henna artist and early childhood educator.

Whoops! Our Bad! CORRECTION: On page 28 of our August 2014 issue, we made a mistake on Isabel’s name. Her correct name is Isabel Campbell-Rodriguez.

BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 6 7

Perimenopause: WOMEN’S HEALTH

The Great Hormonal Shift BY JEN BOUCHARD

What is it? Perimenopause is the term used to describe the transitional period in a woman’s life leading up to menopause, when menstruation ends and a woman can no longer get pregnant. During perimenopause, the ovaries begin producing less estrogen, altering the estrogen-progesterone balance. This hormonal shift can cause a variety of symptoms from hot flashes to weight gain. While it may seem overwhelming at times, there are things you can do to make the transition a smooth one.

When to expect it? Most women begin experiencing symptoms of perimenopause in their early 40s, but it can begin earlier. The process can take up to ten years, so get comfy. You

may think it is over only to have a surprise period after going months without one. You have reached full menopause when you have gone a full year without menstruating.

What to expect? Symptoms of perimenopause are as varied as the women who experience them. Caused by hormonal fluctuations, symptoms vary in type, frequency and severity. Some women do not experience any symptoms, while others have pronounced symptoms like hot flashes. However, because symptoms are so unpredictable, most women don’t realize they are related to perimenopause at all. Common symptoms include: • Erratic periods • Hot flashes • Increased belly fat

• Decreased libido • Skin changes • Insomnia • Forgetfulness • Mood swings* *Well, who wouldn’t be moody with this whirlwind of symptoms? But you can blame your hormones if you are feeling grouchy, anxious, weepy or melancholy. Talk to your doctor if your mood swings are more intense than you think is normal.

What to ask your doctor? Describe all of your symptoms to your doctor to rule out any other medical issues. It’s possible that perimenopause may be disguising a more serious problem. Ask your doctor his or her opinion on the treatment options available. Make sure you get information on both

the risks and benefits if you are considering hormone replacement therapy or prescription medication. Ask for recommendations – reference material, support groups, or other professionals who can assist you, if needed.

How to prepare your body (and your mind)? 1. Meet your hormones head on. At times, perimenopause might make you feel as if you have no control over your body, but there are ways to help your body adapt to these changes. Most women can manage their symptoms through simple, healthy lifestyle changes.

One of life’s most precious, amazing moments is the birth of your baby. That’s why our hospitals provide special, personalized care. To learn more, sign up for our free Parent Care E-Letter customized for your week of pregnancy at baystatehealth.org/babymail. For a free tour of our birthing units or a referral to an obstetrician or certified nurse-midwife on staff at Baystate Medical Center or Baystate Franklin Medical Center, call 1-800-377-4325.

Baystate Medical Center | Baystate Franklin Medical Center

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Registered Dietician Nancy Dell recommends exercising daily, staying hydrated, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. She also suggests increasing your intake of calcium and vitamin D. If you live in New England you probably need a vitamin D supplement, but you may be able to get enough calcium through your diet (milk, yogurt, and spinach are good sources). Some women may find relief by increasing their intake of soy, but the studies have shown inconsistent results. Dong quai and black cohosh also have been known to relieve symptoms associated with menopause. The majority women experiencing perimenopause will not require medical intervention. But if you find your symptoms to be so extreme that they interfere with your daily life, speak to your doctor about your options. There are both hormonal and non-hormonal therapies that can help.

2. Combat belly fat. According to a study by the

International Menopause Society, the drop in estrogen that occurs as your body prepares for menopause does not cause weight gain, but it can increase belly fat. In addition to regular exercise, Dell says that you can combat your body’s fat-storing response by avoiding sugar, white flour, and saturated fats. Marcelle Pick recommends eating cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, which are high in sulfurofane, a nutrient that helps your body regulate hormone levels. She also believes that avoiding the hormone disruptors found in pesticides, household products, and cosmetics can also make a huge difference.

3. Sleep on it. The benefits of a good night’s sleep are proven for everyone. But for perimenopausal women, a sound snooze can be hard to come by. Dietary changes, exercise and stress reduction can help improve sleep quality. Notice a pattern here?

For rough nights, research has shown that valerian root can help many women sleep better. It’s not habit-forming and there are no known side effects, so it may be worth a try. Yoga, tai chi and acupressure are also known to help with both sleep and stress reduction.

4. Talk to other women. Find support with other women who are going through or have already been through this phase of life. As with all other experiences, it helps to know that you are not alone. And you’re not. But other women might be afraid to talk about it, too, so be the one to start the conversation. You won’t regret it.

ending of one’s reproductive years...” I think this is important for women to remember. This is a natural and normal phase of life. While you may mourn your former life, it is healthier for your body and your mind to accept the changes as they are happening. Life is filled with transitions. Embrace the journey. You will be ok. Remember this the next time you find yourself angry and sweating in the kitchen, without a clue why you came in there in the first place. For more information and moral support, check out these helpful and hilarious books: Is It Me or My Hormones? by Marcelle Pick The Madwoman in the Volvo by Sandra Tsing Loh Shmirshky by E

5. Go with the flow (or lack thereof).

Menopause is going to happen whether you want it to or not. Dr. Andrew Weil says perimenopause, “signals the natural and normal

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Private Schools in Western Massachusetts While we are all getting used to a new school year, private schools are already preparing for next year. Open Houses are being scheduled for families, many starting this month. If you are considering a private school for your child for

Academy Hill School 1190 Liberty St., Springfield 413-788-0300 PK-8 www.academyhill.org Aditus Inc 11 Glendale Rd., East Longmeadow 413-525-9494 9-12 www.aditus-inc.org Amherst Montessori School 27 Pomeroy Lane, Amherst 413-253-3101 PK-3 www.amherstmontessori.org Bement School Main St., Deerfield 413-774-7061 K-9 www.bement.org Berkshire 245 N. Undermountain, Sheffield 413-229-8511 9-12 www.bershireschool.org Berkshire Christian School 259 Kemble St., Lenox 413-637-2474 PK-12 www.berkshirechristianschool.com Berkshire Country Day School 55 Interlaken Rd., Stockbridge 413-637-0755 PK-12 berkshirecountryday.org Berkshire Hills Music Academy 48 Woodbridge St., South Hadley 413-540-9720 12 www.berkshirehills.org Berkshire Hills SDA School 900 Cheshire Rd., Lanesborough 413-443-7777 1-8 www.bhschool.org Blessed Sacrament 21 Westfield Rd., Holyoke 413-536-2236 PK-8 www.blessedsacramentholyoke.org 10 SEPTEMBER2014 11

Brookside School 788 South St., Pittsfield 413-528-0535 6-12 Buxton School Inc. 291 South St., Williamstown 413-458-3919 9-12 www.buxtonschool.org Calvary Baptist Christian School 413-Main St., Easthampton 413-527-6252 PK-12 Canal Village School 30 Carew St., South Hadley 413-533-1848 PK Cathedral High 260 Surrey Rd., Springfield 413-782-5285 9-12 www.cathedralhigh.org Children First 40 Pleasant St., Granby 413-467-2345 PK www.childrenfirstofgranby.org Commonwealth Academy 1 Ames Hill Dr., Springfield 413-734-3431 6-8 commonwealth-academy.org Deerfield Academy 7 Boyden Rd., Deerfield 413-772-0241 9-12 deerfield.edu Eagle Hill 242 Old Petersham Rd., Hardwick 413-477-6000 8-12 www.ehs1.org Eaglebrook 271 Pine Nook Rd., Deerfield 413-774-7411 6-9 www.eaglebrook.org

the 2015-16 school visit the school websites and call to schedule a campus visit. Here, we have a list of private schools in Western Mass as listed with the Massachusetts Department of Education.

Faith Baptist Christian Academy 251 Shearer St., Palmer 413-283-7560 PK-12 www.faithbaptistchurchpalmer.com First Lutheran 1810 Northampton St., Holyoke 413-532-4272 PK-8 Full Circle Parmenter Rd., Bernardston 413-648-9468 PK-6 www.fullcircleschool.org Open House: Nov. 12, Jan. 23, March 27, 7:30 p.m. Great Barrington Waldorf High School P.O. Box 905, Great Barrington 413-298-3800 9-12 waldorfhigh.org The Center School 71 Montague City Rd., Greenfield 413-773-1700 K-9 centerschool.net Hartsbrook School 193 Bay Rd., Hadley 413-586-1908 PK-12 www.hartsbrook.org Heritage Academy 594 Converse St., Longmeadow 413-567-1517 K-8 www.heritageacademy.org Holyoke Catholic High School 134 Springfield St., Chicopee 413-331-2480 9-12 www.gaels.org John Dewey Academy 389 Main St., Great Barrington 413-528-9800 10-12 www.jda.org Lander Grinspoon Academy 257 Prospect St., Northampton 413-584-6622 K-6 www.lgaschechter.org

Linden Hill 154 South Mountain Rd., Northfield 413-498-2906 4-9 www.lindenhill.org Open House: Jan. 24, 2015, 9 a.m. to noon Longmeadow Montessori Internationale 777 Longmeadow, Longmeadow 413-567-1820 K www.longmeadowmontessori Open House: Jan. 24, 9-12 See our ad on page 27. Mater Dolorosa 25 Maple St., Holyoke 413-532-2831 PK-8 www.materdolorosaschool.org Open House: Oct. 13, 9:45 a.m. Miss Hall’s 4 92 Holmes Rd., Pittsfield 413-443-6401 9-12 www.misshalls.org Montessori Children’s 118 Riverdale St., West Springfield 413-739-2688 PK-4 montessoriwestspringfield.com Montessori Children’s Corner 215 Somers Rd., East Longmeadow 413-525-8305 PK-K Montessori School of Northampton 51 Bates St., Northampton 413-586-4538 PK-5 www.northamptonmontessori.org Mt. Greylock Christian Academy 35 Notch Rd., North Adams 413-662-2107 K-12 Open House: Oct. 25, Nov. 15, Dec. 13, Registration 9 to 9:30 a.m. Northfield Mt. Hermon 1 Lamplighter Way, Mount Hernon 413-498-3233 9-12 www.nmhschool.org

Orchard Children’s Corner 451 Main St., Indian Orchard 413-543-9033 PK Pine Cobble 163 Gale Rd., Williamstown 413-458-4680 PK-9 www.pinecobble.org Pioneer Valley Christian 965 Plumtree Rd., Springfield 413-782-8031 PK-12 www.pvcs.org Pioneer Valley Montessori 1524 Parker, Springfield 413-782-3108 PK-6 www.pvms.org RHC Community Education Center P.O. Box 5, Worthington 413-23805856 PK-6 www.conwellcec.org Riverside Industries 1 Cottage St., Easthampton 413-527-2711 12 www.rsi.org Open House: Sept. 9, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Rudolph Steiner 35 West Plain Rd., Great Barrington 413-528-4015 PK-8 gbrss.org Saint Mary’s Academy 56 Hopkins Place, Longmeadow 413-567-0907 PK-8 stmaryslongmeadow.org School to Farm Program 893 West St., Amherst 413-559-5670 11 Sinai Academy/Berkshires 199 South St., Pittsfield 413-499-4167 PK-5

Smith College Campus Gill Hall, Northampton 413-585-3270 K-6 www.smith.edu/sccs/

St. Mary 60 South St., Ware 413-967-9936 PK-6 St. Mary’s Parish School 35 Bartlett St., Westfield 413-568-2388 PK-8 www.stmaryhs.com

St. Joan of Arc 587 Grattan St., Chicopee 413-533-1475 PK-8 www.stjoan-stgeorge.org St. John the Baptist 217 Hubbard St., Ludlow 413-583-8550 PK-8 www.sjbludlow.org Open House: Sept. 18

St. Mary High 27 Bartlett St., Westfield 413-568-5692 9-12 www.st.maryhs.com Open House for prospective 9th graders is on October 28th at 6:00pm. See our ad on page 45. St. Stanislaus 534 Front St., Chicopee 413-592-5135 PK-8 www.st.stanislaus.mec.edu

St. Joseph Central High 22 Maplewood Ave., Pittsfield 413-447-9121 9-12 stjosephpittsfield.org St. Mark School 400 Colombus Ave., Pittsfield 413-442-6040 PK-8 www.stmark-school.com

St. Stanislaus Kostka 108 Summer St., Adams 413-743-1091 PK-8 diospringfield.org/SUBDOMAIN/ ststansadmas/

St. Mary’s School 115 Orchard St., Lee 413-243-1079 PK-8 www.stmaryslee.org

St. Thomas The Apostle School 75 Pine St., West Springfield 413-739-4131 PK-8 www.teacherweb.com/MA/ StThomasTheApostleSchool/ SchoolHomePage/sdhp1.aspx St. Agnes Academy 30 Carson Ave., Dalton 413-684-3143 PK-8 www.stagnescc.com St. Michael’s Academy — Elementary & Middle 153 Eddywood St., Springfield 413-782-5246 PK-5, 6-8 www.smaspringfield.org Open House: Oct. 30 (Gr. 6-8) 6-7pm., Nov. 13 (Pre-K -K) 5:30-6:30 pm., Jan. 25 (All Grades) 1-3pm. St. Thomas Aquinas School P.O. Box 323, West Warren 413-436-7327 K-3 Stoneleigh Burnham 574 Bernardston Rd., Greenfield 413-774-2711 7-12, www.sbschool.org

Stonybrook Children’s Center 27 Morgan St., South Hadley 413-533-9819 PK child-care-preschool.brighthorizons. com The Academy at Charlemont The Mohawk Trail, Charlemont 413-339-4912 7-12 www.charlemont.org The Common School 521 South Pleasant St., Amherst 413-256-8989 PK-5 www.commonschool.org The Macduffie School 66 School St., Granby 413-467-1601 6-12 macduffie.org The Montessori School of The Berkshires P.O. Box 422, Lenox Dale 413-637-3662 PK-8 www.berkshiremontessori.org

TAKE

Warren SDA School 1570 Southbridge Rd., West Brookfield 413-436-9245 K-8 www.warrensdaschool.org Open House: Oct. 16, 4 to 7 pm. The White Oak School 533 N. Rd.,Montgomery 413-562-9500 4-12 whiteoakschool.org Open House: Thurs., Oct. 16, 4-7pm. Wilbraham & Monson Academy 423 Main St., Wilbraham 413-596-6811 6-12 www.wma.us Williston Northampton 19 Payson Ave., Easthampton 413-529-3223 7-12 www.williston.com Yeshiva Academy 1148 Converse, Longmeadow 413-567-8665 PK-8 www.lya.org

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Far left: Mimi’s referral photo from an adoption agency in Ethiopia. Second from left: Mimi (20-months-old) with her sister Ashley (4) on her first night at home. Far right: Mimi playing dress up with accessories from her big sister’s trunk.

For Siblings, Involvement is Key for Adoption BY AMANDA COLLINS

ears ago, as the Zeccas were building their new home in Westfield, the family of four captured the excitement of the process by snapping a photograph of themselves next to the foundation. Lined up in front of the what would soon become their home, Robin and her husband Gerry stood with their young daughter, Ashley. In her tiny hands, Ashley held up a photo of her sister, Mimi, an orphaned Ethiopian girl she hadn’t yet met. “Everyone was included,” said Robin Zecca, whose biological daughter was four years old when the family adopted 20-month-old Mimi. “I think that’s part of what made the process so successful for us. We kept Ashley in the loop from day one. She was involved in everything from decorating Mimi’s

room to picking out what we would bring to the airport. We didn’t want it to be some sort of secret, we wanted her to embrace it.” Social workers in the adoption field agree that open communication is key when families are adopting, especially when it comes to siblings. While adding a child to a family is always an exciting occasion, it’s also a life-changing event. Adoption professionals say it’s important to prepare children for the arrival of a new sibling by being open and honest about the process. To start out with, to-be siblings should get a basic, age-appropriate explanation of adoption and what the process entails. Parents should give them a general timeline for the adoption but should also prepare them for the potential of hiccups and holdups along the way. Red tape

SEPTEMBER’S CHILD WILLIAM Thirteen-year-old William is a sensitive, compassionate boy of African American and Caucasian descent who has a smile that can

12 SEPTEMBER2014 13

and procedural delays might be hard for younger children to understand, so parents should be sure to explain things in terms they can grasp. Karen Cheyney, JD, LSWA, the program director at Robert F. Kennedy’s Children Action Corps, Bright Futures Adoption Center, suggests using very simple terms when talking to younger children. “Such as, ‘we don’t expect that our new child will arrive until you turn six, or until after Christmas.’ Something that helps the child know it is a long way away,” she said. The Nartowt family, of Millbury, dealt with delays when adopting their daughter, Brianna, from Russia when she was four years old. Mom Barbara Nartowt said keeping her two sons, Bryan and Brad, who were 10 and 12 at the time, abreast of the changing timeline eased

light up a room. He is good with animals and is imaginative as well as creative. William is a fan of trains and fancy cars. William needs continued support around academic, emotional and social delays. He is smart and has the capacity to do well academically and overcome other challenges, especially once he has stability in his life. William needs a nurturing parent who is able to set firm limits and provide clear expectations. He

is legally free for adoption. For more information about Will, or the adoption process in general, please contact Department of Children and Families Adoption Supervisor Grace Kirby-Steionau at 508-929-2033. The DCF Adoption Office in Worcester holds monthly informational meetings about the adoption process. Please call 508929-2143 for specific information about the next meeting.

their anxiety and increased the anticipation. “They were excited, waiting, thinking ‘when is this going to happen, when is she going to come,’” said Nartowt. “There was that sense of anticipation. I’ll never forget Bryan’s face when he first saw her – he thought she was the greatest thing.” “If they have been included in the process from the beginning, they will feel a sense of connection to their new sibling,” said Dale Eldridge, adoptive parent services coordinator at Framingham-based Adoption Choices. “Ultimately, that connection reduces sibling rivalry or jealousy.” Here are some takeaway tips for families on ways to include their children in the adoption process:

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Include them early on Children can be involved in the adoption very early on in the process. One of the first steps on the journey will be creating your family’s online or paper profile, which children can help with. What do they think is noteworthy about your family? What is important to them to include? This will have them invested from the very beginning.

Look for age-appropriate books to keep things on their level. “It is very important for parents to read children’s books about adoption to their child and always maintain a positive message about it. Be sure to communicate clearly that it is fine to ask questions,” said Eldridge. “There are many wonderful children’s books about adoption to draw from.”

Read together

Teach them about different cultures

Taking some time to read to your children about adoption helps promote open communication.

If you’re adopting internationally, take some time to teach your child about their new sibling’s

background. Before Mimi arrived, Zecca and her husband taught Ashley about her sister’s native country and culture. She sampled Ethiopian food, listened to the country’s music, and learned about their holidays. Similarly, to prepare their children for Brianna’s arrival from Russia, the Nartowts taught their sons a few basic Russian words so that they would be able to communicate with her immediately.

Make something Before adopting Brianna, the Nartowt family worked together to make a book for her that included all of their pictures, providing an opportunity for the boys to welcome their new sister in their

own way. Children can also make their adopted sibling a small gift, or pick out one of their toys to “give” them when they arrive, suggested Cheyney.

Give them a task Actively participating in an aspect of welcoming the new child home can help kids feel more invested in the idea of having a new sibling. Professionals suggest giving them a role in process of preparing for the arrival of the adopted child. They can be enlisted to help pick out furniture, paint a room, decide on decorations and buy clothes.

Circle of Friends Tuesday, September 2 — Western Region Adoption Info Meeting. DCF, Western Regional Office, 140 High St., 5th floor, Springfield. 4 to 5:30 p.m. Learn how you can change the life of a child in need by becoming a foster parent. Presented by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Registration not required. 413-452-3351. www.mass.gov. Thursday, September 4 — Webinar: Tired of Timeouts: Discipline, Attachment and the Adopted Child. 8 p.m., Q&A at 9 p.m. Traditional discipline methods can be ineffective and even potentially damaging for adopted children, children to have experienced loss. Discipline needs to correct behavior while focusing on keeping a strong connection with your child. www. adoptionlearningpartners.org. Wednesday, September 10 — Webinar: China Orphanage Partnership Program. Wide Horizons for Children has partnered with two orphanages in China and this Meet the Children webinar will introduce children available for adoption. www.whfc.org/events.html.

Thursday, September 18 — Webinar: Adoption Information Meeting. 8 p.m. Adoption professionals will introduce the adoption process. www.whfc.org/events.

and pre-adoptive families when the DCF offices are closed. The helpline is available 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weekdays and 24-hours on weekends and holidays. The number is 800-486-3730.

Ongoing — Child & Family Services, 28 North Maple St., #4, Florence. Support services for adoptive families. 413-320-4680. 1-800-972-2734. child-familyservices.org/florence/.

Ongoing — The Heart Gallery is an exhibit of portraits of children in the state’s foster care system in need of adoption. The display can

currently be found at Greenfield Savings Bank, 6 University Dr., Amherst. If your group or organization is holding an adoption information or support group, and you would like to have information posted for readers of baystateparent, please email editor@baystateparent.com.

Ongoing — Child & Family Services, 21 Cedar St., Worcester. 508-753-5425. 1-800-972-2734. child-familyservices.org/ worcester/. Ongoing — Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP) Trainings. Western Regional DCF Office, 140 Main St., 4th Floor, Springfield. Tuesdays, 6 to 9 p.m. Support for foster and adoptive parents. No fee. Registration required. 413-452-3350. www.mass.gov. Ongoing — The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children offers an after-hours telephone helpline that provides emergency assistance to foster kinship

BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 12 13

our september favorites fa sunday

monday

1 {Fact} 7

{WIN}

tuesday

The ocarina is a flute-like wind instrument with an enchanting, melodic sound and roots in ancient world cultures. With its soothing sounds, this easy-to-play ocarina is from STL Ocarina and retails from $27.49 to $65. Find information on this giveaway today on baystateparent.com.

14 SEPTEMBER2014 15

Your little one can go places with this Go Kart from B Kids! It can also be used as a rolling suitcase with its extended handle and lockable compartment. Retails for $49.99. Find out how to win this giveaway by visiting baystateparent.com today.

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22 22{Fact} 23

Acc Cen the U marr

The National Association of School Psychologists recommends that, at least until your child is in middle school, you set a regular homework session together to discuss assignments, estimate the time to finish work, and make sure your child has necessary materials.

Autumn officially begins today at 10:29 p.m.

29 {WIN}

Stop or pay. When a school bus is stopped with its red flashers blinking, drivers must come to a complete stop before reaching the bus. The fine for violating this law in Massachusetts is a minimum of $250 for the first violation (malegislature.gov).

{Tip}

21{WIN}

wednesday

Designed for kids ages 3 to 7, Little Scholar is the only tablet that comes loaded with 200+ apps, books, songs and videos (a $390 value). It is created with an 8-inch screen and runs on Google Android operating system. Retails for $149.99 to $199.99. Visit baystateparent.com today to find out how to win this tablet.

Acc gov 370 Mas

es facts, finds and freebies

thursday

4 {WIN}

friday

OPPOS is a fashion find that enables girls to mix and match a range of prints and colors by zipping together legs to make leggings. Today’s giveaway includes three interchangeable leggings to mix and match as well as a shirt and headband, all in size girls M. Visit baystateparent.com today to find out how you can win this set.

According to the US Census Bureau, 85% of the US population will marry at least once.

19 19

{WIN}

e re als.

{Fact}

According to Mass. gov, there are about 370 apple farms in Massachusetts.

My Very Own Desk & Easel features a storage area under the desktop that can be used for paper, pencils and other supplies. The desktop, with its handy clip to hold paper securely, converts to an easel! For ages 2+. Retails for $20 to $25. Details on this giveaway appear today on baystateparent.com.

★

MAGICAL Moments

Become ★

13 {WIN}

11{Fact} 18

saturday

TrendiY Art is a collection of DIY activity kits inspired by the latest designer creations. This giveaway includes kits to create your own Chain Jewelry and Beaded Chains. Recommended for ages 8 to 16. Each kit retails for $14.99. Get details on this giveaway today on baystateparent.com.

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

MAGICAL Memories

Professional Children’s Entertainer available for birthday parties, elementary schools, preschools, libraries, recreation departments and more! Comedy Magic Balloon Sculpting Face Painting Flea Circus

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“We have never seen Jacob laugh so hard. Thank you for making Jacob’s party so special.” - Sandie and James Evans

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413-584-7675 edpop.com balloonpop@comcast.net BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 14 15

MOM MATTERS

The art of Disconnecting BY AMANDA COLLINS

much as every mom loves the time she spends with her children, any one will tell you there’s something to be cherished about that rare kid-free moment. No wiping a face or taming a tantrum. No fixing a lunch, nagging a teenager or searching for that one stray sock. In the demanding life of a mom who does it all, those little moments spent all alone add up to some truly sacred seconds of peace. But in the digital era we live in, many moms are losing that rare interruption-free time to other distractions. When a child isn’t attached to our hip, a cell phone probably is. When the little ones are at school, there’s still the Internet, the emails, the satellite radio at home. And even after everyone’s been tucked in for the night, iPads and laptops are at our bedsides. Even when we get a little time to ourselves, we’re probably not actually truly alone. “Alone time is a disappearing art form,” said Dr. Allan Hughes, a Millbury-based chiropractor who teaches and practices meditation. “We’re so preoccupied, so pulled by all of these attractions that we become hyper-stimulated. They entice our minds because everything is instantaneous. But there is an exhaustion factor that’s associated with all of that.” Between smartphones and iPods, Nooks and notebooks, we’re so constantly connected that even if we have time to zone out, we’re usually tuned in. Hughes said that just as important as Mom’s “me time” 16 SEPTEMBER2014

away from the kids, so is “me time” away from technology. Choosing distraction over downtime doesn’t allow us fully rejuvenate and refresh ourselves the way real alone time does. If we think of our minds and bodies as personal accounts, life will take several withdrawals a day, explained Hughes. “Taking some quiet alone time, away from everything, is a way to make a deposit back into that account – to refill our reservoir,” he said. There are health benefits to turning it all off, too. Spending just 15 minutes by yourself in quiet reflection will help with fatigue, can reduce blood pressure, and help circulatory disorders. Spending a few minutes meditating, or focusing inward, can help you to combat stress, relieve chronic pain and even slow the aging the process. So if you feel in need of a little rejuvenation, turn it all off for a while. Sometimes, the best way to reconnect with yourself is to disconnect from everything else.

Ways to “Turn Off” If you have 20 minutes: Try meditation You don’t need anything special, just a few minutes and a chair or a pile of cushions on the floor in a quiet area of your home, where you can be free from children, pets

and electronics. Close your eyes, focus your attention inward and pay attention to your breath. If your mind wanders (and it will), just slowly bring your awareness back to your breathing. “Most of us have so many demands at once, and simple meditation can be a very effective tool to help your mind focus on one thing,” said Hughes. “Taking some time focused inwardly, instead of outward, is a gain that can apply to home, work and other activities.”

Write a letter When is the last time you penned a handwritten note? The digital age has replaced well-crafted letters on stationary with abbreviated texts and instant messages. Turn off all distractions and take some time to reconnect to an old friend or tell a family member how much you love them. Time to complete entire thoughts and express yourself in more than a few characters is a disappearing art. Sit down, get a paper and pen, and see what comes out.

If you have an hour: Take a hike Leave the cell phone at home and take some time to mosey around outside. Discover a new corner of your neighborhood or try out a hidden wooded trail. Being all alone will allow you to go at your own pace and have some time for selfreflection.

Cook something decadent Moms spend time in the kitchen catering to the finicky palate of a kid. When was last time you whipped up your favorite meal, or took the time to make yourself a little treat? Maybe dig through your grandmother’s old recipe book or try to remember how to make your mom’s famous cookies from the top of your head. It might be tempting to look online for a recipe, but don’t. Just focus on the task at hand and pay attention to how relaxing time in the kitchen can be when you’re cooking just for you.

If you have an afternoon: Take a class Always wanted to try pottery or are you dying to get back to yoga class? Do something that allows you to be free from all distractions and just zone out. Relax and allow yourself to re-center as you take some time away from it all.

Go on the perfect date Do something you would normally do with a partner or friend all by yourself. Sit and have coffee at a trendy cafe or dine at a five-star restaurant. But don’t bring your laptop or cell phone for distraction – just enjoy an afternoon in the company of yourself.

Courtesy of EcoTarium

OUT& ABOUT

The Appleseed Country Fair takes place in Phillipston on Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7.

On Saturday, September 6, Old Sturbridge Village presents Drummer’s Call, showcasing area fife and drum bands.

Courtesy of MASS MoCA

Courtesy of Old Sturbridge Village

Courtesy of Appleseed Country Fair

Siegrfried, the EcoTarium’s resident stegosaurus, is one of many attractions to enjoy at Preschool & Toddler Wednesdays (see listing under Wednesday, September 24).

The Fresh Grass Bluegrass Festival runs September 19 through 21 at MASS MoCA in North Adams. BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 17

OUT&ABOUT 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…

4 Thursday Franklin County Fair 2014. 89 Wisdom Way, Greenfield. Thursday through Sunday, September 4 to 7. Live entertainment, demolition derby, parade, midway, draft horse show, agricultural competitions and exhibits, fair museum, kids area. $9 for adults, $6 seniors, $7 children ages 9 to 17, free for children under 8. fcas.com.

Courtesy of The Big E

New Parents Support Group. Baystate Health, Greenwood Center, 231 Maple Rd., Longmeadow. Thursdays, 10 a.m. Designed for new parents and babies up to one year, the group is open to all moms. Free. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.org.

The Big E, America’s only six-state fair, takes place September 12 through 28 on the grounds of Eastern State Exposition in West Springfield.

1 Monday

2 Tuesday

Blandford Fair 2014. 10 North St., Blandford. Friday to Monday, August 29 to September 1. Animals, stage shows, artisans, exhibits, midway/rides, demolition derby, fiddle contest. $10 for adults, $5 seniors and children ages 6 to 12. theblandfordfair.com.

Brimfield Antique and Flea Market Shows. Route 20, Brimfield. Tuesday through Sunday, September 2 to 7. Known as the largest seasonal, outdoor event of its kind in North America. brimfieldexchange.com.

118th Fall Old Home Day Weekend Celebration. Town Common, Charlton. Saturday through Monday, August 30 to September 1. Entertainment, craft fair, art show, flower show, car show, contests, food, soap box derby, road race, parade. Free. townofcharlton.net.

New Parents Support Group. Baystate Health Education Center, 361 Whitney Ave., Holyoke. Tuesdays, 5 p.m. Designed for new parents and babies up to one year, the group is open to all moms. Free. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.org.

Labor Day Family Fun Days. Wachusett Mountain, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton. Noon to 4 p.m. Family activities, moonbounces, music, food. wachusett.com.

3 Wednesday

Three County Fair. 41 Fair St., Northampton. Friday through Monday, August 29 to September 1, 11 a.m. Agricultural fair also features rides. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and vets, free for children 11 and under. threecountyfair.com.

Breastfeeding Support Group. Heywood Hospital, Medical Arts Building Conference Room, 242 Green St., Gardner. First Wednesday of the month, 10 to 11 a.m. Local mothers who meet to exchange breastfeeding information, support and encouragement in an informal setting. Free. 978-630-6216. heywood.org.

Spencer Fair. Spencer Fairgrounds, 48 Smithville Rd., Spencer. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Traditional agricultural exhibits, Great Pumpkin Contest, demolition derby, truck and tractor pulls, pig races, stage shows, food, games. 508-885-5814. Admission $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and kids. Free parking. appleseed.org.

Evening at the Beaver Ponds. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Rd., Lenox. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Appropriate for ages 3 and up. Search for beavers and other kinds of wildlife that are attracted by the series of ponds that the beavers have created. Adult $7, child $4. massaudubon.org.

18 SEPTEMBER2014 19

5 Friday WeeMuse Adventures. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Fridays, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Program designed for children ages 18 months to 3 years includes songs, stories, scavenger hunts and playtime based on a weekly theme. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Sibling Preparation Class. Baystate Health, Wesson Women and Infants’ Unit, North Administrative Conference Room, 759 Chestnut St., Springfield. 6 to 7 p.m. For ages 8 to 12, this class prepares children for the arrival of a new brother or sister. $15. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.org.

6 Saturday Infant/Child Safety and CPR Class. Heywood Hospital, LaChance Maternity Center, 242 Green St., Gardner. 9 a.m. to noon. Recommended for parents, grandparents and anyone caring for an infant or toddler, this program teaches how to prevent injuries, basic safety, and the proper procedure for assisting an infant or child who is choking or unconscious. $40 per couple, $30 for individual. Registration required. heywood.org. Appleseed Country Fair. Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Ave., Phillipston. Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7. Country fair, hayride, tractor pull competition, live music, food, local brewers, vendors, artisans. Free. 978-534-2302. appleseed.org. Art Lab. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. A museum educator will guide a hands-on art experience for you and your child. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. Register at 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Caterpillar Chat. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 2 to 3 p.m. Take a close look at caterpillars.

Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Chow Time. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Saturdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m. Join museum staff in the aquarium for an interactive look at what it takes to feed the reptiles and fish. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market. First Street parking lot, across from The Common, Pittsfield. Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 25. Local produce, music, dance, performance, demonstrations. Free. farmersmarketpittsfield.org. Sibling Preparation Class. Baystate Health, Wesson Women and Infants’ Unit, North Administrative Conference Room, 759 Chestnut St., Springfield. 9 to 10 a.m. For ages 3 to 4, this class prepares children for the arrival of a new brother or sister. $15. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.org. Drummers’ Call. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Showcasing many of New England’s premier fife and drum bands. Admission $24 for adults, $22 for seniors. 800-733-1830. osv.org.

7 Sunday 17th Annual MusicFest. Wachusett Mountain, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton. Noon to 6 p.m. Music, food, brews. $30 adults, $7 children 6 to 12. wachusett.com. Hawk Watching for Families. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Suitable for families with children ages 6 and up, this program includes a hike to the summit of Brown Hill to scout for hawks and other wildlife of autumn. $8 for adult, $4 for child. massaudubon.org. Helping Wildlife: Monarch Butterflies. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. 1 to 3 p.m. Suitable for all ages, this program introduces the tagging and migration of eastern monarch butterflies. $8 adult, $4 child. massaudubon.org. Marvelous Multiples. Bay State Health, Wesson Building, 759 Chestnut St., Springfield. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Taught by an experienced nurse and mother of twins, this class talks about the special challenges faced by parents of twins and triplets during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. $75. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.org.

OUT&ABOUT

Substance Abuse Family Support Group. Heywood Hospital, Volney-Howe Conference Room, 242 Green St., Gardner. 7 to 8 p.m. If you have a teenager or young adult in your family who is struggling with addiction, you are invited to attend a confidential meeting to share your experiences and connect with others whose lives have been similarly affected. 978-630-6377. heywood.org. New Parents Support Group. Baystate Health Education Center, 361 Whitney Ave., Holyoke. Tuesdays, 5 p.m. Designed for new parents and babies up to one year, the group is open to all moms. Free. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.org.

10 Wednesday Garden Discovery Program for Ages 3 to 5. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 10 to 11 a.m. Activity, story time, exploration in the garden. Museum admission fees apply: $12 for adults, $9 seniors, $7 children 6 to 18, free for children under 6. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org. WeeMuse STEM Program. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 11 to 11:30 a.m. Appropriate for ages 2 to 4, this program includes books, hands-on activities and play. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Baby Magic. Baystate Health, Wesson Building, 759 Chestnut St., Springfield. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This class will cover realistic expectations of your new life together with a new baby for the first birth. $35 per couple. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.org.

11 Thursday New Parents Support Group. Baystate Health, Greenwood Center, 231 Maple Rd., Longmeadow. Thursdays, 10 a.m. Designed for new parents and babies up to one year, the group is open to all moms. Free. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.org. Nature Adventures for 5 to 7 Year Olds. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 1 to 3 p.m. Hands-on nature program includes crafts, activities, and outdoor exploration. $12 per child. Registration required. 508-753-6087. massaudubon.org.

12 Friday WeeMuse Adventures. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Fridays, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Program designed for children ages 18 months to 3 years includes songs, stories, scavenger hunts and playtime based on a weekly

theme. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org.

Rambling Folks Footwear. Photo courtesy of Old Deerfield Fall Art & Craft Festival

9 Tuesday

Preschool Story Hour on Squirrels. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Crafts, book, walk. Free for adults, $3 per child. Registration required. 978-464-2712. massaudubon.org. Cesarean Birth Class. Bay State Health, Wesson Building, 759 Chestnut St., Springfield. Two-and-a-half hour evening session. This class will prepare couples who expect a scheduled Cesarean birth for the physical and emotional aspects of a Cesarean delivery. $25. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.org. The Big E. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. September 12 through 28. The largest fair in the northeast includes entertainment, exhibits, rides, shopping, crafts, parades, food. $12 for adults, $8 for children 6 to 12. thebige.com.

13 Saturday North Adams Farmers Market. St. Anthony Municipal Parking Lot, Marshal St. and St. Anthony Dr., North Adams. Saturdays through October 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fresh produce, baked goods, eggs, flowers, music, entertainment. 413-664-6180. explorenorthadams.com. Butterflies Film Series: Butterflies and Bulldozers. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This film deals with the global dilemma of economic growth versus species preservation. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market. First Street parking lot, across from The Common, Pittsfield. Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 25. Local produce, music, dance, performance, demonstrations. Free. farmersmarketpittsfield.org. Chow Time. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Saturdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m. Join museum staff in the aquarium for an interactive look at what it takes to feed the reptiles and fish. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Winged Art. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 2 to 3 p.m. Create a butterfly-inspired work of art. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Art Walk. Downtown Shelburne Falls. 4 to 8 p.m. Artists, music, projects. shelburnefalls.com.

Nearly 180 juried exhibitors from 14 states will be featured September 20 and 21 at the Old Deerfield Fall Art & Craft Festival.

WWE Live. MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. See WWE Superstars live, including WWE world Heavyweight Champion John Cena. Tickets $18 to $98. 800-745-3000. massmutualcenter.com. Agricultural Exhibition. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Old-fashioned agricultural exhibition complete with demonstrations of early New England farm equipment, period craftsmen, and displays of Village-grown heirloom vegetables, herbs and flowers, as well as heritage breed farm animals. Admission $24 for adults, $22 for seniors. 800-733-1830. osv.org.

14 Sunday Beavers. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Rd., Easthampton. 10 a.m. to noon. Suitable for ages 4 and up. Learn about the beaver through both activities and a hike in search of beavers and beaver habitat. $7 per person. Registration required. 413-584-3009. massaudubon.org. Berkshire Food Festival. Downtown North Adams. Noon to 4 p.m. A food event featuring close to 20 restaurants, music. 413-664-6180. explorenorthadams.com.

15 Monday Burbank Campus Farmers Market. Health Alliance Hospital, Burbank Campus, 275 Nichols Rd., Fitchburg. Mondays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 27.

16 Tuesday New Parents Support Group. Baystate Health Education Center, 361 Whitney Ave., Holyoke. Tuesdays, 5 p.m. Designed for new parents and babies up to one year, the group is open to all moms. Free. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.org.

17 Wednesday Keeping Baby Safe Class. Bay State Health, 361 Whitney Ave., 1st Floor, BRL Conference Room, Holyoke. 6 to 9 p.m. This class teaches basic life support, infant CPR, first aid for choking, poison prevention, baby-proofing, car seat safety. $35 per couple. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.org. Evening at the Beaver Ponds. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Rd., Lenox. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Appropriate for ages 3 and up. Search for beavers and other kinds of wildlife that are attracted by the series of ponds that the beavers have created. Adult $7, child $4. massaudubon.org. From Caterpillar to Butterfly. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 10 to 11 a.m. Suitable for children ages 3 to 5, the program includes an activity and outdoor walk. Adult free, child $4. Registration is required. 508-753-6087. massaudubon.org.

18 Thursday New Parents Support Group. Baystate Health, Greenwood Center, 231 Maple Rd., BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 18 19

OUT&ABOUT

This summer, set your child off on the

path to success!

Longmeadow. Thursdays, 10 a.m. Designed for new parents and babies up to one year, the group is open to all moms. Free. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.org. Pittsfield’s Third Thursday. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is free for Berkshire County residents. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org.

19 Friday Belchertown Fair 2014. Town Common, Main St., Belchertown. September 19 to 21. Rides, pumpkin parade, animals, kids’ tent. Free. belchertownfair.com. Parents of Toddlers Support Group. Greenwood Center, 231 Maple Rd., Longmeadow. Fridays, 10 a.m. This group meets in a fun, child-friendly environment and is open to all parents of toddlers who are interested in discussing potty training, setting limits, temper tantrums, new sibling adjustment. Free. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.org. WeeMuse Adventures. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Fridays, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Program designed for children ages 18 months to 3 years includes songs, stories, scavenger hunts and playtime based on a weekly theme. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org.

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Meet our team and talk with parents who have found success for their child, at our open house on Saturday, September 20, 12-2pm. Call 413-737-5439 to RSVP. 20 SEPTEMBER2014 21

Fresh Grass Bluegrass Festival. MASS MoCA, 1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams. September 19 through 21. Music, food, films, banjo workshops, instrument making for kids. Ticket prices vary. massmoca.org.

20 Saturday Old Deerfield Fall Art & Craft Festival. 10 Memorial St., Deerfield. Saturday and Sunday, September 20 and 21. Nearly 180 juried exhibitors from 14 states will display and sell crafts of all media. $7 for adults, $1 for children under 12. deerfiled-craft.org. Fall Migrants: Hawks, Monarchs, and More. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Rd., Easthampton. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Take a hike at Laughing Brook searching fro fall migrants, enjoying the autumn day and learning about migration. Suitable for ages 3 and up. $7 per person. Registration is required. 413-584-3009. massaudubon.org. First Child in the Woods/Caregiver and Infant/Toddler Walk. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Rd., Easthampton. 10 to 11 a.m. Meet other parents and caregivers while getting exercise and learning about the natural world. Suitable for families with children up to 5 years old. Adult $7, child free. Registration is required. 413-584-3009. massaudubon.org.

Migration. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Rd., Easthampton. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Learn about migrators, do activities, then walk the trails of Laughing Brook in search of migrators. Suitable for families with children ages 4 and up. $7 per person. Registration is required. 413-584-3009. massaudubon.org. Healthy Harvest 5K. Heywood Hospital, 242 Green St., Gardner. 8:30 to 11 a.m. 3.1 mile family-friendly race is targeted to all fitness levels and has options for youth and younger children. $25. heywood.org. Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market. First Street parking lot, across from The Common, Pittsfield. Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 25. Local produce, music, dance, performance, demonstrations. Free. farmersmarketpittsfield.org. Chow Time. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Saturdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m. Join museum staff in the aquarium for an interactive look at what it takes to feed the reptiles and fish. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Caterpillar Chat. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 2 to 3 p.m. Take a close look at caterpillars. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Life Story of the Black Swallowtail Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. 45-minute film explains every stage of the butterfly’s life cycle. Appropriate for all ages. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Pollinator Garden Program. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Slide show and lecture demonstrating how to create a welcoming haven for bees, birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. 24th Annual KidsFest. Wachusett Mountain, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton. Saturday and Sunday, September 20 and 21. Music, food, games, performances, characters, SkyRide. wachusett.com. 5K Road Race & Family Festival Arts & Crafts and Vendor Fair. Beaver Brook Park, Worcester. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Includes Kidsfest at BridgeFest with a magician, bouncy house, balloons, hair braiding, face painting, batting cages, games & activities. 508-755-0333. thebridgecm.org. From Caterpillar to Butterfly. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary,

OUT&ABOUT

Sibling Class. Heywood Hospital, 242 Green St., Gardner. 1 to 2:30 p.m. This class is intended to prepare children for the arrival of a new brother or sister. $15. Registration is required. heywood.org. Boot Camp for Dads. Bay State Health, Wesson Building, 759 Chestnut St., Springfield. 1 to 4 p.m. This class for expectant fathers covers such topics as forming a new family, the changing role of fathers and how to meet the needs of the new mom. $20. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.org. stART on the Street. Park Ave., Worcester. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Rain date is September 28. Vendors, performers, food, activities. Free. 774-633-1207. startonthestreet.org.

22 Monday Westside Chandler Street Farmers Market. 306 Chandler St., Beaver Brook Park Parking Lot, Worcester. Mondays 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October 27. recworcester.org.

23 Tuesday Substance Abuse Family Support Group. Heywood Hospital, Volney-Howe Conference Room, 242 Green St., Gardner. 7 to 8 p.m. If you have a teenager or young adult in your family who is struggling with addiction, you are invited to attend a confidential meeting to share your experiences and connect with others whose lives have been similarly affected. 978-630-6377. heywood.org. New Parents Support Group. Baystate Health Education Center, 361 Whitney Ave., Holyoke. Tuesdays, 5 p.m. Designed for new parents and babies up to one year, the group is open to all moms. Free. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.org.

24 Wednesday

The Wiggles: Ready, Steady, Wiggle! The Hanover Theatre, Two Southbridge St., Worcester. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dance and sing with popular children’s group. Tickets are $29.50 to $39.50. 877-571-SHOW. thehanovertheatre.org.

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25 Thursday New Parents Support Group. Baystate Health, Greenwood Center, 231 Maple Rd., Longmeadow. Thursdays, 10 a.m. Designed for new parents and babies up to one year, the group is open to all moms. Free. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.org.

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DownStreet Art. Downtown North Adams. DownStreet Art galleries and the venues stay open late along with stores, restaurants and businesses. downstreetart.org.

26 Friday WeeMuse Adventures. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Fridays, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Program designed for children ages 18 months to 3 years includes songs, stories, scavenger hunts and playtime based on a weekly theme. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Preschool Story Hour on Foxes. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For children ages 2.5 to 5 years, this program includes a book, craft and outdoor walk. Adult free, child $3. Registration required. 978-464-2712. massaudubon.org.

27 Saturday Bats. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Rd., Easthampton. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Learn about the fascinating lives of native bat species. Suitable for ages 8 and up. $8 per person. Registration is required. 413-584-3009. massaudubon.org. Johnny Appleseed Festival. Downtown Leominster. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rain date October 4. Activities, booths, crafts, moonwalks, food, performers. leominsterevents.com.

Huff and Puff and Blow Your House In. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 11 to 11:30 a.m. Appropriate for ages 2 to 4, this program includes books, hands-on activities and play. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org.

35th Annual Apple Squeeze Festival. Downtown, Lenox. September 27 and 28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crafts, foods, wines, beers, apples, hay rides, children’s activities, entertainment. 413-637-3646. lenox.org.

Preschool & Toddler Wednesdays. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. 10:30 to 11 am. Stories, live animal, craft. Suitable for ages 3 and under. Museum

North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival. Forster’s Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Rd., Orange. Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artists, farmers, demonstrations, music, activities, games. $5

6 Mainline Drive Westfield, MA 01085

413-562-3828

1029 North Road Westfield, MA 01085

413-650-0147

BACK to school?

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21 Sunday

admission fees apply: $14 adults, $8 children ages 2 to 18, $10 for seniors and students with ID. ecotarium.org.

READY

414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 10 to 11 a.m. Suitable for children ages 3 to 5, the program includes an activity and outdoor walk. Adult free, child $4. Registration is required. 508-753-6087. massaudubon.org.

The Division of Graduate & Continuing Education at Westfield State University offers many options for today’s parents and families, including programs for...

n Undergraduate degrees, including online bachelor’s degree completion programs n Graduate degrees n Post-baccalaureate teacher licensure n Non-credit and workforce development Interested in one of these programs? Contact us today! (413) 572-8020 DGCEadmissions@westfield.ma.edu

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OUT&ABOUT

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Tradition Never Looked so Good The perfect field-trip destination for children ages 6 to 16 Make-and-take Shaker crafts Demonstrations by costumed interpreters Indoor/outdoor picnic area – also Village Café open daily iPad terminals take you deeper into the Shaker experience

Open Daily 10 am to 5 pm through Nov 2. www.hancockshakervillage.org 413-443-0188 22 SEPTEMBER2014

Courtesy of The Hanover Theatre

Westfield Creating Childhood Memories since 1986

The Wiggles perform Ready, Steady, Wiggle! at The Hanover Theatre on September 24. See our interview with Anthony, the blue Wiggle, on page 23.

for adults, free for children 12 and younger. garlicandarts.org. Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market. First Street parking lot, across from The Common, Pittsfield. Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 25. Local produce, music, dance, performance, demonstrations. Free. farmersmarketpittsfield.org. Annual Country Fair. Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield. Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and 28. Fresh produce, farm products, crafts, artisans, kids’ tent, games, pony rides. country fair. hancockshakervillage.org. Butterflies Film Series: In the Company of Wild Butterflies. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Photography reveals details such as the butterflies hatching from their eggs, smelling their feet, and pushing their heads from their skulls in preparation for molting. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Chow Time. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. Saturdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m. Join museum staff in the aquarium for an interactive look at what it takes to feed the reptiles and fish. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Kitchen Ka-Boom. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 11 a.m. to noon. All experiments are kid-safe and can be recreated using items found in almost any kitchen. Museum

admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-4437171. berkshiremuseum.org. Winged Art. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 2 to 3 p.m. Create a butterly-inspired work of art. Museum admission fees apply: $13 adults, $6 children under 18, free for children under 3. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Harvest Fest. Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and 28. 978-422-6666. davisfarmland.com.

29 Monday Burbank Campus Farmers Market. Health Alliance Hospital, Burbank Campus, 275 Nichols Rd., Fitchburg. Mondays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 27.

30 Tuesday New Parents Support Group. Baystate Health Education Center, 361 Whitney Ave., Holyoke. Tuesdays, 5 p.m. Designed for new parents and babies up to one year, the group is open to all moms. Free. 413-794-2229. baystatehealth.org. Sesame Street Live: Let’s Dance! MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. See Elmo, Cookie, Ernie and all the favorites for a dance party. Tickets $15 to $55. massmutualcenter.com. Visit baystateparent.com to post your family event. Email listings to editor@baystateparent.com.

take eight

with Anthony Field

Best known as The Blue Wiggle, Anthony Field has been performing with The Wiggles for over twenty years — the only founding member still in the band. On September 24, Anthony joins Emma (Yellow Wiggle), Lachy (Purple Wiggle) and Simon (Red Wiggle) at The Hanover Theatre in Worcester for Ready, Steady, Wiggle! We had a chance to Take 8 with Anthony to find out what keeps him motivated and how long he plans to wiggle!

What can families expect with the new release? To be entertained! You’ll hear all the beautiful Wiggles sounds. Emma has added an exciting female voice, and then there’s Simon’s operatic voice (he performed as the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera for 5 years) and Lachy’s musical theatre chops (he graduated from the same theatre school as Hugh Jackman). And we know that our audience likes to listen to our music and watch our videos over and over again, so we have made sure there is variety in the styles, tempos, subject matter and even languages in our songs.

What advice do you offer to aspiring children’s songwriters and performers? You have to be able to engage and entertain your audience. You have to respect your audience — as I’ve said, they are the most honest on the planet. We always think, ‘What will the child experience with this song?’ Is it a singing song, that is, a song they can sing along with? Is it a listening song, that is, a song that tells a story? Is it a playing song, which encourages them to play? Is it dancing song, which encourages them to dance with us in whatever way they can? How do you balance such a busy career with being a father? My children have grown up knowing that I’m ‘Dadda’ and a Wiggle. I was once dozing on the couch and my daughter said to me ‘Dadda, can you put on your Wiggle shirt and be Anthony?’ Through modern communication, I’m able to see and speak with my children every day, no matter where I am in the world. When I’m home, I spend as much time as I can with them doing things, whether it’s out on the boat fishing or down on the beach or shopping or the movies or cheering for the West Tigers Rugby League team. But it is tough and I’m very lucky that my wife, Miki, is so wonderful.

What is the most important thing you have learned from performing for children? That the focus of all your activity is child-centric. When you are performing for preschool children, they believe that you are talking directly to them. There may be hundreds or thousands of other people in the room, but in their scheme of things, they’re the only one present. This informs everything we do. A preschool audience is the most honest in the world. If you don’t engage and entertain them, they will literally walk away!

What is your favorite part of working with a new generation of The Wiggles? There’s so much energy with Emma, Lachy and Simon. We’ve created so much music, video and TV within our first 2 years, but the best thing is that a new generation of children have been engaged and excited by what they’ve experienced.

Photo courtesy of The Wiggles

How long has the new CD and DVD Apples and Bananas been in the making? In some ways, Apples and Bananas has been decades in the making. Some of these songs I first heard as a child, some I heard when I was studying Early Childhood Education at the University and some I heard as I’ve travelled around the world entertaining children. We spent a few weeks writing and recording new songs and then picking our favorite nursery rhymes to also record. The filming was spread over many months. Just as the songs come from around the world, we wanted to reflect this with visions from around the world. So we filmed at Hot Potato Studios in Sydney, Australia and included locations across North America, England and Ireland.

What is the next chapter for The Wiggles? We’ve just finished filming 52 episodes of Ready, Steady, Wiggle! TV series and, of course, we are touring the USA and Canada throughout September and October — which will be a blast! The most exciting thing on our horizon is that Ben Elton (comedian and writer) — who wrote the musical We Will Rock You about the rock group Queen (seen by over 6 million people) — will write and direct a movie with us. We are working together right now and hope to release this in 2016. Fingers crossed! How long do you plan to be wiggling with The Wiggles? I started The Wiggles in 1991 and I reckon I’ll still be Wiggling in a walking frame! It’s the best fun! BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 23

Packachoag Music School of Greater Worcester. Photos by Steven King.

ARTS & EXTRACURRICULARS

Music and the Young Mind:

Tuning into the lifelong benefits of music on babies and young children BY TRISH RESKE

hat child doesn’t love music? From the soothing sounds of a parent’s quiet lullaby, to catchy sing-along-songs, to a toddler’s march to John Phillip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” – music is as important as language when it comes to communicating with your child. The benefits of introducing music at a very young age go far beyond mastering rhythm, sounds, beats and lyrics, as researchers are learning. In fact, an impressive amount of research suggests that musical learning can positively impact young brain development, improve spatial reasoning, and perhaps even increase your child’s IQ and academic performance.

Music and Brain Development At birth, a baby’s brain contains 100 billion neurons that rapidly form connections, or pathways. Researchers now believe that repetitious exposure to music not only strengthens a child’s neural pathways, but also can form new ones, improving certain abilities like spatial reasoning. Dr. Frances H. Rauscher, who has studied the causal effects of music on cognitive performance, said, “How a child thinks and learns appears to depend largely on the nature and extent of these pathways.” Repetition is the key. Although parents might think that exposure

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to new songs and melodies are preferable, young children’s minds thrive on listening to, and interacting with, the same musical experience over and over again in the formative years from birth to age five. The repetition of songs enhances neural pathways and promotes a lifelong sensitivity to pitch and tonality – the precursors to learning to play an instrument in the latter childhood years. Research has also shown that by introducing music to a young child, his/her brain is actually working harder. Dr. Eric Rasmussen, Early Childhood Music Chair at the Peabody Preparatory at Johns Hopkins University, said, “There’s some good neuroscience research that children involved in music

have larger growth of neural activity than people not in music training. When you’re a musician and you’re playing an instrument, you have to be using more of your brain.” Rasmussen is a composer and educational consultant and speaks around the country on the positive relationship between early childhood music immersion and musical aptitude.

Can Music Lessons Raise IQ and Grades? According to a study published in the May 2006 Journal of Educational Psychology, organized music lessons appear to benefit both

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IQ and academic performance in children. The study found that “taking music lessons in childhood was a significant predictor of a higher IQ in young adulthood and a history of better high school grades.” In younger children, the study found “a positive association between music lessons and higher school grades and higher scores on achievement testing in mathematics, spelling and reading.” While not all research is in agreement, there is enough valid data and findings that suggest your child can benefit from exposure to music at a very early age, and even more so by learning to play an instrument (usually violin or piano) by age six. Between birth and age nine is the golden “window of opportunity” for children to be able to developmentally engage in music and easily cultivate musical abilities. The intrinsic benefits of musical learning are enough for any parent to sing its praises: music is a natural way for your child to learn and play, increase concentration, sing in tune, memorize favorite tunes and rhythms, learn pattern formation, improve vocabulary and listening skills, and more. Sarah Smongeski, Executive Director at Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester, said that while “the overwhelming evidence points clearly to a myriad of benefits that come from engaging in the creative arts,” parents should not sign their child up for music programs or lessons simply for brain or academic benefits. “The ability to engage in the arts throughout life assures your child a higher quality of life for the long term and, as research also shows, on-going engaging in the arts contributes to life-long health and well-being,” she said. What’s the best way to get your child engaged in music? Organized early childhood music and movement programs such as Kindermusik, Music Together or Musikgarten provide a structured class environment for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and their parents. These programs promote research-based, ageappropriate music curriculum that is fun, creative and engaging for children and parents in a social setting. The classes are geared to build the foundation for children to begin learning an instrument as they approach kindergarten age by developing a child’s sensitivity to pitch, tonality, and overall musical cognitive development. “Sometimes parents are too anxious to get their child learning an instrument, when in fact the

foundation has not been laid,” said Smongeski. “What we have seen is that when a child is in a program like Music Together for years, then learning an instrument goes more quickly and more intuitively, because they’ve got such a firm foundation in terms of pitch and rhythm.” While formalized programs deliver a lot of benefits, parents play the greatest role in introducing music to their children at any age. Dr. Robert Cutietta, author of Raising Musical Kids: A Parent’s Guide, encourages parents to immerse their young child’s environment

with music from a very early age. He says to ignore the hype that promotes Mozart as the best music to enhance your child’s IQ. His advice? “Play music—any and all music.” Cutietta also advises that parents actively engage their children in music, asking questions, singing together, dancing together, and making music together. “It’s the parents’ responsibility to create the environment in the home, so it’s important that you include music in a meaningful way,” he said. Sarah Smongeski agrees. “I think that parents who provide daily exposure to music create an

environment where music becomes a natural part of a child’s life,” she said. Smongeski said that parents today must penetrate a lot of “noise” from TV shows and iPad apps, for example. Parents should ask, “What are the quality musical experiences I can bring to my child?” She advises parents to expose their young child to classical music, folk music, or other quality music, as well as incorporate music and movement experiences. “Be creative and eclectic,” she said. “You are laying a foundation for your child’s success.”

Adventure iS WAiting.

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With fun and discovery at every turn, Cub Scouting makes the most of right now. Providing boys a foundation they can stand on to embrace opportunity, overcome obstacles and make new discoveries. Make Scouting the foundation to your child’s future. Build an adventure today.

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Programs are available in your neighborhood for boys in kindergarten through age 20 and for young women ages 14-20. Visit us at www.wmascouting.org or call (413) 594-9196. BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 24 25 310-632_print_ad.indd 1

7/17/14 4:12 PM

ARTS & EXTRACURRICULARS

For Western Mass Boys, Scouting at a Younger Age BY KEITH REGAN

Lions Pack 505, Hadley. Photo courtesy of BSA Western Massachusetts Council.

Boys in Western Massachusetts eager to start climbing the path to becoming Boy Scouts no longer have to wait until first grade to be part of a pack. Hoping to introduce boys to scouting at an even younger age, the Boy Scouts of America has begun rolling out a new program aimed at kindergarten-aged boys and the Western Massachusetts Council is among the first in the nation to roll out the program. The Lions program was first tested in Minnesota starting in 2008. According to Bob D’Avignon, assistant scout executive with the Boy Scouts of America Western Massachusetts Council, a local version of the program began two years ago. This year is the first that the local council has teamed up with the National Council of the Boys Scouts of America to formally expand the program. “We were seeing great success with the program,” said D’Avignon. “More kindergartners were joining the program and staying with the pack when they moved up to the first grade.” Lions prides, or dens, meet less frequently than programs for older

boys, typically meeting twice a month as a den and one time monthly with the larger pack, which includes boys up to fifth grade. Meetings usually feature a game or activity and interactive lessons on the topic of that month and occasionally involve what D’Avignon called an “adventure experience,” such as a visit to a local fire station. Boys attend meetings with a parent or adult partner. Each pride consists of six to eight Lions scouts and their parents, who take turns leading meetings. Over the course of the school year, boys earn their Lion badges by completing five of 12 “adventures” with names such as “I’ll Do It Myself,” “Animal Kingdom,” “Fun on the Run,” and “Gizmos and Gadgets.” Boys who complete the Lions program graduate to Tiger Cubs in first grade and can then progress through the traditional Cub Scouts program, becoming Wolf and then Bear cubs before advancing to Webelos Scouts and then moving on to Boy Scouts, which culminates with the Eagle Scout designation. “All of our programs are ageappropriate, so the Lions program is basically Cub Scouts at the

kindergarten level,” D’Avignon explained. “We cover topics such as health, life skills, citizenship, finance, and respect, but we ultimately make sure that the boy is having fun and that the family is benefiting from the quality time spent together.” Lions do much of their learning and badge work at home with their parents. “They work out of their workbook and can go at their own pace. Scouting is not a competition with the other Scouts,” he said. “We want the boys to challenge themselves.” Nationally, the program is an effort to help reverse declines in scouting populations, which has been especially pronounced in urban areas, where the BSA is looking to forge more partnerships with other community organizations. In February, the Boy Scouts of America, which marked its 100th anniversary in 2010, said it saw a 6 percent decline in enrollment in 2013 — the year that saw it reverse a longstanding policy of banning openly gay boys. Nationally, some 2.5 million boys were active members of scouting troops last year, down from a peak of 3.3 million in the late 1990s,

according to the BSA. Along with other scouting changes — including an emphasis on technology and how it can enhance traditional scouting activities — getting boys involved earlier means scouting can be on equal footing with sports, karate and other extracurricular programs competing for the limited attention and time of families. “We found that families were getting too busy by the time their children got to the first grade,” D’Avignon said. “By starting in kindergarten, families can experience what Scouting has to offer before they get wrapped up in everything else out there.” Lions scouts pay $27 to register for the year and some packs levy additional fees to cover the cost of materials and outings. Boys are encouraged to take part in fundraising activities as well during the year and D’Avignon noted that assistance is available for families in need. The Lions uniform is designed to be low-cost as well, consisting of a neckerchief or a T-shirt. “We don’t want boys to lose out on Scouting due to financial constraints,” he said.

For the 2014-2015 school year, Lions scouting is being offered to Kindergarten age boys through all Cub Scouts packs in Berkshire, Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties. For more information, contact the Western Mass Council service center at 413-594-9196 or online at www.wmascouting.org. Local Cub Scout packs can be found through www.BeAScout.org. 26 SEPTEMBER2014 27

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LMI’s music and creative arts program is one of the most diverse in the area, introducing students to music and art concepts from around the world. To learn more or enroll, please contact: Joey-Ann Gebo at info@longmeadowmontessori.org or Call 413.567.1820

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ARTS & EXTRACURRICULARS

Prepare Your Child for Elementary School

ARTS & EXTRACURRICULARS

6 Top Tips for Choosing After-School Activities BY HEIDI SMITH LUEDTKE, PH.D. because they log less screen time – kids in after-school programs are at lower risk of obesity. Kids also develop social and leadership skills in after-school programs, as they interact with peers in cooperative roles and mentoring relationships. Now that’s an impressive list of benefits.

What to Consider

The intense demands of schoolwork may cause you to hesitate when it comes to after-school time. Although you don’t want to overload you child’s schedule, the academic, social and physical benefits of extracurricular programs are hard to ignore. The Afterschool Alliance, an information clearinghouse and advocacy group, reports that kids who participate in after-school programs have better school attendance, higher grades and loftier aspirations about graduation and college attendance. They’re less likely to use drugs or get into trouble with police, and –

Before signing up, do your homework. These guidelines will help you sort the best from the rest. Content. If possible, let kids choose activities based on their personal interests, said Susan Kuczmarski, Ed.D., author of The Sacred Flight of the Teenager: A Parent’s Guide to Stepping Back and Letting Go. Help your child find activities that reflect who they are and what they want to learn, instead of imposing your preferences on them. Kids flourish when they’re deeply engaged. Quality. After-school programs aren’t created equal. The best programs offer much more than

homework help, said Sara Hill, Ph.D., Senior Consultant for the National Institute on Out-of-School Time. Discipline-based activities that allow kids to create a quality product over a period of time are best, she said. For instance, kids might learn math and science by building a boat or practice art and leadership by putting on a play or musical. Staffing. You’re looking for more than a babysitter. Staff members should be professionals with bona fide skills and experience. Programs with strong community connections usually have the best resources, Hill said. Kids may get to work with artists, scientists and athletes from local organizations, like museums and colleges. These opportunities expose kids to real-life role models. Movement. After-school sports show kids the value of practice and encourage persistence. But the benefits of exercise are even bigger. John Ratey, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, prescribes exercise for kids with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (and everyone else) because exercise boosts mood, improves learning and memory, and relieves stress. Being a jock is anything but dumb. Leadership. Extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, are ideal places for kids to explore

www.DanceWithADC.com 413.525.8810

Now enrolling! Where dance, youth and community come together. 357 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA info@dancewithadc.com • www.dancewithadc.com

28 SEPTEMBER2014 29

and practice what it means to be a group leader, said Kuczmarski. When kids take responsibility for organizing group work and producing results, they learn valuable social skills. Encourage your child to take on leadership roles whenever possible. Logistics. Rather than causing burnout, after-school activities can provide balance to a class schedule that is overly academic, Kuczmarski said, if locations and timing fit your lifestyle. It’s okay to keep kids busy, but avoid signing on to so many programs that you’ll be scrambling from one to the next. Pay attention to cost as well. Good programs don’t necessarily cost big bucks. Many quality programs receive funding from grants and community partnerships. As you weigh the options, keep in mind this goal: You want your child to be a well-rounded citizen and a healthy, happy person, said Hill. After-school activities can provide enrichment, adventure and variety. They shouldn’t be driven by highstakes testing and they shouldn’t be box-fillers for college applications. Kids don’t want to participate in programs that are just more school after school. Innovative programs promote learning without rote or repetition. If you can’t find quality after-school activities near you, contact your school district to advocate for programs you’d like to see. Outof-school shouldn’t mean out-ofopportunities.

• Serving the Community Since 1968 • Half Day Program, Serving 2.9 - 5 years • Non-Denominational • Non-Profit School • Leading Curriculum • Kindergarten Readiness Programs

800 Amostown Rd West Springfield, MA (413)736-2770 • www.mmpskids.com

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Memberships • Birthday Parties Field Trips Private Events

Bodies in Motion School of Dance

Quality Dance Instruction Offering classes in Jazz/Hip-Hop, Tap, Pre-Ballet, Ballet/Lyrical, Pointe, and Acrobatics Classes available for ages 3 years and up

Tuesday thru Saturday 10-4 • Sundays 12-4 444 Dwight St. Holyoke, MA 01040 413-536-7048 www.childrensmuseumholyoke.org

Admission $7.00 per person Under 1 Free

Classes start September 15 Open Houses Thurs., Sept. 4th 4-8pm Sat., Sept. 6th 9am-1pm Annual Shutdown

Monday September 1st Re-Opening Saturday, September 20th

200 Old Lyman Road, South Hadley, MA 535-2359 Like us on Facebook

Museum School Youth Courses They think it’s COOL. You know it’s EDUCATIONAL. Bricks 4 Kidz® offers fun, hands-on programs where kids ages 3-13+ can learn, build and play with LEGO® Bricks. Whether you’re looking for... After School Programs, In-School Field Trips, Preschool Classes, Birthday Parties, Summer Programs, or a Kidz’ Night Out, we are sure to have a program your child will love!

www.bricks4kidz.com/378 kfitzgerald@bricks4kidz.com (413) 345-8035

Unlock their inner artist, writer, scientist, or designer!

21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA 01103 413.263.6800, ext. 377 • springfieldmuseums.org

LEGO® is a registered trademark of the LEGO® Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse these programs.

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ARTS & EXTRACURRICULARS

The Children’s Museum at Holyoke

ARTS & EXTRACURRICULARS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WHEELOCK FAMILY THEATRE

Cue Your Child to Try Drama BY SUE LEBRETON

you have a child who loves to sing and dance or wear costumes - a child with a flair for the dramatic - then looking for a drama experience either at school or in your community may be at the top of your mind when planning the family activity schedule. If your child is a bit of a wallflower or even if they have some learning challenges, you might also consider drama. You can find play-based drama for preschoolers and everything from recreation to performance classes for children from elementary to high school. Kate Elman-Wilcott, who runs a performing arts school, has been teaching theater to young people for decades and she sees

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the benefits the same, no matter the age of the child. “Learning to trust yourself, learning to work in a group, thinking on your feet,

creative problem solving, being able to present yourself in front of a crowd.” She also mentions empathy as a huge element of creative drama learning because so much time is spent on working on healthy group dynamics and empathy while the children are learning to act. Claire Hanlon’s daughter started drama at about age six in a nonprofit drama program. Now that she is entering middle school and performing at her school, her mom sees many benefits including a sense of accomplishment, a sense of belonging, an outlet for her daughter’s love of singing and performing, connecting with peers and an avenue for stress release at the end of the school day. Like all of us, Hanlon’s daughter thrives when she taps into her creative and expressive side. Even if you have had no personal experience with drama or theater, be open to the idea. Jodie Schnurr who has been teaching drama at the high school level for 17 years said her father’s appreciation of theater developed by watching his children participate. “My father was an athlete and had not been exposed to drama as a child. Through watching me and my sisters take part in productions, he came to understand that a lot of the skills were similar. Both drama and sport can be valuable and offer a mechanism for growth and development.” If you see your child as shy, don’t let that deter you from encouraging him toward drama.

Both Elman-Wilcott and Schnurr stress that shy children can do very well at creative drama. “Shy kids are the observers with big ideas. Imagine those big ideas being given a place where they can be shared and played with,” said Elman-Wilcott. Schnurr said drama offers an opportunity for kids to start where they are and grow at their own pace. She feels potential students are less shy by taking drama because finding their voice and learning to be comfortable with using their body builds confidence. “I also tell them that drama helps them to ‘read’ other people, including their parents.” What if your child is very quirky or has a diagnosis like autism spectrum disorder? Elman-Wilcott has been working with children on the spectrum for over 20 years and found that these students have grown socially and increased their self-confidence. “In an environment where there is no right or wrong way to act, and the games are not elimination based, they have the freedom to explore the give and take of peer relations. In a safe yet structured space, they can try out ways of interacting that don’t lead to ridicule or judgment,” said Elman-Wilcott. No matter your child’s personality or issues, consider drama as an activity to help him boost confidence, creativity and empathy - skills that will benefit him throughout his life, whether he carries on to Hollywood or not.

Register Now! Pre-Ballet & Pre-Tap • Lyrical • Ballet • Tap • Jazz Modern • Acrobatics • HipHop • Pointe • Gymnastics Broadway/Theater • Contemporary • Mama & Me

87 Norman St., West Springﬁeld (Across from the main gate of the Big E)

Email us at louisenoelsdanceandgymnastics@verizon.net

www.louisenoels.com • Call 736-5196 for info

1760 Boston Road Springfield, MA

413-301-8444

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Admission Offered for

Museum Day

LIVE!

Courtesy The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Smithsonian magazine designates Saturday, September 27 as the 10th annual Museum Day Live! For one day only, participating museums across the United States will offer free admission to those who download a Museum Day Live! ticket. “For a decade, we’ve partnered with a wonderful array of museums – from the small and niche, to world-renowned institutions – and are looking forward to welcoming more guests this year than ever before,” said Stephen Giannetti, Vice President of Advertising Sales and Marketing at Smithsonian Media. To get your ticket, visit smithsonian.com/museumdaylive. Each ticket grants the ticket holder and a guest free access to participating museums. The limit is one ticket per household, per email address. The complete list of participating museums can be found at smithsonian.com/museumday/venues. Museums in all 50 states have signed up to participate, and over 1,500 are expected to take part. Participating Massachusetts museums include:

Courtesy of Fruitlands Museum

• The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst

•The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton • Emily Dickinson Museum, 280 Main St., Amherst 32 SEPTEMBER2014 33

•Mead Art Museum at Amherst College (free everyday), 41 Quadrangle Dr., Amherst • Yiddish Book Center (free everyday), 1021 West St., Amherst

Courtesy of The Mary Baker Eddy Library, Boston, MA

• Nichols House Museum, 55 Mount Vernon St., Boston

• Memorial Hall Museum, 8 Memorial St., Deerfield

• Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St., Boston

• Martha’s Vineyard Museum, 59 School St., Edgartown

•Otis House, 141 Cambridge St., Boston

• Cogswell’s Grant, 60 Spring St., Essex

• The Shirley-Eustis House, 33 Shirley St., Boston

• Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Rd, Framingham

• John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site, 83 Beals St., Brookline • Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments (free everyday), 1 Oxford St., Harvard University, Cambridge • Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge • Harvard Semitic Museum (free everyday), 6 Divinity Dr., Cambridge • Longfellow House Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site (free everyday), 105 Brattle St., Cambridge • Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, 11 Divinity Ave., Harvard University, Cambridge

• The Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl St., Gardner • Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St., Gloucester • Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd, Harvard • Wistariahurst Museum, 238 Cabot St., Holyoke • Codman Estate, 34 Codman Rd., Lincoln • American Textile History Museum, 491 Dutton St., Lowell • Forbes House Museum, 215 Adams St., Milton • Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Ave., Newton • Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington St., Newton

• Gibson House Museum, 137 Beacon St., Boston

• Atwood House Museum Chatham Historical Society, 347 Stage Harbor Rd, Chatham

• Herman Melville’s Arrowhead, 780 Holmes Rd., Pittsfield

• The Mary Baker Eddy Library, home of the Mapparium, 200 Massachusetts Ave., Boston

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

• Gedney House, 21 High St., Salem

• Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston

• Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord

• The House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby St., Salem

Courtesy of Old South Meeting House

Courtesy of Fruitlands Museum

• Salem Witch Museum, 19 ½ Washington Square North, Salem

• Armenian Museum of America, 65 Main St., Watertown

• Griffin Museum of Photography, 67 Shore Rd., Winchester

• Sandwich Glass Museum, 129 Main St., Sandwich

• Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Wenham

• Merwin House, 14 Main St., Stockbridge

• Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History, Regis College, 241 Wellesley St., Weston

• EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester

• Old Colony Historical Society, 66 Church Green, Taunton

• Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery (free everyday), College of the Holy Cross, 1 College St., Worcester

ON STAGE

• Winslow Crocker House, 250 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port

For more information, visit smithsonian.com/ museumdaylive.

“Classy, charming, sexy, elegant, sophisticated – take your pick to describe the globe-trotting eclectic mix that is Pink Martini.” – The Sun.

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT! PINK MARTINI Saturday, September 20, 8 p.m., Fine Arts Center Concert Hall

Pink Martini has become an international phenomenon performing its retro-hip, multilingual repertoire throughout the world. Get a sitter and enjoy a romantic night out. Free pre-show dessert party on the plaza for ticket-holders with live entertainment and a cash bar. Tent opens at 6:30 p.m.

SUBCRIBE TO 3 EVENTS OR MORE AND SAVE 15%! And when you subscribe, you’ll receive discounts at participating area restaurants.

DATE NIGHT:

FAB FAUX

MUMMENSCHANZ

Saturday, April 25

Sunday, December 7

Thursday, October 30

BRING THE KIDS:

TAIYUAN PUPPET THEATRE

EDDIE PALMIERI SALSA ORCHESTRA

NATIONAL ACROBATS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO

Saturday, February 28

THE CHIEFTAINS Sunday, March 8

Thursday, November 6

Sunday, March 1

AND THERE’S SO MUCH MORE!

Thanks to our FAC Season Sponsors:

Event Sponsors: 88.5 NEPR, Valley Advocate, 93.9 The River, Hotel UMass, UMass Catering

Call 413-545-2511 or 800-999-UMAS or visit ﬁneartscenter.com BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 32 33

Fall Fairs & Festival Guide With the change of season this month comes a new wave of fairs and festivals — each with a hint of the fall harvest and the anticipation of upcoming holidays. Hay rides and petting zoos, changing leaves and hot cocoa — there is something for every member of your family! Call your friends and Grandma, too, for some seasonal community fun.

SEPTEMBER Blandford Fair 2014. 10 North St., Blandford. August 29 to September 1. Animals, stage shows, artisans, exhibits, midway/rides, demolition derby, fiddle contest. $10 for adults, $5 seniors and children ages 6 to 12. www.theblandfordfair.com. Three County Fair. 41 Fair St., Northampton. August 29 to September 1, 11 a.m. Agricultural fair also features rides. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and vets, free for children 11 and under. threecountyfair.com. 118th Fall Old Home Day Weekend Celebration. Town Common, Charlton. August 30 to September 1. Entertainment, craft fair, art show, flower show, car show, contests, food, soap box derby, road race, parade. Free. townofcharlton.net. Labor Day Family Fun Days. Wachusett Mountain, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton. Monday, September 1. Family activities, moon bounces, music, food. www.wachusett.com. Spencer Fair. Spencer Fairgrounds, Smithville Rd., Spencer. Monday, September 1, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Traditional agricultural exhibits, Great Pumpkin Contest, demolition derby, truck and tractor pulls, pig races, stage shows, food, games. 508-885-5814. Admission $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and kids. Free parking. www.appleseed.org. Northampton Jazz Festival. Downtown Northampton. September 2 through 6. Nightly events throughout the week culminating in an all-day free concert on Saturday, September 6 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Musicians, food. www.northamptonjazzfestival.org. Franklin County Fair 2014. 89 Wisdom Way, Greenfield. September 4 to 7. Live entertainment, demolition derby, parade, midway, draft horse show, agricultural competitions and exhibits, fair museum, kids area. $9 for adults, $6 seniors, $7 children ages 9 to 17, free for children under 8. www.fcas.com. Sterling Fair. Sterling Airport, 121 Greenland Rd., Sterling. September 5 to 7. Livestock, crafters, farmers market, midway, fireworks, exhibit hall, arts and crafts, food. sterlingfair.org.

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Appleseed Country Fair. Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Ave., Phillipston. September 6 and 7. Country fair, hayride, tractor pull competition, live music, food, local brewers, vendors, artisans. Free. 978-534-2302. www.appleseed.org. Mattoon Street Arts Festival. Mattoon Street, Springfield. September 6 and 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibitors, food, musicians. Free. mattoonfestival.org. 17th Annual MusicFest. Wachusett Mountain, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton. Sunday, September 7. Music, food, brews. www.wachusett.com. The Big E. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. September 12 through 28. The largest fair in the northeast includes entertainment, exhibits, rides, shopping, crafts, parades, food. $12 for adults, $8 for children 6 to 12. www.thebige.com. 33rd Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Fair. Town Common, Rts. 119 and 13, Townsend. September 13 and 14. Juried arts show. 978-597-2106. www.townsendhistoricalsociety.org. Belchertown Fair 2014. Town Common, Main St., Belchertown. September 19 to 21. Rides, pumpkin parade, animals, kids’ tent. Free. www.belchertownfair.com. Fresh Grass Bluegrass Festival. MASS MoCA, 1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams. September 19 through 21. Music, food, films, banjo workshops, instrument making for kids. Ticket prices vary. www.massmoca.org. 5K Road Race & Family Festival Arts & Crafts and Vendor Fair. Beaver Brook Park, Worcester. Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Includes Kidsfest at BridgeFest with a magician, bouncy house, balloons, hair braiding, face painting, batting cages, games & activities. 508-755-0333. www.thebridgecm.org. Old Deerfield Fall Art & Craft Festival. 10 Memorial St., Deerfield. September 20 and 21. Nearly 180 juried exhibitors from 14 states will display and sell crafts of all media. $7 for adults, $1 for children under 12. www.deerfiled-craft.org.

This list includes some of our favorite area fall fairs and festivals, but we know there are more! Visit baystateparent.com and post your favorite festival to our calendar of events — and stop back often to check for new listings.

24th Annual KidsFest. Wachusett Mountain, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton. September 20 and 21. Music, food, games, performances, characters, SkyRide. www.wachusett.com. Johnny Appleseed Festival. Downtown Leominster. Saturday, September 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rain date October 4. Activities, booths, crafts, moonwalks, food, performers. leominsterevents.com. 35th Annual Apple Squeeze Festival. Downtown, Lenox. September 27 and 28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crafts, foods, wines, beers, apples, hay rides, children’s activities, entertainment. 413-637-3646. lenox.org. North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival. Forster’s Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Rd., Orange. September 27 and 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artists, farmers, demonstrations, music, activities, games. $5 for adults, free for children 12 and younger. garlicandarts.org. Annual Country Fair. Hancock Shaker Village, 1843 W. Housatonic St., Pittsfield. September 27 and 28. Fresh produce, farm products, crafts, artisans, kids’ tent, games, pony rides. country fair. hancockshakervillage.org. Harvest Fest. Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. September 27 and 28. 978-422-6666. www.davisfarmland.com. Pudding Hollow Pudding Festival. Hawley Meeting House, East Hawley Rd., Hawley. Sunday, September 28, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food, cooking competition, pudding contest, pudding parade, entertainment. 413-339-4747. puddingcontest.wordpress.com. Fall Foliage Parade and Festival. 6 West Main St., North Adams. September 29 through October 5. Parade takes place Sunday, October 5, 1 p.m. Family friendly events. 413-499-4000. berkshires.org.

OCTOBER Paradise City Arts Festival. 3-County Fairgrounds, Northampton. October 11 through 13. Crafts exhibits, food, live entertainment. $13 for adults, $11 for seniors, $8 for students, free for children under 12. www.paradisecityarts.com.

Berkshire Harvest Festival. Berkshire Botanical Garden, 5 West Stockbridge Rd., Stockbridge. October 11 and 12. Arts and crafts, entertainment, food, food trucks, auction, farmers market, kids’ activities. $5 adults, free children under age 12. www.berkshirebotanical.org. 31st Annual Applefest. Wachusett Mountain, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton. October 18 and 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Craft exhibitors, farmers market, family events, kids’ entertainment, SkyRide. $12 adults, $7 child 6 to 12. www.wachusett.com. 5th Annual New England BBQ Fest. Wachusett Mountain, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton. October 25 and 26, noon to 6 p.m. Crafters, farmers market, entertainment, Oysterfest. $12 adult, $7 children 6 to 12. 978-464-2300. www.wachusett.com.

NOVEMBER Annual Franklin County Cider Days. Various locations, Franklin County. November 1 and 2. Community event celebrating all things apple, including orchard tours, cider making and tastings, workshops. There is a charge for some activities. Free admission to marketplace at Shelburne Buckland Community Center in Shelburne Falls on Saturday, November 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.ciderdays.org. Castleberry Holiday Arts & Craft Festival. DCU Convention Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. November 21 through 23. Arts and crafts. $8 for adults. free for children under 12. castleberryfairs.com. Festival of Trees at the Berkshire Museum. 39 South St., Pittsfield. November 21 through January 2. Features over 100 creatively decorated trees throughout the galleries. 413-443-7171. berkshiremuseum.org. Old Deerfield Holiday Craft Fair. ESE Young Building, West Springfield. November 28 through 30. Juried craft fair. $8 for adults, $1 for children under 12. www.deerfield-craft.org.

Courtesy of Atkins Farms

Take Your Pick

Families Flock to Local Farms for Apples and Pumpkins Few things say September like a day at your local orchard picking apples and choosing pumpkins. These two seasonal fruits are symbols of changing leaves and dropping temperatures — and paired with some cinnamon and sugar, they make darn good pies. What’s more, almost everyone at every age can enjoy applepicking and pumpkin shopping, making the activity a family favorite. To get you started on your adventure, we checked with Mass.gov to find some of the area’s best places to find Apex Orchards. 153 Peckville Rd., Shelburne. Orchard with farmstand offers PYO apples, peaches, Asian pears, blueberries, plums, honey and cider vinegars. 413-625-2744. www.apexorchards.com.

Atkin’s Farm. 1150 West St., Amherst. Features home-grown apples, peaches and pears, bakery, deli, flowers, gifts. 413-253-9528. www.atkinsfarms.com. Austin Brothers Valley Farm.

apples and pumpkins. Take a peek at our list to find the orchard closest to you, or try a new farm! Because businesses, business practices and picking seasons can and do change, we advise that you call the farms or visit the websites before you go to ask about current pick-yourown conditions. And if you have a favorite pick-your-own apple and pumpkin farm that we missed on this list, stop by baystateparent.com or our Facebook page and share your tips! 270 West St., Belchertown. Hay, seasonal vegetables, PYO pumpkins. Fresh brown eggs. 413-668-6843. www.austinsfarm.com. Bartlett’s Orchard. 575 Swamp Rd., Richmond. PYO Apples, cider press.

Farmstand features cider, corn, tomatoes, apples, squash, pumpkins, plants, bakery, gifts. 413-698-2559. Bear Swamp Orchard. 1209 B Hawley Rd., Ashfield. PYO apples, peaches. Also features raw vinegar, cider, BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 34 35

Kielbasa Orchards. 290 Bay Rd., Hadley. Weekend PYO apples. 413-455-6687.

baked goods. 413-625-2849. bearswamporchard.com. Breezelands Orchards. 1791 Southbridge Rd., Warren. PYO apples from September 1 to mid-October. 413-436-7100.

Lakeview Orchard. 94 Old Cheshire Road, Lanesborough. PYO apples, raspberries and cherries. Peaches, nectarines, pears and apricots. 413-448-6009. lakevieworchard.com.

Clarkdale Fruit Farms. 303 Upper Rd., Deerfield. PYO Mcintosh apples in fall. Pumpkins and squash grown in-season. 413-772-6797. clarkdalefruitfarms.com.

Mountain View Farm. 90 Old Cheshire Rd, Lanesborough. Pumpkins. 413-445-7642. mountainviewfarm.org. Outlook Farm. 136 Main Road, Westhampton. PYO apples. 413-529-9388. outlookfarm.com.

Robert's Hillside Orchard. 275 South Lane, Granville. PYO apples, peaches. 413-357-6690. Round Hill Orchards. 1 Douglas Rd., Rt. 10, Southampton. PYO berries and apples. Animals. 413-562-4985.

Dickinson Farms. 134 South St., Granby. PYO strawberry, blueberry, apple and pumpkin operation. Also grow sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash. 413-467-3794. farmfresh.org.

Sentinel Farm. 37 Cottage St., Belchertown. 25 varieties of apples. Also bee hives, crops. 413-323-7368. sentinelfarm.com.

Courtesy of Atkins Farms

Dole Farm. Peckville Rd., Shelburne. Apples. 413-625-2317. Echo Hill Orchards & Winery. 101 Wilbraham Rd., Monson. PYO apples and pumpkins, weekend tractor rides. 413-267-3303. echohillorchards.com. Fletcher Family Farm. 22 Gunn Rd., Southampton. Pumpkin patch. 413-527-6888. fletcherfamilyfarm.com Ioka Valley Farm. 3475 Rt. 43, Hancock. Pumpkins. 413-738-5915. iokavalleyfarm.com.

McCray's Farm and Country Creamery. 55 Alvord Street, South Hadley. Pumpkins. 413 533-0775. mccrays-farm.com. Mohawk Orchards, Inc. 78 Colrain/Shelburne Rd., Shelburne. Farm animals, PYO apples. 413-625-2874. Where LOCAL is just the beginning!

Atkins has long been committed to the community and Buy Local campaign. We welcome the opportunity to serve you! Farm Fresh Produce Country Bakery Deli & Take-Out Meat & Seafood

Specialty Foods Full Service Florist Specialty Cheeses Homemade Fudge Savory Suppers

Fresh Sushi Bar Beer & Wine Gifts & Gift Baskets

1150 West St. (Rte. 116 & Bay Road), South Amherst (413) 253-9528 • www.atkinsfarms.com 36 SEPTEMBER2014 37

Randall’s Farm, Inc. & Greenhouse. 631 Center St., Ludlow. Ice cream, plants, fall corn maze, pumpkin picking. 413-589-7071. randallsfarm.net. Riiska Brook Orchard. 101 New Hartford Rd., Sandisfield. PYO apples and pumpkins. 413-258-4761. riiskabrookorchard.com.

Cook’s Farm Orchard. 106 Haynes Rd., Brimfield. PYO fruit, baked goods, cider, syrup, honey, wagon rides, hay maze. 413-245-3241. cooksfarmorchard.com.

Jaeschke’s Orchard. 23 Gould Rd., Adams. Apples. 413-743-3846.

weekends only. 413-624-3325.

Park Hill Orchard. 82 Park Hill Rd., Easthampton. PYO apples and blueberries. 413-303-0335. parkhillorchard.com. Pine Hill Orchards. 248 Greenfield Road, Colrain. PYO apples on

Small Ones Farm. 416 Bay Rd., Amherst. Peaches, pears, apples. 413-253-6788. www.smallonesfarm.com. UMass Cold Spring Orchard. 391 Sabin Street, Belchertown. PYO apples and fruit. 413-323-6647. coldspringorchard.com. Westview Farms. 111 East Hill Road, Monson. Hay rides, PYO pumpkins. 413-267-5355. Windy Hill Farm. 686 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington. Apples. 413-298-3217. windyhillfarminc.com.

Family oriented farm offering pick-your-own pumpkins Bring the kids to visit our petting zoo, have fun in the hay play area and have a picnic! Hay rides each weekend and on Columbus Day. School and youth groups welcome with reservations.

f letcher f letcher farm farm southampton, massachusetts southampton, massachusetts f letcherfamilyfarm.com f letcherfamilyfarm.com| | 413.527.6888 413.527.6888

Gunn Road, Southampton, MA 01073 413-527-6888 • www.fletcherfamilyfarm.com Find us on Facebook

Dishin’ with the Dietitian

Can a 2-Year-Old Drink Too Much Milk? BY ANDREA LUTTRELL, RDN, LDN

“Can two-year-olds drink too much milk? My daughter still loves her milk and drinks about 24 oz. of whole milk each day. She is underweight (5-10 percentile) and eats her meals.” — Bethany, Watertown

A: It’s great to hear your daughter loves to drink milk! Milk provides nine essential nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin B12, magnesium, potassium, riboflavin and protein. Additionally, three of these nutrients – calcium, vitamin D and potassium – are considered “nutrients of concern” in the current USDA Dietary Guidelines since most children and adults are not getting enough in their daily meal plans. While consuming adequate dairy foods (or calcium-fortified options like soymilk) is a must,

enjoying too much can be cause for concern as well. Let’s discuss your daughter’s current needs and if there may be reason to cut back on her intake of milk.

reason drinking too much milk can be a problem is because it’s easy to fill up on liquid calories and then not have room for other food groups at meals. While you did mention your daughter eats her meals, make sure she is eating enough from each food group throughout the day. Based on her age, her estimated needs would look like this: Fruit Group – 1 cup Vegetable Group – 1 cup Grains Group – 3 ounce – equivalents Protein Group – 2 ounce – equivalents Dairy Group – 2 cups Finally, overconsumption of milk and milk products may cause constipation in some individuals, so if your daughter is experiencing related symptoms, cutting back milk intake may help. All this said, it would be beneficial for you to sit with your daughter’s pediatrician to rule out any of these concerns. If she is able to meet her food group recommendations and is

not experiencing iron-deficiency anemia or constipation, drinking 24 ounces of whole milk may not be a reason to worry. Additionally, if your daughter gains weight and falls into the normal weight category, it would be recommended to switch to lowfat milk at that time since she is over two years of age. Andrea Luttrell is a registered dietitian nutritionist for the Living Well Eating Smart program at Big Y Foods. Have a question? Email livingwell@bigy.com.

Bethany submitted her question via the baystateparent Facebook page. Your question might be featured in this column, too! Post your question on our Facebook page, tweet us, or send your question to editor@baystateparent.com and you might soon be Dishin’ with the Dietitian!

For children aged 2 to 3, dairy food group recommendations from MyPlate are to include 2 cups per day – or 16 ounces of milk daily. However, if your daughter is consuming other dairy foods on a routine basis such as yogurt and cheese, these would also count toward her dairy food group goals – increasing the amount of milk and milk-based products she is enjoying. Because milk and milk products are a source of calcium, children who drink more than recommended amounts may be at greater risk for iron-deficiency anemia. When consumed together, calcium has been shown to compete with iron for absorption in the body. Since iron-rich foods (i.e. lentils, fortified breakfast cereals, spinach, tofu, beans and red meat) may not be a main part of your toddler’s meal plan to begin with, further decreasing the absorption of iron she is getting through food can be enough to cause iron-deficiency anemia. BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 36 37

Bites Celebrate the Sweetness of the Jewish New Year

Wednesday, September 24 will usher in Rosh Hashanah and all of the delicious sweetness of a new year — and its traditional tasty treats! The Jewish High Holidays are all about family and friends sharing meals, and nothing enhances the celebration like a decadent dessert. Paris-trained pastry chef Paula Shoyer, known as “the Jewish baking maven,” shares this recipe for an Apple Pizza Tart with baystateparent readers. It is from her

latest book, The Holiday Kosher Baker. “Kosher food is becoming more gourmet and mainstream and it’s time for dessert to do the same. So take a step forward, get into the kitchen, and realize that a new world of baking is at your fingertips,” she said, adding that you don’t have to be Jewish or kosher to love the sweet goodness of an apple tart. L'Shana Tova!

Apple Pizza Tart Serves 15 to 20 This dessert is a large apple tart made with frozen puff pastry, but it looks like a pizza. It is extremely easy to make yet looks elegant. Make sure you slice the apples very thin. The recipe uses between 3 and 4 medium apples, depending on how thin you slice them and how much they overlap. Just eat any leftover pieces. 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (from a 17.3-ounce or 490g box) 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 3–4 medium red apples (Gala, Fuji) cup (100g) apricot jam or preserves

PREHEAT OVEN to 400°F (200°C). Thaw puff pastry at room temperature for 45 minutes. You will need a jelly roll pan, about 12 x 16 inches (30 x 40cm). CUT OUT a piece of parchment paper large enough to fit just inside the pan. Place the trimmed parchment on your counter. WHEN THE PASTRY IS THAWED, sprinkle a little flour on the parchment paper and unroll the pastry on top. Use a rolling pin to roll the pastry until it is the exact size of the parchment paper (trim the pastry if necessary). After every few rolls of your rolling pin, lift the dough and sprinkle a little flour underneath it. Slide the dough and parchment paper onto the jelly roll pan. Use a fork to dot the dough with holes, leaving a one-inch border clear, without any holes. Put the pan in the freezer while you prepare the apples so that the moment the apples are sliced, everything else is ready to go, and the apples will not turn brown. IN A SMALL BOWL, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Peel and core the apples and slice into very thin slices, thinner than 1/4-inch (6mm). (I usually use only the larger slices for the tart and nosh on the smaller ones.) Remove the dough from the freezer.

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Sprinkle half of the cinnamon and sugar on the dough, leaving the border clear. Place the apple slices on the pastry overlapping in rows down the short side of the dough. I alternate the direction the apples are facing for each row. Sprinkle the apples with the remaining cinnamon and sugar. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the pastry is golden. HEAT THE APRICOT JAM in the microwave or on the stovetop and then use a sieve to strain out the large pieces. Use a pastry brush to brush the apple slices with the jam. Slide the pastry onto a cooling rack. Cut into squares or rectangles. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store covered at room temperature for up to two days. Reprinted with permission from Holiday Kosher Baker © 2013 by Paula Shoyer, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. Photography by Michael Bennett Kress

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CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE:

What’s Your Child’s Global IQ? BY MALIA JACOBSON

hiropractor and mom Laelle Martin always knew she wanted her future children to embrace dual cultures: that of her native Pacific Northwest as well as the Latin American culture she grew to love when she spent a year and a half as an AmeriCorps volunteer in Puerto Rico after college. But like most of the best-laid parenting plans, her lofty vision hit a few speed bumps. By the time her son, Ari, was born in 2009, Martin’s once-flourishing Spanish language skills were growing rusty, and she was too busy to do much cultural education at home. “It was challenging for me to speak Spanish with him on a regular basis — we had a few books, but I wanted more,” she said. And life is only getting busier: her second child, daughter Kira, was born earlier this year. After some searching, Martin found a language learning center for children in her town and enrolled Ari in a parent-child course in the fall of 2011. But it was not just another Mommy-andme class — this one may actually give Ari a leg up in school, work and life. How? By building his cultural intelligence or cultural quotient (CQ), an increasingly desirable trait for children growing up in today’s borderless world. Best-selling author David Livermore wrote The Cultural Intelligence Difference: Master the One Skill You Can’t Do Without in Today’s Global Economy, and he defines cultural intelligence as “the capacity to function effectively in a variety of cultural contexts — including national, ethic, organization and generational.” Global research

40 SEPTEMBER2014 41

conducted over the past decade shows that those with high levels of cultural intelligence are better able to adapt and thrive in a complex global society, he noted. In short, Livermore said, it’s no longer enough to be book smart or even emotionally intelligent. Modern children need to learn to succeed in an increasingly diverse, characteristically unpredictable global village, which requires a unique set of skills — one that many kids living in a fairly heterogeneous North American culture won’t acquire on their own. All of this may seem like yet another metric for busy parents to manage. But experts say that it is possible — even simple — to build a child’s cultural quotient, beginning at birth.

Culture Smarts If “cultural intelligence” sounds like a workplace buzzword, that’s because it is. The term, popularized by scores of multicultural management tomes and textbooks since 2000, has effectively trickled down to education and parenting — which is exactly where cultural intelligence needs to begin, said Livermore. As children become more culturally intelligent, they will get better at interacting effectively with their peers today and in the decades ahead, he noted. When parents consider the world’s rapidly shifting demographic profile, it’s clear that kids need new competencies to succeed. Today, 49 percent of children in this country ages 5 and younger are children of color; China will soon

be the number-one English-speaking country in the world; and General Electric predicts that 60 percent of its new growth in the next decade will come from the developing world, compared to 20 percent over the past decade.

Race and Culture Thriving in a racially diverse environment is second nature to Richard Bucher, Ph.D., author of Building Cultural Intelligence (CQ): 9 Megaskills. He graduated from Howard University, a historically black college, and teaches courses at Baltimore City Community College in Maryland. But cultural intelligence doesn’t begin and end with the study of different ethnicities — it’s also about normalizing disability, chronic illness or anything else that might set someone apart, he said. “It’s about more than multicultural education,” he said. “Cultural intelligence helps kids move beyond labels, whether someone comes from a different country or uses a wheelchair. It’s about seeing the person behind the wheelchair.” Bucher’s two (now grown) daughters often tagged along with him to lectures and work events, and felt perfectly at home in culturally diverse settings. But nothing expanded their horizons like having a brother with special needs, he said. Bucher’s son, Jimmy, is 36 and autistic. “We didn’t do anything particularly special to raise culturally intelligent kids, but they always understood how to interact with and include someone different. It was part of their daily life.” Angela Bergeson, head of the IDEAL School of Manhattan (IDEAL stands for inclusion, diversity,

excellence, acceptance and leadership), agrees that culture isn’t simply a matter of geography. The IDEAL School is an all-inclusive grade school with a student body composed of two-thirds neurotypical children and one-third special needs children. Anything that seems “different” to a child can become a deeply embedded cultural bias — or a catalyst for learning and growth, she noted. “Culturally intelligent kids have self-awareness about their own identity, along with a respect for individual differences.”

Building a Child’s CQ So what does it take to develop this critical competency? According to Livermore, cultural intelligence is made up of four qualities: drive (motivation), knowledge (cognition), strategy (metacognition) and action (behavior). For children, this means developing the desire to function well in culturally diverse settings and an understanding of ways that distinct cultures are similar and different. The first two concepts, “drive” and “knowledge,” can be introduced to toddlers and young children without much effort, explained Livermore — simply taking young children through an international supermarket or to a concert featuring music from another culture can spark a discussion about how the culture differs from that of the child’s own family. The “strategy” and “action” parts of the equation may come along later, during the tween and teen years, as children digest and

interpret culturally diverse experiences and learn to adapt their behavior appropriately. This is where a child’s burgeoning critical thinking skills can come into play. Parents can start by asking children to reflect on and critique their own cultural beliefs, and examine how false cultural assumptions and stereotypes — such a belief that people with a certain cultural background are lazy, for example — can damage relationships and inhibit success across cultures, said Bergeson.

READING LIST

For adults:

• The Cultural Intelligence Difference: Master the One Skill You Can’t Do Without in Today’s Global Economy, by David Livermore • Building Cultural Intelligence (CQ): 9 Megaskills, by Richard Bucher

The Frog and the Well

• Cultural Intelligence: A Guide to Working with People from Other Cultures, by Brooks Peterson

There’s an ancient Chinese proverb about the frog and the well, said Bucher: A frog lived his entire life inside a well, and his world was very small. He only knew what he could see: a tiny slice of sky at the top. Too many kids are like that frog, unaware of the world beyond their own community, he said. “Building cultural intelligence allows children to move up and out of their own ‘cultural silos’ to experience more of the world and enjoy more of the world.” For her part, Martin is doing her best to push Ari (and later, her young daughter) up and out of the proverbial “well” to help foster an understanding of the world’s different ideas, cultures and languages. This broad mindset will give her kids an advantage in education, communication and relationships, she says. She’s also thinking ahead — decades ahead. “It is also a wonderful asset out in the world of employment.”

• The Flat World and Education: How America’s Commitment to Equity Will Determine Our Future, by Linda Darling-Hammond

For children: • Global Babies, by The Global Fund for Children (picture book) • The Name Jar, by Yangsook Choi • The Colors of Us, by Karen Katz • Whoever You Are (Reading Rainbow Books), by Mem Fox and Leslie Staub

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LESSONS FROM ABROAD:

David Reske (standing, right) visits school children in Zambia.

Caring for Our Global Community BY AMANDA ROBERGE

Gloria Joseph’s son, Michael, at Our Little Brothers and Sisters Orphanage in Haiti.

Editor’s note: For many families, cultural intelligence spills into daily living. From international adoption to global volunteering, parents and children expand neighborhood borders to provide help for the world community — and, at the same time, setting an example and expanding global understanding for their own children. Here, journalist Amanda Roberge shares the stories of three Massachusetts residents who are making a difference abroad. — mk

world is great and our ability to help is even greater, agreed Josephs and Herron. Getting their families and friends to pitch in and help them fundraise and gather supplies has been an easy task; their passion is so contagious it is hard not to get swept up in the fight.

Cambodia is separated from Massachusetts by almost as much space as is possible here on Earth. It is, quite literally, on the other side of the world, but it is a place that exists deep within Dr. Mary Anne Herron’s heart. As a resident of one of the smallest states in America, Herron is in good company as people from the Bay State have taken up causes all over the globe and are working to make a difference in big ways. “Once you visit there, you are captured for life,” said Gloria Josephs, who fights tirelessly for the children of Haiti. “You never stop thinking of what you can be doing to help.” Whether helping to build schools and orphanages, providing educational opportunities or clean water, the needs of villages and communities all over the

“I don’t think anything can truly prepare you for the magnitude of poverty in these communities,” said Josephs. “But the amazing thing is that people really do make a difference through volunteering. It is life-changing.” Josephs was instrumental, along with her peers from St. Luke’s Parish in Westborough, in helping to build the Our Little Brothers and Sisters orphanage in the mountains of Haiti in 1999, and later the St. Damien’s medical clinic, which serves as the country’s only free pediatric clinic. With thousands of children needing to be fed, clothed and educated, Herron and Josephs are among the countless Bay State warriors using every available resource in their daily lives to make a difference whenever they have the chance. “My three kids have always pitched in, helping

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A village school in Zambia funded by Trish and David Reske of Westborough. to collect and ship clothing,” said Josephs, whose family spent Christmas 2011 at the orphanage. “My whole family is involved. They love it.”

Connecting to Cambodia Herron became smitten with the people of Cambodia in 2003 when she visited to work with small villages in the realm of education. Nestled between Thailand and Vietnam, the country’s people struggle with poverty and illiteracy, among other social and economic issues. A retired schoolteacher and principal, she set about to oversee the education of 500 students in five squatter schools - schools for children of displaced families – and found herself deeply connected to the experience. Building schools and clinics, working with communities so that they might have clean water, and establishing programs that allow for safer births – these are all part of Herron’s plight, which she executes under the umbrella of the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation in Agawam, where she functions as the Director of Education.

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But like many of her philanthropic counterparts, there is always more she would like to be doing. “Dreams for the future include broadening greatly opportunities for girls going to college, bringing electricity to the village, teaching English to all of the kindergarten children and opening kindergarten classes in the other 4 schools where they will also learn to read and speak Khmer but also English,” she said.

World Warriors

For Trish and David Reske of Westborough, there isn’t a single place on the globe that garners their attention – instead, they are always looking for different ways to help, both locally and internationally. It is the culture in which they have raised their four children, always looking – frequently through an organization known as World Vision – for ways to make a difference in the lives of others. “We’ve always been interested in helping families in other locations around the world,” said David, having had the opportunity recently to fund the building of a school that will serve to educate 400

children in a village in Zambia. What struck him during a trip to Zambia in 2008 was how few resources small villages had for education but also how dedicated the parents were to seeking out opportunities for their children’s education. “We had the chance to talk with some of the mothers, and they were talking to us just like a group of PTA moms would here in America,” he said. “They want the best for their children – they are just very, very poor.” Their love for World Vision, he said, comes from the organization’s dedication to taking a long-term approach to working with remote communities to find out what their needs are and empowering their leaders to create solutions to some of their problems. But even through their years of service to others, Reske still believes that the people who receive the most from the experience live right here in Massachusetts. “It’s been cool to be able to make a difference in other peoples’ lives,” he said. “It’s a gift to us.”

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Arriving at our Denmark home

Taki

Famous “Little Mermaid” statue in Copenhagen

Thrill rides at Tivoli Gardens

Our Summer in Denmark One family’s first experience in home exchanges BY HEATHER KEMPSKIE

Editor’s note: This summer, our baystateparent online community followed along as Massachusetts mom and baystateparent.com blogger Heather Kempskie shared her family’s experience “swapping lives” with a family in Copenhagen. Find her “Life Swap” blog series on our website. Here, she wraps up her adventure with advice to others who might want to find an affordable and ingenious way to travel abroad. – M.K.

here may have been no shower curtains in any of the large, tiled bathrooms and zero screens on the windows that adorned the bright and charming house in the small town of Farum, Denmark. The kitchen was even sans a microwave. But what the home lacked, I found to be only American necessities; it had in abundance European efficiency and charm and, most importantly, it afforded us a rare glimpse into life of Danes and the family of five that had loaned it to us for the summer. Without knowing, my family and I had 44 SEPTEMBER2014 45

chosen the world’s “most happiest place” as our first experience in home exchange. For 22 days, we assumed the daily chores of feeding the family cat and hens and watering the tomato plants for a chance to live abroad in an affordable way. In exchange, we opened our Massachusetts home to their family for the same stretch of time. My husband and I were thrilled to show our kids, ages 9 and 11, that the world was a much bigger, more fascinating place than they had ever imagined. We longed for a temporary escape of the daily grind of suburban living and a return to our roots of travel and adventure. Now that our kids could feed themselves and perhaps retain the memories, we jumped on the chance to make it happen.

to abandon some daily chores for a week or so. It’s all about relaxation and ease. Adventures – our adventure – required a different set of expectations. None of us had travelled to Denmark before. It was completely uncharted territory with a fairly complicated language barrier. We needed to stretch our adventure budget big time. Denmark is extremely expensive due in part to its 25% value-added tax. We found free and affordable things to occupy our time. Plus, there were dishes to wash and clothes to hand dry and hens to care for. Be prepared for an adventure.

Here’s what we learned:

Our days included bits of culture and history mixed with McDonald runs and amusement parks to appease all ages. While I loved the leisurely strolls through Rosenborg Castle Gardens, the oldest and most visited park in

There are vacations and then there are adventures.

Vacations are typically spent at a hotel or a place that allows you

Travelling abroad with children requires (lots of) compromise.

central Copenhagen, the kids went crazy for stuff that was almost as equally old – Tivoli garden – a famous amusement park opened in 1843, making it the second oldest amusement park in the world. Kevin and I were content to dine at places serving traditional Danish fare – like open-faced salmon sandwiches served on rye bread; the kids craved pizza.

Our family got closer. It was life without a schedule. There were no summer camps to get to or playdates to coordinate. We didn’t know anyone in Denmark so we had a lot of time together. I adored it. Many days were spent sitting in the backyard, talking, reading and playing together. My children, like most other children, maintain a certain level of tolerance for one another, but this trip reminded them that there is room for friendship and laughter.

nt ost – a in est ld. at sh on ad;

ere or n’t we ed in nd ke a ne em hip

How to get your own home exchange started: Join a reputable home exchange site.

Taking care of the garden and hens

There is risk involved but it’s worth it. We lucked out. I’ll admit that there was a small part of me that was preparing to be scammed. Did this family in Denmark really exist? Were they really thieves that were planning to steal everything we had and burn it to the ground? We signed an exchange agreement but would that really cover us if something went terribly wrong? It wasn’t until we arrived at their doorstep with suitcases in hand that I finally breathed again. They left a welcome basket for us with maps highlighting

Strolling through King’s Garden

places of interest. When their car started making noises, we took it to the mechanic who repaired a rusting exhaust and they eagerly reimbursed us. Our home was left in immaculate condition. Nothing was missing or broken. The only thing that wasn’t there before we left was a sweet message written in chalk “Welcome back to America.” It’s good to be back. We missed our friends and family but the four of us have already started talking about next year’s destination and that just might get me through the winter.

A home exchange veteran recommended homelink.org. We paid an $89 member fee for access to listings and to post our own. The site is a bit clunky but a recent newsletter indicated that they are working on improving it. Be sure to post decent pics of your home. I read that some people hire a professional photographer. I just took pictures when my house was decently clean.

Decide on exchange dates where you’d like to go. We listed “anywhere” to increase the odds of finding a match. Best decision we ever made. Be sure to indicate if the family can have use of your car and if you will need them to care for a family pet.

Respond promptly to every offer. The site we used rated the efficiency of response. People are trying to make plans so don’t leave them hanging.

Do your homework.

• Outstanding Sports Program • Faith & Gospel Values

“No one lights a candle and places it in hiding, nor under a bushel basket, but upon a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.”

Prepare your home. In general, you should remove as much clutter as you can. It turned out to be an incredible opportunity for us to purge and organize. Leave some space in closets for them to unpack and as a caution we had all important documents and files under lock and key while we were away. Again, some healthy paranoia on my part.

Get ready to travel abroad. Allow a few weeks for passports. Research the weather and pack accordingly and then hold on tight for an once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Don’t agree to any offer until you

“Be part of a school where your success is everyone’s goal.” • Academic Excellence • Community Involvement • Drama/Music

have confirmed your time off and researched flight information. We have read that there had been in uptick in cancelled exchanges because families had neglected to check out flight costs before agreeing to exchange. The site also requires that the exchangers sign a contract. We amended ours to include that we were not responsible if one of the hens didn’t make it through the summer. I was paranoid.

“What I love about being a student at St. Mary’s is that I know I am going to graduate completely prepared for college and have many great memories to take with me!” Jessica Forest, 12th grade “I enjoy learning at St. Mary's. With such a friendly environment, there's no reason not to like it here! There is so much potential for students enrolled here because there are many activities that every student can have achance to participate in.” Kieran O'Donnell, 11th grade “What I like about St. Mary's is how accepting the school community is.” Mariah Suarez, 10th grade “St. Mary’s is an accomplished school where you’ll be comfortable around teachers and other students. The high caliber of the education you receive here truly prepares you for the college of your choice.” Padraig Smith, 9th grade

“I like St. Mary’s because instead of pushing you to reach the curriculum, the teachers give you actual information that will help you to reach your goals when you are out of high school and in life.” Faith Wang, 8th grade “I like that all the teachers are very welcoming and explain their lessons in easy and fun ways. All the kids know each other and are friends.” Cole Viamari, 7th grade “I like that St. Mary’s gives you a jump start on college, so when you get there you are a step ahead.” Jessica Crosby, 6th grade

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INDEX

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