October 2011 baystateparent Magazine

Page 1

OCTOBER 2011

bays FREE

rent Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

WINGS FOR AUTISM GET YOUR BOO ON Cast The Spell In Your Neighborhood FURRY FASHIONISTAS Take The Chill Out

Meet Miss Pink 2011 FOOD FIGHT Knock Out Cancer At Every Meal IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME When Your Daughter Has Breast Cancer

“I’m what

HOPE looks like”

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

friend

actor

scientist

musician

Fall Open House October 16 at 1:00 pm

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

lower, middle, & upper schools 2 OCTOBER2011

110 Shore Drive Worcester, MA 01605 508.853.2640 www.bancroftschool.org

Cornerstone Academy Educating all learners in grades K-6

Learning at Cornerstone Academy is not limited to the classroom. 0QFO )PVTF t /PWFNCFS UI UP Q N

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0BL "WFOVF t /PSUICPSP ." t www.cornerstoneacademy.org BAYSTATEPARENT 3

4 OCTOBER2011

Blossom Station Child Care Center of Acton “Daily Discoveries, Endless Possibilities”

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222 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720

978-266-2779 www.BlossomStation.com

BAYSTATEPARENT 5

Join us for a Splashy Halloween this October! We’ll have Arts & Crafts, Games & Contests, Cool Prizes and More! See website for details and current operating hours www.CoCoKeyFitchburg.com

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our special guest

38

Captured by Tess Johnson www.tessjphotography.com

table

MEET MISS PINK

You’ll fall in love with young newlyweds, 23-year-olds Ashley and Nick Schultz, who organize an annual pageant to make women with breast cancer feel beautiful. Equally lovable is this year’s winner, bsp cover model, Donna Wadden.

steven king

tess johnson

Donna Wadden age 59 Andover

52

72

THE BOO CREW

The bsp reader photo gallery “Captured� casts a spell of cuteness this month for Halloween. Be a part of it by sending holiday photos by November 1st for our December issue to editor@baystateparent.com.

WILDCHILD

Wrap your wild child in the hottest winter trend: hip animal hoods (with scarves and mittens attached!) and boot wraps which add new styles to plain Uggs.

the of the home

OCTOBER 2011 • VOLUME 16 • NUMBER 6

in every issue 8 9 11 12 14 48

WELCOME GUESTBOOK ON MY PLATE: The R-Word LET’S ROLL: Pampered at Plimoth Plantation OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO JUNKDRAWERS

52 CAPTURED: THE BOO CREW 55 66 67 67

think pink

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28 TARA GRIFFITH TODAY 30 I WOULD TRADE PLACES IN A HEARTBEAT 32 TAKE GOOD CARE: Food Fight

38 MEET MISS PINK 42 MOMS ROCK: CAROL CHAOUI, WELLESLEY 44 GO MOM GO 46 UNIMPORTANT PLEASURES: Real Men Wear Pink

33 37 68 69 71 74

THE ELLIE FUND DO GOOD CAMPAIGN SHOW AND TELL - Think Pink BULLETIN BOARD PARTY PLANNER SHOW & TELL ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

DIRTY LAUNDRY WITH STEVEN RICH FINALLY, FOREVER CIRCLE OF FRIENDS OCTOBER’S CHILDREN

something special 54 FANGS FOR THE MEMORIES 58 WINGS FOR AUTISM

sneak peek November

SPECIAL NEEDS

December

THE HOLIDAYS

January

72 WILDCHILD

EDUCATION/TECHNOLOGY

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

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

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e m o c l e W Lace up your sneakers and put on a fleece. If Lori Cain can walk four to eight miles a day during active treatments for Stage 11 breast cancer, then we can too. If she can focus on the positive and throw a head-shaving party with cake and ice cream when her hair starts to fall out, then we can too. Lori’s story is the essence of baystateparent’s annual Think Pink issue. The 44-year-old Lancaster, Massachusetts mother of two is just one of the amazing women I met while putting together this beautiful issue, and her story captures the essence of what bsp’s annual Think Pink issue is all about for every woman, with or without a cancer diagnosis. I asked Lori her thoughts about bsp’s editorial this month. Is it insensitive to suggest that women can laugh or run a marathon (as our survivor mom featured on page 42 did) when they are truly suffering? Does showing so much of the honorable and victorious gloss over the challenges of this disease? Lori allays our fears, “Cancer is such a big thing and people are so afraid of

it. If you read something that says, ‘I went in it with a positive attitude and got through it,’ the less fearful they may be. People need to see that you can get through it.” Lori’s story began at the beginning of this year when her friend asked her to participate in the Boston two-day Avon Breast Cancer Walk to be held on May 19. At first, Lori didn’t want to make the commitment of raising $1,800, but something compelled her. A spaghetti supper and $5,000 later, Lori had completed the first part of her 39-mile journey. But what Lori didn’t know at the time of the walk is that her journey was going to be much greater. Lori had breast cancer but did not know it. John, Lori’s husband of 11 years, found the lump in her left breast two months after she Lori and her family

completed the walk. “He saved my life.” says Lori. Ironically, Lori’s physician had just given her a full breast exam during her physical that May and did not detect a lump. And because of her history of normal mammograms and the fact that breast cancer does not run in her family, her doctor had advised her to continue with mammograms every two years. Her last mammogram was in 2009. On July 26th, Lori had a full left mastectomy with John cheering her on, “Take it off. I didn’t like that one anyway.” Two weeks later, Lori started chemotherapy.

During her first treatment, Lori says, “We were all laughing. My husband was taking photos. I felt nothing. I was a little tired, but I was not sick.” And like a true mom, Lori says that cancer is something, like anything else on her schedule, that she just has to fit in. “Life doesn’t stop. If you don’t push a little bit, you are going to be in bed the whole time,” she says. Lori believes that the survivors and fighters she walked with in May are still carrying her through, but her greatest strength comes from her husband and her kids. At the mention of 15-year-old Tye and 12-year-old Rachel, she chokes up. “My son and daughter are my life. I am nothing without them.” This month, Lori will celebrate breast cancer awareness by “recruiting” for the Avon Breast Cancer Walk next year. “I say to everyone, ‘You will do the walk next year. I have a team, and I want you to join it. I am having a DJ and throwing a huge party. We’ll probably raise 10,000!” This is money, according to Karl Simin, Assistant Professor of Cancer Biology at UMass Medical Center, that researchers are depending on, “the lifeblood of scientific research” (see page 30). And if Lori can set out to raise $10,000 during one of the most challenging times of her life, we can too. Whatever challenge you face in life, we wish you the strength you need.

Carrie Wattu, editor Please read the full version of Lori’s story at baystateparent.com, including a powerful account of the “waiting period,” the agonizing week (or longer) where women and their families wait for test results. “There is no reason why a woman has to wait that long for a result!” says Lori. Click Editor’s Blog.

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families

baystateparent publisher GARETH CHARTER 508-749-3166 x153 gcharter@holdenlandmark.com editor CARRIE WATTU 508-865-7070 editor@baystateparent.com

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

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

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

sales & business development manager STEPHANIE PEARL 774-364-0296 stephaniep@baystateparent.com account executive STACI LaTURNO BISSET 774-364-5073 stacil@baystateparent.com account executive EMILY RETTIG 774-364-4178 emilyr@baystateparent.com account executive DAWN HINES 413-626-2789 dawn@baystateparent.com contributing writers WENDY AGUDELO BRETT BLUMENTHAL STEPHEN RICH

AMANDA ROBERGE BONNIE TOOMEY JENNIFER VACCA

presidents KIRK and LAURIE DAVIS

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s 08.8 Rate Call 5 vertising d For A

photographers MICHELLE CARR TESS JOHNSON STEVEN KING PORTRAIT SIMPLE PAULA SWIFT

baystatestateparent 117 Elm St., Millbury, MA 01527

508-865-7070

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

Meet Our Cover Model

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

Miss Pink 2011 Donna Wadden age 59, Andover mother of two sons, ages 27 and 30 1. Tell us about this fabulous photo of you. I am no diva by any means. Tess Johnson [the Miss Pink Pageant photographer] took this old lady and made me look fabulous. She is my photographer for life! 2. How did you feel about winning Miss Pink 2011? I am actually a tool person who wears pink overalls and a tool belt. I am more likely to win Miss Home Depot, but I hate orange. I wasn't thinking about winning. I was just hav8 OCTOBER2011

ing fun. Then when I got my crown, I said, 'Am I worthy of this?' My life turned around.

Massachusetts' premier magazine for families has earned more than 130 national and regional awards since 2004, including 30 in 2010:

3. Why did you enter a pageant in the first place? I am a party girl so I said I'd be in a 'fashion show.' Plus, I think the Lord wanted me to be around women. 4. What is each day like fighting cancer? I start each day with an attitude of gratitude. I wake up each morning so full of joy and energy.

17 Parenting Publications of America Awards

tess johnson

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

purestylephotography.com.

GUESTBOOK

I

just read Bonnie Toomey’s amazing story of the Irish family adopting Sebastien [Haiti to Home, July 2011]. His picture is so hauntingly sweet; I can see why they couldn’t get him out of their hearts and minds. His eyes are so filled with love, and I’m so happy that he’s found a loving home. Joanna Galvin Bellingham EDITOR’S NOTE: Freelance writer, Bonnie Toomey, has written her Haiti to Home series for baystateparent since February 2011. Her monthly series chronicles the journey of the Budd family of Acton in their efforts to adopt a Haitian girl, Roselande, as well as follows the adoptions of Roselande’s brothers to New England families. I read Christine and Faye’s column [Unimportant Pleasures, September 2011] just as I was trying to figure out what to do with an old bureau. Since I needed extra storage under my bed, I bought some inexpensive wheels at Home Depot, screwed them onto the drawers and used them as under-the-bed storage that rolls out. It looks a lot better than plastic bins! Stephanie Mallard bsp graphic designer, Fitchburg We enjoyed baystateparent’s article “We Will Never Forget� [September 2011]. We thought the direction you took the article was perfect. As we sit here in our home on the 9/11 anniversary, we know we won’t ever forget. Mike and Jane Pellini Shrewsbury Wow. I just wanted to thank everyone at baystateparent for featuring our crash prevention training program. Clearly Carrie [Carrie Wattu, editor] had the same experience as I did when I was first invited to help In Control market itself in New England (and subsequently took the position of President in hopes of saving as many lives as possible). There were two points I just wanted to correct in your [September] editorial and article. First, proper hand position is actually 9 and 3 now. We train drivers to rest their thumbs on that bar on the steering wheel, which will provide you with the best control of the vehicle while avoiding the airbag if someone does hit you. It’s perfectly understandable that it can get confused; there are dozens of misconceptions with safe driving habits.

While you're busy at work, your child is busy at PLA Y !

EDITOR’S NOTE: The photo of dancer Alma Caramanica in last month’s “Captured� was submitted by Pure Style Photography.

The vast majority of drivers were told that “one car length for every ten miles per hour� is a safe follow distance. It’s probably safe at 20mph, but not even close at 50mph (it isn’t today nor was it when you learned it 20+ years ago). Additionally, you referenced invincibility and skidding. I wanted to clarify that teen drivers have an inherent sense of invincibility. In fact, studies show that the brain doesn’t fully develop until mid-20s and as teenagers, decision making skills are just not there. We try to put students into situations that chip away at that sense of invincibility. For example, in our slalom drill most students will experience a loss of control at less than 35mph. At that point, we have a conversation about how they just increased their speed slightly and lost control. Before this experience, many felt comfortable going 40mph, 50mph, even 60mph on roads designed for 35mph or less. These lessons provide attitudinal adjustments to keep speeds low enough to avoid skidding, but also instinctual reactions and muscle memory to skillfully regain control if a skid occurs. We look forward to seeing your readers in upcoming classes all winter long. Thank you again for sharing our story and please encourage your readers to visit DriveInControl.com/baystateparent or contact me personally for details about our program. Dan Strollo, President In Control WINNERS! baystateparent giveaways are announced at baystateparent.com, under “Contests/ Fast Pass to Giveaways� as well as on our Facebook page (Join our page today by searching “baystateparent Magazine.�) A sampling of our recent prizes and winners include:

• Family owned and run • Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten Programs • EEC Licensed Teachers • The Letter People Curriculum • Lively Letters Curriculum • Indoor Gym • Sibling Discounts • Optional Lunch Program • CompuChild, Music & Movement, Tumblebus, Lil' Sports and Mad Science programs on site 172 Otis Street (behind Walmart) .ORTHBORO -! s

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Purity Springs Two-Day Getaway ($782 value) Elaine Devine, Brookline Wii Games Ann-Marie Bairos, Burlington Dana Cohen, Holliston Jennifer Hamil, Hopkinton Email your thoughts on our October “Think Pink� issue: editor@baystateparent.com All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Please include your full name and town for publlication.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 9

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ONMYPLATE

The RWORD

My Child is Not the Punch Line of Your Joke BY

jennifer vacca

In Recognition of October being Down syndrome Awareness Month Throughout our history, there have been many commonly-used words which are now considered inappropriate. We no longer accepts slurs against racial, ethnic and religious groups as well as slurs against the gay population. Prejudice still exists, but these communities stand up in response to slurs and inappropriate language and it would seem, their voices are heard. However, there is at least one group which has been left out of this fight for respect and that is the Down syndrome community, a community which has come under attack on two occasions in the last month. In July 2011, GQ magazine released an online article ranking Boston as the worst dressed city in America. In the article, the writer referred to Bostonians as suffering from “style Down syndrome, where a little extra ruins everything.” The little extra that he refers to is the extra chromosome that people with Down syndrome have. GQ received an immediate response to this attack from parents and advocacy groups and removed the language from the article. They did not, however, apologize to the Down syndrome community, nor did they issue a statement to their readers acknowledging the slur. To date, GQ has yet to offer any public apology or statement on this article. Now we have the summer 2011 movie The Change Up which is a comedy rehashing the overdone body changeup story line. This is a comedy starring two of my (former) favorite actors, Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman. In the opening scene of the movie, Ryan Reynolds’ character meets his friend’s twin babies. When he sees the babies, he asks if they are “retarded” and suggests that one of the babies looks “downsy.” The R-word, or retard, has been around forever. At one time, it was a diagnosis of sorts, a way of describing a child who was experiencing a slower or “retarded” development. As we all know, it is often used as the punch line of a joke, or as a

means of describing a stupid act or person. Once the word became a popular slur, the ability to use it with dignity and respect became impossible and as a result, the parents of children with developmental disabilities and the groups representing adults with intellectual disabilities began to push for new language to accurately describe these individuals. With the release of The Change Up, Hollywood was kind enough to add another slur for these communities to combat, “Downsy. “The movie has been the subject of a letter to Universal Studios, the actors, the producers, the writers and the publicists.

I encourage all parents to teach their children that the word “retard” is no longer considered appropriate, and to lead by example and not use the word. No response has been offered from any of those contacted. However, in one published interview, the producer of the movie, when asked specifically about the comment related to Down syndrome, stated that he thought the remarks in the scene crossed the line, but he left them in the movie anyway. As the parent of four children, I worry about the message that the continued use of these slurs conveys. As the parent of a 7-year-old daughter with Down syndrome, I am terrified about what their constant use means for her future. Many children with disabilities, including my own, are included in the regular classroom. This

is a good thing; however, this inclusion comes at the cost of less protection from the cruel world in which we live. As a substitute teacher, I frequently hear the R- word used at the middle school level, often within earshot of a student whose condition would have at one time, carried the label mental retardation. These children are aware that they are being used as punch lines; they are aware that they are being made fun of. This is bullying and must stop. To use the terms “retard” and “downsy” is hurtful to a population of people who did nothing but be born “different.” They have certainly done nothing to deserve this ridicule and hate. I encourage all parents to teach their children that the word “retard” is no longer considered appropriate, and to lead by example and not use the word. Very often, this word slips out often without even thinking, but awareness can be a wonderful thing and has led to significant changes in our society. I invite your readers to join us in increasing the awareness of the pain that this word causes and to push for its removal from popular vernacular. Stop Disability Slurs (www.facebook. com/stopdisabilityslurs) is a rapidly growing grass roots cause dedicated to stopping disability slurs across the globe. Just as we do not tolerate racial, religious or sexual slurs in our society, we must take a stand to stop disability slurs. This group is for anyone and everyone who supports individuals with disabilities in any way, shape or form and has the courage to stand up for all unique and valued contributors to our society - races, backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations and abilities. Stand up. Do you have the courage?

Back to School Children’s Special Free Single Vision Lenses with the Purchase of Frames Exp. October 31, 2011

1099 Pleasant St Worcester, MA 01602 508-756-9513

Jennifer Vacca is a mother of four from Grafton. “On My Plate” is a forum for Massachusetts parents. Do you have a viewpoint you’d like to express, a story or experience you’d like to share? You don’t have to be a published writer to be considered. Please submit essays to editor@baystateparent.com for review. BAYSTATEPARENT 11

LET’SROLL

Pampered at

PLIMOTH PLANTATION BY

carrie wattu

That’s right. I felt pampered at Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Visiting the Wampanoag Homesite and the English settlers’ village of 400 years ago, I felt a kind of Thanksgiving for the simple things of modern life: carpets and floors, comfortable beds, faucets with clean water, stoves... Life in early America was hard, a reminder for me as well as a lesson for my 7-year-olds and 10-year-old. It was hot on our outing, and the Wampanaogs were comfortably cool in minimal deerskin clothing as opposed to the heavily-clad Pilgrims. The English, played by costumed actors, were cooking a mustard-based hard sauce in their tiny, one-room home to pour over boiled eggs. The strong smells mingled with the dirt floor, fire and overall heat made our stomachs queasy. And seeing the women bent over as they cooked an entire meal with a crude knife in long skirts and a bonnet was actually painful to watch. We were intrigued that 7 to 9 people could live in one tiny dark thatched hut where cooking, sponge baths and just about everything was done in one room. As a mother, I kept pointing out the practical, day-to-day details to our children about things we take for granted such as privacy and hygiene. I wondered: Where would a baby sit and play without getting burned by the fire? How would a married couple even make a baby with so little privacy? The Wampanaog Homesite is run by contemporary Native men and women, not actors, so that visitors can learn Wampanaog history and culture from a modern perspective. The Native People displayed their crafts, belts weaved with fibers derived from plants and colored with plant dyes, as well as demonstrated how to make a boat, a mishoonash, by hollowing out a tree with fire. Very cool! Their traditional homes, the wetus, are domeshaped and seemed less claustrophobic than English homes. Comparing the two, our family was unanimous that the Wampanoag Homesite is where we would want to reside if we lived in the 17th century. It’s just one discussion point that kept our family engaged throughout our visit.

Downtime

photos courtesy of plimoth plantation

Getting lost in another era can be intense fun, and families may need some downtime to recharge. Head indoors to the Family Discovery Station, a small interactive area for children to dress in 17th century clothing for pretend-play as well as to try games or put on a puppet show. You can also explore three shops, which are quite unique and educational in themselves: Museum Shop, Native American Museum Shop and Children’s Shop. Refreshments are available at The Patuxet Cafe, which is clean and inviting, with an array of healthy salads, fruits and sandwiches as well as fried foods, puddings and pies. Families have until the Sunday after Thanksgiving to plan a visit before the Plantation closes for winter. Weekday afternoons tend to be quieter as morning field trips are popular during the school year. Of course, Thanksgiving Day is very crowded, so plan accordingly. The Plantation is just three miles from the 12 OCTOBER2011

seaside town of Plymouth, scenic and bustling with many shops and restaurants, so you can easily spend a full day at the Plantation and in town, or slow things down by staying overnight to make it a weekend. A reproduction of the Mayflower is moored in Plymouth Harbor, three miles from the Plantation, so you can purchase a combination ticket to complement your Plantation visit and climb aboard. It’s humbling to see how 100 people crammed themselves into such a small space (with livestock!) for two months at sea only to arrive in America to work long and hard building their homes and finding food. While children of all ages may not be mature enough to truly appreciate our country’s humble beginnings, exposing them through interactive and hands-on history, is a great start. And for the price of a spa day, you can open your whole family’s eyes to their history while giving yourself a very different perspective on pampering. Carrie Wattu is editor of baystateparent. This is her first time visiting Plimoth Plantation after living in Massachusetts for 40 years!

• A jogging stroller for little ones is ideal since some of the terrain is not paved. • Definitely review the helpful hints on the Plimoth Plantation website ahead of time. There is an abundance of practical and helpful information that can really enhance your trip.

check in to the hotel and complete the Plantation tour the next day as well as visit the Mayflower 11. We also recommend the KOA in Middleton about 15 minutes away. They offer cabins for about $70 per night as well as lodges with heat in the $130 range.

Staying Over: If you choose to stay the night in Plymouth, there are numerous hotels in the downtown area within walking distance to restaurants, shops and the Mayflower 11. A family could spend an afternoon at the Plantation,

Plimoth Plantation is located at 137 Warren Avenue in Plymouth. For more information, visit plimoth.org or call 508-746-1622.

“It’s humbling to see how 100 people crammed themselves into such a small space (with livestock!)...�

%ARN YOUR DEGREE IN AS LITTLE AS MONTHS* WHILE PARENTING FULL TIME

Preparing for Plimoth Recommended Age: If you are unsure if your little one will enjoy Plimoth Plantion, please keep in mind that children under 5 are free, which should make the decision easier. If you have school-aged children and are conscientious about finances, it probably makes the most sense to plan your trip when your child has a grasp of history... possibly age 9 and up. The child can make a lot of connections with what they have learned in school. Cost: If you have a full day or are spending the weekend, we recommend purchasing combination tickets which includes admission for two consecutive days to the Plantation and the Mayflower 11: • 17th-Century English Village • Wampanoag Homesite • Visitor Center and exhibition galleries • Craft Center • Nye Barn • Mayflower II Ship • Dockside Exhibit

02/'2!-3 /&&%2%$ s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Management Concentration s Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education (ECE) s Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts – Elementary Education Concentration s RN to BSN in Nursing**

s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology *With some previous college credits **MA Registered Nurse license required

Adults are $29.50; Children (6-12) are $19. Children under 5 are FREE (unless booked with a school group). A Plimoth Pass is available for $122.50, which includes 2 adults and up to 4 children (6 - 17). Also check AAA for discounts.

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Timing: Plan to spend about 2.5 hours at the Plantation and then about 45 minutes on the Mayflower 11, which is located 3 miles in Plymouth harbor (There is no shuttle between the Plantation and the Mayflower 11. You need to drive to the Mayflower 11 and park).

508.373.9500

Other Tips: • Pack your own snacks and drinks if desired.

www.becker.edu \ 7ORCESTER s 3OUTHBOROUGH

Accelerated Studies for the Adult Learner 3EVER 3TREET s 7ORCESTER -! BAYSTATEPARENT 13

OH, THE

PLACES YOU’LL courtesy of roger williams park zoo

GO

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

courtesy of haunted happenings in salem

courtesy of spooky world

GO SCREAM: The Fear is coming to Fenway! Visit spookyworld.com for all of the details.

14 OCTOBER2011

courtesy of the girls and boys club, worcester

GO ORANGE: Step inside a Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, Oct. 6 - 31st. rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org

GO SALEM: Salem is the place to be in October. Visit hauntedhappenings.org for a complete schedule of events.

GO ARTS: Enjoy a FREE day of Arts in the Afternoon, Sun., Oct. 16, in Worcester. bgcworcester.org

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO MELTDOWN WARNING: Before you pack up the mini-van, please confirm your destination. Although we’ve done our best to assure accuracy at press time, things can and do change… A Adult C Child Y Youth M Member NM Non-Member PP Per Person

1SATURDAY FREE Especially for Me! Free Evening for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum. Children’s Discovery Museum and Science Discovery Museum, Acton. 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Register: Autism-Events@discoverymuseums.org or call 978-264-4200 ext. 28.

a gorgeous farm illuminated by fall foliage. Family friendly. A $5, weekend pass $8. C 12 and under free. garlicandarts.org. Also Oct. 2. Heifer International’s Harvest Festival. Heifer International Learning Center at Overlook Farm, 216 Wachusett St., Rutland. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Also Oct. 2. Explore the homes in the Heifer Global Village to learn about traditional harvest celebrations in Peru, Poland, Kenya and more. Take a hay ride to the gardens and enjoy other activities. Purchase local pumpkins and a variety of organic produce from the farm stand. Browse the Shop@Heifer that features fair trade and unique hand-crafted items from around the world. Throughout the day, learn about Heifer International as you meet many of Heifers animals including yak, llamas and traditional farm animals such as pigs and goats. $5pp, C 12 and under free. (A fee will also be charged for food and pumpkins.) 508-886-2221, heifer.org/overlookevents. Apple Days. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge. 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. A weekend of events related to harvesting, preserving and cooking this quintessential

to Sundays, noon to 5p.m. A$8, Sr. $5, C over 6 small fee. 781-768-8367, spellman.org. Annual Fall Festival. Waters Farm Days, Waters Rd.,West Sutton. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. $7pp, Sr. $5, C (3-17)$1, Under 3 FREE. watersfarm.com. Also Oct. 2.

2SUNDAY FREE HONK! Festival 2011. Throughout Davis Square, Boston. Sept. 30 – Oct. 3. 617-383-HONK, honkfest.org. ONGOING A Day in Pompei Exhibit. Museum of Science, Boston. Oct. 2 – Feb. 12. Interactive stations, geology of volcanoes, the art of mosaics, the science of archaeology and ancient construction techniques. Features over 250 priceless artifacts of ancient Roman artistry. Artifacts include everything from frying pans, fishhooks, and merchants’ scales to ceramics, oil lamps, graffiti stones and carbonized bread. Visitors can also experience the power of volcanoes from interactive displays and learn about

Consign My Closet Fall/Winter Sale. St. Anargyroi Greek Church, 9 Central St., Marlborough. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Shop for everything from toddler to teen. consignmycloset.com. FREE 56th Annual Fall Foliage Festival Parade. North Adams. 1 p.m. Thousands of Berkshire residents and visitors enjoy the annual parade, which commemorates the magnificent autumn season. fallfoliageparade.com. Harvest and Craft Fair. Sheep Pasture, Route 138 & Main St., North Easton. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Features over 100 selected crafters, chili cook-off, children’s activities, pony rides, food, raffles, John Henry’s World of Magic and “New England Wildlife” by Blue Hills Trailside Museum and more. Admission applies. 508-238-6049, nrtofeaston.org. North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival, Orange. See Oct. 1 listing for details. Heifer International’s Harvest Festival. Overlook Farm, Rutland. See Oct. 1 listing for details.

FREE 2nd Annual Chakra Fest. Great Brook Farms, 356 Main St., Bolton. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Vendors, energy-workers, artists, card readers and musicians, raffles. Proceeds will benefit the Second Chance Fund for Animal Welfare. 5thChakraRecords. com, SecondChanceFund.org. FREE HONK! Festival 2011. Throughout Davis Square, Boston. Sept. 30 – Oct. 3. 617-383-HONK, honkfest.org.

Festival of the Hills. Conway. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Today is pre-festival with pancake breakfast, bake sale and community turkey dinner; Sunday features live music performances, craft and art exhibits, 10K road race, parade, log-splitting and skillet-tossing competitions, and local food and craft vendors. 413369-4051, festivalofthehills.com.Also Oct. 2. Maynard Fest. Nason & Main Streets, Maynard. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dozens of sidewalk sales, over 100 vendors and free family entertainment. Free children’s events such as pony rides and the Annual Open Studios at ArtSpace Maynard. Maynard Fest is traditionally followed by the Maynard Rotary Club’s Oktoberfest at Clock Tower Place featuring a beer garden and fireworks. 978-568-0360, assabetvalleychamber.org. Consign My Closet Fall/Winter Sale St. Anargyroi Greek Church, 9 Central St., Marlborough. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Shop for everything from toddler to teen. consignmycloset.com. Also Oct. 2. North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival: 60 Chesnut Hill Rd., Orange. Over 80 amazing art and agriculture booths; everything is made by hand or locally grown. Support fabulous artists and farmers and strengthen regional economy, shopping locally on

courtesy of honkfest.org

Day Out With Thomas: Leader of the Track Tour 2011. Edaville USA, Carver. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. October 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10. A 20-minute (approximate) ride with a 15- ton Thomas the Tank Engine. You’ll have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt™, Controller of the Railway. Visit a Thomas & Friends Imagination Station featuring stamps, temporary tattoos, hands-on arts & crafts activities and coloring sheets. Plus enjoy an array of vintage amusement rides, indoor and outdoor play areas, fishing in a natural pond, an indoor ball pit, a visit to Cranberry World and a train museum, and much more.$18 pp (under 2 are free). Includes a train ride, all Thomas related activities and all amusement rides. edaville.com.

HONK! It’s a FREE festival of street bands throughout Davis Square in Boston, ending Oct. 3. Visit honkfest.org.

New England fruit. Activities include heirloom apple and cider-and-cheese-tasting sessions (extra fees), an apple pie baking contest for OSV members, cider mill demonstrations, press-your-own-cider activities, crafts and other apple-themed fun. A$20, Sr. $18, C (3-17) $7, Under 3 free. 800-733-1830, osv.org. Also Oct. 2.

their victims by exploring the body casts that have immortalized them. Timed tickets only and will include a separate ticket for general Exhibit Hall admission that can be used the same day or within 6 months. A$27, Sr. $25, C (3 – 11) $24. Advance reservations recommended. mos.org.

The 3rd Annual West Boylston Fall Festival. Town Common, West Boylston. A relaxing day with lots to see and do. Visit wbaf.org for all the details. Proceeds benefit art and music education

Day Out With Thomas: Leader of the Track Tour 2011. Edaville USA, Carver. October 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10. See Oct. 1 listing for details.

LAST WEEKEND - Harry Potter Exhibit. Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History at Regis College in Weston. Runs from Sept. 17 to Oct. 5. This award-winning traveling exhibit will feature real postage stamps from numerous countries including France, Great Britain, the Republic of Taiwan and the Isle of Man, all of which feature images from the Harry Potter books and movies. Includes over 750 stamps and other forms of postal material. There will also be games and puzzles related to the stamps and the Potter books for all Potter fans to complete and win stamp prizes. Regular Museum hours: Thursdays

Festival of the Hills. Conway. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Features live music performances, craft and art exhibits, 10K road race, parade, log-splitting and skillet-tossing competitions, and local food and craft vendors. 413-369-4051, festivalofthehills.com. Temporary Structures. DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, Lincoln. Artist Mary Mattingly helps families take inspiration from her work and create their own wearable structures. Perfect for families with children ages 6–12, drop-in anytime between 1–3 p.m. A$12, C (6-8) $8, C under 5 FREE. decordova.org.

Apple Days. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge. See Oct. 1 listing for details. Cut-a-Thon. Salon One, Wellesley. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Haircuts for the whole family! Men, women and children are invited to have their hair cut by the wonderful stylists of Salon One for a $25 donation to the Ellie Fund, which supports women in Massachusetts with their day-to-day needs as they undergo breast cancer treatment. Also enjoy a fabulous raffle and special treats. elliefund.org Annual Fall Festival. Waters Farm Days, Waters Rd.,West Sutton. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. $7pp, Sr. $5, C (3-17)$1, Under 3 FREE. watersfarm.com.

3MONDAY FREE HONK! Festival 2011. Throughout Davis Square, Boston. Sept. 30 – Oct. 3. 617-383-HONK, honkfest.org. BAYSTATEPARENT 15

O

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO FREE Round Table and Open Discussion. Youth & Family Center, 365 Broad St., 3rd Floor, Fitchburg. 10 – 11:30 a.m. 508-856-1396 or email Daisy. Rivera@umassmed.edu FREE Admisson Parent Group Tour. Oak Meadow Montessori School, 2 Old Pickard Lane, Littleton. 9:15 – 11:15 a.m. For prospective parents of students from age 3 – grade 8 for the 2012-2013 school year. 978-486-9874, oakmeadow.org.

4TUESDAY

2:30 p.m. All moms and babies are welcome. Call Winchester Hospital’s Outpatient Lactation Center: 781-756-4788.

6THURSDAY FREE Read for The Record: Special Storytime! The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst. 11 a.m. Museum admission is FREE all day. Every year, Jumpstart Read for the Record selects one official book that grownups and children all across the country recite in hopes of making reading history. Join the Museum for a special reading of this year’s book, Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney, in an effort to set a new record of 2.5 million readers!

5 – 31. Rain or shine. 6 – 10 p.m. (trail closes by 11 p.m.). Experience the glow of thousands of pumpkins, set in a magical display of artistry during this nighttime Spectacular and feast your eyes on hundreds of artfully carved jack-o-lanterns depicting people, places and scenes from popular culture to old-time favorites and everything in between – all with painstaking detail and amazing intricacy! Proceeds from the Spectacular will support the Zoo’s education and conservation efforts as well as Zoo improvements. Mon. – Thurs.: A$12, Sr. $10, C (312) $9, C under 3 free. Fri., Sat. & Sun.: A$14, Sr. $12, C (3-12) $11, Under 3 free. FREE Grand Parade. Beginning at Shetland Park and ending at Salem Common. 6:30 – 8 p.m.

at harvesting and take the taste challenge. Sweet? Or sour? Experience fun, hands-on (and safe) science experiments designed especially for children ages 4-6 and their parents. This is active and interactive science, so come prepared to participate. For more information, e-mail info@ecotarium.org. Free with museum admission. Pick up your free tickets at the Information Desk when you arrive. First come, first served.

7FRIDAY Student Archaeology Fair. Museum of Science, Boston. Experience the excitement of archeology with dozens of hands-on activities, live presentations and special programs including many connected

FREE & ONGOING Storytime. Harvard Coop, 1400 Mass Ave., Cambridge. Weekly on Tuesdays, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. For children ages 1 – 6 and their caregivers with stories and snacks. 617-499-2000. ONGOING After School Drop In. Girls Incorporated of Worcester, 125 Providence St., Worcester. Mon. - Fri. 2 – 6 p.m. Fun and affordable educational programs: homework help, cooking, computers, swimming, crafts, dance, fitness and nutrition money management, Operation SMART (science, math and relevant technology) for K- 6 girls plus much more! 508-755-6455, girlsincworcester.org.

5WEDNESDAY

FREE & ONGOING Welcome Baby. Panera Bread, Cambridge. 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Meet other parents with babies in a relaxed, informal setting the first Wednesday of each month. Enjoy adult conversation while sharing parenting strategies, fun things to do as a family and area resources. Learn about upcoming programs for you and your family. Parking available. 617-841-8009 or metronorth@jccgb.org. Texture Story Hour. deCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, Lincoln. After hearing a story related to broad-based art themes in the Art ExperienCenter, families will participate in a corresponding activity and be provided with snacks. Ages 5 and under. Free with admission: A$12, C (6-8) $8, C under 5 FREE. decordova.org. ONGOING FOR MOMS Breastfeeding Support Group. Baldwin Park I, 12 Alfred St., Woburn. Meets every Wednesday afternoon from 1:30-

courtesy of edaville usa

FREE & ONGOING Story Time. Magic Beans, 361 Huron Ave., Cambridge. 2 p.m. Toddlers and kids can enjoy story time in a fun toy store with great products for kids. 617-300-0171.

Spend a Day Out with Thomas at Edaville USA in Carver: Oct. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10. edaville.com. Come to The Carle and be counted for this celebration of books and literacy then visit the Art Studio for a special activity. carlemuseum.org. FREE Take a Look Morning. Applewild School, 120 Prospect St., Fitchburg. 9 a.m. Open house on the first Thursday of each month. Tour the school! No RSVP needed. 978-342-6053 x 110, applewild.org. ONGOING Jack ‘O Lantern Spectacular. Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI. Nightly Oct.

Pageantry, music and enthusiasm. 978-744-0004, Salem-Chamber.org. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. DCU Center, Worcester. Oct. 6 – 10, various times. 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com, dcucenter.com. Budding Scientists: In the Cranberry Bog. EcoTarium, Worcester. 10:15 -10:45 a.m., 11 11:30 a.m. Learn how New England children once harvested cranberries from local bogs, try their hand

with A Day in Pompeii. Talk to more than 25 archaeologists from New England, and explore how their research is changing the way we look at the past. Free with Exhibit Halls admission. mos.org. Day Out With Thomas: Leader of the Track Tour 2011. Edaville USA, Carver. October 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10. See Oct. 1 listing for details. ONGOING Factory of Terror Haunted House. 33 Pearl St., Fall River. 6:30-10 p.m. (11 p.m. on weekends).

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Children’s Treasure Hunt at the Great House. Castle Inn on the Crane Estate, Ipswich. 10 - 10:45 a.m. A special 45-minute guided treasure hunt for families with children ages 4 – 8. Space is limited. Reservations required. $5 per child, Caregivers FREE. 978-356-4351, x 4049 or email lmarshall@ttor.org. FREE Trick or Treating with the Mayor. Essex Street Pedestrian Mall shops and inside the Museum Place Mall shops, Salem. 5:30 p.m. Trickor-Treat Bags provided. Costumes encouraged. salemmainstreets.org. Little Women - The Musical. Arsenal Center for the Arts Black Box Theatre, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. Oct. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16. Little Women, the Broadway musical based on the beloved Louisa May Alcott novel, is brought to life on stage by the Wellesley Players. $25 general admission.781-237-8114, wellesleyplayers.org. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. DCU Center, Worcester. Oct. 6 – 10, various times. 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com, dcucenter.com.

8SATURDAY Children’s Concert Featuring Rolie Polie Guacamole Children’s Discovery Museum, Acton. 2 p.m. Rolie Polie Guacamole is a grooving kindie band that sings about healthy foods (açai, apples, hummus, worms, & of course guacamole), natural places to visit (Botanical Garden, Prospect Park, Museum Of Natural History) and good habits (Red Light Green Light, Always Brush Your Teeth). Movement is a key component to the show especially in songs like (Upside Down, Sing With Me, Kangaroo & Billy Too, Bird Belly Full).$10.50pp, Under 1 free. roliepolieguacamole.com, discoverymuseums.org. SteveSongs CD Release Concert. The Regent Theatre, Arlington. 10:30 a.m. Steve Roslonek of SteveSongs (“Mr. Steve” on PBS!) has been writing and performing his award-winning music for kids and families for the past 11 years. Steve blends participatory songs, clever stories and great melodies. $12 advance, $15 day of the show. stevesongs.com, regenttheatre.com. FREE & ONGOING Kids Storytime. Harvard Coop, 1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 11 a.m. - Noon every Saturday. Themed stories, related craft and snack. 617-499-2000, facebook.com/ theharvardcoop.

Day Out With Thomas: Leader of the Track Tour 2011. Edaville USA, Carver. October 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10. See Oct. 1 listing for details. Ed Morgan “The Music Man” Singalong. Harvest Cafe, 40 Washington St., Hudson. An interactive singalong of original & traditional children’s songs for kids ages 1- 99. Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., beginning Oct. 8th Bring your kids and sing & dance along! Please plan to dine in the dining room before or after “The Children’s Garden” hour. 978-567-0948. Pilgrim Games. Providence Children’s Museum, Providence, RI. Try toys and games that Pilgrim children enjoyed 375 years ago, when Providence was founded. Pick up jackstraws, spin pull-string tops and more! Ages 5 – 11. $8.50pp, C under 1 FREE. childrenmuseum.org. FREE Radio 929 Haunted Movie Series. Salem Common, 6:20 p.m.. Oct. 8: Monsters, Inc.; Oct. 15: Casper; Oct. 22: Hocus Pocus; Oct. 29: Beetlejuice. hauntedhappenings.org. Bootiful Parade. Salem Common. 12 – 2 p.m. hauntedhappenings.org.

courtesy of boston baby wearers

See website for weeknight openings as well as a printable $5 Coupon. factoryofterror.com.

Outdoor Halloween Costume Contest for Dogs. Salem Common. 12 p.m. registration; 1 p.m. show. Rain Date: Oct. 9. Prizes for winners. Register: $5. 781-535-8635. 8th Annual Cranberry Harvest Celebration. Tihonet Village Market, 146 Tihonet Rd., Wareham. Watch the cranberry harvest up close while talking to growers. Children’s activities, helicopter rides, pony rides, over 30 juried crafters, local food and live entertainment. tihonetvillagemarket.com. Also Oct. 9. FREE & ONGOING Crafts. Lakeshore Learning Store, Newton and Saugus. Drop in every Saturday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ages 3+. lakeshorelearning.com. National Costume Swap Day. Center for the Arts at the Armory, Somerville. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donation Drop-Off: 10 a.m. - Noon; Family Activity Room, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Swap: 12:30 sharp! Bring a bag full of all those like-new and gently worn kid’s & maternity clothes, Halloween costumes & props, children’s books, toys, games, gear, and other familyfriendly items just taking up space in your home. Take home an official Swap bag stuffed full to the brim of new finds donated by fellow Boston-area

Look Baby, no hands! The Boston Babywearers celebrate International Babywearing Week, October 10-16. For a complete schedule, visit bostonbabywearers.com.

families — all for just the cost of admission! $10pp. swap.com, familyswapday-eorg.eventbrite.com.

9SUNDAY

Yarmouth Seaside Festival. Yarmouth (Cape Cod). Oct. 8 & 9. Craft fair of more than 125 crafters from all over the country, a giant parade, musical entertainment, children’s events, a kayak and canoe race, greased pole contests, pie-eating contests and a fireworks display. More than 25,000 visitors attended last year. yarmouthseasidefestival.com.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. DCU Center, Worcester. Oct. 6 – 10, various times. 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com, dcucenter.com.

Little Women - The Musical. Arsenal Center for the Arts Black Box Theatre, Watertown. Oct. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16. See Oct. 7 listing for details.

The Best of New York International Children’s Film Festival: Kid Flix Mix (Short Films). Coolidge Corner Theater, Brookline. 10:30 a.m. A new kaleidoscopic of the best animated and live action shorts from around the world, for children ages 3 to 8. The program features musical and narrative works from the USA, UK, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada and more! 65 min, in English. Recommended for ages 3+. A$7, C$5. coolidge.org.

BAYSTATEPARENT 17

Day Out With Thomas: Leader of the Track Tour 2011. Edaville USA, Carver. October 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10. See Oct. 1 listing for details. 8th Annual Cranberry Harvest Celebration. Wareham. See Oct. 8 listing for details. Little Women - The Musical. Arsenal Center for the Arts Black Box Theatre, Watertown. Oct. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16. See Oct. 7 listing for details.

contemporary art. Using her collection of famous giant spider sculptures as an inspiration, make your own spider sculpture to take home with you! discoverymuseums.org. Baby Carrier Speed Dating. Magic Beans Brookline, 312 Harvard St., Brookline. 6:30 – 9 p.m. Join Boston Babywearers leaders and the experts

13THURSDAY

84 Mass Ave, Room 407 Cambridge. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Check out what others are wearing, get tips and advice from fellows wearers and ohh and ahh over their favorites. We will have a full swap with “For Sale and For Trade” tables for attendees to make their own exchanges. Please bring cash if you hope to purchase anything. No registration required. Children welcome. Raffle tickets will also be on sale. **Location

FREE Baby Wearing Basics. Isis Parenting Boston, The Shops at Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St., Boston. 7 – 8 p.m. Join Boston Babywearers at Isis Parenting Boston for their Expert Speakers Series. Learn all the basics you need to know when you start babywearing: safety concerns, general tips and the differences between the various styles of baby carriers. This class is geared toward novice wearers, but will cover multiple age ranges from newborn through toddler/preschooler.Contact Isis directly for registration: 781-429-1500, Isis members can register online at isisparenting.com 781-429-1500, bostonbabywearers.com/2011-bw-week.html.

Superheroes Party. Courtyard at Linden Square, Wellesley. 2 – 4 p.m. Parents and children are invited to dress up like their favorite superheroes and meet the local heroes serving our community. Join the Wellesley Police and Fire Departments for crafts, photos and fun treats. Proceeds benefit the Ellie Fund, which supports local women fighting breast cancer. Elliefund.org. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. DCU Center, Worcester. Oct. 6 – 10, various times. 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com, dcucenter.com. brooklyn children’s museum

FREE Columbus Day Parade. Shrewsbury Street, Worcester. 12:30 – 2 p.m. worcestercolumbusdayparade.com.

10MONDAY Day Out With Thomas: Leader of the Track Tour 2011. Edaville USA, Carver. October 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10. See Oct. 1 listing for details. Pilgrim Games. Providence Children’s Museum, Providence, RI. In celebration of Providence’s 375th anniversary, visitors learn about Roger Williams, his great big new idea, and the beginning of the colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Try toys and games that Pilgrim children enjoyed 375 years ago – pick up jackstraws, spin pull-string tops and more. Meet a colonist who came to Providence for religious freedom. Browse a selection of books about Rhode Island history and colonial New England. Ages 5 – 11. $8.50pp, C under 1 FREE. childrenmuseum.org. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. DCU Center, Worcester. Oct. 6 – 10, various times. 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com, dcucenter.com.

11TUESDAY SMART Gals: Louise Bourgeois Spider Sculptures. Science Discovery Museum, Acton. Drop in 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Explore the life and career of Louise Bourgeois, a French-American female artist who is known for her contributions to modern and

Build your own Cityscape at the Boston Children’s Museum new building design and construction studio. Ends Jan. 14th. bostonkids.org.

at Magic Beans for a whole new way of learning about baby carriers. Together we will demo the proper use of Soft Structured Carriers, Ring Slings, Mai Tai and Wrap Carriers in a fun, interactive setting. See, feel and try the carriers on while getting to know more than 6 different kinds throughout the store. Registration required: $10pp gains admission plus a $10 credit for Magic Beans. Register: babycarriers.eventbrite. com.617-264-2326, bostonbabywearers.com/2011bw-week.html. FREE Storytelling in the Orchard. Shelburne Farm, 106 West Acton Rd., Stow. Hay rides, visits with farm animals and llama and fresh farm ice cream (charge). 978-897-9287, shelburnefarm.com (more extensive offerings on weekends).

12WEDNESDAY FREE Monthly Boston Baby Wearers Meeting Stash, Show and Tell. MIT Stratton Student Center,

subject to change, please confirm on website before attending. 617-510-0962, bostonbabywearers.com. FREE Pre-register for Lola’s Fandango. Barefoot Books, 89 Thoreau St., Concord. Celebrate the launch of a new Barefoot Books title with illustrator Micha Archer. Children (ages 2-10) will hear this wonderful new story that touches on two important points: the good part of sibling rivalry—pushing a child to find her own talents; and the way arts can create new worlds. This event is on Sun., Oct. 23 at 2:30 p.m. but you must re-register before Sun., Oct. 16 by calling 978-369-1770. FREE & ONGOING Singalong Story Time. Barefoot Books, 89 Thoreau St., Concord. Wednesdays, 4 – 4:30 p.m. All ages. 978-369-1770. ONGOING Preschool and Toddler Wednesdays. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. 10:30, 11 and 11:30 a.m. Enjoy storytime, craft activities, live animals and more – all developed especially for little ones ages 3 and under. New themes every week! ecotarium.org.

FREE MOPs Meeting. Heritage Bible Chapel, Princeton. Monthly, every second Thursday. 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Find a supportive community of mothers with a wealth of experiences to share. A typical meeting includes refreshments, conversation, a presentation relevant to motherhood and some type of creative activity. Children (ages 0-5) are welcome in our exciting Moppets program or with you. 978-464-5100, princetonmops.vpweb.com.

14FRIDAY Halloween Hike at Boo Meadow Brook. Mass Audubon: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Ave., Worcester. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The resident spirits, primarily native wildlife, come out to greet visitors as you are guided through the woods on the trails lit by luminaria. Encounter old favorites and new characters on your walk as you learn about some of the creatures of New England and their many fascinating habits. The program and activities will be held indoors in case of rain. At the door: $8pp. (member or nonmember, adult or child). Small groups leave about every 10 to 15 minutes beginning at 6:30 pm. Sorry, but we cannot reserve times.Register: 508-753-6087. Also Oct. 15. Decorate a Halloween Haunted House. American Girl, Natick. 5 p.m. Also Oct. 20, 4:30 p.m. and Oct. 23, 3 p.m. Ages 8+. Learn how to turn chocolate gingerbread into a “boo-tiful” haunted house! This festive activity includes everything your girl needs to make a delightfully frightful centerpiece, complete with colorful candies and other tasty treats. $40pp. Reservations required: 877-247-5223. Little Women - The Musical. Arsenal Center for the Arts Black Box Theatre, Watertown. Oct. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16. See Oct. 7 listing for details.

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PaPa Gino’s Pizza package 2 cheese pizzas, 15 juice boxes, plates, napkins and forks $

30.00

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Brookline/Larz Anderson Brookline/Cleveland Circle Cambridge Hyde Park/Dedham Medford Newton/Brighton Quincy Somerville South Boston Waltham West Roxbury Weymouth

FREE & ONGOING Parent Support Group. Parent/ Professional Advocacy League (PPAL), Worcester. Monthly, every second and fourth Thursday. Meet other parents and caregivers who understand the struggles and victories of raising challenging kids who may have emotional, behavioral or mental health needs. ppal.net.

given to the Merrimack Valley Food Pantry). Cash/ Mastercard*/ Visa* accepted (*for purchases over $20). No checks. **Please note due to space, only umbrella strollers will be allowed on the sale floor. We recommend, if possible, leaving your children at home -- the sale floor can be very crowded. 978-496-1775, chelmsfordmothersclub.org/CMCSaleHome.html.

15SATURDAY

Hands-On Workshop: Native American Basketry Designs. Fruitlands Museum, Harvard. 12 – 3 p.m. Inspired by the beautifully woven baskets in the Fruitlands Native American collection, children will learn a more simplified, kid-friendly technique using natural materials to create a woven basket of their own. fruitlands.org.

Annual Craft Fair. Abington VFW, 30 Central St., Abington. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Shop from 40 tables of beautiful hand crafted items for holidays, gifts, bdays or any occasion. Face painting and balloon twists for the kids. Admission is $1. All proceeds will benefit Hospice of the South Shore. 781-974-4852 or email cdk1213@comcast.net. Also Oct. 16, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Wunderle’s One-Man Circus. Coolidge Theatre, Brookline. 10:30 a.m. A circus show that thrills with the rich and time-treasured delights of expert juggling, astounding ladder balancing, sensational plate spinning, teetering rola bolas, daring unicycle antics, mesmerizing bubble routines, magnificent magic and hysterical comic buffoonery. This interactive show aims to dazzle and delight young and old alike. Recommended for ages 3+. Tickets: A$9.75, C $7.75. coolidge.org. FREE Boston Book Festival 2011. Copley Square, Boston. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. From activities and events to picture book authors and costumed characters, storytellers and hands-on entertainment, the Boston Book Festival is sure to keep you and your family busy from morning to late afternoon. 617-252-3240, bostonbookfest.org. Harvest Festival. Verrill Farm, 11 Wheeler Rd., Concord. Noon - 4 p.m. Fields surrounding the farm stand are transformed into an old-fashioned fair ground with games, activities, entertainment, a raffle and food for all ages to enjoy. Proceeds go to Emerson Hospital’s Pediatric Care Unit. 978-3694494, verrillfarm.com. Archaeology Discovery Room. Peabody Museum, 11 Divinity Ave., Cambridge. 12 – 4 p.m. Come explore amazing artifacts - from the Maya, the Aztecs, and more. Try your hand at some of the fascinating tools of archaeologists. Admission applies. 617-496-1027, peabody.harvard.edu. Chelmsford Mothers’ Club Kids Tag Sale. McCarthy Middle School, 250 North Rd., Chelmsford. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Children’s clothes (size 0-10) and shoes, toys and games, books & movies, strollers, high chairs, pack and plays, bouncy seats, bumbos, swings and other equipment. Admission: 1 canned food item or $1 per adult (Food donations to be

Pumpkin Day. Cogswell’s Grant, 60 Spring St., Essex. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Take a hay wagon ride through the fields to choose a jack-o-lantern from the pumpkin patch. Decorate and carve pumpkins, compete in a pumpkin pie-eating contest, do craft activities and play games, have your face painted, and try cider pressing. Enjoy hot mulled apple cider and pumpkin pie. The house is open for tours of one of the most celebrated collections of American antiques and folk art. A$6, C (3-12) $4. 978-7683632, historicnewengland.org. Fall Family Day. DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, Lincoln. Participate in art-making activities and programs for the whole family inspired by the fall exhibitions. Create a recycled town, blow giant bubbles, paint with ice, and more! View the complete schedule of events online. A$12, C (6-8) $8, C under 5 FREE. decordova.org. Cathy & Marcy’s Song Shop. The Center for Arts in Natick, 14 Summer St., Natick. 2 – 3 p.m. A rare appearance by two-time GRAMMY winners Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer who sing, yodel, chicken cluck in harmony, scat sing, and twirl a mean lariat rope! Their musical arsenal includes electric and acoustic guitars, banjos, mandolin, ukulele, percussion, and even a funky oatmeal box banjo and cigar box electric guitar. Music, comedy and audience participation create one contagiously high-spirited family show! cathymarcy.com. Tickets: natickarts.org. FREE & ONGOING Crafts. Lakeshore Learning Store, Newton and Saugus. Drop in every Saturday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ages 3+. lakeshorelearning.com 28th Annual AppleFest. Wachusett Mountain, Princeton. Over 60 Craft fair and farmers’ market booths, family entertainment, Birds of Prey show, chainsaw carving demonstrations, skyrides, pony and hay rides,clowns, jugglers, magicians. Admission fees apply. wachusett.com. Also Oct. 16.

OctoberFest. South Grafton Elementary School, 90 Main St., South Grafton. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Fun for the whole family - rides, games, facepainting, raffles and the ever-popular cake walk.508-839-5484, sges-ptg.org. FREE The 22nd Annual Harvest Festival. Sturbridge Town Common and grounds of the Publick House Historic Inn, Sturbridge. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sunday. Local crafters, artisans, specialty food vendors and farm fresh harvests. The Publick House’s Scarecrow Contest is a perennial favorite. Enter your scarecrow for a chance to win incredible cash prizes. New this year: Local Idol talent contest, apple pie contest, open mic show. horse drawn trolley rides, fun games and activities for kids, cool crafts and fabulous food from a great mix of vendors, live music and spooky scarecrows. 508-347-2761, cmschamber.ning. com/page/harvest-festival. Also Oct. 16. FREE Sudbury Open Studios. 322 Concord Rd., Sudbury. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. View the work of over 25 local artists in their home studios and shared spaces at the Grange Hall and Town Hall in Sudbury Center. Art work will include paintings, pottery, jewelry, fiber, photography, sculpture and mixed media. To find your guide to the Open Studios visit sudburyart.org or contact sudbury.art.association@verizon.net. Also Oct. 16. Sense of Wonder Walk-Spooky Spiders. Mass Audubon, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield. 1 – 2:30 p.m. All spiders spin silk, but not all make webs to catch their prey. How does a spider spin a web and not get caught in it? Come and find out the other ways these fascinating little animals use their magic threads. Registration is required.A$9, C$7. 978-887-9264. FREE Radio 929 Haunted Movie Series. Salem Common, 6:20 p.m.. Oct. 15: Casper; Oct. 22: Hocus Pocus; Oct. 29: Beetlejuice. hauntedhappenings.org. Clapboardtree PumpkinFest. First Parish Meeting Hall at the corner of Clapboardtree and Nahatan Streets, Westwood. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Rain or shine! Pony rides, moonwalks, games, prizes, crafts, a silent auction, a bake sale, lunch and more. 617-407-5535. All proceeds benefit Clapboardtree Nursery School: clapboardtree.com, 781-326-5405. Little Women - The Musical. Arsenal Center for the Arts Black Box Theatre, Watertown. Oct. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16. See Oct. 7 listing for details.

16SUNDAY Annual Craft Fair. Abington VFW, 30 Central St., Abington. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Shop from 40 tables of beautiful hand crafted items for holidays, gifts, bdays or any occasion. Face painting and balloon twists for

the kids. Admission is $1. All proceeds will benefit Hospice of the South Shore. 781-974-4852 or email cdk1213@comcast.net. FREE Operation Project Nite Nite. Discover Music and Art, 599 High St., Dedham. 2 – 4 p.m. Bring a new teddy bear, blanket and children’s book to pack into a tote, which will then be shipped to the 182nd in Afghanistan to be used towards their humanitarian efforts. Children are invited to come in their PJs and bring their donated items. Families will assemble the totes, sing lullabies and read favorite stories. ff182walpole@gmail.com. 28th Annual AppleFest. Wachusett Mountain, Princeton. See Oct. 15 listing for event details. FREE The 22nd Annual Harvest Festival. Sturbridge. See Oct. 15 listing for details. FREE Sudbury Open Studios. See Oct. 15 listing for details. Little Women - The Musical. Arsenal Center for the Arts Black Box Theatre, Watertown. Oct. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16. See Oct. 7 listing for details. FREE 3rd Annual Arts in the Afternoon. Boys and Girls Club, Main South Clubhouse, 65 Tainter St., Worcester. 1 – 5 p.m. Featuring artwork of Club kids and professional artists from all over New England, hands-on activities, demonstrations, a gift shop and a wide variety of artistic performances. 508-754-2686, bgcworcester.org.

17MONDAY ONGOING Barrett’s Haunted Mansion. Abington. 7 – 10:30 p.m, every night Oct. 17 – 30. Bhmansion.com. FREE Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Workshop. Youth & Family Center, 365 Broad St., 3rd Floor, Fitchburg. This FREE workshop is made possible in collaboration with the Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL), Youth & Family Center and Fitchburg Community Connections. Please email or call Daisy Rivera with questions: daisy.river@umassmed. edu or 508-856-1396. ONGOING Infant Playgroup. Isis Parenting, Brookline. Every Monday, 4 – 5 p.m. Playgroups are very popular; sign-ins begin no earlier than 30 minutes prior to the start time. Space limited. No pre-registration required. $8ppNM. Visit isisparenting. org for a complete calendar of groups meeting in other locations.

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ONGOING Boston Bruins Corn Maze. Kimball Farm, 780 East Broadway, Haverhill. 10 a.m. - 1 hour before sunset. For toddlers on up. Plus face painting, a petting zoo, a herd of buffalo to watch, equestrian demos, milking demonstrations, a 100 ft slide and hayrides given by our Belgian horses. Ends Nov 6. A$9, C (under 12)$7. 978-521-3990, kimballfarm.com.

ONGOING Movement Story Hour. DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, Lincoln. Hear a story related to broad-based art themes in the Art ExperienCenter. Families will participate in a corresponding activity and be provided with snacks. This program is perfect for families with children ages 5 and under. A$12, C (6-8) $8, C under 5 FREE. decordova.org.

Reaction Station: Adventures with Brandeis Chemists! Science Discovery Museum, Acton. Drop in 2 – 4:30 p.m. Celebrate National Chemistry Week with Brandeis University ’s Dr. Christine Thomas and her chemistry students. Do experiments in model glove boxes and learn how and why chemists use glove boxes for their research. Meet chemists and imagine yourself as a chemist when you experiment with them. $10.50pp, Under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

18TUESDAY Celebrate National Chemistry Week! Science Discovery Museum, Acton. Drop in 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Learn about the positive impacts that chemistry has made in nutrition, hygiene, and medicine in Chemistry—Our Health, Our Future – with hands-on experiments. $10.50pp, Under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. FREE American Girl Historical Character Scavenger Hunt. Natick store. 3 – 5 p.m. Your girl will go on a scavenger hunt throughout the store, collecting fun facts about each historical character along the way. She’ll discover what it was like to grow up in America’s past, and find hidden clues she’ll need to solve a fun puzzle. Plus, she’ll get a free American Girl poster at the end! Open to all. Americangirl.com. Also Nov. 14 and Dec. 7. ONGOING Greater Worcester Mother of Twins Club. Location TBA. Monthly, every third Tuesday. First meeting and expectant mothers free. 508-3475606, worcester-motc.com.

FREE Newburyport’s Fall Harvest. Market Square, Newburyport. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Talented artisans offering handmade crafts & artwork, great local food vendors, live music, the annual Scarecrow Contest and Kid’s Korner with live children’s entertainment, face painting and the very popular Teddy Bear Parade. 978-462-6680. FREE FOR MOMS Women’s Health Roundtable: Wiles & Wonders of Women’s Bodies. Worcester Public Library Main Branch, Banx Room, 3 Salem Sq, Worcester. 6:30 p.m. In recognition of October as Love Your Body Month, the Worcester Chapter of NOW presents a free interactive learning experience workshop for women of all ages. Presentation by renowned speakers Wendy Marks & Dr. Rebecca Caplan with a chance to ask experts about common health issues. The panel will focus on growing up & older in a healthy manner using food and exercise, caring for & creating a strong mind and body, & learning more about detoxification, menopausal concerns & osteoarthritis. Light refreshments will be served. Exhibitors & information are expected from various wellness-focused organizations & businesses, as well as organizations working to improve the lives of women and their families. worcnow@gmail.com.

L L O N R OW N E

FREE FOR PARENTS Basic Budgeting 101. Youth & Family Center, 365 Broad St., 3rd Floor, Fitchburg. 508-856-1396, daisy.river@umassmed.edu. Please RSVP at least 5 days before the event.

21FRIDAY ONGOING Haunted Corn Maze. Kimball Farm, 780 East Broadway, Haverhill. Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29. Please confirm admission: A$9, C (under 12)$7. 978521-3990, kimballfarm.com. FREE MOMS Club of Hubbardston Area Monthly Membership Circle/Open Playgroup Location TBA. Meets every 3rd Friday of the month. Serves the towns of Barre, Hubbardston, Princeton, and Templeton for playgroups for children, info/resource sharing for moms, funfilled events and MOMS Night Out. Email Joanne at momsclubofhubbardston@yahoo.com for details. momsofhubb.freehostia.com. ONGOING Corn Maize: Connors Farm. 30 Valley Rd., Danvers. Ends Oct. 31. For toddlers on up.

Explore an intricate network of twists and turns carved into 7 acres of corn. Get lost! The correct way out takes 15 minutes, but allow up to an hour to find your way through over three miles paths.The maze will be haunted on Fridays and Saturdays in Oct. from 6 – 10 p.m. $9.50pp. Haunted maze: $18pp. Flashlight nights in the maze $12pp. connorsfarm.com. FREE “Women’s Night Out” Benefits Food Bank. Grafton Elementary School, 105 Millbury St., Grafton. 7 – 10 p.m. “Women’s Night Out: StressFree Shopping” combines over 30 unique crafters, artists, and direct sales vendors, with complimentary chair massages, raffles and tasty food samples. Girl Scout Troop 30260 will be on hand to collect canned food items for the Grafton Food Bank and hand out door prize raffle tickets. Raffle ticket proceeds will be donated directly to the Grafton Food Bank.508-887-9858. Bog Fright Night Weekend. Tihonet Village Market, 146 Tihonet Rd., Wareham. Scary wagon rides run through the wooded bogs from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Wagon ride tickets are $5 with pre-paid reservations and $7 at the event. Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long lines and secure a ride on the desired night. 508-295-5437, tihonetvillagemarket.com. Also Oct. 22 and 23.

22SATURDAY FREE 46th Annual Head of The Charles Regatta. Bank of the Charles River, Cambridge. Hours vary between 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. on Sat. (ends at 4:30 p.m. on Sun.). Watch rowing teams compete from all over the country and take in the sights of autumn along the banks of the Charles River. Family-friendly activities for spectators of all ages include a rowing and fitness expo; food vendors serving delicacies from

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all over the world; and Reunion Village, the half-way point between the race offering clubs, schools, alumni groups, parents, boosters and more the opportunity to catch up with friends in a fun and relaxed environment. Best Viewing areas Memorial Drive between JFK Street and BU Boathouse.617-864-8415. hocr.org/home/default.asp. Also Oct. 23.

invited to trick-or-treat among the animals. Thrills, chills, and animals lurk around every corner on the Trick-or-Treat Trail. Other haunted happenings offered throughout the day include: creepy crafts, ghoulish games, howling costume contests and a haunted

welcome to come in costume. Musical entertainment, decorate pumpkins and receive Halloween treats. Reservations recommended. 978-825-4311, HawthorneHotel.com.

toward family audiences. $10.50pp, Under 1 free. facebook.com/rneogymagic. discoverymusems.org. Bari Koral Family Rock Band. Coolidge Theatre, Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Dubbed the “‘IT girl’ in kids/ family music” by New York Magazine and the “Sheryl

Salem Common Family Fun Day. Salem Common, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Stop by the Common to enjoy family fun. Small rides, face painting, balloons and much more. 978-744-0004, SalemMainStreets.org.

“Welcome to Our Home” A Living History Tour. Orchard House, Concord. 4:45 – 5:45 p.m.Take a trip to the past as with an interactive tour with an expert, authentically costumed guide portraying an Alcott family member or one of their famous friends. Hear fascinating anecdotes and learn first-hand about their lives and times. A$12, C (6-17) $8, C (2 – 6) $4, $30 family rate. Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment strongly suggested: 978369-4118 x106, louisamayaclott.org.

Bog Fright Night Weekend. Tihonet Village Market, Wareham. See Oct. 21 listing for event details. Flying South. Institute Park, corner Salisbury Street and Humboldt Avenue, Worcester. 10 a.m. - Noon. Look for ducks and waterfowl stopping off on their long migration south. Learn about the history of the park, the role of Stephen Salisbury III in creating Worcesters parks system and the importance of protected city land in larger natural migration. 508-754-8760 or email valerie.ostrander@ preservationworcester.org.

31st Annual Mayo School PTA Craft Fair. Mayo Elementary School, 351 Bullard St., Holden. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Over 40 local crafters sell their unique and distinctive handmade items. Raffle, including selected gifts from area merchants, homemade desserts, and face painting for the kids! $2 admission fee, $1 seniors, children FREE. 508-829-6800 or email mayoptanews@yahoo.com. FREE& ONGOING Crafts. Lakeshore Learning Store, Newton and Saugus. Drop in every Saturday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ages 3+. lakeshorelearning.com

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ONGOING Haunted Corn Maze. Kimball Farm, 780 East Broadway, Haverhill. Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29. Please confirm admission: A$9, C (under 12)$7. 978521-3990, kimballfarm.com.

Row, Row, Row your Boat: Watch rowing teams compete from all over the country at the 46th Annual Head of the Charles Regatta. hocr.org.

2nd Annual Great New England BBQFest. Wachusett Mountain, Princeton. Oysterfest on Sat., People’s Choice Awards on Sat. featuring chili and pulled pork on Sunday. Traditional pig roast on Sunday. Farmer’s Market and craft fair all weekend, side shows, music and kids’ activities. wachusett.com. Also Oct. 23.

FREE Radio 929 Haunted Movie Series. Salem Common, 6:20 p.m.. Oct. 22: Hocus Pocus; Oct. 29: Beetlejuice. hauntedhappenings.org.

Crow for kids” by the New York Post, Bari’s songs are a huge hit with children and adults. At the live shows children may pop like popcorn, surf the waves, run like the gingerbread man and they may even learn to “jam with the band.” Recommended for ages 3+. Tickets: A$9.75, C $7.75. coolidge.org.

Bog Fright Night Weekend. Tihonet Village Market, Wareham. See Oct. 21 listing for event details.

FREE 46th Annual Head of The Charles Regatta. Bank of the Charles River, Cambridge. See Oct. 22 listing for details.

Salem Common Family Fun Day. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Small rides, face painting, balloons and more. 978-744-0004, SalemMainStreets.org.

Great Pumpkin Fest. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. 12 – 9 p.m. Creative displays of more than 1,000 carved, lit pumpkins plus free hayrides and train rides, a free digital planetarium show, games, animal encounters, pumpkin-carving demonstrations, crafts and much, much more festival fun. Friendly costumes encouraged! Event takes place rain or shine. $15pp, C under 2 free. ecotarium.org

Annual Children’s Halloween Costume Party. 89 Margin St., Salem. 12 – 3 p.m. Ages 3-10.Come in costume, parade down the Essex Walking Mall. Compete for prizes at Artists Row behind Old Town Hall. Parade registration 11 – 11:45 a.m. on Salem Common. Parade starts at noon. Children’s Halloween Costume Party from 1-3 p.m. at 89 Margin St. for games and crafts. Admission: $10 for both events. In case of rain, parade will be at The Phoenix School. Boo at the Zoo at Stone Zoo! Stoneham. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.Children throughout New England are

maze! A$13, C (2 – 12) $9, C under 2 free. 781-4385100, stonezoo.org.

23SUNDAY Magic Show with Rupayan Neogy. Science Discovery Museum, Acton. 12 p.m. Local young magician Rupayan Neogy shares his talents: a variety of trick in an interactive performance geared

2nd Annual Great New England BBQFest. Wachusett Mountain, Princeton. See Oct. 22 listing for event details. Wizardly Wonders at the Witches Cottage. 7 Lynde St., Salem. 11 a.m. Enter The Cottage and meet a friendly Wizard as he teaches you the basics of magic, complete with fun special effects. A$10,C$8 c Children’s admission includes a magical glow ring and free pictures with the wizard. Recommended for young children. Allow 30-45 minutes. Reservations recommended. (Regular Witches Cottage show runs noon-9 p.m). 978825-0222, WitchesCottageSalem.com. Children’s Costume Brunch. The Hawthorne Hotel, Salem. 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Children and adults are

24MONDAY ONGOING Playgroup Drop-In (1-3 Years). Isis Parenting. Mondays in Arlington and Boston, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.; Needham, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. These drop-in groups are a great way to get your energetic toddler out of the house and meet other big and small people in a child-friendly environment, whatever the weather. No pre-registration necessary. Grandparents and sitters welcome! $8 for non-member families. isisparenting.com. FREE Snack and Story Time. Whole Foods Market, Framingham. Weekly on Mondays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 2- 6. 508-628-9525.

25TUESDAY FREE & ONGOING Breastfeeding Drop In Group. Isis Parenting, Boston. Tuesdays, 10:15 a.m. isisparenting.com. FOR PARENTS Workshop: Successful School Conferences. Barrett Family Wellness Center, 107 Otis Street, Northborough, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.Gain insight into different classroom environments, teacher styles, and school cultures. Focus will be placed on building effective school communications. Workshop given by: Bea Friedman, Licensed Speech/Language Pathology Asst. Bea has sat on both sides of the conference table; both as an educator for 12 years (elementary, middle, and high school settings) and as a parent. 508-898-2688, barrettfamilywellness.com.

BAYSTATEPARENT 21

Goodman. Academy of Music, Northampton. 8 p.m. $25 - $35. academyofmusictheatre.tix.com, broadcomedy.com. Peter Pan. The Hanover Theatre, Worcester. Starring Cathy Rigby. Occt. 28 – 30. TheHanoverTheatre.org. FREE & ONGOING Parent Support Group. Parent/ Professional Advocacy League (PPAL), Worcester. Monthly, every second and fourth Thursday. Meet other parents and caregivers who understand the struggles and victories of raising challenging kids who may have emotional, behavioral or mental health needs. ppal.net.

29SATURDAY FREE Play Date: Dance On! Draw On! Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston. 10 a.m.. - 4 p.m. Explore connections between drawn lines and the movement of the body with “Bubblemania”, artmaking, and movement experiments. Tickets: Free for families (up to 2 adults per family accompanied by a child 12 or under). ica.org.

Trick or treaters, go wild this year among the animals at the Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo. franklinparkzoo.org and stonezoo.org. Celebrate Diwali: The Festival of Lights! Children’s Discovery Museum, Acton. 10:30 a.m. Celebrate the first day of Diwali with a reading of Lighting a Lamp: A Diwali Story by Jonny Zucker followed by some festive activities inspired by this special holiday. Then drop into Dazzling Diwali Diyas from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Science Discovery Museum. Make diyas, the lamps that are lit during

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this Festival of Lights. Learn about Diwali, the importance of the diya and make your very own diya to take home with you. discoverymueums.org. FREE Bitty Bunch Friendship Tree. American Girl, Natick. 12 – 2 p.m. Your girl is invited to decorate her very own leaf to hang on the friendship tree for all to see. Free and open to the public. For girls ages 3 and up.Reservations required: 877-247-5223, americangirl.com. MOMS’ NIGHT OUT Circle of Five. Circle Furniture, Framingham. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. A special evening with five fabulous newswomen from WCVB-TV5 Boston including great wines, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, fashion auction, prizes and gift bags with all proceeds benefiting local families fighting breast cancer. elliefund.org. ONGOING Factory of Terror Haunted House. 33 Pearl St., Fall River. 6:30-10 p.m. (11 p.m. on weekends). See website for weeknight openings as well as a printable $5 Coupon. factoryofterror.com Adventures in Toileting. Mothers and Company, West Boylston. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Offers moms and dads advice, support, strategies and tools to help facilitate toileting; helping your child independently

move from diapers to “Big Girl/Boy Pants.” You’ll be pleasantly surprised to hear how children think and react around potty training and what you can do to make it fun and figure out when your child is ready! $35 per family (meaning two parents in one family). Babies in arms welcome. Register: mothersandcompany.com.

28FRIDAY Music and Movement with Miss Carolyn Inspired by Halloween. Children’s Discovery Museum, Acton. 10:30 a.m.Celebrate Halloween through singing and playing! Move, make music, listen, learn, and get a multi-sensory workout! Music improves your child’s memory, cognitive development, learning skills and ability to express emotion. $10.50pp, Under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. ONGOING Haunted Corn Maze. Kimball Farm, 780 East Broadway, Haverhill. Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29. Please confirm admission: A$9, C (under 12)$7. 978-521-3990, kimballfarm.com. FOR MOMS Broad Comedy Show with Katie

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www.gymboreeclasses.com Visit our UPDATED Westboro location 76 Otis Street (Rt 9 Eastbound), Westboro 508-366-1495 22 OCTOBER2011

The Fear at Fenway! Spooky World at Fenway Park, Boston. 11 a.m. Kids’ Day Matinee for ages 4+ on Oct. 29, 30, Nov. 5 & 6. Rain or shine. spookyworld.com, nightmarenewengland.com. 13th Annual All Classical Cartoonfest. Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Kids of all ages can enjoy live classical music, and their favorite Warner Brothers Looney Tunes cartoons (Johann Mouse, Cat Concerto, Jerry & Jumbo, One Froggy Evening, What’s Opera Doc?, Rabbit of Seville and more) on a giant screen set in the beautiful Symphony Hall. In addition to the nonstop music and cartoons, this all-day event features live performances, magicians, storytellers, face painters, and more — fun for the family and kids of all ages. $10 - $15. wgbh.org.cartoonfest. Zoo Howl at Franklin Park Zoo. Oct. 29 & 30, Boston. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children throughout New England are invited to trick-or-treat among the animals as well as enjoy creepy crafts, ghoulish games, howling costume contests and a haunted maze! A$16, Sr. $13, C (2-12) $10, C under 2. 617-541-5466, franklinparkzoo.org. The Airborne Comedians. Coolidge Theatre, Brookline. 10:30 a.m.The Airborne Comedians are two performers who’ve traveled the globe performing their high energy, unorthodox comedy juggling show to the delight of all ages. Dan Foley and Joel Harris throw and catch birdbaths, lawn-chairs, electric guitars and baseball bats in their hilarious juggling routines while balanced atop 6 and 7-foot high unicycles! Recommended for ages 3+. Tickets: A$9.75, C $7.75. coolidge.org. FREE Drop-In Family Day. Aboretum at Harvard, Hunnewell Building Lawn, Cambridge. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monthly family activities are offered on the last Saturday of each month, April through October. Includes scavenger hunts, science investigations, craft activities, stories, guided walks...These events are free, and you can participate for as long or as short a time as you like. Events are held under a tent outside of the Hunnewell Building, or inside when the weather is bad. 617-384-5209, arboretum.harvard.edu. Jam Time Halloween Party. 86 Powder Mill Rd., Maynard. 10 a.m. - Noon. Come dressed-up in costume and enjoy a live animal show, coloring and costume contests, trick-or-treating, and a raffle for 8-weeks of classes and open play. Mention Bay State Parent for $2 off admission. 978-897-2917, jamtime.com.

Parent Talk Semi-Annual Used Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale. Christ Episcopal Church, 1132 Highland Ave., Needham. 8:30 – 11:45 a.m. Clearance Bag Sale: 12 – 1 p.m. Fill up a Bag for Only $10! parenttalk.info. Spooky Zoo. Roger Williams Zoo, Providence, RI. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Trick-or-treat plus enjoy live music and seasonal entertainment including pumpkin carving demonstrations, games, animal encounters, costumed characters, pumpkin treats for the animals and more! Activities are free with Zoo admission and all children (12 and under) dressed in costume receive half-priced admission! Also Oct. 30. Boo Bash. Providence Children’s Museum, Providence, RI.childrenmuseum.org. Things that Go Bump in the Night. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge. 5- 8 p.m.Trick or treat inside a “Haunted Village� and stroll among living scarecrows, thirsty vampires, cackling witches and grizzled wizards. For the braver (age 11 & up) souls in your group: Prepare to be spooked as you venture away from the family-friendly Center Village and into the darkness of the countryside, where fears may be awakened on the Trail of Terror. Listen to family-friendly storytellers and be amazed by hundreds (and hundreds) of candle-lit pumpkins illuminating the countryside and guiding your way. For details: 800-733-1830, osv.org. Hallow Fest. Sturbridge Town Common, Main St., Sturbridge. 4 – 9 p.m. Enjoy a late afternoon of music, food, entertainment, children’s activities, dancing and Halloween fun on the town’s historic Town Common, followed by an early evening lighting of Jack-o-lanterns and Tiki lights around the Town Common. Bring your carved pumpkin and have it judged based upon several categories. Free giveaways to all children in attendance. 774-6960903, reasfoundation.org/blog/.

TenXstravaganza to Fight Breast Cancer. Ten X Club, Natick. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Ten X Club will offer special pricing on a number of salon services and donate 100% of the funds raised to the Ellie Fund. Families will enjoy pink cupcakes, prize drawings, gift bags, online auction, face painting and temporary tattoos, Halloween crafts & snacks. elliefund.org. Spooky Zoo. Roger Williams Zoo, Providence, RI. See Oct. 29 listing for details. A Great Pumpkin Day. Gore Place, Waltham. 3 – 5 p.m. DJ, stories, games, costume parade and wagon ride around the farm fields of a 45-acre estate. $5pp. Admission is good for one wagon ride per person. Children and adults are encouraged to wear costumes (please no scary costumes). Free parking. 781-894-2798, goreplace.org.

31MONDAY FREE Snack and Story Time. Whole Foods Market, Framingham. Weekly on Mondays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 2- 6. 508-628-9525. Halloween Finale Fireworks.Washington Street at Bridge St., Salem. 10 p.m. Celebrate the end of another fantastic Haunted Happenings festival with fireworks over the North River. hauntedhappenings.org.

Submit an Event Fill out our form at

baystateparent.com. Our deadline for NOVEMBER is

Wednesday, Oct. 5.

30SUNDAY Pumpkin Decorating: Paint, Glitter, and Glue – Oh My! Children’s Discovery, Acton. Drop-in 9 a.m. - Noon. Plus Pumpkin Science: Ooey Gooey Fun! Drop-in 1 to 4 p.m. at the Science Discovery Museum. What does the inside of a pumpkin feel like? How many seeds are in a pumpkin? How much does a pumpkin weigh? Does a pumpkin sink or float in water? Be a part of all of ooey gooey fun!$10.50pp, Under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org. Zoo Howl at Franklin Park Zoo. Boston. See Oct. 29 for more details. Monster Stories, Halloween Adventures. Barefoot Books, Concord. 3 p.m.Children welcome—perhaps dressed in their spooky best!—to an afternoon of great Halloween fun and to celebrate the launch of a new Independent Reader Series, Monster Stories. Master Storyteller Jackson Gillman comes with his light-hearted “Halloween Silly Willies Show�—songs that tickle your funny-bone without scaring your pants off. Stay on for more stories, some spooky Halloween crafts and pottery painting. Reservations required, call 978-369-1770. Children’s Spooktacular Tea. Asa Waters Mansion,123 Elm St., Millbury. 3 – 5 p.m. Also a costume parade offering a very special menu with goodies appropriate for this ghostly time of year. A treat for guests of all ages! $10 per child, $12 adults. Call 508- 865- 6716 for reservations and tickets. asawaters.org.

Schools, Parties, Corporate Events & Special Needs Shows Include:

Mammals • Birds • Bugs Reptiles • Amphibians Our hands-on presentations teach respect and appreciation for exotic and unusual animals.

Dean and Company Since 1987

(978) 556-5353 Groveland, MA

53$! ,ICENSED s )NSURED WWW CURIOUSCREATURES ORG BAYSTATEPARENT 23

GymnasticsAcademyofBoston.com

Now Enrolling for Fall Classes

Explore the “temporary” at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum’s

Fall FaMily Day

Saturday, October 15 10 am – 3 pm Participate in art-making activities and programs for the whole family inspired by the fall exhibitions including Temporary Structures: Performing Architecture in Contemporary Art.

Photos by Scotland Huber

Create a recycled town, blow giant bubbles, paint with ice, …and more!

P5_FamilyDayAd.indd 1

24 OCTOBER2011

For more information visit decordova.org/family-day. Rain date Sunday, October 16, 2011. All activities are included with admission.

9/13/11 5:24 PM

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BAYSTATEPARENT 25

26 OCTOBER2011

THINK PINK 28 TARA GRIFFITH TODAY 30 I WOULD TRADE PLACES IN A HEARTBEAT

32 37 38 42 44 46

TAKE GOOD CARE SHOW & TELL MEET MISS PINK MOMS ROCK GO MOM GO REAL MEN WEAR PINK

“My daughter will be raised by an advocate.” - Tara Griffith bsp’s October 2010 Cover Model

PAULA SWIFT PHOTOGRAPHY

BAYSTATEPARENT 27

THINKPINK

One Year Later Update on bsp’s 2010 Think Pink Cover Model: Tara Griffith

“The past year has been such a whirlwind for me and my family. It hasn’t been the easiest time in my life, but it has reminded me that you are always stronger than you think. It was so cool to be on the cover last year. I got such positive feedback on the photos and article and even some stories of how it helped others . I am pleased to tell you that I am currently cancer free and trying to figure out my ‘plan of action’ to stay that way. One thing I am passionate about is getting my eating habits on the right track. I truly believe that a super healthy diet can help my body to fight any nasty cancer that may come my way again!”

And another update: Our 2009 October Mom who Rocks, Sarah Olivier Isenberg of Belmont, is a newly re-diagnosed cancer survivor. First diagnosed in 2001 at the age of 32, Sarah made it through surgery, chemo, radiation and tamoxifen. Sarah told baystateparent how breast cancer changed her life for the better: She quit a stressful job, became a mom, ate great, lived healthy, practiced gratitude and loved life. Ten years later, Sarah has been re-diagnosed. Follow her journey in her blog, “Be the Weeble” in the spirit that “Weebles wobble but they don’t fall down!” betheweeble.blogspot.com/ The bsp community sends Tara and Sarah our love and continued best wishes.

28 OCTOBER2011

THINKPINK

Walk with us! Make Strides to end breast cancer. Boston, MA - October 2 Berkshire, MA - October 16 Cape Cod, MA - October 16 Nantucket, MA - October 16 Worcester, MA - October 23 Come be a part of the fight against breast cancer.

1.800.227.2345 cancer.org/stridesonline

Boston Breast Diagnostic Center is the first freestanding facility in the greater Boston area dedicated to breast imaging. We offer comprehensive screening and diagnostic imaging services, all in an exclusive breast health environment.

BBDC provides: • State-of-the-art technologies, including digital mammography, ultrasound, biopsy capabilities, and breast MRI using the Aurora® Dedicated Breast MRI System • SAME DAY RESULTS on all exams, and consultation with your radiologist • A warm, welcoming environment with flexible scheduling • A convenient Route 9 location and FREE PARKING BBDC is led by nationally recognized breast imaging expert, Elsie Levin, M.D. We are also proud to have James M. Snider, M.D. as a Diagnostic Breast Radiologist.

BBDC is licensed by the Massachusetts DPH

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY: 1.800.476.0577 • www.bostonbdc.com

Boston Breast Diagnostic Center 165 Worcester Street (Route 9) Wellesley Hills, MA 02481

BAYSTATEPARENT 29

THINKPINK

I Would Trade Places in a Heartbeat

when your daughter has breast cancer BY

S

uzanne White received the gift of a lifetime on her 65th birthday this past summer. The call, revealing that her 45-year-old daughter was cancer-free, lasted only moments and the emotional breakdown – full of relief, joy and panic about what the future holds – didn’t begin until after she hung up the phone. “I got my wish,” she says. “It was the only thing I wanted, and no birthday present will ever top that.” White has been living an unusual brand of nightmare for the past year as her oldest child Lisa has undergone multiple surgeries, endured hormonal mood swings, crippling fear and brutal chemotherapy treatments – all in a desperate but methodical attempt to save her own life. Both Lisa and Suzanne agree: the breast cancer has almost been as trying for the mother who has no other choice but to stand helplessly by as it has on the patient. Almost. “It’s been really, really hard,” says Lisa O’Connor from the Shrewsbury home she shares with her husband Brian and 30 OCTOBER2011

amanda roberge two children, Kristin, 11, and Kyle, 13. Compounding the diagnosis was the news that Lisa carried a potentially aggressive form of the disease, and poking around online proved to be disheartening. Her tumor was “triple-negative” for the clinical markers of well-established, targeted therapies. She also carried a mutation in the BRCA2 gene. “Not only was I finding out that chemotherapy is really the only way to treat that particular form of breast cancer, but everything I came across was saying that the rate of survival was not good.” But throughout it all, Suzanne found a renewed sense of purpose – spending countless nights with Lisa, accompanying her to surgeries and chemo treatments and preparing all of her favorite foods. “I thought back to what she liked as a child,” says Suzanne, who found comfort in the kitchen making meals for her sick daughter. “I was the only one who could get her to eat.” Lisa and Suzanne, who say they were brought closer by the experience, are weathering a new storm – one where grown women find themselves in a position of having to not only accept the caring and

nurturing of their mom – something they thought they’d outgrown around the time they rented their first apartment – but also navigating unfamiliar emotional waters. “I overheard her telling one of her cousins about how high the rate of recurrence is and I stood there in shock,” Suzanne says of a particularly memorable summer barbecue. “She hadn’t told me that. I think she’s tried to protect me.”

Range of Emotion If Lisa felt the need provide a buffer between her mother and the reality of her situation, she certainly isn’t alone. According to Dr. Ellen Sharenow, Health Psychologist at the Cancer Center of Excellence at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester, many women have the perception that their mothers are fragile and they are concerned with being strong for them. Indeed, it is often the nature of women to assume a caretaker role even as their circumstances change and they are in need of caretaking themselves. “What they don’t understand and I try to help them see, is that letting their

mother care for them can be the best way to help her,” Dr. Sharenow says. “I tell my patients – your husband, your mother… they want to take this burden away from you. They need to feel like they are doing something for you.” With all the mixed emotions of a breast cancer diagnosis and the ensuing protocol of treatment, feelings toward other people – and specifically those you love – can be confusing. Stressors that existed within the mother-daughter relationship prior can exacerbate the road ahead, or can bring the pair closer as they team up for battle. “People are going to behave as they always did,” she says, “so it comes down to personalities.” Ultimately, she says, the new connection mothers and daughters form throughout the ordeal of breast cancer and treatment will have everything to do with the dynamic that existed in the first place. If the daughter is open to receiving the help that her mom wants to provide and if the mother is sensitive to her daughter’s needs, the best case scenario often emerges. “These mothers are in an incredible amount of emotional pain and it’s because

THINKPINK they are terrified and they can’t fix it,” she says. Suzanne woke up in the middle of the night, more than once, after having a dream that her daughter had died. “I wouldn’t be able to catch my breath” she says. “I would think ‘What would I do if she wasn’t here?’ And there isn’t a damn thing I can do about it.”

A Phone Call Away Jacqueline LeBlanc of Leominster is another breast cancer warrior in her 40s who has relied heavily on the support of her mother. Millie Skinner, 75, moved to Wells, Maine as soon as her kids were grown – thinking, like many emptynesters, that her caretaking years were over. “She is an amazing woman,” Jacqueline says. “Actually, my whole family is amazing.” Cautious about upsetting her mother too much, she often relies more heavily on her sisters and friends for the nittygritty support during chemo and uses her mom as a constant source of strength that she can call anytime. Millie has appeared at her daughter’s doorstep several times after a piece of bad news, having jumped in the car without hesitation and arrived without a suitcase. “I call my mom everyday,” she says. “She has always been the first person I have called when I get any news or am having a bad day – she is so calm and reassuring and she knows how to talk to me, talk me down.” But if Millie, at 75, appears unflappable, it’s another noble case of trying to appear strong. “I try not to break down in front of her, but everyone once in a while you just do,” she admits. “She is just so brave and so strong. I don’t know how she gets through each day.” Jacqueline has been amazed by the way wonderful people crawl out of the woodwork right when you need them. “You start to see the good in people, and you don’t always see that,” she says. “My family and friends have never let me down, they’ve been right here for me every step of the way.” And if she has times when she gravitates toward the support of her friends and sisters, her mother does not take this as a slight. Quite the opposite, actually. “It’s a comfort, yes,” says Millie. “Knowing that she has friends that keep her laughing, that her sisters take her out and are there with her, it gives me some peace.” But, she adds, “if I could take it away I would. In a heartbeat.”

Heeding The Call Don’t be fooled by those initial feelings of helplessness. Suzanne, for example, has developed into a woman who has learned how to take control, how to turn her negative emotions into positive actions and how to advocate for her daughter in

ways she never dreamed of. From a fundraiser she held near her home in Hull, MA to participating as one of “Lisa’s Ladies” in the 3-Day walk, she has been instrumental in raising more than $10,000 for the Susan G. Komen foundation. “I am not a rich woman so I can’t just donate money,” Suzanne says. “But I can raise it.” Though people faced with breast cancer in their family can feel intimidated by the enormity of the entire experience, researchers like Karl Simin urge women to recognize how powerful their efforts can be. Simin, Assistant Professor of Cancer Biology at UMass Medical Center, says people would be astounded if they were aware of how difficult it has become to obtain money for the ground-breaking research that is needed in order to find a cure and less invasive treatments, especially when they consider how many families are affected by this devastating disease. “The pharmaceutical companies rely on discoveries made by research universities for new treatments, but a steady decline in basic science funding means scientists spend more time writing grants, which takes away from time doing research,”he said. The majority of scientific research comes from federal funding, but more is being done thanks to generous gifts and donations and more substantial donations that come in from outside groups, but it still isn’t enough right now. Much of the research Simin is involved in centers around trying to understand the molecular biology that underlies the aggressiveness of tumors and whether treatments that target these pathways can be effectively matched to patients based on the genetics of the tumor. “We want to avoid over-treating patients with cancers unlikely to respond to a therapy and direct patients to treatments that may offer more benefit,” he said.” But, he insists, without funding, those types of questions cannot be answered. He urges people to write to their representatives in support for federal dollars being allocated to breast cancer research. “We depend on that money,” he adds. “It’s the lifeblood of scientific research.” As for Suzanne and Millie, they will continue to support their daughters as they enjoy the good news, deal with the bad news and find a way to remain positive. But according to Suzanne, it’s a one-day-at-a-time kind of life now. “I try not to think too far ahead,” she admits. “It seems like if you are not actively receiving treatment, you are always just waiting.” Amanda Roberge is a Leominster-based freelance writer and the mother of three girls. To learn more about opportunities for how to get involved in raising funds that will be given directly to breast cancer researchers like Simin, please contact Rebecca Soulliere of PINK Revolution at pinkalliance@aol.com.

STAY TOGETHER PLAY TOGETHER At the Y, we exist to strengthen community. Together with people like you, we nurture the potential of children, help people understand and improve their health, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. So join our cause. And create meaningful change not just for you, but also for your community. The YMCA of Central Massachusetts a membership that supports your community’s well-being. Boroughs Family Branch 4 Valente Drive, Westboro, Massachusetts 01581 508 870 1320 Central Community Branch 766 Main St., Worcester, Massachusetts 01610 508 755 6101 Greendale Family Branch 75 Shore Drive, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605 508.852.6694

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Visit www.ymcaofcm.org BAYSTATEPARENT 31

TAKEGOODCARE • THINKPINK

Foods That Lower The Breast Cancer Risk BY

brett blumenthal

Your diet can have tremendous impact on lowering your risk for breast cancer. If you aren’t already, start incorporating these cancer fighting foods and habits into your daily lifestyle as well as your family’s: Enjoy Healthy Fats: When it comes to fats, there are those that are healthy and those that aren’t. Those foods that contain monounsaturated fats and Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids, particularly, are cancer fighting food and are an important part of one’s diet. Studies have shown that women who consume monounsaturated fat and Omega-3 Fatty Acids have a lower risk of breast cancer than those who eat unhealthier fats, such as saturated fats and trans fats. Further, these fats are rich in antioxidants E and selenium which help fight cancer as well. Those fats you should avoid include saturated and hydrogenated fats, including whole dairy, butter, cheese, and red meat. Further, avoid partially hydrogenated oils, hydrogenated fats, corn and safflower oils. Instead, enjoy these cancer fighting foods: • Almonds • Avocados • Walnuts • Flaxseed • Canola Oil

• Olive Oil • Fatty Fish (Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel and Sardines)

Load up on Legumes: Legumes, which include beans, peas and lentils, are extremely nutritious, low in fat, high in protein and fiber, and are rich in antioxidants. Studies show that women who consume legumes at least twice a week reportedly have lower rates of developing breast cancer than non bean-eaters. Eat the Colors of the Rainbow: Colorful fruits and vegetables protect your cells from

“free radicals” – cancer-causing compounds – with their powerful antioxidants. Like legumes, fruit and vegetables are high in fiber as well. As a result, it pays to eat LOTS of these cancer fighting foods (a minimum of 7 to 9 servings a day). The more colorful the better: • Berries nectarines and • Cranberries apricots) • Pomegranates • Tomatoes • Deep-Orange • Red Grapes foods (such as • Deep Green sweet potatoes, Leafy Vegetables carrots, mangos, (such as Spinach) Crunch Cruciferous Vegetables: Vegetables, as you probably would guess, contain tons of vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants making them super cancer fighting foods. Further, they offer tons of fiber, which helps fight colon cancer. As a matter of fact, these foods are so healthy, you can eat as many of them as you want without any concerns. Here are some to try: • Broccoli • Cauliflower • Radishes • Kale

• Brussels Sprouts • Cabbage • Watercress • Mustard Greens

Avoid Processed Foods: The more a food is manipulated, the less nutritional value it offers. Further, research shows that frequent consumption of processed food, including those that have artificial ingredients and preservatives have been linked to higher rates of cancer. Although it is best to avoid processed foods all together, especially avoid the following: • Sugars and Artificial Sweeteners: Processed sugars (any sugar that doesn’t exist naturally – such as those sugars

found in fruit or dairy), not only have little to no nutritional value, but displace good nutrition. Further, there is some research that suggests that cancer feeds off of sugar…meaning cancer thrives. Additionally, since artificial sweeteners continue to remain questionable as to their long-term safety and health impacts, it is best to avoid these as well. • Processed Meat: Avoid bacon, sausages, breakfast meats, pepperoni, hot dogs and lunch meat. • Limit Alcohol: Although alcohol in moderation can be good for you, drinking too much increases risk for breast cancer. • Don’t Overdo the Grilling: Burnt meat or any food, for that matter, may increase breast cancer risk. When foods are cooked at high temperatures, a break down of the chemical structure of the food occurs which can create certain carcinogens.

Fighting Cancer the Smooth Way One of the best ways to get in a high amount of antioxidants into your diet is to enjoy smoothies made with fresh, inseason, fruits and vegetables. Smoothies are a great way to pack in a powerful punch of cancer-fighting vitamins and minerals, because you can load up on a variety of fruits and vegetables in one simple recipe. You can experiment with flavors that appeal to your children so that the whole family can benefit. As we embark on fall, it is a perfect time to take advantage of vibrant orange colored vegetables, such as pumpkin,

yams and sweet potatoes. Here’s a tasty recipe by Vitamix that is perfect for the season:

Autumn Sweet Potato Smoothie by Vitamix • 1 cup seedless red grapes • ½ medium seeded orange, peeled • ½ sweet potato, cooked and cooled • ½ medium apple, halved and seeded • ¼ cup fresh or frozen cranberries • ½ teaspoon fresh ginger • 2 dates • 2 cups ice cubes Place all ingredients into a high power blender in the order listed and secure lid. Blend on low and increase speed to high for one minute or until blended to a desired consistency. Yields 2 cups.* * Nutritional Info per 1 cup: 182 Calories (1% from fat, 5% from protein, 94% from carbohydrates) and 5 grams of Fiber Brett Blumenthal is the bestselling Boston author of Get Real and Stop Dieting! and the author of 52 Small Changes, to be released late December 2012. She is founder of SheerBalance.com and CEO of Be Healthy Boston. Be Healthy Boston is a two-day urban wellness retreat at the Westin Boston Waterfront, being held January 28th and 29th, 2012. Find out more at: behealthyboston.com

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ADVERTORIAL

Welcome to the Ellie Fund’s Do Good campaign! We’re honored to partner this October with 40 outstanding companies that are donating a percentage of their sales throughout the month to help us provide critical support services to local families who are fighting breast cancer. All of the companies listed below have pledged a minimum donation of $1,000 to the Ellie Fund and with your participation in the Do Good Campaign, we’ll raise even more! Inside we’ve highlighted some great family-friendly promotions. For details, visit the websites listed or Elliefund.org/dogood. Thank you very much for participating in the Do Good campaign. Together we are making a difference in the lives of thousands of breast cancer patients and families!

LOOK GOOD

DO GOOD

"ellie" jean Avanti Boston Brighton Collectibles Cape Clogs Dependable Cleaners French Lessons Boutique Friends of Mel Foundation Gemvara Jenny Clip La Perla Pandora Salon Illusions Salon One Wellesley Sara Campbell LTD TenXClub

Anthem Boston Bostoneventguide.com Cakeology CauZoom.com Circle Furniture City Bar City Table Felt Boston Food Should Taste Good FrugalFlower.com Hannaford Supermarkets Hard Rock Café Boston IdeaPaint Linden Square Wellesley O'Hara's OM Restaurant Paddy's Pinkberry Qdoba Spirit of Boston Stats Bar & Grille The Living Room TRU Chocolate

FEEL GOOD A Beautiful Pair Event Healthy Habits Kitchen KoKo Fit Club The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston

The Ellie Fund was really there for us! We’re participating in the Do Good campaign to pay it forward and help other families.” - Tara Griffith, Breast Cancer Survivor, bsp Cover Model 2010 See Update on Page 28

PAULA SWIFT PHOTOGRAPHY

ba stateparent BAYSTATEPARENT 33

O $10 From Sale of Jeans Theellie.com

AVANTI SALON $5 From Each Haircut Avantisalonboston.com

$1 Donated for Every Event Ticket Purchased Bostoneventguide.com

20% of Online Sales Capeclogs.com

100% of all Funds Raised for Ellie Fund Nutrition Project Cauzoom.com

20% of Pink Item Drycleaning Plus 5% Donated to Ellie Fund Dependablecleaners.com

Shopping Party with a Purpose in Wellesley 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Frenchlessons-Boutique.com

1.

Special Evening of Duets Elliefund.org/beautifulpair

Pinktober Concert (adults only) Hardrock.com/philanthropy

$10 From Power of Pink Bracelets (Burlington, Natick Mall & Prudential Stores) Brighton.com

Percentage of Pink Bag Sales and Coupons Foodshouldtastegood.com

100% of Pink Velvet Cupcake Sales Cakeology.com

20% of Hand Crafted Pink Gemstore Jewlery Frenchlessons-boutique.com

34 34 OCTOBER2011 OCTOBER2009

21. $5 and $10 Donation of Bracelet Sales Friendsofmel.com (promo code: Ellie)

ADVERTORIAL

OCTOBER EVENTS Donations Accepted at all 26 Locations Across MA Hannaford.com Cut-A-Thon Salononewellesley.com

2.

Special Evening of Duets Elliefund.org/beautifulpair

9.

Charmed for a Cause 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Pandora Legacy Place 620 Legacy Place, Dedham Elliefund.org/Pandora

3.

Superheroes Party Elliefund.org/superheroes

10% of Meal Assembly Parties and Gift Certificate Kits Healthyhabitskitchen.com

Pinkberry - Wellesley 20% of Sales (with special coupon) Elliefund.org/pinkberry

$1 From Each Direct Sale Ideapaint.com

Circle of Five Event with WCVB-TV5 in Framingham Elliefund.org/circle5

26.

Halloween for Hope (adults only) Elliefund.org/halloween11

28.

TenXstravaganza in Natick Elliefund.org/tenx

30. 10% of Pink Ribbon Clips Jennyclip.com

Visit elliefund.org/events for more details.

10% of Flower Sales FrugalFlower.com/ellie-fund

20% of Pink Stone Jewelry Gemvara.com

Special Contests and Giveaways in Needham, Acton, Plainville, Easton, Mansfield, Pembroke, Centerville & Harwich Kokofitclub.com BAYSTATEPARENT 35

ADVERTORIAL

10% Off Selected Collections Laperla.com

$1.50 From Taco Salads in Wellesley Qdoba.com

100% of Pink Feather Sales Salonillusions.com

$10 of all Cashmere Sales (all stores) Saracampbell.com

20% of Mandarin Oriental Essence Massage (M-Th) Mandarinoriental.com/boston/news

20% of all Sales Truchocolate.com

The special Do Good promotions listed are valid at time of printing. We apologize to any of our generous partners who may have been omitted due to deadlines. All offers are subject to change. For the most current information, please visit elliefund.org/dogood

Healthy Habits Kitchen in Wellesley and the Ellie Fund have teamed up for the Do Good campaign! Party with us or purchase a “Pink Ribbon Food Kit” in October and 10% of your purchase will be used to provide critical support services free of charge to local families fighting breast cancer.

Party with Us in October Gather your friends for a Healthy Habits Kitchen meal assembly party in October and not only will 10% be donated to the Ellie Fund but we'll provide a complimentary 3-course dinner, organic dark Tru Chocolate, and you can even BYOB. The party couldn’t be easier! Our kitchen and lounge will be yours so you can meet, greet and chat up a storm while assembling your freezer-friendly meal kits using our healthy recipes and local ingredients. Party dates fill up FAST so call us today at 781.235.6325. Available dates are October 3, 5-7, 12, 17, 19-21, 24, 27 & 28.

Pink Ribbon Food Kit Too busy to party? Purchase a Pink Ribbon Food Kit and 10% will be donated to the Ellie Fund. “Supporter Kit” = $50 Healthy Habits Kitchen gift certificate, apron from the Monogrammed Cottage in Wellesley (with free monogramming) and 6-pieces of organic dark Tru Chocolate. “Donor Kit” = $100 Healthy Habits Kitchen gift certificate, the new Betty Crocker cookbook, Living with Cancer, and 15 pieces of organic dark Tru Chocolate. And if you're one of the first 30 people to purchase a Donor Kit, you'll receive a free Euro-Pro Ninja Kitchen Master Prep worth $60! To order, visit us at Healthyhabitskitchen.com/specials.

36 36 OCTOBER2011 OCTOBER2009

THINKPINK

shop for a GOOD CAUSE

BOX OF QUESTIONS Helping to honor more birthdays and celebrate daily events, use these question cards to spark communication and laughter amongst friends and family of all ages. Box of questions are available in themes for any event or situation. A quality Melissa and Doug product built to last. Proud to support The Ellie Fund with a large product donation.

PRODUCT PROMOTION

Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Friends PINK TEE by Peace Tree Apparel, Inc

Cutie Patutie’s Consignment Johnny Appleseed Plaza 1021 Central st., Leominster MA 978-534-6604 www.shopcpandcompany.com

These Pink T-shirts are available in three styles: a cozy thermal and a 100% super soft cotton tee for women with a complementing 100% cotton tee for girls. Peace Tree Apparel is donating $2.00 from the sale of each PINK TEE to the non-profit organization, PINK Revolution to support people affected by breast cancer and help a local Massachusetts Hospital provide the best care to their patients and be a leader in breast cancer research. Buy your PINK TEE today on-line at www.peacetreeapparel.com.

NEW BALANCE LACE UP FOR THE CURE®860 RUNNING SHOE TWIG LETTERS: FAITH

These shoes were made for walkin’. As the official shoe of the Susan G. Komen 3-day for the Cure, the New Balance Lace Up for the Cure® 860 is sure to get a lot of attention. Combining the flexibility and feel of a running shoe with the gait support and cushioning of a walking shoe, the 860 provides comfort from start to finish. (MSRP: $89.95) In 2011, New Balance will donate 5% of the suggested retail price of sales from the Lace Up for the Cure Collection with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000 to Komen. The Lace Up for the Cure Collection is available at retail stores year-round.

Whimsical hand crafted twig letters by canadian artisan Roisin Cadieux. Proud to donate a sample to The Ellie Fund Original Baby Company 774-289-2385 www.originalbabycompany.com

New Balance 218 Legacy Place, Dedham, MA 781-239-7300 www.newbalance.om

Empower by Fitness EM Fitness EM is proud to support The Ellie Fund with a donation of our favorite strength training products from Empower – 3lb wrist weights for walking, running, and upper body toning; 4lb medicine ball to firm and tone your core; and 5lb kettlebell for a time-efficient total body workout. Designed exclusively for women by women, Empower offers fitness products, programming, and communities that bring you together with other women, who are inspiring one another to be active, healthy, and strong. It's your moment of truth. MAKE YOUR MOVE to Empower.

TEETHING BLING® 20% of our Think Pink proceeds go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. (BCRFCURE.ORG) Smart Mom smartmomjewelry.com

www.empowerfitness.com

TUMZEE

BREAST CANCER CRUSADE NOVELTY UMBRELLA BY AVON

Tumzee is a mom invented product which makes tummy time with your baby easier and more enjoyable. Experts recommend about 30 minutes of tummy time a day for infants in order to help nurture and encourage fine and gross motor skills. Tumzee has contoured sides and a “T” support which helps to keep baby from sliding down. Made of soft EVA foam Tumzee is comfortable and easily cleaned. Designed in Canada and a PTPA Award Winner!

100% of the net profits from Avon’s Breast Cancer Crusade collection products go towards dedicated programs. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Novelty Umbrella is available for $10, with $6.86 of that going back to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. It is an automatic umbrella made out of a nylon kiss print and comes with a storage sleeve. The Avon Foundation for Women is the largest corporate philanthropy dedicated to women’s causes globally, continues to spread awareness, create funds and assist in new research for breast cancer. 1-800-FOR-AVON www.avon.com

Original Baby Company 774-289-2385 www.originalbabycompany.com

BAYSTATEPARENT 37

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S

The

trong warrior is not the typical description of a beauty pageant winner, but perhaps it’s time to rethink your definition of

Miss Pink

beauty.

Pageant

making breast cancer survivors feel beautiful again BY

carrie wattu

Photos of Donna Wadden by Tess Johnson Photography 38 38 OCTOBER2011 OCTOBER2009

Introducing Miss Pink. Women who compete in Massachusetts’ annual Miss Pink Pageant are referred to as pink warriors and must have breast cancer or be survivors. But mostly, they must be prepared to be pampered, have fun and feel beautiful, surrounded by family, friends and a loving crowd of fans who want every competitor to win. Falling in love with The Miss Pink pageant is easy, especially when you meet the founders, Ashley and Nick Shultz. Ashley and Nick are Beverly, Massachusetts newlyweds. At just 23 years old, the pair is not only talented and beautiful but exceptionally grounded. Above all this, they radiate compassion and generosity that seems rare for their age. They met at Gordon College, a small Christian school on the North Shore. When Ashley made reference to her upcoming doctor’s appointments, Nick looked more than mildly interested. Ashley told him, “You wouldn’t understand.” Ashley was, and still is, being monitored for a benign tumor in her brain. She had no idea that Nick did indeed understand. Nick’s mother, whom he was very close to, had died of brain cancer just six months prior to meeting Ashley. In college, Nick started a non-profit charity, Cling, to raise money for Christian missionaries and children’s hospitals in his mother’s memory. Two months after graduation, in a ceremony right on the water at the Danversport Yacht Club, the couple married. Soon after, the new bride was ready to take the next step, and it didn’t involve buying a house or a getting a puppy or starting a family. Ashley wanted to plan an event, one that would make women feel beautiful during a time in their lives when they are stripped of traditional beauty. Drawing upon her own background competing in pageants (Ashley holds the title for Miss Teen Maine 2006 and Miss Massachusetts International 2009), Ashley conceived The Miss Pink Pageant. “I wanted to give back to real heroes.” Ashley smiles, eyes full of tears, full of quiet sincerity. With Nick’s help and a goal of restoring femininity and confidence in women with breast cancer, Ashley went to work lining up the best venues and services she could find: Sunset Limousine, Paula’s Day Spa, florists, Tess Johnson

courtesy of the shultzs

May 18, 2002, Donna crossed the finish line of her three day walk. And she’s been celebrating ever since despite many setbacks. Seven years later, Donna’s doctors found a mass during a routine liver exam. Surgery revealed three more tumors: bile duct cancer. Donna was told she had a few months to live. Sitting with her pastor, she planned the details of her memorial which included “gospel Elvis” and a sailboat ride in Marblehead Harbor, a place where she has many wonderful memories with her boys. “I am not a grave person,” says Donna. “Too dull!” Her ashes were to be thrown into the sea followed by the scattering of pink roses and a toast of pink champagne. It occurred to Donna that her memorial was going to be fun...a lot of fun. “Can we do a trial run of this?” she laughed. Donna never got the memorial, the rehearsal or the real thing, as she stunned doctors by responding beautifully to 12 rounds of chemotherapy and remained cancer free for two years. But breast cancer returned in 2010, the tumors doubling in size. Yet after six treatments, Donna was in remission once again. “I am a miracle,” she says.

Pageant Day Miss Pink Pageant founder, Ashley Shultz, and her husband Nick

“We celebrate the survivors for the beautiful heroes that they are.” - Ashley Shultz Photography. She even got Patriot’s defenseman, Ron Brace #97, as one of the judges of the competition. “He has the biggest heart,” says Ashley. Then just 22 years old, Ashley, a sales coordinator, and Nick, a financial planner, convinced others to share and invest in their dream. “Ashley has the ability to get people to believe in her,” says Nick. It took the couple just two months to plan their first pageant, which debuted at the Danversport Yacht Club. One hundred and fifty people watched Trish Grzela, a Salem mom and breast cancer survivor, take the first Miss Pink crown. “Trish was ‘mad’ that she won because she can’t do it again!” laughs Nick. This past April, Ashley and Nick crowned their second Miss Pink, 59 yearold Donna Wadden, an Andover mother of two boys, ages 27 and 30, and a fourtime cancer survivor. “She changes lives,” says Ashley.

Meet Miss Pink 2011 When self-proclaimed tomboy, Donna Wadden, a custodian at Trinity Church

in North Reading, was approached by a friend in church to share her story in the Miss Pink Pageant, she did not hesitate. “I am a party girl,” she says, “so I said, ‘Sure, I’ll be in a ‘fashion show.’ ” But this was no fashion show. Donna was signing up to participate in a moving and meaningful event for women to share stories while raising awareness and funds for breast cancer. This was all Donna needed to hear, referring to herself when saying, “I want other women to see what hope looks like.” Donna, who works with tools for a living and calls herself a “a real ‘boys’ mom’,” jokes that she is most likely to win Miss Home Depot, but with one caveat, “...I hate orange.” Diagnosed with Stage three breast cancer on May 18, 2001, Donna was 49. Since her sons were 17 and 20, she had decided to go back to school and had just completed several courses in interior design. “Then breast cancer turns your world upside down,” she says. She had breast reconstruction, chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiation. She finished January 16, 2002. How did she celebrate? She began to train for a 60-mile cancer walk. Exactly one year after her diagnosis,

Donna had never had a manicure before participating in the Miss Pink Pageant, a complimentary day filled with pampering, massages, limo rides, food, photo shoots, rehearsals and champagne toasts. “It’s so fun to see people pampered,” says Ashley. The “pink warriors” are judged on who would be the best ambassador for the Miss Pink cause, a score that is tallied by adding 10% on introduction, 20% in evening wear and 70% on a 5-minute speech of their story. “We’re looking for a team captain,” says Nick. “It’s a classy, quality event,” he adds. “The crowd is amazing, and everyone is crying.” On the day of pampering, Donna and the 11 other contestants were laughing and having a good time in a white limo, which transported them to the salon for manicures, hair, makeup and massages and to the DanversportYacht Club. As the ladies sipped pink champagne, Miss Pink photographer, Tess Johnson, had the limo pull up to a spot overlooking the ocean to take some photos. Donna sat in the limo, crying her heart out. It was the very spot, the very bench that Donna had imagined her boys sitting on during her memorial. “I am supposed to be floating in the harbor right now, but I am in a white limo drinking champagne at the very bench where I want my sons to visit me. “It was incredible,” she gushes. “What a contrast!” And another contrast was to come. Six tables of family and friends were waiting at the Yacht Club for Donna to take the stage, loved ones who were

accustomed to seeing Donna sick and not always looking her best. But that night, they saw Donna smile and shine instead of being sick “They cried their eyes out!” she says. This is perhaps, one of the greatest gifts the Shultz’s have given their pink warriors, the opportunity for their loved ones to see them at their best once again. When Miss Pink 2011 was crowned with a custom Sherri Hill crown, donated by the fashion designer herself, Donna says, “I was stunned. I didn’t expect my name! I am beyond humbled.” The crown was specially selected to represent beauty through all the colors of life, and of course, the pink stands out for Miss Pink. In all her pageant experience, Ashley has never seen such a beautiful crown. While the pageant is getting welldeserved attention and has even been trademarked, Donna brings us back to the cause. “Two girls in the pageant are just 24 and 34. It’s time to stop this! We’ve had enough of cancer. We just need that last shove to the finish line.”

Cancer for the 4th Time Donna may be finished with cancer but cancer is not giving up on Donna yet. Three months ago, on July 25, 2011, Donna’s fingers went numb during a project remodeling her kitchen. She completed the job working with one arm, assuming that she had just pinched a nerve. After one week, she went to the emergency room, never expecting doctors to discover three lesions on her brain. “I cried for 30 seconds,” she says, “Then I said, ‘Wow. This is cool. I wonder what God is going to do now.’” Donna is now in a rough stretch of 15 rounds of full brain radiation. Still she says that she wakes up each morning full of joy and energy. “I start every day with an attitude of gratitude.” Since she was crowned, and especially in October, Donna attends as many pink events as she can. “I want to hear their stories. They want to tell their stories. Every time I hear a story, it fortifies me.” And Donna fortifies them, particularly with her hugs. “I love to touch. It’s healing. I’ll hug the life out of you!” She also brings strength by sharing the message that cancer is coming to an end. “And I want to be at the front of the parade.” Who would have thought that Donna’s breast cancer journey would lead to brain cancer, the disease that profoundly tied Ashley and Nick’s lives together. When asked why the Shultz’s chose breast cancer as their cause to champion, the two are visibly emotional but admit they’ve had no personal connection. Until now. “They are now a part of my family,” says Donna who believes that God cries pink tears and has had enough. Carrie Wattu is editor of baystateparent. She is the proud recipient of a “Donna hug.” Meeting Donna and Ashley and Nick made a great impact on her. BAYSTATEPARENT 39

THINKPINK All proceeds of the Miss Pink Pageant go to breast cancer research. For more information, visit misspinkpageant.com or email misspinkpageant@gmail.com.

Who Will Be the Next Miss Pink? Interested in being a contestant? The 2012 Miss Pink Pageant will be held at the Danversport Yacht Club on March 17th, 2012. Yes, Miss Pink is going green! Miss Pink is currently accepting contestants. Requirements are that you have or are a survivor of breast cancer. They want to celebrate you and recognize your story. Please e-mail MissPinkPageant@ gmail.com or visit misspinkpageant.com. They also have a Facebook page.

“Cancer is coming to an end, and I want to be at the front of the parade.” - Donna Wadden

I had a Breast MRI...

Should You?

Guidelines now recommend an annual breast MRI exam in addition to a mammogram for women considered “high risk” for developing breast cancer. There are many factors that may put you at risk for developing breast cancer. Talk with your doctor about your personal risk, and to find out if you are a candidate for breast MRI. Aurora Breast MRI of Central Massachusetts offers the only FDA cleared, truly dedicated and truly integrated MRI system specifically designed for 3-D bilateral breast imaging.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 508-459-7480 or contact your breast health physician 40 40 OCTOBER2011 OCTOBER2009

Aurora Breast MRI of Central Mass • 67 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA (Located next to the Memorial Campus of UMass Memorial Medical Center, parking lot entrance on Converse Street.)

Phone: 508-459-7480

www.auroramri.com

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BAYSTATEPARENT 41

THINKPINK

MOMS ROCK!

Carol Chaoui Of WELLESLEY Age: 47 Mom of: Adam 17, Lina 15, Rayan 12 and Darin 9 Occupation: CEO of Chaoui Family and business manager for Boston Diagnostics BY

carrie wattu, portrait simple photography

Newly diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45, Carol Chaoui, an avid runner since high school, went on a 3-mile stress relief jog in her hometown of Wellesley. As she approached the intersection of 135 and Weston Road, an unexpected sea of pink headed toward her, hundreds of walkers participating in the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Walk. Carol stopped, breaking down as she opened up to the women about her diagnosis. Total strangers hugged her and wished her good luck. “That was the way my breast cancer story started,” she says about that powerful day two years ago. Thereafter, a MRI revealed a 5-centimeter tumor the size of a tennis ball in her left breast, another smaller tumor and cancerous breast tissue. A month later, Carol had a mastectomy to treat Stage 3 breast cancer. About a month after surgery, Carol returned to slow jogs, and a week after completing her first of eight chemotherapy treatments, she signed up for her first post-diagnosis race (a 5K): The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Carol’s return to racing was a relief and comfort to her four children, a sign that their mom was going to be OK. Carol signed up online in the survivor division, but questioned, despite persevering through a mastectomy and four months of chemo every other week, “Am I really a survivor yet?” When she wrote about this on her Lotsa Helping Hands website, a friend commented, “You are a survivor the day you are diagnosed.” Seven weeks of radiation followed the four months of chemotherapy. During this time, Carol and her husband, Dr. Amin Chaoui of Faulkner Hospital’s Department of Radiology, ran a half marathon together in Quincy. And they were just getting warmed up... With her family’s support, three weeks 42 OCTOBER2011

after radiation ended, Carol and her husband ran the 2010 Boston Marathon. Carol wore a racing jersey that read, “I am the cure” in pink on the back. At Mile 15, Carol’s feet went numb, a side effect of her chemotherapy medications. “I went smack down and was bleeding,” she says. Before cancer, she had dropped out of marathons because of injuries, but not this time. “I said, ‘I have to get up and finish this marathon,’” Carol recalls. And she did, injured, bleeding and having lost 15 minutes of race time. Still, Carol finished in an admirable 4 hours and one minute, an excellent time for runners in top shape never mind a runner who is injured and battling cancer. In fact, Carol has placed in her age group in most races she has run since her breast cancer diagnosis. Her son Darin wrote about cheering on his mom in Boston: “She kissed me on the head. She was sweaty and fast!!! She was doing great for someone who had cancer.” After completing her “active” treatments of chemo and radiation, the marathon was a victory. Yet Carol considers her most difficult challenge after active treatments not running 26.2 miles but adjusting to what is known as the “new normal,” getting used to the side effects of the tamoxifen. Carol also had surgeries in October and December of 2010 as well as in January and June of 2011. This meant almost 8 months without running. Today, Carol faces two more reconstructive surgeries because of tissue damage due to radiation as well as ten years of medication and follow-up doctor appointments every six months. Still, Carol says, “I feel good and have made an amazing group of friends throughout the journey.. I definitely feel, like many others, that my cancer has been a gift and that I

have really been able to find the silver lining in the dark cloud of cancer.” Since April 2010, along with a team of four women and her husband, Carol has helped to raise $80,000 for the Breast Health Care Access Program at the Faulkner Hospital Sagoff Centre, which provides mammograms and follow-up cancer care, including chemotherapy to women who are uninsured or underinsured. Carol also helps women diagnosed with breast cancer in other ways: listening, going for a walk, helping them select a team of doctors, preparing a “cancer care” gift basket... Cancer has changed Carol from a competitive runner to a philanthropic one. “I know that because of the residual side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and multiple surgeries, I will not be out there racing to win. I am content just being able to go out for a run and if along the way, I can inspire others to exercise throughout treatments, then all the better.” “This,” says Carol, “is a much sweeter victory.”

Take 10 with Carol Three words to describe my family: caring, very family oriented, strong and of course, very silly at times Best part of my day: when I go for a

run. It is the only time to myself and I can reflect upon what I have been through and also helps me to clear my head and organize my life. When I was going through treatments, it was also the time when I would cry if I felt I needed to do so. We love going to: Crane Beach, walks around Lake Waban (Thanksgiving Day tradition), Boston for an urban adventure What makes me a better mom: taking time to listen to my children, doing activities with them, making sure we have at least one meal a day together Current family obsessions: running (my kids were devastated that my husband and I did not run the Boston Marathon this year), watching movies together, barbecues Best things about the town where I am raising my children: great schools. We live in the center of town so we can walk everywhere, great pizzerias and ice cream/ frozen yogurt shops! People may be surprised to know: that I did not run my first marathon until the age of 41 An inspiring parent I know: Theresa Keresztes. I saw her poster for her skincare cream [mygirlscream.com] while doing a jog in Wellesley just after I started radiation treatment. She is a Wellesley

mom, a breast cancer survivor and wonderful mother to two children. Her cream saved my skin while undergoing treatments and I still use it today. She is so funny and generous and really encourages me to stay positive and active. The best thing others can do to support a mom battling breast cancer: Offer to help with rides to treatments, meals, etc. Set up a community website but be respectful of the need for rest and alone time. Be positive! Cancer affected my children: My youngest watched me get a shot 24 hours after each chemo treatment in my stomach. My youngest wanted to do it after watching my husband. He really wanted to take part. I took him to my last radiation treatment. The teenagers were scared and nervous and didn’t want to discuss it. They were stressed worrying about it. They have more access with the Internet, and with Stage 3 breast cancer, the prognosis doesn’t look great. How I reassured my children: What was reassuring is that I was home every day cooking, cleaning, driving and going to school functions and most importantly running and going to races. I wished I would have: In retrospect, I wish we had used a social worker. We are fairly open as a family but when something like this happens, you don’t realize that the teens are going to clam up. Even if you have a good prognosis and are healthy and doing well, the teenagers

THINKPINK

are at a selfish age and something like this is hard to deal with. My marathons: I ran 7 marathons before my diagnosis and since the doctors estimate that I was living with my cancer for about 4 - 5 years, most likely all 7 of these marathons were run with some stage of breast cancer. What I would like others to know and understand about breast cancer: that breast cancer as a disease and as an experience for each woman is different. We are not statistics. Screening is essential for early detection; you should be your own best advocate. If you feel something, say something! Feelings about the Think Pink Movement: It’s amazing that a grassroots effort turned into something so big. If it can help raise awareness and encourage others to get screened and find a cure, then all the better. The pink ribbon is the symbol of hope and solidarity for breast cancer patients and survivors, and it is a symbol that has helped to raise awareness and to raise money for education and research. Moms Rock is an award-winning monthly feature that celebrates the good that moms do. Do you know a mom who just rocks? Email editor@baystateparent.com. Please see page 44 for Darin’s marathon tribute to his mom.

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THINKPINK

GO MOM GO! baystateparent’s October mom (see page 42), Carol Chaoui of Wellesley, received this book from her son, Darin, after finishing the Boston Marathon. Carol ran the Boston Marathon just three weeks after completing radiation to treat Stage 3 breast cancer.

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44 OCTOBER2011

Darin Chaoui

BAYSTATEPARENT 45

THINKPINK

unimportant PLEASURES with

Real Men Wear Pink for women with breast cancer Enter to win some of the fabulous pink fashions worn by our men by visiting baystateparent.com and clicking “Contests.” photography BY Egg Collecting

Cow Milking

Pony Rides

Children’s Activities

Fall Family Farm Vacations September 30-October 2 O b r 21-23 October November 11-13 Thanksgiving Weekend Create lasting family memories. Reconnect with your family. Enjoy and authentic farm experience. Your year-round farm family vaxcation resort Less than 2 hours from Boston!

Indoor Pool

Farm Animals

46 OCTOBER2011

Hiking

Arts-n-Crafts

Boating

steven king

THINKPINK

D

id you know that pink is the color of warriors? The Japanese culture, which, tracing back to its roots, regards the color pink as a symbol of masculinity. The inspiration came from the Japanese cherry blossoms, blooming in spring, representing young Japanese warriors who had fallen in battle in the prime of their life.....the samurai. In this way, pink is referenced as a color of masculine pride and honor.

This month, we endeavor to share the color pink with the American Man. In their own right, they are our American Samurai working hard for our American families. Here, we show real men, in real walks of life, each highlighted representing their unique occupations and lifestyles. We’ve styled them in pink to show support for our women struggling with breast cancer and to show you that real men DO wear PINK!

Danforth

Our Men: Miguel Guanipa, a Whitinsville father of three girls and an office worker from Sunlife Financial, sports a pink shirt and tie from The Salvation Army as well as p hot pink sneakers from the H&M men’s department.

September 11 - November 6, 2011

Elsa Dorfman The Danforth Museum and School of Art

MUSEUM HOURS

Bryan Graves, a Natick father of three and owner of Hub Leather Repair in Natick, shows that hot pink can look hot on the job even while working with leather. Pink Trailer belt buckle provided by Arete (bmused.etsy.com) Brian Hanson, dad of two and owner of Concrete Wave in Worcester, surfs some air in an artisan tee provided by Turista Clothing (turistaclothing.com). Brian also sports a pink gingham belt provided by Yellow Cricket from Memphis, Tennesesse.

Gerald Bellmore represents the award-winning Out of the Dark World Tattoo Shop in Worcester. In addition to his pink shirt, Gerry wears a pink tie and pocket hankie provided by Barry Beaux (etsy.com/shop/BarryBeaux).

Wed/Thurs/Sun 12-5 pm & Fri Sat 10-5 pm

For more info on exhibitions, family art activities, birthday parties, studio art classes and more, see www.danforthmuseum.org/elsadorfman.html

image from 20 x 24 inch Polaroid courtesy of the Artist

123 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA danforthmuseum.org 508-620-0050

$SFBUJWF )BOET PO 'VO "UUFOUJPO 150 15" BOE BGUFS TDIPPM FOSJDINFOU PSHBOJ[FST ClayTime has a program for you and your students. We bring the '6/ to you. Now booking for the 2011-2012 academic year

$MBZ5JNF JT NPSF UIBO B EFTUJOBUJPO UĂŠ7iĂŠVĂ•ĂƒĂŒÂœÂ“ÂˆâiĂŠ>ĂŠÂŤĂ€Âœ}Ă€>“ÊvÂœĂ€ĂŠĂžÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠ after-school enrichment program. Morgan Hurley of Uxbridge is our sporty golfer wearing a soft shade of pink shirt and pink argyle socks (The Salvation Army). Pink pattern belt also provided by Yellow Cricket.

About Christine and Faye Christine Guanipa and Faye Hurley are a mother-daughter team from the suburbs of Massachusetts schooled in the fine arts and with an insatiable love for DIY (do-it-yourself) design, fine arts, unnecessary shopping, flea market finds, accessories, and of course coffee and chocolate! Together, they bring a monthly taste of simple pleasures that are often overlooked, mostly unnecessary, but always inspiring.

UĂŠ7iĂŠÂŤĂ€Âœvide fundraising opportunities for your PTO/PTA and the causes close to your heart. U We provide a go-to place for Ladies' Night Out (afterall moms need some ClayTime too). UĂŠ7iĂŠÂ…iÂ?ÂŤĂŠĂžÂœĂ•ĂŠÂ“>ÂŽiĂŠ}Ă€i>ĂŒĂŠÂŤiĂ€ĂƒÂœÂ˜>Â?ˆâi`ĂŠ}ˆvĂŒĂƒ°

paint your own pottery & bead studio

Route 9, Shrewsbury (Next to White City East) U (508)798-9950

Visit WWW.CLAYTIMESTUDIO.COM for monthly programs BAYSTATEPARENT 47

photo courtesy of scribble it

JUNK D R AW E R S

A LITTLE LIT OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT IT’S A RIDE-ON TOY. IT’S A SUITCASE. IT’S A TRUNKI! ll l a Trunki k bby choosing h h font, in Newton allows you to personalize the designs, color and theme. Each Trunki retails for $55, which includes painting, personalization and gift wrap. scribbleitnewton.com.

FROM THE FARM KITCHEN Verrill Farm in Concord, MA shares one of their favorite chicken recipes.

Cranberry Pecan Stuffed Chicken Breasts Serves 5 Ingredients • 5 - 8 oz. skin on chicken breasts • 1 1/4 c. onion, diced • 2 Tbs butter • 1 1/4 c. celery, diced • 1/4 c. chicken broth • 1/2 tsp. thyme

• 1/4 tsp. salt • 1/4 tsp. pepper • 1/2 lb. cooked corn bread • 1 lg. apple, diced • 1/2 c. chopped pecans • 1/3 c. dried cranberries

Method Melt butter and sauté onion, celery, thyme, salt and pepper until vegetables are tender. Add chicken broth to vegetables, bring to a boil and remove from heat. Crumble corn bread and mix with apples, pecans, cranberries and vegetable mixture. Lay chicken breasts, skin side down, and pound with a mallet, if necessary, to an even thickness. Scoop even amounts of stuffing onto each breast and form a ball with chicken. Lay stuffed breasts on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°. Serve with whole wheat couscous. Verrill Farm is located on 11 Wheeler Road in Concord. They can be reached at 978-369-4494 or at verrillfarm.com.

WHO’S WHOOO Whitinsville mom Annina Hendrick is the talent behind the business she launched in April 2011, Enchanting Details Event Planning, as well as the “Look Whooo” Party in a Bucket, showcasing one of the company’s signature characters, the owl. The bucket includes an array of customized items such as cupcake toppers, fabric pennant banner, signs, water bottle wrappers, coordinating paper goods, game suggestions and much more. Check out her beautiful work at enchantingdetails.com.

Q&A

Melissa & Doug have done it again with a new and innovative suitcase for kids, the Trunki, which allows children to ride on top of their luggage as mom and dad tow them through the airport. Scribble It

Should I buy organic milk for my child? Bovine growth hormone is given to cows to help them mature faster and produce more milk; cows that are treated with it develop more health problems than cows that do not. Unless your milk is labeled “organic,” it may contain this hormone. The FDA says bovine growth hormone is safe, but many consumer advocacy groups are concerned that it could be harmful to humans. This hormone is banned in Europe and Canada and U.S. Consumer groups are trying to get it banned as well. So a good place to start switching to organic food for your family is organic milk. — Carole Kramer Arsenault, RN, IBLC

local mom, founder of Boston Baby Nurses and author of The Baby Nurse Bible

NEW PLACE TO PARTY! It’s your child’s birthday, and it’s raining (or snowing). Great. A dozen 6-year-old boys will be bouncing off the walls, spilling juice boxes everywhere. Zoink’s Fun Factory, a new family business in Charlton, invites you to sit back and relax on their second floor adult lounge while they do all of the work entertaining your children with their new laser maze, rock wall, giant inflatables and more. zoinksfunfactory.org.

Junkdrawers strives to highlight the products, people and places of Massachusetts. Have an idea? Email editor@baystateparent.com. 48 OCTOBER2011

Open House Thursday, October 20th 6-7 p.m.

“Where bright minds come together!� Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Six

Currently Enrolling Limited spaces are available for the 2011/2012 school year.

The Brighton School is a non-proďŹ t, private, independent elementary school dedicated to providing a quality education that addresses the individual needs of students. s !CCELLERATED 0ROGRAM s )Ndividualized Curriculum s 3MALL #LASS 3IZES s .URTURING %NVIRONMENT s 3PECIALIZED )NSTRUCTION IN SpanISH -USIC !RT Science, Computer, 0HYSICAL %DUCATION and Yoga

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

International. Individual. Inspirational.

British School of Boston Academically rigorous and internationally focused, featuring the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Serving students in Nursery through High School.

Call to schedule a free introductory class. 4HE ,ITTLE 'YM OF $ANVERS s 4HE ,ITTLE 'YM OF ,ITTLETON s

4HE ,ITTLE 'YM OF -EDWAY s 4HE ,ITTLE 'YM OF 7OBURN s

Open Houses:

Thursday, October 20 Friday, November 11 Sunday, December 4 Wednesday, January 25

9:30-11:00 a.m. 9:30-11:00 a.m. 1:00-3:00 p.m. 9:30-11:00 a.m.

FREE STORY TIME PROGRAMS FOR 2 AND 3 YEAR OLDS. t XXX CSJUJTITDIPPMPGCPTUPO PSH BAYSTATEPARENT 49

Become a Teacher!

Explore your “inner artist� Now Enrolling Art Classes

At Lesley University, we believe there’s a teacher in all of us.

Instruction and enrichment for all ages and skill levels.

Lesley offers a range of early childhood and elementary education degree programs leading to initial and professional licensure, with the primary goal of providing a solid understanding of children’s development and the ability to translate this knowledge into classroom practice.

artucopia

www.whitehallfarmstudios.com art journaling

snowake workshop

Whitehall Farm Studios

Explore these graduate degree options — including weekend programs — in Cambridge and at sites throughout Massachusetts.

508.544.9638 301 Wood Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748

art science

Learn more: 888.LESLEY.U or info@lesley.edu

landscapes

Open House 11/5 1-3pm Come and visit Whitehall Farm Studios and explore our creative space. Student artwork will be proudly displayed. Experiment with some of our ďŹ ne art supplies and take home a small piece of art.

teach.lesley.edu/baystate SE11_CAM_PA004

NOW G LLIN O R N E

multi-media

Learn about our winter class offerings and save $10 if you register for a winter class at our Open House event.

Light refreshments will be served.

! "

! " ! # $ % &$ ' ( ) $ * ( + & + ( ) + , 50 OCTOBER2011

Applewild invites you to join us!

Harvest Fair Saturday, October 15th 10:00am to 4:00pm 'BNJMZ 'VO t (BNFT t 'PPE t 3BGnFT Campus Tours Available!

Speech Therapy Sensory Integration Occupational Therapy Listening Therapy Feeding Therapy

Admission Open House

Saturday, NPWFNCFS UI 1:00pm to 3:00pm

TAKE A LOOK MORNINGS October 6th and November 3rd 5IF mSTU 5IVSTEBZ PG FWFSZ NPOUI BN 5BLF B UPVS OP 3471 OFFEFE

* Individual tours scheduled daily.* 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO HP UP XXX BQQMFXJME PSH PS DBMM Y 4FSWJOH (SBEFT ,

120 Prospect Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420 (978)342-6053 ext 110 www.applewild.org

Tenacre Country Day School “embracing the elementary years� Tenacre encourages children to grow into critical thinkers, confident learners, and caring citizens. Come to an Open House and take advantage of the opportunity to meet faculty, parents, and students. Tour our campus and learn more about the value of an independent school education, or call the Admission Office (x204) to receive a packet or to schedule a visit.

OPEN HOUSE DATES

Sunday, November 6, 2-4 pm Thursday, January 12, 8:15-9:30 am UĂŠ ÂœĂžĂƒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ}ÂˆĂ€Â?Ăƒ]ĂŠ*Ă€i‡ ĂŠĂŒÂ…Ă€ÂœĂ•}Â…ĂŠ Ă€>`iĂŠĂˆ UĂŠ ĂŠVÂ…>Â?Â?i˜}ˆ˜}ĂŠVĂ•Ă€Ă€ÂˆVĂ•Â?ՓÊi˜…>˜Vi`ĂŠLÞÊ>Ă€ĂŒ]ĂŠVÂœÂ“ÂŤĂ•ĂŒiĂ€Ăƒ]ĂŠÂ“Ă•ĂƒÂˆV]ĂŠ ĂŠ ÂŤÂ…ĂžĂƒÂˆV>Â?ĂŠi`Ă•V>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜]ĂŠ-ÂŤ>Â˜ÂˆĂƒÂ…]ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠĂƒVˆi˜Vi]ĂŠĂœiiÂŽÂ?Ăž UĂŠ -“>Â?Â?ĂŠVÂ?>ĂƒĂƒiĂƒ]ĂŠÂŁĂ“\ÂŁĂŠĂƒĂŒĂ•`iÂ˜ĂŒĂ‰ĂŒi>VÂ…iÀÊÀ>ĂŒÂˆÂœ UĂŠ /Ă•ÂˆĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠ>ĂƒĂƒÂˆĂƒĂŒ>˜ViĂŠ>Ă›>ˆÂ?>LÂ?i UĂŠ 7iĂŠĂ›>Â?Ă•iĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠÂˆÂ“ÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒ>˜ViĂŠÂœvĂŠĂŒi>Â“ĂŠĂŒi>V…ˆ˜}]ĂŠ>ĂŠĂƒĂŒĂ€ÂœÂ˜}ĂŠÂ…ÂœÂ“iĂ‰ĂƒV…œœÂ?ĂŠ ĂŠ ÂŤ>Ă€ĂŒÂ˜iĂ€ĂƒÂ…ÂˆÂŤ]ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠĂŒÂ…iʓi>˜ˆ˜}vĂ•Â?ĂŠ`>ˆÂ?Þʍ>Ă€ĂŒÂˆVÂˆÂŤ>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠÂœvĂŠi>VÂ…ĂŠV…ˆÂ?` UĂŠ vĂŒiĂ€Â‡ĂƒV…œœÂ?ĂŠĂ•Â˜ĂŒÂˆÂ?ĂŠĂˆĂŠ°Â“° UĂŠ /i˜>VĂ€iĂŠÂ˜Ă•Ă€ĂŒĂ•Ă€iĂƒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠVÂ…>Â?Â?i˜}iĂƒĂŠi>VÂ…ĂŠV…ˆÂ?`]ĂŠiĂ›iÀÞÊ`>Ăž ĂœĂœĂœ°ĂŒi˜>VĂ€iV`Ăƒ°ÂœĂ€}ĂŠĂŠĂŠUÊÊÇnĂŠ iÂ˜Ă›iÂ˜Ă•iĂŠ-ĂŒĂ€iiĂŒ]ĂŠ7iÂ?Â?iĂƒÂ?iÞÊÊUÊÊÇn£°Ă“ĂŽx°Ă“Ă“nĂ“ĂŠĂŠ BAYSTATEPARENT 51

CAPTURED

w e r C o o B the

ROAR: oshua Tangorra of Amesbury loves lions (“Roar” was his first animal sound.). This year, he is going to be a bear as well as... a big brother. Congratulations Joshie!

POOPED OUT PUMPKIN: Right out of the pumpkin patch, Loukas Apostolou, 27 days old, of Auburn on his first Halloween.

HONK. HONK.: Jessica Ortiz’s baby clown stole the show in Milford. 52 OCTOBER2011

SILLY MOO: Ava Duclos, age 5 months here, celebrates her first Halloween in Douglas.

FLUTTER FLUTTER: This monarch fairy butterfly is Lily Grace Magnussen of Foxboro.

INVITES YOU TO DIVE DEEPER INTO THE EPIC QUEST TO FIND THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH!

SAY AHH: “Dr.� Kaltrina Jashari of Framingham in her scrubs.

MAKE A WISH: Since wearing this costume at age 6, Peyton Surprenant of Dudley continues to watch old reruns of I Dream of Jeannie.

ENTER TO WIN THE UNFORGETTABLE FOURTH INSTALLMENT OF ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR FRANCHISES OF ALL TIME on Blu-ray™ & DVD Combo Pack Visit our website to enter at WWW.BAYSTATEPARENT.COM Deadline to enter - October 31. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM AND NOTIFIED BY EMAIL. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON OR ADDRESS. ONE PRIZE PER PERSON.

SAILS HOME ON DISNEY BLU-RAY ™ AND DVD COMBO PACK OCTOBER 18TH

Great Escape PlaycafĂŠ A place for the whole family

Indoor Playground & Gourmet Coffee House FUN-TASTIC BIRTHDAY PARTIES!

The time of their lives, and you don’t lift a finger! i $OO SDUWLHV DUH SULYDWH

PUMPKIN IN THE MIDDLE: Lunenburg siblings , Joslyn and Taylor Kerins, at one of their first Halloweens.

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THREE MARCHETTIS: Meet these adorable Leominster trick or treaters: Dinosaur Ben, Irish Fairy Nina and Mermaid Alana.

MEOW: The cutest little cat that you ever did see is Miss Ava Tessier of Blackstone.

CAPTURED: bsp is looking for photos. Email photos to editor@baystateparent.com.

i Open Playtime

i Enrichment Classes

i Parents’ Night Out

i Workshops for Parents

i Melissa & Doug Toys

i Private Birthday Parties

i Gourmet Drinks & Organic Snacks

i Healthy menu choices, fresh sandwiches and soups

LIKE us on Facebook, sign up for our newsletter and stay informed about our latest news, promotions and events!

www.TGEPlaycafe.com 978-227-5886 BAYSTATEPARENT 53

BY

steven king

FANGS for the memories! paula monette ethier and carrie wattu

Three Halloween activities that can haunt your family every year include painting pumpkins that can never be smashed, making dessert without the oven and perhaps the best of all, BOOing your friends and neighbors.

Long Live your Pumpkins! The pumpkin patch is now free and in

your yard. Simply search your back yard for a good-sized rock and paint it two coats of orange, using acrylic paint. (We washed our rocks beforehand with soap and water). After the paint dries, use a permanent marker to outline a face. Color it in. Finally, glue-gun a stalk, a fat stick, on the top of the rock. Display on your doorstep every year!

Halloween’s Salty and the Sweet Side: Melt your chocolate chips or wafers

steven king

(directions are on package) in the microwave or on the stove. Once melted, dip the ends of your pretzels into the liquid chocolate. Next, dip pretzels into festive sprinkles. Let cool on waxed paper in the fridge. Serve with green Kool-Aid and bug ice cubes (Freeze plastic bugs in your ice cube trays)* Use plastic fangs as fun napkin holders. *Plastic bugs are best for older children as they are a choking hazard for little ones. Please use caution.

BOO to You: Start a town-wide BOO this year by secretly leaving a treat and a paper ghost on a friend’s doorstep with the following poem. The challenge is to ring your friend’s doorbell and get away with leaving a treat before anyone sees you. The air is cool, the season fall, Soon Halloween will come to all. Ghosts and goblins, spooks galore... Tricky witches at your door. The spooks are after things to do, In fact a spook brought this “Boo” to you! The excitement comes when friends like you, Copy this note and make it two. We’ll all have smiles upon our faces, No one will know who “BOO”ed whose places!

steven king

Just two short days to work your spell, Keep it secret, hide it well. Please join the fun, the seasons here . Just spread these “BOOs” and Halloween cheer. Include a sheet of paper that says: You have been BOOED! Please keep it going by following these directions: • Place the BOO sign on your front door or visible in a window. • Within 2 days, make 2 copies of this note, make 2 treats & 2 BOO signs. • Secretly deliver to 2 neighbors/friends without a BOO. • Keep an eye on nearby front doors to see how far and fast it spreads by Halloween. 54 OCTOBER2011

michelle carr

DIRTYLAUNDRY with Stephen Rich

i

n full disclosure, I have Halloween issues. I love to scare people. I spend days preparing. I have elaborate plans and enlist people to be live props. Last year there was a 4-year-old crying in my driveway, and in my head I thought, “This was a complete success.� During the week of Halloween we have a tradition at our house of “Booing.� “Booing� is when you ring a doorbell, drop a bag of candy on the doorstep and run like hell. One simple rule is that you have to do it during dinner or homework time; basically the people whose house you’re booing have to be home and not sleeping. This makes it more challenging. So every year we have a very “informal� meeting. I sit down with the kids for two hours at which time we discuss the mission, the objectives and the targets and then we divide into sub-groups to go into even more specific detail. Each group is charged with gathering information or items like: names and addresses of those to be Booed, maps, equipment such as a wagon or small flashlights, and of course bags of candy.

On the night of “Booing,� we have an early dinner; they get their homework done, and we wait until it starts to get dark. Then the kids get their all-black outfits on. (Any skin that shows is of course painted with black face paint.) We sit down to review all of the plans, so the 5-year-old doesn’t screw up and get us caught. We break out the maps the kids made one last time. For each house, they draw up a sketch that details who is ringing that bell and where each of us will be hiding when the bell is being rung. So out the door we go, me and my midget SWAT team armed with Gummie bears and Mike and Ikes. Everyone is giddy as we roll the wagon holding all the candy bags down the side walk. We get into our designated hiding spots for the first house, and I’m practically peeing myself as I watch my son in his Batman costume complete with black hood and booties, dive off the porch headfirst into bushes in order to avoid getting caught (so proud! That’s my boy, potential thief or peeping tom). Then the sounds – and I’m laughing – because we have a signal to notify the rest of “Seal Team

Snickerdoodlesâ€? that the coast is clear to move, but we sound like really fake owls that yell! It’s priceless as they all come out from their hiding spots crawling, looking, then sprinting crouched over‌ so serious. It’s all too funny, and I made them! Afterward, we sit around like a bunch of old-time buddies re-living the night’s events as we talk about who did what and yucking it up. One year, after I cleaned up all the fake blood (ketchup) off my front door, the phone rang. As luck would have it, two boys got invited to sleep over someone’s house. Let’s be really honest here. When certain people (my boys) are invited to a sleepover, it’s an automatic “yesâ€? (Actually they don’t even need to ask; just let me know where they need to be dropped off!). The next morning, I was out on the back porch strengthening my marriage, having a nice cup of coffee with my wife, talking about landscaping ideas we couldn’t afford, when the phone rang. (In my head I said, “Who the bleep is calling at 7 a.m.?â€?) As my wife answered, I played phone Charades from where I sat, trying to figure out who it was by watching body language or hearing bits and pieces of the conversation. My wife sat there with her mouth dropped wide open saying “What?â€? followed by “You’re kidding meâ€? and “Were they alone?â€? First I wanted to know a little bit; then I wanted to know a lot of bit! She hung up and said, “You’re not going to believe what the boys did!â€? (Ohh but

I will ‘cuz with the boys, everything is possible!). The boys had come up with a plan to sneak out of the house at midnight through the first floor bathroom window. Their friend, of course, refused to go on such a crazy mission. But our boys, unfazed by the bad news, continued without him. They proceeded to ring every doorbell on our street, waking everyone up. Having no plan or sketch to go by, the boys were spotted at one of the last houses by five pissed-off dads in boxers and T-shirts. They chased my boys and brought them back to the sleepover in their mud-covered pajamas. My wife claims the boys got this idea from me. My response? “They would never have gotten caught if it was a plan from me!� Stephen Rich is a Plymouth dad of four. He alternates writing the Dirty Laundry humor column with comedian Christine Hurley, a Plymouth mom of five. To book comedian Stephen Rich, contact Dawn Christensen at Loretta LaRoche Productions: Dawn@lorettalarocheproductions.com or 508-746-3998 x 15. Dirty Laundry is a monthly humor column about day-to-day life raising kids. Basically it’s about not being afraid to air out the “dirty laundry� and say it like it is, making the rest of us not feel so alone.

October 14 & 15, 2011 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. $5 Mass Audubon members .ON MEMBERS s AT THE DOOR At sundown, the sanctuary will be transformed into a magical enchanted forest. Our resi-dent spirits, primarily native wildlife, will delight visitors young and old on this special romp through “Boo� Meadow Brook. During your walk, you will have a chance to learn about some of the most fascinating creatures of the forest. Arrive anytime between 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (Last tour leaves at 8:30 p.m.)

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Halloween Night Hike and Hayride

/CTOBER s n PM s 2AIN DATE /CTOBER MEMBERS NONMEMBERS CHILDREN MEMBERS NONMEMBERS Sigvaris Compression stockings and socks are very beneficial to anyone who: t IBT pain or tired legs, t TUBOET PS TJUT B MPU t JT QSFHOBOU PS t GPS BUIMFUJD SFcovery

Experience the sounds of night on a guided hike through the ďŹ elds and woods. Then enjoy a hayride with friends and family. Meet our resident vulture, do a craft and taste some goodies.

30 Grafton St., Millbury, MA 01527 tel: 508-865-4857 Call for more fax: 508-865-6370 information www.allcaremed.org and pricing.

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BOSTON CHILDREN’S THEATRE

FALL CLASSES 2011

Classes and Workshops for ages 4 to 19

Programs Range from One-Day to Eight Weeks! CELEBRATING 60 YEARS

www.bostonchildrenstheatre.org ++ 617-424-6634 x221 ++

One in ten Americans suffer from liver disease. Chances are someone you know is affected. Support over 30 million Americans in their ba le against liver disease by running.

Chilly Half Marathon Newton, MA November 13, 2011 For more informaƟon: (617) 527-5600 liverfoundaƟon.org/chapters/newengland

56 OCTOBER2011

Fostering a love of learning through respect for self, others, and the environment A diverse community of children from 15 months - grade 6

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TRAVEL DREAMS FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN, REALIZED story and photos

BY

wendy bulawa agudelo

F

or families of children with autism, the very definition of travel can easily morph into an effort riddled with worry and concern. Let’s face it, traveling is exhausting—for anyone, let alone a child. A busy airport itself is abuzz with more than a million sensory inputs—from noises and smells, to sounds and movement. It can be devastatingly overwhelming for the average person, let alone an individual who can, within minutes, rise to the point of sensory overload. Even children, who have previously traveled successfully, may not tolerate the endeavor the next time. The burden can be puzzling for parents who spend hard earned dollars on plane tickets, hotel stays and photo-

worthy activities — all of which can be unexpectedly smashed to pieces should their family be unable to travel. A beacon of light shines on the horizon for New England families however in the form of the “Wings for Autism” Program, rolled out earlier this year by The Charles River Center, in collaboration with Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), Logan International Airport, JetBlue Airways and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Wings for Autism provides families and individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to ‘practice-run’ air travel — from airport entry and ticketing, to security checks and boarding the plane. On May 14th, the Charles River Center and its partners, opened the doors to

Do You Have a Child with Autism?

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hundreds of families who desperately wanted to travel — to locations as close as New York City, to further international destinations, like South America. To date, Boston is only the third city in the country to experiment with such an aggressive program focusing on individuals with special needs. Jennifer Robtoy, director of Autism Services for the Charles River Center, is the original spark plug behind Boston’s Wings for Autism program. She shared that the inspiration for building the program in Boston came on the heels of a conversation she had with one family, whose travel plans to Disney World were dashed when their son with autism became severely distressed in the airport and wouldn’t board the plane. The result:

mom stayed home with one son, while dad and others went on without them. “I just thought, wouldn’t it be great if families could actually experience what air travel would be like before they spend money on tickets and make extensive travel plans?” says Robtoy. And, Robtoy isn’t alone in her thinking. Research released earlier this year now indicates that 38 out of every 100 children are diagnosed on the autism spectrum insinuating that all businesses will require greater awareness of the needs of families who contain members with the diagnosis should they wish to be successful. JetBlue Airways, the participating airline in Boston’s Wings for Autism kick-off, was on board from the get go. According to Robtoy, Ray Fallon, Station Operations

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Manager/Boston for JetBlue, had previously worked one-on-one with a family that contacted the airline directly to set up a personal practice run. “His personal experience was one of the main reasons JetBlue came on board so quickly,� recalls Robtoy. It seems JetBlue isn’t the only airline, either. Several other airlines have indicated interest in being hosts for future Wings for Autism events – the next of which is scheduled the first week of November, 2011.

A helpful button encourages assistance In addition to the actual “practice run,� the Wings for Autism Boston team designed unique lapel buttons (pictured) for families to wear when leveraging air travel, so that airport/airline personnel will be alerted to the potential needs of the family and can offer assistance. “Buttons were an idea that came from a parent who had expressed frustration over having to explain that her child had autism when they traveled or were out in public,� says Robtoy. “The buttons were designed to externally alert others and avoid lengthy explanation. Yet, what is still required is training. The buttons will only be effective if people recognize what it means.� Robtoy believes that the outward alert is a first step to building awareness and will hopefully become part of the overall training process for airport personnel — many of which don’t realize the sensitivities that exist for individuals with intellectual disabilities. To that end, the Wings for Autism Boston team is now developing a nationwide effort to bring awareness and support for families of children with autism/intellectual challenges when they travel. Some airports and airlines, such as JetBlue, are already providing that support. Families need only contact the airport/airline to advise them a few days in advance of their travel plans, and staff from both the airport and airline will aid the family to ensure the most seamless and supportive transition through the travel experience. When asked why not all major airports had adopted such a program, Robtoy explains that there are multiple roadblocks with a program of this magnitude. First and foremost, a previous model did not exist. Boston’s team created, from scratch, a unique event that can be scaled to support hundreds of families. The other cities that have executed air travel “dry runs� (Philadelphia and New Jersey), did so with a very small number. “We contacted the person who organized the other events, but realized that those events were done on a significantly smaller scale — roughly 10-25 families. Our idea was to build a model that would support many families as well as mirror the travel experience as closely and realistically as possible.� To do so required significant coordination. Robtoy indicated that gaining TSA/security clearance was incredibly important, as was organizing the all-volunteer staff, securing a terminal, plane and ultimately, register families. Massport/Logan International Airport not only welcomed the opportunity to participate, but took ownership in creating the Wings for Autism logo and

T-shirts for guests. All the effort — terminals, planes, snacks, goodie bags, T-shirts, buttons and the like — costs money. Yet, the Wings for Autism program does not charge families anything to participate in the experience (aside from airport parking). “Families pay for so much already, that every partner in the Wings for Autism program committed to ensuring that the event is always free for families.� That is a major forwardthinking message coming from national air carriers, airports and TSA, among others. The Charles River Center too played an incredibly large role in bridging the gap between families and the event—quickly becoming the driving force behind it. “Many airport personnel are not yet trained to work with people with disabilities and they have no outreach capabilities. We were able to manage outreach, registration and also provide cursory training for the all-volunteer staff.� Robtoy says that the group’s strategic vision is to bring the Wings for Autism program to Boston twice a year (Spring/ Fall), as well as establish it as a model to be rolled out nationwide within other airports across the country. She also shared that The Charles River Center and collaborative partners, whom she refers to as a “mini family,� are developing autism awareness training workshops for TSA and other organizations. And, this is just the beginning, explains Robtoy. “We’ve also met with the Augmentative Communications team at Boston Children’s Hospital to develop a social story application to assist families in preparing for travel. “I love my job,� says Robtoy. “I realize people say that and they may or may not mean it. But in my case, I really love my job — every minute of it.� We’re inclined to agree. The entire crew behind Boston’s Wings for Autism program ensured a very positive, uplifting and supportive experience for hundreds of families — which will again take place in early November. Already, more than 250 families have registered for the free-of-charge event. To register, visit charlesrivercenter.org. Wendy Bulawa Agudelo, who resides north of Boston, is a mom of three children, including a set of twin boys. In her spare time, she is an avid features writer covering a broad array of parenting topics from special needs to travel with infants. During the day, she earns her stripes as a self-made entrepreneur, operating a theme gift basket business, Period Packs, which celebrates a young girl’s foray into womanhood. To read about Wendy’s family’s experience with the Wings for Autism Program, search the editor’s blog at baystateparent.

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Preparing Children on the Autism Spectrum for Travel Plan Ahead and Remain Flexible: Parents of children with autism are typically thinking two and three-steps ahead, and often have Plan B in place for moments when meltdowns/tantrums creep in so that parental stress is minimized.

Have a Contingency Plan: Establish a “backup plan� for what to do if a meltdown occurs in the airport (or elsewhere during travel) which may force abandonment of the original plan. Some families plan a return trip via car should air travel (or train) be too challenging. Special companies exist that allow you to rent everything you could possibly need (such as Jet Set Babies, jetsetbabies.com) should you need car seats, cribs, special food or equipment in those cases when your child may be unable to manage a return trip via plane. Talk, Talk,Talk: Stacey Pizzano, mother of two young children (one on the

autism spectrum), says that the best way to prepare is to over prepare. “Prior to us traveling, we practice things at home, such as packing/unpacking, lining up kitchen chairs to replicate rows in a plane and sitting in them for a period of time, and even eating a snack while seated.� Just like with adults, advising and reminding children about the activities planned each day helps them digest and become more comfortable with what lays ahead. Many families of children on the spectrum use “social stories� or modeling stories/ videos to help prepare their children for new activities/experiences. Pizzano found an age-appropriate show called Bubble

Guppies which created a 30-minute show on travel including packing, leaving the house and traveling itself. Pack Favored/Familiar Items: “Simply allowing your child to participate in travel preparation can help ease anxiety prior to travel,� says Pizzano. “We took our kids out to the store where they could pick out their own suitcase, and then asked them to pack it with some of their favorite comforts of home such as toys, particular clothes, etc. Our son, specifically, knew that familiar items were coming with us and he knew exactly where they were and how to get to them if he needed to, which helped quite a bit,� she says. Pizzano also provides a few other useful tips such as scheduling travel around mealtime as eating takes time and is a nice distraction for both parents (who get a break from having to occupy/distract their child/children) and the children. She also believes that when it comes to air travel, the airline matters. “Virgin and JetBlue are great as they provide individual TVs for each seat on the plane.� Pizzano adds that if you buy headphones, do not get the volume-controlled style, since once the plane is in the air, you can’t turn the volume up high enough to avoid the noise from the jet. Start Small: Before taking that lengthy 12hour trip overseas, try one night in a nearby hotel or plan an overnight at a friend’s or grandma’s house. This type of “dry run� may need to be done several times so that your children adjust to a change in venue, schedule, routine, etc. Advise, as needed. It was suggested at the Wings for Autism event that families traveling through Logan could call the airlines a week ahead of time to advise them of travel plans, so that it could be noted and special considerations could be made (boarding ahead of other passengers, being seated close to bathrooms—or further away if the flushing noise is too upsetting, etc.). The Wings for Autism team generously provided not only lapel pins for families to wear, but T-shirts so that families could be more easily identified by ticketing agents, security representatives and airline staffers. Should your family be seated close to other passengers, it may be worthwhile to advise them that your children are traveling for the first time and that it may be a bit frightening for them, and simply respectfully ask for their patience.

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October Harvest Weekends Live children’s entertainment, face painting, hay rides, caterpillar rides and pumpkin display!

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62 OCTOBER2011

Unrush Hour Is there a place where time slows down a bit? Where we can escape from meetings, carpools, laundry and commutes? Where we can leave our cell phones in the car and not feel panicked? Where we can forget to look at our watch or check our email for a while? Is there a place like this? There is. A place where you can sit back in a big leather chair with a great book, or log on to free Wi-Fi and surf your favorite web sites all morning long.

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64 OCTOBER2011

Open House Listings Hillside School Information session October 12 from 7pm – 8:30pm, Open House November 12 from 11:30am – 3pm. 404 Robin Hill Street, Marlborough, MA 508-481-0287 www.hillsideschool.net The Riverbend School October 15 from 10am – 12pm For ages 15 mo-age 4, visit our Children’s House at 49 Eliot Street, S. Natick. For Grades K-8, visit our East Campus, 6 Auburn Street, S. Natick, MA Contact Michele McKenna, Director of Admissions 508-655-7333 www.TheRiverbendSchool.org Bancroft School October 16 at 1pm Educating Kindergarten through Grade 12 in the tradition of the liberal arts and sciences. 110 Shore Drive, Worcester, MA 508-854-9227 www.bancroftschool.org Fayerweather Street School October 23 from 1:30pm – 4pm Passionate Teachers - Joyful Learners - PreK through 8. 765 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA Contact Cynthia Bohrer, Director of Admissions 617-876-4746 www.fayerweather.org

Charles River School October 23 from 2pm – 4pm November 13 from 2pm – 4pm 6 Old Meadow Road, Dover, MA Contact Susan Mantilla-Goin 508-785-8213 www.charlesriverschool.org Newton Montessori School October 23 from 12pm – 2pm, November 17 from 9:10am – 11am A diverse community of children from 15 months-Grade 6. 80 Crescent Avenue, Newton Centre, MA 617-969-4488 www.newtonmontessori.org The Atrium School October 28 from 9am – 11am November 13 from 2pm – 4pm Progressive elementary committed to providing a balanced education that nurtures creativity, intellect and character. 69 Grove Street, Watertown, MA 617-923-4156 www.atrium.org Cambridge Friends School November 5 from 1pm – 3pm Individual parent tours are a required piece of the application process and are offered beginning in October and throughout the year. 5 Cadbury Road, Cambridge, MA 617-354-3880 www.cfsmass.org

Whitehall Farm Studios November 5 from 1pm – 3pm Learn about winter class offerings & save $10 when you register for winter classes at our Open House event. 301 Wood Street, Hopkinton, MA Contact Gretchen Stephan 508-544-9638 www.whitehallfarmstudios.com Chestnut Hill School November 6 from 1pm – 3pm Independent, coeducational elementary for Age 3-Grade 6. 428 Hammond Street, Chestnut Hill, MA Contact 617-566-4394 or admissions@tchs.org www.tchs.org Cornerstone Academy November 6 from 1pm – 4pm Educating all learners grades K-6. 5 Oak Avenue, Northborough, MA Contact Karen McQuade 508-351-9976 www.cornerstoneacademy.org Oak Meadow Montessori School November 6 from 1pm – 3pm 2 Old Pickard Lane, Littleton, MA Contact Erin Palmer, Director of Admission 978-486-9874 www.oakmeadow.org Tenacre Country Day School November 6 from 2pm – 4pm 78 Benvenue Street, Wellesley, MA Contact Sam Reece, Director of Enrollment 781-235-2282 www.tenacrecds.org

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photo courtesy of the budd family

Haiti to Home:

Griffin Visits Haiti Part 8 BY

bonnie j. toomey

A red ribbon encircles the trunk of a pine which is growing near the Budd family basketball hoop in their yard. On a wintry day in February 2010, one month after the Haitian earthquake, Sue and Fred Budd, with the help of their three children, Richard, Clarissa and Griffin, fixed the shiny strip into a bright bow. The band of color stands for the promise the Budds made to each other to bring a Haitian girl, Roselande, home to Acton, Massachusetts where she would become a member of their family once and for all. But the Budds have ties to Roselande that stretch even further back than that. Seven years ago she came to a Haitian

orphanage as an abandoned 6-year-old, desperately in need of food and care and a sponsor family. The Budds, Roselande’s guardian angels, became her sponsor family through their church. Through their support, Roselande began to thrive and was able to attend school. Unfortunatley, just before Roselande turned 12, the earthquake struck and soon the Budds were doing a lot of soul searching and asking God to help. They wanted to adopt Roselande with all their hearts, but an adoption would cost in the neighborhood of fifteen thousand dollars. Where would they get that kind of money? What would happen to Roselande

if they didn’t? Luckily, their prayers were answered when family members offered to help out. Since then, the Budds have traveled a handful of times to the small ravaged country, always leaving Griffin behind. “I’m going next,� Griffin announced last fall. He had an adventurous gleam in his eye, which gave you the feeling that he meant what he said. Almost a year later Griffin got his wish. This past August he and his dad made the trek to the tropical island which shares its border with the Dominican Republic, to the east of Cuba and in between the Atlantic Ocean to its north and the Carribean Sea to its south. It was a lesson in geography for the eager Griffin who seemed to care less for traveling and more for the people of Haiti. Griffin, who is described by his family as a “kind and funny� son and brother, loves to play basketball, watch the Celts, listen to music, read and hang out with friends. He is proud of the time he and his dad volunteered to weed and rake an elderly person’s home on a mission with his church last fall. Though Roselande is 13 years old, she will become the youngest of the Budd children by 6 months, giving 13-yearold Griffin bragging rights as her older brother and a position in the Budd birth order he is totally psyched about. And according to his family, going with the flow is what Griffin does best. He seems unshaken in all of his youthful optimism when he talks about the day he arrived in Haiti and traveled from the airport in excruciating heat to Kids Kingdom Orphanage in the back of a pick-up truck. He had prepared himself for the worst, so it didn’t seem so bad. “Um, well, I thought it [Haiti] would be more damaged,� says an evenkeeled Griffin who explains that it was “interesting� when he first met Roselande. For months they had been Skyping and now he and his little sister stood in the same room, shared a meal at the same table and looked at the same family pictures together. “At first she was shy, and I felt kind of awkward,� he admits. But by the end of the five-day trip, Griffin and Roselande became friends, and more importantly, he was beginning to feel like his sister’s older brother.

“I felt like I got to know her,� says Griffin who says he liked hanging out and playing video games with all the other kids at the orphanage. They even went to a local resort and beach, something the kids at the orphanage never get to do. Because of a crumbling infrastructure constantly under assault from weather and recent earthquakes, Port au Prince has no safe places for children to play: no community parks, no school playgrounds and no backyards with swings and basketball hoops. Still, a sense of Haitian pride and respect for traditional customs had Griffin dressing up for church services in Haiti, something he wasn’t used to doing back home in the states. “It was formal, and the service was all in Haitian,� says Griffin who sat with Roselande and his dad and three other families who were adopting children from the orphanage. “It would be cool if I could go back soon. I really liked being around the kids at the orphanage; they seem so carefree and happy,� says Griffin. One hundred kids now behind the gates of Kids Kingdom, a number which has more than doubled since before the earthquake. “It seems like there’s always at least one kid crying,� noticed Griffin, who Fred says is so good with the kids he wouldn’t be surprised to see his son finding ways to become more involved in future missions. So, Griffin got his wish. He got to go to Haiti and start to act more like Roselande’s big brother. Although Griffin says it won’t be anytime soon before his sister can come home with them, he keeps a positive attitude. “I feel it’s good. We’re getting along in the process, although it can be annoying,� says Griffin. So, although the red ribbon has faded to pink, hope has not faded for Roselande nor the Budds as they wait for the day when they can untie the ribbon together to welcome her into the Budd fold. Columnist and writer, Bonnie J. Toomey is mom to four interesting children and grandmother to two more. She lives with her child-groom of 30 years, and their dog, Molly, in New England. For more information, visit Bonnie’s blog at parentforward.blogspot.com

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Brian (13), John (12) and Anthony (9) Brian (13), John (12) and Anthony (9) are adorable African American/ Caucasian brothers who long for a family where they can grow up together. Currently, only Brian and John are together in the same foster home. Brian is quiet, well mannered and affectionate. He likes to draw, play with Legos and ride his bike. John is a very caring child who also likes to draw and play with Legos. Both boys have a special education plan at school to support their learning needs. Youngest brother Anthony has a sweet personality and loves to play with cars. He remains in a separate home and looks forward to the time he gets to spend with

his brothers. He enjoys school and is working hard on improving his reading skills. All legally free for adoption, a family with a strong male role model where they could be the youngest or only children would be ideal. There is an open adoption agreement in place for three visits a year with their birth mother. For more information on Brian, John and Anthony, or the adoption process in general, please contact Department of Children and Families Adoption Supervisor Marilyn Crowley at (508) 929 -2008 or MARE Recruiter Deirdre Madden at (617) 54-ADOPT.

GUILD OF ST. AGNES

OCTOBER’SCHILDREN

Enrolling Now!

All of our centers enters are NAEYC N E NA EYC accredited  Enrolling children from 4 weeks to 12 years Ê Center Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. ‰ Breakfast, Lunch and Snack Provided Center Locations Include: Granite St., & Grove St. in Worcester Charlton, Devens, Fitchburg & Gardner Family Care Offices in Devens, Leicester, Whitinsville & Worcester

Early Education and Care Since 1913

www.guildofstagnes.org 888-798-4567

CIRCLEOFFRIENDS Highlights of September’s Adoption-Related Events

Southeast/Northern Region Adoption Information Meetings. DCF-Northern Region Wed., Oct. 12 and Tues., Dec. 13, 6 – 7 p.m. Arlington DCF, 30 Mystic St., Arlington. Registration is not required. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Frankel at 978-557-2734.

walk-ins please. 508-872-2230 or email info@AdoptionCommunityofNE.org

A Support Group for Waiting Parents. Sat., Oct. 15 and Nov. 12, 10 a.m. - Noon. Adoption Community of New England, Inc., Office, 34 Deloss St., 2nd Floor, Framingham. Meet with others who are also in the “waiting” stage of their adoption process. Each session focuses on a specific issue and also allows time for open discussion. This is a professionally-facilitated meeting providing a great opportunity for meeting and sharing. FREE but RSVPs are requested at least 24 hours before the event. No

A Look at Adoption. Sun., Oct. 30. Held at the Adoption Community of New England, Inc., 34 Deloss St., 2nd Floor, Framingham. 2 – 5:30 p.m. An unbiased introduction to all aspects of adoption. $30ppNM. Register: adoptioncommunityofne.org.

Baby Care for First-Time Adoptive Parents. Sat., Nov. 5. Adoption Community of New England, Inc., Office, 34 Deloss St., 2nd Floor, Framingham. 9 a.m. -1 p.m. $75ppNM. Register: adoptioncommunityofne.org.

Please submit November’s adoption-related events by Wednesday, October 5 at baystateparent.com (Click Calendar/Submit an Event).

Foster Parents Wanted Therapeutic Foster Care

688 Main St. Holden, MA Toll Free...

877-446-3305

www.devereuxma.org (click on Intensive Foster Care)

Find us on Facebook

SAVE THE DATE Come to our information session ON /CTOBER TH s PM PM Seeking families throughout central Mass who are interested in improving a child's life Call now to learn about our $1000 sign-on bonus!

BAYSTATEPARENT 67

BulletinBoard

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

CHILDRENSHOES

10% OFF when you mention baystateparent

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MUSICLESSONS

call e s i rt Pearl e v d To a phanie 296 0 Ste 4 6 74-3 7 t l a mai or e aniep@ .com t h stepteparen ta bays

MUSICCLASSES

PRESCHOOLS Saint Spyridon Preschool Where the growth & development of each individual child is nurtured

Come relax with a cup of tea with your breastfed baby

TUTORING

HELP WANTED

1]`\S`ab]\S /QORS[g Tutoring Service Available for Grades K-6

5 Oak Avenue • Northboro, MA 01532 508 351-9976

to all USA addresses

LACTATION

SURROGACY

www.cornerstoneacademy.org email:kmcquade@cornerstoneacademy.org

Surrogate Mothers Needed Be part of a miracle The rewards are more than financial

The Knowledge

Seeking women 21-43 non-smoker with healthy pregnancy history

Quest

Tour Our Brand New Classrooms!

OPENINGS FOR 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR

â?¤ Peer support, lactation guidance â?¤ Referrals for lactation follow-up care, classes â?¤ On-site resources: baby scale, reference library

9AM-12PM & 8AM-2:45PM TIME SLOTS AVAILABLE.

Open Thursdays from 3-5pm 111 Park Ave. Worcester

Call for Details (508)752-5354 102 Russell Street, Worcester j.ward@spyridoncathedral.org

www.themilcroom.com Recommended by Pediatricians and run by CertiďŹ ed Lactation Consultants.

TUTORING

888-363-9457

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We welcome ALL mothers who want to breastfeed their baby.

MATHTUTOR

SCHOOLS

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5`ORSa 9 $ A quality education founded on the four foundations (Education, Character, Social Responsibility and Family) that are the Cornerstones to Life.

-IND %XPANDING !CTIVITIES

-ATH s 2EADING s 7RITING 3TUDY 3KILLS s 3!4 0REP !LGEBRA 7ORKSHOPS Special Ed & Learning Disability Instruction

call e s i vertie Pearl d a To phan 296 0 Ste 4 4-36 7 7 l at mai p@ e r o anie .com t h stepteparen ta bays

ACADEMIC EARLY EDUCATION A Readiness Program for 4 & 5 year olds. 623 Chandler Street Tatnuck Square, Worcester Tel: 508-797-5050 Fax: 508-797-5051 www.theknowledgequest.com

# =OY /dS\cS Â’ <]`bVP]`] ;/ #! # & !# ''%$ %26721 $5($ 0$7+ 78725,1* $1' 7(67 35(3$5$7,21 6(59,&(6

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68 OCTOBER2011

email:kmcquade@cornerstoneacademy.org

To advertise ll Stephanie Peca arl at 774-364-0 296 or email stephaniep@ baystatepare nt.com

St. Mary School Accepting Applications: Pre-school — 3 programs A.M. & P.M. Full Day Kindergarten Grade 1 through Grade 8

16 Summer St., Shrewsbury 508-842-1601 www.stmarysparish.org Accredited by the N.E. Assoc. of Schools & Colleges

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

he tPARTYPLANNER

ing Princ es s e s Singare our Specialty C Princess Singer (with Bachelor of Music)

C Our Original Singing Princess has enchanted children since 1994 C Costume Characters w/ Karaoke, games, face painting and balloon sculpture

Singing Princess 508.853.4257 www.copacabanaent.com

Food-Free Birthdays at School Your child can bring a T-shirt, blank book or pillow case to school to be autographed by the class. Pass special erasers and pencils out to the class. Dress up bottled water with a special birthday label. Pass out to the class. Make a CD mix of your child’s favorite songs for each child in the class. (Please get school permission before sending in any items for your child’s class.)

Nails, Pedic s and CustomPartie

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• Princess Party • Diva Glam Party • Ooh La La Spa Party

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(Mani/Pedi or Facial/Make-up) • other custom parties available

Call to book your next party 137 Schofield Ave. • Dudley, MA 01571 508-671-0069 • queenofdanail@charter.net www.prestigepartiesonline.com

The Coolest Party EVER! There’s Nothing Else Like It. Fordshometown.com 1-800-649-9992

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CUSTOM PARTIES ARTIES FOR GIRLS OF Like Us: ALL AGES Prestige Hair,ures

“All Live” Insects, Small Reptiles & Animals

CONTACT: Chelyanne & Brian

(508) 943-4549 Email: Karaoke4kidz@Yahoo.com www.Karaoke4Kidz.com

Have you ever wanted to pet, hold or just touch a turtle, ball python or bearded dragon? Reptile Circus connects kids to reptiles Birthday Parties, Preschool & Camp Visits 617-407-7533 reptilecircus.net

Tons of Bricks Tons of Fun LEGO® Themed Birthday Parties for all ages. wwww.brickapalooza.com Check our website for current class offerings, summer camp offerings and drop-in play times. 164 Westford Rd. Tyngsboro MA 01879 978-649-2654

Theatre Programs, Classes and Workshops for Ages 4 to 18 Call us or visit the web for more info... info@bostonchildrenstheatre.org 617-424-6634 www.bostonchildrenstheatre.org

To advertise, call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296 or email stephaniep@baystateparent.com BAYSTATEPARENT 69

Traveling Farm Animals for your Party or Event! Year Round • Inside or Out Fun & Educational Baby Animal Parties, Theme Parties, Living Nativities, Petting Zoos, Animals for Therapy & more!

Friedm an a r F $IJMESFn’s n

Musician

1"3&/5 4 $)0*$& "8"3% 8*//&3 #JSUIEBZ 1BSUJFT t $PODFSUT Teacher-Parent Workshops

508-358-1614

978-297-1221 animalcraze@ymail.com www.animalcraze.info

Animal Craze

Kids all love the silliness of my interactive, high energy, and musical shows! Come join the fun! My silly sense of humor and rythmic style will soon have you and your kids giggling, wiggling, dancing, and singing with delight.

Mike Slattery Children’s Entertainment * Songs * Puppets * Concerts * Schools

* Magic * Parties

www.franfriedman.com

Every Child Deserves to Celebrate

TUMBLEBUS “ A Gym on Wheels ”

Consider helping a Massachusetts homeless child have a happy birthday: birthdaywishes.org.

We will come to you in our converted school bus complete with gymnastics equipment, monkey bars, rock wall and more! Birthday Parties Daycares/Preschools Neighborhood/Mom’s Groups Special Events Ages 2-7 Heat and a/c for year round comfort

www.tumblebus-mass.com 508-393-5287

978-779-6789 mikethemusicman.com

Birthday/ Party Room Central Mass’s only dedicated Climbing Facility! Sign up now for our Week Long Summer Camp Programs • 14,000 square feet of amazing climbing walls • 60 different top rope stations • Climbing walls from 15 - 40 feet high! • Massive lead arch, and super long overhangs! • Separate climbing wall just for kids and parents • Classes for beginners: lead and top rope belaying • Rentals and a retail shop for climbing gear • Lounge area, w/ free wifi • A large bouldering area, with top-outs

508-852-ROCK • 299 Barber Ave. Worcester, (Across the street from the Higgins Armory, near Sam’s Club, at the 190/290 interchange)

centralrockgym.com

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132 234#(.

Offering Beading, Mosaics, Stuff-Your-Own Animals, Paint Me Tees, Silver Clay and PaintYour-Own Pottery Parties

!$23 !(13'# 8 / "* &$2 1.4-# %1$$ &(%3 %.1 !(13'# 8 "'(+# >

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BYO CDs, Cake, Soda, Pizza Etc. Offering 2 Large Private Party Rooms

Rt. 9 (next to White City East), Shrewsbury • 508-798-9950 • www.claytimestudio.com

To advertise, call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296 or email stephaniep@baystateparent.com 70 OCTOBER2011

Big Joe

Babson Skating Center

Storytelling fun for Birthday Parties, Schools, Daycare Centers, Library Programs, Special Events and TV Featuring:

BIRTHDAY PACKAGE Room – Ice Time – Skate Rental

• Original & Classic Stories • Puppets, Props and Surprises

SKATING SCHOOL Fall – Winter – Spring – Summer PUBLIC SKATING Recreational – Hockey – Freestyle www.babsonskatingcenter.com 781-239-6056

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

▲

the Storyteller

SHOW &TELL PRODUCT PROMOTION

Birdkage Style Stylish kitchen aprons Fashion and function 212.796.4987 www.birdkagestyle.com

Book your party now Call today or visit our website for more info: 781-352-2494 www.mini-athletes.com 290 Vanderbilt Ave. Norwood

Woodwick Green candles to add a hint of fragrance to your home. Green candles made with 100% Renewable Vegetable Wax, and Organic cotton label and natural wooden wick. Clean burning and make great crackling wood sounds. 1021 Central St., Leominster, MA 01453 978-534-6604 www.everythingcutie.com

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Have a Birthday Coming Up?

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Cutie Patutie’s Consignment

Cork Pops Halloween Coastables - Festive and Fun! 7 Commercial Blvd., #3 Novato, CA 94949 800-322-6757 www.CorkPops.com

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Switch2Health S2H Replay With this product you can earn over $200 per year in Rewards from your favorite retailers! www.s2h.com

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To advertise, call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296

Lakeshore Learning Materials

▲

New England’s #1 Traveling Animal Show

Lakeshore Creature Builder (Item #RA119) Children can’t wait to play with these big, fun-shaped builders! Giant set has enough snap-together pieces to make 8 fun critters, including bodies, legs, tails... even silly hairdos! Ages: 3 years – 6 years List Price: $49.95 Lakeshore Learning Store locations 230 Needham St., Newton, MA 02464 617-969-1171 352E Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906 781-233-3770 To purchase online, visit: www.LakeshoreLearning.com/Holiday2011 BAYSTATEPARENT 71

d l i h C d l i W It’s

not unusual to see a 5-foot-tall wolf pass by you in the mall these days as tweens and teens heat things up with a new fashion trend: animal hoods (with scarves and mittens attached!). The softest and most cuddly ones baystateparent found are made by SpiritHoods. They are a complete splurge, but you’ll never argue with your child about wearing a hat again. In fact, you’ll probably find yourself saying, “Will you take that thing off?”

About SpiritHoods

Another great find that are equally stylish and warm are HUGGRZ™ boot wraps, which come in fringe, faux fur and sweater knit. They can be scrunched on short boots, pulled up on tall boots or pulled up on your legs to make your short boots look tall. This is an economical way to change the style of the boots that you or your child already has.

About HUGGRZ™

All hoods are handmade with the best quality faux fur. The company actively donates a portion of their proceeds to several non-profit organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation. They even make Spirithoods for adults (check out the gorgeous owl)! Children’s Spirithoods retail for $79 each. spirithoods.com.

Boot wraps are available in different fabrics, patterns and styles and can be mixed or matched with fun accessories. They are available is size 3 and up. Prices start at $24. huggrz.com.

CHILDREN’S DENTISTS of Worcester

Creative Director: Paula Monette Ethier Editor: Carrie Wattu Photographer: Steven King Models provided by JRP/Open Call Productions jrpnewengland.com/agency/opencall.asp Makeup provided by TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy, Worcester toniandguy.com.

Dr. Daniel Moheban certified, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Manouch Darvish www.childrensdentistofworcester.com ÓääÊ V Ê-Ì°ÊUÊ7 ÀViÃÌiÀ]Ê Êä£ÈäxÊUÊxän ÇxÈ ÈÓÈ{

Taking Care of A All Your Little Things. 72 OCTOBER2011

054 /. 9/52 #/345-% !.$ */). 53 &/2 3/-% 42)#+ /2 42%!4).' &5.

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3OUTH 3T (OPKINTON -! (conveniently located at exit 21B off I-495)

Styles they

look good in....

Prices that make you

feel good!

Janelle Chin, age 12, Quincy, Hannah Millette, age 11, Dudley and Ann Gichuhi, age 12, Worcester

RUN LIKE A MOTHER!

6QDPNJOH $BNQT t 0DU %FD

New England's largest selection of children's brand names crewcuts 77kids Hanna Andersson Gap Gymboree Billabong Columbia Children's Place Flapdoodles Hollister Crazy 8 Converse Abercrombie Aeropostale Levi Justice UGG Adidas American Eagle New Balance Graco Nike Carters

Johnny Appleseed Plaza, 1021 Central St., Leominster 978-534-6604

For More Information:

www.AdventureBootCampLLC.com 508.579.6064 coachalexis@charter.net

#OME 6ISIT US AT THE (EALTHY ,IVING %XPO v s /CT AT THE $#5 #ENTER IN 7ORCESTER

Mon. - Sat., 9-6, Thurs. 9-7, Sun. 10-5

www.everythingcutie.com BAYSTATEPARENT 73

INDEX

Don't miss another FREE event or complimentary tickets! Join baystateparent Magazine on Facebook where we post events, giveaways, tips, support, resources and more. Facebook.com. Search baystateparent Magazine

A Place To Grow..........................................10 Adventure Bootcamp....................................73 All Care Medical..........................................55 American Cancer Society...............................29 Applewild School........................................51 Attorney James Connors...............................57 Aurora Imaging Technology Inc.................29,40 Backyard Adventures....................................18 Ballet Arts Worcester......................................9 Bancroft School............................................2 Barrett Family Wellness................................59 Bay Path College.........................................64 Bay State Skating School.............................18 Be Healthy Boston.......................................45 Beacon Assessment Center...........................61 Becker College............................................13 Belkin Farm...............................................62 Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center..............4 Blossom Station............................................5 Boroughs JCC.............................................57 Boston Children’s Theatre.............................56 British School of Boston...............................49 Cambridge College.......................................61 Cape Clogs.................................................32 Caroly Spring Esq........................................57 Charles River School....................................64

Charlotte Klein Dance Centers.......................16 Charter......................................................76 Children’s Dentist of Worcester......................72 Children’s Music Academy.............................20 Circle Surogacy............................................59 Claytime....................................................47 CoCo Key Water Resort..................................6 Cornerstone Academy.....................................3 Curious Creatures........................................23 Curly Girl Designs........................................23 Curtain Factory Outlet..................................65 Cutie Patutie’s............................................73 Dance Prism...............................................19 Danforth Museum of Art..............................47 Davis Farmland.............................................6 DeCordova Museum.....................................24 Deveruex...................................................67 Disney Pictures............................................53 Dr. Barbara Scanlon DMD.............................28 Dr. Bruce Fieldman........................................7 Dr. Mel - Pediatric Dentistry...........................21 Edaville.....................................................64 Ecotarium..................................................67 Fayerweather Street School..........................57 Fidelity......................................................25 Good Neighbor Concierge.............................66

Have you budgeted for the holidays or will you spend now, pay later? Do you know your spending to earning percentage? Get the help you need now! Call 508-792-9087 or go to www.thebudgetcoachhelp.com

Surrogate Mothers Needed Established Surrogacy Program seeks loving women ages 21-43, to carry couples’ biological babies. You must be a non-smoker, and prior birth experience is required. Be a part of a miracle. The rewards are more than financial. For more information, please call 888-363-9457 or visit our website: www.reproductivepossibilities.com

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74 OCTOBER2011

Second Generation Energy............................17 Seeking Sitters...........................................46 Skribbles Learning Center...............................9 South Shore Therapies.................................51 Spin On Us................................................16 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.............62 SureShot Portraits.......................................10 Tenacre Country Day School.........................51 The Brighton School....................................49 The Ellie Fund........................................33-36 The Great Escape Playcafe...........................53 The Little Gym............................................49 UMass Boston, Smooth Sailing Project...........58 UMass Medical School Child & Adolescent NeuroDevelopment Initiative.........................65 Wee Care for Little People, Inc.....................60 West End Creamery.....................................61 Wheelock Family Theatre.............................64 Whitehall Farm Studios................................50 Wifesavers.................................................57 Womens Health of Central MA......................43 Worcester Sharks........................................28 YMCA of Central MA....................................31

CLASSIFIEDS

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Guild of St. Agnes Daycare...........................67 Gymboree..................................................22 Gymnastic Academy of Boston......................24 Gymnastics Place........................................20 iParty....................................................21,63 Inn at East Hill Farm...................................46 Kings........................................................49 Lesley University..........................................50 Liver Foundation..........................................56 Living Earth................................................32 Mass Audoban............................................55 Math Altitude..............................................58 Music Worcester Inc....................................60 Newton Montessori......................................57 Newton Wellesley Hospital...........................41 Next Generation Children’s Center..................50 North Shore Music Theatre...........................44 Old Sturbridge Village..................................23 Panera Bread.............................................63 Parenting Solutions......................................11 Piano Pear.................................................22 Plante Opticians..........................................11 Play Town Express......................................73 Portrait Simple............................................26 Riverbend School........................................75 Roche Bros................................................74

What could an extra $300 - $500 per month do for you? Seek motivated self-starter to work flexible hours from home representing a public company. TRAINING & SUPPORT PROVIDED. Joanne Ryan • 978-270-0256

BAYSTATEPARENT 75

CHARTER TVÂŽ in HD Includes ShowtimeÂŽ and STARZÂŽ

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76 OCTOBER2011

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