1116bsp

FREE

NOVEMBER 2016

THE POWER OF

WOMEN

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

© Ed Emberley, used with permission.

The Art and Storytelling of Ed Emberley November 16, 2016 – April 9, 2017 Ed Emberley Family Weekend – November 19 & 20 Art-making fun throughout the weekend.

Helmutt’s Drop-in Studio – Opens November 16 Create pictures using Ed Emberley’s techniques. Visit worcesterart.org for hours.

KAHBAHBLOOOM: The Art and Storytelling of Ed Emberley is supported in part by The Donald and Mary Melville Contemporary Art Program Fund and The John M. Nelson Fund. Sponsorship support is provided by Cole Contracting, Inc. and Imperial Distributors, Inc. Media Partner: Artscope Magazine.

WORCESTER ART MUSEUM 2 NOVEMBER2016

/ worcesterart.org

Nominate A Deserving Teacher

For A $250 Visa Gift Card Just for nominating you will be entered to

Win a 4-pack of tickets to Roger William’s Zoo. Contest runs now through midnight Nov. 20th.

Winner will be randomely chosen on Nov. 21, 2016.

Sponsored by

To nominate your deserving teacher go to www.baystateparent.com/teachers

BAYSTATEPARENT 3

Helping your child achieve their personal best in life and scholastics The CDN network of doctors provides expert clinical care for...

Diagnostic Evaluations & Education Consultation/ Advocacy: • Autism Spectrum Disorders • Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity • Dyslexia/Learning Disorders • Executive Function Skills

Treatment and Therapy: • Executive Function Skills Training • Coping Skill Development • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Meet a member of our caring, professional team...

Sarah Backe, Ph.D. • Specialties: Child and adolescent integrated learning and psychiatric assessments. Provides recommendations for targeted educational and treatment planning.

• Services: Neuropsychological and psychological assessments for children and adolescents with a wide range of learning, social, and emotional challenges.

Provides specific recommendations to tailor educational and treatment planning. Follow up care and guidance is provided.

4 NOVEMBER2016

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

table of contents NOVEMBER 2016 VOLUME 21

When we assume the title of “Mom,” it’s not uncommon for our given name to fade into the background. In the blink of an eye, “Melissa Shaw” turned into “Will’s mom.”

3

1.

And while moms are moms 24-7, the majority are also accomplished people who do some pretty amazing things in their personal and professional lives, completely outside of that full-time role. Every month we write about women, and given our audience it usually relates to motherhood. But this month, especially, we take the time to examine and celebrate the

accomplishments, interests, and hard work of Massachusetts women outside of motherhood.

Melissa

— Melissa Shaw

things we learned

in every issue MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

the november issue

8 9 10 12 28

VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE: UMass Down Syndrome Program Brings Collaborative Care to Central, Western Mass.

44

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO: November Calendar Of Family Events

54 54 64 65 66 70

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: Area adoption events

while making

PBS favorite Arthur turns 20 this fall, making it the longestrunning children’s animated program on television, the second longest-running children’s show on PBS (behind Sesame Street), and the second longest-running animated show on television (behind The Simpsons).

Turn to page 30 and read what Senior Executive Producer Carol Greenwald has to say about the milestone, the show’s beginning, its proudest moments, and more.

2.

3.

NUMBER 7

Teens face a variety of challenges today and one of the most pressing is sleep — or lack thereof. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that more than two-thirds of kids ages 13-18 are not getting enough, putting them at risk for dire health and behavioral problems. Head to page 34 to read about specific risks and how the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project is aiming to help.

The popular Who Is?/Who Was? biographical kids book series is over 100 titles strong today, but surprisingly almost met an early demise. On page 56, the series’ creator talks about its growth, the most popular titles, how they choose subjects, and more. owner and publisher KIRK DAVIS associate publisher KATHY REAL kreal@baystateparent.com

BSP ONLINE

BY THE NUMBERS: THANKSGIVING DIVORCE & CO-PARENTING: How to Prepare for Co-Parenting During the Holiday Season

NOVEMBER’S CHILD: Meet Leland ASK THE EXPERT: Breaking Up Baby and His Pacifier THE THINKING PARENT: Sibling Rivalry or Something Worse?

OUR NOVEMBER FAVORITES: FACTS, FINDS & FREEBIES TAKE 8: Mother-daughter designing duo Christine Guanipa and Faye Hurley

multimedia editor MONICA HAMILTON monica@baystateparent.com ADVERTISING

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

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

BAYSTATEPARENT 5

Features 13 19 30 32 34 56 58 60 63

Eat, Drive & Be Merry: Family Fun for the Holidays Holiday Happenings: Our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide PBS Favorite Arthur Turns 20 When Your Child Tells You They’re Gay: One Mother’s Story The Critical Role Sleep Plays For Healthy, Happy Teens

The Power of Women

What Is...The Most Popular Biography Series For Kids?

Stress Bumps: Managing Fear and Worry During Pregnancy How to Help Kids Build Confidence in New Situations Website Names Car Seat Superstars in Annual Honor Roll

Ripe 24 26

36 38 40

Changing Dorchester, One Life at a Time

42

Vanessa Trien’s Jump Into Motherhood, Music

Fighting For ‘Her Kids’ Master Model Builder Has a Career That Stacks Up

This month’s cover model provided by The Cameo Agency, Waltham.

Photography by Steven King Hair and Makeup by Rob Roy Hair Salons

Simply Delicious: Dealing with Dinnertime Challenges at the Holidays (and all year round) Bites: Talking Allergies In A Fun New Way; FDA Warns Against Use of Homeopathic Teething Tablets, Gels; Healthy Meals On the Go Without a Microwave; Bake Easier With Ingenious Gear; and An Out-Of-This-World Lunchbox.

JOIN US ONLINE! facebook.com/baystateparent • Twitter @baystateparent

SHREWSBURY MONTESSORI SCHOOL Age 3 through Grade 6

Open House Saturday, December 3, 2016 1:00-3:00pm Saturday, January 28, 2017 9:00-11:00am

www.shrewsburymontessori.org 55 Oak Street Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (508) 842-2116 6 NOVEMBER2016

135 Bryn Mawr Avenue Auburn, MA 01501 (508) 832-9262

Cornerstone Academy Educating all learners in grades K-6

An elementary preparatory school that celebrates the individual.

Celebrating 20 Years

TOURS December 6th, 13th and 20th Sign up on our website

Act Compassionately

Live Fully

We know that children need the right combination of rigor and support to be socially, emotionally, and academically prepared for life beyond elementary school.

Think Creatively

Learn Deeply

5 Oak Avenue • Northboro, MA 01532 • 508-351-9976 www.cornerstoneacademy.org BAYSTATEPARENT 7

NOVEMBER CONTRIBUTORS COOKIES & TEA WITH CLARA SUNDAY, NOV 13

Reservations Required

508.791.3233

presented by

Dr. Mary Brown is a pediatrician at the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center and an assistant professor at Tufts University School of Medicine. She specializes in general pediatrics and adolescent medicine, and has an expertise in caring for children with special health care needs.

Joan Goodchild is a Shrewsbury mother of two and editor of a business publication serving security and risk professionals.

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

Information about Marshal’s writing and workshops can be found marshaldhaneisen.com.

Marissa Kirby is a graduate student clinician in the Mental Health Counseling program at Becker College. She provides counseling services to adults, children, couples and families through the Counselor Training Clinic (CTC) at Becker College in Leicester. Visit mhcclinic.becker.edu for more information about low-cost, professional counseling services at the CTC.

baystateparent’s Tickets Available at TheHanoverTheatre.org

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND PERFORMANCES NOV 25-27 • 877.571.SHOW (7469)

KidsCon & CAMP EXPO

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

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

A freelance writer of educational materials, Eileen Rubalcaba lives in MetroWest Boston with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys travel, cooking, books, movies, and the outdoors.

Martha Ruch is the owner of Simply Delicious Personal Chef Service, helping busy families come together at the dinner table since 2007. Find pictures, recipes, cooking tips and more at simplydeliciouschef. com, facebook.com/pages/ Simply-Delicious-Personal-ChefService/100774143364091, and on Twitter @chefmartha Greg Sukiennik is a freelance writer, Massachusetts native and longtime resident, currently based in Connecticut. He previously worked for ESPN.com, The Associated Press in Boston, and The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield.

SAVE THE DATE Sat., Feb. 11, 2017 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, Marlborough

This event is a one stop shop of all things kids.

See page 62 for more information.

8 NOVEMBER2016

bsp ONLiNE

C

an you believe it? The holiday season is already upon us! Did you know that 19% of Americans say Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday (Christmas is first at 46% and Halloween third at 9%)? Or that the average number of calories consumed during the meal, including appetizers, drinks, and desserts, is 4,500?

While you plan out your meal and schedule your holiday happenings, check out our fun page of facts and stats, “By The Numbers,” about Thanksgiving on page 10, and thumb through our listings of Family Fun for the Holidays to find a new family tradition. Listings of everything from Concerts of Thanks, to wreath-making workshops, to A Christmas Carol performances — including ones featuring Dickens’ great-great grandson Gerald Charles Dickens! — and productions of The Nutcracker across the Bay State start on page 13. And be inspired reading our features this month celebrating the Power of Women, including our feature on Lego Discovery Center’s first female Master Model Builder, and a formerly homeless Dorchester mom of three who has learned English, earned her GED, and is off to college. And you can always find the latest parenting news, contests, and giveaways — and me — at baystateparent. com, Facebook (baystateparent), Twitter (@baystateparent), and Instagram (baystateparent).

They Got It! Nicole of Millbury and her family, pictured, had a blast at Sesame Place in Pennsylvania. And dozens of families from all over the Bay State won passes to Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon last month. Make sure you visit baystateparent.com frequently, subscribe to our email newsletter, and Like us on Facebook to stay on top of the latest giveaways and contests. And please remember to check all your email folders after the contests you’ve entered ends: We need to confirm names and mailing addresses before we send out your prizes!

Congratulations... to Erin of Milford and Nicole of Holden, winners of last month’s flash giveaway to the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo! We are always adding more exclusive contests and giveaways for our Facebook and newsletter followers, so make sure you subscribe to our newsletter at baystateparent. com/newsletter/ and Like us on Facebook (facebook.com/baystateparent) to stay on top of the latest chances to win.

Gift Guide Giveaways!

Tired of giving — and getting — the same things each year? Turn to page 19 to find out all about the latest gifts and gadgets to add to your shopping lists. We have picks for kids and parents, from charging hubs, to key trackers, to ice cream carts and backpacks, so be sure to check in online, on Facebook, and in our email newsletters to look for chances to win some of our featured products!

— MONICA HAMILTON, MULTIMEDIA EDITOR BAYSTATEPARENT 9

Thanksgiving

By The Numbers

The Thanksgiving holiday originated right here in the Bay State in 1621 and was held in what is now Plymouth. President George Washington issued the first national Thanksgiving Day Proclamation in 1789; New York made Thanksgiving Day an annual custom in 1817. Sarah Josepha Hale, magazine editor and author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” started campaigning to make the day a national day of thanksgiving and prayer in 1827, and President Abraham Lincoln issued a “Thanksgiving Proclamation” in 1863 that officially set aside the last Thursday of November as the national day for Thanksgiving. (Earlier presidents made annual proclamations specifying that year’s Thanksgiving date.)

Congress passed an official proclamation in 1941 and declared that Thanksgiving be observed as a legal holiday on the fourth Thursday of November every year.

Stats:

2,020

15

Average weight of turkeys purchased for Thanksgiving.

17

Ridges on a 14-ounce can of Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce.

4,500

Average number of calories consumed during the meal, including appetizers, drinks, and desserts.

237.5 million

Number of turkeys raised in 2014 in the U.S. Minnesota, North Carolina, Arkansas, Missouri, Virginia, and Indiana raise almost two-thirds of the birds.

841 million

In pounds, U.S. cranberry production in 2015. Wisconsin is estimated to lead all states in the production of cranberries with 503 million pounds, followed by Massachusetts at about 211 million.

3 billion

The total weight of sweet potatoes in pounds produced by major sweet potato producing states in 2014.

1.5 billion

Total U.S. production in pounds of

10 NOVEMBER2016

pumpkin in 2010. Illinois, California, Pennsylvania, and New York, the major pumpkin-growing states, together produced 1.1 billion pounds that year.

46 million

Number of turkeys the National Turkey Federation estimates are eaten at Thanksgiving. That’s about one-fifth of the annual total of 235 million consumed in the United States each year.

50 million

The approximate number of people who typically watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television.

Weight of the largest pumpkin pie ever baked, according to Guinness Book of World Records.

Twelve feet in diameter, it was baked on Oct. 8, 2005, by the New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers in Ohio, and included 900 pounds of pumpkin, 62 gallons of evaporated milk, 155 dozen eggs, 300 pounds of sugar, 3.5 pounds of salt, 7 pounds of cinnamon, 2 pounds of pumpkin spice, and 250 pounds of crust.

4

Number of places in the U.S. named after the holiday’s traditional main course; Turkey Creek Village, La.; Turkey Creek, Ariz.; Turkey City, Texas; and Turkey Town, N.C. There are also 11 townships in the U.S. with “Turkey” in the name.

7

Number of places and townships in the U.S. named Cranberry.

19% of Americans say Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday (Christmas is first at 46% and Halloween third at 9%).

25% of Black Friday shoppers hit the stores by midnight on Thanksgiving.

47% of Americans say apple pie is one of their top three pie picks.

76% of Americans start their meal with a prayer.

79% of Americans said eating Thanksgiving leftovers is more important than eating their regular Thanksgiving meal.

88% of Americans said they eat turkey at Thanksgiving, according to National Turkey Federation surveys.

46.9 million

Estimated number of Americans who travel 50 miles or more for their Thanksgiving celebrations.

90 The number of Wampanoags present at the first Thanksgiving.

BAYSTATEPARENT 11

Ideas to Help You Adjust and Transition

DIVORCE & SINGLE PARENTING

How to Prepare for Co-Parenting During the Holiday Season

1. Remind yourself — and your family members — that no family is perfect.

Together, you can all work toward the goal of recreating the magic of the holidays in a new way. As long as there’s desire, love, and a united commitment, any holiday can be just as celebratory as it should be.

BY ATTY. IRWIN POLLACK

W

hether the focus is on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, or any religionspecific holidays or traditions, the season is fast approaching. While challenges come with the holidays, they are often intensified with divorced or separated families. It can be tough for children to cope; the thought of coming together as one big family is often tarnished; and traditional and digital media seem to never stop reminding us

that the holidays are a time for the celebration of family.

Moms and dads need to help their “new” family start new traditions so children have things to look forward to when the holidays come.

Ideally, the goal is to change everyone’s mindset from dwelling on the past to focusing on the excitement of starting something new. The key is learning how to transition and adjust. This affects all of us — the children, you, and your co-parent.

Fun for the whole family!

2. Parenting plans and scheduling issues: It is important to work with your child’s other parent to come up with a holiday schedule that works, while also providing the best experience for your child. Hopefully, your parenting plan already includes provisions for when and where the children will be at specific (holiday) times; if not, you’ll end up having to negotiate whose day, night, or weekend it is based on when the holiday falls.

3. The last thing you want is for your children’s memories of the holidays to be burned with images of mom and dad fighting over them. Creative coparenting options include: having children spend “even” years (2016, 2018, etc.) with one parent on the actual holiday, and “odd” years (2017, 2019, etc.) with the other. Then, there may be more time spent with the parent on the year that he/she isn’t getting the actual holiday itself.

If you live close enough, perhaps your children can spend half the day with one parent and the rest of the day with the other. Compromise and creativity are crucial for getting through the holidays — and for keeping them enjoyable and fun for your children.

4. If your parenting schedule is such that you don’t get to spend a particular holiday with your children, try to create a different holiday experience for another day. For example, take your family on a Thanksgiving trip to Plimouth Plantation, or go out on a limb and have a big family and friends party on a rented Mayflower Movers van. Your creativity will result in Thanksgiving on the Mayflower!

If you won’t be spending the holiday with your children, don’t stay home wallowing in self-pity. Seize the opportunity to do something you never have time for — spend time doing some of your favorite things (that the children may not enjoy). Binge watch an entire season of a television show you’ve been dying to see, read a book that you haven’t had time for, or go visit a family member or friend you haven’t seen in a long time.

The bottom line: Don’t let separation or divorce ruin the holidays for you or your children. Do whatever you can to make it fun and enjoyable for them — as well as for yourself.

WORCESTER CENTER FOR CRAFTS

Holiday Festival of Crafts November 25-27 Celebrate the work of over 60 talented artists See it, buy it, learn to make it!

Café on site

Be Prepared!

Winter Classes Begin January 9 Register online, in person, or by phone.

• Small Classes • Individual attention • Expert instruction • Interdisciplinary content •

worcestercraftcenter.org • 25 Sagamore Road, Worcester, MA • 508.753.8183 ext. 301 12 NOVEMBER2016

Dickens’ greatgreat grandson Gerald Charles Dickens performs one-man shows of A Christmas Carol at Vaillancourt Folk Art in Sutton.

Get into the spirit by strolling paths with thousands of twinkling lights and meet reindeer up close during nightly photo opportunities at Stone Zoo's ZooLights.

Jumpstart the season with the classic Christmas ballet at The Hanover Theatre in Worcester.

Eat, Drive and Be Merry!

Family Fun For The Holidays

November Boston Christmas Festival. World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 4-6.

This annual festival features the distinctive work of more than 300 master American craftsmen and the Gingerbread House Competition, showcasing Boston’s top chefs. $15, children under 14 free. bostonchristmasfestival.com From the Forest: Nature Gifts for the Holidays. Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate, Canton. Nov. 6, 1 p.m-3 p.m.

Gather the makings for swags, container, door and lamp post decorations; get in the fall spirit, enjoy the final days of autumn foliage, and meet new friends. Trustees members: $12; nonmembers: $20. thetrustees.org Garden Herbs and Wreathmaking.

Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens, New Bedford. Nov. 10, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Learn

how to make wreaths and decorative gifts from herbs, fragrant plants and easy to obtain materials — all provided. Decorate your home for the holidays and have fun doing so.

Trustees members: $15; nonmembers: $25. thetrustees.org New England Craft & Specialty Foods Craft Festival. Topsfield Fairgrounds, 207 Boston St., (Rte. 1), Topsfield. Nov. 11-13, 10 a.m.5 p.m. This three-day shopping bonanza includes more than 250 of the nation’s finest craftsmen and artisans. $7 adult, children under 14 free. One admission good for all days. Discount coupons available online. castleberryfairs.com Historic Thanksgivings at the Old Manse. The Old Manse, Concord.

Nov. 12, 19 & 20; noon, 1 p.m & 3 p.m. Special house tours explore the Thanksgiving stories of Manse residents. Discover what they ate and how they prepared these dishes. Enjoy the sights, aromas, and

tastes of the holiday as you stroll through the kitchen and parlors of this 18th-century house museum.

After a tour, enjoy a tasting of desserts inspired by historic menus.

Trustees members: $5; nonmembers: $10, children 6-12 $5. thetrustees.org Dickens Festival & Victorian Holiday Craft Fair. All Souls Parish Hall, 196 Elm Street, Braintree.

Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Crafters, costumed characters, homemade apple pies and fudge, carolers and more. allsoulsbraintreechurch.org Campfire Treats & Tales. Governor Hutchinson’s Field, Milton. Nov. 19, 4:30 p.m-6 p.m. Gather around the campfire to make sweet and savory treats and participate in “theater in the round” stories of Native American history on the Neponset River. Trustees member adults: $5; nonmember adults: $10. Kids, free. thetrustees.org

Methuen Festival of Trees. Valley Office Park, 13 Branch Street, Methuen. Nov. 19-Dec. 3. The event will display more than 240 spectacularly decorated Christmas trees and wreaths. Children’s events include visits and photos with Santa. Special events include Taste of the Festival, and Ladies Night Out. methuenfestivaloftrees.com Make a Holiday Evergreen Wreath. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. Nov. 20, 1 p.m-3 p.m. Learn how to identify different types of evergreens and then make a decorative wreath using greens, winterberry, seed pods, and ribbon.

Fee includes materials to make one wreath. Members $22, nonmembers $30. 978-464-2712 Blink! A Light & Sound Extravaganza. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston. Nov. 20-Jan. 1, nightly performances start at 4:30 p.m. Featuring the music of BAYSTATEPARENT 13

Your family can share in the holiday magic of

THE NUTCRACKER presented by dancers of

Saturday, December 3rd • 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 4th • 2:00 p.m.

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, Fitchburg, MA

the Holiday Pops, Blink! is a stateof-the-art light-and-sound outdoor extravaganza. Free. faneuilhallmarketplace.com

Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker.

The Boston Opera House, 539 Washington Street, Boston. Nov. 25-Dec. 31. bostonballet.org

Concert of Thanks. Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate, Canton. Nov. 20, 6 p.m-8 p.m. This year’s Concert of Thanks will feature a classical piano trio. Enjoy the beginning of the Thanksgiving holiday, with a concert in the Estate’s lovely living room.

Trustees members: $15; nonmembers: $25. thetrustees.org

Dickens Weekend: A Christmas Carol with Gerald Charles Dickens.

Vaillancourt Folk Art, 9 Main St., Suite 1-H, Sutton. Nov. 26, 2 & 7 p.m. & 27, 2 p.m. Dickens’s great-great grandson Gerald Charles Dickens performs a theatrical, one-man performance of A Christmas Carol. Tickets $25-$30. valfa.com

Bright Nights. Forest Park, 300 Summer Ave., Springfield. Nov. 23-Jan. 1, Sun.-Thurs. 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, Saturday & holidays 5-11 p.m. (closed Nov. 28 & 29). Make the 4-mile drive through Forest Park, illuminated with 650,000 sparkling lights. $18 per vehicle MondayThursday, $21 Friday-Sunday and holidays. Opening night Nov. 25, $6 per car. Coupon online: brightnights.org

City of Lights Parade and Holiday Celebrations 2016. Downtown, Lowell. Nov. 26. Stroll the city streets and enjoy live performances, holiday shopping, photos with Santa, and the Annual Hot Chocolate Competition. The daytime fun leads to the nighttime extravaganza — The City of Lights Parade and City Hall Lighting. Free. lowell.org

Festival of Lights. La Salette Shrine, 947 Park St, Attleboro. Nov. 24-Jan. 1, Illuminations nightly, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. weekdays; 2 p.m.-9 p.m. weekends.

More than 300,000 lights illuminate over 10 acres. International Creche Museum with hundreds of creches from around the world, and The Outdoor Creche of Bethlehem with Clopper the Christmas Donkey. Free. lasalette-shrine.org The Nutcracker. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. Nov. 25-27. Jumpstart the holiday season with the classic Christmas ballet, presented

by Ballet Arts Worcester and the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra. thehanovertheatre.org

Children & Seniors $16 • Adults $18 Ticket sales from these performances help to fund our free public performances for 2,000 local school children each year.

For Ticket Information Call

978-422-6989

Last Year’s Performances “Sold Out” Parents – bring a camera and take a photo of your Sugar Plums with our Sugar Plum Fairy, 1/2 hour prior to each performance.

Dance • Voice • Theatre

50 Leominster Road, Sterling, MA 01564 www.paulameoladance.com

14 NOVEMBER2016

Castleberry Holiday Arts & Craft Festival. Shriner’s Auditorium, 99 Fordham Rd., Wilmington. Nov. 25-27. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Three-day shopping bonanza with more than 250 of the nation’s finest craftsmen and artisans. Adult $8, under 14 free; one admission good for all three days. Discount coupons available online. castleberryfairs.com ZooLights. Stone Zoo, 149 Pond Street, Stoneham. Nov. 25-Jan. 1, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit by strolling along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Meet the reindeer up close during nightly photo opportunities.

Tickets start at $7, in addition to regular zoo admission price. stonezoo.org Parade of the Big Balloons. Main Street, Springfield. Nov. 25, 11 a.m. Welcome Santa to town with Springfield’s own 75-foot Cat In The Hat balloon and several of his inflatable friends, bands, and colorful contingents. spiritofspringfield.org.

Annual Boston Tuba Christmas Concert. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston. Nov. 26, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. More than 130 tuba players serenade the crowd with holiday classics. Other Tuba Christmas events are planned in Springfield on Dec. 3, and Ayer on Dec. 11. Free. bostontubachristmas. com

December Castleberry Arts & Craft Festival.

Event Center at the Hanover Mall, Rte. 53, Hanover. Dec. 2-4., Friday noon-8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m- 8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Three-day shopping bonanza with more than 250 of the nation’s finest craftsmen and artisans. Adult $7, under 14 free; one admission good for all three days. Discount coupons available online. castleberryfairs.com Christmas at Castle Hill. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, Ipswich. Dec. 2, 6 p.m-8 p.m. Celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas with room decorations inspired by the classic song.

Enjoy live music from The Essex Harmony or take a self-guided tour.

Complimentary warm cookies and mulled cider included. Trustees member adults, $10; child/senior $5; nonmember adults: $20, child/senior $10. Ipswich residents with ID, $10. thetrustees.org Wreaths from the Trees. Rocky Woods, Medfield. Dec. 3, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Natural materials from the forest are provided and guests are guided in creating beautiful and unique seasonal decor. Kids are invited to create small natural ornaments for an additional fee. Warm drinks and snacks will be provided. Trustees members, $24/wreath; nonmembers: $30/wreath. thetrustees.org Annual Wreath Raising Party.

Weir River Farm, Hingham. Dec. 3, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Help craft the giant

wreath that hangs from the big red barn. Children’s holiday crafts, cookies and hot chocolate, and seasonal tunes included. Adults can craft a swag made from locally sourced materials to take home. The event concludes with raising and illuminating the giant wreath. If there is snow, bring sleds. Trustees members, free; nonmembers: $10/family. 781-7407233 thetrustees.org Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting.

Downtown Gloucester. Dec. 3, 1 p.m-5 p.m. Santa docks on Rockport Harbor at 1 p.m., before climbing onto a Rockport Forest Fire truck and proceeding along and Mt. Pleasant Street to the Old Firehouse to have photos taken with children until the Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 4 p.m. rockportusa.com Holiday Pops Kids Matinees.

Symphony Hall, 301 Mass. Ave, Boston. Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11 &17. Seven special family concerts include a children’s sing-along and postconcert photos with Santa. Tickets start at $39, children under 2 free.

All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. bso.org Army National Guard Holiday Concert. Springfield Symphony Hall, Springfield. Dec. 4, 2 p.m. Free admission with tickets, available by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Spirit of Springfield, 1350 Main St., Suite 1004, Springfield, 01103. spiritofspringfield.org Christmas on the Common.

Bridgewater Town Common. Dec. 4, noon.-4 p.m. Bring the family to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, pony rides, holiday music, craft fair with over 90 vendors, food and hot drinks. Free. bridgewaterbiz.biz Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas Recreation. Main Street, Stockbridge. Dec. 4, all day. See Main Street as Norman Rockwell did when he painted the famous Stockbridge scene at Christmas.

Main Street becomes a magical New England village with more than 50 antique cars parked along the street and a full plate of family activities including readings, tours, caroling and concerts. stockbridgechamber. org Festival of Lights. Farandnear, Center Road, Shirley. Dec. 4, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate the season with fire and light, and make seasonal decorations from nature. Then enjoy a performance of holiday music. Warm fire, refreshments, and craft materials included. Trustees members, free: nonmember adults, $5, kids free. thetrustees.org Bradley Holiday Children’s Day. Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate, 2468 Washington Street, Canton. Dec. 7-17. The Bradley Estate celebrates the “Holiday Deck the Halls” event

for 10 days in December with different themes each day. This first evening of the holiday celebration will be for children, with pictures with Frozen characters, songs, and games. Trees will be lit indoors and outdoors. Member adult $5; nonmember adult $10. Children, free. thetrustees.org Cirque Dreams Holidaze. The Shubert Theatre, 270 Tremont Street, Boston. Dec. 9-11. Cirque Dreams lights up the 2016 holiday season with its critically acclaimed holiday stage extravaganza, featuring seasonal characters, soaring acrobatics, elaborate production numbers, imaginative costumes, illusions and more.

Tickets start at $43. citicenter.org The Christmas Revels: An AcadianCajun Celebration of the Winter Solstice. Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., Cambridge. Dec. 9-27. A joyous theatrical celebration filled with music, dance, comedy and carols.

Tickets start at $22 for adults, $10 for children. revels.org.

The Farm Nissie. Appleton Farms, 219 County Road, Ipswich. Dec. 9 & 10, 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. The Nissie — a farm elf from Scandinavian folklore — will visit Appleton Farms. While we wait for the Nissie to awake from his slumber in the hayloft, there will be children’s holiday crafts, cookies and hot chocolate, and carolers.

Registration is per family. Trustees member family: $24, nonmember family: $30. 978-356-5728 x4118 thetrustees.org The Boston Pops Holiday Concert.

The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. Friday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m.

Conductor Keith Lockhart and the Pops perform their signature “Sleigh Ride,” as well as other holiday classics and new arrangements of seasonal favorites. Tickets start at $55. thehanovertheatre.org Middle Street Walk. Middle Street, Main Street and surrounding area, Gloucester. Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Open houses, concerts, special programs and traditional decorations will be featured throughout the afternoon, focused in and around historic Middle Street. middlestreetwalk.org Haskell Tree Lighting. Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens, New Bedford. Dec. 10, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Along with the evening stars, the trees will light up the night. Bring the family, taste the cocoa, twirl a candy cane, and get your picture taken with a holiday favorite from way to the North. thetrustees.org Children’s Christmas Party with Santa. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich.

Dec. 10, 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Enjoy a Christmas treasure hunt throughout the Great House, seasonal treats, BAYSTATEPARENT 15

Family Fun For The Holidays and, of course, a visit with Old Saint Nick who will have a gift for every child. Advance reservations required. Space is limited. Trustees members child $24, nonmember child: $30. Accompanying adults free. 978-356-4351 x4015 Holiday Pops! Featuring the Spirit of Dickens. Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, Memorial Hall, 83 Court Street, Plymouth. Performances Dec. 10 & 11. Create a holiday tradition that includes fun, family, community, and beloved seasonal music. Actor Neil McGarry performs a mini, musical retelling of A Christmas Carol set to live orchestral music. Annual March of the Toys charity toy drive, and jolly guest from the North Pole featured. Tickets start at $20. plymouthphil.org Search for Santa. Farandnear, Shirley. Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-noon. Santa is lost in the woods at Farandnear, and participants will meet at the Visitor’s Pavilion at 10 a.m. to listen to a story, then head out to find Santa on the trail. Best for ages 4 and up — trails are not stroller friendly. Members & all kids, free; nonmember adults $5. thetrustees.org

1820s Holiday House. The Old Manse, Concord. Dec. 10, 11, 17 & 18, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30 p.m.

View The Old Manse decorated for an early American Christmas, and hear stories about early celebrations. Warm cider and cookies will be served. Members $5, nonmember adults, $10; senior/students, $9; child 6-12, $5; Family (2 adults & up to 3 children), $25. thetrustees.org Holiday Pops Concert. Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 E Merrimack St., Lowell. Dec. 11, 2:30 p.m. Keith Lockhart’s “Holiday Pops” plays seasonal favorites. Tickets start at $50. lowellauditorium.com A Christmas Carol. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester, Dec. 16-23, with a special sensory-friendly performance on Dec. 18. Continue our family tradition and get in the holiday spirit with Troy Siebels’ lavish and innovative adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Tickets start at $14. thehanovertheatre.org Winter Solstice Celebration. The Old Manse, Concord. Dec 18, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Celebrate the Winter Solstice on the Old Manse lawn with

F R e e CHILDReN’S BooK FeSTIvAL

fire, drums, a sing-a-long, and light refreshments. Tour the house for a special view of living in the cold and dark winters of early America.

Members and all children 6-12, $5.

Nonmembers, $10. thetrustees.org Winter Solstice Stroll. Fruitlands Museum, Harvard. Dec 18, 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Gather with Fruitlands staff to take a lantern tour of the walking trails. A cozy fire and warm apple cider await at the end of the trail and a reading of Susan Cooper’s poem “The Shortest Day”.

Free with Fruitlands admission. thetrustees.org Illumination Night. Governor Hutchinson’s Field, Milton. Dec 21, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Brighten the darkest day of the year with a solstice celebration of light and community, featuring a fire dancer, fire pit, hot chocolate, and music. Member adults, $5, kids $3. Nonmember adults $10, kids $6. thetrustees.org Solstice Walk. Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate, Canton. Dec 21, 6 p.m-8 p.m. Lighten up the darkness of winter with a stroll by the farm fields and through the woods by lantern-light. Come back to the Main House for a cup of cocoa and enjoy the company of new friends in the comfort of the Bradley’s home.

Members, $9, nonmembers $15, kids, free. thetrustees.org

Massachu l a tr

se t

ts al

Ch

e n’s

il

dr

ti v

Cen

Winter Solstice Picnic. Weir River Farm, Hingham. Dec 21, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Light up the night on the shortest day of the year atop Turkey Hill. Bring a picnic dinner and join us fireside as the sun goes down.

There will be snacks, hot drinks, and star gazing. Parking at the last lot on Turkey Hill Lane. Members, $5/ family, Nonmembers $10/family. thetrustees.org

e Book F

s

Books!

Authors Illustrators Music Puppets Family Fun

SATURDAY NoveMBeR 12 10 AM – 3 PM Mount Wachusett Community College 444 Green Street Gardner, MA

CentralMassChildrensBookFestival.org 16 NOVEMBER2016

Celebrate the Solstice & Tree Lighting. Francis William Bird Park, Walpole. Dec 21, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Meet on Vista Field for a night hike around the property, followed by a tree lighting, and hot chocolate and s’mores. Members, $5, nonmembers $10. thetrustees.org Auld Lang Syne: Times Gone By in 2016. Rocky Woods, Medfield. Dec. 26-30, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Walk the trails, discover designated spots to write a memory from the past year you want to keep with you into 2017, tie your memory to a branch nearby and let the forest take it in. On New Year’s Eve, we will celebrate 2016 with a campfire, tossing all of the week’s memories into the fire to live on into the coming year. Free, donations appreciated. thetrustees.org

Winter Farm Quest. Weir River Farm, Hingham. Dec. 26-31. Come down to the farm and participate in the New Year’s Quest. Pick up a quest in the parking lot of 140 Turkey Hill Lane and go exploring.

Free. thetrustees.org Gifts for the Birds. Farandnear, Center Road, Shirley. Dec. 27, 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Serve the birds a tasty snack that will help feed them in the winter. Hang some gifts for the birds in the Pinetum, and take some home for your own backyard. Trustees members, free: nonmember adults, $5, all kids free. thetrustees.org What to do with Friends and Family Week. The Old Manse, Concord.

Dec. 27-31, noon- 4:30 p.m. Perfect for entertaining out-of-town guests or as a unique family activity, this historic house is open for guided, walk-in tours. Tours take place at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m. Enjoy free cider and cookies as part of your visit, and stroll the beautiful landscape adjoining the Concord River and the Old North Bridge.

Members free, nonmember adults, $10; senior/students, $9; child 6-12, $5; Family (2 adults & up to 3 children), $25. thetrustees.org Family drop-in Workshop: Gifts for the Birds. Fruitlands Museum, Harvard. Dec. 28, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Make pinecone bird feeders for our feathered friends. Decorate one of the trees on the Fruitlands hillside or take the bird-friendly goodies home and watch the birds delight over the treats. $1 per kit. thetrustees.org Fresh, Fast and Delicious with Project Bread. KITCHEN at Boston Public Market, Boston. Dec. 29, 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 1-1:45 p.m.

Join Project Bread’s Chef Vanessa Labranche as she leads free cooking demonstration every Thursday.

Enjoy simple, tasty recipes that do not require a lot of time, skill, or money to prepare. Free. thetrustees.org New Year’s Walk in the Woods.

Farandnear, Center Road, Shirley.

Dec. 31, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Get ready for the New Year with a great resolution: take a walk on the woodland trails of Farandnear. Trustees Members, free: nonmember adults, $5, all kids free. thetrustees.org

Looking for more family fun?

Check out our monthly calendar, starting on page 44.

TAKE

TO THE

ICE

LOCATIONS ACROSS MASSACHUSETTS

PUBLIC SKATING

 Admission

only $5!  Rental skates available for $5  Fun, affordable family outing  Schedules available online

Learn basic skating skills  Ages 3 and up  7 week sessions  Fun & safe atmosphere 

Introductory hockey school  Ages 3 - 16  Superior skating & skill instruction 

Use promo code BSP201617 and receive $10 OFF your entire purchase of any instructional program!

1•888•74•SKATE • WWW.FMCICESPORTS.COM BAYSTATEPARENT 17

18 NOVEMBER2016

Holiday Happenings Stumped for gift ideas? Check out our picks for unique and practical gifts for everyone from tots to tweens, teens to adults, and more.

Slumbr Pillow slumbr.com $60 and up

A night’s sleep is only as good as your pillow, but how do you know which pillow is right for you? Take Slumbr’s quick online Pillow Quiz and discover the perfect pillow to support your personal sleeping style and preferences. It may not sound like the sexiest holiday gift, but a Slumbr gift card (and subsequent carefully-curated perfect pillow) is one that will pay off night after night for a lucky (and soon to be restful) recipient.

Perfect Shaker

perfectshaker.com $16.99

A super gift for the shake enthusiast in your life, the Hero line shows off your superpowers via the Marvel or DC character of your choice. Lightweight and portable, the shakers offer a 100% leak-proof guarantee, are BPA-free, and hold 28 ounces of liquid. A wonderful, practical stocking stuffer.

Precious Metal Prints preciousmetalprints.com $79.99 and up

A unique way to preserve little fingerprints ­— or furry noses — forever. Recipients receive an easyto-use kit to produce the print and return. Two to four weeks later, the one-of-a-kind charm or cufflinks will be yours forever. A great gift idea for hard-to-buy-for grandparents, godparents, etc.

Bramble Box

brambleboxprops.com $28.95 Developed and curated by a stay-athome mom, these creative kits are designed to inspire hours of imaginative, open-ended pretend play for kids ages 3-7. Families can purchase solo kits or sign up for the subscription box service ($27.95/month), which delivers a themed box to your door every month. A thoughtful, fun gift with tons of replay value that runs exclusively on brain power.

SVAN Ice Cream Cart svan.com $129.95

This wooden playset combines two things kids love — ice cream and imagination. Constructed with non-toxic paint and all-natural wood, this set comes equipped with over 30 accessories, including scoops

of ice cream, connectable cones, an ice cream scoop, popsicles, and Italian ices. A first-rate gift that will provide hours of imaginative fun.

BAYSTATEPARENT 19

on the go EcoVessel VINE Insulated Wine Bottle ecovessel.com $34.95

Stylishly bring your favorite vintage on the go. VINE holds a full 750 ml wine bottle and frees you from carrying a breakable glass bottle or pouring wine from a box. Triple insulation technology keeps wine at just the right temperature for hours, ensuring your first sip will be as satisfying as your last. VINE features a secure, leak-proof top and also comes with a filling funnel and a cleaning brush. A fabulous pick for the winelover in your life.

Matador Freerain24 Backpack matadorup.com $59.99

Weighing just 5.5 ounces, the Freerain24 unfolds into a waterproof backpack that can hold 24 liters of gear for wherever the day takes you. Ultra lightweight, breathable, and comfortable, this pack is perfect for everything from a day hike to a trip to the park with the kids. Even better, it refolds into a palmsized storage bag that can hitch a ride in your diaper bag, purse, or glove compartment, for whenever you need it. No parent wants to carry more than they have to, making the Freerain24 a terrific gift.

TrackR bravo thetrackr.com $29.99

If someone you love is constantly losing their phone, keys, or wallet, the TrackR will be the gift that keeps on giving. Add the coin-sized TrackR to your keyring or slip it into your wallet, download the TrackR app to your phone, and pair them. Keep the app open and it will keep an eye on your TrackR’d device, which could be anything — pets, electronics, a bike, briefcase, etc. Lose your keys?

Open the app and it will pinpoint their location on a map — and ring. If you lose your phone, press a button on your TrackR device, which will force the phone to ring — even if it’s on silent. An incredibly useful gift anyone would love.

STM Drifter Energy Backpack stmbags.com $239.95

We’re warning you up front: The kids are going to fight you for this one. Able to safely transport a 15-inch laptop and much more, the Drifter Energy also sports an integrated, rechargeable energy supply that can power your laptop, phone, or other electronic device on the go. The top-loading, roomy bag also features a floating electronics pocket, which protects your gear from hitting the floor if the backpack falls off a chair or table. And fleece-lined pockets will protect cameras, glasses, and smartphones from unsightly scratches. A super pick for those always on the go.

20 NOVEMBER2016

Limelens

limelens.com $49.95 Most parents take more pictures with their phones than their “good camera” these days. Extend the photo versatility of your mobile device and take unique, one-of-a-kind pictures with this set of lenses (a dual macro/wide lens and a 190-degree fisheye). The supplied Limeclips ensure they fit over 40 models of tablets and smartphones, from Apple and Samsung to Sony and Huawei. A gift that delivers fun and creativity all year long.

ChargeHub

thechargehub.com $59.99 Power is at a premium in many of today’s tech-filled households, with battles over charging cables and power outlets common.

Parents can solve that with The ChargeHub, a universal charging station that can power-up up to

seven devices at once, all via one outlet. The Super Value Pack ChargeHub ($89.99) comes with four micro USB cables, three Lightning cables, and a vehicle power cable that lets you bring ChargeHub on the road to power all your devices on the go.

We can’t think of many households in which this wouldn’t be a godsend.

pure fun Enchantails enchantails.com $149.99

Meddy Teddy meddyteddy.com $29.95

It doesn’t get much cuter than this guy, a 100% yoga poseable mindfulness bear. Exuding calm and peace, he’s the perfect gift for the yogi in your life or a fun way to demonstrate and practice poses with children.

The best sleeping bag for those who want to live under the sea, Enchantails slumber bag sets come with a carrying tote, designer pillow, chapter book, and wall decals. And, of course, there’s the mermaid-tail sleeping bag, complete with glow-in-the-dark thread, that’s guaranteed to be a hit

at slumber parties, couch-lounging, and more. This will be a homerun with the sleepover set.

Missy’s Monkeys

etsy.com/shop/missysmonkeys $14 and up Stay-at-home mom and artist Missy Wanamaker crafts traditional Rockford Red Heel Sock Monkeys, as well as styles to show off any interest, from the world of sports (check out the Boston trio left), entertainment (Star Wars, DC and Marvel superheroes, and Harry Potter), and much more. If you’re looking for a unique gift for all ages, Wanamaker is sure to have a monkey that fits the bill.

Chooze Clothing

mychooze.com $33.95 and up Let kids stand out for the cool, unique people they are with purposely mismatched clothing from Chooze. Fashionistas can express their individuality and style through the line of leggings, reversible hoodies, shoes, and more. A super choice for kids who want to make their own statements through fashion.

Ghostbusters Plush Toys underground-toys.com $10.50 and up

Be it the 1984 or 2016 movies, Ghostbusters is always fun, and a new line of plush pals from Underground Toys (several variations of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man or Slimer the ghost) will fit the bill for the fan of any age. Press their center and the stuffed characters either play sounds from the movie or part of the series’ iconic theme song. Mini figures come with clips and can be hooked on backpacks or bags.

BAYSTATEPARENT 21

creativity Girls Night In

quartoknows.com $12.95

Author Gemma Barder provides many nights’ worth of fun for girls and their friends. There are a ton of fun activities in areas kids love, ranging from creativity (movie-making and book writing) and crafts, to recipes, spa fun, fashion, music, and more. A fun, affordable gift for hardto-buy-for tweens.

Faber-Castell Creative Studio Kits

fabercastell.com/creative-studio $21.95 and up Faber-Castell’s Getting Started Kits offer the materials and instructions needed for budding artists to enjoy several media. Kits available include Getting Started Color Pencil Art; Getting Started Water Color Pencil Art; Getting Started Soft Pastels; Getting Started Manga and Comic Illustration Kits; and Getting Started Watercolor and Acrylic Paints. A great gift for hard-to-buy-for kids of all ages.

Cate & Levi Stuffed Animal Kits cateandlevi.com $29.99

Instead of gifting a stuffed animal, give a child (or adult!) everything he or she needs to make their own. Each kit comes with reclaimed wool; detailed instructions and pattern; hand sewing needle and thread; and Cate & Levi’s signature eyes. Even better, the gift box can be upcycled into a home for your new friend.

Crayola Art With Edge crayola.com $6.99

Specifically designed for tweens and teens, Crayola’s new line bridges the gap between kid coloring and adult coloring, and features cool and unexpected pop culture-inspired content ranging from graffiti to zombies and more. A cool stocking stuffer for tweens and teens.

DIY Tech Kits techwillsaveus.com $27 and up

Kits from start-up Technology Will Save Us give children everything they need to make, play, code and invent with technology. With the DIY Gamer Kit (above), kids can build gear, learn about electron22 NOVEMBER2016

ics and programming, play classic games, and learn how to code. Other available kits include DIY Synth (make your own synthesizer), DIY Speaker, and more.

A unique choice for tech-loving kids ages 10+.

gaming gear

LEGO Dimensions

lego.com/en-us/dimensions Starter pack $79.99 and up; additional packs, $11.99 and up LEGO Dimensions, which blends the best of LEGO and beloved pop culture icons with console gaming, is back this fall with new characters and adventures. The game allows players to combine characters from a variety of franchises on one adventure; for example, Batman, the Ghostbusters, and Harry Potter come together for a unique, epic adventure traveling down the Yellow Brick Road.

New character packs available this fall include the Ghostbusters, Adventure Time, Harry Potter, The Goonies, and more. Truly fun for the whole family, it’s a game everyone will love.

Fusion Controller and mini Controller for Xbox One powera.com $49.99, $39.99 (mini)

Your game is only as good as your controller, which is why these are a great gift for your favorite gamer. The Fusion Controller sports six Interchangeable Analog Sticks, two Quick-Trigger Locks, and two Advanced Gaming Buttons (mappable to the settings of choice) for fine-tuned accuracy and improved speed. There’s even breathable grips, a 3.5mm audio input, and 9.8-foot braided cable so you can game in comfort and style.The mini is a terrific choice for kids, those with a smaller grip, or if you’re traveling and want a smaller footprint.

Fusion Gaming Headset powera.com $54.99

Take your adventures to the next level of audio and comfort with this new headset from PowerA. It provides a host of features (on-ear controls, flexible/detachable boom mic, and more) for a great value, and is compatible with Xbox One, PS4, PC, Mac, and mobile devices.

Turtle Beach Stealth 350VR turtlebeach.com $79.95

The virtual reality gaming revolution is here, and the Stealth 350VR helps gamers make the most of their immersive environment.

The first gaming headset specifically created for VR, the Stealth delivers virtual reality audio loud and clear with battery-powered amplification, Variable Bass Boost, and an ergonomic “built for VR” design that provides clearance for VR headbands and cables. It is compatible with all VR devices, including the PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Gear VR, etc. At this affordable price, it’s a first-class piece of gear to add to your VR fan’s gaming lineup.

Turtle Beach PX24

turtlebeach.com $79.95

Superior audio at an affordable price, the PX24 is a multiplatform headset for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Mac, and mobile/tablet devices. It features the all-new SUPERAMP battery powered in-line amplifier that delivers Superhuman Hearing, Virtual Surround Sound, Variable Bass Boost, and Variable Mic Monitoring in addition to crisp highs and thundering lows. A fantastic gift for the seasoned gamer.

BAYSTATEPARENT 23

Dealing with Dinnertime Challenges at the Holidays (and all year round)

BY MARTHA RUCH The holidays, or holi-“daze” as one of my friends calls it, bring out the best and the worst in many of us, including our children.

For my part, I try to project sanity and good cheer as I ricochet between feeling anxious, excit-

ed, overwhelmed, melancholy, joyful, and plain-old stressed out. Our kids aren’t quite as capable of managing their emotions and can act out in all sorts of ways, with little or no warning. I fondly (not really) remember a total meltdown one of my children had under a dress rack at Macy’s while I was scrambling to do some last-minute shopping.

Preparation and planning can help you keep the peace at the holiday table. These tried-and-true

ideas are simple to use anytime you’re getting pushback at mealtime, and are good to put into play before you show up at Grandma’s house with your anxious, excited, overwhelmed, joyful family.

Let kids help with menu planning, shopping or winter New Engla cooking. When children haveIt’s a voice andin contribute to these aspects of the meal, empowers andlearn letitus help you encourages them. It can be as simple as saying,

Our specially-trained instructors will make sure your children not only learn, but have fUN, too!

At any age and at any level, we’ve been teaching kids how to have

This year, let us teach

under the leadership of Director Thom Norton, the Wachusett Mountain Ski & Snowboard School instructors are among New England’s finest.

perfect way to keep kidsduring way to keep kids active

during the–holidays.

• active XTREME TEAM competition the holidays. the skills and techniquestraining that for training for more experienced XTreme Team ––competition training •• XTreme Team competition formove more experienced skiers andof them toskiers a new skiers more experienced andlevel snowboarders. snowboarders.

Sign up now at wachusett.com/kids!

24 NOVEMBER2016

We have a program that’s perfect just for your child!

ETT HUS MT

_______

________

________

OARD S__K__I__&__S__N__O__W__B_______

sc

hoo

l

and techniques thatthem move to a of techniques that move to athem new level new level of skiing & riding. learn • DEV – children skiing and TEAM riding.

ScHOOl bREAkS skiing & riding.

••Vacation Clubs vacation Clubs– –the the perfect

WAC

SEASON-lONg PROgRAMS Easy Rider carpet lifts.

DEV Team –– children learnthe the skills •• Dev Team children learn skills and

N

DAIly PROgRAMS •• POLAR KIDS & ARCTIC ACES • Polar Kids –Kids an ideal Polar – an teaching ideal teaching –environment an ideal environment for teaching ages 4-84-12 withwith our for ages our kid-friendly teaching areas, environment for ages 4-12 kid-friendly teaching areas, the with • Arctic Aces – Kids ages 9-12 will Polar Playground, Ollies and Easy our kid-friendly teaching areas, progress quickly in our newly designed RiderPolar carpetPlayground, lifts. the Ollies and teaching area on Sundowner trail.

“I’m making a shopping list. Is there a new fruit you’d like me to buy?

Would you like to come with me and pick it out yourself?” or “I’m thinking about what we will have for dinner on Friday night. What would you like?” or “I’m making stuffing to bring to Aunt Jenny’s house. Would you like to help?”

Make a favorite festive. Whether you are hosting the meal or have been asked to bring a dish to someone’s house, get the little ones involved. At the holidays, prepare one or two familiar foods so your children have something they know they’ll like at the dinner table. You can jazz it up by adding a new ingredient or naming the dish in honor of your child: “Harry’s Hanukkah Apple Sauce” or “Delaney’s Delicious Dip.” Now the little ones have a food they helped make, named after them, that they might actually eat. Score!

Have someone else cook. I’ve found that many children are much more receptive to eating food someone else has prepared than to cooperating with their parents as they cajole the kids into trying something new.

It’s best to play it cool when you witness this, and make a mental note to offer the new food at home at some point in the (distant) future. It’s also wise to have the manners discussion before your sister-in-law puts a bowl

of bouillabaisse in front of your first grader (see next point).

Talk about (and model) good manners. Even the smallest children can learn to be polite and respectful, and that starts by exhibiting and expecting that behavior consistently at home. Good manners go a long way toward making dinnertime peaceful.

You can role-play with your kids so they know what to say and do when presented with an unfamiliar food at a friend or relative’s house. (“That looks great, Aunt Jenny, but I’m stuffed!” or “I’ve never had ravioli, but I’ll give it a try.”) Keep it light; they’ll get the message.

A few books on dinnertime manners that the younger ones might like include: Suppose You Meet a Dinosaur: A First Book of Manners

by Judy Sierra; Manners at the Table: Way to Be! Manners series

by Carrie Finn; and The Berenstain Bears Forget their Manners by Stan Berenstain.

Take a deep breath and let it go. Of course, there are many factors that can contribute to children’s behavior at dinnertime: tiredness, illness, and sensory issues, including noise levels, food textures, unusual smells, and even uncomfortable clothing.

The best advice I can give is to keep calm and carry on. Happy Holidays!

DOGGIE DAZE IN THE MAZE WEEKEND

Nov 5th & 6th from 8 am to 6 pm Take your dog through the corn maze!

Your dog is free and every adult is half price.

(This weekend only)

“Taste of Local” Pie Edition • November 19th & 20th Sample all of our local pies and order your Thanksgiving pies!

“YOU WANT FRESH YOU WANT LOCAL”

See our website lanniorchards.com for more upcoming Holiday events.

294 Chase Rd Lunenburg 978-582-6246 • www.lanniorchards.com 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. 7 Days a Week

Craft Breweries Day Trips New England has some of the best craft breweries in the country.

Take a day trip to Wachusett Brewing Company and enjoy!

Wachusett Brewing Co.

175 State Road East, Westminster, MA Wachusett Brewery founders Ned, Kevin and Peter developed a significant appreciation for beer while attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Adventures in biking, canoeing, annd hiking led the trio to the Northern New England states allowing them to visit some of the first operating craft breweries. Armed with a “we can do this” attitude, the three cast off from their careers in engineering and biology to found the Wachusett Brewing Co. in 1993. Wachusett Country Pale Ale was introduced to the beer fans of Massachusetts the next year after lots of experimenting to get the formula right. When Wachusett opened, the three designed and built most of the equipment, did the brewing and filling, selling and delivering, and everything else that a small startup brewery needed.

Wachusett Brewing Company celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2014. WBC has quietly invested millions of dollars in equipment,

capacity, and quality recently. In 2015, It will be available in four flavors: the brewery completed the installation raspberry, grapefruit, lemon lime, and of a fully-automated 5-vessel 50 cranberry.

Barrel Brewhouse that can produce “We believe WBC may be the over 2 million cases first craft brewery in the each year. country to research W ac hu sett Wachusett and develop a clear Brewing Co. produced 46,000 malt base formula barrels in 2015 and create its own making them the second largest line of ready- to-drink beverages”, packaging brewer in Massachusetts. said Ned LaFortune, Co-Founder and The company produces a diverse line President of WBC. “ The clear malt of beers including their best selling base creation process turned out to Blueberry Ale, the world’s first drybe the most intense and technically hopped, low calorie Light IPA, Fenway challenging brewing project we have favorite Breen Monsta IPA, and their ever undertaken.”

8.5%ABV 85 IBU LARRY Imperial Along the way, the founders have IPA. WBC now features all of their been joined by some of the most seasonal and limited realease beers passionate co-workers in the brewing in variety 12-pack cans. industry. WBC products continue After 21 years of brewing to be hand crafted with the finest award-winning craft beer, WBC is ingredients available, bottled, canned undertaking their most ambitious and kegged in our Westminster project in its history - the national facility. Wachusett Brewing Co. has launch of Nauti Seltzer. Mauti Seltzer never strayed from the founders’ is a 110 calorie, 5% ABV, healthy plans to brew and sell the freshest, alternative in the hard soda category. highest quality beers possible.

Walking Tours The walking tour of the brewery begins every hour on the hour.

The full brewery tour takes about 30 to 45 minutes and is offered on Saturdays. The condensed tour averages about ten minutes and is offered on weekdays. Your tour guide will give you a brief history of the brewery and walk you through our brewing, cellaring and packaging.

Children are welcome, but of course may not taste beer during our tasting session. The full tour takes about an hour and tastings are limited to two 2oz samples.

Hours of Retail Shop and Growler Fill Mon, Tues, Wed & Sat, 12 pm to 5 pm Thur & Fri, 12 pm to 6 pm Tour Times Mon, Tues, Wed & Thur, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 & 3:00 pm Fri & Sat, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 & 4:00 pm

McKinlay’s Liquors • 508-829-6624 • 624 Main Street, Holden BAYSTATEPARENT 25

Talking Allergies In A Fun New Way

Bites

A free new keyboard allows parents and kids to talk about food allergies in a language they know well — emojis. The Nimoji keyboard, available free via Apple’s App Store, offers nearly 50 emojis for people who are glutenfree, vegan, kosher or intolerant to certain foods to positively express their food identity and better manage their dining experiences. The app was developed by Nima Labs (nimasensor.com), a company that created a portable device that can test a person’s food for gluten in 2 minutes.

10 Tips for Keeping Your Refrigerator Fresh

BY LESLIE REICHERT Have you noticed a foul smell coming from your refrigerator lately? It could be that you need to do a “quick fix” in your fridge. Follow these 10 simple tips, and you will be guaranteed your refrigerator will be smelling clean and fresh all the time.

Tip 1 — Make sure all temperature settings are where they should be. Having the fridge temperature set too high can make foods spoil quicker. If it’s set too low, you can also ruin the food. Some refrigerators get so cold they freeze liquids. Your temperature settings should be between 35 and 38 degrees. Get a thermometer for the inside of your refrigerator. Don’t guess with the settings that say “Cold” or “Colder” — you need to know the exact temperature.

Tip 2 — Wipe down spills as soon as they happen. Leaky milk cartons and stick jelly should be wiped before you put them back into the refrigerator, and anything that leaks onto the shelf should be wiped with a damp microfiber cloth. Spills will cause bacteria to grow, which lead to bad smells.

Tip 3 — Organize your refrigerator so that things that will spoil are placed in the cooler areas (back and bottom). Placing your milk on the door may be convenient, but every time the door opens, warmer air is affecting the temperature of the milk. Place things less likely to spoil on the door; such as sodas, jellies, and condiments. Meats and dairy should be placed deep inside the shelves.

Tip 4 — Store all meat products in a deep glass or plastic container. Foam containers from the grocery store are not deep enough to prevent spillage onto the shelves of your refrigerator.

For extra protection, place them on the bottom shelf, so that if there is a leak, it will only affect the bottom area.

Tip 5 — Did you know that charcoal is a great odor absorber?

Purchase a small bag of charcoal bricks and put a few in a glass bowl. Place the bowl in the back corner of the refrigerator. You should replace the charcoal briquettes once a month.

Tip 6 — Purge your refrigerator on a set schedule. Going through your refrigerator on a scheduled day of the month will prevent items rotting and molding in those hidden places.

Tip 7- —Date your purchases. The expiration dates on items are so hard to find that most of us never realize how old things really are. Instead, use a permanent marker and write the date on the lid. Having the date on the lid will remind you of its age each time you use it and whether it’s time to throw it away.

Tip 8 — Instead of using a box of baking soda to keep your refrigerator smelling fresh, try switching to coffee grounds.

Coffee does a great job neutralizing smells. Perfume counters use coffee beans to clear your sense of smell before trying a different scent. It will do the same thing in your refrigerator.

Tip 9 — Here’s another use for that box of baking soda. Never use any chemicals when cleaning your refrigerator. The chemicals in your cleaning products can leach into your food. Instead, use food items to clean the shelves and drawers. Baking soda and white vinegar will do a great job to clean the spills and leave the fridge smelling fresh and clean.

Tip 10 — Empty and clean your freezer once every 3 months.

Most of us no longer have to defrost our freezers, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have to clean them out on a regular basis.

Items that spill inside the freezer can lead to bad smells. And since freezers are connected to refrigerators, the smells inside the freeze leak into the refrigerator. Plan to empty and wipe down the inside of the freezer on a regular schedule and purge old items at that time.

26 NOVEMBER2016

FDA Warns Against Use of Homeopathic Teething Tablets, Gels The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says homeopathic teething tablets and gels may pose a risk to infants and children, and recommends parents stop using them.

Homeopathic teething tablets and gels are distributed by CVS, Hyland’s, and possibly others, and are sold in retail stores and online. Consumers should seek medical care immediately if their child experiences seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, or agitation after using homeopathic teething tablets or gels.

“Teething can be managed without prescription or over-the-counter remedies,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

The FDA is analyzing adverse events reported to the agency regarding homeopathic teething tablets and gels, including seizures in infants and children who were given these products.

The agency is currently investigating and testing product samples.

Homeopathic teething tablets and gels have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. The agency says it is also not aware of any proven health benefit of the products, which are labeled to relieve teething symptoms in children.

Healthy Meals On the Go Without a Microwave Enjoy warm, healthy meals no matter where your day takes you with the Hot Logic Mini. This lunchboxsized portable oven plugs into a standard outlet and uses low, slow conduction to evenly cook or reheat (but not boil or overcook) a meal

FUN

Holidayat Events Marini Farms and keep it at a safe serving temperature for up to eight hours. Place foods in a flat glass container, place the container in the Hot Logic, zip the lid, plug it in, and enjoy when it’s ready. $39.95. hotlogicmini.com.

Bake Easier With Ingenious Gear You’re going to be using many a measuring cup and spoon this season, why not use great ones? T-fal’s Ingenio Measuring Cups and Spoons sets easily nest inside each other for a small footprint, sport arched handles that rest on a countertop preventing tips and spills, and are clearly marked to ensure you grab the one you need.

Measuring cups ($8.71), measuring spoons ($11.99). wayfair.com.

Special Events Dec 10,11,17,18

Kids cookie decorating classes

Dec 3rd 11am-3pm Santa visits the farm

Dec 2,3,4,9,10 Tree Jubilee

Dec 2,3,9,10 Wreath Making

Hay Rides & Hot Cocoa

Private Parties Let us plan a private party for you

An Out-OfThis-World Lunchbox With no plastic containers or bags, PlanetBox is a good-for-you and good-for-the-earth way you and the kids can take lunch on the go.

Made of built-to-last stainless steel (it comes with a five-year warranty) and dishwasher safe, PlanetBox cleans up quickly and easily, and doesn’t retain stains or smells like plastic containers.

• Wreath Making • Cookie Decorating • Bakery

PlanetBox also comes with a magnet set of your choice, so kids can customize the cover to their liking. $39.95 and up. planetbox.com.

baystateparent’s

KidsCon & CAMP EXPO

SAVE THE DATE Sat., Feb. 11, 2017 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, Marlborough

This event is a one stop shop of all things kids.

See page 62 for more information.

Our bakery offers delicious baked goods Pre-order your holiday baked goods • Visit our farm stand • Visit our friendly farm animals.

For up-to-date information, please check out our website marinifarm.com

259 Linebrook Rd, Ipswich MA • 978-238-9386 BAYSTATEPARENT 27

Rob Carlin Photography

VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE

UMass Down Syndrome Program Brings Collaborative Care to Central, Western Mass

BY MARSHAL D. HANEISEN

W

hen your child has enough doctors and medical specialists to create a basketball team, it would be helpful if these professionals could meet together to collaborate on care strategies. The new UMass Down Syndrome Program makes this concept a reality for many individuals with Down syndrome.

A person typically has 46 chromosomes; a person with Down syndrome has 47. That additional chromosome may affect various body 28 NOVEMBER2016

systems, which in turn might require medical care or monitoring.

According to the program’s website: “An estimated 5,000 people with Down syndrome live in Massachusetts. Of those, approximately 25% live in Central or Western Massachusetts.” The UMass Down Syndrome Program is a multidisciplinary coordinated care program for individuals of all ages with Down syndrome, based out of UMass Memorial Medical Center’s University Lake Ave. Campus in Worcester.

Its presence means that for the first

time, parents of children with Down syndrome well beyond Boston can have their child’s multiple medical appointments and needs met in one coordinated location.

“We believe that all children and adults with Down syndrome should have access to high-quality medical care. The UMass Down Syndrome clinic provides easy access to that care to individuals who live in Central and Western Massachusetts,” said Maureen Gallagher, executive director of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (mdsc.org).

“Fragmentation is not good for anyone,” noted Debora Spano, media and public relations manager at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. “The UMass Down Syndrome Program is the way to maximize the benefits to the patient and family with a multidisciplinary approach to the child’s needs.”

Often, several doctors can meet with the family at the same time, which allows the various specialists to talk together about the child’s needs with the family.

The program is run by Dr. Beverly

Hay, director, and Co-Directors Dr. Errol Mortimer and Dr. Penny Feldman. Gwen Sokoloff is the program’s dedicated Nurse Coordinator.

Coordination is key “Gwen is committed to this program, personally and professionally,” Spano said. “She has already made an impact on families lives.”

Sokoloff is mother of a young woman with Down syndrome, which means she can easily understand the parent and family perspective as they try to be sure their child gets comprehensive care. In her role as dedicated care coordinator, she removes an incredible amount of stress from parents because she communicates with all the doctors and specialists to schedule appointments, direct followup questions, and provide parent support.

“A Down syndrome program becomes a sort of community,” Sokoloff said. “When I moved from one state to another, it was the Down syndrome program that helped me make connections with other parents and families in the area.”

Sokoloff serves as the central point of contact for many doctors to establish a coordinated-care approach to the medical needs of participants in the program. These doctors see patients across a broad range of specialties, including: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Audiology/ear, nose, and throat Cardiology Dermatology Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Endocrinology Gastroenterology Genetics Hematology/Oncology Orthopedics Pediatric Nutrition Pulmonology/Sleep Center Social Work Other subspecialties as needed.

History According to Sokoloff, the program has been in the hearts and minds of doctors at UMass for years. Drs. Hay and Mortimer ran a joint genetic/ orthopedic clinic for about five years.

The idea for a comprehensive care program for children with Down syndrome came out of that clinic, she said.

“Dr. Mortimer was the spearhead and had been talking about it for years. He talked with representatives from the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress and some legislators. Another patient’s father was also active in promoting the concept,” Sokoloff said.

Mortimer’s collaboration with the MDSC was significant to the creation of the new program.

“We worked closely with UMass to help them establish a clinic there, and in the first year of services they have identified many new patients who had not been accessing comprehensive clinical care previously,” MDSC’s Gallagher said.

Since the program opened its doors last November, Sokoloff has spoken with about 150 patients, ranging in age from prenatal to 61, or the patient’s family member. She estimates the clinic has approximately 140 active patients.

According to Gallagher, an MDSC program, Parents First Call, encourages all families to connect with a Down syndrome clinic early to ensure their children have the best care possible.

Two other Down syndrome programs operate in Massachusetts. Both are in Boston, one at Massachusetts General Hospital, and the other at Children’s Hospital Boston.

The program is also a big hit with parents.

“I can reach out to Gwen by phone or email and she gets back to me in no time,” said one parent of a baby with Down syndrome (identities were omitted due to HIPPA regulations).

“The staff works very hard to accommodate the fact that I have two other children at home and work with a

Fall Seminars

heirs n beneFit your hoW trusts ca m.

Time: 8:30-11:30 a. orman, Esq. G Speaker: Dennis F. , MA d Hotel, Worcester Location: Beechwoo , november 2, 2016 Wednesday Plaza, Natick, MA OR: Verve Crowne ember 9, 2016 Wednesday, nov ffet cludes breakfast bu in ; ry ta en im pl m Co

schedule that works for me. When I have to bring my other children in with me, no one ever even bats an eyelash. In fact, they engage with my other children and help keep them occupied while we are trying to focus on JP’s needs. I am so thankful for the clinic because the doctors and staff truly care for my family. I would be totally lost without the amazing people in the clinic helping me each step of the way.”

Patients even travel from other states to visit the program. “This coordinated effort is outstanding!” says the parent of a 15-year-old boy.

“The dedicated nurse coordinator of the program has been a pleasure to work with! Her efforts have been a true asset to our experience at UMass, both professionally and personally. The Down Syndrome Center at UMass is not merely about coordinating the experience. It also succeeds in expanding the experience to develop interpersonal relationships, where information and resources are readily exchanged and available through a wonderful network of support.”

The program is currently funded through the state budget. According to Sokoloff, the Governor vetoed funding for the coming year, but that decision was overruled by legislators, so funding is set for another year.

The program recently brought on a social worker who will help meet the needs of families by helping with Individualized Education Plans, social activities, and more.

baystateparent’s

KidsCon & CAMP

EXPO SAVE THE DATE

Anyone interested in getting into the UMass Down Syndrome Program can call Sokoloff at 774-443-UMDS.

Sat., Feb. 11, 2017 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, Marlborough

This event is a one stop shop of all things kids.

See page 62 for more information.

hoW to admin ister a special needs trust saturday, novem ber 5, 2016 Time: 8:00 a.m.-1:3 Seating is 0 p.m.

Speaker: Frederick limited for all M. Misilo, Jr. Esq. Location: Courtyar seminars. d Marriott, Marlb orough, MA Register today!

Fee of $50 includes full breakfast and fletchertilton.com/ snack. seminars-events

Worcester | Framingham | cape cod | Fletchertilton.com BAYSTATEPARENT 29

PBS Favorite

Arthur Turns 20

BY MELISSA SHAW

H

omegrown PBS Kids favorite Arthur is hitting a milestone this fall, celebrating its 20th season. A generation of children have grown up with 8-year-old aardvark Arthur Read, his family (most notably feisty 4-year-old sister D.W.), and friends in Elwood City as they tackle the challenges of growing up.

Senior Executive Producer Carol Greenwald has been with the WGBH-produced show since its very beginning, noting it took about three-and-a-half years from the time she called local author Marc Brown about adapting his book series for television to its Oct. 7, 1996 debut. Now 225+ episodes strong, the Emmy-and Peabody-award-winning show holds bragging rights as the longest-running children’s animated program. It is also well-known for educating kids on a range of tough

topics over the years, everything from lice and bed wetting to dyslexia and cheating, all without moralizing. We recently spoke with Greenwald, where she looked back — and ahead.

Did you ever envision a season 20?

I don’t think I ever thought that far ahead. I totally knew we had a great book series to work with, which had the potential to be a great TV series.

Is it true Marc Brown was reluctant about adapting his characters for TV? He was reluctant about television because he’d gotten a lot of interest from other places. He was not reluctant when I talked to him because he was familiar with PBS and WGBH, and he was excited about the opportunity to use his books to promote literacy, which is what we’ve always wanted to do.

How has the show evolved?

To create 225+ stories, we’ve had to expand our cast of characters. So instead of just focusing on the characters who were in the original books — Arthur, D.W., Francine, Buster — we’ve also expanded into some of the lesser characters in the books; and we’ve created new characters who could fill in the classroom and provide different models of who kids are. One of our goals is to have every kid look at the show and say, “There I am.” As a result, we’ve looked at creating a whole bunch of new

30 NOVEMBER2016

characters who can help at that identification. For example, we created a new character, Ladonna, who’s from a military family. Every new character gives you a lot of new stories, and it also allows you to think about an audience and reach an audience — that’s really important to us.

No one’s perfect on the show, which I think is what makes the show very identifiable for kids.

That has been our goal from the very beginning. I had two young children when I started working on this show. It was so clear to me that kids navigate the world in very imperfect ways, and if they can see somebody else doing that, it can really make them feel better about the mistakes they make, and also learning from those mistakes.

Because it’s those failures that teach them how to grow up.

Arthur viewers range in age from preschoolers to tweens. What is it about the show that helps it retain older viewers?

One of the things we try to do is build multiple levels into the story.

If you watch it as a preschooler, you’re going to get the basic story.

If you watch it as you get older,

you’ll start to notice some of the other things that are going on, and then you feel clued in. I think it’s fun to watch and notice that there are ongoing stories that continue from show to show about different characters, or little jokes that come back. In some ways, it’s about respecting the intelligence of our viewers and giving them enough that they can really sink their teeth into. That’s what I want to see when I’m watching TV; also we try to continue to keep it funny.

You’ve tackled a lot of topics you don’t see in traditional children’s programming.

How do you decide which topics to write about?

Typically one of us will draw on an experience that has been important. For example, we did a show where one of our characters, Mrs. MacGrady, got cancer; it was about how the kids would deal with that — somebody in their midst getting really sick. That was because our head writer had a friend experiencing cancer, and he said, “I think I want to write about this. How do people deal with this when they have kids?” We also have a fabulous advisor since the beginning, [psychiatrist] Dr. Paula Rauch of Massachusetts General Hospital.

She also runs a whole center for kids whose parents have cancer.

That’s an example of a topic coming together that resonated with a key advisor and our writers.

We created our autistic character, Carl, because a woman I worked with at WGBH adopted a child, who turned out to be autistic. She was saying at one point how difficult it was because there was no one like him on TV. So we thought, Well, if there’s no one like him on TV, let’s get somebody on Arthur. It’s those kind of inspirations. I think they work the best when you can talk to somebody and it’s coming out of real experience. I remember in the second season, I was supposed to have a phone call with someone who does the show’s international distribution, and he had to cancel the call. Later in the day, he called me back and said, “I’m so sorry, my son got on the wrong bus after school and we didn’t know where he was.” Of course, it immediately was an Arthur story. We had a writer call his son, he interviewed the son, and then we created a story about Arthur getting on the wrong bus. It’s those things that bump into us every day.

What has the series’ greatest achievement been so far?

That’s a tough one. Maybe just surviving for as long as we have? [laughs] The fact that we have been on television for as long as we have is a testament to all of those different pieces — respect for the audience, stories that come out of people’s different experiences, and the willingness to tackle the tough issues. I’m amazed that we’re still around and very proud of that fact.

What’s next for Arthur and friends?

We’re doing a one-hour special this season, which will be on next spring, about D.W. turning 5; it’s a very big deal. As you can imagine, D.W.’s birthday is not going to live up to her expectations because she has very high expectations. Over Season 20 we have new episodes, some airing this fall and some next spring, along with the D.W. Turns 5 birthday special. In Season 21, which we’re already working on and will air fall 2017, we have an Arthur Halloween Special coming.

Arthur can be seen daily on WGBH Boston and pbskids.org. A host of Arthur resources and fun can be found at pbskids.org/arthur/.

THE SHREWSBURY CHILDREN’S CENTER

SANTA’S VILLAGE at the Carousel

Celebrating over 30 years of care

November 26 & 27; December 3 & 4

Now Enrolling Full Day Kindergarten Fall 2015!

Call to setup a visit.

Visit Santa during his first ever appearance at the Carousel Village.

Now Enrolling Infant, Preschool & Pre-kindergarten Programs!

Infant (from 12 wks) • Toddler • Preschool Pre-Kindergarten • Full Day Kindergarten Fall 2016

Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten ConvenientlyToddler, located in Shrewsbury - Enrollment OPEN 138 North Quinsigamond Ave. • 508-755-3922

Limited Spots Remaining Call us today to book a tour and see our Center!

Let our family care for Yours.

Visit us at www.shrewsburychildren.com Infant (from 12 wks) • Toddler • Preschool

CE 34 LEBR YE AT AR ING SO O F C VER AR E

• Pre-Kindergarten • Full Day Kindergarten

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

Get details at rwpzoo.org/carousel

www.shrewsburychildren.com

BAYSTATEPARENT 31

When Your Child Tells You They’re Gay: One Mother’s Story

BY EILEEN RUBALCABA

On

a routine drive home last year, my 14-year-old daughter suddenly forever altered my world.

“Mom,” she blurted, “I’m gay.

I’m gay! There, I told you.”

I thought she was kidding, but it turned out she wasn’t.

I felt shocked. Though she’d never dated anyone, I would sometimes overhear her telling a friend that she wished she could meet “a hot guy.” Now, suddenly, she was insisting that she was a lesbian, and that she’d always felt that way.

I did my best to be supportive, to say the “right” things, but my mind was reeling. I’m a lifetime liberal who believes firmly in equal rights. I’d had wonderful gay friends in college. But hearing my daughter say she was gay felt different. That night, I curled up in bed and cried. All kinds of fears ran through my head. Will she be bullied over this? Or worse, a victim of violence someday? How can she be sure she’s gay when she’s only 14? And most unreasonable of all: I’ll never see her get married or have a baby! Of course I knew that, in our brave new world, marriage and motherhood were certainly still possible. However, they wouldn’t look like I’d unconsciously been expecting them to. And that felt devastating.

I wanted to give my daughter the positive, unconditional support she deserved. At the same time, I felt overwhelmed by sadness. On top of this, I was disappointed in myself for my negative reaction.

My husband accepted our daughter’s news with a

32 NOVEMBER2016

stoical shrug; why couldn’t I? I did get to where I wanted to be emotionally, but it took months. One thing that helped tremendously was attending a support group meeting for parents and friends of lesbians and gays (PFLAG).

I’m grateful to everyone there for their compassion, humor, and willingness to share their own journeys. Through them, I learned that while I was right not to burden my daughter with my fear and sadness, those feelings were natural. They needed to be expressed and accepted, not buried.

Learning my daughter was gay forced me to let go of dreams and expectations I hadn’t even realized I had. I needed to let those go before I could accept the new reality.

Another thing that helped was sharing my daughter’s announcement with people close to us — with her permission, of course. At times, initiating such a conversation felt difficult, but the resulting support was worth the awkwardness.

Today, I feel proud and happy that my daughter felt she could be honest with me and others in her life. All children — all people — deserve the freedom to be their true selves, rather than trying to force themselves to be someone they’re not.

I know that, like any other teen, my daughter will eventually experience dating, first love, heartbreak, and recovery. Not long ago, I assumed her experiences would be similar to mine. Now I know that, even though we don’t have a roadmap, it will be OK. She will be OK.

If your child tells you they’re gay: Realize that sharing this fact with you took great courage.

Reassure your child of your love and support. Hug them. They are still the same person you have always loved, and they need you.

Respect your child’s declaration. Yes, it might be “just a phase” — but

you’ll shut down the lines of communication if you say that. Also respect your child’s timeline for telling others. They may not yet be ready to tell Grandma and Grandpa, for example.

Give yourself time. Whatever you

believe about homosexuality, it will take time to fully accept your child’s news.

Confide in someone you trust. You deserve support, just like your child does.

Think positive! While things

are far from perfect, Americans are much more tolerant now than they were a few generations ago. And things are getting better all the time — just look at the Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling that gay people have the right to legally marry.

Friends of Lesbians and Gays.”

Parents of transgendered youth are also warmly welcomed. PFLAG support groups meet regularly in the Boston area and several MetroWest towns, including Concord, Wellesley, and Framingham: gbpflag.org/support-groups/

Resources and Organizations for LGBT youth and their parents:

• OUT Metrowest (outmetrowest. org) is an organization that seeks to enrich the lives of gay and transgendered people. This organization sponsors the youth groups described below.

• Dohrenwend, Anne. Coming Around: Parenting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Kids. Far Hills, NJ: New Horizons Press, 2012.

This compassionate guide from a licensed psychologist helps parents process their emotions and engage in productive, supportive discussions with their kids.

• BAGLY and WAGLY (in Boston and Wellesley) are groups just for gay and transgendered high schoolers. They offer education and friendship in a safe space: bagly.org/programs/youth-group/ wagly.

• Many high schools now have some version of a gay-straight alliance. This club’s purpose is to increase tolerance by providing opportunities for fun and friendship between gay and straight students. If your child’s high school lacks a gaystraight alliance, tips for starting one can be found at glsen.org/jumpstart.

• PFLAG stands for “Parents and

Specializing in assessment and treatment of children of all ages Contact us today for a free phone consult!

Most Insurances Accepted

• Meeting in Framingham and Newton, Nexus welcomes all LGBT middle-school students. outmetrowest.org/our-programsoverview-faqs/nexus/ • Umbrella is Out MetroWest’s program specifically for transgender and non-gender- conforming high school students: outmetrowest.org/our-programsoverview-faqs/umbrella/.

24 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg, MA (978) 827-0757 www.CoreCommunicationCenter.com

INTRODUCING THE

baystateparent

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

family fun card!

Enjoy 1 FREE ADMISSION

to each of these Massachusetts’ family fun locations!

Only $49*

Order your FAMILY FUN CARD online at www.baystateparent.com/funcard * Includes $5 processing/handling per card

Battleship Cove 5 Water St., Fall River 508-678-1100 battleshipcove.org $18 admission

Conversations to Keep You Healthy and Well

F3 227 Turnpike Rd Ste C, Westborough 508-898-3362, F3ma.com $10 admission Fitchburg Art Museum 185 Elm St., Fitchburg 978-345-4207 fitchburgartmuseum.org $9.00 admission

Edaville 5 Pine St., South Carver 508-866-8190 edaville.com $37 admission Extreme Kids Lab 79 Reservoir RD., Holden 508-713-7581 extremekidslab.com $25.00 admission

Follow today: www.umassmemorial.org/simplywell

Valued Over $130.

Valid Thru August 31, 2017 • Great Gift! No Limit!

Jump Nation

Old Sturbridge Village 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd. , Sturbridge, 508-347-0205, osv.org $28 admission

Jump Nation 810 Boston TPKE, Shrewsbury 508-845-7529, jumpnationparty.com $12.00 admission

family fun card!

BAYSTATEPARENT 33

The Critical Role Sleep Plays For Healthy, Happy Teens Most teens lack sufficient sleep, putting them at risk of health and behavioral problems

T

he National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project is launching the “Sleep Recharges You” campaign, urging teens to get eight to 10 hours of sleep per night to promote optimal health. When well-rested, teens are more likely to be healthy, energetic, and have a positive attitude toward life in general — helping them to be their best and do their best.

CUSHING ACADEMY EXISTS FOR STUDENTS AND DEVELOPS CURIOUS, CREATIVE, AND CONFIDENT LEARNERS AND LEADERS.

JOIN US FOR OPEN HOUSE!

...a resale boutique

JULY 3 - AUGUST 5, 2016

New and recycled upscale women’s fashion Clothing, Footwear, Handbags, Accessories, Jewelry & Maternity Thank you for Voting Us Best New Business!

Gift Certificates Available

OPEN HOUSE EVENTS Friday, November 11, 2016 Saturday, December 3, 2016 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

www.cushing.org/openhouse

Cushing Academy

34 NOVEMBER2016

|

39 School Street |

Ashburnham, MA 01430

|

978.827.7300

newtoyouresale.com 1089 Main St., Holden, MA 01520 508-736-9540

“It’s important for them to make sleep a priority,” said Dr. Ronald Chervin, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and spokesperson for the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project (sleepeducation.org/healthysleep).

“Setting and sticking to a routine to get as much sleep as possible is one of the best things teens can do for their health, academic achievement, and athletic performance this school year.”

Lack of sleep means real risks for teens More than two-thirds of high school students in the U.S. are failing to get enough sleep on school nights, according to a 2016 study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Results show that 69% of surveyed students in grades 9 to 12 reported sleeping fewer than eight hours on an average school night. Insufficient sleep in teens can impact everything from grades to safety.

Sleepy teens may fare worse in school than their well-rested peers.

Studies have shown that teens who are sleep deprived may be more easily distracted and recall information more slowly. Sleeping fewer than the recommended hours also is associated with attention, behavior, and learning problems.

Lack of sleep may also impact teens’

athletic performance. When teens sleep, hormones are released that help them grow taller and develop muscles. Sleep also helps restore energy to the brain and body.

Teens who lack sufficient sleep face dire health and behavioral consequences. Studies show teens who sleep less than the recommended hours are more likely to be overweight and develop hypertension and diabetes. Additionally, insufficient sleep in teenagers has been found to increase the risk of depression and is associated with increased risk of selfharm, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts.

Insufficient sleep also significantly increases teens’ risk for drowsy driving accidents. A 2014 study found teen drivers who start class earlier in the morning are involved in significantly more motor vehicle accidents than those with later start times. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S., according to the CDC.

Parents, caregivers play crucial role Teens should be encouraged to take the initiative to make sure they get enough sleep every night to recharge.

The AASM (aasmnet.org) advises parents and caregivers to help by modeling healthy sleep habits, promoting a consistent sleep schedule, and creat-

ing a quiet sleep environment for their teens.

Additionally, setting restrictions on screen time before bed is key to helping teens get to sleep on time. Teens may be tempted to keep using their laptops, smartphones, and game consoles late into the night rather than going to sleep.

“Teens are still growing and developing, and sleep is a crucial part of these processes,” Chervin said. “One of the best things parents and caregivers can do for their children’s health and wellbeing is to encourage routines that will help them get enough sleep.”

According to the AASM, a natural shift in the timing of the body’s internal “circadian” clock occurs during puberty, causing most teens to have a biological preference for a late-night bedtime. Returning to an early morning school schedule can be a shock to the system for teens who have been free to be night owls during the summer.

Official consensus The AASM recommends that teens between 13 and 18 should sleep eight to 10 hours per night on a regular basis to promote optimal health.

This recommendation, released by the AASM in June, followed a 10-month project conducted by a Pediatric Consensus Panel of 13 of the nation’s foremost sleep experts, and is endorsed by the American Academy

of Pediatrics (aap.org), the Sleep Research Society (sleepresearchsociety.org), and the American Association of Sleep Technologists (aastweb.org).

The expert panel reviewed 864 published scientific articles addressing the relationship between sleep duration and health in children, evaluated the evidence using a formal grading system, and arrived at the final recommendation after multiple rounds of voting.

Parents who are concerned that their teen is sleeping too little or too much should consult a board-certified sleep medicine physician or visit sleepeducation.org to find an accredited sleep center nearby.

The National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project was initiated in 2013 and is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through a cooperative agreement with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

The project involves a collaboration with the Sleep Research Society and other partners to address the sleep health focus area of Healthy People 2020, which provides science-based, 10-year national objectives for improving the health of all Americans. The sleep health objectives are to increase the medical evaluation of people with symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, reduce vehicular crashes due to drowsy driving, and ensure more Americans get sufficient sleep. For more information, visit sleepeducation.org/healthysleep.

with MCU’s Mobile App and Online Banking.

Banking online is easy with MCU’s Online Banking and Mobile App. With online banking, you can transfer funds between your accounts, view account balances, pay bills,

Touch banking

secured by Fiserv

DOWNLOAD NOW!

and view your transaction history. And with the mobile app, you can do all of this and deposit checks too!

Blow Out Clearance on all 2015 Bikes and Older!!

Learn more at www.millbuycu.com

MILLBURY • WORCESTER • AUBURN • SOUTH GRAFTON

Sales and Repair 49 North Main St., North Grafton 508-839-9199 www.trekstop.com M-F Noon-8 pm, Sat 10am-4pm BAYSTATEPARENT 35

Photo courtesy of Romana Vysatova Photography Helping Domingas Dos Santos celebrate her graduation this August were sons Victor and Diego (front row), son Christian, and boyfriend Christopher Ryder.

THE POWER OF WOMEN

CHANGING THE FUTURE OF DORCHESTER,

One Life at a Time

BY MELISSA SHAW

W

hen she first walked through the doors at College Bound Dorchester, Domingas Dos Santos wanted just one thing: to learn English.

The thought of earning her GED, let alone a college degree, was as foreign and inaccessible as the language she couldn’t speak or understand. A recent arrival from Cape Verde, Dos Santos, then 26, was a mother of three boys under 6, unemployed, and living in a shelter. A high school diploma? A college degree? You may as well have offered her a trip to the moon, they were all equally unimaginable.

“I just wanted to speak English,” she says.

Now, four years later, Dos Santos is fluent in English, passed her GED 36 NOVEMBER2016

exam this August, and will soon be enrolling in college. Her new goal: to earn a college degree and become a teacher. She and her sons are out of the shelter and in an apartment, she holds a part-time job, and is studying for her citizenship exam. Her days start early and run late — 12+ hours of school, work, and multiple buses five days a week before she and the boys return home at night.

It’s a far cry from the days of speaking only Creole, living in a shelter, and relying on translators when she needed to speak to her children’s pediatricians or teachers.

“Everything is possible. If you believe and work for it, you can get it,” she says. “When you get the chance to do something, don’t give up. You can do it. Sometimes it’s not easy to be a mom, but you have to think about a better future for

your kids.”

And, she notes, none of her hard work would have been possible without the opportunities available via the organization from which she just wanted to learn English: College Bound Dorchester.

A new vision for old obstacles A nonprofit, College Bound Dorchester was created in 2010, developed out of 50-year-old nonprofit Federated Dorchester, which provided social services to children and families. CBD (collegebounddorchester.org) operates around the belief that youth and young adults in this Boston neighborhood famously known for crime and poverty can

be just as educationally successful as their peers from wealthier suburbs if the playing fields were equal.

However, the pitch can be wildly tilted against a young person who lives within these 6 square miles; he or she may be dealing with a raft of challenges with stakes far higher than passing their next History test: poverty, homelessness, language barriers, gang involvement, a prison record, the need to hold a full-time job to support their family, and more.

“We have this fundamental belief that our students are no different than students in Newton or Wellesley, where you have 98% college-going,” says College Bound Dorchester CEO Mark Culliton. “The folks in Wellesley and Newton, the young people there are allowed to focus on their education. They don’t

have to deal with childcare, they don’t have to deal with food insecurity, they don’t have transportation issues, they don’t have to deal with getting a full-time job. We’ve tried to create a similar environment here that gives students enough resources and support so they can concentrate on college. If you believe that our students are no different intellectually or in terms of motivation than students with a 98% college-bound rate, then the only thing getting in the way are these other things. If we remove them, then we should — and we do — see an equal level of success.”

To level the playing field, the organization offers a series of programs and support for people ages 17-27 to help remove the hurdles to lifealtering opportunities, like learning English, earning a GED (now known as the HiSET), and enrolling in a two- or four-year college. Staffers can help students find low-income housing, apply for food assistance, obtain legal residency, find a part-time job, study for citizenship, navigate the Department of Children & Families, the court system, and more.

In Dos Santos’s case, College Bound helped her find an apartment to get the family out of a shelter. While her oldest two children, Victor, now 11, and Diego, 9, were in school, she took advantage of the childcare that College Bound offered and took Christian, now 4, to school with her.

He went to the Early Childhood program and she went to class.

Speaking only her native Creole, she started at Level 1 of College Bound’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. It took two years for her to move through the program’s four levels and become fluent enough to start studying for the HiSET. It was another two years of 5 a.m. alarms, buses, and MondayThursday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. classes until she took and passed her HiSET this summer.

“She learned English, and then enough academic English, to be able to pass a high school equivalency exam that only about 60% of high school students in this country can pass,” notes Ashley Hannah, program leader of CBD’s Foundations program, which encompasses the ESOL and HiSET classes. “Research into secondlanguage acquisition shows it takes four years to have basic English competency; it can take seven years to learn enough academic English to do academic work.”

Dos Santos, she notes, blazed through in about half the time, and is an example of the success College Bound students can achieve if critical concerns such as housing, food, and childcare are addressed.

“If we can provide that same level of support, our students will have the same, if not greater, success [as suburban youth],” Culliton asserts.

“Think about the challenges they’ve faced and the commitment they exhibit even to get to where they

are — that grit, the perseverance, the resiliency necessary to live in the communities that we live in and serve. Let’s not fool ourselves that there’s something fundamentally different that allows for greater success, other than resources, support, and access.”

College Bound operates around the central tenet that education, access, and opportunity — one person at a time — could eventually end generational poverty. Individual transformation, Culliton hopes, will lead to neighborhood transformation.

“We have a responsibility to do the same for our students, not because it’s the right thing to do, but because we don’t do it as a country. We allow whole neighborhoods, whole areas of cities across America, to create

two buses for Dos Santos to get her children to school and herself to her classroom in College Bound’s Bridge To College program, which preps students for academic and personal readiness. When she’s ready, Dos Santos plans to study education and enroll in one of three colleges with which CBD has partnerships: Bunker Hill Community College, Roxbury Community College, or Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology.

After a morning of classes, she heads to her job at Home Depot (where she was named Cashier of the Year for 2015), and works until it’s time to pick up her children at 6 p.m.

Then it’s two buses home, repeated Monday through Friday.

“I’m going to school so my kids can be proud of me,” she says. But are

“If we support, serve, and nurture those with the greatest challenges, we can not only see individual impact, we can potentially change [or] end generational urban poverty.”

– Mark Culliton, CEO College Bound Dorchester

generation after generation of failed individuals because we don’t properly support them and because we allow for broken communities to diminish the prospects, expectations, and success of multiple generations,” he says. “If we support, serve, and nurture those with the greatest challenges, we can not only see individual impact, we can potentially change [or] end generational urban poverty.”

That can be easier said than seen, Hannah adds, but says a person’s hard work will have a natural ripple effect.

“For individual students right now that’s hard to see,” she says. “They want to learn English for themselves, for their children. They want to get their HiSET. If you’re living in this neighborhood, it’s hard to believe that things could be different. It’s hard to believe there could be a time where everyone is going to college and there’s not gangs running the streets. It’s hard to believe that could exist and that someday Dorchester could be the new Wellesley. Students, working on their individual levels, think about themselves and their children, which will have a natural ripple effect. There’s a reason why in Newton and Wellesley everyone goes to college. Because their parents did, and their parents did; those are baseline expectations that people don’t even question.”

Even though her days of studying for the HiSET are over, Dos Santos is still working hard. She’s up at 5 a.m. daily, getting her children ready for school and making three meals for them as they’re in school from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. every day. It takes

you proud of yourself? “I’m proud of myself,” she notes with a shy smile.

Local ties College Bound Dorchester wants to enroll 500 students per year across its College Connections and Support Programs, from ESOL and college enrollment to early education. This year it saw close to 600 students, Culliton says, adding the #1 source of new students is other students.

“To me, that is a big sign of success,” he says.

Since it was founded, more than 150 young people have enrolled in college with a retention rate of 61%, a number significantly higher than the national norm.

College Bound staff are also proud of their personal — as well as professional — buy-in.

“We are not an organization full of people who are helping some other community. We are of the community, we are in the community,” Culliton says. “The whole leadership team lives in Dorchester, raising our families in Dorchester. When we walk around, when we interact with our friends and neighbors, it’s about Dorchester, Mattapan, Roxbury.

The vast majority of us spend our Saturdays on the streets where we serve, Sundays on soccer fields or basketball courts with people in the community. The fact we are in and of the community is critical for it to be successful.”

The personal commitment is key, Culliton and Hannah note, because for many students, the College Bound

Dorchester staff, teachers, and college readiness advisors may be the only people who see a student’s potential and future beyond the norm for many Dorchester youth. “[Staff] meet the students where they are and meet them with the really high expectation of college graduation,” Culliton says. “For many of our students, this is the first time there’s been an adult in their life who has believed in their genius. Many have been told they’re not worth it or they’re not going to do it. There’s a lot of ‘No’s,’ ‘They’re not worth it,’ ‘You’re wasting your time,’ ‘What about jobs programs?’ But there’s nothing more inspiriting than spending some time with students and seeing what real commitment and dogged determination looks like.”

“You can be the smartest person in the world, but if you have no one supporting you, that you know has your back, if you don’t have those personal supports, family and friends, I think it would be very hard to succeed without that, too,” Hannah adds. “I always want students to know, if you have no one else you can go to, you can come here. If you don’t have anyone else, we can be that person for you, because we really care about the students on an individual level.”

Expanding expectations A 501c3, College Bound Dorchester receives some support through city and state programs, but the majority is privately funded through grants, corporations, foundations, and individuals.

The staff does a lot of fundraising to get donors to literally buy into their vision of individual and neighborhood transformation, that college for Dorchester youth can become an automatic expectation, just like it is for wealthier peers across the state.

“We rise to those expectations set around us,” Culliton says. “People think that folks who make it out of our community are somehow exceptional, they’re not. They’re allowed to be the geniuses they are.”

“For some people, college is an expectation from birth,” Hannah adds. “For most people, I don’t think that conversation is had. Domingas has not only made a difference in her life by deciding to go to college, but she has directly influenced her children’s lives. If she’s showing them education is important, they’re going to finish high school. If she goes to college, it is just an expectation [for them]. She’s changing her own life and directly influencing her son’s lives. And it directly influences the community.”

Dos Santos notes she is spreading the word and encouraging those thinking about enrolling in CBD to do so for one simple reason: “Everybody should get the same chance I got.”

BAYSTATEPARENT 37

THE POWER OF WOMEN

FIGHTING FOR

‘HER KIDS’

Mary Ellen Wessell is on a mission to aid, celebrate overlooked youth

BY GREG SUKIENNIK, PHOTOS BY STEVEN KING

Mary Ellen Wessell is a force of nature.

“I’m one of these people who has to stay busy all the time,” the founder of the Children’s Smile Coalition says.

For Wessell, busy goes like this: As its unpaid executive director, she’s running a not-for-profit organization she established to help economically disadvantaged children and promote community service. She’s also running her own business, working parttime, and raising a teenage daughter.

Where does she get the energy? “I don’t know,” she says. “I have always been like that.”

What’s certain is that Wessell’s efforts — assuring underprivileged teenagers aren’t forgotten at the holidays, providing students in need with healthcare products, and honoring kids who show an early inter-

38 NOVEMBER2016

est in community service — are making a difference and getting noticed.

The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation thought so, honoring Wessell with the Myra Kraft Community MVP award this past summer at Gillette Stadium.

Wessell is proud of that honor because the late Myra Kraft, a committed philanthropist, was born Myra Hiatt, the daughter of Worcester industrialist Jacob Hiatt, and was raised in Wessell’s hometown of Worcester.

“I was always a fan of [Kraft],” Wessell says. “It was such a great honor to get an award that bears her name. She was so philanthropic, and what I admired about her was that she was hands-on.”

Liz Hamilton, executive director of the Worcester Boys and Girls Club, sees a similar direct involvement

and engagement in Wessell. “What impresses me most about Mary Ellen is that she really tries to get to know the people she serves,” Hamilton says. “She asks our Club kids questions, finds out about their lives, and then finds ways to help them. She doesn’t see them as ‘those kids,’ she sees them as her kids.”

Meet Wessell in person and it doesn’t take long to sense the energy that keeps her running. Her warm smile and piercing green eyes connect and disarm simultaneously.

When telling story after story about her work and the hardships she’s trying to help children overcome, she leans in closer to make an important point.

She doesn’t do it on her own and is quick to credit her board members and volunteers for going the extra mile in achieving the group’s goal of putting smiles on children’s faces.

It’s no accident that people are willing to help her, Hamilton says.

“It really is inspiring to witness the impact Mary Ellen and her CSC volunteers have made on the community in just five years,” she notes. “People support the work she does for kids because of her passion and commitment.”

The Worcester native attended parochial schools in the city, graduating from St. Peter-Marian High School.

She recently earned her degree in human resources this past summer from Bay Path University, at age 55, and has a full-time job as a selfemployed HR consultant. She’s married with two daughters — Julie, 24, and Shelby, 13.

After Shelby was born, Wessell took a break from working and started taking on volunteer opportunities.

During the 2010 winter holidays, Wessell was volunteering for a social

service agency in Worcester, helping to deliver gifts to the children in their programs a few days before Christmas.

That was when a painful emotional moment unfolded before her eyes and sparked the concept that would become the Children’s Smile Coalition (smilesonkids.org).

“I was dropping off all these gifts and there was a mom standing there with a social worker crying because they weren’t letting her son get any gifts that year,” she explains. “He was 14 or 15 and she had changed the date on the birth certificate to make it look like he was 12…and they caught her.

“The mother was desperate. She did what she thought she had to to get her kid — her teenager — Christmas gifts. And she left with no gifts for her kid.

“I was mad at the social worker that she couldn’t make the exception for this one kid. I felt horrible for the mom. Picture this poor kid waking up on Christmas morning with no gifts.

I’m an adult, and if there were no gifts for me on Christmas morning I’d feel bad. So I was mad…and my heart was breaking for this poor woman.”

The next morning, Wessell asked a social worker, “‘Why didn’t you refer her to someone who gets gifts for teenagers?’ She said, ‘There is no one.’”

There was the opportunity.

A year later — it took time to raise seed funding and secure the nonprofit status — the Children’s Smile Coalition was born. Wessell’s initial idea ­— providing gifts for older children who aren’t the traditional focus of charity efforts at the holidays — was launched and named “Santa’s Big League.”

Last year, about 100 teens who

Wessell’s thought process was that kids sometimes make the news for making mistakes and poor decisions — and that kids who do the right thing deserve their moment of recognition and the encouragement to keep serving their community.

“Some kids can go out and do this and not care what people think,” she said. But for others: “If no one’s paying attention, are they going to keep doing it?”

“Mary Ellen is always working 24/7 to find ways to help the children,” says Vanessa Costa of Worcester, who is among the financial supporters of Young Heroes Night. “There is always a special project in the works, and she consistently finds new ways to better the lives of children.”

Costa says the example set by the award-winners is making a difference: “It’s a lesson all of us can learn from, and it has encouraged my daughter to get involved as well.”

live in poverty received Christmas gifts from the group. Wessell puts out the call on social media in early November (the call for donors is up now at facebook.com/ ChildrensSmileCoalition), and those who are interested can message Wessell that they want to sponsor a teen. Donors get a first name, age, size, and a list, and shop for these kids as if they were their own. “[Donors] love to show me each gift they got for them, and I feel that they get more out of their good deed than the recipients do,” Wessell says.

If a teen’s gift bag is “a little light” or the child is not sponsored, she takes money from the group’s general fund and goes shopping for them.

Any donations made to the general fund go directly to supporting its programs; Wessell doesn’t pay herself a salary.

YOUNG HEROES NIGHT The second component of CSC is Young Heroes Night, an evening honoring children who have gotten the message about community service at an early age and are making a difference. The event outgrew its original home at the Worcester Boys and Girls Club and was held in September at The Hanover Theatre in Worcester, with Liam Fitzgerald — The Fist Bump Kid you’ve seen at Bruins games — as the honored guest.

Youngsters are nominated for the award, and winners get the royal treatment — a key to the City of Worcester, citations from Gov. Charlie Baker and U.S. Rep. James McGovern, and a gift.

PROJECT KIN The coalition’s newest initiative, Project KIN, started at the end of the 2015-16 school year when Wessell, having heard from teachers in Worcester that there were older kids who quietly needed a way to get needed health and hygiene supplies, decided to act.

“Teachers know which kids are hungry. Teachers know which kids are coming in without coats or with torn-up shoes. And the teachers I know take money out of their pockets to help these kids,” Wessell says. “If I can get them to keep a bin or a couple of bins in their schools with food, healthy snacks, toiletries, winter coats, dental supplies...if I can do that and they can give them out as they need them, then middle and high school-aged kids will get what they need without having to broadcast their need to their friends and peers.”

Currently, CSC has KIN bins in three Worcester schools, “which may not sound like a lot, but the numbers are overwhelming,” notes Wessell, who is growing the program as time and supplies allow.

“I have over 1,000 students in the schools I am helping, with poverty rates in two of those schools over 95%, and the third has a poverty rate of 75%.

“I am fine-tuning the process and hope to be in 10 schools next school year, depending upon grant funding” she adds, noting that the Staples Foundation recently donated $3,500, which will be spent specifically on Project KIN bins. “For now, I do it with my daughter and we do OK. However, I really need to expand this project. These poor kids are hungry.”

CHILDREN’S SMILE COALITION NAMES 2016 YOUNG HEROES The latest recipients of Children’s Smile Coalition’s Young Heroes Awards were honored this fall at The Hanover Theatre in Worcester.Honorees included: Julie Dougherty founded The Bernadette Project (thebernadetteproject.weebly.com) named after her late friend. Dougherty collects and distributes Christmas gifts to pediatric patients at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Hollyann Edwards led a student team to inform students about depression, healthy strategies for coping, and how to recognize signs of suicide ideation in a peer.

Lauren Eppinger raises money for Achilles International (achillesinternational.org), an organization that provided prosthetic limbs to survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing.

Liam Fitzgerald has raised over $150,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Better-known as mega Bruins fan “The Fist Bump Kid,” Fitzgerald was also the evening’s guest of honor.

Jill Folger, a volunteer coach for younger kids at Greenwood Swimming; Folger also organizes activities for the elderly, volunteers at the Breast Cancer Walk in Boston; and mentors younger students at school.

Zachary Lavoie was raised in foster care under difficult circumstances, yet always volunteered many hours each week at the Boys & Girls Club. Now attending college, he still volunteers at the club.

Zeke Lemieux founded “High Fives for Soldiers, Nickels for a Higher Cause.” Money raised is used to help soldiers with PTSD who are in need of service dogs.

Martha, Mabel, Agnes, and Jack McDonald spend months training to compete in Fitness for a Cure, raising money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital over the past 6 years.

Anna Murphy founded Warming Families Makes Cents (warmingfamiliesmakescents.com) and has raised $35,000 to help those in need heat their homes.

BAYSTATEPARENT 39

THE POWER OF WOMEN

MASTER MODEL BUILDER HAS A CAREER THAT STACKS UP

Megan Amaral of Boston’s Legoland Discovery Center talks about how she built her path to a dream job, one Lego at a time

Megan Amaral builds with bricks daily. But in her job, they are small, plastic, multicolored bricks and require no heavy lifting or massive construction equipment on site.

That’s because Amaral is the Master Model Builder at Legoland Discovery Center Boston. And, clearly, she enjoys it — as evidenced by the smile on her face as she rounds the corner to her office, carrying bright bags of discarded Legos recently acquired from the gift shop downstairs.

“We get leftovers from the sets that are damaged,” she explained. “It’s like Christmas every day!”

As Master Model Builder, Amaral, 27, is responsible for all Lego builds through LDC Boston, an indoor attraction in Somerville that features rides, a “4-D” theater showing Lego movies, and a massive Lego reproduction of Boston, featuring many local landmarks and attractions, known as Miniland. That’s where the discards from the sets come in.

“I love the creativity of putting in the details,” Amaral said. “Right now, we are adding Halloween details in Miniland, so there are vampires over by Fenway and skeletons riding bikes by MIT. There’s always something new to see!”

Amaral, who grew up in Sturbridge, first developed a love of building with Legos in high school and had an aunt who would buy her many of the complicated kits that can often take hours, or even days, to assemble.

Her first set was a pizzeria that featured a delivery car and a mini chef.

After putting it together, she was hooked.

“My mom said, ‘Maybe you should consider architecture,’” she explained.

And that’s exactly what Amaral did. Setting out for a degree in architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, she found Legos useful for her studies, as well.

“In college, I would have to draw out plans on the computer, and it 40 NOVEMBER2016

Photos courtesy Lego and Discovery Center Boston

BY JOAN GOODCHILD

was so much easier to just create it with Legos and see it in 3-D that way.”

While in college, naturally she followed her passion to a part-time job at the Lego store in the Burlington Mall, and it was there that she learned about the Model Master Builder competition when Legoland Discovery Center Boston first opened in 2014. While she didn’t win the job, she did land a position as a duty manager with the attraction.

In 2015, she tried her hand again when the Master Model Builder job became open. This time, she came out on top among the contestants, building models that included Bugs Bunny, which secured her win.

Amaral is the third female Master Model Builder in the history of the 13 Legoland Discovery Centers around the world — and the first at LDC Boston. There is currently

only one other female Master Model Builder, and she is located at the Legoland Discovery Center in Osaka, Japan.

Despite being solidly in the minority as a female Master Model Builder, Amaral does not think Legos are perceived as a toy for males only.

“Growing up, I had friends of both genders who would play with Lego bricks. Now working at Legoland Discovery Center Boston, we see kids of all ages, genders, races, and backgrounds who enjoy playing and creating with the colorful bricks,” she says. “I don’t think it’s a ‘boy’s toy’ at all. I think since its development in 1932, it’s one of the few toys that has endured through the changes in our society, and a big factor is that it appeals to everyone.”

Amaral notes that Lego, mindful of appealing to all audiences, has worked to get people of all genders

and ages interested with sets that take their inspiration from popular shows and movies.

“If a kid loves the movie Frozen and goes to the store and sees a Frozen Lego set, that’s going to get them interested in building; whether that’s a little boy or girl,” she notes. “Lego also has sets that appeal to older builders, like The Simpsons house and the Volkswagen bug, so I think they do a good job coming up with sets that are going to appeal to various audiences, with the goal to ultimately get them involved with the creative process of building.”

Now that Amaral is paid to build with Legos daily, she spends her days in an office lined with drawers containing thousands of Legos, categorized by size, color, and shape, which she organizes herself.

“That part some might find tedious, but I actually don’t mind it. I am super organized myself,” she said.

Her passion for Legos doesn’t end when Amaral leaves her job at the end of the day. She confides that she and her husband often enjoy building Lego kits at home together for date nights.

“My favorite sets are the sets in the Creator theme because they have sets that build three different things from the same pieces, and larger sets that use pieces in ways that you would not think of,” she said. “I learn something new each time I build one of the Creator sets. I also love the Disney Princess sets. I love that they made my favorite characters out of my favorite toy. I definitely have a kid inside me that never grew up.”

And there is little doubt that her job is the envy of every Lego enthusiast out there. What advice does she have for aspiring future Master Model Builders?

“Keep building and being creative,” she said. “I love sharing my passion for the different themes with kids. I find that they are excited to have an adult who can discuss all the characters and details with them; it’s one of the reasons I love this job.”

Walk-In Urgent Care

Our medical team is here to help adults and children of all ages with a wide range of non-emergency medical issues.

Open 7 Days a week 9:00am – 8:00pm

Check wait times online! www.readymed.org ReadyMED accepts most health insurance plans, cash, personal checks, VISA®, MasterCard® and American Express.

16-073 ReadyMED Bay State Parent Full page.indd 1

Five convenient locations: Auburn

460 Southbridge Street (Route 12)

Hudson

234 Washington Street (Route 85)

Milford

340 East Main Street (Route 16)

Shrewsbury

222 Boston Turnpike (Route 9 East)

Worcester

366 Shrewsbury Street BAYSTATEPARENT 9/20/2016 1:26:27 PM41

Photo by Adam M. Rothberg

THE POWER OF WOMEN

VANESSA TRIEN’S p m ju MOTHERHOOD, MUSIC o t in

BY MELISSA SHAW

F

or most new moms, the first year of their baby’s life is a time for them to get into the swing of motherhood and learn to balance it with myriad other demands.

Boston-based musician, music educator, and first-time mom Vanessa Trien upped the difficulty on that time in her life by deciding to launch her career as a children’s performer at the same time.

“It just felt so right,” she says. “It went well together for me. It probably felt overwhelming at the time, but it also felt like the right mixture because I could write first-hand from my experiences.”

Since then son Ellis, now 11, and 42 NOVEMBER2016

her career have grown by leaps and bounds, with the award-winning musician and her band, the Jumping Monkeys, releasing her fourth kids’ album this fall, Wonderful You. A mix of acoustic folk, pop, and rock, “with some world music thrown in,” Trien says, Wonderful You has already won a Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award.

“Making an album as a celebration of you, the listener, and of our relationships with family, friends, and community has been on my mind for a long while,” she says. “Along with my own two awesome kids, I fall in love with every student I teach and every young audience member with whom I speak. I wanted to make an

album honoring each and every one of those kids I’ve been fortunate enough to meet.”

The New York native’s musical life began at age 5 with piano lessons. She advanced into the highpressure world of classical piano competitions until age 15, when “I rebelled and picked up the guitar,” she laughs. Eager to leave the pressure of competitive classical piano behind, the guitar was a way to “enjoy music more casually and not have the competitive element to it.”

And, yes, she wishes she didn’t stop piano. “Quitting piano at the time is probably my biggest regret in life,” she notes. She uses guitar for songwriting far more than piano, she

says, but hopes to take advantage of her native instrument more fully in the future. Ellis and sister Laila, 7, both take lessons, she adds.

Trien headed to Costa Rica for a study abroad during her junior year at Vermont’s Middlebury College, where she majored in Spanish and anthropology. She took her guitar along for the trip, a move that changed her life.

“I met Costa Rican musicians and wrote my first song ever,” she says.

“I just fell in love with it. I started playing at open mics at Costa Rica.”

Her first stateside public performance followed at Middlebury, and she became hooked on performing, which led to acoustic shows

in folk heaven Greenwich Village and other locales in New York City.

After graduation, Trien worked as a music specialist in New York public schools, sparking a love of combining children, education, and music.

She continued to gig as a folk singersongwriter at night.

But it wasn’t until the late ’90s that Trien was inspired to start writing songs for kids. While working at the Cambridge Montessori School, she and her students ages 5-12 created an original musical, which piqued her interest in songwriting for the smaller set.

“I loved teaching kids, but I hadn’t written a lot of songs for them,” she recalls.

At the same time, she met local children’s musician Steve Roslonek, better known as SteveSongs, when he came to perform at the school.

Roslonek left a business career to become a children’s performer, which lit a spark: “Meeting him and writing this musical with the students really got my wheels turning.”

She continued her career as a music educator, but it wasn’t until 2004 that Trien took a big step, with two major projects on the horizon: “I got pregnant in 2004 with my first child, and I finally said, ‘I’m sitting down and I’m recording a CD because I really feel like this is my dream, too.’”

The results were Ellis in 2005 and her first release Hot Air Balloon in 2006. She began performing in earnest in 2005, and the result was “amazing,” she remembers. “People were coming to my shows, way more than in the world of folk music. I just loved it,” she says. “It felt like it was absolutely the most comfortable and happy place for me to be.”

CD Carnival Day and daughter Laila followed in 2009, along with backing band the Jumping Monkeys.

“Over time I brought in other musicians who became regulars and performed with me, and along the way I said, ‘We need a band name,’” she notes. With a nod to the kids’ classic song “Five Little Monkeys,” the Jumping Monkeys’ lineup has changed over the years, save for “right-hand man” Adam Rothberg on guitar, bass, ukulele, and mandolin, whom Trien credits with helping define the band’s sound.

As performers, Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys (vanessatrien. com) are well-known for highenergy, participatory shows that meld diverse musical styles with the everyday life of families.

“When I was writing acoustic folk music for adults, I tended to write personal journal entries,” she notes.

“With kids music, I can write a song in the perspective of a parent writing to one’s child, and I also try to write from the child’s perspective. It’s a very freeing, joyful experience to write a song that doesn’t necessarily have to do with me. I sometimes

think about, ‘How would I perform this in a way that’s interactive and engaging for families?’ — to energize kids and families to be dancing and jumping together.”

Trien and the band will celebrate Wonderful You’s release this month with a performance and party at Brookline’s Coolidge Corner Theatre (coolidge.org) on Sunday, Nov. 20, at the very family-friendly showtime of 10:30 a.m.

“I continue to really love what I do.

I love the process of recording the albums and having something I can share with families,” she says.

“Along with my own two awesome kids, I fall in love with every student I teach and every young audience member with whom I speak. I wanted to make an album honoring each and every one of those kids I’ve been fortunate enough to meet.”

— VANESSA TRIEN

Plan now for the Holidays THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

Nov 25 - 27 Generously sponsored by

Production sponsor

See New England’s largest, most spectacular production of

A Christmas Carol Visit our new Conservatory!

OPEN STUDIOS

Sat, Nov 19 • 10am-2pm Mon, Dec 19 • 4pm-7pm Enjoy tours and hands-on activities!

RSVP at 508.471.1793

Dec 16 - 23

Sensory-Friendly performance Dec 18

Children & Students 50% off Generously sponsored by

ACTSing

design

dance

New shows added all the time!

For tickets call 877.571.SHOW (7469) or visit TheHanoverTheatre.org 2 Southbridge Street • Worcester, MA 01608 Worcester Center for Performing Arts, a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, owns and operates The Hanover Theatre for Performing Arts and Conservatory.

BAYSTATEPARENT 43

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! - dr. seuss GO CHILL Disney on Ice: Follow Your Heart. DCU Center, Worcester, Nov. 3-6.

GO FALL LEAFrenzy. Discovery Woods at The Discovery Museums, Acton, Nov. 11.

44 NOVEMBER2016

GO BRIGHT Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston.

Nov. 19.

GO FLY A KITE Sing-along Mary Poppins.

Regent Theatre, Arlington, Nov. 24.

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!

1 Tuesday

MELTDOWN WARNING: Before you pack up the mini-van, please confirm your destination.

Although we’ve done our best to ensure accuracy at press time, things can and do change.

Who’s Out There: Evening Wildlife Prowl.

Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 108 North St., Norfolk. 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Explore the fascinating world of owls and other creatures of the night as we practice our owl hoots, then head out on the trail to look and listen, and then warm up with hot chocolate. For ages 6 to 16. Members $8, nonmembers $11. massaudubon.org.

Tinker Tuesday: Flying Turkeys. Children’s Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10 a.m.-11 a.m. Launch paper turkeys and observe how they fly, how high they go, and how you can change their trajectory. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Star Gazing Night. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Pkwy., Sharon. 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Drop in throughout a clear night and join local astronomers for a look at the stars and other night objects through big telescopes.

For ages 6 and up. Free. massaudubon.org.

Spoil Them with Stories. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. 11:15 a.m.12 p.m. Spark your child’s imagination and get a sneak peek at a children’s book that will be featured in Family Trees, with a craft included.

Free with admission. Members free, nonmember adults $10, children ages 5 to 17 $5, children under 5 free. concordmuseum.org.

Especially for Me: ASD Friendly Afternoons. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Enjoy this special program at the Discovery Museums for children with an ASD to enjoy all exhibits and activities, and a dedicated quiet and orientation room.

Register ahead. Free. discoverymuseums.org.

2 Wednesday Early Explorers. Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. 10:30 a.m.12 p.m. Move, learn, and create as we introduce young children to the natural world through movement, games, stories, and art. For ages 3 to 6. Wednesdays. Members $5, nonmembers $7. massaudubon.org.

Everyday Engineering: Squishy Circuits.

Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Drop in, squish and sculpt as you explore simple circuitry.

Discover the conducive properties of childhood favorites. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Stroller Tours at WAM. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 10:30 a.m.11:15 a.m. Enjoy as museum teachers engage with caretakers and their infants and toddlers via art and stories in the galleries, tea, coffee, juice, and snacks. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $14, ages 4 to 17 $6, children under 4 free. worcesterart.org.

Once Upon a Storytime. Willard House and Clock Museum, 11 Willard St., North Grafton.

1:30 p.m.-2 p.m. A special story-time program at the museum. For ages 3 to 5. graftonlibrary.org.

Diwali: The Festival of Lights. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston.

5 p.m.-10 p.m. Enjoy an evening of storytelling and dance, tours and talks, and artmaking. Free. mfa.org.

5 Saturday 8th Annual West Brookfield Vendor and Craft Fair. West Brookfield Elementary School, 89 North Main St., West Brookfield. 9 a.m.2 p.m. Start your holiday shopping early while browsing over 50 local crafters vendors from jewelry and children’s books, to handmade hats and scarves, home décor, and more. Free.

GO WITH THE FORCE Star Wars Day. Legoland Discovery Center, Somerville, Nov. 11.

3 Thursday Make a Mess; Fragrant Fall Finger Paint.

Children’s Discovery Museum, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Put a seasonal twist on a favorite messy experience by adding warm and cozy scents to finger paints. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Disney on Ice: Follow Your Heart. The DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. Characters from Finding Dory, Frozen, Inside, Out, the Disney Princesses and more skate into Central Mass. 7 p.m. Performances though Nov. 6.

Tickets $17 and up. dcucenter.com.

4 Friday Music and Movement with Miss Bernadette. Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 9:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Move, make music, listen, learn, and get a multi-sensory workout with our favorite Kindermusik educator. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Imagine, Sing, & Learn: Fly Home, Bird!

Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. 9:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. This parent/child program is designed for the creative, curious, and active preschooler who loves animals. A structured series of activities with original songs, movement, dramatic play, and hands-on science. Member adults $6, children $5; nonmember adults $8, children $7.

For ages 3 to 6. massaudubon.org.

Friday Fun with Mr. Kim. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton. 10:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m. A music and movement program for preschoolers featuring song, puppets, and tons of dancing. For ages 2 and up. Register ahead. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

Exploring Nano: The Smallest Science.

Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

2 p.m-4:30 p.m. Enjoy hands-on educational activities about nanoscale science, as we uncover hidden rainbows and see if you can reveal something invisible. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Little Red Hen. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln.

3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Help us make the bread as we grind the grain, and then mix, knead, and shape the dough before we will visit a hen and act out the story of the Little Red Hen. For ages up to 8.

Members $13.50, nonmembers $16.50. massaudubon.org.

Nature Story Hour. Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Listen to a nature-themed story and join us on a short walk around the trails to learn about our resident animals and plants. For ages up to 3. Members free, nonmembers $5. massaudubon.org.

Dads and Donuts. Framingham Public Library: Main Branch, 49 Lexington St., Framingham.

10 a.m.-11 a.m. Bond with your Dad over donuts through stories, songs, and fun. Mothers, siblings, and other family members are welcome.

Free. framinghamlibrary.org.

Family Nature Hike. Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary, Attleboro. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Enjoy this adventure dependent on what Nature wants to share with us. For ages 3 and up. Members free, nonmembers $2. massaudubon.org.

Community Day: Diwali “Festival of Lights”. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Join us for a Diwali extravaganza with food, performances, music, and artmaking in partnership with The Indian Society of Worcester. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmember adults $14, ages 4 to 17 $6, children under 4 free. worcesterart.org.

Kids Escape the Room. Worcester Public Library: Frances Perkins Branch, 470 West Boylston St., Worcester. 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Bring friends and solve puzzles to escape the room in this test adventure. For ages 13 and up. Free. mywpl.org.

Karen K and The Jitterbugs. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. 10:30 a.m. Celebrate the release of Karen K’s Blue Bike Chronicles album, as she takes you on a journey through song with her favorite buggy friends. Members $7; nonmember adults $10, children 3 and up $8, children under 2 free. regenttheatre.com.

First Friday Nights Free. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 4:30 p.m.8:30 p.m. Explore the museums in the evening when we collect food donations for Open Table of Concord and Maynard, and the Acton Food Pantry. Free. discoverymuseums.org.

Billy Kelly. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Join us for a fun, clever, and silly morning of music with Grammy-nominated children’s entertainer Billy Kelly. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Adults $12, children $9. coolidge.org.

BAYSTATEPARENT 45

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! Beyond the Spectrum: Terrific Textiles.

Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Learn about the different fabrics and techniques that have been used to make objects before making your own mini woven blankets and other creations during this adventure in art for children on the Autism Spectrum. For ages 8 to 12. $9. mfa.org.

Physiology Phun. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn about your body, make a germ-eating sock puppet, and play games that promote healthy habits during this Be Well Series program. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

Fiddle Fun with Bolton Community Music School. Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 1 p.m. Get into the spirit of harvest season, as we listen to fiddle music of Suzuki violins being played by the students from the Bolton Community Music School. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Teen Crafternoon: Fall Jewelry. Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton.

1 p.m.-3 p.m. Learn jewelry-making techniques while creating a few different fall-inspired jewelry pieces. For grades 6 to 12. Register ahead. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

Owls and Art. Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield. 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Learn about owls and observe owl mounts, touch feathers, and dissect an owl pellet, before creating owl art from various materials and mediums. For ages 6 to 12. Members $12, nonmembers $14. massaudubon.org.

Annual Fruitlands Bonfire. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard.

5 p.m.-7 p.m. Meet us near the old elm tree at sunset as we close the 2016 season with a bonfire and roasted marshmallows. Free. fruitlands.org.

Especially for Me: Evening with Deaf or Hard of Hearing Children. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 5 p.m.-8:30

‘s

p.m. Join in all the fun during this special free evening for families with deaf or hard of hearing children in conjunction with Children’s Hospital Boston, with ASL interpreters and dinner available. Register ahead. Free. discoverymuseums.org.

Night Hike. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Belmont. 6 p.m. -7:30 p.m.

Spend a little time with Habitat staff as we enjoy the sounds that a New England night can provide through activities and an outdoor adventure. For ages 5 and up. Members $7, children $9. massaudubon.org.

Owl Prowl Adventures under the Moon.

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot Street, Natick. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Come with the whole family to learn about owl calls, behavior, and habitat as we search and listen for screech, barred and great horned owls. For ages 6 to 16.

Member adults $13, children $7; nonmember adults $15, children $9. massaudubon.org.

Family Screech Owl Prowl. Blue Hills Trailside Museum, 1904 Canton Avenue, Milton.

7 p.m.-9 p.m. Discover some of the unique adaptations of owls, practice owl calls, and meet some of the museum’s resident owls before going on a night hike to search for owls and other nocturnal life. Ages 6 and up. Members $8, nonmembers $10. massaudubon.org.

Ryan P. Casey and Off Beat Present…

Unbound. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. 8 p.m. This dance ensemble presents an engaging, inventive, rhythm-based performance that takes tap dancing off the beaten path.

Advance $20, day-of $25. regenttheatre.com.

6 Sunday Nature and Nurture with Miss Bernadette. Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Explore the great outdoors, as we sing songs, take a nature walk, read a story, or make a craft. Designed for ages 2 to 4. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Register to consign – earn up to 70% of your sales!

ARTfull Explorations. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln.

1 p.m.-3 p.m. Investigate an idea or a material inspired by themes and artists on view.

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

Scenes Made Small. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Develop and design your own scene for your outdoorsy and adventuring doll. Free with admission. Members free, nonmember adults $10, children ages 5 to 17 $5, children under 5 free. concordmuseum.org.

Sense of Wonder Walk. Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield.

1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Explore a stream from top to bottom and side to side, turning over rocks and netting water creatures, and find out where this water comes from and where it’s going. For ages 3 and up. Member adults $7, children $6; nonmember adults $9, children $7. massaudubon.org.

8 Tuesday Going to Look for Homes. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Belmont.

10 a.m.-11 a.m. This is the time of the year when our local animals are making their homes, getting ready for winter, after which we will find a special spot and build our own little home. For ages up to 5. Members $6, nonmembers $8. massaudubon.org.

Make a Mess: Paint Prints. Children’s Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10 a.m.-11 a.m. Using everyday art supplies, we’ll explore the process of printmaking during this drop-in activity. Free with admission.

Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Little Naturalists: Mice. North River Wildlife Sanctuary, Marshfield. 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Through nature walks, stories, songs, and crafts, discover New England animals and how they live.

For ages 3 to 5. Members $5, nonmembers $7. massaudubon.org.

Give a Hoot About Owls. Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. 3 p.m.4:30 p.m. Walk the trails, look for signs of owls, and learn about some of their amazing adaptations that help them survive, while making a take-home. For ages 5 and up. Members $5, nonmembers $7. massaudubon.org.

Animals & Art: Create a Critter. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Belmont. 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Using clay, pipe cleaners, watercolors, and various other items, we’ll explore the different shapes and colors of our local wildlife. For ages 6 to 10. Members $15, nonmembers $18. massaudubon.org.

7 Monday

Election Day Book Bingo. Framingham Public Library, 49 Lexington St., Framingham. 3 p.m.4 p.m. Enjoy prizes, laughs, and the best of all, books, for our ever-popular Book Bingo. Free. framinghamlibrary.org.

MFA Playdates. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10:15 a.m.11 a.m. Enjoy storytime and looking activities in the galleries, as we dive into the theme “Playful Pattern” in Spanish and English. Recommended for ages 4 and younger. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmember adults $25, youths 7 to 17 $10, children under 7 free. mfa.org.

Silly Science Storytime at UniBank.

UniBank, 89 Worcester St., Worcester. Explore STEM-themed stories that feature math and science. Designed for ages 3 to 5. Mondays.

Register ahead. Free. graftonlibrary.org.

9 Wednesday Tea for Two. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Pkwy., Sharon. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Bring a stuffed bear (or any favorite animal) for a special tea party, as we listen to a variety of nature storybooks and then enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. For ages 4 to 6. Members $9, nonmembers $12. massaudubon.org.

MEDICAL ADVICE WHEN YOU ARE ON THE GO. Download our free symptom checker app today!

Our Health eCheck app helps you make decisions on what type of medical care is needed when your child falls off their bike or has a persistant cough.

Search from a list of symptoms or by body area.

Leominster • Nov 18-20th Water Tower Plaza

Friday 10-7 • Saturday 10-4 • Sunday 10-3

www.consignmycloset.com 46 NOVEMBER2016

find us on

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! ARTfull Play. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Engage with art, stories, materials, nature, and new friends during unique multisensory activities. Recommended for ages 2 to 5.

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

Paws to Read. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 3:30 p.m.4:30 p.m. Enjoy this chance to read aloud to a therapy dog in order to improve reading and communication skills. For ages 12 and under.

Free. mywpl.org.

10 Thursday International Science Center and Museum Day. Discovery Woods at the Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Celebrate the first annual International Science Center and Museum Day, as we explore the connection between the skies and sustainability, and act as amateur climate scientists through cloud gazing. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

PJ Storytime. Worcester Public Library: Frances Perkins Branch, 470 West Boylston St., Worcester. 6:30 p.m.-7:15 p.m. Get comfy in your favorite pajamas, grad your sleepy toy, and come listen to some bedtime stories with friends.

Free. mywpl.org.

11 Friday Veteran’s Day. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. 9:30 a.m.4 p.m. Come enjoy as we present special activities celebrating the nation’s military history, as you see how lead musket balls were cast, listen to fife and drum music, watch cannon demonstrations, and more. Free with admission. Adults $28, ages 3 to 17 $14, children under 3 free. osv.org.

LEGO Star Wars Day. Legoland Discovery Center: Boston, 598 Assembly Row, Somerville.

10 a.m. Enjoy a weekend featuring fun-filled LEGO Star Wars activities for all ages, including competitions, a Master Builder Academy, a mosaic, large-scale LEGO models, and more. $14.95-$29.95, children age 2 and under free. legolanddiscoverycenter.com/boston.

“Is a sailor’s life for me?” Learn how the crew faced conflict during the War of 1812. Free. ussconstitutionmuseum.org.

Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. 10:30 a.m., 4 p.m., & 7 p.m.

Open the door to reveal mesmerizing worlds of unforgettable Disney moments and grand illusions, with characters across Disney movies from Rapunzel and Flynn Rider to Aladdin’s Genie and Snow White. $17-$52. thehanovertheatre.org.

Abra-Kid-Abra. TCAN: Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 11 a.m. Join Magician Mike Bent as he wows you with wacky and outrageously funny tricks and jokes, combining magic, laughs, and surprises for an interactive show.

Adults $10, children $8. natickarts.org.

create your own unique artwork using a variety of tools and materials. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $15, youths under 17 free. icaboston.org.

Trail Detectives’ Club. Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. 3:15 p.m.-4:45 p.m. We are on the lookout for a few good detectives to help us solve mysteries through the wonders that autumn reveals. For ages 6 to 10.

Member children $5; nonmember children $7. massaudubon.org.

Batman. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 11:59 p.m. Enjoy as Tim Burton directs Michael Keaton’s turn as the Dark Knight through Gotham City as he comes into conflict with Jack Nicholson’s Joker. $11.25. coolidge.org.

12 Saturday

Backyard Birds and Beyond. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Meet backyard birds and learn about their favorite food as we dance the Bird Bop, play Hide and Seed, and create bird feeders to take home. For ages up to 8.

Members $12.50, nonmembers: $15.50. massaudubon.org.

LEAFrenzy. Discovery Woods at the Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Drop in as we celebrate all the wonderful things you can do with leaves, from creating fall-tastic works of art, to experimenting with a little leaf chromatography, or simply enjoying the crunch and rustle of leaves beneath your feet. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

A Sailor’s Life and Legacy. USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard, Building 22, Charlestown. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate and honor our nation’s veterans by asking yourself,

Natural Living Expo. Royal Plaza Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Rd. West, Marlborough. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Enjoy 275 exhibits, 90 classes, a healthy food tent with cooking demonstrations, a meditation room, free natural product sample bar, and more. Through Sunday. $15, children under 12 free. naturalexpo.org.

Collage Studio. Institute of Contemporary Art: Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston. 11 a.m.3 p.m. Step in the Bank of America Art Lab to

Free Second Saturday Morning. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy free admission

Here’s to packs great and small.

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

BAYSTATEPARENT 47

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!

Photo courtesy Old Sturbridge Village

Wild Animals in Your Neighborhood with Blue Hills Trailside Museum. Discovery Woods at The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy a unique opportunity to see native animals up close and with a trained naturalist, as we handle natural history artifacts and learn more about the birds, reptiles, and mammals that live in your neighborhood. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

GO EAT Bounty: Thanksgiving Traditions. Old Sturbridge Village.

Weekends throughout November.

on the second Saturday morning of each month.

Free. decordova.org.

Nuts About Squirrels. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Belmont. 10:30 a.m. -12 p.m. As we enjoy the crisp fall air and

48 NOVEMBER2016

the colorful leaves, we will be scampering around looking for squirrel food, building nests, and doing other squirrely activities, from crafting to hiking. For ages 5 and up. Members $5; nonmembers $7. massaudubon.org.

Animal Homes. Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Join us for a trail exploration of animal homes, and try your own hands, or feet, at building your own animal home. For ages 5 and up.

Member children $5, nonmember children $7. massaudubon.org.

Saturday Family Science: Beaver Walk.

Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 108 North St., Norfolk. 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Bring your flashlight and we’ll cover the lens in red to preserve our night vision before we head outside as we look to observe bats, raccoons, beavers, and other nocturnal creatures. Members $5, nonmembers $6. massaudubon.org.

Teen Night. Fitchburg Public Library, 610 Main St., Fitchburg. 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Enjoy an afterhours event at the library, as we present the stop-motion film ParaNorman, food, and games.

Free. fitchburgpubliclibrary.org.

Full Moon Owl Prowl. Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot Street, Natick. 6:30 p.m.8 p.m. Come with the whole family to learn about owl calls, behavior, and habitat as we search and listen for screech, barred, and great horned owls. For ages 6 to16. Member adults $13, children $7; nonmember adults $15, children $9. massaudubon.org.

Beaver Moon Family Night Hike. Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Spend an evening walking in the crisp autumn air, searching for fishers and raccoons, and scanning the barren treetops for the silhouettes of owls with the smell of wood smoke in the air. For ages 6 and up.

Member adults $7, children $6; nonmember adults $9, children $7. massaudubon.org.

Superman III. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 11:59 p.m.

Meet Gus Gorman, a half-witted computer programming natural who presents a microelectronic menace for Christopher Reeve’s Superman. $11.25. coolidge.org.

13 Sunday Free-for-All: Celebrate Nature’s Harvest!

Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For ages 7 and up, test your skill at tree identification, dissect and compare native and invasive

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! fruits, take a guided bird walk, and make a take-home algae print. For ages 2 to 6, we’ll have storytelling, crafts, and guided games about trees, birds, and seashells both indoors and out.

For ages 2-12. Free. massaudubon.org.

Magic by Bonaparte. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Enjoy this award-winning Family Magic Concert featuring astounding magic, hilarious comedy, oodles of audience participation, and the dramatic appearance of Bonaparte’s adorable furry and feathered friends. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Adults $12, children $9. coolidge.org.

Preschool Family Adventure — Who Gobbled the Grapes? Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Pkwy., Sharon. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Construct a model grapevine and predict how animals get to the sweet fruit while learning about the wild animals that look for grapes growing in nature. For ages 3-6. Members $6, nonmembers $9. massaudubon.org Chickadee Birders: Corvids. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Find out how you measure up compared to our resident crow and blue jay, some of the most intelligent birds species.

For ages 7 to 11. Members $13, nonmembers $16. massaudubon.org.

Chris’ Composting Critters. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Belmont. 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. We’ve all seen compost up close, but come find out about the fungi, bacteria, and invertebrates that help break everything down. For ages 5 to 9. Members $15, nonmembers $18. massaudubon.org.

Folk Open Mic. TCAN: Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 8 p.m. Enjoy Cardboard Ox as they headline this open mic night gathering local artists and nationally recognized touring performers. Members free, nonmembers $5. natickarts.org.

16 Wednesday Backyard and Beyond: What’s the Weather Wednesday. Discovery Woods at the Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Drop in and join us for a program that depends on the weather, from leaf prints, to wind catcher creations, to rain painting. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Print Art. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Pkwy., Sharon. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Get ready, get set,

print, as you roll up your sleeves and try your hand at print art. For ages 4 to 6. Members $9, nonmembers $12. massaudubon.org.

3D Printing Class for Children. Fitchburg Public Library, 610 Main St., Fitchburg. 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Learn how to create a 3D print, as we introduce you to our printer, explain how 3D printing works, and allow some hands-on demonstrations. Free. fitchburgpubliclibrary.org.

Make a MESS: Squash Science. Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Explore pumpkins, gourds, squashes, and more, as we launch an

New Location Opening in Attleboro!

Stop in to our PreSale office at 287 Washington St, Suite 5 Attleboro in the South Attleboro Plaza or call 508-916-6309

Orangetheory Fitness is a 60-minute class that combines cardio and strength training to burn calories long after the workout ends. That is the “orange effect.” A heart rate monitor is worn to track performance as a professional Coach leads you through the experience. You will feel more energized and get results.

Meet the Instruments with the New England Philharmonic. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 2 p.m. See and hear New England Philharmonic’s principal players demonstrate their instruments in fun, interactive performances for the entire family to enjoy as we meet them and their instruments.

Sundays. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

14 Monday Preschool Science Class. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester.

10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Learn beginner science concepts with the help of books and fun activities.

For ages 3 to 5. Free. mywpl.org.

IT’S GUARANTEED!

15 Tuesday Forest Friends. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Belmont. 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Fall is a season filled with little animals moving here and there, so come play and discover what it’s like to be an animal. For ages up to 5.

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

Gourds Galore. Children’s Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Drop in and enjoy the fall harvest’s plethora of uniquely colored, shaped, and textured gourds, pumpkins, and squashes, as we take a deep dive into these winter vegetables through scientific exploration. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Really want to change your body and get scientifically proven results?

Join the best fitness movement in the nation! orangetheoryfitness.com BAYSTATEPARENT 49

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!

Family Holiday Overnight at Old Sturbridge Village

Dec. 3 – 4, 10 – 11 and 17 – 18 4:00 pm Saturday to 9:00 am Sunday Spend a magical night at an Old Sturbridge Village sleepover.

Guests will enjoy Christmas by Candlelight before gobbling up holiday treats and a Christmas bedtime story. The next morning, young and old will savor a continental breakfast, while kids take part in a hands-on craft project and a special visit from Santa. $125 per person Price includes admission to Christmas by Candlelight.

National Marionette Theatre at Old Sturbridge Village

December 28, 29, 30 and 31 Shows 11:00 am | 1:00 pm | 3:00 pm The National Marionette Theatre is coming to Old Sturbridge Village for December school vacation week! 50-minute performances feature a different story each day: Dec. 28 – Pinocchio Dec. 29 – Sleeping Beauty Dec. 30 – Peter and the Wolf Dec. 31 – Hansel and Gretel OSV Members: $7 per person/per show Non-Members: $9 per person/per show

Visit the Village!

Non-OSV members attending a marionette show can purchase admission to Old Sturbridge Village for an additional $5 per person.

Order tickets online at www.osvchristmas.org or purchase at the Visitor Center

afternoon of ooey gooey scientific fun at the museum. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Anime Club. Worcester Public Library: Frances Perkins Branch, 470 West Boylston St., Worcester. 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Come share your love of Anime and Magna as we watch a few episodes and do an activity. For ages 13 and up.

Free. mywpl.org.

17 Thursday Doggy Days: Abby Gets a Check-Up. Children’s Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Drop in and join Abby the Labrador Retriever and licensed Therapy Dog, as you check her heartbeat, look inside her ears, and try out the role of veterinarian. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Turkeys. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill Pkwy., Sharon. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Discover the world of this amazing bird that was almost our national symbol as we search for evidence of turkeys while on a short explorations hike and make a gobbling turkey to entertain your Thanksgiving Day guests. For ages 4 to 6. Members $9, nonmembers $12. massaudubon.org.

Take Aparts. Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Drop in and grab a screwdriver to discover resistors, capacitors, and the inner workings of everyday electronics. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Dollhouse Designers. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

Become a dollhouse interior designer in this dropin program, as we weave a rug, create a clock, build a mantelpiece, and more. Best for ages 8 and up. Free with admission. Members free, nonmember adults $10, children ages 5 to 17 $5, children under 5 free. concordmuseum.org.

Harry Potter Craft: Make a Monster Book of Monsters. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 3:30 p.m.5 p.m. Celebrate the release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by making your own version of the Harry Potter textbook. For ages 13 to 17. Free. mywpl.org.

Symphony Nova. TCAN: Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 7:30 p.m. Talented music graduates present a unique fellowshipbased concert, developed to serve the Boston area community. Members $20, nonmembers $25. natickarts.org.

18 Friday Backyard and Beyond: Nature Playgroup.

Discovery Woods at the Discovery Museums, 50 NOVEMBER2016

177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Enjoy games, songs, special art projects, or exploration of the conservation lands adjacent to the museums, during this weather-warping playgroup.

Designed for ages 2 to 6. Free with admission.

Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Roll, Dig, and Burrow at Rough Meadows. Mill Pond Recreation Area, West Newbury. 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Enjoy wildlife, collecting techniques, and environmental awareness presented in a fun, energetic format that adults and children alike will enjoy. For ages 3 to 6.

Member adults $6, children $5; nonmember adults $8, children $7. massaudubon.org.

Fandom Friday. Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Be it comics, anime, BBC, cartoons, or something else, come to the library for crafts, snacks, games, trivia, and more all centering around your favorite fandoms. For ages 10 and up. Free. mywpl.org.

Crow Brings the Corn. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln.

3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Explore Native American legends and lore, food and games as we listen to stories, make cornhusk dolls, and caw, caw, caw with the crow! For ages up to 8. Members $12.50, nonmembers $15.50. massaudubon.org.

Teen Night. Institute of Contemporary Art: Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston. 6 p.m.9 p.m. Join the ICA Teen Arts Council for an unforgettable Teen Night, packed with performances, teen-led tours, art-making activities, and more. For teens. Free. icaboston.org.

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

7:30 p.m. Wear your pajamas to the Museums on Friday night and join us for games, songs, and picture stories. Free with admission.

Members free, nonmembers $1, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

Flash Gordon. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 11:59 p.m. New York Jets quarterback Flash Gordon unwittingly finds himself heading for the planet Mongo to rescue humankind. $11.25. coolidge.org.

19 Saturday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston. 8 p.m.-9 p.m.

The marketplace stage will be filled with entertainment all day starting at 2 p.m. leading up to the live broadcast on WBZ-TV starting at 8 p.m. Free. faneuilhallmarketplace.com.

Ed Emberley Family Weekend. Worcester Museum of Art, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy two days of art-making, Art Cart activities, tours, and more in the celebration of KAHBAHBLOOM. Through Sunday. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $14, children ages 4 to 17 $6, ages 3 and under free. worcesterart.org.

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! Tiny Trekkers. Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 108 North St., Norfolk. 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Join a fun and knowledgeable Stony Brook teacher on the trails, learning about nature as we learn about nocturnal animals and turkeys with crafts, activities, and laughter. For ages 3 to 6. Members $5, nonmembers $6. massaudubon.org.

Destination Imagination Instant Challenges. Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Drop in and join members from the Acton-based Destination Imagination team and get hands on with some engineering and design instant challenges.

Activities geared for ages 8 and up. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymseums.org.

Miniature Makers. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Artists from the International Guild of Miniature Artisans share their secrets and demonstrate how they make their tiny creations. Free with admission. Members free, nonmember adults $10, children ages 5 to 17 $5, children under 5 free. concordmuseum.org.

Collection Spotlight. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Grab this chance to hear the stories and histories of the objects at the Concord Museum. Free with admission. Members free, nonmember adults $10, children ages 5 to 17 $5, children under 5 free. concordmuseum.org.

International Games Day at Your Library.

Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 2:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Whether video games are your thing or you like cards and dice, join us for ALA’s International Games @ Your Library Day. Free. mywpl.org.

Afternoon Chores and More. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln. 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Feed chickens and collect eggs, bring hay to the sheep, goats, and cows, and then treat yourself to a farm-fresh snack. For ages 4 to 12. Members $13.50, nonmembers $16.50. massaudubon.org.

Especially for Me: Evening for Children with a Visual Impairment. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Join in all the fun and explore both museums during this special evening for families with children with a visual impairment, with dinner provided.

Register ahead. Free. discoverymuseums.org.

Family Owl Prowl. Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary, 1417 Park St., Attleboro. 6 p.m.7:30 p.m. A fun evening to learn about owls and their habitats through an interactive owl presentation, and then outdoor trail exploration.

Member adults $8, children $6; nonmember adults $10, children $8. Adults $10/Children $8. massaudubon.org.

Morningstar Access. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 6 p.m.8 p.m. A time when the museum limits admission to allow for children with special needs and their

family to explore all the best the Museum can offer. Register ahead. Members free, nonmembers $8, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

20 Sunday Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys.

Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Celebrate communities of family, friends, and the neighborhoods around you, during this concert featuring special guests and surprises, all celebrating the release of the group’s fourth CD, Wonderful YOU. Recommended for ages 2 and up. Adults $12, children $9. coolidge.org.

Microscopic Adventures. Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Discover a world largely hidden to the naked eye, as we take to the trails to hunt for small creatures and nature items, and use hand lenses and microscopes to get a better look at these small wonders.

For ages 5 to 12. Member children $5, nonmember children $7. massaudubon.org.

Boston Area Chantey and Maritime Sing.

USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard, Building 22, Charlestown. 2 p.m.5 p.m. Listen, learn, and lift your voices as you participate in your Maritime Heritage by joining a rousing chorus of sea chanteys. Free. ussconstitutionmuseum.org.

Blink! A Light & Sound Extravaganza.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston. Nightly performances start at 4:30 p.m. through Jan. 1.

Featuring the music of the Holiday Pops, Blink! is a state-of-the-art light-and-sound outdoor extravaganza. Free. faneuilhallmarketplace.com.

21 Monday MFA Playdates. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10:15 a.m.11 a.m. Enjoy storytime and looking activities in the galleries, as we dive into the theme ‘Playful Pattern’. Recommended for ages 4 and younger.

Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $25, youths 7 to 17 $10, children under 7 free. mfa.org.

Maker Monday with the Learning Hub. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Join The Learning Hub for a class that will have you creating new things and discovering the world around you. For ages 9 to 12. Free. mywpl.org.

Dec. 2 – 4, 9 – 11, 16 – 18 and 23 3:00 to 9:00 pm Enjoy an evening filled with New England holiday traditions, live musical performances, storytelling, sleigh rides, festive foods, a roaring bonfire, and strolls around the decorated Village Common.

New North Pole Village!

Meet Santa and his elves | Savor sweets at Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop | See a magical talking Christmas tree Make a craft at a workshop | Ride a G-scale train Adults: $22 | Youth ages 4 –12: $14 Children 3 and under: Free

Purchase Early and Save!

Order before December 1 | Friday and Sunday admission only OSV members save 30% | Non-members save 15% No discount on Saturday admission.

Order tickets online at www.osvchristmas.org or purchase at the Visitor Center

22 Tuesday Backyard and Beyond: Getting Ready for the Winter. Discovery Woods at The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

Drop in and join us as we learn the many ways that animals stay warm throughout the winter season. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

BAYSTATEPARENT 51

23 Wednesday

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Experience the traditions of an early 19th century New England Winter Market. Old Sturbridge Village, Thanksgiving, including post-dinner target 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. shooting, Native American food traditions, and 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy shopping, dozens of how holiday meals were prepared. Free with juried craft vendors, and diverse creations from admission. Adults $28, youths ages 3 to 17 $14, pottery, to paper goods to glasswork, as well as children under 3 free. osv.org. pastries and hot beverages. Free with admission.

Through Sunday. Adults $28, youths ages 3 to 17 Sing-A-Long Mary Poppins. Regent Theatre, $14, children under 3 free. osv.org.

7 Medford St., Arlington. 6 p.m. A sing-a-long presentation of this classic Academy-AwardThanksgiving Weekend Crafts. Concord winning Disney musical following Julie Andrews Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. 11 a.m.as a magical nanny charged with caring for two 3 p.m. Enjoy special projects related to children London rascals. Adults $15, children $12.50. books featured in the Museum galleries, during regenttheatre.com.

25 Friday

Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy the galleries as they are filled with over 30 fanciful trees of all shapes and sizes, decorated with original ornaments inspired by acclaimed children’s storybooks and contemporary picture book favorites. Members free; nonmember adults $14, children 4 and up $6, children under 4 free. concordmuseum.org.

24 Thursday Bounty: Thanksgiving Traditions. Old

Infants • Toddlers • Preschool Full Time Part Time

this vacation weekend activity. Through Saturday.

Free with admission. Members free, nonmember adults $10, children ages 5 to 17 $5, children under 5 free. concordmuseum.org.

19th Annual Friday After Thanksgiving Chain Reaction. Rockwell Cage Gymnasium at MIT, 120 Vassar St., Cambridge. 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Join us during this post-Thanksgiving Tradition at MIT, as builders incorporate the theme of “symmetry” to generate a giant Rube Goldberg machine of interlocking machines, with plenty of side activities to engage parents and children.

Teams should register in advance. Adults $15, children 5 and up $5, children under 5 free. mitmuseum.mit.edu/fat.

On the Go Storytime Workshops with the Danforth Art Museum. Framingham Public Library, 49 Lexington St., Framingham. 3 p.m.3:45 p.m. Join Museum staff as they look at an art reproduction from their permanent collection, read a thematically related book, and perform a simple art-making activity. For ages 4 and up.

Free. framinghamlibrary.org.

26 Saturday

rly e v e B n i r e t n e Cummings C Enrolling Now! 78 Call (617) 838-68

ion.

for more informat

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

Boston Tuba Christmas Concert. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston. 12 p.m.- 2 p.m. More than 150 tuba players serenade the crowd with holiday classics. Free. faneuilhallmarketplace.com.

• Structured curriculum beginning at 15 months • All staff members are infant/child CPR and first aid certified Owner operated since 1994 Very competitive rates

www.thelearningzoneonline.com Woburn (781) 932-1070 23 Warren Ave. 52 NOVEMBER2016

Framingham (508) 872-3600 63 Fountain St.

Belmont (617) 489-1161 279 Belmont St.

Waltham (781) 891-3600 295 Weston St.

LEGO Zone. Science Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Bring your imagination as we supply the LEGOs and you contribute to the creation of our community display to inspire your fellow visitors. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Play Date: Reimaging Our World. Institute of Contemporary Art: Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Take your time viewing artworks, enjoy art-making investigations, catch a performance, and let us know what inspires you during this day of exploration. Two adults free with children; members free; nonmembers $15, youths under 17 free. icaboston.org.

Kindercam in every classroom!

• Weekly visits from The Story Teller, Music Man, My First Yoga, The Tumble Bus, Happy Feet and Hoop It (Kids Basketball)

Duplo Zone. Children’s Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Use your imagination to build, stack and sort our enormous collection of Duplo plates, bricks, and special pieces. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Weston (781) 642-6787 101 River Road

Beverly (978) 969-6679 600 Cummings Center

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. The animated adaptation of the family-favorite picture book, following a hapless inventor who brings showers and weather filled with giant mounds of food. Adults $8, children $6. coolidge.org.

Why Did the Turkey Cross the Road?

Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. 10:30 a.m. -12 p.m. Learn about

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! turkeys in this entertaining program as we create Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. turkey track posters, examine feathers under a 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Drop in and explore the microscope, and create a craft to take home. For possibilities of reusing what we usually throw ages 5 and up. Member children $5, nonmember away. Free with admission. Members free, children $7. massaudubon.org. nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Rock Off Main Street. TCAN: Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 7:30 p.m. Enjoy bands Try It Out Tuesday. Science Discovery featuring local teen and young bands from the Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. region performing the best pop, emo, punk, Drop in and try out new ideas for programs here ska, hardcore, and indie music in the area. $8. at the museums, as you help test different matenatickarts.org. rials and methods. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

COMMONWE

The Nutcracker

UnShopping Day. Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Make your own holiday gifts, music, and instruments using recycled materials during this performing arts day with crafts, dancing, and plenty of family bonding. Free with admission.

Members free, nonmembers $16, children under 1 free. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

Friday November 25th at 6PM Saturday November 26th at 1PM & 6PM Sunday November 27th at 1PM

Backyard and Beyond: Feed the Birds.

Discovery Woods at the Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Drop in and make a simple bird feeder so the birds will have something to eat during the winter weather. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

The Nutcracker. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester.

1 p.m. & 5 p.m. Jump start the holiday season with the Ballet Arts Worcester and Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra’s presentation of The Nutcracker. $28-$40. thehanovertheatre.org.

Wreath Making Workshop. Blue Hills Trailside Museum, 1904 Canton Avenue, Milton.

2:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Bring a pair of clippers and come learn about evergreens and their adaptations to winter, and dive into color theory and wreath design. For ages 6 and up. Member adults $25, nonmember adults $30, children free. massaudubon.org.

28 Monday Family Storytime. Worcester Public Library: Frances Perkins Branch, 470 West Boylston St., Worcester. 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Enjoy themes of rhymes, stories, books, and crafts, during this exploratory storytime. Mondays. mywpl.org.

29 Tuesday Tinker Tuesday: Open Studio. Children’s

30 Wednesday

SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE

Backyard and Beyond: Great Hill Exploration. Great Hill Conservation Land, 177 Main St., Acton. 11:30 a.m. Explore some of the trails that wind through the wooded 184 acres along with museum staff. Free with admission. Members free, nonmembers $12.50, children under 1 free. discoverymuseums.org.

Light to Dark in 90 Minutes. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Belmont. 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Examine how people and animals and plants respond to light and dark as we go from light to twilight to dark all within 90 minutes. For ages 6 to 10. Members $15, nonmembers $18. massaudubon.org.

Support and Strategies for Parents of Infants Through Teens

Parenting Solutions • Discipline strategies that work • Sleep and bedtime problems • Changing disrespectful behavior • Helping children with behavior problems in preschool settings • Keeping your teen out of trouble • Dealing with parenting differences • Solving stepfamily problems • Making divorce work for children Visit our website for more information www.parentingsolutionsprograms.com

PARENTING SOLUTIONS

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

Sylvia Sirignano, Ph.D. Developmental Psychologist, Director

H B ALLET’S

REGIS COLLEGE, Weston

27 Sunday

Brunch with Santa. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Reserve ahead. Adults $26.95, children $13.95, children under 3 free. osv.org.

A LT

Friday December 9th at 7PM Saturday December 10th at 1PM & 6PM Sunday December 11th at 1PM

Tickets from $20 Free Parking Order online at CommonwealthBallet.org or call (978) 263-7794

Mike Nyman Photography

Bring Learning Home Is your child struggling in school? You have options!

Oak Meadow offers flexible, creative homeschooling curriculum for K–12, or enrollment in our fully accredited distance learning school.

• K-4 is child-centered, experiential, playful,

nature-based.

• 5-8 encourages increased student autonomy, intellectual engagement.

• High School offers challenging academic courses, options to earn credit, college counseling.

• Start anytime during the year.

Visit us at oakmeadow.com

Individual Parent Consultations Marital Mediation • Divorce Mediation Post-divorce Mediation and Consultation

BAYSTATEPARENT 53

FINALLY FOREVER

A Christmas Journey

December 3, 4, 10 and 11

Leland attends a small, substantially separate classroom and does well in this structured, consistent environment. He moved to his present specialized foster home last summer and has been very successful in terms of schooling and making friends. Leland has made an attachment in this home and his behavior has improved dramatically.

Leland has a significant trauma history, which he is processing in therapy. He is currently visiting with some of his biological siblings and he values this time very much.

Legally free for adoption, Leland needs to be the only or significantly youngest child in a pre-adoptive Ten-year old-Leland is an inquisitive home. He requires a good deal of boy of Caucasian and African-Amer- supervision, so a two-parent family ican descent who asks a lot of ques- would be important. A potential famtions because he’s curious about ily must be willing to maintain the the world around him. He also is visits between siblings. very athletic and has recently begun to play organized sports. Football, If you would like more information hockey, and basketball are some of about Leland, please call Children’s his favorite sports. Leland also is an Friend Social Worker Chris O’Shea at avid chess player and Lego builder!

(508) 753-5425.

Meet Leland November’s Child

Experience the magic of the season at the EcoTarium’s popular holiday program, A Christmas Journey. Enjoy a reading of Chris Van Allburg’s classic The Polar Express, a train ride on the Explorer Express Train, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit with Santa.

Limited Tickets Available: $20 each for ages 1 and up (includes museum admission); $10 EcoTarium members. Visit ecotarium.org for event times and to purchase tickets, or call 508.929.2700.

Proceeds benefit the EcoTarium. Group rates, coupons and other offers do not apply.

Sponsored By:

Plus, Give the Gift of FUN!

CIRLE OF FRIENDS Tuesday, Nov. 1: Western Region Adoption Info Meetings — Department of Children and Families, 140 High St., 5th Floor, Springfield. 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

(413) 452-3369.

Sunday, Nov. 6: Westford Adoption Party. Boys and Girls Club, 28 South Broad St., Westfield. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Meet waiting children ages 8 and up or younger children part of a sibling group. Chat with social workers to learn about waiting children of all ages.

This party is for in-process or already homestudied families. mareinc.org.

Wednesday, Nov. 9: Central Region Adoption Info Meetings — ADLU Worcester. 13 Sudbury St., Worcester. 6 p.m.-7 p.m. (508) 929-2413.

Looking for a great gift to give this holiday season?

An EcoTarium membership gives your loved ones a whole year of adventure, discovery and fun, at New England’s leading science and nature museum!

Monday, Nov. 14: Southern Region Adoption Info Meeting — ADLU Canton. Canton Police Station, 1492 Washington St., Canton. Upstairs community/conference room. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. 508-894-3830 Tuesday, Nov. 15: Northern Region Adoption Info Meeting — ADLU, Lawrence. Jordan’s Furniture: 50 Walkers Brook Dr., Reading. IMAX Conference Room.

Contact: stephanie.frankel@state.ma.us Wednesday, Nov. 16: Boston Region Adoption Info Meeting, DCF Boston, 451 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester. 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. 617-989-9209.

Thursday, Nov. 17: Southern Region Adoption Info Meetings — ADLU Taunton, Morton Hospital, 88 Washington St., Taunton. Margaret Stone Conference Room, first floor. 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. 508-894-3830.

®

54 NOVEMBER2016

Adoptive Families Together (AFT) are parent-run, confidential groups for sharing personal concerns and needs around adoptive parenting. AFT provides education, advocacy, support, and more. They welcome adopted individuals, birth parents, foster parents, Kin parents, pre-adoptive parents, and all those with a

connection to adoption. No registration required, dropins welcome. Visit mspcc.org/aft for more information.

November AFT meetings: Tuesday, Nov. 1: First Church, 40 Monument Ave., Swampscott. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 1: Maynard Public Library, 77 Nason St., Cullen Conference Room, Maynard. 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 2: John W. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse, 5 Post Office Square, First floor library (use entrance facing Congress Street), Boston.

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

Friday, Nov. 4: Jamaica Plain MSPCC office, 3815 Washington St. Jamaica Plain. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Free childcare provided.

Wednesday, Nov. 16: Roslindale Congregational Church, 25 Cummins Hwy, Roslindale. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Free childcare provided.

Thursday, Nov. 17: Nu Café Conference Room, 335 Chandler St. (Same building as MSPCC), Worcester.

7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 21: 180 Old Colony Ave., Quincy.

7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 27: Online meeting. 9 p.m.-10 p.m.

Register at annettecreynolds.clickmeeting.com/aftonline/register.

Sunday, Nov. 27: First Congregational Church, 18 Andover Rd., Room 4 (use door in rear), Billerica.

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

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

Opening Night Tickets $15!

Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability.

356555

NOV. 4 – 6 DisneyOnIce.com • ticketmaster.com • 800-745-3000 BAYSTATEPARENT 55

What Is...

The Most Popular Biography Series For Kids?

Inside the kid fave Who Is?/Who Was? book series

BY MELISSA SHAW The blazingly popular Who Is?/Who Was? series of biographical books — which can be found in many a child’s backpack, bed, desk, or minivan backseat — is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year and, surprisingly, almost never became the sensation it is today.

“For several years the series just limped along,” says series creator Jane O’Connor, also vice president and editor at large at publisher Grosset & Dunlap. “It stayed alive primarily because book fairs would buy up copies in bulk, and schools and libraries bought them, but there was virtually no bookstore business for the series, and we really needed that.”

But fortune changed for the now 100+-book-strong series when Grosset & Dunlap brought in a new president, publisher, and head of sales, all of whom believed in the series’ appeal.

O’Connor says the trio sparked its resurgence and rapid-fire expansion, which continues unabated today.

“I was so worried that the series would die,” she says. “I was so invested in this. I was such a reader of biographies, it was thrilling for me to see this really reach a wide audience.”

The series, geared for 8- to 12-yearold readers, offers 100+-page, illustrated, single-subject biographies of a range of public figures from history, government, entertainment, pop culture, sports, and more. It began with four titles, Who Was Annie Oakley? Who Was Ben Franklin?, Who Was Albert Einstein?, and Who Was 56 NOVEMBER2016

Sacagawea?, and was inspired by O’Connor’s childhood love of the biographical series, Childhood of Famous Americans.

“I had been an obsessive reader of biographies when I was a child,” she recalls. “I started to think there wasn’t really a series [today] that

a book report. It would be over 100 pages, and yet it would actually not be all that much reading.”

O’Connor returned to her favorite series for inspiration for the Who Is/Was iconic covers: “Childhood of Famous Americans had only black silhouette illustrations. They were

was for kids who were beyond easyto-read books that were 32 pages, and yet weren’t ready for a really dense, text-heavy 150- to 200-page book. I liked the idea of having something very heavily illustrated and at a third-grade reading level, so kids who were in second, third, or fourth grade could have a book they could use for

always orange covers with no illustration on the front. You knew the books immediately.”

O’Connor says she liked the idea of a signature look, and was inspired by the then New York Times Sunday Book Review, which when covering a new release or biography, would feature a large bobble head caricature

of the author or biography subject.

O’Connor turned to artist Nancy Harrison to draw the large-headed caricature covers, which she still does today.

“I thought something like that would stamp the series as a series and appeal to kids,” O’Connor says. “They would know the series instantly; they often might recognize who the person was. And when you stack them all together, they look like trading cards.”

The trading card comparison is an apt one, as the series’ young readers tend to be completists. They often can’t read just one, moving from one title to another, with no end in sight.

“The series just keeps expanding, and yet it’s not like the core books have lost readership,” she notes.

“They are really selling well continuously.”

Despite over a dozen new releases every year, O’Connor says years-old titles, such as 2002’s Who Was Harriet Tubman?, continue to be best-sellers (“She is one of the most popular,” O’Connor notes). Titles can also jump in popularity thanks to current events, such as the news that Tubman will replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. O’Connor says the upcoming Who Was Andrew Jackson? was being edited at the time the announcement was made, which led to a new ending for the book: Jackson losing his spot on the $20 bill.

Some of the most popular titles in the 100-book series include Walt Disney, Dr. Seuss, Bill Gates, Marvel

Comics icon Stan Lee, and author Jeff Kinney. While the covers always sports Harrison’s signature style, the books are written by a series of authors. O’Connor’s personal favorite? Who Is Jane Goodall? —“I’m just crazy about her,” she confesses.

Choosing the subjects With a millennia worth of potential topics, the series turns to its core audience to determine which subjects to write next.

“We try to go to schools a few times a year and ask kids who they’d like to see,” O’Connor says. “A few years ago, I was in a classroom and loads of the kids asked for Michael Jackson. I had really shied away from doing him. There was a librarian and a teacher in the room, I looked at them, and they said, ‘No, you should do him, he’s a cultural icon.’”

And, she adds: “Occasionally I’ve been told, ‘No, you can’t do that book.’ When Osama bin Laden was killed, I wanted to do Who Was Osama bin Laden? I was the only person who thought that was a good idea.”

The series stakeholders also talk to bookstores, who relay reader requests, and they gear new releases seasonally. For example, Who Is Hillary Clinton? was published in August, Who Is Michael Jackson? debuted before Black History Month,

and Who Is Andrew Jackson? will hit shelves before the next President’s Day. The book whose popularity surprised O’Connor the most is Who Was Anne Frank? She was unsure if their target readers would be familiar with Frank and her compelling story.

“I think of the [series’] sweet spot as between second and fifth grade, and I wondered if Anne Frank was someone who kids come to when they read the diary when they’re older. But that book does very, very well,” O’Connor notes.

As the series approached its 100th title, the publisher held a contest in which kids could vote for the book’s subject. The event resulted in 2015’s Who Was Steve Irwin?, another surprise for O’Connor, who was curious if children would be familiar with Australian naturalist, given he died a decade ago.

The series branches out Three years ago, the series expanded, moving from people (and Seabiscuit) to places and events with the What Was?/Where Is? titles. These books can delve into heavy topics for young minds, like What Was The Holocaust?, the Great Depression, D-Day, the Hindenburg, and more.

“What is tough for authors to understand is what that reader is going to come in knowing and not knowing, and that they’re going to not know practically everything,” O’Connor says. “You can’t assume that they have any background coming into a subject. With older kids, you can assume they know about the Revolutionary War or that the U.S. was colonies before. With kids [in the What Was? age range], you really can’t, you have to give them all the background information. Kids coming to these books have hardly any historical context. If you’re writing about Anne Frank, you have to have the rise of Hitler, and what came before she ended up in the attic.”

She adds that series authors are very conscious of the fact they may be a child’s first introduction to a famous figure or event: “My husband wrote What Were The Twin Towers?.

We talked a lot about it as he was writing it. We wanted to give a sense of what happened, but not be overwhelmingly terrifying for kids. We’re very conscious of the age group.”

There are, however, plenty of lighter What Was? topics, such as What Are The Summer Olympics?, What Is The Super Bowl?, and more. Subjects in the Where Is? series include The White House, The Great Wall, The Parthenon, the Amazon, and more.

Releases coming kids’ way this fall include:

FAMILY FUN FOR

Owner: Former Olympian

NEW DROP IN ($7.00) Mom & Me For Toddlers

AND EXHIBITIONS FOR ALL AGES!

¡FAM ES PARA TODOS! Currently on View:

“I was worried we were doing too many,” she says, “but so far, there seems to be an endless appetite.”

ch for the Stars Rea

EVERYONE!

INTERACTIVE LEARNING LOUNGES, CLASSES, WORKSHOPS, TOURS,

Where Is the Great Barrier Reef?

Where Is Stonehenge?

Who Is Bruce Springsteen?

Who Is Stevie Wonder?

Who Were The Three Stooges?

What Was the Great Chicago Fire?

What Was the San Francisco Earthquake?

Who Was Jacqueline Kennedy?

Who Was Charlie Chaplin?

at Kathy Corrigan’s School of Gymnastics • USA Gymnastics Skill Development Program for All Ages • Competitive USA and XCEL Teams • USA Certified Coaches • Gym Tot Fitness for Ages 3 & 4 • Birthday Parties!

• Vacation - Summer Camps

50% OFF First Month’s tuition (New Students Only) With this coupon Expires 12/31/16

185 Elm Street Fitchburg, MA 01420 978.345.4207 fitchburgartmuseum.org

406 VFW Drive, Rockland • 781-878-9155

www.kathycorrigans.com BAYSTATEPARENT 57

Stress Bumps: Managing Fear and Worry During Pregnancy

BY JOAN GOODCHILD

What’s your pregnancy story? Did you develop a completely unexpected craving for turnips? Were your feet so swollen that you had to buy new shoes? Were you one of those expectant moms who looks and feels great for the entire pregnancy?

If so, I envy you. As a natural-born worrywart, I took that trait right into all of my pregnancies and fretted the entire time I was expecting. Turns out, I’m far from alone.

“I do think today’s pregnant woman is more stressed than previously. We have far more information available, some of it accurate and much of it not,” said Dr. Ali Domar, the founder and executive director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health at Boston IVF and author of the new book Finding Calm for the Expectant Mom. “I see a lot of pregnant women in my clinical practice, most of whom wanted to be pregnant more than anything in the world.

Yet they find pregnancy to be surprisingly difficult. Which made me realize that most women must have the same experience, but people don’t really talk about the downside of pregnancy.”

Common concerns for soon-to-be moms include worries about eating right, if they are doing something that will harm their fetus, and if something will go wrong during delivery, said Hong-Thao N. Thieu, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Tufts Medical Center, director of the hospital’s OB/GYN Residency Program, and assistant professor at Tufts University School of Medicine.

“Women mostly need reassurance that their lifestyle and work are not having a major negative impact on their pregnancy,” she said. “They need validation that their nutritional and activity choices are healthy enough. Especially for new moms, they need help navigating and filtering through the enormous amount of information and misinformation out there.”

But even women who have been through a pregnancy already often stress, according to Megan Brown, a birth doula based in Hamilton.

“If I’m hired by a mother who has had a baby before, typically she is afraid of how things went with her previous birth experience,” Brown said. “She may have had some trauma, or an unpleasant experience, and would like my help to create an experience that is better and more positive than the past.”

So what’s a stressed mom-to-be to do?

58 NOVEMBER2016

Check out all of the birth and pregnancy information available online? These days, there is no end to information. Where do you start? Start by stepping away from the laptop, Brown advised.

“I believe that most of the information on the Internet is more of a ‘curse’ when it comes to alleviating stress and worry,” she noted.

Dr. Domar agrees that much of what is available to read online can exacerbate worry.

“I think it is both a blessing and a curse,” she said. “It is wonderful to be able to follow the development of your unborn baby, if you want. But it is hard for most people to differentiate between their true risks.

The fact is the vast majority of pregnant women deliver a healthy baby. It is hard to remember that sometimes. Bad stuff is more post-able.”

If online sources aren’t always the best place for a stressed pregnant woman to turn, how about tried-and-true resources, such as the classic book What to Expect When You’re Expecting? For Kelly Landini, a mom from Shrewsbury, that also led to worries.

“I found the book to be very doom and gloom,” Landini said. “Way too focused on what could go wrong during pregnancy.”

Landini turned to a comical book, The Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy, instead, and enjoyed it a lot more. Unlike many of us, she said her pregnancy was not filled with months of concern: “I think the joy of my pregnancy outweighed any stress.”

For those who aren’t so fortunate, there are actions to take beyond reading oneself into a frenzy. Dr. Thieu recommends simply taking care of yourself, to start with.

Get plenty of good quality sleep when you can, exercise at any level you are comfortable, and meditate.

Brown agrees: “I always recommend yoga. The philosophy behind yoga is to steady the mind, or quiet the mind. I recommend various forms of meditation, breathing exercises, and sound therapies.

I also believe that language is tremendously important. If you hear yourself saying, ‘I’m afraid of this’ and ‘I’m afraid of that’ and ‘I’m worried,’ you are hypnotizing yourself to believe these thoughts and fears, and you’re helping them to grow stronger. But if you say, ‘I am strong, I am capable, I will be OK,’ you hear yourself say these positive words and affirm that indeed you are capable and strong.”

Tips for handling stress in pregnancy Dr. Domar offers these suggestions for pregnant women who need help managing stress: • Be careful with whom you share information. If you share, they may well feel entitled to give their opinion.

• Listen to your obstetrician/nurse/midwife.

They truly know more about you and your pregnancy and your baby than anyone else.

• Don’t pressure yourself to feel happy and glowing. Pregnancy is hard — really hard for many. Don’t feel guilty about complaining. If you are feeling sad, talk to your health care team.

• This is your and your partner’s baby. No one else gets to weigh in on anything.

• Ask for help when you need it. Rest when you are tired. Nurture yourself. Accept offers of assistance. Your body is growing another human being. That takes a lot of hard work.

• Eat sensibly. But don’t go crazy about weight gain. Being pregnant does not entitle one to eat ice cream daily.

Because it takes expert care to deliver a miracle

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

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

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

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

HWD021_MatAd_BayParJunior.indd 1

BAYSTATEPARENT 59 7/11/14 10:09 PM

How Kids Can Build Confidence in New Situations

BY MELISSA SHAW

60 NOVEMBER2016

It’s said real growth and achievement lie outside one’s comfort zone, but getting even one toe beyond that sacred space is difficult for adults, not to mention children. Yet Massachusetts dad, author, and Babson College Professor Keith Rollag says parents can help children be less nervous in new situations by making them less focused on performance and more on fun.

“Get them to focus on the excitement of discovery rather than the fear of performance,” says Rollag, author of What To Do When You’re New: How To Be Comfortable, Confident, and Successful in New Situations.

“After they’ve gone to some new situation, get them to talk about the fun parts; help them associate new situations with excitement and discovery, rather than fear and evaluation.”

While Rollag’s book was written for adults, he says many of the approaches and theories are applicable and helpful to children and the new situations they face, be it starting a new school, trying a new sport, or attempting a new hobby.

“For school, we’ve really emphasized the performance part in so much of what we do now — whether it’s standardized tests, exams, recitals, games — is geared around performing and competition,” he says. “I see the performance mindset in my kids. If they try something and it doesn’t work — if they aren’t perfect at it the first time — they don’t want to do it again. They see that failure as a measure of their permanent ability, and they don’t realize it’s all about learning.”

To combat that thought pattern, Rollag advises parents emphasize the fun in trying new things, as opposed to mastery.

“Certainly praise failure if they don’t get it perfectly right,” he says. “Be really clear you don’t send signals that you expect them to do well. I think it’s hard for parents because we all have visions of our kids being great athletes, great musicians; we silently have high expectations. We have to be really careful about sending those subtle signals of disappointment that they aren’t the best kid on the team, the best musician in the band, whatever they’re working on.”

Even the simple act of asking a stranger a question — in a safe situation — is an opportunity for children to step outside their comfort zone. Rollag shares a story about the time his

kids broke their crayons at a restaurant. He encouraged them to approach the hostess and ask for a new set.

“They’re like, ‘I can’t do that!’

I said, ‘Why not?’ Finally, one of them got the urge, went up there and asked, and got the crayons.

My daughter came back realizing it wasn’t as scary as she thought it was,” he recalls. “It’s practice, doing it enough times to rewire the brain to realize it isn’t as scary as you think it is. For most of us, it’s a learned activity. If they have questions, make them ask the question, if that’s sitting in a restaurant trying to decide what to eat or in a store deciding what to buy. Make them walk up to somebody and ask a question.”

Each question asked and answered builds a child’s confidence a little higher.

“The more we can put our kids in those situations, in safe environments, they’ll just get more comfortable, and it’s going to pay off down the road,” Rollag says.

And, down the road, the ability to be confident in new situations will be critical for today’s children. David Deming, associate professor of education and economics at Harvard University, published a study, “The Growing Importance of Social Skills in the Labor Market.” In it, he notes that despite the trend of jobs lost to technology and automation, since 1980 “jobs with high social skill requirements have experienced greater relative growth.” In addition, “employment and wage growth has been strongest in jobs that require high levels of both cognitive skill and social skill,” he wrote.

And social skills, sometimes called interpersonal or “soft” skills, encompass everything from knowing how to shake a hand and introduce oneself, to maintaining eye contact, holding up your end of a conversation, being comfortable in a new situation, or trying new things. All of these abilities are bolstered by practice, and opportunities for children today are fewer than ever before, thanks to technology and the prevailing parenting style.

“Technology has given people an out,” notes Rollag, an associate professor of management and chair of the Management Division at Babson. “You can go into new situations and drag all your old relationships with you.

You see it with parents at soccer games, where they used to talk with each other and now they just stare at their smartphone.

I think kids do the same thing: Instead of getting to know the new people around them, they

continue with the old people.

When you have that alternative, there’s less of a need to build relationships.”

It’s a reality even affecting youth in their college years. “It’s clear that a lot of students can continue on just interacting with their old high school friends through Facebook, Instagram, and others,” he adds. “They don’t have as much of a need to get to know their dorm mates or classmates in the way they would have 15 to 20 years ago, where if you didn’t get to know the people around you, you didn’t have anything.”

And today it’s easy (and the cultural norm) for parents to do the question-asking, ice-breaking, and friend-making for their children.

“We do a disservice to our kids if we run interference for them in new situations,” he asserts.

“Many of us do it out of fear of protecting them: We introduce the kids to people, rather than having them do it themselves; we ask the questions instead of them; we remind them of people’s names as opposed to getting them to memorize them; we will set up relationships, even play dates, now. It’s almost as if we are structuring those relationship developments in ways that don’t help kids to build those relationships themselves.

We have to learn as parents to hold back and let some of that take care of itself. They need to learn to be self-sufficient in those basic being-new skills.”

Underlying all of this is the fact that humans — of any age — are hard-wired to be uncomfortable in new situations and strangers. We are descended from small tribes of huntergatherers who rarely left their “home” area or encountered strangers, both of which were often dangerous threats to the status quo, jeopardizing their health (or that of that tribe) and/or food source. Add to that the fact that those days were truly survival of the fittest, with performance (hunting and gathering) meaning life or death, and it’s no surprise humans still are naturally nervous when trying something new. Battling this is, truly, bucking human nature.

“They’re the same reasons, whether we’re 4 years old or 40, that cause us to be reluctant,” Rollag says. “These aren’t easy things to do, we’re not built or wired to do these skills, and we’re not wired to live in this world around strangers.”

Yet in today’s world, new situations are ever-present, and parents can help children feel more comfortable about them by building new expectations.

“Talk with your kids about it, try to get at their feelings, what they’re worried about going into new situations, and try your best to help them understand that it’s normal,” he says. “It’s great as a parent to say, ‘Hey, I get nervous in new situations.’ Ask them to go introduce themselves to that kid over there.

Push them into doing those skills: introducing themselves, ask questions, even remembering names.

The best thing you can do to help kids become comfortable in new situations is put them into new situations that are safe so they can learn from them rather than feeling miserable.”

Another key reminder: Uneasiness is temporary.

“Get them to recognize that nervousness only lasts for a little while, for as long as it takes you to find somebody to play with, the first real laughter you have with another kid, the first good conversation, the first amount of play. Kids, once they get past that, they’re off to the races and all is good. It’s getting them past that awkward phase.”

Once that’s complete, parents can then help their children reflect on their victory: be it meeting new people or attempting a new skill.

“We get so focused on perfor-

Resale for a NEW Generation

mance, we forget the joy,” Rollag notes. “We lose sight of the cool part about learning. Being able to look back and say, ‘A few weeks ago, I couldn’t do that. Now I can!’”

The brands they like, at prices you LOVE! Resale for children sizes 0-14 18 Lyman Street, Westborough • 508-366-5437 for updates childrensorchard.com • follow us on

CLIMB SWING EXPLORE LEA RN Come on a nature adventure!

What will YOU discover in Discovery Woods?

Cool, huge treehouse by DIY’s The Treehouse Guys & much more!

Open Year Round!

Admission e includes Scienc s n’ re & Child Museums too.

Discovery Woods is inclusive and fully accessible.

Acton, MA n 978.264.4200 discoverymuseums.org/woods

When you are ready to cut the cord New England Cord Blood Bank will be there for you.

Today, stem cell research continues to expand available treatments for diseases and illnesses never before considered. Banking cord blood ensures our clients have access to all these emerging therapies.

New England Cord Blood Bank delivers the expertise and quality your family deserves at an affordable price.

888-700-CORD (2673) www.cordbloodbank.com

BAYSTATEPARENT 61

save the date for...

baystateparent’s

KidsCon & CAMP EXPO

Saturday, February 11, 2017 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, Marlborough

Kids are FREE!

$5 for each adult.

This event is a one stop shop of all things kids.

Family-friendly exhibitors will include camps, educators, extracurricular activities, sports, health, financial, the arts, entertainment, and a whole lot more!

Businesses & Camps: Want to be a part of this premier family event? Please contact Regina Stillings at 508-865-7070 x210 or regina@baystateparent.com for more details.

62 NOVEMBER2016

Website Names Car Seat Superstars in Annual Honor Roll CHICAGO – On the lookout for a new vehicle and concerned about car seat safety and installation ease? Cars.com has a list for you.

Each year, Cars.com Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians install car seats in nearly 100 new car models. These Car Seat Checks test each vehicle’s LATCH system and its ease of use by installing an infant seat, a convertible seat, and a booster seat. Cars are graded on an A to F scale.

“We have three Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians who install and write our Car Seat Checks,” said Jennifer Newman, Cars.com managing editor of news. “During these checks, we investigate a car’s LATCH system, which is supposed to make car seat installation easier, but oftentimes doesn’t, as well as how different car seat styles fit into a car.

“Out of 84 model-year 2016 and 2017 vehicles tested in our Car Seat Checks, only six have made the Cars.com Car Seat Honor Roll,” she continued.

“These six cars earned the top score of A in all of our Car Seat Check categories, setting them apart as the very best vehicles for car-seat installation.”

The Honor Roll recognizes the cars tested that make car seat installation easier for families. These include:

2017 Ford Escape –This five-seat compact SUV makes quick work of car seat installation with its easy-toaccess LATCH anchors, removable head restraints, and reclining rear seatbacks.

2017 GMC Acadia – Despite shrinking in size, the redesigned 2017 Acadia earned an A in all Car Seat Check criteria. This midsize SUV is available with two or three rows.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – This vehicle features a roomy backseat with plenty of space for two rearfacing car seats and exposed LATCH anchors for quick car-seat installation.

2016 Jaguar XF – While Jaguar may not be the first automaker that comes to mind when thinking about family cars, it certainly knows how to treat a family well. The redesigned XF features one of technicians’ favorite styles of LATCH anchors: They sit behind removable plastic covers, making car seat installation easy.

2016 Mini Clubman – This Mini isn’t so mini anymore. The Clubman has grown a foot in length, helping it earn top honors in its Car Seat Check, but it also still manages to be fun to drive.

2016 Toyota RAV4 – When it comes to car seats, the RAV4 is at the top of the class. Cars.com experts praise the RAV4’s “massive” backseat, which helps it easily handle those spacehogging rear-facing car seats.

To learn more about Cars.com’s Car Seat Checks or the Car Seat Honor Roll, visit cars.com/news.

BAYSTATEPARENT 63

ASK THE EXPERT

Breaking Up Baby and His Pacifier

At the heart of New England.

At the heart of the morning.

BY DR. MARY BROWN

At the heart of the home.

At the heart of the kitchen.

At the heart of it all.

For more than 160 years, New England families have welcomed Hood® Milk into the heart of their homes. And it is an honor to have a seat at the table.

HoodHeartOfItAll.com 64 NOVEMBER2016

My baby (9 months) loves his pacifier. When should I start trying to wean him off it? Any advice on how?

Is long-term use damaging to his teeth?

Dear Reader, The very thought of taking a pacifier away from a baby can induce anxiety and fear in parents everywhere. Unfortunately, there is no one magic way to go about pacifier weaning; every baby is different and what works for one may not work for another. Many parents anticipate increased crying and less sleep when they take a pacifier away from their baby. And while this may be the case, it is not always, and it is only temporary.

Babies use pacifiers to self-soothe, and in their infancy this is beneficial for them and their parents. Many people are surprised to learn this, but babies begin to develop the ability to self-soothe around 4 to 6 months old. Understanding that there are many battles to wage during this age and that you must pick your battles, it is not always the best — or easiest — time to take a pacifier away from your baby. However, this age is also when habits develop, so if you can wean them at that age — before habits develop — it can be beneficial.

Many parents begin thinking about pacifier weaning as their baby’s 1st birthday approaches. This is ideal because babies are putting lots of things in their mouths at this stage, most of which shouldn’t be going in there, but this is how babies explore their world. They should eventually grow out of this phase. However, if they are reliant on or used to having a pacifier in their mouth, this can encourage them to continually put things in their mouths. More items in their mouths come with the increased risk of germs and disease, so the sooner we can help them understand that putting things in their mouths is bad, the sooner we can reduce these risks.

While concerns around potential dental issues for your child are real, they don’t tend to present as issues until the child is around 3 to 4 years of age. Dentists and doctors agree

that eliminating pacifier use by this age, and before permanent teeth come in, is in the best interest of your child. Take solace in knowing that by 12 to 15 months of age, your baby should have developed other ways to self-soothe so they will have other means of calming themselves.

I would not recommend taking the pacifier away as your baby faces other life changes; don’t attempt to do it when you are trying to change other behaviors or routines. One thing at a time.

The question about how to wean your baby off his or her pacifier is a difficult one, as there is no one definitive way that works best for everyone. Some people begin tapering the time their baby has the pacifier — taking it away when they play, then taking it away in the car, etc. This can be effective. Other parents try to make the pacifier taste “bad” so the child doesn’t want it anymore. I tend to not endorse this method because it does not empower the parent, but as I said before, this is difficult and you have to do what makes sense for you.

Personally, I promote the cold turkey method. It’s sort of like taking off a Band-Aid — painful, but the pain doesn’t last quite as long. Often tying it to an event, like a birthday, is helpful for the baby and the parent. But no matter what, set a quit date, stick to it, and ensure that everyone is on board with the process. All parents and caregivers must be committed to doing it together and agree to the method.

Every child is different, and every child’s development is different.

Make sure to talk with your pediatrician and any other doctors in your child’s life when planning to make this change to ensure your baby is ready for it. And good luck!

Mary Brown, M.D., is a pediatrician at Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center and an assistant professor at Tufts University School of Medicine.

THE THINKING PARENT

Sibling Rivalry or Something Worse?

BY MARISSA KIRBY

Years ago, my 7-year-old brother and I played on the same Little League team. Given our young ages, the coaches refrained from keeping score or announcing individual stats, and at the end of the season everyone got a trophy. On the field, everyone was the winner. But in the car and around the dinner table, it was an entirely different story. I loved the game and played hard, while my brother preferred to study the dandelions in the outfield. And this difference seeded a host of stories in which I played the hero and my brother played the fool. I announced every play like a personal highlight reel, punctuated by nonstop digs at my brother, whom I denounced for being lazy and uncoordinated.

Today, I see this as the beginning of a prolonged competitive game of one-upmanship and sibling rivalry.

My brother and I competed with each other over everything: who was the best student, athlete, musician, secret-keeper? For the most part, it was in the spirit of healthy competition, spurring us both on to be our best. But in recent years, with the eyes of a mental health professional, I have begun to wonder if there were times when our rivalry crossed the line into cruelty and bullying. Where is that line? And what happens when sibling rivalry goes too far?

Healthy sibling rivalry is based on

competition for praise and attention, usually from parents or other adult figures in a child’s life. It can take the form of competitiveness over sports, activities, or school work, all for prized recognition from parents and other important adults – made more valuable if bestowed in front of siblings. Typically, the winners and losers vary, and the competition remains evenly matched. But when the balance of power between siblings becomes one-sided and one child begins taking pleasure in creating “contests” to intentionally cause psychological or physical suffering to another, rivalry has crossed the line into abuse.

Abusive sibling rivalry can take many forms, from physical “wrestling” to cause injury, to teasing and telling jokes intended to make a sibling cry. In a 2015 study in The Professional Counselor, researchers from Clemson University report as many as 80% of children will experience intentional violence from a sibling, making sibling abuse the most common type of child abuse.

Children who are abused by siblings may exhibit signs such as avoidance of the abusing sibling, alterations in sleeping and eating patterns, increased anxiety, withdrawal from friends and family, and depressed mood.

Unlike healthy sibling rivalry, which draws focus to the child him/ herself for the purpose of gain-

LEARN – TO – SKATE CLASSES RECREATIONAL • FIGURE • HOCKEY SKATING SKILLS

BAY STATE SKATING SCHOOL CHILDREN ages 4 1/2-18

As Featured on “Chronicle” Up Sign Now

O 48 Yever ars!

781-890-8480

www.BayStateSkatingSchool.org NonProfit

Brookline Cambridge Medford Newton/Brighton Quincy Somerville South Boston Waltham West Roxbury Weymouth

ing praise or positive attention, unhealthy rivalry is constant and is directed toward the goal of inflicting pain on a sibling. An example would be one child “accidentally” tripping his or her sibling in order to win a race as opposed to a child fairly winning a race and boasting to anyone who will listen. In one instance a child is intentionally inflicting harm, while in the other any harm is an accidental byproduct of being proud and excited. While not all instances of unhealthy sibling rivalry are as clean-cut, parents should look for a pattern of constant arguing and nastiness, as opposed to occasional occurrences, as a possible sign of unhealthy rivalry spiraling toward abuse. If this is occurring, then parents can no longer “let the kids work it out” or dismiss the rivalry as “kids being kids,” but must intervene when conflicts occur.

Stepping in during the early stages of hostile sibling rivalry is the best way to prevent rivalry spiraling into abuse. Early, proactive interventions might include the following: • Have children help create family rules and consequences. This can instill a sense of empowerment in the children and also ensure that they understand behavioral limits.

• Be consistent in enforcing rules.

This gives children a sense of security in knowing what is and is not allowed, and reduces temptation to

“get away with it.”

• Monitor. When hostile rivalry is suspected, parents are encouraged to consistently monitor sibling interactions to be sure conflicts are being solved in a healthy and productive manner.

• Demonstrate appropriate interactions. Children copy what they see and hear, and parents are the best people to model appropriate problem-solving, “fair-fighting,” and apologies.

• Reward children for following the rules and using appropriate conflict resolution skills.

• Make positive time for each child, individually. Ensuring siblings have healthy relationships when they are young takes awareness and effort, but also paves the road for strong and supportive relationships later in life. It’s an investment worth making.

Marissa Kirby is a graduate student clinician in the Mental Health Counseling program at Becker College. She provides counseling services to adults, children, couples and families through the Counselor Training Clinic (CTC) at Becker College in Leicester. Visit mhcclinic.becker.edu for more information about low-cost, professional counseling services at the CTC.

You’re in the right place.

Exceptional primary care, here.

UMass Memorial Health Care‘s network of primary care doctors helps keep you well and doing the things you love.

• Care for the whole family with the largest adult and pediatric primary care network in the region • More doctors at more than 80 locations means more options and easier access to the expertise you need • Referral to highly specialized care at our nationally recognized UMass Memorial Medical Center

Now Accepting New Patients: South County Pediatrics 336 Thompson Road, Webster, MA

855-UMASS-MD (855-862-7763) South County Pediatrics: 508-943-5224 www.umassmemorial.org/rightplacePCP

UMass Memorial - Clinton Hospital | UMass Memorial - Community Healthlink | UMass Memorial - HealthAlliance Hospital UMass Memorial - Marlborough Hospital | UMass Memorial Medical Center | UMass Memorial Medical Group The Clinical Partner of UMass Medical School

BAYSTATEPARENT 65

our november favorites sunday

monday

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

66 {Fact}

Multicolored Indian corn, also known as Flint corn, is one of the oldest varieties of corn, a type that Native Americans taught the early colonists how to cultivate.

Despite its hard surface, it can be eaten and is used in such dishes as hominy and polenta.

13

20 20{Fact}

Pilgrims didn’t exclusively wear black clothes. In the 1620s, one’s best, mostexpensive clothes were often black (due to the difficulty of dying clothes a solid, long-lasting black) and people wore their best clothes when having their portrait painted. Everyday clothes were usually white, grey, brown, brick red, yellow, or blue.

27

66 NOVEMBER2016

tuesday

1 8

8

{WIN}

14

14{WIN}

Fifty percent larger than the average beach towel, the Spots Towel can be conveniently converted into a tote bag, letting you carry all your personal belongings wherever you go! Simply fold the towel around your belongings and secure with an attached strap! Visit baystateparent.com and enter today for your chance to win a royal blue Spots Towel.

wednesday

15

29 29

{WIN}

9

Commemorate your child’s first year with Milestone’s gorgeous Baby Photo Cards and First Year Photo Album. Sleek and contemporary, this 30-card set visually celebrates everything from a first tooth to first words. The premium photo album holds 300 photos and photo cards with colorful stickers for customization.

Visit baystateparent.com today and grab your chance to win this memory set, valued at $60.

16

30

’Tis the season! Go to baystateparent. com today to enter to win these adorable, handmade baby accessories from Little Man Originals in Whitinsville. Babies can look cool when they drool with these political party bibs and enjoy this plush Lumberjack rattle made from organic cotton.

facts, finds and freebies thursday

33

{WIN}

friday

saturday

4

Want to be the hero of your house? Bring home the T-fal Actibread. With 15 settings for different kinds of bread, including French bread, sweet bread, and even gluten-free bread, this easy-to-use bread maker even features three loaf-size options. Head to baystateparent.com today for details on how to enter to win this fantastic appliance, a $112 value.

10

11 {Fact} 11

5

18

19

November 11 commemorates the end of World War I as guns fell silent in the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.

{WIN} 24 24 Skullduggery’s Max Traxxx Tracer Racer Infinity Loop set takes remote control racing to another level with 46 feet of flow-in-the-dark track. Each car beams down purple light rays from its undercarriage onto the track, specially engineered to emit glow remnants long after the racer has passed.

Choose your track, racers and loops, take into a dimly lit room and your kids will be ready to set the darkness ablaze. Head to baystateparent.com today to grab your chance to win this awesome set today, a $120 value!

18

{WIN}

With this 50mm telescope from Discovery Kids, young astronomers can explore the stunning details of the lunar terrain and view other bright celestial treasures while learning to navigate the sky using a simple alt-azimuth mount. Enter today to win this cool tool at baystateparent.com.

25 25{Fact} The term “Black Friday” originated in the 1950s, when Philadelphia police had to contend with hordes of suburban shoppers and tourists who flooded into the city in advance of the big Army-Navy football game held annually on the following Saturday.

BAYSTATEPARENT 67

Women’s Apparel Boutique • Sizes XSmall to 3X • Carrying Bra Sizes 30-46, Cup Sizes B-F and Up • FREE Bra Fittings

TREAT

Yourself If you don’t know much about the Vin Bin stores and Cafes, then holiday season is the best time to get acquainted.

The Vin Bin operates three stores in Marlborough, Hopkinton and Southborough, with cafes in Southborough

800 Main St. Holden, MA (the pink building), 508-210-0569

touchstonecrystal.com/regina regina.stillings@me.com

Spin • Boot Camp • Pilates • Boxing • Kettle Ball

ikravefitness.com ikravefitness@gmail.com 22 West St, Millbury, MA 122 Turnpike Rd, Westboro, MA 508.410.5127

and Marlborough.

The stores are at first; wine, cheese, craft beer and spirits shops, with gourmet foods and chocolates to round out the pleasant vibes. The mission is to find uncommon products that are levels above those tired and dusty old package stores. With enthusiastic and knowledgeable staffs in all stores, your experience is a joyous occasion and you will always leave with a smile.

The cafes are the creations of Chef Mike Lombardi, a gifted and classically trained chef who does not allow mediocrity in his kitchen. The cafes have received numerous local awards and are highly regarded on social media review sites.

Each week, The Vin Bin stores hold informative and fun wine, beer, spirits tastings with cheese as a main theme. This is the time of year when the stores rev up the fun, with holiday open houses and special events.

On Saturday, Dec. 3 in Southborough, the Vin Bin will hold a Stock Up Wine Sale and Grand Tasting. This popular event introduces you to dozens of unique wines, artisan cheese and the best wine sale of the year.

If you are stuck for gift ideas – let the Vin Bin create a Gift Basket for you. Each basket is custom made for any occasion. A Vin Bin basket is a much desired gift -- and specializes in corporate baskets as well.

Follow the actions of Vin Bin Nation by signing up for the weekly newsletter where you will receive info on all the activities – including Monday Morning Bacchus – the Vin Bin’s cheeky online wine merchant.

Text the word VINBIN to 22828 to join the thousands who follow the Vin Bin. All stores are open every day to 8 p.m. Café serves to 7 p.m.

The Vin Bin, 508-480-9463, www.thevinbin.com.

A Private Spa For Women By Appointment Only

55

$

*1 Hour Custom Blend Facial

15% off

*All Bioelements Skin Care Products Expiration Date 11/30/16 Coupon must be presented at time of appointment in order to receive discount. www.benessereskinspa.com • 508-873-3880 • Grafton, MA

Style.

Find it Here.

...a resale boutique

New and recycled upscale women’s fashion

Clothing, Footwear, Handbags, Accessories, Jewelry & Maternity

Shop over 60Thank specialty and you for Voting Us Best plus New Business! department stores, select Gift Certificates Available dining options and more at newtoyouresale.com The Mall1089 at Whitney Field.

Main St., Holden, MA 01520 508-736-9540

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

Retail Therapy Inside JC Penney

Stock Up Wine Sale & Grand Tasting Saturday, december 3, 1-4 pm Southboro location 154 Turnpike Rd

Massage $30/hour

ONGOING MONTHLY SPECIALS

thevinbin.com ROBROYHAIRSALONS.COM 68 NOVEMBER2016 NOVEMBER2016 68

Call 800-262-8530 www.spatech.edu

BUSINESSDIRECTORY PartyKids

PartyKids

All Ages.

Birthday Parties, Schools, Fairs, Day Care Centers, Etc.

www.rosalitaspuppets.com 617-633-2832

PartyKids

PartyKids

Big Joe

the Storyteller

Storytelling fun for Birthday Parties, Schools, Daycare Centers, Library Programs, Special Events and TV Featuring: • Original & Classic Stories • Puppets, Props and Surprises

Miss Emma’s Tea

Princess Tea Parties Making Magical Dreams Come True!

Fully Catered & Hosted Tea Parties for Your Little Princess

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

Book Now! 978-479-5272 Debbie@MissEmmasTea.com www.MissEmmasTea.com

PartyKids EDUCATIONAL INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS • Libraries • Scouts • Schools • Expositions • Fairs • Birthday Parties

• Establised in 1993 • Professional Leaders in Educational Entertainment

978-922-5107

rainforestreptileshows.com J@rainforestreptileshows.com EDUCATIONAL FUN

To place your ad contact Regina Stillings, Director of Sales at 508-865-7070 ext. 210 or email regina@ baystateparent.com

NOVEMBERINDEX Applewild School..........................................................71 B.A.W. Inc.....................................................................8 Bay State Skating School.............................................65 Benessere Skin Spa & Nail Care...................................68 Big Y Foods, Inc...........................................................11 Children’s Development Network, Inc.............................4 Children’s Orchard-Westboro........................................61 Commonwealth Ballet..................................................53 Consign My Closet........................................................46 Core Communication Center.........................................33 Cornerstone Academy.....................................................7 Cushing Academy........................................................34 DCU Center.................................................................55 Discovery Museums.....................................................61 Ecotarium....................................................................54 Fitchburg Art Museum..................................................57 Fletcher Tilton PC.........................................................29 FMC Ice Sports.............................................................17 Great Wolf New England..............................................47 Hanover Theatre.........................................................43 Heywood Hospital........................................................59 HP Hood.....................................................................64 Jump Nation...............................................................48 Kathy Corrigan’s Full Day Care Center..........................57 Krave Fitness & Nutrition.............................................68 Lanni Orchards............................................................25 Legoland Discovery Center Boston................................67 Mall At Whitney Field.....................................................9 Marini Farm................................................................27 McKinlay’s Liquors.......................................................25 Millbury Federal Credit Union....................................3,35 New England Cord Blood Bank Inc...............................61 New To You.................................................................34 Oak Meadow...............................................................53 Old Sturbridge Village.............................................50,51 Orange Theory Fitness.................................................49 Parenting Solutions......................................................53 Paula Meola Dance......................................................14 Reliant Ready Med......................................................41 Roger Williams Park Zoo.............................................31 Shrewsbury Children’s Center.......................................31 Shrewsbury Montessori School.......................................6 Smuggler’s Notch Resort..............................................15 Spa Tech Institute........................................................68 The Learning Zone.......................................................52 The Village School........................................................16 The Vin Bin..................................................................68 Trek Stop.....................................................................35 UMass Memorial Dept. of Pediatrics.............................65 UMass Memorial Medical Center........................33,46, 72 VOL Boutique..............................................................68 Wachusett Mountain....................................................24 Worcester Art Museum...................................................2 Worcester Center for Crafts..........................................12 YMCA Central Branch...................................................63

BAYSTATEPARENT 69

TAKE EIGHT

with Christine Guanipa and Faye Hurley Mother-daughter designing duo Christine Guanipa and Faye Hurley have a lot in common aside from their DNA. They’re both graduates of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design who have gone on to design accessories for women and children — handbags, totes, bib sets, fabric, greeting cards, prints, and more. Their work caught the attention of the most famous address in the country and has led to a unique collaboration between Washington, D.C., and Whitinsville, Mass., where Christine’s Little Man Originals (littlemanoriginals.com) shop resides. Below, Christine talks about creativity and kids, and Little Man’s most famous client.

1

How did you become interested in sewing and design?

My first completed sewing project was a shirt I made in my high school Home Economics class. As a teenager I began to experiment with sewing patterns making some of my own clothing. I would also frequent thrift stores to recycle old clothes into new ones; today they call that “upcycling”!

When did you realize Faye enjoyed art and design?

For Faye, creativity was in the genes, and we would often joke that Faye was born with a pencil in her hand. I so enjoyed the way she saw things and choose to express them.

To this day she continues to delight us with her enormous talent and creativity.

3

As a former art teacher, what’s the best piece of advice you can give parents when it comes to encouraging a love of art in children?

I’ve always thought the best route is to provide an environment within your home where children are open to explore. We had a little desk and easel for our girls. I always preferred activities that were more open-ended, allowing the child to choose the direction of their work and completing their piece whichever way they desire. I believe this approach instills a sense of confidence in the child and fosters a love for the creative process.

Do you and Faye collaborate on projects?

Always! Faye and I have very similar esthetic sensibilities and are often drawn to the same looks, whether in fashion, home décor, or design. We have had the pleasure of working on projects from children’s clothing for a catalog, fashion shows, product packaging, fabric design, and more.

5

4

How did Little Man come to design bibs for The White House?

I received a phone message from a representative from The White House. They had found us through our Etsy shop (littlemanoriginals.com/etsy-shop) and were inquiring for the Senate Gift Shop, a small shop located inside The White House, which is not open to the public and specially set up for White House staff.

We set to work designing fabric that depicted the Senate Seal to be made into wristlets and fabric with donkeys and elephants to be made into our Bib Sets. It was quite a process getting the designed finalized, as there were lots of back-and-forth emails and final approvals on design.

We’re just so pleased to have had, and continue to have, the opportunity to work with and sell to The White House.

Say you’re a parent with a child who wants to learn how to sew, but you don’t know how. What’s the best way to help your budding seamstress?

When it comes to sewing, the best way to learn is to get started. These days you can find perfectly functional used sewing machines for a bargain at second-hand stores. Today’s patterns are labeled from beginner/easy to advanced and include all the instructions. YouTube also has sewing tutorials and is great for those of us who are visual learners.

70 NOVEMBER2016

6

2

7

What is your best advice for young seamstresses and designers?

Although I was fortunate to have some initial instruction on the sewing machine, most of my sewing skills were acquired hands-on — by sewing, making mistakes, and trying again. Like most things, the more you do it, the better you become, so keep creating.

Your products are handmade in the USA, two facts you market proudly. Why should people shop locally?

American-made captures the essence of what makes our country great.

It invokes a sense of pride, community, and quality not found in outsourced manufacturing. For the local maker, it connects them to the community they call home and ensures that money made local stays local.

8

Formative.

Applewild nurtures the mind and character, fostering the development of skills and values that prepare students for future educational success and purposeful lives as engaged citizens.

Individualized.

Within Applewild’s inclusive, student-centered community of learners, each individual’s unique strengths and potential are known, cherished, and cultivated.

Innovative.

Anchored in the tradition of a liberal arts education, Applewild engages students in active, collaborative, and service learning experiences that reflect the best practices in teaching and learning today.

Applewild.

New look.

New tuition model.

Same outstanding experience.

Learn more.

Admission Open House | Nov. 6th | 1pm RSVP to admissions@applewild.org or applewild.org/baystateparent

School

Formative. Individualized. Innovative.

A PreK - 8th Grade Independent School | 120 Prospect St. | Fitchburg, MA | 978.342.6053 BAYSTATEPARENT 71

You’re in the right place.

Exceptional primary care, here.

UMass Memorial Health Care‘s network of primary care doctors helps keep you well and doing the things you love.

• Care for the whole family with the largest adult and pediatric primary care network in the region • More doctors at more than 80 locations means more options and easier access to the expertise you need • Referral to highly specialized care at our nationally recognized UMass Memorial Medical Center

855-UMASS-MD (855-862-7763) www.umassmemorial.org/rightplacePCP

UMass Memorial - Clinton Hospital | UMass Memorial - Community Healthlink | UMass Memorial - HealthAlliance Hospital UMass Memorial - Marlborough Hospital | UMass Memorial Medical Center | UMass Memorial Medical Group The Clinical Partner of UMass Medical School

72 NOVEMBER2016