August 2011 baystateparent Magazine

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AUGUST 2011

FREE

baystateparent Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

FRISBEE OR GOLF? Why Not Both! DOUBLE DIGITS, BABY A 10th Birthday Tradition

back to school THE SUPERLATIVES OF STYLE SO LONG CHOCOLATE MILK AND WHITE BREAD There’s A New Law In Town SPECIAL REPORT What Massachusetts Schools Fail To Do 180 HOMELESS STUDENTS And Their Dynamo Principal Voted Best Parenting Publication in North America 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010

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Book Now for the Best Seats! AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Saturday, Aug 27 Sunday, Aug 28 Saturday, Sept 3 Sunday, Sept 4

PERFORMANCE DATES! Friday-Sunday November 25-27, 2011 Call 508.791.3233 to reserve an audition time! Auditions are held at the studio’s of Ballet Arts Worcester, 36 Harlow Street, Worcester, MA. To learn more visit www.balletartsworcester.com

OPEN AUDITION CALL

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AUDITIONS! Visit TheHanoverTheatre.org to ďŹ nd out how you can audition for a role in this Christmas classic!

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Discounts available for members, groups, students, and WOO card holders TheHanoverTheatre.org s 877.571.SHOW s 2 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA 01608 Located less than 15 minutes from the Mass Pike. Exit 16 off I-290 Worcester Center for the Performing Arts, a registered not-for-proďŹ t 501(c)(3) organization, owns and operates The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts.

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our special guest Arianna Reyes age 6 New Britain, CT Captured by Bellini Portraits www.bellinipics.com

table AUGUST

2011

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11 13 14 15 15 16 48 64

WELCOME MEET OUR COVER MODEL GUESTBOOK

DIRTY LAUNDRY: with Stephen Rich JUNKDRAWERS FINALLY, FOREVER CIRCLE OF FRIENDS CHILD OF THE MONTH OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO LET’S ROLL: West Concord MOMS ROCK: Meredith Bond, Worcester

DIRTY LAUNDRY WITH STEPHEN RICH

It’s August. Feeling tired of enforcing summer rules and breaking up fights yet? Read what happens in the Rich household when parents run out of summer steam.

the of the home

VOLUME

in every issue 9 9 10

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FILLING THEM UP

One pint-sized principal fills her students’ backpacks with more than just homework for the weekend. Maureen Binienda’s leadership makes all of us at bsp want to be better people!

FRISBEE GOLF

The metal chain baskets you may have stumbled upon while hiking are actually part of a free and simple game that can be addicting for all ages.

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

4

back to school

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sneak peek September October November

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am going to confess something that makes me the lamest mom around. I hate to get wet. It’s not because of ruining my hair or makeup or anything like that. I don’t like the feeling of the water against my skin, the contrast of the cool water against warm skin. I try to get in the pool with my family, but it’s Comedy Central meets Fear Factor. While my husband gives the girls dolphin rides, I stay as far away as I can, keeping my hands up so they are not touching the water for at least 15 minutes (now it’s like a challenge in Survivor, seeing how long my hands and arms will remain upright and dry). My shoulders remain up to my ears, and I walk on tip-toes trying to get used to the water. (Why I think walking on tiptoes helps, I don’t know.) It takes a lot for me to get wet to my shoulders, but after that, I can dive under just like the rest of ya. My family is kind. They do not splash. They do not dunk me. They swim around me like happy fish circling their shipwreck of a mother with wonder. Once I’m in, I feel almost normal. It’s just the initial getting wet that has me

tense. (Tense! That’s how I describe going into a pool on a hot day?) I’ll go in hot tubs. I’ll go in a warm lake (can you believe I have no issues there?). And I’ll go in the pool when guilt, and not the sweat dripping down my face, drives me to plunge. I hate thinking of my girls missing out on aquatic fun with their friends because of an example I set or that I am actually choosing to forfeit fun on account of a little water. I know better. After all, I am 40 now. It happened this summer, turning 40. This liberating new decade is pushing me off the deck into the swim of things. And this summer there’s plenty of new things for you to dive into too. August highlights include: August 11 – 14: Bolton Fair at The Fairgrounds at Lancaster, Route 117. An old-fashioned agricultural fair with animal shows and contests, an exhibit hall, entertainment, fireworks and an expanded midway. boltonfair.org. August 15 - 19: Annual Hampton Beach Children’s Festival. Starting at 10 a.m. Five days of activities for children and their families, including magic and talent

shows, mini-golf, free ice cream and much more! hamptonbeach.org

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families

August 19 - 28: Marshfield Fair 2011. Daily entertainment and exhibits. Thursday, August 25 is Children’s Day. marshfieldfair.org.

baystateparent

August 20: The 5th Annual West End Children’s Festival. Thoreau Park, Blossom St., Boston. Noon – 4 p.m. Celebrate the rich diversity and culture of the neighborhood with food, arts & crafts, games and performances that highlight the beauty of different cultures. Everything free. westendchildrensfestival.org. August 20: 15th Annual Lowell Southeast Asian Water Festival. Lowell Heritage State Park, Esplanade and Sampas Pavillion, Pawtucket Blvd., Lowell. Traditional dances, boat races, games and activities, international food and arts and crafts from Southeast Asia. lowellwaterfestival.org. August 27: Holden Days. Main St., Holden. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Includes free performances, food court, a farmer’s market, chicken barbecue, a Kids Court and much more. 508829-9220, holdenareachamber.org. September 2 - 5: Spencer Fair. Smithville Road, Spencer. Animal, vegetable & horticultural competitions & exhibits, stage shows, demolition derbies, truck pull and children’s entertainment area. A $7, S and C ages 7-12 $6, under 7 free. 508-885-5814, spencerfair.org. Remember, bsp posts lots of events online in my editor’s blog, in our online calendar and on Facebook. I guess I’ll suit up for the pool...

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

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

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

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

sales & business development manager STEPHANIE PEARL 774-364-0296 stephaniep@baystateparent.com account executive STACI LaTURNO BISSET 774-364-5073 stacil@baystateparent.com account executive EMILY RETTIG 774-364-4178 emilyr@baystateparent.com account executive DAWN HINES 413-626-2789 dawn@baystateparent.com contributing writers ALEXANDRA CAULWAY AMY CORNELIUSSEN BEVERLY LESSARD

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photographers

DOUG PAGE STEPHEN RICH AMANDA ROBERGE BOONIE TOOMEY

presidents KIRK and LAURIE DAVIS

BELLINI PORTRAITS STEVEN KING MICHELLE VERGARI editorial interns ALEXANDRA CAULWAY EMILY O’BRIEN

baystatestateparent 117 Elm St., Millbury, MA 01527

508-865-7070

Carrie Wattu, Editor

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

Meet Our Cover Model

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

Arianna Reyes age 6 of New Britain, CT

1. Who is the first person you’ll show the baystateparent cover to? My mom and dad because they’re special in my life. 2. What did you like best about being a model for a day? I had a good time with my brother, Travis. 3. What kind of outfit do you want to wear on the first day of school?

A pretty pink skirt and a hot pink shirt. They’ll both have black stripes on them.

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

4. What do you want to learn in first grade? I want to learn to take good care of animals and give them good homes and don’t let their owners ‘ affuse’ (abuse) them.

17 Parenting Publications of America Awards

bellini portraits

8 New England Newspaper Press Association Awards 5 Suburban Newspapers of America Awards Including Best Parenting Publication in North America 2010 BAYSTATEPARENT 9

GUESTBOOK

First Grade Bound: Caroline Kent of Northborough poses with her baby sister, Anna, on the first day of kindergarten last year.

I

enjoy reading about successful moms who work and raise children in baystateparent. Maria Mihopoulos, Worcester

Maura G. Marks, Ph.D, Au.D., Director

MEDFIELD

PLAINVILLE

5 North Meadow Rd

30 Man-Mar Drive

508-359-4532

508-695-6848

There are so many great products out there that were created for moms by moms! Great magazine! Kristen Wark, Leominster Editor’s Note: If you are a mom who has created a great product or business, make sure you let us know! We have advertising sections especially for you called Mompreneurs as well as Show & Tell. Email Stephanie at stephaniep@baystateparent.com. Thanks for including a contest for a family of five [Princess Cruise on the Spirit of Boston]. I always try to win the prizes for a family of four and worry about what I’d do if I actually won them (leave dad home, send one kid off to a friend’s or try to buy a 5th ticket, etc). Molly Butler, Shrewsbury I love your magazine - my only regret is that so many events seem to be out in the Worcester area. If the magazine could add more articles, ads and events in the Metro Boston area and surrounding suburbs, that would be wonderful! Daniella Lopez, Woburn Love your Facebook page! Colleen Pepin, Worcester Editor’s Note: We love our Facebook page too as we can get information to our readers as quickly as we receive it. We are now a community of 2,065 parents and friends. Join us today; we’ll make you feel at home. Keep up the good work! I love the community feel of bsp and could never expect any other publication to compare! Kristina Carroll, Maynard

10 AUGUST2011

Thank you for offering such wonderful giveaways! To families on tight budgets, it’s wonderful. Tracy Kinne, Sutton Editor’s Note: baystateparent gives away prizes on Facebook and at baystateparent.com. I love you guys! Thank you for your free publication; it makes it so everyone can find fun things to do with their children, without costing anything but time. You saved me in our children’s first five years of life. People will ask me how I know about so many wonderful things, and I simply reply “baystateparent.” Thank you for helping us raise our children! Samantha DeCell, Auburn

WINNERS! baystateparent giveaways are announced on our newly-launched website, baystateparent.com, under “Contests/Fast Pass to Giveaways” as well as on our Facebook page (Join our page today by searching “baystateparent Magazine.” We’re a friendly and resourceful group of 2,065 parents and growing strong!) A sampling of our recent prizes and winners include: Tarzan the Musical tickets at the North Shore Music Theatre: Blake Jarvi of Shrewsbury, Carol Marino of North Andover and Tina Weber of Lexington. Princess Cruise on the Spirit of Boston for Five: Molly Butler, Shrewsbury A Purity Springs Resort Family Getaway (valued at $732!): Christine Brodeur, Leominster Email your thoughts on our August back-to-school issue: editor@baystateparent.com. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Please include your full name and town for publication.

michelle carr

DIRTYLAUNDRY with Stephen Rich

I was so excited for summer, no homework at night with the kids, no rushing to get lunches made or hearing about a project they “forgot” about as we’re pouring cereal. That’s all behind us now; it’s summertime: family nights roasting marshmallows, street hockey with the kids, movies past the regular bedtime. But like most stuff in my life I have a vision, then there is reality. I picked out the first movie to kick off the summer: Karate Kid, an inspiring movie I loved as a kid. Of course, I forgot about the scene when someone rolled a joint in the bathroom. My kids say, “Dad, what is he doing?” Me: “Oh, he’s just playing with the toilet paper while he’s sitting on the toilet. That’s all. He’s just bored.” (So we play it safe the rest of the summer and only watch the animated stuff like “Family Guy.”) The other thing I realize about summer is that you get to see the kids... a lot. And what our four kids like to do is grind me and my wife down. So summer is like a Seven Game Hockey Playoff Series. Both sides start off fresh in the beginning. We have summer rules, stuff like the kids will do certain chores every day and read for

other way! Like when I let the kids play man hunt (outdoor game of chase) when they should be in bed and clearly not running up and down our street and in our neighbors’ yards at 9:30 p.m. The summer soon becomes a blur of bad decisions. My favorite was when we were hanging out with another family from Manhattan at our house. We met them last summer and only see them during the summers. So we know the family that well. Anyway, the mom was packing up her two girls to hit the road back to New York, and asked, “Do you want to send Kendi (my 5-year-old) back with us?” Do Snicker bars float in public pools? Um, yes. Kendi would love to. I ran to my car and grabbed the only thing I sent her with....her car seat. No lie. The child left in her bathing suit and her car seat for a three-day trip. The next day, I refused to tell my wife where she went. All I told her was we don’t have to pick her up for a few days. (True story but luckily my wife did not divorce me. I think she is afraid of full custody.) Then there was the time I walked into the kitchen after I got home from work. No one was home. The table had bingo chips and empty juice boxes, cantaloupe rinds and popcorn all over it. Then as I took my first step, I could hear a nasty sticky sound under my feet, and I saw that I was standing in a 10 x10 puddle of orange juice with about 300 crayons and a few coloring books sopping in it. When I looked up, I saw a sign on the refrigerator, “Kitchen Open,” in kid-

marker penmanship and kitchen misspelled covering up the original, “Kitchen Closed” sign. I stood for a second and looked around; it was bad. But here’s the good news; no one saw me. So I left!! No one will ever know. I decided to buy some more juice for the floor! There I was, all by myself. It was summertime, and I was at Stop and Shop. My house looked like it had been broken into. I thought, “I’m not going home until someone burns the place down or that kitchen floor is cleaned.” So I decided to stroll down the aisle to get some prophylactics because there had been a recent change in the birth control plan. As I tried to figure out which kind I wanted to try, I heard, “Coach Rich,” over my shoulder. I turned to see a kid I coached, his dad and his mom. As I stood there, hiding the box behind my back, I realized a few things. One, I’m getting a vasectomy and two, I can’t wait for that bus to come and pick my kids up. Stephen Rich is the Plymouth Dad of four who was featured in baystateparent’s June 2011 “Dads Rock!” profile (which you can read at baystateparent.com). He writes this Dirty Laundry column, alternating with bsp columnist, Christine Hurley. Dirty Laundry is a monthly humor column about day-to-day life raising kids. Basically it’s about not being afraid to air out the dirty laundry and say it like it is, making the rest of us not feel so alone.

an hour and do some math to keep fresh. But that all changes within five days because I have to break up fights all day. (“He kicked me!” “Well that’s because she scratched me.” “Did you scratch him?” “Yeah, but that was because he said I was fat.” “Did you say that?” “No, I said ‘that’s my bat’…”). So now apparently I have applied for summer internship as a judge. I used to sit both aggrieving parties down and hear both sides of their ridiculous testimony. Now I don’t even want to hear it. Two of them walk into the courtroom /kitchen together, going on and on (of course simultaneously and getting louder and then pushing each other). I just raise my hands in the air and say, “With all that is holy on this planet, you’re both GUILTY! Bailiff (my wife), show them to their rooms!” But soon enough, the kids start to win, and I start to not care. Not only do we not have enough energy to enforce the “summer rules,” but I start to make bad choices because I am so defeated. Like when I let them have Gatorade for breakfast (They actually don’t need any help in the energy department). Or when we’re out to dinner and I see my son dump sugar all over his broccoli, and I look the BAYSTATEPARENT 11

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12 AUGUST2011

JUNK D R AW E R S

A LITTLE LIT OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT

HOLD THE ICE CREAM...IT’S A BACK-TO-SCHOOL GIFT home. With super-cool packaging and a great European flair, this 25inch cone, handmade in Germany, makes a great first-day of school surprise for your child. Visit kindercone.com.

JUST LIKE A REALLY GOOD PRESCHOOL-PARKING-LOT CHAT They met at their children’s cooperative preschool in Watertown and have spent the last six years chatting on playground benches and in parking lots about life with children. Nina Coslove and Tara Kepple’s special friendship resulted in a cleverly designed and smartly written little book entitled, “food for thoughtful parenting.” It’s so warm and wise that you’ll feel like you’re having a goodfor-the-soul ten-minute chat in the preschool parking lot with them. A nice gift! $14.95. foodforthoughtfulparenting.com.

AN IEP ORGANIZER Do you have a system for organizing the huge piles of paperwork involved with your child’s IEP? Two Metrowest moms, Carla Binswanger and Rose McDermott, created My IEP ToolKit™ to help parents just like you stay organized. The kit retails for $29.99. Check it out at organized4kids.com (because sometimes parents need backto-school supplies too).

Q&A

When children in Germany and Austria set off for their first day of first grade, they receive a large, colorful cone filled with sweets, school supplies and small gifts. KinderCone is one company’s way of bringing the 200-year-old German tradition of “Schultute” to your

Did you know that one Boston building provides a daily weather forecast? The color and the flashing of lights on the top of the Berkeley Building (formerly known as the John Hancock Building) provides a weather forecast that follows this poem: Steady blue, clear view Flashing blue, clouds due. Steady red, rain ahead Flashing red, snow ahead (In the summer, flashing red means a Red Sox game has been rained out.) — Boston and the State of Massachusetts: Cool Stuff Every Kid Should Know (Arcadia Kids, 2011, Kate Boehm Jerome)

A MUSICAL MOM Who better to rally your children in song than a Massachusetts musical mom of two children, ages 6 and 4, who is also a teacher? Stacey Peasley, a professional singer, makes her CD debut with Stacey Peasley Together (and it’s really cute!). Take your little ones to see her perform live on Sat., August 20th at the Amazing Things Art Center in Framingham at 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit staceypeasley.com. Junkdrawers strives to highlight the products, people and places of Massachusetts. Have an idea? Email editor@baystateparent.com. BAYSTATEPARENT 13

Advertorial

Tooth Talk 5 Dental health tips that also save you money! Dr. Sumbul Naqvi My motto has always been “Prevention is better than cure.” This is why I always educate all my patients on prevention techniques specific to their needs. The result: no more emergency phone calls on Sundays! I get to stay home with my children instead. Below are a few of my favorite ones: 1- Brush and floss everyday to get rid of all the bugs that cause decay and gum disease. 2- Go for a regular dental check up every 6 months. Not only will you get an amazing cleaning from your hygienist, your dentist will also perform a complete check up to check for gum disease, cavities and oral cancer. When any of these conditions are caught at their initial stage, it is a lot easier, less painful and less costly to fix! 3- Control your diet. Reduce your sugar and soda consumption (diet soda too). This will prove to be not only good for preventing cavities but also good for the waistline! Also, no cavities means more money for that new summer wardrobe. 4-Exercise and meditate. Physical activity relieves stress. It helps people sleep better at night and the exercise produces endorphins making you happier. Less stress means less clenching and teeth grinding. RESULT: No more broken tooth emergency visits to the dentist! 5- Wear a sports guard. Invest in a good dental sports guard when taking part in any sports. It prevents a lot of dental emergencies such as broken or knocked out teeth. Have a happy and healthy summer!

FINALLYFOREVER

CIRCLEOFFRIENDS Highlights of August’s Adoption-Related Events

Special Needs Adoption. The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) is hosting a small invitation-only adoption party in August that might be perfect for you! The party will be a gathering of social workers, families who have already begun the process of being approved for adoption, and children awaiting adoption who have moderate to severe intellectual or physical needs. Tailored activities, including therapeutic horseback riding and information about support networks, will also be a part of the day. For more information about these most special children, please contact MARE at 617-54-ADOPT. The Heart Gallery. This striking exhibit of portraits of children in the state’s foster care system in need of adoption can be seen this summer at the Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis through August 31st. heartgalleryofamerica.org.

Ironstone Farm Special-Needs Adoption Party. Sun., Aug. 14, Andover. For families who are homestudied (or in process) who are open to adopting children or teens with physical, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Spend a day horseback riding! For more information or to RSVP, contact Evan at evanc@MAREinc.org . Save the Date for Jordan’s Adoption Option. Sun., Sept. 25, Reading. Open to all families, including those looking to learn about foster care adoption as well as homestudied families. Details to follow at mareinc.org/Adoption-PartiesOther-Events-Schedule.html Please submit September’s adoption-related events by Friday, August 5 at baystateparent.com (Click Calendar/Submit an Event).

For more information on your family’s dental health or an appointment, please call our office at 508-270-5050

Email Dr. Naqvi at atlantisdental@myatlantisdental.com or post a question on the Atlantis Dental Facebook page.

AUGUST’SCHILD

Maleki, age 6 Maleki is an adorable 6-year-old boy of African American descent who shows affection and is full of smiles. Diagnosed with autism and intellectual disabilities, Maleki is an existing patient of the award-wining May Institute in Boston, which will continue to provide him with excellent support. In a great foster home, Maleki has made substantial progress since visitation with his birth family has been terminated. He is working on becoming fully potty trained and has some words and is mimicking more and more. He gets closer to people physically, maintains eye contact, hugs others, is more calm and is becoming easier to redirect. Maleki has an Individualized Education Plan and will attend a full-day separate kindergarten classroom in the fall. When at home, he requires complete attention 14 AUGUST2011

and supervision in the home. Maleki is a music lover and circles constantly, but his shouting out has diminished significantly. Legally free for adoption, this loving little boy would bring joy to the right family. His adoption recruiter feels a two parent family that is patient and understanding of his limitations would be best. A family that can provide positive redirection and unconditional love will help Maleki to continue to make positive gains. His current foster family would be a good source of support after placement, and it would benefit Maleki to stay in touch with them. For more information about Maleki or the adoption process in general, please contact Department of Children and Families Adoption Supervisor Eileen Griffin at (978) 353- 3629. If you are a family interested in adopting a child with special needs, The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) is hosting a small invitation-only adoption party in August that might be perfect for you! The party will be a gathering of social workers, families who have already begun the process of being approved for adoption, and children awaiting adoption who have moderate to severe intellectual or physical needs. Tailored activities, including therapeutic horseback riding and information about support networks, will also be a part of the day. For more information about these most special children, please contact MARE at (617) 54-ADOPT.

FINALLYFOREVER

Haiti to Home: The Art of Love Part 6 BY

bonnie j. toomey

cement helper/laurae richards

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his story is part of an ongoing series which follows orphaned children in the aftermath of the 2010 Haitian earthquake and the Budd family of Acton’s journey to bring their adoptive daughter, 13-year-old Roselande, home from Haiti. Roselande’s young brothers are also waiting to be adopted by New England families as well. baystateparent’s heart goes out to all the families waiting for their adoptions to be complete and for their children to come home.

Laurae Richards is a mother, an artist and the founder of Servants for Haiti, an organization that has helped the Budds of Acton, Massachusetts and the Gagnons of Pelham, New Hampshire to connect with their future adoptive children, Roselande, now, 13, and Dieuluxson, nearing 10. With Laurae’s experience and guidance, the families have been able to better prepare as they slowly move through the adoption process that baystateparent has been following since February 2011, but the families have

been living for 19 months. Servants of Haiti was founded in 2005, five years after Laurae took a mission trip to Haiti with her church. In 2005, things in Haiti were “upside down and crazy” with the building political unrest in the country, the Westford mom says. From 2000 to 2005, she had been traveling twice a year to Haiti, painting her experiences and capturing the love and heart of the people in her art. “I became more burdened with the children,” she explains. But being burdened for Laurae Richards translates into “having a fire in your belly for these youngsters and a mission to do something about it.” While most people may feel burdened with taxes, their jobs or lifestyles, Laurae spoke of her burden as a calling from God to reach out and help. She wanted to raise money for the children whom she was inspired to paint. After traveling with her husband, Howard, and their biological three children in 2004, they decided to adopt three children, Maggie, 11, Amos, 71/2 and Rosie, 7. (It turns out that Maggie happens to be Roselande’s best friend.) Laurae is hesitant to talk in detail about her adopted children whom she wants to live as normally as possible now that they are here in the States. It’s important that her children be able to move forward as quickly as possible and not have to relive their horrific stories. “If they decide to go back to Haiti, it will be their own decision to make in the future when they are ready,” she says as she sits in Starbucks, drinking her

coffee in front of a colorful display of her vibrant paintings depicting Haitian culture. In the coffee shop, Laurae offers advice to a group of first-time adoptive parents, like the Budds and the Gagnons. “It’s a slow process with much red tape and a lot of waiting,” she says. Parents going through it should expect to have tenacity, patience and understanding. “I am motivated to continue this work because of the people; they have so little materially, but so much heart and soul,” says Laurae. “The children in Haiti are not held; they are not read to like we do here,” she explains, thinking of how many children are struggling to survive through an incredible sense of independence. “My children are trying to heal, Haiti is trying to heal, and I reassure them that they are safe in my family,” says Laurae, who continues to paint the scenes and people of Haiti with a dedicated love and admiration which can be seen in every brush stroke. You can even hear it in her voice. She explains that most of us are so busy moving that we have forgotten the quality time that is the very essence of the Haitian people, “That’s what endears you to them,” she says. She tells a story of an afternoon spent with many generations of Haitian women as they prepared the family dinner. “Even something as simple as peeling potatoes is something done together in groups; they make you laugh and you don’t even know why you are, you just smile.” At this writing, Laurae prepares for her latest trip to the Kids Kingdom Orphanage (June 29, 2011). “The walk from the orphanage to the school is a hard one to walk,” she says, referring to the poverty in the streets of Port au Prince, but to Laurae it has been a walk that is well worth it, even if it means helping one child at a time. For more information, visit servantsforhaiti.org and LauraeRichards.net. Bonnie J. Toomey is a freelancer writer, the mother of four and grandmother to two more. She lives with her husband of 30 years and their dog, Molly, in North Central Massachusetts. For more information, visit Bonnie’s blog at parentforward.blogspot.com.

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OH, THE

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

courtesy of the institute of contemporary art/boston

GO

GO TUBING: Try flying down Ward Hill in Shrewsbury on a tube instead of skis this summer! skiward.com. 16 AUGUST2011

GO PIRATES: Take the Freedom Trail Foundation’s newest Pirates & Patriots tour this summer. thefreedomtrail.org.

courtesy of heifer.org

courtesy of ski ward ski area

courtesy of thefreedontrail.org

GO PLAYDATES: Have you visited the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston yet? Their ICA/Playdates are FREE for families the last Saturday of every month. icaboston.org.

GO GARDENS: Liz Joseph of Overlook Farm in Rutland shows off the bounty from last year’s gardens. This is a great FREE place to visit. heifer.org.

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

1MONDAY ONGOING When Duty Whispers: Concord and the Civil War. The Concord Museum, Concord Weekly on Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. until Sept. 18. Weekly Sundays, 12 – 5 p.m. Features objects from the Concord Museum collection, including portraits, uniforms, firearms, swords, flags, broadsides, engravings, correspondence and newspapers. Also in the exhibit are Gettysburg relics, a charcoal study for the painting “Memories of Antietam” and examples of Springfield arms. A$10, S$8, C6-17 $5. 978-3699763, concordmuseum.org.

On the anniversary of the crime, take in a re-enactment and see for yourself. Admission fees apply. 508-6757333, lizzie-borden.com.

collaboration between Boston Landmarks Orchestra and Boston Lyric Opera. 617-626-4970, mass.gov/ dcr/hatch_events.htm.

FREE & ONGOING Summer Weekdays. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. Free weekly admission, Tues. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. until Sept. 2. with extended evening hours on Thursday evenings until 8 p.m. 781-259-8355, decordova.org.

FREE Doll E Daze. Boston Public Library, Central Library in Copley Square, Boston. 10:30 a.m. A recycled craft doll-making and robot-making workshop with a multicultural storytelling twist. For children of all ages. Inquire about registration: bpl.org.

Ice Cream and...Bats. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Rt.16), Natick. 7:30 p.m. What’s better than ice cream on a summer night? Join the adventure to look for flashing fireflies, listen for the songs of frogs and katydids and use a “bat detector” to find our local bats. Fees apply. Pre-registration is required: 508-655-2296,massaudubon.org. ONGOING New Moms Group. Mothers and Company, West Boylston. Weekly on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Also on Tuesdays and

FREE Beach and Below. Spectacle Island, Boston Harbor Islands, Boston. The New England Aquarium invites island visitors to discover what lies beneath the water in and around Spectacle Island. Learn about unique species of marine life, take part in a guided beach exploration and examine how our actions can impact Boston Harbor and our world’s oceans. Ferry rates apply. 617-223-8666, bostonharborislands.org. ONGOING Zofnass Family Gallery. The Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge. Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. This inaugural exhibition, New England Forests, is a permanent multi-media exhibition

4THURSDAY Adams Agricultural Fair. Bowe Field off of Route 8, Adams. Aug. 4 – 7. Thurs. and Fri., 6 - 10 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.This family fun fair features live entertainment, delicious food, an auto show, demo-derby, battle of the bands, a quilters expo, livestock, exhibits and more. A$5, C$1. adamsfair.com. FREE & ONGOING Fishing Clinics on Spectacle Island. Boston Harbor Islands, Boston. Weekly Thursdays, Noon until Aug. 24. Join a park ranger on the pier at Georges Island and have some fun while learning some great ways to fish! Poles and bait will be provided. Registration required. May be age requirement. Ferry rates apply. bostonharborislands.org. FREE Neighborhood Nights. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston. 5 – 8 p.m.The theme is, “It’s About Time!” Travel back in time with stories,

ONGOING Annual Juried Exhibitions. Danforth Museum of Art, Framingham. Daily until August 7. More than 1,400 works were submitted by 495 artists! A$11, S$9, C under 17 free. 508-620-0050; danforthmuseum.org.

courtesy off old sturbridge vilage

FREE Yankee Homecoming 2010. Various locations throughout Newburyport. Through Aug. 7th. An annual celebration with family fun, music, art, entertainment, food, fireworks, a parade. yankeehomecoming.com. Circus Smirkus 2011 Big Top Tour. 67 Grove Street, Sandwich. 7 p.m. Come see the international, award-winning, traveling youth circus! Kids – ages 10 to 18 – are stars, on highwire and trapeze, as clowns, jugglers, acrobats and more. Admission applies. 877-764-7587, smirkus.org.

2TUESDAY Sunset Clambake on Spectacle Island. Boston. 6:15 p.m. Hop on a ferry and in less than 15 minutes, grab a front row seat for one of Boston’s best sunset views! Enjoy a classic New England Clambake by Summer Shack, walk the sandy beaches and let the ocean breezes transport you. Ferry rates and fees apply. 617-770-0040 x102, bostonislands.com. FREE and ONGOING ON TUESDAYS Toddler Tuesdays. Spectacle Island, Boston Harbor Islands, Boston. Weekly on Tuesdays, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. until Aug. 30. Little ones can enjoy nature walks, arts and crafts, storytelling and much more. Ferry rates apply. 617-223-8108, bostonharborislands.org. ONGOING Wizard of Oz Exhibit - Childrens Museum. Boston Childrens Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. Follow the yellow brick road where visitors of all ages join Dorothy and Toto on a multi-sensory, cross-disciplinary exploration of the Land of Oz. Admission fees apply. 617-426-6500, bostonkids.org. Lizzie Borden Annual Re-enactment. Lizzie Borden B&B, 92 Second St., Fall River. Did she or didn’t she? For over a century many have debated whether Lizzie Borden actually killed her parents.

See the largest military re-enactment in New England, Redcoat and Rebels, at Old Sturbridge Village, August 5 & 6. Lots of events planned! osv.org

Fridays, but check times. All moms and babies welcome. $5ppNM. Online RSVPs are appreciated: mothersandcompany.com. ONGOING TUESDAYS African Folktales. The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown. Weekly on Tuesdays, 2 – 3 p.m. until Aug. 23. Celebrate the El Anatsui exhibition with an afternoon of traditional African folktales presented by renowned storyteller Eshu Bumpus. Free with gallery admission. 413-458-2303, clarkart.edu.

3WEDNESDAY FREE Night Life at Children’s Wharf. Boston Children’s Museum Wharf, Boston. 6 – 9 p.m. Enjoy live music with themed alfresco food, drink, dancing and spectacular waterfront views. In the event of inclement weather, the band is moved under cover. 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org. FREE Concert. DCR’s Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, Rain location: The Church of the Covenant 67 Newbury St # 2, Boston. The 5th summer

that explores the natural history and ecology of our regional forests, their responses to human activity, and their environmental significance. Visitors are invited to explore the ecology of woodland caribou, wolves and other wildlife of New England; learn about lichen cities that cling to rocks; and the circle of life within and around a forest pond from tiny tadpoles to giant moose. Admission fees apply. 617-495-3045, hmnh.harvard.edu. FREE Stacey Peasley Free Sing Along. Angora Ice Cafe, 3-A Boylston St., Chestnut Hill. Weekly on Wednesday, 1 – 2 p.m., until August 31. Sing, dance and have some delicious treats at this free sing along for kids every Wednesday! Show is weather permitting and held outdoors. Please call to confirm. angoraice.com. Ballet Rox. The Fruitlands Museum, Harvard. Come see a Boston based youth dance school that is comprised of underserved youth. $15advance, $22 gateNM. Picnic on the lawn or in the tent as you enjoy the performance. 978-456-3924 x 292, fruitlands. org. Also Aug. 17th.

art and trivia as you relax with live music and listen to stories about Isabella Stewart Gardner and the museum she created. Then, use the Gardner Museum Time Capsule to discover what life was like in Boston 100 years ago and take a chance at winning a prize in the museum’s “Fact or Fiction” trivia game. gardnermuseum.org. FREE Take a Look Morning. Applewild School, 120 Prospect St., Fitchburg. 9 a.m. Open house on the first Thursday of each month. Tour the school! No RSVP needed. 978-342-6053 x 110, applewild.org. FOR MOMS Girl Talk - A Girls Night Musical. Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, Worcester. 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. hanovertheatre.org. Budding Scientists: Ramping Up! EcoTarium, Worcester. Ages 4 – 6 with parents. 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. and 11 – 11:30 a.m. This month, Budding Scientists put their builder hats on, using different materials to engineer ramps. How does the purpose of the ramp influence the material you use? Experience fun, hands-on (and safe) science experiments. This is active and interactive science, so come prepared BAYSTATEPARENT 17

O

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO to participate. Free with museum admission. Pick up your free tickets at the Information Desk when you arrive. First come, first served. ecotarium.org.

5FRIDAY FREE Admission today to the Institute of Contemporary Art, Cape Cod Children’s Museum, Springfield museums and Concord Museum. 617-9698900, highlandstreet.org. FREE Friday Night Fun. Discovery Museums, Acton. Both museums will be open from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. with free admission on Fridays through Aug. 26. Bring a picnic dinner to picnic under the stars or purchase food from the Dawg Days food cart. Donations for the Acton Food Pantry will be gratefully accepted. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org.

A Pirate’s Life for Me. Children’s Museum in Easton, North Easton. 11 a.m. Join Cap’n Scully and First Mate Jenny McBoo for all new takes and songs on the briny deep. Dress in ye best pirate garb. Free with museum admission. 508-230-3789, childrensmuseumineaston.org. Wolf Talk. Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth. Meet a live wolf and hear about wolves in Native culture. A$8 plus museum admission, C$6 plus museum admission. 508-746-1622, plimoth.org. FREE Neighborhood Nature at Elm Park. Elm Park. Highland Street and Park Ave., Worcester. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Drop-in anytime for activities, crafts, stories and nature walks. Take a break from the

Annual Redsox Wives Can & Cash Drive. Fenway Park, Boston. 2 – 4:30 p.m. The Wives distribute autographed photos of Red Sox players in exchange for 10 non-perishable food items or a $10 donation. Since The Great Boston Food Bank and the Wives will be stationed outside the gates, fans do not need a ticket to the game to participate in the fundraiser.gbfb.org. Kids’ Price Saturdays. Franklin Park Zoo, Boston and Stone Zoo, Stoneham. From 10 a.m. - noon on the first Saturday of every month, all guests will be charged the children’s admission price ($10 at Franklin Park Zoo and $9 at Stone Zoo). Zoonewengland.org. Magician Bonaparte. Amazing Things Arts Center,

way! Romp in the hay playground, test your skills on the nature obstacle course and explore the Forest Discovery Trail. 781-259-2200, massaudubon.org/ drumlin. FREE Crafts. Lakeshore Learning Store, Newton and Saugus. Drop in every Saturday, 11 a.m. 3 p.m. Ages 3+. lakeshorelearning.com. Provincetown Family Week. Ends Aug. 6th. As an organization that celebrates diversity and promotes community building for same-sex parents raising children, the Family Equality Council sponsors a week of family-oriented picnics, clambakes, activities, unity and pride parades and more. Events are open to all families. familyequality.org.

Adams Agricultural Fair. Bowe Field off of Route 8, Adams. Aug. 4 – 7. See Aug. 4 listing for details. Cinderella’s Wedding. North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly. 10 a.m. Find out what happens in this musical with new music and dance numbers. $8 - $12. 978-232-7200, nsmt.org.

courtesy of the american textile history museum/lowell

FREE Go Fly a Kite. Spectacle Island, Boston. Imagine climbing to the highest point in the harbor of Boston and flying a kite that you made! Ferry rates apply. 617-223-8666, bostonharborislands.com/ park-calendar. Annual Redsox Wives Can & Cash Drive. Fenway Park, Boston. 5 – 7:30 p.m. The Wives distribute autographed photos of Red Sox players in exchange for 10 non-perishable food items or a $10 donation. Since The Great Boston Food Bank and the Wives will be stationed outside the gates, fans do not need a ticket to the game to participate in the fundraiser.gbfb.org. Also Sat., Aug. 6, 2 – 4:30 p.m. Japanese Star Festival Day. Boston Children’s Museum, Boston. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Wish on stars and enjoy music, art, dance and summer fun. Free with museum admission. 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org. FREE & ONGOING FRIDAYS Plays in the Park. Georges Island, Boston Harbor Islands, Boston Weekly on Fridays at 1:30 p.m. until August 26. From creative variety shows, to lively musicals and enchanting storytelling, these plays actively engage children’s minds and bodies, leaving them with an expanded sense of their imagination. Ferry admission applies. 617-223-8108,bostonharborislands.org.

Learn what it was like to be a child working during the Industrial Revolution. It’s all at the American Textile History Museum in Lowell. athm.org. playground to learn about the plants and animals that can be found in Worcester through hands-on projects and games. Register: 508-753-6087.

6SATURDAY Adams Agricultural Fair. Aug. 4 – 7. See Aug. 4 listing for details.

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160 Hollis St., Framingham. 10:30 a.m. Bonaparte’s award-winning Family Magic Concert features astounding magic, hilarious comedy, audience participation and more. $10. 508-405-ARTS, amazingthings.org. FREE Nature Play Day. Drumlin Farm, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Enjoy a day to celebrate fun and creative play the old fashioned

Magician Steve Charette. Davis’ Farmland, Sterling. 11 a.m. Come see Steve Charette amaze you with his award winning magic performance! Free with farm admission. 978-422-MOOO, davisfarmland.com. FOR MOMS Zumba Fitness Fiesta, 52 South Quinsigamond Avenue, Shrewsbury. Weekly on Saturdays, 9 – 9:45 a.m. Ahake, twist and groove towards better health. Join a fitness professional

1JDL :PVS 0XO 1FBDIFT BOE &BSMZ "QQMFT Ride the trains and enjoy our Children’s Play Area with moon bounce, caterpillar rides and hay pyramid. Weekends include face painting and live kids’ entertainment. "* ĂŠ7 -ĂŠ£ä\ääĂŠqĂŠx\ääĂŠUĂŠ"* ĂŠ 9ĂŠ 1 1-/ĂŠn Please call our U-Pick Hotline to verify our fruit availability.

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OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO who has Latin dance in her blood! New and drop in students are welcome and encouraged! $5 per class. meghernandez.com.

7SUNDAY Adams Agricultural Fair. Aug. 4 – 7. See Aug. 4 listing for details.

courtesty of williamstown chamber of commerce

FREE Sunday Parkland Games. Herter Park, 1175 Soldier’s Field Rd., Allston. Join the Charles River Conservancy and the Department of Conservation and Recreation for games, sports and other activities like badminton, bocce, volleyball, cycling, tennis, walking, yoga and more. thecharles.org. FREE & ONGOING South End Market. Harrison Ave., Boston. Every Sunday all summer from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Boston’s original Art and Indie Design Market. Artists, vendors and farmers for the whole family! sowaopenmarket.com. Bill Harley Concert. Regattabar, The Charles Hotel, One Bennett St., Cambridge. Grammy award-winning artist Bill Harley brings humor to the family music scene with stories about school, growing up and life at home. $12 in advance; $15 at the door; children under age 1, free. 617-661-5093, regattabarjazz.com. Family Night Out. Plimoth Plantation, 137 Warren Ave., Plymouth. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Join museum staff for an evening of family fun by the fireside at the Wampanoag Homesite. Bring your own hot dogs to cook over the fire and learn about Wampanoag traditions and games. Free with museum admission or A$5, C$3. 508-746-1622, plimoth.org. Learn About Pirates. Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth. 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Did you know that pirates really existed as early as the 1620s and that the Plimoth colonists had their own encounters with pesky pirates? Learn about these and other amazing facts. Free with museum admission; weather permitting. 508-746-1622, plimoth.org.

8MONDAY ONGOING Harry Pottery Scavenger Hunt. Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge. Daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. through Sept. 5. Celebrate the world of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter in a scavenger hunt in the museum galleries. Free with museum admission. 617-495-3045, hmnh.harvard.edu.

August 7th is the last day for Summer Sundays at Six in Williamstown filled with music, movies, shopping, food and fun! sundaysat6.com.

FREE Snack and Story Time. Whole Foods Market, Framingham. Weekly on Mondays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 2- 6. 508-628-9525.

9TUESDAY Eyes on Owls. Garden in the Woods, Framingham. 10 – 11 a.m. Come to Garden in the Woods to meet an amazing array of animals, each with a story to tell. For children ages 3 and up with an adult. $6. 508-877-7630, newfs.org. Morning at the Museum: Priceless Plants. Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St., Gloucester. Children ages 6-12 visit the museum for a art and history activities. Spend time in the sculpture garden exploring local fauna and creating artwork with natural implements. $10. Reservations required. 978283-0455, capeannmuseum.org.

10WEDNESDAY FREE ParkArts Watercolor Series. The Public Garden, Boston. 12 – 2 p.m. Talented local artists

invite budding painters, ages 9 and up, to capture Boston’s historic parks in bloom. This free workshop includes instruction, all materials and discount coupons from Blick Art Materials. 617-961-3051, cityofboston.gov/parks/parkarts/ FREE Stacey Peasley Free Sing Along. Angora Ice Cafe, 3-A Boylston St. Chestnut Hill. Weekly on Wednesday, 1 – 2 p.m., until August 31. Sing, dance and have some delicious treats at this free sing along for kids every Wednesday! Show is weather permitting and held outdoors. Please call to confirm. angoraice.com. Teddy Bear Clinic & Tea Party. Children’s Museum of NH, Dover, NH. 10 a.m. Bring your favorite stuffed animial. Volunteer health professionals will be on hand to issue each animal an ID bracelet, perform health check-ups, and conduct minor surgery on furry friends in need of repair. At the noontime tea party, guests will enjoy juice, animal crackers and fruit. 603-742-2002, childrens-museum.org. Odds Bodkin: Romeo and Juliet. The Fruitlands Museum, Harvard. 7 p.m. Come see Odds Bodkin’s one-man performance of Romeo and Juliet. Known for his incorporation of music into his storytelling,

Odds Bodkin has been entertaining listeners, young and old, for 24 years. Tickets can be purchased online for $20NM or at the gate for $25 NM. Pricing is per person. Come have a picnic on Fruitlands’ beautiful ground or in the tent during the performance! Fruitlands.org. Walpole Farmers Market. Town Common on Main Street, Walpole. Weekly on Wednesday, 2 – 6:30 p.m. Enjoy the opportunity to buy fresh produce and locally made foods and gifts directly from area farmers, food producers and crafters. walpolemafarmersmarket.com. ONGOING WEDNESDAYS Toddler and Preschool Hour. EcoTarium, Worcester. Weekly on Wednesdays, 10:30 – 11 a.m. Enjoy storytime, craft activities, live animals and more - all developed especially for little ones ages 3 and under. New Themes every week!Admission fees apply. ecotarium.org.

11THURSDAY FREE Gaston Bogomolni & Friends. Danehy Park, 99 Sherman St., Cambridge. A Jewish world music continued on page 58

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BACKTOSCHOOL

Any Massachusetts public school employee could have a criminal conviction and be hired to work in your child’s school without anyone’s knowledge. That’s right. Massachusetts is the only state in New England, including New York, that conducts background checks on an applicant’s record in-state only.

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TO CHECK Before they Enter the Classroom... BY

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ow can any parent be sure sexual and violent predators aren’t among their children’s teachers? That’s hard to say. Because Massachusetts, unlike every other state in New England, neither authorizes nor requires nationwide criminal background checks on the thousands of teachers working in the Bay State. “Not required or authorized,” says J.C. Considine, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, when asked if the state requires a national criminal background check for teachers. But Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut, and even the Bay State’s western neighbor, New York, demand that public school teachers and administrators – including, in some cases, any adult who might be alone with children while school’s in session – undergo not only a statewide criminal background check but also a national one. This check must be conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation before a teacher is hired. Massachusetts teachers and administrators in the state’s 393 school districts only undergo a statewide criminal background check before they’re hired, Considine says, by reviewing the files kept in the state’s Department of Criminal Justice Information Services. 22 AUGUST2011

doug paige

“The CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) results that schools receive include all criminal charges on which an individual was arraigned,” says Terrel Harris, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. But an individual’s CORI file lists criminal charges, convictions and acquittals, including ones involving physical or sexual abuse that only occurred in Massachusetts dating back to a person’s 17th birthday, says Harris. CORI files have never included criminal charges, convictions or acquittals from other states, Harris says. But one public school system in the Bay State is looking to change state law, so that their teachers and staff members will be required to undergo a national criminal background check.

a growing issue: hiring new teachers Massachusetts retained close to 90 percent of its nearly 70,000 teachers from the 2009 – 2010 school year to the one that ended in June, Considine says, meaning that possibly hundreds, maybe even thousands, of new teachers were hired for the school year that ended recently and, potentially, a similar amount will be hired for the school year starting this month.

While Considine couldn’t confirm the number of new teachers that were hired for the previous school year, a recent study reports that more than 4,000 new teachers will be needed each school year through the 2019 – 2020 academic year. “The state will need to hire about 45,500 new teachers to meet total teacher demand – with annual hiring needs ranging from 4,600 in 2010 – 2011 to 4,300 in 2019 – 2020,” says a May 2010 study, entitled “The Massachusetts Teacher Workforce: Status and Challenges,” sponsored by Harvard University’s Kennedy School and the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston.

what does this mean? It means that each person applying for a teaching position will need to be vetted before he’s hired. Given the new law regarding criminal background checks, signed last year by Gov. Deval Patrick, it’s possible these checks will become more difficult for principals doing the hiring to complete. The new law, called CORI Reform, parts of which took effect last year, requires written employment applications to no longer ask if a job candidate was ever convicted of a crime. But employers, including school districts, are allowed, under the new law, to inquire about an applicant’s

criminal background during an interview and review an applicant’s criminal record, should he have one on file with the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Services. The new law also allows someone with a criminal record to have parts of it sealed, meaning some previous convictions cannot be seen by some employers, within certain time limits. But some crimes cannot be sealed, including certain offenses involving sex, firearms, perjury, attempting to influence a witness and bribery, says Brockton-based attorney Gerald Noonan. In addition, school districts, like daycare centers for infants and children, some lawyers say, retain a higher level of access to a job candidate’s criminal record, including the ability to review any convictions that have been sealed, because they’re responsible for children. “The new statutory provisions, most of which are effective in May 4, 2012, do not affect schools’ CORI access,” says Terrel Harris, a spokesman with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. “Presently, schools obtain ‘all available CORI’ which includes open or pending criminal cases as well as non-convictions on criminal charges dating back to an individual’s 17th birthday and criminal convictions dating back to an individual’s 17th birthday,” he says. In other words, in spite of the changes in CORI, which may not allow the typical employer in Massachusetts to see every conviction or charge on a job applicant’s criminal record – because they’ve been sealed – daycare providers and schools will.

confused about the law? In early email exchanges for this story, Considine said the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education did “not authorize or require” nationwide criminal background checks on candidates being vetted for teaching positions and other jobs within schools. But in a later email exchange for this article, Considine said, “We strongly encourage school districts to call previous employers to solicit information on the background and history of a prospective employee.” “A school may contact the criminal history records repository in any state in which an applicant has resided to obtain his or her criminal history,” says Terrel Harris. Still, the difference between Massachusetts and its sister states in New England, as well as New York, is that these other states require each applicant for a teacher’s position, as well as an administrative post, and sometimes even volunteers, undergo not only a statewide criminal background check but also a nationwide one, too, which is conducted by the FBI. “There is a state criminal background check done by the hiring school district,” says Considine. “There is no federal check done. “Massachusetts schools have the opportunity to access information only relative to the Massachusetts criminal justice system. Massachusetts has a robust CORI system allowing school districts to fully review background information on all candidates for positions in schools,” he adds. On the website for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, there is a memo from the Department’s commissioner, William Chester, dated August 2010, to school superintendents, directing them to follow CORI laws when hiring teachers, drivers and even volunteers. Chester’s note also says that his Department would update its “Advisory Opinion” on CORI laws “in the fall of 2010 to incorporate any changes mandated by the CORI reform law that was enacted in August 2010.” As of the writing of this article, that hadn’t happened. “The CORI matter (on the DOE website) appears still to be a work in progress,” says Considine.

special needs children With assistance from State Rep. David Linsky (D-Natick), the Massachusetts Association of Approved

BACKTOSCHOOL Private Schools, an umbrella organization for the 150 public schools and residential programs teaching about 7,500 children with severe learning disabilities – like autism, blindness, deafness and other developmental delays – is pushing to change CORI laws for anyone who works within this specialized educational system, from an administrator to a teacher as well as a janitor. Lauren Burm, a spokesperson for the organization, says they want anyone who applies and works within this system – there are about 10,000 teachers and other staff members – to undergo a nationwide criminal background check. She testified at a hearing in June before the Joint Committee of the Judiciary, a committee comprised of members from both the state’s House of Representatives and Senate, to push the proposed legislation for a vote on Beacon Hill. While children haven’t been abused by anyone who works in the 150 specialized schools, she says, “It’s critical that our students, because they sometimes lack the ability to communicate and have other kinds of cognitive

“In this computer age, there shouldn’t be any reason that you run only an in-state check when you can just as easily run a national one.” – State Rep. David Linsky

difficulties, have this extra level of protection.” “It doesn’t do anyone any good to only look at a state criminal record,” says Linsky. “In this computer age, there shouldn’t be any reason that you run only an instate check when you can just as easily run a national one.” When asked why the proposed legislation shouldn’t cover all teachers in Massachusetts, Linsky says, “As far as I’m concerned, when someone applies for a teaching job in either a public or private school in Massachusetts, one should do a national criminal background check before that person enters the classroom.” A co-sponsor to the proposed law, State Rep. Bradley Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading), says that in the past 10 years attempts have been made to pass laws requiring nationwide criminal background checks on teachers looking for work in Massachusetts. All attempts failed. “The opposition to the legislation was who’s going to pay for the background check,” he says. “If the only thing standing between you and the job is a CORI check that’s national, and you’ve got nothing to hide, and the onus is on the applicant to pay for the check, why wouldn’t they pay for it?”

vetting the teacher A number of school districts in Massachusetts were asked how they vet teachers and other applicants for jobs within their schools but only one that we asked, Boston Public Schools, which has nearly 4,500 teachers and is responsible for more than 55,000 students, would answer questions for baystateparent.

Not only do Boston Public Schools check someone’s CORI file but they also have applicants for teachers and other positions examined through SORI, the Sexual Offender Record Information, says Matthew Wilder, a spokesman for Boston Public Schools. Sexual offense records are kept both in state as well as nationally, meaning this is how Boston Public Schools prevents itself from hiring a sexual predator applying for a job either from within or outside of Massachusetts, Wilder says. “The vast majority of our applicants are from within Massachusetts,” Wilder says. “But we do recruit from out of state from time to time. We’re always looking for the best teacher, whether they’re in Dorchester or Denver.” Boston Public Schools requires all of its employees, even those who with little or no contact with kids, as well as volunteers, to undergo a CORI check, Wilder says. “The way you know whether a teacher is dangerous is never whether they have a criminal conviction,” says former Middlesex County Assistant District Attorney Wendy Murphy, now an advocate for sex crimes victims. “It’s bad character, poor work history, psychological issues and whether they’re motivated to teach for all the right reasons. “Some teachers have a criminal record, have reformed and deserve a job. You can’t be black and white about this,” she adds.

teachers and child abuse What’s the likelihood that a child will be abused in school? According to the latest statistics, released in December 2010 by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, it’s highly unlikely. In 2009, the Department reported, the most likely perpetrator of physical and sexual abuse against a child is one or both parents – not a teacher. Nearly 40 percent of all children suffering from physical abuse had been abused by either their “biological mother or biological father,” the study says, while 20 percent of all children who had been sexually abused suffered such abuse by their father.

who’s a sexual predator? “They’re the person kids want to be around,” says Elaine Fillion-Crouse, a counselor at A New Day, a Brocktonbased agency counseling both sexual and physical abuse victims. “They love to play with children.” She also warns that adults prone to abusing children usually have some identifying characteristics. “They definitely know how to get into a kid’s life, take an interest in them and make them feel good,” she says. “They’re also more comfortable spending time with children than they are with people their own age.” In fact, she says, most child sexual predators have few friends their own age. “When interviewing someone for a teaching job, schools should notice whether the person is over invested in their job and students, meaning there’s not a lot of balance in that person’s life,” Fillion-Crouse says. “If they’re way more comfortable with other kids than adults, I would call that a red flag.” Wendy Murphy also warns parents to be concerned any time a teacher takes a special interest in their child. She says music teachers and coaches, adults she says are usually allowed to touch and become emotionally involved with kids in ways that a teacher for any other subject isn’t, can be prone to abusing kids. “Because parents are so eager to have their child perform well in school, their own ego gets in the way and they don’t see how the special attention could be hurting their child,” she says. “I tell parents, ‘Put your ego in check. The special attention your child is receiving is probably for all the wrong reasons.’” Doug Page is a freelance writer living in Medford with his wife and two children. BAYSTATEPARENT 23

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ready or not?

KINDERGARTEN: A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE BY

i

used to say that children who started kindergarten as the oldest in their class were given a real advantage; advantage was later amended to gift. Public school policies disagree stating that if a child is 5 years old on the cut-off date, that child should start school. As a mother, grandmother and owner of the Boxford Children’s Center for 24 years, I don’t believe that’s true, at least not for every child. It just isn’t that simple. Years ago, the school in my town contemplated changing its cut-off date,

beverly lessard

the date by which a child had to turn 5 years of age to start school in a given year. Since I know a number of teachers, I polled their opinions. Interestingly, they all said the same thing; they would prefer to have the boys six months older than the girls. I could see their reasoning, especially in junior high school when the girls are fully developed and several inches taller than most of the boys. Then I read that birth order was a contributing factor, that the oldest child might do better starting at a younger age

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than a middle or youngest child. All those independent skills that the oldest is forced to master can make a big difference in school where problem solving can be an essential ingredient in the learning process. However you look at it, whether to start a young child in school is not an easy decision. One of my favorite stories is about my younger brother born August 16th. He was the fifth child in my family, and there was no way my mother was going to keep him home another year. He struggled for years, which resulted in my father telling him he was going to be a ditch digger (an occupation that had no meaning to us as children). When my brother started high school, the guidance counselor told him that he shouldn’t bother taking the courses which led to college, implying that she saw no college education in his future. During the last quarter of my brother’s senior year, he made the honor roll for the very first time ever. Well, my brother did go to college, got his degree, got his masters and his PHD in engineering physics. It was as if it took him 12 years to catch up. Would staying home another year have made the difference? Of course, we’ll never know. My second daughter turned 5 in November after she started kindergarten. The cutoff was December 31st, and she was ready to go. Her older sister was in the grade ahead of her. When she called me toward the end of her sophomore year in college to tell me she needed to take some time off, I wasn’t surprised. I had just read an article that said 90% of all children starting school as a young 5-year-old will take a year off somewhere between kindergarten and their senior year in college. I’m happy to say that my daughter came back after two years and finished college, explaining to me that no one graduates in four years (even though her sister, the oldest, got her degree in three and a half). Today my daughters are grown up, educated and extremely productive. They have careers they excel in and children they take good care of and love. As for my daughter who started kindergarten young, what is she doing today? She’s giving her August baby the best gift ever‌one more year!

Beverly Lessard is the author of the book, Relentlessly Upbeat, which can be found on amazon.com. She lives in Boxboro. Comments are welcome at bvrlylessard@aol.com.

The NAEYC’s Viewpoint on Kindergarten Readiness The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has strong positions on educational issues affecting the young child, particularly kindergarten readiness. Highlights of their stand on this issue follow but a complete discussion can be found at naeyc.org (click “position statements�). One of their primary beliefs is that kindergarten entry should be based on legal chronological age of entry, not on mastery of skills. *Children are enrolled in kindergarten based on their legal right to enter. Families are not counseled or pressured to delay entrance of their children for a year by keeping them at home or enrolling them in other programs. Rather, families are strongly encouraged to enroll age-eligible children. *Retention is rejected as a viable option for young children. It is not perpetuated on the basis of false assumptions as to its educational benefit. *Raising the legal entry age or voluntarily holding children back from kindergarten will not ensure that more children are ready for kindergarten. Little evidence exists that older children are more successful in kindergarten. Raising the entry age also leaves many children with no access to high-quality early education in the year before kindergarten. Hoping to promote kindergarten readiness, families may decide to hold a child out of school for a year; in general, holding children out of school has not been found to predict better social or academic outcomes. *Similarly, holding an individual child out of school a year is often an attempt to ensure that the child is “more ready� for the program, but such a strategy assumes that children should fit a set of rigid expectations rather than that programs need to adapt for children’s individual variation. The National Association for the Education of Young Children holds the copyright for the tips in this material.

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the first day!

Mia Vergari of Leominster is the apple of her mom’s eye before her first day of preschool last year.

BOOK BOA: Ainsley Marr of South Grafton sports a gigantic summer reading chain representing 105 books she read last summer.

Bye Mom!: Jesse Earnest of Millbury on his first day of school.

MOVING IN: Emma Grace Bullock of Worcester on her first day of preschool last September. 28 AUGUST2011

DON’T MISS THE BUS: Lily Jones waits for the big yellow bus in Grafton with her little brother, Tyler, on his first day of kindergarten.

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

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Granite St., & Grove St. in Worcester Charlton, Devens, Fitchburg & Gardner Family Care Offices in Early Education and Care Since 1913 Devens, Leicester, Whitinsville & Worcester www.guildofstagnes.org

- Custom Gift Baskets - Baby Registry - Private Shopping Events - Shipping anywhere in the U.S.

UĂŠ"Ă•ĂŒ`ÂœÂœĂ€ĂŠ*Â?>Ăž}Ă€ÂœĂ•Â˜` UĂŠ-ÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒĂƒ UĂŠ-ĂœÂˆÂ“Â“ÂˆÂ˜} UĂŠ ÂˆĂŒiĂ€>VÞÊ VĂŒÂˆĂ›ÂˆĂŒÂˆiĂƒ UĂŠ Ă€ĂŒĂƒĂŠEĂŠ Ă€>vĂŒĂƒ UĂŠ-Vˆi˜ViĂŠ*Ă€ÂœÂ?iVĂŒĂƒ UĂŠ œ“iĂœÂœĂ€ÂŽĂŠ-Ă•ÂŤÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒ UĂŠ >ˆÂ?ÞÊ-˜>VÂŽ UĂŠ ÂœÂ“ÂŤĂ•ĂŒiĂ€Ăƒ UĂŠ œœŽˆ˜} UĂŠ Ă•ĂƒÂˆV

Mon: By appointment only Tues - Fri: 10 a.m - 6 p.m. Sat: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

290 West Main Street - Northborough, MA 01532 - (508) 393-5437

After School Special Program Your after school care solution

Hours of Business:

Celebrating 50 years Educating independent thinkers for over 50 years, grades PK-8

Open

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Saturday November 5, 2011

from 1-3 pm

Cambridge Friends School provides: ‡ $ ULFK FKDOOHQJLQJ DQG QXUWXULQJ DFDGHPLF SURJUDP

Our EEC licensed After School Special Program (ASSP) is designed for elementary school age children (grades K-6) and meets Monday-Friday from 2:30-5:30 pm with an extended care option Monday through Thursday from 5:30-6:00 pm, September through June. Choose your days. Transportation available from many Worcester and Holden schools. COME SEE WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT!

‡ $Q H[SHULHQFHG DQG GHGLFDWHG IDFXOW\ ‡ $ ZRUNVKRS PRGHO RI WHDFKLQJ DQG OHDUQLQJ ZLWK LQGLYLGXDO DWWHQWLRQ ‡ 6DIH IULHQGO\ DQG GLYHUVH FODVVURRPV ‡ $ WKRXJKWIXO LQWHOOHFWXDO FRPPXQLW\ RI SDUHQWV

Worcester JCC ĂˆĂŽĂŽĂŠ->Â?ÂˆĂƒLÕÀÞÊ-ĂŒĂ€iiĂŒĂŠUĂŠ7ÂœĂ€ViĂƒĂŒiĂ€]ĂŠ ĂŠä£Ăˆä™ www.worcesterjcc.org

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For more information call xän‡ÇxĂˆÂ‡Ă‡£ä™ÊĂ?Ă“ĂŽÂŁ The JCC is open to all regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation,

age, disability or economic condition. The Center is handicapped accessible.

30 AUGUST2011

Cambridge Friends School, 5 Cadbury Road, Cambridge, MA 02140 www.cfsmass.org 617.354.3880

Indian Hill Music School Sept. 10 from 10am – 1pm Enjoy a fun day of musical activities for all ages, including instrument demonstrations, early childhood music classes, and more! Ask questions and learn about our programs. FREE admission. 36 King Street (Rte. 495/Exit 30) Littleton, MA 01460 (978) 486-9524 www.indianhillmusic.org

Fostering a love of learning through respect, for self, others, and the environment

MathAltitude Learning Center Aug. 17, Sept. 7 and 15 from 6pm – 7pm

A diverse community of children from 15 months - grade 6

Comprehensive Math Program for kindergarten to high school students. 35 Harvard Street, Suite 214 Worcester, MA 01609 (508) 932-0344 www.MathAltitude.com

To add your Open House listing to baystateparent Magazine, contact Stephanie Pearl at StephanieP@baystateparent.com

FALL OPEN HOUSE E 2pm!! SAT. SEPT. 10, 11am-2pm!!

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BACKTOSCHOOL

OPENHOUSELISTINGS

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SCH CKTO

g n i l l i f p u m e th BA

One pint-sized principal fills her students’ backpacks with more than just homework for the weekend. Angels on the Battlefield: Susan Sleigh, nurse; Maureen Binienda, principal; Eileen Keane, nurse practitioner

BY

alexandra caulway, steven king photography

“Do you ever think one day we could get milk?” That’s what a student at South High Community School in Worcester asked Principal Maureen Binienda this past school year. He wasn’t talking about the small cartons of chocolate and low-fat milk that accompany school lunch- he was referring to a gallon of milk, a gallon he hoped to take home to his mother. Maureen is not your typical high school principal – she is tiny with adorable freckles and a perky personality. And along with handling the administrative duties as principal of one of Worcester’s most culturally diverse inner city schools, she has taken on another responsibility: running a food pantry for needy students at South High. So it was no surprise to the faculty when Maureen put the milk request on the agenda at her faculty meeting that very afternoon. The next day, teachers brought in milk, eight times over! “Milk!” the boy said. “Are you kidding? We’re going to have milk!”

do you know anyone who’s hungry? This student is one of the 177 homeless teens who attend South High, students who are often without food on nights and weekends. Homeless can mean a number of things: couch surfing, doubling up with friends, living with countrymen or spending nights in a shelter. “10% of kids in Worcester are homeless,” says Sara Noble Young, South High’s adjustment 32 AUGUST2011

counselor. “In South High alone, it’s 12%.” Maureen realized the magnitude of students in this situation through a special week-long educational program the school runs every year called Hunger Week. This week is devoted to learning about hunger and its effects. During this program, Maureen asked her students, “Do you know anyone who is hungry?” Ten brave kids came forward and said yes. And that’s when it began. Due to a policy put forth by Worcester food banks, one must be 18 years old to receive food. This means that most of the homeless students at South High are stuck. They need to work to provide for their families and themselves, but if they work, they don’t have time to attend school and graduate. When Maureen and her staff realized that some of their kids were facing this situation, they just could not let that happen. As soon as Maureen said, “Oh yeah! Let’s do it!”, the food pantry became a reality. It is this go-getter attitude that is most striking about Maureen. She collects donations from her dedicated staff to stock the pantry shelves and is so driven and energetic that she does not sleep. “Maybe just four hours a night,” South High nurse practitioner Eileen Keane tells baystateparent. Since Maureen tries to get to know everyone and is always on the go, she has been instrumental in teaming South High up with the fortune-500 insurance company, Unum, as corporate sponsor of the school. She also coordinates donations for the food pantry and beyond

from Hanover Theater, Fallon Health Clinic, MLS Listings and Central Mass Podiatry. Maureen’s success “shows the power of the mind to move a school and community,” says Eileen. Maureen, who worked as a teacher and then assistant principal before becoming principal four years ago, has spent an impressive 34 years at South High. “Our staff goes above and beyond. Our teachers feel needed,” she says.

not your typical nurse’s office The exam room at South High is not what most of us remember from our high school days. There are crackers, but not just a couple to soothe upset stomach aches. Instead, there are several shelves against the wall neatly packed with canned Goya green beans and corn, stacks of boxed Mac n Cheese, Kelloggs cereal and various other non-perishables. Heaps of clothing freshly washed by Maureen spill out of bags and boxes on the floor and one cardboard container contains children’s books. “For our teen moms,” the nurses explain. Most of the food is donated and organized by the teachers themselves who pick up extra peanut butter, pasta and beans during their routine weekly shopping. Students in need stop by the Health Center after school, pick up one of the ordinary-looking waiting backpacks and fill it with food. The great thing about the bag is its ambiguity. That lump in

the front pocket could be a pencil case, or it could be a can of green beans. That rectangular edge could be the point of a science book or the corner of a box of rice. The students don’t have to let any of their friends or peers know their situation; although, this year Maureen and her staff are really trying to cultivate an atmosphere where there is no shame in being homeless or hungry. Maureen recalls a recent afternoon on bus duty. One of the students tapped her shoulder with one finger, tapped his backpack and then gave her a thumbs up. This secret appreciation is just one of the links in the chain Maureen has created with a few cans of food, some boxes of pasta and a whole lot of caring. One boy consistently comes after school on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to pick out rice and canned soup. He is the main food provider for his family, and this his his family’s version of grocery shopping. “The students will even take the bags of cereal out of the boxes,” Maureen says, “to fit more food in the backpack.” “Hunger is prevalent - and we’re not talking about kids living in the projects. We’re talking about families who are struggling hard in this economy to make it work. Parents are losing homes because they are buying food instead of paying their mortgage,” says Susan Sleigh, a nurse at South High. Maureen explains, “Many families have to choose between oil and food.” “These kids have a lot of resilience. If I had grown up in their houses, it would be hard to come in with a smile,” Maureen admits.

Yet the kids do. “They never feel sorry for themselves,” Eileen, Maureen and Susan collectively agree. They also agree that the school’s atmosphere tends to surprise visitors as it’s so unique and positive. “The cultural diversity here is fantastic. It is rocking!” says Susan. “Everyone gets along too,” Maureen adds.

refrigerators and bed sheets, too The generosity of school staff does not end at the food pantry. In the conference room, a mini fridge, donated by one of the teachers, is waiting for a recent graduate to pick it up for college. Maureen and her staff choose a couple of students every year and help outfit their dorm rooms. While a lot of kids get full scholarships to excellent schools, such as WPI, Harvard and Yale, they can’t afford to buy sheets or a microwave or any of the stuff college freshmen enjoy picking out for their rooms. High school can be the most hostile place in the world, but under Maureen’s leadership at South High, it’s a place filled with love. “Maureen knows these kids. They respect her because they know she cares. She’s a social worker at heart. She has connections, and she’s always volunteering,” says Sarah. As for the teachers? “They always come back,” Maureen says. “Those that teach in the suburbs say the difference is those kids don’t need me. These kids need me.” Head secretary of the school, Maureen Mohamed, notices the positive affect the

principal has on the students, the staff and community. “Maureen does so much for the community. It’s incredible. She takes care of every kid like they are her own.” This past school year, 86 students and their families were helped by South High’s Food Pantry, a credit to the big hearts of the staff. “Everyone just goes beyond, beyond, beyond,” Susan says. All that “going beyond” has helped with more than just feeding kids-the program also helps to prevent students and their families from finding themselves in a homeless position. And there are always 86 more to be helped.

BACKTOSCHOOL

the little things While most administrators are busy hiring staff, planning assemblies and focusing on next year’s curriculum this summer, Maureen is also tending the school garden so that her students and the community have fresh vegetables. Not to mention watering the flowers in the front of the school so it will “look nice for the kids.” And since South High is closed over the summer, she works with The South Worcester Neighborhood Center, which is the food distribution location for students during the off-season. Every week Maureen picks up donations from Hanover Theatre volunteers and drops it off at the Center for her kids. The summer doesn’t necessarily mean vacation to her. Principal Maureen Binienda may be tiny, but in no way are her actions. She leaves a wake behind her that makes

you want to leave one, too. Her passion makes this story more than just a story about homeless kids. It isn’t even a story about a food pantry in a high school. It’s a story about giving - and the amazing people behind the generosity. The success at South High is an example of what can happen if people focus on each other and on the little things that can change the world...like milk at the dinner table. Alexandra Caulway is an undergraduate at Assumption College and intern at baystateparent. Meeting Maureen and hearing the stories of other teenagers was eyeopening and a very positive experience.

help fill a backpack Join Principal Maureen Binienda and the staff at South High in filling student backpacks with food by emailing Maureen at biniendam@worc.k12.ma.us. In addition to food donations, gift cards are always appreciated.

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

OPEN HOUSE DATES

Sunday, November 6, 2-4 pm Thursday, January 12, 8:15-9:30 am UÊ ÞÃÊ> `Ê} À Ã]Ê*Ài ÊÌ À Õ} Ê À>`iÊÈ UÊ ÊV > i } }ÊVÕÀÀ VÕ Õ Êi > Vi`ÊLÞÊ>ÀÌ]ÊV «ÕÌiÀÃ]Ê Õà V]Ê Ê « Þà V> Êi`ÕV>Ì ]Ê-«> à ]Ê> `ÊÃV i Vi]ÊÜii Þ UÊ - > ÊV >ÃÃiÃ]Ê£Ó\£ÊÃÌÕ`i ÌÉÌi>V iÀÊÀ>Ì UÊ /Õ Ì Ê>Ãà ÃÌ> ViÊ>Û> >L i UÊ 7iÊÛ> ÕiÊÌ iÊ « ÀÌ> ViÊ vÊÌi> ÊÌi>V }]Ê>ÊÃÌÀ }Ê iÉÃV Ê Ê «>ÀÌ iÀà «]Ê> `ÊÌ iÊ i> }vÕ Ê`> ÞÊ«>ÀÌ V «>Ì Ê vÊi>V ÊV ` UÊ vÌiÀ ÃV ÊÕ Ì ÊÈÊ«° ° UÊ /i >VÀiÊ ÕÀÌÕÀiÃÊ> `ÊV > i }iÃÊi>V ÊV `]ÊiÛiÀÞÊ`>Þ ÜÜÜ°Ìi >VÀiV`ð À}ÊÊÊUÊÊÇnÊ i Ûi ÕiÊ-ÌÀiiÌ]Ê7i ià iÞÊÊUÊÊÇn£°ÓÎx°ÓÓnÓÊÊ BAYSTATEPARENT 33

BACKTOSCHOOL

the new school nutrition law BUT WHAT ABOUT ICE CREAM ON FRIDAYS? BY

amy corneliussen, steven king photography

Good-bye flavored milk, fat, salt and white bread.

Hello Healthy!

no

more chocolate milk or ice cream treats in the cafeteria? An end to bake sales and fundraisers selling sweet treats? Is the state trying to regulate what I put in my child’s lunch bag? These are just some of the questions swirling about a new school nutrition law that takes effect August 2012. It’s still unknown how its implementation will play out, but the changes may not be as drastic as some had feared. And actually, many parents welcome the healthy changes. The law was passed last year to combat childhood obesity by offering healthier food at school and encouraging kids to be more active. The state hopes that better nutrition will enhance classroom learning, and help kids develop healthy eating habits for life. One-third of Massachusetts children are overweight or obese, says Mass. Department of Public Health (DPH) Medical Director Dr. Lauren Smith. When those kids grow up, weight problems put them at higher risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes 34 AUGUST2011

or heart disease, says Dr. Smith. “School nutrition is not the only answer obviously, but kids do spend a lot of time there, with some kids eating two meals a day at school. It’s an important component,” says Dr. Smith. The changes put Massachusetts in the vanguard of states improving school nutrition, says Dr. Smith. Although many parents support healthier food in schools, some parents want less regulation. And nearly everyone baystateparent spoke to says kids deserve a treat once in a while. (See sidebar)

lunch stays the same, so what is changing? This law does not apply to the main school lunch, which includes an entree, sides, milk and dessert. The national school lunch program is governed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is considering changes to lunches nationwide in line with the Massachusetts law. Instead, the new law is aimed at

“competitive foods,” or foods that compete with the main school lunch. What that means is that everything else sold or provided for free in the cafeteria and anywhere else on school grounds during the school day – plus 30 minutes before and after – must meet healthy nutritional guidelines. Those guidelines prohibit fried foods; require fresh fruits and veggies and whole grains; limit fat, sugar and sodium contents; and eliminate trans fat, caffeine and sweetened drinks. The changes will be felt most in middle and high school cafeterias where kids have had lots of choices apart from the main lunch, like french fries and hamburgers, Dr. Smith says. But changes will be noticeable in elementary schools as well. Chocolate milk will be around for at least two more years, to the relief of dozens of parents and cafeteria managers who pleaded with DPH to keep flavored milk as the only way to get some kids to drink milk. But starting August 2013, schools may offer only flavored milks with a sugar content no higher than the sugar content of lowfat and non-fat white milk. Classroom parties will probably have

more fruit and veggies and no more white-flour, high-sugar cupcakes. Many schools have already eliminated food from classroom celebrations because of children’s allergies. Schools with snack bars must switch to foods containing whole grains and less sugar, fat and salt, along with all the other requirements. Schools that offer ice cream treats may have to switch to fruit popsicles or dairy treats with less fat and sugar. Fundraisers may change, but the law applies only to fundraisers and booster sales that occur during the school day or 30 minutes before or after. So if the fundraiser involves ordering food, and the food is distributed before or after school hours, including the 30 minute window, the law doesn’t seem to apply. Dr. Smith of DPH hopes that schools and parent/ teacher groups will plan fundraisers in line with the new nutrition regulations anyway. So instead of frozen cookie dough fundraisers, with per-cookie fat content topping 35 percent for some brands, how about a walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon as a fundraiser? Bake sales can go on as always, as long

as they are not during the school day, or within the 30-minute window before or after. So, for instance, a bake sale selling traditional cookies and treats can happen in the evening at a school open house night. Bag lunches are not covered, so kids can continue to bring from home anything they want for snack or lunch, in accordance with classroom allergy policies. School districts have a year to plan new menus and make arrangements to buy healthy foods to comply with the new law. Many schools have already begun making changes, and more will begin practicing this year. Some school cafeteria managers are concerned that the changes will raise their food costs and reduce their sales among kids who prefer less-healthy foods, but Dr. Smith is convinced that healthy schools can be cost neutral. In Somerville, the changes have actually led to more kids buying lunch and a profit for school cafeterias, says Lauren Mancini, Assistant Director of Food Services for Somerville Public Schools.

somerville: one step ahead As part of a citywide program called Shape Up Somerville, the city’s K-8 schools have been making changes since 2003, going even farther than the new law. The school system got rid of all “competitive” foods in K-8, and modified the main lunch to include low-fat, whole grain foods. This year, Somerville will offer white milk and water only, getting rid of juices and chocolate milk. At first, the school district was spending more to get healthier food. And it initially lost money without the revenue from french fries, juice and other extras. But Somerville schools joined with other school districts in buying collaboratives to save money through bulk pricing. And over time, more and more kids bought the main school lunch, meaning a net profit for Somerville schools, says Mancini. Overall, they’ve heard a few complaints from parents, but Mancini invites those parents to make suggestions and share recipes. The changes allow cafeteria nutritionists and workers to focus on making the main

lunch healthier and more appealing, rather than spending time making pizza and all the other extras, Mancini says. A few of the popular new foods are broccoli slaw, veggies sauteed with olive oil and garlic, and corn & bean salad. These items went through student taste tests and modifications until students approved. “If the kids were in charge of the lunch line, we’d have french fries, pizza and chocolate milk. But we don’t allow them to set the curriculum, so they shouldn’t be determining what the school lunch should be,” says Mancini. “It’s not the convenience store. It’s the lunch program. It’s to feed hungry kids a healthy meal.” But even Somerville schools allows a special cookie or juice pop once a month. “Kids deserve a treat once in a while,” says Mancini. Amy Corneliussen is a freelance writer living in Central MA with her family.

highlights of the new law The new law making school food healthier takes effect August 2012.

What does the new law apply to? The new healthy school food law applies to all food and beverages provided or sold in public schools during the school day, plus 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the school day, except the main school lunch and breakfast.

Here’s what will change: All food and beverages sold or provided during the school day (including 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after) • A La Carte items sold in the cafeteria, including snacks, sides, treats, and beverages

• in school stores • in school snack bars • in vending machines (which must meet nutritional standards 24 hours/day) • at concession stands.

Here’s what stays the same: • Your child’s purchased main lunch or breakfast meal, and everything that comes with it. • Your child may continue to bring from home anything she or he wants for a bag lunch or snack, accounting for classroom allergies. • Bake Sales at school events that take place in the evening, or weekends, or at least 30 minutes before or after the school day. • PTA and group fundraisers may continue to sell food that does not meet the new nutrition standards as long as the food is distributed more than 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after the school day.

Nutritional Changes: • Fruit and non-fried vegetables must be for sale wherever food is sold, except non-refrigerated vending machines and beverage vending machines. • Juice, milk, milk substitute and water are the only beverages to be sold or provided. • As of August 2013, chocolate milk will be available only if it contains the same amount of sugar or less than white fat-free or lowfat milk. • Juice must be 100 percent juice and is limited to 4 ounces per serving. • Water must be readily available and free to students all day long.

• in the classrooms or hallways, including in-class parties

• No fried food.

• in any fundraiser

• All bread and grain-based foods must be whole grain.

• at any school-sponsored or schoolrelated event

• Limit of 200 calories per item, except a

BACKTOSCHOOL la carte entrees, which must not exceed calories of main lunch entree. • FAT limited to 35 percent, or less, of food item’s total calories; and saturated fat limited to 10 percent of food item’s total calories. Except – one ounce nuts, nut butters, seeds or low-fat cheese. • No trans fat • Sugar limited to 35 percent, or less, of food item’s total calories; except nonfat or lowfat yogurt containing up to 30 grams of sugar per 8 ounce serving, and fruit. • Sodium limited to 200 mg per food item, except a la carte entrees, which may contain up to 480 mg sodium per food item. • Nutrition Info must be available to students for all non-packaged foods; except fruit and veggies, or other food and drinks sold during school day at booster sales, concession stands and other schoolrelated fundraisers and events. • No Artificial Sweetners • No caffeine except trace amounts.

“If the kids were in charge of the lunch line, we’d have French fries, pizza and chocolate milk. But we don’t allow them to set the curriculum, so they shouldn’t be determining what the school lunch should be.” – Lauren Mancini, Assistant Director of Food Services for Somerille Public Schools

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BACKTOSCHOOL

parents say yes to healthy foods, but don’t take away treats! Many parents say they like the healthy changes, but some parents don’t want the state saying what their kids can and can’t eat. Margo Thompson of West Boylston wants schools to offer healthy food and practice all the nutrition advice they teach her children. But she also thinks a treat is okay once in a while. “I think that schools should be selling the healthiest food possible because for some kids, it might be the best meal of the day,� says Thompson, whose sons are ages 9 and 11. At the Thompson kids’ elementary school, the cafeteria has been selling ice cream treats on Fridays for years. When the new law takes effect, Thompson and

her kids hope that ice cream Fridays continue and it will just be up to parents whether to give their children extra money to buy it. “I think all things in moderation,’’ says Thompson. Linda Goldberg of Framingham thinks the school lunches in her kids’ schools are very unhealthy and wishes they would offer healthier Subway-style sandwiches. But she doesn’t want the state regulating what kids eat and she’s concerned about added costs. “I feel that if it’s going to cost extra for the school, I think a little sugar isn’t going to bother anybody if it’s an ice cream on Fridays or a special party,� says Goldberg, whose children are 8 and 13. At home, Goldberg offers her children healthy and not-so-healthy alternatives, and she believes they have learned self control and are not overweight because they have options. Some of her kids’ friends who eat healthy at home go a little crazy at Goldberg’s house, snacking on forbidden foods, she says. At one party, Goldberg’s husband found a child hiding from his mother behind a tree to drink a soda.

“I think if you deny kids less-healthy alternatives they want it more and they overindulge.� – Linda Goldberg, Framingham Alice Kurnin agrees about the irresistible lure of taboo foods. So at her Westford home there are no forbidden foods, just “everyday� foods and “sometime� foods. Her 6-1/2-year-old twins eat lots of fruit, veggies and whole grains, with ice cream, cookies and soda as special treats. She thinks the new law’s changes are great, and she’s okay with eliminating treats from the cafeteria. But she thinks it’s a little extreme to ban sweets at school parties. How about making smaller cupcakes, she suggests. “The cupcake thing is kind of fun for kids,� Kurnin says. “You can minimize that – the cupcake – and have it surrounded by other choices. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.� Kurnin’s twins will be eating lunch at

school next year for the first time as they enter first grade. She’s not too happy with the school lunch menus she’s seen – no green veggies or salads – but she acknowledges she may be more extreme than other parents when it comes to nutrition. One thing she’d like to change: the soda machine in her kids’ school lobby. Even though the vending machine is not for students, “it’s sending a message that those kinds of things are okay,� says Kurnin.

“I think in school if they are teaching about health nutrition then they should practice it. It’s just an extension of their teaching.� – Alice Kurnin, Westford

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THE WIZARD OF OZ and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and (c) Turner Entertainment Co. (s11)

(617)426-6500 www.BostonChildren’sMuseum.org

½ OR FULL DAY PROGRAMS

Limited Openings Now Enrolling

TLC Christian Preschool

• Qualified, nurturing staff • Hands-on, age appropriate curriculum • Christian environment • 2.9-5 years old

A Ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church Conveniently located across from the Worcester Art Museum

Call 508-753-2989 ext. 17

for additional information and to schedule a facility tour.

www.trinityworc.org/preschool

73 Lancaster Street Worcester, MA 01609

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

4HE ,ITTLE 'YM OF -EDWAY s 4HE ,ITTLE 'YM OF 7OBURN s BAYSTATEPARENT 37

BACKTOSCHOOL

Follow THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD to BOSTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM! MAY 23 through SEPTEMBER 10 2011

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most sparkle

Ariana will light up first grade in this sparkle skirt by The Children’s Place and a striped top by TJ Maxx. Black leggings (by Marshalls) tucked into Bearpaw boots, complete with super-cool rivets, are fashionably comfy. Wellesley’s Kgirl scarf and jeweled mesh flower pin complete her look.

best mix 'n match

Six-year-old Laela is at the top of fashion class in this plaid shirt-dress (by Marshalls) topped by a higher-end Miss Grant collar-less and jeweled denim jacket available at Wellesley's Kgirl. And who says leopard doesn’t go? Her two animal-print skinny belts (from Target) make this outfit a show-stopper. Laela's leggings are by Old Navy; her shoes are Kid Grip slip-ons by Converse. 38 AUGUST2011

BACKTOSCHOOL

“I LOVED MY SPARKLY SKIRT!” – ARIANNA

“I AM EXCITED FOR MOSTLY EVERYTHING ABOUT STARTING KINDERGARTEN.” - LAELA

“WHEN I SAW MY HAIR, I WAS LIKE MHMM!” n

– MEGHAN

“I LIKED THE BLUE IN MY HAIR, AND THE PANTS WERE MY FAVORITE!” - AISLING

fashion trends for boys & girls • Layers, layers and layers of T-shirts, long sleeves, vests and jackets • Darker washes of jeans with back pocket details • A pop of unexpected color in each outfit most likely not to rip her tights

Classically chic in TJ Maxx denim shorts, Meghan is layered on top with a striped shirt, long cream cardigan and hooded jacket, all by Marshalls. Her conservative sweaters and braid get an A+ with Mom while Meghan has fun with the layering, quirky red ripped tights from Claire's and Converse High Tops.

best urban edge

Aisling hangs out in a Kiddo Brand jacket with fur available at Kgirl in Wellesley, a Marshalls’ sneaker tee and indigo stretch jeans by 3pearls (Kgirl/Wellesley). Her black combat boots from Burlington Coat Factory really make the grade.

Thank you to baystateparent's stylist, Faye Hurley, and The TJX Companies, Inc. for these tips. BAYSTATEPARENT 39

BACKTOSCHOOL

most debonair

He’s 7th grade suave. Travis wears it all well: TJ Maxx cargo shorts, The Children’s Place vest and a TJ Maxx gray and white striped tee. Adidas black sneakers paired with neon lime green scrunched socks (Olympia Sports) polishes off a bold yet sophisticated look.

most hip

Jack's looking cool for school wearing a Fedora (available at Target) with the season's hot layering trend: a skull tee, striped oxford shirt and jeans (all from TJ Maxx). He’s ready to kick it on the playground in a Land’s End jean jacket and black and white Converse sneakers. 40 AUGUST2011

BACKTOSCHOOL

“WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO BE A ZOOLOGIST OR AN ENVIRONMENTALIST.” – TRAVIS

“I LOVE MY SHOES!” – JACK

best layers

h s nd

Luc makes an entrance in cuffed Marshalls black jeans, a lime green TJ Maxx graphic tee and a rich Red Rib Henley (Lands' End) with undone white Converse All Stars. The central piece is a Lands' End Sherpa lined flannel shirt in autumn orange that all moms on set loved. bsp loves this layered look in lime, red and orange!

“MY FAVORITE SUBJECT IS ‘SPELLING TESTS.’ I ALWAYS GET 100.” – LUC BAYSTATEPARENT 41

BACKTOSCHOOL

most likely to be college bound BEST DRESSED WAS SHOT ON LOCATION AT WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, WPI, WORCESTER most school spirit Paula Monette Ethier, Creative Director Carrie Wattu, editor Stephanie Piscitelli, photographer bellinipics.com Faye Guanipa Hurley, stylist TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy toniandguy.com Alexandra Caulway, editorial intern Brittany Durgin, videographer

clothing and shoes provided by:

enter to win one of these t-shirts! See Page 50 For Details

Class of 2023: Arianna Turner, 5, New Britain, CT

42 AUGUST2011

Class of 2024: Laela Boardman, 6, Sterling, MA

Class of 2020: Meghan Eckmann, 9, Nashua, NH

Class of 2017: Travis Brown, 11, New Britain, CT

Class of 2020: Aisling Mannion, 9, Quincy, MA

TJ Maxx and Marshalls Lands' End KGirl, 20 Linden St., Wellesley kenziekids.com Target The Children's Place Old Navy Bearpaws Converse Class of 2022: Class of 2019: Jack Flaherty, 10, Narragansett, RI Luc Riendeau, 7, Northbridge, MA

BACKTOSCHOOL

ART CLASSES FOR CHILDREN Pre-K through High School

Fall Art Classes Begin September 20th Register by September 7th and get $40 off! Valid for regular courses of 6 - 10 weeks

Learn more and register at www.danforthmuseum.org/fallclasses.html

Enter to win a free art course! $225 average value Visit www.baystateparent.com and click on contests for your chance to win

Ready for School? Get Ready for Less!

Mall all OutďŹ t = Mall Mall Prices Pric Backpack pack

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

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

New England’s largest and most comprehensive children’s consignment store BAYSTATEPARENT 43

BACKTOSCHOOL

Back to School Children’s Special Free Single Vision Lenses with the Purchase of Frames Exp. Sept 30. 2011

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

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

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

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Montessori Limited Space for Sept. Preschool, Kindergarten and new Transitional Program Individual Observations by Appointment 978-368-3555

Nashoba Montessori School 94 Main St., Lancaster www.nashobamontessori.com The Nashoba Montessori School is a non-proďŹ t corporation, and does not discriminate against race, religion, political beliefs, cultural heritage, marital status, sexual orientation, color, ethnic origin or disability.

44 AUGUST2011

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How do Melissa and Doug products help you with your students?

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Best story of students helped wins a $50 Melissa and Doug credit to be used for items for your classroom or practice.

Weekly Classes: Preschool, Recreational and Hip Hop Classes! Zumba, BoxBallet, College Adult Dance, Pre Professional Ballet and Master Classes! Nutcracker Auditions: Held at Elite Academy of Dance on Sunday September 11th Performance: Oak Middle School in Shrewsbury MA, December 3rd -4th 2011

All entries will receive a Melissa and Doug thank you gift.

submit entries to: info@everythingcutie.com

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Entry deadline August 31, 2011 Johnny Appleseed Plaza, 1021 Central St., Leominster Leominster, 978 978-534-6604 534 6604 Mon. - Sat., 9-6, Thurs. 9-7, Sun. 10-5

WWW.ELITEDANCE-MA.COM INFO@ELITEDANCE-MA.COM FACEBOOK.COM/ELITEDANCE s "/34/. 452.0)+% 3(2%73"529 -!

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Jolanta Macdonald, D.M.D., Pediatric Dentist Craig Macdonald, D.M.D., General Dentist Anita Bhatt, D.M.D. MDS, Orthodontist UĂŠ iĂœĂŠ*>ĂŒÂˆiÂ˜ĂŒĂƒĂŠ7iÂ?Vœ“i UĂŠ*iĂ€ĂƒÂœÂ˜>Â?ĂŠ ÂœÂ“ÂŤĂ€iÂ…iÂ˜ĂƒÂˆĂ›iĂŠ iÂ˜ĂŒ>Â?ĂŠ >Ă€i UĂŠ …ˆÂ?`ĂŠ Ă€Âˆi˜`Â?ÞÊ-ĂŒ>vvĂŠEĂŠ >VˆÂ?ÂˆĂŒĂž UĂŠ ˜v>Â˜ĂŒĂŠ"Ă€>Â?ĂŠ i>Â?ĂŒÂ…ĂŠ*Ă€Âœ}Ă€>“

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38 SW Cutoff (Route 20) Northborough, MA 01532

508.393.9394ĂŠUĂŠwww.mychildrensdentist.com

BOUT ASK A R OU NT LLME O R N E IAL! SPEC

! " # $

! " # $" % & ' " ( & ) $ ) & ' ) * BAYSTATEPARENT 45

BACKTOSCHOOL

Calling all educators and practioners:

Classes Begin Sept. 6

BACKTOSCHOOL

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

DIG Into your CREATIVITY this SUMMER at Claytime Visit claytimestudio.com and check out our summer programs: Week-long theme sessions for ages 8 yrs & up Day sessions for 4-7 yrs and 8 & up Ask us about our Back to School Programs

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

Now Enrolling for Kindergarten 2011-2012 (Only 2 Spaces left)

-AIN 3TREET 2TE .ORTHBORO -! s

paint your own pottery & bead studio

www.skribbles.com

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

New Hours: 7:00 AM TO 6:00 PM, 52 weeks a year

Visit WWW.CLAYTIMESTUDIO.COM for more information about us!

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ENROLLING Arlington 118 Pleasant Street, 781-646-7689 50 Paul Revere Road, 781-643-1722 Belmont 259 Beech Street, 617-489-4240 Bedford 402 Concord Road, 781-271-9847 Concord 40 Strawberry Hill Road, 978-369-2699 Corporate OfďŹ ce 978-369-5439

46 AUGUST2011

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So much more than piano lessons! Our complete MUSIC program (ages 4 1/2 to 8) includes: Piano Singing Harmony Rhythm

Guitar Note Reading Ear Training Composition

Recorder Ensemble Playing Music Theory Percussion

Westborough

Worcester

Making Musi Last a LIFETIME! 508-898-3888

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childrensmusicacademy.org

xperience E

half-day child care program designed to provide recreational, social, and educational activities for children who attend half-day kindergarten. Activities include reading and math readiness, arts and crafts, cooking, gym, swim and more!

DItance Up!

is available Monday-Friday 2,3,4 & 5 day options 8:30am - 12:45pm - morning session 11:45am-3:30pm - afternoon session Afternoon extended day until 6:00pm is available (5:30 pm on Fridays) Bus transportation to/from >ĂœĂƒÂœÂ˜] Davis Hill andĂŠ >ĂžÂœ schools in Holden.

Worcester JCC ĂˆĂŽĂŽĂŠ->Â?ÂˆĂƒLÕÀÞÊ-ĂŒĂ€iiĂŒĂŠUĂŠ7ÂœĂ€ViĂƒĂŒiĂ€]ĂŠ ĂŠä£Ăˆä™

xän‡ÇxĂˆÂ‡Ă‡£ä™ÊĂ?Ă“xnĂŠUĂŠĂœÂœĂ€ViĂƒĂŒiĂ€Â?VV°ÂœĂ€} THE JCC IS OPEN TO ALL REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AGE, DISABILITY OR ECONOMIC CONDITION. THE CENTER IS HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE.

*Classical Ballet Program Ages 7 & Up Builds strong classical technique in a healthy environment promoting discipline and confidence. *Dance ‘N Play Š Ages 2.5 to 4 This uniquely Magical Movement Program providing learning and fun is a perfect stepping stone to preschool. *Team Dance It Up! Ages 7 & Up A non competitive, innovative ensemble focusing on dance as a performing art. *Plus Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acrobatic Dance, Irish Step & ZumbaÂŽ and ZumbAtomicÂŽ

*A New Holiday Tradition...Dance It Up! presents "Kingdom of Sweets"...Not Just Nutcracker. This unique production opens with the second act of Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Suite with Clara's magical dream. The performance continues including sweets of our own invention as we dance to contemporary and upbeat music about treats and the holidays! Worcester Technical High School, December 3rd Ongoing auditions - please call for information. Visit us at www.danceitup.com, call (508) 839-1648 or email danceandplay@gmail.com.

Classes begin September 8th. Please register early! BAYSTATEPARENT 47

BACKTOSCHOOL

L L O N R OW N E

LETSROLL

courtesy of amanda roberge

Riding The Rails To WEST CONCORD BY

amanda roberge

john burke photography

MBTA

West Concord Nashoba Brook Bakery

Debra’s Natural Gourmet

Thanksgiving Tradition: Starting at 6 a.m. wear your pajamas to Debra’s Natural Gourmet for their Thanksgiving early bird saleand get 20% off plus a free muffin. 48 AUGUST2011

Debra’s Natural Gourmet

The backpack needs to be packed the night before. You have to think about things like water bottles and snacks for those moments when your 4-year-old insists that she's never been so hungry in her entire life. Your train will be rolling up on schedule whether you remembered to pack granola bars or not. You have to think about the right clothing, because when you get to your destination and the train rolls away, you are left with only the shirt on your back. If it starts to sprinkle, sorry. If the sun suddenly disappears and you find yourself wishing you could run inside the house to get a sweater or maybe, just maybe, there's one in the car....the joke is on you. And please, let's not even discuss bathroom accidents. Most importantly, you have to think about cash, my Achilles’ heel, because as far as I know, the conductor can't process your debit card – though I’ve never actually tested that theory. Either way, mama always said you should never travel without cash. For us moms who are organizationally challenged, a train ride – even to a place as bucolic and welcoming as West Concord – might sound like a logistical nightmare. But here's the flip-side: It's fun, it's practically free, and it's an unforgettable adventure for the kids. In sum, it's well worth the forethought. I am not, by nature, a mom who remembers sunblock at the beach or umbrellas in the rain. I am lucky to have gotten through the baby years alive, and I only survived thanks to the generosity of diaper-rich moms in bathrooms across the Bay State and a commitment to extended breastfeeding. But I am, by nature, a mom who loves road trips, small adventures and non-endorphin-producing thrill-seeking. I am also, to my credit in this type of day trip, chronically early to everything and very literate in reading schedules. So to grab my kids and hop a train, show them a good time before riding the rails back home? Yes, it's a grand adventure for everyone. From my town, the Commuter rail into Boston makes stops at a number of pretty amazing places. If I'm short on time, Ayer is an unexpectedly fun destination, with a bead shop within walking distance of the station and plenty of places to grab a quick bite. Concord Center, with its quaint New England charm and never-ending windowshop-portunities, is another fun option. But the uncontested favorite for me and my brood is lovely, unassuming West Concord. I have loved West Concord since I was a child, when my mom would take my sisters and me to a thrift store called “The Golden Egg” and let us pick out new clothes. Now some 30 years later, my kids love West Concord too; although, The Golden Egg has become a retail store slightly more upscale than its predecessor. Our afternoon in West Concord always begins with a walk

Louisa May Alcott’s ORCHARD HOUSE “Home of Little Women”

COME JOIN THE OVER 40 FABULOUS FAT FIGHTING FRIDAYS CLUB A weight loss support group like no other! Visit createperfectbalance.com Starting August 5th Ongoing Registration! Club Members receive 50% off energy balancing; wellness coaching; and mediation services Coming soon!

“Like a walk through the book -- a must see!”

399 Lexington Road Concord, MA www.louisamayalcott.org

Terri Gerhardt

TThe he We Wellness ellnes ess ss Gro Group roup

978.369.4118

694 Main Street, Holden 508-284-9220

A MERICA ’S S TORIES AT THE C ONCORD M USEUM Concord Teacakes to Rideout Playground, a short stroller ride or walk from the train station. This partly shady playground is suitable for kids of all ages and offers plenty of trees to picnic underneath, plus the extra added benefit of bathroom facilities. After hitting the park, we walk back toward the center of town and visit the Five & Dime, a throwback of a store that offers aisle after aisle of random merchandise. If you give each kid a dollar, they can shop for ages trying to narrow their choices down and still have enough left over at the checkout counter for some penny candy. Depending on how the chips have fallen on that particular day with meals, we may head over to Walden Italian Kitchen and order a pizza, or we’ll grab a quick bite at the Club Car Cafe. And if I am lucky, there is still time and energy for me to hit Debra's Natural Gourmet and treat myself to a little something, from an organic shampoo to a cup of free trade coffee. If we were only out for a snack or if we are meeting friends, we might opt instead to visit the Nashoba Brook Bakery and grab a bag of bagels to be tote home and toast up fresh in the morning when this trip is nothing more than a wonderful memory. The favorite part of the journey is our final destination – Concord TeaCakes. Since it's directly across from the train station, it would simply be a criminal act not to stop and get a cupcake. By the time the train home pulls up, the kids are tired, sticky-fingered and ready for the soothing and scenic ride home. Have I mentioned yet that kids under 12 ride free? Just another way that a day trip by train is a perfect choice in any economy. And while the train ride earlier was full of chatter and excitement, the ride home is guaranteed to be a quiet one as the kids

HILARY TAYLOR silversmith y birthdas partie

978.371.0300

Don’t miss the special exhibition

are lulled by the monotonous rhythms of life on the rails. Taking the train to West Concord is one of the few mini-trips I’ve made the time for every single year since moving Massachusetts, and I will continue to do it right up until my kids stage a full-fledged teenage revolt and refuse to go. Maybe they’ll return someday, more patient and understanding with a few babies of their own, and ask for Gramma to take their kids on the adventure they remember so well from their own childhood. Maybe, if they’re lucky, I will still be around to take them. And maybe, if I’m lucky, they’ll want to tag along.

When Duty Whispers: Concord & the Civil War on view now through September 18 ~ Send a postcard to a soldier currently serving our country ~ Make a quilt square for a quilt to be presented to a soldier’s family

in historic Concord, MA www.concordmuseum.org

Amanda Roberge is a Leominster-based freelance writer who is ready at a moment’s notice for a day of adventure with her three favorite companions. LINKS For a train schedule, visit www.mbta.com Debra’s www.debrasnaturalgourmet.com Nashoba Brook Bakery 152 Commonwealth Ave Rideout Playground Off Lawton Street Concord Teacakes www.concordteacakes.com Club Car Café www.clubcarcafe.com Five & Dime 106 Commonwealth Avenue

Studio at 50 Beharrell Street, West Concord, MA 01742

make own silyour jewelryver !

BAYSTATEPARENT 49

Classes

AT THE WORCESTER ART MUSEUM

you belong here

bellini portraits

bsp Giveaway!

To celebrate higher education in Massachusetts as we kick off another school year,

baystateparent

WORCESTER ART MUSEUM

|

www.worcesterart.org

| 508.799.4406

is giving away an assortment of T-shirts, bags and caps from Clark University, Tufts University, WPI, Boston College and Anna Maria College. To enter to win an item, please visit baystateparent.com (click contests).

EXHIBITIONS | CLASSES | CAFÉ | SHOP | SPECIAL EVENTS

Gigueres offers so much for your family For the kids s 'YMNASTICS s $ANCE s +UNGFU s #HEERING s #HILD #ARE s !FTER 3CHOOL #ARE s 3PECIAL #LINICS

For the Parents s -ULTIPLE PROGRAMS TO CHOOSE FROM s /PEN VIEWING FOR ALL PROGRAMS s 3NACK BAR s !IR CONDITIONED FACILITY s &REE WORKOUT ROOM AND lTNESS CLASSES s &ULL CHILD CARE ON SNOW AND VACATION DAYS s -ATURE PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Gigueres Registration Times Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, August 16 - 18th 9-12 & 4-7 Gigueregym.com 508-892-3797 148 Main St. Cherry Valley, Ma

Come Hang out at Gigueres 50 AUGUST2011

Frisbee or Golf? YOU NO LONGER HAVE TO CHOOSE. BY

alexandra caulway steven king photography

M

ini golf can be frustrating for the best of us. Especially with three kids in tow wielding clubs like swords and a cranky parent having to pluck the runaway balls from bushes, caves, pirate ships or other surrounding obstacles. Most families don’t know there is a fun, free alternative to mini golf that incorporates the same concept Frisbee golf (otherwise known as disc golf). It’s safe and easy for kids of all ages and can be an addicting hobby for adults, as well. The game is simple: throw the Frisbee towards the metal basket in the distance, and wherever it lands is your next starting point from which to throw. The player who takes the least amount of turns to get her disc in the basket is the winner, and you keep score until you’ve reached the end of the course. The game is as long or as short as you want it to be. Frisbee golf courses are set up along trails, which add adventure and a different challenge to the concept of golf. Another plus is that instead of being surrounded by fake grass and phony waterfalls, you are out hiking with your kids on a beautiful day, and could pack a lunch and have a picnic after the game. And if the discs do fly into a bush, they are a lot easier to find and retrieve than a small white ball. There is another benefit, as well. Being outside in the sun and walking down trails and across fields is a much healthier alternative than any indoor activity, and cheaper than bowling or going to a movie. If it’s a nice day, just grab the Frisbees and go. There are several courses in just the Worcester area, including Buffumville Lake in Charlton, Hodges Village Dam in Oxford, Goodnow Park in Princeton, Tully Lake in Athol, and three courses in Leicester: Maple Hill

Airplanes, Pyramids and Maple Hill Elements. There is also Borderland State Park in Easton, Massachusetts that receives rave reviews for being kid-appropriate and for having a great course. You can research which parks would be best for your kids’ ages and abilities, as some include more challenging trails and harder terrains. The parks are also great for other activities-for example, Buffumville Lake is an ideal place to go to the beach or fish. Your kids will be entertained there all day for the low cost of $4 for parking. The only materials you will need are the Frisbees and a small notepad and pencil if you want to keep score. Prices for disc-golf specific Frisbees range from around $8 a piece to $30. These Frisbees are smaller and better suited to the sport, but your kids will most likely have just as much fun using a typical, cheap Frisbee you have lying around in the garage. Frisbee golf can be played in teams or with single players. The options are endless and the game can take an exciting turn at any moment. Until now, most of you probably didn’t know what those metal chain baskets you came across on occasion were - now you have the information you need to actually use them. Frisbee golf could turn into a tradition for your family or a new hobby for you during the summer months. And you don’t even have to be good at it for the sport to give back. For a listing of courses in your area, check out: find.mapmuse. com/directory/disc-golf/ma . Alexandra Caulway is a freshman at Assumption College and intern at baystateparent. She loves playing Frisbee golf when she’s home for the summer.

BAYSTATEPARENT 51

52 AUGUST2011

baystateparent’s Healthy Family Challenge August 15 - September 15 Use this list to fill in one healthy choice your family makes each day from August 15 - September 15. Bring the completed list to the baystateparent booth at the 21st Annual KidsFest at Wachusett Mountain, September 24 & 25. AUGUST 15.

Have berries instead of ice cream for dessert.

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Your completed list is your FREE raffle ticket to win fabulous prizes every hour during KidsFest weekend. Prizes include: Wachusett Mountain lift tickets and tickets to family shows and venues from bsp.

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courtesy of purity springs resort

12

Summer Traditions

T

hey can be as simple as sleeping on the screened porch on hot summer nights to renting the same beach house every year.

Whatever your family’s summer traditions are, baystateparent celebrates the ones you’ve grown up with and the ones you are

creating with your children. Here, we’ve highlighted some of our favorites from families around the Bay State. Christina Brodeur’s tradition, in particular, made us smile for its simplicity, so our staff chose this Leominster mom to win a $730 vacation at Purity Springs Family Resort in Freedom, New Hampshire.

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Congratulations to the Brodeurs! If you’re looking for new ways to create memories with your children or are just curious to see what other families are up to this summer, check out these 12 traditions.

bsp’s Winning Summer Tradition We always go camping two times during the summer for at least a week. That way we can escape from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and enjoy nature. We all

have to pitch in and help wash the dishes, make a fire and prepare food. It keeps us connected to each other since all we have is each other’s company. - Christina Brodeur, Leominster

Simple Summer Days Our summer tradition includes lots of family time at home. We love to get out the little pool and the slide for some water fun...bubbles too. Then my husband grills hamburgers and hot dogs for us. So fun! - Elizabeth Whetstine, Winchester When the weather gets really hot and muggy, the kids get a special day to break a few rules like playing in the sprinkler after dark, eating more than one popsicle and watch a movie outside with their choice of dinner (usually popcorn or s’mores). Everyone goes to bed tired and happy! - Julie Nations, Framingham S’mores, campouts in the living room, catching fireflies, making crafts, swimming at the lake, playing board games, picnics, having a lemonade stand.... we love summer! - Heather Rowley, Townsend We spend time at our local lake. It has an old arcade with games from the 1920s etc. We always get our pictures done in the photo booth. I love looking at the changes.

born May 27, 2010, so we didn’t get out much last summer. We’re big campers and can’t wait to take her camping. My husband came from a family that always went on camping vacations in the summers and we look forward to doing the same. I can’t wait for Ava to eat her first s’more, catch her first firefly or spend her first night sleeping under the stars! Bring on summer!!

Nuturing Care For Your Infant

- Jennifer Duclos, Douglas We are just starting our traditions due to the adoption of our children. However, the tradition is to make every day count. We plan to attend as many outings as we can in the gorgeous weather. I will drive anywhere to catch a free concert for the kids or to hit a new playground.

(Designed by moms)

- Jill Cummings, West Boylston

The White Mountains will be a tradition for many years to come as it was for me in my childhood. We love when it’s just the four of us in a beautiful natural setting. It’s the most laid back vacation experience and can be as full of activities as we want it to be. Last time we were just as happy wading and fishing in the Saco River as we were rushing from one ride to the next at Story Land. - Deb St. Angelo, Marlborough

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- Kristen Garlett, Millville

Get your Seaside Sun A summer tradition is going to Cape Cod since I was 4 years old (I am almost 40 years now)! - Christine Army, Worcester Our summer tradition includes a trip to Hampton Beach. The summer isn’t complete until we’ve made it to Hampton. - Tara Goodrich, Webster We do beach days in Newport, RI as often as we can manage with seafood dinners, ice cream and beach walks at the end of the day... heaven! - Sara Poshkus, South Auburn

A Little Family Competition This year is our 26th ‘Closed-Open’ family golf tournament. My grandfather started this when he and my grandmother retired to the cape. They have since both passed, but the sons and family friends keep up the tradition. They even give out trophies in his honor. Everyone comes from all over the country to get together. It’s fun! - Bess Batt, Holliston

Friendship, laughter and conďŹ dence abound when we play together! At Gymboree Play & Learn classes, songs, stories and play become the basis for a friendship that will last a lifetime.

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Getting Traditions Started! This will be the first summer we’re able to start some traditions. Our daughter was

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BAYSTATEPARENT 55

seeing other people loving stuff that I don’t wear any more (it’s like it isn’t going to waste any more) and I love leaving with a few new things for free! - Kim Vincent, Lunenburg “In order to have a good clothes swap, you need the right space. You need a big enough room to fit everyone’s clothes, and you need to have everything categorized (long sleeves on one side, pants on another, etc.). You also need to feel comfortable with the girls you’re doing the swap with, which was definitely not a problem for us! Little extras make a clothes swap even better, such as music, food, and drinks. Overall, the best part of the clothes swap was socializing and hanging out with friends while at the same time getting free clothes that you liked. I would absolutely recommend others to have clothes swaps!” - Katrina Hendricks, Fitchburg

SWAP

“To get ready for the clothes swap I went through all of my clothes and separated them into piles of how often I wear them. I have a lot of clothes, so I was really trying to put out a lot for the swap. I always end up leaving with something I love and it is completely free! I think it is such a good idea, and I would do one again for sure. Before I left for Italy, I went through my clothes so there is actually a big bag of clothes in the back of my car at home now, I am already ready for another one!” - Katie Harvie, Leominster

is the New Shop! BY

bonnie j. toomey

H

ave you been shopping in your friend’s closet lately? Of course, you have. We all do it! The next time you decide to raid each other’s wardrobes, why not add a few more friends, some snacks and drinks and make it a party! That’s what Jillian Toomey of Lunenberg and her friends have been doing successfully since the summer of 2010. It all started during a college break when Jillian noticed that cleaning out her closet felt like “going shopping.” She decided to invite her friends over for a clothes swap which she organized through a simple invitation sent to her friends on Facebook. “Hey everyone, bring clothes and

accessories you don’t want or need anymore to my house and let’s swap,” she wrote. The girls arrived with bags of stuff from their closets, their favorite snacks and drinks and the shades came down as they turned the living room into a giant dressing room. By the end of the night, each girl left with their old shopping bags filled with new clothes, items to donate to a local church and a date set for the next swap in January. Soon Jillian’s idea began to catch on and her friends started having their own swaps.

Here’s what the Girls Had to Say: “I would describe our clothes swap as shopping at an inclusive club where the

CHILDREN’S DENTISTS of Worcester

clothes are already screened by my closest friends, and where you can try things on and get honest opinions without being pressured into buying them! My favorite part about the swaps is after everyone has taken everything they are interested in, we go through all the clothes, we call it “last call”, and see if there’s anything anyone missed. Everything is then folded and put into bags and trucked off to the local Salvation Army or shelter. It feels great!” - Courtney Neforas, Fitchburg “I decide what to bring to the swap by bringing anything that I feel someone else would get more use out of. If I don’t wear something often/ever or it doesn’t fit anymore, I like to bring it to the swap knowing that someone else will. I enjoy

“When I was little, our cousin would pass down her clothes to my sister and me, and whoever got their hands on whatever clothes first got to keep them. The funny thing is I’ve been swapping clothes with my sister and mom since I was 13; it’s like we tripled our wardrobe. I decided it would be fun to share the concept with my friends. We’re always considerate of one another when we are shopping at the swap. We’ve started a little ritual where we take a pyramid picture of us all which represents three things: building a new wardrobe, building up donations for the community, plus it’s a good excuse to build up our friendship. Every girl should have a clothes swap with her friends.” - Jillian Toomey, Lunenburg All the girls agreed that the best part of

Dr. Daniel Moheban certified, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Manouch Darvish

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Taking Care of A All Your Little Things. 56 AUGUST2011

the swap is leaving with plenty of clothes without spending a dime. Here’s how to mix it up in a tight economy and help keep your wardrobe sustainable while helping others in the community who may need clothes:

How to Throw a Sustainable Shopping Soirée • Take a look at your closet and do a quick, general inventory. Think of the things you most often wear and start weeding out garments you haven’t worn in a year or longer to be donated to the swap. Also anything that does not fit right, is in question, or you have never worn, donate to the swap.

Recipe Swap – Make the dish and trade secret recipes at a picnic to spice up your old kitchen cuisine.

friends. Take turns painting each another’s nails and go home with a selection of new colors.

Babysitting Swap: Trade hours for mommy power as everyone needs a little time off from the kids to recharge the parent battery.

Bonnie J. Toomey, columnist and writer, has seen her share of swaps with her two grown daughters. She lives in New England with her husband and their dog, Molly. You can find her and learn more about family at parentforward.blogspot.com.

Toy & Game Swap: Kids bored? Let the kids play a new hand and swap their old video games, toys, and board games with their friends and cousins. Spa Swap: Gather up all that old nail polish and have a spa night with your

It All Starts in your Closet Ever feel like your closet is filled with a lot of things you never wear? You are probably right, notes Lucy Siegle, author of To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing

Out the World? According to Siegle, women begin collecting 62 pounds of clothing per year starting at age 20! That adds up to a lot less closet space and a big carbon footprint by the time a woman reaches 30. But it doesn’t have to be that way; the 20 garments which statistically are never worn can be cleared out and carted off to a clothes swap for sustainable trade and donation. So reducing your carbon footprint can really start in your closet!

• If you’re not sure, try on a garment and see how you feel in it. If you’re saying things like, “I should keep this because so-and-so gave it to me,” or “when I lose ten pounds someday” or “maybe I can dye it, alter it or use it for a decoration…” these are clear indications that you should probably donate it to the swap. • Wear comfortable clothes to the swap that you can easily slip in and out of to make trying on fun and quick. • Bring a snack or a drink to share with your friends. Don’t forget the music.

As a woman, you can feel comfortable knowing that all your needs are met in one place.

• Write down your favorite charity, address, number and hours of operation to share at the swap. Put them all in a hat and pick one or divide the remainder of the bags to go to a choice few. • Take lots of pictures; tell others about the benefits of a clothes swap. • Have a large mirror for your friends to use; a floor mirror is a large and safe option. • Before starting the swap, get everyone to help display the clothes in a semiorganized fashion using available chairs, couches and tables so it’s easy to see what is up for grabs.

Other Ideas for Swaps Back-to-School Swap: Plan a fun evening for moms or tweens/teens to end the summer and swap styles. Have a silly fashion show, take lots of photos and go home with your arms full of new clothes! Sports Equipment Swap: Skates, boots, skis, balls, helmets, gloves and more... Bring ‘em all and trade! Costume Swap: Recycle and reuse those old Halloween costumes by holding a spirited swap with your friends and family.

Every woman

deserves exceptional care. At HealthAlliance Hospital, we are committed to the uniqueness of women’s health and to ensuring that every woman is treated with respect, compassion and the highest level of care. Our board-certified obstetricians, gynecologists and family medicine physicians as well as our certified nurse midwives offer patients comprehensive diagnostic, consultative and treatment services built on a philosophy of keeping you well. We’re bringing together the compassion of a community-based hospital in partnership with the clinical expertise of UMass Memorial Medical Center to every woman in North Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.

For more information about our Ob/Gyn services, visit www.healthalliance.com.

Book Swap: Dust off those old books you’ve already read and start a new chapter by having a novel swap in your neighborhood. Encourage your kids to have one too with their friends!

E X C E P T I O N A L C A R E F O R E V E RY B O D Y

Garden Swap: Your friends will dig trading bulbs, seeds and surplus plants.

60 Hospital Road Leominster, MA 978-665-5900 www. healthalliance.com BAYSTATEPARENT 57

continued from page 19

14SUNDAY

adventure! Fasten your seat belts and “fly� around the world as Gaston and his band take you on an energizing and fun-filled musical adventure around the world. cambridgeartscouncil.org/summerinthecity

The 129th Bolton Fair. Lancaster. August 11 – 14. See Aug. 11th listing for details.

courtesty of Providence Children’s museums

The 129th Bolton Fair. Lancaster Fairgrounds, Route 117, Lancaster. Daily from August 11 – 14. Exciting new entertainment this year including a LIVE shark tank and movie stunt adventure! Expanded Midway, food, entertainment, exhibit hall, animal shows and contests and more. Free parking. No pets. boltonfair.org. Dog Days of Summer. Children’s Museum in Easton, North Easton. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Visit with dogs that perform important service jobs as well as dogs that just want to have fun. Free with museum admission. 508-230-3789, childrensmuseumineaston.org. Rehoboth Agricultural Fair. Corner of Almeida Road and Wheaton Ave., Rehoboth. Aug. 11 – 14. Bring the family and experience a real country fair with tractor pulls, 4H livestock show, demolition derby, midway and craft demonstrations to name a few. therehobothfair.com. The Sound of Music. Reagle Music Theatre, 617 Lexington St., Waltham. Hear all your favorite songs in this musical about the postulant Maria, who proves too high-spirited for the religious life and is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. $35-$57. 781891-5600, reaglemusictheatre.com.

12FRIDAY FREE Friday Night Fun. Discovery Museums, Acton. Both museums will be open from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. with free admission on Fridays through Aug. 26. Bring a picnic dinner to picnic under the stars or purchase food from the Dawg Days food cart. Donations for the Acton Food Pantry will be gratefully accepted. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org. The 129th Bolton Fair. August 11 – 14. See Aug. 11th listing for details. FREE Second Fridays. MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave.,Cambridge. 5 – 8 p.m. Mingle with friends in the Museum’s unique galleries with displays of holograms, kinetic sculptures, historic robots and some of the latest research coming out of MIT during this monthly free evening. web.mit.edu/museum/ Provincetown Jazz Festival. Provincetown, Cape Cod. provincetownjazzfestival.org.

Experiment with the art and science of color mixing in a new open-ended art and science space at the ProvidenceChildren’s Museum. childrenmuseum.org.

Middlefield Fair. 7 Bell Road, Middlefield. Aug. 12 – 14. Lots of free activities for all ages. Great food, music and fun. A$6, C under 12 FREE. middlefieldfair.org. Summer Family Fun Friday. Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich. 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Kids’ acoustic music concert by Ben Rudnick and Friends, followed by hands-on crafts projects, treasure hunts, temporary tattoos, and historic games. Free with museum admission. Heritagemuseumsandgardens.org.

13SATURDAY Jimmy Fund Fantasy Day at Fenway. Boston. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fans can participate in on-field activities like batting and fielding, tour the ballpark and test their baseball skills. To purchase Fan Zone tickets, or to learn more about fundraising your way on to the field go to jimmyfundfantasyday.org. Princess Lunch Cruise. Spirit of Boston. Boards, 11:30 and cruises from 12 – 2 p.m. Dress like a princess for an afternoon filled with magic, enchanting stories and fairytale fun. Buffet, dj,

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Family Yoga. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln. 10 a.m. for children’s yoga ages 3 – 6; 10:30 a.m. for children’s yoga ages 7-11, and 11 a.m. Adult’s yoga (All levels) A $10 per session or $25 for all three; Families $25 per session. Admission to the Museum and Park are included. Bring a picnic or enjoy lunch in the cafÊ. Sculpture Park tours are offered at 1 p.m. and Museum tours are offered at 2 p.m. Tickets: decordova.org Middlefield Fair. Aug. 12 – 14. middlefieldfair.org

Rod & Custom Cruise Night. Sullivan Tire, 9 Plaza Way (KMart plaza), Fairhaven. 4 – 8 p.m. See a display of great local Rod and Custom Cars and enjoy music with DJ Johnny Angel and food by local businesses. 508-951-2128.

SUMMER SIZZLER SALE! Avalanche

Gloucester Waterfront Festival, Stage Fort Park, Gloucester. Aug. 14 – 15, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. A collection of over 175 juried artists and craftsmen from throughout the U.S. will display their unique creations, live music, plus delicious ethnic foods. A pancake breakfast and traditional New England Lobster Bake complement this picture perfect seaport event. Free Admission ~ Rain or Shine capeannvacations.com.

games, real princess, dances, songs, stories. A$35.90, C$15.90 (ages 3 – 12). Children under 3 FREE. Spiritofboston.com/Boston/princess-cruise. The 129th Bolton Fair. Lancaster. August 11 – 14. See Aug. 11th listing for details. Middlefield Fair. Aug. 12 – 14. middlefieldfair.org. Fiber Revival at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm. Newbury. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. A day-long exploration of fiber arts, featuring demonstrations of needle felting, hand-spinning, weaving, and alpaca and sheep husbandry, colonial rug making and knitting. Try your hand with a vintage sock-making machine. Wash, comb, spin and weave wool. Vendors offer a variety of natural fibers, yarn and equipment. The house is open for tour from noon to 3 p.m. Refreshments are available for purchase. Also visit the Vintage Baseball Triple-Header. A$6, C$4. 978-462-2634. FREE Creative Laundry Day. Elm Park, Worcester. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. This free, hands-on, intergenerational, extremely inclusive & accessible event is, above all, a smashing good time! People of all ages create their own art on the spot & hang it on the spider-web of creative laundry lines attached to park features such as trees & lampposts, and to poles made from colorful recycled laundry detergent bottles. The laundry includes hand-weaving, paper-dyeing, printmaking, word art poetry, leaf & stone pressings, wind chimes, & more. People can add to & admire the evolving sculpture for a few minutes or for the whole day. RAIN DATE: Friday, August 19. saoriworcester.com.

15MONDAY ONGOING Harry Pottery Scavenger Hunt. Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge. Daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. through Sept. 5. Celebrate the world of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter in a scavenger hunt in the museum galleries. Free with museum admission. 617-495-3045, hmnh.harvard.edu. FREE Snack and Story Time. Whole Foods Market, Framingham. Weekly on Mondays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 2- 6. 508-628-9525. ONGOING Arctic Circle. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Through Sun., Sept. 4. Go deep inside the Arctic Circle to explore the frozen North -- the closest that most of us will ever get to this fascinating and fragile region. Discover what’s under the tip of an iceberg. Compare your weight to a polar bear. Check out real bear skulls and whale artifacts, hear from polar researchers and test your own Arctic IQ. Bear facts, whale tales... can it get any cooler? Free with museum admission. ecotarium.org.

16TUESDAY FREE Sing-along with Children’s Librarian Sharon McDonald. Bedford Public Library, Mudge Way, Bedford. 7 p.m. Tuneful fun for the whole family. bedfordlibrary.net.

book reading with “pawtographs� and the story of this important day when Constitution earned her nickname “Old Ironsides.� (This event is open to the public, please leave your furry pets at home.) ussconstitutionmuseum.org.

FREE Duct Tape Art & Bandana Bags. Milford Town Library. 2:30 – 4 p.m. Register: 508-473-2145 x 223 or jgorman@cwmars.org. ONGOING Geckos: Tails to Toepads. Berkshire Museum, Pittsburgh. Daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. untilSept. 18.Meet 70 different geckos from around the world, housed in lush, naturalistic habitats that let you truly visit a gecko’s realm. Admission fees apply. 413-443-7171, berkshiremuseum.org.

FREE Drop-in Mother Goose on the Loose. Milford Town Library. 10 – 10:30 a.m. For infants and toddlers. A half hour of reciting and singing Mother Goose rhymes, music, stories and fingerplays. 508-473-2145 x 223 or jgorman@cwmars.org.

ONGOING New Moms Group. Mothers and Company, West Boylston. 12:15 – 1:45 p.m. All mmoms of all babies welcome. Drop in! Bring your lunch too. $5ppNM. Monthly passes available. There’s also a group on Wednesdays and Fridays. Mothersandcompany.com.

courtesy of the ecotarium

FREE Admission to The Children’s Museum in Easton all day. 617-969-8900, highlandstreet.org.

17WEDNESDAY FREE & ONGOING Working Moms Group. Isis Parenting, Arlington. 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Bringing working moms together for support and friendship. RSVP requested: isisparenting.com. FREE Night Life at Children’s Wharf. Boston Children’s Museum, Boston. 6 – 9 p.m. Enjoy live music by Zydeco with themed alfresco food, drink, dancing and spectacular waterfront views. All concerts take place on the wharf outside Boston Children’s Museum or in the event of inclement weather, the band is moved under cover. 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org. FREE Stacey Peasley Singalong. Angora Ice Cafe, 3-A Boylston St., Chestnut Hill. 1 – 2 p.m.Sing, dance and have some delicious treats at this free sing along for kids every Wednesday! Show is weather permitting and held outdoors. Please call to confirm. angoraice.com. BalletRox. The Fruitlands Museum, Harvard. Come see BalletRox, a Boston based youth dance school that is comprised of underserved youth. $15advance, $22 gateNM.Come picnic on the lawn or in the tent as you enjoy the performance. 978-456-3924 x 292, fruitlands.org.

Every Tuesday through August 23, take a canoe or paddleboat ride at the EcoTariuim’s lower pond. 1 - 3 p.m. ecotarium.org.

18THURSDAY

making. A movie follows the performance. Rain date: Aug. 25, 7 p.m. 617-349-4380, cambridgeartscouncil. org/summerinthecity.

FREE & ONGOING Youth Yoga. Spectacle Island, Boston Harbor Islands, Boston. Weekly on Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. until August 18. A creative and fun beginner’s yoga session on beautiful Spectacle Island that uses animated poses and basic stretching exercises. Ferry rates apply. 617-223-8108, bostonharborislands.org.

ONGOING Toddler Thursdays. Fruitlands, Harvard. 9 – 10 a.m. Explore art, nature and history with your child at the museum Wayside Visitor Center. $5 drop-in, $30 for seven-week punch card. fruitlands.org. Reservations are recommended: 978456-3924 x292 or email education@fruitlands.org. New theme each Thursday.

FREE & ONGOING Fishing Clinics on Spectacle Island. Boston Harbor Islands, Boston. Weekly Thursdays, Noon until Aug. 24. Join a park ranger on the pier at Georges Island and have some fun while learning some great ways to fish! Poles and bait will be provided. Registration required. May be age requirement. Ferry rates apply. bostonharborislands.org.

Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair. Old Fashioned Country Fair. 35 Panhandle Rd., West Tisbury. Aug. 18 – 21. 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Thurs., Fri, Saturday. Closes at 7 p.m. on Sun. Livestock shows, entertainment, horse pull, dog pull, etc. A$8, C (512) $5. 508-693-4343.

FREE Wild with Sarah. Milford Town Library. 10 – 11 a.m. Register: 508-473-2145 x 223 or jgorman@cwmars.org.

FREE & ONGOING Sounds of Summer Music Festival. West End Promenade (near Salty Dog), Boston. Every Thursday until Sept. 29, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Themed nights, free restaurant samplings, and prizes and giveaways. faneuilhallmarketplace.com.

ONGOING WEDNESDAYS Toddler and Preschool Hour. EcoTarium, Worcester. Weekly on Wednesdays, 10:30 – 11 a.m. Enjoy storytime, craft activities, live animals and more - all developed especially for little ones ages 3 and under. New Themes every week!Admission fees apply. ecotarium.org.

FREE Jungle Jim’s Wild about Balloons & Movie Night. East Cambridge Savings Bank Parking Lot, 1310 Cambridge St., Cambridge. 7 p.m. Jungle Jim, a family entertainer and professional balloon artist, puts on an engaging and interactive performance, featuring music and elaborate balloon

19FRIDAY FREE Dog Gone Birthday Bash. USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard Building 22, Charlestown. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Celebrate the Constitution’s heroic and furry friend, Guerriere the Terrier in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard, just yards from “Old Ironsides� and the Boston Harbor. Guerriere’s black lab buddy, Catie Copley, Canine Ambassador at The Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, will join us from 1:30 – 3 p.m. to share songs, birthday treats, photo opportunities, a

FREE Weezie’s Summer Story Hour. Mass Horticultural Society, Wellesley. Fridays, 10 – 11 a.m. Celebrated storyteller, Miss Gina, invites children of all ages with adults in the stone circle for seasonal stories, poetry, rhythm, rhyme and song. Then explore the garden on a “Weezie’s Walk-About.� $5 donations welcome. Masshort.org. Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair. Old Fashioned Country Fair. 35 Panhandle Rd., West Tisbury. Aug. 18 – 21. 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Thurs., Fri, Saturday. Closes at 7 p.m. on Sun. Livestock shows, entertainment, horse pull, dog pull, etc. A$8, C (5-12) $5. 508-693-4343. Westfield Fair. 227 Pochassie Road, Westfield. Aug. 19 – 21. Fri., 5 – 10 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sun., 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Set on 20 acres of picturesque property, the Westfield Fair features agricultural and livestock exhibits, amusement rides, games, entertainment and more. A$7, C under 12 FREE with paid adult. Free parking. Overnight camping $10. thewestfieldfair.com. FREE Neighborhood Nature at Elm Park. Elm Park. Highland Street and Park Ave., Worcester. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Drop-in anytime for activities, crafts, stories and nature walks. Take a break from the playground to learn about the plants and animals that can be found in Worcester through hands-on projects and games. Register: 508-753-6087.

20SATURDAY ONGOING SATURDAYS The ImprovBoston Family Show. ImprovBoston,Central Square, Cambridge. 6 p.m. Winner of the Nickelodeon award for “Best Children’s Theater,� the ImprovBoston Family Show offers hilarity for adults and children alike every Saturday. This unscripted show includes improvised singing, dancing and comedic scenes that are guaranteed to have the whole family laughing out loud. Children who want to participate will have opportunities to be on stage and take part in the creative process. 617-576-1253, improvboston.com.

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ages 3 – 8. Pre-register: 508-796-5613 to sign up. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

FREE 4 Annual Summer Car Show. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tonite’s theme is special interest cars. faneuilhallmarketplace.com.

Night Noise. Mass Audubon: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary 414 Massasoit Ave., Worcester. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Katydids and a host of crickets are chorusing at this time of year, making a cacophony of sounds. What makes these insects so special at summer’s end? We’ll walk the trails and fields for a closer “hear” of these camoflauged critters and bring their background noise front and center! For ages 5 and older. A$7, C$5 NM. Family: $24 NM. Register: 508-753-6087.

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FREE Frog Appreciation Day. Frog Pond Spray Pool, Boston. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. A fun-filled day of family activities! Learn cool frog facts from Franklin Park Zoo’s educators and how you can help save the frogs in your neighborhood. Kids are invited to participate in the first and largest toy frog race on Frog Pond. There will also be famous frog songs, storytelling and music. Frog stickers and Zoo coupons will be given to all frog loving participants. Rain date: Aug. 21. bostonfrogpond.com. A Fairy House and Garden in a Basket. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Join instructor, Betsy Williams, and build a house and little garden that just might entice the fairies to come and play. Using bark, leaves, twigs and other natural materials, we’ll create a charming little home that any fairy would be pleased to move into. Once the house is built the landscaping can begin: layout paths, design a garden or install a small pond. The construction site is a basket that is easily carried home. Be sure to bring an apron and garden scissors to class. $50NM. Inquire about age recommendations: towerhillbg.org.

FREE 2011 Latin American Festival. Worcester City Hall, 455 Main St., Worcester. 12 – 9 p.m. A day of cultural delights as participants celebrate Puerto Rican, Dominican and host of other Latin American traditions with ethnic foods, a beer garden, free concerts, children’s activities and more. 508-798-1900 x 229, worcesterlatinfestival.com.

Elaborate Face Painting from Diane! After the game the kids get to run the bases on the same field the Spinners just played on! lowellspinners.com.

26FRIDAY

23TUESDAY Family Movie: Mulan. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. 10:30 a.m. - Noon. Free with admission. Check out pem.org for ways that your family can stay and play at the Museum after the movie.

FREE Friday Night Fun. Discovery Museums, Acton. Last day for Free Friday, 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. Bring a picnic dinner to picnic under the stars or purchase food from the Dawg Days food cart. Donations for the Acton Food Pantry will be gratefully accepted.978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org. Cummington Fair. See August 25th.

Canoes and Paddleboats. EcoTarium’s Lower Pond, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. 1 – 3 p.m. Last day to see the EcoTarium from a cool new vantage point. Take a short walk through the woods to the museum’s secluded Lower Pond and cruise the pond by boat for a fun addition to your museum visit. All boat rentals are 20 minutes. $5 per boat (for 20 minutes) plus museum admission. ecotarium.org.

A Bug’s Life Outdoor Movie. Heritage Museum & Gardens, Sandwich. 7:30 p.m. Bring your chairs and blankets. Pre-show activities will include exclusive access to Hidden Hollow, the museum’s outdoor discovery center, from 6 – 7 p.m. and a pre-show game at 7:15 p.m. at the Outdoor Concert Stage. $9NM. Tickets may be purchased in advance via heritagemuseums.org or at the ticket desk on movie nights. Middlesex County 4-H Fair. South Chelmsford Road, Westford. Aug. 26 – 28. Fri. & Sat., 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sun., 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Come on out and experience the largest 3 day 4-H kids Fair this side of the Mississippi. A (10 and older) $7, C (4 – 9) $2, C under 3 FREE. 781-878-5936, middlesexcounty4hfair.org.

Stacey Peasley in Concert. Amazing Things, Framingham. Children’s entertainer, Ethan Rossiter opens at 10:30 a.m. followed by Stacey Peasley’s creative children’s songs at 11:15. Ticket information: 508-405-2787, amazingthings.org. FREE Gloucester Waterfront Festival. Stage Fort Park, Hough Ave.., Gloucester. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.A collection of over 175 juried artists and craftsmen from throughout the U.S. will display their unique creations, live music, plus delicious ethnic foods. A pancake breakfast, traditional New England Lobster Bake, and antique car show complement this picture perfect seaport event. Event is held rain or shine, is Handicap Accessible and friendly pets, on a leash, are welcome. 978-283-1601, waterfrontfestivals.com. Also Aug. 21. Westfield Fair. 227 Pochassie Road, Westfield. Aug. 19 – 21. Fri., 5 – 10 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sun., 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Set on 20 acres of picturesque property, the Westfield Fair features agricultural and livestock exhibits, amusement rides, games, entertainment and more. A$7, C under 12 FREE with paid adult. Free parking. Overnight camping $10. thewestfieldfair.com. Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair. Old Fashioned Country Fair. 35 Panhandle Rd., West Tisbury. Aug. 18 – 21. 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Thurs., Fri, Saturday. Closes at 7 p.m. on Sun. Livestock shows, entertainment, horse pull, dog pull, etc. A$8, C (512) $5. 508-693-4343. FREE Bill Harley Family Concert. Westport Town Farm, 830 Drift Rd., Westport. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Join The Trustees of Reservations and Westport Land Conservation Trust for a family concert on the grounds of the Town Farm. Bill Harley, singer/storyteller and two time Grammy Award winner will perform. Register: 508-636-4693 x 13, trustees.org FREE Children’s Storytime. Annie’s Book Stop, 65 James St., Worcester. 11 a.m. - Noon. For children 60 AUGUST2011

ourtesy of higgins armory

Corn & Tomato Festival. Verrill Farm, 11 Wheeler Rd., Concord. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. This annual event features corn & tomatoes - two of summer’s most popular crops. Tastings for $8.50pp and $3.50 for kids under 10. Lunch a la carte, live music and hay and pony rides for a small fee. verrillfarm.com.

Experience what it was like living in a Medieval castle this summer at Higgins Armory in Worcester. higgins.org.

21SUNDAY FREE & ONGOING South End Market. Harrison Ave., Boston. Every Sunday all summer from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Boston’s original Art and Indie Design Market. Artists, vendors and farmers for the whole family!sowaopenmarket.com. FREE Gloucester Waterfront Festival. See Aug. 20 for details. The New England Ride for Kids. Tantasqua Regional High School, Fiskdale. Ride starts at 10 a.m. Meet up with hundreds of other bikers and ride throughout Massachusett’s countryside while supporting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. $35 min. donation. 800-253-6530, pbtfus.org. Westfield Fair. 227 Pochassie Road, Westfield. Aug. 19 – 21. See Aug. 19 listing for details. thewestfieldfair.com. Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair. Old Fashioned Country Fair. 35 Panhandle Rd., West Tisbury. Aug. 18 – 21. 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Thurs., Fri, Saturday. Closes at 7 p.m. on Sun. Livestock shows, entertainment, horse pull, dog pull, etc. A$8, C (5-12) $5. 508-693-4343.

22MONDAY ONGOING Butterfly Landing Zoo. Franklin Park Zoo, Boston. Daily, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. until Sept. 17. Stroll through a tented outdoor exhibit, filled with hundreds of free-flying, beautiful butterflies. Admission applies. 617-541-5466, franklinparkzoo.org. Baseball: Staten Island Yankees @ Lowell Spinners. LeLacheur Park, Lowell. 7:05 p.m. Kids - get an

24WEDNESDAY FREE Stacey Peasley Singalong. Angora Ice Cafe, 3-A Boylston St., Chestnut Hill. 1 – 2 p.m.Sing, dance and have some delicious treats at this free sing along for kids every Wednesday! Show is weather permitting and held outdoors. Please call to confirm. angoraice.com. Bill Harley Family Concert. Fruitlands Museum Sundown Concert Series, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 7 p.m. $20pp advance tickets, $25 at the gate. Bring a picnic! 978-456-3924, fruitlands.org

25THURSDAY Cummington Fair. 97 Fairgrounds Rd., Cummington. Aug. 25 – 28. Country western bands, 4-H, antiques, midway, truck pulls. A$8, C (10-16) $4, C (under 10) Free. 3- day pass $20; 4-day pass $25. Parking $3. 413-634-5091. Navigation for Novices. Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth. 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Join a 17th-century sailor at Mayflower II as he shares some of the tools and methods of navigating a 17th century ship, plus try your hand at some of his methods. Free with museum admission.508-746-1622, plimoth.org. FREE Breastfeeding Support. The First Baptist Church, the milc room, 111 Park Ave., Worcester. 3 – 5 p.m.The milc room is a free weekly community based breastfeeding support drop-in center for all pregnant and breastfeeding moms in the Greater Worcester area. sites.google.com/site/themilcroomor email rjrcnm@ gmail.com

FREE Neighborhood Nature at Elm Park. Elm Park. Highland Street and Park Ave., Worcester. Last day, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Drop-in anytime for activities, crafts, stories and nature walks. Take a break from the playground to learn about the plants and animals that can be found in Worcester through hands-on projects and games. Register: 508-753-6087.

27SATURDAY FREE Families Family Art-Making Workshops Play Dates. Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston. The theme is Adventures by the Sea. Children can create collage-portraits of your family set against the sea, then soak up a program of family films about the ocean and marine life. Tickets are FREE for families (up to 2 adults per family accompanied by a child 12 or under). icaboston.org. Beacon Hill Walking Tour. Otis House, 141 Cambridge St., Boston. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Go beyond the brick sidewalks and charming gardens and learn about Beacon Hill’s development in the Federal era. The fortunes, ambitions, and struggles of Beacon Hill’s early residents, both wealthy and working class, shaped the streets, architecture, and character of the hill. The program starts with a tour of the Otis House, the earliest intact mansion in the neighborhood, and continues on Beacon Hill’s historic streets. Registration recommended. $12NM. 617-994-5920. FREE Drop-In Family Day. Aboretum at Harvard, Hunnewell Building Lawn, Cambridge. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monthly family activities are offered on the last Saturday of each month, April through October.Includes scavenger hunts, science investigations, craft activities, stories, guided walks...These events are free, and you can participate for as long or as short a time as you like. Events are held under a tent outside of the Hunnewell Building, or inside when the weather is bad. 617-3845209, arboretum.harvard.edu. Cummington Fair. See August 25th. Red Fire Farm Tomato Festival. 7 Carver St., Granby, MA. Noon – 5 p.m. Taste over one hundred varieties of organic tomatoes, listen to live music and dance all afternoon, learn great new ways to eat well and eat local from professional chefs and food preservers during their cooking demonstrations, and enjoy the fun with hayrides, pick-your-own tomatoes, food vendors, kids’ activities, and more. $5. 413-467-7645, redfirefarm.com. FREE Crafts. Lakeshore Learning Store, Newton and Saugus. Drop in every Saturday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ages 3+. lakeshorelearning.com. continued on page 63

BAYSTATEPARENT 61

Barnyard Jump!

Coming Soon ~ Visit WestEndCreamery.com for details! Ice Cream, Mini Golf, Farm Animals, and More. Corn Maze Opens Labor Day weekend!

481 Purgatory Rd., Whitinsville, MA, 508-234-2022 “Family Fun Down on the Farm�

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Free Parking No Pets Please 62 AUGUST2011

The Fairgrounds at Lancaster, Rt. 117, Exit 27 off Rt. 495

continued from page 60 FREE Plymouth Waterfront Festival. 10:30a.m. - 7 p.m. Arts & Craft Show featuring over 100 local artisans and crafters, Duck Races in Brewster Gardens, the Motor Head’s Cruise In Car Show, food vendors, Festival Carnival, and 2 stages of live entertainment.508-830-1620, plymouthwaterfrontfestival.com. Middlesex County 4-H Fair. South Chelmsford Road, Westford. Aug. 26 – 28. middlesexcounty4hfair.org.

Middlesex County 4-H Fair. South Chelmsford Road, Westford. Aug. 26 – 28. middlesexcounty4hfair.org.

29MONDAY ONGOING Infant Playgroup. Isis Parenting, Brookline. Every Monday, 4 – 5 p.m. Playgroups are very popular, sign-ins begin no earlier than 30 minutes prior to the start time. Space limited. No

30TUESDAY

31WEDNESDAY

End of Summer Picnic with Ricardo Frota Concert. Bedford Public Library, Mudge Way, Bedford. 5 – 7 p.m. Bring a picnic and blanket for dinner outside then come inside and meet Ricardo Frota for a unique and interactive performance of music from Brazil, West Africa, the Amazon and North

ONGOING Toddler Playgroup. Isis Parenting, Arlington and Needham. Every Wednesday in Arlington, 3 – 4 p.m. and Needham, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Playgroups are very popular, sign-ins begin no earlier than 30 minutes prior to the start time. Space limited. No pre-registration required. $8ppNM. Visit Isisparenting.org for a complete calendar of groups meeting in other locations.

28SUNDAY

Baseball: Brooklyn Cyclones @ Lowell Spinners. LeLacheur Park, Lowell. 7:05 p.m. Don’t miss the post-game ball drop from a helicopter hovering over LeLacheur Park with a chance for someone to take home $2,500! After the game the kids get to run the bases on the same field the Spinners just played on! lowellspinners.com.

FREE 4th Annual Summer Car Show. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tonite’s theme is Hot Rods at the Hall. faneuilhallmarketplace.com. Cummington Fair. See August 25th.

regional clubs, using 1861 rules. These fun vintage games feature underhand pitching, a ball bounced once and caught is an out and no gloves allowed. Beer samples are provided by Ipswich Ale. Snacks, baseballs, and cards are available for purchase. Grass field seating: bring blankets and lawn chairs, no reserved seating. Weather permitting, please call. $5NM. 978-462-2634.

courtesy of pittsfield colonials

Vintage Base Ball Triple-Header. Spencer-PeirceLittle Farm, 5 Little’s Lane, Newbury. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Watch the Essex Base Ball Club play baseball against

Downtown Pittsfield offers baseball that includes princess and pirate nights, fireworks every Friday and Disney night. pittsfieldcolonials.com.

New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival. Downtown New Bedford, Inc. Custom House Square, New Bedford. Sample clam chowder, seafood chowder, kale soup and stuffed quahogs, from more than 20 area restaurants, all included in the price of your admission ticket. downtownnb.org.

pre-registration required. $8ppNM. Visit Isisparenting. org for a complete calendar of groups meeting in other locations.

Pony Rides. Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield. 11 a.m. -3 p.m. thru October/weekends only. $5 a ride. 413-443-0188.

FREE Breastfeeding Support Group. 140 Worcester Street, 1st Floor, West Boylston. 1- 2:30 p.m. Just drop in! Mothersandcompany.com.

American Indian cultures. bedfordlibrary.net. Baseball: Pittsfield @ Brockton. Campanelli Stadium, Brockton. 7:05 p.m.Two-For-Tuesday: Buy one box seat ticket and get another for free! Also, select concession items will be buy one, get one free! brocktonrox.com.

Submit an Event Fill out our form at

baystateparent.com. Our deadline for September’s print edition is

Friday, August 5.

A developmental approach to education.

All Day Family Fun‌nearby! Our goal is to promote the cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth. Each child is unique. As each child develops we help them explore, discover and create to promote their self-esteem and independence. This approach encourages children to think for themselves, draw their own conclusions, and make their own decisions.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 63

MOMS ROCK!

Meredith Bond Of Worcester Age: 28 Occupation: Event Planner and Trial Court Case Specialist Mom of: Alexander Luther Boyd, age 1 BY

carrie wattu, steven king photography

Last month Alexander Boyd got a taste of cake at his first birthday party while his mom, Meredith, an aspiring event planner, got a taste of what her future holds: parties. Lots of them! The birthday boy ate amongst waterfalls and animated creatures with Mommy and Daddy at the Rainforest CafĂŠ in Burlington. A glorified backyard barbecue with family and friends followed a few days later. “We had a pig roast with beans, cornbread and cole slaw,â€? says Meredith. While she works full-time in the Worcester Juvenile Trial Court, Meredith builds her business, Crave 26 Events, at nights and on weekends. “Event planning is my passion, and one of the best parts is that I take Alex with me wherever I go. I spend my whole day with him!â€? Juggling a baby, a business and a fulltime job is one of the most difficult and challenging things Meredith has ever done. She takes a lot of deep breaths and makes plenty of lists. However, she says she’s fortunate to have a boyfriend,Alex’s dad, who “literally does everything for Alex that I don’t do.â€? One of her parents

has the flexibility to stay home and care for her son during the work week. Like most moms, Meredith says, “I wish I had more time to do everything. Being a first-time mother, I still had the mentality that time was unlimited. I didn’t think the sacrifice was going to be exactly as it was.� But as Meredith continues to settle into motherhood, she is pleased to be accomplishing something for herself, a business that will also benefit her son and her boyfriend. Alex will grow with Crave 26 Events as preschool graduations, end-of-the-year parties and many more celebrations and milestones follow. Meredith’s website is crave26events.com.

Take 10 with Meredith Three words to describe my family: Dynamic, diverse, motivating

My first year as a mom: The last year has been crazy. I have gone through so many emotions. Since this is my first child, I got so sad thinking about how little he was just a year ago and all the leaps and bounds he’s made. A party I planned: I planned a Sweet 16 at the John Hancock Building in Boston. I worked on it for 7 months. It was very intricate, and I was proud of what I did. On party planners: With the hustle and bustle of everyone’s life, hiring a party planner takes the pressure off of you. Personally, it’s not something that you desperately need, but it’s a useful tool to have. You tell us what you want, and we’ll find it for you. We’ll work within your budget. My family: I have the most amazing family. It’s incredible. When I have to be somewhere, there is always someone who can pick up the slack with Alex. An amazing family makes life a lot easier. I would not survive without them. Gifts for the birthday boy: I didn’t want to tell people what to get my son when they asked, but then I thought about it. He plays with toys but not really yet, so I

asked specific people to buy formula and diapers that are for him but will be easier for us. I can’t believe: all the clothes for my 1-year-old! I don’t know where to put them. People give them to us. We buy them. We still have bags and bags of clothing up until the time he is 2. My style: I am simple Gap but in the same breath, I can be Burberry and Chanelle. I try to follow trends from designers like Mindy Weiss. My party favorites: I love neon colors now. For invitations, I am totally into zazzle.com. They are inexpensive, cheap and absolutely the best quality. Future plans: I am working with a PR company now to work on Alexander Events to plan children’s events from fundraisers to birthday parties to Bar Mitzvahs to tea parties. Moms Rock is an award-winning monthly profile shining a light on the good that moms do. Do you know a mom who just rocks? Email editor@baystateparent.com.

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Double Digits, Baby! THE GIFT ONE MOM GIVES HER DAUGHTERS BY

My first daughter Ruby was born 10 years ago into a warm pool of water in a Rhode Island birth center, an experience that transformed me on about 5 million levels. She was only a few days old when I studied her face and made her a promise: that when she was old enough, I would show her the world. It was several years later, with two more daughters now in the mix, that I more seriously began to embrace the idea that one day we would indeed see a small piece of the world together, and that I would take each of my daughters on her own trip. In those early visions, I imagined sweet 16 to be the perfect age, but something happened in the years that followed. I began to accept my own mortality, wondering if it wouldn’t be better to seize the hoopla surrounding their tenth birthdays – an age where my daughters would still enjoy my company, not feel torn away from a life of their own and would need some alone time with mom, a respite from the bustle of our estrogen-filled house. And so a Tenth Birthday Celebration MotherDaughter Getaway became a conversation between all of us, as each of my three daughters – and especially Ruby, with her birthday approaching – began dreaming of the possibilities. The question in my mind, with the trip and with their lives in general: Where would they choose to go? Ruby chose Boca Raton, Florida – to pay a visit to a much-loved relative and enjoy her company, her proximity to the beach and her backyard pool – and the oppressed area of my brain that controls my romantic wanderlust was re-activated. For the first time in my life, I began to stash away some money – hoarding a couple paychecks and booking our flights – before dreaming lofty dreams of a motherdaughter getaway tradition that would transform my relationships with each of my daughters. And I guess, in hindsight, I can admit that my vision may have been a little unrealistic. In my mind’s eye, it was to be nothing short of a Hallmark commercial. I had visions that my private, hard-to-read 10-year-old would magically open up to me and start sharing the soft, rainbow-colored core of her heart. I let myself imagine how it would feel to learn all kinds of new things about this daughter of mine, who is and has always been, a complete enigma to me. In my fantasies, it was to be during our trip that I would crack the code to this secretive little Gemini, the daughter who offers me none of her confidences and secrets, the daughter who rebukes any attempt to learn more about the inner

amanda roberge

workings of her mind. I could just picture it: heartfelt chats on the beach, dinnersfor-two where we rolled with laughter over all the new things I would learn about her and she about me. That wasn’t quite how it went down. We butted heads in Florida as we do in Massachusetts, I sent her to bed when she was overtired, she woke me in the morning with requests to make her breakfast. She

4th Annual

learns to adapt to her surroundings, rather than trying to create a pleasing environment for herself at all times. It was during my trip with Ruby that I accepted what I have been fighting all along: my job as her mother is to love her and accept her, not for who I thought I wanted her to be, but for exactly who she is. So the trip wasn’t quite what I had in mind. Ruby, at 10, has taught me that I need to

Barbara J. Walker Buttery Festival at Broad Meadow Brook Saturday, August 13 10am-4pm (raindate August 14) Celebrate the beauty of butteries with buttery walks and demonstrations, children’s crafts and games, garden tours, face painting, music, food, art, and more.

$5/person admission or $20 max/family

Mass Audubon Broad Meadow Brook, 414 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA 01604 508-753-6087 www.massaudubon.org/broadmeadow

Homemakers, Working Men and Women,

Leave the Housework to Us.

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t t Leominster mom Amanda Roberge starts a10th-birthday tradition for each daughter that includes one-on-one time as they explore a small piece of the world.

whined, I nagged, we argued. And, also as usual, we hugged, laughed and made memories together. This trip was more like a criminal drama where I was left trying to piece together the complicated mind of my newly-minted tween. I found myself unexpectedly confused, dumbfounded and even disappointed. This was not the trip I imagined. In the end, I found meaning in my own way. What I learned about my firstborn daughter is a lesson I will take with me, like a worn but treasured suitcase, into her teenage years and it boils down to this: I cannot change her. I once spoke with a couple celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. I asked them the secret to a long marriage and the woman pursed her lips, closed her eyes and rocked imperceptibly on her heels. “Bend like the wind,� she whispered, and I thought of this advice as I bucked against the reality of my mysterious daughter. Sometimes it is the wise woman who

let life unfold and tell the story later rather than write the script in advance. Here’s what I will always remember: Sitting on the edges of pools, on sandy beaches, swimming in reefs, totally engaged in the life of my daughter. How long had it been since we’d had the chance to play in the water? For the majority of her life, I have always had someone else to watch, to look after, to protect from drowning. For an entire decade, all of her shallow dives, doggie paddles and somersaults have been observed with half an eye. Born in the water, I joined her there now, finally, once again. During this trip – our trip – a celebration of the first decade of her life, it felt like coming home. Watching her, both eyes open, to see exactly who she’s become. Amanda Roberge is a Leominster-based freelance writer.

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NOW ENROLLING FOR FALL 2011 Theophany School fosters the intellectual, moral, and social development of our students by engaging their minds, nurturing their spirits, and enriching their God-given gifts and talents through the teachings and life of the Holy Orthodox Christian Church.

PROGRAMS. . . Theophany School offers 2-, 3-, and 5-day programs for children ages 2.9 - 6 years, including FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN. Lunch and Afterschool Programs are also available. A CHRISTIAN SCHOOL. . . A loving environment, offering a strong educational program steeped in Christian values.

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION. . . Theophany School is EEC certified. All of our teachers hold a bachelor’s degree in education or related field. INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION. . . Our low student/ teacher ratio allows us to offer your child personal attention unmatched in most schools. LOCATION. . . Theophany School is conveniently located off Route 128 in Needham.

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Join us in the fight against ALS 10 thAnnual

Walk of Hope for ALS Saturday, September 10th

This family event, hosted by The Angel Fund, is a 3.5 mile walk around Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield. Registration at 9 a.m. • Walk begins at 11:00 a.m. • Build a team and obtain a sponsor • Collect pledges as a walker

• Be a corporate sponsor • Make a tax-deductible donation to The Angel Fund

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Benefiting ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) research at the Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular Research

Call 781-245-7070 or visit our website for more information.

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MUSICLESSONS

Music TogetherÂŽ - Birth to Five, Suzuki Violin & Guitar (4 yrs+), Musical Theatre, Lessons & Ensembles

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

LACTATION

PRESCHOOLS Saint Spyridon Preschool

Come relax with a cup of tea with your breastfed baby â?¤ Peer support, lactation guidance â?¤ Referrals for lactation follow-up care, classes â?¤ On-site resources: baby scale, reference library

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

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

We welcome ALL mothers who want to breastfeed their baby.

68 AUGUST2011

Where the growth & development of each individual child is nurtured

Tour Our Brand New Classrooms!

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

Accredited by the N.E. Assoc. of Schools & Colleges

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

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623 Chandler Street Tatnuck Square, Worcester /iÂ?\ĂŠxän‡Ç™Ç‡xäxäĂŠUĂŠ >Ă?\ĂŠxän‡Ç™Ç‡xäxÂŁĂŠ www.theknowledgequest.com

Look What We Found At Marshmallow Madness!! i iParty is your one-stop s’mores store! How Ho do you take your puffed-up sugar? Marshmallows M are available in pastels, chocolate swirl or even super-sized! Pick P up the roasting sticks and all the fixings for campfire fun.

baystateparent reader, Jessica Ortiz of Milford, won a $75 gift card for emailing bsp her favorite iParty finds.

Join the Birthday Club! Are you part of the iParty Birthday Club? Well, what are you waiting for?! Sign up today and start receiving iParty exclusive in-store savings and discounts, contest information, FUN party and project ideas along with so much more! Just go to www.iparty.com, complete the form and join the FUN today! BAYSTATEPARENT 69

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Lancaster Golf Center 978-537-8922 438 Old Union Tpke, Lancaster, MA (Rte.2 at Exit 34) www.lancastergolfcenter.com

Good Morning Birthday Girl/Boy!

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• Wake up in brand-new birthday jammies. • Put a candle in a breakfast mufďŹ n or pancakes. • Serve breakfast in bed. • Write a birthday message on the bathroom mirror in soap. • Decorate your mailbox with balloons. • Use window markers to decorate the glass on the front door.

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C Princess Singer (with Bachelor of Music)

C Our Original Singing Princess has enchanted children since 1994 C Costume Characters

“All Live� Insects, Small Reptiles & Animals

w/ Karaoke, games, face painting and balloon sculpture

Singing Princess 508.853.4257 www.copacabanaent.com

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

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

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

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

Make your birthday an all-day splash Invite your guests & we’ll do the rest!

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

Call Today To Reserve Your Party Date!

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

centralrockgym.com

To advertise, call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296 or email stephaniep@baystateparent.com 70 AUGUST2011

Big Joe

Traveling Farm Animals for your Party or Event! Year Round • Inside or Out Fun & Educational

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

Baby Animal Parties, Theme Parties, Living Nativities, Petting Zoos, Animals for Therapy & more!

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

Animal Craze

Have a Birthday Coming Up?

• Original & Classic Stories • Puppets, Props and Surprises

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

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

Sure, chillin’ out is cool.

But rockin’ out is a blast!

UÊ<Õ L>Ê`> ViÊ«>ÀÌ iÃÊ v ÀÊ `ÃÊ>}iÃÊ{ £Ó°Ê UÊ ÀÌ `>ÞÊ*>ÀÌ ià Contact Amy at zumbatomicwithamy@gmail.com or 508-735-8181 www.zumbatomicwithamy.com Serving Worcester and surrounding communities

Discover Stress-Free Parties starting

New England’s #1 Traveling Animal Show

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Basic Parties, Princess or Pirate Themed, Flash-Tag, Stuffin’ Bear parties and more! FREE Classes and Programs for all ages also availale all Summer!

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Offering Beading, Mosaics, Stuff-Your-Own Animals, Paint Me Tees, Silver Clay and PaintYour-Own Pottery Parties Birthdays Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Weddings/Showers Graduations Proms Dances Fundraisers Holiday/Business

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

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

To advertise, call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296 or email stephaniep@baystateparent.com BAYSTATEPARENT 71

SHOW &TELL PRODUCT PROMOTION

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It's Back to 'COOL'... with Snapily! Snapily transforms your favorite pics into keepsakes, gifts, and photo greetings with 3D and animation. Perfect for Back to School notebooks, rulers and backpack tags. Can’t decide which shot you love best? No Problem! Snapily’s animated feature displays your images from one photo to the next in the space of the same image! Prefer personalized 3D? Every new movie is in 3D this year why not your notebooks, rulers, and more? Now even cooler - no funny-looking glasses required. Go to Snapily.com to enjoy a live preview of what we do better than anyone!

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These socks add great fun to any boy's outfit! Find these and lots of other great accessories for boys and girls at Buttons and Bows, Consignment Couture. Where we're not just great consignment, but great accessories too! Designer duds & top brands, we sell only the finest quality children's clothing & accessories along with cribs, strollers, pack & plays as well as designer diaper bags. 12 Spruce St, Acton MA 01720 978-263-8008 www.ButtonsandBowsResale.com or www.facebook.com/pages/Buttons-and-Bows-consignment-couture

Use Coupon code baystate20 for 20% off all items! Expires Oct.31st, 2011 http://snapily.com • http://facebook.com/snapily

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Cutie Patutie’s Consignment All the right tools for back-to-school creativity! Easy to hold crayons and markers, drawing pads and an art smock from Melissa and Doug. Best selection and prices in the area!

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1021 Central St., Leominster, MA 01453 978-534-6604 www.everythingcutie.com

Pantech Crossover Make going back-to-school more fun for your teen with the Pantech Crossover - a sporty smartphone perfect for first time Android users. Crossover has a touchscreen and full keyboard which lets the little ones easily to check in with you while they’re out and on the move. They’ll also have access to thousands of cool apps and games. Whether this is your teen’s first phone or tenth phone, they’ll be sure to love Crossover’s features. And at such an affordable price, how can you say no? Available at any AT&T store and ATT.com for $49.99 with a two-year contract. www.pantechusa.com •www.facebook.com/PantechUSA • www.twitter.com/PantechUSA

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One in ten Americans suer from liver disease. Chances are someone you know is aected.

Support over 30 million Americans in their baĆŠle against liver disease by walking. Liver Life Walk Saturday, September 24th, 9:00 AM South Boston Waterfront liverfounda on.org/walkboston PresenĆ&#x;ng sponsor:

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CLASSIFIEDS Do you have enough money to pay your bills at the end of the month? Is there a reserve account for emergencies? Meet with the Budget Coach and take charge of your money now! Call 508-792-9087 or go to www.thebudgetcoachhelp.com

ELIZABETHG R A D Y

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A Place To Grow..............................................................46 Adventure Boot Camp......................................................74 All Saints Choir................................................................18 Amazing Learning Center....................................................2 Applewild School.............................................................24 Atlantis Dental................................................................14 Attorney James Connors ..................................................59 Backyard Adventures.......................................................58 Ballet Arts Worcester.......................................................55 Bay Path College............................................................36 Be Healthy Boston..........................................................20 Bedford Recreation..........................................................73 Bel Scriba........................................................................8 Belini Portraits................................................................42 Belkin Lookout Farm.......................................................18 Blossom Station................................................................5 Boroughs JCC..................................................................27 Boston Children’s Museum................................................37 Breezy Picnic Grounds......................................................63 British School of Boston...................................................25 Cambridge Friends School................................................30 Canobie Lake Park..........................................................54 Central Rock Gym...........................................................67

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INDEX

Charles River School............................................................25 Charter..............................................................................76 Chickee’s Dance World.........................................................27 Children’s Closet..................................................................74 Children’s Dentistry of Northborough.......................................45 Children’s Dentists of Worcester.............................................56 Children’s Garden................................................................55 Children’s Music Academy.....................................................47 Christine’s Day Spa..............................................................74 Claytime.............................................................................46 Coco Key Water Resort...........................................................6 Concord Museum.................................................................49 Cornerstone Academy........................................................3,73 Curious Creatures.................................................................36 Cutie Patutie’s................................................................43,45 Dabblers hobbies + cafe.......................................................49 Dance It Up!.......................................................................47 Dance Prism........................................................................58 Danforth Museum of Art.......................................................43 Davis Farmland................................................................6,19 DeCordova Museum.............................................................62 DejaVu Couture...................................................................19 Devereux Therapeutic Foster Care..........................................15 Dog Watch Systems.............................................................67 Dr. Bruce Fieldman................................................................7 Dr. Mel-Pediatric Dentistry......................................................21 Ecotarium...........................................................................54 Elite Dance Academy............................................................45 Elizabeth Grady...................................................................74 Epiphany Children’s Boutique................................................30 Fallon ReadyMED................................................................75 Faucher Dance....................................................................31 Finagle A Bagel...................................................................63 Gigueres.............................................................................50 Girls Inc..............................................................................27 Good Neighbor Concierge......................................................30 Gymboree...........................................................................55 Gymnastic Academy of Boston...............................................69 Hanover Theatre....................................................................4 Health Alliance....................................................................57 Honey Farms.......................................................................31 Inn at East Hill Farm.............................................................51 Iparty.................................................................................69 John Robert Powers.............................................................14 JP Licks..............................................................................15 Life Is Good........................................................................61 Little Hands Academy...........................................................63 Liver Life Walk.....................................................................73 Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House.........................................49

Lowell Summer Music.............................................................36 Mad Olive Bounce House.........................................................74 Mall at Whitney Field..............................................................37 Mass Audubon Society.............................................................65 MathAltitude..........................................................................24 Merlin’s Silver Star..................................................................49 Nashoba Montessori School......................................................36 NERHC..................................................................................20 Newton Montessori..................................................................31 Next Generation Children’s Center..............................................45 North Central Charter Essential School........................................47 Outfit the Kids........................................................................44 Panera Bread.........................................................................75 Parenting Solutions.................................................................36 Paul’s Rentals.........................................................................10 Paula Meola...........................................................................25 Perreault Nurseries...................................................................74 Plante Opticians......................................................................36 Providence Children’s Museum..................................................67 Seeking Sitters.......................................................................51 Simon Malls...........................................................................29 Simon Malls Kidgits Club..........................................................20 Shrewsbury Montessori School..................................................24 Skribbles Learning Center.........................................................46 Speech, Language & Hearing Assoc. of Greater Boston.................10 St. Peter Central Catholic Elementary School...............................27 Ten Acre Country Day School....................................................33 The Angel Fund......................................................................67 The Bolton Fair.......................................................................62 The Discovery Museums...........................................................21 The Gymnastic Place................................................................31 The Little Gym........................................................................37 The Riverbend School..............................................................26 The Wellness Group.................................................................49 Theophany School...................................................................66 TLC Christian Preschool.............................................................37 UMass Memorial Medical Center................................................12 Wachusett Mountain KidsFest....................................................52 Wee Care for Little People, Inc..................................................29 West End Creamery.................................................................62 Wheelock Family Theatre.........................................................43 Wifesavers.............................................................................65 Womens Health of Central Mass...............................................64 Woodstock Fair.......................................................................61 Worcester Academy of Music....................................................31 Worcester Art Museum.............................................................50 Worcester JCC ASSP.................................................................30 Worcester JCC Kinder Care........................................................47 Worcester JCC Toddler Program.................................................29 YMCA of Central Mass.............................................................66

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