baystateparent magazine October 2018

baystateparent FREE

OCTOBER 2018

SEASON’S BEST PUMPKIN FESTIVALS

SISTER, SISTER GROWING UP WITH A SPECIAL NEEDS SIBLING 125 THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH THE RISE OF THE KID-FRIENDLY BREWERY

VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

2 OCTOBER2018

BAYSTATEPARENT 3

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table of contents OCTOBER 2018 VOLUME 23

12

125 Things To Do This Month

27

7 12 19 39 42

36

Opening the Door to Theater for All

in every issue 6

NUMBER 6

The Rise of Family Friendly Breweries

Violet, 8 & Bella, 10 Shawna Shenette Photography

very special people

features Family Friendly Pumpkin Festivals

Sister, Sister: Bella & Violet’s Sweet Bond

10 28

24

The Challenges of Advocating for a Dyslexic Child

30

#MomLife: News, Tips & Advice for Bay State Mamas

26

Is It a Cold or the Flu? How to Tell the Difference and When to Call the Doctor

When Motherhood Doesn’t Turn Out to be Perfect

Let Them Play: New Findings on the Power of Playing

Finally Forever: October’s Child & Area Adoption Events

27

Theater Opens Doors for Actors of All Abilities

32 34 36

A Very Special Groomsman

Add to Cart: Our Favorite Finds Online

20 22

Oh, The Places You’ll Go! October Calendar of Family Events

Editor’s Note: Can You Live in the Moment, and Capture it Too?

Take Eight with Imari Paris Jeffries

ripe

www.baystateparent.com

8

Bites: Girl Scouts’ New Gluten-Free Cookie; a Book for Little Foodies; 3 Yummy Apple Recipes

9

Ask the Nutritionist: Does Your Child Need Protein Powder?

Stressed Out: Today’s Kids Struggle More with Anxiety

Reading With – Not To – Your Kids Family Time on Tap: The Rise of Kid-Friendly Breweries

www.baystateparent.com

meet team baystateparent president PAUL M. PROVOST

associate publisher KATHY REAL BENOIT 508-767-9525 kreal@baystateparent.com

editor in chief AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER 508-767-9526 amanda@baystateparent.com

director of sales REGINA STILLINGS 508-767-9547 regina@baystateparent.com

creative director PAULA MONETTE ETHIER 508-767-9536 pethier@holdenlandmark.com

account executive KATHY PUFFER 508-767-9544 kathy@baystateparent.com

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baystateparent is published monthly • 100 Front Street • Worcester, MA 01608 • It is distributed free of charge throughout Massachusetts.

BAYSTATEPARENT 5

Can You Live in the Moment, and Capture it Too?

S

crolling through my last 100 or social media posts, I can pretty much relive the first year of my son’s life. There’s the big milestones – the day he was born, his first messy attempt at solids, and the “look who’s crawling!” video. Photos of Max’s first Thanksgiving and Christmas, and snapshots of the first Mother’s and Father’s Day are all there.

And then there are the smaller moments too: snuggled up on the couch with daddy, swinging at the park, and on and on.

I’m grateful to have these memories preserved and available at the swipe of a finger. I can pull up Instagram be transported back to when he was sleepy newborn, or open Facebook and be reminded exactly what he looked like “On This Day” a year ago. But sometimes I wonder if capturing all these moments with him might keep me from living in them.

Case in point: we recently attended my sister’s wedding. As guests mingled during the cocktail hour, Max put on quite the show over at the corn hole game. He only had to watch a couple times before he got the point: bean bag goes in the hole. Since he’s a bit too tiny to toss the bags, he found that wobbling back forth between the boards carrying piles of bean bags was the way to get it done.

Just having to capture the cuteness, I fumbled to find my phone, open the camera and hit record. I stood there, holding the phone between me and my son, frustrated that I couldn’t get a good angle or steady my hand. I realized that when he proudly looked up at me to see my reaction, he saw a screen, and not my face.

I couldn’t help but wonder how many other amazing things he’s done that I’ve seen through my phone, instead of with my eyes. And how many other times has he looked at me to see a phone screen between the two of us? Are there experiences I’ve missed because I was preoccupied with recording them?

Probably.

The smartphone has given moms and dads an advantage that no parent has ever had in history. We all have a little recorder in our pockets that, in a matter of seconds, we can use to capture the sights and sounds of any moment. And yes, it’s wonderful to capture all those incredible moments of our children’s lives, but should we be more focused on documenting or living life?

I certainly don’t have the answer. Becoming a mom has made me more aware than ever of the fleeting passage of time. Max changes every day. You blink, you miss it – but if you record it, you’ve got it.

I guess it’s all about balance. Live in the moment... but try to capture just enough of it.

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Our favorite October finds

Annie, Lola, and Ameena are not your typical dolls -- these ragdolls for children ages 2 and up were specially designed to encourage kids to embrace inclusion. Annie wears a blue and yellow butterfly dress to represent awareness for people with Down syndrome, Lola wears a Mexican-inspired print, and Ameena wears the color green, which has number of traditional associations and meanings in Islam.

Selma’s Dolls were created by two moms to introduce kids to the beauty of differences through play. Each doll comes with a storybook that allows parents to teach their children that people are not all the same. $39.99. selmasdolls.com.

Lens-wearing kids can now go from one look to another in a snap with fun, customizable glasses from Pair Eyewear. Each frame has an optional magnetic “top frame” that kids can switch out in seconds, turning tortoiseshell

glasses turquoise just like that.

Available to order online, Pair has a unique home try on kit with cardboard cutouts of each base frame, so kids can try out the five different styles and parents don’t need to worry about returning

expensive tester frames. Bonus: Pair donates a pair of glasses to a child in need for each base frame sold through their partnership with EYElliance. $155 and up (including prescription lenses). paireyewear.com.

Is there finally, a solution to the missing sock dilemma? SockSync is an all-in-one gadget for sock matching and sorting that features a combination of a laundry basket and a spinning top with eight openings, aka the SockSync Cups. Scroll through the single socks until you find the match, then push the pair together into and through the opening, which folds the pair and drops them into the basket. After the spinning and matching is done, you'll have a basket full of paired and perfectly folded socks. $59.95. socksync.com.

Life with a baby means there’s a lot to pack up and keep track of. Easy Baby Travelers makes organizing your diaper bag and keeping everything accounted a bit more manageable.

Four Change Me, Dress Me, and Feed Me Travelers organize any bag into a diaper bag. Or, leave the bulky diaper bag behind and take the Easy Baby Traveler that has the baby supplies you need. The insulated Feed Me Traveler holds bottles, sippy cups or other perishables and includes a fastener handle to clip on to your stroller for easy access. The Change Me, Dress Me, Feed Me Travelers hold at least a day's worth of baby/toddler supplies. $68-$80 for set of four. easybabytravelers.com.

While no one beats mommy or daddy when it comes to making a little one feel better, a fuzzy friend could come in a close second. Thermal-AID, a line of heating and cooling packs, now offers a variety of animal shapes for kids. The animals can be heated in the microwave and cooled in the freezer and are machine washable. $19.95. thermalaidproducts.com.

Have a little one who just has to do everything on their own?

Grabease are utensils designed specifically for babies and toddlers to safely feed themselves.

The handle promotes proper hand and pincer grasp and has a choke-proof barrier so little ones can’t stick it too far into their mouths and gag. The un-

tensils are made from BPA- and Phthalates-free plastic. $14.50 for set. grabease.com.

BAYSTATEPARENT 7

Girl Scouts MA: New Gluten-Free Cookie!

BITES

Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts (GSEMA) and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) have announced that a new cookie, Caramel Chocolate Chip, will join the 2019 Girl Scout Cookie season lineup, as a gluten-free, peanut-free offering. Caramel Chocolate Chip features rich caramel, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt in a chewy cookie.

The gluten-free Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie joins classics like the Thin Mints, Caramel deLites, and Shortbread varieties.

The new cookie is $5 per package, offered only in select Girl Scout council markets (which includes all of the eastern Massachusetts council footprint) for as long as supplies last, and it can only be purchased from a registered Girl Scout.

Take a Bite Out of History with New Foodie Kids Book Did you know that Christopher Columbus set out on his most famous voyage in search not of the new world, but cinnamon? Or that rich people in the Middle Ages served flaming peacocks and spun sugar castles to their lucky dinner party guests? Did you ever wonder why M&Ms were invented? (Hint: That candy coating isn't just for decoration!)? The quest for food has inspired all kinds of adventures and misadventures around the world, and a new children’s book explores the wildest and wackiest of them all, from prehistoric times through modern day.

Food Fight!: A Mouthwatering History of Who Ate What and Why Through the Ages offers kids a delicious tour through history. From the discovery of fire a million years ago, to the domestication of animals in the Neo-

Study: Food Presentation Could Affect Kids’ Choices Have a picky eater? A new study by Cornell University says the way food is presented to kids could be the key in what they choose to eat.

Children prefer varied visuals on their plate, the researchers found, whether it’s a mix of colors or ingredients shaped into silly faces. “On average, they preferred seven different items on their plates and six different colors,” the study concluded. Adults, on the other hand, found three items of varying color most appealing.

Children not only prefer more elements and color than adults, but they also liked their entrees placed in the front of the plate with figurative designs – think bacon shaped like a smile or peas arranged in the shape of a heart. The study’s author suggested making changes so that something like broccoli or fish looks tastier than it otherwise would.

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lithic era, to the potential future of Martian agriculture, the book looks at history through the lens of food to answer questions about the origins of today’s common foods, marvelous inventions that changed the way we ate and cooked. Each chapter focuses on a major period of world history — from Prehistoric cavekids, to the Industrial Revolution, to World War II, to the present day and beyond — and examines politics, culture and class difference as they are reflected in the cuisine du jour.

Food Fight! also includes 30 kid-tested historical recipes, each specific to a particular time and place. All recipes are healthy and designed for big people and their little foodies to make together. (National Geographic Kids Books, $19.99; ages 10 and up)

An Apple a Day Some ideas for what to do with your apple orchard haul.

Apple Chips • 6+ large fresh apples (any kind will do) • 3 tablespoons of cinnamon • 2 tablespoons of sugar Preheat oven to 200. Core and then slice apples as thin as possible.

Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, flipping once during bake time. Let cool for 20 minutes. The crispy apple chips keep well by sealing in an airtight bag. ~Recipe submitted by Erin Maltbie

Caramel Apple Dip What You Need: • 1 8 ounce block cream cheese softened • 1/3 cup sugar • 1 16 ounce container caramel dip or thick caramel sauce • 1/2 cup toffee bits Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, add sugar, and mix until combined.

Spread the mixture into a flat serving dish. Pour caramel dip or sauce over the cream cheese and spread into an even layer. Top with toffee bits and serve with sliced apples.

Warm Cinnamon Apples • 4 apples, peeled and sliced • 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 2 tablespoons water • 1 tablespoon butter Toss apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large ziplock bag to coat. Then, cook the apple mixture, water and butter in a saucepan over medium heat stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes or until the apples are tender.

ask the

NUTRITI

NIST

Does My Child Need Protein Powder?

Q:

My daughter dances a lot during the school year. She dances Monday through Friday at school and stays after one day a week and dances on a team. She is a good eater but I was wondering if I should add protein powder to her diet. If so, is there a certain protein powder you recommend?

What ages would this be appropriate for?

Most children get plenty of protein from the foods they eat throughout the day to meet their protein needs, even when they have been highly active. And, these protein needs may not be as high as you might think.

A:

Here is a quick breakdown of protein needs by age and foods that meet the requirement: • 2-3 year olds: 13 grams of protein (1 egg, ½ cup milk, ½ cup peas) • 4-8 year olds: 19 grams of protein (1 ounce of cheese, ½ cup black beans, ½ cup brown rice, ¾ cup whole grain cereal) • 9-13 year olds: 34 grams of protein (1 cup broccoli, 1 cup yogurt, 1.5 ounces of canned tuna, 1 cup of cooked oatmeal made with milk, ½ peanut butter sandwich) • 14-18 year olds: 52 grams (boys), 46 grams (girls) (1/2 turkey sandwich, 6 whole grain crackers, 1 cup whole wheat pasta with sauce and cheese, 1 cup milk) Most foods in our diet, except fruit and candy, provide a source of protein. This includes dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, meat, fish, beans/legumes, whole

grain breads, starchy and nonstarchy vegetables. For children who are fairly active, make sure to offer multiple sources of protein throughout the day at their meals and snack times.

Most children need about 3 meals and 2 or 3 snacks a day.

Make sure they pack a balanced snack with a source of carbohydrate and protein to eat after school to provide their body sustainable fuel for practice. Some examples include a piece of fruit with nuts, cheese and crackers, half a sandwich, or a glass of milk and banana.

Then offer a balanced meal for dinner when they get home to replenish their body. A balanced meal is one that provides a source of carbohydrate, protein, fat and fiber from fruit or vegetables.

Protein powders do offer convenience, but aren’t necessary to meet an active child’s protein needs. Often my recommendation is to go to whole foods that contain a source of protein first and most often.

Whole foods provide your child the protein they need plus additional macronutrients, vitamins and minerals their body needs to grow and develop.

Lauren Sharifi is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and food blogger at biteofhealthnutrition. com. Lauren works in private practice in Brighton at ASF-Peak Health (asfpeakhealth. com) and is passionate about helping individuals and families become competent eaters that find joy out of eating. Have a question for Lauren? Email editor@baystateparent.com.

BAYSTATEPARENT 9

Family-Friendly Pumpkin Festivals

All ages will marvel at this outdoor gallery of thousands of illuminated jack-o-lanterns that transform the zoo’s pathways into a Halloween wonderland. Celebrating 30 years of Halloween magic, this year’s show will include more than 5,000 intricately carved scenes of wizards, fairytales and the luminaries of great myths and legends, alongside superheroes and historical figures who changed the world. Children $12-$15, adults $15-$18 depending on the day. Kids under 2 free.

The Great Salem Pumpkin Walk -Salem, MA Wednesday, October 10 Explore the historic and haunted downtown district for a special self-guided tour of pumpkin displays, activities, and entertainment.

Participating locations include the Witch House, the Salem Witch Museum, the House of Seven Gables, Hawthorne Hotel and more.

From a towering pyramid of glittering gourds to a laid back walk along the streets of downtown Salem, there is plenty of pumpkin-themed fun to be had this season in the Bay State and beyond. Carve out some family memories.

Jack-o-Lantern Journey at Franklin Park Zoo – Boston, MA Thursday through Sunday, October 4-November 4 Whimsical pumpkins will delight and amaze at the new Jack O’ Lantern Journey at Franklin

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Park Zoo. Celebrate the season amongst thousands of hand-carved Jack O’ Lanterns creatively displayed in different themed scenes for all ages. Watch a live pumpkin carving demonstration, nosh on seasonal food and beverages. Ticket prices vary.

Pumpkintown USA – East Hampton, CT Weekends through October 31 and Columbus Day A locally owned garden center on Route 66 transforms into this family-friendly Halloween

village each fall. Visitors can peruse the barn, trading post and country store, but the real seasonal attraction is the 20-minute hayride though Pumpkintown Forest where you can catch a glimpse of dozens of pumpkinhead characters. Admission $6, hayride $7. Ages 2 and under free.

Roger Williams Park Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular – Providence, RI Open through November 4

New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival – Laconia, NH Friday & Saturday, October 12-13 A community-hosted, family celebration of fall, artistry, and all things pumpkin. Over 40,000 attendees come to take in the the famous 34-foot tower of jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin carving, food and craft vendors, live music, hayrides, children’s game and rides and more.

Free admission.

EcoTarium’s Great Pumpkin Nights – Worcester, MA Friday through Sunday, October 12-14, 19-21, and 26-28 Wander the EcoTarium grounds to see striking displays of dinosaurs, safari animals, and more,

then move inside and enjoy the museum’s kid-friendly exhibits... while trick-or-treating!

(Don’t forget your costume!) Bring a flashlight to light your way at night. Members $12, nonmembers $16. Kids under 2 free.

Frog Pond Pumpkin Float – Boston Common Friday, October 19 The family-friendly event includes decoration of Halloween luminaries, refreshments, and more.

Attendees of all ages are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and bring an 8-inch or smaller carved pumpkin to be floated on the Frog Pond for an early evening display. Free.

Monadnock Pumpkin Festival – Swanzey, NH Saturday, October 20 Celebrating time-honored traditions of community, family fun, and pumpkin abundance, this festival features fireworks, hayrides, a haunted maze, artisan displays and even pumpkin catapult competition. All set to live entertainment and nestled in the heart of New Hampshire’s scenic Monadnock Region. Free.

Keene Pumpkin Fest – Keene, NH Sunday, October 28 An all volunteer effort to bring flickering orange gourds back to downtown Keene after the famous festival moved to Laconia, the festival will feature children’s games, music, and, of course, pumpkins. Free admission.

BY THES – R NUMBE

s n i k Pump The number of acres of pumpkins harvested in the U.S. annually

49.5 million

U.S. growers produce

over 1.5 billion pounds

of pumpkins every year – more than twice the weight of the Empire State Building

1,502 pounds

The largest pumpkin ever recorded, grown in Greene, Rhode Island

The average pumpkin contains about

500 seeds

46 percent

of Americans carve a pumpkin for Halloween

$4.12:

The national average price of a pumpkin in 2017

$618 million

The amount Americans spend on pumpkins each October

Sources: CNN, National Retail Federation, History.com

BAYSTATEPARENT 11

Photo Courtesy of Berklee College of Music

OH,

THE PLACES YOU’LL GO

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

Photo Courtesy of the Discovery Museum

Photo courtesy Congdon & Coleman

15th Annual Cranberry Festival.

Nantucket.

12 OCTOBER2018

Photo Courtesy of Wachusett Mountain Ski Area

20th Annual Octoboefest. Berklee College of Music.

Ooey Gooey Pumpkin Science.

Discovery Museum.

AppleFest.

Wachusett Mountain.

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! MELTDOWN WARNING: Before you pack up the minivan, please confirm your destination.

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

6 Saturday

1 Monday

Ashfield Fall Festival. Main St., Ashfield. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy crafts and art exhibits by more than 50 exhibitors, locally-grown food, live music, pumpkin games, children’s activities, and more. Through Sunday. Free. ashfieldfallfestival.org.

Photo courtesy of Worcester Art Museum

Especially for Me: Deaf, Hard of Hearing & KODA Families. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 9:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Come for a morning of fun and learning with Early Intervention groups, ASL interpreters, and other families with deaf, hard of hearing, and KODA infants and toddlers. Register ahead. Free. discoveryacton.org.

Families @ WAM Tour. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester.

10:30-11 a.m. Explore the Worcester Art Museum galleries with your family on a docent-guided discovery tour, featuring facts, stories, and time together. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults, ages 4 to 17 $6, ages under 4 free. worcesterart.org.

tion land adjacent to the Museum. Designed for ages 2 to 6. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

The Nightmare Before Christmas.

TCAN: Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 11 a.m. Tim Burton’s magical eye paints a dazzling portrait as the pumpkin king of Halloween Town ventures to Christmas Town and tries to capture the magic. Members $10, public $12. natickarts.org.

Kiddie Music Time. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster.

10-11 a.m. Join the Monument Square Community Music School to enjoy classic and original music, percussion instruments, and dance. Recommended for ages 5 and under. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

MFA Playdates: Spanish Bilingual Exploration. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston.

10:15-11 a.m. Enjoy story time, looking activities in the galleries, and art making on special bilingual tours in English and Spanish. Recommended for ages 4 and under. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $25, youth 7 to 17 $10, ages under 7 free. mfa.org.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton.

6:30 p.m. Join in for this showing of the wonderful documentary tracing the story of Mr. Rogers and his eponymous television show. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Families @ WAM Tour. Worcester Art Museum. capacitors, gears and more to uncover the inner workings of household gadgets and gizmos. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

contemporary classical chamber pieces, modern jazz, vocal groups, and songwriting. Free. berklee.edu/events.

Backyard and Beyond: Have You Heard the Nesting Bird? Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 1-3 p.m.

Read about bird calls and songs, and take part in a walk through the conservation land to listen for birds. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Make a Mess: Paint with What?

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10-11 a.m. Drop-in but don’t expect paintbrushes. Use unconventional tools to create works of art. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Murder by Death. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 7 p.m. Follow five famous private eyes as they journey to a mysterious dinner at a remote castle, from the brilliant mind of Especially for Me: Sensory-Friendly Neil Simon. Adult $12.75, children $10.75. Afternoons. Discovery Museum, 177 coolidge.org.

Main St., Acton. 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Come explore the entire Museum campus Composition Department Faculty at your own pace, featuring limited crowdConcert. David Friend Recital Hall, 921 ing and quiet spaces. Register ahead. Free.

Boylston St., Boston. 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an discoveryacton.org. evening of original works by faculty from the Composition Department at Berklee.

Free. berklee.edu/events.

Backyard and Beyond: Leaf Art. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10-11:30 a.m. Collect colorful leaves Dance and Movement Class. Newton throughout Discovery Woods and use Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. them to make a suncatcher, a painted 10-10:45 a.m. Join the Joanne Langione leaf print, or a textured leaf rubbing.

Dance Center for this music and movement Free with admission. Members free; class for toddlers and preschoolers. Free. nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. newtonfreelibrary.net. discoveryacton.org.

3 Wednesday

2 Tuesday

Take Aparts, Jr. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Drop-in, grab some tools, and discover resistors,

You’ll Hear It. David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston St., Boston. 7:30 p.m.

Hear a variety of musical styles including

4 Thursday

Storytime Surprise: Owls. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton.

4-4:30 p.m. Enjoy a special story time and ask ‘whoo’s there’ and have a hoot of a time enjoying owls. For ages 3 to 5. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

5 Friday Music and Movement with Miss Bernadette. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 9:30-10 a.m. Explore sound while you move, make music, listen, learn, and get a multi-sensory workout. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-10:45 a.m. Come outside and do a nature-based activity based on the weather and season, either in the Discovery Woods our out on the conserva-

Magic by Scott Jameson. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 2-3 p.m. Join in this very exciting performance in celebration of World Smile Day, featuring magic, juggling, comedy, and more. Recommended for ages 12 and under. Free. mywpl.org.

ICA Watershed en Español. Institute of Contemporary Art: Boston Watershed, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston. 11 a.m.

Join a bilingual ICA educator for a free tour in the ICA Watershed and morning learning about the Shipyard and Marina.

Free. icaboston.org.

15th Annual Cranberry Festival.

Milestone Cranberry Bog, 220 Milestone Rd., Nantucket. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. A day of the cranberry, featuring family activities, Everyday Engineering: Strike a hay rides, a petting zoo, food, sample Balance. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., treats, live music, and spectacular autumn Acton. 2-4:30 p.m. Engage in some every- scenery. $20 per car. nantucketconservaday engineering as we build a tabletop tion.org. seesaw using rulers, paint stirrers and paper towel tubes. Free with admission. Members Collection Spotlight: Archaeology. free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 Wright Tavern, 2 Lexington Rd., free. discoveryacton.org.

Concord. 1-3 p.m. Drop-in and learn about the Concord Museum’s collection of First Friday Nights Free. Discovery over 17,000 stone tools used by Native Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 4:30-8 p.m. Americans in the region thousands of Explore the museum at night during this years ago, with observation, touch, and time when we accept non-perishable food sketching. Free. concordmuseum.org. donations for the Acton Food Pantry and Open Table of Concord and Maynard. Free. Think Like an Archaeologist. discoveryacton.org.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 1-4 p.m. Celebrate Massachusetts Stars Over Springfield. Springfield Archaeology Month; put on your thinkMuseums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. ing cap and try some activities that 7:30-9:30 p.m. Join members of the archaeologists use in the field. Free with Springfield Stars Club for skygazing in the admission. Members free; nonmembers Science Museum’s observatory, and enjoy $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryaca planetarium show if overcast. $3. spring- ton.org. fieldmuseums.org.

BAYSTATEPARENT 13

Special Storytime: Jon Agee. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 135 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 2 p.m. Join author/illustrator Jon Agee as he reads and discusses his latest picture book, The Wall in the Middle of The Book, showing how break down walls can cure fear. Free with admission. Adults $9, youths $6, ages under 1 free. carlemuseum.org.

Photo courtesy of the Discovery Museum

Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Daddy & Me Brain Building Afternoon: Airplanes. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 3-4 p.m. Dads and caretakers are invited to join with their children for an airplane story and a woodworking activity using hammers, nails, and paint to create an airplane.

For ages 2 to 4 with caretaker. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Especially for Me: Free AutismFriendly Evening. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 5-8 p.m. Explore the new Discovery Museum during this time of play, exploration, and tinkering, with dinner provided. Register ahead.

Free. discoveryacton.org.

7 Sunday

Doggy Days: Howl-o-ween. Discovery Museum.

the magic. Members $10, public $12. natickarts.org.

First Sunday. Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Explore the museum and exhibitions at the Museum all day during this special free day. Free. museumofrussianicons. org.

The Phantom of the Opera: Silent Film with Musical Accompaniment.

The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. 2 p.m. Venture to the Paris Opera where a young singer learns of her mysterious admirer who lives below the grounds. $20. thehanovertheatre.org.

Hands On History: Archaeology.

Wright Tavern, 2 Lexington Rd., Concord. 1-4 p.m. Dig into Concord’s past with a simulated archaeological test pit, and explore Native American artifacts. Free. concordmuseum.org.

8 Monday

Archeology Discovery Day. South Shore Natural Science Center, 48 Jacobs Ln., Norwell. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A fun hands-on mock archeological dig. Use special tools to excavate fragments of the The Nightmare Before Christmas. past and see Early American artifacts and TCAN: Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 2 p.m. Tim Burton’s magical eye the living collection of native New England animals. Free with admission. Members paints a dazzling portrait as the pumpfree; nonmembers $5, ages under 2 free. kin king of Halloween Town ventures southshorenaturalsciencecenter.org. to Christmas Town and tries to capture

Fall Open House. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Catch a concert, watch a film, and tour the galleries exploring works of art from around the globe, during this time of family art-making activities, ASL-interpreted events, and exploration opportunities. Free. mfa.org.

9 Tuesday Dance Party. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10-10:30 a.m.

Move and groove to the music during this dance party for all ages. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Colors on the Moooove! Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Explore chemistry with colored dye moving in cool ways. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

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Backyard and Beyond: Leaf Art. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

1-3 p.m. Celebrate autumn as we explore the Discovery Woods and turn our foliage into crafts and creations. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Little Lab Coats. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Go on a scientific discovery and blast off beyond the earth and explore gravity, black holes, and what makes our planet so special. For ages 6 to 9. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

10 Wednesday Backyard and Beyond: What’s the Weather Wednesday. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Celebrate whatever weather Mother Nature decides to do. Free with admission.

Ooey Gooey Pumpkin Science.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

2-4:30 p.m. Drop-in and explore questions and qualities of a pumpkin, from guessing how many seeds there are, to seeing if pumpkins sink or float, and more. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

11 Thursday Make a Mess: Spooky Science.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Use a little spooky science to create a strange substance, oobleck. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Game Day. Worcester Public Library: Great Brook Valley Branch, 89 Tacoma St., Worcester. 2-5 p.m. Get unplugged and play some old fashioned games this afternoon. Free. mywpl.org.

Chinese Bilingual Storytime. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton.

4-4:30 p.m. Enjoy a special bilingual story time featuring stories, songs, and movement exercises in English and Chinese. For ages 3 to 5. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

12 Friday Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-10:45 a.m. Come outside and do a nature-based activity based on the weather and season, either in the Discovery Woods or on the conservation land adjacent to the Museum. Designed for ages 2 to 6. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

13 Saturday 2nd Annual Run/Walk for Rise Above. Dudley Town Beach, Mason Rd., Dudley. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Enjoy children’s activities, music, refreshments, and our annual run and walk for Rise Above benefitting kids in foster care. Free. crowdrise. com/o/en/campaign/runwalkriseabove. weriseabove.org.

Pee-Yew: The Smell Detectives.

Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Use that wonderful sniffer in the middle of your face as you smell your way through this class teaching you about the structure and function of the nose, identify pleasant aromas, match scents, and make your own perfume. Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

Register ahead. Members $24, nonmembers $28. springfieldmuseums.org.

Book Party with Mo Willems.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Celebrate Mo Willems’ beginning-reader series, with films, crafts, and book readings. Free with admission.

Adults $9, youths $6, ages under 1 free.

Carlemuseum.org.

Sturbridge Harvest Festival. Town Common, Sturbridge. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The 29th annual Harvest Festival in Sturbridge will host over 80 local crafters, artisans, harvests fresh from the farm, live music and entertainment, and even a mini food truck festival. A juried scarecrow contest will feature cash prizes for first place. Free. cmschamber.ning.com/ AppleFest. Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton. 10 a.m.5 p.m. Enjoy over 100 craft exhibitors, a farmers’ market, kids entertainment, fall foliage along the SkyRide, live music, apple pie baking and eating contests, and family entertainment. Through Sunday. Advance adults $11, ages 6 to 12 $6; day-of adults $14, ages 6 to 12 $9; ages under 6 free. wachusett.com.

Ed Popielarczyk’s Magical Moments. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester.

10:30-11:30 a.m. Enjoy this morning performance that will send you off on a magical adventure. Free. mywpl.org.

Beyond the Spectrum: Memory Vessels. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Learn about the uses and importance of pottery vessels throughout history and in modern life, before making your own vessels to hold an important memory during this adventure in art on the autism spectrum. For ages 8 to 12. $9. mfa.org.

Wright Tavern History Festival.

Wright Tavern, 2 Lexington Rd., Concord.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn all about the role this historic building played in the events of the American Revolution from the election of John Hancock as president of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress to visits from the King’s arm, through history, crafts, and activities. Free. concordmuseum.org.

Howl-O-Ween Parade. Salem Maritime Historic Site, Derby Wharf, Salem. 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. The 4th annual Howl-oween Parade featuring fun and our favorite doggy and pet costume parade. Free. salemmainstreets.org.

How to Train Your Dragon. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m. Follow a young Viking as he takes his place amongst the legends by becoming friends with a surprisingly friendly dragon.

Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Night at the Museum. South Shore Natural Science Center, 48 Jacobs Ln., Norwell. 4-8 p.m. Come and discover the museum at night with hands-on activities and special exhibits from our collections.

Members $5, nonmembers $8. southshorenaturalsciencecenter.org.

Especially for Me: Evening for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or KODA Families.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

5-8 p.m. Tinker, learn, and explore, as we provide an open space, ASL interpreters, and fun for families with deaf, hard of hearing, or KODA children, with dinner provided. Register ahead. Free. discoveryacton.org.

14 Sunday Harvest Fair. Newton Center Green, Langley Rd. & Centre St., Newton. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy amusement rides, free pumpkin decorating, 100 craft vendors and informational booths, food, live entertainment, and more. Free. newtoncommunitypride.org.

Revere Beach Pumpkin Festival.

Revere Beach, 350 Revere Beach Blvd., Revere. 10:30 a.m. Enjoy face-painting, cookie decorating, children’s activities, and pumpkins during this fun fall festival.

Free. reverebeachpartnership.com.

Earth Stories: A Museum MiniFestival. Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge. 1-4 p.m. Celebrate Earth Science Week and explore how minerals can be clues to Earth processes, learn about the planet’s atmosphere, and discover what earthquakes can teach us about the planet. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $12, youth 3 and up $8, ages under 3 free. hmnh.harvard.edu.

BAYSTATEPARENT 15

Autumnal Sculptures. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 1-4 p.m. Enjoy a special Sunday in the art studio and make sculptures inspired by the fall season. Free with admission. Adults $9, youths $6, ages under 1 free. carlemuseum.org.

massaudubon.org/southshore.

MFA Playdate: Searching for Shapes. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10:15-11 a.m. Explore the galleries, listen to stories, and participate in art-making as you look for shapes from circles to squares to trapezoids through art. Recommended for ages 4 and under. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $25, youth 7 to 17 $10, ages under 7 free. mfa.org.

15 Monday

Photo courtesy ofMass. Audubon

Martin Waddell Author Celebration.

Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Celebrate the books of Martin Waddell as we enjoy stories, art, music, and movement. For ages 2 to 5. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Baby Bookworms. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster.

11-11:30 a.m. Start off your baby’s first year with a love of reading during this short program to entice their minds. For ages up to 12 months. Register ahead.

Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Sophisticated Stories. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 7-7:45 p.m. Enjoy cool, strange, weird, and wacky picture books, and brownies. For grades 3 and up. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

16 Tuesday

Mass Audubon Farm Day. Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary concert of new compositions and arrangements by department faculty members.

Free. berklee.edu/events.

LittleBeats Dance. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10-10:30 a.m.

Join our friends from LittleBeats for creative dance at the library, featuring music, stories, and dancing. For ages up to 4.

Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

French Film Music Live. Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 8 p.m. Enjoy a full orchestra as we pay tribute to- and feature the great composers of francophone cinema.

Advance $10, day-of $15. berklee.edu/ events.

Tinker Tuesday: Threading Things.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10-11 a.m. Dust off your thinking cap, warm up your imagination, and tinker about with straws, beads, colored pasta, and more. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

17 Wednesday

Backyard and Beyond: Composting.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

1-3 p.m. Drop-in to explore what materials can be composted or how these materials are broken down naturally. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Family Fun Night: Investigating Autumn Harvest. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 6-7 p.m. Join us as we read the stories about fall, investigate apples, pumpkins, and squash, and learn about fall. For ages 3 to 7. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

New Works for Jazz Orchestra VI. David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston St., Boston. 7:30 p.m. Join the Harmony Department Big Band as it presents a 16 OCTOBER2018

Backyard and Beyond: Celebrate National Fossil Day. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Explore the fascinating finds of fossils and make your own ‘fossil’ to take home. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

WAM Stroller Tours. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester.

10:30-11:30 a.m. Enjoy a guided tour exploring the Museum’s artwork, followed by a story and light refreshments.

Recommended for ages up to 3 and siblings. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults, ages 4 to 17 $6, ages under 4 free. worcesterart.org.

18 Thursday

nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Women in Jazz Collective. Berklee Dining Hall, 160 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 1 p.m. Berklee’s female performers and composers in the jazz tradition will dazzle you with this thrilling tribute. Free. berklee.edu/events.

Take Aparts. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2-4:30 p.m. Drop-in and discover resistors, capacitors, and circuit boards as you uncover the inner workings of everyday electronics. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

19 Friday Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-10:45 a.m. Come outside and do a nature-based activity based on the weather and season, either in the Discovery Woods or on the conservation land adjacent to the Museum. Designed for ages 2 to 6. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Family Fun. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 3-5 p.m. Drop-in for family games and activities, as we provide a space for quality time, building materials, activities, and games. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Sherlock Gnomes. Worcester Public Library: Great Brook Valley Branch, 89 Tacoma St., Worcester. 2:45-4:45 p.m.

Come join your friends for an afternoon screening of this animated tale following a In the Yard: 1812 Marines. USS gaggle of gnomes and a swirling mysteriConstitution Museum, Charlestown Navy ous to be solved. Free. mywpl.org.

Yard, Building 22, Charlestown. 9 a.m.3 p.m. Join the all-volunteer division of Storytime Surprise: Squirrels. Newton the Historic Marine Education, the 1812 Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton.

Marine Guard as they present how Naval 4-4:30 p.m. Go nuts for our furry friends officers served aboard ships during the during this special story time celebrating War of 1812. Free, donation suggested. squirrels. For ages 3 to 5. Free. newtonussconstitutionmuseum.org. freelibrary.net.

Berklee A Cappella Showcase.

Berklee Performance Center, 136 Doggy Days: Howl-o-ween. Discovery Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 8 p.m.

Five of the premier a cappella groups Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 at Berklee College of Music perform, a.m. Abby the Therapy Dog needs your showcasing different styles and plenty of help deciding what costume she should wear on Halloween, so come help her play music. Advance $10, day-of $15. berklee. edu/events. doggy dress-up and vote for your favorite. Free with admission. Members free;

20 Saturday

Mass Audubon Farm Day. Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary, Winslow Cemetery Rd., Marshfield. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dive into a festival of fall farm fun, featuring tractor-drawn hayrides through the fields, live bluegrass music, educational presentations, games, crafts, delicious food, and more. Members $5, nonmembers $8, ages 2 and under free.

Arms + Armor Demonstrations.

Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 11:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Learn all about the different arms and armor used by Roman soldiers, Medieval knights, and beyond. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults, ages 4 to 17 $6, ages under 4 free. worcesterart.org.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m. Continue the adventure as dinosaurs are brought back to life and wreak havoc to those who cross their paths. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Backyard and Beyond: Modern Survival Skills with PrimiTim. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

2-4 p.m. Join survivalist expert Tim ‘PrimiTim’ Swanson as you cover basic shelter building, wild edibles, water gathering, fire starting, tracking, and more.

Register ahead. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Coco. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 2:30 p.m. Enjoy this Academy Award-winning Pixar film following a young boy who enters the Land of the Dead, and learns the joy of family, music, and love. For ages 12 and under. Free. mywpl.org.

Happier Family Comedy Show.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 3 p.m.

Celebrate creativity during this spot-based improvisational show for the entire family to enjoy. Recommended for ages 5 to 12. Member adults $9, children $4.50; nonmember adults $10, children $5. carlemuseum.org.

So You Think You Can Dance: Live.

The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. 8 p.m. Follow the success of the top 10 finalists comprising this year’s favorite dancers. $39.50-$100. thehanovertheatre.org.

21 Sunday Boston Area Chantey & Maritime Sing. USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard, Building 22,

Charlestown. 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Listen, learn, and lift your voices as you participate in your Maritime Heritage by joining a rousing chorus of sea chanteys at the USS Constitution Museum. Donation Suggested. ussconstitutionmuseum.org.

22 Monday Toddler & Me Yoga and Movement.

Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10-11 a.m. & 11 a.m.-12 p.m. A fun-filled yoga play where you can learn poses, songs, and movement. For ages 1 to 3 with caregiver. Register ahead.

Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Craft Day: Whoo has seen the Owl Pumpkin. Worcester Public Library: Great Brook Valley Branch, 89 Tacoma St., Worcester. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Create and decorate our own owl pumpkins.

Free. mywpl.org.

Fun Family Night with Elephant and Piggie. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 6-7 p.m.

Celebrate Booktober and explore the world and stories of Mo Willems. For ages 3 to 7. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

23 Tuesday Music and Movement. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton.

10-10:30 a.m. Dance, sing, and enjoy music. Recommended for ages up to 4.

Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston.

8 p.m. Join this annual celebration of composers associated with Berklee’s Jazz Composition Department. Advance $10, day-of $15. berklee.edu/events.

25 Thursday National Chemistry Week: Paper Drop. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Drop different shapes of paper to observe the effects of air as the paper falls in different directions and ways. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

fun of the season. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $5, ages under 2 free. southshorenaturalsciencecenter.org.

Play Date: Spooky Not Scary Contemporary Escapades. Institute of Contemporary Art: Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kids rule the ICA during this time when we use everyday and repurposed materials to create serious, silly, or even spooky puppets, and enjoy activities throughout the museum. Members free; adults with children under 12 free, youth free. icaboston.org.

Monster Mash. Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy this day-long party featuring a rotating cast of activities and crafts, some trick or treating, to the appearance from the grinch, crafts, and more. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $25, youths 3 and up $13, ages under 3 free. springfieldmuseums.org.

to 12. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Fabulous Fungus Fair. Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge. 2-4 p.m. Explore the wondrous world of fungi, as you look at the mushrooms, yeasts, and molds found in gardens, forests, labs, and yes, refrigerators. Free with admission. Members free; nonmember adults $12, youth 3 and up $8, ages under 3 free. hmnh.harvard.edu.

Family Yoga Class. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10:3011:30 a.m. Participate in and learn coop- CactusHead Puppets Present: erative games, age-appropriate poses, Shadow Puppet Workshop. Worcester partner poses, breathing exercises, and Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem mindfulness activities. Designed for ages 3

Craft Day: Stained Glass. Worcester Public Library: Great Brook Valley Branch, 89 Tacoma St., Worcester. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Create and decorate our own ‘Stained Glass’ scarecrow display. Free. mywpl.org.

Rocket Launch with Ecotarium.

Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 4-5 p.m. Use engineering, math, and physics to design and build rocket prototypes. For ages 8 to 12. Register ahead. Free. mywpl.org.

Hocus Pocus. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 7 p.m. Join the Sanderson Sisters as they come back from the dead to journey through modern day Salem on Halloween night. $12.75. coolidge.org.

20th Annual Octoboefest. David Friend Recital hall, 921 Boylston St., Boston. 7:30 p.m. Celebrate 20 years of Tinker Tuesday: Air Play. Discovery oboes at Berklee with a concert that spans Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. the centuries and features the double Celebrate National Chemistry Week; build reeds in solos, duos, and ensembles. Free. flying and floating creations and observe berklee.edu/events. how the materials we use change how they move in a tunnel of swirling air molecules. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 Backyard and Beyond: Forest free. discoveryacton.org.

Fridays. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Come outside and do a nature-based activity based on the weather and season, either Chemistry is Out of this World. in the Discovery Woods or on the conDiscovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. servation land adjacent to the Museum.

2-4:30 p.m. Discover the wonders of Designed for ages 2 to 6. Free with admischemistry during fun, hands-on activities sion. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, like making a bracelet that changes color ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org. with the help of the sun, and experiment with memory metal. Through Friday.

Toddler and Preschool Play. The Eric Free with admission. Members free; Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. West Bay Rd., Amherst. 11-11:30 a.m. discoveryacton.org.

Experiment with materials selected especially for young explorers in the Art Studio.

Read to a Dog. Newton Free Library, Free with admission. Adults $9, youths $6, 330 Homer St., Newton. 4-5 p.m. ages under 1 free. carlemuseum.org.

Join a canine friend and take time to enjoy practicing our reading skills to their friendly ears. For grades K through 5. Register ahead. Free. new- Autumn Discovery Day. South Shore tonfreelibrary.net.

Natural Science Center, 48 Jacobs Ln., Norwell. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A day of Fall Together. Berklee Performance hands-on exploration experiencing the

26 Friday

24 Wednesday

27 Saturday

BAYSTATEPARENT 17

Sq., Worcester. Join the Cactushead Puppets’ workshop to learn about the different kinds of shadow puppets and learn how to make your own. For ages 6 and up. Free. mywpl.org.

Decades Rewind. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester.

7:30 p.m. Be transported back to the 60s, 70s, and 80s during this live concert and theatrical performance all wrapped into one magical night. $25-52, ages 15 and under free with adult purchase. thehanovertheatre.org.

Make a Mess: Spooky Science.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

2-4:30 p.m. Join us as we use a little spooky science to whip up a strange substance. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

28 Sunday

31 Wednesday

Boston Artists Ensemble. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton.

2-3 p.m. Join former BSO cellist Jonathan Miller and members of the Boston Artists Ensemble for an afternoon concert. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Spooky Suzuki. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 9:30-10:30 a.m. & 10:45-11:45 a.m. Wear your costumes and come enjoy some Spooky tunes for the whole family, with an interactive class for dancing, singing, and playing all sorts of musical instruments. For ages up to 5. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Sleepy Hollow-een Tour. Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord.

3:30-5 p.m. Take a tour through historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery with a Concord guide and learn stories across the generations. Register ahead. Members $5, nonmembers $10. Concordmuseum.org.

29 Monday Craft Day: Haunted House. Worcester Public Library: Great Brook Valley Branch, 89 Tacoma St., Worcester. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Come join us at the library as we create and decorate our own scary haunted house scene. Free. mywpl.org.

Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 4-5 p.m. Storyteller J.T. Turner portrays Washington Irving telling his most famous tale for all to enjoy during this spooky time of the year. Free. mywpl.org.

30 Tuesday Matt Heaton Family Singalong.

Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10-10:45 a.m. Join the Toddlerbilly Troubadour and enjoy infectious energy and singalongs, peppered with classic songs and family favorites.

Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Tiny Tykes Trick-or-Treat. Leominster Public Library, 30 West, Leominster.

10-11 a.m. Join the Monument Square Community Music School and enjoy musical merriment and trick-or-treating around the library for costume-clad participants.

Suitable for ages 5 and under. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Make a Mess: Pumpkin Take Aparts.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10-11 a.m. Squish some pumpkin guts, 18 OCTOBER2018

count the seeds, knock on the body, make predictions, and more as we explore pumpkins with our senses. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Spooktacular Storytime. Worcester Public Library: Main Branch, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester. 10-11 a.m. Dress up and come to the library to enjoy a fun spookytime with games, stories, music, and crafts. For ages 3 to 5. Free. mywpl.org.

Halloween Trail Walk and Treasure Hunt. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11:30 a.m. Get dressed up in your Halloween costumes and take a walk through the woods using trail maps and compasses to discover treats along the way. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Texture Prints. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Join in the Art Studio to make our own collagraph print inspired by the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards exhibition. Free with admission. Adults $9, youths $6, ages under 1 free. carlemuseum.org.

Drop-In Halloween Crafts. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton.

1:30-3 p.m. Come to the library for some fun Halloween crafts, where costumes are encouraged. For ages 2 to 5. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Joonhee Park: Halloween Dance Party. Oliver Colvin Recital Hall, 1140 Boylston St., Boston. 7 p.m. Enjoy acclaimed contemporary writing and production students as they showcase their original songs and covers with their unique style and special costumes. Free. berklee. edu/events.

#MomLife News, Tips & Advice for Bay State Mamas

There’s an App for That Score a cheaper bill with the Kids Eat Free app, a restaurant finder that connects you to an ever-growing database of restaurants that offer discounted kids meals or kids eat free specials.

The free, crowdsourced app on iOS and Android lets your

search by zip code or city and filter by day of the week. Most offers in the app come from other users, so you can help another mama out by adding or verifying deals or flagging ones that have expired.

Talking Back What’s your favorite thing to do when you finally get a little “me time?”

A good book.

- Liz N.

A quiet cup of coffee on my deck, or going to yoga or the gym.

- Becki H.

Nap! Deidre M. A gossip magazine and a glass of wine.

- Amanda B.

I go to acupuncture.

Cristin M.

Shopping. I don’t even have to buy anything, it’s just nice to be able to wander around a store without someone tugging at me the whole time.

- Kristin M.

Join the conversation at facebook.com/baystateparent BAYSTATEPARENT 19

VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE

A Very Special

Groomsman Christopher, a Rutland resident with Down syndrome, first met Chris Entrup through a Special Olympics program.

Five years later, the pair is still pals, with Christopher suiting up for his friend’s big day.

BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER, PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICTORIA SELMAN

A

sking someone to stand next to you on your wedding day is an honor that’s hard to equal. So when Chris Entrup started picking his groomsman, he gave it a lot of thought.

“I was thinking of people who had an impact on my life, and people I wanted a relationship with going forward,” he said. Close cousins, old high school friends, and pals from college naturally came to mind.

And then he thought of Christopher, a teen whose relationship with Entrup was in a category all its own.

“He was someone I had spent so much time with, I knew I wanted him there at the wedding. But the more I thought about it, I really wanted him to be involved in it,” the groom said.

Entrup was a junior at the College of the Holy Cross when he met then 11-yearold Christopher Poplawski. Christopher, who has Down syndrome, was playing soccer with Unified Sports, an arm of the Special Olympics that promotes social inclusion through sports, and Entrup was volunteering along with his roommate, Alex. They found themselves drawn to young the athlete.

“He was the youngest player by far, and just had this happiness about him,” said Entrup. “He was running around, playing, diving, dancing,” Entrup recalled.

“I just thought, ‘who knew someone could have so much fun?’”

From wrestling on the sidelines to dancing in the field, all three of the boys enjoyed their weekly meetups. Sometimes Christopher, who was two years post treatment for a three-year battle with leukemia, would tire in the middle of a game. His buddies would swoop in and carry him piggyback-style across the soccer field.

The friendship continued through the soccer season, then onto basketball season, and soon moved beyond the organized club. The trio began meeting up just hang out, attend a hockey game, or catch a movie together.

20 OCTOBER2018

VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE

Thank You for Voting Us Best Speech & Language Therapy!

Social Cognition / Executive Function Social Cognition Therapy and Executive Function Therapy may consist of individual or small groups. Age levels start as early as three years old.

Social Cognition Therapy may focus on: • Thinking Thoughts • Expected vs Unexpected Behaviors • Group Plan • Emotional Regulation • Flexibility / Problem Solving • Understanding Nonverbal Language • Understanding Hidden Social Rules Executive Function Therapy may focus on: • Situational Awareness • Time Management • Teaching Forethought: Predict the Outcome • Flexible Attention / Shifting • Self-Regulation • Execution and Goal Attainment

The connection even spanned distance. After Entrup graduated in 2013 and moved back to his home state of New Jersey, he’d make it a point to schedule some time to see Christopher whenever he returned to Massachusetts. In between visits, the boys became pen pals, exchanging handwritten letters and photos.

“There’s been something special about their bond from the getgo,” said Christopher’s mother, Tracy. “As a mom, it’s warmed my heart to see.”

Tracy remembers tearing up when Entrup called her to ask about including Christopher in his wedding party. She wasn’t sure her son knew exactly what being a groomsman meant, but she knew he’d be thrilled at any opportunity to hang out with his friend Chris.

Entrup made it official with a package in the mail. He sent Christopher a letter, mug, some candies and a note that asked, “Will you suit up for my wedding?”

“I told him he could show off his dance moves and that there would be a lot of pretty girls there,” laughed Entrup. “He didn’t hesitate much.”

Seventeen-year-old Christopher suited up for Entup’s nuptials on September 9, a 200-guest wedding at a grand chateau in Pleasantdale, New Jersey. He got dressed with all the groomsmen, walked his partner bridesmaid down the aisle, and stood proudly next to his buddy while he married his sweetheart, Jillian.

“He did everything he was supposed to do and he danced the entire night. I don’t think he ever sat down,” Tracy laughed. “He absolutely loved every second of it.”

Entrup knew he would.

“One thing I’ve always admired about Christopher is that he always finds a way to be happy,” said Entrup. “He’s always present. He can find the fun in anything. That’s made being his friend really awesome.”

For further information, please visit our website at www.slspecial.com or contact Jessica Padula MS, CCC-SLP at 508-757-6981 364 Boston Turnpike Road, Suite 1A, Shrewsbury MA 01545 | www.slspecial.com

“I told him he could show off his dance moves and that there would be a lot of pretty girls there. He didn’t hesitate much.”

BAYSTATEPARENT 21

VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE

Sister, Sister

Bella & Violet’s Sweet and Unique Bond

BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER, PHOTO BY SHAWNA SHENETTE

S

Violet Padula was just 6 when she took it upon herself to write a book about her big sister, Bella. The girls' mother, Jessica, says she plans to share it with doctors or teachers.

22 OCTOBER2018

he likes to dance to music, loves dogs, and has lots and lots of friends. Like anyone else she gets hungry and tired, and sometimes needs a little help with things like reading. These are some of the things that Violet Padula wants people to know about her big sister, Bella.

A couple years ago, Violet, wrote all of this down in a book. Handwritten in orange marker and bound by staples, Violet titled her work “My Sister Has Down Syndrome,” (or in her sweet, phonetic 6-year-old spelling, “dawn

sindrum.”)

Anyone who’s grown up with a brother or sister knows that there is a special bond between siblings. Growing up with a brother or sister with special needs is its own unique experience, posing challenges and life lessons at the same time. According to the Sibling Support Project, there are over 6 million people nationwide with special health, developmental, and mental health concerns, and the vast majority of them have typically-developing siblings. So while there’s an ordinariness to this kind of sibling relationship, there’s a uniqueness to it, too.

For the Padula sisters, the sibling bond is truly special one.

When 10-year-old Bella was born, Jessica and Jim Padula were shocked that their child had Down syndrome, but it didn’t change any of their plans.

“It didn’t change that we wanted more kids. I do know that for many people, once they have a child with Down syndrome they don’t always go on to have more kids, but for us, it was never a question,” she said. “And honestly, it’s the best thing for both of them to have each other.”

Just 20 months apart, Bella and Violet have a distinctly close relationship. They’re in dance classes and Girl Scouts together, can play with one another for hours and feed off each others’ wonderful imaginations. Jessica said she’s often struck by how much the girls giggle and laugh with each other.

For 8-year-old Violet, having a sister with Down syndrome has meant that she sometimes takes on the role of “a mini mom,” said her mother, even though Bella is older.

“Violet will set her alarm and get up and help Bella in the morning. They share a room, and she’ll help her get dressed, make both their beds and help Bella do her hair,” said Jessica. The Padulas never want Violet to feel any pressure to take care Bella, it’s just something she naturally wants to do. She’s fiercely protective and immensely proud of her big sister.

According to the National Down Syndrome Society, studies have shown that children who have a brother or sister with Down syndrome often exhibit a level of maturity above that of their peers. The experience and knowledge gained by having a sibling with Down syndrome also seems to make children more accepting and appreciative of differences. They tend to be more aware of the difficulties others might be going through, and often surprise parents and others with their wisdom, insight and empathy.

By the same token, Violet brings out something special in Bella, too – the nurturing big sister. Just this year when Violet had some first-day-ofschool anxiety, Bella took her hand and said, “do you want me to walk you to class?”

“It’s a mutual love,” said Jessica.

Support for Siblings of People with Special Needs The Sibling Support Project is a national program dedicated to “the lifelong and ever-changing concerns” of millions of

brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and mental health concerns. They’ve published books for and about brothers and sisters, host online groups for teen and adult siblings, and present workshops on sibling issues internationally and in every state. Most notably, the Sibling Support Project helps local communities start Sibshops—lively peer support groups for schoolage brothers and sisters

of kids with special needs.

There are 19 registered Sibshops in Massachusetts; find the list at siblingsupport.org.

The Massachusetts Sibling Support Network (MSSN) is committed to supporting siblings of people with disabilities by creating welcoming communities for siblings across the lifespan; improving the range and availability of sibling support services; and providing education about sibling-related issues.

masiblingsupport.org.

MSSN’s national partner, the Sibling Leadership Network, provides siblings of individuals with disabilities information, support and tools to advocate with their brothers and sisters.

Their main page has information on upcoming webinars and events for siblings, and they also have a Sibling Advocacy Toolkit for those interested in participating in the advocacy process.siblingleadership.org.

BAYSTATEPARENT 23

VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE

The Challenges of Advocating for a Dyslexic Child

BY JODI DEE

T

his is a topic very close to my heart and one that I struggle with daily. I want to help my child. I want to fix this problem for her. I don’t want her to feel different or struggle, yet little is still understood about what has been termed “dyslexia.”

I knew my middle child was unique from a very young age. Despite my background in early childhood, I could not put a finger on it. She exceeded all her benchmarks and was on par with every milestone, but her developmental path was just different.

When she started speaking, her words and speech were blended, as if she was humming a song, without a normal beginning or end. She missed letters, like calling her sister A-ia (not Aria), or brother “Au-tin” (not Austin). She knew the letters of the alphabet and most words by sight, even the meaning, but just did not complete the cycle of comprehension.

When she started preschool, I could 24 OCTOBER2018

straight sentence and would miss words like “and” or “them.” I literally could see her brain trying to keep in one place, but being unable to track words in a linear fashion. This has never changed. She will jump between paragraphs, losing her place (starting at the beginning of the first sentence and end with the last sentence at the end of the paragraph).

To this day, entering fourth grade, she will confuse “the,” “their,” “there,” and “they’re.” She still does not immediately recognize words she has seen thousands of times that our brains do automatically.

As I am sure every parent thinks, with more practice and memorization she will get it. She won’t. Her brain just works differently.

In every grade, I asked every teacher, do you think she has dyslexia? I was told that she was exceeding her benchmarks and achieving all her milestones. Still, in my gut, I knew something was wrong. I knew when her learning would change from learning to read, to reading to learn she would fall behind.

I called her pediatrician and requested she be tested at Children’s Hospital Developmental Medicine Center in understand her when she spoke, but it Boston. It was the best thing I ever did. was difficult for others. I was told this Her team was fabulous. She was diagwas normal for some children; she was nosed with a communications disorder meeting all her milestones. When she (even though she was off her IEP), a started Kindergarten they put her on math disorder, and dyslexia. an IEP for speech to help her pronunDyslexia, I have learned, is not one ciation and to define her words more disorder. It is a term used to describe clearly. anyone who has difficulty with language Between first and second grade she or reading, falling outside the “normal” officially “outgrew” this blended speech development path not meeting certain and was off her IEP. She continued to standards. Dyslexia, in general, involves exceed or meet her benchmarks, but I difficulty in learning to read or interpret started noticing other patterns emerge words, letters, and other symbols, but as written word and reading became does not affect general intelligence. the focus.

There is a spectrum to dyslexia from She just did not recognize blended mild to severe, and unfortunately, little letters and words like other children is known about the variances within this (even my younger son started to recspectrum. ognize words that he saw often, like Most schools are not equipped to “the” or “his” without having to sound address the needs of a dyslexic child them out). She was read to every night who is in an inclusion classroom and and looked at many books every day. only taken out two or three times a week As we moved to books with more than for specialized instruction. Often, memone sentence she would jump around orization and repetition are employed between them and it all became jumas the solution, however many of these bled for her. She could not follow a techniques simply do not work for those

who are moderately to severely dyslexic.

The spelling tests my daughter is sent home, for instance, are words she knows.

She can tell you the meaning, but she cannot spell them, no matter how many times she repeats them. Holding her up to the same standard of the others students in her class is frustrating. Can you imagine how it must feel for a child who knows the answer to always get a 5 on a paper while the other children get 10?

She doesn’t know it isn’t her fault. It isn’t because she isn’t smart or doesn’t know the answer. She just will never give the answer in the way expected.

When I asked my daughter why she hated testing at school, she told me, “It is really hard to understand and people can’t help you in it. If you’re trying to know the meaning of a word, and that is the question, they can’t help you with anything. So I just stare at the screen of nothingness.”

After MCAS this year, she told me she just guessed the answers because it was too hard and didn’t want to miss special time like she always does. She is always the last one to finish her work. Why is she even being tested without tools?

Why isn’t there audio support for a child who has a hard time reading? Paper isn’t allowed so she can’t have a reading guide. It makes no sense.

After my daughter’s official diagnosis, doctors outlined an IEP plan for her that I presented to the school. Once a child is “medically” diagnosed a school must provide services by law.

Despite providing the school with this plan, they continued to disagree with the findings because she tests at a high level.

I told the school I did not care what the benchmarks were, that if my daughter was a D student naturally I would support her as a D student. But if her potential is an A student, and she needs help navigating this disorder to be an A student, I want her to be supported. Sadly, the response was that many children are not even on IEP’s who need them (as if my daughter wasn’t severe enough to need one). That broke my heart. I have since become my child’s greatest advocate.

These are some simple tools I have uncovered that dramatically improved her performance: • She needs fidgets and tinker toys to

play with in school, almost to distract her brain while she is concentrating. These are not allowed but I have advocated that she must use them.

• A simple piece of cardboard, with a square cut out of the middle, for math problems and timed testing (which I hate).

She is able to move the square to one problem at a time rather than see all of them jumbled at once. She went from 20% accuracy to 95% accuracy simply using this tool.

• While reading on screen or a book, she uses a piece of paper to cover the rest of the screen or page so that only one sentence can be seen at a time.

• She received vision therapy for those with learning disorders and brain injury rehabilitation. Many rave about this.

My daughter was prescribed a special pair of glasses (even though her vision is 20/20) that helps her brain do less work.

This significantly improved her reading accuracy. Even her teachers ask her to use them, because it makes such a big difference. (https://www.greatvisioncare.com) • Noise canceling headphones help her concentrate while reading or doing her homework. It keeps distractions

VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE

out. Too many other incoming sounds overload her brain.

When she was small, she benefited from anything audio – books on CD, sing along songs -- and from speaking slowly.

My recommendation for any parent with a child they believe is struggling, is have him or her tested. Insurance covers it, most just need a referral from their primary care physician.

Trust your instinct. Don’t let anyone make you doubt it, or tell you that you are wrong.

Once a child is “medically” diagnosed a school must provide services by law.

Follow through. Advocate. Our children cannot do it for themselves.

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Columnist, blogger and children’s book author Jodi Dee is a mother of three with more than 20 years’ experience in early childhood and education. She has a B.A in psychology and Master’s Degree in Education from Clark University. She recently launched createahomeoflearning.com.

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VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE

When Motherhood Doesn’t Turn Out To Be Perfect

BY KATHY CHLAN

26 OCTOBER2018

Walking down the aisle 26 years ago to my Prince Charming, I would never have guessed that my fairy tale would have a consistent amount of road blocks.

Dreaming of that house with the white picket fence, that great career that would take me to new heights and the fabulous, perfect children that would make our family complete.

Well, let me just say that God definitely laughed in my face.

My journey was ‘gonna be the ride of my life. But I can tell you honestly today -- I would not change a single thing!

My oldest, Casey is developmentally and learning disabled.

He is 25 years old and went through the special education system all through his school years and graduated high school at the age of 21. From the first few days after his birth, I sensed that something was not right. That maternal instinct kicked in full force.

Casey was diagnosed with so many medical and feeding issues that it was overwhelming. The first few years we took him to 15 doctors. You know it is bad when you begin to call the doctors by their first names. He lost all his hair, which is called alopecia, when he was 2 years old and it has never grown back. There was an insurmountable number of hospital stays for weeks on end. I would live there for two weeks at a time and then go home for a couple of weeks.

The cycle went on like that for a while. Total hospital stays were about 16.

But, I made a monumental decision during that time. This was the hand what I was dealt, and I was not going to let it swallow me up. I was not going

to be that “woe is me” girl who craved the attention from her friends, and have them look at me with that sorrowful look.

I would wipe that look right from their faces! I made it my mission to teach Casey not to use his disability or adversities as a crutch, and, try to have some fun along the way.

I come from a family filled with very funny women. When the crap hit the fan, so to speak, the room would often be filled with laughter. Our family motto was: “Laughing is so much better than crying”.

My father would remind me of this when I felt the walls closing in, along with other powerful sayings. “Life is like a card game. It is not about the hand you get, but how you play that hand. Play it with dignity & grace.” Casey has sure done that and more – why couldn’t I do the same?

Casey and his brother Christian are the two greatest accomplishments of my life.

They are incredible men with big hearts and can make a room burst into laughter! That is a gift that I hope they carry with them throughout their lives.

So, if you ever feel like this roller coaster ride of motherhood is not what you expected, here are some tips I have lived by and helped me get through: 1. Don’t compare your kids to your friend’s kids. And don’t compare what kind of mom you are to what kind of mom your friends are. Stop the insanity. Every child has their own different journey, whatever that may be, and every mom has their own unique way of raising them.

2. Never beat yourself up over the mistakes you make.

Because there are going to be years worth – it is inevitable.

This job never ends, no matter how old your kids get. So give yourself some grace along the way.

3. Try to take time for yourself. As moms we have heard this a thousand times – but do we even do it? No matter what, we can never lose ourselves.

Fight for that. A happy mom makes for happy kids, so loose the guilt at the door and be kind to yourself.

4. Find the joy! Life goes by so fast and you blink and they grow up. Enjoy the small moments and take one day at a time. By doing this, you breathe and see the small moments more clearly, and enjoy the process along the way.

But, most of all, embrace the chaos and uncertainty.

There is no perfect family in the world. All families have their loops and curves on that roller coaster ride. Believe me, laughing while being whipped around will get you through every miserable day. That, and a bottle of wine!

Kathy Chlan is the author of Maternally Challenged: How My Special Needs Son Taught Me to Sack Up & Laugh and the writer behind the popular website Unfiltered Mom.

Photos Courtesy Open Door Theater

VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE

Acton-based Theater Company Makes Performance Accessible for Everyone

BY JOAN GOODCHILD People go to see a theater performance for many reasons: to be entertained, to escape, to see something new and exciting. If you attend a show put on by the cast and crew of Open Door Theater of Acton, you’re in for even more than the usual performance. Open Door includes members of varying ages and abilities, making it an accessible theater with participants from many diverse backgrounds.

Open Door is a non-profit, all-volunteer community theater company with a mission to make theater accessible -- on both sides of the curtain -- to anyone.

According to Sam Gould, president and executive producer with Open Door, the theater’s most recent production of Cinderella included 86 actors ages nine and up, 30 percent of whom identified as having special needs. Gould said this includes actors on the autism spectrum, actors with Down Syndrome, and actors who are deaf. Two deaf actors had lead

roles, said Gould In addition to its mission as a theater company, it is obvious from talking to Gould it is about much more than just performance. A sense of community is found among Open Door participants, she said. She herself has volunteered with Open Door for 19 years.

“I just fell in love with the mission and now I have made it my personal mission,” said Gould. “Everyone works as a team. It’s a labor of love. I love consulting about accessible theater and creating accessible theater. I love this company.”

Gould notes that over almost two decades she has experienced more inspiring stories than she can count.

“It’s very empowering for our actors with challenges to participate in a production. I have a million stories. We had one boy with autism who joined us, and he was not very verbal. He didn’t make eye contact initially. He’s now 22 and

has gone on to college, and attributes his involvement in the theater company with his success and progress.”

Gould said while the mission is accessibility, the theater is just as beneficial for those who do not identify as having special needs.

“It encourages you to reach beyond abilities. We are spreading kindness and tolerance,” she said. “People from all walks of life are sharing the awareness of universal design.”

Norma Aldana, a deaf actress going into her first year of college, recently starred in Open Door’s Cinderella as Gabrielle, one of the step sisters. Aldana signed her lines, and a speaking actress served as her voice in the performance.

“She voiced the lines and songs as well.

We did not want her to be a ‘shadow’ as it is not very original,” said Aldana.

“Instead, we wanted to show that she was my inner voice so there were some certain scenes where we had shared a

bond to indicate what version we had.

It was the most challenging and exciting performance I have ever done in my acting career.”

Aldana said she is hoping to take part in future shows, and loves Open Door’s commitment to inclusion and diversity.

“Be willing to hire any people of any disability if they show commitment and passion in acting. This is what acting all about.”

Open Door is getting ready for their next performance and will hold auditions in November. This season’s show, The Little Mermaid, will be performed in March 2019.

Joan Goodchild is a veteran writer and editor and mom of two living in Central Massachusetts.

BAYSTATEPARENT 27

Stressed Out:

Today’s Kids Struggle with More Anxiety

M

any parents know this morning scene well: Your child complains her tummy hurts, or his throat is sore. Yet these symptoms have suddenly cropped up now that is it time to go to school, because the child was fine just last night. In your gut, you know your kid, and you know these are likely telltale signs of anxiety and wanting to avoid school.

Anxiety among children is rising. What causes are behind this increase? And how can parents help stressed kids and alleviate their fears?

BY JOAN GOODCHILD

28 OCTOBER2018

This is an increasingly common dilemma that more parents face today than in previous decades. That’s because anxiety among children is on the rise, and school avoidance is a common side effect. In fact, anxiety is now the leading mental health issue among American youths today, surpassing depression.

Research suggests the number of children dealing with anxiety is on the upswing. A study published in April in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, based

on data collected from the National Survey of Children’s Health for ages 6 to 17, found a 20 percent increase in diagnoses of anxiety between 2007 and 2012.

“We live in highly competitive world that glorifies success,” said John Sargent, MD, Chief of Pediatric Psychiatry at Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center. “There is a lot of concern and pressure for extraordinary amounts of success. It’s a combination of uncertainty and competition. I think we are aware of everything going on all the time now through media, and it is ubiquitous to think one is not as successful or well-liked as one wants to be thanks to social media.”

When the kids are not alright Matthew Doyle, a clinical social worker and therapist who specializes in anxiety, sees the evidence of increased anxiety in kids in his private practice at Castle Hill

Counseling & Consulting in Salem. Anxiety is particularly profound now for students with learning challenges.

“There are some pretty tangible reasons behind it,” said Doyle. “That includes the stress now put on school districts to perform. Pressure is at a much larger level than it was even a decade ago for students to score high on standardized tests. And when you are hard-wired to learn differently, you are already set up for difficulties.”

Like Sargent, Doyle thinks the use of social media is also stressing kids out and compounding their fear about the world. In a 24-7, alwayson electronic world, kids now struggle to escape reminders of the very things that give them anxiety.

“People feel excluded when they see a group of friends off doing something,” explained Doyle. “It really amplifies anxiety. We are also constantly blasted with news and, in my opinion, it has created a pervasive sense of fear.”

Other causes for anxiety can include emotional trauma in a child’s life, such as coping with a divorce, or recovering from an assault or bullying.

Kids with social difficulties can also come to dread school and feel anxiety about going to classes or outside activities if they struggle to connect with peers.

to the appropriate people at the school to have your child be on their radar as having some risks. Working with a therapist can also help you build that bridge and develop those relationships.”

However, Sargent cautions parents not to mistake a normal, healthy amount of worry with a more serious problem.

“It is normal to get anxious sometimes; to get charged up before a competitive event, for example. It’s normal to be concerned, worried or frightened occasionally. I think it is

important for parents to differentiate these normal feelings and help kids tolerate and withstand them, and validate children’s occasional uncomfortable feelings.”

Developing a healthy balance that allows for electronics use occasionally, but staying away from too much social media, is also recommended, said Sargent. And parents should evaluate their own stress level and expectations too. Is it possible you are adding to your child’s anxiety by demanding too much?

“Parents need to monitor their own hopes for their child up against what the child can actually do,” said Sargent. “Of course, parents want their kids to do their best athletically or academically. But not every kid is chosen for symphony orchestra, or destined to get into Harvard or Yale. Or make the varsity team. Parents need to meet kids where they are and not make things conditional.”

There are many resources online for more information about coping with anxiety in

children. Talk to your pediatrician for next steps if you think your child is struggling with stress and fear beyond normal levels.

Joan Goodchild is a veteran writer and editor and mom of two living in Central Mass.

Tackling fear and worry As a concerned parent, how do you help a kid struggling with anxiety and who may even be missing too much school because of it? Doyle suggests starting with open lines of communication to try and identify the problem that might be at the root of the anxiety.

“Maybe it’s a problem with a teacher, or maybe a kid causing problems in school.

It’s important to cue in to red flags; like too much time in the nurse’s office. Kids will spend time in the nurse’s office because anxiety will manifest in stomachaches, for example.”

If you think your child is struggling with anxiety, it is also important to visit your pediatrician with concerns and discuss whether therapy might be appropriate. Build a bridge of communication with the school too, said Doyle.

“Get to know the nurse and the guidance counselor. Talk BAYSTATEPARENT 29

Is It a Cold or the Flu?

How to Tell the Difference, And When to Call the Doctor

BY RAIED DINNO, RPH. AND SAAD DINNO, RPH

As

the weather turns cold and winter creeps up, the conversations about cold and flu season are even more common than the ones about the snow. We receive various questions from parents regarding their children’s health during the winter. Here is what you need to know for a healthy winter for your family.

30 OCTOBER2018

The difference between a cold and the flu The common cold and the flu (influenza virus) are both respiratory illnesses that are usually self-diagnosable. One can often tell them apart in a child by the symptoms and their severity.

Both a cold and the flu can

cause congestion in the nose and head, a cough and a fever, but one can conclude that a child has the flu if symptoms are severe, such as a high fever (100.4° and above). A common sign of the flu is the achiness throughout a child’s entire body and chills, both of which are not generally associated with a cold.

The onset and timeline of your child’s illness is also a good indicator of whether they have a cold or the flu. A cold usually develops gradually while flu symptoms often appear very suddenly.

Children’s colds usually last for about three to 10 days while the flu lasts from seven to 14 days, and may linger for

three weeks.

It’s not always easy for children to communicate their symptoms and how they are feeling, so during the cold and flu season, keep an eye on your child’s day to day behavior. If a younger child has a cold they may rub their nose and eyes frequently and they may eat less while older

children complain about not being able to breathe and their nose being stuffy. When a child seems fussy, tired, and uncomfortable due to pain throughout their body and is not eating normally, they may have the flu.

Treatment for your child’s illness Like most viral infections, colds have to run their course and children should rest and increase fluid consumption.

Unless there is a fever or severe symptoms, a child can continue to go to school (depending upon your school’s policy). It is not routinely recommended for children to take cough and cold medications, unless you are directed to do so by your child’s pediatrician.

If you believe your child has the flu, they should not

go to school. While plenty of rest and fluids can improve a child’s symptoms, if detected within the first 48 hours of the virus there are medicines that may help shorten the duration.

Knowing when to call your child’s doctor You should always call the doctor if your child seems to have more than a cold, their symptoms get worse instead of better, or if your child has any of these symptoms: • Fever of 103°F or higher at any point in time, or a fever above 100°F that lasts for more than a day • Heavy coughing with production of mucus • Shortness of breath • Unusual lethargy/tiredness

• Inability to keep food or liquids down or poor fluid intake • Increasing headache or facial or throat pain • Severely painful sore throat that interferes with swallowing • Chest or stomach pain • Swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck • Earache

Prevention and the flu vaccine Common colds and the flu can be prevented by washing hands and using a tissue, elbow, shoulder or shirt to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze. Don’t sneeze

into your hand – this helps spread disease since you have to touch a faucet or wipes to clean your hands. Review proper techniques with your children to ensure they’re not spreading – and are avoiding – as many germs as possible.

To prevent the flu, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for all children six months and older, to be administered as soon as the vaccine is available each year.

Many people have the misconception that the flu shot can cause the flu but that is not the case. The shot enables you to build up antibodies to the flu.

In addition to getting children vaccinated, we suggest that people who live with or care for children also get vaccinated.

When children are sick with the flu or even a common cold, it can be hard on them as well

as on their family. Getting your children and household members vaccinated and being aware of cold and flu symptoms and treatments is very important.

Let winter be a time for snowmen and outdoor activities for your family, by taking the right precautions and the right steps in treating illness.

Raied and Saad Dinno, brothers, are registered pharmacists and co-owners of Acton Pharmacy, Keyes Drug in Newton and West Concord Pharmacy.

The onset and timeline of your child’s illness is a good indicator of whether they have a cold or the flu.

BAYSTATEPARENT 31

Let

The

American Academy of Pediatrics clinical report, ‘Th buffer toxic stress, build parental relations

T

he most powerful way children learn isn’t only in classrooms or libraries but rather on playgrounds and in playrooms, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In fact, a new AAP report states, “The importance of playful learning for children cannot be overemphasized.”

According to the recent AAP clinical report, children’s play is not frivolous. Rather, play is brain building, a central part of healthy child development, a key to executive function skills, and a buffer against the negative impacts of stress. Furthermore, play builds the bond between parent and child.

“We’re recommending that doctors write a prescription for play, because it’s so important,” said pediatrician Michael Yogman, MD, FAAP, lead author of the AAP report. “Play with parents and peers is fundamentally important for developing a suite of 21st century skills, including social, emotional, language and cognitive skills, all needed by the next generation in an economically competitive world that requires collaboration and innovation.

The benefits of play cannot really be overstated in terms of mitigating stress, improving academic skills and helping to build the safe, stable and nurturing relationships that buffer against toxic stress and build social-emotional resilience.”

The AAP published “The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development 32 OCTOBER2018

in Young Children” in the September 2018 Pediatrics. The report updates a previous clinical report published in 2007.

The 2018 version includes new information about the links between play and learning, and research that finds play is an important buffer of toxic stress.

Research has provided numerous examples of the importance of play for healthy child development.

• In a study, 3- to 4-year-old children, anxious about entering preschool, were twice as relieved of their stress when allowed to play with teachers or peers for 15 minutes, compared to peers who listened to a teacher reading a story.

• Research also found preschool children with disruptive behaviors were less stressed and less disruptive when the teacher played with them regularly oneto-one over the course of a year, compared with peers who had routine interactions.

However, children’s playtime has been threatened by societal changes.

• From 1981 to 1997, children’s playtime decreased by 25 percent, and 30 percent of kindergarten children no longer have recess, which has been replaced by academic lessons, according to research published in Advances in Life Course Research.

• A national survey of 8,950

em Play

he Power of Play,’ recommends play for children to ships and improve executive functioning. preschool children and parents found that only 51 percent of children went outside to walk or play once a day with a parent.

• And surveys have found as many as 94 percent of parents have safety concerns about outdoor play.

• Despite research that links television watching with a sedentary lifestyle and greater risks of obesity, the typical preschooler watches 4.5 hours of television per day, according to media research.

“Media use such as television, video games, smartphone and tablet apps are increasingly distracting children from play.

It’s concerning when immersion in electronic media takes away time for real play, either outdoors or indoors,” said pediatrician Jeffrey Hutchinson, MD, FAAP, a co-author of the report.

“Although active engagement with age-appropriate media can be beneficial for older children, especially if supported by co-watching or co-play with peers or parents, real time social interactions and play are superior to digital media for learning.”

The AAP recommends that learning is better fueled by facilitating the child’s natural urge to play rather than through external motivations such as test scores, and offers several important tips for parents, pediatrician and educators: • Just as pediatricians support “Reach Out and Read”

programs, doctors should encourage playful learning for parents and infants by writing a “prescription for play” at every well-child visit in the first two years of life.

• Play starts early and continues through a child’s development.

New parents should observe and respond to the nonverbal behavior of infants during their first few months of life. For example, when a baby smiles at you, smile back. Peak-a-boo is another important game.

• Educators, pediatricians and families should advocate for and protect unstructured play and playful learning in preschools and schools because of its numerous benefits.

• Teachers should focus on playful rather than didactic learning by letting children take the lead and follow their own curiosity.

• Promote recess and physical activity for children every day.

“The next time your child wants to play with you, say yes. It’s one of the best parts of being a parent, and one of the best things you can do for your child,” Dr. Yogman said.

“Play helps children learn language, math, and social skills, and lowers stress. Play is important both for children and their parents since sharing joyful moments together during play can only enhance their relationship.”

BAYSTATEPARENT 33

Reading With – Not To – Your Kids How ‘Dialogic’ Reading Builds Early Literacy Skills

BY KRISTIN GUAY

W

hat is Dialogic Reading? Simply put, it’s interactive reading. Instead of a child listening to a story being read to them, both the reader and the listener are actively engaged in discussion while reading the story.

This practice can begin as early as infancy and continues in the classrooms of our middle and high schools.

Dialogic reading begins before a book is even opened.

An adult can prompt a child to look at the cover and try to determine what the book might be about. This practice of questioning, expanding on responses, asking a child about pictures in the book, commenting on a character’s actions, and adding sound effects to the people, places, and objects in the book develops throughout the reading. Interactive reading can continue even after the story is finished by talking about the book, recalling events, discussing what the child enjoyed about the story, their favorite character, and so on. The process of active reading takes time and patience in order to reap the full rewards.

Why Active Reading?

Grover Whitehurst’s article in Reading Rockets sums it up well: “When most adults share a book with a preschooler, they 34 OCTOBER2018

read and the child listens. In dialogic reading, the adult helps the child become the teller of the story. The adult becomes the listener, the questioner, the audience for the child. No one can learn to play the piano just by listening to someone else play. Likewise, no one can learn to read just by listening to someone else read. Children learn most from books when they are actively involved.”

Interactive reading develops many literacy skills that are crucial in creating strong readers. The concept of setting is learned when a caregiver and

conflict might be presented in the story, a climax is reached, and then the conflict is settled.

Foreshadowing is also a skill that is developed every time a caregiver asks a child “What do you think is going to happen next?” Reading comprehension and narrative skills are honed when a child retells aspects of the story.

Even though children at this age are not deliberately being taught literary elements of a story, these concepts are introduced through dialogic reading. More advanced literary elements are in most

and her literal understanding of phrases), personification (too many children’s books to mention give human characteristics to animals or objects), alliteration (Tikki Tikki Tembo and Some Smug Slug) and onomatopoeia (these are the fun sounds effects such as “achoo” and “buzz”). All these literary elements aside, probably the greatest benefits of dialogic reading are vocabulary development, use of expressive conversation, and development of critical thinking skills and problem solving skills. Through dialogic reading, words and

Instead of a child listening to a story being read to them, both the reader and the listener are actively engaged in discussion while reading the story. child discuss where and when the story takes place -- is it in a forest or a big city, is the story in the present or maybe a time in the future? Characterization and plot development are subtly developed through discussion of a character’s personality traits or maybe even how the character changes throughout the story. The same is true with plot development as a

children’s stories and these are entertaining to share with children. Some common examples include irony (think of the monkeys throwing down their caps in Caps For Sale), homophones (“night” and “knight,” “red” and “read,” “right” and “write,” “aunt” and “ant,” “dear” and “deer,” and “one” and “won”), idioms (go no further than Amelia Belila

sentences are dissected and the caregiver takes time to point out challenging vocabulary or “big words” to a child. Even some of the simplest children’s books have words that will be unfamiliar to a child. The story Kiss The Cow contains words such as “curious,” “stubborn,” “velvety,” “imagine,” “silky,” and “pleaded” that might need further explanation to a young

child. Winnie-The-Pooh books, designed for very young readers, contain words such as “snort,” “humming,” “frequently,” “glances,” “helpful,” “suppose,” “overweight,” “afloat,” and “blustery.” The definitions of these words will need to be made clear to a child in order for them to fully understand the story. Imagine how the understanding of these stories would be very different if a child did not know that Pooh is “overweight” and Eeyore is “gloomy” because these words describe traits that are integral to the stories.

Expressive conversation can happen with any children’s book as long as you take the time to discuss the story during the reading. Ask a child how they would feel having a long and unique name such as “Chrysanthemum” or what is their favorite stuffed animal and why while reading I Love You, Blue Kangaroo. We learn why Lily loves Blue Kangaroo so much and the reading of this story is a perfect opportunity for your child to express why they love their favorite animal so much. This could be the first time they have ever really had to think about why they gravitate to one stuffed toy more than another and why one is considered their favorite.

Stories can be used as prompts for children and caregivers

to discuss what is important in their lives. Protecting the environment (The Lorax), being whatever you want to be (The Country Bunny), working hard and never giving up (The Little Engine That Could), being creative and using your imagination (Harold and the Purple Crayon), and being your true self (The Story of Ferdinand) are all topics that can be discussed with children while reading books.

Many parents of schoolaged children hear about critical-thinking skills and problem-solving skills being taught in the classrooms across all academic subjects. The development of these skills is important in the classroom but it is equally as important outside of the academic setting.

There are many opportunities while reading children’s stories that a parent can ask a child “What would you do?” or “How would you solve that problem?”

The stories of many children’s books provide an opportunity for the caregiver and child to discuss a situation, determine the problem, analyze possible solutions, determine any consequences, and find the perfect resolution. Believe it or not, this can be done with the simplest book.

the story in a certain amount of time, but instead allow the child to set the pace of the story. Even at the early age with the simplest stories, a caregiver can always ask the child “Have you ever felt like that?” or “Why do you think they did that?”

Reading Doesn’t Always Have To Be Interactive While dialogic reading is a wonderful activity to do with children, it does not need to be done every time you read a story. No different than adults, children (and even teens) love to just sit back, relax, and hear a good story. They enjoy getting caught up in the characters and the plot and hearing the inflections in your voice as you read.

If you or your little one is tired, skip dialogic reading as it’s probably not be the best time to share thoughts or ask questions.

However, a quiet, well-rested, uninterrupted period of time is a perfect time to really savor a good story. Both you and your child will be more receptive to being actively engaged in the story.

Kristin Guay lives on Cape Cod with her husband, two daughters, and beloved black lab. A former middle school language arts teacher, she is currently Youth Services Director at Centerville Library.

Getting Started When getting ready to select a book for dialogic reading, it’s most important to find a book that both you and your child will enjoy. Because you will be spending a great deal of time with this book, find something that has an interesting topic, appealing and detailed pictures, and a storyline that lends itself to comments, questions, and discussions. Think about a topic that might be important to your child and select a book accordingly.

Some beautifully illustrated picture books can lead to plenty of discussions if you look closely at the illustrations.

Many of Jan Brett’s books have side margins that contain illustrations as to what is to come (as seen in The Mitten).

The detailed illustrations in Roxaboxen allow a child to explore the interests and special traits of the different children in the story. Illustrations show emotions of characters, a side action in the story, and a prediction of something to come. A story can be greatly enhanced through the illustrations provided.

Time is also a very important aspect of dialogic reading with children. Don’t try to finish BAYSTATEPARENT 35

Family Time on Tap The Rise of Kid-Friendly Breweries

36 OCTOBER2018

BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER PHOTOS COURTESY STONE COW BREWERY On a sunny Saturday or Sunday, it’s not uncommon for Stone Cow Brewery in Barre host a crowd of 6,000 people – more than the entire population of quiet farming town where its situated. Their rotating brews are the draw for beer lovers, but suds-sipping adults are just part of their clientele.

“You’ll see strollers, babies, kids running around.

We’re a family destination,” said owner Sean DuBois.

“It’s sort of the ultimate kid destination – that just happens to have really great beer.”

Indeed the brewery, set on the sprawling grounds of Carter & Stevens Farm – a fifth generation dairy farm – has a wide appeal. The taproom, housed in a picturesque 19th century barn, is nestled among fields of roaming farm animals.

Pizza, a playground and an ice cream stand are among the brewery’s kid-friendly

offerings.

The explosion of the craft brewing scene has brought small-scale breweries with sprawling taprooms to every corner of the state, and Stone Cow is just one of the many that is tapping into the all-age appeal.

Since a good chunk of craft beer consumers are adults with young children, the family-friendly niche makes perfect sense, said Katie Stinson, Executive Director for the Mass Brewers Guild.

“If you walk into a brewery on a Saturday afternoon you’ll find a group of moms and dads with their babies in carriers, or playing cornhole and giant checkers with their toddlers while they snack on a soft pretzel,” she said.

“The parents are happy to be out enjoying a beer, lunch from a food truck, and having fun with their kids.”

According to Stinson, some 60 breweries have opened in Massachusetts just in the last two years, many offering something beyond brews.

“Breweries are doing a great job tapping into their neighborhoods and turning their tap rooms into ‘community centers,’” said Stinson. “On any given day you can find a pub trivia night, jogging club, yoga session, Pints & Pup night, paint nite, live music, food pairing class, or homebrewing workshop taking place nearby. All of this contributes to a brewery’s overall identity.”

For brewers, creating an atmosphere that appeals not just to beer loving adults, but their kids, too, is a deliberate part of their business’s character.

At Wachusett Brewing Company, which last December opened a new 3,000 square-foot brew yard, making the space kid-friendly was part of the concept.

“We really wanted this to be a pillar destination. We wanted this to be family family. We don’t serve spirits.

We’re not open late,” said Wachusett Brewing President Christian McMahan. “We wanted to create a space where families were comfortable.”

Located in Westminster, just a few miles away from Wachusett Mountain, he said they wanted the brewery to be an extension of the family recreation opportunities in the area. That meant having things for kids to do (a giant Connect Four, table games, and corn hole) and to eat (their menu features kid-favorite chicken tenders and fries).

“Whether it’s weekend destination seekers, people from the Boston area or Vermont or New Hampshire -- we’re seeing a lot of groups that pick this as a meeting location,” said McMahan.

“Whether they’re hiking,

biking, etc., this has become a post-recreation place for families.”

The same thought went into planning a family-friendly space at Stone Cow Brewery. Not only did DuBois and his wife, Molly, want the atmosphere to be welcoming to customer’s children -- they wanted to create a place that their own three kids wanted to be.

“That was sort of our goal,” DuBois said. “We wanted to make a place we’d want to bring our family, or where other parents would want to be and want to bring their kids.”

Families planning their next brewery outing can check out the Mass Brewers Guild free mobile app and beer trail map “Mass Craft Beer.”

It tells you which breweries are family-friendly, dog

friendly, have patios, food trucks, etc., and will also

give you directions to breweries nearby.

BAYSTATEPARENT 37

Beer isn’t the only thing drawing customers to breweries like Stone Cow in Barre. Customers, with their kids, line up for food and ice cream, while little ones enjoy an on-site playground.

38 OCTOBER2018

Circle of Friends

FINALLY FOREVER

October’s Child: Meet Violette Violette is a young girl of Caucasian descent who is described as a happy child who likes to please the adults in her life. She is engaging and funny but also enjoys playing independently. Her favorite activity is coloring and drawing, as well as building with blocks and playing with dolls.

Violette also likes to go outside to play at the playground. She especially enjoys playing in the sandbox and at the water table. Violette is currently attending preschool, where she receives extra supports to help her follow directions. She currently receives therapy to help address tantrums and it is recommended that therapy continue once she joins a new family.

Violette is very much looking forward to finding a supportive family that can provide her with structure and consistency. She will do best in a home with two parents where she can be the youngest or only child. Violette is legally freed for adoption and visits with her biological parents twice a year. It is also important to Violette that she is

Area Adoption Info & Matching Events

Ready to learn more about adoption? Join an information meeting in your area to hear directly from social workers and experienced families, have your questions answered, and receive an application.

able to maintain a relationship with her siblings.

Can you provide the guidance, love and stability that a child needs? If you’re at least 18 years old, have a stable source of income, and room in your heart, you may be a perfect match to adopt a waiting child. Adoptive parents can be single, married, or partnered; experienced or not; renters or homeowners; LGBTQ singles and couples.

The process to adopt a child from foster care requires training, interviews, and home visits to determine if adoption is right for you, and if so, to help connect you with a child or sibling group that your family will be a good match for.

To learn more about adoption from foster care, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at 617-6273 or visit www. mareinc.org.

Northern Region Adoption Info Session: Monday, October 1, 6-7 p.m. Jordan’s Furniture IMAX Conference Room. 50 Walkers Brook Dr., Reading. Walk-ins welcome, RSVP encouraged.

Contact: Fredia Torrence at (978) 557-2734 or fredia.torrence@state.ma.us.

Springfield Area Adoption Info Session: Tuesday, October 2, 4-5:30 p.m. DCF Western Regional Office, 140 High St., 1st Floor, Springfield.

Boston Area Adoption Info Session: Wednesday, October 17, 4-6 p.m. Boston Regional Office, 451 Blue Hill Ave., Dorchester. No registration required. Contact: Marsha Donovan at (617) 989-9209.

Teen Adoption Party. Sunday, October 21, 9-11 a.m. 121 Shrine Ave., West Boylston. Meet waiting children and sibling groups from the Central Region over

the age of ten. Activities at the event will be fun and interactive, and will include running obstacle courses like those seen on “American Ninja Warrior.”

Participation is not mandatory and you are also welcome to watch the athletics while chatting with children and social workers. This event is intended for families who are currently enrolled in MAPP or are further along in the process. Contact Emily Goldberger withquestions at (617) 964-6273 ext. 123.

Canton Area Adoption Info Session: Monday, October 22, 6-8 p.m. Canton Police Department Conference Room, 1492 Washington St., Canton.

RSVP: ADLU Line at (508) 8943830.

Want to stay on top of the latest local parenting stories?

Looking for things to do with the kids this weekend?

Rise Above Run/Walk for Children in Foster Care Rise Above, a nonprofit providing Massachusetts children in foster care with enriching activities, opportunities and experiences, will hold the second annual Run/Walk for Rise Above on Saturday, October 13 at the town beach in Dudley.

This 5K fun run and 1-mile family-friendly walk is expected to draw hundreds of attendees from across Central and MetroWest Massachusetts. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. with the run and walk getting started at 9 a.m. In addition to the run and walk, attendees can enjoy children’s activities,

music and refreshments from 8 a.m. to noon.

Registration is $30 for adults, $15 for youth ages 10-17, and free for youth under 10. Foster and adopted youth are also free.

Registration and additional information is at weriseabove.org.

Funds raised through this year’s Run/Walk for Rise Above will be critical in helping the organization meet its goal of serving more than 1,000 foster youth this year, improving their self-esteem, social skills, and mental and physical health.

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A GOOD PARTY IS ALWAYS IN SEASON

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To Advertise Contact Regina Stillings at regina@ baystateparent.com

BAYSTATEPARENT 41

Take Eight With Imari Paris Jeffries Imari Paris Jeffries is the executive director of Parenting Journey, a national nonprofit based in Somerville that partners with parents to build stronger families. To date, thousands of parents have participated in Parenting Journey programs— more than 52,000 since 2007.

1. You have a wealth of experience in

nonprofit management and the social justice sector. What drew you to this world, and specifically to Parenting Journey?

I’ve dedicated my life to service, first, serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, and then finding my passion fighting for equality for all families in Boston. I’ve worked at many philanthropic organizations that provide direct service to parents and children. Parenting Journey looks at individuals as part of a complex system, including their family, community and society.

Family is the foundation of our society – the place where we first learn to be a part of a community – and it’s important for all of us that families have the resources and dignity to thrive.

2. In a nutshell, what is Parenting Journey

– what’s the mission and how is it implemented day to day?

Inspired by the belief that strong families are the foundation of vibrant, healthy communities and the catalyst to ignite social change, we provide evidence-based programs that uplift parents and caregivers. We offer five therapeutic, parent support groups that acknowledge parents’ and caregivers’ inherent strengths.

We also engage parents around public policy issues that matter to them.

3. Parenting Journey came up with a “Par-

ents’ Bill of Rights” – recently endorsed by the Boston City Council – to guide the organization’s advocacy efforts. What stands out to you as the key “rights” all parents should have?

A Parent Advisory Council of parents and caregivers developed the Parents’ Bill of Rights. All parents deserve the right to their humanity. Our Parents’ Bill of Rights states that all parents and caregivers deserve to raise their children in vibrant communities, the ability to support their families, and to raise their children with the culture and values that 42 OCTOBER2018

reflect their diversity. Sometimes our institutional systems and even the work of the social service sector inadvertently strip people of these basic rights.

4. Massachusetts has the second highest

costs in the nation for childcare. Aside from being a burden on families, how does this impact our local society? What can/should be done?

The cost of childcare can leave critical voices out of our workplaces, boardrooms and government. Some parents decide that it’s financially more feasible not to work, which not only stifles diversity, it perpetuates the cycle of parenting in high-poverty communities. To truly make an impact on cost of childcare, we need to change society’s overall mindset.

Child care is a universal concern and shouldn’t be viewed as an individual family’s problem.

If we can prioritize childcare, the same way we do education, then we can make positive strides forward. Universal pre-K and mandatory paid parental leave are first steps that would greatly support working parents.

5. Last year you introduced a Sober Par-

enting Journey group. What does this effort bring to people in battling addiction beyond the scope of a traditional recovery group?

We began to see a need in our community that wasn’t being met. Parents in recovery also have their families to consider. It’s important to acknowledge the parallels between parenting and being in recovery. And, when a parent is dealing with both, there is added isolation and shame around expressing their challenges.

Unfortunately, this is embedded in our culture, and society can be quick to judge these parents. Providing parents and caregivers the safe space to discuss what that means to them and acknowledge it is critical to the recovery process.

6. You were featured in the Boston Globe’s “All About That Look” which mentioned

you’ve always taken your wardrobe seriously. Does someone’s style speak for them, and if so, what does yours say?

My wardrobe has always been top of mind, but not for the reasons you may think. For me, style has always meant more than just looking my best, it influences how society perceives me as an African-American male. My decision to put on suit every day is intentional. In a suit I am taken seriously in the workplace; it symbolizes trustworthiness, and it makes me accessible in many different contexts.

7. What’s the greatest life lesson you’ve learned from being a father?

Being a parent is a constant reminder that you are a human being and sometimes you need to remind your kids of that fact. My name is not dad, it is Imari, and I am human, not perfect. When you forget your humanity, you put too much pressure on yourself. There are unrealistic expectations on parents to always get it right. What makes a truly a great parent is having the humility to admit your mistakes and apologize when necessary.

8. What does the future look like for Parenting Jour-

ney as it evolves to meet the changing needs of parents and families?

Parenting Journey will work harder to lead, talk about and fight for the issues that prevent parents and families from succeeding. We will also continue to provide therapeutic parental programming at our Greater Boston headquarters, throughout our partner organizations around the country, and internationally in Guatemala and Burundi.

BAYSTATEPARENT 43

44 OCTOBER2018