baystateparent magazine November 2019

PRICELESS

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

NOVEMBER 2019

Meet the Parents

Starting Businesses Inspired By Their Kids

Thankful Families

How to Start a Gratitude Practice

Do Good Together

10 Ways to Volunteer with Your Littles

‘Sharenthood’

Are You Posting Too Much?

Make Holiday Memories Here A Christmas Carol

Thanksgiving Weekend

Dec 15-23

Co-sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Assumption College

Nov 29 - Dec 1 Experience the dazzling new lighting and scenery by Broadway designers!

Sponsored by Commerce Bank, a Division of Berkshire Bank

Groups and members save the most on both shows.

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

Worcester Center for Performing Arts is a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which owns and operates The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

2 NOVEMBER2019

Mike Nyman photography

®Erb photography

50% off student tickets to the relaxed (sensoryfriendly) performance on Dec 22 at 11 am.

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contents NOVEMBER 2019

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VOLUME 24

NUMBER 7

features 9 The Negatives of ‘Sharenthood’ 25 Inventive Moms & Dads Starting Kid-Inspired Businesses

30 How to Start a Family Gratitude Practice

34 First Person: Picking up the Pieces as a Single Mother

40 What do New Flu Shot

Recommendations Mean for Your Family?

in every issue 6 Momma to the Max 7 Good to Know 8 Herding Goofballs 11 On the Agenda 24 Our Fave Four 31 Very Special People 35 Bites 39 Finally Forever 43 Take Eight with David Newell

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baystateparent president PAUL M. PROVOST associate publisher KATHY REAL BENOIT 508-767-9525 kbenoit@gatehousemedia.com

CREATIVE editor in chief AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER 508-767-9526 acollins@gatehousemedia.com creative director SHIELA NEALON 508-793-9121 shiela.nealon@telegram.com

momma to the

MAX

Find What You’re Looking For Years ago, before my son was even a thought in my head and back when my husband and I were just dating, we were hiking along a wooded trail when we stumbled upon a big, grey, heart-shaped rock.

It was so perfectly shaped and propped right in the middle of the path that it seemed like a sign of some sort, especially to two new lovebirds. I just had to scoop it up and bring it home.

Not long after, we were out again when I looked down and saw

ADVERTISING sales manager JEREMY WARDWELL 508-767-9574 jwardwell@gatehousemedia.com account executive KATHY PUFFER 508-767-9544 kpuffer@gatehousemedia.com account executive REGINA STILLINGS 508-767-9546 rstillings@gatehousemedia.com

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100 Front Street, 5th Floor Worcester, MA 01608 baystateparent is published monthly and is distributed free of charge throughout Massachusetts.

Amanda

talking Back Amazon Prime and Walmart grocery pickup.

-Patrick D.

ON THE COVER:

Orange Lining founder Ryan Flaim, of Duxbury, with sons Luca and Cameron.

PHOTO BY Jillian McAlley Photography jillianmcalley.com 6 NOVEMBER2019

another heart rock at my feet. This one was smaller and white and a little more rough, but a perfect heart nonetheless. Again, I picked it up and took it home.

Over the years we’d find them everywhere – from the climb to the top of Mount Washington to a walk through the grocery store parking lot. By the time we were married, we had a collection of these rocks.

Big, small, speckled, striped – a whole menagerie of hearts, each with its own little story.

I recently came across the box I stored them all in, dusty and heavy and buried beneath baby toys and outgrown onesies in my basement.

When I opened it up, my 2-year-old was thrilled. “Wow! ROCKS!” he squealed.

I realized it’s been quite a long time since I’ve added anything to that collection that was once so special to me. It’s been a while since I’ve come across any heart-shaped rocks.

And there’s the lesson: I haven’t found any because I stopped looking.

In life – when it comes to rock collections or anything else – we tend to find what we are looking for.

Look for the good, and you’ll find it. Look for the bad, and you’ll find that, too. It took a box of rocks to remind me of this simple, but powerful, outlook. I hope I can instill in my son this way of looking at the world.

Psychologists say that optimism is both a personality trait and a product of our environment, and that from an early age, children pick up on the emotional vibes in their homes. As parents, our view of the world communicates itself to our children daily. If we want them to see the good, we have to remember to see it for ourselves.

So, as a mom, and in general, I’m working on shifting my focus, as much as I can, to the positive, and looking everyday for things to be thankful for.

With this month kicking off the season of giving and thanks, we’ve included some ideas to help you and your kids look for the good, too.

You can read tips on how to start a family gratitude practice on page 30, or find 10 local ways to give back with your kids on page 22.

Here’s hoping you find what you’re looking for!

The pride I feel in those given moments when you are really happy with that they’ve done/ accomplished.

-Tonya M. Ben & Jerry’s.

-Angela D.

It takes a village to raise a child... and coffee, and wet wipes, and maybe some Netflix. We asked our Facebook followers what they are thankful for as a parent. The catch: they couldn’t say their kids!

Bathroom locks.

Definitely “me time.” Anything I can do to reset by myself even if it’s for 5 minutes, locked in the bathroom, eating an Oreo!

My friends, who don’t have kids, who are extended parents to my kids. Those friends who love my kids fiercely but make them follow the rules (and help me however I need it).

-Jen F.

My parents and in-laws.

I am thankful for automatic van doors!

-Ann M.

-Meagan B. -Rayna D.

Join the conversation at Facebook.com/baystateparent.

-Gina G.

good

to know...

Museum of Science Adds SensoryFriendly Planetarium Shows

It’s “Thank You, Mister Rogers Month”

The Museum of Science Boston is now offering monthly shows with looser house rules, softer volume, and raised house light levels to foster a more comfortable environment. These special showings kick off with Big Bird’s Adventure: One World, One Sky, at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 3 and Dec. 1. This show’s environment, which will be rolled out to the Museum’s other planetarium shows, can benefit individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, dementia, sound/light sensitivities, and a wide range of needs. Audience members should feel comfortable to talk amongst themselves and move from their seats, bringing the planetarium experience and the wonders of the night sky to all families, regardless of sensory needs, ability, or age. Tickets are at mos.org.

November is “Thank You, Mister Rogers Month” – a time set aside to honor Fred Rogers’ legacy by encouraging people to act on his simple but eloquent message, “Be kind.” The rebirth of interest in Fred Rogers, which includes an upcoming Tom Hanks film, has inspired a unique musical tribute of the man known as “America’s Favorite Neighbor.” A newly recorded collection of Fred’s songs, Thank You, Mister Rogers: Music & Memories, dropped last month. Mister Rogers fans are invited to submit their own happy memories of the show and Fred’s music at thankyoumisterrogers.com.

Trustees Sites Offering Two Free Days This Month

Bay State Ranked Among Best States for Teen Drivers

Looking for a low-cost adventure? How does free sound?

On Veteran’s Day, Monday, Nov. 11, admission to all Trustees properties is free to veterans, active and retired military members, and their families. You can join in on a special family-paced Veterans Day Family & Friends Hike at Rocky Woods in Medfield, or visit one of the organization’s other 100+ reservations across Massachusetts.

On Friday, Nov. 29, the day after Thanksgiving, all Trustees’ outdoor properties will offer free admission to encourage families to skip the shopping mall and venture outside instead. Properties from the Berkshires to the Cape will host family fun activities, like story walks, guided hikes and tours, artist markets and more. Get all the details at thetrustees.org.

Have a new driver behind the wheel?

Take comfort (if you can) in the results of a study recently released by WalletHub, which ranked Massachusetts as the third best state in the country for teenage drivers. The personal finance website analyzed the teen-driving environment in each of the 50 states across 23 metrics covering everything from driving schools per capita and the quality of roads to occupant protection laws and teen driver fatalities. The Bay State had the third fewest teen DUIs and the fourth fewest teen fatalities among the teenage population.

Overall, Massachusetts came in just after Maryland and New York as the best state for teen drivers.

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herding

goofballs

The Dating Scene The Awkwardness of Matchmaking for Parents

BY JOSH FARNSWORTH ILLUSTRATION BY KIRA BEAUDOIN

And there, the person stands before me.

My palms begin to sweat.

My heart is pounding clear out of my chest.

My mind is fixated on one task only: ask the person out on a date.

B

utterflies are released throughout the stomach as a familiar nervousness takes over.

Anxiousness. Agony or jubilation awaits the answer to a simple question.

This is it. Deep breath. Don’t blow it, Farnsworth. You got this.

Would your kid like to play with my kid some time?

As the saying goes, you can’t

8 NOVEMBER2019

choose your family, but you can choose your friends. For a handful of years, parents also have a small window in which to help their sons and daughters find friends to spend time with away from school.

It’s a chance to meet people, make new friends and otherwise commiserate with the challenges of navigating parenthood with sanity somewhat intact.

Many of us are in the same boat. We have busy lives with

schedules that are bombarded with things to keep our kids happy, full of food and at least moderately entertained. So, why is asking the dude on the other park bench across from me to see if they want to play in the sandbox again so hard?

Maybe it’s because if there is a ‘no’ thrown around, it is rejection for two. When I was a single man, a girl telling me no to a date stung. Now, I have my sons’ hopes of playing superheroes

added to the emotional ledger.

It shouldn’t be hard. It still is.

It’s been a while—more than 10 years or so to be exact—since the last time I nervously walked up to someone I didn’t know and ask her out on a date.

A decade of being together, I can safely pronounce that worked out.

Thankfully, to help with this onset of parental angst, there is an app for that.

One of the new emerging parent trends (Disclaimer: I am not a trendsetter. I say this, as I am just learning about it. I am sure it has existed for years, but wanted to impress you in case maybe we figure out a play date. Did it work?) are apps that allow for parents to meet new and interesting people who also have kids.

In other words, there are dating apps for kids now. Yes, even finding another parent-child combo like they are product sitting on a shelf somewhere is available without having to leave the house.

What a time to be alive!

Most of these apps sell themselves as the missing link between “busy you” and “happy kids.” They suggest maybe you are new to an area or they hear you about just how difficult building that parental social circle can be.

In most cases, these apps instruct users to setup a dating profile. I didn’t ever think I would have to start thinking about my sons dating until later in life. You know, until they were capable of at least pretending to try and find a tissue before smearing their nose all over my sleeves. (Note: If you are looking for a date with my kids, please disregard that last statement. They are clean, well-adjusted young men with a high level of hygiene.)

These apps allow for space like favorite hobbies, food, age, journaling favorite memories or milestones your kids have reached and posting a happy, cuddling picture to make other parents look at your child and feel it irresistible to pass up hitting up the playground once a month.

And like all other dating apps filling up smartphones across the country, users can view other finished profiles and either swipe right or swipe left.

Not sure how to write one of these? Here is a preview of what you can expect from me: Title: Worcester dudes seek other awesome dudes/dudettes

Hi. My name is Josh and I have two sons (ages 3 and 6). We enjoy the beach, long runs around open fields for hours on end and superheroes.

If you have a good book, we’re always game!

We have food allergies, but are not against planning a BBQ or picnic if the ingredients are right.

Basic information, no mention of where I live (Note: Important!

Do not announce your address on a first date. Come on, now!) and just the right amount of flirty to stand out without seeming desperate.

Nailed it.

Some even have a strange form of currency available on them. It looks mostly for use when one parent-child combo is hosting a get-together in order to share cost or afford a cooler outing.

In dating terms, this is getting reservations at the fancy restaurant downtown and theatre tickets in the primo seats. It’s just a matter of time that apps begin to charge extra for children deemed more exclusive and with a sweeter batch of toys to play with.

Or that exists already. (Note: It probably does.)

I poke a bit of fun at the concept, yes, but I do see value in considering them. Dating apps of all ages and reasons, after all, exist because it can get lonely out there sometimes for parents and kids.

Technology provides us a platform to use what little free time we all have and turn it into a bonus for our kids.

So do your research to see if a kids’ dating app sounds right for you (and, yes, your kids).

Good luck out there.

I hope you find that amazing parent out there with a kid equally excited to spend time smashing superheroes against each other for hours on end.

And if you see any pictures out there with a smiling kid or two of mine out there, I hope you swipe right.

Josh Farnsworth is a husband, father of goofballs Cooper and Milo, goofball himself, and award-winning writer and columnist living in Worcester.

He can be reached for column ideas at josh. farnsworth@ yahoo.com.

The Negatives of

‘Sharenthood’

BY DR. ELAINE HEFFNER

T

he issue of privacy and social media has

become a matter of increasing concern raising questions about the need for legal constraints of some kind. One aspect of this has been whether children are able to appreciate the risks involved in their self-exposure on sites such as Facebook. What seems “cool” now may come back to haunt them later on in college or employment applications.

A leading children’s advocacy group has challenged the educational technology software industry to develop national safeguards for the personal data collected about students from kindergarten through high school, to use student data only for educational purposes and not for marketing products to children or their families.

Schools have used digital technologies to collect a great deal of information about students, with the goal of achieving personalized, data-driven education that may improve graduation rates and career prospects. But in reality student assessment software has been used without placing sufficient restrictions on the use of children’s personal details; school districts may share student’s details with vendors who perform institutional functions without notifying parents or getting their consent.

Targeting advertising to children has for some time been a problem for parents, leading to struggles around children’s requests for products that are made to seem so appealing on TV and elsewhere. However, increasingly the concern about privacy for children entails matters of security, protecting them from their own immaturity as well as the commercial motivations and behavior of others.

Now a new book, “Sharenthood,” introduces a new word, sharenting to mean “the publication, transmission, storage, or other uses of private information about children through digital channels by parents, teachers, or other adult caregivers.” The term may refer to parents’ actions or be focused on social media.

The author, Leah A. Plunkett, a law professor and Faculty Associate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University, is concerned that children today grow up within a circle of trusted adults who routinely share details of their lives through an ever-expanding range of digital tools with an ever-growing number of other people and institutions. Although parents play a uniquely important role, they are not the only grown-ups with their fingers on the tech buttons.

Plunkett points out that adults give up valuable information about children to get devices and services, information then used by tech providers in various profit-oriented ways. It is startling to become aware of the many seemingly harmless things parents share about their children on Facebook and Instagram as social sharing that are actually an invasion of children’s privacy and may impact negatively on their lives later on.

Starting with those first sonograms during pregnancy that some post, to the many behavioral anecdotes that are shared with pleasure or at times concern, parents are unwittingly building a social media profile for a child that may be to his detriment later on. Increasingly, college admission officers and potential employers use Google for background checks on indi-

viduals. A child’s reputation may have unintentionally been created by images from various earlier stages of development.

Underlying the author’s concern about the negatives of “sharenting,” is her strong belief in her vision of childhood, that “kids and teenagers should have room to play, to mess up, and to grow up better for having done so.” She asks how our children can discover who they are when “adults are tracking them, analyzing them and attempting to decide for them - based on the data we gather - who they are and should become.”

Plunkett raises provocative questions, important for parents and all who care about children to reflect upon.

Elaine Heffner, LCSW, Ed.D., is the author of “Goodenoughmothering: The Best of the Blog,” as well as “Mothering: The Emotional Experience of Motherhood after Freud and Feminism.” She is a psychotherapist and parent educator, as well as a senior lecturer of education in psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College.

She blogs at goodenoughmothering.com.

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10 NOVEMBER2019

on the

agenda • FACTS & FREEBIES • NOVEMBER’S ADVENTURES • THE LIST

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on the

agenda

facts and freebies

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5{{FREEBIE}

Turkey on the Table is a book and activity that encourages the whole family to express and display their gratitude. Here’s your chance to win one and help cultivate grateful hearts.

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Kick off the holiday season at a magical show.

We’re giving away tickets to see Rudolph The RedNosed Reindeer – The Musical, which will be at the Boch Center Dec. 6-8!

26 {FREEBIE}

The timeless movie comes to the stage in White Christmas -- The Musical, at the Wang Theater Dec. 17-29. Here’s your chance to win tickets to this incredible family show!

thurs

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{FACT} FACT}

Dad, it’s your tu National Men M Day.

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Happy Veterans Day. Did you know there are nearly 20 million veterans in the U.S., according to most recent statistics? We thank them today, and every day.

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12

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{FACT} FACT}

wednesday

tuesday

monday

{FACT}

It’s World Kindness Day. Take a moment today to do something positive for someone else, and encourage your kids to do the same.

27 {FREEBIE} Do you have an avid reader? Need some new books? We’re giving away a stack of middle grade and teen-friendly books of various genres and titles. Enter today to win them for your bookworm!

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Starting on the date the prize appears, go to our page to enter for your chance to win.

sday

friday

1{FACT}

Today marks the start of National Adoption Month. There are thousands of children in foster care in Massachusetts in need of a home. Turn to page 39 to find out more.

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urn! Today is Make Dinner

15 {FACT}

It’s America Recycles Day. Visit americarecyclesday.org to take the #BeRecycled pledge and find out easy ways to help your family recycle more.

22 28 {FACT} Happy Thanksgiving!

The average American will consume about 4,500 calories today. Put on those stretchy pants!

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on the

agenda

november

ADVENTURES OUR TOP

5 PICKS

OF THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER

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A New England Thanksgiving. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. Saturdays & Sundays, Nov. 2-24, plus Thanksgiving, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Experience the traditions of preparing an early 19th century New England Thanksgiving during this celebration of the season. Adults $28, youths $14, ages under 4 free. osv.org.

Cookies and Tea with Clara. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. Sunday, Nov. 10, 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., & 1:30 p.m. Spend a magical hour with Clara with cookies, dancing, tea, and a live reading of ‘The Nutcracker’.

Register ahead. $20. thehanovertheatre.org.

National Take A Hike Day: Walking Sticks. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. Sunday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Hop out onto the Great Hill conservation land adjacent to the Discovery Woods to find the perfect walking stick, then bring it back and decorate it to celebrate National Take a Hike Day. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

The Nutcracker. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. Friday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m. Kick off your holiday season with a spectacular treat for the whole family, during this ballet performance of ‘The Nutcracker’. $32-44. hanovertheatre.org.

Green Friday. Trustees Sites, various locations. Friday, Nov. 29. Skip the shopping mall and spend the day outside as all Trustees’ outdoor properties offer free admission. Properties from the Berkshires to the Cape will host family fun activities, like story walks, guided hikes and tours, artist markets and more. Free. thetrustees.org.

ADVENTURES 1 FRIDAY

2 SATURDAY

Music and Movement with Miss Bernadette. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 9:30-10 a.m. Explore sound as 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.

Airborne Comedians. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. 10:30 a.m. Enjoy this high-energy unorthodox comedy juggling performance that will thrill and delight all ages.

Members $8; nonmember adults $12, youths 2-12 $10. regenttheatre.com.

Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10-10:45 a.m. Enjoy a nature-based activity based on the weather and season, and then venture out to our adjacent conservation land or Discovery Woods. Recommended for ages 2-6. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Book Corner. Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 10:30-11 a.m. A fun, music-filled story-time with Berkshire Hills Music Academy’s Mary Westgate, reading from a selection of braille picture books. Free with admission. Adults $9, youths $6, ages under 1 free. carlemuseum.org.

Sensory Play Storytime. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. Look, listen, touch, and play during this story and activity time exploring different sensory concepts. For ages 2-4. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Colorful Kaleidoscopes. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2-4:30 p.m. Drop-in to explore light, color, and reflections by creating simple yet dazzling kaleidoscopes. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

First Friday Night Free. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 4:30-8 p.m. Free admission to explore the museum at night. Non-perishable food donations accepted for local pantries.

Free. discoveryacton.org.

First Fridays Artswalk. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 5-8 p.m. Take part of Cultural Pittsfield’s First Fridays Artwalk celebration with an extended hours exploration of the museum. Free. berkshiremuseum.org.

Railers vs. Growlers. DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. 7:05 p.m. Watch as the Worcester Railers take on the Newfoundland Growlers during this hockey game perfect for families. $15+. dcucenter.com.

Stars Over Springfield. Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Join members of the Springfield Stars Club for skygazing in the Science Museum’s observatory, or, if overcast, a planetarium show. $3. springfieldmuseums.org.

Tribute to Soul Train. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. 8 p.m. Experience the sounds of the Soul Train era, during this concert performance. $33, youths under 13 $13. regenttheatre.com.

Tanglewood Marionettes present The Dragon King. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Enjoy this underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore that will take you on an adventure to find the Dragon King. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Adults $13.50, children $10.50. coolidge.org.

Beyond the Spectrum: Photo Perspectives.

Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Explore the realistic, imaginary, and fantastic perspectives found in photos, before creating your own photo transfer collages during this adventure in art for children on the Autism Spectrum. $9. mfa.org.

Abrakidabra. TCAN: Center for the Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 11 a.m. Get ready for an exciting and fun magic schow developed especially for kids and families by Best of Boston award-winner Mike Bent. Adults $12, children $10. natickarts.org.

Community Day: Travel the Silk Road.

Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Discover stories and cultural connections on the Silk Road, with artmaking, music, performances, and food throughout the day. Free. worcesterart.org.

Big Bird’s Adventure: One World, One Sky. Museum of Science, Boston.10:30 a.m.

Explore the night sky with your favorite friends from Sesame Street to learn about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the Sun, and the Moon. Soft lighting, soft sound, and other accommodations make this showing appropriate for children with autism sensory sensitivities. Adults $10, kids $8. mos.org.

First Sunday. Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Drop by the museum and explore our galleries during this day of free exploration and crafting. Free. museumofrussianicons.org.

4 MONDAY

Dia De Los Muertos Family Celebration.

Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, 11 Divinity Ave., Cambridge. 12 p.m. Enjoy live music, Oaxacan wood carving, and festive decorations to make this a joyful event designed to remember and welcome back the spirits of loved one. Free with admission. Adults $15, youths $10, ages under 3 free. peabody. harvard.edu.

MFA Playdate: Let’s Make Music. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10:15-11 a.m. Enjoy story time and looking activities in the galleries, followed by artmaking taking inspiration from musical art we have at the museum. Free with admission.

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

Especially for Me: Free Evening for Families with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or KODA Children. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 5-8 p.m. A special evening for families with deaf, hard of hearing, or KODA children, with ASL interpreters available and dinner provided.

Register ahead. Free. discoveryacton.org.

Railers vs. Thunder. DCU Center, 50 Foster

november

3 SUNDAY

Kiddie Music Time. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10-11 a.m. Join Monument Square Community Music School for a class introducing music, percussion instruments, and dance during this interactive class. Recommended for ages under 5. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Fruitlands Annual Bonfire. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 5-7 p.m.

Find warmth in community and our giant bonfire and send hopes and drives into the night sky for a special salute to the season. Free. fruitlands.org.

agenda

St., Worcester. 7:05 p.m. Watch as the Worcester Railers take on the Adirondack Thunder during this hockey game perfect for families. $15+. dcucenter.com.

WeeMuse Art Lab. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Try fun artmaking activities with a science twist through different kid-safe creative projects.

Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $13, youths $6, ages under 4 free. berkshiremuseum.org.

Season Closing Celebration. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard.

3-5 p.m. Embrace the fall and help Fruitlands celebrate the closing of its main season with cider donuts, warm apple cider, and museum exploration. Free. fruitlands.org.

on the

Family Storytime. Worcester Public Library: Frances Perkins Branch, 470 West Boylston St., Worcester.

10:30-11:15 a.m. Explore themes through rhymes, stories, books, and crafts. Free. mywpl.org.

5 TUESDAY Ready, Set, Balance. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Drop-in to explore several different stations where you test what makes objects stay put or topple over, and balance our bodies through movement challenges. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

6 WEDNESDAY Terrific Twos Storytime. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10-10:45 a.m. Stories, music, and fun for children and caregivers. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

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experiences. For ages 2-4. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Backyard and Beyond: When the Moon is Full. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

2-3 p.m. Celebrate the Beaver Moon and learn about the moon and stars, grab a full moon calendar, and state a new tradition of taking a night walk when the moon is full. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Community Pajama Night. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wear your favorite pajamas and get comfortable for a cozy night of storytelling, a story walk, and celebration of Family Literacy Month. Free. berkshiremuseum.org.

Big Bird’s Adventure, One World, One Sky (Autism-Friendly Show). Museum of Science, Boston.

WAM Artful Play. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 10:30.-11:15 a.m. Enjoy a hands-on activity, story, and guided tour through our galleries introducing the youngest patrons to art. For ages 0-5. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $18, youths $8, ages under 4 free. worcesterart.org.

Backyard and Beyond: Pomanders. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11:00 a.m.-12 p.m. Take citrus fruits and cloves to create fragrant gifts that will be ready right in time for the holidays. Free with admission.

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

7 THURSDAY Make a Mess: Fragrant Fall Finger Painting. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10-11 a.m. Put a seasonal twist on a favorite messy experience by adding scents and shaving cream to finger paints. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Bunny Storytime. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10-11 a.m. Enjoy story times with Daisy the puppet, sing songs, listen to a story or two, and play a musical instrument. For ages 12 to 24 months. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

special activity or event. Free. fitchburgartmuseum.org.

Science Tellers Present: Aliens Escape From Earth. Worcester Public Library: Frances Perkins Branch, 470 West Boylston St., Worcester. 4-4:45 p.m. Don’t miss this action-packed and educational alien adventure using science experiments for special effects and a story that is totally out of this world.

Recommended for ages 4 and up. Free. mywpl.org.

Little Lab Coats. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Go on a scientific discovery with Little Lab Coats, featuring experiments that explore basic properties of science. For ages 6 to 9. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Women Musicians Network Concert.

Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 8 p.m. Celebrate the 23rd year of the Women Musicians Network, featuring original music and dance in a variety of genres from rock to R&B. $10 advance, $15 day of. berklee.edu/events.

8 FRIDAY Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10-10:45 a.m. Enjoy a nature-based activity based on the weather and season, and then venture out to our adjacent conservation land or Discovery Woods. Recommended for ages 2-6. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Story Music Fun. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10-10:45 a.m. Listen to a story, sing songs, play instruments, and move your body to the music. For ages 0-4. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Officer Leo Storytime. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10-11 a.m.

Join Leominster Policy Officer Leonardo Colon as he reads a story and answers questions about his job. Recommended for ages 3-6.

Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Open Book, Open Play. Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Enjoy an interactive story-time in the Reading Library, followed by time to move, play, and explore art materials. Free with admission. Adults $9, youths $6, ages under 1 free. carlemuseum.org.

Explore and Play. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 11:15-12 p.m. Join unstructured play time with toys and sensory

Read for the Record Storytime. Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington. 1-1:30 p.m. Participate in Jumpstart’s annual #ReadfortheREcord campaign and celebrate with millions of others. Free. carylibrary.org.

Scribble Bots. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2-4:30 p.m. Create dynamic drawings using simple DIY robotic contraptions made of spinning and wiggling motors, markers, tape, pipe cleaners, and a variety of recycled materials. Free with admission.

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

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9 SATURDAY Pop-Up Play Day. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Use big, blue blocks of Imagination Playground and colorful Bilderhoos architectural building components to build, collaborate, and play.

Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $13, youths $6, ages under 4 free. berkshiremuseum.org.

Brain Building: Printing and Stamping.

Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Experience sensory stimulation while practicing fine motor and critical thinking skills. For ages 2-8.

Register ahead. Free. carylibrary.org.

Everyday Engineering: Air Play. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Build creations that float and fly in a tunnel of swirling air to explore materials with a variety of properties. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Frozen Sing-A-Long. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m. Sing along with Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and all your Frozen friends during this special screening of Disney’s Frozen. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

LEGO Block Party. Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington. 2-3 p.m. Drop-in and build with LEGO bricks, friends, and family.

Free. carylibrary.org.

Brickbuilders, Jr. Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington. 2.-3 p.m. Join others who love to create, learn, and share ideas as we dive into LEGOs. For ages 5 to 8. Register ahead. Free. carylibrary.org.

Free First Thursday. Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St., Fitchburg. 3-7 p.m. Explore the galleries at night, featuring art tours and

Hugo Alves. Oliver Colvin Recital Hall, 1140 Boylston St., Boston. 7 p.m. Enjoy this concert combing Brazilian traditions, jazz, and film music for an original sound. Free. berklee. edu/events.

10 SUNDAY

Dance Theatre of Harlem. The Hanover Theatre, Worcester.

Backyard and Beyond: Knife Skills with PrimiTim. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Walk in the conservation land or explore our Discovery Woods during this educational program that shows the survival skills associated

with knives. Register ahead. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Magic by Bonaparte. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Watch astounding magic, enjoy hilarious comedy, and experience oodles of audience participation during this family magic concert.

Adults $13.50, children $10.50. coolidge.org.

11 MONDAY Veterans Day. Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge. 9:30 a.m.4 p.m. Celebrate Veterans Day with special activities celebrating the nation’s military history including cannon demonstrations and historical servicemembers. Adults $28, youths $14, ages under 4 free. Servicemembers and family free. osv.org.

Cup Towers. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Challenge yourself to build a one-of-a-king tower made entirely out of cups during this exploration of everyday engineering. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

12 TUESDAY Dance Me A Story. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Don’t miss this fun, family event where music, movement, and literature align for explorative and imaginative play. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Take Aparts, Jr. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Grab some tools and discover resistors, capacitors, gears, and more as you uncover the inner workings of household gadgets and gizmos. Free with admission.

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

Theodore’s Imagination Station. Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington. 10:30-11 a.m. Enjoy an imaginative story-time featuring Theodore the Dragon.

For ages 2-5. Free. carylibrary.org.

Especially for Me: Sensory Friendly Afternoons. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 1:30-4:30 p.m. Come explore the accessible Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods during this time with limited crowding.

Register ahead. Free. discoveryacton.org.

Guitar Night: Jazz and Blues Student Showcase. Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 8 p.m. Don’t miss this concert featuring some of the top student jazz and blues guitarists at Berklee. $10 advance, $15 day-of. berklee.edu/events.

13 WEDNESDAY Railers vs. Reading Royals. DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. 10:05 a.m. Watch as the Worcester Railers take on the Reading Royals during this hockey game perfect for families. $15+. dcucenter.com.

WeeMuse Parent/Child STEM Session.

Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield.

10:30-11:15 a.m. Children and caregivers are invited to explore science, technology, engineering, and math concepts with fun

activities designed for them. Register ahead.

Free. berkshiremuseum.org.

ages 7 and up. Register ahead. Members $9, nonmembers $15, children free. fruitlands.org.

ARTfull Play. deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 10:3011:30 a.m. Fill your morning with art and play through art, stories, material play, nature, and more experiences in the 30-acre Sculpture Park and Museum. Free with admission.

Members free; nonmembers $14, youths 12 and under free. deCordova.org.

Festival of Trees 2019: Festive Preview Party. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join your friends and neighbors to kick-off this year’s inspiring Festival of Trees, with delicious appetizers, beverages, and our own ideas of heroism.

Register ahead. Member adults $30, children $15; nonmembers $50, children $25, ages under 4 free. berkshiremuseum.org.

My First Story. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10-10:30 a.m. & 11-11:30 a.m. Enjoy songs and stories during this lap-sit program for our youngest guests. For ages 0 – 23 months. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Pete the Cat Literacy Fair. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 6-7:30 p.m.

Listen to Pete the Cat stories, create a groovy guitar, design some cool shoes, touch and feel super slime, and explore the cloud dough cupcake table during this celebration. For ages 3-7. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Dance Theatre of Harlem. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester.

8 p.m. Watch as this internally-respected, 17-member, multi-ethnic company performs a forward-thinking repertoire celebrating ballet and African American culture. $45-65. thehanovertheatre.org.

16 SATURDAY Fairyborough Trail Hunt. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Strange things have been popping up in the Fairyborough, so head to the path to see if you can spot what is out of place. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton. org.

Pop-Up Play Day. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Use the big, blue blocks of Imagination Playground and colorful Bilderhoos architectural building components to build, collaborate, and play.

Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $13, youths $6, ages under 4 free. berkshiremuseum.org.

MFA Playdate: Let’s Make Music.

Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 10:15-11 a.m. Enjoy story time and looking activities in the galleries, followed by artmaking as we examine the musical art we have at the museum. Free with admission.

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

Babe. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Follow the inspiration story of a shy Yorkshire piglet who doesn’t quite know his place in the world, with a special talk on animal communication with a local scientist. Adults $9.50, children $7.50. coolidge.org.

WAM Artful Play. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Enjoy a hands-on activity, story, and guided

tour through our galleries as we introduce our youngest patrons to art. For ages 0-5. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $18, youths $8, ages under 4 free. worcesterart.org.

Family Yoga Class. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Enjoy interactive and partner poses for kids and adults, cooperative games, breathing exercises, simple mindfulness activities, and relaxation for children and their caregivers. For ages 3-12. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Special Storytime: Cynthia Alonso. Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst.

11 a.m. Join illustrator Cynthia Alonso as she reads from her new picture book ‘The Ready’, a whimsically illustrated love letter to books.

Free with admission. Adults $9, youths $6, ages under 1 free. carlemuseum.org.

14 THURSDAY Gourds Galore. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m. Explore the plethora of uniquely colored, shaped, and textured gourds, pumpkins, and squashes with magnifying glasses and your skills of examination. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Little Yogis & 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 for active tots, preschoolers, and their caregivers, featuring poses, songs, and movement. Register ahead.

Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Take Aparts. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2-4:30 p.m. Grab a screwdriver and uncover the inner workings of everyday electronics. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Railers vs. Beast. DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. 7:05 p.m. Watch as the Worcester Railers take on the Brampton Beasts during this hockey game perfect for families. $15+. dcucenter.com.

15 FRIDAY Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10-10:45 a.m. Enjoy a nature-based activity based on the weather and season, and then venture out to our adjacent conservation land or Discovery Woods. Recommended for ages 2-6. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Sensory Play Storytime. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.

Look, listen, touch, and play during this story and activity time exploring different sensory concepts.

For ages 2-4. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Owl Prowl. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Learn about winter-time nocturnal animals, and then venture outdoors for a short hike to see if you can hear or spot an owl or two. Recommended for BAYSTATEPARENT 17

18 NOVEMBER2019

Special Storytime: Chase Taylor. Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 2 p.m.

Join Chase Taylor, creator of ‘The Letter Critters’ book series, as he reads from his books and his experience as a young author. Free with admission. Adults $9, youths $6, ages under 1 free. carlemuseum.org.

We Can Be Heroes. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 2-4 p.m. Discover and share the traits that mark a hero, and create a unique holiday ornament featuring your own hero to take home. Best for ages 5 and up. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $13, youths $6, ages under 4 free. berkshiremuseum.org.

Happier Family Comedy Show. Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 3-4 p.m. Celebrate creativity during this family-friendly, all-new, created-on-the-spot improv show performed in an accepting and exciting atmosphere. Members $9, youths $4.50; nonmembers $10, youths $5. carlemuseum.org.

Especially for Me: Free Autism-Friendly Evening. 5-8 p.m. A special evening for families with members on the Autism Spectrum, with dinner provided and a special music activity at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Register ahead. Free. discoveryacton.org.

17 SUNDAY Magic by Scott Jameson. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Join magician and juggler Scott Jameson for an extraordinary performance that will have you laughing out loud and perched on the very edge of your seat. Adults $13.50, children $10.50. coolidge.org.

Special Sundays in the Studio. Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 12-5 p.m. Explore new materials in the Art Studio and try a different project. Free with admission.

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

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

1-3 p.m. Explore deCordova with the whole family and investigate new ideas and unique materials inspired by the themes and artists on view. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14, youths 12 and under free. deCordova.org.

East Dances with West. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2-3 p.m. This concert trio presents some of the Turkish repertoire inspired by Vienna’s waltzes, Argentine’s tangos, and Balkan sirtos. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra. DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. 3 p.m. & 8 p.m. Cheer in the holiday season, with this fantastic performance by the multi-platinum, critically-acclaimed, progressive rock group as they stage an unforgettable show. $49.50+. dcucenter.com.

18 MONDAY Book Celebration: Anna Dewdney. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster.

10-10:45 a.m. Enjoy stories, art, music, and movement in celebration of the Llama Llama books. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

Baby Bookworms. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 11-11:30 a.m.

Interact with newest readers through nursery rhymes, action rhymes, songs, and stories.

For ages 0-12 months. Register ahead. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

19 TUESDAY LittleBeats Dance. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10-10:30 a.m. Join friends from Little Beats for creative dance aimed at stimulating your busy brains and bodies. For ages 0-4. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Make a Mess: Ooey, Gooey, Science.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

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

Theodore’s Imagination Station. Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington. 10:30-11 a.m. Enjoy an imaginative story-time featuring Theodore the Dragon.

For ages 2-5. Free. carylibrary.org.

Berklee String Fling. Berk Recital Hall, 1140 Boylston St., Boston. 7 p.m. String students share their bands, personal performance projects, and music encompassing a wide range of genres and styles during this Berklee College showcase. Free. berklee.edu/events.

Quartet. David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston St., Boston. 7 p.m. Enjoy as a quartet performs music composed by Berklee College students. Free. berklee.edu/events.

Folk Open Mic: Great Molasses Flood.

TCAN Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick.

8 p.m. Enjoy as the best of acoustic and folk musicians from around take to the stage, with a special performance by Great Molasses Flood.

Members free, public $5. natickarts.org.

Singers Night. Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 8 p.m. A high-energy concert featuring students chosen through an audition process to form the Voice Department’s premier show. $10 advance, $15, day-of. berklee.edu/events.

20 WEDNESDAY Backyard and Beyond: Summit Great Hill. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10 a.m. Summit Great Hill during a short and easy hike outdoors. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

WAM Artful Play. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Enjoy a hands-on activity, story, and guided tour through our galleries as we introduce our youngest patrons to art. For ages 0-5. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $18, youths $8, ages under 4 free. worcesterart.org.

Astronomy Night. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Join members of the Aldrich Astronomical Society for a Fruitlands Star Party.

Members $5, nonmembers $10, children free. fruitlands.org.

BAYSTATEPARENT 19

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. 7 p.m. Light up your holidays with Chevy Chase live on stage in conversation with a screening of ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’. $50-70. thehanovertheatre.org.

Satellite of Qantara: A Musical Expedition. David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston St., Boston. 7:30 p.m. Middle Eastern, western classical, and Latin American music come together during this concert showcasing how music transcends genre and geography. Free. berklee.edu/events.

21 THURSDAY Doggy Days: Thankful for Abby. Discovery

Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10-11 a.m.

Help prepare a surprise gift for Abby as a way to offer thanks, and add to the community poster. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Mike the Bubble Man. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Through music, choreography, and comedy, Mike the Bubble Man brings bubbles of all shapes and sizes alive to the delight of audiences of all ages. Adults $13.50, children $10.50. coolidge.org.

Bunny Storytime. Leominster Public Library, 30 West St., Leominster. 10-11 a.m. Enjoy story times with Daisy the puppet, sing songs, listen to a story or two, and play a musical instrument. For ages 12 to 24 months. Free. leominsterlibrary.org.

The Bremen Town Musician. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline.

10:30 a.m. CactusHead Puppets brings to life the hilarious tale of a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster as they become world famous

Kitchen Ka-Boom. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Become a kitchen scientist with a new hands-on, kidsafe experiment. For ages 5 and up. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $13, youths $6, ages under 4 free. berkshiremuseum.org.

Make a Mess Finger Paints. Discovery Museum, Acton. musicians. Members $9, nonmembers $12.50. puppetshowplace.org.

Autumn Winds and Piano. David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston St., Boston. 4 p.m.

Enjoy a lively and varied program of music from around the world, featuring the Berklee Flute Choir and the Autumn Winds and Piano Ensemble. Free. berklee.edu/events.

Henry the Juggler. Worcester Public Library: Frances Perkins Branch, 470 West Boylston St., Worcester. 4-4:40 p.m. Come be amazed as balls, clubs, rings, and all kinds of things fly through the air as Henry the Juggler changes sizes, laughs, and engages the audience. Free. mywpl.org.

Backstage Theater Performance. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 6 p.m. Come and enjoy our production of the classic folktale of Mabela the Clever. Free.

newtonfreelibrary.net.

22 FRIDAY Story Music Fun. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10-10:30 a.m. Listen to a story, sing songs, play instruments, and move your body to the music. For ages 0-4.

Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10-10:45 a.m. Enjoy a nature-based activity based on the weather and season, and then venture out to our adjacent conservation land or Discovery Woods. Recommended for ages 2-6. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

The Bremen Town Musician. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline.

10:30 a.m. CactusHead Puppets brings to life the hilarious tale of a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster as they become world famous musicians. Members $9, nonmembers $12.50. puppetshowplace.org.

Explore and Play. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. Join unstructured play time with age appropriate toys and sensory experiences. For ages 2-4.

Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Materials Play. Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 11:30 a.m. Experiment with materials selected especially for young explorers and their caregivers in the Art Studio. Free with admission. Adults $9, youths $6, ages under 1 free. carlemuseum.org.

Backyard and Beyond: Lantern Making.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 2-4 p.m. Come construct a one-of-a-kind lantern, before bringing them out during a lantern procession through Fairyborough at 4:15 p.m. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

23 SATURDAY Thanksgiving Harvest Festival. Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Ave., Phillipston. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy an authentic New England harvest celebration with music, food, farm animals, locally produced crafts, and community togetherness. $2. Redapplefarm.com 20 NOVEMBER2019

Everyday Engineering: SailMobiles. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Design a way to harness the power of wind as you build a simple vehicle that’s part car, part sailboat. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

The Bremen Town Musician. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline.

1 p.m. & 3 p.m. CactusHead Puppets brings to life the hilarious tale of a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster as they become world famous musicians. Members $9, nonmembers $12.50. puppetshowplace.org.

Corpse Bride. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2 p.m. Sit back and enjoy this music-influenced Tim Burton film following a young man after he inadvertently marries a corpse bride. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Festival of Trees After Dark. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. 5-7 p.m.

Explore the sparkling indoor forest of Festival of Trees 2019 after hours, when the galleries are lit only by the twinkling lights on each tree. Members $3, nonmembers $5, ages under 4 free. berkshiremuseum.org.

24 SUNDAY Thanksgiving Harvest Festival. Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Ave., Phillipston. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy an authentic New England harvest celebration with music, food, farm animals, locally produced crafts, and community togetherness. $2. Redapplefarm.com.

The Bremen Town Musician. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline.

1 p.m. & 3 p.m. CactusHead Puppets brings to life the hilarious tale of a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster as they become world famous musicians. Members $9, nonmembers $12.50. puppetshowplace.org.

Railers vs. Thunder. DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. 1:35 p.m. Watch as the Worcester Railers take on the Adirondack Thunder during this hockey game perfect for families. $15+. dcucenter.com.

Poetry and Music. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 2-3 p.m. Enjoy a unique performance that integrates poetry and music from the styles of Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, and more. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Picture Book Theatre presents The Littlest Matryoshka. Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 2:30 p.m. See the story of

‘The Little Matryoshka’ come to life by Picture Book Theatre using large string puppets in a family friendly performance. Members $4.50, nonmembers $5. carlemuseum.org.

25 MONDAY Music Monday. Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington. 10:30-11 a.m. Sing, play instrument, get moving to the rhythm, and make new friends. For ages 2-5.

Free. carylibrary.org.

26 TUESDAY Matt Heaton Family Singalong. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton.

10-10:45 a.m. The Toddlerbilly Troubadour brings an infectious energy to his sing-alongs peppered with well-known classics and a few soon-to-be classics. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Tinker Tuesday: Crafty Creations.

Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton.

10-11 a.m. Explore the possibilities of reusing what we usually through away as we create masterpieces using recycled and repurposed materials. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Theodore’s Imagination Station. Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington. 10:30-11 a.m. Enjoy an imaginative story-time featuring Theodore the Dragon.

For ages 2-5. Free. carylibrary.org.

27 WEDNESDAY WeeMuse Parent/Child STEM Session.

Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield.

10:30-11:15 a.m. Children and caregivers are invited to explore science, technology, engineering, and math concepts with fun activities designed for them. Register ahead.

Free. berkshiremuseum.org.

Railers vs. Growlers. DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. 7:05 p.m. Watch as the Worcester Railers take on the Newfoundland Growlers during this hockey game perfect for families. $15+. dcucenter.com.

28 THURSDAY Sound of Music Sing-A-Long. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. 6 p.m.

Sit back and watch the original 1965 movie following the Von Trapp family, with lyrics of all the songs on screen so you can join in when inspiration strikes. $12.50-17.50. regenttheatre.com.

29 FRIDAY Stories and a Craft. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 10-10:45 a.m. Enjoy a morning of stories and crafting. For ages 0-4. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

LEGO Zone. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Bring your imagination and we’ll supply the LEGOs as we have some LEGO fun with games, challenges, and plenty of bricks. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Holiday Happenings. Springfield Museum, 21

Edwards St., Springfield. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Kick off the holiday season with us during this day of activities and holiday fun, including a Mount Crumpet Derby, gingerbread creation display, photo booth, and afternoon appearance by the Grinch. Free with admission. Adults $25, youths $13, ages under 3 free. springfieldmuseums.org.

Go Home Tiny Monster. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. Puppets, live music, physical theater, and joyously absurd silliness come together as a family of creatures must find a new home after a storm. Members $12, nonmembers $16. puppetshowplace.org.

Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers.

JFK Presidential Library & Museum, Columbia Point, Boston. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers as they share stories of both their history and modern culture in a performance with full audience dance. Register ahead. Free. jfklibrary.org.

Sensory Play Storytime. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Newton. 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. Look, listen, touch, and play during this story and activity time exploring different sensory concepts. For ages 2-4. Free. newtonfreelibrary.net.

Word Play with Center Dance Studio. Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst.

10:30-11:30 a.m. Join Center Dance Studio for creative movement and narrative dance inspired by picture books. Register ahead. Free with admission. Adults $9, youths $6, ages under 1 free. carlemuseum.org.

FINAL FAT Chain Reaction. Rockwell Gymnasium at MIT, 120 Vassar St., Cambridge.

1-4 p.m. Celebrate the final Friday After Thanksgiving Chain Reaction, as contraption after contraption triggers the next. Advance $13.50, youths $5; day-of $15, youths $7.50. mitmuseum.mit.edu.

Picture Book Theatre presents The Littlest Matryoshka. Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. See the story of ‘The Little Matryoshka’ come to life by Picture Book Theatre using large string puppets in a family friendly performance. Members $4.50, nonmembers $5. carlemuseum.org.

Sound of Music Sing-A-Long. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Sit back and watch the original 1965 movie following the Von Trapp family, with lyrics of all the songs on screen so you can join in when inspiration strikes. $12.50-17.50. regenttheatre.com.

Family Autism Night. Children’s Museum of Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton.

4-6 p.m. An evening of private playtime with sensory-friendly activities for families to connect with their children who are on the Autism Spectrum. For ages 10 and under. Register ahead. Free. cmeaston.org.

Quadrangle Lighting. Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. 5-7 p.m. Join Santa Claus and the Grinch, ride a fanciful train, enjoy holiday music performances, and warm up with hot chocolate and cookies during this lighting display celebration. Free.

Go Home Tiny Monster. Puppet Showplace Theater, Brookline. springfieldmuseums.org.

Railers vs. Growlers. DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester. 7:05 p.m. Watch as the Worcester Railers take on the Newfoundland Growlers during this hockey game perfect for families. $15+. dcucenter.com.

30 SATURDAY Play Date: Tell Me A Story. Institute of Contemporary Art: Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A day of family fun, featuring pop-up talks, afternoon family tours, and more. Free with children. icaboston.org.

LEGO Zone. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Bring your imagination and have some LEGO fun with games, challenges, and plenty of bricks. Free with admission. Members free; nonmembers $14.50, ages under 1 free. discoveryacton.org.

Picture Book Theatre presents The Littlest Matryoshka. Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 11 a.m. See the story of ‘The Little Matryoshka’ come to life by Picture Book Theatre using large string puppets in a family friendly performance. Members $4.50, nonmembers $5. carlemuseum.org.

Sound of Music Sing-A-Long. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. 12 p.m.

Sit back and watch the original 1965 movie following the Von Trapp family, with lyrics of all the songs on screen so you can join in when inspiration strikes. $12.50-17.50. Regenttheatre.com.

Winter Night Light. Town Common, Belchertown. 12-7 p.m. Celebrate the season with food, singing and the lighting of the Christmas tree.

Go Home Tiny Monster. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Puppets, live music, physical theater, and joyously absurd silliness come together as a family of creatures must find a new home after a storm. Members $12, nonmembers $16. puppetshowplace.org.

BAYSTATEPARENT 21

on the

agenda

the list

10 Ways to

Volunteer with Your Kids

Children love to be helpers. You can put that spirit to work for the greater good by introducing kids to volunteering at a young age. Giving back to the community teaches children the values of self-esteem, empathy, compassion, and gratitude. Here are ten places young “helpers” are welcome, and how you can make volunteerism a family affair.

Boston Harbor Islands

Boston

The Boston Harbor Islands, a national recreation area off the coast of Boston, has a “citizen scientist” program that helps rangers understand the flora and fauna that live and breed on the islands and the environmental factors that influence them.

Volunteers contribute data on birds, assist in the field by identifying insects and invertebrates, help with early pest detection, and participate in a study assessing the effects of climate change. Kids are welcome when accompanied by an adult. The program runs on Stewardship Saturdays, which are held every Saturday, except holiday weekends, from May through October, and once a month from November to April. To sign up visit nps.org/boha/getinvolved.

Greater Boston Food Bank Family Table

Waltham, Marblehead, and Canton

Jewish Family & Children’s Service’s Family Table is New England’s largest kosher food pantry, serving people throughout Greater Boston who need assistance, regardless of religious affiliation. Family Table serves more than 100 towns and is currently helping more than 500 families each month with groceries and connections to other services. You can help set up the pantry, sort food donations, package orders for recipient families, and deliver to recipients. Children are welcome to volunteer when accompanied by an adult. A list of dates and times at each location, along with an application form, is at jfcsboston.org, or email familytable@jfcsboston.org.

Cradles to Crayons Giving Factory Boston

This nonprofit collects new and nearly new children’s items which are processed and packaged by volunteers in their warehouse, the Giving Factory, then distributed to local disadvantaged children. Volunteers as young as 5 can help at the Giving Factory warehouse in Brighton, packaging donated school supplies, toys, clothing, and shoes amongst other essentials for homeless and low-income children. Volunteers with special needs or accommodations are also welcome. For more information and to register as a volunteer, go to cradlestocrayons.org/boston.

22 NOVEMBER2019

Boston

GBFB is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country, distributing nearly 62 million pounds of food to people in need last year.

Their Kids Who Care (KWC) program is a special volunteer opportunity that allows children as young as 10 years old to volunteer alongside family and friends, bagging and boxing food for children, seniors and families in need in Eastern Massachusetts. KWC volunteer groups can have anywhere from 10-25 people, including chaperones.

Volunteers are introduced to GBFB, get trained in safe food handling, and take part in a hands-on service activity. To find out more, go to gbfb.org or email volunteer@gbfb.org.

Mass Audubon – Habitat Intergenerational Program

Belmont

The Habitat Intergenerational Program (HIP) is a volunteer community service and learning program that started over 20 years ago at Habitat Education Center in Belmont. HIP connects people of all ages and allows people of many generations to participate in environmental service projects. Pulling Partners is a weekly after school program that brings together students of varied ages and older adults to work outside helping to control the spread of invasive plants, providing trail work and being part of the Weeks Pond rejuvenation project. Other groups meet seasonally. For more information go to massaudubon.org or email habitathip@gmail.com

Boston Cares Greater Boston

BostonCares.org is a site the aggregates volunteer opportunities in the Greater Boston area. To become a Boston Cares member and begin signing up for projects online, you must attend a brief, one-time New Volunteer Orientation. From there, you can search for family-friendly opportunities on their calendar or by “impact area,” such as culture and environment, health and wellness, youth success, etc.

Project Giving Kids Greater Boston/Anywhere

ProjectGivingKids.org is like Boston Cares -- a database of local volunteer opportunities -- but even better for families because all projects are youth-friendly.

You pick a cause (aid the animals, aid the elderly, help fight hunger, comfort the sick, or support the troops are some of the options) and the site will give you a list of opportunities to give back that align with your interests. The website also has ideas for service projects that children can do from home.

Birthday Wishes Anywhere

This Natick-based nonprofit brings a little hope to needy children through the magic of a birthday party.

Birthday Wishes ensures that children who are experiencing homelessness have the opportunity to celebrate their birthdays joyfully. Teens accompanied by a parent or guardian can sign up to be birthday party coordinators or volunteers, and younger kids can get involved with different service projects that can be completed from home. Families can create a Birthday in a Box, Party Essentials Packs, or Partylicious Packs, all of which contain items for a birthday celebration wrapped up in a colorful box or bag. These packages can then be dropped off to either the Birthday Wishes headquarters in Natick or to the Western Mass. office in Holyoke. For more information on what the put in the pack go to birthdaywishes.org.

Community Harvest Project Grafton

With the help of volunteers, this nonprofit farm grows fresh fruits and vegetables for people in need, improving access to healthy food for hungry families in Worcester County. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to start seeds in the greenhouse, plant seedlings in the spring, and tend and harvest crops in the summer. While scheduled group volunteering opportunities are available, there is also the option to just drop by and lend a hand during the growing season -- no orientation, training, or registration required. Individuals and families can stop by to volunteer from 9 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, May through September. Children under 16.5 years of age must be accompanied by an adult, but are welcome to join. For more information, go to community-harvest.org.

NEADS Princeton

Giving back by playing with puppies? Yes, it’s a real thing. NEADS, a nonprofit that trains service dogs, seeks families to open their homes to their puppies-in-training as full-time or weekend puppy raisers, or weekend puppy sitters. Puppy raisers make a 12- to 18-month long commitment to raising a puppy in their homes, either full-time or just on the weekends. If you can’t commit that much time, your family can be a weekend puppy sitter, taking puppies out of the NEADS Early Learning Center during the weekends to expose them to life in a home. To learn more about the programs, go to neads.org.

BAYSTATEPARENT 23

our fave

4

Colder weather calls for getting cozy.

From wearable blankets to fun throws, here are some of the coolest ways for kids to snuggle up.

1.

2.

3.

1.

From dinosaurs and monsters to tigers and bears, Lazy One has a Critter Blanket for every kid’s favorite creature. The hooded blankets have cozy corners to nestle hands into and are made of lightweight, super-snuggly fleece. $23.99. lazyone.com.

2. Blankie Tails’ unique design is like a

sleeping bag without the bulk – climb right inside the double-sided minky fabric and cozy up. Choose from their new Disney princess, Hot Wheels, Transformers, or My Little Pony styles, or stick with the classic mermaid or shark designs. $29.99-$37.99. blankietails.com.

24 NOVEMBER2019

3.

There’s nothing scary about the dark when you can cuddle up under a glowing blanket. This plush glow-in-thedark throw blanket by Forestar brings a little magic to bedtime. $27.99. amazon.com.

4.

One-part oversized sweatshirt and one-part ridiculously soft plush blanket, The Comfy Kids is luxurious velour on one side and soft sherpa fleece on the other. One-size-fits-all-kids, comes in pink or blue. $29.99. thecomfy.com.

4.

Meet the Parents

Inventive Moms and Dads Starting Businesses Inspired By Their Kids

BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER

Launching a business is no piece of cake. Neither is raising a family. But while children and careers aren’t always easily combined, for these Bay State moms and dads, the role of being a parent planted the seed for a new business to bloom.

Sometimes, the plights of parenthood can inspire an entrepreneurial endeavor -- whether it’s helping a toddler shake her binky habit, or helping a tween prepare for her first period. Here, you’ll meet some local parents who were inspired by their own kids to start up a new business.

BAYSTATEPARENT 25

Finding the

H

Orange Lining

ow many times do parents give their kids a gift and watch as they unwrap it, waiting with anticipation to see the look of pure delight when they see the toy, only to have them more excited about playing with the wrapping paper or box instead? That’s the magic of children – they don’t need much have fun. In everything practical, they find the potential for play.

A mom of two young boys, Ryan Flaim knows well the world of imagination in which children live. She sees it every day watching her sons Cameron, 5, and Luca, 4, play, and remembers it being the way her nephew Ryder spent his three short years on earth.

It’s been nearly five years since Ryder Gordon Brown passed away, but Flaim can easily recall his playful spirit.

“He was just one of those incredibly outgoing, funky, happy little kids. A kid who loved to play – flying kites and playing Frisbee, flying around on his little scooter. That was Ryder,” said Flaim. His favorite color was orange, and he lived his life with all of the brightness, curiosity, and tenacity represented by the color.

Ryder, who was born in New York, was visiting Flaim and her family for the holidays in December 2014 when he came down with what they thought was a typical seasonal cold. He turned out to have pneumonia, then MRSA, too, which wreaked havoc on his little body. On Jan. 18, 2015, Ryder died, surrounded by his

26 NOVEMBER2019

parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles while his dad read him one of his favorite books, “The Shape of My Heart.”

Flaim wanted to find a way to honor his life and keep his name in the world. She thought of creating a line of orange-lined blankets, but that didn’t seem quite right.

“I wanted something a little more spectacular – like he was,” she said. “Then I thought, what about a blanket that could also be a cape? A superhero cape.”

The idea sat in Flaim’s head until she worked up the nerve to take her first sewing class since seventh grade. She developed a pattern for the Hero Blanket, a cozy blankie that could transform into a superhero cape. She later launched Orange Lining, a children’s accessory line that aims to inspire imaginative play, in memory of Ryder.

“Through Orange Lining I sought to create a platform to remind us all that every day is a gift and inspire kids (and parents) to find the Orange Lining in life. I built the company on the belief that every child is a hero,” she said.

The idea is that the blanket grows with the child – going from a source of comfort as a cuddly baby blankie to a source of adventure as a flowing cape for toddlers and big kids. It comes in three materials – lightweight muslin, minky plush, or soft cotton jersey – and an array of colors and designs. Monogramming gives each a personal touch, and a matching cloth crown tops it all off.

While a blanket-cape seems like an easy enough concept, Flaim went through many different iterations and prototypes before settling on patent-pending design featuring two Velcro tabs. As a blanket, it’s safe to put in with a sleeping baby, and as a cape, it’s easy enough for a toddler to pull off.

The adjustable, fastening design has other functions too: it works as a nursing cover, no-drop stroller blanket, bucket seat cover, tummy time mat and more.

When Flaim first launched the business in late 2017, she was sewing the blankets herself, staying up all hours of the night to fulfill orders from the living room of her Duxbury home. Since then, it’s been a learn-asyou-go process, she said. She’s learned about fabrics, manufacturing, and more.

Last year after working long days and nights to launch the business, Flaim said her body started to shut down and she was eventually diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

“As scary as the diagnosis was, I made a very conscious choice to find the orange lining in my new reality,” she said. “Rather than let the fear takeover, I have embarked on a healing journey where I’m truly taking care of myself and healing deeply on every level.”

Flaim is dedicated to the core of the business’s mission -- to give back and to inspire children to find their superpowers. Through its “Buy a Blanket, Be A Hero” give-back program, Orange Lining uses a portion of proceeds to donate Hero Blankets and funds to charities, such as children’s hospitals. There is also a “Nominate a Hero” program celebrating acts of heroism of all shapes and sizes by gifting Hero Blankets to nominated children.

“In many ways, creating this company has become my own way of finding the Orange Lining in life,” said Flaim. “It has allowed me to create something that fills my days, my heart and my future with creativity, passion and purpose...and show my children you truly can accomplish anything you set your heart to.”

Learn more at orangelining.com.

Penny Pack: Taking the Taboo Out of

W

hen you think of a group of entrepreneurial dads, the last thing that might come to mind is menstruation.

But the taboo associated with periods and the hushed way the topic is talked about – or avoided – is what led Hopkinton’s Peter Thomas and his wife, Amy, along with the backing of some local dads, to create a product to both educate girls and open up a dialogue with her parents.

The idea came about after Amy took her daughter, Carmen, to a puberty class, looking for a way to have a frank and open discussion with her tween about the natural process of growing up. After discussing it with other parents, she found that many were anxious about having ‘the talk’ with their daughter.

“Maybe they put the conversation off and the next thing you know she starts her period in class and doesn’t know what to do,” said Amy. “We started thinking a lot about it – how could we help parents have a comfortable conversation? How could we help normalize this discussion?”

Their answer is Penny Pack, a personalized guide to a girl’s first period that launched in May. It’s made to help moms, dads and caregivers introduce the topic of periods in an easy, age-appropriate way.

Along with a lightweight clutch stocked with organic cotton tampons and pads, the kit comes with two books. The first, “A Girl’s Guide”, was written by the Thomas’s 14-year-old daughter (and edited by a pediatrician), covering practical questions and offering real-life advice. The other, “There’s Something New About You”, is a coming-of-age book written by two physicians. It tackles the challenges of puberty with honest, useful information.

The books are in contrast to much of the medical literature pre-teen girls receive from a health class or the pamphlet published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, said Peter. “A lot of that information is really technical. This, on the other hand, is very accessibly to a girl.”

Each kit comes with access to the Penny Pack app, which has ongoing period-related information and ed-

Periods

ucational tools, and includes a personalized, handwritten note with a special message from mom or dad.

“There are other first period kits out there, but almost every one has a product to sell. In our case, we include products, but only as an adjunct to teaching,” said Peter. “The idea is this is a gift. This is a big deal for girl. It should be positive and not something that is feared and not talked about.”

Penny Pack is meant to be given to girls before they start their period – around 8 or 9 years old. The kit is $25, and available at thepennypack.com.

“The response we’ve received from our friends, family and focus groups about the Penny Pack has been overwhelming and certainly validates our thought that the period talk should be easier,” said Peter. “What do a bunch of Dads know about periods? We know that talking about periods makes most everyone feel awkward and that our girls deserve better than what we could find readily available to help teach them about their first period.”

BAYSTATEPARENT 27

Helping Little Ones Say

Bye-Bye to Binky

A

few years ago, when Kaitlyn Pierce’s oldest daughter was just about to turn thee, the Pittsfield mom set a goal to reach by the milestone birthday: ditch the pacifier. At 2 years old, Sylvia had her binky at bedtime only – but she was pretty attached.

“It was her favorite thing so I was pretty anxious to mess with that,” said Kaitlyn. “I knew this would be a battle for the ages if I couldn’t find a way to ease the transition.”

As many moms and dads can attest, pacifier weaning can be stressful for children and their parents. For many babies, that chunk of plastic is their first love – and the breakup can be tough. So instead of stealing her daughter’s beloved binky away, Kaitlyn started to brainstorm a gentler way to lose the pacifier.

Kaitlyn had to the idea to put Sylvia’s pacis inside a stuffed animal, tucked into the paws of one her favorite bears. This way, she’d be able to feel them, but she wouldn’t be able to put them in her mouth.

To Kaitlyn’s delight it worked, and with that, the concept for Binka Bear was born.

Kaitlyn sat on the idea for over a year, but she couldn’t get it out of her head. She thought about adding a storybook about Binka Bear, explaining how

28 NOVEMBER2019

the cuddly friend was waiting for his magic powers to arrive through the gift of a binky.

Finally, after mulling it for months, it all came together on a Thanksgiving-eve.

“I remember I had to get up the next morning to make dinner, but there I was, up at midnight, laying in bed making a logo on my phone,” said Kaitlyn. “The next weekend I made a Facebook page and website.”

With the help of some early investors and a Kickstarter campaign, Kaitlyn started prototyping. She went through mountains of stuffed animals to figure out how to engineer pockets in the bear’s paws where parents could get pacifiers in, but kids couldn’t get them out.

Next, she put a call out in a Facebook entrepreneurs’ group, asking if anyone had experience launching a product with a plush toy and a book. Neal Hoffman, the creator of Mensch on a Bench, reached out and took a phone call with Kaitlyn to offer her some advice and connections. Hoffman’s product also

includes a doll and storybook, and received funding from investors on the television show “Shark Tank.”

From there, Kaitlyn hired a copywriter to polish the story she’s written when she weaned Sylvia, and an illustrator to bring her whimsical vision to life.

Binka Bear launched in May. The plush, big-eyed bear has lace-up pouches on each paw to hold two pacifiers, and comes with the story, “Binka Bear and the Magic of Willowspring,” which guides children through the journey of how the bear gets his magic through them sharing their beloved pacifiers. It’s $39.99, and available at binkabear.com.

Kaitlyn used Binka Bear to wean her second daughter, Delilah, from her pacifier. Since both of her kids have said bye-bye to the binky, she loves seeing other toddlers passing theirs off to a snuggly friend.

“Parents have sent pictures or videos of their kids with Binka Bear, and it’s pretty cool to see,” said Kailtyn. “It’s wonderful to see it working.”

BAYSTATEPARENT 29

Three Good Things How to Start a Family Gratitude Practice

BY SARA BARRY

‘W

ho has three good things?”

One of the kids jumps in. “Me! We got to go to the gym during indoor recess. Mom came into my class. Ice cream for dessert!”

We ask this question almost every night at dinner.

We could also phrase the question, “What are you grateful for?”

Studies show that a gratitude practice can be life changing. Gratitude can lower blood pressure and anxiety, reduce aches and pains, and improve sleep.

Feel like your kids get sick all the time? Gratitude has been shown to boost the immune system. People who practice gratitude tend to be more optimistic and experience more joy. And if you wish your kids would cooperate more, try a gratitude practice.

People who are tuned in to gratitude tend to be more helpful and generous.

Focusing on gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring sadness, anger, grief, or struggles. Kids need to know that it’s OK to express negative feelings and challenges too. But learning to feel grateful even when things aren’t going well is powerful. As Brené Brown says, “It’s not joy that makes us grateful, it’s gratitude that makes us joyful.”

To take into account this fuller range of experiences, some families use the rosethorn-bud practice.

In this case, you share a positive, a challenge or disappointment, and a hope for the next day. The point is to acknowledge that we all have hard moments and good ones.

If you don’t already have a family gratitude practice, it’s easy to start.

Ours began simply as a way to head off

30 NOVEMBER2019

a pattern of complaints and grumbles (from kids and grownups alike). Now it’s part of our routine.

Start Your Own Gratitude Practice To start your own family gratitude practice, simply ask everyone to say three good things from their day (or a rose, thorn, and bud). Take turns sharing and listening to each other.

The good things can be anything—a favorite food for dinner or knowing there’s going to be dessert, a fun activity at school, seeing a friend, getting a compliment, finding something you lost, a relative coming home from the hospital, etc.

Everyone should participate. Some days will be harder than others. If you need to, help each other think through the day. Were you really excited on the way to school? Did somebody do something nice for you? Was it your day for art? How did soccer go?

Some nights, the kids ask if they can say their three good things or argue over who gets to go first.

Other nights, there is a long silence in response to the question.

Even on nights when our kids are slow to share three good things, part way through somebody else’s turn, we’ll hear, “Oh, I have another one.” As you get used to sharing gratitude, you find more of it.

Here are five other ways to practice gratitude with your family.

1. Speak Your Gratitude If sitting down together for dinner is a challenge, look for other points in the day to speak your gratitude.

Try making gratitude part of your bedtime routine. Or make it a habit to say three good things in the car on the way home at the end of the day. Take the lead to get the habit started,

but once you’ve done it for a while, you may find your kids asking if they can say their three good things without prompting.

2. Keep a Family Gratitude Journal Have you ever kept a gratitude journal? What if you kept one as a family? Create a ritual around writing in the gratitude journal. Have kids write something when they first get home from school, or ask a child to jot down family ideas while you cook dinner.

The key is to make it a regular habit. Daily is ideal, but if you can’t do that, create a pattern that does work. For example, start each family meeting with a gratitude list or do a gratitude check-in every Sunday night.

3. Make a Gratitude Jar Some families write down what they are grateful for on small slips of paper and tuck them into a jar.

At the end of the year, they pull them out and read through them. It’s a reminder of the many good things that happen throughout the year, the many moments when they felt thankful. Plus you get to feel good when the thing happens, when you write it down, and again when you read through them.

4. Create a Gratitude Wall Do you have a chalkboard wall or a white board in your house? Use it to write something you are grateful for every day. Encourage all your family members to do the same. Help younger children write or let them draw a picture. Take a moment to look at the board to remind yourself of your own gratitude or to open to others’.

5. Text Your Thanks You can even text three good things or quick moments of gratitude throughout the day with older kids. This shouldn’t replace face-to-face communication, but texting is a great tool to share positive thoughts on hectic days or when communicating is hard.

Developing a gratitude practice helps build resiliency and joy, which is great for our kids and for us.

And in the moment, it just feels good to find something positive when you are having a grumpy, grumbly day.

Sara Barry is a writer from Massachusetts. She sporadically keeps a gratitude journal and regularly shares three good things with her kids.

very

special people

Using

Picture Books

to Help Children Understand Themselves the reluctance and struggle of trying new things. Both books are devoid of specific labels, but contain more of a general message rofessor Rudine Sims Bishop first used the term that not all children perceive the world in the same manner – “windows and mirrors” in response to the lack and that is OK! of African American characters in children’s There are several books written by Leila Boukarim that were literature. Her message was that when children created based on her experiences with her own highly sensitive see their lives and experiences in literature, they child. These include All Too Much For Oliver, Aiden Finds A Way, realize their connection to the greater human Goodness for Different, and Hello, Goodbye Little Island. These experience. “When children cannot find themselves reflected projects are near and dear to her heart because she understands in the books they read, or when the images they see are diswhat families and children experience as they navigate the chaltorted, negative, or laughable, they learn a powerful lesson lenges and rewards of raising a highly sensitive child. “How can about how they are devalued in the society of which they are I forget the tears and screams we had to endure and grew to a part,” she wrote. expect at every birthday party, and every gathering, and every This was almost 30 years ago, but the phrase “windows and time someone walked up to us a little too enthusiastically to say -Anonymous mirrors” is still being used to define books that either a child hello. And the anger and resentment I felt in the moment, and can see their own culture in the story or learn about another. the gut-wrenching guilt that followed when all was finally quiet,” The importance of this is profound -- children develop a sense said wrote on her blog. of belonging, gain a feeling of acceptance, and establish their Author Elaheh Bos has also written several books that present personal identity in the world in which they live. various personality traits of children. Some of these books include So Loud It Hurts Children’s literature can also be a valuable tool in allowing children to see other (for highly sensitive kids), A Spot of Blue (which deals with anxiety), and The Tiger aspects of who they are such as quiet, overexcited, emotional, anxious, autistic, or In My Chest (about managing anger). These books include strategies and tools that even someone who simply struggles to fit in with their peers. When caregivers and children and caregivers can use to navigate these feelings together. Her website, children share a story that features a child with unique characteristics this creates plantlovegrow.com, provides a wealth of information including books and resources an opportunity for children to see themselves in that story. There are many books on a variety of topics including autism, anger management, anxiety, encouragement, in public libraries and bookstores that do just that – these books contain children and self-esteem. with autism or dyslexia, or kids who simply march to the beat of a different drum.

With a little research and some help from a local librarian or bookseller, caregivIn her article entitled “Embracing Children For Who They Are,” Jane Brody points ers can find a children’s book on just about any topic from ADHD and being highly out the important role parents play in their child’s healthy development. “The goal sensitive to just being a little different from peers and the backlash that can ensue. of parenting should be to raise children with a healthy self-image and self-esteem, Reading these books with children allows them to see someone just like them while ingredients vital to success in school and life. That means accepting children the supporting and celebrating their uniqueness. Imagine a child that prefers quiet time way they are born — gay or straight, athletic or cerebral, gentle or tough, highly over playground recess seeing themselves in a book with a character who shares intelligent or less so, scrawny or chubby, shy or outgoing, good eaters or picky the same feelings. A child with ADHD will feel reassured seeing other children that ones.” Finding just the right stories for these special children shows support and need to wiggle and move, and a child with anxiety will see that their feelings are valencouragement that will allow a child to blossom. idated and other children might feel the same.

Author and illustrator Samantha Cotterill is working on a series of books for Little Children are all special in their own way and books can be used to honor this Senses that show how some children feel while navigating the world. Her interest in uniqueness. Nobody can say it better than Winnie the Pooh (or maybe we should creating these books came from her own experiences as a child with Asperger’s. In say A.A. Milne) when he said, “The things that make me different are the things that her book This Beach Is Loud! we see how a young child and his family must prepare make me.” for a day at the beach. We also see how what would seem indistinguishable to some Check out these book suggestions that focus on the special and unique qualities children (bells jingling, bird calls, people talking) are completely overwhelming to of all children. The message in these books will not only benefit the families of these other children. In her second book in this series, Nope. Never. Not for Me! we see children experiencing these situations but other children as well.

P

BY KRISTIN GUAY

“Sometimes real superheroes live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles”

BAYSTATEPARENT 31

Understanding Emotions

Celebrating Uniqueness

Neurodivergent Topics

Tom’s Special Talent

By Kate Gaynor A young boy who struggles with reading and writing feels embarrassed that he cannot do what the other students can do.

His kind teacher points out that everyone is talented in different areas and Tom just needs to find his talent.

Thank you, Mr. Falker

By Patricia Polacco In this true story of the author, a young girl feels ashamed because she struggles with reading. She is teased and bullied which further depletes her self-esteem. Along comes the new teacher Mr. Falker, who realizes she has dyslexia and helps her unlock the path to reading and discovering the joy of books.

The Color Monster

By Anna Llenas This book is a great tool for children to handle the many emotions they might experience—all seen through the story of a little girl helping a monster who is experiencing a variety of emotions.

My Mouth is a Volcano

By Julia Cook In this wonderful book about learning to control your words until the appropriate moment, a young boy has a hard controlling what he wants to say and at many times is disruptive. He begins to see things differently when a few interruptions happen to him.

My Brother Charlie

By Holly Robinson Peete & Ryan Elizabeth Pete A young girl explains what life is like with her autistic twin brother. We see how sometimes things are good but sometimes it can be confusing – words locked in his mouth or gestures of affection not expressed. As the young girl says, “I have learned from Charlie that love doesn’t always come from what you say. It can also come from what you do.”

Shadow

By Lucy Christopher This book deals with sadness, or more specifically, the sadness of a parent. In this story, a young girl and her mother have relocated to a new home. The reader does not know the backstory but we do know that the mother is sad. We then see the way the little girl works through this and how eventually she and her mother learn to find happiness again.

Baby Dragon, Baby Dragon

By Melissa Marr Many parents will identify with this active little dragon who has a little trouble being calm and quiet. With a little guidance and encouragement, the little dragon learns how enjoyable life can be if he learns to manage is overexcited actions.

When Sadness is at Your Door

By Eva Eland Sadness appears, as a soft blue blob, at a little child’s door one day.

We do not know why it came or how long it is going to stay, but it just showed up. The story explains that when this happens it is best to just let sadness in, ask sadness to sit down, and spend a little time with sadness. It is a great way to show children that it is acceptable to be sad and it is nothing to reject or fear.

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Why Johnny Doesn’t Flap, NT is OK!

By Clay and Gail Morton In this story, a child who is neurodivergent expresses his acceptance for a child that is neurotypical. This book allows the reader to see how a child with autism might navigate their world (doing activities in a specific sequence, reacting a certain way when excited). The young boy accepts his neurotypical friend and enjoys his companionship, despite what he perceives as strange behavior.

Finding Friendship A Friend for Henry

By Jenn Bailey Henry is looking for very specific qualities in a friend – quiet, sharing, respectful of his personal space, and someone who follows rules. He cannot understand some of the typical things his classmates do for enjoyment such a wearing nail polish, playing with worms, and even going down the slide.

But he does find a friend who likes to experience the world in the same way he does.

The Invisible Boy

By Trudy Ludwig This book begins: “Dennis was an ordinary boy who expressed himself in an extraordinary way.” The story supports individuality in all children.

Learning From Mistakes

Be A Friend

By Salina Yoon A child who goes about his day in a manner different from other children is isolated and lonely until a little girl is able to create a friendship in a way that is comfortable for him. This is a perfect book for showing how to accept someone for who they are.

Oscar Seeks a Friend

By Pawet Pawlak Making friends is particularly challenging for Oscar because he is a skeleton, and in his words “a small, ugly skeleton.” A friendship soon develops between Oscar and a little girl and they both share their unique worlds with each other.

The Most Magnificent Thing

By Ashley Spires This book reminds us that mistakes happen but it is always important to try again.

Beautiful Oops

By Barney Saltzberg Not only do mistakes happen, but some amazing things can be created with an “oops.”

In this book we see several art projects that have gone awry but how with some imagination and creativity, these mistakes became something really amazing. A torn page becomes the jaws of an alligator, a dog-eared page is the head of a penguin, and coffee and ink stains turn into all kinds of wonderful creatures.

Kristin Guay lives on Nantucket with her husband, two daughters, and beloved rescue dog. A former middle school language arts teacher and youth librarian, she enjoys projects that foster a love of reading in young children.

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My Husband Was Arrested and Then I Got MS How I Picked Up the Pieces as a Single Mother

BY DIANE STELFOX COOK

O

n a Monday afternoon in the spring of 2003, I suddenly became a single mother under some pretty unusual circumstances. My husband was arrested for an act I couldn’t even wrap my mind around -- soliciting a minor male over the internet. There were news teams parked in my front yard and it seemed like the whole world was slipping out from under my feet.

Prior to his arrest, my then-husband and I agreed I would take one year off from my job practicing law, and I began work as a special ed assistant in our neighborhood school (with a measly wage). Suddenly, without the man I thought would be my life-partner by my side, a whole host of impossible questions filled my mind: How was I going to get a new job amid this grief? How would I pay the bills absent that new job? How could we continue my sons’ full schedules? How many nights in a row can people eat chicken tenders and carrot sticks before needing medical attention?

The weeks and months after my husband was arrested were some of the most challenging I have faced as a mother. Within the first week, I wasn’t sure I would make it. And then, unimaginably, things got worse.

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, likely brought on by the stress of these events. I was in a day-to-day fight to get out of bed, survive and hold my kids up. The basics like laundry and arranging extracurriculars often felt impossible.

It did take a while for the initial shock of losing my husband and my health to wear off, and in this period I was surrounded by so many incredible members of my community who stepped in to support, all of whom are profiled in the memoir of my story, So Many Angels.

Thankfully, I eventually began to feel my head clearing from the initial trauma and I was able to formulate a plan of attack. Here are the lessons I learned after regaining control: Acclimating to new options can be a slow and painful process, even for moms. Be okay with that.

My husband was arrested at the end of the school year and when fall came around again, I resumed my work as a special ed assistant. The principal pulled me aside in the middle of the year and suggested that I get my teaching license. When he first mentioned this I thought it was a ridiculous idea. I think I bit his head off when he first said it. I had already been in school for many years and the thought of returning to school for another advanced degree was almost comical. I was barely get34 NOVEMBER2019

So Many Angels is available in Kindle and paperpack on Amazon.

ting through the day. I wasn’t ready for this idea yet. But someday I would be.

Take the most practical routes, and focus on a healthy family life. Thankfully that principal’s words kept ringing in my head and I decided to enroll in a Master’s program to obtain my teaching license. My reasoning: instead of returning to law, I decided to change careers because I thought that my boys would not recover from the trauma we had suffered if I worked 12 hour days, had a long commute, and was not at home often. I realized I should get work that fit with their school schedule, but I couldn’t only have the income afforded to a special ed assistant. It wasn’t always easy to go to night class and get the schoolwork done, but I felt sure in my intuition that my kids needed me at home, and I had to support them. This was the most practical route!

Let yourself accept help, and learn how to delegate.

As moms, there is a lot of pressure for us to do it all, and to keep ourselves and our families together totally on our own. But sometimes you just can’t. Accepting help, and asking for help can be difficult, but it becomes easier when you think about what your children need. If you can’t meet those needs and stay sane and healthy yourself, there’s no shame! All that means is that it’s time to move to the next step: planning out who else can help you meet your kids’ needs. Do you need help with babysitting while you take a training course? Can you trade off with a friend? Do you need assistance from a financial adviser to pay for the classes? Can you find resources in your community? Maybe the public library has a resume class or the local vocational school has computer night classes which are inexpensive?

On tough days, stay centered on your purpose by

using a secret weapon. Okay, it’s not really a secret: mothers are the most powerful creatures on the planet, because we will do anything necessary to protect our children. We have all seen those great animal shows on TV where the mother cub takes care of her babies, or the owl mother fights off the prey and feeds her young.

Human moms are also strong and I think that we have the power to do what our children need, even if we are unsure of ourselves. It is not going to be easy to reinvent yourself but you can do it because you are a momma bear and your kids need you to do it.

Diane Stelfox Cook lives in the Framingham area and is the author of So Many Angels. Stelfox Following a 15-year career as an attorney, she became a special ed teacher in the Massachusetts public schools for 11 years. Today, she runs her late husband’s construction company. Cook attended Boston Latin School and holds degrees from Clark University, Framingham State University and Suffolk University Law School. She is a voracious reader, a lover of all things aquatic, and a diehard fan of her sons’ alma mater football teams, Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish and Virginia Tech’s Hokies. She continues to practice law part-time.

Diane Stelfox Cook

bites

FOOD FOR THOUGHT • NUTRITION • GOOSE’S GOODIES BAYSTATEPARENT 35

Bites

Food for

Thought

New Treatment Aims to Alleviate Anxiety For Kids with

Food Allergies With oral immunotherapy, a Massachusetts facility is desensitizing some patients against common triggers, offering hope instead of a lifetime of fear.

BY JOAN GOODCHILD

M

ost of us know a child with a food allergy. It might even be your own child. And this is likely because researchers say food allergies are on the rise.

According to the non-profit Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), researchers estimate that 32 million Americans have food allergies, including 5.6 million children under age 18. And the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reports that the prevalence of food allergy in children increased by 50 percent between 1997 and 2011.

Between 1997 and 2008, the prevalence of peanut or tree nut allergy appears to have more than tripled in U.S. children.

Food allergy symptoms can range from mild, like an itchy mouth or hives, to severe and life-threatening when the throat tightens and breathing becomes difficult. The life-threatening reaction is called anaphylaxis.

As the parent of a child with food allergies, I know the anxiety 36 NOVEMBER2019

around birthday parties and other gatherings when kids are young. As a teenager, my son knows how to manage his allergy to nuts and certain fruits, and understands that he needs to be vigilant about what he eats and to avoid ingredients that could trigger a reaction for him.

But in his early years, I fretted every time he went to a social event or to a friend’s house. Will he accidentally eat something that could make him sick? Is it possible the food might contain allergen ingredients and he will forget to ask? It is indeed a trying time for many parents of vulnerable kids.

A new treatment center in Massachusetts aims to give families like mine and many others a new way to battle severe food allergies. The New England Food Allergy Treatment Center (NEFATC) in Quincy offers a treatment to desensitize patients to common food allergens using a process called oral immunotherapy (OIT).

“A significant benefit from this program is that it reduces anxiety and allows families to do things together that they

may not otherwise do, out of fear for an accidental allergic reaction of one of the family members,” said Margaret Vallen, MD, who leads the treatment efforts at NEFATC. According to her, OIT works in the following way: Patients are first given a sub threshold (tiny dose) of the allergen. For example, if a child is allergic to peanuts, the tiny dose administered is of a carefully-measured amount of peanut flour. On day one, the patient is given six increasingly higher doses. The dose is doubled every half hour.

The tiny doses are increased over a five-hour period under supervision at NEFATC. If the patient tolerates the initial doses at the center, they go home with a small amount of that allergen and take that specific amount every day for two weeks until their next visit. If the patient continues to tolerate this dose every day, on the next visit, they come in and updose, said Vallen. If they tolerate the higher dose, they go home with two weeks’ worth of that particular dosage. This procedure continues, every two or three weeks, until the patient gets to a point where they are eating an amount that is considered protective.

“What I mean by that (protec-

tive) is, should a patient have an accidental ingestion, this build up should result in an outcome where there is no adverse reaction to the accidental ingestion,” said Vallen. “We continue to slowly increase their threshold that would trigger an allergic reaction. As an anticipated outcome, for a peanut allergy, our goal is that after a period of nine to twelve months a patient should be able to eat four peanut M&Ms. At the end of a treatment for egg allergies, the patient should be able to eat one scrambled egg per day.”

The program requires a commitment of up to a year.

The treatment is available for allergies to tree nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, eggs, and milk at the Quincy location. At other NEFATC locations, there are treatments for allergies to wheat, shellfish, and other foods.

The doses are administered on what Vallen said is called a Mettler Balance, by trained technicians, under the supervision of RNs and physicians. The treatment protocols are based on allergy research at several respected centers, including Stanford University, Duke, and the University of Arkansas.

OIT does not cure the patient of allergies. Once patients have hit their goal, most need to con-

tinue a maintenance dose daily for a lifetime. But in the event of an accidental exposure an allergic reaction will not likely occur, said Vallen. This means less worry, fear, and anxiety, and an improved quality of life.

Vallen said children who undergo the treatment feel less anxious about going out to restaurants, or just going to new places and eating food.

They feel safer when they travel. The prospect of getting on a plane and flying somewhere becomes a lot less frightening.

There is less social isolation.

And parents of children who have been desensitized feel more confident knowing that an allergic reaction will likely not occur with an accidental ingestion.

“The treatment for food allergies has historically been avoidance, and an EpiPen for the accidental ingestion. We see the process of desensitizing as breakthrough, and an important step toward helping families live better lives,” she said.

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

Bites

goose’s

goodies

Best-Ever Butternut Bisque My family eats this every year as a Thanksgiving appetizer. It’s creamy, dreamy comfort in a cup. If you’re using baked squash, keep a bag of frozen butternut on hand in case you want to add more. If you want to thin out the soup, just add a little broth.

Ingredients 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1 yellow onion, chopped 1 large butternut squash, cubed and raw, or cooked and cooled (or three 16 oz packages frozen butternut squash, thawed and drained) 3 cups chicken broth ½ to ¾ cup heavy cream Kosher salt and white pepper, to taste Directions If using baked squash, use a large spoon to scoop into a bowl, and set aside.

In a large pot, cook the onions in the melted butter over medium heat, until translucent. Add squash and chicken broth, simmer for 20-25 minutes.

Remove from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.

Return to low heat and stir in heavy cream.

Bites

goose’s

goodies

Laurie Silva Collins, known affectionately as Goose by her grandkids, is a nurse, mother and grandmother who is happiest when she’s in the kitchen, cooking and baking for those she loves. She learned to cook from her parents, and has perfected her recipes over the years while raising three daughters… and spoiling seven grandchildren.

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Bites

nutrition

Milk, No Sugar: New Guidelines for Kids’ Drinks

P

arents confused about what exactly their young children should be drinking just got help from several large health organizations, which have issued a common set of recommendations.

Breast milk or formula, plain cow’s milk and water are encouraged; sweetened drinks, including most plant-based milks, are not.

Individual organizations have made recommendations about beverages before, but often not in a comprehensive way for this age group, said Dr. Stephen Daniels, chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He led a panel that united experts from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association.

“This really covers essentially all issues related to beverages for kids ages 0 to 5,” he said. “For the average child who isn’t intolerant to cow’s milk and doesn’t have an allergy, we came to the conclusion that cow’s milk really is the best choice.”

For families that take a vegan approach, some plant-based milks “are maybe a reasonable choice,” but parents have to be “very careful,” he said.

Plant-based milks may look and taste like dairy milk, but their nutritional value varies from product to product, and they just aren’t the same as cow’s milk, he said. Also, he said, “many of those plant-based milks -- they’re sweetened. So, they have extra sugars and extra calories, which kids do not need.”

Marie-Pierre St-Onge, an associate professor of nutritional medicine at Columbia Medical Center in New York, represented the AHA on the panel. She explained that such milks are typically lower in protein and calcium, so they just aren’t as nutritious for growing children.

And from a research standpoint, she said, “We don’t have a lot of available evidence to say that these are safe for young infants to consume and that 38 NOVEMBER2019

infants will grow well with plantbased milks alone.”

Fortified soy milk is a bit different, St-Onge said, which is why it gets the nod in some cases. But she and Daniels echoed the panel’s advice that parents who are intent on avoiding dairy should do so only with help from a dietitian or pediatrician.

The guidelines say parents should avoid offering all kinds of sweetened drinks, which include not only soda, fruit-flavored drinks and sweetened waters but also chocolate milk and the newer category of “toddler” milks, sometimes called “transition” or “weaning” formulas, which are often sweetened.

“We are trying to avoid any sweetened beverages for young children,” St-Onge said.

The goal is to help shape healthy preferences over the long term. “If children are exposed to highly sweetened foods at an early age, we get concerned that this is what they expect and anticipate and desire as they grow.”

Babies can be given a few sips of water starting at six months.

Young infants don’t need water because their diet is basically all liquid.

“But as we start introducing solids, some fluid could be replenished through water consumption. So that could habituate them to consuming plain water,” she said.

Although pediatricians have advised against offering fruit juice to children before age 1 in the past, St-Onge said parents often want to introduce it too early. The guidelines say children 12 to 24 months old should drink no more than 4 ounces of 100% fruit juice a day.

“Children under a year of age should not be drinking fruit juice, but that as they get to a year old and older, it’s an acceptable drink,” Daniels said. “But it has to be in the right portion size.”

“It’s really the basics that are the key here. And that children ages 0 to 5 don’t need anything in their beverages. And I hope that’s a message that people will get.”

finally

forever

Two Nurses, Six Kids, One Happy Home

S

BY DEBORAH SWEET

helly and Tami Sepulveda’s journey of starting a family began in the hospital, not unlike any other family’s story begins.

At the time, they were both neonatal nurses, and there was a baby Tami was caring for in the NICU who was in need of a medical foster placement. His name was Isaac and he was born with only one lung trachea.

For six months, Tami was Isaac’s nurse. Working with him every day, she naturally grew attached to him.

Eventually, Isaac was placed in a medical group home, where he unfortunately passed away not long after from medical abuse and neglect.

“Tami was really hurt by that and didn’t want that to happen to any other kids from that point on,” recalled Shelly. “That’s what really stemmed our lives doing foster care and adoption.”

The couple began opening their home as a foster-to-adopt placement when their one biological son, Samuel, was four years old. Since they both had experience in the medical field, many of the children they took in had extra medical, physical, emotional, or behavioral needs – all of which MARE considers “harder to place” children.

“We’ve had over 17 children in our home, and the ones that cannot go back home are the ones that we ended up adopt-

ing,” Shelly said.

In total, the couple has adopted five children from foster care, and has a total of six children.

There’s Samuel, their 14-year-old biological son, Shaelin and Abby, both 11,Tyler and Kameron both 10, and their youngest, Noah, who is 5. One of their children is in remission from Ewing Sarcoma and has PTSD, one is on the autism spectrum, and one is prone to infectious diseases.

While most of their children they have had since they were babies, adoption is rightfully an important topic in their household. “Sometimes, our conversations at the dinner table might not be what a normal family’s is. We’re open with our children about the circumstances, why they’re in the system. We let them ask, we don’t guide,” Shelly said.

Shelly and Tami are strong advocates of letting the children ask the questions and being open without much, or any, overt guiding. Letting the kids ask questions allows for them to take in and process information at the speed they deem fit for themselves. Overloading children with information they may not be ready for, or may not fully understand, can be overwhelming.

“The resiliency in these kids is unbelievable,” said Shelly.

“It drives Tami and me to keep going. They motivate us, they keep us going, they keep us

young, obviously. They really do. They were born in a circumstance that not many of us are born into. They really want to overcome that circumstance, they don’t let that define who they are, and I want people to know that.”

Shelly and Tami’s biological son, Sam, has grown immensely since welcoming his younger siblings into the family. He is very respectful and receptive towards those who are disabled and extends a hand to help them in countless ways. Many of his closest friends have disabilities.

The Sepulveda family hopes to promote foster care and the positivity of adopting through foster care. Shelly recognizes that there are many misconceptions when it comes to adoption tries to debunk those misconceptions whenever possible. She thinks it’s important to know that you can work and foster or adopt, and also, the state insures children from foster care who have medical needs. But, most importantly, she stresses that foster kids are just like any other kid. They may have gone through trauma the day-to-day person may not understand, but they are not damaged. They want a home, they want love, stability, and a family.

“If people just saw our kids, how resilient they are, it wouldn’t deter them, it would motivate people, and that’s why we do what we do.”

November’s Child: Meet Kelsi Hi,my name is Kelsi and I am a talented singer!

Kelsi is a 14-year-old girl of Caucasian descent who has a strong personality and is very outgoing. She loves being the center of attention and she has a great sense of humor.

Some of Kelsi’s favorite activities are playing outside, swimming, arts and crafts and playing video games.

Kelsi is also a talented singer and she recently auditioned for the school’s talent show. When she grows up, Kelsi wants to attend cosmetology school. She is currently a 7th grade student who is known to be bright and resourceful.

Kelsi is legally free for adoption and her social worker is seeking a local family who is interested in becoming a visiting resource. Kelsi is very active and it would be best if her future resource can spend time with her engaging in activities she enjoys. The family

should also be able to offer Kelsi patience, flexibility and consistency.

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 617-964-6273 or visit www. mareinc.org.

BAYSTATEPARENT 39

Flu Shot Recommendations

What Do New

Mean for Your Family?

I

BY NICOLE VILLALPANDO

s it too early to think about the flu shot?

Not at all, says Dr. Leighton Ellis, pediatric department chair for St. David’s Children’s Hospital.

The CDC hasn’t made its predictions yet about what kind of a flu season we can expect. (Let’s hope it’s not like the 2017-2018 season, which was particularly bad because of the number of cases and deaths as well as the lower effectiveness of the vaccine.)

The CDC did release its vaccination recommendations for the 2019-2020 flu season, and there are some changes, especially for the youngest shot receivers.

What’s different? There are two manufacturers of the shot that have lowered how old you have to be to use that flu shot and/ or changed the dosing levels.

40 NOVEMBER2019

The Afluria Quadrivalent shot was previously only for people who are 5 years or older. Now it can be used for anyone age 6 months or older. Kids who are age 6 months to 3 get a smaller dose (0.25 milliliter). At age 3 and up, it’s the standard dose (0.5 milliliter).

The Fluzone Quadrivalent can now be given to children ages 6 months and older at the full dose (0.5 milliliter). Previously it was given as a half dose until age 3.

What does this mean for flu shot providers and patients?

It means that there’s less of a chance clinics will run out of shots for the youngest recipients because these kiddos have more flu shot options and can even take a full dose of the Fluzone.

Flu shots are recommended for most people ages 6 months and older, but especially for anyone for whom getting the flu would be more likely to become life-threatening. That includes the elderly, anyone who has asthma, diabetes or an immune deficiency, pregnant women, anyone who is morbidly obese, as well as anyone who is caring for someone with these conditions. If there is a vaccine shortage, these are the people who will be given priority to receive the vaccine, Ellis says.

The CDC continues to recommend that kids younger than age 9 receive two shots to build up their immunity. Once they have had two shots, they don’t need to get a second shot, even if one shot was given in one season and a second in a different season. People ages 9 and up don’t need to get two shots even if they’ve never had a flu shot before, Ellis says, because the CDC assumes that at some point they’ve been exposed to the flu and have some natural immunity to it if they’ve made it to age 9.

What about the FluMist? It went away for a few seasons when it was found to not be as effective as the flu shot but was back last year. Ellis reserves it for patients who absolutely won’t do a shot, but sometimes getting a kid to let someone squirt something in their nose can be more difficult for the nurses than giving the shot.

FluMist is not for kids younger than age 2 or anyone 50 or older, anyone pregnant or with asthma or a compromised immune system.

Ellis doesn’t recommend the FluMist for teens and adults because what she’s noticed is that anecdotally it doesn’t work as well for them as it does for kids. The advantage of the FluMist is it could potentially keep you from getting the flu, she says, because it stops the virus from spreading past the nose.

With a flu shot, you can still get the flu, but it will be a shorter period of illness, and it will be less severe.

A flu shot can make you feel bad or give you a fever, but you won’t get the flu from just getting the shot. If you get a cold with a flu shot, Ellis says, “You probably got it in line waiting for the flu shot.”

You can get a cold with the FluMist with symptoms like a sore throat and a running or stuffy nose and a fever.

Just like there are special recommendations for flu shots for young kids, there are special recommendations for seniors.

People ages 65 or older should get the high-dose version of the flu shot to increase their immunity. The reason? Their immunity starts to wane quicker, usually around six months. Kids’ immunity lasts 12 to 18 months, and typical adults usually have about 18 months of immunity. (That doesn’t mean adults should skip the shot one flu season because strains of the flu change each year and the shot is for that year’s strains.)

Ellis says there aren’t many reasons a person couldn’t get a flu shot. Even people who are allergic to eggs can get one, but they’ll want to do it in their doctor’s office and wait 15 minutes to make sure there isn’t a reaction. If you’re not sure whether you should get a flu shot, ask your doctor.

What about the people who just hate shots?

Ellis shares a few of her tips: • Use a cold spray or a numbing spray on the area.

• Use the Buzzy Bee (a cold, buzzing device that distracts from the area where pain is being felt) on the arm.

• Blow a breath out at the same time the shot is going in.

• Use electronic devices to distract such as playing games on a phone.

• Engage in an unrelated conversation during the shot.

BAYSTATEPARENT 41

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42 NOVEMBER2019

take eight with David Newell

(aka Mr. McFeely)

BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER

David Newell, who portrayed the friendly mail carrier Mr. McFeely on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” talked with baystateparent about the new album Thank You, Mister Rogers. The “Speedy Delivery” man is a grandfather who lives in Pittsburgh and still works with Fred Rogers Productions.

1.

Tell us about the path to becoming Mr. McFeely?

I was going to college at the University of Pittsburgh, working at a local theater, and volunteering at the Pittsburgh Public Television station. I interviewed for a job overseeing items needed for production, like props and costumes. Fred asked me, “When can you begin?” And then, he added, “I would also like you to play the part of a delivery man. His name will be Mr. McCurdy.” On the first day of taping, I was in costume waiting to begin. The phone rang in the control room, and the call was from Mr. McCurdy, president of the Sears and Roebuck Foundation, calling to wish us all well on the first day. However, he had one request: “Please don’t call the delivery man Mr. McCurdy.” He thought it was a little too self-serving. Fred came back to me and said, “We tape in 10 minutes, and we have to get you a new name and then he said, “McFeely.

That will be your name. Mr. McFeely.” I guess he thought of it because it was his middle name. Ten minutes later, we were taping the show.

2.

How did the tagline “Speedy Delivery” come about?

My first delivery was an armadillo. After the segment was over, I ad-libbed, “Speedy delivery, Mister Rogers,” and he replied, “Speedy delivery.” I have lost count of how many times I’ve said that over the past 50 years.

3.

What was it like being part of a show that so deeply impacted three generations of children?

When you choose your career, make sure you choose something you love because you’ll never work a day in your life. I looked forward to going to work each day. It was not a job; it became almost a way of life.

We were extremely busy. We had long days, but I loved it. I have often said that I feel as though I have a degree in child development after working all those years with Fred Rogers. I don’t. My degree is in theater and English literature, but I learned so much by working alongside Fred for more than 35 years and catching some of his wisdom!

4.

You became close friends with Fred Rogers over the years. Was there a different side to him that television viewers didn’t see?

The best way to answer that question is to quote Fred’s wife Joanne, who always says, “What you see is what you get.” People who met Fred always told me he is just like he is on television. But one side of Fred that people didn’t know much about was his sense of humor. He was an excellent “appreciator!” He would often attend performances of cast members when they were in other productions. One could always hear his laugh and applause rising from the audience.

8.

Sometimes, the crew would play jokes on him during a taping by switching his shoes to a smaller size. When he was changing shoes at the end of the program, they didn’t fit. He would always break up laughing and enjoy the joke.

5.

So much about life – including the mail service! – has changed since 1968. So, what is it about the show that makes it timeless?

Well, maybe the US Postal Service has changed a little. I compare the timeless quality to that of “The Wizard of Oz” because it opens in reality and then takes us to the neighborhood of make-believe. Along the way a lot is learned, friendships made, adventures had … plus there’s the music. It’s evergreen. What doesn’t change are the messages. Children learn to walk and talk and absorb new ideas; this doesn’t change. Maybe some of the costumes and props change but the story and the subject are timeless.

6.

What stands out to you about new album Thank You, Mister Rogers – Music & Memories?

It’s not just an album for children. It is really an album for people who grew up with Mister Rogers. Fred Rogers composed the music and wrote the lyrics to all the songs on the album, except for the last song. It’s a special tribute to Fred sung by all the guest artists. Each song in this collection is different stylistically from the other selections, and each singer has made it their own.

7.

My 2-year-old son is absolutely crazy about “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.” How special is it that the legacy of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” is continuing in a new way for a new generation?

“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” takes Fred Rogers’ message to the current generation. An animated Daniel, the son of Daniel Tiger on “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood,” is now the host of his own program.

It still has that Fred touch to it. Daniel changes into a sweater, puts on a pair of sneakers and talks directly to the viewers. Some of the scripts that Fred wrote have been adapted for “Daniel.”

November is “Thank You, Mister Rogers Month,” a time when we’re all encouraged to “be like Fred.” It a nutshell, how can we do that?

Some communities are planning an MRN sweater drive in November. Another project is a food bank that is encouraging volunteers to help distribute food to shelters. To be like Fred, it can be as simple as making a list of kind things you can do for others. A phone call to a friend, an invitation to meet for dinner, saying good morning to a friend or fellow worker.

Fred Rogers was always thinking about others. Here’s an example: Fred knew I liked the architecture of old movie theaters. One day, I found a brick on my desk.

I couldn’t figure out where it came from, until Fred peeked in my office with a smile on his face. He had been walking by a demolition site of an old movie theater. He picked up a brick and brought it to me. That was Fred. Always thinking about others. I still have the brick. It constantly reminds me of Fred’s kindness… a touchstone for me to always be aware of others.

Photo courtesy of Fred Rogers Productions BAYSTATEPARENT 43

44 NOVEMBER2019