February 2012 baystateparent Magazine

FEBRUARY 2012

FREE

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families Since 1996

LOVING & LIKING YOUR SPOUSE

NEW EW Fitness Craze For Moms: Give It A Whirl

TAKE YOUR KIDS TO NEW HEIGHTS: GO ROCK CLIMBING

MEET OUR 3 STAND-OUT TEENS

Some Enchanted Evening DRESS YOUR DAUGHTER IN TIMELESS PROM STYLES Voted Best Parenting Publication in North America 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010

DIAPER DERBY RACES New Crawlers & New Walkers Saturday, February 25th 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Trophies, Raffle Prizes, Family Fun Pre-Register Today and be Entered to Win a $25 American ExpressÂŽ Simon GiftcardÂŽ 3PACE IS ,IMITED 6ISIT 'UEST 3ERVICES FOR 2EGISTRATION AND $ETAILS

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2 FEBRUARY2012

Cornerstone Academy Educating all learners in grades K-6 An elementary preparatory school that celebrates the individual.

Give Your Child a Solid Education that Embraces Technology and Innovation Tours on Tuesdays February 7 and March 6 at 9:00 a.m.

Call to reserve your spot.

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Kindergarten is whe re the educational jo urney begins!

(Accepting Kinderga rten at 4.9 years)

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4 FEBRUARY2012

Every family has a unique story.

MAKE YOURS A MOVIE. baystateparent proudly presents "The Story of Us" ... a video version of the family portrait.

Capture your family with cinematic quality sound, motion ... and emotion.

Enter for a chance to win a free

"The Story of Us" package at baystateparent.com/storyofus A $2,000 Value Send us a simple home-made video of a "first" from your family.

Could be a first birthday, first swim, or first steps. You decide.

visit baystateparent.com/storyofus for more details Contest entries must be received by Feb. 15

BAYSTATEPARENT 5

photo courtesy of baby bird knits

JUNK D R AW E R S

A LITTLE LIT OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT FROM TIFFANY’S NEST TO YOURS

ARE YOU BEING HONEST WITH YOUR KIDS? How could it possibly be time to talk to your baby about something like sexually transmitted diseases?

The Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts has a parent education program, Let’s Be Honest: Communication in Families that Keeps Kids Healthy, to help prepare parents to talk with their children about sex and sexuality.

Age-appropriate workshops are for parents with children in early childhood and elementary, middle and high school. For more details, visit pplm.org/ parents; call 617-616-1658 or email parenteducation@pplm.org. and kids.

Sports, schools, classes, camps.

Every program in which your child participates requires you to fill out a lengthy form with all of your family’s personal information. It’s the same information, over and over and over. And if you have more than one child, it can get frustrating.

Plus, did you ever think about your 5-year-old toting around your family’s health and financial information for just about anyone to see?

Rochelle Nemrow is a mom who wanted to stop the madness. She started the Weston-based FamilyID so that parents only have to fill out one online form that can be accessed by numerous program providers and used for more than one child. Over 85 organizations in the Boston area are using the platform now.

Let your child’s program provider know that there could be a better way! familyid.com.

photo courtesy of family id

UP TO HERE WITH FORMS!

Q&A

Leominster mom Tiffany Ordile taught herself to knit when she was a child and has been knitting ever since. She works full time as a financial analyst, but since becoming a mom in August of 2010, Tiffany took a business cue from her tiny muse, Calista. She started an Etsy business, Baby Bird Knits, inspired by the way her daughter would sweetly look up at her and open her tiny mouth when she was a hungry newborn.

Tiffany’s adorable knitted baby hats include designs for every occasion. Soon to be unveiled is her “mom” tattoo hat as well as Easter designs. Check out her work at babybirdknits.etsy.com or facebook. com/babybirdknits.

Can you suggest some indoor “playgrounds” offering drop-in hours?

I want to keep my child moving this winter.

Pump it Up, Franklin, Shrewsbury, Peabody PlayTown Express, Hopkinton Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, Boston and Everett Hop On In, Leominster The Great Escape Cafe, Leominster Zoinks Fun Factory, North Oxford Kids Club Fun Land, Norwood Kidz World, North Attleboro KidsSports, Stoughton One Stop Fun, Westford

TOGETHER WE CAN Learn, socialize and have fun with free weekly programs for parents and children at Together We Can Family Network located on 246 Maple Street in Marlborough. This nonprofit program is open to all families with children, prenatal through age 8, living in the towns of Marlborough, Southborough, Northborough, Westborough, Hudson, Leominster, Shrewsbury, Berlin and Boylston.

Visit twcfn.org for information about their parent support groups, workshops, family and community activities, parent/child groups and more.

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

6 FEBRUARY2012

our special guest Jessica Clements Ayer Captured by Bellini Portraits www.bellinipics.com

26

POLE FITNESS

Check out the moves of Wrentham mom and freelance writer Donna Morin, as she tries the latest fitness craze, pole fitness.

table

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38

ROCK OUT WITH THE KIDS

Not another movie! Take your child to new heights this winter at Central Rock Gym. She will build confidence, trust, focus, strength and problem-solving ability. Plus she’ll feel like Spider-girl as she rapels down the wall.

THREE STAND-OUT TEENS

Read positive stories of three local teens dedicated to family, school, volunteerism, health and making the world a better place.

Here’s to the parents raising them!

the of the home

FEBRUARY 2012 • VOLUME 16 • NUMBER 10

in every issue 6 8 9 12 15 17 18 19 19 19 20

teens today

advertising directories

JUNK DRAWERS

40 56 58 62

31 SOME ENCHANTED EVENING 35 THAT TAN IS TO DIE FOR

WELCOME GUESTBOOK UNIMPORTANT PLEASURES: Cabin Fever Craft

38 THREE STAND-OUT TEENS

SUMMER CAMP BULLETIN BOARD PARTY PLANNER ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

DIRTY LAUNDRY WITH STEPHEN RICH ON MY PLATE: What to Do when You are Not Expecting LOVE MORE FIGHT LESS

10 WILL FLAVORED MILK PASS OR FAIL?

FINALLY FOREVER: ANNA

22 AN ENCHANTED PARIS VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY 23 SWEET ESCAPES

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS FEBRUARY’S CHILD

March

BABY

April

CAMP

MAY

CELEBRATIONS

26 POLE FITNESS

CAPTURED: PUPPY LOVE

28 LET’S ROLL: Central Rock Gym 46 OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO 60 MOMS ROCK: Amy Grady, Clinton

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42 EVERYONE OUTDOORS: Summer Camp for Children With Disabilities

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BAYSTATEPARENT 7

e m o c l e W Your daughters are telling the truth, moms and dads. It is time to shop for a prom dress. Dress shop after dress shop told baystateparent that girls look for their prom dresses as soon as the tinsel is off the tree. January and February are the months to scout out a dream dress, a step that takes precedent over finding a date. Girls today know that a date will come, but the perfect dress? Now that’s a challenge. Last year baystateparent featured prom fashions in April, which apparently is just too late for fashionminded teens.

In fact, girls are so prepared for prom that our shoot this year includes just girls, no dates. No sense waiting around for the guys. Our florist, Cathy Walsh of

Sprout, and Benardi’s Formalwear, tell us that boys think prom a week or two, or even just days, before. Your sons are not telling the truth, moms and dads.

They need to get their butts fitted for a tuxedo and provide the florist with as much information as they can about their date’s dress several weeks before prom.

Much to mom’s, and more importantly, dad’s relief, our prom inspiration this year is not Kardashian skin and bling, but gorgeous vintage, simply feminine and romantic. Our South Shore photographer, Stephanie Piscitelli of Bellini Portraits, chose a soft, creamy color palette. Classic hair accessories, called fascinators, from William and Kate’s royal wedding could be making their way onto the prom scene, says Walsh. Sprout is stocked with vintage tulle, ribbons and bleached peacock feathers and Walsh can make a prom headpiece to rival Kate Middleton’s fashions all day long.

Just as there are other ways to get noticed without showing so much skin, there are ways to get a prom glow without putting one’s health at risk. Please share with your teen our story on alternatives to tanning for prom (page 35). Melanoma is now the most common form of skin cancer in white females ages 20 to 24, and using tanning beds increases this risk by 75%.

Lastly, we have three announcements that we do not want you to miss: 1. Do you have video of your child meeting his sibling for the first time, taking her first steps, getting that first

goal or first pet? Upload a moment in your family’s life to baystateparent’s “The Story of Us” contest at baystateparent.com by February 15th.

You could win a custom CineStories video where professionals weave together interviews, photography, dialogue, video and music into a beautiful story of your family’s life.

This prize is valued at $2,000!!

2. When is the last time you bellylaughed with other adults? Save the date on Thursday, March 29th and join baystateparent as we host a He Said She Said comedy night with Loretta Laroche Productions at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester. Five comedians will go head to head in a battle of the sexes, hashing it out on everything from raising children to household chores. It’s all improv. baystateparent Dirty Laundry columnists, Christine Hurley and Steven Rich, will perform.

Please see details on page 14 of this month’s issue. Tickets are $22 - $32.

3. Every Thursday, baystateparent emails our readers a weekend fun planner which includes one FREE thing to do as well as other family events going on across Massachusetts. Don’t miss out! Sign up at baystateparent. com, and we’ll add you to our list.

Looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you at the Hanover on Thursday, March 29th!

Carrie Wattu editor@baystateparent.com

8 FEBRUARY2012

editor CARRIE WATTU 508-865-7070 editor@baystateparent.com

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

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

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

sales & business development manager STEPHANIE PEARL 774-364-0296 stephaniep@baystateparent.com account executive STACI LaTURNO BISSET 774-364-5073 stacil@baystateparent.com account executive EMILY RETTIG 774-364-4178 emilyr@baystateparent.com

contributing writers ENCHANTING DETAILS EVENT PLANNING BRYAN ETHIER CHRISTINE GUANIPA FAYE HURLEY MARY MARCHELLO DONNA MORIN

MANDY MULLIEZ JENNIFER PALMER LAURIE PUHN STEVEN RICH AMANDA ROBERGE LORI SKINNER

ING COM ON SO mp by • Ba mer Ca m u n • S bratio s 070 • Cele 65.7

s 08.8 Rate Call 5 vertising d For A

photographers MICHELLE CARR STEVEN KING STEPHANIE PISITELLI JILL SERRANO proof reader BRYAN ETHIER

117 Elm St., Millbury, MA 01527

508-865-7070

www.baystateparent.com campguide.baystateparent.com www.massfieldtrips.com

of Ayer

How did you get started in modeling?

While healing from a ballet injury, I got involved in acting since it was an aspect of performing that I particularly enjoyed. From there I was encouraged to try modeling, something I’ve secretly wanted to do for years. In the Fall of 2011, I finally got the courage to take some snapshots into Maggie Inc. on Newbury Steet. I ended up getting signed. I’m still building my portfolio, but I’ve had the opportunity to work on some exciting projects and with some very talented people.

I worked on editorial for the spring fashion issue of the Improper Bostonian

publisher GARETH CHARTER 508-749-3166 x153 gcharter@holdenlandmark.com

baystatestateparent

Jessica Clements

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

magazine, and I’m very excited to have my first cover be baystateparent Magazine.

Tell us about being homeschooled.

When I tell people I’m homeschooled, I hear a lot of, “Oh, you don’t seem like a homeschooler,” or “I’m so jealous; I wish I could just take off school whenever I want.” We tend to get stereotyped to make it seem like we don’t have to try or that we only act a certain way. The only real difference between us and kids in school is that we can learn at our own pace. If anything, we almost have to work harder to prove to colleges that we are prepared to be there. I’m boosting my qualifications through classes at Harvard Extension School.

It can get lonely sometimes, but it is fulfilling if you give it your all. Plus there’s way more time to devote to the things you love.

baystateparent

presidents KIRK and LAURIE DAVIS

Meet Our Cover Model

Did you like the look you modeled on our cover?

I absolutely fell in love with the dress. It was such an elegant design, and honestly, it made me feel sort of like I was on the red carpet.

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families

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

www.bellinipics.com

This month’s issue includes a feature story on three stand-out teens. Tell us about a teen you admire and why.

I admire Zach Wahls. The passion, courage and love he put into the gay rights testimony he delivered to the Iowa House Judiciary Committee really moved me.

Massachusetts' premier magazine for families has earned more than 130 national and regional awards since 2004, including 30 in 2010: 17 Parenting Publications of America Awards 8 New England Newspaper Press Association Awards 5 Suburban Newspapers of America Awards Including Best Parenting Publication in North America 2010

GUESTBOOK

Jameson Corey, age 7 months, of Worcester photo shared by his parents

T

he article about the lack of gifted education in our state was very much appreciated [Jan. 2012].

I want to applaud the town of Framingham and the few other towns mentioned in the article for providing a challenge for all of their learners. There are teachers and principals who want to support these kids.They need the support of the state in their efforts for gifted kids.

- Laura Trendel, Northborough Thanks for the gifted children piece [“Ignored: Gifted Children in Massachusetts,” Jan. 2012]. As a parent of a gifted child, I can certainly agree with the points that were touched upon!

- Cristin Murphy, Worcester I would love to add “Why I Love...Jewish Day School” to your Yearn to Learn section [Jan. 2012]. There are 13 Jewish

Day Schools in the Greater Boston area, each offering a high-quality, cutting-edge spectrum of both comprehensive Jewish (religion, Hebrew language, holidays, history, etc.) and secular (math, science, language arts...) education.

On a personal note, my son went to the Billy Dalwin PS at Temple Emunah and had a beautiful positive early childhood experience. Currently, I am so grateful my children attended Solomon Schecter Day School in Newton. My daughter is in the 3-year-old program at their preschool, Gan Shelanu, and my son is in kindergarten. Both kids come home happy and singing in Hebrew and English. Thanks to a very generous financial aid package, my children can attend Schecter. I am beyond pleased with the classroom instruction, small class size, the quality and quantity of the “extras” - art, music, library, gym, free play - the warmness of the community and the emphasis on living life with a moral compass - learning how to be “a good person.”

Every day at Schecter is a blessing.

- Rachel Weinstein, Waltham

The article, “Ignored: Gifted Children in Massachusetts,” prompted me to respond (Jan. 2012). As one principal told me, “If they’re so smart, why don’t they teach themselves?” That’s not “ignored,” that’s dismissed. Gifted children are dismissed as nonexistent by most educational systems. Gifted children are left to fend for themselves.

The author mentions how a gifted child might “get on a bus” and ask an age mate about his opinion on busing. The author does not even mention how quickly the average gifted child learns never to ask an age mate a question like that again, let alone a teacher. Being stuffed in a locker looks funny on Nickelodeon until it happens to you because you ask too many questions in class.

The only positive portion of the article, in my opinion, is the author’s suggestion that parents do something the bureaucracy of public education has been actively preventing parents from doing: advocating for their child’s education.

Most schools would rather have a gang turf brawl on their playground during lunch than a mildly inquisitive parent.

Think I am kidding? Try being a “general contractor” of your child’s education and see how the public school and quite a few private ones treat you.

Parents, you are your child’s best hope.

Becoming your child’s subcontractor?

Better you should become your child’s blunt, stern-faced, advocate and act the part of any competent female bear who will lay down her life for her cubs up until the moment it is time for those cubs to grow up and face the cruel world, alone.

Male grizzly bears fear one thing: female grizzly bears. Female grizzly bears give their cubs every advantage so that, one day, their cubs can become full grown, adult bears and no longer need her protection or provision.

Why should humans, male or female, behave any differently?

Sadly, I think the answer to that question is that we have been carefully taught to behave differently.

- Tim Roesch teacher from Hudson, MA

WINNERS! baystateparent giveaways are announced at baystateparent.com under “Contests/Fast Pass to Giveaways” as well as on our Facebook page (Join our page today by searching “baystateparent Magazine.”) A sampling of our recent prizes and winners include:

The Help DVD Molly Zodikoff, Ashland; Denise Mousessian, Arlington; Heather Lapierre, Belmont; Olivia Richards, Charlton; Johanna Harjumaki, Gardner; Jennifer Crepeau, Jefferson; Kelly Madore, Worcester Email your thoughts on our February issue to editor@baystateparent.com. All letters will be edited for clarity and length.

Please include your full name and town for publication.

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WILL FLAVORED MILK

and potassium! The American Dietetic Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and other leading health organizations agree that flavored milk plays a valuable role in keeping children happy and healthy (1).

pass or fail?

BY

it

Myth #2: Flavored milk, like soft drinks, contains a lot of added sugar.

Research shows that flavored milk contributes just 3% of added sugars to kids’ diets as opposed to sodas and fruit drinks which contribute close to half and provide little to no nutritive value (2). Plus, not all the sugar you see on the labels of flavored milk is “added sugar.” A portion of the total grams of sugar actually comes from naturally-occurring lactose.

Plus, dairy companies and schools have worked together to reduce the amount of added sugar in flavored milk by 38% in the last five years (3)!

carrie wattu

seemed harmless when my daughter drank a strawberryflavored milk last week. When she started laughing uncontrollably and bouncing up and down in her seat, we both knew that this pink concoction, filled with the dye, Red 40, was serious stuff.

School officials are starting to pay attention to some of the negative effects of flavored milk so much so that Massachusetts schools plan to ban sweetened, flavored milk by August 2013.

The New England Dairy Council has something to say about this as do local nutritionists.

The New England Dairy Council debunks five milk myths that they feel parents should consider when debating whether flavored milk gets a pass or fail in school. They write: Myth #1: Flavored milk isn’t as nutritious as white milk.

Milk – whether white or flavored – plays a vital role in helping Americans, especially children, meet their needs for important nutrients. In fact, flavored milk offers the same nine essential nutrients as white milk, including three of the four “nutrients of concern” that kids are not getting enough of – vitamin D, calcium

Myth #3: When flavored milk is removed from schools, kids will drink white milk. If consumption dips, it will eventually rebound.

A recent study showed that eliminating flavored milk from schools resulted in a dramatic 35% drop in overall milk consumption, which means many children will miss out on essential nutrients that milk provides. During the second year of that same study, students did not move toward white milk, and overall milk consumption did not rebound (3).

Without a glass of milk at lunch-time, it’s almost impossible for kids to meet their needs for the important vitamins and minerals that milk provides.

Myth #4: Flavored milk is contributing to the obesity crisis among America’s children.

Actually, the opposite is true! Flavored milk provides children with good nutrition, and leading health organizations agree that flavored milk is a positive trade-off for soft drinks, which are the primary source of added sugar in children’s diets.

In fact, 95% of all 8-ounce servings of chocolate milk served in schools have 150 calories or less, and studies show that children who drink flavored milk do not have a higher body mass index (BMI)

than those who don’t (4).

Myth #5: Most parents want schools to ban flavored milk.

Despite some of the high-profile debates over flavored milk, a recent study of 1,000 moms found that more than half would be opposed to a decision made by their children’s school to stop offering flavored milk. In fact, 80% of moms do not support the removal of chocolate milk from the lunch lines and school cafeterias (5).

Most moms agree that kids need healthy choices at school, including chocolate milk. baystateparent asked local nutritionists to respond to the New England Dairy Council’s five milk myths. Their reaction follows.

Sugar is primarily responsible for the obesity epidemic in this country. And it’s not only sugar that is added, but artificial flavors and colors as well. Even the FDA has finally acknowledged that food colorings are linked to hyperactivity in our children.

While I know many families rely on milk, we don’t do dairy in our family. For me, eliminating dairy meant getting rid of my lifetime struggles with asthma. We get our calcium from greens and seeds, which are far superior sources because they also include minerals like magnesium, selenium, Vitamin K, etc, which help with the absorption of calcium. Additionally, an excess of animal protein actually leaches calcium and other minerals from our bones, which is why, despite the fact that our country consumes so much dairy, we have some of the highest rates of osteoporosis in the world.

Donna Morin, M.Ed, CHHC, Certified Health Coach, betteroffwell.com, Wrentham Low fat or non-fat white milk is the best choice, but if your kids will only drink flavored milk, let them! Milk, whether flavored or not, is an excellent source of essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which are important for building strong and healthy bones in your child. Since flavored milk does contain more calories from added sugar, it’s best to only drink on occasion and

TLC Christian Preschool A Ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church

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Added sugar is added sugar. If you want to compare milk and flavored milk, hands down, regular milk is the more nutritious, healthy option.

How much milk we have, versus other foods high in calcium, is a question that continues to be raised. So, if it is a calcium issue, parents might want to integrate more calcium-rich foods beyond milk. Personally, I think flavored milk is something to forgo...as an adult. But, as a growing child, I’m not sure I would totally outlaw it in my household.

OPENHOUSELISTINGS

in small portions of 8 ounces or less. To encourage your children to drink white milk at school, provide only white milk at home. If they are used to drinking it at home they will be more likely to choose it on their own. Also, drinking white milk with them will also help encourage this behavior.

Lauren Herrick, RD LDN, Clinical Dietitian at New England Baptist Hospital, Boston

Fay School

Shrewsbury Montessori School

February 4 from 10:30am-12pm, February 25 from 11:30am-1pm, Open House for Camp.

48 Main Street, Southborough, MA 01772 508-485-0100 www.fayschool.org/summer

March 6 from 5:30-6:30pm Shrewsbury & Auburn Campuses 55 Oak Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 135 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Auburn, MA 01501 Contact Elizabeth Leandres 508-842-2116 www.shrewsburymontessori.org

Nashoba Montessori

Hillside School

March 4 from 11am-1pm, Snow date March 11 from 11am-1pm.

94 Main Street, Lancaster, MA 01523 978-368-3555 www.nashobamontessori.com

February 22 from 9-11:30am 404 Robin Hill Street, Marlborough, MA 01752 Contact Kristen Naspo 508-485-3483 www.hillsideschool.net

Next Generation Children’s Centers

Month of February, Open House Monday-Friday 10 locations in MA: Andover, Beverly, Franklin, Hopkinton, Marlborough, Natick, Sudbury, Walpole, Westborough, Westford 866-711-6422 www.NGCCenters.com

**

Brett Blumenthal, Be Healthy Boston, behealthyboston.com I just don’t understand the big push for dairy foods as the primary source of calcium. Sugar is sugar. If you introduce children to chocolate milk in schools of course they’ll go for the chocolate milk!

If it is not an option, kids that drink milk will go for the plain milk.

Kate Scarlata, RD, katescarlata.com, Medway The Wattus won’t be buying strawberry milk again anytime soon; however, after reading the viewpoints above, there is definitely room for the occasional chocolate in our lives.

Carrie Wattu is editor of baystateparent.

02/'2!-3 /&&%2%$ s Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN program**

references:

s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Management Concentration

1. National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine, Committee on Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools. V.A. Stallings and A.L. Yaktine (Eds) Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools: Leading the Way Toward Healthier Youth. Washington., D.C.: National Academies Press, 2007.

s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Forensic Psychology Concentration s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology s Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts – Elementary Education Concentration

2. NHANES. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. 20032006

s Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education (ECE)

s Online Game Design CertiďŹ cate

3. MilkPEP School Channel Survey conducted by Prime Consulting Group.

Projected School Milk Product Profile.

2011-2012

ENROLL NOW.

4. Murphy MM, Douglass JS, Johnson RK, Spence LA. Drinking flavored or plain milk is positively associated with nutrient intake and is not associated with adverse effects on weight status in U.S. children and adolescents. J Am Diet Assoc 2008;108:631-639.

5. KRC Research. Moms weight in on the Great Debate. July 2011

WWW BECKER EDU s 508.373.9500

Accelerated Studies for the Adult Learner * With some previously completed coursework. **MA Registered Nurse license required

3EVER 3TREET s 7ORCESTER -!

BAYSTATEPARENT 11

UNIMPORTANT PLEASURES WITH

CABIN FEVER CRAFT Every family has mounds of T-shirts collected from vacations, concerts, road races, festivals, sports, school events and more. Save them from a fate of ending up in the rag bin as we’ve found a way to recycle, revive and reuse them by turning them into great carry bags!

You Will Need: • 5 Straight Pins •1 Pen • 1 Dinner Plate • Scissors • Sewing Machine • Old T-shirt

Step 1: Use your scissors to cut the sleeves off of your T-shirt, approximately 1/4 inch after the seam where the arm meets the T-Shirt.

Step 2: Lay the T-Shirt on a flat surface. Place the dinner plate over the neck

Step 3: Turn your shirt inside out and

opening with half of the plate on and half off the T-shirt, creating a half circle around the neck. Trace the half circle and cut along the line.

pin the bottom of the shirt closed along the hem. Sew the bottom of the T-shirt closed. Reinforce your tote by sewing over the seam a second time.

Step 4: Keeping the T-shirt inside-out and laid flat, draw a 2- inch square in the bottom corner of each side of the T-shirt. Cut out both squares. On one of the squares, pinch two opposing corners with your fingers, pull them away from each other so that they create a straight line from corner to corner. Pin that edge and sew along the straight line. Repeat for second square.

Better than flowers. Better than chocolates.

Your child’s endearing smile...keep it healthy.

MELVIN A. EHRLICH, D.D.S., P.C. DrMelChildrensDentist.com Individualized Preventive Dental and Orthodontic Care for Toddlers, Children through Adolescence, and those with Special Needs Melvin A. “Dr. Mel” Ehrlich, Pediatric Dentist William U. Murthy, Orthodontist for Children and Adults

223 Walnut Street, Framingham, MA 01702

(508) 875-KIDS (5437) Call for details about our FREE WeeCare Infant Oral Health Program WeeCareAtDrMels.com

12 FEBRUARY2012

Step 5: With the T-shirt still inside out, apply a piece of duct tape to each shoulder from front to back, measuring approximately 6 inches long. Turn T-Shirt inside out.

You did it! You just made your own recycled tote bag. Now that you know how to do it, hunt for quirky, meaningful, fun and unique shirts and make gifts for friends and family of all ages.

About Christine and Faye Christine Guanipa and Faye Hurley are a motherdaughter team from the suburbs of Massachusetts schooled in the fine arts and with an insatiable love for DIY (do-it-yourself) design, fine arts, unnecessary shopping, flea market finds, accessories, and of course coffee and chocolate!

Together, they bring a monthly taste of simple pleasures that are often overlooked, mostly unnecessary, but always inspiring.

Wishing you the Luck of the Irish Win an iParty St. Pat’s Fun Gift Box Contest rules available at www.iparty.com/ofďŹ cial-rules

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Contest is open February 10 until Noon on March 12, 2012.

Enter at www.iparty.com/promotions

www.womenearningsixfigures.net

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BAYSTATEPARENT 13

LORETTA LAROCHE PRODUCTIONS AND

baystateparent PRESENT

HE SAID SHE SAID

Battle of the Sexes A NIGHT OF COMEDY

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012 7:00 baystateparent SOCIAL HOUR n in y as see le r u H e Christin tateparent bays

Meet baystateparent’s Dirty Laundry Columnists Christine Hurley & Steven Rich with Raffles*, Concessions and More!

8:00 SHOWTIME • TICKETS $22. - $32.

Steven R ich a baystat s seen in eparent

To Purchase tickets go to TheHanoverTheatre.org or call 877.571.SHOW (7469)

Host Chris Zito

Paul D’Angelo

Jane Condon

Joe Yannetty

Enjoy an evening of improv as comedians relentlessly illustrate the “He said/She said” of relationships. With their irreverent viewpoints and no-holds-barred approach, these comedians will be saying everything you tell your kids not to say, right on stage. Hosted by Mr. Chris Zito, he is ready to reve these guys up and entangle them in their own words!

It will be your job to decide who has won the battle of the sexes on March 29. *Proceeds from Raffle to benefit Birthday Wishes

2 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA 01608 14 FEBRUARY2012

michelle carr

DIRTYLAUNDRY with Stephen Rich

My bride had been telling me for months that we needed to plan a family fun trip. I thought we’d go to a Bruins game but since that is like a million dollars, I jumped when another dad invited my family to stay at his place and ski. I thought that since we didn’t have to pay for hotel rooms, this was going to be cheap. However, traveling with other families is always challenging because you have to figure out ways to get the kids to do what you want without using swear words so you don’t freak out the other parents.

Otherwise, they’ll figure out that you’re actually crazy, your family sucks and then they’ll never let their kids sleep over your house. It will be all over Facebook.

Despite the risks, we said, “Yes, we’d love to.”

First a little background: My wife, Big Mamma, and I have two “premeditated” kids then two more “accidental” kids.

Not one of us skis. All the kids do is run around like they are high on red dye. One is a professional boss. He’s 10 years old and knows everything and does not need to listen to any adult. He also has a tendency to make loud obnoxious noises for no reason. We also have a 5-year-old Jersey Girl Diva (our little Rookie-Snooki) who is a walking stick of diva dynamite (ready to blow up over anything). Then we have our 8-year-old boy (Think Swiper from Dora. He annoys everyone, any way he can). Lastly, there’s the wanna-be nun, my good-as-gold 11-year-old daughter who sleeps with a crucifix and channels my mom when she reminds me that we need to get to church.

Yes, we decided to take this crew to stay in someone else’s home. Thank God there was no security deposit involved because within nine minutes of our arrival we broke one coffee mug followed by a strange thud from the second floor.

My wife went to investigate and within minutes returned, saying, in a voice mixed with panic and anger, “You’re not going to believe this...” Living with my family, I have learned that I need to be a believer.

Everything is possible with my kids!

Somehow – and no one knows why --- the lid to the toilet (yes the upper porcelain heavy cover where only a plumber would go) fell off the toilet and got chipped! I saw the other wife look at her husband, giving him a look that said, “I told you we should have invited the Sullivans.”

Finally, after a long night of destroying other people’s property, morning came, and we packed up to hit the slopes. The kids got mad at me for packing all the “wrong” snowsuits. (Back home, we have this Salvation Army pile of winter gear and I have no clue what is what. So I just grabbed what I grabbed). Gloves didn’t match. Some kids were missing minor things like boots and socks. Our 5-yearold got upset because she had to wear the only thing we could find in the truck: a pair of her brother’s Power Ranger flip flops left over from summer.

I can’t stress enough that we’ve never skied, which means I’m unfamiliar with the whole “ski process.” I fought for a parking spot, where I guess you’re only allowed to pull up and throw your stuff out before leaving to go find another spot. We pulled up and started throwing kids and gear out as if the inside of the truck was on fire. The kids were pissed off, all the gear was mixed up and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches spilled all over the parking lot. Somehow a guy who worked for the ski place spotted us, out of all the thousands of other people in the lot, and thought we needed help (or marriage counseling). I wonder if it was the daughter standing unattended on the sidewalk in flip-flops and a tank top that gave it away. Anyway I thought my wife was going to cry because the guy told us we were in the wrong place and we need to off-load in another place way across the lot near the equipment “rental lodge.”

I had to leave my wife alone with four kids to fill out the ski rental paperwork and get them fitted while I parked the truck two miles away and waited for a shuttle back. My spoiled kids barely carry

a lunch box to school so we couldn’t imagine that they would easily carry their own skis, poles and boots. I told my kids they had better put on a smile, shut their faces and have the most fun of their lives or I would beat them all. It sounds like I’m complaining, but surprisingly, after two hours of standing in lines and paying over $600 for lift tickets and rental stuff, we were ready to go! Well almost. We needed to have a “flash mob scavenger hunt” after my son dropped his $85 lift ticket. We found it within thirty minutes with the help of all the ski rangers.

The actual skiing was much harder than I thought. I couldn’t even take care of myself on the stupid chair lift thing, never mind help my kids. None of us knew how to stop or turn, and I refused to pay extra for the lessons, which is why we were all balled up like decorations on the freaking bunny slope.

At one point, I saw a kid going like a flying squirrel off the path, landing belly flop style. All I could see were the ends of the skis and the dad digging the crying kid out. I remember thinking, “That blows for them. He’s got snow all down his jacket.

“Wait…That’s my kid!”

But after a few runs, we all improved and I was able to get a couple of seconds to myself to take it all in: the snow, people having fun, the view, couple of deep breaths. There I was, all by myself with thousands of people, on top of the bunny slope, not thinking about a mortgage payment, not racing to get to some kid’s practice. I looked down the bottom to see a crowd of people forming a circle. I thought, “This place is really nice. They have something for everyone here. Hot chocolate, snow boards and even entertainment at the bottom of the slope.”

I looked more closely at the entertainment, and it was my 5-year-old diva squaring off with Big Mamma. They were in the middle of an all-out screaming match like you’d see on a reality show. I watched as my daughter started flinging her hat, mittens, then her jacket to the ground, and, as if it was in slow motion, I saw my wife turn to the top of the bunny slope and yell up to me, “You deal with her.” She walked off in the strange way you do when you’re wearing clunky ski boots. The crowd of people shifted their gaze to me, and they had questions: Why was my wife doing all the work in the first place? When are you going to come down here and get your daughter, or are you going to stay up there and philosophize all day, Socrates? Then I saw my little Rookie Snooki throw herself into the snow and I wondered how much those Bruins tickets really were after all.

Dirty Laundry columnist Stephen Rich is a Plymouth father of four. This monthly humor column is about day-to-day life raising kids. Basically it’s about not being afraid to air out the “dirty laundry” and say it like it is, making the rest of us not feel so alone.

To book comedian Stephen Rich, contact Dawn Christensen at Loretta LaRoche Productions: Dawn@lorettalarocheproductions.com or 508-746-3998 x 15.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LORETTA LAROCHE PRODUCTIONS AND

baystateparent

HE SAID SHE SAID

COMEDY NIGHT MARCH 29 INCLUDE:

• A baystateparent Social Hour from 7 - 8 p.m. Meet our hilarious Dirty Laundry columnists, Christine Hurley and Stephen Rich. Bring your cameras! Say hello to the bsp staff and network with other parents.

• A cash bar and refreshments • baystateparent's Sweet 16! Help us celebrate our upcoming 16th Birthday by taking a chance in our fabulous raffle featuring 16 select prizes including memberships, tickets, getaways, spa treatments and more.

All raffle proceeds benefit Birthday Wishes, a non-profit committed to giving homeless children the birthday party they deserve.

• Humor in the crazy world of parenting, relationships and the daily grind of having a family

When is the last time you belly-laughed with your significant other or girlfriends?

Schedule some time for unbridled laughter; visit hanover.org to buy your tickets today!

BAYSTATEPARENT 15

L L O N R OW N E

Pediatric Occupational and Speech Therapy

Our Programs Include:

• Individual Occupational and Speech Therapy • Pragmatic Language and Social Groups • Parent and Educator Workshops • 1,000 sf Sensory Gym with Suspension Equipment

EgZhX]dda EaVni^bZ Vi 7VggZii Join us for a therapist-led integrated Preschool Playtime!

The fun is planned for February 15th-March 29th.

9:15-10AM, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

'%&' 8gZVi^kZ Nd\V [dg V\Zh )", Saturdays,1-2PM, March 3-April 14 An Information Session will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012

For more information, check out www.barrettfamilywellness.com or call 508-898-2688

Please scan this QR code for the YouTube video ad on this program.

Now Located At 107 Otis Street, Northborough, MA 01532 P. (508) 898-2688 info@barrettfamilywellness.com www.barrettfamilywellness.com

Try a ss!

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So much more than piano lessons!

Our complete MUSIC program (ages 4 1/2 to 8) includes: Piano Singing Harmony Rhythm

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

16 FEBRUARY2012

ONMYPLATE

What to Expect When Strategies Training

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You’re NOT Expecting BY

I

jennifer palmer

never thought I would be on the receiving end of this question. I have cringed witnessing it happen to others, then laughed recounting the story to friends. A few months ago, it happened to me. I was at the soccer field on a Saturday morning. I had on a pair of jeans that are probably a size too small and a blousy peasant style shirt that I thought was the perfect choice to mask the muffin top pushing up over my jeans. I thought it was a cute outfit, until I bumped into the mother of a child that my daughter Elena had attended daycare with. I had not seen her in a good two years. We caught up for a minute with pleasantries, “How are you?

The kids? Oh they are getting so big etc.”

I saw her glance toward my expanding midrift, and then I knew it was coming, “Are you expecting?”

I wasn’t expecting, and I really wasn’t expecting that! Deep sigh. It’s true. I have gained a good 20 lbs. in the last year. It came out of nowhere. Pants that once slipped on easily, I now can’t even attempt to close. It is a little depressing. “No, I’m just fat. I have put on about 15-20 lbs.

Some of the medications I take cause weight gain,” I replied.

Then she did what most people do, the worst possible thing she could do, she tried to back track. “Oh, no, I mean you look healthy (aka fat). How are you feeling anyway?”

“I feel great,” I replied.

I had just complained to my oncologist about the scale tipping on the high side.

I have not been this heavy since I was pregnant for real. I am not the only cancer survivor complaining about weight gain.

I have spent too much time Googling Tamoxifin, the drug I take to prevent cancer recurrence, and weight gain. And guess what? I am not alone. If that is supposed to make me feel better, it doesn’t. It only corroborates my story that this extra 20 lbs. is out of my control. There are women on cancer forums posting about their 30 lb. weight gain, and no matter how much

they exercise, they can’t shake it.

The second comment came from a mom at back-to-school night. She is an adorable petite woman who used to boost my ego when I saw her at after school pickup. One day she told me I looked like I belonged in Hollywood. I remember looking behind me to make sure she was talking to me. I told her she was my new favorite mother at the Butler School. These days, since I am trying to avoid what my body really wants to wear - yoga pants - I had on another pair of jeans that I crammed myself into.

It was hard to button them, but I forced it.

The shirt I was wearing was not as blousy. I had a nice roll pushing up from the pants, creating a seemingly permanent mark on my abdomen; they were so uncomfortable.

I saw her glance down at my stomach, and I knew it was coming. I just looked at her blankly and said, “I’m just fat!”

What I appreciate about her is her lack of apology. She simply stated, “Hollywood, what happened?” I told her I thought my medication was causing me to gain weight.

I didn’t add in the amount of wine and triple cream soft cheese I consumed this summer. Dessert, I haven’t missed it in weeks. Admittedly, it is not just the drugs; it is some bad habits as well. The other day, my husband, Arthur, caught me dipping chips into cream cheese. He has had to listen to me complain that none of my clothes fit, and I am sure when he sees this behavior, he can’t hold back his comments.

“Do you really think you should be doing that?” The truth is, I know I shouldn’t, but I like to eat. What can I say?

I signed up for the gym but haven’t been yet. However, I have completed my third Pilates class. I am hoping that I can make a dent in the 20 lbs. before it gets any worse.

The last thing I want is someone asking me in the new year if I am expecting twins.

Jennifer Palmer (pictured above) is a Belmont mom of two and a breast cancer survivor. Read more of her musings on her blog mypunkpie.com.

BAYSTATEPARENT 17

FIGHTLESS...LOVEMORE

s %STATE 0LANNING s %LDER ,AW s 4RUSTS s 0OWER OF !TTORNEY s 3PECIAL .EEDS 4RUSTS

LOVING & LIKING Your Spouse BY

laurie puhn

“I love my husband, but I don’t like him.” That’s a comment I hear quite often in my couples mediation practice. Over the years, I discovered something: Many people are nicer to strangers than they are to their spouses.

Email: carolyn@cspringlaw.com LOOK FOR MY NEW TV SHOW, “Law For Your Life” on Westborough Cable TV. Also available online at www.westboroughtv.org.

18 FEBRUARY2012

T

he “liking” feeling tends to disappear as everyday job stress, parenting decisions, financial woes and child-induced sleep deprivation start to bring out the worst in us.

When overwhelmed by life, small things may seem like “the last straw,” and you might even wonder if you are married to the right person.

As a lawyer, couples mediator and author of Fight Less, Love More, people turn to me for my expert relationship advice. Many assume that because I have the answers, I must have a perfect marriage. The truth is, I have a happy marriage and I love my husband, but still, we have the good and bad days that strain the liking feeling and require me to put my own communication advice into practice. Conflict is normal, especially for parents, but how we choose to respond to it will either strengthen or weaken the relationship.

One day, my husband told me he’d be home from work earlier than usual. He even told me which train he would be taking.

I put his early arrival time into my afternoon schedule so my (then) 2-year-old son and I would be home to greet him, and enjoy some playful “Daddy time.” When my husband’s designated arrival time passed, each additional minute pushed me into a worsening mood. At 50 minutes past his planned homecoming, I was furious. Why wasn’t he here? Why wasn’t he answering his cell phone? Enraged at this point, the only excuse that could save him was a train delay.

My husband showed up more than an hour after I expected him displaying a freshly trimmed head of hair, acting like nothing had happened.

“So you got a haircut?” I asked.

“Yes, I had time today, so I figured, why not?”

That was it. I ripped into his thoughtless selfish behavior and the fight began.

But minutes later, reality hit. In our pre-child days, I would have been more understanding and explained how I felt about his late arrival. Now, with my energy drained from attending to a very busy

2-year old, I acted as if his haircut was akin to finding out he cheated on me with his hairdresser.

Our Best Selves Frequently, I witness this over-reactive response from my clients. We are our best selves early in our relationship. We show each other empathy, respect and patience.

As time passes, we come to expect those things from our partner, but we tend to deliver them less and less. Use of the words “thank you” and “please” become sparse, replaced by comments like “You have to…” and “Why didn’t you…” which are set-up comments for a fight. So what can a person say to prevent such unnecessary battles?

The answer is to stop and ask yourself one wise question when you feel your blood beginning to boil: Ask, “What do I want my spouse to do differently next time?” In my situation, I wanted him to call me in advance to tell me that his plans changed and that he would be home later than expected. If I had shared this futureoriented solution instead of yelling at him for what had already happened we would have skipped an unhappy battle.

As soon as I realized my short-tempered mistake, I apologized and asked for what I wanted. Interestingly, during that brief conversation my husband was flattered to learn that I was looking forward to his coming home early and was disappointed by his lateness. I also shared that I had rescheduled a play date for our son so we would be home to greet him. Our five minute talk ended with the agreement that if his plans changed, he would immediately call me. To this day that agreement has had a positive influence on our relationship.

So my advice for couples who want to love, and like, their mate for a lifetime is: Don’t focus on the problem. Do focus on the solution. A little wisdom makes a big difference.

Laurie Puhn is a Harvard-trained lawyer, couples mediator, relationship expert and bestselling author of Fight Less, Love More: 5-Minute Conversations to Change Your Relationship without Blowing Up or Giving In. You can find her online at fightlesslovemore.com.

FINALLY,FOREVER

Anna AN EXCERPT FROM MANDY MULLIEZ’S BOOK

Project: Loved BY

mandy mulliez, jennifer weintraub photography

We arrive at the orphanage on the other side of the world. The day is finally here – one we have prepared for months. We are led up a flight of stairs in warm, bright sunshine. As we reach the top, a woman walks out of a room holding the hand of a tiny girl. Her face is as I had memorized it from a picture. Her body... impossibly small. I cross the few feet that separate us and kneel down to take her hand. She flinches back in alarm, her eyes confused. Her nanny unceremoniously picks her up and deposits her in my arms in one swift movement. She screams in panic, fighting to get away from me. I let her go and watch her run away from me.

An hour later, she stands between my husband and me as we sit on the floor and allows us to gently rub her back and feed her Cheerios. She will not look at us, keeping her eyes fixed ahead of her. Finally, I put my arms around her small frame and cautiously pull her to me. To my surprise, she does not resist. She sinks into me and rests her head against my chest. She begins to take small peeks at me. Taking in one part of my face at a time, she never looks

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Highlights of February’s Adoption-Related Events

FEBRUARY’SCHILD

ONGOING AND FREE Adoptive Parent Groups. Acton, Billerica, Boston, Braintree, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Stoughton, Swampscott and Worcester. Adoptive Families Together (AFT) offers parent-run, confidential

Hector, Age 11

at me for longer than a moment. Her eyes are clouded with worry. She does not know me yet. I am a stranger to her...and I am her mother.

The first year is a collection of sleepless nights with her small body draped across mine, ensuring I don’t sneak away while she sleeps. The days are filled with my “velcro baby” attached to me at all times.

I am exhausted, I worry a lot, and our 4-year-old son gets the short end of the stick most days. But slowly things change.

The trust begins to grow. Her face begins to shine in a healthy, relaxed glow that only routine, love and a full tummy

We finally aren't strangers anymore. ...

can bring.

Mandy Mulliez is a mother of two: son, Louis, age 9, through birth, and daughter, Anna, age 7, adopted from Vietnam in 2006. Mandy’s love for adoption came with the arrival of her sister, who was domestically adopted into her family 30 years ago. She has spent time over the last five years capturing the stories of modern adoption from families of widely

Mandy & Anna

varying circumstances and backgrounds.

In 2008, she joined with fellow adoptive mother and renowned family photographer, Jennifer Weintraub, to begin documenting the extraordinary families they met along the way in their own adoption journeys. Out of this collaboration, Project: Loved was born, and they have photographed and

groups to share personal concerns and needs around adoptive parenting. AFT provides education, advocacy, support and more. They welcome adopted individuals, birth parents, foster parents, pre-adoptive parents and all those with a connection to adoption. Just drop in to a group: mspccorg/aft.

to adults seeking to adopt from foster care in Massachusetts. Please visit the Department of Children and Families website at mass.gov/dss (Click on Adoption, then Foster Care and Adoption Information Meetings to find the MAPP training link) for a schedule of MAPP trainings or call 800KIDS-508 (543-7508).

ONGOING MAPP Trainings in the State of Massachusetts. MAPP Training (Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) is offered

FREE Adoption Information Meetings.

Lutheran Social Services of New England offers programs in Worcester on the last Thursday

Eleven-year-old Hector is an athletic Hispanic child who takes great pride in his abilities. He enjoys activities where he can engage with his peers and showcase his strengths. Hector loves being involved in organized sports, and has participated in a soccer league and on a basketball team.

When he wants to relax, Hector plays video games and watches television. He is learning to speak Spanish.

School can be difficult for Hector because of his significant delays, but he does well with written rules and routines. Despite his disabilities, his teachers report that "he places great effort in his work" and he completes assignments to the best of his abilities.

Legally free for adoption, Hector would benefit from a two-parent, experienced family with at least one father in the home and no other children or only those who are much older. The ideal family for Hector would help him maintain contact with his birth family and help him to reach his fullest potential.

To learn more about Hector or the adoption process in general, please call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at 617-54-ADOPT (617-542-3678.) Part of the process to adopt a child from foster care is a training course. After an initial home visit by a social worker, you may be invited to attend the Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships

interviewed over 50 families to date from around the country, forming a beautiful gift book for perspective adoptive families as well as those already well versed in the process. Publishers - take note! They are looking for their perfect fit. Mandy, her husband and two children, live in Needham, Massachusetts.

of every month. Reservations are required: 508-791-4488, lssne.org.

Please submit March’s adoption-related events by Sunday, February 5th to be included in the March print edition of baystateparent. Events submitted after the 5th of the month will be included in our online calendar online. To submit an event, visit baystateparent.com and click “Calendar” and “Submit an Event.”

in Parenting (MAPP) training. The MAPP course is typically held one night per week for ten weeks. MAPP training is designed to help pre-adoptive parents gain the best possible understanding of, and preparation for, parenting an adopted child. This training includes information about the needs of children who are waiting to be adopted and what behaviors they might exhibit. MAPP teaches communication, positive discipline and self-esteem building techniques. It also discusses the resources and supports available to adoptive families.

A couple considering adoption should attend MAPP training together.

BAYSTATEPARENT 19

y p p u P e v o L photo courtesy of purestylephotography.com

ESKIMO KISS: Brianna Nichole Shvetsov, 11, of Western Massachusetts rubs noses with Picco the puppy.

Daisy Sandwich: Adriana and Devin Rochelle with Daisy in West Boylston.

Chocolate Fab: Five-year-old son Nicholas Farley of Middleboro with his chocolate lab Papi.

20 FEBRUARY2012

Puppy in the Middle: The Dennehy girls, Shannon, 4, and Colleen, 2, in their Worcester backyard.

Princess and the King: Emma Rae of Leominster with her puppy, King Cody of Pheasant Run.

Sweet on You: Madison Brown of Oxford, pictured here at age 3, with Tyson.

Puppy Heaven: The Jarvi sisters of Shrewsbury, Jordan, 8, and Taylor, 4, hug Toby.

photo courtesy of jenniferrosephotography.com

CAPTURED

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TODDLER PROGRAMS Sweet Simi: Abby Hoffman of Sharon, 9, is smitten with her adorable dog, Simi.

Puppy Kisses: Eight-and-a-halfyear-old Luca loves her owner, Jack Cressman, 4, of Holden.

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Starting at 15 months

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Worcester JCC ĂˆĂŽĂŽĂŠ->Â?ÂˆĂƒLÕÀÞÊ-ĂŒĂ€iiĂŒĂŠUĂŠ7ÂœĂ€ViĂƒĂŒiĂ€]ĂŠ ĂŠĂ¤ÂŁĂˆĂ¤Â™

xän‡ÇxĂˆÂ‡Ă‡ÂŁĂ¤Â™ĂŠĂ?Ă“xn THE JCC IS OPEN TO ALL REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AGE, DISABILITY OR ECONOMIC CONDITION. THE CENTER IS HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE.

Cribmate: Diesel moves right into Baby Jameson’s crib in Worcester.

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Hu o n H e p n O e p r O e t r n e Wti 12i n 20W

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Where: Hillside School 404 Robin Hill St, Marlborough, MA 01752 When: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 from 9:00-11:30am Doggy Paddle: Peanut cools off with 23-month-old Helena in Framingham.

Best Buds: Ava Duclos with her best buddy, Baxter

CAPTURED: bsp is looking for photos of Easter and summer camp for our March and April issues.

Email photos to editor@baystateparent.com by February 5th.

RSVP to Kristen Naspo at (508) 485-3483 or online at www.hillsideschool.net Hillside School is a day and boarding school for boys in grades 5 through 9.

We have a rolling admissions process and welcome traditional and nontraditional learners from around the world throughout the year.

BAYSTATEPARENT 21

Enchanted Give your girly-girl a Valentine’s

Day Party she’ll absolutely love.

BY anina hendrick

visited Paris one spring with my foreign language club in high school.

It was a beautiful with flowers blooming and trees blossoming everywhere, very lovely and romantic.

This trip inspired a lifetime love of all things Parisian especially décor. When I designed this Valentine’s Day party table for baystateparent readers, I chose a Paris theme. I wanted to evoke that glamorous but dreamlike feeling and recreate the romance of Paris and an old-movie feel for the holiday that celebrates love.

As a girly girl, I wanted to make sure that this theme included a lot of pretty details. From the jeweled cupcake stand, which I thought looked like a chandelier, to the ruffles on the cupcakes and tablecloth, I tried to use romantic

I

22 FEBRUARY2012

elements that almost created a ballroom feeling. I added strawberry milkshakes to balance out the table as well as tissuepaper pink roses, made by me.

One thing that I always try to do is plan the event around the party table whether it is a dessert table or a table where a sit-down dinner is being held.

It can also be a piece of furniture you already own, like a hutch or armoire. If you don’t have the space to set up a table, you can work with what you already have by using fabric, scrapbooking paper and/or wrapping paper to temporarily transform an existing piece of furniture into a custom piece for your event.

The most important thing to remember is that when you are planning a party, thinking outside of the box can turn out great results.

Anina Hendricks is a Whitinsville mom of two boys, ages 1 and 4, and the owner of Enchanting Details Event Planning.

About the Table Photography by Jill Serrano Photography, Dudley: jillserranophotography.com Cookies on the cupcake tower, cookie and cake pops, love note envelope cookies and hearts by The Cookie Countess, Connecticut: thecookiecountess.com Ruffled cupcakes and macaroons by Cocobeni Confections, Northboro: cocobeniconfections.com

Sweet Escapes BY

baystateparent staff

he grandparents have volunteered to take the kids for a long weekend. The children are all at sleepovers. Your best friend is in town and will hold down the fort while you sneak away overnight. Your quality time as a couple is often dependent on the generosity of caregivers you trust, so when you get the opportunity to retreat, we know you don’t want to be disappointed. Here bsp staff members suggest four getaways we think will make you very happy.

T

A Little Inn on Pleasant Bay, Orleans, Massachusetts alittleinnonpleasantbay.com The Cape is a must for summer. For a relaxing spot to rest your head, try a B&B like The Little Inn on Pleasant Bay. I fell in love with this inn the moment we drove up. From the white beadboard lining the walls, to the blue hydrangeas in bloom, the details of the inn are quintessential New England. Not to mention the lovely innkeepers make an amazing breakfast that you can enjoy on the front porch with the water view or in the backyard’s Victorian garden. Their bread pudding is the best I have ever had!

- Staci Bisset, bsp account executive

Foxwoods Resort & Casino, Mashantucket, CT foxwoods.com

courtesy of jupiter beach resort & spa Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa, Florida jupiterbeachresort.com

Tissue Paper Rose Topiaries by Enchanting Details Event Planning, Whitinsville: etsy.com/shop/ partyinabucket The Enchanted Paris party was designed and styled by Enchanted Details Event Planning, Whitinsville: enchantingdetals.com

Romantic. Relaxing. Very elegant. This resort, located on 1,000 feet of pristine coastline, is family friendly, but there is something special that makes it a winner just for adults. My husband and I treated ourselves to the couples’ massage at the onsite spa, and it was absolutely wonderful! We walked the secluded beach and then enjoyed the oceanside hot tub, complete with a waterfall. We dined at Sinclairs in the hotel, which was very nice. We were impressed that each room offers private balconies overlooking the ocean or resort views; many rooms have been recently renovated with plush amenities. The Juniper Beach Resort & Spa is a place to do absolutely nothing, or enjoy nightlife at the resort or just a short drive away. Plus, it’s only about 17 miles from the Palm Beach Airport, making it an ideal weekend jaunt.

- Paula Monette Ethier, bsp creative director

An overnight at Foxwoods is a little like being on a cruise ship; there is always something going on. And once you’ve arrived, you don’t have to drive anywhere or go out into the cold to experience it all. There are dozens of restaurants for every budget and palate, including the gourmet restaurant, Paragon, in addition to live entertainment, gambling, shopping and great people watching. Pool hop between three onsite hotel pools, and book yourself a treatment at The Norwich Spa or G Spa. In just about an hour’s drive from Worcester County, you can experience so many diverse activities all under one roof. On our overnight, we took in the Princess Diana exhibit, dinner, a concert, gambling and a free dueling piano show at the comedy club, Comix.

We topped it all off with a great night’s sleep in a beautiful room.

- Carrie Wattu, bsp editor

The Black Point Inn, Scarborough, Maine blackpointinn.com I felt like we stepped into a novel when my husband and I spent the weekend at The Black Point Inn last fall. The rugged Maine coastline and the historic grand hotel were the backdrops for a weekend full of dreamy relaxation and great conversation. Together, we went running, biking, took naps in our comfortable room, read books, walked the pretty beach and checked out the nightlife in neighboring Portland, which was a blast. Look for their off-season packages for a rate that may include some meals as well.

We couldn’t have picked a better place to spend quality time together.

- Carrie Wattu, bsp editor BAYSTATEPARENT 23

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Gourmet Cupcakes with a Homemade Touch!

Our cupcakes are made by hand in small batches using all natural ingredients, and recipes created by certiďŹ ed pastry chef, Mary Beth Benison.

We carry Emack and Bolios all natural ice cream.

Take home a pint or a quart with your cupcakes or have a dish or a cone.

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h Don’t forget to order your Valentine cupcakes! h

CALVIN’S MONSTER A NEW MUSICAL!

Join your favorite fairytale characters on an exciting adventure to help Calvin overcome his fears!

February 4 - February 12 At the Roberts Theatre at the Boston Center for the Arts Producing Sponsor Marcia Trimble

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BAYSTATEPARENT 25

POLE FITNESS: Giving It a Whirl BY

Q

donna morin

photos courtesy of donna morin

uick! Name three activities you could do this weekend that would be fun and leave you feeling super feminine, yet strong and empowered!

Tick Tock…Tick Tock. Got them? Okay, is pole fitness one of them?

No? Well, you might want to think about including it, then.

I took my first-ever pole fitness class last month and what a blast it was. Always up for trying something new, I jumped at the offer when Boston Pole Fitness invited me to try a session with instructor Philip Deal.

Since witnessing the Chinese pole act in Circus Smirkus with my son last year, it’s been a bucket-list desire of mine to give it a try. Not being quite so talented at climbing poles, however, I knew I had my work cut out for me. And so would Philip.

The pole workout room is set off to the side of the Gold’s Gym workout area on Landsdowne Street in Boston. It was cool inside, and Philip explained later that he prefers it this way so he doesn’t sweat, making it difficult for pole traction. And traction you need. You get it mostly from your skin, so shorts and tank tops are the preferred clothing style.

We began the class with a yoga mat and some stretching exercises. After that,

26 FEBRUARY2012

we moved into a soothing head stand position, using the poles as support. Head stands are often used in yoga, and are a great way to reverse the gravitational pull on our bodies. An inverse position like a head stand helps to reduce compression of the lower lungs, allows oxygenated blood to make it to the brain more easily and stimulates the lymphatic system, which improves immunity function.

Then it was on to a few basic pole moves.

Today, pole dancing often conjures images of titillating stripteases in “gentlemen’s clubs,” but historically, pole dancing was meant as a celebration of femininity.

Women performed dances around the pole (meant as a phallus) to welcome fertility, and the dances were performed in the company of other women. The rolling and undulating hip movements were expressions of celebration in the power of the female body.

In her book, The S Factor, Sheila Kelley explains that the dance “was performed by women and for women exclusively.”

The dancing became more suggestive in the western world after the Depression, in traveling side shows, and then later in Burlesque theatre.

Now pole dancing is evolving once again.

About twenty years ago, Fawria Mondey Deitrich began teaching the art of pole

dancing to women, and produced the first instructional video. Today, there are a number of groups leading the charge to take pole athletics to the next level, including the International Pole Sports Federation and the Pole Fitness Association. In 2009, the first U.S. Pole Dancing Championship was held on the East coast. These groups are even petitioning to have pole fitness added as an Olympic sport.

Of course, these are the hard-core men and women heading to the competitions.

What about the pole classes? What keeps women of all ages coming back? “Pole fitness is the best!” says Laurie*, from

Boston. Since she started the classes, she’s lost ten pounds and fits into jeans she hasn’t worn in years. “I keep coming back because I enjoy the rush I get from learning new tricks and spins!”

At the studio, a number of classes are offered for varying abilities. I took part in a beginner’s class, where much of the time was spent focusing on the basics- learning to climb, hold onto, swing and hang from the pole. It was quite the workout, engaging my whole body, and I left with more than one bruise. Philip assured me that as one learns proper positioning, there will be fewer bruises.

Let Your

Creativity

Flow

s e k g e n e g m g n e e

Turns out, pole moves require a great deal of choreography, too. With my lack of experience in this area, that might explain why my presence on the pole left a little to be desired. Samantha Star, an instructor at Boston Pole Fitness, explains that teaching a woman how to move on the pole requires “dissecting skills, figuring out how and why she works, and breaking down each move to a level anyone can achieve- then building it back up to create dynamic power moves.�

But one does not only gain physical strength from a pole fitness class. The philosophy behind pole fitness is to instill confidence in women. (Pole fitness classes are open to men

as well, but at this time, classes in Boston are primarily female.) “Pole fitness is more than learning how to do cool tricks that make people say, ‘wow’!� says Amy, also from Boston. “It’s about taking an activity traditionally associated with the denigration of women and using it as a form of empowerment. Pole fitness has taught me to appreciate my body and to awaken strength and grace I never knew lay within.�

And pole fitness isn’t only for adults.

A visit to the website for the Jasmine Dragons, out of Ohio, showcases many of its kid-size classes, some of which combine aerial hip-hop and pole moves. Some of the school’s students have competed internationally. In India, the traditional sport of Mallakhamb is regaining popularity. In this sport, athletes- often boys- climb wood poles and perform various poses and feats that seem to defy gravity itself.

As for me, I don’t foresee any competitions in my future. Or circus performances.

But I do see myself trotting back to the studio- somewhat gracefully, I hope- to pull myself back up on that pole and give it another twirl. Why? Meredith, another participant in the class, says it best, “It’s a great workout, yet it’s like playing on a jungle gym!�

Visit www.claytimestudio.com for programs and monthly calendar of events

paint your own pottery & bead studio Route 9, Shrewsbury (Next to White City East) s (508)798-9950

International.

Individual.

Inspirational.

British School of Boston

*Author’s Note: The women I took pole fitness with were a bit shy about sharing their last names. I assume this is because there is still a stigma sometimes associated with pole fitness.

Considering how much fun this workout is, I hope this isn't the case much longer!

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

Donna Morin (pictured in the photo series on the left) is a Massachusetts mom, freelance writer and certified health coach. She owns Better Off Well health coaching services and can be found at betteroffwell.com.

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NEW: MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. Contact us today to learn more.

BAYSTATEPARENT 27

LL SRO LET’

photos courtesy of central rock gym

C O R

T U O K

h t h wit BY

My

carrie wattu

5-year-old niece, Tess, dives into the ocean with her clothes on so that she doesn’t have to change in and out of a bathing suit. She asks her dad to take out the tandem bike, so that she can kick back as he does all the work.

She goes to the bathroom wherever and whenever, as finding a restroom is just too much work. She’s got a reputation for being lazy, and she has everyone fooled.

Tess climbed a 32-foot rock wall at the Central Rock Gym in Worcester with enthusiasm...again and again and again.

This is no easy feat. I celebrated my friend Christine’s 40th birthday at Central Rock, treating my svelte marathon-running friend to an evening of climbing. Sweaty and shaky, we dragged our 40-year-old bodies up the walls with much effort.

Climbing was a challenge!

Perhaps this is why I shared tears with 28 FEBRUARY2012

s d i eK

my sister as Tess reached the top. My three daughters looked at us like we were off the wall for actually crying, which we literally and figuratively were. Here was this “lazy” kindergartner, who didn’t give up and rapel as soon as she encountered a tricky maneuver. She stuck it out and fought, trusting the staff belaying her (supporting her with a harness and ropes) and worked out the problem. Her determination was palpable. We watched her strength and confidence with a newfound appreciation for what this little girl could really do. If Tess could do this, she could do anything!

After scaling down the wall, our sweaty Spider-girl exclaimed, “I want to have my birthday party here!” It would be a twohour drive for her guests, but my sister, buoyed by her daughter’s enthusiasm, took note. My brother-in-law schemed of ways to incorporate a rock wall into their

backyard.

The confidence and empowerment brought to climbers of all ages and abilities makes places like Central Rock so special.

My 7-year-old daughter, Mary, summed it up that day, “I feel so powerful.” What a great sentiment for girls.

“Rock Climbing builds confidence, trust, focus, strength and problem solving ability,” says Ed Hardy, who opened the 14,000 square foot gym with his brother, Joe, in May 2009. “Each climb from the bottom to the top is a ‘problem’ that needs to be sequenced and solved by the climber.

This problem-solving process makes the sport very communicative and social. Our members are vocal and open with others, versus other gyms where everyone is plugged into their personal iPods and there to ‘suffer through’ their daily workout.”

The Hardys want to show that working out can be fun and that meeting people can happen in creative places like rock climbing facilities versus online or places that are not conducive to getting to know someone. Ed also points out, “Rock climbing workouts exercise forearms, fingers, shoulders, biceps back and legs, without any impact like running or other cardiovascular workouts.”

This winter, instead of taking the kids to another movie, consider getting vertical as you take your children to new heights.

Even grandparents can try! Couples can get a sitter, skip the same-old dinner out and climb as a couple. Central Rock is extremely family friendly, conveniently located in Worcester and waiting to see how high you can go.

Location: Central Rock Gym is located next to Sam’s Club and Higgins Armory on 299 Barber Avenue in Worcester.

They have a second location on Route 9 in Hadley.

Ages: Rock climbing is for anyone ages 4 and up, beginners and advanced.

Fridays are Family Night: Enjoy climbing, music and socializing every Friday night from 5 to 10 p.m. Parents climb for $9 and children under 18 climb for $7. This is $5 off the regular day pass rate. Parents can belay for free. Central Rock will even lend you the equipment for the night.

Family Night applies to families of three or more. Also note that Ladies Night is on Mondays and High School Night is on Wednesdays.

For Beginners: Beginners should take Central Rock’s Introduction to Climbing Class offered Monday through Friday 5 and 7 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m., 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m. and Sundays 12, 2 and 4 p.m.

Receive an orientation of the facility and learn how to put on your gear, tie your knots and the basics of rock climbing. You will even learn to “belay” (a safety system in which the climber is safeguarded from falling on the taller walls by a partner on the ground who uses ropes and anchors).

After taking this class and coming for a few visits, it is common for climbers to make huge progress very quickly. It is easy to go from a beginner to intermediate climber in just a few months.

Afraid of Heights? “The most common excuse people give us for not trying the sport is their fear of heights,” says owner Ed Hardy. “We tell people that they have to come in and see how it works. People often come in with a fear of heights and leave with a sense of accomplishment and overcoming their fear. The reason this happens is because climbing is done with gear and a learned safety system. Every climber is lowered nice and slowly by your climbing partner.”

Costs: Parents can belay their kids for free after taking an introduction class. Central Rock will even lend them gear as long as they pay for their kids. The second option is for Central Rock to belay the kids, by appointment or at one of their regularly scheduled times for $25 a kid, which includes climbing, gear and a staff to help for 1.5 hours of climbing. Normally a child is $12, and $7 for gear, so it’s only $6 additional for all the belaying so it’s a good deal if you don’t want to belay.

Bonus for Parents and Kids: Central Rock offers exercise equipment, weights and daily yoga, pilates and fitness classes (you can just drop in for $10 per class).

Also check out Central Rock for birthday parties, boy/girl scout outings, team building events and summer camps.

For more information, visit centralrockgym.com.

Carrie Wattu is editor of baystateparent.

To recommend a daytrip destination for Let’s Roll, email editor@baystateparent.com.

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Proms, Weddings, Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties, Birthday Parties, Concerts

TEENSTODAY

Some Enchanted

EVENING O

ur prom inspiration this year is not Kardashian skin and bling but gorgeous vintage, simply feminine and romantic.

Our South Shore photographer, Stephanie Piscitelli of Bellini Portraits, chose a soft, creamy color palette. While our prom fashions are timeless, there is a modern twist: dress before date. Today’s girls are scouting out their dream dresses early in the season well before they even have a date.

BAYSTATEPARENT 31

TEENSTODAY

32 FEBRUARY2012

TEENSTODAY

Hollywood Glam Left: “Prom is something everyone should experience,” says Kara-Jane Walker of Needham whose own prom was held at a Boston hotel with a beautiful view of the skyline. Black by Blush designed this gold sequins dress.

Vintage Romance Bottom Left: Jessica Clements, a homeschooled high school ‘senior’ from Ayer, wears a pink Montage dress by Mon Cheri. She hopes to attend the GrotonDunstable prom with her boyfriend in the spring. “I am looking forward to dressing up and dancing with friends,” she says.

Romancing the Prom Bottom Left: Sherelle Sebastian of North Stonington, CT attended her sophomore and junior proms with her best guy friend.

While this Eden Silver Label ivory dress looks stunning on her, for her own proms, she rocked statement, high-fashion dresses.

Prom Sophisticate Bottom Right: Patriots’ cheerleader, Asia Barnes of Braintree, is Super Bowl-bound.

Here, she wears a floor-length gold Magic Formals dress. While she looks the part, Asia admits that prom “is not as romantic as in the movies, but I made the best of it.”

Prom Go Lightly Bottom Right: Pretty-in-pink Nicole Spiller of Medway thinks she may get asked to the prom this year and has her dress all picked out...just in case. “My dad said no last year when I was asked to the prom by a senior,” she says. Nicole’s prom gown is made by ME.

Floral Jewelry Did you know that prom flowers are now incorporated into jewelry as well as hair pieces?

A chunky pearl and crystal bracelet adorned with a trailing delphinium blossom and bleached peacock feather can be kept as a

lasting keepsake after the blossom fades and prom is over. Sparkles and ribbon complete the look. For more ideas on wearing your flowers, visit sprout-flowers.com.

BAYSTATEPARENT 33

TEENSTODAY

BOSTON

NEWTON

MARBLEHEAD

Dance with us this summer!

Experience the difference at Boston Ballet School

Formal Wear Means Floral Wear One of the most exciting things on trend for prom is that girls are wearing their flowers in their hair and in their jewelry. Cathy Walsh, owner of Sprout Worcester, designed the pieces you see here including the “Poof�(pictured on left), which is based on the hair accessory known as the fastener, which has made a comeback since William and Kate’s royal wedding. Cathy uses roses, pearl, sparkly tulle and net veiling to create this vintage-looking piece. Sprout’s other arrangements incorporate bleached peacock feathers, which are showing up everywhere right now. And check out the young and fun bangles below, affixed with pom pom chrysanthemums, St. John’s Wort and pearls.

Stop by one of Sprout’s spring prom workshops for ideas on how to get a fresh prom look. Details will be posted at sprout-flowers.com. And here’s an exciting tid-bit: Oprah’s team filmed there this past September!

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34 FEBRUARY2012

Official School of

PAULA MONETTE ETHIER, creative director CARRIE WATTU, editor STEPHANIE PISCITELLI, photographer, bellinipics.com Special thanks to: TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy, toniandguy.com SPECIAL EVENT BRIDAL SHOP, Marlboro, specialeventbridalshop.com SPROUT, florist, sprout-flowers.com FAYE GUANIPA HURLEY, stylist CLICK MODEL MANAGEMENT and MAGGIE INC., models

That Tan

TEENSTODAY

is to DIE FOR BY

As

lori skinner, RN, BSN

a nurse who specializes in skin care, I have become increasingly alarmed by the rise in skin cancers, especially melanoma, among young people. I believe a major contributor to this phenomenon is the practice of indoor tanning, now a five billion dollar industry in the United States.

In 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) as carcinogenic and placed it in its highest risk category, along with mustard gas and arsenic. This year the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) joined the American Medical Association (AMA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Dermatology Association (ADA) and the Skin Cancer Foundation in acknowledging the perils of UV exposure by demanding a ban on indoor tanning for minors.

Ultraviolet A and B radiation damages skin cells and are the primary cause of precancerous and cancerous skin lesions.

Youth in their teens and twenties who use tanning beds are at a greater risk for developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. IARC studies have shown that the use of tanning beds, even when used according to tanning industry standards, by people before the age of 35 raises their risk of melanoma by 75 percent.

Melanoma is now the most common form of skin cancer in white females ages 20-24. I believe it is no coincidence that this group represents a major component of the indoor tanning population. Skin cancer exceeds breast, colon and lung cancer combined, yet it is the most preventable. To paraphrase Dr. J. Leonard Lichtenfeld of the American Cancer Society, there are no safe tanning beds, regardless of claims from the tanning industry. They damage the skin, the eyes and offer no meaningful, necessary health benefit.

Tanned skin has been associated with youth and beauty since the early 1920s, but in reality, it is a sign of skin damage.

As the skin reacts to what is called in medical terminology an “insult” caused

by UVA rays, it triggers an increase in melanin resulting in the appearance of darker skin color. This damaging exposure, in addition to skin cancers,

leads to early wrinkling caused by the loss of elasticity and collagen. The visible and unsightly results are sagging skin, uneven skin color, dilated capillaries, rough patches, a “leathery” appearance and dark spots on the skin referred to as “age spots.” These show up especially on the face, neck, chest and arms.

In my practice, I see young women in their 20s who are frequent tanners who show the same aging effects as women twice as old. The damage caused by UV radiation from indoor tanning, as well as exposure to the sun, is cumulative and often irreversible. As stated above, the earlier the age that tanning begins, the greater the risk of skin cancers and premature aging.

Recently, some alternatives to tanning through ultraviolet exposure have come on the scene. One that shines with good health involves an attitude change rather than a specific action. It is the “Go with your Own Glow,” campaign promoted by the Skin Cancer Foundation. I am happy to say that many fashion leaders, sports stars and entertainment celebrities are climbing on this bandwagon.

Another alternative to indoor tanning that is gaining in popularity is the use of facial bronzers. These come in a variety of colors to match individual skin tones and may be applied in either powder, creams or tinted moisturizers for a more natural glow. Although not in sync with the “go with your own glow” idea, facial bronzers are considerably less dangerous than indoor tanning.

A third alternative is the use of selftanners. The FDA has approved the use of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which is the color additive used in self-tanners.

These self-tanners come in creams and lotions. When applied to the skin, DHA temporarily darkens the skin by reacting with amino acids on the skin's surface. The color gradually fades as dead skin cells slough off, usually within a week. Since DHA has been approved for external application only, it is not approved for use in tanning booths where it is difficult to avoid exposure to the eyes, lips, mucous membranes, or even to inhaling it internally.

From my clinical experience and studies in the field of dermatology and skin care, it is clear to me that protection from UVA and UVB exposure is key to the prevention of premature aging and skin cancers,

especially melanoma. Because I believe it is imperative to inculcate children with this knowledge from an early age, I serve on the Board of the Children's Melanoma Prevention Foundation, (CMPF) whose mission is prevention through education from kindergarten through 12th grade.

CMPF offers a five-point action acronym for sun safety called SunAWARE. These action steps are as follows: • Avoid unprotected exposure to sunlight, seek shade, and never indoor tan.

• Wear sun protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses year-round.

• Apply recommended amounts of broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sunburn protection factor (SPF) #30 to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours, or as needed.

• Routinely examine your whole body

for changes in your skin and report suspicious changes to a parent or healthcare provider.

• Educate your family and community about the need to be SunAWARE. I sincerely hope everyone who reads this article will embrace these steps, make them a part of your daily routine and encourage your family and friends to do likewise. Remember, over 90 percent of skin cancers are preventable, easily detected and when detected early, curable.

Be safe. Be SunAWARE! Lori Skinner, RN, BSN cares for patients of all ages at South Shore Skin Center and Spa. She also serves as Director of the Children's Melanoma Prevention Foundation, a non-profit educational foundation that is dedicated to teaching children and their caretakers safe and proven methods of sun protection and skin cancer prevention.

For more information, visit southshoreskincenter.com and melanomaprevention.org.

BAYSTATEPARENT 35

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3 STAND-OUT TEENS

1. Josian Golemi of Worcester, Age 18 BY

bryan ethier, steven king photography

J

osian Golemi, a native of Albania, never dreamed that he would have the opportunity to live in the United States. But when his family won a US visa lottery, he welcomed it with open arms. When he and his family arrived just two and half years ago, Josian knew limited English, mostly phrases he picked up from watching television in Albania, as most of the programming is American.

Today the friendly teen has a close group of friends and is a top student at South High Community School in Worcester, where he is a senior. With his high grades, he could apply to any college in the country; some of his friends are attending Ivy League schools. Josian, however, decided to apply to local colleges in order to be close to his family.

Josian has chosen to pursue medicine because he excels in math and science and loves to help people. “When my father had his surgery at UMass,” he says, “I saw how [much] care the doctors gave to their patients … I’m used to the caring, taking care of siblings.”

He certainly is. With three younger siblings and parents who speak little English and do not drive, Josian takes on a tremendous amount of responsibility at home. When the Golemis first arrived in America, Josian began baby-sitting his little sister while his parents worked the second shift at their respective jobs. His responsibilities have since expanded greatly; he likens himself to a social worker. He pays bills, fills out paperwork for food stamps and welfare and drives his family members to their doctor and dentist appointments: duties that most American teens would shy away from.

Yet he does not view these obligations as a

burden. “It’s the basic thing you need to do for a family,” Josian says.

His generousity does not stop with his family. Every week he asks his principal, Maureen Binienda, if there is community service that he can do. In the past, he helped with decorations for Worcester’s First Night celebration, volunteered at Elm Park and worked for the St. Patrick’s Day parade.

One has to wonder why Josian chooses to do so much volunteer work when he already has immense responsibility at home. He says, “It’s a great opportunity to meet new people. It makes me feel good, getting out of the house and doing different things.”

Impressive.

Mrs. Binienda is impressed as well. “What amazes me is [that] no matter where we are, with what group, he is always able to strike up a conversation with the directors of the community service and fit right into the conversation with them,” she says. “He tries to find something to connect with every person that he meets, and I think that is a great skill to have.”

Despite his vast responsibilities and tight schedule, Josian still finds time to play soccer with his friends, who have a difficult time reaching him as he doesn’t have a cell phone, which is practically a requirement for a teen today.

You are One of a Kind... and So Are We! bellinipics.com All of the fashions on page 31 of this month’s issue were provided by The Special Event Bridal Shoppe.

38 FEBRUARY2012

The Special Event Bridal Shoppe www.specialeventbridalshop.com 114 Broad Street Marlborough, MA 01752-4023 (508) 624-9392

He sees himself as a typical teenager, and believes teenagers are similar everywhere. “Being a teenager is a tough age,” Josian says. What he feels sets him apart from other teens are not his obligations at home, his high marks in school or his volunteer work. It is the lack of a cell phone to stay in contact with his friends.

But Josian is not typical. He barely knew English when he came to America just two years ago, and now faces a bright future at one of the top colleges in the country. Josian has received a full scholarship to Holy Cross College in Worcester where he will major in pre-med.

Bryan Ethier is a Millbury-based freelance writer working towards his degree in creative writing.

2. Nicole Drew of Dedham, Age 14 BY

N

icole Drew discovered two monumental things about herself early in life. One is that she has an autoimmune disorder, Type 1 Diabetes, and two, that she can rock a microphone in front of large groups of people.

Both have changed her life for the better.

It all started when Nicole was 9 and got really sick, drinking seven to eight waters a day, sleeping for hours at a time and loosing 30% of her body fat. Her doctor thought Nicole had a virus. It wasn’t until Nicole slipped into life-threatening

carrie wattu, steven king photography

diabetic shock that her doctor diagnosed her with Type 1 Diabetes. It was a surprise to Nicole’s parents as no one in Nicole’s family had diabetes.

Nicole spent five days in the hospital before being discharged to live life with this new challenge. The Drews received minimal guidance on how to manage the Type 1 Diabetes. The disease requires constant monitoring of blood sugar throughout the day, taking insulin and being diligent about diet and exercise.

“We had to figure it out ourselves,” says Nicole, who had to take four to six insulin shots a day. At age 9, Nicole learned how to give herself the shots in her stomach, arms, legs and back.

Nicole, who is an only child, and her parents spent the following year longing for support to navigate this new chapter in their lives. “It was chaotic,” recalls Nicole.

But at age 10, Nicole met her numberone supporter, Kerry Packard, a day camp director at The Barton Center for Diabetes Education in North Oxford. “She is the nicest, bubbliest, cheeriest person ever,” says Nicole.

Austin (L) and Steven (R)

3. Steven Barber of Oxford, Age 16 BY

M

carrie wattu, steven king photography

ost teenagers would flip if their younger brother went into their bedrooms without permission and rearranged the clothing in their bureaus.

Not Steven Barber. He has an extraordinary friendship with his brother

Austin, age 15, who has autism.

When Austin recently “Austin-ized” Steven’s bedroom, moving all of Steven’s belongings into different places, the good-natured high school junior just laughed. “We do not fight,” says Steven.

While Steven has seen plenty of his

She also discovered the American Diabetes Association (ADA) which Nicole says is the most amazing thing to have happened to her. “I know everyone in the Boston office. They are family,” says Nicole.

The ADA invited the Drews to speak about their family’s experience at a Boston Children’s Hospital event. A 12-year-old Nicole surprised her family by taking the microphone out of her parents’ hands.

As she opened her mouth to talk about something that is very personal to most people - health - Nicole also opened a new future for herself as a public speaker. “I wouldn’t let my parents talk,” says Nicole.

Nicole’s speech has been symbolic of her personal journey to advocate independently for herself and others. “I tell people that diabetes is hard but I could not imagine not having it. It’s a blessing in a way because I have so many great amazing friends through it,” says Nicole.

Today, Nicole is an 8th grader at Mount Alvernia School in Newton, a basketball player and an active volunteer in the ADA’s Youth Leader Program in New England with another one of her super-

friends “beat on” their younger siblings, he is still surprised to be recognized as a stand-out teen. He says he’s just a typical kid. He plays football, works part-time at Market Basket and likes math. “I don’t see myself as inspiring just because I am affectionate towards my brother,” he says.

But it’s more than that says his mother, Jennifer Barber. Steven gives his brother something that Jennifer cannot provide, a normal teenage life. “Steven is such a good kid. He lets Austin try and experience high school like any other teenager,” she says.

Steven drives Austin to school every day, takes him to high school basketball games, brings him out for food and invites him to hang out with his friends.

Steven’s positive attitude has impacted his friends. “My friends love Austin,” Steven explains. “He’s always happy and finds happiness in everything. That’s why my friends and I love him so much.”

The brothers have attended the same schools for most of their lives. In elementary school, Steven would visit his brother in his classroom and sit with him and the other students with special needs at lunch. Sometimes Steven would skip recess to join his brother inside the school. “I was protective of him,” Steven says.

Steven’s biggest worry is kids making

supportive and positive mentors, ADA representative, Anna Floreen.

Anna has seen Nicole grow as a leader, mentor and friend to her peers and professionals. “She speaks eloquently to corporations, telling her story and spreading awareness about her illness. She also serves on the Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes Committee. In this unique role, she is able to act as a liason representing youth and voicing her opinion and ideas to adults,” says Anna.

“She is truly amazing,” says her mom, Janice Drew. “She has chosen to educate others about diabetes, speaking of her challenge at corporate breakfasts, schools, company meetings and medical conferences.”

Without her diagnosis, Nicole says she wouldn’t be the passionate public speaker she is today. “I can stand in front of 200 people and talk without being nervous,” says Nicole.

In a diabetic world, Nicole’s life is constantly governed by the numbers of her blood sugar as well as questions such as, “What is your number? How high is your number?” But this past October, Nicole, redefined the power of numbers in her life.

She was the top fundraiser in the ADA’s Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes on the Boston Common, raising almost $11,000.

Advocate. Speaker. Mentor. Fundraiser.

Nicole has made the choice to see that her biggest obstacle in life has given her many gifts. She says, “My goal is to make a difference.”

Carrie Wattu is editor of baystateparent. During the interview, Nicole Drew also emphasized how much her school nurse, Mrs. Sybil Estes, has done for her.

“She’s amazing.”

fun of his brother as Austin has difficulty communicating and repeats what others say to him. While many of the kids at school are kind, there are always those who will make jokes at Austin’s expense.

Steven felt supported when his school held a seminar asking for students to refrain from using the word “retard.”

“It comes as no surprise to me that Steven and his brother have a special relationship,” says Steven’s English teacher, Deborah Feingold. “He is a very warm and engaging person who is respectful to his teacher and friendly to his classmates.”

When Steven is asked to explain his brother’s condition to others, he says that his brother is young in mind but physically a teen. He has spent his life educating his peers about Austin perhaps most effectively by simply treating his brother like one of his friends.

As Steven begins to contemplate college, where he is considering majoring in law or business, he is concerned, as he has never been away from his brother.

However, it is this very friendship that has made Steven realize that he must make the most of each new experience.

We could say his plan is to “Austinize” college by bringing Austin’s happy outlook onto campus with him.

Carrie Wattu is editor of baystateparent.

BAYSTATEPARENT 39

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BAYSTATEPARENT 41

Gymnastics, Dance, Cheering, Circus Arts, Martial Arts and RAD kids.

EVERYONE OUTDOORS! Summer Camp for Children with Disabilities BY

Camps run June 25 through August 17, with a new theme each week.

marcy marchello

summer camp experience for a child with a disability is possible as there are many camps in Massachusetts that often specialize in a particular type of disability.

Some camps have been around for over 50 years and have well-established communities. Here are brief descriptions of a few camps, but expand your search using The New England Index online resource list at disabilityinfo.org/mnip/db/fsl/FactSheet.aspx?id=101.

A

Full Day, three days, pre-school half-day and full day, ages 4+.

Hours are 9-3, with early drop off and late pick up available.

24,000 sq. ft. of indoor fun and outdoor pools, water slides, zip line, volley ball, fields, and so much more.

Registrations begin on March 5.

Camp Arrowhead on the shores of Lake Cochituate (just outside Boston) is sponsored by the Town of Natick Recreation and Parks Department. The day camp serves both kids (age 5 and older) and adults with a wide range of disabilities from late June through mid August. A one week trip to Lion’s Pride Camp in Durham, NH offers a residential experience later in August. Camp Arrowhead is open to Natick residents with some spaces available to non-residents. Each camper is paired with a teen companion in what appears to be a very successful community-based support system. Contact Camp Arrowhead at 508-647-6530 or camparrowheadnatick@gmail.com.

978-422-ROLL www.sterlinggym.com 15 Industrial Drive Sterling, MA 01564

Harbor Discoveries Camps Dive in and Discover!

Registration opens Feb. 6

Camp Jabberwocky is a small residential vacation camp for kids and adults on Martha’s Vineyard. It originally began as an opportunity for kids with cerebral palsy to enjoy summer fun and has since expanded its audience, serving about 100 campers each year. Activities include dance, community plays, jet-skiing and para sailing, with occasional visits from island celebrities. Campers and staff are profoundly dedicated. campjabberwocky.org.

The Bridge Center offers several summer day camp experiences in southeastern Massachusetts, specifically oriented towards campers with autism spectrum disorders, learning and cognitive disabilities and behavioral issues. Campers are organized into small groups based on disability similarities and engage in both traditional and therapeutic recreation activities including swimming, archery, horseback riding and a low ropes course. thebridgectr.org/summercamp.html.

Camp Howe in Goshen is over 80 years strong and offers a full range of traditional day, overnight and weekly camp activities on a waterfront with a farm experience adjacent to the D.A.R. State Forest. This is an inclusive camping experience.

A program called ECHO works with campers with disabilities separately as well as mixed in with general campers. Camp Howe is dedicated to cultivating understanding and appreciation of individual differences. camphowe.com/index.htm.

Marcy Marchello is the Universal Access Program Coordinator for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. She can be reached on her blog: everyoneoutdoors.blogspot.com.

Visit www.neaq.org or call 617-973-5206.

This camp complies with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the Board of Health.

42 FEBRUARY2012

courtesy from camp goshen

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building the Pride Inside Since 1983â&#x20AC;?

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508-792-1551 FREE Trial Class Fall Programs New students only

The Only Nationally Accredited Preschool in Shrewsbury!

Continuous registration for all ages and all seasons!

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Mass Audubon Nature Day Camps In Central MA 0`]OR ;SOR]e 0`]]Y EWZRZWTS AO\QbcO`g " " ;OaaOa]Wb @R E]`QSabS` ;/ $ " 1O[^ 2W`SQb]` # & %#! $ &% f !

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A unique opportunity to learn about the natural world.

Meet new friends and have lots of fun!

Specialty sessions such as digital photography, teen adventure trip and woodworking.

Experienced staff who provide a safe, educational, and noncompetitive camp environment.

Small group nature study.

An experience that will last a lifetime!

Mass Audubon 44 FEBRUARY2012

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To ďŹ nd out more and to download a camp brochure please check us out at

www.massaudubon.org/camps

CONCORD

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summer camp countdown continued on page 55

MEADOWBROOK DAY CAMP OPEN HOUSE, SUNDAY, FEB. 12, 1 TO 3 PM

Day Camp &Teen Tripping Programs

Part of the Summer Programs at The Meadowbrook School of Weston

daycamp.meadowbrook-ma.org

781-647-0546

GIVE THEM THE BEST SUMMER EVER! A day camp experience thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out of this world!

For girls and boys ages 5 to 15

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OH, THE

PLACES YOU’LL

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

- dr. seuss

photo courtesy of the addams family musical

GO

GO MARY JO: Mary Jo Maichack is the Minstrell Storyteller. Drop in to her free Worcester performance on Feb. 24th. wfcp.worcesterschools.org.

46 FEBRUARY2012

photo courtesy of new england dogsledding

photo courtesy of osv.org

photo courtesy of maryjomaichack.com

GO SCREA-UM: They’re creepy and their kooky...they’re altogether ooky. Catch The Addams Family musical in Boston, Feb. 7 - 19. citicenter.org.

GO SKATE: Skate at Old Sturbridge Village during Community Skate Nights, Feb. 19 and 26.

GO DOG GO: SMeet a magnificent team of sled dogs at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Reserch Center in CT, Feb. 22 & 23.

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO MELTDOWN WARNING: Before you pack up the mini-van, please confirm your destination. Although we’ve done our best to assure accuracy at press time, things can and do change…

A Adult C Child Y Youth M Member NM Non-Member PP Per Person

1WEDNESDAY Open House Jackson Walnut Park Schools. 200 Jackson Rd., Newton. 9 – 11 a.m. Tour this private, Catholic, elementary school sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Boston. jacksonwalnutparkschools.org.

Powers Music School faculty present a musical rendition of the children’s book “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.” Ages 3+ but all are welcome! Reservations recommended: 617-993-2880. Also, 617-484-4696, powersmusic.org.

ONGOING Winterfest. Fruitlands, Harvard. 1 p.m. Every Sat. and Sun. through Feb. 18. Sledding, skating and fun. $20 per carload. Fruitlands.org.

Owl Festival. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Natick. 3 – 5:30 p.m. Live owl show followed by a guided prowl to listen for owls in the wild. 3 - 4 p.m. is the Owl Up Close and Personal with the Owls of Broadmoor: A$18, C$10. At 4:15- 5:30 p.m. take an all-ages owl prowl, A$12, C$8. 508-6552296, massaudubon.org.

Full Moon Snowshoe Adventure and Owling.

Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary. 280 Eliot St. (Rt.16), Natick. 7 – 8:30 p.m. Take a guided

Mary Poppins Movie. Coolidge Theatre, Brookline. 10:30 a.m. A$7, C$5. coolidge.org.

Digging for Mastodons: Discovering an Ice Age World in the Colorado Rockies. This is a family program at the Harvard Musuem of Natural History, Cambridge. 2 p.m. Paleontologist Dr. Kirk Johnson will share the latest news about Snowmass Village, the massive site in the Colorado Rockies where he’s leading a team that has recently unearthed a treasure trove of over 5,000 fossils of Ice Age animals—including mastodons, Columbian mammoth, Jefferson’s ground sloth, giant bison, camels and other species. A$9, C$6, C under 3 FREE. hmnh.harvard.edu/ Family Dance. Scout House, 74 Walden St., Concord. Meets the first Sunday until March 4. Fun for all ages! Participatory folk dance for families with live music by Cal Howard & Friends. Features supportive teaching of New England contras and

8WEDNESDAY

photo by melissa ostrow, mel o photo

Castle Kids Story Hour. Higgins Armory Museum, Worcester. Every first Wednesday. From damsels in distress to mighty dragons, share tales of adventure, from well-known fairy tales to modern picture books in the setting of a medieval Great Hall. Includes museum admission, program with craft related to the story and a snack. $12 A and child. higgins.org.

2THURSDAY

3FRIDAY FREE Admission. Children’s Museum of NH, Dover NH. Every first Friday from 5:30 – 8 p.m. 603-7422002, childrens-museum.org.

Full Moon Owl Prowl. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Natick. 7- 8:30 p.m. Sound is one of the best ways to locate and identify owls. Learn about their calls, behavior and habitat. Walk through moonlit fields and forests listening for screech and great horned owls. Pre-registration required. Fees apply. 508-655-2296, massaudubon.org.

4SATURDAY FREE Musical Story Program. Belmont Public Library, 336 Concord Ave., Belmont. 10:30 a.m.

7TUESDAY

ONGOING Playing Together:Games. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Runs until Sept 9.

Try out a multitude of games that span generations and cultures in this special hands-on exhibit that explores the imaginative ways people have invented to play together through games. The exhibit includes 14 games of strategy, math, luck and physical coordination from around the world. A$14, C (218)$8, Sr.$10. 508-929-2700, ecotarium.org.

St. Joseph School Open House. 47 Whitcomb St., Webster. 5 – 7 p.m. Tours of the school will be given every half an hour by the principal and dean of studies. Spaghetti supper will be held from 4:30 – 6 p.m. 508-943-0378, saintjosephschool.net.

Dan Zanes Concert. Weston Auditorium, Fitchburg State University, North St., Fitchburg. 7 – 9 p.m.

Dan Zanes of Del Fuegos’ fame is the “leading man of the family music genre.” This concert brings his heartfelt initiatives—sharing songs from the Spanishspeaking Americas and singing with students from Memorial and Longjso--to this stage in a show called ¡Nueva York! Tickets: 978-665-3347, fitchburgstate. edu/cultural.

ONGOING YOU Youth Group. 51 Union St., Suite 312, Worcester. Meets weekly on Mondays, 5 – 6:30 p.m. YOU is a non-therapeutic youth group for teens between the ages 14 and 19 who are interested in making connections and making a difference while living with mental health, behavioral or emotional needs. Dinner is FREE! 508-767-9725 x 204 or email info@ppal.net.

ONGOING The Addams Family. City Performing Arts Center Shubert Theatre, Boston. Daily from Feb. 7 – 19. $33 - $103. 866-348-9738, theaddamsfamilymusical.com.

All About Me with Mommy. Claytime, Shrewsbury. Meets every first Wed. until June 6.

Create a special project with your toddler. Fees apply.

508-798-9950, claytimestudio.com.

Take a Look Morning. Applewild School, 120 Prospect St., Fitchburg. 9 a.m. Prospective parents of kids in grades K – 8 can tour the school and see teachers and students in action. No RSVP necessary.

978-342-6053, x110, applewild.org.

FREE Drop-In Playgroup. Wayland Children’s & Parents Association (WCPA), Wayland Town Building Gym or local playground, Wayland. 10 – 11:15 a.m. For children 5 and under. Open to the public. Call ahead to confirm all details. 508-358-7076.

Play with your kids in a unique space, the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln. decordova.org.

snowshoeing tour under the full moon. Explore the fields and forests under the stars and moonlight and search for owls and other night wildlife. Preregistration required. Fees apply 508-655-2296, massaudubon.org.

squares and international folk dances. Ages 5+. All dances are taught first. $5pp, $25 family max. 781438-4387, facone.org.

Petersham Montessori School Open House.

28 New Salem Rd., Petersham. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For parents of children ages 2.9 - 6. 978-724-0246, petershammontessorischool.com.

FREE Drop Into Art. Danforth Museum of Art, 123 Union Ave., Framingham. 2 - 4 p.m.

Families are invited to visit the Museum and then create works of art together on the First Sunday of the month. Perfect for children ages 5-10 with adult.

Call to confirm. 508-620-0937, danforthmuseum.org.

Antique Sleigh Rally. Old Sturbridge Village.

9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. A genuine New England sleigh rally. See horse-drawn sleighs in action, including cutters and bobsleighs, as they compete for awards.

A$2, Y (3-17) $7, C under 3 FREE. osv.org.

Eye Wonder Family Program. Decordova Museum and Sculpture Park, 5 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 1 – 3 p.m. A monthly drop-in program for families which focuses on careful looking and creative art projects. $12, Y$8, C under 5 FREE. decordova.org.

5SUNDAY

6MONDAY

FOR PARENTS Starting Vegetable and Herb Seeds Indoors. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 1 – 4 p.m. Learn how and when to start your favorite garden crops indoors. Then go home and teach the kids. $40pp. towerhillbg.org.

FREE & ONGOING Preschool Storytime. The Blue Bunny, 577 High St., Dedham. 10:30 a.m. Every Monday. Just drop in but please call ahead to confirm.

781-493-6568.

FREE & ONGOING Singalong Story Time. Barefoot Books, 89 Thoreau St., Concord. Wednesdays, 4 – 4:30 p.m. All ages. Call to confirm: 978-369-1770, barefootbooks.org.

Drop In Children’s Museum of NH. 6 Washington St., Dover, NH. 10:45 – 11:30 a.m. This interactive weekly drop-in program for children ages 2 - 4 and a parent or caregiver includes art, music, movement and conceptual learning. $9 A/C pair, $8 each additional member. childrens-museum.org.

Parents of Twins. Our Lady of the Lake Church, 1400 Main St., Leominster. Meets every second Wed. until May 9. 7 – 9 p.m. Described as “a fun group of parents of twins and multiples who live in the Central Massachusetts area.” Provides educational, social and emotional support to mothers and expectant mothers of multiples in the local area.

Winter Programs for Little Explorers. 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield. 10 – 11:30 a.m. Open to families of children ages 2 – 6. $9pp, C$7. 978-8879264, massaudubon.org.

FREE & ONGOING Baby and Me: Loving and Learning Together. St. Peter’s Church, 929 Main St., Worcester. 10 a.m. - Noon. An opportunity for adults and infants (ages birth to 1 year old) to get together to share experiences, discuss the joys and challenges of parenting and have fun. Please call ahead to confirm: 508-421-4500.

9THURSDAY FREE Music and Movement. Barefoot Books, 89 Thoreau St., Concord. 7 – 8 p.m. This interactive session for parents will include common misconceptions regarding children’s aptitude, the Theory of Multiple Intelligences proposed by Howard Gardner, basic music competence, modeling of parents, teachers and caregivers and the best environments for children’s learning. Presented by BAYSTATEPARENT 47

OH,THEPLACESYOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LLGO Vic Lalli, B.S., of Music Together of Assabet Valley. firstconnections.org.

ONGOING Little Explorers. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10 a.m. on Thursdays. Little Explorers is similar to preschool classroom circle time experience. Stories, music and crafts are offered around a weekly theme. Fees apply.

Call ahead to confirm. 978-456-3924, fruitlands.org.

Lowell Winterfest. Feb. 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11. Highlights include human dogsled races, Look of Lowell Fashion Show, a micro-brew competition, gallery walk, live music and soup bowl competition in this annual festival in Lowell, a city in northeastern Massachusetts. lowell.org/ Pages/Winterfest.aspx/.

Lowell Winterfest. Feb. 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11. Highlights include human dogsled races, Look of Lowell Fashion Show, a micro-brew competition, gallery walk, live music and soup bowl competition in this annual festival in Lowell, a city in northeastern Massachusetts. lowell.org/ Pages/Winterfest.aspx/.

Blown Away: An Original Play featuring the Peanuts Gang. Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport. Feb. 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12. Fri. - Sat., 7:30 p.m. and Sat. - Sun., 3 p.m. Featuring an all-child cast, Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy and the whole gang share in this fast-paced show of vignettes that charm the audience with dance,

11SATURDAY Kid-Friendly Concerts. The Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 2 and 3:30 p.m. Enjoy performances by The Hampshire Young Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chorus. 413- 658-1100, carlemuseum.org.

FREE Families Connect: Free Movement Workshop. Mills Gallery at the Boston Center for the Arts 551 Tremont St., Boston. 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3:30 p.m. Explore how everyday movements can inspire dance with BCA Resident Contrapose Dance through an interactive

Toddler Time. Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center 333 Nahanton St., Newton. Thursdays, 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11 a.m. Ages 18 months â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 years with adult.

Facilitated, toddler-friendly activities and social time in a nurturing and stimulating environment. $8 drop in but call to confirm before attending any group listed in the bsp calendar. 617-558-6522.

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS). Heritage Bible Chapel, Princeton. Meets the second Thursday of each month, 9:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:30 a.m. Find a supportive community of mothers with a wealth of experiences to share. A typical meeting includes refreshments, conversation, a presentation relevant to motherhood and some type of creative activity. 978-464-5100, princetonmops.vpweb.com.

Nature Adventures for 5 -7 Year Olds.

Broadmeadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester.

1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 p.m. This hands-on nature program is held on the second Thursday of each month for 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7 year olds. Explore the topic indoors -- with investigations, crafts and activities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and outdoors a 400-acre wildlife sanctuary. (Homeschool classes for 8 - 13-year-olds meet at the same time.) $12pp. massaudubon.org.

10FRIDAY

song, and laughs. A wonderfully endearing slice of Americana, the Peanuts comic strip delights us with precocious children interacting in a world where adults are never seen. 978-462-7336, firehouse. org/L3-shows-family4.html.

Salemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival. Feb. 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 14. The City of Salem celebrates Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day with a series of wine and chocolate events at local establishments and ice sculptures. salemmainstreets.org.

Worcester Sharks vs. Manchester. DCU Center, Worcester. 7:30 p.m. $15 - $35pp. sharksahl.com.

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Helping Parents in New England Give Their Children with Special Needs a Future Southeast Advocate Associates helps families of children with special needs in steering their way through the complicated network of education, medical and legal systems to obtain adequate and appropriate educational services for their children in both public and private schools.

Cheryl Follett â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30 years experience advocating for children with disabilities t XXX TPVUIFBTUBEWPDBUFBTTPDJBUFT DPN

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48 FEBRUARY2012

workshop. Limited spaces available. To register, call 617-426-1119 or email cwoo@bcaoline.org.

Laura Veirs & the Tumble Bees Concert. Club Passim, Harvard Square, Cambridge. 3:30 p.m.

Tumble Bee, the first childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record from the prolific Laura Veirs inspires listeners to lean in close and hit replay. Much more than simply a record for children, Tumble Bee defies category to stand on its own as a vibrant, sonically beautiful recording; listeners of all ages will revel in Veirs at her prime. $15pp. lauraveirs.com, clubpassim.org.

Guided Hikes. Fruitlands Museum, Harvard. 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 p.m. Enjoy snow-covered trails and hills. Bring your sled and rocket down the â&#x20AC;&#x153;OMGâ&#x20AC;? hill if you dare,

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ONGOING The Wizard of Oz. Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston. Ends February 26. For adults and children ages 6+. Friday nights at 7:30; Saturday & Sunday matinees at 3; School vacation week matinees at 1 p.m. Tickets: $30 - $20. PJ parties: $15. 617879-2300, WheelockFamilyTheatre.org.

photo courtesy of Keith Munslow

FOR PARENTS & FREE Support Group. 118 Central St., Waltham. First and Third Thursdays, 6:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9 p.m.

Are you the parent or caregiver of a child or young adult with behavioral or mental health issues? Are you feeling alone and isolated? This free and confidential support group is for you. 781-891-0555 x 34.

Keith Munslow and his pals bring a high-energy family show to West Boylston on Feb. 11th and to the Providence Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum on Feb. 25th. keithmunslow.com.

or pick a gentler slope for the younger crowd. The friendly folks from Eastern Mountain Sports will be on hand with snowshoes and x-country skis for you to try out on guided hikes. The bonfire will be roaring and hot chocolate will be for sale to warm your heart and hands. Fees apply. fruitlands.org.

Become a FrogWatch USA Volunteer. Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Did you know that frogs are in peril all over the world? Become a volunteer â&#x20AC;&#x153;citizen scientistâ&#x20AC;?by attending just one training session that discusses the importance of amphibians in the environment, how to tell frog species apart by their calls and how monitoring our local population helps to protect them. Then commit to monitoring a local amphibian habitat (such as a pond or lake) and collecting data on what you hear, approximately once a week for about 15 minutes. rwpzoo.org. Also on March 7, 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 p.m., March 24, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., and April 12, 6 - 8 p.m.

Lowell Winterfest. Feb. 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11. Highlights include human dogsled races, Look of Lowell Fashion Show, a micro-brew competition, gallery walk, live music and soup bowl competition in this annual festival in Lowell, a city in northeastern Massachusetts. lowell.org/ Pages/Winterfest.aspx/.

Salemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival. Feb. 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 14. The City of Salem celebrates Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day with a series of wine and chocolate events at local establishments and ice sculptures. salemmainstreets.org.

Be Mine: Chocolate and Valentines. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. See chocolate processed by hand in the manner of the ancient Mexicans and learn how it was enjoyed in the 19th century as a beverage! Get the surprising 1824 recipe for chocolate cakes. See a display of antique valentines and learn about the local connection to the iconic cards.A$20, Y(3-17) $7, C under age 3 Free. osv.org. Also Feb. 12.

Keith Munslow Family Fun Show. West Boylston Middle/High School Auditorium, West Boylston.

2 p.m. Keith is a Parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice Award winning songwriter, storyteller and comedian for kids and families. Opening for Keith will be Tim the Magician (Tim Wilder of Worcester) as an added bonus. $5pp or $15 family. For ticket information, visit wbaf.org. keithmunslow.com.

Snowshoeing for Families. Broad Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester. 10 a.m. - Noon. For children ages 5+. Learn how to use snowshoes. If there is not enough snow, a hike will be provided. Hot chocolate and coffee available. Family rate: $24 or A$7, C$5.

Prices includes snowshoe rentals. 508-753-6087.

Jump-Start Learning in 30 Days: A unique program combining light, sound and motion to strengthen connections in the brain and central nervous system resulting in improved Attention, Behavior, Communication, Coordination, Memory, Motor Skills, Organization, Processing, Reading, Speech, Social Skills, and Ability to Learn.

85 Constitution Lane Suite 2A Danvers, MA 01923

www.SensoryLearning-Danvers.com 978-473-9720

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO

time. Daddy/Daughter of all ages are welcome.

Registration and prepay required of $18 per pair. Any additional daughters is $8.

13MONDAY

Family Art-Making Workshop: Claymation.

ICA, Boston. 1 – 4:30 p.m. Create clay models to make a short film to be shown at the end of class!

Ages 8+ with an adult. $45pp. ica.org.

Annual Lunar New Year Festival. North Quincy High School. 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Live entertainment, arts and crafts, cultural displays and Asian cuisine. quincyasianresources.org.

The Tanglewood Marionettes present: The Dragon King. Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline.

10:30 a.m. coolidge.org.

Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival. Feb. 10 – 14. The City of Salem celebrates Valentine’s Day with a series of wine and chocolate events at local establishments and ice sculptures. salemmainstreets.org.

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

No pre-registration required. $8ppNM. Please confirm before attending! Visit isisparenting.org for a complete calendar of groups meeting in other locations.

12SUNDAY

Chinese New Year. Harvard Square, Cambridge.

1 – 4 p.m. 2012 is the year of the Dragon and the 57th Anniversary of the Hong Kong in Harvard Square. Massachusetts Avenue from the Hong Kong to Yenching will be festooned with red and gold lanterns hanging from wrought iron lampposts as everyone prepares for the grand annual Chinese New Year procession through Harvard Square and the cultural “Open House” at the Hong Kong! Enjoy a Lion Dance around a lantern-bedecked oak tree in Winthrop Park (98 Winthrop Street) and then enjoy a Lion Dance Parade over to the Hong Kong (1:30 p.m.) From 2- 4 p.m. several generations of the Lee Family will continue their tradition of community outreach by welcoming the public into the “Kong” for a special cultural open house. harvardsquare.com.

Toe Jam Puppet Band. Buttonwood Park Zoo,

Mom’s and Dad’s Kids Expo. The Independence Mall, Kingston, MA. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

781-582-2445, independencemall.com.

Animal Footprint and Signs. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Natick. 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Wonder what animal made those tracks? Who is traveling on the trails or through your yard?

Come find out how to solve these mysteries! Preregistration required. Fees apply. 508-655-2296 or broadmoorprograms@massaudubon.org.

Second Annual Daddy/Daughter Breakfast.

PYOP Studio, Northboro. Take your daughter out for some alone daddy/daughter pottery painting

ONGOING Ice Skating. Bank of America City Center.

Greater Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI. Nov. 19 – March 18. The 14,000-square-foot skating rink is twice the size of Rockefeller Plaza’s ice rink in New York City! Skate rentals available. May close pending weather conditions – call first. Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. 10 p.m. and Sat. and Sun., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. A$6, C (12 and under) $3. Skate rental $4. 401-331-5544.

FREE MOMS Club of Sutton and Oxford Valentine’s Day Open House. 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. For any interested moms in Sutton or Oxford.

There will be a craft for the children and a light lunch.

Please RSVP to president@momsclubofsutton if you plan on attending. momsclubofsutton.com Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival. Feb. 10 – 14. The City of Salem celebrates Valentine’s Day with a series of wine and chocolate events at local establishments and ice sculptures. salemmainstreets.org.

photo courtesy of the hampshire young people’s chorus

FREE Fifth Annual TeenLife LIVE! Community Service Fair & Expo in Greater Boston. The Mall at Chestnut Hill in Chestnut Hill, 12 – 4 p.m.

Meet with representatives from over 50 non-profits in Greater Boston that welcome the involvement of middle and/or high school students. Hear musical performances from area middle and high schools, visit with other sponsors and exhibitors and pick up free guides from TeenLife Boston. teenlife.com.

Storytime. Danforth Museum School of Art, 123 Union Ave., Framingham. 1:30 p.m. Every second Sunday. Free with admission: A$11, C under 17 FREE. Please call to confirm. 508-620-937, danforthmuseum.org.

14TUESDAY

Always wanted to visit The Eric Carle Museum in Amherst?

On Feb. 11th, The Hampshire Young People’s Chorus will perform for you. carlemuseum.org.

Be Mine: Chocolate and Valentines. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. See chocolate processed by hand in the manner of the ancient Mexicans and learn how it was enjoyed in the 19th century as a beverage! Get the surprising 1824 recipe for chocolate cakes. See a display of antique valentines and learn about the local connection to the iconic cards.A$20, Y(3-17) $7, C under age 3 Free. osv.org.

Worcester Sharks vs. Portland. DCU Center, Worcester. 7:30 p.m. $15 - $35pp. sharksahl.com.

New Bedford. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Sing, dance and play the hour away with this charismatic band. $5 plus admission: A$6, C (3 – 12) $3, Under 3 free. bpzoo.org.

Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival. Feb. 10 – 14. The City of Salem celebrates Valentine’s Day with a series of wine and chocolate events at local establishments and ice sculptures. salemmainstreets.org.

ONGOING HOPE Youth Group. 51 Union St., Suite 312, Worcester. Meets on Tuesdays, 5 – 6 p.m.

This is a non-therapeutic youth group for teens ages 14-19 who want to connect, make a difference and have fun while living with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs. Dinner is FREE. 508-767-9725

15WEDNESDAY x 204 or email info@ppal.net.

ONGOING & FREE The Mom To Mom program.

Trinity Church,14 Wattaquadock Hill Rd., (just off Route 117), Bolton. Every Wednesday, 9:15 – 11 a.m. Mom to Mom is designed to encourage and support all mothers, grandmothers and caregivers with biblically-based teaching on topics related to parenting, women’s health. Nursery care available for infants – kindergartners. Free to all newcomers. trintybolton.org/momtomomhtm, 978-779-5517.

Moms of Multiples. First Connections, 111 ORNAC, Suite 1009, at Emerson Hospital, Concord. Monthly, every third Wed., until March 21. All moms who are raising multiples are welcome, including expectant moms. Share and gather tips and strategies to east day-to-day challenges, and enjoy some uninterrupted adult conversation! Send your email for monthly reminders in order to RSVP. 978-287-0221, firstconnections.org.

FREE FREE FREE

38 SW Cutoff Northborough, MA 01532

Orthodontic Consultation

Adult Consultation

Infant Oral Exam

New patients only, please.

With this coupon.

New patients only, please.

With this coupon.

For ages 2 and under.

New patients only, please.

With this coupon.

508.393.9394

www.mychildrensdentist.com BAYSTATEPARENT 49

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO FREE Wee Hands: Intro to Baby Signing.

Watertown Free Public Library, Watertown. 11 a.m.

For children ages 2 and under. Learn some basic signs to communicate with your baby. .Register: 617-972-6435.

FOR MOMS Ladies, Rock. Boston Rock Gym, 78G Olympia Ave., Woburn. Every Wed., 12 – 10 p.m.

All ladies climb for $5 (rentals extra). 781-935-7325, bostonrockgym.com.

16THURSDAY

17FRIDAY ONGOING Winter Skate at Patriot Place.

Foxborough. Mon. - Thurs., 12 – 9 p.m.; Fri., 12 – 11 p.m.; Sat. and school holidays, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. The 60-by-140-foot, refrigerated ice surface is designed specifically for recreational skating, and features a observation deck for non-skaters. Large enough to accommodate beginners and experts alike, the professional surface provides ideal skating conditions at all times. Onsite skate rentals, concessions and bathrooms are

18SATURDAY The Cat’s Pajamas Concert. Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Cambridge. 10:30 a.m. The Cat’s Pajamas makes very cool music for kids, bringing a musical comedy twist to high-octane kid-rock. The Cats put on more than a concert—they invite the audience from the very first note to enter a wild, wonderful world of stories, dance, puppets and props, all backed by a band making great music that just happens to be for kids. A$10, C$5. passim.org.

Explore Collections. Boston Children’s Museum, Boston. 10:3 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Did you know the Museum has collection items from around the world?

Learn more about where these objects come from, why they were made, and how they were used. Put on white gloves and explore some of the museum’s hidden treasures. $12pp, C under 1 FREE. bostonkids.org.

50 FEBRUARY2012

President’s Day Weekend, 1820, 2012. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

George Washington, the first U.S. president, was honored with balls and toasts in the 1830s. Take part in the celebration and embrace the joys of an old fashioned winter with ice skating, sledding on vintage 1830s sleds, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Indoor hands-on crafts, activities and entertainment for children are also available. A$20, Y (3-17) $7, C under 3 FREE. osv.org.

The Cat’s Pajamas Concert. Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Very cool music for kids, bringing a musical comedy twist to high-octane kid-rock. A$9.75, C $7.75. Coolidge.org.

photo courtesy of the cat’s pajamas

Little Chefs. Imajine That, 55 Merrimack St., Lawrence. 11 – 11:30 a.m. A different food will be offered for your child to play an active role in preparing his/her meal. $5 per child (price includes a juice box). imajinethat.com.

ONGOING YAYA Young Adult Group (Young Adults & Youth Advocacy). 51 Union St., Suite 312, Worcester. Meets 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 5 – 6:30 p.m. YAYA is a non-therapeutic support group for young adults living with mental health, behavioral or emotional needs. Many of our young adults are transitioning from adolescence towards independence and want to make friends, build connections and develop new skills. Dinner is FREE! 508-767-9725 x204

Family Owl Prowl. Wachusett Meadow, Princeton.

5 – 7 p.m. For children and their parents. Hear a story, examine owl pellets and take a walk in search of owls.

Family rate: $21 or A$6, C$3. massaudubon.org.

19SUNDAY

Bring your Baby to the Danforth Museum of Art. Framingham. 10 a.m. For parents with babies, 0 – 12 months. Learn about art, chat with other parents and play with your baby in a beautiful, welcoming environment. The museum is closed to the public during this program. Light refreshments provided. $12 per family. Just drop in! Registration is encouraged. danforthmuseum.org. Also March 15.

Toddler Tales. Buttonwood Park Zoo, New Bedford. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a zooper fun story time with snack and craft activity.

Recommended for ages 3 – 5. A$6, C (3-12) $3, C under 3 FREE. bpzoo.org.

to identify the tracks, chews, scat, burrows and other clues left by many creatures including deer, fisher and coyote. Fees apply. Pre-registration required.

508-655-2296 or email broadmoorprograms@ massaudubon.org.

It’s high-octane kid rock at The Cat’s Pajamas concert, Feb. 19th, Brookline. coolidge.org.

available and parking is free. A$8, C 12 and under $6. Ice skating rentals $4. 508-203-2100.

Auto Parts Monster Jam. DCU Center, Worcester. 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. An incredible familyfriendly experience starting Monster Jam monster trucks. These twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over - or smash through. dcu.com. Also Feb. 18.

Family Day Color. Decordova Museum and Sculpture Park, 5 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 11 a.m. 3 p.m. Families with children of all ages are invited to explore how artists employ color and black and white.

Art activities, demonstrations, storytelling and more.

A$12, C (6-12) $6, C under 6 FREE. decordova.org.

Animal Signs. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Natick. 1 – 2:30 p.m. Winter is a great time to look for signs of animals as they forage for food and shelter during the cold winter months. Learn

Family Dance. Concord Scout House, 74 Walden St., Concord. Monthly every third Sunday. Fun for all ages! Participatory folk dancing for families with live music by Cal Howard & Friends. Appropriate for ages 5+. All of the dances done are taught first. 781-4384387, facone.org.

Community Skate Nights. Old Sturbridge Village.$5pp. Bring your own skates. osv.org. Also Feb. 26.

President’s Day Weekend, 1820, 2012. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge. See Feb. 18th for listing details.

Snowshoeing and Winter Tracking. Burncoat Pond, Worcester. Sponsored by Mass Audubon.

1:30 – 4 p.m. For families with children ages 6+.

Family Rate: $36 or A$10, C$8. Snowshoes provided or bring your own and get $2 off per person. 508753-6087.

20MONDAY The Ugly Duckling. The Eric Carle Museum, Amherst. Feb. 20 – 24. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. A fun and energetic re-telling of Hans Christian Anderson’s beloved tale The Ugly Duckling. Tickets may be

purchased in advance: 413-658-1126. $6pp plus admission. carlemuseum.org.

Hands-on Historical Activities. The Old State House, Boston. Drop in during school vacation week.

All activities take place continuously between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and are free with museum admission.

Monday: Make your own coat of arms; Tues.: Tavern Games; Wed.: 18th-Century Portraits; Thurs.: A Sailor’s Life; Fri.: Colonial Broadsides. A $7.50, St. $6, Y (6-18) $3, C 5 and under FREE. bostonhistory.org.

Benjamin Franklin, Scientist. Old South Meeting House, Boston. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Benjamin Franklin experimented with static electricity to discover the properties of lightning. He invited a musical instrument in 1761, and a year later, he discovered the ocean’s Gulf Stream through observation! Come experiment to see if static electricity can put your hair on end! See if you can recreate the eerie sounds of his glass armonica using water glasses, and create your own ocean tide. A$6, C (6-18) $1. osmh.org.

to create your own works of art...with a few surprises!

Admission fees apply. icaboston.org/programs/ families/ ONGOING Ice Skating on Frog Pond. Boston Common. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Dependent on weather.

C 13 and under FREE, C 14 and over $4. Rentals available.617-635-2121. bostonfrogpond.com FREE Weekly Playtime. The Children’s Room at Jewish Family Service of Metrowest, 475 Franklin St., Framingham. 11 a.m. For children 0 – 4 with adult.

A great opportunity for young children to play in a

Aloft! The Wonder of Kites. American Textile History Museum, 491 Dutton St., Lowell. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the history, the significance and the fun of these tethered aircraft in three amazing exhibits. Plus, there are plenty of hands-on kite making and kite flying activities for all ages, including making a kite to be strung together with others in one huge community kite to be flown in the spring. Also hands-on explorationi of air currents and the principles of flight, as well as a computerized kite simulator to explore different kite designs and see how they would fly.

A$8, C$6, C (6 and under) free. athm.org.

photo courtesy of the boston children’s museum

Circus Minimus. Walsh Middle School Auditorium, 301 Brook St., Framingham. 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Watch as a circus tent, lights and music come out of a suitcase to put on a unique show, complete with a ring master, magician and acrobats! Advance tickets: $5; At the door: $8. 800-838-3006, brownpapertickets. com/event/216855.

Birds of Prey. Providence Children’s Museum, Providence, RI. 1 p.m. Learn about majestic birds of prey with licensed raptor rehabilitator Julie Collier.

Meet a glorious golden eagle, a tiny owl, a redtailed hawk, a falcon and other magnificent raptors.

Recommended for ages 3+. Free with museum admission. 401- 273-5437, childrenmuseum.org.

Get a hands-on look at Native communities today at the Boston Children’s Museum’s new exhibit, Native Voices: New England Tribal Families.

President’s Day Weekend, 1820, 2012. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge. See Feb. 18th for listing details.

safe and fun environment while adults can meet and connect. A light snack will be provided for the kids.For more information, contact metrowest@jccgb.org or 508-879-3300. bostonjcc.org.

Color Sleuths. Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), Boston. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Figuring color for inspiration then investigate and experiment with color

Family Day Color. Decordova Museum and Sculpture Park, 5 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln. 11 a.m. 3 p.m. Families with children of all ages are invited to explore how artists employ color and black and white.

Art activities, demonstrations, storytelling and more.

A$12, C (6-12) $6, C under 6 FREE. decordova.org.

Are you concerned about your child’s moods or behaviors?

Is you child

Worcester. 9:30 – 11 a.m. Parent and child work together to make plaster hand prints and paint. Just drop in!508-799-3136, wfcp.worcesterschools.org.

22WEDNESDAY ONGOING Ice Skating. The Charles Hotel, Boston.

4 – 7 p.m. This 2,900 square foot rink is open to the public. Rentals available. A$5, C under 12 $3. Call to confirm ice conditions. 617-864-1200.

FREE Support Group for Moms Born in Other Countries. First Connections, 111 ORNAC, Suite 1009 at Emerson Hospital, Concord. Meets every fourth Wednesday until March 28th. Facilitated group for moms who were born in other countries, and who are now raising their own children in the U.S. Share your unique perspectives and observations, discuss language choices for children, traditional versus American roles of women, and how you are preserving your own culture within the family. New members welcome to meet others who are far from their homeland. RSVP to be added to a monthly reminder email. 978-287-0221, firstconnections.org.

A Visit with Abraham Lincoln. Concord Museum 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. 1 – 2 p.m. Watch Lincoln impersonator Steve Wood Steve Wood perform his first-person historical interpretation which includes stories of Lincoln’s early life, his campaign debates, the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and concludes with a stirring reading of the Gettysburg Address. Registration required. A$10, C$5. 978-3699763, concordmuseum.org.

21TUESDAY

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO

explosive, angry or XaaXcPQ[T?

If so, your child may be eligible to participate in a research study that uses natural treatments for Bipolar Spectrum Disorders in children 6-12 years old at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Stone Cold Science. Marlboro Public Library, 2 – 3 p.m. Amazing things happen when matter changes temperature. With the help of a Museum of Science educator and an intensely cold liquid, visitors will experience the remarkable changes of size, form and behaviors that occur when a variety of objects and substances are super-cooled. 508-624-6902, marlboroughpubliclibrary.org.

FREE Making Hand Prints.. Families and Communities Growing Together, 130 Leeds St.,

FREE Djembe dell’Arte: African Dance and Drumming. The Stephen Smith Center at the JFK Presidential Library and Museum, Dorchester. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Great for ages 5+. Experience the energy and excitement of African Dance with Djembe dell’Arte, accompanied by drumming ensemble Troupe Komee Djosee from Mali, West Africa. The performance features authentic African masks and costumes, folk dances of Mali and a lively drum circle.

Reservations requiredr: 617-514-1644, jfklibrary.org.

Winter Detectives. Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Rd., Framingham. 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Use all your senses to investigate life above, in and under the snow. Inside the classroom after warm snacks, instructor Bonnie Drexler helps us conduct experiments with snow and ice to learn more clues about winter survival. 508-877-7630, x 330, newenglandwild.org.

FREE Drop in Craft. Marlboro Public Library, 35 W. Main St., Marlboro. 2 – 4 p.m. Make a fun weather wheel. 508-624-6902, marlboroughpubliclibrary.org.

Science Show. Jam Time, 86 Powder Mill Rd., Maynard. 10 – 11 a.m. An interactive, educational and fun jammin’ science show! This event is geared towards kids 3-7, but younger siblings are welcome.

Stay and play indoors after the show! Free with the price of admission. 978-897-2917, jamtime.com.

Pony Rides Sleigh rides Egg Collecting Cow Milking Ice skating

Farm Vacations Groundhog Weekend February 3-5

Winterfest Weekend February 10-12

President’s Weekend February 17-20

PARTICIPANTS WILL COME TO OUR CAMBRIDGE OFFICE FOR 12 WEEKLY STUDY VISITS, AND WILL RECEIVE STUDY-RELATED EVALUATIONS AND 3 FOLLOW-UP VISITS AT NO COST.

Winter Break February 20-26

Maple Sugar Weekend March 9-11

To learn more and to see if your child may be eligible, please call:

617-724-4644

Indoor Pool Cross Country Skiing Children’s Activities Snowshoeing BAYSTATEPARENT 51

OH,THEPLACESYOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LLGO New England Dogsledding. Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, 110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket, CT. 2 p.m. Steve Crone from New England Dogsledding brings his magnificent sled dogs for an educational program on dogsledding in New England. His dogs are Alaskan huskies which originated with Alaskan Native sled dogs, and have been bred to be faster. Free with museum admission. pequotmuseum.org. Also Feb. 23.

Stacey Peasley Full Band Show. Fundraiser for Judy Gordon Nursery School at Temple Israel Hartford Street, Natick. 10 a.m. $8 tickets at the door. staceypeasley.com.

FREE Rice Day. Families and Communities Growing Together, 130 Leeds St., Worcester. 9:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11 a.m.

Rice-themed activities that correlate with the book, Everybody Loves Rice. Just drop in!508-799-3136, wfcp.worcesterschools.org.

24FRIDAY Kids Jam. Boston Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum, Boston. 5:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8:30 p.m. An all ages dance party in Club Common!

Led by kids. Supported by adults. Fees may apply. bostonkids.org.

Enjoy cocoa and treats after your exploration. Fees apply. 508-877-7630, x 3303, newenglandwild.org.

TheHanoverTheatre.org.

Moms Club of Hubbardston. Location TBA. Serves the towns of Barre, Hubbardston, Princeton and Templeton. Meets every 3rd Friday of the month.

508-667-8102, momsofhubb.freehostia.com.

After School Skate. Roller Kingdom, Hudson.

4-6:30 p.m. $6 admission includes skate rental Parents get in free. Skate rental for parents just $1. rollerkingdom.drupalgardens.com.

25SATURDAY Play Date: Color Me Contemporary. Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Wear your favorite hue to this color-themed Play Date. Explore the galleries and explore the wintry effects on the Boston Harbor with art-making activities. Tickets: Free for families: up to 2 adults per family accompanied by children ages 6â&#x20AC;&#x201C;12. ica.org.

ONGOING Tubing Park. Nashoba Valley, 179 Great Rd., Littleton. 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10 p.m. weekdays. 9

Bitty Bearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Story Time. American Girl, Natick.

10:30 a.m. Preschoolers and their parents can hear a reading of Bitty Bearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Story Time, then enjoy an art activity and tasty treats. Reservations required. For girls ages 3+. $10pp. americangirl.com.

Winter Carnival. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crafts, foods, visiting with Alpacas, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and more. Admission applies. towerhillbg.org.

ONGOING Disney On Ice: Dare to Dream. TD Garden, Boston. Feb. 17 - 26. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show is at 2 p.m. Features Tangled, The Princess and the Frog and Cinderella. tdgarden.com.

The Big Doozie Presents: The Billy Kelly Show. Amazing Things Art Center, 160 Hollis St., Framingham. 10:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:30 a.m. Billy Kelly is a guy with a guitar and shoes and a head and band called The Blahblahblahs and other stuff.

His songs are humorous as well as funny. $10pp.

Amazingthings.org.

FREE Beach Day. Families and Communities Growing Together, 130 Leeds St., Worcester. 9:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11 a.m.

Beach-themed activities: sand table, beach balls, fishing for paper fish and swap a gently used childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or parenting book the family has outgrown. Just drop in!508-799-3136, wfcp. worcesterschools.org.

photo courtesy of tess johnson photography

AY

23THURSDAY Make a Mini Terrarium. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 p.m. Plant a beautiful easy to care for mini-garden in an open-topped round glass container or a glass jar. Bring it home to brighten up any room in your house! Suitable for ages 6 and up.$14pp. towerhillbg.org.

Drop In Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

Marlboro Public Library, 35 W. Main St, Marlboro.

2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 p.m. Watch the movie on the big screen! 508624-6902, marlboroughpubliclibrary.org.

New England Dogsledding. Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, Mashantucket, CT. See Feb. 22 listing for details.

Ben Rudnick Concert. Reading High School Auditorium, 82 Oakland Rd., Reading. 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11 a.m. $5 advance tickets; $8 at the door. 781-454-7486, benrudnick.com.

FREE The Minstrel Storyteller. Families and Communities Growing Together, 130 Leeds St., Worcester. 11 a.m. - Noon. Mary Jo Maichack performs. Just drop in!508-799-3136, wfcp. worcesterschools.org, maryjomaichack.com.

Let bspâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s October cover model, Miss Pink 2011, Donna Wadden, hand her crown to you.

Enter the 2012 Miss Pink Pageant: misspinkpageant.blogspot.com/

ONGOING The Wizard of Oz. Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston. Ends February 26. For adults and children ages 6+. Friday nights at 7:30; Saturday & Sunday matinees at 3; School vacation week matinees at 1 p.m. Tickets: $30 - $20. PJ parties: $15. 617879-2300, WheelockFamilyTheatre.org.

Animal Tracking. Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Rd., Framingham. 1:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3:30 p.m.Learn some winter tracking skills and explore the winter woods. Make a â&#x20AC;&#x153;track finderâ&#x20AC;? to use and take home.

a.m.- 10 p.m. weekends, holiday and holiday weeks.

Requirements: Over age 6 and at least 42â&#x20AC;? in height.

Two-hour ticket:$27. skinashoba.com.

Winter Campout. Rocky Woods, Hartford St., Medfield. 12 p.m. - 12 p.m. Learn how to build your very own snow survival shelter or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quinzee.â&#x20AC;?

Participates will hollow out a pile of settled snow and create a shelter large enough and WARM enough to spend the night in. Participates will also have chance to learn no match winter fire building, use a rocket stove to cook dinner and go on a guided snowshoe hike. Pre-registration is required: $60pp. 508-7850339, thetrustees.org.

FREE Meet the Author: Mary Casanova.

American Girl, Natick. 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 p.m. Meet Mary Casanova, the award-winning author of our 2009 Girl of the Year books! This informal session is your opportunity to meet Ms. Casanova in person and have your favorite books signed. Open to all. Great for girls 8+. americangirl.com.

ONGOING Hasbro GameLand. Wood Museum of Springfield History. Check out this new hands-on exhibit for children based on popular Hasbro toys and games. A$12.50, C (3-17) $6.50, C under 3 FREE. 413-263-6800, springfieldmuseums.org.

lil iguana Safety Festival. Nashua South High School, 36 Riverside St., Nashua NH. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Entertainment, fun crafts and activities, safety and health scavenger hunt, healthy eating and tastings, jump houses, costume characters, team mascots Rock Band, Guitar Hero and Dance, Dance Revolution Stations, etc. 603-881-9805, liliguanausa.org

Shrek the Musical. The Hanover Theatre, Worcester. Feb. 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 26. 877-571-7469,

Tracking for Families. Mass Audubon, Wachusett Meadow, Princeton. 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 p.m. A beginner tracking

Where Smart Moms shop for brand name kids stuff at bargain prices!

120 Prospect Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420 (978)342-6053 ext 110 www.applewild.org Financial Aid and Merit Scholarships Available

WONDERS & SMILES AT APPLEWILD Stories, Crafts and Activities for ages 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6 Marshall Library at Applewild School

5IVSTEBZT 'FC BOE .BSDI t QN

April 27-29.2012

TAKE A LOOK MORNINGS

Best Western - Woburn

For more information, go to www.applewild.org or call 978 342-6053 x110

For details visit our website www.outďŹ tthekids.com

'FC .BSDI BOE "QSJM Every ďŹ rst Thursday of the month, 9:00 am.

52 FEBRUARY2012

Just off I-93 and Montvale Ave!

Now accepting new consignors!

Turn your kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; outgrown toys, clothes, & gear into cash!

Earn up to 70% of the prices YOU set!

program for families will introduce the tracks and trails of local wildlife. A$8, C$4. massaudubon.org.

welcome! $8 for non-member families. Call to confirm all events before attending! isisparenting.com.

Public Skating. North Star, 15 Bridle Lane, Westborough. 12 – 1 p.m. 508-366-1562, northstarfsc.com.

FREE Sing Along. Stella Bella Toys, Porter Square, Boston. 11 – 11:30 a.m. Sing along, dance and move to the music of Jeremy Lyons! Monday mornings in Porter Square. Jeremy also performs in Inman Square on Saturdays at 11a.m. stellabellatoys.com.

Worcester Sharks vs. Portland. DCU Center, Worcester. 7:30 p.m. $15 - $35pp. sharksahl.com.

26SUNDAY Billy Kelly & the Blah Blah Blahs. Coolidge Theatre, Brookline, 10:30 a .m. A fun, clever and silly morning of music not to be missed. coolidge.org.

Memories with Mom. American Girl, Natick.

Available during Bistro hours. Enjoy a delicious meal and one-on-one time together. Includes an American Girl book, a commemorative photo and frame and keepsakes to take home . Reservations required. For girls ages 6+. $35. americangirl.com.

Community Skate Nights. Old Sturbridge Village.$5pp. Bring your own skates. osv.org.

Harlem Globetrotters. DCU Center, Worcester.

2 – 5 p.m. dcu.com.

27MONDAY ONGOING Playgroup Drop-In ( 1-3 Years). Isis Parenting. Mondays in Arlington and Boston, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.; Needham, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. These drop-in groups are a great way to get your energetic toddler out of the house and meet other big and small people in a child-friendly environment, whatever the weather.

No pre-registration necessary. Grandparents and sitters

ONGOING New Moms Support Group. South Temple Chayai Shalom, Easton. Mondays 10:30 a.m.

- 12 p.m. 781-693-5635.

28TUESDAY Walnut Park Montessori Visiting Day. 47 Walnut Park, Newton. 9 – 10:30 a.m. Children do not accompany parents on this visit. 617-202-9772, jacksonwalnutparkschools.org.

29WEDNESDAY Celebrate Leap Day! Beaman Memorial Library, 8 Newton St., West Boylston. 6 – 8 p.m. Celebrate LEAP DAY with West Boylston resident Loree Griffin Burns and photographer Ellen Harasimowicz as they launch their newest children’s book. An all-ages presentation will highlight the kids, birds, bugs, and (of course!) frogs the two met while making Citizen Scientists. A book sale and signing will follow, with proceeds benefitting the Beaman Memorial Library.

508-835-3711, beamanlibrary.org.

SUBMIT AN EVENT Fill out our form at

baystateparent.com.

Our deadline for the March issue is

Sun., Feb. 5.

BAYSTATEPARENT 53

SHREWSBURY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Open House

Open House on Saturday, March 10th 2-4 pm

at the Shrewsbury and Auburn Campuses

March 6, 2012 5:30-6:30pm

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where bright minds come together!â&#x20AC;?

Elementary Grades One through Six Full Day Kindergarten Half Day and Full Day Preschool Ask about our Pre-Primary program for children 2.9 years old

Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Six The Brighton School is a non-proďŹ t, private, independent elementary school dedicated to providing a quality education that addresses the individual needs of students. s !CCELERATED 0ROGRAM s )Ndividualized Curriculum s 3MALL #LASS 3IZES s .URTURING %NVIRONMENT s 3PECIALIZED )NSTRUCTION IN SpanISH -USIC !RT

Science, Computer, 0HYSICAL %DUCATION and Yoga

Come see our Montessori classrooms in action!

Call to schedule your visit 508.842.2116 www.shrewsburymontessori.org 55 Oak Street Shrewsbury MA 01545 135 Byrn Mawr Avenue Auburn MA 01501

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

SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING! IS GIVING READERS THE CHANCE TO WIN A FOUR-PACK OF PASSES TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING AND AN

GIFT CARD VALUED AT $25!

NEW LORAX-INSPIRED BREAKFASTS AVAILABLE ONLY AT IHOP STARTING ON FEBRUARY 20.

For more information and to enter,visit our website

www.baystateparent.com Deadline to enter: Monday, February 20 FOR A LIMITED TIME AT PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON OR ADDRESS. WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED AT RANDOM AND NOTIFIED BY EMAIL WITH SCREENING DATE, TIME AND LOCATION. THIS FILM IS RATED PG FOR BRIEF MILD LANGUAGE.

IN THEATERS MARCH 2 54 FEBRUARY2012

Is your child struggling with anxiety, depression, or disruptive behaviors?

At Clinical Care we provide state of the art, evidence-based assessment and treatment for children 4-17 years old with: Anxiety D e p re s s i o n P o s t - Tr a u m a t i c S t re s s D i s o r d e r Disruptive Behaviors We ttai ailo lorr tr trea eatm tmen entt to the t he u uni niqu que e need ne edss of e eac ach h ch chil ild d an and d fa fami mily ly..

For more information about our services: (617) 278-4288 clinicalcare@jbcc.harvard.edu w w w. j b c c . h a r v a r d . e d u / c l i n i c a l c a r e Cli

nica l Ca re

an affiliate of

continued from page 45

REGISTERING NOW FOR SUMMER 2012!

MetroWest YMCA Day Camp

SUMMER CAMP

June 25-August 24 â&#x20AC;˘ Co-ed for ages 3-16

COUNTDOWN! To advertise your camp or summer program contact

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

COME TO HORSE CAMP! (OW IS #-3 DIFFERENT THAN OTHER SUMMER PROGRAMS 7E ARE !,, (/23%3 !,, $!9

Traditional Camp activities include archery, arts and crafts, canoeing, kayaking, nature study, music, drama, sports, high and low ropes course, outdoor skills, and swim lessons.

Specialty Camps include Flight Camp, TV Production, Hands-On Physics, Farm, Drama, Gymnastics, Fort Building, Robotics, and Engineering with Legos, John Smith Soccer and Football Camps and Horseback Riding.

Teen Leadership and Trip and Travel Programs are available for older campers.

School Vacation & Summer Programs

Busing, AM/PM extended day programs and financial assistance are available.

Beginners Welcome!

3ADDLE 5P s *UMPING 7ESTERN s 4EEN 0ROGRAMS 0ONY #AMP FOR AGES

5)& #0450/ "3&" 4 13&.*&3 %": $".1

Early Bird Specials!

3IGN UP BEFORE !PRIL

AND SAVE ON A WEEK OF CAMP 3AVE EVEN MORE WITH MULTIPLE WEEK PACKAGES #ONTACT US OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS AND TO ENROLL

(FOFSBM $BNQ BHFT

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4JNQMZ $JSDVT &YUSFNF 4QPSUT #FBWFS 0ò #SPBEXBZ )JHI "EWFOUVSF /BUVSF %JTDPWFSZ BOE NBOZ NPSF &YUFOEFE EBZ MVODI QSPWJEFE

3EE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS PACKAGE DEALS AND TO SIGN UP WWW CENTURYMILLSTABLES COM s 105 CMR 430.190: This camp has complied with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the local board of health.

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SPORTS BROADCASTING CAMP

Registered Nurse on site at all times, as well as first aid, CPR and EPI-pen trained staff.

METROWEST YMCA HOPKINTON

45 East Street Hopkinton, MA 01748 (508) 435-9345 www.metrowestymca.org

Back for our 8th year!

July 23-27, 2012 s -AKE SPORTS ANCHOR TAPES FROM A 46 STUDIO s -AKE PLAY BY PLAY TAPES OF THE 3UPER "OWL ."! &INALS s 4OUR &ENWAY 0ARK AND MAKE REPORTING TAPES INSIDEx AND MUCH MORE

Boys & Girls ages 10 - 18 will have an opportunity to learn from the pros in the industry.

For more information call 800-319-0884 or visit www.playbyplaycamps.com This camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health

Ă&#x160;-Ă&#x2022;Â&#x201C;Â&#x201C;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160; >Â&#x201C;ÂŤĂ&#x192;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2C6;VÂ&#x17D;Â&#x153;vv *Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x192;VÂ&#x2026;Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Â?Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;}Â&#x2026;Ă&#x160;£äĂ&#x152;Â&#x2026;Ă&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;>`i "Â&#x2DC;iĂ&#x160; >Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;"Â&#x2DC;Â?Ă&#x17E;oĂ&#x160;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;7Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;ViĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC; -Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;`>Ă&#x17E;]Ă&#x160; iLĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x2022;>Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;x]Ă&#x160; Â&#x2122;\ääĂ&#x160;qĂ&#x160;ÂŁ\ääĂ&#x160; at the Worcester JCC

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(in addition to your favorites!)

UĂ&#x160; >Â&#x201C;ÂŤĂ&#x160; iĂ&#x192;Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x152;] grades K-6 one week specialty camps in art, musical theater, tennis, Lego Robotics and Karate.

UĂ&#x160; >Â&#x201C;ÂŤĂ&#x160; Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x152;i, grades K-6, enhanced early and late summer program. Daily choice of activities.

UĂ&#x160;/iiÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;/Ă&#x20AC;>Ă&#x203A;iÂ?Ă&#x160; >Â&#x201C;ÂŤ, grades 7-9 July 30-August 2, travel to Philadelphia & beyond.

August 13-16, day trips: Explore Boston, Six Flags, Water Country and Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Island.

"Â&#x2DC;iĂ&#x160; >Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;"Â&#x2DC;Â?Ă&#x17E;oÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;7iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;LÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x153; -Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;`>Ă&#x17E;]Ă&#x160; iLĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x2022;>Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;ÂŁĂ&#x201C;]Ă&#x160; n\ääĂ&#x160;Â&#x2021;ÂŁÂŁ\ääĂ&#x160;>°Â&#x201C;°Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160; ½ >Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x160;-Â&#x2026;>Â?Â&#x153;Â&#x201C;] ÂŁÂŁĂ&#x2021;Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160; >Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;-Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;iiĂ&#x152;]Ă&#x160;7iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;LÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x153;

", Ă&#x160;7 -]Ă&#x160; ", Ă&#x160;- 6 -t Register for: 1-3 weeks - SAVE 5%* 4-6 weeks - SAVE 10%* 7 + weeks - SAVE 15%* You can combine the weeks for all children in one family to reach the maximum savings.

No price increase on most camp fees this year! *off total fee (includes electives, extended day and transportation).

Details in our camp brochure available online.

Worcester JCC Ă&#x2C6;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x160;->Â?Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;LĂ&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;-Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;iiĂ&#x152;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;7Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;ViĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC;]Ă&#x160; Ă&#x160;ä£Ă&#x2C6;äÂ&#x2122; For more information and free brochure call xänĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2021;xĂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;Ă&#x2021;£äÂ&#x2122;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;°Ă&#x153;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;ViĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC;Â?VV°Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;} The JCC is open to all, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or economic condition. The Center is handicapped accessible. Scholarships available.

BAYSTATEPARENT 55

BulletinBoard

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

LACTATION

MUSICCLASSES

SURROGACY

TUTORING

HELP WANTED

The Knowledge

Quest

The milc room is mother to mother breast feeding support with professional help by appointment or referral â?¤ Peer support, lactation guidance â?¤ Referrals for lactation follow-up care, classes â?¤ On-site resources: baby scale, reference library Open Thursdays 10am - 12noon Thom Worcester Area Early Intervention Glavin Regional Center-Child Development Building 214 Lake Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 508-845-8466 www.themilcroom.com

-IND %XPANDING !CTIVITIES

TUTORING

Recommended by Pediatricians and run by CertiďŹ ed Lactation Consultants.

Surrogate Mothers Needed

We welcome ALL mothers who want to breastfeed their baby.

Be part of a miracle The rewards are more than financial

MUSICCLASSES hZZ/ h>hD d, d 'ZKt^ t/d, zKhZ ,/> Í&#x160;

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

EĹ˝Ç Ä&#x17E;ĹśĆ&#x152;ŽůůĹ?ĹśĹ? ĨŽĆ&#x152; ^Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?ĹśĹ? dÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ĺľ ĎŽĎŹĎ­ĎŽ

888-363-9457

www.reproductivepossibilities.com

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Special Ed & Learning Disability Instruction

ACADEMIC EARLY EDUCATION A Readiness Program for 4 & 5 year olds.

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WÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;ĨŽĆ&#x152;ĹľÄ&#x201A;ĹśÄ?Ä&#x17E; KĆ&#x2030;Ć&#x2030;Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;Ć&#x161;ƾŜĹ?Ć&#x161;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;Ć?

ϾϳϴÍ&#x2DC;ϰϴϲÍ&#x2DC;ϾϹώϰ Ç Ç Ç Í&#x2DC;Ĺ?ĹśÄ&#x161;Ĺ?Ä&#x201A;ĹśĹ&#x161;Ĺ?ůůžƾĆ?Ĺ?Ä?Í&#x2DC;Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;Ĺ?

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l se cal l i t r e v To ad anie Pear Steph -0296 4 6 3 4 at 77 ail or em iep@ an steph parent.com ate bayst

623 Chandler Street Tatnuck Square, Worcester Tel: 508-797-5050 Fax: 508-797-5051 www.theknowledgequest.com

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

5 Oak Avenue â&#x20AC;˘ Northboro, MA 01532 508 351-9976 www.cornerstoneacademy.org email:kmcquade@cornerstoneacademy.org

email:kmcquade@cornerstoneacademy.org

BulletinBoard

To advertise call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296 or email stephaniep@baystateparent.com 56 FEBRUARY2012

he tPARTYPLANNER

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

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

Singing Princess 508.853.4257 www.copacabanaent.com

Welcome and wow your party guests with a birthday message

“All Live” Insects, Small Reptiles & Animals

creatively designed on your glass storm door.

Use a window marker (about $1 at most stores) and try your hand at front-door flair.

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CONTACT: Chelyanne & Brian

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

Tons of Bricks Tons of Fun LEGO® Themed Birthday Parties for all ages. wwww.brickapalooza.com Check our website for current class offerings, summer camp offerings and drop-in play times.

164 Westford Rd. Tyngsboro MA 01879 978-649-2654

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

Birthday/ Party Room Central Mass’s only dedicated Climbing Facility!

Sign up now for our Week Long Summer Camp Programs • 14,000 square feet of amazing climbing walls • 60 different top rope stations • Climbing walls from 15 - 40 feet high!

• Massive lead arch, and super long overhangs!

• Separate climbing wall just for kids and parents • Classes for beginners: lead and top rope belaying • Rentals and a retail shop for climbing gear • Lounge area, w/ free wifi • A large bouldering area, with top-outs

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

centralrockgym.com

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

To advertise, call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296 or email stephaniep@baystateparent.com BAYSTATEPARENT 57

Traveling Farm Animals for your Party or Event!

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

Friedm an a r F $IJMESFn’s n

Musician

1"3&/5 4 $)0*$& "8"3% 8*//&3

All Ages.

Birthday Parties, Schools, Fairs, Day Care Centers, Etc.

#JSUIEBZ 1BSUJFT t $PODFSUT Teacher-Parent Workshops

508-358-1614

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

Animal Craze

Kids all love the silliness of my interactive, high energy, and musical shows!

Come join the fun!

My silly sense of humor and rythmic style will soon have you and your kids giggling, wiggling, dancing, and singing with delight.

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

* Magic * Parties

978-779-6789 mikethemusicman.com

www.franfriedman.com

www.rosalitaspuppets.com 617-633-2832

Sometimes parties that are the most fun have no theme at all, but are instead a combination of your child’s interests mixed together to create a completely unique event.

Enchanting Details Event Planning enchantingdetails.com

Indoor Birthday Parties at Backyard Adventures $ .00

199

Enjoy 2 hours of playing time on our Towers, Turbo Slide, Rock Wall and Inflatable.

Free Goody Bags

7ESTBORO s 178 Turnpike Rd. (Rt.9) 1 mile east from Lowe’s WWW.BAMASS.COM

"1$

3(5$

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

30.00

132 234#(.

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

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

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

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

To advertise, call Stephanie Pearl at 774-364-0296 or email stephaniep@baystateparent.com 58 FEBRUARY2012

Enchanted Parties

By Joselle CUSTOM PARTY THEMES

Story telling, Puppet shows, dress up, make up, nail, hair styling, face painting, temp. tattoos, karaoke and much more.

GIRLS PARTIES BOYS PARTIES PRINCESS PARTY PIRATE PARTY DIVA PARTY CLOWN PARTY TEA PARTY TOY STORY PARTY MAKE OVER PARTY SUPER STAR ✦ Cotton candy, popcorn and snow cone machines also available for the parties upon request. ✦ Customized take home goodies and souvenirs made according to the party theme available, make sure to inquire about it.

CALL AND BOOK YOUR PARTY TODAY! 508-933-1135 www.enchantedpartiesbyjoselle.com

Babson Skating Center

the

PARTY PLANNER Big Joe

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

BIRTHDAY PACKAGE Room – Ice Time – Skate Rental

• Original & Classic Stories • Puppets, Props and Surprises

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

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

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

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SAVE THE DATE FOR DECORDOVA’S WINTER FAMILY PROGRAMS! EYE WONDER FAMILY PROGRAM Sunday, February 5, 1–3 pm Eye Wonder is a monthly drop-in program for families which focuses on careful looking and creative art projects.

FAMILY DAY: COLOR Saturday, February 18, 11 am–3 pm Families with children of all ages are invited to explore how artists employ color and why some decide to work in black and white. The day will consist of art activities, artist demonstrations, storytelling, and more!

FEBRUARY VACATION WEEK Tuesday–Friday, February 21–24 Drop-in as a family every day during February vacation week from 1–3 pm for an art activity that relates to the current exhibitions: The 2012 deCordova Biennial, Wall Works, and PLATFORM 8: Soo Sunny Park and Spencer Topel, Capturing Resonance. Program designed for all ages.

All programs are free with Museum admission.

For more information, please visit decordova.org.

51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, MA 01773

BAYSTATEPARENT 59

MOMS ROCK!

Amy Grady Of CLINTON Age: 43 Occupation: Client Manager/Real Estate Agent Mom of: Andrew 14, Owen 12, Colin 11, Aidan 8 and Camden 5 Married to: Scott Grady

BY

amanda roberge, steven king photography

Whatever you do, don’t ask Amy Grady if she is going to try for a girl.

“I hate that so much,” she says, showing uncharacteristic signs of immense irritation, making me glad I didn’t ask 60 FEBRUARY2012

that question myself – I just happened to wonder aloud if other people ask it. Crisis averted by this writer, a narrow miss in the game of professional roulette called writing feature articles for baystateparent

magazine.

“I am really not that interesting,” laughs Amy Grady of Clinton, bewildered. “I am not sure what else to say.”

But what makes her so interesting is something that has been entirely beyond her control, the hand she was dealt in the game of family poker: she is the mother to five boisterous and ball-playing boys.

Amy’s modesty is exactly what makes this mom rock: She has no idea how special she is. To quote her mom-self as she talks about how her kids often take having a pack of brothers for granted, she just doesn’t “get it.”

Ranging in age from 5 to 14, with the littlest in kindergarten and the oldest in high school, they follow behind her at restaurants and malls – a real-life art exhibit depicting the evolutionary ascent of a boy into manhood.

“You should see the looks we get,” she laughs.

More often than not, she can be found shuttling them from one sports practice to another, or to a ball field or gymnasium.

Factor in her part-time job at the Medford Roadside Assistance Company Agero, which she does alongside an ebb-andflow career in the real estate industry, her volunteerism at the boys’ schools, wine and whining with girlfriends – and she is one busy mama.

And so what makes Grady memorable to everyone who comes across her path is the respect she gives her job – the overwhelming task of raising five growing boys into upstanding men and devoted husbands.

“I don’t know how she does it,” says her husband Scott, who was “the boy next door” for many years while the two were growing up in Clinton. “She’s a rock star.”

Is she awesome because fate handed her a unique family, or is she awesome because she takes extreme pleasure in embarrassing her sons as she drops them off at school each day by singing show-tunes just loud enough so that their peers can make out the words and demanding big wet kisses?

Some would argue it’s the latter.

Let’s face it: It’s hard to maintain a sense of humor sometimes, especially when you are surrounded by a species so unlike yourself. Adding insult to injury, the family even has a male cat. But Grady is a woman who likes to laugh, who loves life and who enjoys the family she feels lucky enough to have.

Things aren’t always perfect, like when her oldest struggled with the addition of a new sibling. Amy sought the advice of others, and settled on taking her 3-yearold on a 1-hour date every week.

“I found it really difficult going from one child to two – I thought we had ruined him,” she laughs.

But if she thought that was a difficult time, clearly she hadn’t anticipated trying to get five kids to seven different sporting events in the course of an average Saturday. It is a job, she has found, that takes a village.

“We are so lucky to have our parents here to help,” she says, adding that they spend a whole lot of time with their tight-knit network of extended family, who live in Clinton and surrounding towns. Her own parents, in fact, live next door.

Scott and Amy, who get wrapped up in the chaos at home and tend to sort things out

during the day by email (who is responsible for driving who where, for example), work hard to put food on the table, and doing so is no small task. Their crew can easily go through a gallon of milk each day and though Amy tries to clip coupons and find deals, the grocery bill to feed five growing boys is astronomical.

“You bring the food home from the store and it’s gone,” she says.

The next big feat in the Grady household, says Amy, will be getting all the boys behind the wheel of a car. And in this day and age, the reality of her sons getting their driver’s licenses is overwhelming.

“It’s the thing I have been worrying about since the day I brought the babies home,” she says.

But as she steps over the umpteen supersoaker-water-guns strewn across the yard and bikes lying every which way, there is some solace in knowing she has a few more years to enjoy them as boys.

“It’s crazy,” she sighs, rumpling the hair on a boy as he whizzes past. “But it’s the best.”

Amanda Roberge is a Leominster-based freelance writer and mother of three girls who muses online at ConfessionsofaCurvyGirl.com.

Take 10 with Amy I am the queen of: fun. I love to plan fun vacations. I love a good roller coaster. I like to throw fun birthday parties.

We love going to: Wachusett Mountain, Wingaersheek & Good Harbor Beaches, Wachusett Reservoir, Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium Current family obsessions: Football, baseball, soccer, snowboarding/skiing, and I hate to say it…the Xbox. Now that the cold has set in, I have to kick the older ones out.

An inspiring parent I know: I am inspired by all the single moms and dads out there.

I can’t imagine having to do it all on my own…working and raising a family.

Best things about the town where I am raising my children: There is a real sense of community in Clinton. Everyone knows each other and watches out for each others’ kids. When you need them, the townspeople will rally around you and support you. Also, Clinton schools have one of the best parent volunteer programs in the state. Last year, the Clinton Elementary School Parent Volunteer Program received a “Friend of Public Education” award from the MA Association of School Committees.

Biggest challenge my family faces: There are two: time management (trying to balance school, homework, sports and activities) and trying to pay for all that they want to do. If they have an interest, whether it’s football or baseball camps, joining a club soccer team or snowboarding/skiing, we do our best to support those interests.

Ranging in age from 5 to 14, with the littlest in kindergarten and the oldest in high school, the Gradys are a real-life art exhibit depicting the evolutionary ascent of a boy into manhood.

How I manage sports with five boys: We call in the reinforcements, the grandparents! Our parents are great. They don’t mind representing us at games. Also, we, parents, help each other out with pickups and drop-offs.

Mealtime at my house: I loathe dinnertime. It’s very rare that I make something that everyone will eat. So, I usually have to make two to three different things.

They love having breakfast – pancakes

and sausages - for dinner. Their other favorite is tacos and fajitas. The three things that we can’t keep in the house are milk (approximately 6 gallons per week), cereal and bread.

I could not be the mom that I am without: my incredible best friend, my husband; and the amazing support from our parents, family members and friends. It really does take a village to raise a family!

People are surprised to hear that life with five boys is: not as hard as people think.

I guess it’s all what you’re used to. I feel blessed to have five healthy boys, and they are good kids.

Moms Rock is an award-winning monthly feature that celebrates the good that all moms do. Do you know a mom who just rocks? Email editor@baystateparent.com.

The Children’s Center for Communication Beverly School for the Deaf Where Communication Comes First – Since 1876 Adult American Sign Language (ASL) Daily Classes 6:30pm – 8:30pm Family ASL 10:00am – 12:00pm third Saturday of every month Toddler Sign Playgroup (ages 2 – 3) 9:00am – 10:30am Baby Sign Playgroup (ages 0 – 1) 9:00am – 10:00am All classes will be taught on campus at The Children’s Center for Communication/ Beverly School for the Deaf 6 Echo Avenue Beverly, MA 01915 For more information contact Jessica Fox, Community Classes Coordinator, at jessicafox@beverlyschoolforthedeaf.org or 978-927-7070 x317 /\Ê Çn° ÓÇ°ÇäÇäÊUÊ6*\ÊnÈÈ°ÎÓä°ÎÓÎÎ F: 978.927.6536

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

61 FEBRUARY2012

BAYSTATEPARENT 61

INDEX

Homemakers, Working Men and Women,

A Place To Grow...............................................................16 AA Transportation.............................................................30 Actors Shakespeare Project................................................43 Adventure Bootcamp........................................................62 Applewild School.............................................................52 Arsenal Center for the Arts................................................29 Attorney James Connors....................................................25 Ballet Arts Worcester.........................................................29 Barrett Family Wellness.....................................................16 Bay State Skate................................................................7 Beaver Country Day Camp................................................55 Becker College.................................................................11 Bellini Portraits................................................................38 Beverly School for the Deaf...............................................61 Boating in Boston.............................................................55 Boroughs JCC..................................................................17 Boston Ballet...................................................................34 Boston Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum................................................13 Boston Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre..................................................24 Brighton School...............................................................54 British School of Boston....................................................27 Cambridge College...........................................................63 Camp Everwood.................................................................9 Camp Quinebarge.............................................................44 Carolyn Spring, Esq..........................................................18 Century Mill Stables.........................................................55 Charter...........................................................................64 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dentistry ofNorthborough............................ ......49 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Academy..................................................16 Claytime.........................................................................27 CocoBeni Confections........................................................24 Concord Academy..............................................................45 Consign My Closet..............................................................4 Cornerstone Academy.........................................................3 Cutie Patutieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.................................................................37 Danforth Museum............................................................44 deCordova Museum.....................................................41,59 Disney Pictures............................................................24,54

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Last Minute

Dr. Mel - Pediatric Dentistry................................................12 Eagle Hill School..............................................................41 Ecotarium.......................................................................59 Elite Dance Academy.........................................................40 Fay School................................................................41,53 Finagle A Bagel...............................................................36 Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Little Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Preschool..........................................44 Guild of St. Agnes Daycare..................................................7 Hillside School.................................................................21 Inn At East Hill Farm........................................................51 iParty........................................................................13,37 John Robert Powers.........................................................18 Judge Baker Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center............................................54 Letgo Your Mind..............................................................45 Mass Audubon Society......................................................44 Mass General Study.........................................................51 Meadowbrook School.......................................................45 MetroWest YMCA Hopkinton.............................................55 Nashoba Montessori..........................................................61 New England Aquarium.....................................................42 New England Regional Headache Center..............................25 Next Generation Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center.......................................25 Night Eagle Wilderness Adventures.....................................44 Oasis Camp....................................................................40 Ohana Family Group/Aloha Foundation..............................54 Outfit The Kids................................................................52 Panera Bread..................................................................53 Parenting Solutions...........................................................18 Piccadilly Pub.............................................................30,63 Play By Play Camps.........................................................55 Roche Bros.......................................................................4 Second Generation Energy.................................................50 Seeking Sitters................................................................62 Sensory Learning Center...................................................48 Shrewsbury Montessori.....................................................54 Simon Malls......................................................................2 Skribbles Learning Center....................................................9 Southeast Advocate Associates...........................................48 Special Event Bridal Shop.................................................38 Speech, Language and Hearing Assoc.................................17

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