October 2010 Baystate Parent Magazine

Page 1

OCTOBER 2010

FREE

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families

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COSTUMES GONE WILD SEW-EASY ZOO ANIMALS TOUR BOSTON’S PICTURESQUE WATER SOURCE EIEIO! HOME ON THE FARM WITH A MOM OF TWO Voted Best Parenting Publication in North America 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008

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Do you have what it takes to Surviv e? Get Lost in the Adventure! sm

October Events.

October 2 Starry Starry Nights. (6–10pm) Bring you r flashlight Great For All Ages!

It’s hands-on, family farm FUN! Endangered Livestock, Discovery Play, Water Sprayground, Hay Rides, Pony Rides, Pumpkins Galore! October Events Open Thurs–Sun. only. ays 1/2 Price Admission Oct. Weekd after 2pm kend. 2&3 ..... Pirate and Princess Wee . 9&10 ....... Mike the Music Man nd. mla Far at as istm Chr 16&17 ...... . only 23&31 ...... Open Sat. & Sun. 23&24 ....... Kindermusik–with Pam Espinosa. 30&31 ........ Costume Weekend and Parade. *Additional charge, weather permitting. **Not valid with groups, packages or discounts

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Friday & Saturday Nights, October 15Ï16, 22Ï23 & 29Ï30. Admission 6:30Ï9pm, closes at 10pm. Join us if you dare Ï Geared For Adults. Bring your Þashlight. Visit the web or call for details. 4 OCTOBER2010

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Online schooling from America’s leader: K12 K12 makes learning come alive— and stick—through a rich mix of online interactive content, textbooks, hands-on activities, and expert teachers. It’s so effective, we get a 95% satisfaction rating from parents. Our options: · Full-time, tuition-free online public schools in over half the states and D.C. · An accredited online private school available in all states and around the world · 210+ courses available by direct purchase—including AP®, world languages, and electives K12 is the leader in online education for grades K-12, with over 2 million courses delivered. Find out why the parents of hundreds of thousands of children have chosen K12. Visit us at K12.com.

Looking for a choice in the way your kids learn? Get to know Massachusetts’s new full-time, online public school option Massachusetts Virtual Academy at Greenfield gives Massachusetts kids in grades K-8 from across the state (and students in grades 9-12 who reside within Greenfield School District) the chance to learn in the ways that are right for them. A tuition-free online public school of the Greenfield School District, and the first diploma-granting virtual school in Massachusetts, MAVA at Greenfield offers: · · · · · · ·

An alternative approach to education for students and families Massachusetts-licensed teachers providing instructional guidance An individualized approach to learning The exceptional, effective curriculum developed by K12 An active school community An opportunity for parents to be directly involved in their children’s education A virtual, “hybrid” instructional model in Greenfield*

*The hybrid model provides students who reside within driving distance of Greenfield the ab ability a ility to participate in a blend of online and face-to-face, site-based instruction.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 5

Give thanks. Walk. 5K If you are interested in volunteering on the day of walk please contact

Take the first step and give Brady hope.

Mikara Cimmino P: 617.965.5262 C: 617.407.5669 Mikara.cimmino@stjude.org

©2010 ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (03044)

TM

St. Jude patient Brady, age 2, Neuroblastoma

Help St. Jude fight childhood cancer.

Sign up today! www.givethankswalk.org Saturday, November 20, 2010 Natick Mall Collection Registration Time: 6:30am Start Time: 7:30am

Your first step is their first hope.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 7

our special guest Tara Griffith with daughter, Ava, Walpole captured by Paula Swift Photography, Framingham paulaswift.com Tara’s clothing and accessories by Envy Boutique, Norwood. envyaccessories.com

table

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MOMS ROCK

Holy Cow! Meet a multitasking mom who might just inspire you to do more with your kids that you ever thought possible.

34

BREAST CANCER MADE ME DO IT

You can come out of breast cancer changed for the better. Hear the stories of four local moms, self-described “breast friends,� who did just that.

41

COSTUMES GONE WILD!

baystateparent walked with the animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in sew easy Halloween zoo costumes.

the of the home

OCTOBER 2010 • VOLUME 15 • NUMBER 6

in every issue 9

WELCOME

9

GUESTBOOK

12

FINALLY, FOREVER: Changing School Assignments

13

OCTOBER’S CHILD

13

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS ADOPTION EVENTS

14

JUNKDRAWERS

16

LET’S ROLL: Quabbin

18

WHO’S COACHING OUR KIDS: John O’Leary of Belmont

20

TAKE GOOD CARE: The Skinny on Sugar

22 50

MOMS ROCK: Molly Stevens Dubois of Barre OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO: Calendar of Events UNDER MY ROOF with Jim Keogh and Amanda Roberge will appear in next month’s issue.

advertising directories

think pink 26 28 30 32

34

WHY I HATED PINK HER DARKEST DAYS SHOP FOR A GOOD CAUSE THINKING BEFORE PINKING

BREAST CANCER MADE ME DO IT

30 60 61 63 66

SHOP FOR A GOOD CAUSE BULLETIN BOARD PARTY PLANNER OPEN HOUSE LISTINGS ADVERTISING INDEX

36 THINK PINK EVENTS 37 ON MY PLATE: Breastfeeding Regrets

something special 41

COSTUMES GONE WILD

sneak peek NOVEMBER

SPECIAL NEEDS

DECEMBER

THE HOLIDAYS

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

FT <PZT :XSb B\X[T Our warm and kid-friendly office and reception rooms are designed to be welcoming, fun and special for the whole family. Pediatric Dentistry

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e m o c l e W This month's cover photo was so hard to pick as 33-year-old Tara Griffith, breast cancer survivor and Walpole mom of 2-year-old Ava, was on.

“I hope I don’t look like a drag queen,” she joked. Seriously, Tara. You are absolutely stunning. I was not alone in getting teary-eyed when I saw the proofs. Just look at the photo below! Radiant, positive, powerful, strong. That’s Tara and all the survivor moms featured in baystateparent’s annual Think Pink issue. These are the kind of women you hug when you meet (and we did) and chat with like your best girlfriends (or “breast friends forevah” as the breast-cancer-survivor moms on page 34 call one another). But what if you can’t take one more word of Think Pink (we know it’s everywhere this month)? Please don’t be turned off. There’s a reason for this deluge, and busy moms need to hear it again and again: don’t ignore taking good care of yourself (get a mammogram, eat well, exercise, do self breast exams, reduce your stress) and take the messages of the survival stories inside this issue to heart. Don’t wait for a cancer diagnosis to live your best life, tell someone you love him, fulfill your dreams, take a risk, etc. Maryellen Dubois of Douglas, one

of our featured moms on page 22, tells us that a good survivor story helped her beat breast cancer. So even if you are not feeling so positive right now about your own health or the health of someone you love, we just hope that these women, full of grace, humor, radiance, strength, success and friendship, lift you, if even for a few moments, to a better place. Warmly,

Carrie Wattu, editor P.S. A special thanks to Nicole Vaphiades of Envy Boutique in Norwood for wearing a breast cancer necklace to her store in September without knowing why. When baystateparent called to ask her to style and dress our cover model, Tara, for her photo shoot, it all made sense. Nicole jumped at the opportunity to style Tara in some rocking jeans, a great shirt and the best accessories. Nicole’s energy, fashion sense, honesty and enthusiasm made shopping so much fun.

Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine For Families

baystateparent publisher GARETH CHARTER 508-749-3166 x153 gcharter@holdenlandmark.com editor CARRIE WATTU 413-265-1202 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 RENAUD 508-865-7070 srenaud@holdenlandmark.com

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

Meet Our Cover Model

Tara Griffith

consequences. Another eye opener was that men get breast cancer so men need to be diligent about exams too.

October is about breast cancer awareness but what else is this month Of Walpole about for you? Cool nights, crisp days, foliage, apple picking, cider, raking leaves. I plan to enjoy the bounty Did you ever think when you were diag- of the season. nosed with breast cancer last April that you'd be rocking a bald head and posing for the cover of a magazine? Wow...no. I was not thinking about anything but 'how could this be happening' and 'what am I going to do?' and 'I have to live!'

Tell us more about Ava. My daughter represents the future to me. She is, of course, an amazing child, my only child. Since I was diagnosed BRCA2 positive, she will be tested early. She will be made aware of breast cancer long before she even has breasts. She will be raised by an advocate, and it will be a normal focus for her life also. To read more about Tara's story, turn to page 32 of this month's issue.

s Need ecial • Sp Holidays 070 • The 65.7 tes a 08.8 R Call 5 ertising dv A r o F

contributing writers MARYELLEN BRISBOIS AMY CORNELIUSEEN LYNN JOLICOEUR DONNA MORIN

BONNIE O’CONNOR VICTOR PARACHIN KATE SCARLATA

photographers

Illustrators

ALLIE COTTRILL BRITTANY DURGIN STEVEN KING PAULA SWIFT

HANNAH GREGUS BRIANNE FARLEY

presidents KIRK and LAURIE DAVIS

baystatestateparent 117 Elm St., Millbury, MA 01527

508-865-7070

Tell us about caring for your daughter while trying to care for yourself. Ava was 20 months when I was diagnosed. She became my "distraction." I didn't have time to feel bad for myself or spend a lot of time thinking about the situation. Her day-to-day care was consuming enough, and I am grateful for that. My normal routine was my greatest asset through it all.

www.baystateparent.com campguide.baystateparent.com www.massfieldtrips.com baystateparent Inc. is published monthly with a main office at 117 Elm Street, Millbury, 01527 508-865-7070 Fax 508-865-7979 It is distributed free of charge throughout Massachusetts. www.baystateparent.com • info@baystateparent.com Distribution Agency: Insight Distribution Management 978-728-7785/603-661-8370 • Insightdm@yahoo.com

Tell us about your relationship with the Ellie Fund. I am sorry to say that I was not a breast cancer activist of any sort before breast cancer hit me. Now that I am aware of how much the Ellie Fund helps people like me, I am committed to helping them help others. [The Ellie Fund is a Massachusetts' nonprofit committed to helping women with the dayto-day practical assistance they need when fighting breast cancer. elliefund.org.]

14 Parenting Publications of America Awards, 2009 4 New England Press Association Awards, 2009

paula swift

What are some things people just don't understand about breast cancer?: The importance of early detection. Get those mammograms and do self-exams. I got diagnosed because I had an itch. Yup, an itch on my breast. Had I just scratched it and ignored it, well, I just don't even like to think of the

ING COM ON SO

6 Suburban Newspapers of America Awards, 2009 Including 1st Place in Community Service Voted Best Parenting Publication in North America 2004, 2006, 2007 & 2008 Suburban Newspapers of America

BAYSTATEPARENT 9

GUESTBOOK Love the calendar of events. I found out that the Providence Children’s Museum was free on certain Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. through bsp. Thanks! Pam Gemme, Sutton I enjoy baystateparent and have so for years. So glad it’s free! I live in Massachusetts not too far from the New Hampshire border, and I don’t think I have found a parents’ magazine/guide in New Hampshire that compares to this one, which is very informative and jam-packed with a variety of stuff. However, if it’s possible, it would be helpful to have more things for the northern part of the state. Pam Audette, Groton

Editor’s Note: Our Facebook Page (Search baystateparent Magazine) is an interactive way to give and get feedback on parenting topics, including birthday parties, in Massachusetts.

WINNERS Meet just a sampling of bsp’s recent winners and check out our frequent giveaways at baystateparent.com as well as updates on Facebook (We are a friendly and helpful group of 1,200 and growing strong).

Editor’s Note: We hear you Pam! baystateparent is distributed in Central MA, Metro West, Greater Boston and beyond, so we always strive to include editorial, calendar listings and advertising in every issue that speaks to parents in these regions. I enjoyed the Q & A article with the soccer coach [“Who’s Coaching Our Kids?”, Sept. 2010] since my husband has coached and we are very much a soccer family (the kids having played at intramural, indoor, travel and club levels). A more in-depth piece into all the different levels might be interesting too since we are still figuring it all out. Susan Wadlington, Dorchester I really like articles about education/ special ed. Shelby Pickett, Holden

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

Editor’s Note: Next month, in baystateparent’s November issue, we feature editorial and advertising focused on special needs issues. It seems like many of the women you write stories about are from the upper middle class. It would be nice to read about some more average moms. Lynn Leach, North Brookfield I always love the calendar of upcoming events. It really helps to see what’s going on and when. Also, I love the articles. It seems to me that at some point they all seem to relate to something going on with me, my kids, my friends or their kids. Keep up the good work! Melinda Ellis, Northbridge

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Tara Fallon of Rutland won a $75 iParty gift card for sending baystateparent her best iParty find: My Dad retired in July, and we had a surprise party for him in June. I wanted to get a life-size cardboard cut-out of him for all of the guests to take pictures with when they arrived so we would have a record of everyone that was at the party. Well a real cut-out of him was going to be $110 so I went to iParty in search of something that would work. I found a John McCain cut-out on sale for $1, and I just blew up a picture of my dad’s face ($2) and pasted it on John’s face. It looked just like my dad in a suit! At the end of the night the cut-out had Devil Dogs attached to it (my Dad’s favorite food) and a funny hat. It was the biggest hit of the party. See our October winner on page 40. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief DVD: Nicholas Latsis, Burlington Rachel Vachon, Milford Laura Rosati-Tervali, Pepperell Jane Murray, Woburn Thoughts on our October issue? Email your comments and suggestions to editor@baystateparent.com. All letters will be edited for clarity and length. Please include your full name and town for publication.

S Bir Tou choo thd rs l ay and Pa rtie s

d Yar ls n r Ba nima A

Pony Rides, Face & Pumpkin Painting A Passion for Apples on Weekends

Weekend Hayrides to Our Scenic Orchards

Come see our Kids Crooked House Village! Open 10-5 Daily, 10-5:30 Weekends Rt. 62 & Lower Sawyer Hill Road Berlin MA

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THE GENUINE ARTICLE IS HERE

Halloween Fun! Pumpkin Decorating for Simon Kidgits Club® members Saturday, October 23 1 p.m. -3 p.m. Not A Member? To join or to renew your membership, visit Simon Guest Service or go to www.simonkidgitsclub.com. $5 annual membership fee.

Mall-wide* Trick or Treat for all Sunday, October 31 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 11

VER

E LYFOR L A N I F

T A WH T U O AB ? E M Changing School Assignments to Account For Loss BY

donna morin miller, brianne farley, illustrator

hen I picked up my preschooler last week, he ran to me toting the Star of the Week briefcase box. It was clear by the smile on his face that this was a big deal, and the grin never left his face as we tackled the activities inside the box. The glitter and glue came out to adorn the special paper medallion, and it was fun deciding which of Max’s favorite picture books he’d share with the class. When it came time to locate baby pictures, we had no trouble choosing from an array of bundled and bouncing images. But that latter element of the assignment troubled me. We are fortunate to have my son’s history from birth, but as an adoptive mother, I know this isn’t the case for everyone. What if we’d adopted Max as a toddler, or older? What if there’d been little of his personal history to accompany him? What if we were fostering a child because of a history of abuse and neglect? It seems that so often we take for granted the traditional scenario of a family and assume everyone else is the same way. According to the Evan B. Donaldson Institute, 6 in 10 Americans are touched by adoption. In 2008, there were 463,000 children in foster care. With a divorce rate of over 50% of the married population, it’s not uncommon for children to be raised in single-family, shared parenting or stepfamily situations. It’s clear that the face of the nuclear family is changing. So how do schools reflect that diversity in class assignments? Debra Shrier is a social worker and postadoption counselor with Wide Horizons for Children in Waltham. Over the years, she’s heard the pleas from adoptive parents asking for help with school assignments that single their children out.

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“The one project that seems to get the biggest reaction involves the family tree,” says Shrier. She notes that some alterations have been made to this oft-typical assignment. “One elementary school offered suggestions like adding roots (for birth family or country) and leaves (for foster parents and other caregivers).” In a Norfolk fourth grade class, teacher aide Jillian Dinunzio recalls a similar assignment. After learning about Ellis Island and immigration, the class was assigned personal family history projects. “The first part involved making a family quilt square, and the second part included a family tree, photos and recipes.” The project became an unfortunate situation for two students in the class who’d been adopted from China. Although each learned more about her own cultural history, early childhood photos and birth history were unavailable. The classroom teacher learned only after completion of the project that one of the girls was upset but did not want to say anything. Single mom Liz Robbins witnessed this kind of sadness in her 12-year-old daughter recently. While cleaning out her backpack, Robbins found a crumpled piece of paper. It turned out to be an invitation to a fatherdaughter dance. “When I asked her about it, she just made a face,” says Robbins. “It just served as a reminder that her dad is not part of her life.” For a school-aged child, the worst fear is not fitting in. She will do everything in her power to blend in to her crowd of peers. There is comfort in anonymity. Although teaching self-confidence and individuality is helpful, parents and teachers can make life a little easier by being proactive when it comes to school assignments. “Parents, write a letter to the teacher at the beginning of the school year,” suggests

Joan Clark, an adoption educator with Adoption Community of New England. “And be positive!” She advises to include your child’s strengths, information about siblings and an offer to volunteer or help with any projects that deal with family structure. “Always end with, Feel free to call if you have any questions,” says Clark. An adoptive mother and former elementary teacher herself, Clark presents to teachers about respecting family diversity while still meeting curriculum standards. “If the goal of Star of the Week is to build self-confidence and allow students to get to know each other, what difference does baby information make?” she says. Instead, have the students include more recent photos that allow them to share the families they are with now, or activities they enjoy doing now. “Timelines can include magazine pictures instead of actual photos,” Clark offers. “As long as the pictures show growth, which is the purpose of a timeline, than what does it matter if they’re actual photos or not?” In this way, curriculum goals are met and family diversity is respected. But, Clark warns, it is important that the project be assigned this way from the start. A child who is the only one doing something different is still being singled out. Shrier recalls an adoptive mother who stewed over an upcoming genetics project for her seventh-grader. “Knowing her brown-eyed daughter had blue-eyed parents, the mother anticipated difficulty with this assignment.” After learning the teacher would be using fictional families comprised of characters from Sesame Street, the mother was relieved. The teacher later explained that this method diverted the focus of the assignment away from the children and onto the science, while adding a touch of humor.

688 Main St. Holden, MA Toll Free...

877-446-3305

www.devereuxma.org (click on Intensive Foster Care)

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12 OCTOBER2010

Seeking families throughout central Mass who are interested in improving a child's life Call now to learn about our $1000 sign-on bonus!

Donna Morin Miller is a freelance writer and adoptive mom living in Wrentham.

Alternatives to Traditional School Activities: Family Tree: Instead of a tree, use a house as the centerpiece. The nuclear family lives in the house, while pathways lead from the house to other special people in the child’s life. What I Did Last Summer: To prevent painful memories for some children, ask students to write about what they expect from the upcoming year. Autobiographies: Those on the bookshelves rarely start at birth, so why should the kids’? Biographies: Have students interview adults in their lives instead of each other. Mother’s/Father’s Day: Try to avoid altogether. Father/Daughter Dance: Suggest the school hold a scavenger hunt or sporting event instead, open to all family members, or person of choice.

OFFERING:

Foster Parents Wanted SAVE THE DATE Come visit our Open House on October 19th Óä£äÊUÊ2pm-4pm

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CIRCLEOFFRIENDS

FREE Preschool Readiness of Adopted Children Tues., Oct. 12: Childcare provided during discussion led by preschool director Joan Turner. First Connections, 111 ORNAC, Community Agencies Bldg. Room 1009, Concord, 10 – 11:30 a.m. 978-287-0221, firstconnections.org.

persons, a safe place to share feelings and concerns about one’s adoption and relationship impacted by it. Held at the Adoption Community of New England, Inc., 45 Lyman St., #2, Westborough, 7 – 9 p.m. 508-366-6812, AdoptionCommunityofNE.org.

FREE Support Group for Waiting Parents Sat., Oct. 16: Join with others who are also in the “waiting period.” Held at the Adoption Community of New England, Inc., 45 Lyman St., #2, Westborough, 10 a.m. - Noon. 508-366-6812. To view many more adoption offerings from this non-profit adoption resource, visit AdoptionCommunityofNE.org.

FREE Adoption Information Meetings Sat., Oct. 23: Wide Horizons for Children helps you to explore building a family through adoption. Held at Tatnuck Bookseller in Westborough, 10 a.m. - Noon. Advance registration is required at http://www.whfc.org/onlinereg/AdoptionInfo.htm or by contacting Jessica Ellison at 781-644-2353 or e-mailing jellison@whfc.org.

FREE Adopted Persons Meet for Discussion Wed., Oct. 17: Designed specifically for adopted

FREE Jordan’s Furniture’s “Adoption Option” PartySun., Oct. 24: Learn about

adoption from foster care. Prospective adoptive parents, particularly those new to foster care adoption, are invited. Attend an orientation to the adoption process, network with social workers and experienced adoptive parents, and meet dozens of children who are waiting for adoption. Share games, entertainment, arts & crafts, and refreshments with the children. You might just meet the child who’s been waiting for You. Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE), Jordan’s Furniture, and the Mass. Department of Children & Families (DCF), Reading. 9 – 11 a.m. 617-542-3678, mareinc. org/Adoption-Parties-Other-Events-Schedule.html. Please submit November’s adoption-related events by October 5 at 6 p.m. at baystateparent.com (Click “Calendar”).

OCTOBER’SCHILDREN Jonathan, age 9, and Nathaniel, age 7

These two handsome brothers are of Latino background, and currently reside in separate foster homes. Jonathan, age 9, is a leader, is extremely intelligent, polite and active. He has a big heart, is very endearing and can also be very affectionate. Jonathan has a need to be loved, but doesn’t always know how to accept it from adults. In some ways, he is mature beyond his years; however, he also likes receiving one-on-one attention from adults. Some of his favorite activities are swimming, playing electronic games, making arts and crafts and drawing. In fact last year, he won an award for his artistry at school. His favorite television programs are Hanna Montana and SpongeBob. Jonathan also likes to be well groomed and enjoys shopping for clothes. Jonathan is a fourth grader who is an average student. He could do much better in school but doesn’t apply himself. His favorite activity at school seems to be recess, and doing homework seems to be one of his least favorite. He does not have an individualized educational plan as he is on target academically. Jonathan is close to his brother, Nathaniel, enjoys spending time with him and is very protective of him. Nathaniel, age 7, is happy, active and always on the move, in spite of the cerebral palsy that tends to affect the left side of his body. He likes to sing, dance, color and work on the computer. He has mastered riding his scooter with one hand, as his left hand is not fully functional. The physical therapy that Nathaniel receives is to strengthen his left leg and arm, as he is limited in participating in some activities, i.e, baseball, soccer, etc. He also wears a patch on his eye for one hour a day and wears a brace inside his shoe. Nathaniel’s favorite television shows are Scoobydoo, Hannah Montana and SpongeBob. He also enjoys watching the Animal Planet and Discovery channels. In addition, he likes swimming and spending time with friends. He puts a lot of effort into making his bed, dressing, taking out the trash and putting clothes away. He likes being well groomed and enjoys putting on cologne after he showers. He’s been asking his foster mother for a dog; however, they are not allowed to have pets where they live. Nathaniel is in the second grade and has an individualized educational plan for his special needs. There is daily communication between his foster mother and the teacher and a good day means stickers and prizes, which he usually gets. Jonathan and Nathaniel have been in the care and custody of the Department for two years and are now legally free to be adopted. They would like a family who is patient, can help advocate for their special needs, is open to contact with their siblings and can show them love and acceptance. If you would like to hear more about Jonathan and Nathaniel, or would like information about adoption and/or foster care, please call Barbara Ford at the Department of Children and Families (DCF) 508929-2143.

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J U N K D R AW E R S A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT

ALLERGY-Friendly RESTAURANTS Boston dad, Paul Antico, knows what it’s like to constantly be on guard about what his children eat. Two of his five children have food allergies. His, 12-year-old, Tucker, has a tree nut allergy; Keegan, age 7, is allergic to tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, dairy, eggs and fish (Luckily, Paul says, Keegan has outgrown his allergy to wheat). After repeatedly finding himself unable to locate an allergy-friendly restaurant on a family road trip or for a Friday night family dinner, the former business analyst did what he was successful at doing: finding a solution to the problem.

So six months ago, Paul created “AllergyEats,� a Web site dedicated to providing FREE peer-based feedback on the dietary and allergic accommodations (or lack thereof) of restaurants nationwide. Paul says that this much-needed resource allows parents to access information at-a-glance. “Now they can quickly and easily search a huge database to gather information about whether specific restaurants are willing to prepare meals that food allergic diners can eat, regardless of their specific food allergy or intolerance.� For more information, visit AllergyEats.com.

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A New Chapter BOOK about Girl BULLIES The timing of the novel, Gwendolyn Claire vs. The Foxfield Four, by Central Mass. grandmother and veteran teacher, Virginia Pulitzer, coincides perfectly with the widely-publicized anti-bullying legislation in Massachusetts. Released by the Senate in March 2010, the bill aims to prevent bullying, cyber-bullying and retaliation in schools and forces school administrations to confront this problem. The book stars “the new girl,� Gwendolyn Claire, a smart and kind fifth-grader

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who suffers from the singling-out and discrimination by “The Foxfield Four,� a group of girls at the top of the school’s social hierarchy. Throughout her adventure, Gwendolyn realizes the importance of trusting the adults in her life, who care deeply about her bullying but simply are unaware and uninformed about it. Gwendolyn Claire vs. The Foxfield Four is appropriate for ages 8 – 12 and retails for $7.99 at Pulitzer’s Web site, scribble2me.com, or on Amazon.com.

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And we thought cakes were the ones having all the fun these days, but really it’s the cupcakes at Needham’s newest “it-place,� Treat Cupcake Bar on Highland Avenue. Treat has an ice cream shop sensibility; it’s a place where you can literally build your own cupcake, choosing the cake and frosting. Plus, the cake of your choice is served extra special on a cute little tray with the frosting and all the mix-ins you choose, whether it be gummy worms, Oreos, sprinkles etc., on the side. Treat calls it “an interactive and extravagant cupcake bar with an upbeat vibe.� This fun and sweet spot is owned by Needham dad of three, David LaLiberte, who switched from a successful career in finance to cupcakes. It’s a sweet success story which only makes us love their new program, Treat Others Well, which just launched in September 2010, all the more. Each month, a special cupcake will be created for charity with 50% of all proceeds from the cupcake’s sale given directly to the charitable organization. For more information on Treat, including how to celebrate a birthday there, call 781444-4995 or visit treatcupcakebar.com. Cupcakes retail for about the same price as an ice cream: $4.25 for a make-yourown and $3.25 for a pre-made-treat.

Of course you do, if you have a little girl in the house! Erika Deady-Wohlers, a mother of two from Granby, Massachusetts, is not a seamstress or a ballerina. Nonetheless, she was completely inspired to start a casual tutu fashion business. Her inspiration is Dr. Sitaram Emani of Children’s Hospital Boston who performed corrective surgery and saved the life of Erika’s baby girl, Maeley, who was born with a congenital heart defect. The grateful and loving mother knew she just had to do something to give back. With another daughter at home who loved dress-up and engaging in dramatic play, Erika launched her one-of-a-kind tutu shirt business. The tutu, made from a sleeveless or long-sleeved shirt, is adorned with tulle and colorful ribbon as well as an unique image ironed onto the bodice. Kids just throw on a pair of leggings to complete the frilly, but sometimes cool and edgy, look. At the heart of Erika’s entire business is: For each tutu sold, Tutu Pour Mon Deux will donate one-third of the proceeds to Children’s Hospital Boston. Tutus are available in sizes 12 months to 6T and retail for $34- $38. Check out their gallery at tutupourmondeux.com (even the editors at people.com have noticed!).

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

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Quabbin LET’SROLL

TOUR BOSTON’S WATER SOURCE, A NATURAL BEAUTY WITH AN INTRIGUING PAST BY

amy corneliussen

photos by amy corneliussen

Q

uabbin Reservoir is such a natural landmark in Massachusetts that I never gave much thought to how it came to be. But a picture book I read to my kids a few years ago, “Letting Swift River Go” by wellknown children’s author Jane Yolen, put vivid images in my mind about how this pristine, human-made lake has a shadow of displaced people and changes that continue to echo. I’ve been intrigued ever since, so this summer I set out to explore Quabbin with the kids, hoping to mix outdoor fun with learning some history. I envisioned them becoming as intrigued as I was about uncovering the human drama. Of course I was wrong. But we all had fun exploring Quabbin as a beautiful, wild nature preserve where we can ride bikes, walk, see wild animals and go boating. And what I discovered is that despite my kids’ resistance to learning about the past, I could weave in a few historic facts as we did fun things.

Read Before you Go We started in June by re-reading “Letting Swift River Go” as we had a picnic lunch with friends under a large maple tree near the reservoir headquarters in Belchertown on the south end of Quabbin. The author, who also wrote the classic children’s book “Owl Moon,” lives near the reservoir in Hatfield. 16 OCTOBER2010

The book is a true story about how Quabbin was made in the mid-1900s, told from the perspective of a fictional girl named Sally Jane and her family. Sally Jane has a safe, happy life in Swift River Valley, catching fireflies and fishing. Then things start changing. The adults go to lots of meetings, “only nobody asked us kids.” Sally learns from her father about the plan to flood their hometown to make a reservoir. Sally Jane matter-of-factly tells us about the valley being cleared and her family and friends moving away to different towns. I really like Yolen’s poetic, yet straightforward writing style. “The waters from the damned rivers moved in slowly and silently. They rose like unfriendly neighbors halfway up the sides of the hills, covering Dana and Enfield, Prescott and Greenwich, all the little Swift River towns.” The book ends with Sally Jane as an adult in a rowboat on the reservoir with her father. They share memories, but Sally Jane sees with adult eyes that things have changed and she has to let the past go.

Bike Rides, Bald Eagles, Beauty and More Quabbin is a natural beauty that looks like it’s always been there. But inside the visitor center, make sure you show your kids the photos showing the transformation of the town of Enfield. The no-frills visitor center has lots of

information, knowledgeable staff, a clean restroom and a flat-screen TV – my kids liked this best – to watch educational videos. We watched an episode of the TV show “Chronicle” that focused on Quabbin, while we enjoyed the air conditioning on a hot day. From the visitor center, you can walk across the top of the earthen Winsor Dam. It’s a good bike or scooter ride for little ones, paved and flat, just a half mile, and offers a panoramic view of the reservoir. If you’re up for a hilly bike ride, continue across the dam to a 5-mile paved loop. Otherwise, get a brochure with a map from the center and you can drive the loop, making a few interesting stops along the way. At the top of Quabbin Hill is a stone tower with great views. It’s about six flights of stairs ( my son just flew up them). A little farther along the loop, Enfield Lookout is said to be a good spot to see bald eagles. The kids had fun wading through the ferns, but we didn’t see any eagles. More than half the state’s bald eagles winter at Quabbin, and many stay here to nest as well. Continue on to Hank’s Meadow where we took a short

walk across the meadow to the water’s edge and the kids built sand castles and climbed on tree roots. On our last visit to Quabbin in August, we made our best discovery yet: On the east side of the reservoir at Fishing Area 3, you can rent boats to explore a holding pond and parts of the reservoir. Canoes and kayaks can be used in Pottapaug Pond, and motorboats and rowboats are for rent in sections of the reservoir open to fishing. (See sidebar for details and directions.) Fishing is allowed in certain areas by boat and in other areas from shore, with a state or Quabbin fishing license. To give the kids some exercise and fun, we found a flat and easy bike trail about a 9-mile drive from the visitor’s center. The Norwottuck Rail Trail runs from the Belchertown-Amherst town line about 10 miles to Northhampton, with an ice cream place about 5 miles into the ride. (See sidebar for directions.) This bike trail will always be special to us because it’s where our son first rode without his training wheels! When my son is a more experienced bicyclist, we want to try the mountain

bike trail starting at Fishing Area 3 that goes through the abandoned Dana town common. When I first read the Swift River book to the kids a few years ago, the kids liked it as a well-told story with cozy illustrations. Now after a few trips to Quabbin, my son and daughter tell me it’s a sad story, and that what happened to Sally Jane and the other valley dwellers wasn’t fair. The next time we’re in Boston having a drink from a water fountain, I’ll remind the kids that that water came all the way from Quabbin just so they could have a cold, clear drink. Maybe we’ll pause to recall our favorite Quabbin memory, and then move on. Amy Corneliussen is a former journalist and Central MA mom of two who is always on the lookout for new places to explore with the family.

if you do not intend to fish. Motorboats cost $40 for the day, rowboats cost $14 a day. A Quabbin fishing license costs $5 and can be purchased at Fishing Area 3. Canoes and kayaks are for rent to use in Pottapaug Pond only. You cannot bring your own canoes or kayaks because they might contain traces of invasive aquatic species that Quabbin officials do not want to introduce to their waterways. Canoes and kayaks cost $14 a day. At 12:30 p.m., costs go down to $30 a day for motorboats, and $10 a day for rowboats, canoes and kayaks. You must also pay to park your car, $6 per day. You cannot reserve boats ahead of time as there is no phone (nor electricity) at Fishing Area 3. Rental includes life jackets, but you must bring your own life jacket for children under 30 pounds.

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How To Get There The Quabbin Reservoir Visitor Center and Winsor Dam are located on Route 9 at the Mass. State Police Barracks, 485 Ware Road, Belchertown, MA. To rent boats on Pottapaug Pond: Fishing Area 3 is located at Gate 43 off of Route 32A on the east side of Quabbin, about 18 miles from the visitor center. It’s a little tricky to find, but here’s the route we took: From visitor center, head east on Route 9 for about 8.5 miles to Route 32. Travel north on Route 32 for about 3 miles, then bear left on Route 32A north for about 2.5 miles to Sessions Road. Go left on Sessions for .5 miles, then right at first intersection, traveling for 1.9 milesto Gate 43 sign, bear right toward Gate 43 and take immediate right toward Fishing Area 3 for about a mile to end. To rent a motorboat or rowboat to use in the reservoir, you must also obtain a fishing license from Quabbin or the state even

• The Norwottuck Rail Trail is about 9 miles west of the Quabbin visitor center. Head west on Route 9, continuing straight through the intersection with Route 202. Go left on Allen Road, then right on Bay Road. Continue about 2 miles, go right on Warren Right Road for about 1.5 miles. Parking lot on left just before railroad tracks. • Another nearby kid-friendly spot, the Evergreene Golf driving range and mini golf, just 1.8 miles west of the visitor center on Route 9. • For a homestyle American meal, we had good luck at Hawley’s Family Restaurant at the intersection of Route 9 and Route 202, just 3.4 miles west of the Quabbin Visitor Center. They also have an ice cream counter. • Other restaurants located near the intersection of Route 9 and Route 202: McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, Subway and Wong Garden.

House

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from 1-3 pm Cambridge Friends School provides: • A rich, challenging, and nurturing academic program • An experienced and dedicated faculty • A workshop-model of teaching and learning with individual attention • Safe, friendly, and diverse classrooms • A thoughtful, intellectual community of parents, educators, and students • An education guided by Quaker principles, promoting equity and justice. Cambridge Friends School, 5 Cadbury Road, Cambridge, MA 02140 www.cfsmass.org 617.354.3880 BAYSTATEPARENT 17

WHO’S COACHING OUR

KIDS brittany durgin

y r a e L ’ O John

Age: 48, Hometown: Belmont, Coach of: 1st Grade Maroon Team, Belmont Second Soccer (coed) Dad of: An elementary school-aged son and daughter, Occupation: Lieutenant, Massachusetts State Police What is your idea of a breakfast of champions? Honey Nut Cheerios, fruit and a Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee. What are three words you think your players would use to describe you? Nice, funny and tall Tell us about one of your coaching mistakes (so that we can learn from you!): Some of the games or drills that I have introduced at practice have required too much of an explanation. I have learned that the attention span for this age group has a short duration. These kids want to constantly be active and can quickly be distracted. I now try to keep the introduction short for a game or a drill.

brittany durgin

What is one thing you hear parents tell their children that you wish they wouldn’t? There are actually several.. How did you do? Did you win? What was the score? As children get older some of these concepts become more important. However, at the younger ages I would rather have a child asked more general questions. How was practice? How was the game? Did you enjoy it? These questions have less emphasis on individual performance. They also do not set up performance expectations that a child may perceive

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from their parent. As your child answers these openended questions you will get more information. You will probably also find out the answer to the performance-related questions without even asking. How do you appreciate or understand teachers differently now that you coach? I have a great appreciation for teachers. They have no down time while they are engaged with their students. Similar to a teacher, a coach has to constantly be switched on with this age group. A practice can quickly get away from you if you try to take a mental vacation. What is the hardest thing about coaching? Life can get hectic with a busy work schedule and other family obligations. Sometimes it is hard to find the energy to run a practice. However, once I’m with the kids for a few minutes my attitude improves and the energy is there. They really are a great bunch of kids. Of course, I also have great assistant coaches who keep the energy level up for both the kids and myself. What’s your main coaching message? To have each child feel good about themselves and that playing sports is fun!

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THE SKINNY

ON SUGAR BY

kate scarlata, rd, ldn

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR 22 TEASPOONS OF SUGAR TODAY?

BUT WHAT’S REALLY WRONG WITH SUGAR? For starters, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health have found that those who drink one or more sugar-sweetened beverages per day were more likely to gain more weight and were at greater risk for developing diabetes. National health surveys have linked excess fructose such as HFCS in soda to increased risk of elevated blood pressure. In addition, too much sugar: • raises the fat in our blood, • contributes to fatty livers,

• increases the risk of gout (a chronic form of painful arthritis), • causes dental caries, • raises the risk of pancreatic cancer, • decreases diet quality and • may increase heart disease risk.

SO, HOW MUCH SUGAR SHOULD I HAVE EACH DAY? The American Heart Association recommends that most women limit their sugar intake to 100 calories (about six teaspoons) and men limit to 150 calories (about nine teaspoons) per day.

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No, we’re not talking about indulging on Halloween. Most Americans consume that much each and every day. From breads to cereals to packaged tomato sauce and bakery goods, our reliance on convenience foods loaded with added sugar has skyrocketed.

Wondering how much sugar your child should consume? Check out mypyramid. gov and put in your child’s height, weight, age and activity level to get an appropriate range of extra sugar calories that would be appropriate. In general, to determine how many teaspoons of sugar are in a food item, divide the grams of sugar listed on the food label by four (Therefore, if a granola bar has 12 grams of sugar, it contains 3 teaspoons of sugar). Consider experimenting with your child to figure out how much sugar is in the foods he or she eats. Do the math (divide the grams of sugar by 4) and then get a visual by measuring out the teaspoons of table sugar each item contains. This

should make an impact on your child.

WHERE DOES THE SUGAR LURK IN OUR DIET? For starters, look at the ingredient list on your grocery items. Choose food items that do not list sugar as one of the first few ingredients, as ingredients are listed in order of predominance. Take a peek at the following chart that uncovers the sugar content of many family favorites.

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CURBING YOUR TASTE FOR SWEETS No need to go “cold turkey” here! Slowly decrease the amount of sugar in your diet and your taste buds will likely adjust without a hitch.

TIPS TO DECREASE SUGAR: • Instead of fruit juice or soda, try seltzer with a splash of 100% juice. • Cut the sugar amount in your favorite recipe in half. • Choose whole low sugar fruits such as fresh strawberries, blueberries and watermelon instead of dried fruits and fruit juice or bananas that sneak in more sugar in smaller amounts. • Try plain or vanilla yogurt vs. the fruit flavored, which have added sugar and add your own berries or fruit. • Sweeten pancakes with just a shake of confectionary sugar rather than globs of maple syrup. • Choose breakfast cereals with 6 grams or less of sugar. • Keep fruit juice portions to 4 ounces. • Use mini chocolate chips in your favorite recipes. • Order coffee without added sugar or cut usual amount in half.

just the sugar content that matters. A glass of juice may have a similar amount of sugar as soda, but we all know the juice gives a bigger nutritional bang for the buck. Just like a breakfast cereal that is low in sugar but has no fiber may not be the better choice. Enjoy sweets provided by nature such as fresh berries or a delicious sweet n’ sour green apple. And indulge in sweet treats less often; you’ll enjoy them more! Kate Scarlata, RD, LDN is a Boston-based private practice dietitian and mom of three children. Her latest book, -The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Eating Well with IBS, Alpha 2010, details the most up-to-date science on Irritable Bowel Syndrome and dietary symptom management with over 160 delicious IBS friendly recipes. Follow Kate on twitter @beegood or katescarlata.com.

HOW MANY TEASPOONS OF SUGAR ARE IN MY FOOD ITEM?

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MOMS ROCK!

Molly Stevens DuBois OF BARRE BY

carrie wattu, steven king photographer

Age: 28 Occupation: Farmer Mom of: Daughter Maple, 3, and son, Rye 8 months Married to: Sean DuBois

M

olly Dubois takes her children to work with her. Sound ideal? It is. And it isn’t. “It’s a lot of work,” says Molly. The upside, however, is that her two children experience the love and tradition of working on the Carter and Stevens Farm, a farm that has been in Molly’s family for 72 years. Maple, age 3, and Rye, 8 months, are with their mom during most of the day enjoying typical farm fare: hay-scented air, crowing roosters, bunnies under foot, cows in the pasture, fresh milk and 22 OCTOBER2010

vegetables, the whole deal. Molly even drives a tractor with baby Rye in a front carrier, who usually falls asleep, and Maple in a back one. How does she do it? “With an ERGObaby carrier,” she says. “I would have died without it.” Plus, she credits short bits of time to her success (and sanity). “As long as I do every thing in short bits, I am OK,” says Molly who cultivates four vegetable fields as well as helps tend the 200 acres the family uses to raise corn and hay to feed their 100 cows. She does this with her father, Phil, two younger brothers, Will and Justin, her husband

Sean (when he’s not teaching high school) as well as additional employees during the busy summer months. Molly grew up driving tractors and milking cows in a house just over the hill from the Carter and Stevens Farm. Molly currently lives with her husband and children in a white farm house complete with a porch just a few doors down. Her back lawn is a verdant cow pasture with views of Mt. Wachusett. Maple crawls on grass, pets Ms. Truffles, their friendly pig, and says hello to Doubt and Oasis, the two goats she named herself at age 2 ½ (without any prompting). “I thought she made up the words, but she really knew what an oasis was,” says Molly with a laugh. A typical fall day for Molly is to wake about 6 or 7 and pay bills for the farm. She then takes the two children out to pick veggies before they open the store, where they work and play together selling fresh farm milk sold in glass bottles as well as homemade ice cream and cookies, organic foods including soups and potpies and many other goodies. “It sounds a lot more romantic than it is sometimes,” says Molly as she recounts a hectic day of waiting on customers while trying to nurse Rye and help Maple get to the bathroom, all at the same time. After working in the store for a few hours, the children usually accompany Molly on the 45-minute ride to Hadley where they take their refrigerator truck to get the farm’s milk bottled and to pick up any veggies that they do not grow on site. A full day? Not yet. The cows. They need milking 8 hours a day. ”It takes a lot of time to bring the

cows off the hill and hook them up to machines twice a day,” she says. All this with little ones with her, even in winter, bundled up by her side. But it’s all good. “Maple’s favorite thing is to feed the cows and find frogs while I pick veggies. She also provides quality control on ice cream and chocolate chip cookies in the store,” says Molly. “I have way more than I could possibly do. I am never caught up,” she says, realizing that something has to give. “It’s usually something for me like reading a book or taking a bath. Or the house...” We’re with you Molly. The house. It’s always the house. And we’re also with you that children come first. Despite the challenges, Molly says, “I definitely would not want my kids to grow up any other way.” Carter and Stevens Farm is located on 500 West Street (Route 122) in Barre. For more information, visit carterandstevensfarm. com. Their annual Harvest Festival will be held on October 23 and 24 complete with hayrides, bbq and lots of festivities. Editor’s Note: Try their chocolate milk. Molly calls it liquid pudding!

Take 15 with Molly 1. I am the queen of: Chaos. 2. I love raising a family in Massachusetts because: we get to experience all four seasons. Also we have such diverse geography to explore: mountains, seashore, farmland and Boston all in the same state. 3. We love going to: Amherst (good food, shops, Eric Carle Museum etc.), Cooks Canyon (Audubon hiking trails in

Barre), Red Apple Farm in Phillipston. 4. What makes me a better mom: Time. On days when I have soooo much to do, I am a horrible mom! If I keep my workload manageable, we all get through the day in better shape. 5. Current family obsessions: Frogs. There is a frog pond adjacent to the vegetable field, and it has been a lifesaver of entertainment and cool-offs this summer. We keep a minimum of two frogs in the house‌ always coming and going for the day/ night. 6. Thoughts on Fall in Massachusetts: I’ve got to get those pumpkins picked!! Are the brussle sprouts ready yet? Are there enough gourds in the store? Maybe I better can one more batch of tomatoes. 7. On naming my children: Maple is named for my grandfather, Dan, who makes maple syrup every spring. Growing up, that was my favorite time of the year. And I just love maple trees as well! Most people like her name, though they did say, ‘What will you name the next one? Oak??’ I quite like the name Oak, but we went with Rye instead. We plant Rye grass on top of our corn silage harvest, and it keeps it safe and fresh all winter long. It is also a cover crop that prevents the earth from eroding away. Naming someone after a plant that preserves the soil and harvest felt right. 8. Tell us about raising your children on a family farm: I could not do what I do without all the family’s help! It is really great to have everyone living and working so close. If one of the kids is getting cranked up at the store, Papa can come play with them. Or if I have to do something with the cows, they can go into their grandmother’s house and have tea. My mom watches them at the grill where we BBQ every Friday and Saturday night during the summer. Most of the time they are working with me, but it is necessary to have an ‘escape route.’ 9. Item I could not live without: My ERGObaby carrier. You could take away all the help I have but not this. I would have died without it. 10. On farm life stresses: Owning a store is intense and the dairy industry can be stressful. Last year was really difficult. I was pregnant; it was a bad economy and there was lots of rain. We usually have

1,000 pumpkins but last year we only had 2! [The weather this year has been great for the farm, says Molly.] 11. On farm life changes: It’s kind of spooky how things are still the same as farming was years ago. [The Stevens are the second family to own the farm. The first family who owned the farm, the Allens, came off of the Mayflower and left their old diaries in the attic of Molly’s childhood home. When Molly reads the diaries, she often discovers that she is doing the same farming tasks on the same dates, such as spreading manure in a particular pasture, that the first farmers did hundreds of years before.] 12. On the farm’s family history: My great grandfather, Donald Carter, bought the farm from the Allen family in 1938. My grandmother, Audrey Carter, was raised here, and she married Dan Stevens (whom Maple is named for). So that’s how we get the Carter & Stevens. My dad, Phil, and I run the farm now, and my brothers, Will and Justin, work here too.

13. A farm story: A vast majority of the time cows (and people too) do not need any help giving birth. Most of the girls find a quiet spot and just go have their calves. While I was feeding the cows one day, I saw a girl down in the dry pasture and she seemed like she needed something. I had Rye asleep in the Ergo on my back. I could see that the calf was not coming out as it should (a head and two front feet). So I went back up to the barn to get calving chains (sounds scary.. but think forceps for cows!). I also grabbed my grandfather to help out. So we helped her get the calf out, which was unfortunately not alive. Then I could feel another baby, so we waited a bit and that one came out fine. Rye stayed asleep the whole time.

I ran out of the tractor with Rye on my back and hurdled the fence and ran down towards them. About three quarters of the way there I thought, ‘Oh this is smart, head straight for the hungry coyote- who’s out in broad daylight- with your newborn baby strapped on your back.� I grabbed a stick and kept going. By then the coyote was actually touching the calf. I was only a few feet away and screamed at it, and he ran off. So crazy! Maple loved the whole thing because we had just read “Little Red Ridding Hood� that morning.

14. One more farm story: I was feeding the cows with Maple and Rye one morning, and I saw a coyote hunting my new baby calf! The mother was clearly freaked out, and my mothering hormones kicked in. I just said ‘Maple! Stay here!’

Seeing the good in what moms do is what it’s all about. If you know an inspiring mom, please email editor@baystateparent.com.

15. My passion for farming: I truly feel like the farm is one of my children. That I need to love, care and work so hard for it‌ so that it can also be the child for the next generation.

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thinkPINK

26 WHY I HATED PINK 28 HER DARKEST DAYS 30 SHOP FOR A GOOD CAUSE

32 THINKING BEFORE PINKING

34 BREAST CANCER MADE ME DO IT

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36 THINK PINK EVENTS 37 ON MY PLATE:

Breastfeeding Regrets

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Why I HATED Pink THINKPINK

BY

maryellen d. brisbois steven king photography

“No matter

T

he following are edited excerpts from the memoir, Why I Hated Pink: Confessions of a Breast Cancer Survivor, by mother of three Maryellen Brisbois of Douglas. She was diagnosed with Stage 11 invasive carcinoma at age 41. At the time, her son, Travis, was a junior in high school; her son, Tyler, a freshman, and her daughter, Mackenzie, a sixth grader. Four years later, 44-year-old Maryellen shows no signs of cancer and is living a healthy, productive and happy life.

The Diagnosis

“I decided to

take a shower, adjust my wig and get over myself.” 26 26 OCTOBER2010 OCTOBER2009

I’ll admit that I was blindsided. I have no risk factors for breast cancer. I am an avid runner and have been for the last 27 years. I have completed a triathlon, in addition to many, many road races and a couple of half marathons. I eat right, rarely drink (except for my annual Christmas party and girls’ weekend!) and have only gained a few pounds since high school. So, where do I go from here? I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared shitless; although, I am known for being strong, almost to a fault. I face everything head-on and with gusto. I wasn’t so sure about this though. I thought, ‘This may even be too big for me.’ With my fresh breast cancer diagnosis, every other commercial seemed to be about breast cancer walks, shampoo and cancer centers. We couldn’t even sit down as a family to watch TV without the constant reminder. The color pink was everywhere! Now, pink has been my favorite color since I was a very little girl. The hotter the shade of pink, the more I liked it. But I found myself hating pink, hating pink ribbons and feeling the need for a new favorite color. There were also the continued reports of research of breast cancer. One day, eating red meat may be the cause while the next day, eating red meat was the right thing to do. Things become very confusing about

what guidelines to follow. I decided to do as I’ve always done: Keep everything in moderation.

First Team Meeting I envisioned the meeting [with her team of oncologists, nurses, surgeons, etc.] taking place in a beautiful board room with a mahogany table and silk drapes with all eyes on me as specialists hung on my every word. I ended up being in an exam room wearing a johnnie with my breasts exposed most of the time while being hammered with so much information that I couldn’t absorb another word. It was all so surreal. I had always thought that I wouldn’t care if my breasts were lopped off, but I was wrong. It was a big deal, worth trying chemo first. I had so many appointments in those first weeks after the diagnosis. My breasts were examined by oncologists, surgeons, medical residents, nurse practitioners... and janitors. Just kidding! I started to tell them that one day I was going to just walk into the hospital topless. They thought I was crazy. I thought I was funny.

Sleepless in Douglas Sleep eluded my husband Brian and me. We’d almost had to race each other to get to the couch at bedtime. We would just hold hands and pretend that our lives were normal and that the sudden need to watch the news every morning at 4 a.m. was perfectly normal. The hardest times were waiting for results. It seemed like I was always waiting for test results over a long weekend. It was awful. Our couch party lasted for a couple of weeks. W would pick up our pillows and blankets from the couch before the kids woke up from school. The craziness ended when I finally had the courage to ask my primary doctor for something to help me sleep. I would count on him may more times in the days to come. He never

how I felt, it made me happier just to smile.” let me down.

The Strange and Crazy The strangest phenomenons started to happen. One was that the news really hit the men in my life pretty hard. Out of nowhere, these men started telling me they loved me. It took me back a bit. I wasn’t sure I liked it. Maybe they put themselves in my husband’s place and felt empathetic. Or maybe they really love me! My brother-in-law Don was one of the first. He e-mailed me a wonderful note and said that I had to beat this and that he loved me. Next was my father-in-law, quite possibly the quietest man I have ever met. I adore him. My brother followed suit with the love thing, and I can honestly say that I do not ever recall him telling me that he loved me. Hell, I knew he did, we just never said it to each other in so few words. Other crazy things started to happen. I could be driving along the road or taking a walk or doing dishes when my eyes would just tear up and my tears would run down my cheeks. I wasn’t particularly sad at these times, but I couldn’t stop the tears. My eyes would just run. This lasted for many months and as I ended my treatment, it stopped altogether and I was back to my usual non-crying self. Lastly, another amazing phenomenon: Brian and the kids started to clean the house on Saturday mornings without being asked! I repeat, without being

asked! This cleaning extravaganza lasted throughout my entire chemo treatment. It was a beautiful thing because I feel like I am falling apart if my house is a mess. They knew I had bigger things to worry about.

Chemo Cravings The chemo made me crave the craziest foods. I craved iced tea and McDonald’s vanilla shakes. I think the last time that I had a shake from McDonald’s was about thirty years ago. I also craved Pepsi and Cheez-It crackers (another food I hadn’t eaten in a long time). One morning after grocery shopping, I had a taste for maple walnut ice cream. It was only 9 o’clock in the morning when I marched into Friendly’s in search of a scoop of ice cream. Another day, I was eating a bowl of Cheerios and realized that they tasted just like lobster. Brian said the next time we went to Maine for a lobster, we could just bring some Cheerios for me!

What Helped • My sisters, Linda and Erin, sent me a CD called “Kick Cancer’s Ass!” It included a compilation of tunes to let me know I was loved and to bring me strength. I loved to listen to the songs in the car. •Obituaries. Each morning, I would drive Kenzie to the bus and I always took the newspaper with me. One morning, Kenzie asked who the oldest person on the obituary page was that died. Every morning after that, we would look for

the oldest person in the obituaries. There was some comfort in playing this game, realizing that many people do actually live long lives. • Writing • Spending time with my husband. I hadn’t spent this much time with my husband in years. Too bad it wasn’t under better circumstances. • Humor • Cards, gifts, flowers, meals and gifts • Prayers • A “Jackpack,” a hatbox of goodies that my sister’s friend, Jen, made in memory of her dad, Jack. In it were carefully thought-out personal items similar to things that had brought comfort to Jen’s dad during his chemo treatment. • A good survival story. Toward the end of my journey, I began to think that I was a little hard on the color pink. I have nothing against pink anymore. After a short hiatus, I have actually begun to see pink as my favorite color again. Pink equals strength. Pink reminds me of how far I have come since that day when the phone rang with the news. Pink grounds me and allows me to realize what I have to be grateful for. Pink raises awareness and that is exactly what is needed to prevent and beat this disease. If one woman or man decides to have a mammogram or do a self-breast exam because of advertisements, then pink is doing its job! Why I Hated Pink: Confessions of a Breast Cancer Survivor is available at createspace. com/3379942, amazon.com and local

I had a Breast MRI...

Should You?

bookstores. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to support the fight against breast cancer. Maryellen Brisbois is the mother of three children. She teaches full-time at Worcester State University as a nursing instructor to senior nursing students. She is also a full-time doctoral student at UMass Worcester (PhD in Nursing Program) and will research Latina women’s experiences with breast cancer. Maryellen volunteers at Abby’s House, Dresses that Cure and Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

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Maryellen continues to have follow-up appointments every six months. Through her book signings and community speaking events, she has met extraordinary survivors that continue to inspire her. Maryellen can be reached at mbrisbois@charter.net.

“I knew that

I still had a lot ahead of me, but damn if I knew how much I had behind me!”

Guidelines now recommend an annual breast MRI exam in addition to a mammogram for women considered “high risk” for developing breast cancer. There are many factors that may put you at risk for developing breast cancer. Talk with your doctor about your personal risk, and to find out if you are a candidate for breast MRI. Aurora Breast MRI of Central Massachusetts offers the only FDA cleared, truly dedicated and truly integrated MRI system specifically designed for 3-D bilateral breast imaging.

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www.auroramri.com BAYSTATEPARENT 27

Wife (And Yourself) Through Diagnosis, Treatment and Beyond. Silver explains what transpired that morning. His wife, Marsha, had a mammogram that showed something suspicious. Since she’d had similar readings in past years which were false alarms, neither she nor her husband were concerned. Silver recounts what transpired that morning: “At 11 a.m. Marsha called me at work. Her voice sounded strained. I knew something was wrong. A very blunt radiologist took a second mammogram and said, ‘Sure looks like cancer to me.’ My response deserves a spot in the hall of bad husbandly remarks: ‘Ew, that doesn’t sound good.’ Instead of rushing home to her side, I stayed at work all day...Marsha was left wondering, ‘Did I call the wrong husband?’” Learning from that experience Silver now advises men: “Be there. What was I thinking? I was thinking ‘I have no clue what to do.’ But all I needed to do was hug her, hold her and say, ‘This is awful news, but we’ll get through it together.”

2. Remember these 9 words. A cancer diagnosis is the time to remind yourself of these nine words from traditional marriage vows, to love, honor and cherish in sickness and in health.

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HER darkest days WHEN YOUR WIFE HAS BREAST CANCER – 8 WAYS TO HELP BY

victor m. parachin

T

he four most frightening words any woman can hear are “You have breast cancer.” When that diagnosis is made, a woman will experience a wide range of emotions: fear, anxiety, depression, loneliness. When breast cancer is diagnosed, a woman needs support from family, friends and, most importantly, her husband or boyfriend. Author Judith 28 28 OCTOBER2010 OCTOBER2009

Viorst notes: “In addition to helping us grow and giving us pleasure and providing aid and comfort, our intimate friendships shelter us from loneliness.” Here are eight ways a man can help when his wife has breast cancer.

1. Be there. If your wife is concerned that a lump in her breast may be cancerous go with her to the doctor’s office. If

you’re at work and she calls

you to say “It’s cancer” then leave work and be there with her. Learn from this man’s experience: “I remember only too well the day my wife found out she had breast cancer. And I remember only too well what an idiot I was when she told me.” That blunt and honest confession comes from Marc Silver, author of Breast Cancer Husband: How To Help Your

A great deal of fear comes with a breast cancer diagnosis. One fear is abandonment. Many women know or hear about men who just couldn’t handle the pressure and bailed out. This is a valid concern for a woman dealing with cancer. One man recalls being with his wife when she was diagnosed with cancer: “She broke down and cried. I held her in my arms trying to reassure her that we would do this together. When her tears ended, she said something which showed me how terribly frightened she was. My wife said ‘Don’t leave me.’” Offset any fears your wife may have about your loyalty by telling her you love her; you’ll be there for her no matter how she looks, how she feels, what she says. Your love and support will see her through the darkest days.

3. Go with her to medical appointments. There will be a massive amount of new information coming your wife’s way. It can help greatly to have two sets of ears to hear and later process the information together. “In the crazy days after diagnosis, your wife will run from doctor to doctor, seeking the best team to care for her cancer and sorting out treatment options,” says Silver. “Lumpectomy or mastectomy? Chemo before or after surgery? What kind of chemo? Your job is to go with her. Hold her hand in the waiting room. Take notes or record each visit, because patients in shock typically forget much of what the doctor says, and what they do remember is often wrong,” he adds. You can also be helpful before appointments by asking her to sit with you and develop a list of questions which can be asked of the doctor during the visit. Silver adds this additional wisdom about such lists: “I’d be the keeper of the list. As the clock was ticking, I would gently remind her of questions to ask – but never ask for her unless she wants you to.”

to offer support is to mirror or reflect her needs and moods at the time. Here’s how this works. Rather than talk and advise because this can be perceived by her as pontificating and telling her what to do, feel, think, etc., just be mindfully present. If she wants to talk, then listen. If she wants to cry, let her cry and comfort her without minimizing her fears and concerns. If she’s angry about it all, validate her anger by agreeing that cancer is an unjust and unkind presence in her life. Mirroring means being aware of her emotions and following her lead. Offer an opinion only when and if she asks for it. Otherwise just listen, listen, listen and validate her in every way possible. The American Cancer Society reminds caregivers to: “Listen without judging. Avoid saying ‘You shouldn’t...’ or “Don’t say that.’ Allow your loved one with cancer to express herself and don’t trivialize what she’s feeling. If you’re uncertain about the meaning of what’s said to you, ask for clarification. Repeat what you hear back to her in your own words, so she knows you understand what she’s said.�

5. Encourage your wife to let others help her. Being on the receiving end of help is something very difficult for many women to do. After musical artist Sheryl Crow was diagnosed with breast cancer she said: “What I was forced to learn, like so many other women I’ve spoken with, was to put myself first....I, like so many other women, have mastered

putting everyone else’s needs before my own. For me, the mere act of letting people take care of me was a challenge. It felt completely foreign.� To her credit, Crow permitted herself to receive help and nurture from others. “The first week of radiation, my mother made eight different kinds of organic soup. My dad got up at the crack of dawn to feed my dogs, make the coffee, pick up the paper. My family took week-long shifts to take care of me – or just be there.� As a partner, you may have to gently remind your wife that it’s OK to let others help out.

6. Resist the urge to offer simplistic platitudes. The dictionary defines a platitude as a “banal, trite or stale remark.� Resist any urge to

reassure your wife with trite statements like: You’ll be just fine; Don’t worry; Everything is going to be OK. Those statements

are not helpful because they may indicate to your wife that you’re not able to think about cancer in realistic ways. As a result, she may feel she can’t confide her deepest feelings with you. Statements which are always helpful and hopeful include: I’m with you in this all the way. Together we can see this through. I will support you unconditionally.

7. Create moments of joy. Though cancer and its treatment is a serious affair, not every day and not every thing has to be solemn and somber. As her partner, find ways to create moments of

joy to lighten and brighten her life. In their book, Just Get me Through This – A Practical Guide to Coping With Breast Cancer, authors Deborah A. Cohen and Robert M. Gelfand, MD., offer one way of adding a festive moment: “Help make treatment day a special occasion. Help her transform treatment day from an ominous point on the calendar to a special outing. Spend the day with her...Schedule a manicure, massage, or something else she likes. Help her pamper herself, a bit of distraction from the reality at hand. And after it’s over, celebrate one-more-session down, one-less-to-go.�

8. Get yourself some support. Being the primary caregiver for your partner can tax you physically, mentally and emotionally. That’s why it’s

important for you to find a friend or two who will be there for you and with you. A friend like that will strengthen and encourage you so that you can continue to be effective in helping your wife. Be aware, however, that not every guy in your circle can do this. Edward Lichty, whose wife’s breast cancer meant nine months of treatment shares his experience: “My friends are great guys but honestly, most of them were pretty tongue tied during Kelly’s treatment. I know they wanted to help but I also know they didn’t have any idea what to do.� However, he had one friend, Graham who stepped up. “He called and emailed a lot. He tracked our progress. He didn’t disappear once treatment got going. He kept calling and

asking questions. He was really interested in the day-to- day reality of what we were going through and was comfortable enough in our friendship to ask.â€? Lichty learned from Graham’s support. He knows how to provide support to a friend whose wife is dealing with cancer: “I will be present. I will show an interest in the details of what cancer is like for him and his wife. I will stop in during chemo treatments, call him while his wife is in surgery, track him down at work to get an update, and make plans to do some celebrating with him after it’s all over.â€? Victor M. Parachin is an ordained minister, journalist and author of a dozen books. He has lectured at Holy Cross College and Theological Seminary in Brookline on issues related to grief, loss and bereavement. He is author of Healing Grief. Faucher School of Dance Proudly Presents... 2nd Annual William J Humphrey Jr Memorial Performance To beneďŹ t the Why Me organization (Sherry’s House) Special Guests: WRUSH, Synthesis Dance Project, Perceptions, Stylized Movement, Boston Tap Company, ACTandCompany, Canty, PZDA A & more!

AB Photography

4. Mirror her moods and needs. One of the most effective ways

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shop for a

GOOD CAUSE CYBEX 10 Trotter Drive Medway, MA 02053 508-533-4300 www.cybexintl.com CYBEX is manufacturing custom-made pink treadmills for its Second Annual Pink Ribbon Run to log miles and raise funds for BCRF. The pink treadmills are available at participating health clubs and other exercise facilities across the country. CYBEX will donate $0.10 for every mile logged on any CYBEX pink 750T treadmill during October 2010. Visit www.cybexintl.com for a list of participating exercise facilities or to see how your health club can get involved.

Proven Winners® ColorChoice® www.invincibellespirit.net INVINCIBELLE® SPIRIT HYDRANGEA The pink ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea, Invincibelle Spirit is a cold-hardy hydrangea that produces abundant pink flowers every year from midsummer until frost. This adaptable native plant thrives from Manitoba to Mobile, and grows in either full sun or part shade. Dark pink buds open to hot pink blooms which then mature to soft pink, then green. It will continue to bloom until frost. For every plant sold, $1 will be sent to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Invincibelle Spirit is available at better garden centers.

SCARTINI Bin Beauty, LLC 1830 Lombard St., Unit 603, Philadelphia, PA 19146 215-410-1840 www.scartini.com Scartini, an innovative roll-on concentrated scar serum, treats surgical incisions, cuts and scrapes, acne scars, burns, stretch marks and fine wrinkles. In particular, it can help treat scars and burns for women undergoing radiation and re-constructive surgery for breast cancer. It’s available for $29.99 at scartini.com.

Light Gives Heat www.lightgivesheat.org/store (PINK) SUUBI® NECKLACE A PINK twist on our Classic necklace – an assortment of colorful beads and a single PINK ‘HOPE’ bead packaged in our limited edition PINK box. Light Gives Heat fuses fashion with hope by creating trend-savvy and fair-trade certified upcycled products such as Suubi® necklaces. Hand-made out of recycled paper, Suubi® necklaces provide a weekly consistent income for hope-filled women in Uganda, Africa. Light Gives Heat will donate $4.00 of the (PINK) Suubi® necklace to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. BCRF is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

Reebok www.reebok.com REEBOK PINK RIBBON ZIGPULSE Reebok is a proud supporter of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade and will donate a minimum of $400,000 up to $750,000 to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade to support access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer. Enter to win a pair of these running shoes at www.baystateparent.com.

30 30 OCTOBER2010 OCTOBER2009

PYOP Studio, Inc. 290 W. Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532 508-393-3100 www.pyopstudio.com RIBBON IMPRESSION MUG Paint your own Ribbon Impression Mug, a Ribbon Bank, or even a Ribbon Ornament for a family member or friend with cancer. At PYOP Studio, Inc. you will find over 400 types of pottery to paint (mugs, bowls, plates, figurines, boxes, banks, holiday items, household and kitchen items, etc.), over 65 paint colors, and an abundance of tools to help you paint and personalize a one-of-a-kind gift. No Reservations needed, walk-in at anytime. For more information on events and/or how to book a party, please visit www.pyopstudio.com or call (508) 393-3100.

Fitness EM, licensed manufacturer of SHAPE Magazine workout products http://theshapestore.com/thinkpink SHAPE PILATES HOME WORKOUT KIT The SHAPE Pilates Home Workout Kit is an affordable Pilates training system that provides an amazing total body toning solution. Get slim and sculpted with our easy-to-do flowing Pilates moves. The kit includes a pink Pilates mat, a Portable Pilates Studio with power cords, workout card with 10 step-by-step exercises and a free 1-year SHAPE Magazine subscription! Order at theSHAPEstore.com/thinkpink in October and receive a free aromatherapy stress relief ball with your order of any Pilates for Pink product. A portion of the sales contribute towards a $10,000 donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.

Mad Hectic Foods, Inc. 508-993-8300 www.madhecticoatmeal.com MAD HECTIC OATMEAL Created by breast cancer survivor Beth Gallo, Mad Hectic Oatmeal is a high-protein, high-fiber hot oatmeal mix in six, creative flavors. With 840 mg omega-3 and 13 to 17 grams of protein per serving, this all-natural oatmeal mix makes it easy to get important nutrients into your daily routine. 10% of all online sales in October go to The Ellie Fund. Order at www.madhecticoatmeal.com.

MetroWest Yoga 69 Milk Street, Westboro, MA 01581 508-366-5025 32 Millbrook Street, Worc., MA 01605 508-752-1533 www.metrowestyoga.net YOGA BASKET This beautiful yoga basket makes a perfect gift for those affected by breast cancer. Basket includes yoga t-shirt, gift certificate for “3 Free Yoga Classes,” water bottle, bumper sticker, yoga towelettes and drink packets. Contact MetroWest Yoga for details and information about class schedules.

ISABELLE GRACE JEWELRY 5 Glen Drive S. Dartmouth, MA 02748 508-951-1749 www.IsabelleGraceJewelry.com Celebrate and honor the survivor in your life with grace. This beautiful, handcrafted necklace features a fine (.999) silver hand-cut tag that is inscribed with the motto “Survivor” on the front and “because I am” on the back. The silver is hammered to symbolize what a woman goes through when she has breast cancer and is also symbolic of their resilience to overcome. The Pink Topaz stone was added to honor the famous pink ribbon symbol. The necklace may be customized with a personal inscription. This retails for $125 with 25% of the proceeds donated to BreastCancer.org.

SMART COVER 732-513-9433 www.SmartCover.com Smart Cover can help women who are going through radiation because their face can become discolored and it can help mask the scarring from surgeries including breast surgery. Smart Cover will donate $5 from every Hollywood Make-Up Artist Kit sold in October to Breast Cancer.org. For $59.75, the kit comes in a cosmetic bag with detailed instructions that you can easily follow at home and includes an assortment of four concealing cremes, a color corrector, moisture primer lotion, a cover stick, a vitamin stick, Perfect Touch Camouflage Creme, a compact finishing powder and puff, natural bronzer, bronzer brush, a lip anti-feathering stick, papaya cleanser, two make-up brushes and two sponges.

MOM CORPS 51 Rustlewood Road Milton, MA 02186 617-510-0915 www.momcorps.com Mom Corps can help you to become the working mom you need to be through expert coaching, training, events and conferences as well as many other employment services. See all of their offerings online. In honor of breast cancer awareness, Mom Corps is donating one career building breakfast to the Ellie Fund.

Mothers & Company 140 Worcester Street, West Boylston, MA 01583 508-835-6666 www.mothersandcompany.com BOOBY TUBES A natural, safe, gel-free breast pack made with a 100% organic cotton shell and filled with all-natural flax seed. Use warm or cold, depending on what your breasts need. Nursing? Put in freezer to help reduce swelling and tenderness or warm up to encourage milk flow. Undergoing breast cancer screening or treatment? Booby Tubes are great after biopsies or after surgery. Super soft and flexible-- useful for other parts of the body, too! Get creative. Available at Mothers & Company in West Boylston.

New Balance 20 Guest St. Brighton, MA 02135 800-343-4648 www.newbalance.com NEW BALANCE LACE UP FOR THE CURE R 850: In 2010, New Balance will donate 5% of the suggested retail price of sales form the Lace Up for the Cure® Collection with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000 to Komen. The Lace Up for the Cure® Collection is available at retail stores year-round. The New Balance Lace Up for the Cure 850 features truebalance technology, a breakthrough balance board technology offering superior comfort and enhanced toning and calorie burning while you walk, in a lightweight, breathable package.

GSN www.GSN.com or www.WorldWinner.com PLAY TO DEFEAT BREAST CANCER Two ways to play games at www.GSN.com or www.WorldWinner.com - where your free time helps support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). Earn Oodles playing FREE games at GSN.com, Oodles may be redeemed at the GSN Prize Center to serve as a charitable contribution in denominations of $10, $25 and $50. At WorldWinner, compete in Pink Ribbon tournaments featured in over 40 casual games, where a portion of the entry fee is donated to BCRF. GSN and WorldWinner have donated $750,000 to breast cancer charities since 2004. This is one competition we can only win with your help.

WE ENCOURAGE OUR READERS TO SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS AS THEY SUPPORT BREAST CANCER AWARENESS. BAYSTATEPARENT 31

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THINKING BEFORE A ONCE-PASSIVE COLOR GENERATES STRONG EMOTIONS ABOUT THE BREAST CANCER MOVEMENT

pinking T

Survivor Tara Griffith of Walpole

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BY

lynn jolicoeur paula swift photography

ara Griffith has always connected with the color pink. The self-described “girly-girlâ€? says growing up, if it was pink, she had to have it: a bicycle, jackets, even her first bra. But the color took on a whole new meaning for the 33-year-old mother of one from Walpole in April of this year. An itch on her right breast led to the discovery of a lump and a diagnosis of stage one breast cancer. “Pink is just‌ a color of renewal, a color of second chance,â€? Griffith says. “I beat it and I’m a survivor. So to me, it represents a whole new outlook on life. But I can understand how people could look at it negatively if they’ve lost someone.â€? Indeed, Griffith feels she has come out on top. She opted for a double mastectomy followed by four rounds of chemotherapy and hormone treatment. But her empathy for others impacted by breast cancer underscores the deep emotions – both positive and negative – that bloom from the color pink and its connection with the breast cancer movement. Lisa DeArmond Wagner of Westboro has been to a much darker place in her feelings about the bright, cheery color. She is battling breast cancer for the second time. This time it’s stage four – metastasized to her spine from the breast she had reconstructed after a mastectomy in 2003. “The first time around, I absolutely hated the color pink,â€? DeArmond Wagner says. “Do not associate me with cancer. Do not associate me with the color pink.â€? Though she had worn a pink ribbon pin before, it now stayed hidden away. “I was just so angry at what cancer had done to me,â€? she reflected. This time, the 41-year-old has softened her stance – though she still isn’t wearing the pink ribbon. Chatting over a muffin and organic milk at a local eatery, she wears a pink elephant bracelet she recently bought on a home shopping channel – calling breast cancer the pink elephant in the room because many people are uncomfortable talking about it. And she is raising money with a group of high school classmates who walked the Komen Massachusetts Race for the Cure in her honor. “I had to separate myself into almost two people – Lisa who lives a regular life and Lisa who has cancer. And from the support I’ve gotten from everybody, I’m okay with (pink),â€? she says.

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A Colorful History Pink ribbons have been formally tied to breast cancer awareness and fundraising efforts since 1991. That year, The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation distributed the ribbons to participants in its Race for the Cure in New York City. Since then, the charity has become a leader in cause-related marketing, whereby it partners with corporations that sell products sporting the signature pink ribbon or other pink parts and donate a portion of the proceeds to Komen. In 2007, the foundation changed its name to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and trademarked a new ribbon, known as the running ribbon. “We want to use pink to represent the movement,” explains Carrie Glasscock, a corporate relations manager with Komen. “It’s helping women feel that they are never alone. Pink brings together like-minded individuals to create this movement.” Figures Glasscock provided show Susan G. Komen for the Cure collects about 300 million dollars each year – approximately 50 million from cause-related marketing. She said 84 percent of funds raised go directly into community outreach and research. The movement has its critics, however. Komen has been decried for linking their fundraising to some food products containing unhealthy or potentially cancer-causing ingredients – including fried chicken and yogurt made from milk with bovine growth hormone (that manufacturer has since started using hormone-free milk). Advocates also point out some corporations donating a portion of their proceeds to Komen or other non-profits after selling pink-laced products are actually making more from the campaigns than they are giving to the charity.

Thinking before Pinking “Think about what exactly you are buying,” says Deborah Shields, Executive

Director of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition. The advocacy group supports the Think Before You Pink campaign spearheaded by Breast Cancer Action in San Francisco. Shields says she wishes the entire breast cancer community would devote more time to “actual prevention.” “Let’s really get serious about getting toxins that cause breast cancer out of products that we use in our environment,” she says, referring to certain ingredients in cosmetics, household products and foods. Glasscock said Susan G. Komen for the Cure granted out about 20 percent of donated funds – 59 million dollars – for research in fiscal year 2010. She stressed the organization does focus on preventative research – for example, how flax seed might help prevent cancer – and research programs “that take treatment from bench to bedside as quickly as possible.” Forty-one-year-old Kari Dudley, who underwent a double mastectomy and five months of chemotherapy in 2007, says she appreciates the movement but is ambivalent about the pink bombardment. “If pink is what’s chosen to raise funds and support research, and hopefully eliminate this horrible disease, then have it,” Dudley says, adding that she has “just a true lack of connection” to all things pink tied to breast cancer fundraising. Like other breast cancer survivors we interviewed, the Medfield mother of two says many people gave her pink items they bought knowing a portion of the price would go to a breast cancer charity. “It’s lovely, and everyone has the best intentions,” Dudley says, countering, “Those cynics among us tend to kind of laugh at that a little bit.” A two-time cancer survivor – the first time being Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1996 – she asks, “Wouldn’t it be great if we could have this type of attention, regardless of color, to every type of cancer across the board?” Sara Weiss of North Andover echoes that sentiment. Now 42, she had breast cancer at the age of 30. She knows first-hand how much fundraising is needed. Not only has she gotten very involved in the non-profit side of breast cancer action, she works part-time as

CHILDREN’S DENTISTS of Worcester

a consultant running clinical trials for oncology drugs. Within the first several months of her diagnosis, Weiss says, she looked for a pink ribbon to wear. “It was definitely something I looked to, identified with and felt a sense of community with,” she reflects. But she eventually saw a “negative connotation” to certain facets of the pink movement, determining after reviewing budget reports that it’s “lining people’s pockets” within some corporations and charities. “You do feel a little exploited, but then you take it back on yourself and you need to educate yourself and others,” Weiss says. She urges people to research the organizations to which they might want to donate in order to see where the money is going. And she’s trying to educate her daughter and son, now just 7 and 5 years old, about the disease and efforts to fight it. In fact, she attended CBS’ recent star-studded Stand Up to Cancer fundraising show in Los Angeles with her daughter. The prevalence of pink generates strong emotions among women attending breast cancer support groups, according to Genevieve Mason, a licensed social worker at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In her experience, they either feel “so supported” or “really put off.” “I encourage people to talk about it, period,” Mason says, adding that she suggests people who feel offended take action. “Go to these organizations and let them know (your) feelings about it.” She has also heard frustration – even anger – expressed by people impacted by other forms of cancer, who feel their causes get a tiny fraction of the attention.

THINKPINK

The Pinkest Month

cancer are found,” Glasscock says. Twohundred-fifty corporations partnering with Texas-based Komen will launch pink programs during the month, including the Dallas Cowboys, rolling out a line of pink merchandise for fans to wear to games. DeArmond Wagner has become more accepting of October. “I don’t like to celebrate it,” she says, adding she feels conflicted because she knows she is benefiting from some of the research. Griffith has been looking forward to her first October as a breast cancer survivor. “It’s going to give me an opportunity to look into things to get involved with, to help others as I’ve been helped.” She is starting to volunteer with The Ellie Fund, a Needham-based non-profit that fights breast cancer and eases its effects on women and families across Masschusetts, from which she received support services. She wants to participate in fundraising walks once she is fully recovered from breast reconstruction. “I think all the money and attention raised for breast cancer has enabled them to get more sophisticated in their treatment options,” Griffith says. And to this day, she treasures something pink as “one of the most beautiful gifts” she’s received. In addition to taking care of her 2-year-old daughter, she cleans houses for a living. One of her clients gave her a breast cancer bead necklace. “She told me, ‘this will help remind you to keep up the fight.’ It was very sentimental,” Griffith recalls. That woman has since passed away from lung cancer. Griffith still wears the necklace and also uses a “blinged out” pink coffee mug her aunt gave her. “It kind of does help, in a weird way,” she said. “It’s like people standing behind you, and you know people are with you and praying for you.”

No one will have to look far to find pink products and pink-powered events during October – from pink Tic Tacs at the pharmacy check-out counter to a Breast Cancer Awareness pre-lit Christmas tree on the internet. There’s even an official National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Store Web site. “We feel there will never be enough pink until a cure or the cures for breast

Lynn Jolicoeur is an award-winning journalist and the mother of twins who are in kindergarten. She’s worked extensively as a television reporter – most recently in Boston – and has lived most of her life in Massachusetts. She now makes her home in Shrewsbury. Editor’s Note: Tara Griffith, who was interviewed for this article, is baystateparent’s Think Pink cover model this month.

Dr. Manouch Darvish Dr. Daniel Moheban certified, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

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THINKPINK

Breast Cancer

MADE ME DO IT “You can

come out of breast cancer changed for the better.”

BY

bonnie o’connor portrait simple photography

W Theresa Keresztes 34 34 OCTOBER2010 OCTOBER2009

ellesley’s Theresa Keresztes is a breast cancer survivor and mother of two young children who struggled with the skin burns that she experienced as she went through radiation treatment. Instead of tolerating and accepting the burns, she researched and developed an all-natural, plant-based cream to help protect her skin during treatment. She is now in the process of marketing her cream (mygirlscream.com) to other breast cancer patients and working with hospitals and oncology specialists to get the word out about the importance of skin care during radiation therapy. For Keresztes, what began as a terrifying diagnosis of breast cancer has been

transformed into a passion for bettering the lives of breast cancer patients that has the potential to become an exciting new career. She refers to her cancer diagnosis as a “gift” because it brought her a newfound perspective on life, along with unexpected opportunities, such as the chance to become an entrepreneur. “I had always had entrepreneurial positions within companies, so my current position is a natural fit, but I didn’t see this coming,” says Keresztes, when asked what role her breast cancer diagnosis played in her decision to launch her skin cream business. “My circle of friends has widened now as a result of the business, and every day I get the chance to meet new and interesting people who have a broader view of what is truly important in life — and I love the fast pace of being an entrepreneur and helping people who really need it,” she adds. She is currently expanding her business overseas and is seeking investors to develop products she discovered during her breast cancer treatment. Keresztes is not alone. In fact, many women have turned their breast cancer diagnoses into something positive by taking on new life and career challenges — all driven by their experiences related to breast cancer.

Solace in Art For Belmont residents, Gail Erdos and Peggy Tryon, a breast cancer diagnosis led to a deep friendship that grew into a nonprofit business focused on helping children and teens cope with the stress of cancer.

Gail Erdos and Peggy Tryon Erdos, a mother of three children, was working as a teacher when she was diagnosed. Eight months of treatment that included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation left her scared, tired and drained. “On my absolute worst days when I couldn’t leave my house, my friends would show up with art projects I could do from my bed, and it was during those moments that I forgot about my cancer,” says Erdos. Likewise, Tryon, also a mother to three children, including one with special needs, was deep into her career as a pediatric occupational therapist when she was diagnosed. She too found solace in art

during her breast cancer treatment. It was a community art project of painting a mural that brought the two women together. There, among friends, they let their painting take them away from the stress and anxiety of their treatment — and they wondered why there wasn’t a place where children touched by cancer could go to embrace art as a means to relax and find enjoyment. Barely out of treatment, the two women founded Our Space (ourspacerocks.org), a nonprofit organization devoted to creating art rooms throughout the Boston area, where children facing or overcoming cancer can go to have fun through art exploration. Once opened, Our Space will provide rooms for creative arts, meditation, yoga, tutoring and academic support, along with a parent resource room — all in a homey, comfortable environment close to major hospitals. “If it weren’t for our breast cancers, we wouldn’t have started Our Space,� says Erdos. “It brought us together and brought to light the challenges that exist in cancer treatment — especially for children who are undergoing treatment themselves or who have a family member in treatment.� Our Space has been a transformative venture for both women. So much so that Tryon is retiring from her 24-year career in the Cambridge public school system to focus exclusively on the launching and management of Our Space. “Breast cancer has given me more focus on what is meaningful to me, both spiritually and in my work,� she explains.

THINKPINK

Jennifer Palmer

Book Bound For Jennifer Palmer, also of Belmont, who has two young children, it wasn’t a calling to launch a business that came out of her breast cancer diagnosis, but motivation to write a book and start a blog to inspire others going through treatment and recovery. During her 12 months of treatment that included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, Palmer sent e-mail updates to friends and family detailing her diagnosis and treatment progress. It was information that she needed to share

but wasn’t sure others wanted to read. Much to her surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive, and she was encouraged to keep writing. “Writing was very cathartic to me during my ordeal with breast cancer. It was a fabulous creative outlet for me, and the responses I got back made me smile,� she says. Not only were the e-mails a convenient way for Palmer to reach out, but they also helped her cope during her most difficult treatment days, when she struggled with hot flashes, night sweats and serious depression. Palmer’s passion to keep writing resulted

in her launching a blog (mypunkpie. com) and writing a book to chronicle her life with breast cancer, from diagnosis through treatment. In it, she provides an A-to-Z account of what she experienced and how she came out on the other side as a new person. She is writing the book in a diary-style format and uses humor to entertain, inform and inspire other breast cancer survivors going through treatment. Still a work in progress, the book represents a huge departure for Palmer, who is a software sales representative by trade and who has no previous writing experience. “Breast cancer forced me to slow down and take more time for myself,� says Palmer. “I take long walks now and do a lot of thinking; I am kinder to others and I reciprocate the kindness I receive — and I’ve made lots of fabulous new friends.� Though it was breast cancer that drove her to start writing, Palmer says she wrote the book and blog out of a desire to give back to the community that gave so much to her during treatment and recovery, and to let people know that you can come out of breast cancer changed for the better. “It’s still surprising to me that something so negative like a cancer diagnosis can be a catalyst to living a better, more fulfilling life.� Bonnie O’Connor is a Holliston-based freelance writer. You can contact her and view samples of her work at bonnieoconnor.com.

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october THINKPINK events 3

Award-winning Charles David Salon & Spa in Hanover will donate 100% of the money raised from salon services including hair, nails, make-up, waxing, body treatments and products to the South Shore Hospital Cancer Center. Call 781-982-1224 to make your appointment today!

10 17

4 11 18

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9 When Should I Screen for Breast Cancer? Museum of Science, Boston. 12:30 p.m. mos.org.

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Ellie Fund 5% Day at Whole Foods Market. Wellesley and Dedham. elliefund.org.

FREE Circle Furniture Pink Party. Framingham, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Champagne, desserts and fabulous raffle prizes. All proceeds benefit The Ellie Fund. elliefund.org.

Catwalk for a Cure Pink Dress Fashion Show. The Liberty Hotel, Boston. 7 p .m. pbbroadwayinc.org.

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FREE Cancer Support Group. YWCA, Salem Square, Worcester. Every Tuesday, 12 – 1 p.m. 508-767-2508, ywcacentralmass.org.

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Every Wednesday in October, select Rugged Bear stores will donate 10% of the sale of special pink apparel (and red for boys) to the Ellie Fund. Visit Ruggedbear.com for details.

The Walk Against Breast Cancer. 5-mile scenic walk through Holliston. 1:30 p.m. Benefits Dana Farber. hollistonwalks.org.

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Halloween For Hope Adult Costume Bowling Party. King’s Bowling, Dedham. Age 21+. elliefund.org

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The MOMologues: Pink Ribbon Overdose Comedy Show. Hard Rock, Boston. elliefund.org

Jazzercise, Westborough. Free food, exercise sessions, hip hop class, presentation by survivor, Dr. Julie Silver, raffles, silent auctions and more. To benefit The Healing Garden, Harvard; 15-40 Connection, Worcester and the American Cancer Society. 781-820-6996.

30

Visit baystateparent.com and click calendar for more Think Pink events.

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THINKPINK

ONMY

Plate

You are Cordially Invited to

(ALLOWEEN FOR (OPE to beneďŹ t the Ellie Fund

Breastfeeding REGRETS BY

bonnie j. toomey, mother, grandmother, blogger

3ATURDAY /CTOBER ¯ P M +ING´S ,EGACY 0LACE 0ROVIDENCE (WY $EDHAM No tricks here, just lots of treats!

Editor’s Note: There is solid evidence that breastfeeding can lower the risk of breast cancer.* In the spirit of prevention, bsp has included blogger Bonnie Toomey’s entry on breastfeeding in our annual Think Pink issue. I have few regrets in life, but one is that I did not breastfeed my children. I had good intentions, and even researched, wrote a college paper and gave a speech on the benefits of breastfeeding, but I wish I had persevered at the first set backs I encountered when I entered motherhood. I was 22 when my first child was born and unlike the serene scene in the movies between mother and newborn, my baby just cried when I brought her to my breast, making it difficult for me to feel relaxed and confident. The nurses tried to encourage me, but I was worried my baby wasn’t eating, uncomfortable from delivery stitches and even more uncomfortable when my mother walked in while I was hooked up to a breast pump and walked right back out again in the name of privacy. As I sat in the sitz bath and cried the second day, I broke down and switched to bottle feeding. I was directing a ballet school and teaching during the time my four children were born, and I justified my decision under the auspices of career, when in retrospect I just gave up too easily. It hit me 26 years later, the day my firstborn had her firstborn. My daughter was just learning how to breastfeed, handling her newfound motherhood with a determined calm, and I was at a loss for the right words and the first-hand knowledge which passes from mother to daughter during the many milestones in life. I felt an awkward angst as I watched her navigate through unfamiliar territory for both of us. I felt a tinge of regret and a slight sense of inadequacy in the breastfeeding department, so I did what I knew best and stayed by her side, watching with wonder as she began to experience success. Through persistence, some natty nipple shields and a wonderful lactating nurse, she was breastfeeding in two days. My daughter eased into motherhood with grace and after a few weeks, it became so second nature that she could even play a game of bananagrams tm with her family at

the kitchen table while breastfeeding my little grandson. I marveled at my daughter’s ability and dedication to breastfeed her baby which continued for seven months, even as she faced her own setbacks in the form of baby blues, traveling and a sinus infection, the latter which forced her to stop for almost a week. Luckily, she had stored enough milk in the freezer to help her get through “the dry spell.� Much to my youngest son’s surprise was the shocking realization that I hadn’t breastfed him. After all, I was a good mother and that’s what “good� mothers do. The proof was sitting right next to him, breastfeeding his brand-new nephew. We never had the occasion to discuss the subject until then, and he was 20 when he found out! That tiny tinge of regret came to the surface once again. I empathize with moms who choose not to breastfeed because of pressures from family, friends or work, but I also know that just because baby is not breastfed doesn’t mean baby is going to be unloved, unhealthy or unsuccessful. I just wouldn’t want other moms to experience the same disappointment I felt years later, if it meant simply hanging in there for an extra day or two to make it through the breastfeeding hump. Because I work at home, I was fortunate enough to be able to care for my grandson after my daughter returned to work. We were a team. She would drop off the baby in the morning and hand me the diaper bag and four five-ounce packages of frozen breast milk she had expressed at work the day before in ready-to-thaw baggies. Almost every time I sat down to feed my grandson, my daughter would call to say hello while she was pumping. Talk about clockwork! I could only smile as I thought of how I had come full circle. On some small maternal level, I was in a strange way doing my part to ‘breastfeed’ after all those years.

Tickets: $20 in Advance, $30 at Door To reserve, visit Elliefund.org/Halloween2010 Includes complimentary pizza (7-8pm) plus bowling, costume contests with prizes, private cash bar, fun Treats Rafe and goodie bags. 100% of event proceeds will be donated to The Ellie Fund to provide transportation, childcare, housekeeping and meals free of charge to hundreds of breast cancer patients and families across Massachusetts.

Sponsored by:

baystateparentt

Bonnie J. Toomey is a Lunenburg freelance writer. Visit her at parentforward.blogspot.com. *Two large meta-analyses that combined the results from many studies found that women who breastfed had a lower risk of breast cancer compared to those who had not. Source Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

baystateparentt

BAYSTATEPARENT 37

THINKPINK

Early Detection is a Woman’s Best Defense! Schedule your digital mammogram today. Appointments within 24 hours UUUUU Extended weekday, evening and weekend hours Call 508-363-9729 to schedule an appointment. (Validated garage parking)

4VNNFS 4USFFU t 8PSDFTUFS ." 38 38 OCTOBER2010 OCTOBER2009

T hink Pink

This October 2010, Smart Mom Jewelry supports breast cancer awareness month with a special online offer. Purchase anything from our ‘Think Pink’ line and we’ll donate 20% of every sale to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Visit www.smartmomjewelry.com for more information.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 39

at Roger Williams Park Zoo

.

Providence, RI October 7th - 31st

Official Sponsor:

"//

Halloween Costume Clinics are in full swing! Just

for two hours of creativity.

Check out the October Calendar on our website for days and times to come in and sew up a scare!

Supporting Sponsor:

Learn to Sew Studio Look for costumes made by Ready Set Sew Instructors on page 41 in this issue! PH: 508.393.6300 www.readysetsew.org .PO ćVS BN QN t 'SJ 4BU BN QN

8FTU .BJO 4U Northborough, MA 01532

baystateparent wants to know:

What’s your great iParty find? Every month, iParty will award a $75 iParty gift certificate to a baystateparent reader for sharing an unexpected find at our favorite party supply store. To be considered, send the name and description of your great iParty find to editor@baystateparent.com. Please include your name, address, phone and email.

October Winner: Tarah DiGiovanni of Leominster found glowsticks in every color for 99¢ each.

Join the Birthday Club! Are you part of the iParty Birthday Club? Well, what are you waiting for?! Sign up today and start receiving iParty exclusive in-store savings and discounts, contest information, FUN party and project ideas along with so much more! Just go to www.iparty.com, complete the form and join the FUN today! 40 OCTOBER2010

COSTUMES GONE

MARGOT, 10

GRAHAM, 7

RENEE, 5

JACKSON, 8

PIERCE, 3

JACKSON, 7

KARA, 6

MARY, 6

Paula Monette Ethier Creative Director • Carrie Wattu Editor • Allison Cottrill Photographer, Carlisle Susan White, Ready, Set, Sew Costume Designer, Northborough Photographed on location at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI

BAYSTATEPARENT 41

O T D E PLEAS U O Y T MEE "Halloween is about having a haunted bonfire and inviting friends over.� Jackson, age 8, of Arlington at the Roger Williams Park Zoo's zebra exhibit. His costume is built just like a real zebra: for endurance.

42 OCTOBER2010

"My favorite part of my

"A black monkey played

with me when he saw my costume at the zoo!

"

Graham, age 7, of Shrewsbury probably didn't realize that the white-cheeked gibbon's favorite social activity is not playing but grooming.

costume is the trunk. It would be even more perfect if it was scary with vampire teeth.

"

Jackson, age 7, of Shrewsbury says hello to the Roger Williams' elephants. If his trunk were real, it would be strong enough to pick up a car as well as maneuverable enough to pick up a dime.

“I don’t know how giraffes eat

leaves. They are tasteless. I can’t wait to eat candy on Halloween!

”

Margot, age 10, of West Boylston demonstrates a giraffe's main activity: eating. A giraffe consumes 75 pounds of food per day, so eating and chewing cud takes up most of her waking hours.

BAYSTATEPARENT 43

44 OCTOBER2010

“I liked looking at the crane. He couldn’t take his eyes off of me!” Kara, age 6, of West Boylston imagined that the zoo’s West African Crane must have been very confused seeing one of his own (Kara in costume) outside of the exhibit.

"Seeing the flamingos in the

zoo was more awesome than I thought because they stand on one leg and curl their head in their feathers.

"

Mary, age 6, of West Boylston felt like a real flamingo visiting the zoo exhibit wearing the felt mask and beak.

"I like my beak because I can peck at people." Pierce, age 3, of Holden loved seeing the penguins walk at the Roger Williams Park Zoo and couldn't wait to check out the elephants and giraffes in the "Fabric of Africa" exhibit.

“I want to be a kangaroo for Halloween. I like holding the tail!” Renee, age 5, of Holden is excited to hop out and about on Halloween with her friends. She hopes to get bubble gum and M & M’s.

Make one of these costumes or one of your own design! Ready, Set, Sew is holding costume clinics throughout the month of October. readysetsew.org

BAYSTATEPARENT 45

SEW-EASY Costumes were created and designed by Susan White, owner of Ready, Set, Sew in Northborough (readysetsew.org), and her assistants, Tammy D’Armagnac and Denise Lemoine.

Gloves: We found matching gloves at The Dollar Store.

Costume Bodies: The foundation of each featured costume is a solid pair of colored sweatpants and hooded sweatshirt (we purchased ours at Hanes.com). All fabric components (ie. zebra and giraffe material) were purchased at JoAnne Fabrics.

ZEBRA Cover the sweatshirt with the zebra print fabric. To make the zebra tail, sew a skinny zebra fabric tube and stuff with batting. Stitched black yarn on the end, and braid.

WEST AFRICAN CRANE Use chenille metallic pipe cleaners stitched on the hood for the crane’s crest. The feathers are taken from a black boa and tulle, attached to the back of the sweatshirt on a mesh domed food cover. It is worn like a belt by stitching elastic and fastening with Velcro. You will need some simple sewing to attach a stuffed felt beak to the mask.

46 OCTOBER2010

Faces and Feet: Homemade, soft felt masks in each costume allow your child to get in character comfortably, eliminating the need for makeup. Felt-feet shoe covers complete the look of each animal costume. To make felt-feet shoe covers and felt masks and ears: Foot: Sketch a foot pattern on heavy-weight construction paper.

MONKEY This is one of the easiest costumes to make. You can also monkey around by embellishing the costume with artificial bananas, banana peels or a mini-stuffed monkey sitting on your child’s shoulder.

FLAMINGO This costume is similar to the crane in that you will need to buy pink tulle and boas plus the the picnic food cover.You’ll also need to sew a stuffed felt beak to the mask.

Use your pattern to cut the foot out of the felt. Sew on an elastic so that it can loop over the shoe and around the ankle, covering the shoe. Mask: Make your own mask pattern on construction paper and cut two layers of felt. Glue or stitch the felt together, cutting out eyes. Stitch on an elastic to fit around the head. Ears: Cut an ear-shaped pattern out of construction paper. After cutting the felt from your pattern sew ears on the top of the hood. Some of the ears have a little batting in them to help them stand. More hints for specific costumes:

ELEPHANT Buy extra baggy sweats for your elephant as he’ll need a wrinkled look. You’ll also need batting to stuff the trunk and tusks.

GIRAFFE One of the most ambitious costumes to make as you must cover a one gallon Poland Spring water container with giraffe material and sew so that it stands up on the hood. Our designer used broom-brush fringe for the mane and wrapping paper tubes to stuff up extralong arms for the giraffe’s front legs.

PENGUIN This is also a simple costume to make as you just need to glue or sew a white belly on the front of this sweatshirt and glue or sew an orange felt beak on the top of the sweatshirt hood. Make sure the penguin’s pants are fitted and that the sweathshirt is a bit baggier.

KANGAROO Some simple stitching is required to make Kanga's pouch. You'll also need to round up a stuffed kangaroo.

OH, THE

PLACES YOU’LL

GO

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

- dr. seuss

GO TOPSFIELD FAIR! Meet Hannah Montana stars and enjoy a fun-filled day with every thing that comes to mind when you think “fair.” Oct. 1 - 11. topsfieldfair.org.

dream ladders by artist jim coates. photo by jean mineo.

allison mowrer

kindra clineff/ma travel and tourism

GO SPACE RACE! Two energetic actors bring dozens of characters to life in their whimsical retelling of the space race in “One Small Step.” Great for ages 6+. ArtsEmerson, Paramount Black Box, Boston. Oct. 20 - 24. ArtsEmerson.edu.

GO HONK! The HONK! Festival is a FREE revolutionary street band festival in Davis Square, Somerville tooting its horn Oct. 8-10. honkfest.org.

GO PORTALS! Wear your costumes to Portals: Public Art Exhibition Family Program at Vine Lake Cemetery in Medfield. Sun., Oct. 24, 2 - 4:30 p.m. FREE. Curious? Visit VineLakePreservationTrust.org. BAYSTATEPARENT 47

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

1FRIDAY FREE Family Night. Children’s Museum of NH,, 6 Washington St., Dover, NH. 5:30 - 8 p.m. 603-742-2002, childrens-museum.org.

Topsfield Fair. Topsfield. Oct. 1 – 11. Daily entertainment, midway, NE Giant Pumpkin Contest, petting zoo, fireworks, grange exhibits opening day parade, livestock, draft horse show. A $10 weekdays, $12 weekends and Columbus Day. C under 8 free. 978-887-5000. FREE Family Playroom. Worcester Family Community Partnership Playroom, 130 Leeds St., Worcester. Weekdays, 9:30 – 11 a.m. 508-799-3136 or email info@ earlychildhoodcentral.org.

2SATURDAY First Saturday Contras in Berlin. Berlin Country Dance Orchestra, 1870 Town Hall, 12 Woodward St., Berlin. 8-11 p.m. A night of laughs and dancing with a caller who will get everyone up and dancing to the easily-learned steps of contra dancing. $5 pp/$12 per family. (Dance may not be appropriate for little ones.) 978-273-8238. Nocturnal Night. Animal Adventures, 336 Sugar Rd., Bolton. 7 – 8:30 p.m. Meet kinkajous, snakes, alligators, owl, sloth, Asian bearcat, lynx, skunks and more. You may even get to feed some of the animals of the night. $10pp all ages. 978-779-8988, AnimalAdventures.net. Merry Go Music with Ms Carrie and Oen Kennedy. Amazing Things Arts Center, 160 Hollis St., Framingham. 2 p.m. A fun and interactive children’s concert featuring the performers’ new CD. $10pp. 508-405-2787, amazingthings.org. Fall Carnival and Family Fun Day. Hopkinton Town Common, Main St. and 1 Hayden Rowe St., Hopkinton. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Inflatables, carnival games, stage performances, face painting, carnival food, arts and crafts and much more. Some activities free. Tickets required for other activities. $20 for 25 tickets. Activities require 1 - 6 tickets. 508-470-4100, hptaonline.com. Rain Date: Oct. 3.

y

FREE Kids Stuff Tag/Bake Sale. Littleton Parents Association, Middle School, 55 Russell St., Littleton. 8 a.m. Noon. Everything at the sale will appeal to families with kids ages 0 to 12. Rain location: cafeteria. littletonparents.org. FREE Maynard Fest. Nason & Main Streets, Maynard. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dozens of sidewalk sales, over 100 vendors and free family entertainment including pony rides and the Annual Open Studios at ArtSpace Maynard. Maynard Fest is traditionally followed by the Maynard Rotary Club’s Oktoberfest at Clock Tower Place featuring a beer garden and fireworks. 978-568-0360, assabetvalleychamber.org. Opera Boston “The Telephone.” Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport. 11 a.m. “Will you marry me?” gets put on hold each time the cell phone rings! 48 OCTOBER2010

amy kelly

Friday Frolics. Children’s Museum in Easton, Sullivan Ave., North Easton. 10 – 10:45 a.m. through Oct. 29. Drop in to try hands-on projects with paint, glitter and play dough in this creative workshop. Wear painting clothes! A/C $6 pp. 508-230-3789, childrensmuseumineaston.org.

Catch a ride at the The Beechwood Fall Festival in Quincy on Saturday, October 2. bkspto.com. A comic opera in one act(50 mins). Part of Opera Boston’s Education Program so this performance is interactive for ages 7+. Great way to introduce your family to opera. A$11, C $9. 978-462-7333, firehouse.org. North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival: 60 Chesnut Hill Rd., Orange. Delight in over 80 amazing art and agriculture booths; everything is made by hand or locally grown. Support fabulous artists and farmers and strengthen regional economy, shopping locally on a gorgeous farm illuminated by fall foliage. Family friendly. A $5, weekend pass $8. C 12 and under free. Also Oct. 3. Beechwood Knoll Fall Festival. Beechwood Knoll Elementary School, 225 Fenno St., Quincy. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. A variety of children’s activities, including moonwalks, carnival rides and children’s games. Other activities include a food court, cakewalk, cupcake decorating, a bake sale and the popular silent auction featuring sports memorabilia, weekend getaways and gift certificates to local shops and restaurants. Free admission; tickets required for some rides. 617-773-9176, bkspto.com. Harvest Festival. Heifer International, Overlook Farm, 216 Wachusett St., Rutland. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Explore the homes in the Heifer Global Village to learn about traditional harvest celebrations in Peru, Poland, Kenya and more. Take a horse-drawn hayride to the gardens. Purchase local pumpkins and shop fair trade and unique hand-crafted items from around the world. Meet Heifer’s animals including a pair of water buffalo, a yak, llamas and traditional farm animals such as pigs and goats. Farm-fresh lunch is available to purchase or guests can bring their own picnic. The event will continue in the event of light rain. A$5, Sr.$5. 508-886-2221, heifer.org/overlookevents. Also held on Oct. 3. The 2nd West Boylston Fall Festival. Town Common, West Boylston. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. A festive day filled with a lively scarecrow display, crafters, family activities, entertainment and more. wbaf.org. FREE Family Diabetes Day for Kids and Teens. UMass Memorial Medical Center. University Campus, 55 Lake Ave North, Worcester. 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. This is a fun day of education, sharing and fun activities for families with a child growing up with diabetes. To register, visit umassmemorial. org/familydiabetesday or call 508-334-5165.

FREE Hot Rods for Hounds. Worcester Animal Rescue League (WARL), 139 Holden St., Worcester. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Classic cars will be lined up across an acre-sized field for all to see. One lucky car will win the coveted “Pick of the Litter” trophy! Features live music, vendor booths, raffles and a barbecue. Registration forms can be downloaded and sent to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden Street, Worcester, MA 01606, or emailed to Sara at sjl088@yahoo.com. $15 for cars; $10 for motorcycles. Free to general public. 508-853-0030, worcester-arl.org. Rain Date: Oct. 9.

Harvest Festival. Heifer International, Overlook Farm, Rutland. See Oct. 2 listing for details. Topsfield Fair. topsfieldfair.org. Meet the Artist. Worcester Animal Rescue League (WARL), 139 Holden St., Worcester. 1 – 4 p.m. Come meet Jessica Walsh, view the installation and learn more about how she captures the true personality of our beloved pets through her unique, modern approach to the photographic medium. 508-853-0030, worcester-arl.org.

3SUNDAY

4MONDAY

FREE Family Fun Day. The Nursery School at Temple Beth Am, 300 Pleasant St., Framingham. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Enjoy an affordable indoor & outdoor fun day activity with your family! Carnival-style games and prizes, bounce house, lunch, popcorn and cotton candy will be on hand. The MyCHIP Program (Masonic Youth Child Identification Program) will be on-site to provide free finger-printing, DNA swabs, tooth imprints, and videotaped interview. Appropriate for children ages 18 mo and up. 508-8723622, tbanursery.org.

FOR ADULTS Connecting History & Social Science to Early Learning. COMPASS for Kids. Cole-Harrington Children’s Center and Family Childcare System, 37 Industrial Park Rd., Plymouth. 4 – 6:30 p.m. Training to explore how to create an environment where preschoolers can explore the concepts of history. $30pp. 781-862-4446, compassforkids.org.

11th Annual Flutie 5K Road Race. Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. MetroWest Medical Center Leonard Morse Hospital, 67 Union St., Natick. 9 a.m. The Foundation’s mission is to aid financially disadvantaged families who need assistance in caring for their children with autism; to fund education and research into the causes and consequences of childhood autism; and to serve as a clearinghouse and communications center for new programs and services developed for individuals with autism. Post-race festivities include refreshments, music, kids’ activities and award ceremony. $20 advance; $25 race day. 866-3AUTISM or 508-270-8855. flutiefoundation.org

Topsfield Fair. topsfieldfair.org.

5TUESDAY FOR ADULTS Changing Landscapes: Youth, Arts & Community Meeting. Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester, Auburn. 7:30 – 9:15 a.m. Includes keynote speaker Paul Levenson, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra. Special music presented by students of the Suzuki Violin program; and 10 year faculty member, Maxim Korn, violin. Free; light breakfast served. All welcome. RSVP to 508-791-8159 or email erpakmusic@earthlink.net.

FREE 55th Annual North Adams Fall Foliage Parade. Downtown North Adams, 1 p.m. A mammoth parade with marching bands, giant balloons and floats jams the streets of North Adams and sets the tone for a week of events that includes fall farmers market, children’s activities, special sales and road races. 413-664-6180, fallfoliageparade.com.

Sea Squirts: Programs for Toddlers and Preschoolers. New England Aquarium, Boston. Select Tuesdays and Fridays. 9:30 & 11 a.m. Classes run for one hour and include free play, circle time with songs, stories and activities, art projects and games for two groups: toddlers and preschoolers. $95 A/C for a series of four classes (Oct. 5, 12, 19 & 26 or Oct. 8, 15, 22 & 29). 617-973-5206, neaq.org.

North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival, Orange. See Oct. 2 listing for details.

FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 98 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington. 10:30 a.m. 781-273-3871, bn.com.

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO Trucks on Tuesday. Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton. 10 – 10:45 a.m. Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26. Kids will learn all about the truck of the week, and maybe even get a chance to sit in the driver’s seat and pretend to be the driver! Weather permitting. $6pp. 508230-3789, childrensmuseumineaston.org.

Topsfield Fair. topsfieldfair.org. FOR PARENTS OF TEENS Sex, Drugs, Rock ‘n Roll, and the Internet. Parenting Solutions, 6 Colonial Dr., Suite 2, Westborough. 7:30 - 9 p.m. $30 for one parent; $45 for both parents. 508-366-7557, parentingsolutionsprograms.com.

7THURSDAY

Topsfield Fair. topsfieldfair.org.

Toddler Thursdays. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. 9 – 10 a.m. Join Early Childhood Educator Larissa Fagundes every Thursday through October 21 to explore art, nature & history with your toddler or preschooler. Songs, crafts, activities, stories. $10 drop-in

8FRIDAY

Topsfield Fair. topsfieldfair.org.

6WEDNESDAY

FREE Fun for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum. The Discovery Museums, Acton. 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Hands-on fun during this special free evening for families with children on the autism spectrum, supported by Autism Alliance of MetroWest. Please contact Amy Spencer at aspencer@discoverymuseums.org or 978-264-4200 x 28 for more information or to register for the event. discoverymuseums.org.

Autumn Tree Walk. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 3 p.m. At the Science Discovery Museum. Learn about special plants from science teacher extraordinaire Frank Meehan. Make a mini collection of leaves, learn to preserve them, and bring home resources to identify trees in your own backyard. Rain or shine: dress appropriately. $10.50pp. 978 264-4200, discoverymuseums.org.

FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 98 Middlesex Turnpike Burlington. 6:30 p.m.781-276-3871, bn.com.

FREE MOMS Club Open House. MOMS Club of the Montachusett Region, 56 South Main St., Ashburnham. 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Welcome and information about the MOMS Club for mothers from Gardner, Westminster, Ashburnham, Winchendon and Athol. Kids activities and moms social time, refreshments served. 978-334-8789, montachusett-moms.com.

courtesy natick community organic farm

Fall/Winter Consign My Closet Sale. Boxboro Holiday Inn. Oct. 8 – 10. consignmycloset.com.

Night at McDonald’s. The Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts. McDonald’s, 1040 Main St., Clinton. Twenty percent of all sales between 5 and 7 p.m. will be donated to Girl Scouts. Come in and enjoy your sandwich while supporting girls in our communities. FREE Wee Care Infant Oral Health Program. Melvin ‘Dr. Mel’ Ehrlich, D.D.S. 223 Walnut St. Ste 22, Framingham. 10 a.m. Children under three years of age are invited to register for this free seminar with examination designed to help parents assure a cavityfree child. The informal format assures that all parents’ questions will be answered by this pediatric dental specialist. Space is limited. Call Dr. Mel at 508-875-KIDS to register. WeeCareAtDrMels.com. Rock and Roll. New England Wild Flower Society, Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Rd., Framingham. 3:305:30 p.m. Come to the Garden to collect rocks and watch them roll in a rock tumbler, becoming shiny and smooth. Study crystals, and learn about quartz, fool’s gold and geodes. How do scientists classify rocks? What kinds of things can you learn by smashing rocks open? Investigate these and other geological questions and create a rock collection to take home. C (Grades 2-4), $14NM. 508-8777630, x 3303, newenglandwild.org/learn. Simple Science. Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton. Oct. 6, 13, 20. 27. 10 – 10:45 a.m. Drop by on Wednesdays to roll up your sleeves and make new discoveries through hands-on experiments each week. For preschoolers with their caregivers. $6pp. 508-2303789, childrensmuseumineaston.org.

FREE Babytime! Children’s Room - Main Library, 3 Salem Square, Worcester. 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. Weekly drop-in series on Thursdays for babies through 16 months. Rhymes, songs and pictures followed by a playtime with the library’s toys and music. Each baby must be accompanied by an adult, and siblings are not allowed to sit in. 508-799-1671.

Watch a goat being milked; touch a soft bunny. Little ones experience all this and more at Toddler Explorers at the Natick Community Organic Farm. Oct. 7 and 14. natickfarm.org CastleKids StoryHour. Higgins Armory Museum, 100 Barber Ave., Worcester. 1 – 2 p.m. From damsels in distress to mighty dragons, hear tales of adventure, from well-known fairy tales to modern picture books in the setting of a medieval Great Hall. Includes snack and craft related to the story. A w/one child: $12 Additional Children, $8. 508-853-6015, higgins.org. FOR MOMS Lunchtime Yoga for Women. Sunbird Yoga Studio LLC, 126 June St.,Worcester. 12:30 P.M. Do you work in Worcester? Are you a mom or a student?Swap a lunch out for a yoga class with your girlfriends on Wednesdays and find some health, mindfulness and wellness. Drop In for a discounted class pass. Practice yoga on a budget! 508-756-5813, sunbirdyoga.com.

fee. Register: 978-456-3924 x292 or at education@ fruitlands.org. fruitlands.org. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the entire program. Toddler Explorers. Natick Community Organic Farm, 117 Eliot St., Natick. 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. A wonderful first exploration of the farm for children ages 1-3 years. Read a farm story, see the plants and animals, watch a goat being milked or touch a soft bunny. $24 /session and family. 508-655-2204, natickfarm.org. Also Oct. 14. Animal Happenings. Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave, North Easton. 10 – 10:45 a.m. Oct. 7, 14, 21 & 28. This informal petting zoo gives the whole family a chance to touch and learn about a new animal each week. $6pp. 508-230-3789, childrensmuseumineaston.org.

FREE 5th Annual HONK! Festival. Davis Square, Somerville and Harvard Square, Cambridge. Oct. 8 – 10. Bask in the glow of this unusual phenomenon, a festival of activist street bands! 617-383-4665, Honkfest.org. Visit Puerto Rico: Around the World. Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Each month, jet off to a new country and explore the music, crafts and games of the land. You many even meet a special guest who will serve as your tour guide. This month we’ll “visit” Puerto Rico.Take home a souvenir that you have made and be sure to get your passport stamped for each trip you take. Kids can earn “frequent flyer miles” and receive special Museum money that can be used on our duty-free gift shop. $6pp. 508-230-3789, childrensmuseumineaston.org Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (film). Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport. 7 p.m. The 1971 film adaptation of the Roald Dahl novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” starring Gene Wilder. Rated G-suitable for general audiences. This event is part of the city-wide Roald Dahl Festival. A$8, C$6. 978-462-7336, firehouse.org Topsfield Fair. topsfieldfair.org.

9SATURDAY FREE Harvest Festival. Many Hands Sustainability Center, 411 Sheldon Rd., Barre. Noon – 4 p.m. Rain or shine. Games include apple bobbing, pin the tail on the pig and feather on the chicken, egg toss, sack races, treasure hunts, find the egg in the hay, gymnastics, a rotten tomato fight and the wasp’s nest piñata. Also enjoy a country

BAYSTATEPARENT 49

North American Sea Glass Festival. 35 Scudder Ave., Hyannis. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sea glass collectors from around the globe will gather in Hyannis for their annual festival, featuring over 50 sea glass artisans, lectures, and contests including the $1,000 Shard of the Year contest. A$5, C (12 and under) FREE. seaglassassociation.org.Also Oct. 10, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Paradise City Arts Festival. 3 Country Fairgrounds,Route 9 and Old Ferry Road, Northampton. Sat. & S un., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Meet 275 of the nation’s very best craftsmen and artists showing their newest work. Dine on sensational cuisine by Northampton’s best chefs under the Festival Dining Tent. Catch the excitement of live performances by nationally and regionally acclaimed musicians. Bid in a silent art auction to benefit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and don’t miss the exhibits and activities surrounding the theme of this show - ‘crEATe: food as artistic inspiration.’ A$12, Sr. $10, St., $8, C (under 12) FREE. 800-511-9725, paradisecityarts.com. FREE Get Goosebumps Tour. Northshore Mall, JC Penney Court, Rts 128 and 114, Peabody. 12 - 4 p.m. Enjoy a complete Goosebumps experience – starring in and sharing their own custom “Get Goosebumpsâ€? video, playing the “Goosebumps Horrorlandâ€? Wii game, taking pictures as a Goosebumps Horror, entering for a chance to win a Goosebumps Prize Pack and more. 978-531-3441, simon.com. OskKosh B’Gosh Grand Opening. South Shore Plaza, Braintree. Children’s entertainment and activities. Denim drive to benefit local charity. Special promotions and giveaways. OshKoshBgosh.com. Edible Art! Weekend Festival. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Celebrate art inspired by food‌and food inspired by art! Delicious design, edible harmonies, traditional recipes and more await you during this exciting weekend festival. Marvel at chocolate architecture created by local chef and Food Network star Jorg Amsler, experience the story of Hansel and Gretel as performed by Tanglewood Marionettes, try your hand at our food art drop-in activities or take a walk to discover wild edible plants with botanist Russ Cohen. Free with museum admission. pem.org. Also Oct. 10. Topsfield Fair. topsfieldfair.org. Cranberry Harvest Celebration. A.D. Makepeace Company and the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association, 158 Tihonet Rd., Wareham. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cranberry bog tours, helicopter rides, pony rides, cooking demonstrations, juried crafters and artisans, musical performances, games for children and much more. A $__ C (6 and under) FREE. 508-322-4000, cranberryharvest.org Columbus Day Weekend Game at Gore Place. Gore Place, 52 Gore Street, Waltham. Sat & Sun, 12 to 3 p.m. (must start by 2 p.m.); Mon., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (must start by 3p.m.) Follow the clues, explore 45 acres, unscramble a secret phrase and get a prize from the Gore Place farm. All

participants will be automatically entered into a drawing for Grand Prize of a Family Membership to Gore Place. Benefits of membership include free admission to the mansion, the Sheepshearing Festival, Preschool Story Times and the Take a Walk program. $5 per group. Appropriate for all ages. Starts at the mansion. 781-894-2798, goreplace.org. Yarmouth Seaside Festival. Oct. 9 – 11. yarmouthseasidefestival.com. North American Sea Glass Festival. 35 Scudder Ave.,

10SUNDAY Hyannis. See Oct. 9 listing for details. A Farmer’s Morning. The Natick Community Organic Farm, 117 Eliot St., Natick. 9 - 10:30 a.m. Take care of the animals, feed and water them. Collect fresh eggs for breakfast, and then head inside for a hearty farm breakfast. A$16, C $12 (additional child $6), FREE under 3. 508-655-2204, natickfarm.org

tony rinaldo

goods and services auction. Bring a potluck lunch dish to share and your own utensils. 978-355-2853, mhof.net

Harvest Festival. Newburyport. newburyportchamber. org. Also Oct. 11. Paradise City Arts Festival. Northampton. See Oct. 9 listing for details.

It’s National Fossil Day and Earth Science Week (starting Oct. 10) at Harvard Museum of Natural History in Cambridge. To view the week’s events, visit hmnh.harvard.edu.

Edible Art! Weekend Festival. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. See Oct. 9 listing for details. Topsfield Fair. topsfieldfair.org. Columbus Day Weekend Game at Gore Place. Gore Place, Waltham. See Oct. 9 listing for details.

11MONDAY Columbus Day Open Gym. Gymnastic Academy of Boston. 12 Keefe Rd., Acton. 12-1:15 p.m. Open to the public, with moonwalks, trampolines and more. C$12; $30 family. 978-369-9034, gymnasticacademyofboston.com. FREE Bravo Flamenco! Celebrate! at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. JFK Library, Columbia Point Boston. 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Get ready for Flamenco, a stylish and percussive dance from Spain, presented by the world-renowned Ramon de los Reyes Spanish Dance Theatre. See colorful costumes, hear Spanish folk songs, and watch fancy Flamenco feet. Come learn a song and dance right out of your seat! Admission fees may apply but performance is free. To make a reservation, please call 617-514-1644 or email JFKcelebrate@nara.gov and leave your name, number of people attending and your contact information. 617-514-1644, jfklibrary.org.

Features 15 music events, 12 explorations, 6 art events, 4 dance performances plus theater, film and hands-on workshops. 617-437-7544, fenwayculture.org. Holyoke Merry-Go-Round. 221 Appleton St., Holyoke. Noon – 4 p.m. $1 pp. 413-538-9838, holyokemerrygoround.org. Readers note: The Holyoke Children’s Museum is adjacent to the merry-go-round. Family Day: Wally’s 13th Birthday! Berkshire Museum, 39 South St.,Pittsfield. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The landmark stegosaurus is 13 years old! Celebrate Wally’s birthday by creating colorful Wally mobiles in an art-making workshop from 1 – 3 p.m. Sing Happy Birthday to Wally at 2 p.m., and then enjoy birthday cake and punch. Crafts and refreshments while supplies last. Free with museum admission: 413- 443-7171, berkshiremuseum.org. Topsfield Fair. topsfieldfair.org. Touch a Truck. Arsenal Mall, Watertown. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Get an up-close look at a variety of safety and construction trucks! 617-923-9944, simon.com.

12TUESDAY

FREE Museum of Fine Arts Open House. Boston. 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Live performances, poetry readings, family art making, gallery taks and tours. mfa.org.

Kindergarten Cat Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 98 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington. 10 a.m. 781-273-3871, bn.com.

FREE 9th Annual Opening Our Doors. The Fenway Alliance, various locations, Boston. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

FREE Honeybee Democracy. Harvard Museum of Natural History. Geological Lecture Hall at Harvard University, 24

Oxford St, Cambridge. 6 p.m. As they face the life-ordeath problem of choosing and traveling to a new home every year, honeybees employ a complex decision-making process that includes fact finding, vigorous debate, and consensus building. Thomas Seeley, world-renowned animal behaviorist and Professor of Biology at Cornell, will explore what these incredible insects can teach us about collective wisdom and democracy. Please make online reservation. 617-495-3045, hmnh.harvard.edu

13WEDNESDAY FOR PARENTS Helping Children Manage Daily Transitions. COMPASS for Kids. Cambridge Family YMCA, 820 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 7 – 9 p.m. Learn how to help children deal with minute-to-minute transitions during the course of the day and more. $25pp. 781-862-4446, compassforkids.org. Preschool Story Time at Gore Place: Tiny Living Things. 52 Gore St., Waltham. 10 – 11 a.m. and 2 – 3 p.m. Listen to stories about bugs, sing songs, do a related craft activity and look for the tiny living things out in the gardens! Attendees should be prepared to go outside. Ages 3 and 4 with an adult. $5 per child; $3 for one additional child. Reservations: tamar.agulian@goreplace.org or call 781- 894-2798. goreplace.org. FOR PARENTS Secrets of Successful Discipline. Parenting Solutions, 6 Colonial Dr., Suite 2, Westborough. 7:30 - 9 p.m. $30pp. (second parent 1/2 price!).

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OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO courtesy of culinary underground school for home cooks

FREE Meet the chefs of the Culinary Underground School for Home Cooks at their Grand Opening Celebration in Southborough, Oct. 16 - 17. Free door prizes, samples, giveaways tastings, cooking demonstrations and more! culinaryunderground.com.

Multiple workshop discount available. 508-366-7557, parentingsolutionsprograms.com.

14THURSDAY FREE MOM’s Club of Leominster General Meeting. Leominster Public Library Children’s Room, 30 West St., Leominster. 9:30-10:30am. Monthly general members meeting to discuss the group’s upcoming events and activities. New members (and children) are always welcome. 978-537-3877. Toddler Explorers. Natick Community Organic Farm, Natick. See Oct. 7 listing for details. FOR MOMS Mom Dinner and Workshop on Building a Healthy Lunchbox. Healthy Habits Kitchen, 36 Washington St., Suite 2, Wellesley. 7 - 8:30 p.m. Confused about what to pack your child for lunch that is both nutritious and delicious? At this dinner and workshop, Cristin Jones, RD will teach the building blocks of a healthy lunchbox and foods to match, how to shop for convenient options when time is limited and new packing options that are easy on the wallet, the environment and are safe. She’ll also discuss the importance of involving your child in the process--from writing a list, to looking online and bringing them to the store with you. $20pp. Includes dinner. 781235-6325, healthyhabitskitchen.com/events.htm Skywatch: Five Moons over Worcester. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. 7 – 8:30 p.m. View the crescent moon, along with the four Galilean moons of Jupiter. Double Stars Albireo and Gamma Andromeda

should also be standouts tonight. Then it’s time for some galactic action, starting with M31 in Andromeda, an equal to the Milky Way with more than 750 billion solar masses, a double nucleus and a 140 million mass black hole! Learn about our future gravitational interaction with this massive galaxy, which has devoured scores of neighbors. And meet M33 in Triangulum, one survivor of a close call! $10NM, C (16 and under)$6. For more information, e-mail info@ ecotarium.org or call 508-929-2703. 508-929-2703, ecotarium.org. Nature Adventures for 5-7 Year Olds. Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 1 – 3 p.m. On the second Thursday of each month, enjoy a hands-on nature program designed especially for 5 - 7-year-olds. C$10. 508-753-6087, massaudubon.org. Fall Foliage Photography Hike. Homeschool Program at the Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 1 – 3 p.m. Grab your camera and hike Broad Meadow Brook’s autumn trails with nature photographer, Gail Hansche-Godin. Get the most out of your point-and-shoot (or SLR) digital camera. Learn how to make the fall colors ‘pop’ so your pictures look like what you actually see. All ages. Advanced registration: 508- 753-6087. C$10, Adults free. 508-7536087, massaudubon.org.

15FRIDAY FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 98 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington. 6:30 p.m. 781-273-3871, bn.com.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. River’s Edge Players. Hudson Town Hall, 78 Main St., Hudson. 2 p.m. A$12, Sr. and C$10. 978-562-1646, upwitharts.org. Also Sat., Oct. 16, 7 p.m. FOR PARENTS Comedy Night. The Claddagh, 399 Canal St., Lawrence. Features Jimmy Dunn, Johnny Pizzi, Dave Rattigan and Dan Crohn. Doors open 7 p.m.; showtime at 8 p.m. $25. For more information, email victoria@ keepsoundminds.org. All proceeds benefit Keep Sounds Mind, a non-profit dedicated to helping those affected with mental illness. Visit keepsoundminds.org. FREE Halloween Costume Swap.Burbank YMCA, 36 Arthur B. Lord Dr. Reading. 6 – 8 p.m. 781-944-9622, ymcaboston.org/burbank Halloween Hike at Boo Meadow Brook. Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Visit thisnmagical, slightly haunted forest as the resident spirits, primarily native wildlife, come out to greet visitors. Wooded trails are lit by luminaria. Encounter old favorites and new characters on your walk as you learn about some of the creatures of New England and their many fascinating habits. The program and activities will be held indoors in case of rain. Discount for advance registration. Small groups leave about every 10 to 15 minutes beginning at 6:30 p.m. $8pp at the door. 508-753-6087, massaudubon.org. Also Oct. 16.

16SATURDAY Ocean Detectives. New England Aquarium, Boston. 2 – 3:30 p.m. Ages 5 – 7. Children will work with parents and peers to unlock the secrets of the deep while developing their math, science and literacy skills. $30 A/C pair. 617-973-5207,neaq.org. Old-Fashioned Street Fair. The John Winthrop School, 66 Marlborough St., (Between Berkeley and Clarendon Streets), Boston. 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Pony rides, moonbounces, live music, face painting, games and prizes, plus baked goods, popcorn, balloons, and more fun fall fare available for purchase. Proceeds from this communitybuilding event will help to provide unique educational enhancements for the school while maintaining accessibility to all. 617-267-7159, johnwinthropschool.org. Family-Friendly Art Walk. Fort Point Open Studios, Boston. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. bostoncchildrensmuseum.org. Also Oct. 17. Kids’ Tag Sale. Chelmsford Mothers’ Club, McCarthy Middle School, 250 North Rd, Chelmsford. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Thousands of gently-used children’s items from over 40 sellers, including clothing (size 0-10), toys, games, books, movies, shoes, Halloween costumes, holiday outfits, nursery, feeding & bath items, and equipment such as strollers, high chairs, bouncy seats, swings, and more! This is the biggest consignment sale in the greater Lowell area, with fantastic prices! Visa and Mastercard accpeted for purchases over $20. A$1 or one non-perishable food item 978-496-1775, chelmsfordmothersclub.org. Harvest Day. Verrill Farm, 11 Wheeler Rd., Concord. Noon – 4 p.m. Activities and games - play for prizes:

Violet the Clown provides entertainment, balloon animals & face painting; hay rides & pony rides; mining for gems; hula hoop contest; duck pool fishing; baseball speed pitch; Live Music by Back Eddy Blue Grass. Activity, game and raffle tickets are 5 tickets for $10 or 12 tickets for $20. Proceeds from the ticket sales and food purchases will support pediatric care at Emerson Hospital. 978-369-4494, verrillfarm.com. Pumpkin Day at Cogswell’s Grant. Historic New England, Cogswell’s Grant 60 Spring St., Essex. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Hay wagon rides, decorate and carve pumpkins, compete in a pumpkin pie-eating contest, do craft activities and play games, and try cider pressing. Choose your jack-olantern from a pumpkin patch and enjoy hot mulled apple cider and pumpkin pie. The historic house will also be open for tours of one of the country’s most celebrated collections of American antiques and folk art. A$6, C $4. 978-7683632, historicnewengland.org. FREE 7th Annual Fitchburg Forge-Inn Blacksmith Festival. Riverfront Park, Boulder Dr.,Fitchburg. 10 a.m. - 4 p .m. Aims to revive the art and craft of blacksmithing. The Fitchburg Art Museum will be hosting the pumpkin carving tent at this popular Fitchburg event.Prizes are given for the most creative pumpkins in several categories. 978345-4207, fitchburgartmuseum.org. Fall Family Festival. New England Wild Flower Society, Garden in the Woods,180 Hemenway Rd., Framingham. Noon – 4 p.m. Enjoy a scavenger hunt. Take a guided walking tour of the Garden. Learn about fall foliage, trees, leaves and acorns. Visit the Invasive Plant Jail. See rare and endangered native plants, frogs and turtles. A $8, Sr. $6, C$4, Under 3 free. 508-877-7630, newenglandwild.org. A Pirate’s Life For Me. Amazing Things Arts Center, 160 Hollis St., Framingham. 2 p.m. Join Julie & Brownie (A/k/a Piper and Greybeard) as they cast off from Portsmouth, NH and head down the seacoast in song and story, beyond Cape Cod, through the Carolinas (where they meet Blackbeard) around Cape Horn (where they weather a storm) and on to San Francisco with our cargo of fun, finally making our way back to Portsmouth. $10pp. 508-405-2787, amazingthings.org. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. River’s Edge Players. Hudson Town Hall, 78 Main St., Hudson. 7 p.m. A heartwarming, humorous adaptation of a classic fairy tale written by Michele L. Vacca, followed by a meet and greet the characters after both matinees. Refreshments available during intermission. A$12, Sr. and C$10. 978-562-1646, upwitharts.org. Halloween Romp. Children’s Museum in Easton. Oakes Ames Memorial Hall, Barrows Street Extension, North Easton. 2 – 4 p.m. or 6 – 8 p.m. Come in costume. Halloween crafts, trick-or-treat bag decorating, fortune telling, a creepy animal show with New England Reptile and Raptor, spooky music and games, a chilling lantern lit trickor-treat romp and more. Rain or shine. $10pp. Call early to reserve tickets. 508-230-3789. FREE Cooking School Grand Opening Celebration. Culinary Underground School for Home Cooks, 21 Turnpike Rd. Suite E, Southborough. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free door prizes, samples, giveaways tastings, cooking

BAYSTATEPARENT 51

demonstrations at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday and free special family event on Sunday. Meet the chefs; check out the kitchens and new retail area.508-904-8569, culinaryunderground.com. Also Oct. 17, 1 – 4 p.m.

17SUNDAY Halloween Hike at Boo Meadow Brook.Worcester. See Oct. 15 for details FREE Family Contra Dance. Berlin Country Dance Orchestra, 1870 Town Hall, 12 Woodward St., Berlin. 3 – 5 p.m. Caller Bill Fischer’s easy going manner has a way of getting the whole family up and moving their feet. Contra steps are easily learned! 978273-8238, webpages.charter.net/brlncountryorch. Princess Etiquette Tea Party with Cinderella. Miss Emma’s Tea. SpringHill Suites Marriott, 31 Andrews Parkway, Devens Common Center, Devens. 1 – 3 p.m. Sip tea, enjoy delicious tea sandwiches, fresh fruit and cookies with Cinderella! Learn table manners; play musical games; learn a special twirl dance; learn how to curtsey like a real princess! Singing performances, photo ppportunities, princess favors, coffee/tea station for adults. Wear your fanciest dress! A$5, C$35. 978-537-6945, missemmastea.com. Family Nature Hike. Mass Audubon South Shore Sanctuaries. North Hill Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Mayflower St., Duxbury. 3-4:30 p.m. Includes stories and exploratory trail activities. $15 per family. 781-837-9400, massaudubon.org/southshore. FREE Cooking School Grand Opening Celebration. Southborough. See Oct. 16 listing for details. FREE Adios, Juan Muñoz! Family Day. Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, 225 South St., Williamstown. 12 – 4 p.m. Head to the Berkshires to see some fall folliage plus enjoy activities such as casting demonstrations, twisted tapas cooking classes, art projects, storytelling and an informative, lighthearted talk on Muñoz with curator David Breslin. 413-458-2303, clarkart.edu. FREE Arts in the Afternoon. Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, 65 Tainter St., Worcester. 1 – 4 p.m. Featuring the artwork of Club kids and professional artists from all over New England, as well as a gift shop (think handmade holiday gifts for every budget), hands-on art activities from local museums, craft demonstrations (including a chance to try weaving on our loom!) and a wide range of artistic performances by dance teams, professional dancers, show choirs and music ensembles. 508-754-2686, bgcworcester.org

18MONDAY

responding to the needs of your chldren. Includes sessions on temperament, consistency, anticipating problems, making appropriate adaptations. 978-287-0221, firstconnections. org. If interested, call ahead for phone screening. FOR PARENTS Basic Beinner Yoga. Sunbird Yoga Studio LLC, 126 June St. (corner of Chandler), Worcester. 9:15 a.m. Brand New Beginner to Yoga? Or maybe you have tried a class. Get it broken down for you, learn fundamental poses and find some health and wellness you deserve. Just drop-in. Call for fees. 508-756-5813, sunbirdyoga.com.

19TUESDAY FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 98 Middlesex Turnpike Burlington. 10:30 a.m. 781-273-3871, bn.com. George Washington Carver Exhibit. Museum of Science Science Park, Boston. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Exhibit ends Oct. 24. Explore the life and works of George Washington Carver in this fascinating new traveling exhibit. Born into slavery, George Washington Carver became a trailblazing scientist whose experiments with plants laid the groundwork for today’s research on plant-based fuels, medicines, and everyday products. His persistence and compassion nourished a lifelong mission to bring practical knowledge to those in need.A$21, C$18 (included with museum hall admission). 617-589-0417, mos.org FREE Greater Worcester Mothers of Twins Meeting. 7 p.m. Adult membership is $35 but come check out the group for FREE. worcester-motc.com

20WEDNESDAY One Small Step. ArtsEmerson: The World On Stage. Paramount Black Box 559 Washington St., Boston. For ages 6+. Oct. 20 – 24 (Wed. - Fri. 7 p.m.; Sat. 1, 4 and 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 1 and 4 p.m. Two energetic actors bring dozens of characters to life in their whimsical retelling of the space race. An adventure full of intense moments, epic achievements and humor. $25-$39. Ticket prices subject to change.617-824-8000, ArtsEmerson.org. Third Week Wonders - Count Down to Fall. Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 1 – 3 p.m. If you are between the ages of 3 and 5, bring your favorite adult for a thematic hour of story, an activity and a naturalist-led walk. Be prepared to go outside. $10 first child, $2 each additional child. 508-753-6087, massaudubon.org.

Firehouse stage for one weekend only. A$16, Sr.$14, C$14. firehouse.org. This event is part of the city-wide Roald Dahl Festival.

your eyes on our arrangement of mouthwatering materials. A$9, C$6, Familly admission: $22.50. 413-658-1100, carlemuseum.org.

FOR PARENTS Divorce That Works for Children.Parenting Solutions, 6 Colonial Dr., Suite 2, Westborough. 9 11:30 a.m. This five hour court-approved parent education program is required for divorcing parents, but all parents just beginning to think about divorce, or already divorced are also welcome. Held monthly. Preregistration required. $80. 508366-7557, parentingsolutionsprograms.com.

Pumpkin Painting. Auburn Mall. Noon – 3 p.m. at Macy’s Court. simon.com.

22FRIDAY One Small Step (space race play/ages 6+). ArtsEmerson: The World On Stage. Paramount Black Box, Boston. See Oct. 20 listing for details. Annie. Wheelock Family Theatre. 200 The Riverway, Boston. On the campus of Wheelock College in the historic Fenway neighborhood! Oct. 22 – Nov. 21 (Fri. & Sat. nights at 7:30; Sat. & Sun. matinees at 3 p.m.) $15 - $30. Pajama Parties: Children in their pajamas are only $15 at evening performances and will be sat with adults purchasing tickets at regular prices. First Sunday is Grandparents Day (Sunday October 24), children with regular priced ticket can bring a grandparent (or grandfriend)for free! Call ahead to reserve! 617-879-2300, WheelockFamilyTheatre.org Also note: There are extra engagement activities at every performance: Behind the scenes workshops before the evening performances; tour from the Seats after Saturday matinees; Red Carpets (actors signing autographs) after the Sunday matinees. Plus, final weekend performances (Friday November 19 at 7:30; Sunday November 21 at 3:00) are interpreted in American Sign Language for Deaf patrons and audio-described live for Blind patrons. FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 98 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington. 6:30 p.m. 781-273-3871, bn.com. The Witches by Roald Dahl. Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport. See Oct. 21 listing for details. Halloween Bash. Burbank YMCA, 36 Arthur B. Lord Dr., Reading. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Space is limited. Sign up required. $10 per family. 781-944-9622, ymcaboston.org/ burbank.

23SATURDAY

Fall Open House. Corner Co-op Nursery School. 1773 Beacon St. (corner of Dean & Beacon), Brookline. 7-9 p.m. If you’re thinking about nursery school, consider joining a parent co-operative which nurtures bother your child and family

One Small Step (space race play/ages 6+). ArtsEmerson: The World On Stage. Paramount Black Box, Boston. See Oct. 20 listing for details.

Pumpkin Fest. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Food, music, and different activities each day: face painting; pumpkin painting; pumpkin science experiments; a Dr. Seuss story, oobleck and glowin-the dark slime-making; fiddle music and an instrument “petting zoo”; and much more Fall fun! $10.50pp. 978 264-4200 x 28, discoverymuseums.org. Also Oct. 24.

FREE FOR PARENTS 8-Wk. Raising Challenging Children Workshop. First Connections, 111 ORNAC, Suite 1009, Concord on the Emerson Hospital Campus. 7 – 8:30 p.m. Develop ways to care for and nurture yourselves while

The Witches by Roald Dahl. Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport. Oct. 21 – 23, 7:30 p.m. Acting Out! Productions and Duck Soupe Troupe bring the classic Roald Dahl story, “The Witches,” to life on the

A Feast of Color. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. (10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tues. Fri.; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat.; 12 – 5 p.m., Sundays. Ends Nov. 9. Discover delectable combinations of colors as you feast

21THURSDAY

One Small Step (space race play/ages 6+). ArtsEmerson: The World On Stage. Paramount Black Box, Boston. See Oct. 20 listing for details. Boo at the Zoo! Franklin Park Zoo, Boston. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Creature encounters, creepy crafts, ghoulish games, a trick-or-treat trail and the Haunted Maze! Radio Disney will entertain with music, games and contests at the main stage. Free activities with paid zoo admission. 617-541-LION, franklinparkzoo.org. Also Oct. 24. National Chemistry Week Celebration. Boston Children’s Museum, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. For details visit bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Grown-Up Spelling Bee. South Shore Plaza, 250 Granite St.,Braintree. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Come support area businesses as they compete in the spelling bee to raise funds to benefit Braintree public schools! You can find the bee in center court on level 1 near Macy’s. There will be lots of fun with a celebrity emcee and panel of judges! 781-843-8201, simon.com Concord Band Fall Concert. The Performing Arts Center,51 Walden St., Concord. 8 p.m. A$15, C$5. 978897-9969, concordband.org. New England Aquarium Family Field Trips. Ponkapoag Bog Hike, Blue Hills Reservation, Canton. 10 a.m. - Noon. Bogs are a unique New England habitat steeped in mystery and lore, perfect for exploring around Halloween. After a short hike, investigate the marvels of a quaking bog and search for carnivorous plants and amphibians. $18pp. 617-973-5206, neaq.org. Cheryl Melody “Peace Begins With Me” Concert. Amazing Things Arts Center, 160 Hollis St., Framingham. 2 p.m. Character-building messages in every word of every song and story: respect for self, each other and the earth; manners, sharing, caring; anti-bullying; the positive power of words and actions; self-esteem; diversity celebration…all shared within a child’s world of singing, storytelling, creative movement, rhythmic rap, multi-cultural puppets, and sound healing instruments of the Tibetan bowl and conch shell. Meet Shy Mousie, Old King Cole, Carlos and Mimi, and many other puppets. $10pp. 508-405-2787 Fall In-Door Yard Sale. First Parish Unitarian Church. 2 Main St., Hubbardston. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Plus homemade pies and lunch. 978-928-5822, hubbardstonunitarian.org 30th Annual Craft Fair. 351 Bullard St., Holden. 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Over 40 local crafters sell their unique and distinctive handmade items. Raffle including selected gifts from area merchants. Food available for purchase. Pumpkin Painting. Solomon Pond Mall, Marlborough. Noon – 3 p.m. at the JC Penney Court. simon.com.

As Featured on “Chronicle”

www.BayStateSkatingSchool.org 52 OCTOBER2010

Brookline/Larz Anderson Brookline/Cleveland Circle Cambridge Hyde Park/Dedham Medford Newton/Brighton Quincy Somerville South Boston Waltham West Roxbury Weymouth

Museum of Fine Arts Playdate. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. 10:30 a.m. Dress up on various costumes at this special dress-up playdate! On the last Friday of each month (except Nov . 26), bring your toddler to enjoy a special drop-in, read-aloud story time, followed by a short art tour of specially selected works that both kids and adults are sure to enjoy. Recommended for children ages 4 and younger with adults. Meet at the Sharf Visitor Center. Children are free.Admission applies to adults. mfa.org.

OH,THEPLACESYOU’LLGO The Witches by Roald Dahl. Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport. See Oct. 21 listing for details. A Great Pumpkin Day at Gore Place. 52 Gore St., Waltham. 6 to 9 p.m. Music, a family-friendly, non-scary, tractor-pulled wagon ride, games, refreshments and a costume parade with prizes for the best costume (this event is designed for younger children so not-scary costumes, please). $5pp. Reservations: goreplace.org. 781- 894-2798.

Story Time. Barnes & Noble, Burlignton. 6:30 p.m. 781-273-3871, bn.com.

Hip Hip Her Race 5 K Run/Walk. Presented by Mothers and Company in scenic West Boylston. 8 a.m. start. This fundraiser is for Abby’s House (cares for Central MA women and children). mothersandcompany.com, abbyshouse.org.

Halloween Fall Festival. Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, Mystic, CT. Fri., Oct. 29 from 6 - 11 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.; and Sun., Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sea Scare has transformed into something bigger – the new Halloween Fall Festival! Food, frights and fun await in a carnival atmosphere. Guests of all ages will enjoy special animal Halloween shows, carnival games, a creepy exploration station, deejay, themed contests, scavenger hunts, a haunted marsh, hundreds of Jack o’ lanterns, haunted house (recommended for ages 12 and up), face-painting, giveaways and more. For adults, there will be palm and tarot card readings and seasonal ale tastings. Visit mysticaquarium.org for pricing and to purchase tickets in advance.

FREE Trunk or Treat. The Wilbraham Children’s Museum. 678 Main St., Wilbraham. 3 – 5 p.m. Art activities, games, dancing, group picture as well. Contest for creative, spooky, fan favorite trunk too. Perfect activity for kids 5 and under. $10 suggested donation per car. 413-596-2472, wilbrahamchildrensmuseum.org

courtesy connecticut faire

Great Pumpkin Fest. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. 12 – 9 p.m. Creative displays of hundreds of carved, lit pumpkins plus free hayrides and train rides, a free digital planetarium show, games, animal encounters, pumpkin-carving demonstrations, crafts and much more festival fun. Friendly costumes welcome. Rain or shine. $15pp, Under 2 free. 508-929-2703, ecotarium.org. FREE Vendor Fair and Wine Tasting to benefit The Tyler Foundation. KJ Baaron’s Liquor Store, Wine Tasting Room 220 Summer St., Worcester. 6 – 9 p.m. A night of shopping, wine tasting and massage. Vendors include: Chartreuse(organic products), Tastefully Simple, Stream Airbrush Cosmetics, Silpada, Thirty One Gifts, Pampered Chef, Miche Bags and Scentsy Candles. Donations welcome. tylerfoundation.org FREE Sheep to Shawl, Llama to Pajama 2010. Green Hill Farm, 125 Green Hill Parkway, Worcester. 12 – 4 p.m. Learn how to card, spin, knit and weave using animal fibers! Enjoy hands-on games & songs for the whole family! Live llama shearing at 2PM! Rain or shine. 508-757-4646, worcesterma.gov/dpw/parks-rec/green-hill-park-farm.

24SUNDAY

Drop...your...sword! A visiting knight learns the code of chivalry and respect at the annual Connecticut Renaissance Faire with dates throughout October. Visit ctfaire.com for more information. FREE Family Playroom. Worcester Family Community Partnership Playroom, 130 Leeds St., Worcester. Weekdays, 9:30 – 11 a.m. 508-799-3136 or email info@ earlychildhoodcentral.org.

One Small Step (space race play/ages 6+). ArtsEmerson: The World On Stage. Paramount Black Box, Boston. See Oct. 20 listing for details.

26TUESDAY

Boo at the Zoo! Franklin Park Zoo, Boston. See Oct. 23 listing for details.

FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble,98 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington. 10:30 a.m. 781-273-3871, bn.com.

Diwali Celebration. Boston Children’s Museum, Boston. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Enjoy the Festival of Lights at this special Indian holiday. For more details, please visit bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

FOR PARENTS Divorce Plus! Parenting Solutions, 6 Colonial Dr., Suite 2 Westborough. 7 – 9 p.m. A new program to give divorcing parents a chance to ask questions and have specific concerns addressed. Offered monthly. $50 per session. 508-366-7557, parentingsolutionsprograms.com.

Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show. Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Cambridge. 4:30 p.m. Equal parts pop rock concert and minimally animated movie, Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show follows the adventures of Gustafer Yellowgold, a friendly fellow who came to Earth from the sun. A$12, C$10. clubpassim.org. Portals: Public Art Exhibition Family Program. Vine Lake Preservation Trust. Vine Lake Cemetery, 625 Main St., Medfield. 2:30 – 4 p.m. Portals features large scale outdoor art work by five artists: Jim Coates, Danielle Krcmar, Andrea Thompson, Bevan Weissman and Leslie Wilcox. Portals conveys tangible or symbolic entrance to new life and each artist is creating imaginative new work specific to the site and theme out of sticks, stones, clay, steel screen and wood. Art work is located near the lake, visible from the entrance on Main St. Open daily dawn to dusk thru Oct. 29 (free to enter). On Sun., Oct. 24, there is a Family Program featuring storytelling for grades 1 – 4 by Kurt Jackson and a treasure hunt. Siblings and costumes welcome. Family event is $5 per child, maximum of $10 per family. 508-242-9991, VineLakePreservationTrust.org

25MONDAY Boston Children’s Museum closes at 3 p.m. today for their annual meeting. Bostonchildrensmuseum.org.

27WEDNESDAY Smart Impressionists. The Discovery Museums, Acton. 1 - 3 p.m. Look back in time to learn about two of history’s most famous female artists: Berthe Morisot and Mary Cassatt. Experiment with different paint textures. Can you guess what materials have been mixed in with the paint? Create your own monoprint that you can take home with you. $10.50 pp. 978 264-4200 x 28, discoverymuseums.org. FREE Workout Strategies for Busy Moms. MetroWest Boston Mothers & More, Community Room at Whitney Place; 3 Vision Dr., Natick. 7:30 – 9 p.m. Clear away some common exercise myths, and learn how to maximize your workout for the best results in the least time. Non-mobile infants welcome. metrowestmothersandmore.org FOR PARENTS Knowing When and How to Say “NO!” Parenting Solutions, 6 Colonial Dr., Suite 2, Westborough. 7:30 – 9 p.m. $30 one parent ($15 second parent). 508-366-7557, parentingsolutionsprograms.com.

28THURSDAY Uncovering the Past. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 3 p.m. Uncover various artifacts and food remains including historic pottery, bottles, animal bones and seeds during a mock midden dig led by archaeologist Marty Dudek as we celebrate Massachusetts Archaeology Month! Middens, the remains of old trash heaps, are important archaeological sites. Try your hand at mending pottery, identifying vessel forms and measuring their size. Identify animal bones and recover seeds through flotation, or water sifting. Find out about basic excavation and recovery methods and discover how archaeologists learn about diet. $10.50pp. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org. Annual Fort Point Pumpkin Pageant. Boston. 12 – 4 p.m. Come on over and carve yourself a beauty! For more details, visit bostonchildrensmuseum.org. Downtown Trick or Treats in Hudson & Maynard. Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce. 4 – 6 p .m. This event draws approximately 2000 kids in Hudson and 1500 kids in Maynard. 978-568-0360, assabetvalleychamber.org. Boo Bash and Mall-Wide Trick or Treat. Northshore Mall, Peabody. 4 – 7 p.m. Kidgits members will receive a special bag of Halloween goodies and a trick-or-treat bag. Non-members are welcome to trick or treat through the mall at participating retailers. McGruff the Crime Dog will also be on site as well! 978-531-3441, simon.com

29FRIDAY The Halloween Scene. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Drop in 10 a.m. - Noon through Oct. 31st. Princesses, superheroes, and creatures of all kinds, wear your costume to this Halloween celebration! Design a spooky Halloween puppet, have your face painted, and try the pumpkin exploration table. $10.50pp. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org.

FREE Scary Face Pancakes at IHOP. Participating IHOPs nationwide, including: IHOP on the Boston Turnpike in Shrewsbury, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Free “create your own” scary face pancakes to trick or treaters 12 and under. 508791-9328, ihop.com. Play Factory Presents: Dracula. Watertown Children’s Theatre. Black Box Theater Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. Fri., Oct. 29, 7 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 30, 7 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 31, 1 p.m. This fully-staged production of this frightful tale is perfect for Halloween weekend. $10 general admission. 617-926-2787, watertownchildrenstheatre.org.

30SATURDAY Spooktacular Halloween Party. Acton Family Network. RJ Grey Junior High School 16 Charter Rd., Acton. 10 – 11:30 a.m. Music, crafts, dance, and of course, trick-or-treating. Parents are encouraged to add to the spookiness by coming in costume as well! Diaper donations for the Acton Food Pantry will be collected. All sizes are appreciated. Open to the public. A free, C$3. $10 family max. Email: halloweenparty@actonfamily.org. actonfamily.org Zoo Howl. Franklin Park Zoo, Boston. 11 a.m. - 3 p .m. Creature encounters, creepy crafts, ghoulish games, a trick-or-treat trail and the haunted maze. Radio Disney will entertain with music, games and contests at the main stage. Free with zoo admission. 617-541-LION, franklinparkzoo. org. Also Oct. 31. Trick or Treating. CambridgeSide Galleria, Cambridge. 4 – 6 p.m. Pick up a free trick-or-treat bag in the food court on level 1. Please bring a canned food item for donation to the Salvation Army’s food drive, which provides assistance to needy families for Thanksgiving. shopcambridgeside.com. Not-So-Spooky Spectacular. Children’s Museum of NH, Dover, NH. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Non-food trick or treating, bat cave tour, amazing science experiments with a wacky scientist, Ballet New England costume try-on, face painting and more. A$8, Sr.$7, C $8. 603-742-2002, childrensmuseum.org. Mifflin Lowe Halloween Show. Amazing Things Arts Center, 160 Hollis St., Framingham. 2 p.m. Put on a costume (or not!) and come enjoy the show featuring songs and the story, “The King who Forgot his Underpants” with the Songcastle hit “The Bogeyman.” Prizes for the best girl, boy and family costume. $10pp. 508-405-2787, amazingthings.org. Creepy Crawlies. Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Rt.16), Natick. 1 – 2 p.m. Meet tarantulas, amphibians, snakes and even some cool cockroaches. Pre-registration recommended. A$12, C$8 NM. Register: 508-655-2296. BAYSTATEPARENT 53

Boo Bash. Providence Children’s Museum, Providence, RI. 1 – 4 p.m. Bewitching games , hands-on fun with imaginative arts and “witch crafts,� eerie environment exploration, mad scientist’s laboratory and much more. Come in costume! $8.50 pp. 401-273-5437, childrenmuseum.org/calendar.asp.

Costume Weekend and Parade. Davis’ Farmland, Redstone Hill, Sterling. For admission rates, visit davisfarmland.com. Dracula. Watertown Children’s Theatre. See Oct. 29 listing for details.

Costume Weekend and Parade. Davis’ Farmland, Redstone Hill, Sterling. For admission rates, visit davisfarmland.com. Also Oct. 31st. Haunted Higgins. Higgins Armory Museum, 100 Barber Ave., Worcester. 12 – 3 p.m. Storytelling, trick or treating, creepy crafts, and ghouls and goblins around every corner. Prizes for the best costumes – for both kids and adults! A$10, C$7. 508-853-6015, higgins.org. Dracula. Watertown Children’s Theatre. See Oct. 29 listing for details. Halloween Family Day. Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History, Regis College235 Wellesely St., Weston. Noon – 4 p.m. Learn more about Halloween through postage stamps. Play stamp games, do stamp puzzles, win prizes, decorate pumpkins with stamps, have your photo made into a stamp, create special Halloween envelopes to mail. Free stamps for the children. Receive extra stamps if you come in costume! A$8, C FREE. 781-768-8367, spellman.org.

31SUNDAY

Submit an Event For best results, fill out our form at baystateparent.com. Keep in mind, our deadline for November is Tuesday, October 5 at 6 p.m. E-mailcalendar@baystateparent.com.

It’s FREE.

Orange you excited for Halloween?

Auburn Pond Mall Trick or Treat. Auburn. 3 – 5 p.m. simon.com. Zoo Howl. Franklin Park Zoo, Boston. See Oct. 30 listing for details. Solomon Pond Mall Trick or Treat. Marlborough. 3 – 5 p.m. simon.com.

Join Us For a Day of Outdoor Family Fun!

U-Pick Season

IS HERE! Enjoy Daily: 7: / (,: (#$0 7: $11(,&: -7: 5: 5/ +(# 7: '(*#/$,90: * 5: /$ 7: --,: -2,"$ 7: 2/* .: 6$ 7: 205: $$ $ /,(,&: $,1$/

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Open Daily 10:00am – 5:00pm (#$:1'$:1/ (,:1'/-2&':-2/:!$ 21(%2*: -/"' /#0: ,#:.("):1/$$ /(.$,$#:%/2(1: (,"*2#(,&: :3 /($15:-%: ..*$0: ,#: 0( , .$ /0 : **:-2/: ("):'-1*(,$:1-:0$$ 4' 190:.(")(,& :

October Harvest Weekends FallLive Harvest Celebration Days children’s entertainment, 8: $.1$+!$/: : : : : :8 face painting, hay rides, -,1$010 :% "$:. (,1(,& :+ &("( , caterpillar rides, and lots more fun! )(#0:+20(" : ,#:+-/$:%2,

89 Pleasant Street So., South Natick, MA 01760 : *$ 0 ,1: 1/$$1 : -21': 1(") : :: *--)-21% /+ "-+:•7 508-653-0653

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Halloween Party. Maynard Family Association. Knights of Columbus, 52 Nason St., Maynard. 10 a.m. - Noon. Songs by Mr. Vic, crafts, and a costume contest, as well as snacks and beverages. $5 per family. Open to all. Maynardfam.org.

baystateparent walked with the animals in our

“Costumes Gone Wild�

Creepy Creatures. Providence Children’s Museum, Providence, RI. 1 – 3 p.m. Kids come in costume and meet some captivating critters – prickly, hairy but not too scary! Ages 3 – 11. $8.50pp. 401-273-5437, childrenmuseum.org/calendar.asp. Fall Children’s Carnival.First Unitarian Church, Unity Hall (3rd floor) 90 Main St., Worcester. 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. A small Halloween/Fall carnival for families to benefit UNICEF. Food, games and prizes, all for a good cause! Most games and activities $0.25-1. 508-757-2708 x 105, firstunitarian.com.

photo shoot at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, RI (see page 41). Meet the inspirations for our shoot as well as their orange friends at

RWP’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

(lots of amazing, glowing pumpkins in a fun setting)

October 7-31st • 6-10 p.m.

Greendale Mall Trick or Treat. Worcester. 3 – 5 p.m. simon.com.

(trail closed by 11 p.m.)

rwpzoo.org

We see your child’s potential‌ not his/her disability.

Mercy Centre

Supporting Parents of Students with Special Needs & Offering Something More.

Contact for more information 508-852-7165 friendsofmercycentre@charter.net www.mercycentre.com

Education Program Ages 6 to 22 Adult Program Ages 22 and above

25 West Chester St, Worcester MA 01605

Serving Worcester, Norfolk and Middlesex Counties Since 1961. This Advertisement is paid for by The Friends of Mercy Centre, Inc. and The Emerald Club of Worcester, Inc.

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UPCOMING CAMPS October 25 December 6

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www.AdventureBootCampLLC.com Your Life! Your Body! Your Adventure!

Tenacre Country Day School “embracing the elementary years” /i >VÀiÊ`iÛi «ÃÊVÀ Ì V> ÊÌ iÀÃ]ÊV w`i ÌÊ i>À iÀÃ]Ê> `ÊV>À }Ê V Ì âi Ã°Ê iÊÌ Ê> Ê"«i Ê ÕÃiÊ> `ÊÌ> iÊ>`Û> Ì>}iÊ vÊÌ iÊ «« ÀÌÕ ÌÞÊÌ Ê iiÌÊv>VÕ ÌÞ]Ê«>Ài ÌÃ]Ê> `ÊÃÌÕ`i ÌðÊ/ ÕÀÊ ÕÀÊ V> «ÕÃÊ> `Ê i>À Ê ÀiÊ>L ÕÌÊÌ iÊÛ> ÕiÊ vÊ> Ê `i«i `i ÌÊÃV Ê i`ÕV>Ì ]Ê ÀÊV> ÊÌ iÊ ` Ãà Ê"vwViÊ­ÝÓä{®ÊÌ ÊÀiVi ÛiÊ>Ê«>V iÌÊ ÀÊÌ ÊÃV i`Õ iÊ>ÊÛ Ã Ì°

Open House Dates -Õ `>Þ]Ê"VÌ LiÀÊ£Ç]ÊÓq{Ê«° ° / ÕÀÃ`>Þ]Ê > Õ>ÀÞÊÈ]Ên\£xq \ÎäÊ>° ° UÊ ÞÃÊ> `Ê} À Ã]Ê*Ài ÊÌ À Õ} Ê À>`iÊÈ UÊ ÊV > i } }ÊVÕÀÀ VÕ Õ Êi > Vi`ÊLÞÊ>ÀÌ]ÊV «ÕÌiÀÃ]Ê Õà V]Ê Ê « Þà V> Êi`ÕV>Ì ]Ê-«> à ]Ê> `ÊÃV i Vi]ÊÜii Þ UÊ - > ÊV >ÃÃiÃ]Ê£Ó\£ÊÃÌÕ`i ÌÉÌi>V iÀÊÀ>Ì UÊ /Õ Ì Ê>Ãà ÃÌ> ViÊ>Û> >L i UÊ 7iÊÛ> ÕiÊÌ iÊ « ÀÌ> ViÊ vÊÌi> ÊÌi>V }]Ê>ÊÃÌÀ }Ê iÉÃV Ê Ê «>ÀÌ iÀà «]Ê> `ÊÌ iÊ i> }vÕ Ê`> ÞÊ«>ÀÌ V «>Ì Ê vÊi>V ÊV ` UÊ vÌiÀ ÃV ÊÕ Ì ÊÈÊ«° ° UÊ /i >VÀiÊ ÕÀÌÕÀiÃÊ> `ÊV > i }iÃÊi>V ÊV `]ÊiÛiÀÞÊ`>Þ ÜÜÜ°Ìi >VÀiV`ð À}ÊÊÊUÊÊÇnÊ i Ûi ÕiÊ-ÌÀiiÌ]Ê7i ià iÞÊÊUÊÊÇn£°ÓÎx°ÓÓnÓÊÊ BAYSTATEPARENT 57

Charles River School Small School. Big Difference.

An independent school for Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8

Monica Rao, D.M.D. Monaf Alyassi, D.M.D., M.S.

Children thrive in an educational environment with:

Family Dental Care

D Small class sizes D Challenging and Engaging Curriculum

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D Strong community D Extended Day Program

Open Houses Sunday, October 24 ~ 2- 4 pm Sunday, November 14 ~ 2-4 pm

UÊCosmetic Dentistry (Veneers/Whitening) UÊ, ÌÊ > > Ê/Ài>Ì i Ìà UÊ À Ü ÃÊEÊ À `}ià UÊ i ÌÕÀiÃÉ*>ÀÌ > à UÊ-Ì>ÌiÊ vÊÌ iÊ ÀÌÊ-ÌiÀ â }Ê/iV µÕià ->ÌÕÀ`>ÞÊ «« Ì i ÌÃÊ Û> >L i° *>À }Ê Û> >L iÊ ÊÌ iÊL>V Ê vÊÌ iÊLÕ ` }°

We Welcome Your Call & Invite Your Questions

We accept most Insurances

Learn More Schedule a tour Contact Admissions Director Mimi Earley 508-785-8213

For directions go to www.charlesriverschool.org

Most Indian Dialects Understood

33 No. Main St., xÊ } iÜ `Ê-ÌÀiiÌ °Ê À>vÌ ]Ê Êä£xÎÈ 7iLÃÌiÀ]Ê Êä£xÇä

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Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary 'OODNOW 2D 0RINCETON -! s

BAYSTATEPARENT 59

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

CONSIGNMENT

Smarty Pants

CONSIGNMENT SHOP

EDUCATION

• Learning Disability Evaluation • Psychoeducational Testing • Educational Advocacy •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy • Child Psychiatry And more!

508-835-1735

SCHOOLS

St. Mary School

Pediatric Behavioral Health, LLC

Rt. 140, West Boylston

• Clothes for Baby, Kids & Juniors • Maternity Wear • Equipment, Toys, Books & MORE!

PEDIATRICDENTAL

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www.pbhealth.org

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

16 Summer St., Shrewsbury 508-842-1601 www.stmarysparish.org Accredited by the N.E. Assoc. of Schools & Colleges

SCHOOLS

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Mind Expanding Activities

TUTORING Math • Reading • Writing Study Skills • SAT Prep Algebra Workshops 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 • Northboro, MA 01532 508 351-9976 www.cornerstoneacademy.org email:kmcquade@cornerstoneacademy.org

Tutoring Service

Reading • Writing Language • Math

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A quality education founded on the four foundations (Education, Character, Social Responsibility and Family) that are the Cornerstones to Life.

Keeping the Planet & Your Pocket a Little Greener!

The Knowledge

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296 Main Street, Oxford 508-987-6111 Hours Tues 2-6, Wed-Fri 10-5 Sat 9-3,Closed Sun & Mon

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Squeaky’s Cleaning Need more free time? Squeaky’s has thorough, personalized & dependable service. Offering a full range of home & ofďŹ ce cleaning. Local references available. For more free time call Eliana at 508-329-1416.

60

OCTOBER2010

HELP WANTED

with full & half day child care

TUTORING Longfellow Learning Group Let Your Student Excel!

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

www.pakmusic.org Up the hill from Holy Cross College

Ɖ (508) 791 - 8159 Ɖ

PLEASE CALL FOR A VISIT IN OUR NEW LOCATION 134 Burncoat Street Wocester, MA 01605

508.856.0782 chestnutschool@aol.com chestnutnurseryschool.com

Tutoring and Test Prep Elementary School - Middle School - High School - College Serving Greater Boston and Central Massachusetts

Surrogate Mothers Needed Be part of a miracle The rewards are more than financial Seeking women 21-43 non-smoker with healthy pregnancy history

Fall Special - First Session Free! Call for Details 774-364-2304 info@longfellowlearning.com www.longfellowlearning.com

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

Copacabana Entertainment 508.853.4257 www.copacabanaent.com

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PARENT’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER Birthday Parties • Concerts Teacher-Parent Workshops

508-358-1614

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

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

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!

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

Animal Craze

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

www.franfriedman.com

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

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

centralrockgym.com

Indoor Birthday Parties at Backyard Adventures $

199.00

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

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

30.00

BAYSTATEPARENT 61

Beauty and the Feast Professional Chefs Sean & Eliana McCabe bring you a cutting edge culinary experience. For More Information Call

Specialities include Sushi parties, instructonal lessons for kids & adults.

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

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Art classes for all Ages [508] 450-0664

508.329.1416 Westboro

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Birthday Parties Adult Classes Early Release Days Community Outreach

CONTACT: Chelyanne & Brian

(508) 943-4549

Serving New England for 12 years!

www.sparksartstudio.com

Email: Karaoke4kidz@Yahoo.com www.Karaoke4Kidz.com

Check out our website for our extended inventory!

Even the pineapple is wearing a costume. Visit us and

Save $3

Offer valid on select products. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer code must be used when placing the order. Offer expires 10/31/2010 Code: BAYS1031 Call or visit a location near you: 156 Worcester Providence Turnpike 72 West Main Street Sutton, MA, 01590 Spencer Ma 01562 508-865-5550 508-885-9777 Franchises Available. Call 1-888-727-4258

EdibleArrangements.com

Birthdays Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Weddings/Showers Graduations Proms Dances Fundraisers Holiday/Business

Maggie the Clown Formerly of Ringling Bros. Circus! Performing over 25 years! UĂŠ >“ˆÂ?ÞÊ Â˜ĂŒiĂ€ĂŒ>ˆ˜“iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠĂŠĂŠ ĂŠĂŠĂŠ ÂœĂ€ĂŠ Â˜ĂžĂŠ Ă›iÂ˜ĂŒt UĂŠ >ViĂŠ*>ÂˆÂ˜ĂŒÂˆÂ˜}]ĂŠ ĂŠĂŠĂŠ >Â?Â?ÂœÂœÂ˜ĂŠ/ĂœÂˆĂƒĂŒÂˆÂ˜}]ĂŠ ĂŠĂŠĂŠ Ă•}}Â?ˆ˜}]ĂŠ >}ˆV]ĂŠ ĂŠĂŠĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ ÂœĂ€it UĂŠ->Â˜ĂŒ>ĂŠ ˜`ĂŠ"ĂŒÂ…iÀÊ ĂŠĂŠĂŠ-i>ĂƒÂœÂ˜>Â?ĂŠ Â…>Ă€>VĂŒiĂ€ĂƒĂŠĂŠĂŠĂŠ ĂŠĂŠĂŠ/œœtĂŠ ÂœÂœÂŽĂŠ >Ă€Â?Ăžt

413-245-1076 www.maggietheclown.com

“All Live� Insects, Small Reptiles & Animals

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

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

62

OCTOBER2010

Sound the Alarm! The Fire Truck Will Go To:

Å Birthday Parties Å Pre-Schools Å Daycare Centers Your 911 for Party Å Family Days Emergencies! Å Weddings Å Taking Reservations Å Parties Year Round Serving the south shore For Reservations Call: 339-933-0353

OPEN HOUSE LISTINGS

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Dinosaur Adventures

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See Dinosaur skulls, T-Rex teeth and foot prints, along with today’s living dinosaurs such as Crocodile, monitor lizard, turtle, bird and scorpion. Great fun and learning for any dinosaur enthusiast! *This is a traveling only presentation

www.animaladventures.net 978-779-8988

Have your Birthday Party at Babson College Skating Center

BIRTHDAY PACKAGE: $250.00 minimum of 12 guests. Each guest after 12 is an additional $20.00 Includes: Public skate admission and rental skates, Reserved Birthday Room for the duration of public skating. Pizza and 1 beverage per guest. We do not include cake or tableware. For more information please Contact the Babson Skating Center at 781-239-6056

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New England’s #1 Traveling Animal Show

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• Largest variety of reptiles • Largest variety of mammals • Bugs and more • Birthday parties

• Schools • Camps • All occasions Fully Licensed & Insured Education Center Open Year Round!

www.animaladventures.net 978-779-8988

TOUCHSTONE COMMUNITY SCHOOL October 24 from 12pm – 2pm With a special middle school information session from 2pm – 3:30pm 54 Leland Street, Grafton, MA 01519 Contact Jennifer Weeden, Director of Admission 508-839-0038 www.touchstoneschool.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

Big Joe

the Storyteller Storytelling fun for Birthday Parties, Schools, Daycare Centers, Library Programs, Special Events and TV Featuring: • Original & Classic Stories • Puppets, Props and Surprises For Bookings and Info Call: 617-713-4349 E-mail: BigJoe@BigJoe.com Visit me on the web at: www.BigJoe.com

WOODSIDE MONTESSORI ACADEMY November 7 from 1:30pm – 3:30pm Primary (PreK and K) & Middle School Campus: 350 Village Street, Millis, MA 02054 Elementary (Grades 1-6) Campus: 64 Exchange Street, Millis, MA 02054 508-376-5320 TENACRE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL October 17 from 2pm – 4pm; January 6 from 8:30am – 9:15am 78 Benvenue Street Wellesley, MA 02482 Contact Sam Reece, Director of Admission and Tuition Assistance 781-235-2282 www.tenacrecds.org THE BRIGHTON SCHOOL October 21 from 6pm – 7pm PO Box 3204, 360 Water Street Framingham, MA 01705 Contact Jennifer Pack 508-877-8200 www.brightonschoolofma.org DEDHAM COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL November 1 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm; November 16 from 8:30am – 10am 90 Sandy Valley Road Dedham, MA 02026 Contact Ellen Tretter 781-329-0850 www.dedhamcountryday.org BANCROFT SCHOOL October 17 from 12:30pm – 2:30pm 110 Shore Drive Worcester, MA 01605 Contact Debbie Lamir 508-854-9227 www.bancroftschool.org CHARLES RIVER SCHOOL October 24 from 2pm – 4pm; November 14 from 2pm – 4pm 6 Old Meadow Road Dover, MA 02030 Contact Marion Earley 508-785-8213 www.charlesriverschool.org

FAYERWEATHER STREET SCHOOL November 7 from 1:30pm – 4pm 765 Concord Avenue Cambridge, MA 02138 Contact Cynthia Bohrer, Director of Admission 617-876-4746 www.fayerweather.org CORNERSTONE ACADEMY November 7 from 1pm – 4pm 5 Oak Avenue Northborough, MA 01532 Contact Karen McQuade 508-351-9976 www.cornerstoneacademy.org OAK MEADOW MONTESSORI SCHOOL October 24 from 1pm – 3pm 2 Old Pickard Lane Littleton, MA 01460 Contact Erin Palmer, Director of Admission 978-486-9874 x226 www.oakmeadow.org CAMBRIDGE FRIENDS SCHOOL November 6 from 1pm – 3pm 5 Cadbury Road Cambridge, MA 02140 Contact Sarah Turner, Director of Admission and Financial Aid, or Virginia Jokisch, Associate Director of Admission 617-354-3880 or cfsadmission@cfsmass.org www.cfsmass.org LEXINGTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL November 14, 1pm - 4pm 130 Pleasant Street Lexington, MA 02421 Contact: Carolyn DiNatale 781 862-8571 x1101 www.lexmontessori.org FAY SCHOOL Sunday, October 24 from 1pm – 4 pm 48 Main Street, Southborough, MA 01772 Contact Katie Enlow 508-490-8201 www.fayschoool.org To add your Open House listing to baystateparent Magazine, contact Stephanie Pearl at StephanieP@baystateparent.com BAYSTATEPARENT 63

WEST END CREAMERY AND FAMILY FARM

Open House Thursday, October 21st 6-7 p.m.

“Where bright minds come together!� Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Six

Currently Enrolling Limited spaces are available for the 2010/2011 school year

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 'IFTED AND 4ALENTED 0ROGRAM s )Ndividualized Curriculum s 3MALL #LASS 3IZES s .URTURING %NVIRONMENT s 3PECIALIZED )NSTRUCTION IN Spanish, Music, Art, Science, Computer, 0HYSICAL %DUCATION and Yoga

We have ď™‰ď™ˆ awesome flavors of hand dipped ice cream, soft serve, Del’s lemonade and more. Enjoy our beautiful  hole miniature golf course. Visit our Farmyard animal viewing area

Birthday parties are available.

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

ď™ˆ acre corn maze now open!

481 Purgatory Rd., Whitinsville, MA 01588 westendcreamery.com

Coupon valid thru October 31, 2010

15

%

64 OCTOBER2010

YOUR ENTIRE REGULAR PRICE PURCHASE

OFF

Discount does NOT include sale and clearance merchandise. Not valid on previous purchases, rentals, custom orders or gift cards. Cannot be combined with any other offer. One coupon per household. Coupon must be presented at check out to obtain discount.

Send Cards That Conquer Cancer

View and purchase our collection of holiday cards, candles, and ornaments

jimmyfund.org/Holiday-Parent

PHOTO CARDS COURTESY OF

CARDS ALSO AVAILABLE AT

BAYSTATEPARENT 65

Enter to win Beauty and the Beast Diamond Edition! Available On Blu-Ray™ Hi-Def & DVD On October 5 Deadline to enter is October 31st

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Two lucky readers will each win a pair of Reebok's Pink Ribbon ZigPulse! Not only do the ZigPulse look great and feature new cushioning technology to diminish fatigue and help you run longer (say goodbye to shin splints!), Reebok is a proud supporter of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

Reebok will donate a minimum of $400,000 up to $750,000 to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade to support access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer.

For your chance to win, enter online at www.baystateparent.com/giveaways and list your shoe size. 66 OCTOBER2010

CLASSIFIEDS Surrogate Mothers Needed Established Surrogacy Program seeks loving women ages 21-43, to carry couples’ biological babies. You must be a non-smoker, and prior birth experience is required. Be a part of a miracle. The rewards are more than financial. For more information, please call

888-363-9457 or visit our website:

Nannies Experienced Nannies. Quailty in home child care. Not a sitter service. We place nannies. Est. 1984

508-755-9284 originalnanny.com

www.reproductivepossibilities.com

The Budget Coach

A Stitch in Time

Will you spend too much this holiday season? Are you in control of your money? Do you have a budget? It’s time to meet with the Coach!

Clothing Alterations and Repairs • Repair or replace hems, buttons, zippers • Clothing alterations • Household sewing

Amy • 508-340-1232

508-792-9087 thebudgetcoach@aol.com

ADVERTISERS’DIRECTORY Advanced Water Quality Systems, Inc. ..........................21 Adventure Boot Camp LLC ...........................................56 ALSAC/St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital ...............6 Attorney James Connors .............................................50 Aurora Imaging Technology, Inc....................................27,29 Ballet Arts Worcester ..................................................19 Bancroft School .........................................................19 Bay State Skating School ...........................................52 Baystate CPR ............................................................7 Becker College ..........................................................13 Belkin Lookout Farm ..................................................54 Berlin Orchards ..........................................................10 Boroughs JCC ............................................................55 Cambridge Friends School ...........................................17 Charles River School...................................................58 Children’s Dentists of Worcester, LLC .............................33 Claytime...................................................................15 Cutie Patutie’s ...........................................................32 Dana Farber ..............................................................65 Dance IT UP ..............................................................10 Dance Prism..............................................................51 Davis Farmland .........................................................4 Dedham Country Day School .......................................24 Devereux Therapeutic Foster Care ................................12 Dr. Bruce Fieldman ....................................................8 Dr. Mel-Pediatric Dentistry ...........................................23 Dr. Monica Rao .........................................................58 Ecotarium .................................................................54 Ellie Fund .................................................................37 Faucher Dance School ................................................29 Fayerweather St School..............................................51 Fay School ...............................................................39 Fidelity .....................................................................2 Friends of Mercy Center ..............................................54 Guild of St. Agnes Daycare..........................................20 Gymboree.................................................................18 Heritage Pool ............................................................55 Home Staff ...............................................................19 Inn at East Hill Farm ..................................................52

Mrs. B.’s

Preschool and Kindergarten Inc.

Iparty Retail Stores Corp. ............................................64 Junior League of Boston .............................................24 K12 .........................................................................5 Kids Strong ...............................................................6 Little Patriots Early Learning Center ..............................66 Mass Audubon...........................................................59 McDonald’s ...............................................................15 Metro West Ballet ......................................................17 Mothers and Company ...............................................56 Mrs. B’s Preschool .....................................................66 Next Generation ........................................................7 Next Level Fitness......................................................21 Oak Meadow Montessori School ..................................56 OshKosh ...................................................................11 Panera Bread ............................................................25 Parenting Solutions ....................................................14 Paula Swift Photography.............................................57 Positively Preschool ....................................................19 Roger Williams Park Zoo.............................................40 Room to Bloom .........................................................12 Saint Vincent Hospital ................................................38 Sha’arei Shalom........................................................23 Simon Malls..............................................................11 Skribbles Learning Center............................................10 Smart Mom Jewelery .................................................39 Speech-Language and Hearing Assc of Greater Boston .....59 Sweet Potato Kids .....................................................59 Tenacre Country Day School ........................................57 The Brighton School ...................................................64 The Hanover Theatre ..................................................67 Tougas Family Farm ...................................................32 UMass Memorial .......................................................59 Volo Farm.................................................................18 West End Creamery ...................................................64 Wheelock College Theatre ...........................................39 Womens Health of Central Mass ..................................35 Worcester Art Museum ...............................................15 Worcester Kids’ Dentist ...............................................20 Worcester Sharks .......................................................55

Little Patriots Early Learning Center

Tour Our NEW Classrooms! A school year program with a 2, 3 & 5 day option & half day morning program

6 Sheridan St., Worcester

Now Enrolling Toddler program 15 mos – 2.9 yrs

Now Enrolling 508-791-3227

s !CADEMIC BASED CURRICULUM s &AMILY FUN NIGHTS s -! CERTIlED TEACHERS s 4RANSPORTATION AVAILABLE s %XCITING AND ENGAGING s "EFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CURRICULUM EXTENSIONS s 0ROGRESS REPORTS s .EW EXPANDED FACILITY

- Affordable - Quality Care - Flexible

199 West Mountain Street, Worcester 01606 NEW telephone number 508-453-2772 www.mrsbspreschool.com

(off of Cambridge St., bus route #25)

Toddlers 15 months to 2.9 years, $45 per day Preschoolers 2.9 to 5 years, $35 per day After-school Homework Club, $15.25 per day Contact Lisa at 508-791-3227 or LittlePatriotsELC@gmail.com

Mention this ad to receive 50% off registration fee

www.LittlePatriotsELC.com

EXPERIENCE the joy of

great family entertainment! 1-3 15 16 22 26 30

NOVEMBER

5 6 10 11 13 14 19 20 26-28

DECEMBER

4 5 8

THE NATIONAL SONG AND DANCE ENSEMBLE OF POLAND

An Evening of Majestic Proportions The Rat Pack Mitch Albom: Have A Little Faith Warren Miller’s Wintervention Zonkaraz Lisa Williams Disney Live-Mickey’s Magic Show Kathy GrifďŹ n The Nutcracker

10 17-23

Clara’s Dream: An Aerial Nutcracker Howie Mandel Mazowsze The National Song and Dance Ensemble of Poland A Christmas Celtic Sojourn A Christmas Carol

JANUARY

6 8 21-23

Stringfever Shen Yun Mamma Mia!

FEBRUARY

12 16 18-20

Russell Thompkins Jr. and the New Stylistics Celtic Crossroads Grease

MARCH

6 13 20 25-27

An Evening with Garrison Keillor Lord of the Dance Neil Berg’s 101 Years of Broadway Avenue Q

APRIL

1 2-3 4 9 10 15-17 23

MAY

JUNE

DECEMBER 8 AT 7 PM

Monty Python’s Spamalot An Evening with Rockapella 1964 (Tribute to The Beatles) Rave On! Mummenschanz La Bohème

Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood Cirque Mechanics Boom Town Giselle performed by The Russian National Ballet Theatre Tim Conway & Friends Larry the Cable Guy Children of Eden presented by Assumption College Theatre In The Mood

6

Get a Life! Sane Wisdom for an Insane World-Loretta LaRoche

10 11

Spring Awakening Alvin AileyÂŽ American Dance Theater

10-12

Fiddler on the Roof

ACCESS HANOVER: Get a sneak peek behind the scenes! Free for members; $10 for the general public 10/27, 11/27, 1/26, 2/26, 3/30, 4/30, 5/25

All dates, programs, and times are subject to change without notice.

OCTOBER

5IF)BOPWFS5IFBUSF PSH t 4)08 (7469) 2 Southbridge Street t Worcester, MA 01608 Discounts available for groups, members, kids, students, and WOO card holders Worcester Center for the Performing Arts, a registered not-for-proďŹ t 501(c)(3) organization, owns and operates The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts.

BAYSTATEPARENT 67

68 OCTOBER2010

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