Rhode Island Parent Magazine July/August 2015 by Rhode Island Parent Magazine

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July/August 2015

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RHODE ISLAND

MAGAZINE

PREMIERE

ISSUE

Tips for traveling with kids

Getting serious about ballet

S’mores recipes

Yamil Muñoz, 13, of Providence

Where to Find Rhode Island Summer Fun

Rhode Island Parent Magazine ď&#x201A;§ July/August 2015

July/August 2015 ď&#x201A;§ Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Rhode Island Parent Magazine ď&#x201A;§ July/August 2015

Contents July/August 2015 / vol. 1 / no. 1

Departments

6 A Note from the Publisher

10 My Turn New column in next issue.

12 Familytopia Become a LOL family! 13 The Healthy Child Helping kids go to sleep. 16 Get Organized! Traveling with kids. 18 Ask Dr. Day Care Your questions answered. 20 Question of the Month Readers’ thoughts.

Features 8 Cover Feature: Getting Serious about Ballet

21 All About Baby The fourth trimester.

Read about 13-year-old Yamil Muñoz's passion for dance.

22 The Great Outdoors Camping with kids.

14 Take a Rhode Trip!

24 Kid of the Month A 12-year-old shaves her head. 24 My Recipe Fresh and Fruity Pops. 28 Calendar Events in July and August.

SPECIAL SECTIONS

17 Directory of Advertisers

25 Thank You Page

A big list of local places to visit this summer.

26 S'mores

We want some more!

On the web

We are working on our website and the magazine is available digitally online (great for tablet, phone, or computer, and you can join our Facebook page). Visit www.RIParentMag.com and Facebook.com/RIParentMag

July/August 2015  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

A Note from the Publisher

ello and welcome to the first full edition of Rhode Island Parent Magazine! We are your magazine – a parenting resource, a place you can find something to smile about, and a source of inspiration during the greatest and toughest moments of being a parent. We want to be an oasis in your busy life – a place to celebrate growing up in Rhode Island. As a result of talking to so many of you already at events and on social media, we have developed departments to provide helpful information on specific topics every month. We’ll add in feature stories on interesting subjects – stories about RI kids and the issues you are thinking about. We’ll round it out with ways you can get involved – a Question of the Month, fun contests, and a My Turn column. In this first issue, we celebrate summer in all its glory. You’ll read stories on places to go, things to do, and hints for camping and traveling. Plus, delicious s’mores! This magazine is available for free throughout Rhode Island. This is made possible by our advertisers – they foot the bill for this free resource. So please, look at the ads, visit them, and tell them you saw their ad in Rhode Island Parent Magazine. Our advertisers want to support you and bring fun to your family. Please show them some love! There are so many people to thank! The number one person is Rob Kenney. Rob, an expert designer and art director, has been my partner on this magazine, and he is the reason it looks so amazing. A second person is Sheila Flanagan, whose extraordinary editing has made it read so well. And Jean Delano came through with great designs for several advertisers. A full thank you list is on page 25. Ironically, it took about nine months to birth this baby. Last November the magazine was just an idea, a dream, a wish. The vision took off during the Department of Labor and Training’s Self-Employment Assistance Program of Rhode Island at the Center for Women and Enterprise. It grew further with mentoring by Ed Alves from SCORE, a volunteer organization of working and retired business owners who provide business counseling. Without this help, Rhode Island Parent Magazine would not be the wiggly baby it is today. Our next issue will be in September and we want to know what you think. What did you like and dislike? What do you want to read about? Do you have a story to tell about parenting or are you a child expert who wants to provide information? Whatever you think, we want to know! You can reach me at publisher@RIParentMag.com. Happy summer!

Susan Gale 6

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  July/August 2015

57 Rolfe Square, Suite 10094 Cranston, Rhode Island 02910 (401) 337-9240 Publisher/Editor Susan Gale publisher@RIParentMag.com Art Director/Graphic Designer Rob Kenney artdirector@RIParentMag.com Copy Editor Sheila Flanagan editor@RIParentMag.com Business Manager Lisa Koulibaly sales@RIParentMag.com Advertising Sales (401) 337-9240 sales@RIParentMag.com This issue's cover and cover story photos were taken by Keith Jochim of Keith Jochim Photo. www.KeithJochimphoto.com Rhode Island Parent Magazine is published monthly by Gale Force Communications. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products, or services are endorsed by the publisher. Editorial submissions welcome.

Like us on Facebook and Twitter: Facebook.com/RIParentMag @RIParentMag

July/August 2015 ď&#x201A;§ Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Cover Story By Susan Gale

Getting

Serious About

Ballet amil Muñoz, 13, bites her lip in concentration as she stands on her toes, her arms moving fluidly forward and then up, her head turned, her shoulders straight. She swings around and runs in a small circle, each step placed carefully in a practiced, calculated manner. From the angle of her head to the direction of each of her fingers, she radiates the freedom she feels when dancing classical ballet. As a young teen, Yamil is at an important crossroads for a ballet dancer. This is the point when many girls will fall away, developing other interests or unwilling to take what comes next in a ballet dancer’s life. But Yamil runs headlong into the future pain, stress, and wonderful possibility of making all her dreams come true.

She takes classes at least three days per week and practices at home to make sure she is learning the steps. As she gets older, practice will go to five or six days a week. She may also go to summer intensives at other schools where she will experience rigorous training and have to be responsible for herself. But Yamil isn’t afraid of the level of commitment demanded of her. “When I have a lot of homework, I stay up late to finish it,” she said. “I’d rather go to sleep late than not go to dance.” Yamil wasn’t always so sure of herself on the dance floor. She experienced a moment of debilitating terror in a class when she was younger. “I got so scared and just stood there,” she said, laughing about it now.

Facing extreme competition

An early start in dance

Yamil has been dancing since she was 5 years old. She currently studies with Festival Ballet Providence, which is housed in a former funeral home on Hope Street in Providence. She has taken classes in jazz, tap, acrobatics, hip hop, and lyrical dance. She also played basketball. But she now focuses almost exclusively on ballet and dreams of playing lead roles in the most famous ballets around the world. “I just feel free. I feel like I can be myself. I don’t have to be someone in particular. I don’t have to be someone I’m not,” she said of dancing. “Every time I hear music, I dance. I’m inspired by it. You can express emotion.” 8

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  July/August 2015

It is exactly the difficulty of ballet that attracts Yamil. “You need a lot of hard work and determination. I like that,” she said, sitting in a back room at Festival Ballet with two red couches, a conference table, and dozens of small costumes on racks. “You can’t just be a ballerina. You have to do a lot of work.” Ballet is extremely competitive. Festival Ballet has about 300 students in the younger age groups, but starting at age 12 or 13, they begin to drop off. By the age of 17, there will only be four or five students who are working at a preprofessional level. (The school offers classes to children of any age and adults.)

These pre-professional students will compete against thousands around the country at the Youth American Grand Prix, a ballet organization which sponsors an annual competition. That competition puts about 1,200 students into the semifinals with about 125 making it to the finals. It is an important way to get noticed as a dancer and earn scholarships or contracts with ballet companies. Being a ballet dancer also requires physical body aesthetics: long limbs, a straight spine, and a proportional body. They must have core strength and flexibility in the hips with a proper foot arch and angle, said Festival Ballet School Director Mary Ann Mayer, who is also Yamil’s teacher. Mary Ann, an accomplished dancer herself, also worked as a stage manager before teaching tomorrow’s ballerinas. She is a founding member of Festival Ballet and has helped the school to grow since becoming Director in 2004. Her prior students have gone on to dance with professional companies and study at prestigious schools throughout the country. “She works so hard in class,” Mary Ann said. “She’s very musical. She remembers choreography so quickly. I often have her in the front of the class because she is so quick.” What is Yamil’s future? “I see myself doing a lot of hard work and visiting different professional dance studios,” she said, envisioning that she will end up in New York City because “that’s where the big things are.” She also plans to go to college, but isn’t sure what she will study. She mentions becoming an architect like her uncle, or a doctor. Though serious about her intentions toward ballet, Yamil is still a teenager who likes pop culture. One of her other dreams is to be on the TV show ‘So You Think You Can Dance.’ “The ones who get to the end really inspire me,” she said.

A painful next step

In ballet, Yamil’s next step is dancing in her first pair of pointe shoes, which are designed to make a dancer appear weightless, like they are floating across the stage. The front of the shoe has a rigid “box” made of densely packed layers of fabric, cardboard, and/or paper hardened by glue, and a “shank,” a piece of material that stiffens the sole and provides support for the arch. A young dancer needs several years of dance to develop the strength to handle the stress of dancing on her toes in pointe shoes. “It’s an important time for her,” said Dylan Giles, marketing director, and a dancer in Festival Ballet’s ensemble company. “This is when it starts to hurt. Growing and dancing hurts.” Even though she knew how painful it would be to dance in pointe shoes, Yamil looked forward to her first pair. “It’s wrapped fabric,” she said. “But it feels like standing on your toes on wood.” She immediately got blisters with the shoes and now wears toe pads and toe spacers to keep her feet straighter because she has a slight curve in them. She and the other girls in her class watch the older dancers in the ballet’s ensemble enviously, discussing how “beautiful” they look dancing en pointe. Yamil has already danced in Festival Ballet’s Nutcracker as a soldier – “We really had to fight!” she said – and experienced the stress of both high expectations by the school’s artistic director, Mihailo "Misha" Djuric, and fear of the audience at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC). But she loves the pomp and circumstance of performing, the costumes and makeup. A great costume makes her feel more relaxed, even one she referred to as a “weird Tinker Bell.” “I feel more opened,” she said. “I just forget about the costume and dance.” (continued on next page) July/August 2015  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Supported by a close family

Yamil lives in Providence with her parents and two younger siblings. A close family, they live in a three-story home with aunts living above and below them. Yamil struggles to explain how they are individual families but really one at the same time - her aunt living above has two dogs but they are also her dogs, she said. Her mother, Dianey Valdez, a supervisor for a Providence textile warehouse, encourages her daughter’s focus. She once had dreams of being a ballerina herself, but her parents questioned the choice. They did not see it as a practical future. Valdez and Yamil’s father, Ramon Muñoz, a truck driver, want their daughter to have the chance to follow her dreams. Dianey loves her daughter’s passion. “If she learns something new today, she’ll show me as soon as we get home,” she said. “She likes to be perfect, to be the best of herself.” Yamil comes across as mature and responsible. At one point during the interview, she asked if she could go check on her younger sister, Dariana, 8, whose class was finishing in another room. Dianey proudly points out that her daughter was on the honor roll despite her intensive dance schedule and is a good sketch artist as well. Yamil knows and respects the sacrifices her parents and aunts make for her. “They support me a lot,” she said. “They do everything they can just to pay for dance and find people to take us to class when they can’t.”

Already a role model

Yamil is back in Festival Ballet’s hot dance room, a door to the street propped open with a chair and outside noises invading the space periodically. She is drenched in sweat, holding onto the ballet barre and pushing her tired muscles to the limit. After two hours, she is a little shaky but still makes every movement as precisely as possible. Class is nearly over and the next group is arriving. Teacher Mary Ann encourages them to enter. The cute 6-year-olds in pink leotards file in and sit on the floor against the mirrored wall, their eyes trained on Yamil and the other girls. They watch every move, studying what they hope to become. Earlier, Mary Ann had told her students: “When you’re tired and you work harder, you get stronger.” Yamil gives a small smile and refocuses herself on the dance.  Susan Gale is the Publisher/Editor of Rhode Island Parent Magazine.

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  July/August 2015

New MY TURN column in our next issue We love listening to you! We know that you have great things to say, so starting in our next issue, in September, we will begin running a new MY TURN column. This will be your place to tell funny and poignant stories about raising kids, things you’ve learned as parents, and your thoughts on the issues faced by parents today. In September you’ll read a MY TURN column about volunteering in the schools. Do you have an idea for the column? Get in touch with us! Even if writing isn’t the most natural thing in the world for you, contact us and we’ll help you out. We want a wide variety of voices and points of view though we will strive to keep things positive – we think life is just better that way! Please note that we do not pay for writing at this time. Columns must be less than 700 words and the magazine reserves the right to determine what will be published. To send an idea or a written column, contact us at editor@ RIParentMag.com and write MY TURN in the subject line.

July/August 2015 ď&#x201A;§ Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Familytopia (noun) fam·i·ly·to·pi·a / the balance of work and family

family L O L

! L O L ! L O L L! O L ! L ! O L L O ! L L ! O L L O ! L L L! LO O ! L L ! O L L O ! L L ! O LOL! L ! LOL! LOL! LOL OL! LOL! LOL! LOL LOL! LOL ! LOL! LOL! LOL! L LOL! LOL By Johanna Corcoran

Become a

Cracking Up in the Car

ou’ve had a long day: between work, carpooling the kids, the grocery store and making dinner, you are ready for some downtime. The last thing you want to think about is gathering the family together to laugh. The latest research however, encourages us to do just that. Incorporating laughter into your family time helps foster connections, decrease stress, and strengthen the immune system. Do you know a family who always seems to have FUN? I call these families Laugh Out Loud or “LOL” Families. They seem to have figured out how to tap into the power of fun and humor to connect as family. This type of joy and zest is available to all of us but busy parents often struggle with how to introduce playfulness into their hectic days. According to Lawrence Cohen, author of Playful Parenting, “When we are exhausted, or at the end of our rope, we tend to think that play will be just more of an energy drain. But when we engage playfully with our children, we find that suddenly we do have energy, both for fun and for finding creative solutions to thorny problems.” The easiest way to pump up your family’s playfulness is to start with a few simple activities. After adding these activities to your day, family members may feel inspired to find new ways to keep the laughter coming. Here are a few laughinducing ideas:

Whether you’re on your way to school, karate, or on a road trip, car rides offer ample opportunities to yuck it up as a family.  Silly Story Round Robin: Take turns adding to a story that one person starts. Encourage extreme goofiness.  “Would You Rather?” Asking each other silly Would You Rather questions like “Would you rather swim in pudding or Jell-O?” will get some giggles. The real humor starts when you ask your child to justify their responses. You just never know what they will say!

Weekend Wackiness

Are you tired of the same old board games and movie nights? Use your weekends to let off some steam with this fun game.  Re-scripting Silent Movies: Rent or find a silent movie on TV and take turns doing the “voiceovers” for the actors and actresses. Establish the tone by being silly with your scripting and the family will follow suit. (If you can’t find an old movie, you can also just turn down the volume on a more recent movie.)

Anytime Antics

Ham It Up at Dinner

We know that the family dinner is an important time to connect. With a variety of schedules, it can be hard to get the entire family together every night. Choose one night a week to ham it up at dinner and you may find that everyone makes an extra effort to get home in time!  Telegrams Game: One person writes down five or six random letters-then everyone takes turns constructing a sentence using those letters as the first letter of each word. This gets funny without even trying!  Silly Thesaurus: There are a lot of silly words out there! Grab a thesaurus and take turns finding silly words to talk about at dinner. This is also a great way to add to the family vocabulary, and can breed some “inside family jokes” when you use these words in conversation.

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  July/August 2015

The Sock Game: The simplicity of this game is deceiving. Get on the floor with your child and try to take off each other’s socks! Kids LOVE this game and so do most parents!  Have a Laughversation: Have you ever noticed that when a group of kids get together they can erupt into giggles over nothing in particular? I call these conversations laughversations. Try having a laughversation with your family by spending ten minutes laughing over nothing! 

Laughter is infectious and addictive! Make the time to be wacky together and your busy family will always find the time to laugh together.  Johanna Corcoran, of Smithfield, is a mother and owner of Familytopia, a consulting company which helps corporations develop work/life balance programs for parents. www.myfamilytopia.com

! ! L!

The Healthy Child By Joy Adamonis

Try Bedtime Yoga for a Good Night’s Sleep

oes it take you almost an hour to get your kids to bed each night? Are they wound up and can’t calm down? Are their little mind racing with questions? Do you wish your kid slept a little better? As parents, we all know that getting adequate sleep is important for our kids; we just wish they believed us more of the time! Sleeping helps children reset their bodies so they can face another day. (Adults – you should take note here too!) According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), school-aged children should get at least 10 hours per night. However, some have difficulty turning “off” their minds and bodies long enough to relax. This is especially true for those kids with ADHD and sensory processing or anxiety disorders. It can be challenging for parents to deal with bedtime issues because we are usually exhausted ourselves! We’ve all heard of yoga as a way for adults to relax. But what about our kids? Adding a few yoga postures and breathing exercises to that nightly bedtime story might just be the trick you need to get your child to relax and enjoy their trip off to dreamland.

Butterfly Pose

This pose opens up the hip flexors for a more comfortable night’s rest. Position: Sit on the ground and touch the soles of your feet together. Roll your shoulders back and sit up straight. Affirmation: “I am safe.” Action: Hold this pose for one minute and say the affirmation out loud.

Corpse Pose (Savasana)

This pose is known to reduce stress and is great for those who suffer from insomnia and/or nightmares.

5-Pointed Star Pose

Position: Lie flat on your back (in bed), hands at your side and close your eyes. Take slow breaths, at your own natural pace. Affirmation: “I am home.” (“I am with my family,” “I am loved,” “I am safe,” “I am in the moment.”) Action: This should be done last, after your other poses/ breathing exercises.

Position: Stand with your legs apart and place your arms in a “T” position. Press through your feet and reach your arms wide. Affirmation: “I am light.” Action: Hold this pose for one minute and say the affirmation out loud.

These are just some of the poses that are great for kids, especially at bedtime. For more poses and breathing exercises, visit www.yogakids.com or www.yogajournal.com. There are a plethora of other resources online as well. You can also try a local kids’ yoga class or a Mommy & Me yoga class. In such a fast-paced society, it is nice to be reminded to slow down and just be connected to the moment, especially with children. Namaste and sweet dreams. 

This pose is great for lengthening and opening up the chest. It improves circulation and breathing for a more restful sleep.

Sun Breath

This breathing exercise moves us from a “fight-or-flight” state to a “rest-and-renew” state. It is soothing and prepares us for a more restful sleep.

Joy Adamonis, of Warwick, is a dedicated mom, wife, and parttime freelance writer who pens a blog about raising a son with Sensory Processing Disorder. www.mysensationalkid.com

Position: Stand with your feet together. Inhale as your bring your arms overhead and exhale on your way down. Affirmation: “I am calm.” Action: Complete three inhale/exhale combinations and say the affirmation out loud. July/August 2015  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Feature Story By Nicky Estrella

Take a Rhode Trip this summer!

re you thinking about what to do this summer with the kids? Me too! I had the idea that I would take the kids on a Rhode Trip – a bucket list of places that we have yet to see, mixed with places we want to experience again. Rhode Island is small, but geography-wise, it’s a pretty diverse place. Only in Rhode Island can you go from a rural setting to a city to a coastline in under an hour and without leaving the state. My list is geared towards schoolaged kids because that’s where we are right now. It was easier to keep them entertained when they were younger because all I had to do was go to a playground, but now I have to be more creative and go bigger! My hope is that your family uses my ideas to create a summer bucket list of your own.

Providence County Blackstone Valley River Tour This one-of-a-kind nature experience aboard a 40-passenger tour boat on the Blackstone River takes you through Pawtucket and Central Falls. We took the kids a couple of years ago and couldn’t believe the beauty that was hidden behind the streets of these cities. Sundays at 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m. from the landing at 45 Madeira Avenue, Central Falls. Free on the fourth Sunday of the month, but must make reservations early. $10/adults, $8/children 12 and under and seniors. 14

Mr. Lemon Summer is not complete without frozen lemonade. I know Rhode Island is known for Del’s but if you’ve never had a Mr. Lemon frozen slush, you’re missing out. It’s been there since I was a kid and is still run by the same family. My favorite is creamsicle and tutti frutti is a very popular flavor. Open daily until 8 p.m. 32 Hawkins Street, Providence. Splash Pads Trying to beat the heat with the kids while in the city? No problem – Providence has many free splash pads. My kids loved these when they were younger. Our favorite splash pad was inside Fargnoli Park. You can bring snacks and drinks. Open noon-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday, July and August. Free.        

Al Carrington Water Park at Richardson Park, 64 Richardson Street Billy Taylor Water Park, 124 Camp Street Sackett Street Water Park, 110 Sackett Street Harriet & Sayles Water Park, 375 Sayles Street General Street Water Park, 11 West Drive George West Water Park, 1266 Chalkstone Avenue Fargnoli Water Park, 945 Smith Street Fox Point Water Park at Cabral Park, 505 Wickenden Street

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  July/August 2015

  

Neutaconkanut Recreation Center Water Park, 675 Plainfield Street Wallace Street Park, 1 Wallace Street Pastore Park, corner of Knight Street and Tell Street

Spring Lake Beach Facility Spring Lake is located in Burrillville and younger kids love it. It has a swim dock, food concessions, restrooms with outdoor showers, picnic tables, and children's slides at the water's edge. There is also a penny arcade, home to some of the oldest arcade games in the country. Open daily with lifeguard. 50 Old Hillside Drive, Glendale. Burrillville residents, $2.50/person; non-residents, $5/person; children under five, free with adult. Group rates available.

Kent County Rocky Point State Park What was once the home of the beloved Rocky Point Amusement Park is now Rocky Point State Park. Take the family here for a bike ride, walk, or to fly a kite. You can still see remnants of the “Skyline” ride – cable cars that used to glide over the park – and you can climb to the area where the gondolas were. Kids love this! Teach your kids about the history of the park so they can visualize what once was. Rocky Point State Park, 130 Rocky Point Avenue, Warwick. Free.

The ImPOSSIBLE DREAM Playground The “playground of dreams” might be the best playground in RI. It is a wonderful integrated playground with swings, slides, see saws, sand boxes, fantasy play houses, miniature golf, an activity center, picnic areas, and accessible rest rooms. It’s a play-friendly environment for children of all physical abilities. 575 Centerville Rd, Warwick. Free, donations accepted. Splash Experience On a rainy day, take the kids to see the Splash Experience show. With more than 9,000 water nozzles, 20,000 watts of light, and 16 watts of state-of-the-art lasers, the kids love seeing the laser light show dance on water. Jordan’s Furniture, Warwick Mall, 400 Bald Hill Road, Warwick. Call 223-3500 for show times. Free.

Bristol County Imagine Gift Store One of our favorite places is the 50's candy shop inside Imagine Gift Store in Warren. Grab yourself a small basket like the good ol' days and fill it with some candy favorites from yesteryear. Imagine is a three-story gift store with many more things to see, including the Cow Parade, seven life-sized decorated cows. 5 Miller Street, Warren. Open MondaySaturday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Newport County Newport International Polo I always say that I am going to take the kids to see their first polo match but I never make it. It seems fun to get dressed up and mingle with this crowd. This year is our year! 250 Linden Lane, Portsmouth, price varies based on seat type. Lawn seats, $12, and kids free up to age 15. First come, first served. For additional information, visit www.nptpolo.com or call 846-0200. Beavertail State Park I love Jamestown – I think it’s the most beautiful spot in RI! We go back every

year. It’s a small island but not touristy at all. Let the kids climb all over the cliffs at Beavertail State Park or take a swim at Mackerel Cove. There are a lot of great restaurants, such as Spinnakers Café (3 East Ferry Wharf ). Beavertail Road, Jamestown. The park is free; the beach costs $15 for daily parking. Green Animals Topiary Garden Operated by the Preservation Society of Newport, Green Animals is the oldest and most northern topiary garden in the United States. There are more than 80 pieces throughout the gardens, including animals and birds, geometric figures, and ornamental designs, sculpted from California privet, yew, and English boxwood. 380 Cory’s Lane, Portsmouth. Open daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; last tour admission at 5 p.m. $15.99/adults, $6.99/children 6-17. South Shore Beach South Shore Beach is a very small and family-friendly beach in the beautiful town of Little Compton. You can pull your car right up to your spot on the sand. We always love to go after hours and enjoy the late afternoon/ early evening. It’s less crowded then, and usually free to enter. Bring a light dinner and spend some time together boogie boarding or tossing a football. 125 South Shore Road, Little Compton. $15 for parking.

Flying Horse Carousel The Flying Horse Carousel is thought to be the only surviving carousel of its kind in the U.S. The twenty horses are not attached to the floor but instead are suspended from a center frame, swinging out or flying when in motion. The Carousel is located in Watch Hill, which boasts gorgeous beaches and small ritzy shops. The Carousel is only for children under age 12. 151 Bay Street, Westerly. $1 to $1.50/ride. Yawgoo Valley Water Park You probably know about Yawgoo Valley’s Ski Mountain, but you may not know that in the summer it becomes a water park with 750 feet of slides and three pools. 160 Yawgoo Valley Road, Exeter. Rates range from $13-$29 based on number of hours. Children 4 and under admitted free with caretaker ticket; must wear swimspecific diapers in the water. 

Washington County The Fantastic Umbrella Factory I have never been here but this has also been on my list. The Fantastic Umbrella Factory bills itself as a 19th century farmyard shopper’s paradise and international bazaar. It started in the early 1800's as a Temperance Hall, selling penny candy and unusual gifts. Now it’s a gem that has everything from ducks to hand-crafted items. 4820 Old Post Road, Charlestown. Stores open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., café closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The author’s children, Lucas, 7, Makenna, 10, and Regan, 8, dressed up for the Bristol Fourth of July Parade, the oldest parade in the nation. It steps off at 10:30 a.m., at the corner of Chestnut and Hope Streets and ends on High Street.

Nicky Estrella is a mom of three and blogger who operates multiple social media sites about family life and activities in RI. www.PlayingAllTheWay.com

July/August 2015  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Get Organized!

10 By Kristin MacRae

SIMPLE WAYS

to Pack for Your Family Getaway

ummer is finally here and it’s time for that family vacation. This is supposed to be relaxing, but sometimes, getting to the actual vacation part can leave you more stressed out. When traveling with kids, you not only have to worry about packing for yourself – you have to worry about packing for additional people. But you don’t have to be overwhelmed by the process of packing for your next family getaway. Just like any other project, you have to break it down into small pieces. Many people look at this process as a whole and shut down. You are thinking about the trip, how many people you have to pack for, and what you need to pack. It adds to your mental clutter and you get stressed. When you break it down into small pieces, it becomes manageable. Here are some tips to guide your packing and make it as stress-free as possible for the whole family.

1) Plan and prepare. Planning and preparing is the key to escaping this process unscathed. Clear the mental clutter and put everything onto paper. Take 15 minutes to start making a list of things you want to pack. Do this a week or two before you go away. Coordinate outfits and list all of the toiletries you need to bring. Use this as a guide when you are getting ready to pack. If you wing it, you will overpack and will also forget items.

5) Maximize space in the suitcase. Fill every inch

of your suitcase. Stuff socks into shoes. Place underwear, bras, and other small items in between crevices in the suitcase. Don’t leave any empty space.

6) There is a process to packing. Don’t just throw

your clothes in the suitcases. Fold items as small as you can. The smaller you fold the clothes and the tighter you pack them, the more you will be able to fit in the suitcase.

7) How many shoes do you need? Choose one or two pairs of dressy shoes, a pair of beach shoes and a pair of running shoes. Wear one of these the day of your trip. Don’t fill up your suitcase with shoes. Plan your outfits and pick shoes that match multiple outfits. 8) Don’t assume that you will remember everything. Use a checklist and cross off as you pack.

The one item you think you will remember is usually the item you forget to pack.

9) Don’t pack a half hour before you have to leave. A few nights before you leave, lay out your clothes and

2) Let the kids help. If your kids are old enough, teach them this process. Let them plan, prepare and make a list of everything they need to bring, and then continue with the tips below. Transfer this skill set to them and you’ll never have to pack for them again! 3) Purchase travel items now. If you know that you

have a trip planned, don’t wait until the last minute to purchase travel items. You may be too busy and stressed before the trip to think about this. Make a list and purchase them now.

everything you want to pack. Have everything folded and ready to go. The night before, you can pack everything into your suitcase in an organized fashion. Pack your travel toiletries and anything else you won’t be using. The morning of your trip, pack your daily items after you use them.

10) Organize travel documents. Keep all of your travel documents in one place along with passports and any other important documentation you need for your trip. Grab these the night before and place them with your luggage. Remember, this process doesn’t have to be stressful and overwhelming. Planning and preparing is the key to success. Have a great trip! 

4) Don’t overpack. Overpacking is the biggest mistake

people make. Coordinate outfits ahead of time. Mix and match pieces. Think about the different outfits you will need. Again, planning will help you figure out what you need as opposed to waiting until the last minute and throwing everything into a suitcase.

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  July/August 2015

Kristin MacRae is an organizing and efficiency expert and owner of Organizing In RI, LLC. www.organizinginri.com

Directory of Advertisers Need help with choosing child care and education programs? BrightStars is a non-profit organization which helps families in Rhode Island select the best care for their children. Families looking for early care, education, and school-age programs can call their toll-free number at 1-855-398-7605 to receive assistance over the phone. Families receive a customized list of programs based on their needs and resources to help make the best choice. Families can also search online using the new Early Learning Program search tool at Exceed.ri.gov. For more information about BrightStars, visit families.brightstars.org.

Please support our advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad here! The businesses and non-profit organizations advertising in Rhode Island Parent Magazine make it possible for us to keep the magazine available to you for free! Active and artistic activities/camps Artists’ Exchange.................................................Page 7 Festival Ballet Providence..................................Page 19 Rock Spot Climbing............................................Page 7 YMCA of Greater Providence . .........................Page 11 Baby products and services Mother’s Nature..................................................Page 3 Tiny Touches by Perfect Touch Interiors..............Page 3 Businesses and non-profits Rhode Island ParentMagazine...........................Page 23 Carnivals/events Rockwell Amusements............................... Inside cover Child Care/preschool Dr. Day Care.......................................................Page 4 Education/tutoring Club Z In-home Tutoring............................ Back cover Your Writing Coach............................................Page 3 Financial services Sierra Pacific Mortgage....................... Inside back cover Health-related services Diabetes Care Solutions....................................Page 17 Dr. Elissa Contillo Optometrist...........................Page 3 Photography Keith Jochim Photo...........................................Page 11 Study participation Kid Think...........................................................Page 7

To advertise, call 401-337-9240 or email sales@RIParentMag.com July/August 2015  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Ask Dr. Day Care: Advice for Parents By Mary Ann Shallcross Smith, Ed.D.

Each month Dr. Day Care will answer your questions about children from infancy to school age. Now is your opportunity to ask the questions you've been afraid to ask! Only first name and town will be published with your question. Send your questions to: editor@RIParentMag.com and put DR. DAY CARE in the subject line.

Dear Dr. Day Care: We recently moved to Rhode Island from Florida. We are looking for a program for our two- and four-yearold daughters for the fall. What is the difference between day care, preschool, child care, nursery school, and family day care programs? How do we decide which to choose? – Floridian Mom

Dear Dr. Day Care, I am the mother of a 16-month-old son. I come from a Portuguese family and my parents made it a priority to teach me the language of my culture. They spoke both English and Portuguese, with the latter being spoken in our home. I have tried to create the same values and teachings for my son's upbringing. However, his father is concerned that speaking both languages could delay his speech, so he wants to speak only English. What is your advice for our bilingual home? – Speechless Mom

Dear Speechless Mom, I agree with Dr. Patricia Reblin, a speech pathologist from Swampscott, MA, that the best time to learn a second language is as a young child, while the speech and language area of the brain is still developing. The introduction of multiple languages doubles a child's vocabulary and increases the ability to learn additional languages. When children listen to two different languages, they learn both at the same time as they build vocabulary and gradually progress from one-word utterances to phrases and then sentences. When children are learning two languages simultaneously, sometimes their utterances may be a little shorter than other children around the same age. The reason for this is that they are organizing two different language programs at the same time. By the time a child is about four years old, he or she has caught up with monolingual peers. Up to around the age of 12, children can learn a new language without an accent from a native speaker. After the age of 12, children can lose their ability to discriminate sounds that are not in their native language. Children born into a home where multiple languages are being presented, taught, and spoken have great future opportunities. The ability to speak multiple languages opens up travelling, career choices, and acknowledging and supporting the family culture. Unless there is a concern about a language disability with learning a primary language, continue to speak both languages and explain to Dad the benefits of raising a bilingual child.

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  July/August 2015

Dear Floridian Mom, All the programs you have listed fall under the category of early childhood programs and/or early care and education. The program you choose should meet your family’s needs and it’s a good idea to check that it is licensed by the state. Licensed programs meet minimum requirements in regard to the safety of children. Child care, day care, and family day care are defined as full time (6 a.m. – 6 p.m.) child care programs which can incorporate a nursery school/preschool curriculum into the daily schedule. When you hear “nursery school” or “preschool,” it indicates educational components. Some nursery school or preschool programs may operate in conjunction with the school calendar or have part timehours available. These programs typically enroll children from three years of age to kindergarten age. Today many programs are operating for longer hours and becoming flexible to meet parents’ busy schedules. Whichever program you choose, interview and visit at least three to five facilities. While on your tour, look at what classroom your child will be in and how many teachers are in the classroom, talk to the teachers and director, and see what educational concepts the center is teaching. Look online to read reviews from other parents and to see how the center communicates with current families. “Dr. Day Care” is Mary Ann Shallcross Smith, Ed.D., CEO/ President of Dr. Day Care and Kids Klub, and children’s book author: Edgar Graduates. For more information: www.drdaycare.com

July/August 2015 ď&#x201A;§ Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Question of the Month We love hearing from you! In each issue, we will ask a different question that you can answer. Below are answers to a question we asked on our Facebook page this spring. See the bottom of this page for next issue’s question.

What's your favorite thing to do with your kids in the summer? “Fantastic Umbrella Factory, Beavertail, Iggy’s, Pawsox.” Erin W. Cranston

“Beach!” Barbara S. Warren

“Camping and the beach.” Cyn B. Peace Dale

“Helping the kids with their lemonade stand.” Abigail A. North Attleboro

“Pack supper and bring it to the beach.” Tracey S. Woonsocket

“Camping, hiking, all things to experience nature.” Drea H. Providence

“A great day trip we did last year was island hopping from Jamestown to Rose Island to Newport in a water taxi.” Melissa H. Jamestown

“We do the RI Great Outdoors Pursuit. This will be our sixth year.” Susan D. Warwick

“Roger Williams Zoo. They have done so much to it! Also, Chepachet Farms and Carriage Works is a great place to take the kids.” Angela S. Smithfield

Here’s the question for September’s issue: What do you like/dislike about back-to-school time? To submit an answer, email editor@RIParentMag.com (put Question of the Month in the subject line) or find the question on our Facebook page at Facebook.com/RIParentMag. Please submit your full name and town and email us a clear picture of yourself. 20

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  July/August 2015

All About Baby By Hollie Barclay

Give your baby the benefit of a fourth trimester

ost of us know pregnancy is broken into three trimesters: the first (conception to week 13), the second (weeks 14 to 26), and the third (weeks 27 to 40 or 42). So if pregnancy is only three trimesters, where does a fourth come into play? The fourth trimester is based on what many mothers have known instinctively for centuries. It encompasses the first three months of an infant’s life — those months should really be spent inside the womb, making pregnancy 52 weeks. Oh my! Yes, one year is the average gestation for all other mammals. However, in order for humans to be upright on two legs, the female pelvis must be narrower, and human babies need to be evacuated three to four months earlier, before their heads grow too large to pass safely through the birth canal. Many scientific-based facts support this theory. For instance, upon birth, our brains weigh only 25 percent of what our adult brains will weigh, leaving us extremely underdeveloped compared to most other mammals who are born with 60 to 90 percent of their adult brain size. This is why they are born ready to stand, run, and swim, allowing them to be functional with instincts, and creating a greater chance for survival. Human babies, on the other hand, are born with minimal basic reflexes: suck, swallow, breathe, step, startle, and grasp. These all serve a purpose but are not enough for survival or self-soothing. For 40 weeks, give or take, they were rocked gently to sleep, soothed by rhythmic noise, nourished without an effort, and kept warm and safe in the security of a snug womb. They have no ability to lift their head, move purposefully about, keep their temperature and breathing regulated, or feed themselves. Their surroundings have become bright, cold, and noisy, with many different sensations stimulating their immature nervous systems all at once. Imagine how scary it would be to have no control over your body, be at the mercy of those around you in a foreign environment, and have only the ability to cry out for help with needs that used to be met automatically. For these reasons and many more, babies are happiest and safest being treated as if they were in the womb until three to four months of age. Here are ideas on how we can make the outside world more like the womb.

Swaddling

Swaddling provides warmth and security for the baby. Many parents think their baby doesn't like to be swaddled because they wiggle around and get their arms "free." However, babies are used to being snug and cramped in the womb and still enjoying moving and wiggling, stretching and kicking, punching and rolling. When swaddled, they are simply mimicking their in utero movements now that they feel safe and are reminded of the comforts of being snug and secure.

Soothing Sounds

Research has revealed the volume in the womb can be compared to a 1950's Hoover vacuum! According to varying sources, the sound environment of the womb is rich with various interpretations of sound levels, creating a range of 30 to 96 decibels (dB). As a comparison, a whisper registers about 30 dB, a normal conversation about 60 dB, and a rock concert about 115 dB. However, sounds in utero are rhythmic and buffered: mom’s heartbeat, placental perfusion, mom’s stomach gurgles, mom’s voice, and voices around her belly. The sharp, sudden noises of the outside world are startling and scary at times. Introducing white noise to an infant during sleep and soothing times can yield one to three more hours on average of sound sleep.

Rocking and Movement

Have you heard moms say, "Every time I sit/lay down, the baby starts kicking!" This is because when mom is walking, working, climbing stairs, and going about her day, she is rocking that baby to sleep. It is a constant jiggling/swaying motion and it's extremely comforting. Wearing your infant and keeping them with you will provide the same comforts of movement they are used to and leave your hands free. Give your baby a fourth trimester to make a happy, healthy baby and mama!  Hollie Barclay, RN, IBCLC, CHBE, is owner of Mother's Nature, a mother/baby care service, including 3D/4D ultrasounds, which serves RI and MA. She is mother of four children under five years old. www.MothersNatureMA.com

July/August 2015  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

The Great Outdoors By Rachel McNally

How to survive

Camping with kids I

have been camping since I was an infant and never realized all that my parents did to help my two brothers and I have a good time. I do remember always wanting to find the ‘perfect’ marshmallow stick while the dads set up the tents or campers. I finally experienced all that goes into planning a camping trip with children when my husband and I decided to start camping with our three children. There are so many variables that are out of parent’s control, like the weather. More than 30 years have passed since my first camping trip, and I have learned that there are plenty of things we can do to make the most of our time together and create family memories. We now take our eight-year-old son and three-year-old twins camping, and here is how I cut down on the “What can I do?” questions to survive those rainy days:

Do research before you go

If you have kids, your best bet is to find a campground with activities scheduled throughout your stay to keep your little ones (and yourself ) occupied and happy. One thing to consider is determining your “must-haves” in a campground. Do you prefer swimming in a pool versus a lake? Is having a campground with flushing toilets and hot showers a necessity for you? Is the campground pet friendly? Once you’ve chosen a campground, call them directly rather than booking online. Tell them that you have children and are looking for a site near bathrooms, playgrounds, pools, or other hot spots. Most campgrounds are more than happy to make site recommendations based on your requests.

Plan potential day trips

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  July/August 2015

Maybe your kids have been squabbling all afternoon or some downtime is needed after a busy day. I am constantly on the lookout for simple things like small crafts, games, books, and art supplies to pack for our camping trips. I have found great, inexpensive items at dollar stores and department stores that have saved everyone’s sanity on more than one occasion!

Store a “nighttime bag” outside sleeping quarters

This is essential if you have an older sibling who stays up late or if you find yourself alone by the campfire after the kids go to bed. Include essentials like games, s’mores supplies, drinks, bug spray, and even shower items that you may want to access without worrying about waking sleeping children.

Create memories and have fun!

As a child, we had “Jungle Breakfasts” when boxes of cereal, juice, and fruit were hidden in a lunch bag for each child to find. We’ve continued the tradition with my children – my oldest son is eight and still requests one each time we go. We also collect postcards or other items from each camping trip to put into a small photo album. In the album we include the name of the campground, the dates we visited, the site we stayed in, and sometimes a picture of our campsite. Now it’s time to get out there and create your own camping memories!  Rachel McNally of Cranston, is a mom of three, including twins, and an avid camper.

You’ll want something to do with energetic kids if it rains or you just need a break from your campsite. Most campgrounds have websites that list local attractions, but local Chamber of Commerce and tourism sites can also be a great help. I typically search the phrase “things to do in XYZ with kids” when planning a trip. You may not end up leaving the campground, but at least you have an escape plan if needed!

Pack boredom busters

Rhode Island Parent Magazine is the only parent-focused magazine in Rhode Island with interesting content that is specifically targeted to families. PRIMARY AUDIENCE Women in the 18–54 age range CIRCULATION 14,000 initially, increasing over time DISTRIBUTION Available for free at dozens of prime locations throughout Rhode Island ADDITIONAL AUDIENCE Dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, child experts, pediatricians, teachers, child care centers, etc. 85% of purchases and purchase decisions are made by women so Rhode Island Parent Magazine is a great way to reach your audience.

To request a rate card and discuss advertising, email sales@RIParentMag. com or call 401-337-9240. July/August 2015  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Kid of the Month By Susan Gale

10-year-old raises nearly $4,000 for cancer research

aving a pen pal and a good heart helped Anneliese Curry raise $3,933 for cancer research and end up with a bald head. It all started as a joke when Annaliese told her mother, who was holding a razor, to shave her younger brother’s head. Her mother said she would do it after she shaved Anneliese’s hair off. Anneliese, 10, immediately and seriously answered, "I would do it for Alyssa, definitely." Alyssa is her 12-year-old pen pal in Texas, who is currently fighting a medulloblastoma brain tumor, discovered in January 2014. She has had surgery to remove it and has been undergoing treatment since then. Anneliese, of Chepachet, raised the money for St. Baldrick’s Foundation for Cancer Research. With her mother’s help, she nearly doubled her $2,000 goal. Her head was shaved at a March event in Providence. “I was really nervous about how I was going to look,” she said. “People came up and were hugging me. I was nervous with everyone looking at me.” While she doesn’t plan to remain bald, Anneliese has enjoyed not having to care for the shoulder-length hair she used to have. It did lead to some talk at school but that stopped after a week or so, she said.

My Recipe By Susan Hargreaves

The fourth grader enjoys basketball, tennis, soccer, and softball. “She knows how lucky she is to be able to do those things and that there are many children who face challenges far greater than too much homework or a pesky little brother,” said her mother, Hope Curry. “It’s one of my proudest mom moments.” Anneliese’s six-year-old brother Fletcher ended up joining in the hair shaving at the event. While Anneliese is very glad she worked to raise the money, she did discover an unintended consequence of looking a little too much like her younger brother and it drives her crazy. “People ask if we are twins,” she said ruefully.  Susan Gale is Publisher/Editor of Rhode Island Parent Magazine. Each month, Rhode Island Parent Magazine will recognize Kids of the Month – kids who have done great things for the community, overcome a personal challenge, or achieved a significant learning or sports accomplishment. To submit a child’s achievement or accomplishment to Kids of the Month, email editor@RIParentMag.com.

Try Fresh n' Fruity Pops this summer! What's better than fruit salad and lemonade on a hot summer day? Combining them into a frozen treat you can eat with one hand!    

Fresh n' Fruity Pops made with disposable toddler spoons.

Slice, dice, peel, or pare your favorite fruits. Pop a bunch of the fruit into a paper cup and top off with lemonade. Use a traditional Popsicle® stick or a fun alternative for the handle. Finally, just freeze, peel, and enjoy!

Susan Hargreaves, of Pawtucket, is a working mother of twins who loves to create new recipes/activities with her children. Do you have an original recipe you’d like to share? Email it to editor@RIParentMag.com.

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  July/August 2015

My Sky Traveling Exhibit A special exhibit will be at the Providence Children’s Museum through September 7. You can investigate the sun, moon, and stars in an immersive environment – explore close-up images of the sun; gaze through a telescope to study the stars and planets; invent new constellations; meet scientists, artists, and others who are inspired by the sky above; and more. 100 South Street, Providence. Free with admission. $9/person; children under 12 months, free.

Rhode Island Great Outdoor Pursuit A free game to help families enjoy the recreational resources and outdoor activities of RI State Parks. Register to participate in raffles. For more information, visit www.riparks.com/RIOutdoorsPursuit. Scheduled events below – see website for self-guided events. Free. • July 1: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Champlin Scout Reservation, Cranston • July 26: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Rocky Point State Park, Warwick • August 8: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Burlingame State Park and Campground, Charlestown; free overnight camping.

O U Y ! K N A TH

It takes a village….

Rhode Island Parent Magazine would like to thank the following people and organizations for their assistance and support in the birth of this magazine. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Rob Kenney Sheila Flanagan Mary Gervais, Doris Blanchard, and Emily Kemp, the Center for Women and Enterprise Ed Alves, SCORE RI Department of Labor and Training’s Self- Employment Assistance Program of Rhode Island (SEARI) All members of SEARI Class 4 at CWE Our early advertisers Our Facebook fans Keith Jochim, Keith Jochim Photo Jean Delano Amy Vogel and Rebecca Compton, Dr. Day Care Johanna Corcoran, Familytopia Dylan Giles, Festival Ballet Nicky Estrella Joy Adamonis Kristin MacRae Hollie Barclay Rachel McNally Susan Hargreaves Gil Lantini, RISBJ The Staff at Brewed Awakenings Coffeehouse, Johnston Jeff Gale Bill and Peggy Gale Lisa, Naffi, and Adam Koulibaly

July/August 2015  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

t n a We w ! e r o m e som

Feature Story

S’more Facts August 10 is National S’mores Day! August 30 is National Toasted Marshmallow Day! Americans buy about 90 million pounds of marshmallows every year. Americans consume 2.8 billion pounds of chocolate each year.

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  July/August 2015

here are multiple ways to make s’mores. The traditional way is to cook (or burn) the marshmallows on a stick over a fire and combine with chocolate and graham crackers. You can also grill them – make the s’more, wrap it in tinfoil and place on the grill for four to five minutes. You can even microwave them – cook just the marshmallows or the whole s’more in the microwave for just a few seconds, and be careful. They are hot! To make it interesting this summer, check out these innovative s’mores ideas.

Peanut Butter S'mores

Banana S'mores

Graham crackers Peanut butter cups Marshmallows

Graham crackers Sliced banana Chocolate squares Marshmallows

Hot Fudge S'mores Graham crackers Hot fudge topping Marshmallows

Caramel S'mores

Fluffernutter S’mores Chocolate graham crackers Peanut butter Marshmallows

Lemon Meringue S’mores

Graham crackers Chocolate syrup Caramel topping Marshmallows

Graham crackers Lemon pie filling Marshmallows

Fudge Stripe S’mores

Chuckwagon S'mores

Fudge Stripe cookies Marshmallows

Graham crackers Chunky peanut butter Toffee topping Marshmallows

PB&J S’mores Graham crackers Marshmallow fluff Chocolate squares Strawberry/grape jam

Berry Punch S’mores Graham crackers Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries or your favorite jam Chocolate squares Caramel topping Whipped cream or marshmallows

Cinnamon Caramel S’mores

Chocolate Chip Cookie S’mores Chocolate chip cookies Marshmallows

Island Indulgence S’mores Honey graham crackers Coconut marshmallows Chocolate squares with macadamia nuts

Cookies & Cream S’mores Graham crackers Cookies & cream candy bar Marshmallows

Cinnamon graham crackers Dulce de leche Marshmallows

July/August 2015  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Calendar of Events

July/August 2015 Our calendar is as up-to-date as possible at press time. Be sure to check information with event sponsors for updates/changes. To submit calendar items for September and beyond, please email them to editor@RIParentMag.com and put CALENDAR in the subject line.

July

1/Wednesday Wheels at Work: Bobcat Utility Vehicle. Climb aboard a Bobcat Utility Vehicle from Providence Public Works and learn how it moves earth. 10 a.m.– noon. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South Street, Providence. Free with admission. $9/person; children under 12 months, free.

3/Friday Drum & Bugle Corps Competition. 6 p.m. Mount Hope High School, 199 Chestnut Street, Bristol. $20-$35/reserved bleachers; $10/lawn seating. Stargazing Night at Frosty Drew Observatory. 30 minutes after sunset to 11:30 p.m. (sometimes later). 61 Park Lane, Charlestown. Every Friday. Free. Bring Your Own Improv – Familyfriendly Comedy Show. Interactive improv show with voluntary audience participation. 7–8:30 p.m. Warwick Museum of Art, 3259 Post Rd., Warwick. $8/adults, $4/kids and seniors.

4/Saturday

6/Monday

Happy 4th of July!

No Time to Waste at Providence Children’s Museum. Interactive family comedy about reducing, reusing and recycling. Age 5 and up. 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. 100 South Street, Providence. Every Monday. Free with admission. $9/person, children under 12 months, free.

Ancients & Horribles Parade. 4 p.m. Along Main Street, ending at Acote’s Field, Glocester. Free. Bristol Fourth of July Parade. 10:30 a.m. Steps off at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street (Route 114) and ends on High Street, between State Street and Bradford Street. Free. Arnold Mills July 4th Parade. 9 a.m., road race. 11 a.m., parade. 1 p.m., band concert on the green. Nate Whipple Highway (Route 120) from state line to Arnold Mills Village, Cumberland. Free.

5/Sunday The Providence Flea. A juried market featuring upcycled, vintage, and handcrafted items; a food truck lineup; and live music. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The Providence River Greenway, 345 South Water Street, Providence. Every Sunday. Free.

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  July/August 2015

7/Tuesday Kids Concert. Toe Jam Puppet Band. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and drinks. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Cranston Library, William Hall Branch, 1825 Broad St. Free. Coggeshall Farm Stroll. A brisk walk around Coggeshall Farm. Visit the 1799 farmhouse and learn about heritage breed animals and heirloom garden. 10–11 a.m. 1 Colt Drive, Bristol. Every Tuesday. Free for members; Adults/$5; Kids/$3.

8/Wednesday Wheels at Work: Tow Truck. Get behind the wheel of a tow truck from AAA of Southern New England. Providence Children’s Museum. See July 1 for details.

9/Thursday Children’s Workshop: Habitat Hike. Explore animal habitats through a habitat scavenger hunt. Best for children 6–12. Pre-registration required. 401-619-3377 or education@ ballardpark.org. 1–2:30 p.m. Ballard Park, corner of Hazard & Wickham Roads, Newport. Rain date: July 13. $5/student. Adults free with student.

Family Fun Day at Audubon Society. Crafts, nature stories, animal discoveries, and hikes. Programs 10 a.m. –3 p.m. Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol. Free.

12/Sunday 13/Monday

10/Friday

Green Animals Children’s Party. Games, pony rides, magic, clowns, crafts, balloons, refreshments, and music on the Victorian estate populated with dozens of topiary animals. 4–8 p.m. 380 Cory's Lane, Portsmouth. Tickets will be sold onsite. Member/$20, Member Child/Free. Non-member/$25, Non-member Child/$10. Under 5/free.

Bring Your Own Improv – Familyfriendly Comedy Show. Warwick. See July 3 for details.

Wheels at Work: Fire Truck. Providence Fire Department firefighters teach kids how their vehicle helps put out fires. Providence Children’s Museum. See July 1 for details.

16/Thursday

The Providence Flea. See July 5 for details.

Illuminating the American Revolution: A Living History Event. Costumed actors show what life was like when French troops were in Newport in the late 1700s. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Newport Historical Society's Colony House, Washington Square, Newport. Free. Donations welcome.

Stargazing Night at Frosty Drew Observatory. Charlestown. See July 3 for details.

15/Wednesday

Balloon Creations with Ron Sargent. 5 p.m. Cranston Library, Knightsville Branch, 1847 Cranston St. Free.

14/Tuesday

Outdoor Movie. “Annie,” food trucks. No alcohol. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., movie starts at dusk. Rocky Point Park, 130 Rocky Point Ave, Warwick. Free entrance and parking. Children’s Workshop: Dragonflies & Butterflies. Newport. Rain date: July 20. See July 9 for details.

17/Friday South County Hot Air Balloon Festival. 4–9 p.m. Multiple events. URI Athletic Fields, 3 Keaney Rd., Kingston. Adults/$10; Children/$5; Under 5/free; Family four-pack/$25.

11/Saturday This Land is Our Land: the Public Park Plays. Plays written by kids in the Manton Avenue Project’s Playmaking Program, serving Olneyville young people. Performed by adult actors. 6:30 p.m. The Roger Williams National Memorial, 282 North Main Street, Providence. Free.

(continued on next page) July/August 2015  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

20/Monday No Time to Waste at Providence Children’s Museum. See July 6 for details.

21/Tuesday Magic Show. Magician Lon Cerel. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, and drinks. 6:30–7:30 p.m., Cranston Library, William Hall Branch, 1825 Broad St. Free. Stargazing Night at Frosty Drew Observatory. Charlestown. See July 3 for details. Bring Your Own Improv – Familyfriendly Comedy Show. Warwick. See July 3 for details.

18/Saturday Waterfire Providence. Full lighting. Starts at sunset, 8:18 p.m. Waterplace Park, Providence. Check waterfire.org for updates. Free. South County Hot Air Balloon Festival. Multiple events. 6 a.m.–9 p.m. Kingston. See July 17 for details.

Guided Trail Walks at Audubon Society. Leisurely walk along trails and boardwalk to the coast of Narragansett Bay. Bring binoculars and camera. Program is weather-dependent. No registration needed. 2–3 p.m. Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol. Free with admission. Admission for non-members: Adult/$6, Child/$4, Under 4/free.

19/Sunday South County Hot Air Balloon Festival. Multiple events. 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Kingston. See July 17 for details. The Providence Flea. See July 5 for details.

Go to Museums for FREE • Rhode Island School of Design Museum. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sundays. 224 Benefit St, Providence. • Providence Children’s Museum. 5–8 p.m. Fridays. 100 South Street, Providence. 30

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  July/August 2015

22/Wednesday Music at Ballard Park. Toe Jam Puppet Band. Bring blankets, chairs, etc. 10–11 a.m. Ballard Park, corner of Hazard & Wickham Roads in Newport. Free. Wheels at Work: Backhoe Loader. Check out the giant digging bucket of a backhoe loader from Cardi Construction. Providence Children’s Museum. See July 1 for details.

23/Thursday Children’s Workshop: Frogs & Friends. Newport. Rain date: July 27. See July 9 for details. Eco-Stories & Art at Audubon Society. Reading of a nature story and creating a unique work of art from different recyclable materials and found objects. No registration required. 11:00 a.m. – noon. Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol. Free with admission plus $3 for materials. Admission for non-members: Adult/$6, Child/$4, Under 4/free.

24/Friday Happy Amelia Earhart Day! Stargazing Night at Frosty Drew Observatory. Charlestown. See July 3 for details. Bring Your Own Improv – Familyfriendly Comedy Show. Warwick. See July 3 for details.

25/Saturday Craft Bash. Making mosaics. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Artists’ Exchange, 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston. Free. 14th Annual Cultural Survival Bazaar. A festival of indigenous art, music, and cultures from around the world. Music, presentations, Native American storytelling, educational displays, craftmaking demonstrations. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tiverton Four Corners Art Center, 3852 Main Road, Tiverton. Free.

This Land is Our Land: the Public Park Plays. Providence. See July 11 for details.

26/Sunday Free Beach Day. Free entry at all RI beaches as part of the Governor’s Bay Day. Free. 14th Annual Cultural Survival Bazaar. Tiverton. See July 25 for details. The Providence Flea. See July 5 for details.

27/Monday No Time to Waste at Providence Children’s Museum. See July 6 for details.

29/Wednesday

30/Thursday Outdoor Movie. “Happy Feet,” food trucks. No alcohol. Gates open at 6:30, movie starts at dusk. Rocky Point Park, 130 Rocky Point Ave, Warwick. Free entrance and parking. Children’s Workshop: Rocks Rock! Newport. See July 9 for details.

31/Friday Stargazing Night at Frosty Drew Observatory. Charlestown. See July 3 for details. Bring Your Own Improv – Familyfriendly Comedy Show. Warwick. See July 3 for details. (continued on next page)

Wheels at Work: Ambulance. Explore a Hasbro Children's Hospital LifePact Ambulance. Providence Children’s Museum. See July 1 for details.

(continued on next page) July/August 2015  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

August 1/Saturday

Waterfire Providence. Full lighting. Starts at sunset, 8:05 p.m. Waterplace Park, Providence. Check waterfire.org for updates. Free. Family Fun Day at Audubon Society. Crafts, nature stories, animal discoveries, and hikes. Programs 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol. Free.

2/Sunday The Providence Flea. See July 5 for details.

3/Monday Auditions – Encore Repertory Company. Prepare 16-32 bars of a Broadway song that showcases range. Accompanist provided. Cold readings from the script. Come dressed for dancing. Looking for actors ages 12–18. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. Free.

4/Tuesday Auditions – Encore Repertory Company. Woonsocket. See August 3 for details. Teen Workshop at Frequency. Month-long workshop for teens, runs weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Part 1 – A New Spelling of My Name (naming and defining ourselves). Part 2 – Invisible Cities (design the world you want). Space limited. Must pre-register. For details, frequencywriters.org. 186 Carpenter Street, Providence. Free.

5/Wednesday Movies on the Rocks: Jurassic Park. At dusk (8:15 p.m.) Bring lawn chairs, blankets, etc. Ballard Park, corner of Hazard & Wickham Roads, Newport. Rain date: August 6. Free.

KidsEye Youth Filmmaker Festival. Showcases young video makers’ projects. August 5–9, daily at 10 a.m. Paaf Theatre, URI Feinstein College of Continuing Education, 80 Washington Street, Providence, and other locations. For schedule and locations, www.film-festival.org. Adults/$8, Children/$6.

6/Thursday Children’s Workshop: Name that Nest! Best for children 6–12 (younger/ older siblings welcome). Pre-registration required. 401-619-3377 or education@ ballardpark.org. 1–2:30 p.m. Ballard Park, corner of Hazard & Wickham Roads, Newport. Rain date: August 10. $5/student. Adults, free with student. KidsEye Youth Filmmaker Festival. Providence. See August 5 for details.

7/Friday Stargazing Night at Frosty Drew Observatory. Charlestown. See July 3 for details. Bring Your Own Improv – Familyfriendly Comedy Show. Warwick. See July 3 for details. KidsEye Youth Filmmaker Festival. Providence. See August 5 for details.

8/Saturday Happy National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day! This Land is Our Land: the Public Park Plays. Providence. See July 11 for details. Guided Trail Walks at Audubon Society. Bristol. See July 18 for details.

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  July/August 2015

KidsEye Youth Filmmaker Festival. Providence. See August 5 for details.

9/Sunday The Providence Flea. See July 5 for details. KidsEye Youth Filmmaker Festival. Providence. See August 5 for details.

10/Monday National S’mores Day!

12/Wednesday Movies on the Rocks: Mrs. Doubtfire. At dusk (8:15 p.m.) Bring lawn chairs, blankets etc. Ballard Park, corner of Hazard & Wickham Roads, Newport. Rain date: August 13. Free.

15/Saturday

20/Thursday

Waterfire Providence. Full lighting. Starts at sunset, 7:47 p.m. Waterplace Park, Providence. Check waterfire.org for updates. Free.

Outdoor Movie. “Finding Nemo,” food trucks. No alcohol. Gates open at 6:30, movie starts at dusk. Rocky Point Park, 130 Rocky Point Ave, Warwick. Free entrance and parking.

16/Sunday

Children’s Workshop: Bugs and Slugs. Newport. See August 6 for details.

The Providence Flea. See July 5 for details.

19/Wednesday Movies on the Rocks: Star Trek Generations. At dusk (8:15 p.m.) Bring lawn chairs, blankets etc. Ballard Park, corner of Hazard & Wickham Roads, Newport. Rain date: August 19. Free.

21/Friday Stargazing Night at Frosty Drew Observatory. Charlestown. See July 3 for details. Bring Your Own Improv – Familyfriendly Comedy Show. Warwick. See July 3 for details. (continued on next page)

13/Thursday Children’s Workshop: A Chapter on Raptors. Newport. See August 6 for details.

14/Friday Waterfire Providence. Basin lighting (only in the basin at Waterplace Park). Starts at sunset, 8:20 p.m. Waterplace Park, Providence. Check waterfire.org for updates. Free. Stargazing Night at Frosty Drew Observatory. Charlestown. See July 3 for details. Bring Your Own Improv – Familyfriendly Comedy Show. Warwick. See July 3 for details.

July/August 2015  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

22/Saturday This Land is Our Land: the Public Park Plays. Providence. See July 11 for details. Guided Trail Walks at Audubon Society. Bristol. See July 18 for details.

23/Sunday The Providence Flea. See July 5 for details.

26/Wednesday Movies on the Rocks: Breakfast Club. At dusk (8:15 p.m.) Bring lawn chairs, blankets etc. Ballard Park, corner of Hazard & Wickham Roads, Newport. Rain date: August 27. Free.

Explore the Estuary for Kids! Explore the diversity of the estuary, from tidal creeks and salt marshes to the rocky shoreline on Prudence Island. Reservations are required due to limited space: www. asri.org or 401-949-5454 ext. 3041. 9:45 a.m –3:00 p.m. Prudence Island. Adult Audubon Member/$10; Child Audubon Member/$5. Adult Nonmember/$14; Child Non-member/$7.

27/Thursday Eco-Stories & Art at Audubon Society. Bristol. See July 23 for details.

28/Friday Stargazing Night at Frosty Drew Observatory. Charlestown. See July 3 for details.

Free Family-friendly Movies Cinemaworld Lincoln's Summer KidFest 2015. Family-friendly films free for children. 10 a.m., daily. Cinemaworld Lincoln, 622 George Washington Hwy. $2/adults, or free with non-perishable food item donation. Seating limited to theatre capacity. One adult admission or donation required for every four free children's admissions. Opening on these Fridays and running all week: • July 3: The Lego Movie • July 10: How to Train Your Dragon 2 • July 17: Rio 2 • July 24: Dolphin Tale 2 • July 31: The Princess Bride • August 7: Paddington • August 14: The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water Bookworm Wednesdays at Showcase Cinemas in Warwick. Free entry for children with a book report. 10 a.m., Wednesdays in July. Showcase Warwick and Showcase Warwick Mall. (Download book report form at www.showcasecinemas.com/programs/kids-and-families/ bookwormwed2015). Adults and children under 6 with book report participant, free. Films on these Wednesdays: • July 8: Rio 2 • July 15: Penguins of Madagascar • July 22: How to Train Your Dragon 2 • July 29: Annie 34

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  July/August 2015

Bring Your Own Improv – Familyfriendly Comedy Show. Warwick. See July 3 for details.

29/Saturday Waterfire Providence. Full lighting. Starts at sunset, 7:26 p.m. Waterplace Park, Providence. Check waterfire.org for updates. Free. Craft Bash. Making Fused Plastic Pencil Cases with Custom Pencils for Back to School. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Artists’ Exchange, 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston. Free.

30/Sunday National Toasted Marshmallow Day! The Providence Flea. See July 5 for details.

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