Rhode Island Parent Magazine December 2016 by Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Parent

December 2016

RHODE ISLAND

MAGAZINE

Win a Save The Bay Seal Tour Toys that teach Holiday happenings

Give the gift of reading Learn about books by local childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s authors Siara Andrade, 6, of Cumberland, at the Cumberland Library

FREE

Rhode Island Parent Magazine ď&#x201A;§ December 2016

December 2016 ď&#x201A;§ Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Rhode Island Parent Magazine ď&#x201A;§ December 2016

Contents December 2016 / vol. 2 / no. 5

Departments

6 A Note from the Publisher Exciting news to report. 10 My Turn Simplifying Christmas shopping. 12 Get Active Seal Tours on Narragansett Bay.

12 The Healthy Child Flu shots and kids.

18 Calendar What to do in December. Check our website,

www.RIParentMag.com to enter for your chance to win tickets for a Save the Bay Seal Tour on Narragansett Bay. And while you’re there, take a look at our latest calendar of events and directory of businesses and organizations for whatever you need.

Features 8 Cover Feature:

Books for the holidays

Local children’s authors talk about their books.

16 5 science toys

A local educational store owner gives recommendations for toys that teach. Looking for entertainment? For birthday parties and other events, see pages 19 and 21.

On the web: Visit our all new website! It’s a one-stop shop for parents in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Find the latest events in our calendar, read articles about many topics, and search our directory for kid-related businesses. Find the current magazine and past issues on the website, too! The digital edition is great for reading on a tablet, phone, or computer. Also online, sign up for our email newsletter and join our Facebook and Twitter pages. Visit www.RIParentMag.com, Facebook.com/RIParentMag, and Twitter.com/@riparentmag December 2016  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

A Note from the Publisher

hat an exciting month! Rhode Island Parent Magazine has started a partnership with Save the Bay, who will be contributing several interesting articles over the next year. And best of all – we have tickets to the Save the Bay Seal Tour, good for trips now through April which leave from Newport or Fall River. See page 15 for more details and check our website, www.RIParentMag.com, to enter for your chance to win. For a look at what a Seal Tour is like, see page 12. A second piece of news is that I’ve been accepted into the Social Enterprise Greenhouse’s Accelerator program. This educational program, which runs from January to April, 2017, is designed to help small businesses grow to the next level. The program includes online classes through Brown University as well as in-person training sessions, and one-on-one mentoring. This is good news for readers because my goal has always been for Rhode Island Parent Magazine to be the strongest local free resource for the community interested in parenting. This program will help me improve the business for longevity and continue to grow the magazine and website into a place you can visit for any type of local parenting information. Social Enterprise Greenhouse works with businesses and nonprofits that “do well, do good,” meaning they fulfill a community service or social need while also being successful financially. It is a network of business and community leaders who contribute time, expertise, and money to create jobs and support positive social change. I couldn’t be more excited! Happy Holidays!

57 Rolfe Square, Box 10094 Cranston, Rhode Island 02910 (401) 337-9240 Founder and Publisher 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 On the cover: photo by Kimberly Dobosz of Kimberly Dobosz Photography. kimberlydoboszphotography.com Publisher photo taken by Keith Jochim. KeithJochimPhotography.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

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  December 2016

December 2016 ď&#x201A;§ Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Cover Feature

Gift the gift of reading Editor’s note: December is a great month to give the gift of reading to little ones. We have many fantastic authors right here in Rhode Island. This month we’ve asked four local children’s book authors and illustrators to tell us about their books. Please note that this article is informational for our readers and Rhode Island Parent Magazine does not endorse any products.

Klaus’ First Winter

By Denise Flagg Illustrated by Chad Thompson (Halo Publishing International 2016) ISBN: 978-1612444567

From a very young age, I fell in love with creative writing.

For me, reading is as vital to my life as breathing, and the creative possibilities of a blank page are always exciting. In Klaus’ First Winter, both my love of books and for animals have merged to create a sweet story about a curious dog name Klaus. About the book: Take a stroll with Klaus the dog through a charming New England neighborhood and meet some of his friends along the way. On this adventure, you will discover, alongside Klaus, how Sally Squirrel, Billy the Eastern Bluebird, and Freddie Frog survive the cold and snowy winter months. How Klaus’ First Winter came to be: Shortly after we lost our dog, Klaus, to Lymphoma, my husband suggested that I write a story about Klaus. It was one of those moments when I wondered why I hadn’t thought of it myself. I was able to smile through my grief as I wrote and allowed my imagination to whisk me away to an early morning walk with Klaus. At many of my book events, a portion of the book sales are donated to local animal rescues, and a book is raffled off to help benefit these shelters. A new book, Christmas with Klaus, will be released in 2017. – Denise Flagg

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  December 2016

Baking Day at Grandma's By Anika Denise Illustrated by Christopher Denise (Philomel 2016) ISBN: 978-0399171574

Three bouncing little bear siblings, wrapped tight in

their winter clothes, can't wait to tromp through the snow for Baking Day at Grandma's! The bears and their grandma pour and mix and stir – with breaks for hot cocoa and dancing – to create the perfect wintry treat. Then they wrap it up in ribbons to show that sweets are even better when they're shared. Baking Day at Grandma's is perhaps my most personal picture book. I wrote it in honor of my Grandma Rose, who baked with all her kids and grandkids, especially around the holidays. It even contains her delicious chocolate cake recipe. Chris (my partner in life and books) created the artwork, and he used the Adirondack Mountain region, where my grandmother raised her family, as inspiration for the landscapes and Grandma Bear's cabin. My favorite thing about the book is that it encourages baking together as a family tradition, and sharing treats with friends, relatives, and neighbors. – Anika Denise and Christopher Denise

Lucy's Lovey

By Betsy Devany Illustrated by Christopher Denise (Henry Holt and Co. 2016) ISBN: 978-1627791472

ucy's favorite lovey, Smelly Baby, is her most loyal companion. They are simply inseparable. Smelly Baby may be pretty rag-tag and, well, smelly, but her smell is very much a part of why Lucy loves her so much. Then disaster strikes as Smelly Baby accidentally flies out the car window and gets LOST! When I was asked to make the art for this debut picture book, I jumped at the chance. The manuscript was so funny. I loved Betsy Devany's names for all the loveys (dollies), and being the father of three daughters, I had lots of real life experience to draw from. I enjoy illustrating books that express a universal truth in a unique and fun way. Having a favorite (slightly worn and smelly) toy or blanket is something all kids, and grownups, can relate to. It was also fun to draw Lucy's drooling but lovable pug, Stasher, who steals the show – quite literally. – Christopher Denise

Monster Trucks

By Anika Denise Illustrated by Nate Wragg (HarperCollins 2016) ISBN: 978-0062345226

oin Frankentruck, Zombie Truck, Ghost Truck, and more as they race to the finish line. But one of these trucks isn’t quite who you think. I loved the idea of mashing up trucks (a perennial reading favorite) with classic monster characters. Monster Trucks is a high octane, action-packed tale of a spooky speedway and a nail-biting nighttime race. Of course, every race needs an underdog. In this story, it's a perky blue vintage Volkswagen-style bus who takes on the bigger, badder rigs, despite being half their size and not nearly as menacing. But our heroine shows gumption, pluck, and determination – something we all need on occasion, when facing scary stuff. After the checkered flag falls, readers are in for a spooky surprise. The art for the book was created by Nate Wragg, who did a frightfully delightful job of bringing the monster trucks to life. And while it's a natural fit for Halloween, I've heard from kids and librarians that the book works all year round—which is how I hope readers will enjoy it. – Anika Denise

Edgar Graduates

By Dr. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith Illustrated by Rebecca Compton (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform 2015) ISBN: 978-1508421474

Read about young Edgar’s developmental milestones, such

as learning to talk, potty training, and learning his ABC’s, and imagine what his future may hold after preschool graduation. From diapers to diplomas! Families and children will enjoy reading this story together and discussing educational opportunities that are available. By bringing educational words such as Bachelor’s Degree, Doctorate Degree, or diploma into the family conversation, it becomes more attainable for all children. There are so many educational opportunities available. One of the fun features of our book is the children’s artwork throughout the story. We loved including pieces of art from such talented young artists. We hope that you enjoy our book. Please send any feedback (positive or negative!) to drdaycare@drdaycare.com – we value your opinion and hope to share more children’s books with you in the future.  – Dr. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith and Rebecca Compton

Siara Andrade, 6, of Cumberland, at the Cumberland Library

Photo by Kimberly Dobosz, www.kimberlydoboszphotography.com December 2016  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

My Turn By Stephanie Bernaba

How I simplified

Christmas shopping

decided to be a trooper in mid-November and blast through Christmas shopping for my kids. I'd fill the cart, '80s game show-style, and then unload it, as a layaway, on some unsuspecting shlub. I'd have all the toys, and none of them in the house. It was ingenious! I'd also open everything and put it together before Christmas morning so we would not have to contend with boxes, batteries, or those plastic ties I'm certain were created by the Russian military. I had a plan. I wandered in to a local toy store with my rickety cart and started my search. I won't lie – there were many difficult choices. There was hard plastic Woody, all-cloth Woody with a pull string, smaller all-cloth Woody with a pull string, in-between-sized, plastic-faced, cloth Woody with plastic Bullseye, and one of them talked, but I don't know which one because I got confused. And there are starving children in India. Just ponder that for a moment. I picked a Woody. With a Bullseye. That's all I know. “That was simple,” I said to myself as I entered the wood, die-cast, mechanical, wind-up, pull-back, and plastic-hybrid toy train department. A Chuggington™ set was on sale. I chose that. And then I reached the tablets – a vast world of rectangular promises, the cartridges bound for somewhere far behind a couch, the sheer delight of education and entertainment. There were half a dozen choices. ”Well, to heck with this!” I said to myself, probably out loud, and reached for an InnoTab 3. I thought fifty-odd dollars was a large enough investment for something I wasn't yet sure would be a learning tool, a weapon, or a raft for Barbie. I next moved on to LEGO®. Do you know what's happened to LEGO over the past twenty years? Yeah, me neither. Did you know that LEGO sets (the DUPLO® kids' kind) run right up around fifty bucks? Fifty bucks. For LEGO. I picked up a set, out of a combination of nostalgia and parental guilt, and moved on. Quickly realizing that the toys were priced according to the desirability of the featured character, I started picking the lesser-known stars. Needless to say, Sophia and Jake remained on the shelf. I think I grabbed a Hanson drum set and a Snorks craft box. I'm buying for three kids, roughly the same age. What do you want from me? 10

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  December 2016

The next three or four items were all on clearance. I don't know what they were. Spider-Man, maybe. When I reached the play tents, I had a bit of trouble. See, the Monsters University bus was cheapest, but I wasn't certain all three kids would fit inside, plus my little girl was demonstrably afraid of that movie and everything in it. But it was the cheapest. I floundered, picked it up, put it down, then ultimately opted for the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse tunnel even with its inevitable screaming, crying, and hair pulling. The trip was starting to wear me down. Baby doll. Baby doll that talked. Baby doll that blinked. Baby doll that talked and blinked with twinkling light effect. Tea set. Tea set with tiny cardboard boxes (out). Tea set with sound. Tea set with sound and lights. Tea set with sound, lights, elderberry scones, and sniveling, rich aunt. I was tired. The remainder of my decision-making went a little like this: Is it on sale? If thrown, would it break a window? How long before it falls apart? I'd say it went well. I endured the looks of shock and awe as I lumbered towards the register, peering over the precarious pile of toys in my cart. I apologized in advance before dropping it all in front of a seasonal trainee. As I signed the layaway agreement, I thought briefly of last year, of the fact that every toy that had been purchased for these little Romulans has now either been completely destroyed or permanently removed for the safety of all involved. I patted myself on the back for giving it another shot. After all, I'll only be Santa for so long, before cynicism and repeated requests to use the car become the norm. I'll only see those wide eyes and hear the gasps for a few years before they turn into sighs and moans. So, I did it. And you probably are right now. Just remember to keep it simple, and don't forget the batteries.  Stephanie Bernaba, of Richmond, is a freelance writer and blogger specializing in parenting, raising families in the digital age, and entertainment. She writes at SheKnows.com, Redbook Magazine, BlogHer, and White Orchid Media. www.whiteorchidmedia.com.

December 2016 ď&#x201A;§ Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Get Active By Danielle Gariglio

Spend family time with the

seals

hen the autumn leaves have been raked away and the trees in your front yard begin to look barren and dull, you can bet that winter is coming. And if winter means you and your kids get stuck inside with a bit of cabin fever, I have the perfect solution. Every year in early fall, harbor seals make their way down to little old Rhody from Maine and Canada, following their favorite food, herring, and stay here until about the middle of April. Save The Bay’s Seal Tours give the whole family the perfect chance to get out on the water for fresh air and a look at these amazing critters in their natural habitat. So, grab your hats and gloves, bundle up, and set sail with Save The Bay. Seals have always been my favorite part of any trip to the zoo, but when I took a Westerly Nature Cruise in October, seeing these remarkable creatures up close, uncensored, and intimately was truly a gift. I felt as though I was a guest in their home, and although it was only for an hour or so, I got to be a part of their world, watching them “haul out” and enjoying the beauty of their habitat. Harbor seals haul out, or lay out, on land or rocks for 7–12 hours a day. You’re most likely to see them during low tide when they can hop up onto their favorite rocks, and the minute you see those bodies stretched out with noses and tails pointed up toward the sky, you’ll know right away you’re looking at a seal in its “happy banana pose.” Although most people think these cuddly-looking seals are on the rocks to warm up, they’re actually doing just the opposite – cooling off. While swimming in our cold winter waters, the seals slow down their blood flow to keep their bodies incredibly warm. Hauling out is necessary to maintain their body temperature through thermal regulation. Even on the coldest winter days, you’ll see the happy harbor seals resting and cooling off.

Visit www.savebay.org/seal or call 401-203-SEALS for details on taking a Save The Bay Seal Tour. Trips leave from Westerly, Newport, and Fall River.

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  December 2016

The presence of harbor seals in our waters is a very good thing, according to Save The Bay’s lead captain, Eric Pfirrmann. “They are an indicator species, which means if their numbers are good, then our local waters have sufficient food and water quality to support them,” he said, noting that their presence means the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 is working. “Due to bounty hunting in the 1800s through 1972, seal populations were very low. In the 1970s and 1980s, we would be lucky to see a handful of seals in the bay all winter. But since the passage of the law making it illegal to hunt or harass these creatures, their numbers have slowly returned to their historical range. That is a great success story.” In fact, harbor seal populations have rebounded so much that the RI Legislature named them the official state marine mammal of Rhode Island in 2016. Save The Bay’s boats remain respectfully (and legally) at least 50 yards from the seals, but with the binoculars on board or a pair of your own, you’ll still be close enough to see the seals’ whiskers and puppy-like faces. As you peer over the horizon for these four-flippered pinnipeds, which means they have both front and rear flippers, look for rocks surrounded by water. Seals haul out on isolated rocks to stay away from the shoreline and avoid predators, which, in Narragansett Bay, do not include great white sharks, as some folks fear. “Great whites prefer deeper water,” said Dan Blount, Save The Bay boat captain and educator. “They tend to stay near Cape Cod to feed on the large colony of grey seals that stay there year-round, tens of thousands of them. Grey seals are much larger than harbor seals, too.” Once that first guest on your boat spots the first seal of the day, excitement abounds. Happiness, joy, and bliss are just some of the words I could use to describe the moment we all spotted our first seal. When you go on your own tour, know this: you’ll meet new people, learn new things, see the amazing nature in our very own bay, and wonder why you didn’t go sooner. 

Danielle Gariglio is a journalism student at the University of Rhode Island who is currently doing an internship with Save The Bay.

December 2016 ď&#x201A;§ Rhode Island Parent Magazine

The Healthy Child By Dr. Olivier Gherardi

Keeping your kids healthy during flu season

lu season is upon us, even though we haven’t yet seen a spike in flu cases. Influenza activity is impossible to predict, and the most effective way to protect your family from the virus is to get a flu shot. It’s also best to get everyone vaccinated early. But before you head out the door, here is some vital information that all parents should know about flu vaccines.

Should my child get vaccinated?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children are at increased risk of developing complications from the flu. If your child has a chronic health problem like asthma, diabetes, or disorders of the brain or nervous system, he or she is at an even higher risk of developing serious complications. There are rare exceptions when people should not get the flu shot. Children under the age of six months are too young to get vaccinated, and people with severe, life-threatening allergies to any ingredients in the vaccine should not receive it either. Anyone who has an egg allergy or has ever suffered from Guillain-Barre Syndrome should also talk to their doctor before getting a flu shot. The best way to protect your children from the flu is to vaccinate them and the people around them, which means other family members and caregivers should also get shots to avoid spreading the virus.

When should my child get vaccinated?

The CDC recommends that everyone get a flu shot each year by the end of October since the vaccine takes two weeks to properly take effect. But if you haven’t gotten a flu shot yet, vaccinations are still available. The sooner your child gets the vaccination, the more effective it will be for preventing extended flu-like symptoms. This year’s shot is widely available across the nation, including at urgent care centers. With how unpredictable influenza can be, it’s important to get vaccinated now before the virus spreads.

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  December 2016

Which vaccine should my child get?

With every flu season comes a new vaccine, developed to better ward off the three or four prevailing strains of the virus. For the 2016–2017 flu season, the CDC is recommending only injectable vaccines – the nasal spray flu vaccine should not be used this year, due to concerns about its effectiveness. Certain flu vaccines have different age indications for young children or older citizens. It is also recommended that children six months through eight years of age get two doses of the vaccine. If your child needs two doses, begin the process early – the first dose should be given as soon as the vaccine is available to “prime” the immune system. The second dose should be given four weeks later, to provide the protection. But it usually takes two weeks after the second dose for protection to actually begin.

Will the vaccine cause my child to catch the flu?

A common misconception is that the vaccine can cause people to get the flu. That’s not the case, but since vaccines take a couple of weeks to start working, it is still possible to get sick during that time. There are also common side effects from the flu shot, including swelling, redness around the injection site, low-grade fever, and muscle aches. These symptoms indicate the body’s immune system adapting to the vaccine and creating antibodies to fight off any intruding flu viruses. It is important to monitor these symptoms in your children, and should they worsen, consult your physician or the nearest urgent care center. This year’s flu season could be in full swing any day now, so it’s important to take all the necessary steps to keep you and your family healthy. Getting this year’s flu vaccination could keep you and your children in the game at work, school, and play this winter without skipping a beat.  Dr. Olivier Gherardi practices at Warwick CareWell Urgent Care, 535 Centerville Road, Warwick. www.carewellurgentcare.com

Win tickets to a

Save the Bay Seal Tour! Exclusively available at www.RIParentMag.com, enter for your chance to win four tickets to see the seals in their natural habitat, right out on Narragansett Bay! The tickets will allow two adults and two children to join a Save The Bay Seal Cruise that leaves from Newport or Fall River, now through April 30, 2017. For more than 15 years, Save the Bay’s narrated seal tours and nature cruises have been proof that summer isn’t the only time to enjoy the bay. From October through April, guests can enjoy beautiful scenic views of historic Newport Harbor and the Pell Bridge, the Pawcatuck River and Little Narragansett Bay, or the Taunton River and Mt. Hope Bay while on the lookout for harbor seals resting on rocks and bottling (their bodies submerged with just their heads exposed) in the water. Save The Bay educators also provide a great overview of the environmental history and challenges of the area. Multiple sets of tickets will be given away.

Bundle up and make a cozy family winter adventure of it!

December 2016  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Feature Story By Eric Bulmer

Five

for the holidays

t’s that time of year again. Frantic holiday shopping with so much to do. But many parents are trying to buy presents that are more than toys – gifts that might actually teach the kids a thing or two. Science-based toys are a great way to do this. As a former classroom teacher with many years in the business of bringing science to children, I have a few suggestions. This year, put some science into your children’s holidays and lives! You will be glad you did.

1 Play as learning

2 Setting the imagination free

Einstein is largely attributed with saying, "Play is the highest form of research." Although he probably did not say this, the value of the statement shouldn't be underestimated. When we play, we explore. We often push our imaginations beyond what is known to be possible into the realm of fantasy. Imagining what could be is the very essence of science. Recommendation:

Edison definitely did say, "To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk." Children are the masters of this sort of invention. Children may have a box full of LEGO®, LINCOLN LOGS®, blocks, and Army men, and will immediately set about creating scenarios involving all of them. Mixing, matching, creating absurd and wonderful combinations found in no instruction manual is the innate and great strength of every child. They expand their perception of what is possible by creating the impossible. This is the essence of invention. Recommendation:

Amusement Park Engineer by Thames & Kosmos

Amusement Park Engineer (or the smaller kits, Automobile Engineer and Aircraft Engineer) is an engineering and building toy for children ages 3 and up which 3-year-olds can actually use. Plus, it comes with a story book that emphasizes the aspects of science and scientific method in each design. It includes big, chunky parts and amusement park rides that are fun to play with after you build. (Ages 3+, $69.99)

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  December 2016

Doodling Robot by 4M

Doodling Robot is a fantastic beginner-level robotics kit for kids that are ready for a step up from building and interlocking blocks. Learn basic wiring and how to read technical diagrams. Plus, this cool robot makes abstract art when you're done building it! (Ages 8+, $17.99)

3 Observation skills

4 Patience and perseverance

Children are wonderful observers. They "see" with all of their senses, all of the time. I've played observation games with kids and lost badly, because many children don't waste time looking for the answer; they simply see what is. Our adult minds often overcomplicate games – in particular, puzzle-based or brain-teaser type games – because we set out first to confirm the condition, then look for a pattern, and then try to settle upon a solution. Children usually skip the preliminary nonsense and go right to the answer. They skip the "looking" and go right to the "seeing." Observation is the most important tool of science. Recommendation:

A more concrete and direct relationship between play and science is found in building and engineering kits such as robotics. As children grow and are ready for bigger challenges, I like to put actual tools in their hands. Kits that involve wiring, bolts, and switches teach kids the fundamentals of design, as robotics kits are essentially just toy robots that haven't been built yet! Electronics kits teach kids to troubleshoot. They develop fine motor skills, patience, and perseverance, leading ultimately to synthesis, as a kid who builds enough circuits from instructions is going to eventually attempt to design one of their own. Recommendation:

Dr. Eureka

Test Tube Wonders

New this season, the Dr. Eureka game is a fantastic sequencing game that is super fun to play solo or against up to three other players. You mix your "chemicals" (large colored plastic marbles) in your test tubes to match the sequence shown on a card exactly but you're not allowed to touch the marbles as you play, you must pour them from tube to tube. Older kids can play "by the rules" but this toy is also good for younger kids to simply match the sequences on the challenge cards without the competitive aspect. (Ages 8+, $19.99)

Test Tube Wonders is a chemistry set that features sturdy, reusable test tubes with caps and a test tube rack! Each test tube comes with materials and instructions for a distinct science experiment, which can be repeated a few times with the materials provided. When you're done, use the test tubes and rack to mix your own concoctions and science potions with ingredients from your kitchen, like baking soda, vinegar, liquid soap, food coloring, or anything you can imagine! (Ages 8+, $24.99)

by Blue Orange Games

by Be Amazing Toys

5 Trying new things Chemistry, crystal making, and similar sets teach kids how to follow written procedures and manipulate tools, measure, and other basic skills of science. But I've never worked with kids in chemistry who didn't want to "go rogue" and start creating their own concoctions, with a "What would happen if I did this instead of this?" type of inquisitive thinking. Many chemistry sets contain not only chemicals and procedures, but tools – beakers, test tubes, droppers, goggles – which encourage kids to keep exploring the physical world even after the ingredients that came with the kit have run out. Recommendation:

My First Lab Duo-Scope Microscope Set by My First Lab

In my opinion, this is the best microscope set in its class. It features a big, bright field of view, an LED light source, and it comes with every microscope accessory under the sun – forceps, blank slides, prepared slides, dyes, and more. Its metal construction is classroom quality. Best of all, it features a 4x objective lens resulting in 40x magnification, meaning you can look at money, bugs' wings, a cut on your finger, a booger – anything that you can already see with the unaided eye – in grotesque detail. This feature is in addition to two traditional microscopic lenses that you can use to observe cells. (Ages 10+, $95.99)  Eric Bulmer is owner of Pow!Science!, which specializes in educational toys and offers hands-on science enrichment programming for birthday parties, schools, etc. The store is found inside the Wakefield Mall, 160 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield. www.powsciencetoys.com December 2016  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

December 2016 Special events

Always check with event sponsors for updated information. Visit the calendar at www.RIParentMag.com for the latest information and the best way to submit calendar items. Or email to editor@RIParentMag.com.

Brown/Lifespan study looking for volunteers This study is designed to help understand how children regulate their emotions and whether this is related to their weight status or eating behavior. This may help develop more effective interventions for children struggling with their eating and weight. Brown/ Lifespan is seeking children ages 10–17, both normal weight and overweight, for two outpatient study visits involving non-invasive procedures and testing: The first visit includes completing interviews and questionnaires, and the second visit involves looking at pictures while undergoing an MRI scan. Visits take place at the Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center (Miriam Hospital) and Brown University. Participants will be compensated for each visit. For more information, contact Caroline West at caroline.west@ lifespan.org or 401-793-8283.

Weekends through December 23: The Polar Express™

See A Christmas Carol December 8–17 Get into the holiday spirit with Artists’ Exchange’s 13th annual production of A Christmas Carol, performed December 8–17, in Cranston. Set in modern-day America, the show revolves around “being connected” using technology, video projections, and more. Twists, surprises, and heartfelt moments are found throughout Scrooge’s journey to reclamation: Marley’s a woman; Scrooge & Marley’s partnership runs deeper; Freddie’s marriage is unconventional; the Cratchits have new family dynamics; etc. Tickets available online at www.artists-exchange.org, by phone at 401-490-9475, or in person at 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston. December 8–11: Theatre 82, 82 Rolfe Square, Cranston, a more intimate venue. Shows at 7 pm Thursday-Saturday and 2 pm on Sunday. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. December 15–17: Park Theatre, 848 Park Ave, Cranston, a largescale perspective. Shows at 7 pm on Thursday and Friday and 2 pm and 8 pm on Saturday. Tickets are $18 in advance and $22 at the door.

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  December 2016

Train Ride. Three-hour event including a 90-minute train excursion, inspired by Chris Van Allsburg's Christmas classic. Departures at 10 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm. Woonsocket Train Depot, 1 Depot Square, Woonsocket. Prices start at $44/adults and $42/children. www.blackstonevalleypolarexpress.com

December 7: Harry Potter Magical

Holiday Ball. Inspired by the Yule Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Wear your Harry Potter finest. Guests include: Errandofmercy performing Harry Potter inspired music; Vladimir Snape; professional cosplayer wand maker; and other cosplayers. iDance Academy dance instruction at 8:15 pm. 7–9 pm. Barnes and Noble Warwick, 1350 Bald Hill Road, Warwick. Free

December 8: Parents Night Out.

Drop off the kids at one of The Children's Workshop locations and get some shopping done or enjoy a night out. 6–8 pm. No enrollment necessary but RSVP requested. Visit the school's website and call or email a TCW school to RSVP: www.childrensworkshop.com/ locations. Free in December.

December 16–18: The Nutcracker

presented by Festival Ballet Providence. Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a magical journey. December 16: 7:30 pm; December17: 2 pm and 7 pm; December 18: 1:30 pm. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset Street, Providence. $23–$85/tickets. www.festivalballetprovidence.org (continued on page 20)

E N T E R TA I N M E N T & PA R T Y N E E D S

December 2016 ď&#x201A;§ Rhode Island Parent Magazine

December 2016 December 22, 23, 29: Free Movie

Nights. Three movies. December 22: A Christmas Story. December 23: Polar Express. December 29: Frozen. 7 pm. Stadium Theater, 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. Free.

Every Friday: Bring Your Own Improv. Family–friendly comedy show. 7–8:30 pm. Warwick Museum of Art, 3259 Post Road. $8/adults; $4/children under 12 and seniors. ww.bringyourownimprov.com

Disney Live! Mickey & Minnie’s Doorway to Magic. See various Disney characters. Noon and 3 pm. Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence. $38–$103/tickets.

December 27–30: Rhode Island

Every Friday: Frosty Drew

December 4/Sunday

Audubon. Daily: Nature crafts, 10 am–2 pm; nature story, 10 am and 2:30 pm; animal interview, 1:30 pm. Programs for kids 6 and older at 11 am: Tuesday, owl pellet dissection; Wednesday, Animal Tracks and Signs; Thursday, Cooking for the Birds; and Friday, Icy Investigation. $6/adults; $4/children 4–12.

Fridays December 16: ‘Twas the Night

Before Christmas. Providence Ballet performs. Sugar Plums, swirling snow, and a magical appearance by jolly St. Nick. 4 pm. McVinney Auditorium, 43 Dave Gavitt Way, Providence. For group and family ticket specials, call 401-861-4842. $75/family 4-pack; $30/adults; $20/seniors; $15/students and children under 12. www.providenceballet.com

December 30: New Year Noisemakers. Kids and families create shakers, popsicle stick harmonicas, and other festive noisemakers to ring in 2017. 11 am–2 pm. Providence Children’s Museum. 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/children under 12 months. www.childrenmuseum.org

Observatory & Sky Theater. Public stargazing. 6:30–11:30 pm. 61 Park Lane, Charlestown. $1/person suggested donation. www.frostydrew.org

Weekends December 3/Saturday Twelfth Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest. Craft a work of art from a graham cracker construction. Artisans, raffles, holiday grab bags, and 20% off class registrations. Advance online registration strongly recommended. 9 am–5 pm. Artists' Exchange. 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston. $14. www.artists-exchange.org PawSox Enchanted Village Holiday Party. The event, in which the ballpark becomes a Winter Wonderland, is open to fans of all ages. PawSox/Red Sox left-handed pitcher Brian Johnson, Mascots Paws and Sox, and Santa Claus will meet fans. 11 am–3 pm. McCoy Stadium, 1 Columbus Avenue, Pawtucket. Free. Santa’s Workshop at the Museum of Work & Culture. Annual Holiday Open House, as part of Woonsocket's Main Street Holiday. Marionette artist and puppeteer Dan Butterworth offers shows at 1:30 pm and 3 pm. Make your own puppets and help Santa's elves build and test toys. 1–5 pm. Museum of Work & Culture, 42 South Main Street, Woonsocket. Free.

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  December 2016

Tunnel Works. Kids design and construct a variety of tunnels using a wide assortment of materials in Discovery Studio, an open-ended art and science exploration space. 10 am– 3 pm. Providence Children’s Museum. 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/children under 12 months. www.childrenmuseum.org

December 10/Saturday A Charlie Brown Christmas. The classic animated television special "A Charlie Brown Christmas," comes to life as Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the other Peanuts grapple with the real meaning of Christmas. 11 am. Ocean State Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick. $10/person. www.oceanstatetheatre.org Christmas Craft Fair with Santa. Vendors and crafters, door prizes for the first 100 customers, raffles, arts and crafts for the kids, baked goods, music, and more. Take a picture with Santa at 2 pm. Raffle proceeds benefit Hasbro Children’s Hospital. 10 am– 4 pm. Knights of Columbus, 7 Valley Road, Middletown. Free entry. www.cherishthemoments.net (continued on page 22)

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December 2016 ď&#x201A;§ Rhode Island Parent Magazine

December 2016 Engineer It! Paper Building Challenge. Kids use newspaper and simple household materials to create geodomes, construct forts, fashion costumes, and other creations. 11 am– 2 pm. Providence Children’s Museum. 100 South Street, Providence. $9/ person; free/children under 12 months. www.childrenmuseum.org

December 11/Sunday Little Red Riding Hood’s Christmas presented by Kaleidoscope Theatre. A musical adaptation of this children's theatre fairy tale with a Christmas twist. Includes audience involvement and participation. 2–3:30 pm. Ages 2 and up. Scottish Rite Auditorium, 2115 Broad Street, Cranston. $12/in advance; $15/at the door. www.brownpapertickets. com/event/2712120 Engineer It! Paper Building Challenge. See December 10.

December 17/Saturday Irish Music. Energetic Irish dance tunes and songs in a variety of genres that weave fiddle, concertina, whistle, harmonica, and other instruments together. 1 pm and 2 pm. Providence Children’s Museum. 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/ children under 12 months. www.childrenmuseum.org

The Nutcracker presented by Heritage Ballet. 7:30 pm. Stadium Theater, 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. $20–$40/tickets. www.stadiumtheatre.com

December 18/Sunday ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Providence Ballet performs. Sugar Plums, swirling snow, and a magical appearance by jolly St. Nick. 4 pm. The Prout School, 4640 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield. For group and family ticket specials, call 401-861-4842. $75/family 4-pack; $30/adults; $30/ seniors; $15/students and children under 12. www.providenceballet.com

Saturday Morning Movies. Short films based on children’s picture books. Ages 3+, younger siblings welcome. Drop in, no registration needed. 10:30–noon. Providence Athenaeum, 251 Benefit Street, Providence. Free.

December 25/Sunday Merry Christmas! December 31/Saturday

Imagination Playground. Kids invent their own ways to play as they stack and build with huge blue foam blocks of all shapes and sizes. 11 am–2 pm. Providence Children’s Museum. 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/children under 12 months. www.childrenmuseum.org

Bridge Builders. Build bridges from a variety of different materials. Design and construct bridges from spaghetti, make paper bridges and test their strength with pennies, and create bridges from natural materials. 10 am–3 pm. Providence Children’s Museum. 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/ children under 12 months. www. childrenmuseum.org

The Nutcracker. 2 pm. See December 17.

Saturday Morning Movies. See December 24.

Happy Holidays to all !

December 24/Saturday Happy Hanukkah!

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  December 2016

December 2016 ď&#x201A;§ Rhode Island Parent Magazine