RECALL: High School Musical Jewelry

Children’s Metal Jewelry Sold at Limited Too and Justice Stores Recalled by Tween Brands Inc., due to a Lead Poisoning Hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named above, today announced a voluntary recall of the more than 100,000 jewelry. The jewelry contains high levels of lead which can cause adverse health effects and is toxic if ingested by young children. There were no reports of incidents or injuries. Some of the recalled necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and charms are metallic, multi-colored, and have High School Musical or pictures of High School Musical actors printed on them. Others have frogs, hearts, stars, dogs with dog bones, flowers, and monkeys that hang from silver, black or brown chains or cords. The jewelry was sold at at Limited Too and Justice retail stores nationwide, the Limited Too catazine (catalog), and at www.limitedtoo.com from September 2005 through May 2007 for between $2 and $10.
Consumers should immediately take this recalled jewelry away from children and return it to any Limited Too or Justice stores for a full refund and a coupon for a 15 percent discount off a future purchase. For additional information, call Tween Brands at 800-934-4497 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit http://www.limitedtoo.com/ and www.justicejustforgirls.com

RECALL: Round Crib

Song Lin Industrial Inc. is recalling Sleigh Round Cribs due to a fall hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named above, today announced a voluntary recall of about 180 cribs. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. The assembly instructions included with the crib direct consumers to assemble the crib with the mattress support in the highest position and do not indicate that the mattress support can be moved to a lower position. This poses a fall hazard to children who are able to sit or stand up in the crib. There have been no reported injuries or incidents. The Sleigh Round Crib, model #2005, measures approximately 42 inches in diameter, is made of solid wood and comes in a mahogany finish. The crib has four posts that are 31 inches in height and a portion of the side of the crib can be raised and lowered. It was sold at children’s furniture stores nationwide from January 2005 through March 2007 for about $600.
Consumers should move the mattress support to the lower setting if their child is able to sit or stand up in the crib. Consumers should also contact Song Lin Industrial Inc. to obtain a revised version of the assembly instructions, which includes directions on how to lower the mattress support. For additional information, contact Song Lin Industrial Inc. toll-free at 888-589-0088 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday, or visit www.songlinfurniture.com

WEEKEND PICK: Girl Authority CD Launch Concert!

My pick for the start of the weekend is a CD release concert by Girl Authority (http://www.girlauthority.com/) Friday night, June 1 at 7 at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High in Sudbury. Tickets were selling very fast for this concert, benefiting The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The concert celebrates the official release of the group's second CD Road Trip Tickets are $12 at the door and $10 in advance. Parking is free.

If Friday's concert sells out before you can get tickets, the girls are performing Sunday, June 3 at the Striar Jewish Community Center in Stoughton at 2:30 p.m. and will sign autographs after the show. Tickets are $10 for non-members.

*** And if you can't get tickets to either show, take heart, the girls have several shows planned throughout the summer (http://www.girlauthority.com/?id=toursSearch.php&new_target=tours) to promote their CD. And on Sept. 1 the tween-teen group will make its national television debut on CBS' The Saturday Early Show.

Okay, for moms & dads unfamiliar with Girl Authority - it is a LOCAL singing group of nine girls (ages 10-15) each with an individual "identity" that ties in with their personalities: Tarr (Rock-n-Roll Girl), Alex (Fashion Girl), Jacqueline (All-Star Girl), Carly (Glamour Girl), Jess (Boho Girl), Gina (Urban Girl), Crystal (Country Girl), Kate (Party Girl) and Zoë (Preppy Girl). They go to school, are Girl Scouts, cheerlead, play sports, play instruments, have fun sleepover parties and… just happen to make hit records in their spare time (more than 100,000 and counting of their CDs, filled with songs us parents grew up with & listen to now like the Go-Go's Vacation, Walking on Sunshine, We are Family, Christina Aguilera's Beautiful, Gwen's Hollaback Girl, etc...)

Earlier this month the group signed a deal with PorchLight Entertainment which has partnered with Rounder Records (the group’s label) to co-develop TV series, specials, Web site and direct-to-video programming, merchandising, and an original book series for the tween-targeted singing group sensation.

Contest Winner: Baby Blossom Bouquet!

Congrats to Carren Panico of Carlisle, who won our April issue contest of a "Rainbow Garden" Baby Blossom Bouquet (valued at $75) from Baby Blossoms of Somerville (http://www.babyblossomsonline.com/).
The baby gift basket arranged in a classic tin beach pail includes 7 pairs of assorted primary colored socks (size 9-18 months), a colorful musical activity sunflower toy by Kids II, a baby animal rattle book, a ladybug brush, an inch worm comb, and a honey bee nail clipper by Sassy.

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest. Look for other contests online at http://www.baystateparent.com/ and in our next print issue.

RECALL:Fisher-Price Rainforest Infant Swing Due to Entrapment Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Fisher-Price of East Aurora, New York, today announced a voluntary recall of more than 110,000 Rainforest Open Top Take-Along™ Swings. Consumers should stop using the swings immediately. Infants can shift to one side of the swing and become caught between the frame and seat, posing an entrapment hazard. Fisher-Price has received 60 reports of the infants becoming entrapped, resulting in cuts, bumps, bruises and red marks. This recall involves Portable Rainforest Take Along Swings with a palm tree mobile and two hanging plush toys. The swings are approximately 23-inches-high and have two carry handles on the left and right sides. Model numbers K7203, K7192 and K7195 are included in the recall. Model numbers are located under the right handle on the swing. No other collection of Rainforest swings or products are included in this recall. The swings were sold at discount department stores and toy stores nationwide from November 2006 to May 2007 for about $65.
Consumers should immediately stop using the swing and contact Fisher-Price for instructions on how to return it to receive a voucher for a replacement product. For additional information, call Fisher-Price toll-free at 888-303-5631 anytime, or visit http://www.service.mattel.com/

RECALL: Toy Drums Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with The Boyds Collection Ltd. of Pennsylvania, today announced a voluntary recall of the about 4,500 Eli’s Small Drums and Liberty’s Large Drums. The red paint on the drums contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. There have been no reported injuries or incidents. The recalled decorative toy drums are made of wood and come with two wooden drum sticks. The sides of the drums are painted blue with white stars and the tops and bottoms feature an antique U.S. flag decoration. The Eli’s Small Drum measures 4 ¾ inches in diameter and 3 ½ inches tall. The Liberty’s Large Drum measures 6 ¾ inches in diameter and 4 inches tall. The Eli’s Small Drum has item number 654933 printed on its hangtag and packaging. The Liberty’s Large Drum has item number 654934 printed on its hangtag and packaging. The drums are packaged and sold separately. Sold at gift and collectible stores nationwide from June 2005 through April 2007 for about $15.
Consumers should immediately take the recalled decorative toy drums away from children and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For additional information, contact The Boyds Collection Ltd. toll-free at 877-772-3277 ext.2179 or visit www.boydsstuff.com

10th Birthday Party Raffle Winners!

Congrats to the winners of our raffles at our final 10th Birthday Party held at the EcoTarium (http://www.ecotarium.org/) in Worcester on Saturday, May 12.

Heather Jack of Ashland won a birthday party package for a child at the EcoTarium
Naomi Desilets of Worcester won a $1,000 modeling scholarship to Karon Shea Model Management.

Thanks to everyone who attended our year-long 10th birthday party celebrations throughout Eastern & Central Massachusetts!!!

Thursday last day to enter DVD contest!!!

Thursday, May 31 is the last day to answer a few survey questions and be entered to win one of these DVDs. To enter, visit: www.baystateparent.com/Common/survey_form.html and make sure to select which DVD you would like to win. Contest is open to Massachusetts residents only. Winners will be announced on this blog in June.

Are You A Soccer Mom?

The title of mom comes with many labels.
Some we like and some we don't.
One label that always gets a reaction - be it positive or negative - is "soccer mom."
Freelance writer Michelle Xiarhos Curran, in her first article for Bay State Parent, interviewed local moms about that title, their opinion of it, and the stereotypes attached to it. Check out her article in the May issue at www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0501/Articles/008.html

And look out for the June issue which will be back from the printers this week!!!

Memorial Day Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston

Monday, May 28, 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Take a global journey of the MFA's collection and special exhibitions, while enjoying FREE general admission and reduced tickets to Edward Hopper. Enjoy a world music performance of percussion infused electronic music by members of Electric Kulintang. Join immigrants from the local Chinese community as they share family stories of journeys to America and recount memories of childhood. Watch The Crocodile River, a film exploring how crossing international borders and emotional boundaries enables two people of vastly different cultures - one American and one African - to find common ground. Hear a presentation by the MFA’s Teen Arts Council - a group of teenagers engaged in a year-long apprenticeship - about their contribution to the current exhibition War and Discontent. Discover the many cultures in the museum using maps, then draw objects from different countries and create travel journals. Tickets to Edward Hopper are only $6 during the Open House!

For more information, call 617-369-3447 or visit www.mfa.org.

WEEKEND PICKS: Trio of Ideas for Saturday!

It's Memorial Day weekend and the weather is finally sunny!!!
Below are a trio of picks for Saturday, May 26:

1) Weekend for the Birds!! Beginning Saturday, May 26 the Birds of Prey will swoop into Stone Zoo for a return engagement of the seasonal, free-flight bird show “Lord of the Wings." During the 30-minute show, guests will learn fascinating bird facts and have the rare opportunity to observe natural bird behaviors. The three daily shows will feature a variety of birds including runner ducks, an American kestrel, an African pied crow, a red-legged seriema and a king vulture – to name a few. Throughout the show, several of the show’s stars will swoop into the amphitheater – flying inches above guests’ heads. Birds from around the world will demonstrate natural behaviors including unique survival techniques and food foraging, as well as specialized physical adaptations. “Lord of the Wings” runs through Sept. 3. Daily show times are 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. This season, admission to the bird show is free with regular paid admission. To plan a visit, go to: www.stonezoo.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageId=528

2) Circle Time!! The EcoTarium in Worcester unveils its newest exhibit -- Secrets of Circles Saturday, May 26. Families can investigate, explore and celebrate the circles hidden-- and not-so-hidden-- all around us in this fun-filled, tri-lingual exhibit. (Signage is English, Spanish and Vietnamese.) Opening activities include performances by YoYo Mama at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., a special Circles in the Sky live planetarium show at 2:30 p.m., craft activities, animal encounters (can you think of a round animal?), hula hoops, and more. Circular snacks provided at 11 a.m. Get them while they last! The exhibit, perfect for children ages 3-10, was Secrets of Circles was created and circulated by the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose. To plan a visit for the opening on Saturday or for another day, visit http://www.ecotarium.org/

3) SeaSide Adventures!! The Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston is hosting "Fantastic Seaside Adventures" Saturday, May 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families can make a painting of Boston Harbor, tour the museum, and create puppets in the Bank of America Art Lab. Located at 100 Northern Avenue, on the last Saturday of each month, the Museum offers its popular Play Date for Families, where activities, tours, and performances are catered to children. And best of all, the events are free. Typically, admission: is $12, $10 for students and seniors, and free for children 17 and under. Admission is free from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and for families (2 adults with children under age 12) on the last Saturday of each month. To plan a visit, go to http://www.icaboston.org/

June issue off to the printers

New England's 1st Indoor Water Park!

Looking for a great weekend getaway, when the weather calls for rain this summer?

Then, consider booking a room at the Sheraton Ferncroft Hotel in Danvers/Middleton --- home to CoCo Key Water Resort, New England's only Indoor Water Park.

The grand opening of the 190,000-gallon, four-slide, 65,000-square foot water resort was yesterday afternoon. Hundreds of families got to try out the four water slides ranging in length from 286 to 353 feet (some enclosed). Invited guests also experienced floating along a 320-foot-long adventure river; feeling the rush of 300-gallons of water from a bucket, that tips every seven minutes from the Parrot Perch play structure; and splashing and sliding around in a very, kid-friendly dip-in theater area.

There is no general admission for families, without booking a hotel room, which start at $159 a night for a family of four.

CoCo Key is booking for birthday and private parties (post June 15), field trips, and group outings, too. Party and outing admission ranges from $29 to $45 per person.

For more information visit www.cocokeywaterresort.com/index.php?/Boston/index/ and please pick up a copy of the July issue of Bay State Parent magazine for a complete review of New England's only indoor water park.

RECALL: Trio of Toys Due to Chocking Hazard

Tri-Star International Recalls a trio of children’s toys due to a choking hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Tri-Star today announced a voluntary recall of about 2,000 Ball Rattles, Wrist Rattles, & Wind-Up Toys. These toys contain small parts, posing a choking hazard to young children. There were no reports of injuries. The recall involves three different types of toys. The ball rattle is a multi-colored, 3-inch ball with oval openings and a small hexagon opening at each end. The wrist rattle toy is a white plastic wristband toy with six multi-colored balls with small bells inside. The wind-up toy is a 7.5-inch pink giraffe with yellow legs and a green wind-up knob below the tail of the giraffe. The toys were sold at Dollar stores, most specifically in California, from January 2005 through May 2007 for about $1.
Consumers should immediately take these toys away from children and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For additional information, contact Tri-Star at 510-856-8785 anytime or CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

RECALL: Solider Toy Sets

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is recalling about 3,000 "Soldier Bear" Toy Sets Due to a Lead Poisoning Hazard. The The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the service, today announced a voluntary recall the Invincibles Transport Converters Toy Sets. Surface paints on the toy action figures contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. There have been no reported injuries. This recall involves toy sets with multiple action figures and vehicles. The model number (88931), Universal Product Code (6 9856788931 4) and Soldier Bear logo are printed on the product's packaging.The back of the action figures are marked with letters "TC-ST." The sets were sold at Army & Air Force Exchange Service stores worldwide from August 2006 through April 2007 for about $20.

Consumers should immediately take the toys away from children and return the product to the nearest AAFES store for full refund. For additional information, call AAFES at 800-866-3605 anytime or visit http://www.aafes.com/

WEEKEND PICK: Grand Opening of The Wild Place!

The Children's Museum in Easton will unveil "The Wild Place," its new outdoor adventure area this weekend. Little explorers will find a dinosaur garden filled with fossils, an African Garden where Rising feels at home, and a butterfly and bird observation area. Also don't miss, this weekend:
• A chance to meet Mother Nature in person!
• Official ribbon cutting (both days) at 12:30 p.m.
• Cut the cake and enjoy "nature inspired" snacks at 2 p.m.
• Check out the fossil display
• Make nature crafts
• Enjoy a visit from the staff at the Natural Resource Trust of Easton
• Check out the recycling activities offered by Waste Management, who is also sponsoring the weekend's grand opening festivities

• See special performances at 1 and 3 p.m. featuring Fumito Nunoya, renowned Japanese marimbist on Saturday and Andrea Lovett, enchanting storyteller on Sunday
All activities are FREE with admission, no pre-registration is neccessary. Come on down and help celebrate the museum's newest addition, The Wild Place!

The Children's Museum in Easton is an educational, cultural, and social learning center for children and families with a primary focus on children ages 1-8. It is located in a historic Old Fire Station in North Easton, Massachusetts. Admission is $6 per person. Museum is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

For additional information, visit www.charityadvantage.com/ChildrensmuseumEaston/home.asp

Bay State Parent Wins 2007 Sword of Hope Award

Bay State Parent magazine won honored with a 2007 Sword of Hope Media Award from The American Cancer Society, New England Division last night. Freelance Writer Trish Reske of Westborough was the winner of the award in the freelance category. Her April 2006 article on women, who had battled cancer and then gave birth to a child entitled Conceiving after the Inconceivable was submitted into the bi-annual competition by Editor Susan Scully Petroni. Reske, her husband David, and Petroni attended the awards dinner held last night, May 16 at Harvard University’s Faculty Club in Cambridge. The 2007 Sword of Hope award covers print and broadcast journalism published or broadcast during 2005 and 2006. The 15 award winners represent 13 news organizations based in Massachusetts, Maine, and Connecticut.
“Reske wrote a very emotional and uplifting article for Bay State Parent,” said Petroni. “She deserves to be honored for her writing and for the hope she gave many of our readers who have or are battling cancer.” Read the award-winning article online at: www.baystateparent.com/news/2006/0401/Articles/024.html
The judges for the 2007 American Cancer Society Sword of Hope Awards were: Ann LoLordo, deputy editorial page editor at The Baltimore Sun; Garland Waller, associate professor of television at Boston University; David Galletly, vice president at WAMC/ Northeast Pubic Radio, Albany, New York; and K. Viswanath, PhD, associate professor at Harvard School of Public Health, and a researcher at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
This is the second time Bay State Parent magazine has been honored with this award. Freelance writer Stacy Juba won in 2005, for an article on skin cancer facts.
Thus far this year, the magazine has won 29 awards. In fact, Bay State Parent has won 75 awards since changing our name to Bay State Parent from Today's Parent three years ago. We truly are Massachusetts' Premier Magazine for Families.
Established in 1974, the American Cancer Society’s Sword of Hope Awards pay tribute to the essential role of the news media in raising public awareness of cancer, deepening the understanding of cancer, and ultimately saving lives.
Other 2007 award winners were:
* In the Daily Newspaper, circulation over 50,000, category, Irene Sege of the Boston Globe won for “Wednesdays with Perry and Jay,” a feature story following breast cancer survivor Perry Colmore as she provided emotional support to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.
* In the Daily Newspaper, circulation under 50,000, category, the Fairfield Citizen-News won the award for an article entitled “Two-Time Cancer Survivor Urges Young Mothers Not to Wait to Get a Mammogram” by Michele Hermann.
* In the Weekly Newspaper category, Boston’s Bay State Banner tied with The Forecaster of Falmouth, Maine. In the Bay State Banner, Karen Miller’s “Be Healthy” section won, along with Mo Mehlsak’s story about colon cancer prevention and detection in The Forecaster.
* In the Radio category, WBUR-FM, Boston, won for Allan Coukell’s piece entitled “New Lung Cancer Test,” tied with WNPR-FM in Hartford, with “The Mystery of Breast Cancer,” produced by John Dankosky, George Goodrich, and Evette Cooke.
* In the Magazine/Periodical category, The Women’s Times of Great Barrington, won for their “Guide to Breast Cancer Resources.”
* WFXT Fox 25 in Boston won in the Television News/Feature Story category for “Fenway First Pitch” by Butch Stearns.
* The Local Cable Access award went to Community Vision 21 in Newtown, Connecticut, for the Charter Communications program “In Your Community,” produced by Dave King.
* In the Continuing Overall Effort category, there was a tie between WCSH6 in Portland, Maine, for their “Buddy to Buddy” program, and the Connecticut Post for Meg Barone’s series of cancer articles.
* A special Judges’ Award was given to the Sunday Republican of Springfield, for “Where Hope Dwells” by Ronni Gordon.

FREE Coffee on Thursday!

Thursday, May 17th, J.P. Licks is hosting their first annual “Free Coffee Day.” Customers can visit any of seven J.P. Licks locations from open to close and receive a free cup of coffee, but that is just the beginning. In addition to a free cup of coffee on that day, guests will also be receiving a “Free Iced Coffee Card." This card will be valid through the entire summer and will allow a customer to stop into any J.P. Licks store when the weather rises above 81 degrees (1981 is the year the 26-year old shop was established) and get a free iced coffee. Why the free coffee at every location? J.P. Licks wants the Boston public to experience good coffee. They roast all of their beans on site at their Jamaica Plain headquarters to ensure customers receive the freshest cup of coffee possible. J.P. Licks is the only New England coffee company to do this.
Not only is owner Vince Petryk serious about how he roasts his beans, but he is also serious about how he picks them. The J.P. Licks coffee importers have a direct relationship with the village of Trapichitos in Guatemala. The importers purchase the farmers’ entire crop, and in return, pay a fair price which helps to develop better farming and harvesting methods. This, in turn improves the living conditions of farmers and their families by using funds for the construction of housing, schools and community resources. Petryk and his operations staff have made several trips to Guatemalan farms to develop a better understanding for how his beans are selected and deeper relationship directly with the farmers who harvest his beans.

Pictured is Owner Vince Petryk doing his best Vince Juan Valdez impersonation.


Locations:
Jamaica Plain 659 Centre Street
Coolidge Corner 311 Harvard Street, Brookline

Davis Square 4A College Ave. , Somerville

Newbury Street 352 Newbury Street, Boston

Newton Centre 46 Langley Rd.

Mission Hill 1 Brigham Circle, Boston

West Roxbury 661 VFW Parkway

RECALL: Evenflo Embrace Infant Car Seat/Carrier

• A fall hazard prompts two government agencies and Evenflo to Announce today the recall of the Embrace™ Infant Car Seat/Carriers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in cooperation with Evenflo recalled about 450,000 Evenflo Embrace™ Infant Car Seat/Carriers. When used as an infant carrier, the handle can unexpectedly release, causing the seat to rotate forward. When this happens, an infant inside the carrier can fall to the ground and suffer serious injuries. Evenflo has received 679 reports of the handle on the car seat/carriers unexpectedly releasing, resulting in 160 injuries to children. These reports include a skull fracture, two concussions, cuts, scrapes and bruises. The recall involves Evenflo Embrace™ Infant Car Seat/Carriers made before April 8, 2006. The recalled car seat/carriers have model numbers beginning with 317, 320, 397, 398, 540, 548, 549, 550, 556, 597, 598 or 599. The model number and production date information can be found on a white label on the bottom of the carrier and on the top of the convenience base. Models beginning with “5” are units sold with the travel system (compatible stroller). “Evenflo” is on the carrying handle and car seat base. Embrace™ infant car seat/carriers made on or after April 8, 2006 are not included in this recall. They were sold at department and juvenile products stores nationwide sold the car seat/carriers from December 2004 through September 2006 for between $70 and $100 when sold alone and between $140 and $200 when sold with a compatible stroller.
  Consumers should not use the handle until the repair kit has been installed. The product can continue to be used as a car seat when secured in a vehicle. Contact Evenflo to receive a free repair kit that strengthens the handle latch. Recall notice will be sent to all registered owners of the recalled product. The recalled units should not be returned to the retailer. For additional information, contact Evenflo at 800-490-7497 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit the recall Web site at www.embracehandle.com/

WEEKEND PICKS: Mother's Day Specials!

Make Some Mother's Day Memories with Brunches, Nature Walks, Teas, Free Admission, & More Happy Mother's Day!
Moms, you deserve a special outing away from your to-do lists where you can enjoy time with your family. Choose from one of the following events, and plan to make some memories.
-- Calendar Editor Carrie Wattu


Saturday, May 12
Mother's Day Picture Event. Auburn Mall. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kidgit Club members, get dressed up and have a special picture taken for your Mom. Make a gift at the craft table. Not a Kidgits member? Sign up today for a $5 annual fee. 508-832-2314. shopauburnmall.com .
Free Garden Admission for Moms. Tower Hill Botanical Gardens, Boylston. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stroll the gardens. Bring a picnic. A$8, Y $5, Free for 6 and under. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org . Also 5/13.
Mother's Day Tea. Willard House Clock Museum, North Grafton. 2 to 3 p.m. Treat your mother, daughter or granddaughter. Reminisce about the past and experience the slow pace of years gone by in the historic Willard House. Spend a leisurely afternoon in a quite country setting enjoying tea, coffee and pastries, and the sights and sounds of clocks. Daughters, 5 - 12, $9, Moms/Grandmoms $10 NM. Advance registration by 5/5: 508-839- 3500. willardhouse.org .
Mother's Day. Providence Children's Museum, Providence, RI. 1 to 3 p.m. Ages 3 - 8. Bring bears to share cookies and lemonade with moms and grandmoms. Listen to bear stories and make May baskets. $6.50pp. 401-273-KIDS childrenmuseum.org .
Mother's Day Craft Station. Heritage Museums & Gardens, 67 Grove St., Sandwich. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tour the gardens & buildings; stop by the craft table at the Art Museum to make a unique gift tag and a sachet of relaxing bath salts with the scent of your choice. Free w/admission: A$12, Y (6-16) $6, C 5 and under free. 508-888-3300. 508-888- 3300. heritagemuseum.org .
Mothering Sons Retreat. For mothers of all boy families. Held in Sudbury. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. What makes mothering sons unique? How do we honor the "feminine" in our households? Facilitated by Betsy Wisch M.A., LMHC. Call for fees. Registration: betsywisch@comcast.net or 978-394-6316.
Flowers for Mom. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester. 10 a.m. to noon. Take a gentle family hike to view the wildflowers in bloom. Then, sit and relax on the deck, while dad (or other adult) and kids make special gifts to present to moms. All ages. A$10, C$6 NM. Register: 508- 753-6087.

Sunday, May 13
Half-Price Admission for Mom. Discovery Museum, Acton. Mothers, Stepmothers, and grandmothers enjoy half-price admission. $8pp; Both museums $12pp. 978-264-4200. discoverymuseums.org .
26th Annual Duckling Day Parade. Boston Common (opposite the State House). Sign up at 11 a.m. Parade is at noon. Every Mother's Day, the tiny duckling sculptures inspired by the children's book Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey come out of storage. They return in a parade, designed especially for children, that winds through the Boston Common and the Public Garden. Children dress as their favorite characters from the book and are led by the Harvard University Marching Band. After the parade, swan boats at the garden lake are available. Registered children receive ducky prizes and refreshments. Tickets: $25 per family. Advance tickets: Mail a check made payable to Friends of the Public Garden, 87 Mt. Vernon Street, Boston, MA 02108. Tickets also at the event. 617-723-8144, 617-766-5669 or email fopg@gis.net. friendsofthepublicgarden.org .
Mother's Day. Franklin Park Zoo, Boston and Stone Zoo, Stoneham. Enjoy scavenger hunts, zookeeper encounters and a special surprise unveiling. zoonewengland.com .
Free Garden Admission for Moms. Tower Hill Botanical Gardens, Boylston. See 5/12 listing for details. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org .
Mother's Day with A Splash of Blue. Concord Museum, Concord. 12 to 5 p.m. Bring your mothers (or mothers bring your families!) to enjoy the exhibition A Splash of Blue and a special guided tour (2 p.m.) of the Museum with a focus on some fascinating and accomplished women in Concord's history. Reservations: 978-369-9763.
Mother's Day Brunch. Verrill Farm, Concord. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Served outside under the tent. Live music. $20pp, C (Under 10) $10. Reservations and pre-payment by 5/11. 978-369-4494. verrillfarm.com .
Annual Mothers Day Brunch. Fruitlands Museum, Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. A fun free day. 978- 456-3924 x 239. fruitlands.org .
Bring Your Mom(s) to DeCordova for Free. DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, Lincoln. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Explore the 35-acre Sculpture Park and The 2007 DeCordova Annual Exhibition; dine in The Café, and more. Bring your family dog. A$9, Y (6-12)$6, C 5 and under free. 781-259- 8355. decordova.org .
30th Annual Birds and Breakfast. Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St., Natick. 7 to 8:30 a.m. Learn bird identification tips from an expert during a 90-minute guided walk, then return to the nature center for homemade pancakes and real maple syrup from Natick Community Organic Farm. A $15, C$8 NM. Register: 508-655- 2296 or e-mail: broadmoor@massaudubon.org .
Mother's Day Brunch. Plymouth Plantation, Plimoth. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Brunch and hands-on workshop to create a handmade Mother's Day present, or simple memento of your visit to the museum. A $27.95; C $16.95 NM. RSVP by 5/5: 508-746-1622. plimoth.org .
Meet Our Moms Day. Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers and honorary mothers for half price on Mother's Day, when accompanied by a child. Special activities planned. A$12, C (3-12) $6, Under 3 free. 401-785-3510. rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org .
Mother's Day. Providence Children's Museum, Providence, RI. Free admission for moms and grandmoms all day. Ages 3 - 11 can make special cards with creative materials from 1 to 3 p.m. 401-273-KIDS. childrenmuseum.org .
Moms are Free at Davis' Farmland. Sterling. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other admission: Ages 2 - 59 $12.95. Under 2 free. 978-422-MOOO. davisfarmland.com .
Mother's Day at Old Sturbridge Village. Sturbridge. Published 19th-century author Lydia Maria Child shares her advice to mothers upon the subject of child rearing and other domestic practices. Half-price admission for Mom. Heirloom bulbs in bloom in Village gardens and baby animals at the farm. A$20, C (3-17)$6, C under 3 free. 800- SEE-1830. osv.org .
A Mother's Day Tea in the mansion at Gore Place. 52 Gore St., Waltham. 3 p.m. Enjoy a traditional English tea in the beautiful surroundings of the Governor Gore estate in Waltham plus an assortment of sweets and savories served in the Great Hall and Oval Parlor of this beautiful 1806 mansion. Music by guitarist David Newsam. $20pp. Reservations: 781-894-2798. goreplace.org.

WEEKEND PICK: Celebrate Bay State Parent magazine's 10th Birthday at the EcoTarium

You're invited to Bay State Parent's 10th Birthday Party. Like any 10-year-old, we're thrilled to be turning double-digits. To celebrate, we've hosted a party every month at local family attractions. This month, we hope you'll join us at the EcoTarium on Harrington Way in Worcester where your family can check out their new planetarium and the Attack of the Bloodsuckers! exhibit from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 12. To save on admission -- PLEASE bring a new and unwrapped toy to be donated to Smiling Kids, Inc. (www. smilingkidsinc.org). Regular admission to the EcoTarium is $10 for adults, $8 for children ages 3 - 18, and free for children under 3. With a toy and the coupon to the right, families receive one free admission when you purchase one admission coupon.

For more information call 508-929-2700 or visit www.ecotarium.org

WEEKEND PICK: Free Inline Skating Lessons

Saturday, May 12th, Four Wheels Inline Skate School (www.4wheelsinline.com) will join Rollerblade and 17 other skating schools across the country in celebrating national Skate for Health Day with certified skating instructors offering free lessons to children, teens, parents and grandparents to promote the health benefits of in-line skating.
In addition, free equipment will be provided by the instructors for use during the instruction. Lessons will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Corporal Burns Park on the corner of Memorial Drive and Flagg Street in Cambridge.
To sign up for a free skate lesson, visit www.freeskatelesson.com.

Based in New Jersey, Rollerblade is the founder and leader of the in-line skate industry, with over 250 patented innovations, serving as the premier manufacturer of in-line skates, related accessories and protective gear. For more information visit www.rollerblade.com

Moms Receive Free Plant & Admission on Mother's Day

Bring Mom to Belkin Family Lookout Farm for a Day of Outdoor Family Fun on Mother's Day. The Natick farm will give free admission and plants to all moms on Sunday, May 13th in honor of Mothers Day. The farm is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for outdoor family activities including train rides through the orchards, two petting zoos, and a childrens' play area. The Farm Market and Garden Center is also open. Admission is $5 and includes a free hotdog and drink!

The Farm is located at 89 Pleasant Street in Natick. Belkin Family Lookout Farm is one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the United States, since 1651. Joan and Steve Belkin purchased the 180-acre farm in 2005, and their family is dedicated to continuing 350 years of farm tradition for future generations.

Photographer's Mother's Day Event Benefits Breast Cancer Research

A special event Mother’s Day weekend will give daughters, mothers, and grandmothers a chance to capture their bond with a professional, custom portrait by an award-winning Massachusetts photographer, and to give to breast cancer research at the same time.
The Photography by Teya studio in North Oxford will be open throughout Mother’s Day weekend for “Portraits for Progress.”
For just $20, daughters, mothers, and grandmothers are invited to stop by for a portrait session and receive a professional 5x7 print. Additional 5x7” prints will be available for $10 -- half off their normal price.
“Mothers and daughters share a special bond,” said photographer Teomara (Teya) Rutherford. “Having dealt with breast cancer in my family, I understand how important it is to fight this disease, and to celebrate the bonds between women.”
All proceeds from this event will benefit Komen Massachusetts, the local affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and will fund breast cancer research, education, screening and testing.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged.

To reserve time for a photo session on either Saturday, May 12 or Sunday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. contact contact Photography by Teya at by calling 508-892-0107 or 617-480-6153 or e-mailing teya@teyaphoto.com

To view some of Teya's beautiful photographs visit www.teyaphoto.com/

WEEKEND PICKS: Rudnick Concert

Looking for something to do Saturday?
Consider attending the Ben Rudnick & Friends Children's Show tomorrow at 11 a.m. at the Amazing Things Arts Center, 55 Nicholas Road, in Framingham.
Ben Rudnick and Friends play upbeat, blue grassy music for kids of all ages, including parents and grandparents. Drawing on the original and traditional material from their current and forthcoming "Emily Songs" children’s recordings, as well as performing songs learned from their parents and grandparents as kids, an environment is created where everyone smiles. An acoustic, bluegrass-flavored affair, performances tend to be a slice of time where families can relax, enjoying the music and each other. Dancing shoes are optional.
For tickets visit, www.amazingthings.org/

Get Active & Get Fit!

Inside this month's issue, Dr. Suzanne McLaughlin focuses on ways families can exercise and get fit together. The May FamilyHealth column, suggests ways families can be active in just 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or 60 minutes.
Children bring a lot of energy and curiosity to everyday activities - they don't need exercise equipment or organized sports to get moving, says Dr. McLaughlin. Age-appropriate activities that give them a chance to get moving are the goal: and they carry the same benefits of increased physical activity, she says. "In other words, just running around counts," said Dr. McLaughlin, who is a pediatrician and internist at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

Pick up a copy of the May issue of Bay State Parent magazine or read her article and fitness tips online at: www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0501/Articles/011.html

May is National Physical Fitness & Sports Month

“Healthy, physically active kids learn and feel better!”
That is the key message the National Association for Sport and Physical Education wants to express in honor of May: National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. To achieve that goal, the Association urges parents, schools and communities to work together to help children become more physically active by creating “physical activity friendly” environments.
“Children and adolescents should spend at least 60 minutes every day in a variety of moderate to vigorous physical activities,” says Association President Craig Buschner of California State University at Chico. “In order to achieve that level of activity, we need to find more opportunities for children to be physically active throughout the entire day. Maintaining healthy bodies is not only vital for physical well-being, but for mental and emotional development as well.”
The Association has a number of tools for parents to help them in evaluating their children’s physical education and sport programs. Visit
www.aahperd.org/naspe/template.cfm?template=observePE/main.html
School physical education is the cornerstone to developing an active lifestyle. Physical education can help students to be more active, more fit, and achieve better academically. In addition to physical education, a physical activity friendly environment for kids includes school and community physical activity programs, that feature a diverse selection of competitive and noncompetitive, structured and unstructured activities, are inclusive and meet the needs and interests of all youth with a wide range of abilities, particularly those with limited interests or skills in traditional athletic activities, and emphasize participation and enjoyment without pressure. In addition, walking and biking to school, recess, and physical activity breaks should be a part of the school environment.
Parents and other significant adults (teachers, coaches, etc) should model physically active lifestyles. Parents/guardians need to be aware of the school and community resources that they can choose from to assist children in learning to lead healthy, active lifestyles. Extended day and after school programs also provide an important opportunity to incorporate physical activity into programs that typically focus on crafts, movies, board games and homework. By allowing the kids to participate and hone their skills in active games, they not only gain the opportunity to succeed and get fit, but practice the skills that can help them succeed in organized sports and activities that encourage interest in regular participation outside of the program. All of us must advocate for, take responsibility and seek accountability for physical activity in the education of ALL children and youth.
In summary, to get children more physically active, parents, schools and communities must establish a “physical activity friendly” environment that includes:
1. quality physical education programs in all schools.
2. recess for elementary school age children, and physical activity breaks for students of all ages
3. before school and after school programs that include physical activity
4. school facilities available during the non-school hours
5. positive sport opportunities for all youth
6. safe and well-lit walking paths and physical activity spaces/fields on school grounds and other public areas
7. family activities that involve physical activity (e.g. in-line skating, bike riding, family fitness nights)
8. restrictions on sedentary activities such as television, movies, web surfing and computer games.

The preeminent national authority on physical education and a recognized leader in sport and physical activity, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) is a non-profit professional membership association that sets the standard for practice in physical education and sport. NASPE’s 17,000 members include: K-12 physical education teachers, coaches, athletic directors, athletic trainers, sport management professionals, researchers, and college/university faculty who prepare physical activity professionals. NASPE seeks to enhance knowledge, improve professional practice, and increase support for high quality physical education, sport and physical activity programs through research, development of standards, and dissemination of information. It is the largest of the five national associations that make the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD). To assess whether your child is receiving a quality physical education program, visit www.naspeinfo.org/observePE for an observation assessment tool.

WEEKEND PICK: $3.50 Saturday & Sunday Movie Matinee

Okay, the big movie opening this weekend is Spiderman 3.
But if you are looking for something to do with your child(ren), Saturday or Sunday morning check out the Kidtoons movie at National Amusements theatres, including the Blackstone Valley 14: Cinema de Lux in Millbury.
Kidtoons runs every Saturday and Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m., with a different feature every month. May's feature film is Eloise in Hollywood.
Movie summary: A big time movie producer invites Eloise and Nanny to Hollywood, and the Plaza Hotel’s most famous six-year-old is instantly overcome by visions of overnight stardom and red carpet premieres. But Eloise soon discovers making a movie isn’t always as exciting as it seems.
All tickets for Kidtoons are $3.50. Kidtoon patrons also receive a coupon for a special value kid’s concession combo – small popcorn & small soft drink for another $3.50
For more information, visit www.nationalamusements.com/programs/

RECALL: Small World TownHouse Due to Aspiration Hazard

Small World Toys is recalling more than 8,800 Children’s Take-Apart Townhouse Toys as the detached magnets pose an aspiration and intestinal hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Small World Toys, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using the IQ Preschool™ Take-Apart Townhouse immediately. Small magnets used to connect the wooden pieces to the sides of the townhouse can fall out. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal. CPSC and Small World Toys have received two reports of magnets coming off of the townhouse pieces. No injuries have been reported.
These wooden toys, for children ages “18+ months,” are shaped like houses measuring 8.5 inches high by about 4.5 inches wide. They have nine pieces that children can disassemble and reassemble. Each house has a green chimney and a blue and yellow striped pillar with a purple base at each corner. The sides of the house have four removable panels of different shapes with red knobs that children use to pull the panels off. “IQ Preschool™” appears on the side of the house below the blue and green rectangular panel. Model number 2408808 appears on the packaging. The toy was sold at toy stores and various other retailers nationwide and through catalogs from December 2004 through February 2007 for about $21.
Take these toys away from children immediately and contact the firm to obtain a free replacement product. For additional information, contact Small World Toys at 800-421-4153 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific timeMonday through Friday, visit their Web site at http://www.smallworldtoys.com/recallsafety.asp or e-mail the firm at townhouserecall@smallworldtoys.com

RECALL: Parents Magazine Toy Cell Phone Dueto Choking Hazard

Battat Inc. is recalling 300,000 Parents® Magazine Toy Cell Phones for a choking hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Battat Inc., today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. The metal pin inside the hinge of the Parents® Magazine Record-A-Voice Toy Cell Phone flip-top can fall out, posing a choking hazard to young children. The firm has received 54 reports of the metal pin falling out of the hinge. In two cases, consumers reported finding the pin inside a child’s mouth, with one child receiving a cut in the mouth. The toy cell phone plays different songs, sound effects and user recorded messages. They were sold in polka dot, swirl, floral and stripe patterns, and the Parents® logo is visible inside the flip-top and on the battery compartment cover. Only items bearing date codes 090106 through 101206 are involved in this recall. The date code can be located on the bottom of the product packaging and in the battery compartment. The toy cell phones were sold at Target stores nationwide from September 2006 to January 2007 for about $8.
Consumers should take these toy cell phones away from young children immediately and contact Battat to receive a replacement product or refund. For additional information, call Battat, Inc. at 800- 247-6144 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or e-mail the firm at cellrecall@battatco.com

WEEKEND PICK: May 20: New England's Largest Festival Celebrating Israeli Culture

New England Celebrates Israel Comes to the Dana-Farber Field House at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro on Sunday, May 20 from 1 to 7 p.m.
Join friends and families at New England’s Largest Festival Celebrating Israeli Culture.
This free-to-the-public event, brings together 5,000 to 7,000 families and individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about an Israel they rarely see today – a country with creative expression that has many different cultural and social influences, as it continually blends tradition and innovation.
Highlights include:
*A festival of Israeli culture, music and dance – enjoy the best entertainment Israel and New England have to offer.
* Kids’ zone – ride a camel, dig for artifacts, participate in Patriots’ sports activities and shop in a virtual Israeli supermarket.
* Sports and activities – Israeli professional flag football teams will play an exhibition game and be available to lead drills with children during the day.
* Israeli food and wine pavilion – sample falafel, kabobs and sip on tasty kosher wine. All food is kosher and will be prepared and sold by Gillette Stadium in cooperation with Catering by Andrew.
* Israeli technology and tourism – learn about high-tech Israeli innovation and travel connections to Israel.
* Shop Israel – experience the culture and art of Israel through shopping for traditional and contemporary Judaica, art, jewelry and much more.
* Community showcase – Agencies, synagogues, day schools and Jewish organizations will showcase their connections to Israel.

Sponsored by the Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Gillette Stadium and the Greater Boston Jewish Community, for more information and directions to Gillette Stadium by car, visit: www.celebrateisrael.org Parking is free, too.

Combined Jewish Philanthropies is the oldest federated charity in the United States. Founded in 1895, it is the central planning and fundraising arm of Boston’s Jewish community, representing almost 210,000 people and supporting a network of more than 200 agencies, schools, synagogues and programs in Greater Boston, Israel and abroad. To learn more about CJP, call 617-457- 8500 or visit www.cjp.org.

RECALL: Graco Activity Center Due to Choking Hazard

Graco Children’s Products is recalling about 40,000 Soft Blocks Towers on Graco Baby Einstein Discovery and Play Activity Centers Due to Choking Hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Graco, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using the Soft Blocks Tower Toys (on Graco® Baby Einstein® discover and play™ Activity Centers). The plastic covering on the soft block towers can detach, posing a choking hazard to infants. Graco has received 137 reports of infants mouthing and chewing pieces of the plastic film covering, some of whom required medical attention. Serious incident reports include 32 infants who gagged and 49 who choked on the plastic covering. The soft block tower is a stack of three different shaped stuffed fabric blocks in red, yellow and blue. Pictures of apples, fire engines, ducks, bananas, birds and blueberries on the blocks are covered in plastic film. The soft blocks are one of nine toys that snap onto the tray of the activity center. Only model number 4635BEE with serial numbers 012705 through 063005, which indicates the manufacture dates of January 27, 2005 through June 30, 2005, are included in this recall. Model and serial numbers are located underneath the activity center’s tray. The products was sold at: Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), Babies “R” Us, Toys “R” Us, Meijer, Shopko, Target, and various specialty retailers nationwide, and on Wal-Mart.com and Target.com from February 2005 through about December 2005 for $80.
Consumers should immediately remove the Soft Blocks toy from the activity center and contact Graco for a free replacement Tower toy without the plastic film. Consumers can continue to use the activity center after the soft block tower has been removed. For additional information, contact Graco at 800-345-4109 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or log on to http://www.gracobaby.com/customerservice/recall.aspx?categoryID=7

RECALL: Anima Bamboo Game due to Lead Hazard

Target is recalling about 5,000 Anima Bamboo Collection Games due to lead poisoning hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Target, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. The toys in the bamboo game sets could contain lead paint, which is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. There were no incidents or injuries reported. This recall involves Anima-Bamboo Collection Games. The games contain 38 bamboo pads, four ghosts, and one dice. The product’s packaging is an orange box with the words “Anima” and “BAMBOO Collection Games” are printed on each side. They were sold at Target stores nationwide from December 2006 through April 2007 for $10.
Consumers should immediately take the game away from children and return them to the nearest Target store for full refund, including applicable sales tax. For additional information, call Target at 800-440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central time Monday through Friday, or visit www.target.com

Government Warns About Using Worn Vinyl Baby Bibs

The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff today warned that there is a potential risk of lead exposure from baby bibs with cracked or peeling vinyl surfaces. This consumer alert applies only to used bibs that are worn or have deteriorated. Pieces of vinyl containing lead could pose a hazard to infants if they are swallowed. CPSC staff recommends that parents and caregivers discard bibs that are in poor condition to avoid any potential exposure to lead from swallowed vinyl.
Some vinyl materials, including those used as the front or back of baby bibs, contain lead (Pb) compounds as part of their formulation. Acting on information provided by and in cooperation with the New York and Illinois Attorney Generals’ Offices, CPSC recently tested a wide range of bibs from various retailers nationwide.
The CPSC staff’s risk assessment concludes that none of the bibs that were tested at CPSC’s laboratory would pose a risk of substantial illness to children from mouthing. However, if the condition of a vinyl bib deteriorates to the point that a baby could pull or bite off and swallow a piece of vinyl containing lead, then the amounts of lead consumed could approach levels of concern.
CPSC staff therefore advises parents and caregivers to stop using vinyl bibs in such condition. In the CPSC staff’s view, this step could effectively prevent any significant risk of exposure to lead from these products. This precaution would also protect infants from the risk of choking on loose pieces of vinyl.
CPSC takes the issue of lead exposure very seriously, as lead is toxic and if ingested by young children can cause adverse health effects, such as learning disabilities, behavioral problems, growth retardation and hearing problems. There have been no reported injuries involving these bibs.
Vinyl baby bibs have been sold through major retailers since at least 2004. They range in price from $2 to $7 and come in packs of up to ten. The bibs come in colorful designs and have either a vinyl front with a cloth backing or a cloth front with vinyl backing.
Manufacturers and retailers, in cooperation with the CPSC and the New York and Illinois Attorneys General, plan to develop clear and effective guidelines addressing the use of vinyl in children’s products.

RECALL: Children's Clog Due To Choking Hazard

Payless ShoeSource is recalling almost 700,000 children's clog shoes due to a choking hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Payless, today announced a voluntary recall The Children’s Airwalk® Compel Shoes have plastic rivets used to attach the strap to the shoe that can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. Payless has received one report of a child who began to choke on a detached rivet. No injuries have been reported. This recall involves Airwalk® Compel clog shoes sold in prewalk sizes 3 through toddler size 10. The flexible shoes have air ventilation holes on the top and side and plastic rivets with the Airwalk® logo attached to the strap. Airwalk® and the shoe size are printed on the sole of the shoe. No other sizes, styles or models are included in this recall. The shoes were sold Payless ShoeSource and Pamida stores nationwide and Payless.com from August 2006 through early April 2007 for about $13.
Consumers should take the shoes away from young children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund or exchange. For additional information, call Payless at 800-654-0697 between 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Central Time Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday. Consumers also can visit http://www.payless.com/

RECALL: Necklaces Due To Lead Hazard

Oriental Trading Company Inc. is recalling 132,000 children's necklaces due to lead hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the company above, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. The children's religious fish necklaces recalled children’s necklaces contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. There were no reports of incidents or injuries. The recalled necklaces have a silver fish pendant that hangs from a black cord. They were sold exclusively at Oriental Trading Company Web site and catalog from January 2005 through January 2007 for about 70 cents.
Consumers should immediately take the recalled necklaces away from children and discard it and contact Oriental Trading Company Inc. for information on how to receive a full refund or credit. For additional information, contact Oriental Trading Company Inc. at 800-723-6155 anytime or visit www.orientaltrading.com

May 12: Meet Former Patriot Mosi Tatupu & Benefit the C2 Mission

On Saturday May 12 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Skybox Restaurant in Tewksbury, KBK Sports is hosting a Fans Press Conference with New England Patriots Fan-Favorite Mosi Tatupu.
Tickets are $15 (with $5 of each ticket benefiting C2 Mission Foundation, a charity).
The ticket price includes an 8x10 colored glossy photo, autograph opportunity, photo opportunity, and a chance to participate in a special Q&A with Mosi Tatupu.
Tickets are limited to 200 to ensure intimacy of this special event.
Interested families, can purchase ($25) an old logo Patriots mini helmets for Tatupu to autograph, also.
The event benefits C2 Mission (www.c2mission.org). C2 Mission is a Foundation that benefits children and families affected by Cerebral Palsy and Cystic Fibrosis. Run and operated by Jon & Lauren Goode, it was started because Alison Thomas (niece of Jon & Lauren Goode) suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and Jon overcame Cerebral Palsy. A native of Natick, Jon is the Director of Corporate Communications for the Lowell Spinners, Class A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

For information or to order tickets please call Jon at 978-805-5106 or e-mail him at jgoode@lowellspinners.com

May 11: St. Anna in Leominster to Host Art Show

St. Anna School, a Pre-K through grade 8 school located at 213 Lancaster Street in Leominster, will hold its first Art Show on Friday May 11, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The school’s gym will be transformed into an Art Gallery and will feature art creations of various media types, all created by the students throughout the school year.
Works from the show will also be chosen to be reformatted and showcased in a calendar, which will be published and sold in the fall.
The art show is under the artistic direction of Karen Rousseau, artist and full time art teacher at St. Anna. The public is invited. For more information, call 978-534-4770, or visit the school's Web site at www.stannaschool.com

WEBKINZ CONTEST WINNER!

Congrats to Maria Mihalek of Northborough, who is the winner of our win a Webkinz monkey contest. "Wow! I can't believe it. My girls are really excited," said Maria when notified. She has three daughters: Olivia, who will be 7 this summer; Sophia, who will be 5 this month; and Serena, who will be 3 in June. "I think we will give it (the monkey) to Serena, since she has the fewest Webkinz so far," said Maria.
Thanks to everyone who entered. There were more than 135 Massachusetts entries. We appreciate everyone taking the time to answer a few survey questions. Your answers will help us to improve the magazine. Thanks again.

This month we are giving away more than two dozen DVDs, including Happy Feet, Charlotte's Web, Barney & Bob the Builder. You must be a Massachusetts resident and answer a few survey questions to be eligible. Click here, for the survey:
www.baystateparent.com/Common/survey_form.html

Bay State Parent magazine is also participating in a national Parenting Publications of America survey. One national winner will receive a 5-day, 4-night Jamaican vacation. To enter, visit: www.readexsurvey.net/ppa/BayState.asp

Please take a few minutes and fill out this survey too. It will help make Bay State Parent magazine even better!

Rainbow Child Development Center Celebrates El Dia De Los Ninos

Rainbow Child Development Center in Worcester celebrated El Día De Los Niños/El Día De Los Libros (children’s day/book day) by having volunteers read to preschoolers and toddlers on Wednesday, April 30. Volunteers include, Gladys Rodriguez-Parker, Director of Community and Intergovernmental Relations from Congressman James P. McGovern’s Office, Worcester Police Officer Gerald O’Connor, Worcester City Council Philip P. Palmieri, Ann E. Brown ,and Pamela Reidy, who are both on Rainbow’s Advisory Board.
The event was one of many taking place across the country promoting bilingual literacy, bridge cultures, and highlight the vital role our nation’s libraries and books play in helping new Americans find the resources they need to better their lives.
“Día will provide children and families with an opportunity to explore new worlds,” said Kathleen T. Horning, president of the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association. “Libraries are the perfect family destination, offering parents and children an opportunity to explore the world through multicultural book collections, diverse cultural programs and free access to the Web.”
Rainbow Celebrates Children’s Day - El día de los niños/El día de los libros is an enhancement of Children’s Day, which began in 1925. Children’s Day was designated as a day to bring attention to the importance and well being of children. In 1996, nationally acclaimed children’s book author Pat Mora proposed linking the celebration of childhood and children with literacy.

Rainbow Child Development Center provides care, education, and therapeutic services to over 290 children – ages 6 weeks to 13 years – from families in the Worcester area. Now located at 10 Edward Street, Rainbow is able to provide even more children and their families the support they need. A Capital Campaign is currently underway to enable Rainbow to better support its children, and to extend its programs and services to additional children and their families. For more information about Rainbow’s programs and services, visit www.rainbowcdc.com or call Barbara Guthrie or Martha Pardo-Testa at 508.791.6849