Monday, March 30, 2009

Girls' Night Out Tomorrow!

If you can get out, let's meet in person tomorrow night!

Please stop by
the baystateparent Girls' Night Out
at Tush Denim
Green St., Worcester

tomorrow night
Tuesday, March 31 at 7 p.m.


* Complimentary drinks and apps from Block 5, Mezcal and Bocado plus mini designer cupcakes from Worcester's sugargirls
* Giveaways!!
* Meet one of Boston's top personal shoppers for tips on how to buy jeans that really fit you!
* Sign up for your first 5K (and receive free ongoing support from local mom and marathoner, Trish Reske)
* Free cookies from Boylston's Wicked Good Cookies
* Networking and conversation with like-minded women

For directions, visit tushdenim.com

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Families Needed for NBC Reality Show

baystateparent received the following release. Thought it would be fun for families!

BOSTON CASTING SEEKS DYNAMIC FAMILIES FOR NEW
NBC REALITY SHOW
"THE GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP"
- Casting now for outgoing families with at least 2 kids ages 10 - 16 to participate in the road trip of a lifetime! -


March 27, 2009-- Boston, MA-- Are you an outgoing and fun family with at least 2 kids between the ages of 10 and 16? Boston Casting is looking for New England's most extroverted families for NBC's new reality show THE GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP.

What type of family are you?
We're looking for The Ultimate Red Sox/Patriots/Celtics/Bruins Fans, The Loudest Family, The Clean Freaks, The Brainiacs, The Trekkie Family, The Real Life Griswalds, The Cheap Family, The Musical Family, or any other type of Fun Family!

Interested families must be available early May to late June 2009. Families who are chosen will receive $2000 per week plus per diem and the potential for a Grand Prize!

To be considered for THE GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP, e-mail the following information to ashley@bostoncasting.com:
· Names
· Contact phone number and city where you reside
· Picture of your family
· Ages of your family members
· Brief explanation of why your family should be on the show

Submissions being accepted now! For more information, contact Boston Casting at 617-254-1001, x3 or visit www.bostoncasting.com.

Media Contact: Julie Arvedon, Boston Casting
617-254-1001, x110
julie@bostoncasting.com


Established in 1991, Boston Casting has since become the premiere casting company in New England, having worked with directors such as Errol Morris, The Farrelly Brothers, David Mamet and Rob Reiner. With over 3,000 square feet of office and studio space, Boston Casting is the largest casting company in New England. Boston Casting specializes in casting feature films, commercials and reality television shows, for principal roles as well as extras. With over 30,000 actors on file, including children, special ability actors and those seeking reality television fame, Boston Casting proves to be a versatile and resourceful company that continues to excel at arranging the perfect ensembles.

###

Free Admission Thursday, April 2

Parents, We heard from the FITCHBURG ART MUSEUM that there will be free admission this Thursday, 4 - 8 p.m. The press release follows:

Fitchburg Art Museum will have free admission on Thursday 2 April from 4pm
to 8pm as part of Mayor Wong¹s First Thursday celebrations. The Museum¹s
new stunning exhibition ­ All Things Bright & Beautiful, a collection of
California Impressionist Paintings from the Irvine Museum will be available
for viewing and visitors to the Museum will be able to see a live production
of FATV interview with Major Wong. There will be a free guided tour
available at 6:00 p.m. Please call on 978 345 4207 or visit
www.fitchburgartmuseum.org . The Museum
is wheelchair accessible and is located at 25 Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg, MA
01420.

About the Fitchburg Art Museum
The Fitchburg Art Museum is North Central Massachusetts¹s oldest and most
treasured cultural institution, founded in 1925 through a bequest of artist
and educator Eleanor Norcross. Fourteen galleries house a diverse
collection of over 3,000 objects spanning more than fifty centuries. These
include American and European paintings, prints, drawings and decorative
arts as well as Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Asian and pre-Columbian antiquities,
and changing exhibitions.

Highlights from the permanent painting collections include masterworks from
John Singleton Copley, Rockwell Kent, Georgia O¹Keeffe, Joseph Stella, Raoul
Dufy and Joseph Wright of Derby.

Hours: Tuesday ­ Sunday Noon ­ 4pm. From April 1, our new hours will be,
Wednesday ­ Friday, Noon ­ 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am ­ 5 pm. Closed
Monday¹s.
Admission: Free for members; $7 for adults. $5 for seniors and students
(13+). Fitchburg Art Museum supports Fitchburg¹s First Thursday program and
is free from 4.30 p.m. ­ 8 p.m. every first Thursday of the month. The
Museum is wheelchair accessible.
Info: Call 978 345 4207 or visit www.fitchburgartmusuem.org/
.
Contacts: Peter Timms ­ Director. Email - ptimms@fitchburgartmusuem.org
. Phone ­ 978 342 4207 ext 301
Fiona Casey ­Director of Marketing.
Email ­ fcasey@fitchburgartmuseum.org or phone ­ 978-342-4207 ext 312

Supporting Picture

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Say "No" to Paper or Plastic at Shaw's

IN HONOR OF EARTH DAY: SHAW’S IS MAKING A DONATION
TO MASS AUDUBON WITH EVERY REUSABLE BAG

SAY “NO” TO PAPER OR PLASTIC AT SHAW’S

(Lincoln, MA) – When reusable bags are purchased in the month of April at Shaw’s and Star Market, customers are helping the environment in more ways than one. With every reusable bag, Shaw’s will donate five cents to Mass Audubon and shoppers will help to shrink their environmental footprint by reducing usage of plastic and paper bags.

“We believe that reusable bags are the better environmental option as compared to paper or plastic bags,” said Shaw’s president Larry Wahlstrom. “Last year, Shaw’s significantly increased the awareness and sales of reusable bags by approximately 90%. We want to continue that tremendous success.”

“We are pleased to be a partner in this effort,” said Mass Audubon president Laura Johnson. “Not only does this encourage individuals to reduce their environmental footprint, but this also helps raise awareness of Mass Audubon’s mission of protecting the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife.”

With every 99 cent Earth Day bag sold, five cents will be donated to Audubon Societies throughout New England, including Mass Audubon, Connecticut Audubon Society, Maine Audubon Society, New Hampshire Audubon Society, Rhode Island Audubon Society, and Vermont Audubon Society.

The Earth Day bags will be sold at all Shaw’s Supermarkets and Massachusetts Star Market locations from April 1 through April 30, 2009.

Other benefits that customers have discovered are that the reusable bags hold more groceries, which reduces the amount of trips from the car to the house, and the bags are sturdier for holding the heavy items such as cans.

Monday, March 23, 2009

baystateparent gives free prizes in Boston!




Jennifer Antkowiak, our promotions coordinator, raffled off these great prizes at the American Baby and Family Expo in Boston over the weekend. Congrats to:
Colleen Finocchiaro of Danvers
Holly Deak of Brookline
Michelle Morrison of Lowell
Maggie Robinson of Brookline
Barbara Lufkin of Brockton
Amy Hook of Lynn
Tara Jean of Dracut
Lisa Tucker of Norwood

Thanks for stopping by our booth, which looks fabulous, by the way.

Thanks to Balloon Platoon for making our booth look so fantastic.
We are giving our more "wicked good cookies" with our February cover on them next Tuesday at Girls' Night Out --Tush Denim on Green St. in Worcester. Hope you can join us!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Globetrotter Player to Visit the Boston Children's Museum Friday, March 20

Globetrotters Go ‘Green at Night’

Photo Opportunity

Buckets Blakes Visits Boston Children’s Museum to Promote Recycling to Keep the Globe Clean

WHAT: Buckets Blakes of the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters, will pay a visit to Boston Children’s Museum to help promote the Museum’s weekly “Green at Night” program. “Green at Night” gives visitors the chance to build, explore, touch and learn-all in the name of the environment.

Buckets Blakes will recreate the iconic “Magic Circle” and invite children to build basketballs and nets out of recycled materials. The group will learn basketball technique and the importance of recycling all in one session with Buckets Blakes.


WHO: Buckets Blakes of the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters
Visitors from Boston Children’s Museum, Boston’s First Green Museum

WHERE: Boston Children’s Museum

300 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02210

WHEN: Friday, March 20, 2009
5:00-6:00 PM

WHY: The legendary Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their 2009 World Tour to Boston and will take the court on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 1:00 PM and Monday, March 30, 2009 at 7:00 PM. Tickets start at $17.00 and are available at the TD Banknorth Garden box office and www.ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000. Individual ticket information can also be found on the Harlem Globetrotters’ official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com, as well as info on group and scout tickets.


Boston Children's Museum
300 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02210

www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org

Boston Children’s Museum is on Facebook. Become a fan today!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boston-MA/Boston-Childrens-Museum/45950374069?ref=ts

March 27: Celebrate Earth Hour with Goddard Systems

Families: Turn off Your Lights on Saturday, March 28
Goddard Schools are Kicking it Off!

Goddard Systems, Inc., named the number one child care franchise company for the eighth year in a row by Entrepreneur magazine, is proud to announce it has joined World Wildlife Fund’s 2009 Earth Hour. A global call to action on climate change, during Earth Hour on Saturday, March 28th at 8:30 p.m. hundreds of millions of people around the world will turn off their lights for one hour in a vote for action on the climate crisis.

Across 320 Goddard Schools nationwide, more than 40,000 children will help spread the message that by working together, each one of them can make a positive impact in working towards a sustainable future. The Goddard Schools will launch an entire week of activities and lesson plans beginning March 23rd leading up to a big celebration for the Stepping Up for the Environment event on March 27th at 10 a.m., a day before the global event.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Goddard Schools’ teachers and children to get creative in ‘stepping up’ awareness about saving energy and the environment,”says Joseph Schumacher, Chief Operating Officer at Goddard Systems, Inc. “Joining Earth Hour enables our students to get the message out to their families, at their school and in their communities.”

Throughout the week, children and teachers will participate in a variety of fun activities, games and lessons designed to increase their awareness of how energy use and daily activities can affect the future of the planet and how they can conserve energy in their daily lives. To help provide content to schools and children, World Wildlife Fund has created a website, www.EarthHourKids.org which features lesson-plans, games and songs children can download. There is also a section for parents to email their state and federal representatives.

In preparation for Earth Hour, Goddard Schools will integrate the environment into a number of engaging learning activities including art projects, science lessons and even during snack time! Classes will nominate an official “Lightning Bug,” who will be responsible for always turning off the classroom lights when the children exit the room. Students will also create invitations asking parents and neighboring buildings to join them in Earth Hour.

On March 27th, Goddard Schools will celebrate Earth Hour with the Stepping Up for the Environment event. Each Goddard School across the country will create a large banner and students will decorate it with handprints and footprints, leaving their own little “carbon” footprint. Children of the older classrooms will either deliver the banner to the city or town hall to let them know about Earth Hour, or invite a city official to the school to receive the banner. Then, at 10 a.m., schools will turn off any non-essential lighting for one hour.

Participation in Earth Hour supports Goddard Systems, Inc.’s ongoing efforts and commitment to the environment. Recently, Goddard has become involved with Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) which give schools the option of purchasing wind energy credits, offsetting 100% of a schools electricity usage with clean, renewable wind power.



About Goddard Systems, Inc. www.goddardschool.com

Recently named #1 Childcare Franchise in the United States, by Entrepreneur magazine, for the eighth consecutive year (January 2009) and one of the Top 200 Franchise Systems (in worldwide sales), by Franchise Times, for the second consecutive year (October 2008); Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI) is expanding The Goddard School® network throughout the United States. Headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, GSI currently licenses 320+ franchised schools with more than 40,000 students in 37 states. With a successful system in place and dedicated franchisees, GSI is the acknowledged leader in franchised childcare and a premier childcare provider in the United States.



About World Wildlife Fund and Earth Hour

Earth Hour (www.EarthHourUs.org) is a global initiative of WWF in which millions of people around the world will cast a vote in favor of action on climate change by turning off their lights for one hour on March 28, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. local time. By voting with their light switches, Earth Hour participants will send a powerful, visual message to their leaders demanding immediate action on climate change. WWF is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries for nearly half a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, stop the degradation of the environment and combat climate changes. Visit www.worldwildlife.org to learn more. For more information on WWF, please contact Dan Forman at 202-495-4546 / dan.forman@wwfus.org



Note to Editors: B-roll and Earth Hour still images can be found at www.earthhour.org/mediacentre.

Hard Rock Films for and about Women on April 15

April 15, 2009

5:30 PM Reception, 7:00 PM Showtime

Hard Rock Cafe, 22-24 Clinton Street, Boston

Enjoy an evening of award-winning short films in support of a worthy cause! LUNAfest is a program of ten short films by, for and about women that celebrate the unique, touching and inspirational roles of women in our local, national and international communities. 100% of LUNAFest proceeds are donated to The Ellie Fund and the Breast Cancer Fund. For more information about the films, visit www.lunafest.org

Tickets are $25 in advance and include great food and drinks, fun auction and prizes, and GREAT giftbags for everyone. RSVP today at www.elliefund.org/lunafest09.htm as the event will sell out in advance.

781-449-0100

E-mail: lunafest@elliefund.org

www.elliefund.org/lunafest09.htm

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

March 26: Free Berklee College of Music Concert

baystateparent is told that this is a great music event for families with children ages 5 and up.

When: March 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Trinity Church in Copley Square
206 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA

Hosted by FUJITSU TEN and Berklee College of Music, the ECLIPSE Masterclass is open to the public and is free of charge. For more information as well as to secure the best seating, please visit http://www.fujitsu-ten.co.jp/english/eclipsemasterclass/index.html

This year’s event will feature performances by the British contemporary cellist and assistant music director for BBC’s The Manchester Passion, Peter Gregson, who is known for his unique performing technique and who has just completed his debut album this month, from which he will play multiple tracks on an electric cello. Gregson will play interactively with Milton Mermikides, professor at Royal Academy of Music in England, who will be managing live electronics including computer programming and manipulation. Another key component in the performance will be the unique 10-speaker ECLIPSE TD 712z system configured for an omnidirectional response that will be enhanced by Trinity Church’s distinctive acoustics, making for a very special musical event.

Monday, March 16, 2009

iCarly Star at the Sharks




Were any of you in line yesterday at the Worcester Sharks' game at the DCU Center to meet "Sam" from iCarly? What was it like (especially if you were one of those people people waiting in line for 3 hours!)!

The fan pictured here waited in line for just 30 minutes (but arrived at the game 2 1/2 hours early!).

What was it like to meet the star? We learned that she always signs her name with a smiley face and sometimes jots down the following handwritten advice: "Be Fierce."

You have to be fierce to stand in line for 3 hours.

By the way, have you ever been to a Sharks' games? They are very family friendly. Tons of loud, fun music and lots of interaction throughout the WHOLE game including dropping prizes from the ceiling, throwing T-shirts, seeing yourself on Smile Cam, making your own Shark jaws to Shark music and so much more.

baystateparent will be there handing out magazines. See our March issue (calendar section for details).

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

March 17: Boston

FIREFIGHTERS TO SERVE UP MEALS TO MAKE-A-WISH KIDS & SUPPORTERS;

KIDS TO TOSS CHANGE INTO ACTUAL “WISHING” WELL



WHAT: Firefighters from the Boylston station will help serve Kid’s Meals to Make-A-Wish youngsters and their families after which guests will toss their spare change into an actual wishing well. The festivities are being undertaken to launch Daily Grill’s new Kid’s Meal menu. 100% of proceeds from the sale of the Kid’s Menu through April 15 as well as ALL funds generated from the wishing well will be donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts. (Wishing Well will carry the theme, “Change Is Good” with the message that despite challenging economic times, it’s important we to continue to give – even small change can make a difference!)



WHEN: TUESDAY, MARCH 17 (St. Patrick’s Day)

10:30 a.m.-- Make-A-Wish kids and families arrive

10:45 a.m. – Firefighters serve Kid’s Meals to guests

11 a.m. -- Make-A-Wish family shares impact of program

11:15 a.m. – Children toss first coins into actual well followed by firefighters and other adults

WHERE: DAILY GRILL (Prudential Center – across from Colonnade Hotel)

105 Huntington Avenue

Boston



WHO: * Make-A-Wish families

* Make-A-Wish

* 5 Firefighters from Boylston station

* Daily Grill Exec Chef Daniel Greenough

* Event Coordinator Frank Groff



* Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Since 1984, more than 4,000 wishes have been granted for children residing in Massachusetts. In 2009, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts is working to grant the wishes of more than 350 children statewide. For more information, about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts, please visit www.mass.wish.org or call

(617) 367-2669.



* Daily Grills specialize in serving classic American fare at accessible prices in an atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional, upscale New York City grill. The popularity of the concept has resulted in 24 locations in eight states. For more information, visit www.dailygrill.com.

Child Safety Open House: March 14 in Bellingham

Fingerprinting, DARE, K-9 Demonstrations and More

USMMA to Host a Child Safety Open House on March 14th



DATELINE: BELLINGHAM , FRANKLIN , MILFORD AND SUDBURY , MA …



United States Mixed Martial Arts (USMMA) in Bellingham , MA will host a Child Safety Open House on Saturday, March 14th from 12 to 4 p.m. at their studio located at 316 Hartford Avenue .

This event is free and all are welcome to attend.



USMMA’s Child Safety Open House is a child safety and protection event and a number of activities will be held throughout the afternoon:



· The Milford Police Department (the main sponsor of this event) will be on-site to provide parents with FBI quality fingerprints of their children.

· The Franklin Police Department’s DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) officers will be on-site to provide information and talk with parents and kids.

· Sudbury and Bellingham Police Departments’ K-9 Units will give demonstrations.

· USMMA will give Mixed Martial Arts self-defense demonstrations.



To round out the event, the Boys and Girls Scouts will have an information table and there will be face-painting, raffles, prizes and delectable refreshments courtesy of Whole Foods.



“Fingerprinting is the best way for parents to obtain identification information for their children which can be used to turn over to authorities anywhere in the world to aid in the event of a missing child investigation. When there’s an emergency, having that information at your fingertips is essential,” noted Tom Hafers, owner of USMMA.



He continued, “This event is designed to empower families with specific information regarding child safety and protection. We’re committed to helping families and very fortunate to have the Milford , Franklin , Sudbury and Bellingham Police Departments involved in this very special event.”



About USMMA

USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga.



USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham . For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.

Harlem Wizards in Ashland, March 21 2009

The Ashland K-12 PTO will be sponsoring the Harlem Wizards on Saturday, March 21st at 7PM.

The Harlem Wizards, founded in 1962, are one of the greatest basketball show-team organizations to ever "lace it up and let 'em fly!" They will bring their exciting performance to Ashland High School. Tickets for students and seniors are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. All other tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased online at http://www.ashlandpto.com/; all proceeds will benefit the Ashland K-12 PTO.


Kelly Sheridan
VP Communications
Ashland K-12 PTO
508-380-6782

The Grafton Fine Arts & Music Festival: March 27 - 29

Month of event: March

Date of Event March 27-29

Time of event: Fri 7-9PM, Sat 11-6, Sun 12-5
Locations:
The Grafton Municipal Center Gymnasium; in Grafton off of 140 (between High School and Police Station)

The Grafton Fine Arts and Music Festival, a three-day celebration of art and music, features local artists (judged show), local music and dance performances, and workshops for children and adults.

Cost of Event:
Very affordable for families at $3/adult, $2/children 5+, free for children 4 and under and for all participating artists.

Phone number of event: (508) 887-9969

E-mail address of event: fmorrisson@charter.net

Web site for event: www.graftonartsfestival.org

This is one of the most affordable family events around - and a great celebration of the arts!

March 28 & 29 Illusion & Beyond Show in Hudson

The following release has not been edited by baystateparent.

Prepare to Be Amazed!!



Illusion & Beyond - Toby Travis is a multi-talented performer blending the arts of illusion, drama, music, humor, and audience participation to present an evening of mind-boggling and intriguing entertainment.



As a dynamic and compelling speaker, Toby Travis goes beyond just entertainment to provide hope and inspiration. According to the Family Life Journal his show is “A must see event for the entire family.” Check out Toby’s website at: tobytravis.com for more information about Toby and his performances.



SHOW TIMES: March 28th@ 6:30pm and March 29th@5pm

LOCATION: Held at Grace Baptist Auditorium-353 River Rd. Hudson

TICKET PRICE: $7 in advance, $10 at the door, buy 2 get 1 FREE.

MORE INFO & TICKETS: www.gracehudson.org/Amazed or 978-562-8550 ext. 103

March 18: Free Student Concert in Ashland

Performers Welcome!

The Ashland Student Concert Series will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 5 p.m. at the Ashland Public Library, 66 Front Street, Ashland. This program is free and open to the public, and features young performers from the Metrowest Region.

Refreshments will be provided.

Any students interested in performing in this or future concerts should contact Debra Parker at debra.parker6@verizon.net.



Kelly Sheridan
Communications Chair
Friends of the Ashland Public Library
508-380-6782

Win a Free Girl Authority Show for your Town!

GIRL AUTHORITY TO PARTICIPATE IN “DRESS UP 2 CURE”

RETT SYNDROME FUNDRAISER

TEAM TO WIN GIRL AUTHORITY CONCERT AT SCHOOL
Burlington, MA - Boston-based tween queens Girl Authority will participate in “Dress Up 2 Cure,” a national fundraiser for Rett Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder that predominantly affects young girls. The GA girls have been participating in “Dress Up 2 Cure” since 2007.
Girl Power 2 Cure, Inc, a Rett Syndrome non-profit, is overseeing the fundraiser called Dress Up 2 Cure (www.dressup2cure.org) On April Fools Day (April 1), school students dress up in silly costumes and bring in $1 or host a fun event, then submit a video to the site, along with how much money they raised. The school which has the most participants, most money raised, and the most creative ideas and video will win a GA show in their town (funded by Girl Power 2 Cure, Inc.).

Check out Girl Authority’s Dress Up 2 Cure video here: http://www.dressup2cure.org/contest.
Victims of the neurological disorder, Rett Syndrome, are unable to speak, use their hands or move normally. Many suffer from uncontrollable seizures and pain. The event was founded by Ingrid Harding, whose daughter has Rett Syndrome, with a mission of empowering girls to benefit their peers. The goals: to educate/involve them with the special-needs community and provide innovative tools and information to Rett Syndrome families.
Girl Authority is a group of girls (ages 10-15) who 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. The girls will perform fun-infused cover songs that kids and parents will love, as well as all-new original material full of positive messages. Intricate dance choreography and fashion-forward outfits add to the spectacle that is a Girl Authority concert. Come ready to dance and sing along to favorite hits like “Life is a Highway,” “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” and “We are Family.”
Their latest CD Road Trip is a fun collection of original songs and classic covers offering family-friendly musical fare aimed toward and performed by tweens.

###

www.girlauthority.com

Monday, March 9, 2009

Closet Facelift Entries

The baystateparent "WIN A CLOSET FACELIFT WITH A TOP BOSTON STYLIST" is now closed for entries. We will be picking the winner this week.

Alisa Neely, voted Best of Boston 2007: Personal Shopper by Boston Magazine, will be taking an in-depth look into one lucky mom's closet the first week of April. This prize is valued at $375!

The results with photographs as well as anecdotes from some our mom-entries will be featured in our May Mother's Day issue.

Thank you Alisa Neely for partnering with us. Thank you moms for entering. We've got some fabulous moms reading baystateparent. And even if you don't think you are fashionable, you sure are funny and sincere. The hearts of our readers really shined through in your letters and photos.

Stay tuned...

2008 Cover Contest Winner!

baystateparent is proud to announce our 2008 Cover Contest Winner

Evan Taylor, age 4, of Worcester!

Thank you to all of the families who entered this year's contest. We are
thrilled to feature all of the finalists in an upcoming issue (possibly May 2009) with Evan on our cover.

Congratulations Evan and to the Taylor family!

Jazzed!


Paula Monette Ethier, Creative Director
Gareth Charter, Publisher
Carrie Wattu, Editor

baystateparent just returned from a parenting publications conference in New Orleans with regional parenting magazines from all over the United States.
In addition to networking and exchanging ideas and resources, baystateparent competed with other publications in various design and editorial categories for the year 2008 and were judged by professionals from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism. We're proud to announce...

baystateparent Wins 11 National Design and Editorial Awards

from Parenting Publications of America



Winners of the 11 awards for baystateparent were Paula Monette Ethier, creative director; Steven King, voted as New England’s photographer of the year by the New England Press Association, Paula Swift, award-winning photographer; Carrie Wattu, editor



5 EDITORIAL AWARDS

1 BRONZE for cover writing by Carrie Wattu

1 SILVER for Carrie Wattu’s headlines

3 GOLD for Carrie Wattu’s editor’s note, travel story on NYC and profile on Monica Jorge

6 DESIGN AWARDS

3 BRONZE: Paula Ethier and Steven King’s January 2008 cover; Paula Ethier and Steve King’s “Moms Without Limbs,” and Paula Monette Ethier’s Adoption Guide November 2008.

1 SILVER: Back –to-School color layout August 2008 by Paula Ethier

2 GOLD: Paula Ethier and Paula Swifts’s October 2008 Think Pink Cover and Paula Ethier and Steve King’s Coming of Age Fashions, May 2008.



Cover Writing

Bronze: Bay State Parent; Carrie Wattu, editor

The writer of the cover lines uses an effective style that separates this magazine from others – she highlights each topic with a larger typeface and writes the rest of the cover line to make both sizes work together. Great work.

Column: Publisher’s/Editor’s Note

Gold: Bay State Parent; Carrie Wattu, editor

Both of these columns overflow with a strong writer’s voice. The strong phrasing compels readers to stick around from the lede to the end. In one of the columns, the writer takes us straight into the life of a mother who lost all four limbs to a rare infection. Excellent legwork gathering quotes and the details that show readers how the mother’s spirit remains strong, despite her physical condition.



Headlines

Silver: Bay State Parent; Carrie Wattu, editor

Consistently solid headlines with a clear reflection of the story content, including “The Buzz on Energy Drinks” and “Worried about your anxious kid?” Readable headlines draw attention to stories without being a distraction.

Travel Feature

Gold: Bay State Parent; “Plan an unforgettable mother-daughter trip to New York City”; Carrie Wattu, editor

It’s hard to write about a place like New York City and generate new excitement and interest. But this author took on that challenge by creating an engaging and visual personal narrative that included visual details, keen description, and helpful information. Even if you’ve been a hundred times, you’ll want to go again.

Profiles

Gold: Bay State Parent, “Mom Without Limbs/Without Limits”; Carrie Wattu, editor; Steven King, photographer; Paula Ethier, creative director

This is a heartwarming, remarkable story about a woman who literally gave up her arms and legs for her children following C-section complications. Wattu dramatically describes Monica Jorge’s ordeal, as well as the day-to-day challenges she faces as a parent with disabilities. Fascinating subject matter, well-written story.


Front Cover/Newsprint: Original Photo

Bronze: Bay State Parent; “January 2008”; Paula Monette Ethier, Steven King

The boy’s face and the cover design make this entry a winner. His face stands out because of the dark clothing and background. The text is balanced around the edges, on his dark jacket. Colors are subdued, but harmonious.

Gold: Bay State Parent; “October 2008”; Paula Monette Ethier, Paula Swift

The clean, simple photograph will draw attention, and the triangle formed with the hands will keep viewers’ eyes in the photograph. The theme of the issue is clear because of the pink clothing and typography.
Interior Photography (Original)

Bronze: Bay State Parent; “Mom Without Limbs/Without Limits”; Paula Monette Ethier

The large, intimate portraits of the parents with their child sets the tone immediately. This is followed by two smaller, natural moments. This story could be sad, but the images and layout lift the mood and show the joy and love in the family.

Gold: Bay State Parent; “Coming of Age Fashions”; Paula Monette Ethier, Steven King

This is an original story idea with a fresh photographic execution. The illustrations are playful, tasteful and technically well done. They are played well and have ample white space. The use of simple props helps create a fun, youthful mood. Kudos to this team!





Feature Layout/Color

Silver: Bay State Parent; “Brrrrrring… Woke Up, Got out of Bed”; Paula Monette Ethier

This was a fun design done the old-fashioned way – build the props yourself instead of going for clip art and Photoshop. The end result is images you just can’t capture quite as well digitally. A fun rhyme and a comic-panel theme make this an enjoyable design.

Special Section

Bronze: Bay State Parent; “Annual Adoption Guide”; Paula Monette Ethier

This guide has essential information for parents considering adoption and those who have are foster parents or who have adopted children. The information is presented clearly and display type enhances the stories.

Please visit parentingpublications.org for more information.