Monday, November 30, 2009

Holiday Spectacular at Union Station in Worcester on Sun., December 6th

Visit www.startonthestreet.org for more information

Event Details:
stART at the Station 2009
Sunday December 6 from 12pm – 5pm
Union Station, 2 Washington Square, Worcester, MA
Free Admission, parking available in the Union Station Garage

The organizers of stART on the Street announce their annual holiday spectacular at Union Station in Worcester!

Coming off the wildly successful stART on the Street festival this past September that drew close to 30,000 attendees to Park Avenue, the organizers are excited to host the 3rd Annual stART at the Station event. With over 120 local artists and crafters selling their handmade items, this show proves to be one-stop shopping for everyone’s holiday gift-giving needs!

Because of the successful festival a few months ago the number of applicants for the holiday event jumped by 25%, forcing organizers to seek out additional space in Union Station to host as many artists as possible. Co-director Tina Zlody explains, ”we had so many exceptional artists and crafters apply that we wanted to see how we could expand to accommodate them. We really wanted to stay in Union Station as it is sometimes the only reason all year people visit this building. And we are excited to have Luciano’s restaurant open for food and drinks during our event.”

Co-Director Sarah Brueck adds, “We hope by visiting Union Station for our event, attendees realize what an amazing space it is and how proud we are to be able to utilize it for our event.”

They have teamed with The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission in utilizing their space on the 2nd floor overlooking the Great Hall to host an additional 40 vendors that might have otherwise been turned down for the event. Handicapped accessibility to the 2nd floor will be made possible by elevator.

stART on the Street will be selling their 2009 T-shirts as well as signature lime green shopping bags and other items as fundraisers for the group’s future events, including a new event tentatively scheduled for Spring 2010.

For additional information and participating artist listing, visit www.startonthestreet.org/start-station

Holiday Tea in Shirley, MA Sat., December 5th

Celebrate the season at the Friends of the Library’s annual Holiday Tea on December 5, from 12:30-2p.m. at the Hazen Memorial Library, 3 Keady Way in Shirley.

Relax, sip and nibble at this year’s festive event, as an assortment of tea, dessert and beautiful music from the Trio Cordefiato await you. This flute, clarinet, and guitar trio will offer up sounds of the holiday through classical and festive music.

Also on hand will be Shirley photographer Robin Terhune, who will capture your candid moments throughout the event, with photos available for purchase from her website.

Support your local library through this fun, family event, connect with friends and neighbors and enjoy the season through the sharing of tea and goodies – all the while being serenaded by a talented trio of musicians. A perfect start to your holiday season.

Event is free and open to all ages thanks to the generosity of the Library’s Friends group. Photos available for purchase through the photographer. Festive attire welcomed! The Hazen Memorial Library is located at 3 Keady Way, Shirley. Please call to reserve your seat at 978-425-2620. For more info visit www.shirleylibrary.org.

Recent baystateparent Prize Winners!

KidsBop Christmas CD:
Heather Roberts, Dudley

(Heather won off of our Facebook page!)

Mommies who Shop event tickets:

Renee Earnest
Valerie McSorley
Aislinn Weaver

Leapfrog DVDS:
Kris Clarke, Holden
Julius Guillen, Marlborough
Tiffany Mcnamara, Ayer
Tara Huard, Auburn

Care Bear DVD and Toy:
Melissa Evans, Northbridge

Upcoming and Ongoing Fun Stuff in December!!!

Upcoming
and
Ongoing
Fun Stuff

Good as Gold. The Eric Carle Museum Picture Book Art, Amherst. Dec. 2 – Jan. 6. (Tues. –Fri. 10–4; Sat. 10–5; Sun. 12–5). Celebrate 65 years of Golden Books by constructing a shimmering assemblage of marvelous materials. A $9, C (1-18), under 1, free and family $22.50. 413-658-1110, carlemuseum.org

FREE Winterlights Festival. Shops at Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St., Boston. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31. festive holiday entertainment and activities each weekend! For a full listing of activities, contact 617-236-3100, prudentialcenter.com

Harry Potter: The Exhibition. Museum of Science, Boston. Peer into the wizard’s world in a new exhibit featuring more than 200 authentic props and costumes from the Harry Potter films, all displayed in settings inspired by the film sets -- including the Great Hall, Hagrid’s hut and the Gryffindor™ common room. View iconic film artifacts such as Harry’s glasses, the Marauder’s Map, and Hermione’s Yule Ball gown, and pause to pull a screeching Mandrake from its pot or try your hand at tossing a “Quaffle.”A $6 PP, C (3-11) $23. 617-723-2500, mos.org.

Celebrating the Season: Icons of Saint Nicholas. Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. Through Jan. 9. Did you know Museum of Russian Icons Founder, Mr. Gordon B. Lankton began his collection with a Saint Nicholas icon? Saint Nicholas icons form the foundation of the Museum’s collection which contains a variety of images portraying this beloved patron saint of the poor and oppressed. A$5, C (16 and under), free. 978-598-5000 x17, museumofrussianicons.org

Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature. Concord Museum, Cambridge Turnpike at Lexington Rd., Concord. Dec. 4 - Jan. 3. The Museum is filled with fanciful trees of all shapes and sizes decorated with inspiration from acclaimed children’s storybooks and contemporary picture book favorites. Proceeds from Family Trees, organized by the Museum’s Guild of Volunteers, benefit the Concord Museum’s educational mission. A $15, C $6. 978-369-9763, concordmuseum.org

Art Classes at Rollstone Studios: SunPrints. 633 Main St., Fitchburg. December 5, 12, and 19. 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Sunprints: Artists will create blueprints integrating found objects and negatives created on the computer. Bring some of your favorite family photographs to the workshop to use in creating unique artwork suitable for holiday giving. All artists materials will be supplied, Open to children ages 8-14. $15 Registration required. 978-348-ART1, rollstoneartists.com.

Breakfast With Santa. Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, Mystic, CT. December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19-22. 8 a.m. – Noon. Gather the family for a morning of festive activities, games, a full breakfast buffet by Ocean Blue Catering and visit with Santa inside the aquarium. Professional photographers will be available for photos with Santa at an additional cost. Activities are geared toward children age 10 and under. $12 PP. 860-572-5955 x520, mysticaquarium.org. Also check out Munchkin Morning on Fri. Dec. 4th.

FREE FOR MOMS New Babies/New Moms group. WarmLines, 225 Nevada St., Newton. 1 - 2:30 p.m. First-time mothers are invited to begin the New Year at Warmlines with a free New Babies/New Moms group. Pre-register now and begin a six-week session on Wed., Jan. 6 from 1-2:30p.m. 617-244-4636, warmlines.org

Mechanical Menagerie. Providence Children’s Museum Providence, RI. Through Jan. 31. See a collection of incredible creatures fashioned from recycled electronics and other repurposed junk – including antelopes, birds, bugs, frogs, a jellyfish and more – plus have a chance to concoct some curious critters of your own. $7.50 PP, under 12 months, free. 401- 273-5437, childrenmuseum.org

Best of the Art & Nature Center. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Dec. 19 – Jan. 3. Stop by the Art Studios to play your favorite Art & Nature Center games and try others you may have missed in the past. Discover what these games reveal about nature and the connections between people and the environment. A $15, C 16 and under, free. 978-745-9500, pem.org.

Bright Nights. Forest Park, Springfield. Wed. to Sun., through December 6 and nightly, Dec. 9 through January 2.SaFor the holiday season, over 600,000 lights illuminate a two and a half mile drive-through tour through the magnificent displays including “Seuss Land,” a one-of-a-kind display approved by the estate of Dr. Seuss. $15 per vehicle; Fri. to Sun. and Holidays, $18 per vehicle. brightnights.org.

Children’s Tea with Santa at Gore Place. 52 Gore St., Waltham. Dec. 5, 12, and 19. 10:30 a.m. Children and their accompanying adults will be served a 3-tiered tea featuring a special children’s menu. Children will then participate in a holiday activity and everyone will enjoy a visit from Santa. Seating is communal at tables of 6 to 8 people. Admission for the Children’s Tea with Santa is $30 per person. Reserve early. $30 PP. Reservations required. 781-894-2798, goreplace.org.

FOR MOMS Exhibition: Bound by Fashion. Worcester Art Museum, Worcester. Through Dec. 31. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. What lengths will some people go to be fashionable? This exhibit examines 13 European paintings between the 16th and 20th century that feature the corset and investigates the psychological and physiological effects that it had on women. Thousands of women worked at the Royal Worcester Corset Company between 1861 and 1949, the largest corset manufacturer in the world, and the largest female employer in the country. A $20, C under 17, free. 508- 799-4406, worcesterart.org

FREE Film Showing - Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood. Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Square. Tues., Dec. 8. 6 p.m. A riveting, eye-opening documentary that takes a powerful look at how corporations ruthlessly target children and the surprising impact of that marketing. This is a must-see film for every parent and anyone with children in their lives. 508-755-3645, worcnow@gmail.com, or commercialfreechildhood.org

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Dec. Holiday Events 2009 in Berlin and Lowell

We received these listings after we went to press with our December issue.
Plan your calendars:

Saturday, November 28, 2009

FREE Lowell City of Lights Parade and Holiday Art Stroll

Jackson Street to Lowell City Hall
Lowell, MA
12 - 8 p.m.
On Saturday, November 28 at 4:30 p.m., the parade will once again commence from Jackson Street and end at City Hall, where along with the traditional lighting of the J.F. K. Plaza and the Wannalancit smoke stack Christmas trees will be the illumination of the “Winterfest 2009”countdown clock and debut of new lighting elements. Building on this year’s filming in Lowell of the Paramount Pictures film “The Fighter,” our Parade Grand Marshall will be legendary Lowell fighter, Micky Ward.

The Holiday Art Stroll will expand from 12 noon-4pm this year. Visitors will enjoy music and holiday treats at partnering restaurants and cafes as well as arts & crafts shopping at several Downtown galleries and studios.

978.446.7162 and www.lowell.org



Flute Choir Concert of Holiday Music

Friday, December 4 at 8:00 pm
This special holiday music concert by Harmonie Transverse will take place at Berlin's 1870 Town Hall and is free; however a free will offering will be taken to benefit Berlin's First Parish Church. Harmonie Transverse was formed in 2002 with 12 flutists who had performed with the New England Conservatory’s Metropolitan Flute Orchestra. The group is part of the Artist in Residence program at Wachusett Regional High School and consists of performers, teachers, parents, and artists. Berlin resident Serge Paul-Emile is a member. The ensemble includes piccolo, C Flute, G Alto Flute, and Bass Flute; which gives an excellent range for Flute Choir music.

Christmas in Berlin

Saturday, December 5
Many events will be happening at Berlin's 1870 Town Hall including holiday music by our talented music students, lunch in Barnes Hall, a winter musical show, a gingerbread house contest, Santa and a lively contra dance to end the day.

ENJOY COLORFUL ARTWORK BY BERLIN MEMORIAL SCHOOL STUDENTS NOW ON DISPLAY at Berlin's 1870 Town Hall.

1870TownHall@townofberlin.com.

Easy, Chicken Dinner Idea

You probably have all of these ingredients except the secret ingredient...pepperoni...so good!

Our creative director, Paula Monette Ethier, gave me this recipe. Loved it!


Italian Spinach and Chicken

2 skinless boneless chicken breasts
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. chopped shallots
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 (3.5 oz) pkg. sliced pepperoni
2 (10 oz) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained, or 8 cups
packed fresh spinach leaves
2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil (or use dried)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
2 cups hot cooked white rice
1 tbs olive oil

1. In large skillet, cook chicken, garlic and shallots in 1 tablespoon hot oil over medium heat 5 minutes
or until chicken is no longer pink.

2. Stir in tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni. Simmer, covered 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add spinach and simmer, covered. 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, if desired.

Serve over rice.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

The Yankees Win the World Series: Our Publisher Reflects

So it’s the morning after the Yankees win their first World Series since 2000 and I literally stumble across this column while searching for something else deep in my computer. Ironic? Coincidental? Well, it made me smile and reflect how fast this Dad thing is flying by. To update you, he’s now 14. And he’s seen not one, but two World Series championships for the Red Sox, which seemed incomprehensible at the time I wrote this original column. We actually saw Game 1 of the 2007 Series together and I don’t mind admitting that I got a little choked up around the National Anthem. I put my arm around him and told him it was one of the highlights of my life being there with him. Oh crap… I just got emotional again typing that line, and I’m here at work. Anyway, he’s done it again to me. He plays quarterback on his football team and it’s caused me to completely re-examine how I watch football, and given me a whole new perspective on the challenge of that position. I love football again. And I love being a Dad.

(Here’s the column from our October 2004 issue):



Fathers and sons share many unique experiences.

In the autumn of 2004, like the autumn of 2003, Ryan and I will share “The Red Sox In The Playoffs.” I’m not sure if this is entirely good.

Already once this year he has walked out of our family room shaking his head and muttering, “I don’t know how you do it Dad.” He’s 9.

Last year there was the assigned seats (mom was upstairs), the jerseys, and the ritual rubbing of his head during key moments. He’s sure to go bald early.

He witnessed his father go from beer to scotch to chocolate milk during Game 6 with the Yankees.

During one giddy moment I think we even agreed that his middle name was going to be legally changed to “Varitek” once the Sox clinched the Series. It’s still Duggan.

And that of course is the bitter, bitter, bittersweet taste left by Red Sox fever.

I honestly worry about the scarring on his young heart. Should a third-grader really have to know about death, taxes and the Yankees?

I was asked how he took the Nomar trade, and I felt a chill as I heard myself explain how he “took it like a man.” But he was real practical about it. I think he was bracing for October.

So here we go again. A nine-year-old boy stares down an 86-year-old curse. And you know what? I can’t wait. It’s so much more fun taking the ride with him. We all need the optimism, the passion, and the blind faith of youth at times. My courage is up, thanks to Ryan. And I think he knows it. On his way to a sleepover at John’s house during the Yankees series last week, he said he was sorry he wouldn’t be home to watch it with me. Better yet, John is a Yankee fan! But Ryan grabbed his sleeping bag and wide smile and bounded out the door.

He won’t even consider putting a hand over his eyes these next few weeks. Again I’ll learn from him.

I can’t guarantee he won’t learn any new words from Dad, but, boy are we going to celebrate when they win it!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Disney's Tiffany Thornton: November 14 at the Worcester Sharks


Tiffany Thornton can't wait to meet her Massachusetts' fans!

On Sat. Nov. 14, there will be a celebrity signing and appearance by Tiffany Thornton
from the Disney Channel's "Sonny with a Chance" at the Worcester Sharks Hockey Game!

Visit the Sharks' Web site to find out how you can meet Tiffany in person and get your own photo and autograph with her:

http://www.sharksahl.com/


baystateparent recently chatted with Tiffany about her upcoming visit to Massachusetts. She was down-to-earth, sweet,articulate, and so adorable.


Tiffany Thornton, age 23, of Texas plays 15ish-year-old beauty queen, Tawni Hart, on the hit Disney show, Sonny with a Chance, with singer/actress, Demi Lovato. She tells us that she has already bought her winter coat to come to Massachusetts!



Parents don't always get a chance to watch TV with their kids. What can you tell parents about your character on "Sonny with a Chance?"
The good thing about the show is that Tawni is not a hateful person. She feels threatened by Sonny's character and likes to be the center of attention. As the episodes go, we see more sides of her. In one show that we just taped, we see how she was hurt by her mother. It's nice that the writers are including that side of her more. The wall is coming down more between Sonny and Tawni. Also Tawni doesn't have a filter; she says what she wants to say. That's unlike me.

We are acting. It's an exaggeration of a personality.


You are 23, but you play a young teen on the show:
That's what acting is all about. It's about pretending. Demi turned 17, and she keeps me young.

What do your fans usually want to know about you? A lot of them want me to say hello to Demi. So many little girls come up to me and say 'Check it Out' and 'Big Hit.' I love kids, and I love meet and greets. It makes it more personable. They can tell that Tawni is just a character when they meet me.

Since you have a strong fan-base of tweens, what can you tell them about how teen life is portrayed on the show compared to how teen life really is?
The most important thing is that we are playing on TV. We are taking one trait and expanding it for entertainment purposes. It's a different world. Sonny is about people on a TV show. That is a whole different role. We are playing like kids would be playing house.

Can you comment about how your character values appearance so much on the show? What can you tell a young girl who is watching every move you make on the show and comparing herself to you? We are fortunate to work for Disney. We don't wear things that are revealing, but we are fashion forward, and Tawni wears a lot of colors. We wear more jewelery on the show than in real life because we want it to pop. Self-confidence is what is really important through getting involved in school and church and surrounding yourself with people who make you feel good.


What were your preteen and teen years like?

When I grew up, we didn't have "money." I had a normal run in my teenage years. I was a cheerleader in my high school in Texas. I had a bunch of friends. I was blessed. I was raised by my grandparents for half of my life. Grandparents love to spoil their grandchildren, and I got to live with them in junior high and high school. I was involved with singing in my church. I have a passion for singing. It's important for kids to find that.

What shows did you watch as a teen?
I loved shows like the Food Network because I try to learn new recipes. Also When "Shark Week" comes out, watch out! I also used to watch Friends.

Have you ever visited Massachusetts before? What did you think? I have never been to Boston or Massachusetts. I am really excited to go there. I will be at the Macy's Parade in New York City with Kermit the Frog on Thanksgiving. Then I will be in Boston for the Tree Lighting with Kermit, the day after Thanksgiving. We are singing "I Believe In Santa Claus" in the parade and at the tree lighting in Boston.


Will you have time to sight-see when you come to Massachusetts in a few weeks?
We start the second season of Sunny on Nov. 9th, and then I go on a Red Eye to Boston and do a Meet and Greet at the Sharks. I leave after that and go right back to LA. I am on Red Eyes a lot in November. I won't be sleeping much except on planes.

What are your future plans?
Eventually I hope that Sonny makes a movie...wherever God takes me. I have prayed a lot about my career and where it's going. I am hoping Sonny will go as long as it can. I feel comfortable and safe with this company, with Disney.

Mary Poppins Event: Nov. 27 and 28th

REGENT THEATRE, 7 MEDFORD ST., ARLINGTON, MA. (781) 646-4849 www.regenttheatre.com

Five Shows Only!
Fri Nov 27, 2:00pm; Sat Nov 28, 10:30am, 2:00pm, & 7:00pm; and Sun Nov 29, 2:00pm
General Admission Tickets: $12.50 Adults; $10.00 Children Under 12; $9.00 for groups of 10 or more.

SING-A-LONG MARY POPPINS Exclusive Return Engagement--A Thanksgiving Weekend Regent Tradition!

SING-A-LONG with on-screen lyrics!
PLAY-A-LONG with your supercalifragilistic bag of props.
MARCH-A-LONG in the onstage costume parade in your Mary Poppins inspired costume.

Sing-A-Long Mary Poppins invites audiences of all ages to step in time with Mary, Bert and the gang. For this special engagement, a restored 35mm print of the classic 1964 film has been customized with on-screen lyrics so that audiences can join in the fun by singing along. A movie host will introduce the film and lead the crowd through audience participation activities and demonstrate the use of the complimentary bag of interactive props. To complete the Sing-A-Long Mary Poppins experience, audience members are encouraged to dress as their favorite Mary Poppins character – or in a costume inspired by the movie. The Movie Host will invite everyone in costume to march on stage in the costume parade.

In addition, audiences are encouraged to sing along with some of the best-known and most beloved songs in motion picture history.Adapted from PL Travers' 1934 novel, Mary Poppins premiered in August 1964. "Practically perfect in every way," it earned 13 Academy Award nominations and became Disney's biggest box office success to date. Julie Andrews made Mary Poppins her film debut and nabbed the Oscar, beating out Audrey Hepburn for Best Actress. After 45 years, Mary Poppins continues to pull lasting magic from its cinematic carpet bag of tricks, while reminding new generations how a simple gift of kindness costs merely tuppence.

Sing-A-Long Mary Poppins allows audiences to celebrate the golden age of movies by enjoying this Oscar®-winning film in the fashion in which it was meant to be seen – a grand theatrical setting, fully restored, with a state of the art sound system.

"One of the best evenings of my life." - Marlene Speiler, San Francisco Chronicle

Sent by Leland Stein: 617-694-6612 (Film Stills Available Upon Request)


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