Ski Swap on Sat., Dec. 11th in Westborough!

December 11, 2010

43rd Annual Ski Swap
Westborough Explorer Post 85

Hastings Elementary School
111 East Main Street
Westborough MA 01581
 Sales 9am-1pm Saturday 12/11.  Drop Off ONLY 7pm-9pm Friday 12/10Brand name new and used ski equipment at bargain prices - both alpine & cross country.  Used winter equipment will include snowboards, hockey & figure skates, ski clothing.  All sales are final.  Drop off equipment ONLY on Friday 12/10 7pm-9pm.  Sales/shopping on Saturday 12/11 9am-1pm. 

A portion of the sales to benefit Explorer Post 85. 

If you click on this Web site, there's a link and you can find out how the entire swap works.  

  explorerpost85.com

Holiday Market and Open Studio in Worcester Friday, December 10

Friday, Dec. 10 1-9pm: Holiday Market and Open Studio at SAORI Worcester Freestyle Weaving Studio,  18 Winslow Street, Worcester. 
Sale prices on one-of-a-kind hand-woven scarves, accessories, bags, decorations, and more. 
Visitors will also have the opportunity to weave their own unique SAORI bookmarks ($3), mini-tapestries ($6), table runners ($12), or scarves ($15) including instruction and materials (no experience necessary).
Refreshments will be served.
 Contact: 508-757-4646 or mihoko@saoriworcester.com

Coupons in our December Issue!

Have you picked up a copy of our December issue yet? Coupons in this month's issue include: 

Oshkosh

Lakeshore Learning

Volo Farm (Westford)

Stellabella Toys

Mini Athletes (Norwood)

Metrowest Yoga

Maximum Image (Woburn)

Eric Carle Museum

Wild Child (Arlington)

The Gymnastic Place (Uxbridge) 

Cutie Patutie's (Leominster)

 Hope you save big! 

Holiday Events for the Week of December 1, 2 & 3

New Football Safety Law in Masschusetts 2010

The New Law

(This piece is a companion to a December 2010 article on the sports concussion crisis)

By Mary Greendale

As a result of media attention and Congressional Hearings around brain safety research, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a law that went into effect in August 2010 that imposes new safety standards on school football programs. Any school that is subject to the MIAA Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association is regulated by this law. The state Department of Public Health is planning for public comment on the regulations to take place mid-winter and with final regulations to be out by early spring. In the meantime, they have provided the guidance below.

The following must participate in an athletic head injury safety training program:

Coaches

Athletic trainers

Parent volunteers for any extracurricular athletic activity

Physicians employed by the school or who volunteer for any extracurricular athletic activity

School nurses or nurses who volunteer for any extracurricular athletic activity

Athletic Directors

School marching band directors

Parents or legal guardians of children who participate in any extracurricular athletic activity.

The training is available Online in two courses, which are free. The courses cover the signs and symptoms of concussions, appropriate responses, clearing a player before return to play and prevention of head injuries. A certificate is provided upon course completion. (The first Online course is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/online_training.html).

The other comes from the National Federation of State High School Associations. You do not need to be a member but do need to register to take the course by clicking “Order Here.” (nfhslearn.com/electiveDetail.aspx?courseID=15000).

The law also requires that athletes and their parents inform their coaches about prior head injuries at the beginning of the season.

If a student athlete becomes unconscious or suffers a known or suspected concussion during a game or practice, the law mandates removing the student from play or practice, and requires written certification from a licensed medical professional for “return to play.”

The law also prohibits coaches, trainers and others from encouraging or permitting a student athlete to use sports equipment as a weapon or to engage in sports techniques that unreasonably endanger the health and safety of him/herself or other players, such as helmet to helmet hits.

Pop Warner is requiring the training and has started using a more technically advanced helmet.

Mary Greendale is a Holliston-based freelance writer.

October 29 and 30th 2010 Halloween Fun in Massachusetts

So much Halloween fun going on this weekend! In addition to the events
in our regular calendar
http://www.baystateparent.com/current/Calendar_%2528and%2529_Events, 
here is some more FUN this Friday and Saturday:  

Friday, October 29, 2010
FREE Radio Disney’s Frightfully Fun Halloween Event.  Dedham Health and
 Athletic Complex,
200 Providence Hwy,  Dedham. 5 - 8 p.m. Radio Disney is hosting an evening of
 family fun to
celebrate everyone’s favorite “wicked” holiday. There will be plenty of festive tunes,
 games for
all ages and tons of prizes. The Radio Disney team will be dressed in their finest Disney
Halloween gear,
so be sure to have children wear their own costumes too! In addition to music and games,
 children and adults
can decorate their own mini pumpkins, follow the trick or treat trail, have their faces
painted in Halloween fashion and much more. The Radio Disney Extreme Halloween
event is open to all DHAC members and non-members. 781-472-7928, RSVP by calling
Christina Campanaro. dedhamhealth.com.

Saturday, October 30, 2010
Toe Jam Halloween Spooktacular!
Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St.
Brookline, MA 02446
www.coolidge.org/kids
617-734-2501, ext. 0
617-306-5024
tickets are $9.75 for adults/$7.75 children.  Advance tickets available
online.

Saturday, October 30
 Hogwarts at HMNH
 Harvard Museum of Natural History
 26 Oxford St
Cambridge 
 2:00 pm- 5:00 pm
 Join the museum for “Hogwarts at the HMNH,” our Halloween kick-off to
this month-long Harry Potter celebration! Don your Harry Potter gear, come
 as a
favorite character or creature from the Harry Potter books, or dress up as your
 animal
patronus and come to the museum to “bone up” for your Hogwarts exams. 
Visit the Magical
Creatures station to see and touch fascinating bones, skin and claws that have been the
inspiration
for mythological animals. Stop by the cauldron at the Potter’s Potions table to learn
about the plant
and animal “ingredients” in Hogwarts potions and assemble a potion of your own.
Explore Wizardly Wands to examine specimens of the trees that inspired wands from
your favorite characters, including the sinister “Elder Wand.” Finally, don’t miss Life’s
Secrets
where you can uncover scientific secrets about the animals, plants, and minerals sought
 out in the
quest for eternal life.
A$9.00, Sr.$7.00 C$6.00
617-495-3045,  hmnh.harvard.edu

Saturday, October 30

FREE Costumes! Visit the Lowell Memorial Auditorium for a costume give-away

From10am-2pm, children are invited to come and pick out a FREE costume to wear on Halloween -

and any other day they feel like it!

Anyone interested in at helping out either by donating costumes, hosting their own collection,

volunteering at our give-away event, or anyone interested in learning more about our costume give away event, should visit our website at www.fromthepumpkinpatch.org or call 781.697.8732.

Who:

From the Pumpkin Patch: Merritt Friedman & Adam Pearson

Phone: 781.697.8732

Email: merritt@fromthepumpkinpatch.org

Website: www.fromthepumpkinpatch.org

Saturday, October 30

The Brookline Music School presents The Second Annual Winsor Music Halloween Concert, featuring Brookline Music School voice faculty, Megan Henderson on piano, Winsor Music Artistic Director, Peggy Pearson on oboe and Dalit Warshaw on theremin, playing classical pieces arranged for piano and theremin. The theremin, an early electronic musical instrument, has often been associated with an eerie sound, which has led to its use in movie soundtracks, as well as rock and avant-garde, 20th- and 21st-century concert music. Audience members will have the chance to participate in the Halloween Concert through playing the theremin and singing a Halloween tune or two. The Bakalar Recital Hall will be adorned in Halloween spectacle, as well as the players. Come in costume and join the party!

Brookline Music School will hold a Halloween Story Contest for ages 14 years and under. Winners of the Halloween Story Contest will have their story read and accompanied by theremin and piano at the Halloween Concert. Stories and poems can be any length. All entries are due by Monday, October 25. Entries can be sent to Megan Henderson at halfnotes@msn.com or to Brookline Music School.

The Second Annual Winsor Music Halloween Concert will take place in Brookline Music School’s Bakalar Recital Hall, 25 Kennard Road, Brookline, MA 02445 on Saturday, October 30, 2010 from 7:00-8:00pm. The concert is free and all ages are welcome. For more information about this event visit www.bmsmusic.org or call Brookline Music School at (617) 277-4593.

Saturday, October 30

Halloween Carnival at the Harvard Coop, Cambridge. 1 – 3 p.m.
Pumpkin Games & Decorating
Help create a giant Halloween Mural
Face painting
Make your own goody bag
Pumpkin Hunt
Plenty of Treats….No Tricks
Remember every one in costume will be given a special treat!
*Ages 8 and under
Event will be on Palmer Street weather permitting
Rain Location: Lower Level Book Building

Be a Part of baystateparent!

There are several ways your family can get more involved in baystateparent:

1. bsp is now featuring reader photos every month. If you'd like to email family photos to editor@baystateparent, we will consider them for publication. We will group them into a theme each month. For December, we are looking for holiday-themed photos. For the new year, we'd like photos of kids who dressed themselves.
You may have a great photo that will inspire a theme for the magazine, so please do send along!
Don't forget to include your contact information and the names and ages of children in the photo.
The more information the better!

2. On My Plate. Every month, baystateparent features a parent essay written by a local mom or dad (and you don't have to be a published writer). It's your chance to express a viewpoint or share an experience that will inspire, educate or entertain other parents. Do you have something you'd like to say? Send your submission to editor@baystateparent.com to be considered. You will have an audience of 100,000 Massachusetts parents and can make a difference!

3. Internships for Moms! baystateparent has openings for an intern or interns. While a college-aged intern would be ideal (do you know a talented prospect?), we are open to a parent. This is an excellent chance to shape an award-winning magazine with real writing, brainstorming, proofing and editing opportunities.
We offer a hands-0n, authentic experience where you will be a valued part of our creative team.
The atmosphere is fast-paced and fun. We need creative thinkers with excellent communication, writing and grammar skills. It's a great resume booster as you will get experience in the publishing industry (which is highly competitive).
Interested? Send a detailed email to editor@baystateparent.com and we can arrange a time for you to come to our Millbury office.
**Ideally, we would like someone who could be in our Millbury office at least once per week (two to three times a week would be ideal). Mothers' hours are fine! There is also work that can be done at home.

More Halloween Happenings 2010

baystateparent's sister publication, Worcester Mag, did a great job rounding up some fun Halloween Happenings for parents (and some cool ones for older kids too). Animal Adventures in Bolton is having a haunted house where kids witness alligator and snake feedings (cool). Plus, there are costume contests for your dog, haunted graveyards and more.

http://www.worcestermag.com/night-and-day/not-fit-for-print/Halloween-Celebrations-104865894.html

Have you been out GHOSTING yet?

baystateparent sales rep, Emily Rettig, told us that last night, as she was making dinner and settling the kids in for the evening, the doorbell rang. When she opened it, she found a package on her doorstep filled with trinkets and treats with the following note:

You've Been Ghosted!

Last last night, we left you a treat The tradition is fun, one we hope you'll repeat.
Take the ghost and pit it on your door, to let others kn ow you need ghosting no more.
Now it's your duty to pass on the surprise to two more families, we must advise.
Gather some treats and deliver them soon, within two nights, under the light of the moon.
Include a ghost with each package you give, along with this poem for the tradition to live.

Have you tried this? It's so much fun!! When it gets dark, pile the kids in the car and visit the houses of neighbors and friends. Leave a package on their doorstep with the note (above) and a cut-out paper ghost. The most fun is ringing the doorbell and jumping in the car and leaving before the family answers.

Emily's family loved the surprise so much that today they are visiting the Dollar Store to pick up some fun items to carry on the tradition.

Happy Halloween!!!

FREE Stuff: Books, CDs, DVDs for Kids and Parents

Hi everyone,
If you'd like one of the following items, please email your mailing address to
editor@baystateparent.com, and I'll mail it out to you next week.
Best,
Carrie

Hannah Montana Forever CD by Walt Disney Records

The Autism Mom's Survival Guide (for dads, too!) by Susan Senator

Meet the Teacher: How to Help your Child Navigate Elementary School
A Common Sense Guide for Parents By Betty Borowski and Laura Mayne

Raising an American Girl: Parenting Advice for the Real World by American Girl

Phineas and Ferb Holiday Favorites CD

Disney Imagination Movers CD

Leap Frog: Math Adventure to the Moon...all-new math skills DVD ages 3 - 6

Suzy Becker this Wednesday, Oct. 13, in Lexington

Suzy Becker was one of baystateparent's original featured moms in our award-winning "Moms Rock" column. She's written her latest book, a hands-on book for kids about changing the world and has planned an inspirational night for children ages 6 to 10 this Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010 in Lexington.

If your child can make it, it looks like it will be a memorable evening with a funny and delightful successful author.

Wednesday, October 13th

Meet New York Times Bestselling Author/Illustrator SUZY BECKER
Lexington Arts and Crafts Society
Lexington Arts and Crafts Society 130 Waltham Street, Lexington, MA
5:30 - 7:30pm 
An inspirational evening for budding authors illustrators and activists
Ages 6 - 10 Take home a signed copy of: KIDS MAKE IT BETTER:
A Write-In, Draw-in Journal and a Certificate of Participation
$15 per child Adults Free

Participants will have a chance to solve a real world problem and
Suzy will illustrate their ideas. Afterwards,
kids will hear from youth activists who made a
difference in their local area and then set out to change
the world! Using the journal, kids can create their own solutions
to problems they care about and learn how to make their ideas grow.
Grown-up & Kid refreshments will be served. 


781 862 9696
 http://LACSma.org 

Fun for Sat., Oct. 16 and Sun., Oct. 17th

We've listed some ideas for weekend fun in our regular calendar of events:
http://www.baystateparent.com/current/Calendar_%2528and%2529_Events

Plus, we've added some bonus ideas for the upcoming weekend below.
Have fun families!
baystateparent

Sat. Oct. 16: Chelmsford Mother's Club Kids Consignment Sale. www.chelmsfordmothersclub.org
Sat., Oct. 16: The Boston Conservatory Opera presents FREE children’s performances of Little Red’s Most Unusual Day, an operatic version of the classic story Little Red Riding Hood. The opera, based on an adaptation by John Davies with music by Offenbach and Rossini, will be performed Saturday, Oct. 16 at noon and 2 p.m. at The Boston Conservatory’s Seully Hall, 8 The Fenway, 4^th floor, Boston. Admission is FREE and reservations are not required. For more information call (617) 912-9240.

The 45-minute show is geared toward children in grades K–6. Kirsten Z. Cairns, director of opera studies at The Boston Conservatory, directs. Libor Dudas will play piano. All stage performers are students pursuing professional training at The Boston Conservatory. www.bostonconservatory.edu.

Sat., Oct. 16: Autumn Celestial Highlights.  Mass Audubon Ipswich
River Wildlife Sanctuary,  87 Perkins
Row, Topsfield. 7:30-9 pm  Gary Meehan
will present a power point presentation that
highlights celestial events
that occur in autumn.Afterward, we'll step
outside and view the night sky through club members' telescopes.
A$9, Members $7  8. C$7,
Members $6.  978-887-9264, massaudubon.org/ipswichriver.

Sat., Oct. 16 and Sun., Oct. 17: The Boston Book Festival is going on this weekend with lots of events for kids and adults.

http://www.baystateparent.com/current/Calendar_%2528and%2529_Events

Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St.

Church of the Covenant, 67 Newbury St.

Cloud Place, 647 Boylston St.

John Hancock Hall at the Back Bay Events Center, 180 Berkeley St.

Old South Church, 645 Boylston St.

Trinity Church, 206 Clarendon St.

and outdoors in Copley Square

Sat. Oct. 16 and Sun., Oct. 17: FREE Faneuil Hall Marketplace’s
“3rd Annual Fall Fun Fest."  
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
(South Market Promenade
and the West End Promenade
at Faneuil Hall
Marketplace, Boston).
Open to the public. (617) 523-1300 or 

www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com

Sat. Oct. 16 and Sun., Oct. 17: FREE Natick Open Studios. With over
60 artists welcoming
guests to their studios from noon to  5 p.m. on October 16th and 17th,
this year’s
Natick Artists Open Studios
Weekend will be one of the largest ever. New elements
this year include  a public art installation and a
combined open studios/foliage
tour of  South Natick. Admission and parking is
free during the Natick Artists
Open Studios Weekend. A Natick Open Studios Weekend
event brochure, with
participating artists/locations, is available at
www.natickopenstudios.org.
Printed brochures are also available at locations throughout
Natick
Center –
located at the crossroads of routes 135 and 27. Attendees may
call event
sponsor Five Crows Gallery & Handcrafted Gifts at
508-653-2526 for more
information.

Sun., Oct. 17: Vendor & Craft Fair. Sunrise Montessori School,
31 Hayward St., Franklin. 2 - 4 p.m.Looking for a special gift
or planning to get a head start on holiday shopping? Check out
the vendor & craft fair on Sunday, October 17th from 2pm to 4pm
at the Sunrise Montessori School, 31 Hayward St., Franklin. Some
of the vendors and crafts this year include skin care, toys, tupperware
and jewelry. Everyone is invited and babysitting is free while you shop.
If you would like to join this event as a vendor, please contact Parent
Representative, Monica Baker at monicalbaker@gmail.com.
For directions please see the school's website at www.MySunriseMontessori.com
or call 508-541-8010.

Events for the Long Weekend!

It's a long weekend for many of us. Yippee!!

Here are some ideas of what's going on in the Bay State including the Topsfield Fair and Roger Williams Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular: http://www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org/

There are actually a lot of FREE things going on. Hope you find something fun to do that works for your family.

baystateparent :)


FRIDAY 8


FREE Fun for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum. The Discovery Museums, Acton. 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Hands-on fun during this special free evening for families with children on the autism spectrum, supported by Autism Alliance of MetroWest. Please contact Amy Spencer at aspencer@discoverymuseums.org or 978-264-4200 x 28 for more information or to register for the event. discoverymuseums.org.




FREE 5th Annual HONK! Festival. Davis Square, Somerville and Harvard Square, Cambridge. Oct. 8 – 10. Bask in the glow of this unusual phenomenon, a festival of activist street bands! 617-383-4665, Honkfest.org.



FREE Story Time. Barnes & Noble, 98 Middlesex Turnpike
Burlington. 6:30 p.m.781-276-3871, bn.com.

Fall/Winter Consign My Closet Sale. Boxboro Holiday Inn. Oct. 8 – 10. consignmycloset.com.

FREE Jungle Jam. Indian Hill Music School, 36 King St. Littleton. 6:30 p.m. A free event for families. Come join us for music, dancing and stories dressed as your favorite animal! www.indianhillmusic.org

Visit Puerto Rico: Around the World. Children's Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave.,
North Easton. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Each month, jet off to a new country and explore the music, crafts and games of the land. You many even meet a special guest who will serve as your tour guide. This month we'll "visit" Puerto Rico.Take home a souvenir that you have made and be sure to get your passport stamped for each trip you take. Kids can earn “frequent flyer miles” and receive special Museum money that can be used on our duty-free gift shop. $6pp.
508-230-3789, childrensmuseumineaston.org

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (film). Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport. 7 p.m. The 1971 film adaptation of the Roald Dahl novel "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" starring Gene Wilder. Rated G-suitable for general audiences. This event is part of the city-wide Roald Dahl Festival.
A$8, C$6. 978-462-7336, firehouse.org

Topsfield Fair. topsfieldfair.org.


SATURDAY 9

FREE Harvest Festival. Many Hands Sustainability Center, 411 Sheldon Rd., Barre. Noon – 4 p.m. Rain or shine. Games include apple bobbing, pin the tail on the pig and feather on the chicken, egg toss, sack races, treasure hunts, find the egg in the hay, gymnastics, a rotten tomato fight and the wasp's nest piñata. Also enjoy a country goods and services auction. Bring a potluck lunch dish to share and your own utensils. 978-355-2853, mhof.net.

Giant Columbus Day Weekend Flea Market!

Saturday, October 9
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sponsored by the nonprofits: Harvard Schools Trust and League of Women Voters of Harvard

Please take a drive to beautiful, foliage-filled Harvard, MA, and join the several thousand bargain hunters who come to peruse over 170 booths filled with treasures including antiques, vintage jewelry, collectibles, memorabilia, furniture, glass, pottery, household items, sports equipment, toys, clothing, farmers market items, refreshments and more. Admission: a $3 donation per person; a $1 donation per child ages 6 – 12 and ages 65 plus; and a $5 donation for early birds (before 9AM). Free parking and restroom available. The event coincides with "pies on the common" for the 53^rd year at the Congregational Church Apple Festival.

Address: The Bromfield School Grounds, 14 Massachusetts Ave (Rte. 111), Harvard, MA 01451.

For info: www.harvardfleamarket.com

North American Sea Glass Festival. 35 Scudder Ave., Hyannis. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sea glass collectors from around the globe will gather in Hyannis for their annual festival, featuring over 50 sea glass artisans, lectures, and contests including the $1,000 Shard of the Year contest. A$5, C (12 and under) FREE. seaglassassociation.org.Also Oct. 10, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

FREE Family Game Night and Potluck.  First Unitarian Universalist Church of Milford
  23 Pine St., Milford. 6 - 9 p.m. Play family games like charades,
party games like Apples to Apples, kid's games like Candyland,
 along with card and board games before having a potluck dinner.
 508-473-3589,  www.milforduu.org.

Paradise City Arts Festival. 3 Country Fairgrounds,Route 9 and Old Ferry Road, Northampton. Sat. & S un., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Meet 275 of the nation's very best craftsmen and artists showing their newest work. Dine on sensational cuisine by Northampton's best chefs under the Festival Dining Tent. Catch the excitement of live performances by nationally and regionally acclaimed musicians. Bid in a silent art auction to benefit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and don't miss the exhibits and activities surrounding the theme of this show - 'crEATe: food as artistic inspiration.’ A$12, Sr. $10, St., $8, C (under 12) FREE. 800-511-9725, paradisecityarts.com.



FREE Get Goosebumps Tour. Northshore Mall, JC Penney Court, Rts 128 and 114, Peabody. 12 - 4 p.m. Enjoy a complete Goosebumps experience – starring in and sharing their own custom “Get Goosebumps” video, playing the “Goosebumps Horrorland” Wii game, taking pictures as a Goosebumps Horror, entering for a chance to win a Goosebumps Prize Pack and more. 978-531-3441, simon.com.

Puppet Play. Providence Children's Museum, 100 South St.,
Providence, RI. 1 – 3 p.m. Oct. 9 – 11. Families explore "I Live in a Small Town", the playful new finger puppet exhibit in the atrium walkway, and design and craft their own puppets from an array of recycled materials. $8.50pp.
401-273-5437, childrenmuseum.org.

Edible Art! Weekend Festival. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Celebrate art inspired by food…and food inspired by art! Delicious design, edible harmonies, traditional recipes and more await you during this exciting weekend festival. Marvel at chocolate architecture created by local chef and Food Network star Jorg Amsler, experience the story of Hansel and Gretel as performed by Tanglewood Marionettes, try your hand at our food art drop-in activities or take a walk to discover wild edible plants with botanist Russ Cohen. Free with museum admission. pem.org. Also Oct. 10.
Topsfield Fair. topsfieldfair.org.


Cranberry Harvest Celebration. A.D. Makepeace Company and the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association, 158 Tihonet Rd., Wareham. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cranberry bog tours, helicopter rides, pony rides, cooking demonstrations, juried crafters and artisans, musical performances, games for children and much more. A $__ C (6 and under) FREE. 508-322-4000, cranberryharvest.org


Columbus Day Weekend Game at Gore Place. Gore Place, 52 Gore Street, Waltham. Sat & Sun, 12 to 3 p.m. (must start by 2 p.m.); Mon., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (must start by 3p.m.) Follow the clues, explore 45 acres, unscramble a secret phrase and get a prize from the Gore Place farm. All participants will be automatically entered into a drawing for Grand Prize of a Family Membership to Gore Place. Benefits of membership include free admission to the mansion, the Sheepshearing Festival, Preschool Story Times and the Take a Walk program. $5 per group. Appropriate for all ages. Starts at the mansion.
781-894-2798, goreplace.org.



Yarmouth Seaside Festival. Oct. 9 – 11. yarmouthseasidefestival.com.

SUNDAY 10

North American Sea Glass Festival. 35 Scudder Ave., Hyannis. See Oct. 9 listing for details.

A Farmer's Morning. The Natick Community Organic Farm, 117 Eliot St.,
Natick. 9 - 10:30 a.m. Take care of the animals, feed and water them. Collect fresh eggs for breakfast, and then head inside for a hearty farm breakfast.
A$16, C $12 (additional child $6), FREE under 3. 508-655-2204, natickfarm.org


Harvest Festival. Newburyport. newburyportchamber.org. Also Oct. 11.




Paradise City Arts Festival. Northampton. See Oct. 9 listing for details.

Edible Art! Weekend Festival. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. See Oct. 9 listing for details.
Topsfield Fair. topsfieldfair.org.

Columbus Day Weekend Game at Gore Place. Gore Place, Waltham. See Oct. 9 listing for details.

MONDAY 11

FREE Bravo Flamenco! Celebrate! at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. JFK Library, Columbia Point
Boston. 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Get ready for Flamenco, a stylish and percussive dance from Spain, presented by the world-renowned Ramon de los Reyes Spanish Dance Theatre. See colorful costumes, hear Spanish folk songs, and watch fancy Flamenco feet. Come learn a song and dance right out of your seat!
Admission fees may apply but performance is free. To make a reservation, please call 617-514-1644 or email JFKcelebrate@nara.gov and leave your name, number of people attending and your contact information. 617-514-1644, jfklibrary.org


Columbus Day Open Gym. Gymnastic Academy of Boston. 12 Keefe Rd., Acton. 12-1:15 p.m. Open to the public, with moonwalks, trampolines and more. C$12; $30 family.
978-369-9034, gymnasticacademyofboston.com.

FREE Museum of Fine Arts Open House. Boston. 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Live performances, poetry readings, family art making, gallery taks and tours. mfa.org.

FREE 9th Annual Opening Our Doors. The Fenway Alliance, various locations, Boston. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Features 15 music events, 12 explorations, 6 art events, 4 dance performances plus theater, film and hands-on workshops. 617-437-7544, fenwayculture.org.

 FREE [SENSE]ation Day! The Fuller Craft Museum, 455 Oak St., Brockton.  12-4 PM Free Community Day, featuring interactive family fun,
complete with hands-on activities and artist demonstrations.
 Free parking and admission. 
508-588-6000 x12,  fullercraftmuseum.org  

Holyoke Merry-Go-Round. 221 Appleton St., Holyoke. Noon – 4 p.m. $1 pp. 413-538-9838, holyokemerrygoround.org. Readers note: The Holyoke Children's Museum is adjacent to the merry-go-round.

Family Day: Wally’s 13th Birthday! Berkshire Museum, 39 South St.,
Pittsfield. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The landmark stegosaurus is 13 years old! Celebrate Wally’s birthday by creating colorful Wally mobiles in an art-making workshop from 1 – 3 p.m. Sing Happy Birthday to Wally at 2 p.m., and then enjoy birthday cake and punch. Crafts and refreshments while supplies last. Free with museum admission: 413- 443-7171, berkshiremuseum.org.

Topsfield Fair. topsfieldfair.org.

Touch a Truck. Arsenal Mall, Watertown. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Get an up-close look at a variety of safety and construction trucks!
617-923-9944, simon.com.

New Balance Sale and Think Pink Event

N- Need some new sneaks or workout clothes? This looks like a great event (Oct. 21st) that gives you a 20% discount while supporting breast cancer awareness. Consider stopping in:

When: October 21. 6pm-9pm

- Where: NB Dedham Legacy Place

- Give Back: 10% of all sales during event will be given back to the local Susan G Komen affiliate.

- 20% off all product during the event.

- We will be honoring Tough Warrior Princesses and our local Honorary Team NB members.

- Catering and DJ will be onsite

- Hourly Drawings and Sweepstakes

- Local Celebrities and Speak

Breastfeeding Day this Saturday!

Saturday, October 2
11:00 am EXACTLY
Sponsored by the Quintessence Foundation

Join Mothers & Company in West Boylston to celebrate breastfeeding in a fun "competition" where every child "wins" because they are breastfed.

This fun event is a challenge for which geographic area (province, state or territory) has the most breastfeeding babies/toddlers, as a percentage of the birthrate, "latched on" at 11am local time. In 2009, there were 4,766 babies at 246 sites in 21 countries! Mothers & Company is proud to be the first site registered in Massachusetts. Let's make a good showing and latch on and be counted (and encourage more sites in Mass next year)!

Why: to celebrate breastfeeding and milk-banking, and demonstrate promotion, protection and support for breastfeeding women and their families. It's a chance for education and peer support done in a fun social way. Tell your friends!

"Latch on": 11am local time at Mothers & Company. Come and be counted! We'll have door prizes, too!

RSVP today...it's FREE!

To RSVP (please do!):

http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=9024&stype=-8&sView=day&sTrn=100000018&sDate=10/2/2010

TREAT Day on Sat., Sept. 25th in Needham

I have been thinking about frosting since I checked out Needham's new cupcake bar, Treat (pictured here is their seasonal candy apple cupcake but they have lots of frostings available if you opt make your own cupcake).

Too bad I checked it out online as I have been obsessing over a tall glass of milk and a cupcake with gobs of frosting.

At Treat, you choose your own cupcake and frosting, and it's served on a cute tray. Plus, they mix whatever toppings you choose into the frosting, and it's served on the side so you can frost your own. You eat in their adorable storefront.

Treat is having a FREE day this Saturday where you can try a cupcake by paying what you wish. They've also got lots of fun planned. Read on for the details.....Carrie


TREAT CUPCAKE BAR HOSTS A DAY OF FESTIVITIES TO LAUNCH ‘TREAT OTHERS WELL’ CHARITY PROGRAM

Custom Cupcake Boutique Introduces Monthly Initiative to Support Local Non-Profits with Fun-Filled Day of ‘Pay What You Wish’ Pricing, Raffles & Entertainment

WHAT: Treat Cupcake Bar will host a day of fun to celebrate their grand opening and the official launch of their unique monthly charity program, ‘Treat Others Well.’

In addition to kid-friendly entertainment, refreshments and raffles, families are encouraged to ‘pay what you wish’ for cupcakes during the event with 100% of all proceeds directly benefitting local causes through ‘Treat Others Well.’

Festivities will include:

· Cupcake temporary tattoo artists

· Balloon artists

· Complimentary refreshments

· Grand Prize Raffle: One family will win the opportunity to create a signature cupcake flavor to be named after them for one week and sold in-store, as well as a free dozen cupcakes!

About ‘Treat Others Well’: Each month Treat will choose one worthy charity from a selection of customer nominations and design a specialty cause-related cupcake to be sold in-store for that month. Fifty percent (50%) of the proceeds from the sales of the cupcake will be donated to the designated charity. Treat will also host in-store events each month to educate local youth groups about the charities and incorporate their ideas into the cupcake design. For more information or to nominate a charity, visit: http://www.treatcupcakebar.com/treat-others-well.html.

WHERE: Treat Cupcake Bar

1450 Highland Avenue

Needham, MA

WHEN: Saturday, September 25^th, 2010, 12pm – 4pm

ABOUT: Treat Cupcake Bar (www.treatcupcakebar.com) represents the next generation of cupcakeries with its signature make-your-own cupcake bar. Introducing customers to the interactive new option of creating personalized confections, Treat offers a tempting spread of mix-ins to create custom-blend frostings to design unique flavor profiles. The shop also offers a rotating selection of classic, seasonal and specialty flavors, as well as dietary options including vegan and gluten-free cupcakes.

Win Reebok Pink Ribbon Zig Pulse Sneakers!

We are so excited to give away two pairs of Reebok's latest sneaker: Zig Pulse. Thanks Reebok for supporting baystateparent in our upcoming October Think Pink issue. Enter to win by clicking "giveaways" on our home page, baystateparent.com.

Family Fun Sept. 18 & 19 Massachusetts

Hi Families,
Just some reminders about all the fun events going on this weekend in the Bay State.
Highlights are listed below but also check out: http://www.baystateparent.com/current/Calendar_%2528and%2529_Events.

Have fun!
Carrie
editor

Saturday, September 18
Animal Adventures Habitat Fundraiser Yard Sale. 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Super deals on Animal Supplies - Tanks (10 gal to 100 gal!) - Unusual Reptile Enclosures and more ! Yard Sale Bake Sale Discount coupons Bonus Live Animal Shows at 12:00 & 2:00 featuring Naomi the Kangaroo and other Australian animals! All proceeds to benefit our new kangaroo habitat! Animal Adventures 336 Sugar Rd., Bolton, MA phone: 978-779-8988 email: info@AnimalAdventures.net

KidsFest. (This is also Sun., Sept. 19th) Mt. Wachusett, Princeton. American Idol, Ayla Brown will be there as well as WXLO's talent contest. Lots of free samples, kids' activities, entertainment. Take a sky ride to see the views on the chair lift for an additional fee. Check out admission fees and more: http://www.wachusett.com/

Sunday, September 19

Family SculptureFest. Decordova Museum, Lincoln. 10 a.m. - 5 p .m. Enjoy this campus-wide celebration of contemporary sculpture as it takes over all spaces at deCordova–indoors and out. Participate in Sculpture Park tours, scavenger hunts, art-making, art sale, performances, and community-related activities. Check out admission costs and more details: http://www.decordova.org/

FREE StART on the Street. Park Ave., Worcester. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 250+ artists and crafts, live entertainment, food, youth activities. A great place to find unique gifts!! http://startonthestreet.com/ Rain Date: Sept. 26.