FREE Egg Hunt in March

Here's one of the first Easter events bsp has received. Send in the April happenings to our calendar before Friday, March 5 via our Web site!

March 27, 2010
 FREE Egg Hunt, Fun Day and "One Ton" Food Drive
Chapel of the Cross
160 Flanders Rd
Westborough, MA
01581
11am-1pm
Rain or shine! Over 2000 eggs, free hot dogs, moonwalk, games, crafts & more. Everyone is welcome and all events are free. We are asking everyone who can to bring non-perishable food items to benefit local food banks.

508-870-0001 ext 102 and chapelofthecross.com

Sneak Peek at Fashion Shoot!

Go backstage at the baystateparent Maternity Fashion Shoot for the March Baby Issue!
Baystateparent's new YouTube Channel has your sneak peek!
Click here!

Fashions provided by Isis Maternity and Destination Maternity. Accessories provided by Stil Distinctive and Sara Campbell Ltd.

Be sure to check out the fashion spread in the new March magazine!

baystateparent Budget Coach Winner!!

Last August, baystateparent and The Budget Coach teamed up to award a baystateparent reader with three sessions with The Budget Coach
Merribeth Spicer of Uxbridge was that winner. Read on to hear about her family's financial situation and how she used budgeting counseling to help her.

Carrie Wattu and her family “Team Wattu” first went through a demanding workout with Budget Coach. The exercises were tough but the results were rewarding. They got a workout reviewing their finances, bill paying methods and daily spending habits. Team Wattu did some “serious drills” in analyzing their bills details, what they were paying for and determining their needs. They learned to separate “wants” from “needs”, set up a system for reviewing bills and payments, and making lists for groceries. Team Wattu emerged from the coach's training with a better understanding of their financial goals and with a solid plan for going forward. It was not the easiest trail to take, but it is now a clearly marked path for them.
Merribeth Spicer wrote in her entry letter that she too felt as though she needed direction to reach her financial goals. She noted the many books she read by many “financial gurus,” yet was unable to organize a budget and follow through. Her cry for help to The Budget Coach included losing track of her spending, as well as not knowing how to set up a true emergency fund. Merribeth suffered from an overwhelming array of financial tasks to conquer and was aware of her need to get help.
In winning the Budget Coach Giveaway, Merribeth met with the Coach for the first time in September. The Coach gave her a list of income and expenses that she would need to gather and bring to the first meeting.
In her own words: "I was fortunate enough to win three one-hour sessions with Budget Coach Mary Ellen. The state of my finance affairs was terrible. I didn’t consciously budget my money. I never tracked my finances. I wasn’t even sure when certain bills were due. I didn’t know how I allowed myself to get to that point since I am a working, educated mom. I knew I was in trouble when I realized that the last straw was that I didn’t balance my checkbook and I wasn’t sure how much money I had available for my son’s second birthday."
"Working with Mary Ellen was a pleasure. She immediately made me feel comfortable and validated. I never felt judged- just simply at ease in the comfort of her office. I felt that we did start off from ground zero since my finances were in extreme disarray. Yet her practical suggestions and humor provided me with encouragement and support."
"My first task was extremely daunting- gathering bills and estimating how much is spent and earned each week. Trying to negotiate and communicate with a partner is hard in the best circumstances but that interaction is compounded with the discussion of finances. Yet, I persevered and continued to collect the figures, asking my husband financial questions and trying to complete my budget homework.
The second meeting was filled with more hope. I saw on a spreadsheet exactly where my money goes! That was exciting! Mary Ellen and I discussed what options are available once I do have some extra money.:
"The third meeting was extremely beneficial. My husband and I met together with Mary Ellen! It was so great! I felt that we really on-board this financial roller-coaster together."
Final thoughts: "I am in the process of tracking all expenses each day with a pencil and paper, not just waiting until my bank statements are opened when I get around to it. I am really encouraged to track my expenses to be able to say, 'I can go out to eat tonight. I am under my dining out budget!' I am getting there since I now have in writing that yesterday I spent $2.36 on a toasted raisin bagel!"
Team Spicer is now on their way to the financial freedom they strived to achieve. It will be hard work, more meetings with the Coach but most of that will become good habits over time and they will be better for their efforts. They will have an emergency fund, retirement fund and plan for their son’s future needs and best of all… a balanced checkbook!



The Budget Coach
Mary Ellen Regele, Head Coach
78 Electric St. Worcester 01610
home 508-792-9087 cell 508-353-2952
thebudgetcoach@aol.com

Sat., March 6: Cat in the Hat Breakfast in Lunenburg

It's Dr. Seuss' Birthday!!! Make some plans from all of the events listed in our March calendar or check this one out that just came in:

Cat In The Hat Breakfast - Lunenburg
The 8th Annual Cat In The Hat breakfast will be held on Saturday March 6, 2010, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the United Parish's Andrews Hall, 39 Main Street, Lunenburg, MA. Children 4 and younger $3.00, all others $5.00. Don't miss the fun! Green eggs (yellow too) and ham, pastries, Stillman's milk, juice, coffee, meet the Cat In The Hat and hear a story, make a craft, take a chance in a raffle ($1 per chance or 6 chances for $5) and a $1 potluck table. Sponsored by MA. Family Networks/SLS. For more information contact 978-582-4129.

February Winners

Meet some of our February winners who entered our giveaways:

Angela Haugabrook, Framingham: an adult-sized fitness hoop from Full Motion Family ($100 value)
Sharon Cohen, Ashland, Preserve Products ($50 value)
Deb St. Angelo, Marlboroough, Mt. Wachusett Lift ticket ($54 value)
Shelley Cook, Upton Mt. Wachusett Lift ticket ($54 value)
Nancy Rotatori, North Grafton; Patrick Seemungal, Marlboro; Ruth Kos of North Grafton: Family Four-Packs to the Worcester Sharks ($56 value each pack)

Help Rescue Abused and Neglected Horses

Animal Loving Families of the Bay State:
FYI: baystateparent just received this press release for an event that helps abused and neglected horses.


Bay State Equine Rescue 7th Annual
Wine, Beer, & Liquor Tasting

Sunday March 28, 2010
3-6 PM
Castle Restaurant, 1230 Main Street, Leicester, MA
Enjoy the sounds of the Brian & Hugh Jazz Duo, the Castle's superb hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, and free Godiva chocolate.
Be sure to take part in the ever popular raffle and silent auction.

Tickets: Wine & Beer: pre pay $30/person or 4/$100. ($35/person at the door)
Wine, Beer, & Liquor: pre pay $40/person or 4/$140 ($45 at the door)

Pay by check: BSER, c/o Karin Orsi, 286 Auburn Street, Cherry Valley, MA 01611
Pay with paypal: www.baystaterescue.org
Get tickets at Equine Essentials, 2 Fairlawn Ave, Oxford, MA 508-731-0071

Bay State Equine Rescue (BSER) is an all volunteer, non profit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of abused and neglected horses. The rescue is located in Oakham, MA and was established in 2002.

Worcester's Birthday Party for Children in Homeless Shelters

Birthday Wishes is a non-profit organization that provides birthday
parties to children living in area homeless shelters.

On Saturday, March 27 Birthday Wishes Worcester will be throwing Worcester
County's biggest birthday party at Coral Seafood from 1 - 4 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public and its purpose is two-fold. They
need to increase awareness of their mission within Worcester County to
attract volunteers and donations, and they need to raise money to
continue bringing birthday parties to children living in the eight homeless
shelters they currently serve. The more volunteers, donations and dollars they
can attract, the more birthday parties we can deliver.



The biggest birthday party will offer the public a great fun, family
experience with games, arts and crafts, entertainment and food. There will
be a raffle to raise money, but the entry fee will be free.


If you would like additional information on Birthday Wishes visit www.birthdaywishes.org or
contact Julie Stanwood, regional coordinator at
jstanwood@birthdaywishes.org. or call 774-267-9133

Music School for Young Children in Worcester

Wanted to share this press release from our advertiser, Pakachoag Music School, in case you were looking for music instruction in Worcester. Good luck! bsp

Worcester Area Music School
Expands Programs for Young Children

The specialized Suzuki Method
for teaching young children how to play an instrument
is expanding at Pakachoag Music School starting in February

Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester, one of the original pioneers of early childhood music education in the Worcester area, is pleased to announce that its Suzuki music lesson program, for children aged 3 and up, will expand this winter to include:
• Suzuki Guitar instruction;
• Two new Suzuki violin instructors; and
• Group violin classes, both beginner and intermediate levels.
With very few Suzuki-trained teachers residing and teaching
in the Central Massachusetts area, Pakachoag Music School, is particularly pleased to be able to expand this unique program offering to area families.
The Suzuki Guitar program will be led by Jeremy Milligan (left), a Master’s Degree candidate in Classical Guitar Performance, specializing in Suzuki guitar pedagogy, at the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, CT.
As the Suzuki guitar program develops, group guitar classes, which offer the opportunity to experience the social aspects of music, learn from peers, polish pieces for performance and to review the repertoire, will also be offered. Parents of children as young as four years old may request an assessment session with the teacher to determine child readiness for lessons.
A new intermediate Suzuki Violin class – which also includes a fiddling component – will be taught by Amy Matherly on Saturdays. Amy joined the faculty in October, and also teaches Suzuki violin at the Bancroft School in Worcester.
The Suzuki violin program will further expand to include lessons for children now as young as 3 years. This change is possible with the addition a fourth Suzuki trained violinist to the Pakachoag Faculty: Audrey White (right). Audrey, who completed Suzuki training with Dr. Suzuki in Japan, holds a degree in Viola Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music; and a dual master’s degree in conducting and viola from UMass/Lowell. Audrey, originally from Worcester, is the current conductor of the Worcester Youth Orchestra. She founded the Intensive Community Program of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra in the ‘90’s where she also conducted BYSO’s Preparatory String Orchestra (PSO) and taught on the faculty of NEC’s preparatory division.
Amy and Audrey join Pakachoag teacher Sheila Reid who teaches Suzuki Violin – private lessons and beginning group classes each week during after-school hours.
As explained by the Suzuki Association of the Americas: Suzuki based his approach on the belief that, “Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability that can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited.” Suzuki’s beliefs and the method he developed have now reached thousands of teachers, children and families in many nations.
The important elements of the Suzuki approach to instrumental teaching include the following:
• an early start (aged 3-4 is normal in most countries)
• the importance of listening to music
• learning to play before learning to read
• the involvement of the parent
• a nurturing and positive learning environment
• a high standard of teaching by trained teachers
• the importance of producing a good sound in a balanced and natural way
• core repertoire, used by Suzuki students across the world
• social interaction with other children: Suzuki students from all over the world can communicate through the language of music”

For more information, call School Director Sarah Smongeski at: 508.791.8159, or go to www.pakmusic.org and look for “Suzuki”.

About Pakachoag:
Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester – an independent not-for-profit community school of the arts and member of the National Guild For Community Arts Education -- has achieved a reputation during its 27 year history for providing the very best in music education and enrichment. Not only does the school attract hundreds of families each year from 35 towns in Central Massachusetts including Auburn, the City of Worcester, Rhode Island, and Northern Connecticut, it is also recognized as an on-going resource to the larger community, contributing to the vibrant and rich culture that makes central Massachusetts such a great place to live and work.
The School currently offers over 30 different programs and classes each year, and hosts more than 25 different performance programs (in- and out-of-house). In addition to Music Together classes in Auburn (offered Tuesday through Saturday, and Thursday evenings), these classes for children aged birth through five are also offered at three different satellite locations in W. Boylston, Sterling, and Sturbridge. In 2009, the School was named a key program partner for All Saints Church’s Afternoon Tunes program, a youth-to-youth music instruction program led by volunteers and mentor musicians, providing music instruction to Worcester youth at no cost.

February Theatre Vacation Workshop

February Vacation Theater Workshop is being held at the Performing Arts Center of MetroWest on 140 Pearl Street in Framingham.


The workshop will be held from 9am - 4pm; Tues - Fri

Here's the info: Cold February - Hot Broadway! 4-day musical theater workshop for students in grades 3-9. Students will sing, dance and act in songs and scenes from these hot Broadway shows: Wicked, Mary Poppins, Bye Bye Birdie, Mamma Mia and The Lion King. Show on last day for family and friends. To register, please call PAC at (508) 875-5554 or visit the website at pacmetrowest.org.

508-875-5554

pacmetrowest.org

Wachusett Newcomers Club Welcomes You!

February 28, 2010

FREE New Member Coffee. Wachusett Region Newcomers Club, At the home of Mary Morin, 12 Newell Road, Holden, MA, 2:00 pm

The Club is requesting that you join them for coffee, conversation, and a chance to hear about the Wachusett Region Newcomers Club. Members, Trial Members, and those curious about the club are all welcome. Please RSVP to Susan Warren at 508-829-2626 if you plan to attend or if you need a ride to this event.

FREE 508-829-2626 Susan Warren; New Member Liaison
www.wrnc.org

The Wachusett Region Newcomers Club is a non-profit charitable social club open to all women living in the Greater Wachusett area. They offer Girls' Night Out, BUNCO, Book Club, Family and Children events, couples events, Crafts, and holiday activities. A 3-month trial membership is FREE and annual dues are $25.

Tea for Women and Children at the Four Seasons!

baystateparent's February issue features tea party events this month. We found another nice tea for March at Boston's Four Seasons:

An Afternoon Tea: Starlight’s “Purses & Pearls:” Benefiting Seriously Ill Children. For women and children of all ages. Four Seasons Hotel, located at 200 Boylston St., Boston. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. A fundraising event for families to spend time quality together while making a difference for seriously ill children. Mingle, shop from a selection of premier artisans, and participate in a silent auction featuring autographed celebrity purses from actress Rosario Dawson and New Kids On The Block member Donnie Wahlberg. Children will partake in cupcake decorating and dancing with Mass Motion Dance Academy. A$55, C $25. starlightnewengland.org or 617-241-9911.

Collect for Haiti in February

February 12th & February 26th, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

YPS GIVES BACK

The LUK Crisis Center's Young Parent Support Group on 99 Day Street in Fitcbhurg is collecting items to give to Ginny’s Thrift Shop in Leominster who is sending a 40-foot container to Haiti.

The Young Parent Support group is focusing on children's items such as:

v Only Powdered Formula
v Only Cloth Diapers
v Safety Pins
v Baby Bottles (New)
v Used Bottles with New Nipples
v Baby Wipes (Refills)
v Dry Baby Cereal
v Infant Tylenol
v Infant and Children’s Vitamins
v Baby Care Items such as Lotion, Powder, Baby Shampoo.
v Clothing (good condition/hand-me downs are fine)
v Medical supplies
v Bandages
v Combs / Brushes
v Hygiene Items
o Soap
o Toothbrushes
o Toothpaste
o Blankets
o Towels


Please bring all items to 99-Day Street in the Loft on February 12th, 2010 or February 26th from 9am-3pm. For any questions or concerns, if you need to drop off before the dates of the events, or you need directions please contact Corryanne Ashe 978-829-2420 / 978-360-6193.

February School Vacation 2010

Hi Everyone,
Here is an idea for school vacation week. Visit Boston's Freedom Trail:

BOSTON:
2/14-2/20
Vacation Week Activities
Old South Meeting House, a museum and National Historic Landmark on
Boston's Freedom Trail
310 Washington Street, at the intersection of Milk Street, Boston, MA 02108
10am-4 pm
Self-guided activities for families include:
Which President was the first born outside the original 13 colonies? Which was the first to live in the White House? Learn about these, and other fun firsts of the United States Presidents.

Dinner with the Presidents:
Which of the 44 Presidents of the United States would you like to have dinner with? What would you talk about? What would you eat?

Presidential Word Search:
Search for the US Presidents who have connections to Old South Meeting House and Massachusetts in our Word Search.

Presidential Coloring Pages:
Color in a picture of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln

Cost: $5 Adults, $4 Seniors/Students
Includes Museum Admission
(617) 482-6439 osmh.org

Family Fun in Massachusetts on Saturday, February 6th

Everyone’s a kid at the Zoo!
Don’t miss “Kids’ Price Saturday on February 6th!”
Feel like a kid again when visiting the Zoos! From 10:00 a.m. - noon on the first Saturday of every month, all guests will be charged the children's admission price ($8.00 at Franklin Park Zoo and $7.00 at Stone Zoo). Visit www.zoonewengland.org for more info.

Franklin Park Zoo: Stone Zoo:

One Franklin Park Road 149 Pond Street

Boston, MA 02121 Stoneham, MA 02180


Breakfast Honors Local Heros and Veterans at the Veterans Inc. Retreat Center, Shrewsbury
(Old Calvary Retreat Center) 59 South St. , Shrewsbury

Sponsored by: Shrewsbury Republican Town Committee

Breakfast from 08:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Honoring of Veterans at 10 AM.

Please join in this community breakfast
celebrating those that keep us free.

Also, help to recognize local heros!

Do you know of those that have or currently are serving our country?

Is it your son or daughter? Please send name(s) and a brief bio to

srtc09@yahoo.com or mail to: Shrewsbury RTC, 5 Woodchuck Hill Rd.,

Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Please RSVP if he or she will attending the

Liberty Breakfast on Feb. 6th. For more info call Amanda Riik at 508-791-0956

ext.123, email Amandariik@veteransinc.org. Or Mindy McKenzie-Hebert at 508-

736-7723, email: MindyGOP@gmail.com.

ALL DONATIONS GIVEN WILL SUPPORT VETERANS INC.

Choose a Preschool

baystateparent advertiser, The Goddard School, shares their upcoming Preschool Discovery Day with us. Preschool can be a surprisingly confusing decision, so you may want to check out your options with this opportunity. Good Luck! - bsp

Preschool Discovery Day!

Education and Innovation Expo

A special event designed to help parents make the right choice for their children

Choosing the right preschool is one of the most complicated decisions a parent may make. Boston’s first Preschool Discovery Day! Expo will help clarify what to look for, enable families to experience today’s most creative programs hands on and provide specific take-home tips from experts regarding school readiness.

Register for this FREE and fun event and learn more about innovative, educational preschools in the Boston area. The Expo will answer questions such as:

§ What is the most age appropriate and effective way for preschoolers to learn a second language? Your child can take part in our on-site demonstration.

§ How can your child’s preschool complement your family’s fitness goals? The Expo will feature yoga and dance for little ones – join in!

§ What are the most effective ways to teach manners and socialization to young children? Don’t miss our toddler tea party!

§ What are creative approaches to interest your child in a lifelong love of reading?

§ What steps can you take at home now to prepare your child for school?

MEET DR. KYLE PRUETT,

Clinical Professor of Child Psychiatry at the Yale School of

Medicine, who will be on hand to answer your questions and sign

copies if his new book, Partnership Parenting: How Men and Women Parent Differently - Why It Helps Your Kids and Can Strengthen Your Marriage.

Parents attending the Expo will receive a FREE Goddard Parent Guide DVD, developed by Dr. Pruett. As a practicing child and family psychiatrist for over 25 years, Dr. Pruett brings a candid and scientific approach to a number of parenting issues that may be important to you.

Choosing the right preschool means your child will make friends, discover that learning is fun, and feel safe every day.

Register today! Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

Date:

Saturday, February 20^th

Time:

12:00 pm – 2:00 p.m.

Location:

Doubletree Hotel Boston/Westborough

5400 Computer Drive

Westborough, MA 01581

(508) 366-5511

Sponsored by:

The Goddard School

Win Tickets to Red Sox Vs. Yankees this Saturday!

There is a Bone Marrow Donor Registration and Family Fund-raiser this Saturday!!

Bob Chernisky Jr. has leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. Gather family, neighbors and friends and come out to register, have some fun,
and buy raffle tickets to benefit Bob & his family.

Saturday, February 6

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

12 Crane Street, Southbridge

One of our donors will win two tickets to Red Sox vs. Yankees Opening Day!

A team from Caitlin Raymond International Registry will take donor registrations all day. All it takes is “a form and a swab.”It’s free, painless & just a few minutes!
You may SAVE A LIFE!

Celtics Premium Club Tickets!

Cormier’s Jewelers $250 Gift Certificate

Kids Games & Prizes! Skateboard! Snowboard! Mountain Bike!

Bruins 4-Pack!

One Year Fitness Center Membership!

Southbridge  Hotel Great Valentines Package!

Many Restaurant Certificates & Much More!

Raffles continue at Mill St. Brews event that night (8pm–2am).
Drawings will be held there. You need not be present to win.