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).

WEEKEND PICK: Butterfly Festival

This weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, the New England Wild Flower Society’s Garden in the Woods, in Framingham will host a Butterfly Weekend, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with special events from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Experience thousands of wildflowers covered with butterflies. View peak meadow bloom. Make butterfly lifecycle crafts. Take a butterfly walk. Enjoy a butterfly gardening demo. Check out a free Bug Venture Bag from Museum Store (including binoculars, magnifying glass, bug bingo game, and sketch pad) to enhance your visit. BUGMOBILES feature live bugs and craft projects. Build-a-bug Park has everything to build your own Big Bug. Check out the Big Bugs exhibit, featuring 13 dinosaur-sized sculptures. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 seniors and students with ID $6, and children under 3 and members of New England Wild Flower Society are free. For additional information, including directions, visit http://www.newfs.org/

Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Could Win Your Child a $25,000 Scholarship

The makers of Jif peanut butter will be accepting entries for the 7th Annual Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest™ now through November 14, 2008.
Encouraging kids to invent new creative peanut butter sandwich recipes is a great way for parents to foster creativity in their children. At the same time, moms and dads you will be spending quality time with your child and having fun in the kitchen.
Sandwiches will be judged on the following criteria: creativity, taste, appearance, nutritional balance, and ease of preparation.
The grand prize is a $25,000 scholarship fund.
Four runner-ups will each receive a $2,500 scholarship fund.
For complete rules and how to enter visit http://www.jif.com/
Last year’s winner was Samuel Sosa, 11, of Riverside, California.
He created the “Crunchy Chinese Fortune Cookie Sandwich,” made of Jif Creamy Peanut Butter, celery and apple on wheat bread crimped into the shape of a fortune cookie.
The “fortune cookies” are served with a dipping sauce of Jif Creamy Peanut Butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, sesame oil and chili powder.
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Shakespeare in Harvard Square This Weekend

The Harvard Square Business Association Presents Shakespeare in the Square today through Sunday, Aug. 3. Actors from the Shakespeare Project, American Repertory Theatre, and Revels bring exceptional, out of the box, profoundly original Outdoor Elizabethan Theatre to Harvard Square!

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:
American Repertory Theatre Performs Shakespeare Slams!
Shakespeare Slams is a modern-day, plugged-in Shakespearian mash-up featuring 18 performers from the American Repertory Theatre's A.R.T. Institute for Advanced Theatre Training in a multidisciplinary, electric, energetic approach to the Bard's verse. Marrying Shakespeare with a wide range of contemporary music, movement, and culture, Shakespeare Slams seeks to bring the lives of Shakespeare's characters to a diverse 21st century audience.
When: Friday, August 1st 6 pm, Saturday, August 2nd 4:30 pm, Sunday, August 3rd at 7:45 pm.
WHERE: Winthrop Park (corner of JFK and Mount Auburn Street).
PRICE: Free!

Actors' Shakespeare Project Presents Love's Labour's Lost:
Actors' Shakespeare Project will present an encore presentation of their highly successful interpretation of Love's Labour's Lost in conjunction with the Harvard Square Business Associations' Shakespeare in the Square. Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost is a sweet and hilarious dance of courtship. Four young lords swear an oath to give up the company of women for three years and devote themselves to study. Soon after, the Princess of France arrives with her three friends and the four lords are instantly smitten. The women decide to torment the men, and boy, are they easy marks! In ASP's rendition of this classic comedy, six actors play sixteen roles-dancing back and forth between male and female, pursuer and pursued!
WHEN: Friday August 1st at 7:15pm, Saturday 2nd at 7:30pm and Sunday 3rd at 3:00 pm
WHERE: Winthrop Park (corner of JFK and Mount Auburn Street).
PRICE: Free!

REVELS REPRESENTS at SHAKESPEARE IN THE SQUARE
The area immediately around Shakespeare's Globe Theatre was filled with musicians, jugglers, dancers and other disreputable street performers. Revels is proud to represent the earthy side of Shakespeare in the Square, and under the leadership of the disgruntled former Shakespeare employee and Morris dancer, Will Kemp, will provide entertainment for the groundlings. Expect lusty music from Tom Zajac and friends, fine singing from Tapestry with Doug Freundlich, instrumental fireworks from Renaissonics, as well as Morris and Sword dancing and expert heckling of the actors.

Shakespeare in the Square Event Schedule

Friday, 8/1/08
5:00pm - 7:30pm: Commonwealth Morris Men and Orion Sword Dancers perform around Harvard Square.
6:00pm - 6:45pm Shakespeare SLAMS - American Repertory Theatre's A.R.T. Institute.
7:15pm - 9:45pm Loves Labour's Lost - Actor's Shakespeare Project.

Saturday, 8/2/08
2:45pm - 4:15pm Renaissonics Performance.
4:30pm - 5:15pm Shakespeare SLAMS - American Repertory Theatre's A.R.T. Institute
7:30pm - 10:00am Loves Labour's Lost - Actor's Shakespeare Project

Sunday, 8/3/08
1:30pm - 3:30pm Commonwealth Morris Men around Harvard Square
3:00pm - 5:30pm Loves Labour's Lost - Actor's Shakespeare Project
5:00pm - 7:00pm Orion Sword Dancers around Harvard Square
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Tapestry and Tom Zajack Trio performs
7:45pm - 8:30pm Shakespeare SLAMS - American Repertory Theatre's A.R.T. Institute

Shakespeare in the Square Restaurant and Shopping Events from Aug 1-3, please see www.harvardsquare.com for special menus and offers.

About our Distinguished Local Performing Companies:
The AMERICAN REPERTORY THEATRE (A.R.T.), one of the country's most celebrated resident theatres and the winner of numerous awards, including the Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize, was recently named the third best theatre in the country by Time magazine. Over its twenty-eight-year history the A.R.T. has welcomed Major American and international theatre artists whose singular visions generate and define the theatre' s work, presenting a varied repertoire that includes new plays, progressive productions of classical texts, and collaborations between artists from many disciplines. The Company has performed throughout the country, and worldwide in twenty-one cities in sixteen countries on four continents. The A.R.T. recently inaugurated its second stage at Zero Arrow Theatre, also in Harvard Square.

The A.R.T. INSITITUE FOR ADVANCED THEATRE TRAINING was established in 1987 by the A.R.T. as a training ground for the professional American theatre. In 1998, the Institute began an exclusive collaboration with the Moscow Art Theatre (MXAT) School. The union of the two schools has created an historic program that provides unparalleled opportunities for training and growth. Upon graduation, students receive a Certificate of Achievement from the A.R.T. at Harvard University and a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree from the MXAT School. Institute students have toured their productions throughout Europe, performing in Russia, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland.

ACTOR'S SHAKESPEARE PROJECT: The Actors' Shakespeare Project was founded in 2004 by Benjamin Evett and actor-colleagues with the intention of creating a resident acting company in Boston that would produce Shakespeare in intimate, stripped-down productions that celebrate the relationships between actors, audience and text. Since then ASP has produced 13 plays in venues all over Boston and Cambridge to critical acclaim and the company's productions have been honored with three Elliot Norton awards. In 2006, Ed Siegel of the Boston Globe wrote, "This is Shakespeare the way it's supposed to be performed. The troupe plays to the crowd hilariously, speaks Elizabethan verse beautifully, and posits a smart interpretation of the play. Actors' Shakesp eare Project has to be listed as a local treasure." Jeremy McCarter of New York Magazine called ASP's King Lear "A triumph of classical acting" and in spring 2008, The Wall Street Journal's Terry Teachout called ASP "one of America's finest Shakespeare troupes."
For More information: www.actorsshakespeareproject.org or 617-547-1982
*Member, Actors' Equity Association

REVELS: Now, in its 38th year of performances, Revels is a non-profit performing arts company producing Music Theater, recordings and educational materials.
At the heart of each Revels production are the singers, actors, dancers, and storytellers who preserve the arts and traditions of their own cultures. Through its respect for the customs of many cultures, Revels has created its own traditions. Widely known for the annual Christmas Revels, our organization celebrates the cycles of life and the seasons through the arts. Revels' productions of Spring Sing, RiverSing, and SummersDay Revels bring together a community of professional actors, musicians, designers, and directors, along with a volunteer chorus of children and adults. Celebration is at the core of Revels and audience participation is an organic consequence of that impulse.

Costume Party & Book Release Party at Barnes & Noble in Worcester on August 1

Tomorrow, August 1, from 9 p.m. to 12;30, the Barnes & Noble at Lincoln Plaza In Worcester is hosting a release party for Stephenie Meyer's new book Breaking Dawn. The bookstore will be having a costume wedding party. There will be a prize for best costume. Bella and Edward excluded. The event is free. For additional information call 508-853-2236

Travel North & Attend the Curious George Festival on Aug. 8-10 in Waterville Valley, N.H.

Waterville Valley Resort's Curious George Cottage Family Festival will delight kids of all ages from Friday, Aug. 8th through Sunday, Aug. 10th.
The 2nd annual festival hosted by the Margret and H.A. Rey Center will include three full days of activities and events for the whole family.
For visitors interested in an active and nature filled adventure, the festival features a full-day hike, nature discovery walk, the Curious Gourds Garden, and all that the Waterville Resort has to offer including ice skating, boat rental, and chair lift ride up Snow's Mountain.
The festival is also host to many cultural activities whether art, theatre, or culinary.
The Brookside Gallery in the Rey Center will display works by local artists. "Chalk-Talks" combines art and discussion with Nat Scrimshaw, artist-in-residence, as he sketches for a new series of books that will feature Hans and Margret Rey's "lost" Whiteblack the Penguin as he explores the world and learns about different places and their ecologies and people. There are Curious George TV Show and movie viewing opportunities and an opportunity to meet the famous monkey. For a star-studded atmosphere, guests can view the night sky during the "Astronomy with Christa McAuliffe Planetarium" event. Star gazing was one of H.A. Rey's favorite activities.
Festival theatre opportunities include performances of Shakespeare in the Valley's: Taming of the Shrew; Waterville Valley Follies; and Bionic Bard among others.
For a sweet treat guests can enjoy a banana pancake breakfast with Curious George and a dessert reception with Louis Borden author of "The Journey that Saved Curious George." There is also a lobster bake for a taste of New England.
The Margret and H.A Rey Center creates a rich intellectual and creative environment for families visiting Waterville Valley by maintaining the Curious George Cottage. The Curious George Cottage was once home to Margret and H.A Rey, the creators of the world's most beloved monkey, Curious George.
For a full festival schedule, ticket information, and more information visit http://www.blogger.com/www.reycenter.org or call 603-236-3308.

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And, be curious and stay with a special package with two nights lodging, admission to the Character Lunch, Movie Viewing, and Nature Walks, plus a Curious George souvenir. Additional fees charged for some of the other event activities. Prices from just $73 per person, per night (based on quad occupancy).
The Waterville Valley Summer Unlimited package includes all the fun people cherish in New England each summer: boating, mountain biking, tennis, golf, access to the White Mountain Athletic Club, use of the Waterville Valley shuttle, a scenic chair lift ride up Snow's Mountain, and access to the Waterville Valley Recreation's open gym program. In addition, families staying for at least three nights can send their children between the ages of six to 12 to one day of Kids Camp. An all-inclusive price for activities provides guests an opportunity to save at least 50 percent on their family vacation through this package. It is also valid at the many summer activities at the Rey Center's Curious George Cottage, and productions of the North Country Center for the Arts Children's Theatre.
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Between the Lions at Boston Children's Museum Friday, July 25 at 4 p.m.

Between the Lions, the seven-time Emmy Award winning children's television series and 2007 & 2008 recipient of the International Reading Association's Broadcast Media Award will be performing a puppet Show with Cleo and Lionel .
This live show, featuring two members of the Lion family, includes puppet performances, songs, jokes, and audience participation. Join us on KidStage for a special treat.
Tickets are limited and will be available 1-hour prior to the performance.
Between the Lions is best for ages 4-7.
Visit www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org for more information or 617-426-6500

Catch Between the Lions LIVE!

Since 2000, the popular PBS KIDS series Between the Lions has been helping children learn how to read, and this summer, the Lions are hitting the road yet again to engage live audiences in read-alouds and performances and to celebrate the show’s upcoming eighth season on the air.
On Thursday, July 24, mother of the pride, Cleo, and cub Lionel will be joined by executive producer Chris Cerf when they visit several locations in Boston and Burlington on the first leg of the show’s 2008 summer road tour.
The Between the Lions Lions are scheduled to make public appearances, live, on Friday, July 25th at the main branch of the Boston Public Library and at the Boston Children’s Museum. On Saturday, July 26, the Lions perform at the Burlington Mall. Franklin Prk Zoo, and at WGBH's Theatre.
“Cleo and Lionel can’t wait to visit with their fans, says Sirius Thinking executive producer Chris Cerf. The children they meet are so excited about meeting them in person an d reading along with them. And since the regular episodes of the Between the Lions television show are not performed in front of a live audience, it's a special thrill for all of us involved in the series to get out around the country and interact with our viewers."
After a rest from their travels, cast and crew will set out on the second leg of their tour and visit Tulsa, Oklahoma City and San Antonio from September 8-13. In the summer of 2007, kids, their parents, teachers, and caregivers enthusiastically welcomed the crew in Baltimore, Atlanta, Birmingham and New Orleans. The producers plan to continue the grass roots tours over the next two summers, providing opportunities for more children to meet the Lions up close, and to demonstrate directly to their families the value of using BETWEEN THE LIONS as a way to teach reading skills. According to independent studies, kindergarten students who watched BETWEEN THE LIONS improved their reading skills and outperformed students who didn’t watch by four to one.

July 25:

10m.: Boston Public Librarym700 Boylston St

4 p.m. Boston Children's Museum (included with the cost of admission)

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July 26:

10 a.m.: Burlington Mall, 75 Middlesex Turnpike

1 p.m.: WGBH Yawkey Theater (attendees should sign up at http://support.wgbh.org/btlevent)1 Guest Street, Boston, MA 02135

4 p.m.: Franklin Park Zoo (included with the cost of admission) One Franklin Park Road, Dorchester, http://www.franklinparkzoo.org/

About Between the Lions: BTL is produced by WGBH Boston, Sirius Thinking, Ltd., and Mississippi Public Broadcasting. The series is funded in part by The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Education's Ready To Learn grant, and by the Barksdale Reading Institute. National corporate funding is provided by Chick-fil-A, Inc. The BTL team is committed to making quality television available to all children. Each episode is accessible to blind and visually impaired viewers through WGBH Boston's innovative, Emmy Award-winning Descriptive Video Service (DVS). The series is closed captioned by the Caption Center at WGBH for viewers who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

Movies on The Mystic River: Tomorrow Shrek the Third at Dusk

Assembly Square is hosting movies on the Mystic starting this week through Aug. 17.
Come stretch out your summer weekends with Federal Realty and the City of Somerville as it shows FREE family favorites including Shrek the Third, Happy Feet, Antz, Jumanji, and Back to the Future on the big screen at Assembly Square. Mark your calendars now for Sunday evenings starting through August 17th.
Tomorrow night, there will be a special showing of Shrek The Third, tomorrow evening, July 22nd.
Movies will be shown at dusk (approx. 8:30pm). Bring your beach or lounge chairs to the lot adjacent to Assembly Square (behind Assembly Square Marketplace parking lot) to join in the family fun. Food and soft drinks are available for purchase at all movies.
Movie Schedule:
7/22 Shrek The Third (Special Tuesday Night Showing)
7/27 Happy Feet
8/3 Antz
8/10 Jumanji
8/17 Back To The Future

.For more information on the Assembly Square Marketplace,visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001bDh5eA0AAHF60Pb4ETUky59WlS-TIo2LNFf8e3-Kvl44pdf7wlc0CGYwaAQIJRjeatwWQuYuzNCp79FB0BwLCn-qY9u_kP0c5S3AWgnXWEA6ZdcpOsO9VQ==
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Beauty & Beast at Walpole High July 25th & 26th

A tale as old as time -- Beauty & the Beast -- is being brought to life by Walpole Children’s Theatre this weekend. This classic tale is directed by Elizabeth Smith. Shows are at Walpole High on Common Street.

July 25 - two shows -- 10 a.m. and 7 p.m

July 26 - two shows -- 2 and 7 p.m.

Tickets: $11 Premium Seating and $9 General Admission, with $8 Seniors & kids under age 12
For tickets call the WCT Box Office 508-668-9722
For additional information visit http://www.walpolechildrenstheatre.com/

WEEKEND PICK: Life is good Festival on Boston Common Saturday!

From sack races and seed-spitting to an old-fashioned tug-of-war you'll find all the backyard activities you need at the 2008 Life is good festival on Boston Common Saturday. Bay State Parent magazine is one of the media sponsors of the event. Stop by -- we'll be near the sack races -- and say hello!
The FREE festival, which benefits charity, begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.
100% of all funds raised -- including those from 2008 World's Greatest Backyard Athlete Competition -- plus sale of Life is good products and personal donations that day will go to the Life is good Kids Foundation.
There is a lot of entertainment planned, including several musicians. And this outdoor concert is-FREE!

At 11:30 a.m. - Steve Songs performs for an hour

At 1 p.m. see Double Dutch & Hula Hoop demonstrations

At 2 p.m. - Check out Electric Youth

At 3 p.m. - Listen to Melvin Sparks Funk & Groove Trio

At 4:30 p.m. - the World Greatest Athlete Finals take place

At 5 p.m. -- Listen to Robert Randolph Pedal Steel Driven Blues for an hour

The festival, produced in conjunction with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, benefits Project Joy, a Boston-based non-profit organization whose mission is to use the healing power of play to transform children impacted by violence, poverty and loss into healthy and joyful players in the game of life.


Life is good's festival features:

* The Olympic Village: This is the site of the 2008 World’s Greatest Backyard Athlete competition.

* Jaketown: Features games aplenty, including lacrosse, speed pitch, soccer kick, Frisbee toss, basketball, tug-o’-war, volleyball, etc.

* Chillville: Features arts and crafts, face painting, and a kids stage.

* The Joy Zone: Features kids’ games hosted by Project Joy, including a 50-foot multi-colored parachute.

For additional information, visit www.lifeisgood.com
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WEEKEND PICK: Lady Bug Festival Sunday a Garden in the Woods

Last weekend, Garden in the Woods had a grand opening celebration for the return visit of David Rogers' dinosaur-sized bug sculptures into its 45 acres. The sculptures made a visit in 2004.
This weekend, your family can see the sculptures and explore more than 1,500 varieties of native plants as the Framingham garden hosts a Ladybug Weekend.
Join in on a ladybug release in the meadow garden and learn about insects with “warning colors." Make a craft. See the ladybug sculpture by Rogers. Have you children take a photo in front of it. Admission is $8 for adults (non-members) and $4 for children ages 3-18.
For additional information visit, http://www.newfs.org/
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FREE Community Concerts in Massachusetts

Make it a regular date with your family. Pack a picnic supper to enjoy while learning about jazz, blues, folk, classical, and many other musical styles. Not only is it quality, educational family time, it's free!
Bay State Parent magazine (www.baystateparent.com) has rounded up a sampling of the region's sweet serenades. If your community is not listed, please call your local town hall for concert information and then e-mail us at calendar@baystateparent.com



Concerts on the Common. Town Common, 75 Great Rd., Bedford. Thursdays, 7 p.m. Rain location: John Glenn Middle School Auditorium, 99 McMahon St.781-275-6310. www.bedfordrecreation.org.

Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band. Sun., July 13, Riverbend Farm in Uxbridge, 3:30 p.m. Thurs., July 24, Whitinsville Town Common, 6:30 p.m. Rain location: Northbridge Middle School Wed., July 30, Grafton Town Common, 7 p.m. Rain location: Grafton Municipal Building Sat., August 9 at the Sutton Town Common, 7 p.m. Visit www.UniBank.com for schedule updates.

Fort Point Channel Lunchtime Concert Series. Club Passim's Culture for Kids presents a FREE Outdoor Summer Music Series. Fridays, 12 - 1 p.m. on Children's Wharf, Boston: July 18 and August 1, 8, 22, & 29 Plus, free ice cream, compliments of Hood Dairy. For a complete list of performers visit www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org *Please note 7/25 & 8/15 concerts are scheduled for 6 p.m.

Special Live Concerts. Rowes Wharf, Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston. Fri., June 20 - Fri., Aug. 29. Summer Soul Tuesdays, 6 - 10 p.m., features different R & B and soul singers and their bands. Summer Swing Wednesdays, 6 - 10 p.m., features entertainment of various themes, ranging from a tribute to the legendary performers of big band to the sultry swing of jazz. Blues Barge Thursdays, 6 - 10 p.m., is held on a floating stage anchored behind the Boston Harbor Hotel. Hear some of the hottest local and national blues artists. Free. 617-439-7000. www.bhh.com.

Harborwalk Sounds. The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston (ICA) and the Berklee College of Music, waterfront Putnam Investments Plaza at the ICA, Boston. Thursday evenings through Sept. 11, from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Rain Location: Indoors the ICA. Features rising stars in jazz, world, Latin and more. Relax on the harbor with a delicious drink from the Water Café and hot sounds from the coolest music school around. 617-478-3100 or www.icaboston.org.

Summer Concerts at Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park. Franklin Park Coalition, near the Franklin Park Zoo, behind White Stadium, Boston. Free summer concerts every Tuesday at 6 p.m. starting July 8. Opening night features renowned folk singer and Civil Rights activist, Odetta. Beginning July 15 concerts will be Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for children and evenings at 6 p.m. for the whole family. Go to www.franklinparkcoalition.org for a full summer program. 617-282-2881.

Concerts at the Hatch Shell. Charles River, Boston. Sat., July 12: WODS Oldies in Concert, 7 - 9:30 p.m.;Wed., July 16: Landmark Orchestra Concert Series - "Green Masterpieces", 7 p.m.; Wed., July 23: Landmark Orchestra Concert Series -"Gospel & Gershwin", 7 p.m.; Sat., July 26: WODS Oldies in Concert, 7 - 9:30 p.m. Wed., July 30: Landmark Orchestra Concert Series - "The Rite of Spring"; Sun., Aug. 3: Harvard University Band, 7 p.m.; Wed., Aug. 6: Landmark Orchestra Classical Concert Series Opera Highlights, 7 p.m. Free. www.hatchshell.com.

2008 Concert Series. Sundays in Coggshall Park, Fitchburg. 2 - 4 p.m. On the day of a concert, enter the park through the Electric Avenue entrance only. Exit will be via the two Mount Elam Road exits. Rain Dates: July 17 and Sept. 21. www.discoveryfitchburg.com

Concerts on the Common. Framingham. Fridays, July - August, 6:30 p.m. 508 532-5960. www.framinghamma.gov/parks/
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Summer Concert Series. Senior Center Lawn in front of the Bandstand, Main St., Holden. Sundays 6 - 8 p.m. www.townofholden.net

Voices of the Andes Concert. Wood Park, Park St., Hudson. Wed., July 16, 6:30 p.m. Free concert of soothing South American music. Rain location: Hudson Town Hall, 78 Main Street. www.upwitharts.org

Family Night at the Bandstand 2008. The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra Milford Musicians Pavilion. Milford Town Park, corner of Congress & Walnut Streets, Milford. Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 508-478-5924. Rain dates the following Thursday

Art in the Parks. Needham Town Common. Thursdays, 7 p.m. Rain Location: John Eliot Elementary School Performance Center. Please note the change of location for this year, only, due to construction at Memorial Park www.needhamma.gov

Sunday Evening Heritage Festivals. Newton Centre Green, Newton. Sundays at 6:15 p.m. July 6: Rumbafrica - Boston's premier African dance band; July 13: InkasWasi - Combining music from the Andes and American with dancers in colorful Peruvian attire; July 20: Winiker Orchestra - Bill & Bo will trace highlights in American popular music from Ragtime to Hip Hop and all in between!; July 27: Black Sea Salsa - 15- piece band playing an original blend of Armenian music and Afro-Cuban jazz; Aug. 3: Clarence Thompson, Sr. and The New Spirits - Leading light's of Boston's gospel music with influences from the R&B and soul music Also Bob Bachelder's Totem Pole Orchestra will perform at Pellegrini Park in Nonantum on Wed., July 30, at 6:30 p.m. Rain location for July 30 is the adjacent gym. All other concerts cancelled in the event of rain. 617-527-8283; 617-527-8283. www.newtonpride.org.

Sunday Evening Concerts on the Common. Walter J. Dempsey Memorial Bandstand on the Town Common , Corner of Washington & Nahatan Streets, Norwood. Sundays, 7 - 9 p.m. Rain or shine. www.norwoodma.gov

Lakeside Concert Series. Memorial Park Beach Bandstand, Sharon. Wednesday nights, 7 p.m., throughout the summer. July 16- Dale & The Duds Classic Hits; July 23- Sharon. Community Band Selection of Family Favorites; July 30- Kadima Band Popular Jewish Songs; Aug. 6 - Four Guys in Tuxes Swing, Society and Classic Rock. E-mail: mlothrop@townofsharon.net

Southbridge Summer Concert Series for 2008. Free summer concerts at the Rotary (Route 131) in Southbridge on Sunday evenings. Concerts start between 5:30 and 6 p.m, July 6 - August 31. July 13 - Route 66 & Liz; July 20 - Macey & Hart; July 27 - East Woodstock Cornet Band; August 3 - Famingoes. www.southbridgeinfo.com

Sweet Summer Nights Music Series. Sweetwilliam Farm, Upton. Free weekly outdoor concerts Fridays 7 - 8:30 p.m. Features fine local and regional and national performing artists. Fun for the entire family. Spectacular sunsets! Bring a picnic dinner and blanket. 508-529-2000. Visit www.sweetwilliamfarm.biz for schedule.

Concerts on the Canal. River Bend Farm Visitor's Center, 287 Oak St., Uxbridge. Sundays, 3:30-5 p.m. Starts July 13. 508-278-7604.

Concerts on the Common. Sundays, 6 p.m. West Boylston. www.westboylston.com

Concerts at the Clark. 225 South St., Williamstown. Held at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute's expansive south lawn on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in July. Jae's at the Clark will sell barbeque fare and the galleries remain open until 6 p.m. on concert evenings. Rain Location: auditorium. Free. 413-458-2303 or www.clarkart.edu.

Storytime at the Movies in Millbury This Weekend

Families, you are invited to StoryTime this weekend! Kids of all ages are invited to have fun by joining Showcase Cinemas for Kidtoons StoryTime at Blackstone Valley 14: Cinema de Lux located at 70 Worcester Providence Turnpike in Millbury. Monthly, Showcase Cinemas will offer a new popular story the whole family will enjoy. On Saturday, July 12 & Sunday, July 13, at 11.30 a.m, an animated storyteller will encourage children and parents to use their imagination by bringing their favorite characters to life. Plus, kids are invited to participate in creative activities and will get a FREE slice of pizza!
For additional information visit nationalamusements.com
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Celebrate Bastille Day Sunday in Harvard Square

The region's largest Bastille Day celebration, free and open to the public, takes place on Holyoke Street in Harvard Square, Cambridge on Sunday, July 13!
Parents can celebrate with a shady beer garden and exciting food and product vendors all day long and enjoy a traditional waiters race (La Course des Garçon de Café) along Holyoke Street (Grand Prize is 2 Free Round Trip Jet Blue Tickets). Plus, dance under twinkling lights to just what the kids are listening to in the streets of Paris with DJ Kamal from the Boston French Party.
From 3 to 5 p.m., there are specific children's events --- Face Painting, Flag Making, Chalk Art, Kid-friendly Food, Jugglers, Magicians, and Balloon Art.
At 5 p.m. there is a French Children's Parade led by Curious George.
The Traditional French Waiters Race (La Course des Garçon de Café) takes place at 5:15 p.m..
From 5:30 to 8 p.m. there is dinner and dancing performance options. They include:
Afrobrazil - http://www.afrobrazil.org/
Cirkestra - www.myspace.com/cirkestra
From 8 to 9 p.m., families can dance to the sweet Louisiana sounds of the Hot 8 Brass Band - www.myspace.com/hot8brassband
Sandrine's Bistro is the culinary and cultural co-host for this event.
Joining them in the event is Chez Henri, Brasserie Jo, The Elephant Walk, Rialto, and Petit Robert, who will provide traditional French Food outside on Holyoke Street for the evening!
Sponsors of this gala celebration are: the Harvard Square Business Association, Sandrine's Bistro, Maison Marques & Domaine Wines, and Nestle Waters.
In addition, the Katrina Ritaville Express will be displaying a FEMA trailer along Mt. Auburn Street in an effort to educate the public about the continued suffering of the survivors of the 2004 hurricane disasters. For more information, please visit: http://www.findingourfolk.org/ / http://www.krvexpress.org/ / http://www.katrinaaction.org/
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Avoid the Heat and Check Out Thomas The Tank Engine At the Movies This Weekend

Families, avoid the heat and head indoors to Showcase Cinemas this weekend for Kidtoons!
Blackstone Valley 14: Cinema de Lux and Showcase Cinemas in Lowell, Randolph, Revere, & Woburn are offering G-rated movies for kids every Saturday & Sunday morning at 10 a.m. this summer.
The July feature is Thomas the Tank Engine: The Great Discovery. Admission price is only $3.50.
For more information about this event and upcoming movies scheduled visit
www.nationalamusements.com
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Mini Golf Fundraisers To Help Children Who Need Homes

The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange invites the public to play miniature golf this Sunday, July 13 and Monday, July 21 as a way to help children in foster care find permanent homes. Local mini-golf courses are donating 5% - 10% of their proceeds to MARE from designated Mini-Golf for MARE days, scheduled for:

Sunday, July 13 – Bogey Lanes, E. Brookfield
Monday, July 21 – Funway USA, Foxboro

“We hope everyone will brush up their mini-golf skills and visit these great facilities,” said MARE executive director Lisa Funaro. “Over 600 children in Massachusetts foster care right now are waiting to join a permanent, caring family. Thanks to the support of these golf courses, you can make this the summer you help a child find a home.”
The participating miniature golf courses include the following:

Bogey Lanes, “Where the FUN is,” can be found at 199 North Brookfield Rd., East Brookfield, , 15 miles west of Worcester and 35 miles east of Springfield. Bogey Lanes offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including candlepin bowling, 6 pool tables, ice cream bar, and a 17-game arcade, as well as an 18-hole miniature golf course. For more information visit http://www.bogeylanes.com/.

FUNWAY USA, “America’s Playground,” is located on Route 1, just a mile north of Gillette Stadium, at 2 Washington St., Foxboro. Funway features miniature golf, go-karts, batting cages, bumper boats, moon walk, rock wall, obstacle course inflatable, a bungee run inflatable and a bungee trampoline. Visit http://www.funwayusa.net/ for more info.

About the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange: The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) is a private non-profit agency, founded in 1957, to find “a permanent place to call HOME” for harder-to-place children waiting in foster care, including older children ages 6 – 18, children of color of all ages, sibling groups, and children with emotional, physical and intellectual challenges. MARE works in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Social Services (DSS) and private agencies.
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To learn more about Mini-Golf for MARE or about adoption from foster care, call 617-54-ADOPT (617-542-3678), toll-free at 800-882-1176 or visit http://www.mareinc.org/.
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Mike Lowell Joins Bay State Parent in Support of the Life is good Kids Foundation and the World’s Greatest Backyard Athlete Competition

Life is good event is Saturday, July 19 at Boston Common.

World’s Greatest Backyard Athlete to be Crowned at Life is good® Festival July 19 on Boston Common. It may be too late to qualify for the Olympic games in Beijing but there is still time to take the field for a storied athletic competition. The World’s Greatest Backyard Athlete competition will once again be the centerpiece event at the annual Life is good Festival on Saturday, July 19 on Boston Common. More than 100 individuals will compete in this friendly, low-key competition for the coveted title while raising funds for the Life is good Kids Foundation. Proceeds from this year’s festival will be directed by the foundation to Project Joy, a Boston-based non-profit organization whose mission is to use the healing power of play to transform children impacted by violence, poverty and loss into healthy and joyful players in the game of life.The pledge-driven competition, sponsored by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, features men and women putting their skills to the test through a number of old-fashioned backyard games including Frisbee toss, bocce, watermelon seed spitting, and Wiffle Ball Homerun Derby. Competing athletes commit to raise at least $1,000 for the Life is good Kids Foundation. The top fundraiser will win a three night stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Palmas del Mar Resort in Puerto Rico. To sign up for the World’s Greatest Backyard Athlete competition, visit the Life is good® Web site at www.lifeisgood.com/festivals.

“Our Backyard Athlete competition is great fun for the athletes and the crowds that cheer them on, and it’s backed by a serious purpose,” said Bert Jacobs, Chief Executive Optimist for Life is good. “The World’s Greatest Backyard Athlete Competition gives each athlete a day of smiles along with the deep satisfaction of raising major funds for an organization that works to bring joy back into the lives of children in need. Even if you don’t end up with the title, everyone wins in this competition.”

2008 Life is good Festival

The Life is good Festival brings the nostalgia of an old-fashioned American picnic to the heart of Boston. The classic outdoor summer bash will feature great traditional games and activities. The festival will be divided into several “villages”:* The Olympic Village, sponsored by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, will be the site of the 2008 World’s Greatest Backyard Athlete competition.* Jaketown, sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, features familiar games aplenty, including football, lacrosse, speed pitch, soccer kick, Frisbee toss, basketball, tug-o’-war, volleyball, and much more.* Chillville, sponsored by Four Points® by Sheraton and the perfect cool-down spot between physical activities, showcases arts and crafts, face painting, and an entertaining kids stage.* The Joy Zone features cooperative kids’ games hosted by Project Joy, including its amazing multi-colored 50-foot parachute.* Music & Memories: The festival will also feature classic backyard food and great live music from the Main Stage, sponsored by 93.7 MIKE FM, with headliner Robert Randolph..

The Life is good® Festival is produced in partnership with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. Sponsors for the 2008 Life is good® Festival include Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Newland Communities, SAP, Four Points® by Sheraton, Verizon Wireless, Citizens Bank, and UPS.

Media sponsors include 93.7 MIKE FM, Boston.com, The Improper Bostonian, Bostoncentral.com, & Bay State Parent.

About Life is good, Inc.®: Life is good®, based in Boston, MA, spreads good vibes through its colorful collection of apparel and accessories, and the contagious grin of Jake, its optimistic cultural hero. For more information on Life is good®, please visit www.lifeisgood.com

About the Life is good Kids Foundation: The Life is good Kids Foundation supports extraordinary charities that creat a lasting positive impact on children facing unfair challenges, including the trauma of violence and poverty. The Foundation receives its principal financial support from the public via the charitable fundraising festivals conducted by Life is good, Inc. This year eighteen different festivals will be held in fourteen different states nationwide. 100% of funds raised from these festivals is distributed to 501 C (3) non-profit organizations supporting children in need.

Don't Miss The Big Dipper All-You-Can-Eat-Ice-Cream Festival on July 12

The 2008 Big Dipper All You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival takes place at Elm Park (Route 9 and park Avenue) in Worcester from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 12.
Festival faces Russell Street, free parking in the St. Spyridon Cathedral main lot.
Ice cream from many leading national and local vendors, moonwalks, a food tent, face painting, continuous entertainment, clowns, team mascots, gigantic raffle, and other fun activities! Rain or shine.
A & C (12+) $5pp, C under 12 free. 508-753-5425 or e-mail: dhuegel@childrensfriend.org

July 5th: Red Sox Pitcher Bill Monbouquette Joins Baseball Celebration in the Berkshires

Bill Monbouquette, former pitching ace for the Boston Red Sox, has been added to the line-up of an all-star baseball celebration to be held at Norman Rockwell Museum on Saturday, July 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. Mr. Monbouquette is a 20-game winner and multi-year All Star who played for the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees, and the San Francisco Giants. He was inducted into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2000, and will share stories from his baseball career, which included a no-hitter and spanned from 1958 to 1968.
At 1 p.m. meet Master of Ceremonies Carl Beane, the Voice of Fenway Park and the 2008 World Championship Boston Red Sox, who will share stories about the Red Sox past and present. Try a World Series ring on for size, and snap a picture to capture the moment.
At 2 p.m., meet award-winning illustrator Graig Kreindler, whose paintings depict watershed moments in baseball history. A print signing will follow the artist's illustrated talk.
At 3 p.m., hear about life in the Major Leagues from former Red Sox pitcher Bill Monbouquette, or design your own baseball card in an art class for all ages.
Finally, see what baseball looked like in 1886, with a visit from the Pittsfield Elms Vintage Baseball Club at 3:30 p.m. The Elms will toss the ball and discuss the evolution of the game. Other highlights include a reading of "Casey at the Bat," and appearances throughout the day from representatives of the North Adams Steeple Cats and Pittsfield Dukes baseball teams. PJ Moynihan, director and producer of "Eye on the Dream," will also be on hand to screen his documentary celebrating the game of baseball in its purest form.
The afternoon is free with regular Museum admission.

Norman Rockwell Museum is open daily in Stockbridge. General public admission is $15 for adults, $13.50 for seniors, $10 for students, and free for visitors 18 and under (five per adult). Kids Free Every Day is a gift to families from Country Curtains and the Red Lion Inn. The Museum is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May through October; from November through April, weekday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekend/holiday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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