Smell the Flowers in Winter! Feb. 5 - 8

FYI: Might be fun for a date or night out with the girls!
Here's a press release from Tower Hill Botanical Gardens and the Worcester Art Musuem.

7th ANNUAL FLORA IN WINTER, AN ART AND FLORAL EXTRAVAGANZA
Thursday, February 5th through Sunday, February 8th
at
Tower Hill Botanic Garden
AND
The Worcester Art Museum

BOYLSTON and WORCESTER, Mass.-In the clutch of winter, two Central Massachusetts cultural institutions collaborate on an exhibition of fresh floral arrangements and artistic masterworks that conjure the sights and scents of a warmer climate.

Flora in Winter, on view Thursday through Sunday, February 5-8,features fresh floral arrangements interpreting works of art at the Worcester Art Museum (55 Salisbury St, Worcester) and "Romantic Celebrations of the World" at Tower Hill Botanic Garden (11 French Drive, Boylston). Garden club members and floral designers from throughout Central New England have volunteered to create the arrangements. Visitors can admire gorgeous arrangements in the Worcester Art Museum's galleries and in the Education & Visitors Center at Tower Hill, as well as floral displays sponsored by area florists to adorn public spaces. Guided tours at each location will be offered several times daily. Special events celebrating Flora in Winter will be held at each institution throughout the period.

At Tower Hill Botanic Garden, celebrate "Romantic Celebrations of the World" as the inspiration for arrangements displayed in Tower Hill's Main Entry, Alice Milton Gallery and Fern Gallery, adjacent to the lush subtropical blooms and greenery in the Orangerie. Enjoy stunning floral interpretations of international destinations and events renowned for their romantic connections. Flora in Winter will be a celebration of life through art, music, and the creative expression of love through the artistry of flowers. Romance may be interpreted as an intense feeling for a person, place, or time, in literature or music, from anywhere around the world. Talented floral designers will reach the heights of artistic expression in this one-of-a-kind show.

Tower Hill enhances the mood and atmosphere of Flora in Winter with a Candlelight Concert featuring the heart-warming music of Stephen Sondheim at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 6, with performers from the Boston Conservatory of Music. Tickets are $30 nonmembers and $25 for members of either Tower Hill or the Worcester Art Museum. Twigs Café will provide complimentary hors d'oeuvre. Call Tower Hill at 508.869.6111 ext. 135 for reservations.

Opening Hours for Flora in Winter:
Tower Hill Botanic Garden:
10am-5pm daily, reopening at 6:30 p.m. on Friday evening for the Sondheim Concert

Worcester Art Museum:
Thursday, February 5: 11am-5pm, The Museum reopens from 5:30-8pm for Flora Euphoria
Friday, February 6: 11am-8pm
Saturday, February 7: 10am-8pm*
Sunday, February 8: 11am-5pm
*There will be no free admission at the Worcester Art Museum Saturday morning, February 7, except for Worcester Art Museum Members. Free Saturday mornings from 10am-noon will resume following Flora in Winter.

Regular admission fees apply at each institution. Admission is free to members of that institution. For others, Worcester Art Museum admission is $10 adults, $8 senior citizens and full-time students with ID, and free for youth 17 and under. Tower Hill admission is $10 adults, $7 seniors ages 65 and older, $5 for youth ages 6-18. Admission is free for children under 6.

Public tours will also be held at Tower Hill at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and on Saturday & Sunday, at 1 and 3 p.m. each day. Tours are included with the price of admission.

For private tours for groups of 10 or more, please call for more information: Worcester Art Museum 508.799.4406 ext. 3130; Tower Hill Botanic Garden 508.869.6111 ext. 125.

Bonus Calendar Events for Sat., Jan. 31st

The following family fun events are not listed in our January print issue but are available to you on our blog as a bonus! Keep in mind: All listings are posted as they were sent to baystateparent. They are not edited. Please contact each event directly before attending and to confirm details.

Have fun!

Saturday, January 31st – Winter Volunteer Day in Franklin Park – 10 a.m. – Noon. This is a great time of year to clear invasive plants that are smothering young native trees in Franklin Park’s forest. Dress warmly (layers is best, you will warm up), shiny, nylon coats can get caught on branches, heavy cotton, fleece, or wool won’t be damaged. We’ll have old leather palm work gloves and clippers, but bring some if you have them at home. There’ll be hot chocolate and good cheer in abundance, all ages and abilities welcome. Meet at Valley Gates Parking Lot midway along the main Franklin Park Road. For more info and directions: www.franklinparkcoalition.org or 617-442-4141.

Sat., Jan. 31: Tropical Forest. Franklin Park Zoo, One Franklin Park Rd., Boston. 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Escape the winter chill and bring your little ones down to the always-balmy Tropical Forest for family entertainment provided by our professionalchildren’s entertainer during our Saturday Sing-a-Longs! Wildly popular children’s entertainer, Su Eaton, will perform every Saturday in January and March. These events will be held in the Hippo Theater at Franklin Park Zoo and are free with general Zoo admission. Saturday Sing-a-Longs will be held January 31 and March 7, 14, 21 and 28. 617-541-5466 or franklinparkzoo.org


Sat., Jan. 31: Copicut Woods, Indian Town Rd., Fall River. 9 - 11 a.m. While a few animals do head south or hibernate away the winter months, most remian in New England and are active all year. Join the Trustees of Reservations along with Bill Sampson, senior keeper at the Buttinwood Park Zoo, to learn the art of tracking animals in winter. Free. 508-679-2115x11, email bioreserve@ttor.org, or visit www.thetrustees.org


Sat., Jan. 31: A “Curious George” Party. South Shore Natural Science Center, Norwell. 10 - 11:30 a.m. Ages 3+. Celebrate the many adventures of Curious George – without getting into too much mischief. After stories, crafts and games we’ll enjoy a snack and just “monkey around”! Pre-registration and payment requested. $10 Member per parent/child pair with a maximum of $20 per family$13 Non- member per parent/ child pair with a maximum of $26 per family. The Center also has ongoing Drop- In Programs (Free with paid admission) such as: Feed the Animals: Saturdays and Monday Holidays at 10 a.m.; Meet an Animal: Saturdays and Monday Holidays at 2 p.m.; Tales from the Wild: Every Friday 10:30 -11 a.m.; and Join the naturalist for nature stories and tales. Please call to register.781-659-2559 x 203 or email jazanow@ssnsc.org


Good Deeds at NEADS in Princeton

While this isn't a family fun event, NEADS in Princeton is a great place to bring kids who love dogs!

Sat., Jan. 31: The Worcester County NEADS Lions has teamed up with the American Red Cross to sponsor a Blood Drive on Saturday, January 31, 2009. It will take place at the NEADS offices at 305 Redemption Rock Trail South (Rt. 140), Princeton, MA, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will be open to the public. The Lion’s Sightmobile will also be available for visiting at the NEADS facility. All blood donors will receive a FREE Pound of Dunkin Donuts Coffee! Anyone age 17 or older, who is in good health, who weighs 110 pounds or more, and who has not given blood in the last 56 days is eligible to donate. Please be prepared to show photo identification to a Red Cross volunteer.For more information about this event -- or to make an appointment for any Red Cross blood drive -- please call 1-800 GIVE LIFE (800-448-3543). Walk-in donors are also welcome.

Rashes from Carter's "Tag-less" Labels

CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772


CPSC and Carter's Advise Parents of Rashes Associated with Heat Transferred, or "Tag-less," Labels

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Carter's, Inc., of Atlanta, Georgia, are advising parents and caregivers that they have received reports that a small percentage of babies and infants have developed rashes on the upper back after wearing Carter's clothing with heat-transferred, or "tag-less," labels.

This advisory applies to Carter's Fall 2007 product line. The Fall 2007 line utilizes a label on the inside back of the garment that has a raised surface with a solid, rather than a stenciled, background. This advisory does not apply to previous and current product lines, which utilize labels with stenciled backgrounds.

The garments, which were made in various countries, were sold at Carter's own retail stores and at department and national chain stores.

If your child develops a rash on the upper back after wearing garments that have a "tag-less" label with a solid background, you should stop using these garments. If the rash persists or worsens, you should contact your pediatrician. For additional information, visit Carter's website at http://www.carters.com/corporate/tagless_message.aspx, contact Carter's toll free at 1-888-282-4674 or by email at contactus@carters.com

2009 Cover Contest Winners!

Our 2009 Cover Contest Winners will be announced in our upcoming February issue. Be sure to pick up a copy next week to see the finalists.
Thank you to everyone who entered, and enjoy your beautiful kids!
Best,
Carrie Wattu
editor@baystateparent.com

Meet John Owen and His Family

Tony & Jen Dumm sent me this letter from North Royalton , Ohio. Initially, I read it because I was curious to see if they were Massachusetts' parents. I read on because they had that gift where you feel as if you know the family.

I fell in love with the Dumms. I so could relate when Jen talked about lying down in bed with the kids at night. And I could relate when she talked about the innocence of her son and the terror that she feels (not because I have a special needs child but because I can only imagine what she goes through).

Their Web site is just as special. They are real, and I get it. I think you will too.

While we don't usually do stories on families outside of Massachusetts, I just had to share this with you.
Check out their Web site. They have the gift!

On being John Owen’s Mom
by Jen Dumm


Ok so my day is most likely like yours – actually, our days start the night before, right? Pack lunches, set the coffee, lay out the kids cloths, double check the homework – then go through the whole AM thing to getting the kids in bed by 8 or 9 pm . I call it crazy mom nuts. But a good crazy mom nuts, ya know?

We have three boys, Rutger (7), John Owen (5) (Owen) and Wade (2), 2 dogs and a very busy life. Usually, when I hear one of the boys ask, as I pass by their room well after bedtime, “Mom, sleep with me please.” Internally, I sigh and think of laundry or dishes – but occasionally, I remember that all that can wait. So tonight it is Owen or J, O, John, J bug, Owen, John Owen, buttercup, many pet names any time of day, he prefers Owen. He is 5. Looking at Owen you see the innocence in his face, the same look you’ve seen in your kids. The look back at you as they run to play, the tears of disappointment, the laughter at a funny joke, the joy of a new puppy, you see that innocence so easily in his face. As I stare at that tonight I cannot believe his little muscles, since birth, have been wasting away inside him. You see, Owen has the most fatal genetic disorder out there, Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

Laying there looking at our son, I cannot grasp what his future holds. Today, he is a typical 5 year old; you would see him on the playground with his friends and think nothing of his tad sluggish gate. You would never know that statistics have him wheelchair bound in 5 to 7 years. Everyday tasks for him will be a thing of the past, brushing his teeth, holding a telephone, eating, heck even breathing. Things that he can do now without a thought will be stripped away from him before most of us got our first job!

Owen’s body does not make dystrophin; in short his muscles will not continue to function without it. It is a progressive disease that will slow every muscle in his body to a halt. Laying here looking at his innocent face, he has no clue what challenges are ahead for him. Lucky for Owen, there are many amazing people in the world working hard to find a cure; Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (www.parentprojectmd.org), The MDA (www.mda.org), Charley’s Fund (www.charleysfund.com) and more. Lucky for us we have Owen and we have the power of hope and faith.

Shortly after his diagnosis at age 4, we began John Owen’s Adventure, Inc. Our non-profit raises awareness of DMD and other childhood illnesses. We live John Owen’s Adventure every day with him; one click of your mouse to www.joainc.org will let you experience his journey! You will see that familiar look of innocence and we will hope that, together, Owen will not lose his before his time.

How much does a baby in Massachusetts really cost?

Parents,
Freelancer, Donna Roberson, is working on an article for baystateparent on the cost of having a child in the first year for our March baby issue.

We are so interested in what you have to say about the costs of baby from everything to feeding, diapers, and daycare to clothing, furniture, and the extras.

- How expensive was it? Was it more than you really planned for?
- What came up that you didn't expect?
- What was your greatest expense?
- Did you have a baby shower or previous children that helped cut down on expenses?
- Did you buy a lot of things for the first child that you didn't really need?
- Anything else in your mind that stands out from that first year.

If you respond, the article may include a quote from you with your name, number of children (and their gender and ages) and the town you live in (so please let us know!)

Thank you!

Donna Roberson, freelancer, and Carrie Wattu, editor

Dating my Husband

By Judith Doherty
Twelve years and two children into marriage I observe a disconnect among men and women who professed love to each other and lost the spark along the way of parenting. Women seem to connect more readily with each other than with their husbands when the children are small. Anecdotes about breastfeeding and discipline styles get traded with recipes, but the men seem to be outside of the circle.
How can couples keep a dating mentality during the childrearing years?
Certain months I am flooded with old love feelings that gush from me and make me nostalgic for new romance with the same partner who has been right next to me in bed all these years. Those days are harmonious, even more special than a new romance can be because the love is rooted in so much depth from the whole life shared. But if the truth be told, even in so-called “good marriages” romance feels fleeting. One night we might reconnect by the fireside. The next morning we are launched back into routines of alarm clocks, school buses and crying kids.
One challenge, as I see it, is the “roommate” issue. Contrast friends who visit each other periodically and share the best of themselves with husbands and wives who are apt to witness the worst of each other in daily strife. Just as with college roommates or siblings growing up, close proximity can lead to friction in married life.
To make matters even harder, parenting presents obstacles to romance and at the same time more pressures that extinguish the fire of passion. Our two-year-old, for instance, has greater stamina than I do. That night owl is a darling, but she can outlast me. I continue to rise and shine with our school aged girl, so I’m wiped out by 9PM, when the two-year-old continues to giggle and play with daddy until 10PM. So alone time is a commodity we find hard to come by.
Some solutions:
Now that we have explored the obstacles to romance, let’s look at what might provide spark this winter. My sister and her husband used to feed the kids early and get them to bed. Then once a week they had a gourmet dinner by candlelight. It seemed like a lot of work to me but to them it was a luscious tradition. For some couples it could be as simple as order out Chinese food on a picnic blanket in the living room.
Spending money for a babysitter so you can really get away from the chores and routines of the home can change the conversation. My parents dated each other on Saturday nights for many years. That example sticks with me and even if I don’t achieve it as often as I’d like when we do get out it is refreshing to the marriage.
Set aside time to talk, when the children aren’t listening in. We call it “15 minutes of cuddling” which sometimes leads to more. The close contact helps us to feel united.
Consider hiring outside help for housecleaning, if the frustration around household chores is eating away at the little time you have together. I had never believed in hiring people to clean, but when I realized that the fights I had with me husband were most often about the messy house I acknowledged that paying for assistance might relieve that pressure, I went for it.
What excites a woman changes after the children come and demand so much of her energy. I remember that hearing my husband running the vacuum cleaner was the best turn on in the toddler years.
Exercise together - It’s fun to play with your partner. Even if the children are in the sport with you the body play can be an outlet and a joy that releases tension and creates fun memories.
Some couples manage to get away to a hotel. Friends of ours actually hire a sitter and go to a hotel in the same area where they live just for the thrill of escaping their responsibilities and relaxing together.
Laughter can help renew romance. Often cuddling for a late night sitcom can rekindle our connection.
Love letters might seem a stretch but John Grey, who wrote the famous book Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus has a technique for clearing the air in cases where couples have lost a connection.

For each couple the points of connection will be different but as my husband said when we were dating, ”Love ought to be like kids in a playground, exploring and having fun.” So carving out time and space, however you can do it, to sneak away from the kids and toward each other seems worth the investment. And in these economic times it will provide greater dividends than most investments.

Judith Doherty is a Central MA mom of two young daughters as well as freelance writer.

See you on Facebook

Thought a lot of you parents could relate to Amy Rodriguez of Belmont who wrote the following story about her Facebook experience.

Facing My Problem
I ended up on Facebook by accident. I was here, I was there, and next thing I knew I was on it. I was genuinely confused as to what had happened. Like everybody else, I had received daily pop-us from Classmates.com and, like everybody else I had ignored them. Who are these people? Who has time for this? Why would I care? Then they sent the notification, “Amy, three people have signed your guestbook.” My guest book? Who? I clicked to see who, and that is where it all began. “Amy, you must be a gold member to see your guestbook.” I hesitated for a second, but they had me hooked. I paid for a trial period and signed in. I did not have three long-lost friends. I had three names that I had never heard of.
But within weeks, I received another notification. “Kevin Conboy has sent you a message.” I have not talked to Kevin since high school, but until then, we had shared a long history since second grade. He was Conboy. I was Cooper. We were paired alphabetically for thirteen years of lab reports, gym relays, and reading circles. I spent a lot of time looking at the back of his head, since he always sat in front of me. Our sophomore biology teacher had told me to let Kevin copy my lab reports, so he could do better. When Kevin sent an email asking “for help on a lab report,” of course I had to answer. After all, I never knew that he understood the ridiculousness of the situation. Apparently, he did. When Kevin said that I should look on Facebook to see the weight he had gained since his days as a gangly Triton Viking, my curiosity got the best of me. I was once again a sucker.
I went to Facebook to find out how much weight he had gained, but when I clicked on Kevin’s little tiny profile picture, it told me, “You cannot see Kevin’s profile unless you are his friend.” Oh, I am his friend. His new friend. Click-click. That did not count. Facebook told me I had to join Facebook to be his friend, but all I needed was an email address and password. Done. So easy. Click on Kevin. Look at Kevin’s wife, mom, child. His yard. Hello, Kiddy Pool. Hello, Big Dog. I like his couch. And that was it. My first puff, sip, drag. I was addicted.
It then asked me, “Do you want to know which of your friends are on Facebook?” Why yes, of course! Almost immediately, I received emails from people I barely recognized. I did not know how this happened, but it had contacted everyone in my directory who was already on Facebook. These included old teachers, friends of friends, friends of my husband, and mothers whom I have never met from a local list serve.
I thought I wouldn’t care about these people, but I do. I have tried to explain my obsession to my husband, since much of it is actually reading about his friends and family members. I rarely post or send a message. I am obsessed, however, about reading what others have to say. It can be any others. It does not have to be a friend. I am especially fascinated by the people whom I hardly know. My friend’s husband is conservative. Who knew! Does that mean she is, too? Rob is sad and, more importantly, posting this information with an emoticon? I thought I knew him. My college roommate, the wildest one of the bunch, has a profile of her cat and posts notes on her wall “hoping to snuggle with my Boo.” What is happening here? And why has Miss Katie, my daughter’s favorite pre-K teacher from last year, posted a new album entitled “Moist Pussy?” Who is that man pouring champagne over her head, and when does she have to report to school, her pre-K school? These are the things that I must know and, until I figure them out, I will have to say, “My name is Amy, and I am on Facebook.”

Acting and Vocal Lessons

Hi Parents,
We received this press release about a new studio opening in Worcester
The Actors' Loft. Just thought I'd pass along the press release for anyone
interested...
Carrie Wattu, editor






Announcing the GRAND OPENING of the NEW Actors' Loft in Worcester's Canal District!





Worcester, MA - On Saturday January 24, 2009 Central Mass Dance Academy will be opening the doors to the BRAND NEW Actors Loft, a full scale acting school and vocal training facility located in the heart of Worcester's ever popular Canal District. The loft, located at 65 Water St, is being billed as Worcester's acting alternative. Often time’s students from across Central Massachusetts, as well as the surrounding areas, have had to go a long distance to get formal acting training, taking classes in Boston, Providence or New York. But the Actors' Loft will soon be changing all of that as it will be offering Worcester, and the entire Central Massachusetts area, a full schedule of various acting courses, every semester, year round!



The classes being offered for the lofts inaugural semester are Acting for Beginners, Beginners Vocal, Advanced Vocal, Scene Study, Cold Read, Commercial & Monologue, Acting for Teens, Acting for Kids, Film Acting I & Film Acting II (a class in which the students will actually star in their very own short film that will be shot in and around the city!) With all of these choices the Actors' Loft is determined to become the home for professional formal acting and vocal training in Central Massachusetts.



At the helm of the Loft will be Worcester's own Anthony Vorres. Anthony is an experienced actor, whose background is not only routed in acting, but in writing, directing and producing as well. Anthony has served as the writer, director and producer for four very successful plays, he has starred in numerous independent films and TV shows and next year he will resume work on his directorial film debut in 'One Cruel Day', a film in which he also serves as a producer, writer and lead star. In addition to all of that Anthony also worked as the Development Coordinator and House Manager for The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts during its 2008 inaugural season, and more recently as an instructor for the IMTA (International Model Talent Association). The IMTA is a nationwide competition that takes place every year in Los Angeles and NYC, it is a forum where actors from all across the nation can go to perform for some of the biggest agents and casting directors in the world. Last week, Anthony’s group of students returned from Los Angeles, where they beat out every other group in the country and swept the awards! Including one student that walked away with the prestigious ACTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD!



*The Actors Loft is located at 65 Water St Worcester, MA and is a division of Central Mass Dance Academy. CMDA is a successful Massachusetts dance academy that has been providing the Central Massachusetts area with extensive training in jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop and progressive dance. The Actors Loft and CMDA are located in the heart of Worcester's ever popular Canal District, which is home to the city's top restaurants, shopping and entertainment complexes. For more information on course descriptions, class schedules, rates and special discounts please contact The Actors' Loft 65 Water St. Worcester, MA (508) 754-2700.





Contact:

Anthony Vorres

The Actors' Loft at CMDA
(508) 754-2700

Do your Kids Love Animals?

We did something so memorable for my girls' 5th birthday. We went to Animal
Adventures on Sugar Road in Bolton (right off 495).
It was pricey ($17 per person), but we took an hour and a half personal,
hands-on tour. Stacey, our guide, was so great! My girls got to hold and pet so
many creatures, both furry and rough, and because it was just our family, they didn't have to take turns with a huge group of kids or raise their hands to ask questions.
My girls played with a hedgehog (so cute!), gave a chinchilla a dust bath, cuddled a
skunk, fed crickets to a huge toad, kissed a snake (I know...germs!), and so much
more. You've got to meet Hagrid and Louigi. Very cute!
We really felt that the $85 was worth it because Stacey opened all of the cages
and gave us one-on-one attention.
If you're interested, vist animaladventures.net. They offer formal birthday
parties, nocturnal nights out, school programs, and birthday parties in your
own.

Congratulations to our Horton Hears a Who DVD winners!

Lily Mae Rice, Oakham
Jillian Lang, Worcester
Liam McCarron, Millbury
Max Miller, Wrentham
Sarah Carney, Oxford

Pick up our February issue for more coloring contests and keep checking our Web site for more giveaways!

Thank you!

CCo Key Winners

Congratulations to the winners of our CoCo Key Fitchburg Online Treasure Hunt!

Grand Prize: Two Night Stay at CoCo Key Water Resort, Fitchburg-
Barbara Andrews-Carlson of Shrewsbury

2nd Prize: A family four-pack to CoCo Key Water Resort, Fitchburg-
Jen Leider of Fitchburg

3rd Prize: Two tickets to CoCo Key Water Resort, Fitchburg-
Elena Haschig of Westminster

Thank you for reading baystateparent!

Our January Issue

We did some housekeeping in our January issue. Our updated look is organized loosely around the theme of "home".


In every issue you will find:
Take Good Care: health topics
Moms who Rock: profiles of fab moms
Under my Roof: monthly column by award-winning writer/editor,Jim Keogh
Let's Roll: places to go/things to do with the family
JunkDrawers: a little of this/A little of that...highlights people, products, and places of Massachusetts
Finally Forever: building families through adoption
Oh, the Places You'll Go: award-winning calendar of events

Plus there will be something special, feature stories, each month.

Looking forward to 2009. Thanks for reading

New Year's Eve

How are you celebrating New Year's with your Family?
Please post some ideas here!
We will feature a story in our December issue about how to "Punch up" New Year's Eve with the kids.
We'd love your ideas too!

How are you processing the election with the kids?

Our November issue features a story on how families are processing the election results with the kids (page 31).

In my town, we were invited to an election party last night to celebrate election week. The hosts were having the kids make noise makers for a parade.
Regardless of how you feel about the results, it's kind of cool to celebrate our country and the right to vote.

I saw red,white, and blue balloons on several mailboxes on election day.

My children came home from school with many "interesting" comments as I am sure your kids did too. It was very surprising.


My second grader has been digesting the rumors at school and trying to make sense of everything she had heard during her school's mock election.

"Mom, I heard if Obama is elected we will have two more hours of school per day.
I heard that Obama says bad things about McCain"

There is a lot to talk about.

Her Scholastic flyer came home with profiles of the candidates including the candidates' favorite foods,childhood books, and activities.

This made quite an impression on my second grader.

McCain likes Mexican food.
Barack likes Harry Potter.

It was a hard choice!

from Stacey Carroll of Holden: What are your kids saying?

My husband and I talked with our 4 ½ year old, Ryan, about the candidates and about how it’s important to learn about both candidates and then to vote for one’s personal choice. We identified the candidates to Ryan from time to time, and we always vote as a family in an attempt to have our children learn the value of voting. We were proud of our educational efforts. Then, the weekend before the election, my husband had the football game on and there were two commentators: one an older white man and the other a younger African American man. Ryan said “Oh, look! It’s Barack Obama and John McCain.” He added, “they’re running for president of the world.”

Winners of Nim's Island DVD

In our September issue, baystateparent gave away the "Nim's Island" DVD.

Congratulations to our winners!

Steven Rousseau, Leominster
Cassandra Stejskal, Millbury
Jhonyel Galvis, Framingham
Thomas Mazeika, Sturbridge
Anna Bonin, Spencer

Pick up the November issue for more free contests!

Moms who Rock?

Do you know a mom who just rocks?
Send us an email, and we'll consider featuring her in a future issue of baystateparent.


Thanks
Carrie Wattu
editor@baystateparent.com

Mom without Limbs-Monica Jorge

Dear Readers,
Our November issue is very special because of our coverage of the Jorge Family in Ayer.
Please pick up a copy of our November 2008 issue.
If you'd like to post a message for the Jorges, please leave a comment here.
We'll share your thoughts with them.
Best,
Carrie Wattu
editor@baystateparent.com

What does your answering machine say?

From the Editor:
In our November issue, columnist Kerri Augusto explores the issue of when children answer the phone in, "Mom, Some Lady is on the Phone!" She points out that it's never too early to start teaching your kids to use the telephone properly. It's so simple but makes you think: Do you let your children use the phone? Do they know how to use the phone properly? Moreover, do you let them leave the voice mail message? ? Augusto points out that this is her pet peeve.

I have been "guilty" of letting the kids talk in their baby voices and sing songs on the machine. It's usually our message for a day or two. Is it cute? Or obnoxious?

Maybe both.

I do know that one of my favorite "kid" messages is on my friend's machine: two kids clearly "yelling" into the machine, "We won't let Mom come to the phone right now. Leave a message." Beep.

How typical!

So, let's hear it out there. What message is on your answering machine right now? Leave a comment here.

-Carrie Wattu
editor@baystateparent.com


P.S. And if you are curious about Augusto's answering machine? Here's what she said after writing this month's article:

Truth be told, I have a terrible habit of answering the phone like this: "Kerri
Augusto speaking. How may I help you?" Too many years of being a receptionist.... But it beats my mother who has 45 years of being a nurse to thank for her slip: "Labor and Delivery. Is this an emergency?" Needless to say, we both get a lot of ribbing from the family.

My answering machine is simple: "You've reached the Augusto residence. We are unable to answer the phone right now. Please leave a message."

But if I were to say what was REALLY on my mind, it would be: "You have reached Kerri Augusto. If you need a ride, I'm already on the road. If you need money, I'm broke. If you need answers, I'm out of ideas. If you're offering free coffee or want to schedule a playdate, leave a message and I'll call you back right away!"

A Letter for the Relatives this Holiday Season-Special Needs Parenting

Dear Readers,
baystateparent's contributing writer, Sue Lovejoy of Holden, wrote a strong special needs story for our November 2008 issue entitled: Hosting the Holidays: When Little Guests Have Big Needs. Her very helpful story on how to welcome families with special needs children into your homes this holiday was inspired by the following letter.
We hope it helps you this holiday season.

The following letter was written in 1999 by Viki Gayhardt, mother of two teens on the Autism Spectrum and Autism Family Support Specialist for The Family Place, a program of Easter Seals, NH. It takes the perspective of a child on the autism apectrum, providing a clear overview of the challenges that individuals with autism may face during the holiday season.
-Sue Lovejoy, contributing writer to baystateparent



Dear Family and Friends:
(by Viki Gayhardt)
I understand that we will be visiting each other for the holidays this year! Sometimes these visits can be very hard for me, but here is some information that
might help our visit be more successful.

As you probably know, I am challenged by a hidden disability called autism, or what some people refer to as a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). Autism/PDD is a neurodevelopmental disorder which makes it hard for me to understand the environment around me. I have barriers in my brain that you can’t see, but which make it difficult for me to adapt to my surroundings.

Sometimes I may seem rude and abrupt, but it is only because I have to try so hard to understand people and at the same time, make myself understood. People with autism have different abilities: Some may not speak, some write beautiful poetry. Others are whizzes in math (Albert Einstein was thought to be autistic), or may have difficulty making friends. We are all different and need various degrees of support.
Sometimes when I am touched unexpectedly, it might feel painful and make me want to run away. I get easily frustrated, too. Being with lots of other people is like standing next to a moving freight train and trying to decide how and when to jump aboard. I feel frightened and confused a lot of the time. This is why I need to have things the same as much as possible. Once I learn how things happen, I can get by OK. But if something, anything, changes, then I have to relearn the situation all over again! It is very hard.

When you try to talk to me, I often can’t understand what you say because there is a lot of distraction around. I have to concentrate very hard to hear and understand one thing at a time. You might think I am ignoring you — I am not. Rather, I am hearing everything and not knowing what is most important to respond to.

Holidays are exceptionally hard because there are so many different people, places, and things going on that are out of my ordinary realm. This may be fun and adventurous for most people, but for me, it’s very hard work and can be extremely stressful. I often have to get away from all the commotion to calm down. It would be great if you had a private place set up to where I could retreat.

If I cannot sit at the meal table, do not think I am misbehaved or that my parents have no control over me. Sitting in one place for even five minutes is often impossible for me. I feel so antsy and overwhelmed by all the smells, sounds, and people — I just have to get up and move about. Please don’t hold up your meal for me — go on without me, and my parents will handle the situation the best way they know how.

Eating in general is hard for me. If you understand that autism is a sensory processing disorder, it’s no wonder eating is a problem! Think of all the senses involved with eating. Sight, smell, taste, touch, AND all the complicated mechanics that are involved. Chewing and swallowing is something that a lot of people with autism have trouble with. I am not being picky — I literally cannot eat certain foods as my sensory system and/or oral motor coordination are impaired.

Don’t be disappointed if Mom hasn’t dressed me in starch and bows. It’s because she knows how much stiff and frilly clothes can drive me buggy! I have to feel comfortable in my clothes or I will just be miserable.

When I go to someone else’s house, I may appear bossy and controlling. In a sense, I am being controlling, because that is how I try to fit into the world around me (which is so hard to figure out!) Things have to be done in a way I am familiar with or else I might get confused and frustrated. It doesn’t mean you have to change the way you are doing things — just please be patient with me, and understanding of how I have to cope.

Mom and Dad have no control over how my autism makes me feel inside. People with autism often have little things that they do to help themselves feel more comfortable. The grown ups call it “self regulation,” or “stimming.” I might rock, hum, flick my fingers, or any number of different things. I am not trying to be disruptive or weird. Again, I am doing what I have to do for my brain to adapt to your world. Sometimes I cannot stop myself from talking, singing, or doing an activity I enjoy. The grown ups call this “perseverating” which is kinda like self regulation or stimming. I do this only because I have found something to occupy myself that makes me feel comfortable. Perseverative behaviors are good to a certain degree because they help me calm down.

Please be understanding of Mom and Dad if they let me “stim” for awhile as they know me best and what helps to calm me. Remember that my Mom and Dad have to watch me much more closely than the average child. This is for my own safety, and preservation of your possessions. It hurts my parents’ feelings to be criticized for being overprotective, or condemned for not watching me close enough. They are human and have been given an assignment intended for saints. My parents are good people and need your support.

Holidays are filled with sights, sounds, and smells. The average household is turned into a busy, frantic, festive place. Remember that this may be fun for you, but it’s very hard work for me to conform. If I fall apart or act out in a way that you consider socially inappropriate, please remember that I don’t possess the neurological system that is required to follow some social rules.

I am a unique person — an interesting person. I will find my place at this celebration that is comfortable for us all, as long as you’ll try to view the world through my eyes!

Trick or Treat with baystateparent Today!!

baystatparent is sponsoring mall-wide trick or treating at three different Simon Malls today, Friday, October 31st from 3 - 5 p.m.

The malls are Solomon Pond in Marlborough, Greendale Mall in Worcester, and Auburn Mall in Auburn.

We will be there with our November issue and plenty of candy.

See you there!!

Reach out and Read on Sun., Oct. 19

10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Reach Out and Read's 5th Annual Read and Romp will be held at the Seaport Hotel, Plaza Ballroom, in Boston. Read and Romp is a unique family event which allows children to travel through the pages of some of their favorite storybooks. Activity booths, games and arts and crafts based on such family favorites as Charlotte's Web, The Jolly Postman and Runaway Bunny are designed to provide hours of fun for children and their families. Along with interactive storybook stations, there will be a buffet lunch, and a visit from storybook characters like Clifford the Big Red Dog and Clifford author, Norman Bridwell.

The cost of the event is $50 for individual tickets and children under the age of 2 are free.

617-455-0644

Email: jennifer.silveira@reachoutandread.org

Web site: http://www.readandromp.org

Readers, please check our BLOG throughout the month. We'll post the latest information on happenings and need-to-know info for families in Massachusetts.

Halloween Boo Cruise

Scrumptious brunch, colorful costumes, entertainment and picturesque views set the scene for a Halloween on the harbor



WHAT: This Halloween, families can take to the harbor for an unconventional and fun trick or treat extravaganza aboard The Spirit of Boston. The luxurious cruising vessel is spicing up their traditional brunch cruise with some Halloween festivities. In addition to a scrumptious buffet brunch, families can delight in games; a live DJ as well as a kid’s costume contest and trick or treat goodies.



WHEN: Sunday, October 26th

Board 11:00 a.m. - Cruise 12 noon – 2 p.m.



WHERE: The Spirit of Boston

Seaport World Trade Center Marine Terminal

Seaport Boulevard

Boston, MA



COST: From $37.90 per adult

From $9.90 per child (3-11 yrs old)



Reservations Required: Call 866-307-2469 or log on to www.odysseycruises.com/boston and click on Special Offers.



ABOUT THE SPIRIT OF BOSTON:

Spirit Cruises, LLC, is recognized as the largest harbor cruise company in America. The fleet of 12 beautiful ships offers dining, entertainment and sightseeing cruises in seven of America's most popular port cities including Boston, Chicago, New York, Weehawken (NJ), Norfolk, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.


Keep checking our BLOG throughout the month for bonus calendar listings for Halloween and other fun events!

Halloween Touch a Truck and Fire Walk on October 25

Saturday October 25, 2008

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Choate Park, Oak Street, Medway, MA

This 4th annual Halloween Touch-A-Truck event welcomes children to come in their Halloween costumes to climb aboard many different trucks from around town including fire trucks, police cars, a big yellow school bus, tractors and more. A Halloween Parade is at 12:30. Admission is $5 per child.

A Jack-O-Lantern and Water Fire Walk around Choate Pond will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. Bring a flashlight. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Concessions are available.

Email: choatefriends@yahoo.com

Web site: http://choatefriends.blogspot.com/

What is Your favorite feature in Bay State Parent magazine? Calendar

Which feature could Bay State Parent eliminate from its magazine? Fashion Reports

Curious about Cord Blood Banking?

Find out on Saturday, October 18 at 8 p.m.!
The New England Cord Blood Bank is pleased to present an educational
television program on cord blood banking. This special is hosted by Liz
Walker and will air on CBS TV - WBZ Channel 4 on Saturday October 18th @ 8:00pm on WSBK Channel 38 -in the Boston area.

For anyone who cannot watch the show,it will be available to watch online at www.wbztv.com/cordblood.



New England Cord Blood Bank, Inc.
World Headquarters
153 Needham Street, Building One
Newton, MA 02464

KidsFest Raffle Winner

Thanks for coming out to KidsFest at Wachusett Mountain in September. We were happy to see you there!


Jaime Friske of Leominster won a family four-pack to King Richard's Faire.


Jaime, How was the Faire? Let us know!

Sudbury has a New Art Studio!

Don't miss the Halloween Event on Sat., Oct. 18. Read on for details!

Local husband and wife team, artists Kim Poler and Marc Albanese, proudy present BEEHIVE ART gallery and art studio for classes, workshops and parties.

Located at 339 Boston Post Road in the Country Living building, its bay window looks right onto Route 20, just a couple buildings down from the Mill Village retail complex.

They've created an open spaced, visually exciting and stimulating setting where artists and budding artists can come and be exposed an ever-evolving variety of materials, techniques and projects. Their objective is to inspire with and to share their love and passion for the creative process of making art.

Art Classes for children ages 2 to teens and for adults start October 20.

The studio will be open to the public with an OPEN HOUSE Ooctober 11-17,
Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday to Friday 9 - 11 a.m. & 4 - 6 p.m.
All are welcome to bring friends and the kids to see what the buzz is about! There will be free, hands-on activity stations set up and the staff will be available to meet, greet and chat art.

A variety of workshops and events are scheduled throughout the holidays starting with...

HALLOWEEN TRICKS, TREATS and GHOSTLY TALES
Saturday, October 18 3-5:30pm.
This features painting festive trick or treat bags, decoupaging jolly jack-o- lanterns, spinning glittery ghost or bat garlands, spook-tacular snacks and the artistry of ghost storyteller KEVIN MAHONEY.



www.beehiveartspace.com

Free Family Event in Uxbridge on Oct. 18

Celebrate the Opening of Cormier Woods in Uxbridge!

Saturday, October 18th from 1-3 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public


The Trustees of Reservations invite families to the opening of their 100th reservation, Cormier Woods, a 175-acre farm located on the border of Mendon and Uxbridge on Saturday, October 18th from 1-3 PM. Bring family and friends and be among the first to walk new and enhanced woodland trails, learn about the native grasslands and rich cultural history of this iconic farm, and enjoy free ice cream to the sounds of local folk band, Blackstone Run.



Visitors may be intrigued to explore several miles of trails looping through a wooded landscape, laced with stonewalls, some large glacial boulders marking the last ice age, and cellar hole remnants of the old White homestead. Some may even reap the bounty of an informal “pick-your-own” activity at the blueberry patch and orchard trees that remain in the meadows.



Cormier Woods was bequeathed to The Trustees as a gift from D. James Cormier. The 175-acre, largely intact farmstead landscape consists of an 18th century house, barn (with an active bat colony), and shed surrounded by stone walled meadows. These features help tell the story of modest farmers settling the Colonial frontier and later immigrant groups working the farms, which supplied the industrial enterprises spread along the Blackstone River.


DIRECTIONSc: Cormier Woods is located right down the road from Southwick’s Zoo.



For more information and to view the range of activities possible at Cormier Woods and other Trustees properties, visit www.thetrustees.org.

American Girl Fashion Show Nov. 1 & 2

American Girl Fans,

Tickets are still available for American Girl fashion shows sponsored by the Medway Foundation for Education. And models are wanted (size 6X - 10...Keep reading for details).

The Medway Foundation for Education (MFE), a non-profit, volunteer organization committed to promoting excellence in the town’s public schools, is holding the events at the Medway VFW, 123 Holliston Street,in Medway.

It will feature shows at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 and Sunday, Nov. 2. Show highlights will include a fashion show, raffle prizes, doll hairdressers, show souvenirs, holiday shopping opportunities and refreshments.



An American Girl Fashion Show is a fun-filled event for girls, their families, friends and favorite dolls. Participants share the experience of being a girl, whether yesterday or today, through a colorful presentation of historical and contemporary fashions. Attendees will learn how clothing has changed over the years to reflect history, culture and girls’ individual styles.



Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased online by visiting the Foundation’s website at www.medwayeducation.org. Fashion show tickets are limited and will be issued on a first come first-served basis. Parties who wish to be seated together should purchase their tickets on the same order. Every ticket order must include at least one adult. A ticket order confirmation will be provided upon purchase.



According to Ann Williams, event coordinator, the MFE is looking for character “look-a-like” models. Girls must wear size 6X or Size 10. Models must purchase a seat and a model spot. Applications are available online at www.medwayeducation.org. No phone calls, please.



Adult and teen volunteers are also needed to help staff and organize the program. Anyone interested should contact Ms. Williams at 508-533-1122, or online at awilliams1122@juno.com. All proceeds go directly to the MFE.

Formed during the summer of 2002, the Medway Foundation for Education (MFE) is a non-profit organization charged with raising capital to fund innovative, educational projects throughout Medway’s public schools. Using moneys generated from community events, contributions, and educational grants, MFE allocates funds through a grant process to teacher-sponsored projects that dramatically impact the quality of education that students receive.

Since its inception, the all-volunteer organization has raised more than $220,000. A total of over $100,000 in grants has been awarded in recent years, and an endowment fund exists with over $35,000. More information is available at www.medwayeducation.org.

New Children's Gym and Indoor Playground Opens in Westborough

Munchkin Land, a new children's gym and indoor playground, on 30 Oak St. in Westborough is hosting their grand opening this weekend.

baystateparent will be there with balloons, tattoos and magazines on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Visit munchkin-land.org to view a full line-up of events.

Here's how owners, Michael and Liz Giguere describe their new family destination:

"Munchkin Land is a respite from boredom on a rainy day, a meaningful shared experience between an adult and a child, a hands-on learning experience in a relaxed environment, laughter among childhood friends, and so much more…

Munchkin Land is the culmination of ten years of research and the fun family day trips of the Giguere family of Northborough, Massachusetts. Michael and Liz Giguere, the parents of four children, drew on personal experience in creating this unique children's gym and play facility!

The Munchkin Gym is a children’s gym that has developed an age-specific curriculum for young children. Each of the classes has been designed to engage and challenge your child while keeping their age and developmental level in mind. The classes incorporate games, music, fitness and parental interaction as they develop your child’s coordination, and fine and gross motor skills!!!

Tiny Town is a 4000 square foot interactive play area with elaborately designed "Theme Rooms". We have combined the most creative toys and playground equipment, to provide hours of playtime for your child, whether through dramatic or manipulative play.

We are planning:

* An Interactive Horse Farm
* A Captain's Ship
* Doll Boutique and Hair Salon
* Tiki Beach Grille
* Soft Play Toddler Area
* Mock School Room
* Planes, Trains, Automobiles and so much more"

October Issue

v

Dear Readers,
What do you think of our October issue?
Let us know.
Join in the discussion, and we'll enter your name to win free stuff!

Carrie Wattu
editor
editor@baystateparent.com

baystateparent Contributor Gets Full Heart-Tired Legs

How to Get a Full Heart and Tired Legs

Here are all the details about how you can change lives by signing up for the May 2009 7^th Annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

By Leslie Castillo

The 2008 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer greeted me much like it had in 2007: the opening ceremony included an inspirational video, animated speakers, a wide array of breakfast foods, and, a side order of dousing rain. Still, I could barely contain my enthusiasm.

I grabbed a banana and coffee and scanned the crowd for Christy. When I finally spotted her navy-blue rain gear, I ran to meet her, thrilled to once again see my friend from New York. In less than thirty minutes we would set out on another adventure, catching up on each other’s lives and motivating one another over the next two days and forty miles.

At 7:30 a.m., a winding caterpillar of pink hats, tee-shirts, and rain gear from some 2,900 participants made its way from the campus of UMASS Boston on a journey which would pass by Carson Beach and meander through the streets of the North End. It would include sights such as M.I.T and the Museum of Science before reaching its final first 26.2 mile destination at Prowse Farm in Canton.

Husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, moms, dads, sons, daughters, and friends, including 200 survivors, some native Bostonians, others from different states and even different countries, set out to participate in this 6^th annual event to raise money, awareness and hope. We walked as one, sharing stories and songs, band-aids, tears and smiles.

Along our route we encountered the wonderful crew members that made the walk possible, some of whom had traveled many miles by motorcycle in the pouring rain to make it to Boston; others would honk and cheer us on from bra-clad vans, keeping an ever-present vigil on our progress. Some manned the rest stops and kept us laughing with their creative costumes and interesting themes.

And then there were the survivors who clapped us on and thanked us, and the residents whose homes lined the routes, generously supplying us with their never-ending coolers of water, Gatorade and other goodies.

Like Boston’s walk, all other Avon Walks for Breast Cancer, (now hosted in nine cities throughout the US) take place over a weekend. Participants register on Friday night. An opening ceremony on Saturday and an optional 13 or 26.2-mile walk are followed by a night spent in the Wellness Center. Walkers then head back to the starting destination on Sunday, trekking the last 13 miles.

The day no one really tells you about is Monday. You may walk a little different for a while but you’re filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment like no other. This year, after Christy and I rested a bit too long at Mile Marker 24 and cramped up a bit, my new shirt, which read “Full Heart – Tired Legs,” seemed especially fitting for Monday.

Walkers must raise a minimum of $1,800 in order to participate. This year’s Boston participants raised over 6.9 million dollars. As a result, grants were awarded to different hospitals and organizations throughout the city.

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer will always be my walk of choice. It is superbly structured and caters to the comfort and safety of the walkers by means of informative literature and instructions, well-spread out stops and the ever-present van patrol. If ever hope were tangible, nowhere has it seemed more visible than in the faces of the participants in the weekend’s parade of pink.

Leslie Catillo is a Wayland-based freelance writer and mother of two boys. She regularly contributes to baystateparent.

Ready, Set, Hope: May 16 – 17, 2009: Walk for 2 days and 39 miles. To RSVP for an introduction meeting or to get more information, please go to www.avonwalk.org or call 617-576-3113.

Meeting Friends along the Way

Rosemary Akin, Yarmouthport

For a stretch I walked with Rosemary Akin, an incredible woman who made me feel that all good things are possible. Her tee-shirt first caught my eye: two appropriately placed baseballs with the phrase, “Save Second Base.”

Akin, survivor of colon and breast cancer, has faithfully participated in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer every year except for 2007 when her daughter underwent open-heart surgery. This spirited wife, mother and grandmother refers to her breasts as “bionic boobs,” rides a motorcycle and works as school nurse. Her strength comes from her faith, especially prayer, and from the everlasting support from husband and best friend, David, who constantly assures her that no matter what she looks like on the outside, she’ll always be beautiful on the inside.

Although this year’s walk broke cold and damp, Akin found inspiration early on.
“An elderly woman was waving and cheering from her porch,” says Akin. “I waved and she told me to stop (I was proudly wearing my Avon survivor hat). She made her way down the stairs and gave me the biggest hug and said, ‘God Bless You.’ My feet and damp clothes did not matter because my heart was warm.”

At the Wellness Village where she is always amazed by the number of tents, an exhausted Akin was soon sound asleep after a welcome shower and dinner.

On Sunday she hit the road again for the 13-mile trek from Canton back to UMASS. Her excitement built as the mile markers got closer and closer to thirteen. Akin who admits never being able to walk the entrance to UMASS without tears running down her face, met her daughter, Danielle, and granddaughter, Preleigh, at Malibu Beach where they walked the final mile together.

Akin proudly gushes, “I did it – walked 39 miles and raised over $4,100 for breast cancer research. The closing ceremony was very powerful. All the walkers were parading in, making a horseshoe followed by all the Survivors wearing our light pink tee-shirts and shaking our white pom-poms. We were one that afternoon hoping that soon a cure for breast cancer will be found… I look at my daughter and granddaughters and hope they never have to face the pain of breast cancer.”

Daniel Flaherty, East Walpole

Christy and I met Daniel Flaherty on a long, straight stretch of hill in Dorchester. Flaherty remembers that hill well. “That hill was the worst part…it never seemed to end! It was so long and when it was over, I was thrilled!”

Nevertheless, although Flaherty was unable to train for his first walk due to his final schedule as a sophomore at Babson College, he completed all 39 miles and plans to make it an annual event.

Clad in a gold “Men with Heart” tee-shirt, this cheerful and pleasant young man decided to walk after his mother, Elaine, was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer in October 2007. Flaherty, who initially thought that raising the $1,800 would be difficult, will not forget how generous people were. In total, he raised nearly $4,000.

“Throughout this experience I was astonished by my mother’s strength and her ability not to allow her illness to consume her life. Throughout her treatment, she worked as a full-time nurse. It’s amazing that even though she was going through this, she was still there to help others.”

Flaherty, who found that the walk “ran smoothly, especially for the amount of people present,” met “kind, generous, and strong people” along the way and felt warmly welcomed by “Men with Heart,” a team of men dedicated to helping raise money and awareness for breast cancer (To learn more, visit menwithheart.org)

Robin O’Leary, Amesbury and Paula Kelly, Plaistow

A close-knit quartet is clad in customized wings and embroidered hats with halos, thanks to a creative streak by team captain Sherie Bourgeois. It was Bourgeois who also coined the group’s name, the Pink Angels of Hope.

Robin O’Leary joined the Angels when her sister Diane was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time after a ten-year respite from the disease. “I heard an ad on the radio and decided in that moment that if she was going to have to go through the ordeal she was facing then the least I could do would be to walk 39 miles to raise funds and awareness. “ Soon thereafter she connected with Sherie Bourgeois, Bev Gaudet, Paula Kelly and Julie Hagel, via an Avon website bulletin board, and the North Shore women became fast friends and team members.

This year marks O’Leary’s third year participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, and she is committed to walking until either a cure is found or she is no longer able to walk.

She credits the Avon Foundation for its dedication.“It never ceases to amaze me that the primary funds for breast cancer research and support programs come from ground up efforts such as the Avon Walk. There are many other organizations that run similar programs but the Avon Walk is the only one that returns over 90% of funds raised directly back into the community.”

Angel Kelly credits the walk with changing her for the better. “I’m in the best shape of my life at 49, and this is a gift the walk gave me.”

She adds, “The people I’ve met, the lives I’ve touched in both fundraising and in actually walking have enriched my life so much…My wonderful friends, the Pink Angels of Hope, are people I would have never met without doing this walk. They are truly special to me.”

Contest Winners!

Dear Readers,

Thank you for entering our online contests.

Here are some of our winners:

Gina Fields of Worcester won a Red Sox hooded baby towel.
Elive Burke of Boxford and Mary Jacquith of Franklin won the EcoTarium's Siegfried books.
Jeanette Lundgren of Worcester won a hard-cover Mother Goose book.
Kelley Davis and Denise Mejia of Fitchburg and Ann Lasoskie of North Grafton won Bob-the-Builder DVDs
Cathy Mealey of Lynnfield, Heidi Boyle of Webster, and Michelle Maley of Grafton won lil' Bratz DVDs
Anne Bembenek of Dudley and Michael LaFerney of Lakeville won Carrie Rowan's Almost Home CD.
Prabhu Iyer of Ashland won a Barney DVD.

Congratulations to all of our winners.
If you won an item and have not received it in the mail yet, please double check that we have your mailing address and first and last names.
E-mail editor@baystateparent.com.

Enjoy!
Carrie Wattu
editor

RECALL: Stroller Activity Bars Due to Choking Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with International Playthings of New Jersey, today announced a voluntary recall of about 10,000 Taggies™ Strollin’ Along Stroller Activity Bars. The shiny material on the elephant’s ear on the activity bar can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. International Playthings has received three reports of the shiny material detaching and children putting it in his/her mouth. No injuries have been reported. This recall involves the Taggies™ Strollin’ Along stroller activity bars. The multicolored, fabric, and plastic activity bars feature a yellow giraffe, a purple hippo and a blue elephant attached to a 12” long elliptical base with straps that attach to a stroller. The Taggies™ and Earlyears® logos are located on woven and satin labels sewn into the seam on the lower left front of the activity bar. Sold at specialty toy stores nationwide and on the Internet from February 2007 through July 2008 for about $23 and manufactured in Hong Kong.

Consumers should immediately stop using the activity bars and contact International Playthings for a free replacement toy. For additional information, contact International Playthings at 800-445-8347 or visit http://www.intplay.com/

September Issue Off to The Printers This Afternoon

look for it next week at your favorite locations...

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/

Free Tree Time at the Arnold Arboretum on Saturday, Aug. 16

Tree Time! Bring your family: it’s time for free tree fun this summer at the Arnold Arboretum…

On Saturday, Aug. 16, anytime between noon and 2 pm learn what goes on inside a tree? How do water and food in the soil feed the top leaves on a 100-foot tall Scholar Tree? Learn the answers to these questions and more through fun, hands-on science experiments at the Hunnewell Visitor Center. One of the activities will even result in a colorful flower for you to take home.

While there, pick up a Tree-of-the-Month guide and explore a different, fascinating tree each month. August’s focus: The Scholar Tree.
Activities are at the Hunnewell Visitor Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Free, no registration required.
For more information, call 617-384-5209 or contact arbweb@arnarb.harvard.edu.