KidsPlanet on Sat., May 30th at Boston Hatch Shell

2009 Radio 92.9 EarthFest To Feature Kids Planet, An Interactive Family Area
Musical Acts, Environmental Exhibits and Activities Create a Perfect Destination for the Entire Family

Boston, MA (May 14, 2009): >From family-friendly musical acts to face painting and food sampling, Radio 92.9 EarthFest is the perfect destination for families and kids of all ages. The 2009 Radio 92.9 EarthFest will feature The Kids Planet, an expanded interactive area offering family-friendly entertainment and activities. The 16th annual event is free and will be held on May 30th, 2009 from Noon to 5:00 pm at the DCR’s Memorial Hatch Shell in Boston. The Kids Planet activities begin at 10 a.m.

The Kids Planet will feature a wide variety of musical acts and entertainment as well as environmental activities and educational displays. Musical performances will feature family-friendly bands including; Sarah Wheeler and Little Groove, Michael and Marissa, The Bravo Brothers and Zumix. Additional activities in The Kids Planet range from face painting to healthy treats, compliments of Whole Foods Market, Stonyfield Farms and a variety of other vendors.

Throughout the day, families can wander through the Whole Foods Mercado. Inside, children can play with grocery-themed toys like squishy fruits and vegetables and wooden blocks shaped like grocery staples. Kids can learn about healthy eating with coloring sheets and an interactive display about the food pyramid. The Whole Foods bakery will even be baking up fresh chocolate chip cookies throughout the day for everyone to enjoy.

Ocean River Institute and Boston Harbor Alliance will both be onsite in The Kids Planet, offering educational awareness for all ages. Ocean River will offer families specific opportunities to make a difference in environmental education, science, and conservation. Boston Harbor Island Alliance will be promoting the use, enjoyment and awareness of the Boston Harbor Islands national park area and all the vibrant public spaces have to offer.

Musical performances on The Kids Planet stage will begin at 11:00 am. This year’s performers include:

* Zumix Guitar Ensemble, group members composed from Zumix, a non-profit, cultural organization dedicated to building community through music and the arts. Located in East Boston, MA, ZUMIX provides top-quality cultural programming as an alternative way for young people to deal with frustration, anger and fear, and as a method of building cultural understanding and acceptance in one of Boston's most diverse neighborhoods.
* Sarah Wheeler and Little Groove- Little Groove is quality, groovy, fun, and educational music for children that adults can enjoy along with their children. Sara Wheeler, the lead singer of Little Groove, has toured and performed her original music all over the world and has taken all of her knowledge from past touring, recording and production experiences and poured these ingredients into her new children's CD Building Blocks. Loved by both children and adults, Sara's children's music is both creative and extremely catchy. Little Groove released their debut CD in 2008 titled Building Blocks and has since been designated a 2008 Parents' Choice Silver Honor award winner. Little Groove is also a 2008 National Parenting Publications Award winner.
* A lifelong brother and sisterly love for music caused Michael and Marisa to combine their rockin' energy and start performing in public together when they were only 7 and 8 years-old. They look like twins and can finish each other’s sentences, but what is most intriguing is that their resume spans over 100 engagements, including performances in major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Nashville, and Pittsburgh.
* The Bravo Brothers infuse excitement and education both on-stage and in the studio with their lively, comical, and creative performances. Brian Dwyer is an established, award-winning entertainer who has performed thousands of shows from coast to coast. Rick Pantano is an award-winning songwriter and talented multi-instrumentalist, Rick has traveled throughout New England as a solo artist, with various groups, and most recently performing as a Bravo Brother. The Bravo Brothers are committed to energizing families by sharing fun, educational, and interactive entertainment and can be counted on to deliver a performance that will please audiences of all ages.
* Zumix Divercity Band is composed of ZUMIX's songwriters who use their voices, rhythm, and energy to express what's on their minds. They take their messages to the street, performing locally and touring throughout the Northeast. From Hip Hop to Rock, students express themselves through a wide variety of popular music.



The 2009 Radio 92.9 EarthFest is committed to offering festival goers an opportunity to learn how they can make a difference and help save Planet Earth. The festival will feature exhibits and environmental displays, staffed by sponsors and non-profit environmental organizations from New England. A comprehensive recycling program will be put in place throughout the duration of the show and Mass Bike will be onsite staffing a free bike-valet program sponsored by International Bicycle, offering concertgoers an alternative to driving to the festival.

Radio 929 recommends festival goers ride their bikes or take the MBTA to the Hatch Shell. Take the Green Line to Arlington Street or take the Red Line to Charles Street / MGH. For more details, visit the MBTA website at www.mbta.com

For additional information on the 16th Annual Radio 92.9 EarthFest please visit www.earthfest.com.

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May 30: Worcester Art Museum, 3 - 5 p.m. Plus free in the Morning

May 30
Art All State Reception
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

View artwork created by 145 high school juniors at the 22nd annual Art All State. Students were competitively selected from across Massachusetts to spend two days collaborating with a team of professional artists to create artwork inspired by the Museum's collections. All-State is collaboration between the Museum and the Massachusetts Art Education Association.

To learn more, contact information@worcesterart.com or visit www.worcesterart.org .




Museum Hours and Admission Fee


Gallery Hours

· Wednesday – Friday & Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

· Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.



Museum Admission Fee

* Members
Free



* Non-members

$10 Adults
$8 Seniors and College Students with ID
FREE for kids 17 and under
FREE Saturday Mornings 10am-noon. Sponsored by TJX Companies and National Grid.

Alice in Wonderland in Milford

Milford Performing Arts Center
The Area’s Only Family Arts Community
Proudly Presents
“Alice in Wonderland”

Davoren Auditorium
Milford High School
Friday June 19th at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday June 20th at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday June 20th at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday June 21st at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets in advance
Adults $15
Students/Seniors $12
Group of 15 or more $10

Tickets will be available at the door
Adults $18
Students/Seniors $15

Tickets Available Now at the MPAC Studio
150 Main St. Milford, MA
Call (508)473-1684
Sponsored by International Power America and in part by the Milford Youth Council and
the Massachusetts Cultural Council as administered through a grant from the Milford Cultural Council.

Still an Only Child: Life with my Adopted Brother

Have you read this story from Laura Richards in Framingham? It appeared in our monthly adoption column, Finally Forever, in April 2009. Lots of parents
commented on it. What do you think?

http://www.baystateparent.com/news/2009/0401/articles/006.html

BMI Screenings in September: What do you think?

Parents, what do you think about the Massachusetts Public Health Council
requiring all public schools to regularly perform Body Mass Index (BMI) screenings on students starting in September?

Recent data show that more than one-third of all middle school and high school students in Massachusetts are considered either overweight or obese

The kids won't be notified of the information regarding their weight but parents will be notified in writing.

Do you think this will help kids? Are you comfortable with this new procedure?

Free Acting Classes May 16 - 17 Ages 9 - 18

Director Jon Artigo will be holding his free acting classes on
Saturday May 16th - 12-1:30 pm - ages 14-18
Sunday May 17th - 12-1:30 pm - ages 9-13
More classes may be added if the need is there
Address is Printers Building / 44 Portland Street / 4th Floor / Worcester, MA 01608

Jon Artigo is an award winning director who runs acting workshops in Hollywood where he coaches actors such as Trevor Morgan (Jurassic Park, Glass House, Empire Falls), Mika Boorem (Dawson's Creek, Slumber Party, Blue Crush), and Lou Taylor Pucci (Thumbsucker, 50 Pills, Empire Falls). He also teaches at the Los Angeles School of the Arts and is a member of the American Screenwriters Association. His film Freedom Park was shot in Massachusetts and was a local media sensation in MA. His film We Got the Beat (starring Michael Copon) was was shot this summer and is currently in post production. Although he is a California native and lives in Los Angeles, Jon is committed to making all his movies in Massachusetts.

Sign ups will be on a first come first served basis. To register, please call producer Georgia Menides at Uncovered Productions 401-274-4076 (cell).

Mother's Day 2009

Happy Mother's Day Ladies.

I am celebrating by taking a run (I am thankful for Trish Reske and the baystateparent on the run team for giving me this gift)!

I also plan to pick some lilacs, drink coffee and eat eggs and bacon at my parents', take a walk with my family, take a nap in the car on the way to dinner at my brother-in-law's...

How are you celebrating?


xxoo
Carrie Wattu, editor

11 Outings for Mother's Day Weekend 2009

Hi Moms,
In addition to our listings in the May print (and online issue) of baystateparent, we've found some more ways to make the most of Mother's Day weekend(read these unedited releases sent to us for more information). Have a good one, ladies, whatever you do.


Free Zoo Admission on May 10

Time of event: 10am-6pm
Franklin Park Zoo
1 Franklin Park Road
Boston, MA 02121

Stone Zoo
149 Pond Street
Stoneham, MA 02180

Is there a better way to spend quality time with Mom? Bring the entire family to either Franklin Park or Stone Zoo for an enjoyable day. Mothers receive free admission on Mother's Day!

Moms FREE
$12 Adults
$10 Seniors
$7 Children

Phone number of event: 617-989-2005

E-mail address of event: bwardrop@zoonewengland.com

Web site for event: www.franklinparkzoo.org

Family Play Day On the Mothers' Walk
Date: Saturday, May 9th, 2009
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: in the Wharf District Parks on the Greenway

Kids, bring your moms...moms, bring your kids to a day of FREE family festivities on the Greenway.

Meet in the Wharf District Parks on the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway at 10 AM for a recognition of caregivers and the unveiling of the Mothers' Walk wall.

The dedication will be followed by music and dance performances, jugglers and stilt walkers, a tour of Rose Kennedy's neighborhood, a family craft project, and a sneak peak of the soon-to-be-released Rose's Garden children's book.

Visit www.hellogreenway.org for a full schedule.

Bring a picnic lunch or dine at one of the local restaurants along the Greenway offering special menus for the day.

After the event on the Greenway, the celebration continues at the Volvo Ocean Race Village at Fan Pier with live entertainment and an oyster festival. And while you are across the channel, visit over 70 Fort Point Artists opening their studios as part of Art Walk the Fort Point Arts Community's Spring Open Studios Event.

Family Play Day is rain or shine; all festivities will be held under a tent. There will be limited seating available for the 10 a.m. Mothers' Walk wall unveiling on a first-come, first-served basis. The Greenway is fully accessible. For directions, information about parking, or the schedule for the day, visit our website www.hellogreenway.org.

Raising Funds For REAS
Local business to sponsor car wash in Sturbridge
Sturbridge, MA - On Saturday, May 9 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., The McCurdy Group is hosting a “win-win” community event. “We invite people to come by our office parking lot and, for a reasonable donation that will benefit the REAS Foundation, people can get their car washed, talk with a Sturbridge police officer about car seat safety and with a Sturbridge firefighter about fire safety for the home. A fire truck will be on hand, too, for the kids to enjoy.” The McCurdy Group parking lot is located at 511 Main St. Sturbridge (Fiskdale).
McCurdy, a local businessman and the owner of the Dennis McCurdy Insurance Agency and The McCurdy Group, believes the business community must be proactive in helping those in need. The Residential Energy Assistance for Seniors (REAS) Foundation, the beneficiaries of the event, has “reached beyond it initial focus of providing financial fuel assistance to seniors,” added McCurdy. In January of this year the foundation, in partnership with Southbridge Savings Bank, Hometown Bank, and the Publick House, established a fund for Sisley family whose home was destroyed by fire.
“The Foundation also inspired 10-year old J.T. Mills to 'pay it forward' by asking that friends and family who attended his birthday celebration make a donation to REAS instead. I believe he gifted over $250.00,” said McCurdy.
On Saturday, May 9, McCurdy and his staff is hoping to “wash cars non-stop” and raise a lot of money for REAS.
-#30-
Editor: Contact Dennis A. McCurdy directly at 508-347-0810.



Celebrate your Mom in Worcester/strong> (remember Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10th) and spend the morning with her at Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Avenue, on Saturday, May 9th from 10 a.m. - 12 noon. Begin with a gentle family hike to view the wildflowers in bloom. After the hike, moms will be invited to sit and relax on the deck while dad (or another adult) and the kids will make some special gifts just for mom. Appropriate for all ages. Wear shoes for walking. For more information and to register call 508 753-6087.

Singing in Spring in Worcester
Music Worcester is pleased to present the Worcester Chorus in their spring concert - Sergei Rachmaninoff's Vespers, performed in the magnificent St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, on Saturday, May 9th from 8 - 10 p.m. Featuring the 100-voice Worcester Chorus with tenor soloist Thomas Cooley, this concert will be the farewell performance for Music Director Andrew Clark with the chorus. Tickets $25, $18 for students and are available online, by calling 508 754- 3231 or at the door.


Mother's Day at Belkin Family Lookout Farm in South Natick

www.lookoutfarm.com
89 Pleasant Street,
South Natick MA 01760
508-653-0653







Lookout Farm will be open every Saturday and Sunday starting May 9 from 10:00 - 5:00. Celebrate spring - visit us this weekend for Mother's Day and Bloomfest.

Happy Mother's Day - pay for the first admission and Mom will get in FREE. PLUS, all Moms will be given a FREE spring plant.

Join us this Saturday and Sunday for train rides through our flowering orchards, farm-themed Children's Play Area, caterpillar rides, hay pyramid, moon bounce and burlap maze.

Enjoy live children's entertainment shows at 12:00 and 2:00, face painting and our new Busy Bee Learning Center.

Celebrate Bloomfest at the Farm - our most beautiful time of year! Lookout Farm's apple and peach trees are alive with colorful pink and white spring blossoms. Bring your camera and spend the day surrounded by New England's natural beauty.

Enter our Lookout Farm photo contest. Submit your favorite shots of our beautiful farm and you could win a $200 gift certificate to a snazzy restaurant. Details are available at the Admission window.

Our new Greenhouse and Garden Center is open daily from 10:00 - 5:00 offering beautiful flowering plants, annuals, herbs and house plants. Start a vegetable garden this year! Both organic and conventional vegetable starter kits are available.


Come spend the day with us and you'll see just why Belkin Family Lookout Farm is #1 in Outdoor Family Fun!

"Come visit Apple Blossom Country in North Central Mass and celebrate Mother's Day!"

This spring, it's time to visit Johnny Appleseed Country, our beautiful area of north central Massachusetts. Come see hillsides dotted with explosions of white. Drive the back roads and see where the apples come from in the area given its name by apple cultivator and peripatetic folk hero Johnny Appleseed.

Come see Sholan Farms in Leominster (birthplace of Johnny Appleseed), Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, or Carlson's Orchards in Harvard.

Peak blooming time is predicted to be around May 9 to 15 - but remember Mother Nature is never predictable. A rainstorm one day, a cool snap for a few days, and voila, the schedule changes!

While you're at it, check out the small-town apple festivals that dot the region - the Apple Blossom Festival at Sholan Farms (www.sholanfarms.com), on Pleasant Street in Leominster is on May 9th and celebrates the coming of spring with crafters, a marching band, rock, jazz band and bagpipe procession, and butterfly release. Or visit the Apple Blossom Festival also on May 9th (appleblossom@jumpinc.org) at Harvard Common, in Harvard, where fine arts and crafts, antiques, entertainment and more attract the crowds.

Mother's Day events include the whole weekend at Davis' Farmland (978-422-MOOO), in Sterling, where kids bring Mom for free Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10. Make Mom a necklace or watch her relax with a complimentary chair massage.

Spring, apple blossoms, Mother's Day - a perfect combination!

866-755-7439 or visitorinfo@worcester.org



Treat Mom to a Free Lunch at Canobie Lake Park on Mother's Day

SALEM, NH - All mothers who are accompanied by a paid child admission purchased at the Park on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10th, will receive free admission to Canobie. Lunch for Mom is also free and will be served from noon to 3:00 P.M.

Special spring pricing is still in effect as well, and Canobie Lake Park is currently open on Saturdays and Sundays. The Park will be open daily beginning May 22nd. For more information and Park hours, visit canobie.com or call 603-893-3506.

# # #

With over 85 rides, games, shows and attractions, Canobie Lake Park is New England's premier destination for affordable family fun. Canobie Lake Park is located at exit 2 or 3 off Route 93 in Salem, New Hampshire. For more information, visit www.canobie.com.

My Mother—My Hero
A Memorable Mother’s Day Thanks to
Plimoth Plantation and Verona Salon
Plymouth, MA, Plimoth Plantation – May 1, 2009, - Cook up something deliciously fun for mom this Mother’s Day by treating her to a special celebration, as Plimoth Plantation presents the third annual Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 10th, at 11:00 am. In addition to a tasty meal, and a unique kid-friendly craft program that moms will treasure, Mother’s Day at Plimoth Plantation includes Verona Salon’s big reveal of the “My Mother—My Hero Make-over Contest” winner!

“The Wampanoag Nation is a matriarchal society that values the many contributions women make to the life of their families and the community. And one of the reasons Plimoth Colony survived is that there were women here right from the start–mothers, wives and daring adventurers in their own right–who braved the ocean voyage and cared for their husbands and children,” said Ellie Donovan, Plimoth Plantation’s Acting Executive Director.

Last month Verona Salon called on local residents to describe why their mother was so special, by nominating them for the “My Mother—My Hero Make-over Contest.” Similar to a make-over television program, one lucky mom will “win” a well-deserved day of luxury: massage, facial, hair, manicure, pedicure and make up, courtesy of Verona Salon. In turn, her inner and outer beauty will be revealed to the world during Plimoth Plantation’s Mother’s Day Brunch, promptly at 11 am!



In addition to all the fun, tickets to Plimoth Plantation’s third annual Mother’s Day Brunch includes: museum admission; a self-guided tour of the world-renowned, 17th century, living history museum, and a delightful opportunity for children to create a memorable, hand-made gift for mom and grandma, too!

Space is limited so make reservations today and insure your front row seat at the big reveal! To make a reservation for Mother’s Day Brunch or for more information please call 508-746-1622, ext. 8365. Ticket prices are Adult: $35, Child: $21, Member: $17.95, Member Child: $9.95, by Thursday, May 7.

###


Plimoth Plantation is a 17th-century living history museum located an hour south of Boston in Plymouth, (Exit 4, Route 3 south) and 20 minutes north of Cape Cod. The museum is a private, non-profit educational institution supported by admission fees, contributions, memberships, function sales and revenue from our dining programs/services and museum shops. Plimoth Plantation is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate and receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, The Federal Institute of Museums and Library Services, The National Endowment for the Humanities, private foundations, corporations, and local businesses. For more information visit: www.plimoth.org.

CELEBRATE MOTHERS DAY AT CLAYTIME in Worcester. SUNDAY MOTHER'S DAY MOM RECEIVES 50% OFF HER STUDIO FEE!!

Claytime Staff
email: claytime@townisp.com
phone: 508-798-9950
web: http://www.claytimestudio.com

Celebrate the arrival of spring with the 14th annual Draft Horse Plow Day. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, May 9 from 11am to 4pm at the historic Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm on Little’s Lane in Newbury, MA.

*Special notice - Our friend and farmer of 65 years, Dick Walsh, will be honored at the Plow Day with commendations from Senator Kennedy, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Trustees of Historic New England. Dick began his tenure at the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in 1944, growing spinach for the war effort, and has been a fixture at the farm for 65 years. His photograph is attached.

Teams of draft horses and mules from throughout New England will participate in plowing demonstrations. Welcome the new resident pigs, Dave and Romeo and plant springtime seeds. Watch the shearing of the six resident sheep and learn how their wool is made into cloth. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, baby farm animals, sheep shearing, spinning, weaving, and masonry demonstrations, children’s crafts and games. Listen (and dance) to New England fiddle music performed by E. J. Ouelette or watch a puppet show by the incomparable Martha Dana. The seventeenth century manor house will be open from 12-4 and is full of activities for families. A fresh lunch menu and cold drinks will be available. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children and free to Historic New England Members. For more information please call 978-462-2634.

The Plow Match continues a long tradition of work horses on the farm used to prepare the soil for spring planting. In the 1880s, brothers Edward Francis Little and Daniel Noyes Little imported draft horses by rail from Iowa to Newburyport. Trained at the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, the horses were sold to other farms and coast guard stations.



About Historic New England

Historic New England is the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive regional heritage organization in the nation. We bring history to life while preserving the past for everyone interested in exploring the authentic New England experience from the seventeenth century to today. Historic New England owns and operates thirty-six historic homes and landscapes spanning five states. The organization shares the region's history through vast collections, publications, public programs, museum properties, archives, and family stories that document more than 400 years of life in New England. For more information visit www.HistoricNewEngland.org.


Bethany Groff
North Shore Regional Site Manager
Historic New England
5 Little's Lane
Newbury, MA 01951
(978)462-2634
www.HistoricNewEngland.org

Meghan's Hope

Inspired by the relaunch of http://www.meghanshope.org/, we are sharing this worthwhile article with you again (it ran in baystateparent 2004):

Meghan Agnes Beck
October 23, 2001 - December 18, 2004
www.meghanshope.org

Meghan's Hope Could Save your Child's Life
A Must-Read for Every Parent
By Carrie Wattu

Kim Beck was well-aware of the challenges of keeping children safe. A childbirth educator at UMass Memorial Hospital and owner of Blossoming Belly, providing education, preparation, and support in the childbearing year, Kim and her husband, Ralph, childproofed their home with the commonly used devices such as outlet covers, cabinet latches, and gates. They even went so far as to secure a bureau and a bookshelf to the wall so that they would not fall and injure one of their three young children.

The Becks considered securing their 3-year-old daughter's dresser to the wall, but because it was a heavy, well-made, top-of-the-line piece, they never imagined it would tip or fall, let alone kill anyone. They were terribly wrong.

A Week Before Christmas
It was a week before Christmas, and Kim and Ralph were preparing for a night out at a holiday party in their Sterling neighborhood. Before they left, their daughter Meghan, "Meggie," bounded up to her parents offering a spontaneous, "I love you Mommy! I love you Daddy!" As Kim reflects, their free-spirited and energetic Meggie was intuitively saying good-bye to them.

The next morning, Meggie woke up early and played in her room while the family slept. A while later, Kim and Ralph heard Meggie's twin brother crying in his room across the hall. As Ralph settled Ryan, he walked by Meggie's quiet bedroom, assuming she had fallen back to sleep. Now they believe they had experienced a special twin connection. Ryan had been crying out when Meggie couldn't.

The Becks did not hear Meggie's dresser fall. She did not or could not cry. She died within minutes. They presume Meghan was climbing in the drawers of her dresser. Ralph found his daughter trapped under the weight of her furniture.

Kim began CPR while their neighbors, an EMT and a physician, as well as an ambulance rushed to their aid. Meghan was taken to Clinton Hospital and lifeflighted to UMass Memorial where the Becks were told that Meggie had died. Kim and Ralph took their time holding Meggie and saying good-bye. The nurses gave the Becks a lock of Meghan's sunny blonde hair and took impressions and paintings of her little hands and feet.

Kim, Ralph, 6-year-old big brother, Kyle, and twin brother, Ryan, are devastated by the loss of their beautiful, sweet Meggie. Happy Meggie, filling every room with her gleeful giggle and michievous spirit, loved butterflies and Tinkerbell. Her second home was Davis' Farmland as she often asked her parents to "Go Farmland!" But Meggie's real passion was kittens, calling her beloved kitties "Duncan" and "Munchie". Her favorite movie was Aristocats, and she wore her pink kitty shirt and sparkle pants whenever she could. After she died, all those who loved Meggie and were touched by her story donated over $6,000 to the Sterling Animal Shelter as Meghan became known as the "kitty angel."

Falling Furniture Injures Many Children
Sadly, Meghan is not the first child to die from falling furniture. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 8,000-10,000 children are injured each year from furniture that falls or tips or from items on top of furniture or on shelves that fall off onto the child. About six children die each year from falling furniture; however, the number may be higher because death certificates usually cite the cause of death (such as blunt head trauma or airway compression) but may not cite the falling furniture as the cause.

Despite the danger, many parents childproof their homes and miss this important safety step. Consider how many homes your children regularly visit (grandparents, day care providers, friends) who do not have their furniture secured.

6 Common Misconceptions about Childproofing Furniture
Since Meghan's death this past December, the Becks have found six main reasons that parents give for not properly securing their furniture. Here Meghan's Mom responds to the misconceptions parents have.

Reason #1 "The odds of severe injury or death from unsecured furniture are low."
Just because the odds of severe injury or death are low doesn’t mean it can’t happen to you. It is truly better to be safe than sorry, trust us. To think that if we had spent a few dollars and a few minutes our daughter would be alive today is almost unbearable. Don't make the same mistake.

Reason #2 "We are always with our children."
It is virtually impossible to be watching your children at all times, which it is why it is so prudent to take every precaution you can. Don't believe that you will hear the furniture fall and help your child. Through our Web site, we met the Lamberts of Pennsylvania whose 3-year-old daughter, Katie, died in January 2005 after her wardrobe toppled on top of her when her mother was in the next room. (Visit www.katieeliselambert.com). We have also heard from several parents who were in the same room as their children when a dresser fell on them.

Reason #3 "Our children know not to climb furniture."
Even if an older child understands the “rules," that child is still a kid. Play is the work of children, and in their play they tend not to remember the rules or the reasons for them.Games of hide and seek can easily turn tragic in the blink of an eye as can just about any active game of play. How many children are told not to leave the yard, talk to strangers, go near water without an adult, or handle a gun, and then do just that? Do you think any parent of a child who has suffered a serious and debilitating injury, died, or been abducted thought it would happen to them? We didn’t. And it did. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere.

Reason #4 "Our furniture is heavy and well-made. It will not fall."
Meghan's dresser was a top-of-the-line, heavy piece that two adults could barely tip but 30-pound Meg did. Many people think "good" furniture won't tip, but it's just as likely and maybe even more deadly because it is so heavy.

Reason #5 "It's on our list. We just haven't gotten to it yet."
If you don’t have the time or the know-how to install safety products, there are professional baby proofing companies who can do it for you.

Reason #6 "Truthfully, we don't want to put holes in our walls."
It is better to have a hole in your walls than a hole in your heart. Trust us. Holes in your wall can be fixed; broken hearts can't be.

What you Can Do

The Becks acknowledge that you cannot possibly protect your children from everything; life itself is a risk. However, there are simple, easy, and inexpensive things you can do to avoid tragedy.

1. Buy furniture straps/brackets made specifically for securing furniture. They are widely available online. Visit www.safety1st.com; www.kidcoinc.com; www.safe-tots.com; www.babygates.com; www.perfectlysafe.com; or www.onestepahead.com.

2. Secure dressers, bookcases, entertainment cabinets and TVs, armoires, baker’s racks, hutches, toy boxes, large appliances, any piece of furniture with shelves/drawers that can be climbed in or upon, no matter how sturdy or well-made you think it is or whether or not you think your child could or would climb or cause it to fall. Don't wait. Do it now.

3. Screw furniture into both the wall (into a stud) and the furniture itself. If a wood beam is not accessible use mollys or toggle bolts to give added strength.You may also purchase an inexpensive stud finder to find the studs in the wall.

4. Put heavy or interesting items on the lowest shelves and drawers. You never want to entice a child to climb a piece of furniture.

Courageously Kim and Ralph offer Meggie's story as a gift to other families. They believe their daughter was taken to keep other children safe. Their Web site, www.meghanshope.org, has already urged hundreds to take the necessary safety precautions in their homes. The Becks are working with state and federal lawmakers on establishing furniture safety standards including warning labels on furniture and having safety brackets sold with all pieces of furniture.

Kim and Ralph beg parents to secure their furniture and to pass their story along, "To think that if we had spent a few dollars and a few minutes, our daughter would be alive today is almost unbearable. Don't make the same mistake. Securing your furniture is easy and inexpensive, and the life you save may be your own child's."

To read more about Meghan's Hope and safety-proofing your home, please visit www.meghanshope.org. For more information on Kim Beck, visit www.blossomingbelly.com.

Carrie Wattu is editor of baystateparent Magazine.

Free Dora Live Tickets on Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8

Late-Breaking Reader Prize:
If you'd like to receive free Dora the Explorer Live tickets at Boston Opera House, for Thursday, May 7 at 2 p.m. and Friday, May 8 at 7 p.m., let us know via e-mail:
editor@baystateparent. We can mail them to you tomorrow.
Carrie Wattu, editor
413.265.1202

Cleaning Service? Could it Simplify Our Lives?

My husband actually took me to see a condo this weekend in an effort to simplify our lives. The household chores take away so much from one another and the kids. We miss each other. Any one else feeling this way?
While the condo wasn't for us (just an impulsive, desperate dream), it got me thinking. If we love the idea of someone taking care of our house and would pay condo fees, why not pay "fees" right now and bring in some help?
So...we don't have any extra money. I never thought we could afford a cleaning service, but I am beginning to wonder if there is some way that we could. I'd like to try out a cleaning service for Mother's Day and see what it's like. I know so many families (many whom you wouldn't even expect) have cleaning teams.
I would love to focus more on family and mealtimes and other things than working in all of our free time on the house.
It's so hard.
Any thoughts on cleaning services? Is it worth it?
Carrie Wattu, editor

Gap Coats, Babies R Us Cribs and Hooded Raincoats

1. Gap Recalls Children's Coats; Toggles Can Break and Detach Posing Choking Hazard
2. Jardine Announces Second Recall Expansion of Cribs Sold by Babies'R'Us; Cribs Pose Entrapment and Strangulation Hazards
3. Pumpkin Patch Recalls Hooded Girls' Raincoats with Drawstrings Due to Strangulation Hazard
**************************************************


1. NEWS from CPSC and HC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission www.cpsc.gov
Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2009
Release # 09-206

Gap's Recall Hotline: (888) 747-3704
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983
Gap Media Contact: (800) 333-7899 x75900

Gap Recalls Children's Coats; Toggles Can Break and Detach Posing Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: babyGap Children's Coats

Units: About 19,200 in the U.S. and 3,900 in Canada

Retailer: Gap Inc., of San Francisco, Calif.

Hazard: The coats have toggle fasteners that could break and detach from the coat, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves three different children's coat styles with toggles including Rose Toggle Hoodie (style 600298), Pink Duffle Coat (style 600344), and Blue Plaid and Mojave Toggle Coat (style 600942). The coats were sold in infant sizes up to 24 months and are made of cotton, polyester, or polyester/acrylic. The toggles are light tan plastic and about 1 3/4 inches long.

Sold at: babyGap, GapKids and Gap Stores nationwide and at www.gap.com from October 2008 through April 2009 for between $20 and $50.

Manufactured in: China and Indonesia

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled coats away from children and return them to any babyGap, GapKids, or Gap store for a full refund. Consumers who return the coats before August 31, 2009 will also receive a 20 percent off coupon for a regular priced item. Contact Gap to return by mail if purchased online.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Gap toll-free at (888) 747-3704 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. ET, visit www.gap.com, or email the firm at custserv@gap.com

Note: Health Canada's press release can be seen at http://209.217.71.106/PR/recall-retrait-e.jsp?re_id=731

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09206.html


**************************************************


2. NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2009
Release #09-207

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 646-4106
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Jardine Announces Second Recall Expansion of Cribs Sold by Babies'R'Us; Cribs Pose Entrapment and Strangulation Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Jardine Cribs

Units: About 96,000 (320,000 units were previously recalled in June 2008 and 56,450 units were recalled in January 2009)

Manufacturer: Jardine Enterprises, of Taipei, Taiwan

Hazard: The wooden crib slats can break, creating a gap, which can pose an entrapment and strangulation hazard to infants and toddlers.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC has received 31 incident reports of slats breaking, including two reports of children becoming entrapped in the gap created by the broken slat on the crib models identified below. In 10 of these incidents, consumers reported that their child broke the slat while in the crib. There was one report of minor injuries (bumps and abrasions.)

Description: This recall involves 7 models of Jardine wooden cribs with the date codes identified below. Cribs with other date codes are not affected by this recall. The date code and model number are printed on the label located on the inside of the bottom rail of the headboard or footboard.

Additional Recalled Jardine Cribs

Model # | Description | Date Code Between

0102B00 | Drop-side Natural Olympia Single | 9/2005-1/2007
0102E00 | Drop-side Dark Pine Olympia Single | 9/2005-1/2008
0302P00 | Black Olympia Lifetime | 11/2005-5/2008
0302C00 | White Olympia Lifetime | 6/2006-12/2006
0312D00 | Americana Pecan 4-in-1 | 5/2006-11/2007
0308L00 | Antique Walnut Capri | 4-in-1 12/2005-11/2007
0108C00 | Drop-side White Capri Single | 8/2006-11/2007

Sold at: KidsWorld, Geoffrey Stores, Toys "R" Us, and Babies "R" Us stores nationwide, and at babiesrus.com, from September 2005 through April 2009 for between $220 and $330.

Manufactured in: China and Vietnam

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and contact Jardine to receive a full credit toward the purchase of a new crib. Jardine will provide consumers with detailed instructions for purchasing cribs in retail stores and online.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Jardine at (800) 646-4106 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at http://www.jardinecribrecall.com/

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09207.html


**************************************************


3. NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2009
Release #09-208

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 989-0344
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Pumpkin Patch Recalls Hooded Girls' Raincoats with Drawstrings Due to Strangulation Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Pumpkin Patch Hooded Girls' Raincoats

Units: About 800

Distributor: Pumpkin Patch LLC, of San Mateo, Calif.

Hazard: The raincoats have a drawstring through the hood which poses a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the Pumpkin Patch hooded raincoat with drawstrings in girls sizes 2 through 10. The raincoat is a trench coat style and is red with pink polka-dots.

Sold at: Pumpkin Patch stores nationwide and on-line at www.pumpkinpatchusa.com from July 2008 through February 2009 for about $50.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstring from the raincoats to eliminate the hazard, or contact Pumpkin Patch for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Pumpkin Patch at 1-866-898-0344 , or visit Pumpkin Patch's Web site at www.pumpkinpatchusa.com, or e-mail the firm at ProductRecall.USA@pumpkinpatchusa.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09208.html



********************************************************

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it: https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Now available at Roche Brothers

As of May 1st, baystateparent will be available at these Roche Bros. & Sudbury Farms Locations:
ACTON
BURLINGTON
EASTON
MILLIS
NATICK
NEEDHAM
NORTON
QUINCY
SUDBURY
WELLESLEY
WEST ROXBURY
WESTBOROUGH
WESTWOOD

Find us on the magazine rack for a $1 donation to be donated to the Angel Fund for ALS Research. (angelfund.org)

closet contest: Jennifer Rudsit of Shrewsbury

Meet A Stand-Out Mom who Entered our Contest Facelift Contest:


Jennifer Rudsit of Shrewsbury

"When I read your story about good wardrobe bones, I thought to myself....mine definitely have osteoporosis! My name is Jen Rudsit and I am a single mom to an adorable 4 1/2-year-old little girl, Lauren. I am proud to say that I bought my first house in Shrewsbury , MA a year and a half ago and have been pretty poor since then! I am a high school creative writing teacher at Algonquin Regional High School .



My wardrobe, while extensive, is full of mix and match separates, usually bought on sale. I find that these days I am shopping more at Home Depot than Macy’s! I have a lot of clothes, a mix of classic pieces and trendy, and an EXTENSIVE flip flop collection, which does me very little good in the frigid tundra of Shrewsbury in January. However, I find that every morning is a struggle in deciding what to wear. I feel like I have purchased SO MANY mix and match pieces that absolutely nothing goes together any longer. My job doesn’t require formal business attire, but I’d like to look more 'put together' than I do, and not like the weekend soccer mom that I have become now that my daughter is beginning to find her own niche (she loves soccer!). I definitely want my weekend attire to stay weekend, and look a little more polished during the work week."

Closet Contest

The winner of the baystateparent Closet Facelift from Alisa Neely at Scout, valued at $375, is Erika McDonald of Maynard.

Congratulations Erika!!! Meet Erika here as well as some of the fabulous moms who wrote to us.

Erika is mom to 19-month-old Anna and the assistant director of admissions for Harvard Kennedy School, the graduate school for public policy at Harvard University.

She writes:

"I was lucky enough to take a 10 month leave of absence from my job. Needless to say, when I went back to work in September of 2008, my non-maternity wardrobe was tired-looking. In fact, I hadn't worn non-maternity professional clothes in almost two years!

Every morning I lose a battle with my closet because my work wardrobe is either bordering on out of style, or doesn't fit quite right. I have to rotate two suits, while trying to mix in some other pieces to try to create 'dressier' outfits. It's the sad truth that your body never does return to the exact shape it was before baby. Items are either baggy where they shouldn't be, tight around the waist or too short. I have bought a few items, but money is tight since I'm back to work part-time.

I would love to rediscover some key, timeless pieces in my own closet that can be re-purposed, and learn how to select sweaters, shirts or pants that match the existing wardrobe I own."

baystateparent hopes to share Erika's closet facelift with you in a future issue.

Go Trish Go!

Did anyone go to the Boston Marathon on Monday?
I saw Trish Reske, baystateparent freelancer and coach, at Mile 15...looking good...looking strong. In fact, Trish qualified for next year's marathon by running in under 4 hours for her age group. That's the real deal.
Now that Trish has run her 26.1, she's going to help us run 3.1 on June 20th in Hopkinton for the Sharon Timlin 5K.
If you want to join the baystateparent team (or need more info, search "Sharon Timlin 5K" in our
blog), e-mail editor@baystateparent.com to sign up by April 30th.
Trish is going to coach us via e-mail and facebook (if you are on
facebook).
Hey everybody, I took a walk today! It wasn't easy. I had a million things to do so that I could get to work: It's press week! But...I took that walk, and it felt great.
Thank you Boston Marathon!

Leominster Pet Talent on Sat., April 18

I found this on Craig's List. Call before you attend to verify. Looks fun!
Carrie Wattu, editor

Family Event! Petco Talent Show Sat. 4/18 1:30-3:00 (Petco, Leominster)





Pet lovers of ALL ages are invited to join us this weekend for a NEW Petco event--the Petco Talent Show!

Event categories include:

1:30 Pet Poetry!
**********Kids under 16, write us a poem about your pet and come read it for all to hear!

2:00 Pet photography (any age) and Pet Art (kids under 13)!
**********Come in with your favorite photo or hand-made drawing of your pet and we'll vote on a crowd favorite! Photos and drawings will be left on display in the store all week for extended customer voting, and a 2nd round of prizes will be awarded next week!

2:15 Pet Talent!
**********Come show us what makes YOUR pet unique with tricks or hidden talents!

Prizes and awards will be given out in every category. Bring your family, your friends, and your *pets* to the Leominster Petco store this Saturday, April 18th from 1:30-3:00 to join in (or just to watch!) this amazing event!

Contact the Leominster Petco store at 978-840-5810 for more details.

(This event is only being held at the Leominster Petco--it is not a national event)

Fun for Families of Children with Autisum on May 9

Our reader, Debra Roberts, sent us this heads-up:

Hello, I don't know if you are aware of the NECC Walk for Autism on May 9th and if you are interested. I know parents of children with autism are always looking for ways to entertain their children and your publication would be perfect. See link below. We will be there. Our team name is Roberts Boys.

http://necc.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=300408&lis=1&kntae300408=C588F642AB3F4E4186C2E4758F349196


Thanks Debra! Good luck at the walk and with your boys!

Meet our Calendar Editor: Leslie Castillo!

Age: 43

Married to: Cesar (isn't that a great name for the spouse of a Latin teacher?)

Kids: Daniel (12), Thomas (10)

Occupation: Latin Teacher, Calendar Editor, Writer

1. I am the queen of summer. Ice, cold, snow are definite kryptonite to me.

2. Best part of the day: When the bus arrives and I get to talk to Daniel and Thomas about their day.

3. What you'll never buy again. A minivan. I've been together with mine for too long now.

4. Favorite household chore: All of them! Just kidding. I love to cook and especially to bake, so I don't consider them chores.

5. A favorite birthday tradition: Every year growing up my mom had what I called a "string" present for me. She wrapped a box and all the presents inside were also wrapped and attached to a string. It was the greatest thing ever, knowing you could pull the string and not knowing what present would be next!

6. What's the easiest thing about juggling work and family? Is there one? I must have missed that memo. No seriously, I am so very fortunate that I have my parents and that Cesar is such a big help. Also, I have the same schedule as my kids so I have never had to rely on daycare.

7. List three words your kids would use to describe you: silly, there for us, loving.

8. I always tell my kids every day with you is a gift.

9. What's the hardest part of juggling work and family? Trying to fit enough sleep into the equation.

10. A mom that I admire is my mom, of course. My mom Carol is amazing! She has the biggest heart in the world, never slows down, and is elegant, beautiful and kind.

11. Why raising a family in MA is great: In addition to having so much history, excellent colleges and universities, and a change of seasons, we are also geographically close to other states like CT, VT, NH, ME, NY, and RI. This makes the option of exploring other places via car very do-able. As my brother-in-law is quick to remind me, it takes close to 12 hours to get from one end of Florida to the other.

12. Our two favorite places to go are the Museum of Science and Rockport. The kids have been going into Boston with Cesar on a regular basis since they were very young. I'm certain they could get around better in Boston than I could. Rockport is always a fun day trip since we go to the beach and explore our favorite shops.

13. A message for other moms: You're doing a great job.

14. Current family obsessions: Nightly nerf gun wars. It's the kids vs. us and we NEVER win. Also, swimming remains a constant.

15. I love May because the winter is OVER!

16. Best thing about the town you are raising your children. I think Wayland is beautiful It's close enough to everything but it is so scenic with many parks, trails, and rivers. Also, the Wayland teachers are wonderful - my sons have been very fortunate.

17. I want to celebrate mother's day by spending time with my parents, C, and the boys. Doesn't much matter what we do.

18. There's no such thing as slowing down.

19. What makes me a better mom is my kids' smile. May sound goofy but seeing them happy makes me realize that time together is truly the best gift. The laundry may never be caught up, my closet may always look like the abyss, but every day I learn so much by hanging out with my guys.

20. How do you celebrate your kids' birthdays: We are prone to pool parties or Lazer Zone although this year we visited the NY Comic-con as a family when Daniel turned 12.

21. I never thought that as a parent that my kids would be as tall as me when they turned 10 and 12!

Selfless and Diligent Work of Foster Parents

Our friends at Devereux Therapeutic Foster Care asked us to share their thank you with you.

May is National Foster Care Month. This month we celebrate the dedication and hard work of the countless foster parents who have dedicated their lives to improving children’s lives.

At any given moment, hundreds of children across Massachusetts are in need of a loving foster home. They are in need of a home that will allow them to cope with what they have been through, while at the same time allow them to live out the wonder of childhood. Everyone deserves a place to feel safe and secure, especially a child.

Devereux Therapeutic Foster Care is a not-for profit agency that works with the Department of Children and Families to help children in need reach their full potential.

Devereux embraces foster parents from all walks of life. Our foster parents are single, married, and may or may not have children. They are diverse in culture, ethnicity and life experience. Most importantly though, Devereux foster parents are special people who possess an ability to reach out to children and show them that there is hope.

The selfless and diligent work of Devereux Foster Parents has made a positive impact on countless children throughout the state. Their ongoing work with children truly remains an inspiration to us all.

Devereux would like to applaud all of our foster parents and their families for their commitment, support and for the life changing work they do every day! Thank you to:
Michele A., Lisa A., Shirley B., Denise B., Michele B., Tina B., Jim B., Diedra C., Debbie C., Donna D., Antoinette D., Izabella F., Karen F., Sharon G., Carol G., Tammy H., Tina H., Marie L., Kathy L., Tina M., Barbie M., Kathleen M., Xuyen N., Karen N., Maryanne N., Janet N., Kelly O., Lida S., Marisol O., Rose O., Dante O., Melissa P., Yvonne Q., Carolyn R., Chris R., Maria R., Jackie R.., Bonnie S., Hilda S., Karyl S., Deb S., Linda S., Charles W., Nick W., Kelly W., Faith W., Cindy W. and Rachael W.

We greatly appreciate all that you do.

If you are interested in learning more about our program, or if you would like to join our team of foster parents, call us at (508) 829-6769 ext 219. You can also visit our website at www.devereux.org, or stop by our open house every third Wednesday of the month.

Free Admission in May in the Berkshires!

baystateparent received the following release from the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield. If you take a drive there, have fun!


Berkshire Museum Announces Free Admission for Month of May



Pittsfield, Mass.: May is a month that’s particularly abundant with special days, including May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, International Museum Day, and Memorial Day. At Berkshire Museum there’s even more reason to celebrate in May because it’s offering free admission for the entire month. The recently renovated Museum, which turned 106 years old on April 1, has chosen May as the ideal month to offer Berkshire County residents and tourists alike the unique opportunity to experience the region’s most family-friendly museum at no charge.



According to Executive Director Stuart A. Chase, “We view this as one way of giving something back to our wonderful and supportive community. It’s our version of an economic—and cultural—stimulus program. We hope to encourage visitors, especially those who’ve never been here, or who last visited the Museum as children, to come and check us out."



Chase will host special behind-the-scenes tours of the Berkshire Museum’s collection each Tuesday morning in May at 10 a.m. The tours are one hour long and are limited to six guests, ages 10 and older, per tour. The director’s tours will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis on May 5, 12, 19, and 26. For a brief video preview of the tour, visit www.berkshiremuseum.org and click on “The Secret Storage Area at the Berkshire Museum.”

Those who haven't visited the museum in some time will notice many changes since renovations were completed in March 2008. There are new gallery spaces, such as the interactive and high-tech Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation, which highlights the entrepreneurial and inventive spirit of the Berkshires. Visitors will also notice other recently renovated spaces and the state-of-the-art climate control.



Nostalgia-seeking visitors will also be pleased as many of the museum's classic exhibits, such as the mummy Pahat, Arctic explorer Matthew Henson’s amazing fur suit, and the ever-popular aquarium and touch tank are not only still here, but are actually doing better than ever with many updates and new technological

advances, especially for our mummy whose story has been further revealed (It's tempting to say unwrapped!)



Those experiencing Berkshire Museum for the first time will find a rich and storied facility where children can dig for dinosaur bones, adults can reflect in the art galleries and examine the layers of world history in the Ancient Civilization gallery. The entire family can also visit marine life and reptiles from around the world lurking in the museum's aquarium.



“They’ll have the chance to see our many new exhibitions and gallery spaces," said Chase. "I think people will be quite pleasantly surprised to see all that’s here in downtown Pittsfield."



Museum visitors will enjoy Race to the Top: Arctic Inspiration 1909 & Today, which has received highly positive reviews in the media and has been particularly popular with families and student groups. It explores the momentous attainment of the North Pole on April 6, 1909 by legendary Polar explorers Peary and Henson. Race to the Top will be on view through May 17, as will That ’70s Show which features a selection of artworks from the Museum’s collection that were created in the 1970s, many by noted artists with connections to Berkshire County. Opening on May 23 and running through May 31 will be an exhibition of vintage timepieces from the Museum’s collection called Vintage Time.



On May 22, Berkshire Museum’s Little Cinema will open its 59th season with the acclaimed film Frozen River (2008), written and directed by local writer/director Courtney Hunt. Little Cinema screens first-run foreign and independent films with nightly screenings at 8 p.m., plus Monday matinees at 2 p.m. The 8 p.m. screening of Frozen River on Memorial Day, May 25, will be free to the general public.

Little Cinema will be closed on May 30 for the Museum’s wine auction, and will reopen on May 31.



When the galleries exhibiting Race to the Top close on May 17, installation begins for the Museum’s next new show called Frogs: A Chorus of Colors, a blockbuster traveling exhibition organized by Peeling Productions at Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland in Allenwood, Pennsylvania. This family-favorite will be on view at Berkshire Museum from June 13 through November 1.



“Frogs: A Chorus of Colors will showcase a large and varied assortment of living frogs from all over the world. Berkshire Museum will be transformed with peaceful waterfalls and the sonorous sounds of frogs. Children and adults alike will be immersed in the sights and sounds of some of the most colorful and fascinating creatures on the planet,” Chase added.



May is membership month at Berkshire Museum. Special membership offers for new and renewing family members include a complimentary Webkinz frog. Museum members who upgrade their annual memberships to the $100 and higher levels will receive an extra three months of membership—extending benefits through the summer of 2010, when the Museum premieres a new exhibition about mummies called Wrapped!



May’s free admission does not include special programs, performances or films screened in the Little Cinema.



Berkshire Museum will be closed on Memorial Day.



Berkshire Museum is located at 39 South Street on Route 7 in downtown Pittsfield Berkshire Museum is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. Other than the month of free admission in May 2009, admission is $10 adults, $5 children 3-18. Members and children under 3 are admitted free. For more information, contact the Berkshire Museum at 413.443.7171, ext. 10, or frontdesk@ berkshiremuseum.org.

April 25: Youth Fishing Day

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3rd Annual Blackstone Valley Youth Fishing Derby April 25th

Contact:
Contact

Jeff LeClaire
508-529-3901
finfeather@verizon.net
Jeannie Hebert
jhebert@blackstonevalley.org
508 234 9090 X106
Release Date: April 1, 2009

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce announces the 3rd Annual Blackstone Valley Youth Fishing Derby, Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m at the West Hill Park recreation area, Northbridge. A much anticipated family favorite event in the Valley, trophies and prizes, including 2 pairs of Red Sox tickets, will be awarded for many categories: the top six largest, first caught, smallest and tagged trout. Over 250 Trout will be stocked by the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife. Donation fee of $15.00 per youth (with family cap at $45.00) for ages 3-14 registering by April 12th includes a bag of tackle, an official derby T-shirt, live bait and a ticket to the cookout at noon. Limited to 250 youths who register, pre-registering is recommended!

The Youth Fishing Tournament kicks off the 5 month Blackstone Valley Trout Fishing Derby on West River from Upton to Uxbridge, 60 specially tagged trout will be available to be caught up until October 15th, each tag representing an additional prize donated by event sponsors. Visit www.BVFishingDerby.org to follow the progress throughout the summer.

"The Blackstone Valley Fishing Derby is an opportunity for families to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty that is the Blackstone Valley and create memories that will last a lifetime." says BVCC President Jeannie Hebert. "It's good Old Fashioned fun! The Chamber is proud to be a part of this classic event."

Jeff LeClaire of Fin & Feather Sports in Upton will once again organize the Derby, along with the support of the BV Chamber of Commerce and other local businesses. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. "Over 200 children annually, whether beginners or more skilled in fishing, enjoy a great day of trout fishing on the river." LeClaire said. "It's also a great time for parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors to come together to fish and realize how lucky we are to live in the Blackstone Valley with stocked trout ponds and rivers and the great outdoors."

For more information, contact the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce at 508-234-9090 or Jeff LeClaire at Fin & Feather Sports - 508-529-3901. Visit www.bvfishingderby.org to volunteer, become a sponsor or to register for the event.

Mother's Day Weekend 2009: 11 Things to Do

Hi Moms,
In addition to our listings in the May print (and online issue) of baystateparent, we've found some more ways to make the most of Mother's Day weekend(read these unedited releases sent to us for more information). Have a good one, ladies, whatever you do.


Free Zoo Admission on May 10

Time of event: 10am-6pm
Franklin Park Zoo
1 Franklin Park Road
Boston, MA 02121

Stone Zoo
149 Pond Street
Stoneham, MA 02180

Is there a better way to spend quality time with Mom? Bring the entire family to either Franklin Park or Stone Zoo for an enjoyable day. Mothers receive free admission on Mother's Day!

Moms FREE
$12 Adults
$10 Seniors
$7 Children

Phone number of event: 617-989-2005

E-mail address of event: bwardrop@zoonewengland.com

Web site for event: www.franklinparkzoo.org

Family Play Day On the Mothers' Walk

Date: Saturday, May 9th, 2009
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: in the Wharf District Parks on the Greenway

Kids, bring your moms...moms, bring your kids to a day of FREE family festivities on the Greenway.

Meet in the Wharf District Parks on the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway at 10 AM for a recognition of caregivers and the unveiling of the Mothers' Walk wall.

The dedication will be followed by music and dance performances, jugglers and stilt walkers, a tour of Rose Kennedy's neighborhood, a family craft project, and a sneak peak of the soon-to-be-released Rose's Garden children's book.

Visit www.hellogreenway.org for a full schedule.

Bring a picnic lunch or dine at one of the local restaurants along the Greenway offering special menus for the day.

After the event on the Greenway, the celebration continues at the Volvo Ocean Race Village at Fan Pier with live entertainment and an oyster festival. And while you are across the channel, visit over 70 Fort Point Artists opening their studios as part of Art Walk the Fort Point Arts Community's Spring Open Studios Event.

Family Play Day is rain or shine; all festivities will be held under a tent. There will be limited seating available for the 10 a.m. Mothers' Walk wall unveiling on a first-come, first-served basis. The Greenway is fully accessible. For directions, information about parking, or the schedule for the day, visit our website www.hellogreenway.org.

Raising Funds For REAS
Local business to sponsor car wash

Sturbridge, MA - On Saturday, May 9 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., The McCurdy Group is hosting a “win-win” community event. “We invite people to come by our office parking lot and, for a reasonable donation that will benefit the REAS Foundation, people can get their car washed, talk with a Sturbridge police officer about car seat safety and with a Sturbridge firefighter about fire safety for the home. A fire truck will be on hand, too, for the kids to enjoy.” The McCurdy Group parking lot is located at 511 Main St. Sturbridge (Fiskdale).
McCurdy, a local businessman and the owner of the Dennis McCurdy Insurance Agency and The McCurdy Group, believes the business community must be proactive in helping those in need. The Residential Energy Assistance for Seniors (REAS) Foundation, the beneficiaries of the event, has “reached beyond it initial focus of providing financial fuel assistance to seniors,” added McCurdy. In January of this year the foundation, in partnership with Southbridge Savings Bank, Hometown Bank, and the Publick House, established a fund for Sisley family whose home was destroyed by fire.
“The Foundation also inspired 10-year old J.T. Mills to 'pay it forward' by asking that friends and family who attended his birthday celebration make a donation to REAS instead. I believe he gifted over $250.00,” said McCurdy.
On Saturday, May 9, McCurdy and his staff is hoping to “wash cars non-stop” and raise a lot of money for REAS.
-#30-
Editor: Contact Dennis A. McCurdy directly at 508-347-0810.



Celebrate your mom (remember Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10th) and spend the morning with her at Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Avenue, on Saturday, May 9th from 10 a.m. - 12 noon. Begin with a gentle family hike to view the wildflowers in bloom. After the hike, moms will be invited to sit and relax on the deck while dad (or another adult) and the kids will make some special gifts just for mom. Appropriate for all ages. Wear shoes for walking. For more information and to register call 508 753-6087.

Singing in Spring

Music Worcester is pleased to present the Worcester Chorus in their spring concert - Sergei Rachmaninoff's Vespers, performed in the magnificent St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, on Saturday, May 9th from 8 - 10 p.m. Featuring the 100-voice Worcester Chorus with tenor soloist Thomas Cooley, this concert will be the farewell performance for Music Director Andrew Clark with the chorus. Tickets $25, $18 for students and are available online, by calling 508 754- 3231 or at the door.


Mother's Day at Belkin Family Lookout Farm in South Natick

www.lookoutfarm.com
89 Pleasant Street,
South Natick MA 01760
508-653-0653







Lookout Farm will be open every Saturday and Sunday starting May 9 from 10:00 - 5:00. Celebrate spring - visit us this weekend for Mother's Day and Bloomfest.

Happy Mother's Day - pay for the first admission and Mom will get in FREE. PLUS, all Moms will be given a FREE spring plant.

Join us this Saturday and Sunday for train rides through our flowering orchards, farm-themed Children's Play Area, caterpillar rides, hay pyramid, moon bounce and burlap maze.

Enjoy live children's entertainment shows at 12:00 and 2:00, face painting and our new Busy Bee Learning Center.

Celebrate Bloomfest at the Farm - our most beautiful time of year! Lookout Farm's apple and peach trees are alive with colorful pink and white spring blossoms. Bring your camera and spend the day surrounded by New England's natural beauty.

Enter our Lookout Farm photo contest. Submit your favorite shots of our beautiful farm and you could win a $200 gift certificate to a snazzy restaurant. Details are available at the Admission window.

Our new Greenhouse and Garden Center is open daily from 10:00 - 5:00 offering beautiful flowering plants, annuals, herbs and house plants. Start a vegetable garden this year! Both organic and conventional vegetable starter kits are available.


Come spend the day with us and you'll see just why Belkin Family Lookout Farm is #1 in Outdoor Family Fun!

"Come visit Apple Blossom Country and celebrate Mother's Day!"

This spring, it's time to visit Johnny Appleseed Country, our beautiful area of north central Massachusetts. Come see hillsides dotted with explosions of white. Drive the back roads and see where the apples come from in the area given its name by apple cultivator and peripatetic folk hero Johnny Appleseed.

Come see Sholan Farms in Leominster (birthplace of Johnny Appleseed), Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, or Carlson's Orchards in Harvard.

Peak blooming time is predicted to be around May 9 to 15 - but remember Mother Nature is never predictable. A rainstorm one day, a cool snap for a few days, and voila, the schedule changes!

While you're at it, check out the small-town apple festivals that dot the region - the Apple Blossom Festival at Sholan Farms (www.sholanfarms.com), on Pleasant Street in Leominster is on May 9th and celebrates the coming of spring with crafters, a marching band, rock, jazz band and bagpipe procession, and butterfly release. Or visit the Apple Blossom Festival also on May 9th (appleblossom@jumpinc.org) at Harvard Common, in Harvard, where fine arts and crafts, antiques, entertainment and more attract the crowds.

Mother's Day events include the whole weekend at Davis' Farmland (978-422-MOOO), in Sterling, where kids bring Mom for free Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10. Make Mom a necklace or watch her relax with a complimentary chair massage.

Spring, apple blossoms, Mother's Day - a perfect combination!

866-755-7439 or visitorinfo@worcester.org



Treat Mom to a Free Lunch at Canobie Lake Park on Mother's Day

SALEM, NH - All mothers who are accompanied by a paid child admission purchased at the Park on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10th, will receive free admission to Canobie. Lunch for Mom is also free and will be served from noon to 3:00 P.M.

Special spring pricing is still in effect as well, and Canobie Lake Park is currently open on Saturdays and Sundays. The Park will be open daily beginning May 22nd. For more information and Park hours, visit canobie.com or call 603-893-3506.

# # #

With over 85 rides, games, shows and attractions, Canobie Lake Park is New England's premier destination for affordable family fun. Canobie Lake Park is located at exit 2 or 3 off Route 93 in Salem, New Hampshire. For more information, visit www.canobie.com.

My Mother—My Hero
A Memorable Mother’s Day Thanks to
Plimoth Plantation and Verona Salon
Plymouth, MA, Plimoth Plantation – May 1, 2009, - Cook up something deliciously fun for mom this Mother’s Day by treating her to a special celebration, as Plimoth Plantation presents the third annual Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 10th, at 11:00 am. In addition to a tasty meal, and a unique kid-friendly craft program that moms will treasure, Mother’s Day at Plimoth Plantation includes Verona Salon’s big reveal of the “My Mother—My Hero Make-over Contest” winner!

“The Wampanoag Nation is a matriarchal society that values the many contributions women make to the life of their families and the community. And one of the reasons Plimoth Colony survived is that there were women here right from the start–mothers, wives and daring adventurers in their own right–who braved the ocean voyage and cared for their husbands and children,” said Ellie Donovan, Plimoth Plantation’s Acting Executive Director.

Last month Verona Salon called on local residents to describe why their mother was so special, by nominating them for the “My Mother—My Hero Make-over Contest.” Similar to a make-over television program, one lucky mom will “win” a well-deserved day of luxury: massage, facial, hair, manicure, pedicure and make up, courtesy of Verona Salon. In turn, her inner and outer beauty will be revealed to the world during Plimoth Plantation’s Mother’s Day Brunch, promptly at 11 am!



In addition to all the fun, tickets to Plimoth Plantation’s third annual Mother’s Day Brunch includes: museum admission; a self-guided tour of the world-renowned, 17th century, living history museum, and a delightful opportunity for children to create a memorable, hand-made gift for mom and grandma, too!

Space is limited so make reservations today and insure your front row seat at the big reveal! To make a reservation for Mother’s Day Brunch or for more information please call 508-746-1622, ext. 8365. Ticket prices are Adult: $35, Child: $21, Member: $17.95, Member Child: $9.95, by Thursday, May 7.

###


Plimoth Plantation is a 17th-century living history museum located an hour south of Boston in Plymouth, (Exit 4, Route 3 south) and 20 minutes north of Cape Cod. The museum is a private, non-profit educational institution supported by admission fees, contributions, memberships, function sales and revenue from our dining programs/services and museum shops. Plimoth Plantation is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate and receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, The Federal Institute of Museums and Library Services, The National Endowment for the Humanities, private foundations, corporations, and local businesses. For more information visit: www.plimoth.org.

CELEBRATE MOTHERS DAY AT CLAYTIME in Worcester. SUNDAY MOTHER'S DAY MOM RECEIVES 50% OFF HER STUDIO FEE!!

Claytime Staff
email: claytime@townisp.com
phone: 508-798-9950
web: http://www.claytimestudio.com

Celebrate the arrival of spring with the 14th annual Draft Horse Plow Day. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, May 9 from 11am to 4pm at the historic Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm on Little’s Lane in Newbury, MA.

*Special notice - Our friend and farmer of 65 years, Dick Walsh, will be honored at the Plow Day with commendations from Senator Kennedy, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Trustees of Historic New England. Dick began his tenure at the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in 1944, growing spinach for the war effort, and has been a fixture at the farm for 65 years. His photograph is attached.

Teams of draft horses and mules from throughout New England will participate in plowing demonstrations. Welcome the new resident pigs, Dave and Romeo and plant springtime seeds. Watch the shearing of the six resident sheep and learn how their wool is made into cloth. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, baby farm animals, sheep shearing, spinning, weaving, and masonry demonstrations, children’s crafts and games. Listen (and dance) to New England fiddle music performed by E. J. Ouelette or watch a puppet show by the incomparable Martha Dana. The seventeenth century manor house will be open from 12-4 and is full of activities for families. A fresh lunch menu and cold drinks will be available. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children and free to Historic New England Members. For more information please call 978-462-2634.

The Plow Match continues a long tradition of work horses on the farm used to prepare the soil for spring planting. In the 1880s, brothers Edward Francis Little and Daniel Noyes Little imported draft horses by rail from Iowa to Newburyport. Trained at the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, the horses were sold to other farms and coast guard stations.



About Historic New England

Historic New England is the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive regional heritage organization in the nation. We bring history to life while preserving the past for everyone interested in exploring the authentic New England experience from the seventeenth century to today. Historic New England owns and operates thirty-six historic homes and landscapes spanning five states. The organization shares the region's history through vast collections, publications, public programs, museum properties, archives, and family stories that document more than 400 years of life in New England. For more information visit www.HistoricNewEngland.org.


Bethany Groff
North Shore Regional Site Manager
Historic New England
5 Little's Lane
Newbury, MA 01951
(978)462-2634
www.HistoricNewEngland.org

May 31 Houses in Worcester

Might make a nice Mother's Day present....
baystateparent


Worcester’s Best: a Collection of Inviting Houses



Preservation Worcester

Worcester, MA - In celebration of Preservation Worcester's fortieth anniversary, we will be hosting Worcester's Best: a Collection of Inviting Houses. Worcester's Best is a house tour featuring approximately nine of the most attractive homes it the city. It will be held on Sunday, May 31, between 11 AM and 4PM.

Our annual house tour is an important rite of spring for those who love architecture and design. This year's tour will be larger and more elegant than ever. We will feature a retrospective of the most popular homes that have graced our house tours over the past decades as well as a selection of inviting homes that have not yet been featured. Among tour properties is a mansion built in 1772 for one of Worcester's most prominent founding fathers. There will also a captivating contemporary ranch with art deco furnishings and furniture from the 1950s. Any celebratory Worcester tour would be remiss without a 3-decker. We will feature a charming 3-decker remodeled by a young couple for contemporary living. The tour provides a unique opportunity to browse through finely decorated homes of various styles of architecture in some of Worcester's most historic and prestigious neighborhoods.

Our tour will kick-off with a cocktail party - "Then and Now" - the night before that tour in two mansions in one of Worcester's historic districts. Food from the late 1960's will be featured in one house and current fare in the other. Reservations can also be made for lunch at the Worcester Club. Seating is limited and those attending the lunch will be able to tour that handsome and historic building. Lunch and cocktail party reservations must be made in advance.

Tour
$25 - advance sales
$30 - day of tour
(members receive a $5 discount)
Cocktail party - $40



Preservation Worcester's house tours attracts approximately 500 people. Tickets may be reserved in advance or purchased on the day of the event. For more information concerning tickets, please call 508-754-8760 or visit our website at www.preservationworcester.org.

Preservation Worcester is a private, not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to the preservation of the buildings and sites that represent the culture, history and architecture of Worcester. The organization, comprised of concerned citizens, believes that promoting the cause of preservation and good urban design will encourage community pride in our cultural and architectural heritage as well as continued use of Worcester's valuable resources. Preservation Worcester works with neighborhood groups, developers, city departments, schools, and state and local historical commissions to support revitalization of unique and irreplaceable buildings and their neighborhoods.

Meditation and Mindfulness for Mothers

We received this from the Holistic Moms Group. Sounds very helpful.
Carrie Wattu, editor

Tuesday May 12, 2009
6:30-8:30 pm

North Andover Library Community Room, 345 Main St. North Andover

Meditation and Mindfulness for Mothers
Led by Elizabeth Guilbeault of Seven Levels Coaching - http://www.sevenlevelscoaching.com/
Meditating does not have to mean disconnecting to the entire world and every thought in your head for hours at a time in order to find tranquility. You can find serenity and peace anywhere, anytime and meditate without effort anytime, anywhere. Come learn simple tools and techniques to re-connect with yourself through meditation. Meditation does not have to be hard or take hours - joins us as we explore meditation and how fun and easy it can be to re-connect with yourself, the earth, and your truth!

This is a free event. The Holistic Moms Network (www.holisticmoms.org) is a non-profit support and discussion network for parents with an interest in natural/holistic and alternative health and parenting. Our goal is to develop a thriving local community of holistic parents with a wide range of interests: non-toxic living, holistic healing, whole foods, natural childbirth, positive discipline, cloth diapering, living green, stress reduction, creating balance, organics.
For more information contact: holisticmomsnetwork@gmail.com


E-mail address of event: emcorchid@yahoo.com

Web site for event: www.holisticmoms.org

April 25 Grafton Spaghetti Supper and Concert

Read about the McCullough family of Sutton's cross-country eco-video project in the April 2009 issue of Bay State Parent. The family is holding a spaghetti supper and acoustic concert in Grafton.

Here's the scoop:

April 25, 2009

5:00pm-7:00pm dinner, 7:00pm concert

: Unitarian Universalist Church on Grafton Common
3 Grafton Common
Grafton, Massachusetts

: Spaghetti Supper and Acoustic Concert fundraiser for Our Renewable Nation, local family's cross-country eco-video series for kids. Come enjoy great food and music and support a great cause! The acoustic concert will feature singer-songwriters Katrin and Greg Hare.

Suggested donation $10 for the dinner, or $10 for the concert, or $15 for both

Phone number of event: (508) 865-2890

E-mail address of event: OurRenewableNation@gmail.com

Web site for event: www.OurRenewableNation.org

April 18: Help Bob Bowes and His Family

To learn more about a local dad's extraodinary story, visit http://www.bobbowesbenefitfund.com/

Bob Bowes' fundraiser is this Saturday, April 18th.

baystateparent freelance writer, Amy Benoit of Rutland, tell us that she has heard that it's very well-planned. Among the prizes to be (silently) auctioned off are trips, gas grills and numerous baskets...totaling something like 129 tables of prizes.

The fundraiser will be at the Auburn Elks at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $20 each. Balloons are $10 (but we hear they have a minimum prize inside of $25). There will also be a 50/50 raffle.

Items will be auctioned off items every 20 minutes...

More importantly, you will share in the inspirational story of Bob Bowes.

Dress for Success Worcester to Open

Dress For Success-Worcester

New Boutique Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

Thursday, May 7, 2009 12:30—1:30pm

484 Main Street, Suite 110—Denholm Building

Worcester, MA 01608

Open House to the Public 4:30—6:30p.m.


www.dressforsuccess.com/worcester

April 21: Kids Cooking Class in Concord

April 21, 2009

Time of event: 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Location and address of the event: Verrill Farm
11 Wheeler Road
Concord, MA

Brief Description of Event: Verrill Farm Chef Kevin Carey teaches a hands on class. Kids will prepare several dishes, eating some of their creations during class and taking the rest home.

Cost of Event: $20 per student. Registration & pre-payment required.

Phone number of event: 978.369.4494

E-mail address of event: info@verrillfarm.com

Web site for event: www.verrillfarm.com

Opening Day 2009 at Davis Farmland!

Our friends at Davis Farmland sent us this information regarding their Opening Day 2009 this Thursday!

Thursday, April 16th

Davis' Farmland
145 Redstone Hill Dr.
Sterling, MA 01564
9 a.m.

Opening day on the farm!! Come spend family time with the kids petting, feeding and learning about endangered famr animals. We have reptiles, llamas, donkeys, horses, and MUCH more! Ride a pony and take a hay ride to the back pastures! There is ALWAYS something new to learn and discover! 1/2 price after 2pm. Also check your local libraries for discount cards!

Members: Free; Guests of members: $9.95 each (up to 6 people); Anyone 2-59: $13.95; Under 2: Free; Seniors 60+: $10.95

978-422-6666

davisfarmland.com

Additional Comments: We do close for rainy weather. The weather decisions are made by 8am every morning. Please call before leaving!

May 7th Friendlys in Leominster

We received this benefit information for the Tyler Foundation.

May 7, 2009

Friendly's, 482 N. Main Street, Leominster (next to Staples), MA, 5 - 8 p.m.

Help us raise money and awareness for the Tyler Foundation by getting together with your friends and family and helping yourself to some great food!

A portion of all the sales from 5-8pm will be donated directly to the Tyler Foundation. We will also be raffling off some youth size red sox t-shirts.

The Tyler Foundation is dedicated to helping improve the quality of life for families affected by epilepsy. The Tyler Foundation provides financial support to families' of children with epilepsy that are being treated at Boston Children's Hospital and UMASS Medical Center.


978-537-9787

E-mail: tylerfoundation@yahoo.com

www.tylerfoundation.org

Gymnastics Open House: April 22

Looking for some April vacation fun? Here's some news baystateparent received from Over the Top in Worcester:

Over the Top is opening its doors to new friends on Wednesday, April 22nd with FREE mini trial classes at 1pm, 1:30pm & 2pm to introduce new students to their progressive program. No prior experience is necessary and these trial classes are open to boys and girls ages 5+.

For preschool friends, they're offering a free trial class at 10am, also on April 22nd. Participants will be introduced to basic tumbling skills and gymnastics equipment in a fun, fast paced environment.

These classes are FREE and there is absolutely no obligation to sign up A parent or guardian's signature is required in order to participate.

Carrie Arbuckle
Over the Top Gymnastics Academy
508-752-7676
info@overthetopgym.org

May 2 Family Sing Along in Framingham

May 2, 2009
11:00 am

Family Sing-along with David Polansky.
Performing Arts Center of MetroWest, 140 Pearl Street, Framingham, MA

Adults: $8.00
Children 12 and under: $6.00
Sr. Citizens 65 and older: $7.00

(508) 875-5554

pac@pacmetrowest.org
www.pacmetrowest.org

Energy Drink from Girls' Night Out

Some of you have inquired about the Zrii energy drink that baystateparent gave away at our Girls' Night Out on March 31st.

Here's the info:

www.2633672.MyZrii.com
Jenn Karofsky: 1-617-947-9300.

Thanks!

baystateparent on the run

Hi Everyone,
Have you seen our April issue in print? OK. Who is in for running your first 5K (or your first in a long time)?
Personally, I have been meaning to get back into running for over 8 years, so I am really going to take advantage of the opportunity to get back out there
with baystateparent coach, Westborough mom of four and 11-time marathon runner, Trish Reske. Trish is going to e-mail us a plan starting on April 27.
If you are interested in learning how to run or running your first 5K, please e-mail me at editor@baystateparent.com. We'll get all of our e-mails together, give them to Trish and she'll send us out a weekly plan.
Plus, we can ask her for tips or suggestions.
Then on June 20th, we'll all meet in Hopkinton to run the Sharon Timlin 5K at 9 a.m. Please register for the race as soon as you can: sharontimlinrace.org.
It will be fun to meet in Hopkinton as a group, raise money for a great cause - ALS -
and run for ourselves again (or for the first time!).
Register http://www.sharontimlinrace.org/!!!!! It's 3.1 miles. We can all do it.

Win Sesame Street Live Tickets from baystateparent: Boston April 24 - 26

Click "Enter our Contests" at baystateparent.com to win a family four-pack of Sesame Street Live tickets!

“ELMO MAKES MUSIC”
Fun & Furry Musicians Arrive in Boston on April 24

BOSTON – Mark your calendar for a musical event like no other—monsters making music! Elmo, Zoe, Big Bird and all their Sesame Street friends are taking to the stage to share their love of music in Sesame Street Live “Elmo Makes Music” at Agganis Arena at Boston University from Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26. Tickets for all seven performances are on sale now!

Jenny, an enthusiastic new music teacher, arrives on Sesame Street only to discover that her instruments are missing. Jenny’s new Muppet friends quickly come to the rescue and discover ‘instruments’ they never knew existed…rubber duckies, trash can lids and even cookie jars. Elmo and friends teach children that everyone can make and enjoy beautiful music together.

Like television’s Sesame Street, each Sesame Street Live production features timeless lessons for all ages. Through the razzle-dazzle of this musical Broadway-quality musical production, children learn about patience, acceptance and teamwork. The universal appeal of a Sesame Street Live production continues long after preschool. Adults will appreciate the high-tech stagecraft, cleverly written scripts, and music they’ll recognize and enjoy sharing with children, such as “The Hustle,” “You Should Be Dancing” and “Rockin’ Robin.” “Elmo Makes Music” features nearly two dozen songs, including classics that children will love to sing along with such as “C Is for Cookie” and “The Alphabet Song.”

What: Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music"

When: Friday April 24 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. (*Opening Night Discount)
Saturday April 25 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Sunday April 26 1 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.

Where: Agganis Arena at Boston University
925 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215

Tickets: $15 and $20. A limited number of $29 Premium seats and $37 Gold Circle seats are also available. *Opening Night, all seats (excluding Premium/Gold Circle) are $12. A facility fee of $1.50 will be added to all ticket prices. Additional fees and discounts may apply. For more information, call 617-358-7000. To charge tickets by phone, please call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com. For information online, please visit www.sesamestreetlive.com.

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 432-5437
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Fisher-Price Recalls 3-in-1 High Chairs Due to Fall Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: 3-in-1 High Chairs

Units: About 24,000

Importer: Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, N.Y.

Hazard: The seat can fall backwards from high chair frame if the booster seat release is unlatched while the child is in the product. Also, the seat back can detach if not fully snapped in place, posing a fall hazard and risk of serious injury to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report of a seat back detaching and child falling out, resulting in a skull fracture.

Description: This recall involves the 3-in-1 High Chair to Booster(tm), which converts from a high chair to a toddler booster seat. It includes a removable tray, height adjustment and folds for storage. The product number (P5369) is printed on the side of the seat, on a label on the seat pad, and on the product's packaging.

Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from December 2008 through March 2009 for about $100.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled high chairs immediately and contact Fisher-Price for instructions and a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Fisher-Price at (800) 432-5437 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at www.service.mattel.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09160.html

baystateparent On the Run

Hi Everyone,
Have you seen our April issue in print? OK. Who is in for running your first 5K (or your first in a long time)?
Personally, I have been meaning to get back into running for over 8 years, so I am really going to take advantage of the opportunity to get back out there
with baystateparent coach, Westborough mom of four and 11-time marathon runner, Trish Reske. Trish is going to e-mail us a plan starting on April 27.
If you are interested in learning how to run or running your first 5K, please e-mail me at editor@baystateparent.com. We'll get all of our e-mails together, give them to Trish and she'll send us out a weekly plan.
Plus, we can ask her for tips or suggestions.
Then on June 20th, we'll all meet in Hopkinton to run the Sharon Timlin 5K at 9 a.m. Please register for the race as soon as you can: sharontimlinrace.org.
It will be fun to meet in Hopkinton as a group, raise money for a great cause - ALS -
and run for ourselves again (or for the first time!).
Register!!!!!

Egg Hunt Sat. April 4 in Charlton!

There will be an Easter egg hunt at Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary in Charlton, MA on Saturday, April 4 (rain date April 5). It will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is only $10 per family! 5,400 eggs to be found on the trails! Live animals, face painting, refreshments, and a great day of fun for the whole family!

Come join us!

Addtional Info: http://www.capenhill.org/events.html