SUMMER CAMP: WHAT KIDS THINK
Please copy and paste these questions into a new email. Mail to editor@baystateparent.com tonite (TUESDAY, MARCH 23). Your responses may be printed in our April camp issue. Thank you for letting us interview you!!
Name:
Age:
Town:
1. What's the coolest thing you ever did at summer camp?
2. Who is the best person you met at summer camp and why?
3. What do you think the purpose of summer camp is?
4. What would you like to try this year at camp?
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Our House: The Biggest Baby of All!
I am so curious to hear your answers. Please respond here, or on Facebook.
What was more of a surprise to you in terms of workload?:
taking care of children
or
taking care of a house?
I felt pretty prepared for taking care of babies and children as walking around with a big belly is like a magnet for people telling you what to expect. Plus, there are so many books, magazines, groups, workshops, and resources for new mothers, it wasn't that much of a shock that I'd be tired, working 24/7, and worrying constantly pretty much forever (with lots of good stuff mixed in of course!). People were so eager to run up to my husband and me to tell us what we were in for.
But the house?
When we signed the papers for our first home, everyone congratulated us and wanted a tour. They asked when the housewarming would be.
But we weren't really prepared for all of the demands, errands, and expenses.
Every time we turned around, there was something that needed pumping out, cleaned, or maintained. The expenses, constant errands,chores, and demands took up most of our free time. Hoses, fertilizer, gutters, cleaning, mulch, flowers, snowblower...
Nothing was a big deal...just the regular home maintenance stuff our parents had dealt with for years, but we hadn't really noticed. Regular upkeep, coupled with parenting, was a lot to handle.
Garage door not opening anymore?
Cha-ching, cha-ching.
Tub not draining?
Plumber time.
Washer crashing?
Trip to Sears.
Deck furniture, holiday lights, yard toys, flood in basement, chain saw, curtains...all of this equaled bill after bill after bill.
After eight years of it now, we don't freak out when the boiler breaks or a tree falls down.
We know that our house is the biggest baby of all, our child that will never grow up.
What was more of a surprise to you in terms of workload?:
taking care of children
or
taking care of a house?
I felt pretty prepared for taking care of babies and children as walking around with a big belly is like a magnet for people telling you what to expect. Plus, there are so many books, magazines, groups, workshops, and resources for new mothers, it wasn't that much of a shock that I'd be tired, working 24/7, and worrying constantly pretty much forever (with lots of good stuff mixed in of course!). People were so eager to run up to my husband and me to tell us what we were in for.
But the house?
When we signed the papers for our first home, everyone congratulated us and wanted a tour. They asked when the housewarming would be.
But we weren't really prepared for all of the demands, errands, and expenses.
Every time we turned around, there was something that needed pumping out, cleaned, or maintained. The expenses, constant errands,chores, and demands took up most of our free time. Hoses, fertilizer, gutters, cleaning, mulch, flowers, snowblower...
Nothing was a big deal...just the regular home maintenance stuff our parents had dealt with for years, but we hadn't really noticed. Regular upkeep, coupled with parenting, was a lot to handle.
Garage door not opening anymore?
Cha-ching, cha-ching.
Tub not draining?
Plumber time.
Washer crashing?
Trip to Sears.
Deck furniture, holiday lights, yard toys, flood in basement, chain saw, curtains...all of this equaled bill after bill after bill.
After eight years of it now, we don't freak out when the boiler breaks or a tree falls down.
We know that our house is the biggest baby of all, our child that will never grow up.
Our Laundry Needed its Own Room!
I know it's not just me who is fascinated by how other moms conquer their laundry as I had an in-depth discussion with a colleague at a work function last week about this topic. How we got started on it, I don't know, but it was gripping conversation. I know we need to get a life if laundry is a compelling discussion topic, but how can we when there is so much laundry to do?
I started to get really interested in how other women manage their family's laundry two weeks ago when I broke down our office and turned it into a laundry room. Our laundry was outgrowing the tiny closet downstairs,so much so, that it was hard to move down the hallway and get out the back door.
"You are moving your washer and dryer upstairs?" my friend Missie asked.
"No. You know, a laundry room," I explained, "I am setting up the ironing board and a table for the clean laundry so I have a place to fold the laundry."
This sparked a conversation that seemed like the juiciest scoop I had ever heard.
Missie, a single, full-time working mom of four kids (FOUR!), never has piles of clean laundry laying around.
How can this be?
She tells me that it's about commitment. You don't take the laundry out of the dryer unless you commit to folding it and putting it away...IMMEDIATELY.
"Then, I would never do laundry and would have piles of dirty laundry everywhere," I retort.
She doesn't get it. And I don't get her.
In our house, we have piles of clean laundry, not dirty. It's not a problem keeping up with the washing and drying. It's the folding, ironing, and putting away. I wash and dry in the mornings, but it's so busy at night that I never get around to folding it and putting it away. I put clean piles on our bed and intend to do it before going to sleep. But after dinner, homework, stories, lunches, I end up taking it from our bed to the floor. It piles up and up, and then it's a project.
"You let your laundry sit there clean?" Missie asks. "What about wrinkles?"
"I iron everyone's clothing as we wear them," I answer.
The advantage, Missie says, of getting the clothes when they are hot from the dryer is that you fold and hang them. This eliminates wrinkles.
I bring up several flaws in this plan, but Missie is adamant that it works.
I end the conversation, and several more with other moms, like this, "I don't know how you moms do it no matter how you explain it. You have my complete admiration."
It's just laundry, I know. But some days, it feels like the biggest mountain I have to climb.
For now, I am just appreciative that I have the space to give our big-boy laundry its very own room...and shut the door!
ladies: Do you have piles of clean laundry around your house? Do you iron as you go or all at once? How do you handle the FAMILY LAUNDRY!
I started to get really interested in how other women manage their family's laundry two weeks ago when I broke down our office and turned it into a laundry room. Our laundry was outgrowing the tiny closet downstairs,so much so, that it was hard to move down the hallway and get out the back door.
"You are moving your washer and dryer upstairs?" my friend Missie asked.
"No. You know, a laundry room," I explained, "I am setting up the ironing board and a table for the clean laundry so I have a place to fold the laundry."
This sparked a conversation that seemed like the juiciest scoop I had ever heard.
Missie, a single, full-time working mom of four kids (FOUR!), never has piles of clean laundry laying around.
How can this be?
She tells me that it's about commitment. You don't take the laundry out of the dryer unless you commit to folding it and putting it away...IMMEDIATELY.
"Then, I would never do laundry and would have piles of dirty laundry everywhere," I retort.
She doesn't get it. And I don't get her.
In our house, we have piles of clean laundry, not dirty. It's not a problem keeping up with the washing and drying. It's the folding, ironing, and putting away. I wash and dry in the mornings, but it's so busy at night that I never get around to folding it and putting it away. I put clean piles on our bed and intend to do it before going to sleep. But after dinner, homework, stories, lunches, I end up taking it from our bed to the floor. It piles up and up, and then it's a project.
"You let your laundry sit there clean?" Missie asks. "What about wrinkles?"
"I iron everyone's clothing as we wear them," I answer.
The advantage, Missie says, of getting the clothes when they are hot from the dryer is that you fold and hang them. This eliminates wrinkles.
I bring up several flaws in this plan, but Missie is adamant that it works.
I end the conversation, and several more with other moms, like this, "I don't know how you moms do it no matter how you explain it. You have my complete admiration."
It's just laundry, I know. But some days, it feels like the biggest mountain I have to climb.
For now, I am just appreciative that I have the space to give our big-boy laundry its very own room...and shut the door!
ladies: Do you have piles of clean laundry around your house? Do you iron as you go or all at once? How do you handle the FAMILY LAUNDRY!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Family Happenings on Sunday, March 21
Hi Everyone,
These events came in after we went to print with our March calendar.
Have fun this weekend. It's going to be beautiful!
Carrie Wattu, editor
MAPLE SUGAR WEEKEND
March 20 and 21 the Stevens will host a free Pancake Breakfast Weekend from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., weather permitting. “The grill will be open for anyone wanting to bring something to grill. We have a rope swing for the kinds, mud puddles for the little ones to play in, and hiking trails for folks to enjoy.”
Maple Ledge Farm is located at 26 Vinton Rd, Sturbridge. For more information call 508-347-5558 or visit their web site at http://www.webspawner.com/users/mapleledge/index.html.
CHILDREN'S BOOK FAIR
Join us for Easter-themed craft projects, story-time, and much more at Trinity Church’s first Children's Book Fair! Parents find goodies for your child's Easter basket while browsing our shop’s wide array of children’s titles ranging from local favorites Make Way for Ducklings and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel to Mo Willem’s Pigeon series. Select items and titles will be on sale. We hope to see you there!
Where: Trinity Church, 206 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116. When: Sunday, March 21 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. More info: Please contact Zoe Langosy at 617-536-0944 ext. 243 or zlangosy@trinitychurchboston.org.
MONTESSORI OPEN HOUSE
FREE Spring Open House. Oak Meadow Montessori School, 2 Old Pickard Lane
Littleton, MA 01460. Oak Meadow Montessori School invites prospective families for the 2010-2011 school year to our Spring Open House; Sunday, March 21, 2010– 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Stop by and learn what a Montessori education is all about.
All families are welcome to attend and visit classrooms, tour our brand new athletics and performing arts center, and speak with teachers and current students. Oak Meadow is a non-profit Montessori school that provides an interdisciplinary and academic curriculum for students from preschool through grade eight in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Oak Meadow Montessori School, 2 Old Pickard Lane, Littleton. For more information, visit www.oakmeadow.org or contact the admission office at 978-486-9874 x226; email admissions@oakmeadow.org.
These events came in after we went to print with our March calendar.
Have fun this weekend. It's going to be beautiful!
Carrie Wattu, editor
MAPLE SUGAR WEEKEND
March 20 and 21 the Stevens will host a free Pancake Breakfast Weekend from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., weather permitting. “The grill will be open for anyone wanting to bring something to grill. We have a rope swing for the kinds, mud puddles for the little ones to play in, and hiking trails for folks to enjoy.”
Maple Ledge Farm is located at 26 Vinton Rd, Sturbridge. For more information call 508-347-5558 or visit their web site at http://www.webspawner.com/users/mapleledge/index.html.
CHILDREN'S BOOK FAIR
Join us for Easter-themed craft projects, story-time, and much more at Trinity Church’s first Children's Book Fair! Parents find goodies for your child's Easter basket while browsing our shop’s wide array of children’s titles ranging from local favorites Make Way for Ducklings and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel to Mo Willem’s Pigeon series. Select items and titles will be on sale. We hope to see you there!
Where: Trinity Church, 206 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116. When: Sunday, March 21 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. More info: Please contact Zoe Langosy at 617-536-0944 ext. 243 or zlangosy@trinitychurchboston.org.
MONTESSORI OPEN HOUSE
FREE Spring Open House. Oak Meadow Montessori School, 2 Old Pickard Lane
Littleton, MA 01460. Oak Meadow Montessori School invites prospective families for the 2010-2011 school year to our Spring Open House; Sunday, March 21, 2010– 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Stop by and learn what a Montessori education is all about.
All families are welcome to attend and visit classrooms, tour our brand new athletics and performing arts center, and speak with teachers and current students. Oak Meadow is a non-profit Montessori school that provides an interdisciplinary and academic curriculum for students from preschool through grade eight in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Oak Meadow Montessori School, 2 Old Pickard Lane, Littleton. For more information, visit www.oakmeadow.org or contact the admission office at 978-486-9874 x226; email admissions@oakmeadow.org.
Subury Moms Wanted for Softball!
Hi Ladies,
Our Sudbury readers emailed and asked us to spread the word as they looking for women to join them in softball this spring. Many of you are probably gearing up for your children's spring sports, but if you have little ones who are not in the game yet, or if you need to do this for YOU, check it out:
Softball: Every Thursday night from 6-8PM, the Sudbury Women’s Softball League plays competitive and recreational softball. You must be 21 years of age to play.
Call Kate Marchand, 978-580-9111.
Practices are tentatively scheduled for April 14 and 21. Our first game, weather permitting is April 28. The games are at Feeley Field (Raymond Road in Sudbury).
Our Sudbury readers emailed and asked us to spread the word as they looking for women to join them in softball this spring. Many of you are probably gearing up for your children's spring sports, but if you have little ones who are not in the game yet, or if you need to do this for YOU, check it out:
Softball: Every Thursday night from 6-8PM, the Sudbury Women’s Softball League plays competitive and recreational softball. You must be 21 years of age to play.
Call Kate Marchand, 978-580-9111.
Practices are tentatively scheduled for April 14 and 21. Our first game, weather permitting is April 28. The games are at Feeley Field (Raymond Road in Sudbury).
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Woo Hoo! baystateparent
Readers, The team at bsp (pictured here: Carrie Wattu, editor; Paula Monette Ethier, creative director; Stephanie Pearl, sales and business development manager) is really pumped for our spring and summer issues because we went to our annual conference (Parenting Publications of America) in North Carolina last weekend.
bsp got a BIG pat on the back from the judges of the editorial and design competition for some of the things that we are doing right in our magazine. Plus, we attended conferences and critiques to learn how we can push ourselves to do better.
Please join us in thanking bsp's writers, designers, photographers, sales team, advertisers, and many more contributors for their hard work.
Our awards are detailed below. This makes 24 for 2009 from PPA,Suburban Newspapers of America, and New England Newspaper and Press Association,
Carrie
baystateparent: Winner of 7 Editorial Awards and 7 Design Awards
> > In our circulation category, only Maryland Family won more awards than baystateparent in editorial.
> > No one won more than baystateparent in design!
> >
> > Bronze Winner for Headlines
> > Bronze: Bay State Parent; Carrie Wattu, editor
> >
> > Silver Winner for Humor
> > Silver: Bay State Parent; “Under My Roof,” Jim Keogh, writer; Carrie
> > Wattu, editor
> >
> > Silver Winner for News Feature
> > Silver: Bay State Parent; Carrie Wattu, editor; Julia Quinn-Szcesuil,
> > writer
> >
> > Silver and Gold Winner for Special Series
> > Silver: Bay State Parent; “Finally Forever,” Robyn Silverman, writer;
> > Carrie Wattu, editor
> > Gold: Bay State Parent; “Moms Who Rock,” Carrie Wattu, editor
> >
> > Silver Winner for Special Section within a Publication
> > Silver: Bay State Parent; “Think Pink: Annual Breast Cancer Issue,”
> > Carrie Wattu, editor; Paula Monette Ethier, creative director; Trish
> > Reskie; Julia Quinn-Szcesuil; Laura Richards; Amy Cooper Rodriguez,
> > writers
> >
> > Bronze for Overall Writing
> > Bronze: Bay State Parent; Carrie Wattu, editor
> >
> >
> > Design
> >
> > Silver and Gold Winner for Front Cover/Newsprint/ Original Photo
> > Silver: Bay State Parent; “August 2009 front cover,” Paula Monette
> > Ethier, creative director;
> > Allison Cottrill, photographer
> > Gold: Bay State Parent; “December 2009 cover,” Paula Monette Ethier,
> > creative director;
> > Portrait Simple Studio
> >
> > Gold Winner for Interior Illustration
> > Gold: Bay State Parent; Paula Monette Ethier, creative director;
> > Santos Vega, illustrator
> >
> > Gold Winner for Interior Photography (Original)
> > Gold: Bay State Parent; Robea Patrowicz, photographer
> >
> > Bronze Winner for Table of Contents
> > Bronze: Bay State Parent; Paula Monette Ethier, creative director
> >
> > Gold Winner for Feature Layout Black & White
> > No bronze or silver awards
> > Gold: Bay State Parent; Paula Monette Ethier, creative director;
> > Cassie Heart, illustrator
> >
> > Bronze Winner for Special Section
> > Bronze: Bay State Parent, “Adoption Guide,” Paula Monette Ethier,
> > creative director;
> > Lizzeth Huerta Priego, illustrator
> >
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Has anyone done this? Looks fun!
GET YOUR IMPROV ON
The ImprovBoston Family Show. Central Square, Cambridge. Every Sat., 6 p.m.
This unscripted show includes improvised singing, dancing, and comedic scenes that will crack up your family. Children get a chance to perform on stage and take part in the creative process. improvboston.com or 617-576-1253.
The ImprovBoston Family Show. Central Square, Cambridge. Every Sat., 6 p.m.
This unscripted show includes improvised singing, dancing, and comedic scenes that will crack up your family. Children get a chance to perform on stage and take part in the creative process. improvboston.com or 617-576-1253.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Easter Events 2010
Rabbits, Chickens and Eggs Galore!
Know of an Easter event not listed here or an Easter Bunny sighting? Please comment or email editor@baystateparent.com
March 27: FREE Egg Hunt, Fun Day and "One Ton" Food Drive
Chapel of the Cross, 160 Flanders Rd., Westborough. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Rain or shine! Over 2000 eggs, free hot dogs, moonwalk, games, crafts & more. Everyone is welcome and all events are free. We are asking everyone who can to bring non-perishable food items to benefit local food banks. 508-870-0001 x 102 and chapelofthecross.com
March 27: The Great Egg Hunt 2010 (Rain Date March 28th). Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary, Route 20, Charlton. 10-4. 5,400 unique eggs are decorated to look like animals (frogs, butterflies, flowers, squirrels, elephants, lions….) and then hidden throughout the day along our 86 acres of trails. Come anytime during hunt hours. No rush. Find prize eggs. Live animals at the visitor’s center, face painting, balloons, Hunt Bunny, refreshments and more. Only $10 per family! No Registration Required....Just Come!http://www.capenhill.org/events.html
March 27: FREE Egg Hunt at Sterling Gymnastics, Sterling. 2 p.m. Egg hunts, face painting and more. sterlinggym.com
March 27: Annual Easter Egg Hunt, The Millbury Youth Camp, 23 Herricks Lane, Millbury. Ages 3 - 5, 10 a.m.; Ages 6 - 8, 10:30 a.m.; ages 9 - 11, 11 a.m. Arrive 15 minutes earlier than your time to register. Prizes, treats, Easter Bunny (10:30 - 12), Free coffee and donuts for parents, Heberts Candy for sale. $2 per child.
March 29: Ukrainian (Psanky)Egg Decorating. Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary, Route 20, Charlton, MA. 6:30-9:00. Cost: $15 members, $18 non-members. Registration is required. Contact: Barbara Frederick @ 508-248-5516 or capenhill@charter.net.
Learn the art of Psanky Egg Decorating from a local artist. Learn the history of how it all started. Create a beautiful, colorful work of art! You will be glad you did and continue to create these beautiful eggs on your own!http://www.capenhill.org/events.html
April 2: Egg Hunt and Concert with Cheryl Melody.
CTK Moms Group, 600 Central St., Holliston.
10 a.m. – Noon. Musical fun, food, a raffle and 2 separate age appropriate egg hunts. All proceeds will be donated to Blessed Beginnings Preschool Grace scholarship fund Rain or Shine. C $5, family cap meghanumlauf@mail.com or 617-233-1017, christtheking-holliston.org
April 2: Preschool Friday. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St.
10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Preschoolers hop in to cuddle with bunnies and learn about the habits of rabbits. Ages 3 – 5. 30-minute sessions. Admission $7.50 PP. $8 fee above Museum admission. Discount for series pre-registration. 401-273-KIDS, childrensmuseum.org.
April 3: Storytime & CRAFT . The Harvard Coop, 1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 11 a.m. Passover stories and craft. 2 p.m. Storytime & CRAFT. Easter STORIES &egg hunt. thecoop.com
April 3: Bunny Bonanzoo at Stone Zoo! 149 Pond St., Stoneham. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Hop on down the bunny trail to Stone Zoo where an Easter celebration awaits! Children’s activities include holiday games, crafts and other fun surprises. Families can also visit with a special guest, the Easter Bunny, who will be ready to smile for photographs! Guests may take photos with their own camera for a suggested donation of $5. All of the proceeds will benefit Stone Zoo. April 3 is also Kids' Price Saturday. Admission is $7.00 for everyone from 10:00 a.m. - Noon. Regular admission is $11 for adults;
$7.00 for children 2 - 12; under 2, free.
781-438-5100, stonezoo.org
April 4:Family Jump at Pump it Up in Shrewsbury. Admission is $10 per child with a $2 discount for cash or multiple admissions. Parents always get to play for FREE!
Schedule:
10:00 - 11:15 a.m.
12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
2:30 - 3:45 p.m.
4:00 - 5:15 p.m.
Each paid admission on Sunday, April 4th includes one theatre box of Gummi Bears or Sour Neon Worms (while supplies last). *Space is limited. Prepurchase in person to guarantee your spot. Times are subject to cancellation so check our Jump n' Event Calendar the same day you plan to attend for the latest times: http://www.pumpitupparty.com/ma/shrewsbury/calendar-p8q167.htm
508-845-5867, Pump It Up of Shrewsbury
810 Boston Tpke Road, Shrewsbury.
April 4: Beatrix Potter Stories. Boston Children’s Museum. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Celebrate spring with the mischievous Peter Rabbit. A $12, C (1 – 15) $9, under one, free. Fridays 5 – 9 p.m., all visitors $1. 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org
April 12: Which Came First. Drumlin Farm, 208 South Geat Rd., Lincoln. 3:30 – 5 p.m. Was it the chicken or was it the egg? Come along and check out the chickens in the poultry house to see if they have laid any eggs. Visit with some chicks while you are there. Dye your own egg using natural dyes. Discover who else lays eggs around the farm. For all ages. $14 PP. 781-259-2206, massaudubon.org/drumlin
April 22: BEATRIX POTTER: More than Peter Rabbit! Science Discovery, 177 Main St., Acton. Drop-in 1 – 3 p.m. Beatrix Potter, best known as the author and illustrator of the Peter Rabbit books, was also a self-taught botanist who studied fungi and lichens. Learn how her paintings of fungi led her to careful observations, experiments, and important discoveries. Be inspired by this artist and scientist and make your own sketches of fungi, mosses and lichens. Admission to both museums $10.50 PP, under 12 months, free. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org
Know of an Easter event not listed here or an Easter Bunny sighting? Please comment or email editor@baystateparent.com
March 27: FREE Egg Hunt, Fun Day and "One Ton" Food Drive
Chapel of the Cross, 160 Flanders Rd., Westborough. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Rain or shine! Over 2000 eggs, free hot dogs, moonwalk, games, crafts & more. Everyone is welcome and all events are free. We are asking everyone who can to bring non-perishable food items to benefit local food banks. 508-870-0001 x 102 and chapelofthecross.com
March 27: The Great Egg Hunt 2010 (Rain Date March 28th). Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary, Route 20, Charlton. 10-4. 5,400 unique eggs are decorated to look like animals (frogs, butterflies, flowers, squirrels, elephants, lions….) and then hidden throughout the day along our 86 acres of trails. Come anytime during hunt hours. No rush. Find prize eggs. Live animals at the visitor’s center, face painting, balloons, Hunt Bunny, refreshments and more. Only $10 per family! No Registration Required....Just Come!http://www.capenhill.org/events.html
March 27: FREE Egg Hunt at Sterling Gymnastics, Sterling. 2 p.m. Egg hunts, face painting and more. sterlinggym.com
March 27: Annual Easter Egg Hunt, The Millbury Youth Camp, 23 Herricks Lane, Millbury. Ages 3 - 5, 10 a.m.; Ages 6 - 8, 10:30 a.m.; ages 9 - 11, 11 a.m. Arrive 15 minutes earlier than your time to register. Prizes, treats, Easter Bunny (10:30 - 12), Free coffee and donuts for parents, Heberts Candy for sale. $2 per child.
March 29: Ukrainian (Psanky)Egg Decorating. Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary, Route 20, Charlton, MA. 6:30-9:00. Cost: $15 members, $18 non-members. Registration is required. Contact: Barbara Frederick @ 508-248-5516 or capenhill@charter.net.
Learn the art of Psanky Egg Decorating from a local artist. Learn the history of how it all started. Create a beautiful, colorful work of art! You will be glad you did and continue to create these beautiful eggs on your own!http://www.capenhill.org/events.html
April 2: Egg Hunt and Concert with Cheryl Melody.
CTK Moms Group, 600 Central St., Holliston.
10 a.m. – Noon. Musical fun, food, a raffle and 2 separate age appropriate egg hunts. All proceeds will be donated to Blessed Beginnings Preschool Grace scholarship fund Rain or Shine. C $5, family cap meghanumlauf@mail.com or 617-233-1017, christtheking-holliston.org
April 2: Preschool Friday. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St.
10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Preschoolers hop in to cuddle with bunnies and learn about the habits of rabbits. Ages 3 – 5. 30-minute sessions. Admission $7.50 PP. $8 fee above Museum admission. Discount for series pre-registration. 401-273-KIDS, childrensmuseum.org.
April 3: Storytime & CRAFT . The Harvard Coop, 1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 11 a.m. Passover stories and craft. 2 p.m. Storytime & CRAFT. Easter STORIES &egg hunt. thecoop.com
April 3: Bunny Bonanzoo at Stone Zoo! 149 Pond St., Stoneham. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Hop on down the bunny trail to Stone Zoo where an Easter celebration awaits! Children’s activities include holiday games, crafts and other fun surprises. Families can also visit with a special guest, the Easter Bunny, who will be ready to smile for photographs! Guests may take photos with their own camera for a suggested donation of $5. All of the proceeds will benefit Stone Zoo. April 3 is also Kids' Price Saturday. Admission is $7.00 for everyone from 10:00 a.m. - Noon. Regular admission is $11 for adults;
$7.00 for children 2 - 12; under 2, free.
781-438-5100, stonezoo.org
April 4:Family Jump at Pump it Up in Shrewsbury. Admission is $10 per child with a $2 discount for cash or multiple admissions. Parents always get to play for FREE!
Schedule:
10:00 - 11:15 a.m.
12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
2:30 - 3:45 p.m.
4:00 - 5:15 p.m.
Each paid admission on Sunday, April 4th includes one theatre box of Gummi Bears or Sour Neon Worms (while supplies last). *Space is limited. Prepurchase in person to guarantee your spot. Times are subject to cancellation so check our Jump n' Event Calendar the same day you plan to attend for the latest times: http://www.pumpitupparty.com/ma/shrewsbury/calendar-p8q167.htm
508-845-5867, Pump It Up of Shrewsbury
810 Boston Tpke Road, Shrewsbury.
April 4: Beatrix Potter Stories. Boston Children’s Museum. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Celebrate spring with the mischievous Peter Rabbit. A $12, C (1 – 15) $9, under one, free. Fridays 5 – 9 p.m., all visitors $1. 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org
April 12: Which Came First. Drumlin Farm, 208 South Geat Rd., Lincoln. 3:30 – 5 p.m. Was it the chicken or was it the egg? Come along and check out the chickens in the poultry house to see if they have laid any eggs. Visit with some chicks while you are there. Dye your own egg using natural dyes. Discover who else lays eggs around the farm. For all ages. $14 PP. 781-259-2206, massaudubon.org/drumlin
April 22: BEATRIX POTTER: More than Peter Rabbit! Science Discovery, 177 Main St., Acton. Drop-in 1 – 3 p.m. Beatrix Potter, best known as the author and illustrator of the Peter Rabbit books, was also a self-taught botanist who studied fungi and lichens. Learn how her paintings of fungi led her to careful observations, experiments, and important discoveries. Be inspired by this artist and scientist and make your own sketches of fungi, mosses and lichens. Admission to both museums $10.50 PP, under 12 months, free. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Child Struggling with Reading? Informational Program on Tuesday, April 6th in Northborough
FREE Red Flags – How to Identify Early Struggling Readers. Northborough Free Library, 34 Main St., Northborough. Tuesday, April 6, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. A program for parents presented by Dr. Pamela Hook, President of the Massachusetts Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (MABIDA). Learn how to identify the early signs of reading struggles in your child. Registration is required: 508-393-5025 ext. 4. northboroughlibrary.org/northborough
FREE Music Together in March
If you're looking to get out with baby in March, search for a FREE Music Together class. Here's a release we just received from Apple Country. If you've ever been to this program, you'll never get the Hello song out of your head...even 10 years later :) Carrie Wattu, editor
Apple Country Music Together invites families new to Music Together to join us and discover what makes Music Together the gold standard in early childhood music programs since 1987. Our 45 minute program includes easy- to-join-in singalongs, instrument play and large movement. Our trained and talented teachers will lead you in fun, engaging music activities designed to stimulate and support your child's music development.
-
All sessions are free and we keep our group size small, so please RSVP as soon as possible (at least 3 days/72 hours in advance).
-
A limited number of seats are available for Returning Families.
Singalongs are located in Northboro, Westboro, Hopkinton, and Bolton in late March. Go to http://applecountrymusictogether.com/SWYCM.htm to RSVP.
Mothers and More Meets in Hopkinton on Monday, March 15, 2010
Hi Moms, We just received this release. It didn't make our March issue but thought you might want to check this out. Sounds interesting... Carrie Wattu, editor
Press Release
Your Parenting Personality: Enhance your strengths by understanding your style
Every child is different, and so is every mother. Developing a strong knowledge of your own personality style can help you identify your strengths as a parent -- and enable you to better support your child. Moms from area towns are welcome to join a free discussion of personality type and parenting on Monday, March 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. at 2 West Elm Street in Hopkinton (meeting room at Community Covenant Church).
This event is sponsored by the Central 495 Chapter of Mothers & More, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting mothers as they navigate the challenges of daily life, whether they are full-time family caregivers or balancing caregiving with paid work.
In addition to monthly discussions of specific aspects of parenting and family life, the Central 495 Chapter offers a variety of activities for moms in area towns: Moms’ Night Out, book club, Movie Moms, playgroups, community service projects, and more.
For more information, email MnMCentral495area@gmail.com or visit www.mothersandmore.org/chapters/495Area.
****************************
Calendar listing
Monday, March 15, 7 to 9 p.m. Area moms discuss “ Your Parenting Personality: Enhance your strengths by understanding your style.” Sponsored by Mothers & More (Central 495 Area Chapter) at 2 West Elm Street, Hopkinton (meeting room at Community Covenant Church). For more information, email MnMCentral495area@gmail.com or visit www.mothersandmore.org/chapters/495Area.
****************************
General listing
Mothers & More (Central 495 Area Chapter) meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on the third Monday of every month at 2 West Elm Street, Hopkinton (meeting room at Community Covenant Church). The group offers a variety of activities for moms in area towns: Moms’ Night Out, book club, Movie Moms, playgroups, community service projects, discussions on parenting and family life, and more. For information, email MnMCentral495area@gmail.com or visit www.mothersandmore.org/chapters/495Area.
Press Release
Your Parenting Personality: Enhance your strengths by understanding your style
Every child is different, and so is every mother. Developing a strong knowledge of your own personality style can help you identify your strengths as a parent -- and enable you to better support your child. Moms from area towns are welcome to join a free discussion of personality type and parenting on Monday, March 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. at 2 West Elm Street in Hopkinton (meeting room at Community Covenant Church).
This event is sponsored by the Central 495 Chapter of Mothers & More, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting mothers as they navigate the challenges of daily life, whether they are full-time family caregivers or balancing caregiving with paid work.
In addition to monthly discussions of specific aspects of parenting and family life, the Central 495 Chapter offers a variety of activities for moms in area towns: Moms’ Night Out, book club, Movie Moms, playgroups, community service projects, and more.
For more information, email MnMCentral495area@gmail.com or visit www.mothersandmore.org/chapters/495Area.
****************************
Calendar listing
Monday, March 15, 7 to 9 p.m. Area moms discuss “ Your Parenting Personality: Enhance your strengths by understanding your style.” Sponsored by Mothers & More (Central 495 Area Chapter) at 2 West Elm Street, Hopkinton (meeting room at Community Covenant Church). For more information, email MnMCentral495area@gmail.com or visit www.mothersandmore.org/chapters/495Area.
****************************
General listing
Mothers & More (Central 495 Area Chapter) meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on the third Monday of every month at 2 West Elm Street, Hopkinton (meeting room at Community Covenant Church). The group offers a variety of activities for moms in area towns: Moms’ Night Out, book club, Movie Moms, playgroups, community service projects, discussions on parenting and family life, and more. For information, email MnMCentral495area@gmail.com or visit www.mothersandmore.org/chapters/495Area.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Winners for Eric Carle Themed Play in Boston
Christine Sweeney of Marlborough and Kim Sheey of Andover won family
four-packs to see "The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other Eric Carle Favorites"
at the Colonial Theatre in Boston.
Didn't win with us but still want to go? The show is on Sat., March 20, 2010:
http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/baa.site/City.aspx?CityId=1372&EngId=4831
four-packs to see "The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other Eric Carle Favorites"
at the Colonial Theatre in Boston.
Didn't win with us but still want to go? The show is on Sat., March 20, 2010:
http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/baa.site/City.aspx?CityId=1372&EngId=4831
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Updated St. Patrick's Day Events 2010
Thank goodness something is green this month: St. Patty's Day! Here is an UPDATED listing of parades and other Irish-themed events from the Massachusetts Department of Travel and Tourism.
For Immediate Release
MASSACHUSETTS IS IRISH ALL MARCH LONG
State Bursts at the Seams with Parades, Theatre, Music, Dance, Film & More
BOSTON, March 2, 2010. Staking a claim as the most Irish state in the Nation (24 percent of the state claims Irish ancestry), Massachusetts celebrates all month long with parades, celebrations, revelries and events highlighting a rich and cultural heritage. This St. Patrick’s Day season, don’t miss out on some of the biggest and most colorful parades happening all across the state.
“Residents and visitors alike can paint the town green for the entire month with events that provide one of the biggest celebrations outside of Dublin.” said Betsy Wall, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel + Tourism (MOTT).
To begin your Massachusetts Irish experience, visit: www.massvacation.com and www.irishmassachusetts.com for complete listings of the state’s happenings. MOTT”s social networking pages on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Visit-Massachusetts/132857061913 and Twitter http://twitter.com/VisitMA always keep visitors and residents updated on the state’s events, attractions and activities.
St. Patrick’s Day Parades
Cape Cod St. Patrick’s Day Parade - Yarmouth
Saturday, March 6, 11:00 am Starts: Corner of School St, & Rte. 28, West Dennis 508 362-PADY (7239) www.capecodstpatsparade.com
Worcester St. Patrick’s Day Parade – March 14, Noon
Park Avenue 508 755-1955 www.stpatsparade.com
The 23rd annual St. Patrick's Day Parade celebrates the Irish of Central Massachusetts, who began settling in the Worcester area as early as 1718. In 1825 Irish immigrants came to Worcester to build the city's canals and roadways, and the community flourished thereafter.
Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade – March 14, 1:00 p.m.
Broadway MBTA Stop, South Boston 617 268-7955 www.saintpatricksdayparade.com/boston/boston.htm
This year's 110th annual parade honors the 'Men and Women of the Armed Forces' and features marching bands and pipe bands from throughout America. South Boston is Boston's most Irish neighborhood, and has a glorious tradition of helping others while keeping Irish heritage alive. The parade committee is led by John Hurley, a Navy veteran and South Boston native.
Scituate St. Patrick’s Day Parade - March 14 1:00 p.m.
Gate Middle School, First Parish Rd 781 545-6671 www.scituatechamber.org
Scituate's 12th annual St. Patrick's Day parade is popular among the South Shore and Cape Cod communities. The parade ends at scenic Scituate Harbor. Scituate is nicknamed the Irish Riviera, since many Irish politicians like James Michael Curley and the Kennedys liked to vacation there in summer.
Abington St. Patrick’s Day Parade - March 21, 1 p.m.
Abington Center 781 878-1570 or 781-878-7785
Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade - March 21, Noon
Downtown Holyoke 413 533-1700 www.holyokestpatricksparade.com
The 55th annual Holyoke Parade is reckoned to be one of the largest in the nation. The parade is the culmination of numerous Irish events in March that celebrate the Irish community of western Massachusetts, many of whom emigrated from County Kerry and the Blasket Islands in the 20th century.
Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade – March 21, 1 p,m.
City Hall 978 794-5858
Celebrations, Revelries, Irish Culture & Heritage
“Moon Shot - JFK and Space Exploration” Exhibit –Through May 30
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the first Moon landing and President Kennedy’s grand vision that made the achievement possible In 1961, President Kennedy challenged the nation to land a man on the Moon and return him safely to Earth before the end of the decade. Appealing to the spirit of adventure, to patriotic pride, and to the cause of freedom, his words ignited one of the greatest technological mobilizations in U.S. history. Eight years later, on July 20, 1969, two American astronauts landed on the Moon’s surface. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum Columbia Point, Boston, 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., $10, $8 for seniors over 62, $7 for children 13-17,Free for children 12 and under, 1 866 JFK-1960
Imelda May at House of Blues (Boston, MA) – March 6
Ireland’s queen of rockabilly – Imelda May – plays a special concert at Boston’s House of Blues on Saturday, March 6, along with British jazz croner Jamie Cullum. May was seen live on the recently televised Grammy Awards with guitar ace Jeff Beck.
Irish Tea Party – March 7
Celebrate St. Patrick with entertainment and refreshments. An afternoon show that features local musicians and dancers, as well as refreshments, raffles and selection of essay contest winners from local children. Cultural Centre at Elms College, Chicopee, 413 265-2537
The Chieftains: Presented by Lowell Memorial Auditorium – March 9
The trappings of fame have not altered The Chieftains' love of, and loyalty to, their roots - they are as comfortable playing spontaneous Irish sessions as they are headlining a concert at Carnegie Hall. After all these years of making some of the most beautiful music in the world, The Chieftains' music remains as fresh and relevant as when they first began. Lowell Memorial Auditorium 50 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, $39.75 - $49.75, 7:30 p.m., 978 454-2299
The Irish Rovers At The Colonial Theatre (Pittsfield, MA) – March 11
These international ambassadors of Irish music will deliver a rollicking, rousing performance of good cheer that will have audiences on their feet, singing and clapping along. 111 South Street Pittsfield, MA 01201, (413) 997-4444
The Chieftains: Presented by The Hanover Theatre – March 11
The Hanover Theatre 2 Southbridge Street, Worcester $43.50 - $55.50 | 7:30 p.m. 1-877-571-SHOW | Purchase tickets here | thehanovertheatre.org
Six-time Grammy winners and nineteen-time Grammy nominees, The Chieftains continue to maintain an international touring schedule that has brought them before literally millions of fans on every continent. Click here to enter to win FREE TIX!
“Poetry and Power: The Inaugural Address of John F. Kennedy
Swing Into Spring Fundraiser –March 12
Cash bar, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment by Old Bridgade, a performance by Clifden Academy of Irish Dancers and a special appearance by singer Pauline Wells. The event is sponsored by Corcoran Brokerage and Common Market. All proceeds to benefit Milton High School athletics. The Common Market, Café Main Room 97 Willard street, Quincy Purchase tickets at Corcoran Brokerage, 617 698-5900, $20, 7pm to midnight
Reagle Players Presents: A Little Bit of Ireland – March 12-14
Robinson Theatre 617 Lexington Street, Waltham AD: $35 - $45 | CH (5-18 yrs): $25 | Seniors: $1 off | Students 1/2 price 1 hour before show 781-891-5600, Groups 781-894-2330
JFK Library Presents: Themselves - - An Immigrant's Story – March 13
What is it like to leave home and settle in a new country? Follow a young nineteenth-century Irish woman on a journey to America. Hear about her struggle to begin a new life while keeping her Irish heritage alive in this interactive performance featuring storytelling, traditional music, and an Irish jig. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum Columbia Point, Boston 10:30 am, Free Performances For Children Ages 5 and Up 617 514-1644, Reservations required |
South Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast – March 14
State Senator Jack Hart of South Boston hosts this enjoyable breakfast roast of local politicians, all in good fun, to kick off Irish celebrations throughout the city. Boston Convention & Exhibition Hall 415 Summer Street Boston, MA 02210 617 269-HART
Lawrence Hosts Traditional Irish Breakfast As part of Irish Heritage Month Celebrations – March 14
Hosted by Mayor William Lantigua. The Menu includes Eggs, Irish Bacon, Irish Sausage, Barry’s Irish Tea, Scones, Brown Bread, Irish Soda Bread, Black and White Pudding. Sponsored by Division 8 AOH and LAOH, the Irish Foundation and the Claddagh Friendship Society. See Irish Heritage Month full line up here. Claddagh Pub & Restaurant 399 Canal Street, Lawrence 8:00 am - 12:00 noon, $9 978 688-8337
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort – March 17
St. Patrick’s Day $17 e-coupon on March 17th. Green snow on parts of the mountain along with green beer and other special events. Check out jiminypeak.com for more information and to sign up for your e-coupons. 37 Corey Road, Hancock, MA 01237, (413)738-5500
Cape Breton Dance Music Kimberly Fraser and Troy MacGillivray – March 18
Hosted by Gaelic Roots program at BC, headed by fiddle master Seamus Connolly. Boston College Connolly House, 300 Hammond Street, Chestnut Hll 6:30-8:30 pm, 617 552-0490
Hogan's Goat at Tamo Bar - March 19-20
The celebration continues through the weekend with local favorite Hogan’s Goat. A three-piece band featuring traditional Irish music, Ballads and Sea Shanties. The Irish favorites will remain on the menu (boiled dinner, Shepherd's Pie) along with sliders, gourmet pizza and lots of delicious finger foods for sharing. Tamo Bar at Seaport Hotel Boston One Seaport Lane, Boston, 7pm - 10pm, 617 385-4000
Very Hungry Caterpiller and other Eric Carle Favorites – March 20
Eric Carle’s Very Hungry Caterpillar, Little Cloud and Mixed-Up Chameleon spring to life on stage through the colorful black light puppetry of the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia. Colonial Theatre 106 Boylston Street, Boston
Andy Cooney's Forever Irish As part of Irish Heritage Month Celebrations – March 23
Singing star Andy Cooney is joined by Ireland’s King of Blarney George Casey, Celtic Folk Artist Kate Purcell, the Darrah Carr Dance Troup and Irish America’s Greatest Musicians. Sponsored by Division 8 Ladies and Men Ancient Order of Hibernians. See Irish Heritage Month full line up here. Claddagh Pub & Restaurant 399 Canal Street, Lawrence $25, For tix call: Anne-Marie Nyhan-Doherty at 978-390-3400, Mary Ellen Pelletier 978-886-5062 or William Sullivan at 978-682-4875
Music from Ireland, New England, Appalachia and Scandinavia - March 25
Cross the Water: Songs and Tunes from Ireland, New England, Appalachia, and Scandinavia. Hosted by Gaelic Roots program at BC, headed by fiddle master Seamus Connolly with Cindy Kallet and Grey Larsen Boston College Connolly House, 300 Hammond Street, Chestnut Hll 6:30-8:30 pm, 617 552-0490
The 11th annual Irish Film Festival - March 25-28
CONTACT:
Lisa Simmons
(617) 973-8508
Ron D’Amico
Connelly Partners
(617) 521-5428
#
The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure travel destination and to stimulate the Massachusetts economy by generating state and local tax revenues, creating jobs, and supporting the growth of travel related businesses. MOTT serves as a leader in the tourism industry, bringing together the public and private sectors to promote Massachusetts as a leisure travel destination. For more information about MOTT visit www.Massvacation.com
Monday, March 1, 2010
St. Patrick's Parade Date Correction!
The St. Pat's Parade in Worcester is Sun., March 14 NOT this weekend! Sorry everyone! Lawrence's parade is Sun., March 21 and NOT Sun. March 7.
Please confirm all family events before you go as event dates do and can change!
Thank you, bsp
Friday, February 26, 2010
FREE Egg Hunt in March
Here's one of the first Easter events bsp has received. Send in the April happenings to our calendar before Friday, March 5 via our Web site!
March 27, 2010
FREE Egg Hunt, Fun Day and "One Ton" Food Drive
Chapel of the Cross
160 Flanders Rd
Westborough, MA
01581
11am-1pm
Rain or shine! Over 2000 eggs, free hot dogs, moonwalk, games, crafts & more. Everyone is welcome and all events are free. We are asking everyone who can to bring non-perishable food items to benefit local food banks.
508-870-0001 ext 102 and chapelofthecross.com
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sneak Peek at Fashion Shoot!
Go backstage at the baystateparent Maternity Fashion Shoot for the March Baby Issue!
Baystateparent's new YouTube Channel has your sneak peek!
Click here!
Baystateparent's new YouTube Channel has your sneak peek!
Click here!
Fashions provided by Isis Maternity and Destination Maternity. Accessories provided by Stil Distinctive and Sara Campbell Ltd.
Be sure to check out the fashion spread in the new March magazine!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
baystateparent Budget Coach Winner!!
Last August, baystateparent and The Budget Coach teamed up to award a baystateparent reader with three sessions with The Budget Coach
Merribeth Spicer of Uxbridge was that winner. Read on to hear about her family's financial situation and how she used budgeting counseling to help her.
Carrie Wattu and her family “Team Wattu” first went through a demanding workout with Budget Coach. The exercises were tough but the results were rewarding. They got a workout reviewing their finances, bill paying methods and daily spending habits. Team Wattu did some “serious drills” in analyzing their bills details, what they were paying for and determining their needs. They learned to separate “wants” from “needs”, set up a system for reviewing bills and payments, and making lists for groceries. Team Wattu emerged from the coach's training with a better understanding of their financial goals and with a solid plan for going forward. It was not the easiest trail to take, but it is now a clearly marked path for them.
Merribeth Spicer wrote in her entry letter that she too felt as though she needed direction to reach her financial goals. She noted the many books she read by many “financial gurus,” yet was unable to organize a budget and follow through. Her cry for help to The Budget Coach included losing track of her spending, as well as not knowing how to set up a true emergency fund. Merribeth suffered from an overwhelming array of financial tasks to conquer and was aware of her need to get help.
In winning the Budget Coach Giveaway, Merribeth met with the Coach for the first time in September. The Coach gave her a list of income and expenses that she would need to gather and bring to the first meeting.
In her own words: "I was fortunate enough to win three one-hour sessions with Budget Coach Mary Ellen. The state of my finance affairs was terrible. I didn’t consciously budget my money. I never tracked my finances. I wasn’t even sure when certain bills were due. I didn’t know how I allowed myself to get to that point since I am a working, educated mom. I knew I was in trouble when I realized that the last straw was that I didn’t balance my checkbook and I wasn’t sure how much money I had available for my son’s second birthday."
"Working with Mary Ellen was a pleasure. She immediately made me feel comfortable and validated. I never felt judged- just simply at ease in the comfort of her office. I felt that we did start off from ground zero since my finances were in extreme disarray. Yet her practical suggestions and humor provided me with encouragement and support."
"My first task was extremely daunting- gathering bills and estimating how much is spent and earned each week. Trying to negotiate and communicate with a partner is hard in the best circumstances but that interaction is compounded with the discussion of finances. Yet, I persevered and continued to collect the figures, asking my husband financial questions and trying to complete my budget homework.
The second meeting was filled with more hope. I saw on a spreadsheet exactly where my money goes! That was exciting! Mary Ellen and I discussed what options are available once I do have some extra money.:
"The third meeting was extremely beneficial. My husband and I met together with Mary Ellen! It was so great! I felt that we really on-board this financial roller-coaster together."
Final thoughts: "I am in the process of tracking all expenses each day with a pencil and paper, not just waiting until my bank statements are opened when I get around to it. I am really encouraged to track my expenses to be able to say, 'I can go out to eat tonight. I am under my dining out budget!' I am getting there since I now have in writing that yesterday I spent $2.36 on a toasted raisin bagel!"
Team Spicer is now on their way to the financial freedom they strived to achieve. It will be hard work, more meetings with the Coach but most of that will become good habits over time and they will be better for their efforts. They will have an emergency fund, retirement fund and plan for their son’s future needs and best of all… a balanced checkbook!
The Budget Coach
Mary Ellen Regele, Head Coach
78 Electric St. Worcester 01610
home 508-792-9087 cell 508-353-2952
thebudgetcoach@aol.com
Merribeth Spicer of Uxbridge was that winner. Read on to hear about her family's financial situation and how she used budgeting counseling to help her.
Carrie Wattu and her family “Team Wattu” first went through a demanding workout with Budget Coach. The exercises were tough but the results were rewarding. They got a workout reviewing their finances, bill paying methods and daily spending habits. Team Wattu did some “serious drills” in analyzing their bills details, what they were paying for and determining their needs. They learned to separate “wants” from “needs”, set up a system for reviewing bills and payments, and making lists for groceries. Team Wattu emerged from the coach's training with a better understanding of their financial goals and with a solid plan for going forward. It was not the easiest trail to take, but it is now a clearly marked path for them.
Merribeth Spicer wrote in her entry letter that she too felt as though she needed direction to reach her financial goals. She noted the many books she read by many “financial gurus,” yet was unable to organize a budget and follow through. Her cry for help to The Budget Coach included losing track of her spending, as well as not knowing how to set up a true emergency fund. Merribeth suffered from an overwhelming array of financial tasks to conquer and was aware of her need to get help.
In winning the Budget Coach Giveaway, Merribeth met with the Coach for the first time in September. The Coach gave her a list of income and expenses that she would need to gather and bring to the first meeting.
In her own words: "I was fortunate enough to win three one-hour sessions with Budget Coach Mary Ellen. The state of my finance affairs was terrible. I didn’t consciously budget my money. I never tracked my finances. I wasn’t even sure when certain bills were due. I didn’t know how I allowed myself to get to that point since I am a working, educated mom. I knew I was in trouble when I realized that the last straw was that I didn’t balance my checkbook and I wasn’t sure how much money I had available for my son’s second birthday."
"Working with Mary Ellen was a pleasure. She immediately made me feel comfortable and validated. I never felt judged- just simply at ease in the comfort of her office. I felt that we did start off from ground zero since my finances were in extreme disarray. Yet her practical suggestions and humor provided me with encouragement and support."
"My first task was extremely daunting- gathering bills and estimating how much is spent and earned each week. Trying to negotiate and communicate with a partner is hard in the best circumstances but that interaction is compounded with the discussion of finances. Yet, I persevered and continued to collect the figures, asking my husband financial questions and trying to complete my budget homework.
The second meeting was filled with more hope. I saw on a spreadsheet exactly where my money goes! That was exciting! Mary Ellen and I discussed what options are available once I do have some extra money.:
"The third meeting was extremely beneficial. My husband and I met together with Mary Ellen! It was so great! I felt that we really on-board this financial roller-coaster together."
Final thoughts: "I am in the process of tracking all expenses each day with a pencil and paper, not just waiting until my bank statements are opened when I get around to it. I am really encouraged to track my expenses to be able to say, 'I can go out to eat tonight. I am under my dining out budget!' I am getting there since I now have in writing that yesterday I spent $2.36 on a toasted raisin bagel!"
Team Spicer is now on their way to the financial freedom they strived to achieve. It will be hard work, more meetings with the Coach but most of that will become good habits over time and they will be better for their efforts. They will have an emergency fund, retirement fund and plan for their son’s future needs and best of all… a balanced checkbook!
The Budget Coach
Mary Ellen Regele, Head Coach
78 Electric St. Worcester 01610
home 508-792-9087 cell 508-353-2952
thebudgetcoach@aol.com
Sat., March 6: Cat in the Hat Breakfast in Lunenburg
It's Dr. Seuss' Birthday!!! Make some plans from all of the events listed in our March calendar or check this one out that just came in:
Cat In The Hat Breakfast - Lunenburg
The 8th Annual Cat In The Hat breakfast will be held on Saturday March 6, 2010, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the United Parish's Andrews Hall, 39 Main Street, Lunenburg, MA. Children 4 and younger $3.00, all others $5.00. Don't miss the fun! Green eggs (yellow too) and ham, pastries, Stillman's milk, juice, coffee, meet the Cat In The Hat and hear a story, make a craft, take a chance in a raffle ($1 per chance or 6 chances for $5) and a $1 potluck table. Sponsored by MA. Family Networks/SLS. For more information contact 978-582-4129.
Cat In The Hat Breakfast - Lunenburg
The 8th Annual Cat In The Hat breakfast will be held on Saturday March 6, 2010, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the United Parish's Andrews Hall, 39 Main Street, Lunenburg, MA. Children 4 and younger $3.00, all others $5.00. Don't miss the fun! Green eggs (yellow too) and ham, pastries, Stillman's milk, juice, coffee, meet the Cat In The Hat and hear a story, make a craft, take a chance in a raffle ($1 per chance or 6 chances for $5) and a $1 potluck table. Sponsored by MA. Family Networks/SLS. For more information contact 978-582-4129.
February Winners
Meet some of our February winners who entered our giveaways:
Angela Haugabrook, Framingham: an adult-sized fitness hoop from Full Motion Family ($100 value)
Sharon Cohen, Ashland, Preserve Products ($50 value)
Deb St. Angelo, Marlboroough, Mt. Wachusett Lift ticket ($54 value)
Shelley Cook, Upton Mt. Wachusett Lift ticket ($54 value)
Nancy Rotatori, North Grafton; Patrick Seemungal, Marlboro; Ruth Kos of North Grafton: Family Four-Packs to the Worcester Sharks ($56 value each pack)
Angela Haugabrook, Framingham: an adult-sized fitness hoop from Full Motion Family ($100 value)
Sharon Cohen, Ashland, Preserve Products ($50 value)
Deb St. Angelo, Marlboroough, Mt. Wachusett Lift ticket ($54 value)
Shelley Cook, Upton Mt. Wachusett Lift ticket ($54 value)
Nancy Rotatori, North Grafton; Patrick Seemungal, Marlboro; Ruth Kos of North Grafton: Family Four-Packs to the Worcester Sharks ($56 value each pack)
Help Rescue Abused and Neglected Horses
Animal Loving Families of the Bay State:
FYI: baystateparent just received this press release for an event that helps abused and neglected horses.
Bay State Equine Rescue 7th Annual
Wine, Beer, & Liquor Tasting
Sunday March 28, 2010
3-6 PM
Castle Restaurant, 1230 Main Street, Leicester, MA
Enjoy the sounds of the Brian & Hugh Jazz Duo, the Castle's superb hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, and free Godiva chocolate.
Be sure to take part in the ever popular raffle and silent auction.
Tickets: Wine & Beer: pre pay $30/person or 4/$100. ($35/person at the door)
Wine, Beer, & Liquor: pre pay $40/person or 4/$140 ($45 at the door)
Pay by check: BSER, c/o Karin Orsi, 286 Auburn Street, Cherry Valley, MA 01611
Pay with paypal: www.baystaterescue.org
Get tickets at Equine Essentials, 2 Fairlawn Ave, Oxford, MA 508-731-0071
Bay State Equine Rescue (BSER) is an all volunteer, non profit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of abused and neglected horses. The rescue is located in Oakham, MA and was established in 2002.
FYI: baystateparent just received this press release for an event that helps abused and neglected horses.
Bay State Equine Rescue 7th Annual
Wine, Beer, & Liquor Tasting
Sunday March 28, 2010
3-6 PM
Castle Restaurant, 1230 Main Street, Leicester, MA
Enjoy the sounds of the Brian & Hugh Jazz Duo, the Castle's superb hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, and free Godiva chocolate.
Be sure to take part in the ever popular raffle and silent auction.
Tickets: Wine & Beer: pre pay $30/person or 4/$100. ($35/person at the door)
Wine, Beer, & Liquor: pre pay $40/person or 4/$140 ($45 at the door)
Pay by check: BSER, c/o Karin Orsi, 286 Auburn Street, Cherry Valley, MA 01611
Pay with paypal: www.baystaterescue.org
Get tickets at Equine Essentials, 2 Fairlawn Ave, Oxford, MA 508-731-0071
Bay State Equine Rescue (BSER) is an all volunteer, non profit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of abused and neglected horses. The rescue is located in Oakham, MA and was established in 2002.
Worcester's Birthday Party for Children in Homeless Shelters
Birthday Wishes is a non-profit organization that provides birthday
parties to children living in area homeless shelters.
On Saturday, March 27 Birthday Wishes Worcester will be throwing Worcester
County's biggest birthday party at Coral Seafood from 1 - 4 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public and its purpose is two-fold. They
need to increase awareness of their mission within Worcester County to
attract volunteers and donations, and they need to raise money to
continue bringing birthday parties to children living in the eight homeless
shelters they currently serve. The more volunteers, donations and dollars they
can attract, the more birthday parties we can deliver.
The biggest birthday party will offer the public a great fun, family
experience with games, arts and crafts, entertainment and food. There will
be a raffle to raise money, but the entry fee will be free.
If you would like additional information on Birthday Wishes visit www.birthdaywishes.org
contact Julie Stanwood, regional coordinator at
jstanwood@birthdaywishes.org. or call 774-267-9133
parties to children living in area homeless shelters.
On Saturday, March 27 Birthday Wishes Worcester will be throwing Worcester
County's biggest birthday party at Coral Seafood from 1 - 4 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public and its purpose is two-fold. They
need to increase awareness of their mission within Worcester County to
attract volunteers and donations, and they need to raise money to
continue bringing birthday parties to children living in the eight homeless
shelters they currently serve. The more volunteers, donations and dollars they
can attract, the more birthday parties we can deliver.
The biggest birthday party will offer the public a great fun, family
experience with games, arts and crafts, entertainment and food. There will
be a raffle to raise money, but the entry fee will be free.
If you would like additional information on Birthday Wishes visit www.birthdaywishes.org
contact Julie Stanwood, regional coordinator at
jstanwood@birthdaywishes.org. or call 774-267-9133
Friday, February 12, 2010
Music School for Young Children in Worcester
Wanted to share this press release from our advertiser, Pakachoag Music School, in case you were looking for music instruction in Worcester. Good luck! bsp
Worcester Area Music School
Expands Programs for Young Children
The specialized Suzuki Method
for teaching young children how to play an instrument
is expanding at Pakachoag Music School starting in February
Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester, one of the original pioneers of early childhood music education in the Worcester area, is pleased to announce that its Suzuki music lesson program, for children aged 3 and up, will expand this winter to include:
• Suzuki Guitar instruction;
• Two new Suzuki violin instructors; and
• Group violin classes, both beginner and intermediate levels.
With very few Suzuki-trained teachers residing and teaching
in the Central Massachusetts area, Pakachoag Music School, is particularly pleased to be able to expand this unique program offering to area families.
The Suzuki Guitar program will be led by Jeremy Milligan (left), a Master’s Degree candidate in Classical Guitar Performance, specializing in Suzuki guitar pedagogy, at the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, CT.
As the Suzuki guitar program develops, group guitar classes, which offer the opportunity to experience the social aspects of music, learn from peers, polish pieces for performance and to review the repertoire, will also be offered. Parents of children as young as four years old may request an assessment session with the teacher to determine child readiness for lessons.
A new intermediate Suzuki Violin class – which also includes a fiddling component – will be taught by Amy Matherly on Saturdays. Amy joined the faculty in October, and also teaches Suzuki violin at the Bancroft School in Worcester.
The Suzuki violin program will further expand to include lessons for children now as young as 3 years. This change is possible with the addition a fourth Suzuki trained violinist to the Pakachoag Faculty: Audrey White (right). Audrey, who completed Suzuki training with Dr. Suzuki in Japan, holds a degree in Viola Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music; and a dual master’s degree in conducting and viola from UMass/Lowell. Audrey, originally from Worcester, is the current conductor of the Worcester Youth Orchestra. She founded the Intensive Community Program of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra in the ‘90’s where she also conducted BYSO’s Preparatory String Orchestra (PSO) and taught on the faculty of NEC’s preparatory division.
Amy and Audrey join Pakachoag teacher Sheila Reid who teaches Suzuki Violin – private lessons and beginning group classes each week during after-school hours.
As explained by the Suzuki Association of the Americas: Suzuki based his approach on the belief that, “Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability that can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited.” Suzuki’s beliefs and the method he developed have now reached thousands of teachers, children and families in many nations.
The important elements of the Suzuki approach to instrumental teaching include the following:
• an early start (aged 3-4 is normal in most countries)
• the importance of listening to music
• learning to play before learning to read
• the involvement of the parent
• a nurturing and positive learning environment
• a high standard of teaching by trained teachers
• the importance of producing a good sound in a balanced and natural way
• core repertoire, used by Suzuki students across the world
• social interaction with other children: Suzuki students from all over the world can communicate through the language of music”
For more information, call School Director Sarah Smongeski at: 508.791.8159, or go to www.pakmusic.org and look for “Suzuki”.
About Pakachoag:
Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester – an independent not-for-profit community school of the arts and member of the National Guild For Community Arts Education -- has achieved a reputation during its 27 year history for providing the very best in music education and enrichment. Not only does the school attract hundreds of families each year from 35 towns in Central Massachusetts including Auburn, the City of Worcester, Rhode Island, and Northern Connecticut, it is also recognized as an on-going resource to the larger community, contributing to the vibrant and rich culture that makes central Massachusetts such a great place to live and work.
The School currently offers over 30 different programs and classes each year, and hosts more than 25 different performance programs (in- and out-of-house). In addition to Music Together classes in Auburn (offered Tuesday through Saturday, and Thursday evenings), these classes for children aged birth through five are also offered at three different satellite locations in W. Boylston, Sterling, and Sturbridge. In 2009, the School was named a key program partner for All Saints Church’s Afternoon Tunes program, a youth-to-youth music instruction program led by volunteers and mentor musicians, providing music instruction to Worcester youth at no cost.
Worcester Area Music School
Expands Programs for Young Children
The specialized Suzuki Method
for teaching young children how to play an instrument
is expanding at Pakachoag Music School starting in February
Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester, one of the original pioneers of early childhood music education in the Worcester area, is pleased to announce that its Suzuki music lesson program, for children aged 3 and up, will expand this winter to include:
• Suzuki Guitar instruction;
• Two new Suzuki violin instructors; and
• Group violin classes, both beginner and intermediate levels.
With very few Suzuki-trained teachers residing and teaching
in the Central Massachusetts area, Pakachoag Music School, is particularly pleased to be able to expand this unique program offering to area families.
The Suzuki Guitar program will be led by Jeremy Milligan (left), a Master’s Degree candidate in Classical Guitar Performance, specializing in Suzuki guitar pedagogy, at the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, CT.
As the Suzuki guitar program develops, group guitar classes, which offer the opportunity to experience the social aspects of music, learn from peers, polish pieces for performance and to review the repertoire, will also be offered. Parents of children as young as four years old may request an assessment session with the teacher to determine child readiness for lessons.
A new intermediate Suzuki Violin class – which also includes a fiddling component – will be taught by Amy Matherly on Saturdays. Amy joined the faculty in October, and also teaches Suzuki violin at the Bancroft School in Worcester.
The Suzuki violin program will further expand to include lessons for children now as young as 3 years. This change is possible with the addition a fourth Suzuki trained violinist to the Pakachoag Faculty: Audrey White (right). Audrey, who completed Suzuki training with Dr. Suzuki in Japan, holds a degree in Viola Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music; and a dual master’s degree in conducting and viola from UMass/Lowell. Audrey, originally from Worcester, is the current conductor of the Worcester Youth Orchestra. She founded the Intensive Community Program of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra in the ‘90’s where she also conducted BYSO’s Preparatory String Orchestra (PSO) and taught on the faculty of NEC’s preparatory division.
Amy and Audrey join Pakachoag teacher Sheila Reid who teaches Suzuki Violin – private lessons and beginning group classes each week during after-school hours.
As explained by the Suzuki Association of the Americas: Suzuki based his approach on the belief that, “Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability that can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited.” Suzuki’s beliefs and the method he developed have now reached thousands of teachers, children and families in many nations.
The important elements of the Suzuki approach to instrumental teaching include the following:
• an early start (aged 3-4 is normal in most countries)
• the importance of listening to music
• learning to play before learning to read
• the involvement of the parent
• a nurturing and positive learning environment
• a high standard of teaching by trained teachers
• the importance of producing a good sound in a balanced and natural way
• core repertoire, used by Suzuki students across the world
• social interaction with other children: Suzuki students from all over the world can communicate through the language of music”
For more information, call School Director Sarah Smongeski at: 508.791.8159, or go to www.pakmusic.org and look for “Suzuki”.
About Pakachoag:
Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester – an independent not-for-profit community school of the arts and member of the National Guild For Community Arts Education -- has achieved a reputation during its 27 year history for providing the very best in music education and enrichment. Not only does the school attract hundreds of families each year from 35 towns in Central Massachusetts including Auburn, the City of Worcester, Rhode Island, and Northern Connecticut, it is also recognized as an on-going resource to the larger community, contributing to the vibrant and rich culture that makes central Massachusetts such a great place to live and work.
The School currently offers over 30 different programs and classes each year, and hosts more than 25 different performance programs (in- and out-of-house). In addition to Music Together classes in Auburn (offered Tuesday through Saturday, and Thursday evenings), these classes for children aged birth through five are also offered at three different satellite locations in W. Boylston, Sterling, and Sturbridge. In 2009, the School was named a key program partner for All Saints Church’s Afternoon Tunes program, a youth-to-youth music instruction program led by volunteers and mentor musicians, providing music instruction to Worcester youth at no cost.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
February Theatre Vacation Workshop
February Vacation Theater Workshop is being held at the Performing Arts Center of MetroWest on 140 Pearl Street in Framingham.
The workshop will be held from 9am - 4pm; Tues - Fri
Here's the info: Cold February - Hot Broadway! 4-day musical theater workshop for students in grades 3-9. Students will sing, dance and act in songs and scenes from these hot Broadway shows: Wicked, Mary Poppins, Bye Bye Birdie, Mamma Mia and The Lion King. Show on last day for family and friends. To register, please call PAC at (508) 875-5554 or visit the website at pacmetrowest.org.
508-875-5554
pacmetrowest.org
The workshop will be held from 9am - 4pm; Tues - Fri
Here's the info: Cold February - Hot Broadway! 4-day musical theater workshop for students in grades 3-9. Students will sing, dance and act in songs and scenes from these hot Broadway shows: Wicked, Mary Poppins, Bye Bye Birdie, Mamma Mia and The Lion King. Show on last day for family and friends. To register, please call PAC at (508) 875-5554 or visit the website at pacmetrowest.org.
508-875-5554
pacmetrowest.org
Wachusett Newcomers Club Welcomes You!
February 28, 2010
FREE New Member Coffee. Wachusett Region Newcomers Club, At the home of Mary Morin, 12 Newell Road, Holden, MA, 2:00 pm
The Club is requesting that you join them for coffee, conversation, and a chance to hear about the Wachusett Region Newcomers Club. Members, Trial Members, and those curious about the club are all welcome. Please RSVP to Susan Warren at 508-829-2626 if you plan to attend or if you need a ride to this event.
FREE 508-829-2626 Susan Warren; New Member Liaison
www.wrnc.org
The Wachusett Region Newcomers Club is a non-profit charitable social club open to all women living in the Greater Wachusett area. They offer Girls' Night Out, BUNCO, Book Club, Family and Children events, couples events, Crafts, and holiday activities. A 3-month trial membership is FREE and annual dues are $25.
FREE New Member Coffee. Wachusett Region Newcomers Club, At the home of Mary Morin, 12 Newell Road, Holden, MA, 2:00 pm
The Club is requesting that you join them for coffee, conversation, and a chance to hear about the Wachusett Region Newcomers Club. Members, Trial Members, and those curious about the club are all welcome. Please RSVP to Susan Warren at 508-829-2626 if you plan to attend or if you need a ride to this event.
FREE 508-829-2626 Susan Warren; New Member Liaison
www.wrnc.org
The Wachusett Region Newcomers Club is a non-profit charitable social club open to all women living in the Greater Wachusett area. They offer Girls' Night Out, BUNCO, Book Club, Family and Children events, couples events, Crafts, and holiday activities. A 3-month trial membership is FREE and annual dues are $25.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tea for Women and Children at the Four Seasons!
baystateparent's February issue features tea party events this month. We found another nice tea for March at Boston's Four Seasons:
An Afternoon Tea: Starlight’s “Purses & Pearls:” Benefiting Seriously Ill Children. For women and children of all ages. Four Seasons Hotel, located at 200 Boylston St., Boston. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. A fundraising event for families to spend time quality together while making a difference for seriously ill children. Mingle, shop from a selection of premier artisans, and participate in a silent auction featuring autographed celebrity purses from actress Rosario Dawson and New Kids On The Block member Donnie Wahlberg. Children will partake in cupcake decorating and dancing with Mass Motion Dance Academy. A$55, C $25. starlightnewengland.org or 617-241-9911.
An Afternoon Tea: Starlight’s “Purses & Pearls:” Benefiting Seriously Ill Children. For women and children of all ages. Four Seasons Hotel, located at 200 Boylston St., Boston. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. A fundraising event for families to spend time quality together while making a difference for seriously ill children. Mingle, shop from a selection of premier artisans, and participate in a silent auction featuring autographed celebrity purses from actress Rosario Dawson and New Kids On The Block member Donnie Wahlberg. Children will partake in cupcake decorating and dancing with Mass Motion Dance Academy. A$55, C $25. starlightnewengland.org or 617-241-9911.
Collect for Haiti in February
February 12th & February 26th, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
YPS GIVES BACK
The LUK Crisis Center's Young Parent Support Group on 99 Day Street in Fitcbhurg is collecting items to give to Ginny’s Thrift Shop in Leominster who is sending a 40-foot container to Haiti.
The Young Parent Support group is focusing on children's items such as:
v Only Powdered Formula
v Only Cloth Diapers
v Safety Pins
v Baby Bottles (New)
v Used Bottles with New Nipples
v Baby Wipes (Refills)
v Dry Baby Cereal
v Infant Tylenol
v Infant and Children’s Vitamins
v Baby Care Items such as Lotion, Powder, Baby Shampoo.
v Clothing (good condition/hand-me downs are fine)
v Medical supplies
v Bandages
v Combs / Brushes
v Hygiene Items
o Soap
o Toothbrushes
o Toothpaste
o Blankets
o Towels
Please bring all items to 99-Day Street in the Loft on February 12th, 2010 or February 26th from 9am-3pm. For any questions or concerns, if you need to drop off before the dates of the events, or you need directions please contact Corryanne Ashe 978-829-2420 / 978-360-6193.
YPS GIVES BACK
The LUK Crisis Center's Young Parent Support Group on 99 Day Street in Fitcbhurg is collecting items to give to Ginny’s Thrift Shop in Leominster who is sending a 40-foot container to Haiti.
The Young Parent Support group is focusing on children's items such as:
v Only Powdered Formula
v Only Cloth Diapers
v Safety Pins
v Baby Bottles (New)
v Used Bottles with New Nipples
v Baby Wipes (Refills)
v Dry Baby Cereal
v Infant Tylenol
v Infant and Children’s Vitamins
v Baby Care Items such as Lotion, Powder, Baby Shampoo.
v Clothing (good condition/hand-me downs are fine)
v Medical supplies
v Bandages
v Combs / Brushes
v Hygiene Items
o Soap
o Toothbrushes
o Toothpaste
o Blankets
o Towels
Please bring all items to 99-Day Street in the Loft on February 12th, 2010 or February 26th from 9am-3pm. For any questions or concerns, if you need to drop off before the dates of the events, or you need directions please contact Corryanne Ashe 978-829-2420 / 978-360-6193.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
February School Vacation 2010
Hi Everyone,
Here is an idea for school vacation week. Visit Boston's Freedom Trail:
BOSTON:
2/14-2/20
Vacation Week Activities
Old South Meeting House, a museum and National Historic Landmark on
Boston's Freedom Trail
310 Washington Street, at the intersection of Milk Street, Boston, MA 02108
10am-4 pm
Self-guided activities for families include:
Which President was the first born outside the original 13 colonies? Which was the first to live in the White House? Learn about these, and other fun firsts of the United States Presidents.
Dinner with the Presidents:
Which of the 44 Presidents of the United States would you like to have dinner with? What would you talk about? What would you eat?
Presidential Word Search:
Search for the US Presidents who have connections to Old South Meeting House and Massachusetts in our Word Search.
Presidential Coloring Pages:
Color in a picture of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln
Cost: $5 Adults, $4 Seniors/Students
Includes Museum Admission
(617) 482-6439 osmh.org
Here is an idea for school vacation week. Visit Boston's Freedom Trail:
BOSTON:
2/14-2/20
Vacation Week Activities
Old South Meeting House, a museum and National Historic Landmark on
Boston's Freedom Trail
310 Washington Street, at the intersection of Milk Street, Boston, MA 02108
10am-4 pm
Self-guided activities for families include:
Which President was the first born outside the original 13 colonies? Which was the first to live in the White House? Learn about these, and other fun firsts of the United States Presidents.
Dinner with the Presidents:
Which of the 44 Presidents of the United States would you like to have dinner with? What would you talk about? What would you eat?
Presidential Word Search:
Search for the US Presidents who have connections to Old South Meeting House and Massachusetts in our Word Search.
Presidential Coloring Pages:
Color in a picture of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln
Cost: $5 Adults, $4 Seniors/Students
Includes Museum Admission
(617) 482-6439 osmh.org
Family Fun in Massachusetts on Saturday, February 6th
Everyone’s a kid at the Zoo!
Don’t miss “Kids’ Price Saturday on February 6th!”
Feel like a kid again when visiting the Zoos! From 10:00 a.m. - noon on the first Saturday of every month, all guests will be charged the children's admission price ($8.00 at Franklin Park Zoo and $7.00 at Stone Zoo). Visit www.zoonewengland.org for more info.
Franklin Park Zoo: Stone Zoo:
One Franklin Park Road 149 Pond Street
Boston, MA 02121 Stoneham, MA 02180
Breakfast Honors Local Heros and Veterans at the Veterans Inc. Retreat Center, Shrewsbury
(Old Calvary Retreat Center) 59 South St. , Shrewsbury
Sponsored by: Shrewsbury Republican Town Committee
Breakfast from 08:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Honoring of Veterans at 10 AM.
Please join in this community breakfast
celebrating those that keep us free.
Also, help to recognize local heros!
Do you know of those that have or currently are serving our country?
Is it your son or daughter? Please send name(s) and a brief bio to
srtc09@yahoo.com or mail to: Shrewsbury RTC, 5 Woodchuck Hill Rd.,
Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Please RSVP if he or she will attending the
Liberty Breakfast on Feb. 6th. For more info call Amanda Riik at 508-791-0956
ext.123, email Amandariik@veteransinc.org. Or Mindy McKenzie-Hebert at 508-
736-7723, email: MindyGOP@gmail.com.
ALL DONATIONS GIVEN WILL SUPPORT VETERANS INC.
Don’t miss “Kids’ Price Saturday on February 6th!”
Feel like a kid again when visiting the Zoos! From 10:00 a.m. - noon on the first Saturday of every month, all guests will be charged the children's admission price ($8.00 at Franklin Park Zoo and $7.00 at Stone Zoo). Visit www.zoonewengland.org for more info.
Franklin Park Zoo: Stone Zoo:
One Franklin Park Road 149 Pond Street
Boston, MA 02121 Stoneham, MA 02180
Breakfast Honors Local Heros and Veterans at the Veterans Inc. Retreat Center, Shrewsbury
(Old Calvary Retreat Center) 59 South St. , Shrewsbury
Sponsored by: Shrewsbury Republican Town Committee
Breakfast from 08:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Honoring of Veterans at 10 AM.
Please join in this community breakfast
celebrating those that keep us free.
Also, help to recognize local heros!
Do you know of those that have or currently are serving our country?
Is it your son or daughter? Please send name(s) and a brief bio to
srtc09@yahoo.com or mail to: Shrewsbury RTC, 5 Woodchuck Hill Rd.,
Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Please RSVP if he or she will attending the
Liberty Breakfast on Feb. 6th. For more info call Amanda Riik at 508-791-0956
ext.123, email Amandariik@veteransinc.org. Or Mindy McKenzie-Hebert at 508-
736-7723, email: MindyGOP@gmail.com.
ALL DONATIONS GIVEN WILL SUPPORT VETERANS INC.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Choose a Preschool
baystateparent advertiser, The Goddard School, shares their upcoming Preschool Discovery Day with us. Preschool can be a surprisingly confusing decision, so you may want to check out your options with this opportunity. Good Luck! - bsp
Preschool Discovery Day!
Education and Innovation Expo
A special event designed to help parents make the right choice for their children
Choosing the right preschool is one of the most complicated decisions a parent may make. Boston’s first Preschool Discovery Day! Expo will help clarify what to look for, enable families to experience today’s most creative programs hands on and provide specific take-home tips from experts regarding school readiness.
Register for this FREE and fun event and learn more about innovative, educational preschools in the Boston area. The Expo will answer questions such as:
§ What is the most age appropriate and effective way for preschoolers to learn a second language? Your child can take part in our on-site demonstration.
§ How can your child’s preschool complement your family’s fitness goals? The Expo will feature yoga and dance for little ones – join in!
§ What are the most effective ways to teach manners and socialization to young children? Don’t miss our toddler tea party!
§ What are creative approaches to interest your child in a lifelong love of reading?
§ What steps can you take at home now to prepare your child for school?
MEET DR. KYLE PRUETT,
Clinical Professor of Child Psychiatry at the Yale School of
Medicine, who will be on hand to answer your questions and sign
copies if his new book, Partnership Parenting: How Men and Women Parent Differently - Why It Helps Your Kids and Can Strengthen Your Marriage.
Parents attending the Expo will receive a FREE Goddard Parent Guide DVD, developed by Dr. Pruett. As a practicing child and family psychiatrist for over 25 years, Dr. Pruett brings a candid and scientific approach to a number of parenting issues that may be important to you.
Choosing the right preschool means your child will make friends, discover that learning is fun, and feel safe every day.
Register today! Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Date:
Saturday, February 20th
Time:
12:00 pm – 2:00 p.m.
Location:
Doubletree Hotel Boston/Westborough
(508) 366-5511
Sponsored by:
Monday, February 1, 2010
Win Tickets to Red Sox Vs. Yankees this Saturday!
There is a Bone Marrow Donor Registration and Family Fund-raiser this Saturday!!
Bob Chernisky Jr. has leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. Gather family, neighbors and friends and come out to register, have some fun,
and buy raffle tickets to benefit Bob & his family.
Saturday, February 6
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
12 Crane Street, Southbridge
One of our donors will win two tickets to Red Sox vs. Yankees Opening Day!
A team from Caitlin Raymond International Registry will take donor registrations all day. All it takes is “a form and a swab.”It’s free, painless & just a few minutes!
You may SAVE A LIFE!
Celtics Premium Club Tickets!
Cormier’s Jewelers $250 Gift Certificate
Kids Games & Prizes! Skateboard! Snowboard! Mountain Bike!
Bruins 4-Pack!
One Year Fitness Center Membership!
Southbridge Hotel Great Valentines Package!
Many Restaurant Certificates & Much More!
Raffles continue at Mill St. Brews event that night (8pm–2am).
Drawings will be held there. You need not be present to win.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)