25th Anniversary Celebration at Discovery Museums in Acton

The Discovery Museums in Acton is celebrating its 25th year with a week-long celebration of fun, family events See the schedule below:
Saturday, October 20 – Celebrate and Song!
11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Gene Stamell Performs Outside Performance*
Come sing and dance with teacher/songwriter Gene Stamell. Enjoy clever songs, puppets and magic that are sure to brighten your day.
Fun throughout the Day!
* Make a celebration hat at the Mad Hatter’s Workshop (Science Discovery Museum)
* Enjoy cupcakes (Noon to 4 p.m.)
*Face painting and visits from Bessie

Sunday, October 21 – Think Green
1 p.m. Davis Bates and Roger Ticknell Perform Earth Rhythms: A Celebration in Story and Song Outside Performance*
These Parents’ Choice Award winning performers will celebrate the diversity of the natural world and the ways that we all can care for it. This participatory concert will include songs about animals, nature and environmental awareness, “just so stories” and creation myths.
Think Green Fun throughout the Day!
*Construct a collage made of paper (9 to noon Children’s Discovery Museum)
* Bring out your artistic side with newspaper art (2 to 4 p.m. Science Discovery Museum)
*Enjoy cupcakes (Noon to 4 p.m.)
*Join our effort to recycle by bringing your discarded paper for our Abitibi Paper Retriever®! For more info visit http://www.paperretriever.com/.

Tuesday, October 23 ―A Day of Face Painting
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at both museums: With your face as a palette, explore what you can become with the artistic talent of the Museums’ explorers.

Wednesday, October 24 ― Hats and Hounds
10 a.m. Party Hats Children’s Discovery Museum
Round hats, small hats, spotted hats, tall hats! Create your very own party hat to celebrate.
4 - 5:30 p.m. Bloodhounds: A Nose for Chemistry Science Discovery Museum
Meet a bloodhound and Middlesex County Sheriff and discover how they search and rescue. Learn about the dog’s keen sense of smell and test your own olfactory abilities with fun chemistry experiments. Sponsored by the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation

Thursday, October 25 ―Dots and Take Apart
1 p.m. Dot to Dot Children’s Discovery Museum
Lots and lots of dots and dots! Use dot stickers as your medium to create an artistic masterpiece.
2 - 4:30 p.m. Take Aparts: The More Things Change… Science Discovery Museum
Using ancient 25 year old electronic equipment, explore the progress of technology with a time-traveling Take-Aparts! Sponsored by Analog Devices

Friday, October 26 ― Hats On and Blow a Bubble
10 a.m. Make Your Own Party Hat Children’s Discovery Museum
Round hats, small hats, spotted hats, tall hats! Create your very own party hat to celebrate.
3:30 p.m. Bubbles, Bubbles and More Bubbles Children’s Discovery Museum
Big ones, small ones, way up high in the air ones. What type of bubbles with you make?
3:30 p.m. Bubbles Have Smarts! Science Discovery Museum
Pop a few misconceptions with us and explore the remarkable properties of these deceptively fragile shapes.

Saturday, October 27 ― Science Saturday
10 a.m. & 2 p.m. Mike Francis Performs as Galileo in The Starry Messenger Outside Performance*
In a dramatic fun-filled performance, Galileo will describe his recent discoveries, science and his newly devised spyglass. Young scientists in the audience will lend a hand in experiments and demonstrations
11 a.m. Science on a Shoe String Children’s Discovery Museum
Learn how to use simple kitchen ingredients to conduct science experiments at home.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Destination Imagination Day Science Discovery Museum
DI teams and visitors are invited to explore hands-on exhibits, team concepts, and proactive teamwork. From gears to light effects, physics of flight to wild sound effects, develop new ideas to prepare for the 2008 DI Challenges or to just have fun.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Global Finals medal winners will lead special structure challenge workshops. Find out more at http://www.madikids.org/.
Throughout the Day
*Enjoy cupcakes (noon to 4 p.m.)
*Visits from Galileo and Bessie

Sunday, October 28 ― Discover Magic and Search for Fun
1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Steve Lechner of The Science Works Performs Magic Outside Performance*
Abracadabra! Join us as Steve Lechner introduces us to his puppet friend Bananas, juggles and performs magic often with the help of the audience.
Throughout the Day
* Lots of little Bessie’s are hidden — go on a scavenger hunt to find them (Children’s Discovery Museum)
*A trivia hunt will be just right to help you figure out your science facts (Science Discovery Museum)
*Enjoy cupcakes (noon to 4 p.m.)
* Face painting and visits from Bessie

***For Outside Performances:

Bring a blanket! Weekend performances will be held outside under the tent weather permitting. In case of cold or rain all performances will be held in the Children’s Discovery Museum classroom except for Steve Lecher whose performance would be in the Science Museum. These performances are appropriate and wonderful for all ages.

The Discovery Museums inspire enduring curiosity and love of learning through interactive discovery, hands-on inquiry and scientific investigations. Younger children learn while they play at The Children’s Discovery Museum. Older children explore scientific concepts and hands-on creativity at the Science Discovery Museum. Save 25% off admission Oct. 20-28. Admission to one museum will be $6.75 per person and to both museums is $9.75. For more information visit www.discoverymuseums.org or call 978-264-4200.

WEEKEND PICK: 15th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Sunday, Oct. 14 in Boston

How You Can Help
1. Donate to the American Cancer Society. Mailing address is: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, 9 Riverside Road, Weston, 02493-2281
2. Support a walker or team of walkers.
3. Walk yourself on Sunday, Oct 14. Rolling registration starts at 8 a.m. and continues until 10 at the Hatch memorial Shell at the Charles River Esplanade in Boston.
There are two routes a 5.7 mile of a 3 mile
For more information, visit http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&frid=3496

Oct. 29: Spooktacular Halloween Event at Children's Museum at Holyoke

The Children’s Museum at Holyoke is hosting at Spooktacular Event on Monday, Oct. 29 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. for children ages 2-8. Join the Holyoke High School band for a costume parade at 1 p.m. at the Merry-go-round, tour a haunted house at the Visitor's Center at Heritage State Park and listen to nationally known storyteller, Tom McCabe. Admission is $6 per person adults & children, ages 1 and up.

The Children’s Museum at Holyoke is dedicated to its mission to enhance the educational and cultural awareness of all children through the arts, the sciences, and the world around them by means of a museum environment which features participatory exhibits that invite interaction and programs which promote enjoyable learning and self-discovery. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. & Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. plus special event times.

Oct. 25: It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown in Holyoke

The Children's Museum in Holyoke will host a Think and Play Thursdays, featuring a It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown-theme on Thursday, Oct. 25 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This weekly Think and Play Thursday program is designed especially for curious museum visitors who are preschool age and offers valuable guided learning experiences that will introduce our young guests to our exhibits as well as talented members of our museum staff. Each week, emphasizing children’s literature as a vehicle for exploration and fun, a new story will be introduced as the day’s theme for arts and crafts, dramatic play, fun with food, and more!
On Oct. 25th it is an exploration of the story It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown by Charles Schulz. Halloween is coming, and this classic story will help put us all in the right mood! Music, games, crafts, and snacks will make the perfect party to celebrate this fall-time holiday!
Admission to the museum is $6 per person, adult and children, age 1+.

The Children’s Museum at Holyoke is dedicated to its mission to enhance the educational and cultural awareness of all children through the arts, the sciences, and the world around them by means of a museum environment which features participatory exhibits that invite interaction and programs which promote enjoyable learning and self-discovery.

Sunday, Oct. 14 Cinderella in Shrewsbury

Kids First and Westboro Sped Pac will present Kaleidoscope Children’s Theatre Production of Cinderella on Sunday, Oct. 14, at 2 p.m. at Westboro High at 90 West Main Street.
Tickets are $8.
To purchase call 508-756-6519 or e-mail jsamalis@townisp.com Tickets will be sold at the door, too.
At the event there will be raffles, snacks and the opportunity to meet the cast of Cinderella.

About Kaleidoscope Theatre: http://www.kaleidoscopechildrenstheatre.com/

This event is supported in part by a grant from the Shrewsbury Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Seminar: Children Cope With Divorce

Jewish Family Service will present the seminar, “Children Cope with Divorce,” Monday, Oct. 15 and Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Jewish Family Service, 646 Salisbury Street, Worcester. Admission fee is $65.
It is recommended, evening seminar attendees arrive at 5:15 p.m. due to limited parking.

The program, which has been approved by the Probate and Family Courts of Massachusetts, is designed to help parents help their children deal with the trauma, pain, and turmoil of divorce. It shows parents what their children are feeling, what is happening to them, and gives parents ideas about things they can do to help. The workshops will be led by members of the Family Therapy Team: Amy Colangelo, LICSW, Kathy Kaiser, LICSW, Beth Greenberg, Ph.D., Stephen Slaten, Ph.D. and David Hollis, LICSW.
Participants receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the second date attended.

Registration is limited to 30 and preregistration is required. To pre-register, call Jewish Family Service at 508-755-3101

Oct. 14: Fall Fun Day in Weston

Weston Nurseries in Hopkinton is hosting a Fall Fun Day on Sunday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features face-painting, roasted corn, scavenger hunt, and more!
Bring your camera to take a photo in our picturesque Fall in New England setting. Local craftspeople and artists will sell their handcrafted wares–baubles and beads, pottery, photos, handmade soap, etc.

Exclusive Halloween CD from Girl Authority at iParty stores

Boston’s tween princesses of pop, Girl Authority (www.girlauthority.com ) recently released a new CD -- Girl Authority – Halloween Party Songs, which is sold sold exclusively at New England iParty (www.funatiparty.com) stores.

Girl Authority is also headlining iParty and Boston Medicals Center's Halloween Town 2007 (www.halloweentownboston.com) on Oct. 27 & 28h at The Seaport World Trade Center in Boston. Halloween Town 2007 is a two-day, fun-filled family event that benefits the Kids Fund at Boston Medical Center. For ticket information, visit http://www.funatiparty.com/halloween/halloween_town.asp

The Girl Authority Halloween CD is comprised of six classic, spooky hits:

Monster Mash
Thriller
I Want Candy
Purple People Eater
Celebration
Ghostbusters

To celebrate the release of the CD, Girl Authority will be making an appearance at the Natick iParty store, located at 321 Worcester Rd. (Route 9) on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m.. The girls will be signing autographs and mingling with fans.

Girl Authority is a group of nine girls (ages 10-15) each with an individual "identity" that ties in with their personalities: Tarr (Rock-n-Roll Girl), Alex (Fashion Girl), Jacqueline (All-Star Girl), Carly (Glamour Girl), Jess (Boho Girl), Gina (Urban Girl), Crystal (Country Girl), Kate (Party Girl) and Zoë (Preppy Girl). They go to school, are Girl Scouts, cheerlead, play sports, play instruments, have fun sleepover parties and…just happen to make hit records in their spare time (100,000 copies sold, and counting, of their eponymous 2006 CD).

Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, iParty Corp., is a premier multi-channel party supply and party planning company that includes 50 iParty retail stores and www.iparty.com, an online destination.

Saturday, Oct. 13: REI Celebrates 20 Years in New England with a Family-Friendly Event

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) is celebrating 20 years in New England with an event that features a cooking competition, a Kids Mountain Bike Rodeo, giveaways, and more.

* A Jetboil “Iron Stove” Outdoor Cooking Competition that will pit 10 outdoor chefs in a head-to-head battle to create the ultimate camping culinary creation. Each contestant will be given 45 minutes to prepare their dish from a list of “secret ingredients” given to them one week prior. No “ready-made” camping food will be allowed; all dishes must be made from scratch. Final creations will be judged by three randomly selected members of the audience and will be rated on taste, presentation and creativity.

* The New England Mountain Bike Association will sponsor a Kids Mountain Bike Rodeo that will test kids’ skills on an outdoor course as they run through various obstacles. REI and the Reading Police Department will offer cycling safety seminars in conjunction with these events. All kids who participate will receive a free gift from REI and the Mountain Bike Association.

The event takes place at REI's Reading store, located at 279 Salem Street, off Exit 40 off Route 128, on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

REI is a national outdoor retail cooperative that offers products from the top brands in all types of outdoor recreation, including its own line of award-winning gear and apparel. In the Boston area, REI’s commitment to the community included hosting 13 service projects involving more than 452 volunteers in 1,950 hours of service in 2006. REI operates four stores locally, Reading, Boston, Hingham and Framingham.

Oct. 23: Free Gathering of Parents of Kids with ADHD

The Pediatric Behavioral Health at 148 Worcester St. in West Boylsyon with host a gathering for parents of kids with ADHD on Tuesday, Oct. 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Meet others and exchange tips and stories. A pediatric psychologist and a child and adolescent psychiatrist will be on hand to answer questions about assessment and medical and behavioral treatments for ADHD. This is a FREE event. For more information visit http://www.pbhealth.org/

Special Needs Legislation Hearings - Tuesday, Oct. 16

The Joint Education Committee will conduct a special education hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. in room A1, where testimony will be presented on special education bills that have been filed this session.
Bay State parents are invited to come and testify if you would like to speak in support of any of the bills that have been filed.
For a complete listing of bills call the Joint Education Committee at 617-722-2070 or see link at the bottom of this post.

The state government understands how committed parents of children with disabilities are to their children's education. However, it also realizes how difficult it can be for parents of school-age children to come and testify at Beacon Hill at 1 p.m. and be home in time for your children. If parents are unable to attend the Oct. 16 hearing, you can submit written testimony, and you can call the members of the Education Committee. Phone calls and letters are extremely effective.

S. 286: An Act to Maintain Transition Age Requirements for Students with Disabilities
This bill would maintain the requirement to initiate special education transition planning and transition services at age 14, rather than waiting to age 16 as now permitted under federal law. Transition services arecritical to facilitate a student's movement to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational education, integrated employment, continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, and community participation. Delay beyond age 14 (waiting until the middle of high school) is too late to facilitate the most effective transition planning for youth with disabilities. (Sen. Augustus is the lead sponsor).

H. 391: An Act to Provide Access to Information for Parents' Evaluators
This bill would amend the state's special education law to ensure that parents and independent evaluators are provided access to observe the student's current or proposed special education programs. Although state regulations currently provide parents the right to observe the school district's proposed program, school districts often place unreasonable obstacles in the way of parents, and their expert consultants' observations. Parents are entitled to full participation in the process of developing an IEP, but, without access to observe their child's school programs, they cannot obtain the information they need to fully and effectively participate with school personnel in the consideration and development of appropriate IEP's for their child. This bill will help to avoid litigation, encourages ettlement, and requires no appropriation. (Rep. Balser is the lead sponsor)

H. 547: An Act Relative to Special Education Due Process Costs
This bill addresses the impact of a Rehnquist decision by the US Supreme Court (Buckhannon, 2001) which has effectively created a two-tier system, barring many low and middle-income families from accessing special educationrights and services. This bill would reinstate parents' rights to recover attorney fees for settlements obtained as a result of litigation, as previously available prior to 2001. This is critical to encourage prompt resolution and settlement of disputes, reduce litigation costs for families and school districts, reduce the lengthy delays which harm children deprived of essential services for months and sometimes years, and help ensure that children of all income levels receive equal educational opportunities. (Rep.Sannicandro is the lead sponsor).

S.278: Act to Improve Teacher Training in Augmentative and Alternative Communication
This bill will help to ensure that teachers receive training in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods necessary to educate children with disabilities who are nonverbal or who have limited speech. Thousands of children (including children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, cerebral palsy, and acquired brain injury), rely on AAC methods to interact with others, and many students are now being included in regular education. The bill directs the Board of Education to revise regulations for educator licensure so that all teachers are adequately prepared in methods of communication other than speech to facilitate interaction, to ensure that students with such disabilities can access the general education curriculum and to facilitate inclusion. (Sen. Antonioni is the lead sponsor).

S.311: An Act to Maintain Short Term Objectives for Students with Disabilities
This bill would require school districts to continue the current practice of including and maintaining short term objectives in the IEP's of students with disabilities. A recent change in Federal law removed the requirement for short term objectives, and this bill would ensure that the state practice will continue by codification in State law. The inclusion of short term objectives in IEP's is important to maintain accountability and assist in measuring the student's progress. (Sen. Creem is the lead sponsor).

S.280: An Act Relative to Special Education and Parent Advisory Councils
This bill requires the Department of Education to establish and administer,subject to appropriation, a grant program to provide financial support toparent advisory councils to support their duties. (Sen. Antonioni is the lead sponsor)

A complete list of bills is posted at: gov/legis/legis.htm#hear_mark">http://www.mass.gov/legis/legis.htm#hear_mark>gov/legis/legis.htm#hear_mark

Oct. 19: Story Hour & Chinese Wishing Tree Craft Time in Cambridge

Barefoot Books at 1771 Massachusetts Ave., in Cambridge will host a Motherbridge of Love story hour & Chinese Wishing Tree Craft with author Xinran Xue on Friday, Oct. 19 at 10:30 a.m. Best-selling author and Chinese cultural correspondent Xinran Xue will speak to families about bridging the gap between eastern and western cultures, and read from her new project with Barefoot Books book celebrating international adoption, Motherbridge of Love. Afterwards families will have the opportunity to create a Wishing Tree.

About Motherbridge of Love: This beautiful poem celebrates the bond between parent and child in a special way. Through the exchanges between a little Chinese girl and her mother, Motherbridge of Love offers a poignant and inspiring message to parents and children all over the world. Text royalties from the sale of this Barefoot book will be donated to Mother Bridge of Love, a charity that reaches out to Chinese children all over the world in order to develop a connection between China and the West, and between adoptive culture and birth culture.

For more information visit www.barefootbooks.com

Oct. 18: Multicultural Event at Barefoot Books in Cambridge

Barefoot Books at 1771 Massachusetts Ave. in cambridge invites families to join them for an evening celebrating diversity! The Multicultural event features a lecture by best-selling Chinese author, and cultural advocate Xinran Xue, as well as music, drinks, snacks, and some early-holiday shopping to benefit The Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center! The event will held on Thursday, Oct. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Best-selling author and Chinese cultural correspondent Xinran Xue will speak about bridging the gap between eastern and western cultures, and her new project with Barefoot Books book celebrating international adoption, Motherbridge of Love. A portion of sales to benefit the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center

Oct. 20: Free Dance Class in West Newton

The Joanne Langione Dance Center on Border Street in West Newton will host a FREE Dance class on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for children ages 4-10.
Children will have the opportunity to try several different dance styles taught by local professionals. Reservations are requested. For additional information and to register call 617-969-8724 or visit http://www.jldancecenter.com/

Oct. 14: Dance Me A Story Free Event in West Newton

The Joanne Langione Dance Center on Border Street in West Newton will host a FREE Dance Me A Story ballet class, based on traditional fairy tales such as Snow White, Cinderella, and Swan Lake. The free event is for children ages 5-7. Time to be announced.
The storybook ballet class taught by dance professionals will begin with a story reading, ballet movement in costume and includes a tracing of the ballet's main characters to be crayoned in by class members. The goal of Dance Me a Story is to allow young children to experience age-appropriate story ballets, through music and movement. No prior dance training necessary. Pre-registration is suggested by calling 617-969-8724 or visiting http://www.jldancecenter.com/

Oct. 13: Worcester Animal Rescue League's Yard Sale

The Worcester Animal Rescue League is hosting its fall yard sale on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 139 Holden Street in Worcester.
Donations are being accepted through Oct. 12th for the sale. Items may be dropped off at the shelter from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No clothing, please. Large items may be picked up. Please call the shelter with any questions or to schedule at pick up at 508-853 0030.
Volunteers are also needed the day of the sale. If interested, contact Doreen Currier at Petsavr@aol.com
All proceeds from the yards ale will benefit the homeless animals of the Worcester Animal Rescue League. All donations are tax deductible.

Saturday, Oct. 13: Town-Wide Yard Sale in Southbridge

The 2nd Annual Southbridge Town-Wide Yard Sale will take place Saturday, Oct. 13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is held rain or shine. Maps will be available on the common between 7:30 to 8 a.m. There will be yard sales on the common as well as area homes. This is a free public event. If you have questions, please call 508-765-8800.

WEEKEND PICK: Saturday: Fundraiser for Emerson Hospital at Verill Farm

Verrill Farm is hosting a Harvest Festival tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 6) to benefit the Pediatric Care Unit at Emerson Hospital in Concord. The event starts at noon & ends at 4 p.m. Festival fun includes farm activities and music by Southern Rail.
There will also be activities, some cost a small fee: Hay & pony rides, a treasure hunt, cookie decorating, face painting, baseball speed pitch, rubber duck ring toss, and more. Activity and raffle tickets are 5 tickets for $10 and 12 tickets for $20.
The pick-your-own -pumpkin fields will be open and there will be special fall vegetable tastings.

Verrill Farm is located on Route 2 at the intersection of Sudbury and Wheeler Roads in Concord. For more information visit http://www.verrillfarm.com/PDF/Harvest_Flyer_07.pdf

WEEKEND PICK: 33rd Annual Newburyport Fall Festival

Although it is to late to put an entry into the annual scarecrow contest at this Newburyport event; families can view the entries beginning at noon on Sunday. Winners will be announced at about 3 p.m.
Families should also take in a performance scheduled at the Kids Korner over the two-day festival, which continues on Monday. Kids Korner activities are sponsored by Honey Dew Donuts of Melrose, Newburyport Mothers Club, and Mary Jane & Janey Baby store. The area will also feature face painting and crafts.
On Sunday performing are:
* Brain Doser at 11 a.m.: Nothing but straight ahead music to get your child up and dancing. Be careful, you may find yourself singing along and not minding it!
* Madeline from Itsy Bitsy Zone at 12 p.m.: itsy bitsy zone emphasizes early childhood development using music, movement, art, and sign language as the vehicles.
* Rick Goldin at 2 p.m.: Kids like to have fun, and that's what Rick Goldin's music is all about. His songs feature lots of movement and child participation, and surprises and unexpected twists that keep even his youngest listeners paying close attention. Rick's performances and recordings are lively and interactive.

On Monday performing are:
* Master Puppeteer Martha Dana at 11 a.m.
* Local musician Peter Sheridan at noon

For more information, visit http://www.newburyportchamber.org/Fall_Harvest.shtml#Kid's%20Korner%20Scheduled%20Activities

WEEKEND PICK: Free Open House at MFA on Columbus Day

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is hosting a FREE open house Monday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. This event will focus on the art of movement. As part of a collaboration with the Boston Ballet, the Museum will feature performances by Boston Ballet soloists John Lam and Melissa Hough as they reinterpret works from the MFA’s collection through dance. In conjunction with the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum will also highlight dance from the Caribbean as a celebration of the exhibition America’s Paradise and ‘Isla Del Encanto’: Contemporary Art from the American Caribbean. The MFA’s Open House is part of Opening Our Doors! 2007, Boston’s largest annual free day of cultural activities, organized by the Fenway Alliance, a consortium of arts, cultural, and academic institutions working to enhance the vitality of the Fenway area of Boston.