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summer funThe Arbors Camp offers children ages5–12 a diverse camp experience including the opportunity to try newactivities, be creative, learn skills andhave fun. Staffed by the area’s bestcamp counselors dedicated to creatinga great camp experience for eachcamper. We also offer a Counselor InTraining program for teens ages13–15.

traditional campOur traditional summer camp offersFUN activities that keep campers engaged in a variety of activities:

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register today!Registration information, forms andrules can be found online: arborscamp.com

The Arbors Camp at Chicopee 999 Memorial Drive Chicopee, MA 01020(413) 593-6311

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ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE™Created and performed by Erth-Visual & Physical Inc.Sunday, April 13, 4 p.m., FAC Concert Hall Fun for the whole family!Take your family on a tour through pre-historic Australia with ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO Live™ where an eye-popping array of ancient creatures come to life on stage. Meet a menagerie of insects, mammals and dinosaurs in their ancient environment, in this highly imaginative, entertaining and educational live show. Brought to life by skilled performers and puppeteers, you’ll experience the sweetly curious baby Dryosaur, the peaceful hulk Titanosaur, and even the teeth-gnashing T-rex. Appropriate for ages 6 and up.Plus there will be a free family fest in the lobby before the show starting at 3 p.m.Tickets are only $20 for adults and $10 for children 17 and under. Family packs of four are only $50.


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advertising directoriesDANCE, GYM & ENRICHMENTHEALTHY KIDS & FAMILIESPARTY PEOPLEPRESCHOOL & CHILD CARE

ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

WELCOME: a letter from our editor

OUR SPECIAL GUEST: meet cover model kate smith

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

BSP ONLINE

LET’S GO: 4 western mass family hikes

OUT & ABOUT: april calendar of family events

TAKE 8: meet bilingual family entertainer mister g

FINALLY FOREVER: adoption options

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: area adoption events

APRIL’S CHILD: meet aaliyah

OUR APRIL FAVORITES: facts, finds, and freebies

in every issue889

1112173538393940

7A P R I L 2 0 1 4VOLUME 1 NUMBER 2

table of contents

things we learned while making the april issue

1.2.

With creative party planning, your friends and family can have fun while making a difference in the world. Party for the Planet on page 14 offers 5 inspiring Earth Day party ideas that are both educational and creatively cool.

Soft pastels and fresh fabrics define Spring fashion for kids in 2014. Take a peek at some fun styles in A Spring Fling on page 32, and learn how you can win a $100 gift certificate to Biscotti and Kate Mack.

3.When should you get your first mammogram and how often should you schedule the test? Advice varies among medical experts, and this has many of us confused. In The Mammogram Debate on page 36, we explore the latest information and warnings.

4.

A leading figure in children’s music, Mister G has been wowing family crowds with his lively bilingual shows. We caught up with this Western Mass sensation to find out more about him and his latest album, ABC Fiesta. See Take 8 with Mister G on page 35.

SELLING YOUR HOUSE: what to do with the kids

A GARDENER’S INVITATION: come to your senses

TRASH TALK FOR EARTH DAY: reduce, reuse, recycle

27

28

30 PARENTINGPUBLICATIONin North America Local Media Association

Bestvoted

Our Annual Home & Garden Guide

5.

In A Gardener’s Invitation on page 28, journalist Amanda Roberge shares her secrets for creating a sensory garden — with intriguing ideas that will inspire you and your children to see, hear, smell, taste and feel the beauty of plants and flowers.

The hills of Western Mass are in bloom. Scenic vistas and inviting trails are the perfect picnic backdrop for a weekend afternoon with your family. Head for the Hills on page 12 has information on four area trails worth exploring.

The makers of Cheerios announced that GMOs will no longer be included in this popular toddler treat. Will others in the food industry follow suit? And, what exactly are GMOs, anyway? Find out in Beyond GMO-Free Cheerios on page 23.

6.7.

23

25

26

BEYOND GMO-FREE CHEERIOS: is genetically modified food harmful to your child?

DISHIN’ WITH THE DIETICIAN: a better way to pack school lunch

BITES: vegfest, cooking workshops, ice cream recipe and more


advertisingDANCE, GYM & ENRICHMENTHEALTHY KIDS & FAMILIESPARTY PEOPLEPRESCHOOL & CHILD CARE

ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

OUR SPECIAL GUEST: meet cover model kate smith

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

BSP ONLINE

LET’S GO: 4 western mass family hikes

OUT & ABOUT: april calendar of family events

TAKE 8: meet bilingual family entertainer mister g

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: area adoption events

APRIL’S CHILD: meet aaliyah

and freebies

in every

table of contents

In A Gardener’s Invitation on page 28

plants and flowers.

weekend afternoon with your family. on page 12exploring.

To be one, to be united

is a great thing.

But to respect the right

to be different is maybe

even greater. – Bono

wrsi.com


area destinations that are perfect for hiking. Take a picnic lunch and spend a weekend afternoon. We love that she has the experience to back up her choices, too, as this Western Mass mother of five (ages 6 to 14) is often hiking the state with her family. For a more creative way to savor the sunshine, plant a family garden. In her story A Gardener’s Invitation on page 28, Amanda Roberge shares her secrets to creating a sensory garden. Having designed her own backyard flowerbed, she talks about specific types of flowers that encourage children to see, hear, taste, smell and touch. Invite your kids to plot ideas, pick seeds, and prep the soil. One of my favorite pieces this month is called A Spring Fling. Produced locally with five young models, this fashion shoot captures the carefree spirit of warm weather. Linens, satins and pastels combine with flirty headbands and bowties. Butterflies and ruffles adorn the dresses. The looks are both pretty

and spunky. As an added treat, we are giving away a $100 gift certificate to Biscotti and Kate Mack (biscottiandkatemack.com). Two of our featured dresses are from the Biscotti line and among the many fashions that our winner might select. The stylings and details can be found on page 32. Finally, for even more spring ideas and freebies, I invite you to sign up for our email newsletters. We have weekly giveaways, information on family events, posts about places to go and things to do. Signing up is free and simple. Visit baystateparent.com and look for the “newsletter signup” tab in the upper right corner of the website. Ideas are always blossoming and growing at baystateparent. Pour a cup of coffee and join us for some inspiration. Happy Spring!

MaryJo Kurtz, Editor

There is a bloom to April that coincides with spring, and that fills the month with promise. The weeks ahead bring crocuses and tulips, Easter and school vacation, the Boston Marathon and Earth Day. The temperatures are getting warmer and the colors are getting brighter. It’s a wonderful feeling! At baystateparent this month, we celebrate that energy with spring ideas for your home, fashion, outdoor fun and more. To start, we suggest you turn off the electronics and head outside. Gather your family for an afternoon walk on some of the finest trails in Western Mass. On page 12, journalist and outdoor enthusiast Jennifer Robert identifies four

coverphoto

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creative directorPAULA MONETTE ETHIER

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editor in chiefMARYJO KURTZ508-865-7070 ext. [email protected]

22 West Street, Millbury, MA 01527

www.baystateparent.com

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presidentsKIRK and LAURIE DAVIS

copy editorBRYAN ETHIER

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Our beautiful cover photo this month was taken by Robert Charles Photography (robertcharlesphoto.com) in East Longmeadow. It features 3-year-old Kate Smith. To learn a little more about this young model, baystateparent caught up with Kate and her mom, Alicia, for some Q&A.

Does Kate have brothers and sisters? Yes, Kate has an older sister (Josie) and an older brother (Grant). She also has a yellow lab named Lola and two goldfish.

What are her favorite school activities? She attends a local Catholic preschool. She loves to play dress

up and enjoys the art area.

What does Kate like to do when she is not in school? She loves to go to dance class, gymnastics, and play outside with her older siblings. She also loves the movie Frozen and spends lots of time dancing in the kitchen while singing the sound track in her many costumes.

What are her favorite books?Kate loves the Marley books about a silky dog and his family.

How long has Kate been modeling?Kate has not modeled before. This picture is from our family photo shoot with Robert Charles Photography.

meet our special guestKate Smith

Robert Charlesphotographyof East Longmeadow

robertcharlesphoto.com

w e l c o m e t obaystateparent

What is Kate’s secret to taking a great photo?Have fun and be yourself.


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meet our aprilcontributors

If you are an experienced journalist interested in writing for baystateparent magazine, email

[email protected].

Author Colleen Wright, otherwise known as the “Green Queen” to family and friends, is a work-at-home mother with a 3-year-old daughter, EmmaRose. Her article Trash Talk for Earth Day has fun and interesting ways that you can teach your children to reduce, reuse and recycle. Find out how you can grow a garbage garden and turn your trash to cash in her piece on page 30.

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning parenting and health journalist, sleep coach, and mom to three young children. In The Adoption Option: Opening Doors, Building a Family on page 38, Malia reviews the many types of adoption available to families today. When she’s not writing, she co-organizes a parenting group, digs in her garden, and explores local hiking trails with her family.

Selling a house while raising young children is a challenge for many this spring. Journalist Gary L. Kelley speaks with several real estate professionals and offers five ways to simplify the experience. Find his

story, Childproof Your House Sale on page 27. Currently in the process of moving from Westborough to Marlborough, Gary is author of Through the

Generations, a popular blog on baystateparent.com.

Psychologist Heidi Smith Luedtke offers five unique party ideas that give back to the environment. In Party for the Planet on page 14, Heidi serves up Earth Day celebrations for all ages. In addition to writing, Heidi loves to scuba dive and search for seashells with her kids. She is also the author of Detachment Parenting: 33 Ways to Keep Your Cook When Kids Melt Down, offering practical strategies for managing family emotions.

The makers of Cheerios announced that GMOs will no longer be included in the popular product, but what does that mean to your children? Award-

winning writer Trish Reske explores the issue in Beyond GMO-Free Cheerios on page 23. Westborough mom of four, Trish is also a popular

local blogger, business owner and running coach. To learn more about her work, visit trishreske.com or follow her blog on Westborough Patch.

Our women’s health article this month is written by Leominster mother of three and award-winning journalist Amanda Roberge. In The Mammogram Debate on page 36, Amanda shares the latest medical advice on when to get a first mammogram and how often to schedule the test. In addition to her work as a regular contributor to baystateparent, Amanda is a henna artist and early childhood educator.

Western Mass journalist Jennifer Robert is passionate about hiking, running and backpacking. She shares her love for the outdoors in Head

for the Hills on page 12, sharing details on four area trails that offer something for all ages. In addition to her regular reporting work for

several local publications, Jennifer is Mom to five children between the ages of 6 and 14.

and spunky.

details can be found on page 32.

and simple. Visit com

corner of the website.

growing at baystateparent

some inspiration. Happy Spring!

robertcharlesphoto.com


Worcester Sharks tickets Vanessa Noyes, CharltonKelly Madore, WorcesterKelly Macjewski, Grafton

Eric Smith, LeominsterPatricia Minton, Shrewsbury


You are a talented, artistic, professional.You want to share your work with Western Massachusetts families. We have an award-winning creative magazine.

SHOWCASE YOUR TALENTS WITH

WE ARE LOOKING FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Let’s meet. contact [email protected]

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This past month, baystateparent has been spring cleaning our prize closet — making way for more giveaways! Look for your chance to win on baystateparent.com, in our email newsletters, in our magazines and on our social media platforms. Here are just a few winners from this past month:

baystateparentonlineAre you a Massachusetts blogger looking to expand your audience? Have you always wanted to blog about family life, parenting, relationships, or motherhood? If you have an interest in joining our growing team of baystateparent.com bloggers, contact [email protected].

baystateparent.comWinner of Doodle Pants toddler wearWendy VanderBrug of Woburn

Winners of Elmo’s World, All About Animals on DVDCharisse Martinez of WorcesterDaniel Morrell of Weymouth

Winners of Freebirds on DVDBecca Micucci of Westborough

Sonia Beshir of CharltonChristine Hotaling of West Boylston

Winners of Power Rangers Megaforce: The Mysterious Robo Knight on DVDMichael Rotondo of RutlandDaniel Morrell of WeymouthJennifer Vaillancourt of Arlington

Winners of a family 4-pack of

Worcester Sharks tickets Vanessa Noyes, CharltonKelly Madore, WorcesterKelly Macjewski, Grafton

Eric Smith, LeominsterPatricia Minton, Shrewsbury

Thank you for your sweet tweets and follows! A big shout out to some of our newest @baystateparent Twitter followers:

Thank you to our 4,343 Facebook followers! Help us to reach 5,000! Tell your family and friends about our page and its many stories, blogs, contests and more. Find us. You’ll like us. facebook.com/baystateparent

MEFA @MEFAtweets

Scott Coen @MyWideWorld

Cristi Comes @MotherUnadorned

The Fenway Alliance @FenwayCulture

Julia Lavigne @Julia_Lavigne

Donna Kramer Merritt @TheGentlePlace

Children’s Events @Children_Events

Mieka Smiles @MiekaSmiles

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LaRueBoweRs Photo @laruebowers


There comes a point toward the end of each winter when I begin to go a little stir-crazy. Candy Land has been played a million times, the house is primarily heated from the residual burn of an oven that has been turning out cookies and quick breads like an old-fashioned bakery, and my youngest will go screaming for the hills if she hears that Fancy Nancy book one more time…or maybe that would be me. The hills, actually, are a very good place to head out to with your little ones as the weather starts to turn milder, as are other trail-blazed locations, and Western Massachusetts is fortunate to boast some of the most exquisite sights around. The state parks, town conservation lands and accessible trails of Western Mass offer much for the young and the young-at-heart. Kids, by nature, love adventure.

They love exploring and going new places and trying new things. Whether your family is looking for an outdoor adventure or just a bit more fresh air into their hectic schedule, these four places hold promises sure to inspire even the most reluctant child to lace up his boots and hit the trail.

Peaked Mountain and Miller Forest Track,

Monson, MA

Butler Road in Monson offers two parking areas, about a half mile apart, that each boast a series of trails. For those seeking a peak, three and a half miles of trails offer a gradual climb to the top of Peaked Mountain. While the smallest feet in our group like a few rests along the way, the view at the top is well worth the effort. New Hampshire’s

Mount Monadnock is visible from the summit on a relatively clear day. A unique feature is the trail register box near the summit where folks sign their names and share thoughts about their hike as well as read the treks of those who have been there before. On the Peaked Mountain trails, it is common to hear the songs of warblers and black-capped chickadees. Even those unfamiliar with bird identification will enjoy watching the circling of hawks and hearing the hoots of owls. Down the road a bit, the trailhead for the Miller Tract offers a completely different experience with a one mile loop trail that circles around Lunden Pond. Hiking is relatively flat, and wetland areas allow for rock-hopping across streams. If you are lucky, you may even get glimpses of beavers and herons!

Free. The Miller Forest Track is appropriate for all ages; Peaked Mountain trail is best suited for those over 5.

Mount Norwottuck, Hadley, MA

The highest peak of the Holyoke Mountain Range, Mount Norwottuck is a gem of a place to explore for a few hours. But what really makes this a great family hike is the bit of history it holds. With an elevation gain of 775 feet, there are strenuous parts of trail here, but the Horse Caves are worth the effort. Legend has it the “caves,” which are actually ledges, were used as a bivouac by rebels after being defeated during Shay’s Rebellion. Exploring the cavernous formations and crevices is a delight for all ages.

HEAD FOR THE HILLS:

4 Hot Spots for Family HikesBY JENNIFER ROBERT

LETS

GO


The Norwottuck hike will take you over three and a half miles of trail that begin and end at the Notch Visitors Center. More experienced hikers can spend an entire day here exploring the various summits of the Seven Sisters of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, whose trailhead is located right across from the visitors center. It provides breathtaking views in exchange for the technical footwork required to complete the section. Free. Best suited for legs 7 and older.

Sanderson Brook Falls, Chester, MA

While some say it is the experience not the destination that matters, families just finding their hiking legs might be propelled into action more easily by an end goal. Sanderson Brook Falls, a gorgeous 70-foot cascade inside the Chester-Blandford State Forest, is accessible by an easy one-mile hike from the parking area. This state forest has an extensive trail system that allows more enthusiastic hikers to make the four-mile loop trek up to Observation Hill. The total elevation gain to the top is about 1000 feet, but there are several spots to stop to rejuvenate with stunning scenic views along the way. Old stone walls, an old chimney and a historical display allow for truly interesting educational opportunities. The trail names, aptly reminiscent of the long-gone mining operations in the area, make kids feel as though they are living a little bit of history. One really great thing about Chester-Blandford is that there is a universal access interpretative trail on the property. Boulder Park, as it is called, features an easy graded trail and a pavilion for picnicking, making this state forest a destination that offers opportunities for someone of every age and ability. Free. Open year-round, sunrise to sunset. Due to the diversity of opportunities, this spot can be appropriate for all ages. The trail to Observation Hill is best for legs 7 and older.

Mohawk State Forest, Charlemont, MA

An absolute hidden gem of the Commonwealth, Mohawk

State Forest sits on the edge of Franklin County and is the perfect “staycation” opportunity for families who love the outdoors. Despite its outstanding historical significance and the fact that it boasts the second largest old growth forest in the state (including some very impressive patches of tall pines), this area seems to receive comparatively little foot traffic. The forest has over 6,000 acres of land that are rich in both large and small trails and over 15 miles of rivers

and streams that offer fantastic fishing. The land is rich with Native American history. The historic Mohawk Indian Trail runs along the crest of the Todd-Clark ridge here, and you can feel the meditative reflection of our ancestors reverberating from the forest. One really nice feature is the diversity for hikers of all levels. If you choose to make this a mini-getaway, those who are more serious hikers or have better

physical ability have essentially endless opportunity to explore the trails and different ecosystems, while smaller legs and less adventurous family members can take advantage of the small loop trails and swimming areas. Open year-round, sunrise to sunset. There is a $5 per vehicle fee from May to October, which is waived for anyone with a ParksPass or bearing handicap or disabled Veteran’s license plates. Overnight camping is available year-round for an additional fee.

HITS 94.3 IN THE 413

DJ TRUMPY


Red-Light Green-Light

The Facts: According to energy-star.gov, if each American family replaced just one traditional incandescent bulb with a Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulb, we’d save enough energy to light 3 million homes for a year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 9 billion pounds, an amount equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.Big bonus: A CFL bulb lasts 6 times longer than an incandescent bulb and saves more than $40 in lifetime electricity costs.

The Fun: Host a twilight potluck block party and green-up the neighborhood. Purchase a case of Energy Star approved CFL bulbs at a home supply store. (A box of 48 bulbs costs around $90.) Ask each family to purchase one or more energy-efficient bulbs and head home to green up their porch light before dark. Bask in the earth-friendly glow while you get to know the neighbors.

Pay It Forward: At night’s end, donate proceeds from bulb sales (and any additional donations) to a community program that subsidizes energy bills for low-income families or seniors. Ask $5 per bulb and you’ll cover your costs and donate $150.

Read It Again!

The Facts: One in five (21.8 percent) American children under the age of 18 lives in poverty, according to 2012 statistics from the US Census. With numbers this high, it is easy to see why so many children cannot afford to have new books, which cost between $5 and $25 in retail stores. Studies show limited access to print diminishes kids’ motivation to read and their academic performance. Fortunately, there are many ways to donate old reads to those in need.

The Fun: Host a bookish bash for your kids and their friends. Invite (pajama-clad) partiers of all ages to bring books they’ve

outgrown and get several goofy grownups to read kids’ favorites aloud. Use your silliest voices and outrageous props to make this a story time to remember.

Pay It Forward: When the party’s over, donate guests’ well-loved books to Discover Books (discoverbooks.com), a charity that distributes used books to underfunded libraries and schools in the U.S. and overseas. Visit the website to use its interactive map and find a donation location in your area.

Make a Splash

The Facts: The oceans cover 71% of the Earth’s surface and contain 97% of its water, but they’re under threat. Pollution and over-fishing destroy the habitats of many marine species, and some types of whales, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and sharks are endangered. And global climate changes mean rising water levels and temperatures.

The Fun: Screen a sea-worthy film like the documentary Oceans (2009) or IMAX: Deep Sea (2010) at a water-themed celebration. Guests will have a whale of a time eating ocean-inspired treats while they view exhilarating underwater footage. Serve goldfish crackers and gummi sharks or make starfish sundaes. (Decorate small, star-shaped sugar cookies with colored sprinkles and stick ‘em on ice cream “rocks.”)

Pay It Forward: In lieu of ticket sales, collect donations. Send them to the Ocean Conservancy (oceanconservancy.org), a marine-wildlife rescue (such as the Turtle Island Restoration Network, (seaturtles.org) or a local waterways or wetlands preservation project.

Save a

Species

The Facts: In the U.S., 619 animals and 817 plants are threatened or in danger of extinction. Find out which ones are endangered in your area

PAR Y FOR THE PLANET5 Earth Day Parties that Pay It Forward

BY HEIDI SMITH LUEDTKE, PH.D.

Our kids will be living on this planet long after we’re gone, so they should learn to care for it. Why not throw a party to celebrate Earth Day (April 22) and use it to

reinforce the importance of going green? Kids will have fun and make a difference in the environment with these Happy Earth Day party options.


using the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s interactive map (fws.gov).

The Fun: Choose an endangered animal that excites your kids – how about bats, frogs, birds, or wolves? – and throw a save-the-species soiree. Let kids decorate with animal pictures and fun facts they find online. Plan games and activities around your animal theme or get a long sheet of butcher paper and let the kids paint a mural depicting the endangered guest of honor.

Pay It Forward: Collect dona-tions from guests to send to a related charitable organization. Need ideas? Consider the MassAudubon (massaudbon.org) or the Wildlife Conservation Network (wildnet.org).

Flutter By,

Butterfly

The Facts: Butterflies are beautiful and fragile indicators of ecosystem health. They pollinate wild plants and agricultural crops, ensuring animals and people have food to eat. And butterflies themselves are a valuable source of food for songbirds. Learn more at zoo.org.

The Fun: Plan and plant a butterfly garden at your school or in your neighborhood. Pick a sunny spot and let kids dig in the dirt and plant flowering nectar sources like asters, cornflowers, dogbane, goldenrod, and zinnias. Be sure to include plants that provide food for butterfly larvae, too (clover, milkweed and passion vine are good options). Place several large flat rocks in the garden so the butterflies can sun themselves after feasting and add a watering hole for thirsty guests.

Pay It Forward: Plan a monthly or quarterly butterfly garden party to clear out debris, plant new flowers, and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Strong community ties are good for you, your kids, and the planet we call home.

Whether you’re donating money, material goods or time, you want maximum impact. Here are some things to consider:

• Can you keep it local? National charities often have greater visibility, but there are probably several worthy organizations close to your home. Keeping it local makes it easier for kids to see (and maybe even touch) those they’ve helped.

• Is the charity financially responsible? Non-profit organizations vary. Some use resources very efficiently, spending little on overhead and advertising. Others spend less than half their money on actual programs.

To find local and national charities related to issues that interest you and identify smart spenders, visit charitynavigator.org. Their 4-star rating system

will help you get the biggest bang for your buck.

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16 APRIL2014 BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 16

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“Be a good sport”

Birthday PartiesField Trips

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OUT&ABOUT

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Large-scale puppets are brought to life in Earth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live at the UMass Fine Arts Center on Sunday, April 13.

On Saturday, April 5, the UMass Fine Arts Center in Amherst welcomes the 16th Annual High School Jazz Festival and respected saxophonist Kenny Garrett.

The EcoTarium presents its annual Earth Day Celebration on Friday, April 25, with half-price admission, live entertainment,

and family-friendly activities.

The Alonzo King Lines Ballet presents its exhilarating stage show on Sunday, April 27

at the UMass Fine Arts Center in Amherst.

BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 18BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 1918 APRL2014

MELTDOWN WARNING: Before you pack up the mini-van, please confirm your destination. Although we’ve done our best to assure accuracy at press time, things can and do change…

OUT&ABOUT

1 TuesdayTasty Tuesday: Yummy Treats for Teens and Tweens. Brightwood Library Community Room, 359 Plainfield St., Springfield. 3:30 to 5 p.m. Make treats for after school. Free. 413-263-6805. springfieldlibrary.org.

2 WednesdaySpring Woodcock Watches. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. From late March to late April, woodcocks put on incredible courtship flight displays, spiraling 200 feet into the air before descending rapidly. Suitable for all ages. Registration required. 978-463-2712. Free.

Unclutter Your Life and Start Living. East Forest Park Library, 122 Island Pond Rd., Springfield. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Professional organizer Carleen Hoffman will help you maximize your potential by uncluttering and organizing your life. Register at 413-263-6836. Free.

3 ThursdayFirst Steps Storytime. Central Library Children’s Program Room, 220 State St., Springfield. 10 to 11 a.m. Suitable fro children up to 3 years with a parent or caregiver. No registration required. 413-263-6828. springfieldlibrary.org.

4 FridayPlanetarium Show. Seymour Planetarium, Springfield Science Museum, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. 2 p.m. Find out how to locate and identify celestial objects and constellations in “Splendors of the Night Sky.” Suitable for ages 8 and up. Adults $3; children ages 3 to 17, $2. springfieldmuseums.org.

Spring Fling Dog Show. The Big E, Better Living Center, 1305 Memorial Ave., Springfield. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. cheshirekennelclub.org.

5 Saturday16th Annual High School Jazz Festival. UMass, Fine Arts Center, Bezanson Recital Hall & Music Wing, 151 Presidents Dr., Amherst. 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. High school big bands, combos and vocal jazz ensembles perform. Free and open to the public.

Kenny Garrett Quintet. UMass Fine Arts Center, 151 Presidents Dr., Amherst. 8 p.m. One of the most respected saxophonists in the world today, Kenny Garrett plays with a spiritual bent. Suitable for ages 14 and up. Ticket information 413-545-2511. fineartscenter.com.

Northampton Community Music Center Family Concert Series Youth Orchestra and Ukulele Choir. The Eric Carle Museum of

Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 11 a.m. Young musicians perform annual concert with works by Bach, Handel and The Beatles. All ages. Admission $9, children $6, families (2 adults and 2 youth) $22.50. carlemuseum.org.

Dig In! Family Drop-In Program. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Hands-on learning and gardening activities for all ages. Free with museum admission. Adults $12; children 6 to 18, $7; free for children under 6. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org.

Bird Banding Demonstration. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Rd., Lenox. 10 a.m. to noon. Observe handheld birds, help gather data and release the birds unharmed. Suitable for families with children ages 3 and up. No registration required. Adults $5, children $3. massaudubon.org.

North American Alpaca Show. The Big E, Mallary Complex, 1305 Memorial Ave., Springfield. April 5 and 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Family event features alpacas, alpaca products and educational demonstrations. Free. naalpacashow.com.

Troy Kennel Club Dog Show. The Big E, Better Living Center, 1305 Memorial Ave., Springfield. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. AKC Dog Show. Free. 518-279-1613.

World Spirit Dance and Cheer Competitions. MassMutual Center Arena, 1277 Main St., Springfield. April 5 and 6. varsityallstar.com.

34th Annual Boston Tune-Up 15K. Nipmuc Regional High School, Pleasant St., Upton. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Scenic, rolling, well-marked, newly paved roads. 508-473-4260. tri-valleyfrontrunners.com.

6 SundayRPS 5K Techno Trot and 2-Mile Family Fun Walk. Robinson Park School, 65 Begley St., Agawam. Check-in starts at noon, the race/walk begins at 1 p.m. 5K run is $25 (adults and children); Family Fun Walk is $15. All children under 12 walk free when accompanied by a paying adult. rpstechnotrot.com.

6th Annual Amherst Autism Speaks 5K Run/3K Walk. Kendrick Park, Amherst Center. Registration opens at 11 a.m. Entertainment, food, refreshments, raffle. $20 entry fee. events.autismspeaksu.org.

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid Phenomenon: Jeff Kinney Talks About Drawing in

Reluctant Readers. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 1 p.m. In his first visit to The Carle, Jeff Kinney will share the trajectory of his bestselling series. He will talk about its impact on readers, its wide reach around the globe, and the many unique experiences he has had since the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid book was published in April 2007. Admission $9, children $6, families (2 adults and 2 youth) $22.50. carlemuseum.org.

46th Annual Ron Hebert Race. John F. Kennedy Middle School, 100 Bridge Rd., Florence. Race starts at 10 a.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. One of the oldest races in New England, the Ron Hebert Race offers a challenging 8-mile route through scenic Florence. All ages. $25 entry fee. sugarloafmac.org.

5K Race & 2 Mile Family Walk. Hadley Elementary School, 21 River Dr., Hadley. 10:30 a.m. “Helping Hearts for Hadley Schools” fundraiser will be held rain or shine. Adults $30; children 17 and under, $20; children under 4, free. helpingheartsforhadleyschools.org.

Woodcocks at Laughing Brook. Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Hampden. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. See the mating dance of the American Woodcock. Register at 413-584-3009. $8 per person. massaudubon.org.

2nd Annual Fitness 5K Run/Walk & Breakfast. Housatonic Housy Dome, 1064 Main St., Housatonic. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Fundraiser for TONE (Teen Outreach Nutrition Exercise) program and other youth fitness programs. $25 for all participants, children ages 7 and under free with registered parent/guardian. berkshiresouth.org.

Trap Falls Kennel Club Dog Show. The Big E, Better Living Center, 1305 Memorial Ave., Springfield. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free. trapfalls.org.

United States Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus. Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester. 3 p.m. The military’s most traveled musicians and musical ambassadors of the US Army in Washington, DC. Free. mechanicshall.org.

7 MondayWee Ones Storytime. Indian Orchard Branch Library, 44 Oak St., Indian Orchard. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Stories, songs, rhymes suitable for children ages 1 or 2 and their parents or caregivers. Free. Register at 413-263-6846. springfieldlibrary.org.

8 TuesdayMusic and Movement Storytime. Forest

Observe handheld birds at the Bird Banding Demonstration on April 5 at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Suitable for families with children ages 3 and up.

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Park Branch Library, 380 Belmont Ave., Springfield. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Music, rhymes, songs recommended for children 18 months to 3 years and their parents or caregivers. Free. Register at 413-263-6843. springfieldlibrary.org.

9 WednesdayCollie Club of America National Show. The Big E, Mallary East & West, 1305 Memorial Ave., Springfield. April 9 through 12, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Four-day dog show includes conformation and obedience for Collies only. Free. collieclubofamerica.org.

10 ThursdayAnime and Manga Club. Indian Orchard Branch Library, 44 Oak St., Indian Orchard. 4 to 5 p.m. Crafts, snacks, conversation suitable for children ages 10 to 14. Free. 413-263-6846. springfieldlibrary.org.

11 FridayPreschool Story Hour — Wind as a Pollinator. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary. 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton.10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Hour-long program includes book, craft and walk. Suitable for families with children ages 2.5 to 5 years. Registration required. 978-464-2712. Adults free, children $3. massaudubon.org.

Baby Gear Class. Baystate Health, Wesson Building, 759 Chestnut St., Springfield. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of various baby products. Register at 413-794-2229. $15. baystatehealth.org.

Portland Pirates vs. Springfield Falcons. MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. 7 p.m. American Hockey League action. falconsahl.com.

The Paper Bag Players. Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester. 10 a.m. The children’s theater company presents “Hiccup Help.” $9 per person. mechanicshall.com.

12 SaturdaySpecial Storytime with Mordicai Gerstein. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 2 p.m. Meet Caldecott Medal winner Mordicai Gerstein and learn about the inspiration behind his book, The First Drawing, which imagines the discovery of drawing by a child more than thirty thousand years ago. Museum admission $9, children $6, families (2 adults and 2 youth) $22.50. carlemuseum.org.

51st Annual Athol-Orange River Rat Spectacular. Alan Rich Environmental Park, 10 Main St., Athol. 1 p.m. Rat Parade at 9:30

a.m. directly following the start of the Big Cheese 5K Race. Canoes begin the 6-mile route from Athol to Orange at 1 p.m. riverrace.com.

Salamanders and Frogs of Vernal Pools. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Rd., Easthampton. 10 a.m. to noon. Learn about mole salamanders and frogs. Register at 413-584-3009. $8 per person. massaudubon.org.

Egg Hunt. Berkshire South Regional Community Center, 15 Crissey Rd., Great Barrington. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Traditional egg hunt for children ages 6 and under. $5 per child, $2 for each additional sibling, $9 family maximum. berkshiresouth.org.

Helping Wildlife — Big Night and Vernal Pool Ecology. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. 1 to 3 p.m. Explore local species and sanctuary vernal pools. All ages. Register at 978-464-2712. Adults $8, children $4. massaudubon.org.

Hershey Bears vs. Springfield Falcons. MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. 7 p.m. American Hockey League action. falconsahl.com.

13 SundayErth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live. UMass Fine Arts Center, 151 Presidents Dr., Amherst. 4 p.m. Employing sophisticated design and electronics, large-scale puppets are brought to life by skilled performers and puppeteers. Suitable for ages 6 and up. Ticket information 413-545-2511. fineartscenter.com.

Purple Run/Walk for a Cure 2014. Look Park, 200 North Main St., Florence. Registration closes April 12. Event check-in begins at 9 a.m. Run starts at 10 a.m. Walk starts by 10:15 a.m. Ages 5 and up. $25 registration fee. purplerunforacure.com.

Millbury Parents Club 5K and Fun Run. Millbury High School, 12 Martin St., Millbury. Fun Run begins at 9:15 a.m., 5K begins at 9:45 a.m. Participants must register by April 5. Fees vary. http://bit.ly/1cxLA3J.

Boot Camp for Dads. Baystate Health, Wesson Building, 759 Chestnut St., Springfield. 1 to 4 p.m. This class for expectant fathers covers such topics as forming a new family, the changing role of fathers, meeting the needs of the new mom. Register at 413-794-2229. $20. baystatehealth.org.

16 WednesdayKeeping Baby Safe Class. Baystate Health, BRL Conference Room, 1st Floor, 361 Whitney Ave., Holyoke. 6 to 9 p.m. This class teaches basic life support, infant CPR, first aid for choking, poison prevention, baby-proofing, and car seat safety. Register at 413-794-2229. $35 per couple. baystatehealth.org.

Disney on Ice Princesses and Heroes. MassMutual Center Arena, 1277 Main St., Springfield. April 16 through 20. High flying

jumps, acrobatics, ice skating and popular Disney characters combine for this family ice show event. massmutualcenter.com.

On April 18, The Hanover Theatre welcomes the Moscow Festival Ballet and its production of Sleeping Beauty.

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OUT&ABOUT

ContaCt: Briana Sitler, Director of Special Programs413-565-1066 or e-mail [email protected]

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20 APRL2014 BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 2021 APRL2014 BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 21

17 ThursdaySpring Basket Craft and Egg Hunt. Palmer Public Library. 1455 North Main St., Palmer. 4 to 5:30 p.m. Make your own Spring basket and then hunt for eggs in the library. All ages. Free. 413-283-3330.

Dance of the Woodcock. River Bend Farm, 287 Oak St., Uxbridge. 7:30 to 9 p.m. Visit breeding grounds at farm to view the performance of this spring woodcock mating ritual. Suitable for children ages 8 and up. Register at 508-753-6087. Adults $7, children $5. massaudubon.org.

18 FridayPreschool Story Hour — Rain Showers. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Hour-long program features book, craft and walk. Suitable for families with children ages 2.5 to 5. Register at 978-464-2712. Adults free, children $3. massaudubon.org.

New England Spring Classic Dog Shows. The Big E, Mallary East & West, 1305 Memorial Ave., Springfield. April 18 through 20, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Conformation, obedience, rally and microchip clinic. Free. springfieldkennelclub.org.

Sleeping Beauty. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. 8 p.m. Performed by the Moscow Festival Ballet. Tickets start at $39. 877-571-7469. thehanovertheatre.org.

19 SaturdayHampshire College Theatre’s Seedling Productions Presents Lily Plants a Garden by José Cruz González. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 1 and 3 p.m. This theatre for young audiences’ piece uses music, puppetry, and imagination to address issues of conflict, identity and difference, family and adoption, environmentalism, and optimism. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Museum Admissions Desk or by calling 413-658-1126. carlemuseum.org.

Dig In! Family Drop-In Program. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Hands-on learning and gardening activities for all ages. Free with museum admission. Adults $12; children 6 to 18, $7; free for children under 6. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org.

Floodplain Forest Canoe Trip and Great Blue Heron Rookery Viewing. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Rd., Easthampton. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Canoe the floodplain forests of Arcadia’s Mill River. Suitable for families with children ages 10 and up. Register at 413-584-3009. $20 per person.

First Child in the Woods/Caregiver and Infant/Toddler Walk. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Rd., Easthampton. 10 to 11 a.m. Explore nature and beauty of Arcadia, meet other parents and caregivers, learn about natural world. Suitable for families with children up to 5-years-old. Register at 413-584-3009. Adults $7, children free.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Garden House at Look Park, 300 North Main St., Florence. Seatings at 9:30 or 11 a.m. Food by Seth Mias Catering. Adults $9.50; children, 2 to 12, $7.50. Reservations suggested. 413-584-5457. lookpark.org.

Easter Egg Hunt. Look Memorial Park, Ball field and Westwoods Area, 300 North Main St., Florence. 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Presented by the Northampton Recreation Department, the egg hunt will include over 10,000 eggs. Hunt groups separated by age. See northamptonma.gov for details. Free.

15th Annual Egg Hunt. Hubbard Library, 24 Center St., Ludlow. 11 a.m. Search grounds for colorful eggs. Rain date April 26. All ages. Free. 413-583-3408.

David Grover Concert. Hancock Shaker Village, 1843 West Housatonic St., Pittsfield. 11 a.m. to noon. David Grover performs farm-themed favorites for the family. Free with museum admission. All ages. Adults $18; children ages 13 to 17, $8; children under 12, free. hancockshakervillage.org.

21 MondayThe 118th Boston Marathon. The world’s oldest annual marathon stretches 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston, attracting over 20,000 amateur and professional runners from throughout the world. For times, route, events and more, visit baa.org.

23 WednesdayCactusHead Puppets Presents The Bremen Town Musicians. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. April 23 through 25, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; April 26, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. CactusHead Puppets tells the classic tale of a donkey, dog, cat, and rooster who set off on a journey together to start new lives as musicians, and the exciting adventures they have along the way. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the museum admissions desk or by calling 413-658-1126. carlemuseum.org.

Meet the Children’s Author. East Longmeadow Public Library, 60 Center Square, East Longmeadow. 11 a.m. to noon. Author Jonathan Hall tells the story of Toto the Tornado Cat. Free. 413-525-5400

OUT&ABOUT

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Evening at the Beaver Ponds. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Rd., Lenox. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Learn about the natural history of beavers and how they continue to change our landscape 80 years after their reintroduction. Suitable for families with children ages 3 to 15. Registration not required. Adults $7, children $4.

A Day Away in the Past. The Big E, Storrowton Village Museum, 1305 Memorial Ave., Springfield. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children ages 7 to 12 can step back in time in this one-day program when they dress in period costume and try their hand at old-fashioned craft projects and games. 413-205-5051. $40. thebige.com.

Peregrine Falcons — Flying High in Worcester. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn about resident falcons through pictures, observations and presentation. Suitable for families with children ages 5 and up. Register at 508-753-6087. Adults $5, children free. massaudubon.org.

24 ThursdayDisney on Ice Presents Princesses and Heroes. DCU Center, Worcester. Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m.; Friday, April 25 at 1 and 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 26 at 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. High flying jumps, daring acrobatics, and popular Disney characters are part of this ice show. Tickets start at $16. dcucenter.com.

25 FridayA Caldecott Celebration: A Look at Selected Caldecott Winners and Their Influence Throughout More Than Seventy-Five Years. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 9:30 a.m. Look closely at selected picture books, including Where the Wild Things Are and The Snowy Day, that have been recognized as the ‘most distinguished’ of their time and discuss the new perspectives that they continue to bring to the field of children’s literature. Registration is required. carlemuseum.org.

Spring Stampede Salamander Search. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Rd., Lenox. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Search the woodlands of Pleasant Valley for woodland salamanders and learn about their interesting lives. Suitable for children ages 3 and up. Register at 413-637-0320. Adults $10, children $8. Maximum family fee $25.

A Day Away in the Past. The Big E, Storrowton Village Museum, 1305 Memorial Ave., Springfield. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children ages 7 to 12 can step back in time in this one-day program when they dress in period costume

and try their hand at old-fashioned craft projects and games. 413-205-5051. $40. thebige.com.

Northeast Reining Horse Show. The Big E, Coliseum, 1305 Memorial Ave., Springfield. April 25 through 27, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Premier Reining Horse competition in Massachusetts. Free. nerha.com.

Earth Day Celebration. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Half price admission, indoor and outdoor family-friendly activities, regular exhibits. Adults $7; children 2 to 18, $4. 508-929-2700. ecotarium.org.

26 Saturday2014 Annual Barbara Elleman Research Library Lecture Extinct Monsters: What Scholars Learn from Children’s Books. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Rd., Amherst. 2:30 p.m. This talk will explore some of the research opportunities that children’s books offer and provide fascinating examples of what can be learned from them. carlemuseum.org.

Dig In! Family Drop-In Program. TowerHill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Hands-on learning and gardening activities for all ages. Free with museum admission. Adults $12; children 6 to 18, $7; free for children under 6. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org.

The 3rd Annual MacDuffie Run for Hope. The MacDuffie School, 66 School St., Granby. 10 a.m. $25 for 5K Run/Walk, $10 for 1 mile Fun Run. macduffie.org.

Sheep Shearing Days. Hancock Shaker Village, 1843 West Housatonic St., Pittsfield. April 26 and 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to the regular farm activities, Sheep Shearing Weekend will feature shearing of the museum’s Merino sheep using both traditional and modern methods. All ages. Adults $18; children ages 13 to 17, $8; children under 12, free. hancockshakervillage.org.

Family Child Care Language & Literacy Project. Central Branch Library Community Room, 220 State St., Springfield. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Family Child Care Educators will learn how to build the language and literacy skills of our youngest children with tips on how to use 25 books to promote learning and have fun. Offered in Spanish. Registration required. 413-736-3900. springfieldlibrary.org.

30th Annual Noble 5K Run and Walk. Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave., Westfield. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Awards will be given for different age, gender, and group categories. Children under 12 are free with paying adult. 413-568-2811. give.noblehospital.org.

OUT&ABOUT

MusicWorcester.org 508.754.3231

The Sleeping Beauty

Moscow Festival Ballet performs

Tchaikovsky’s

Friday, April 18, 2014, 8 PM

Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts Worcester

$39-$51 students $25

22 APRL2014 BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 22

27 SundayPoetry at Play: Family Poetry Jam. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West

Bay Rd., Amherst. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Celebrate National Poetry Month at The Carle as acclaimed children’s poets and authors from the Pioneer Valley—Jane Yolen, Richard Michelson, Jeannine

Atkins, and Heidi Stemple—read aloud their own poems as well as poems by their favorite writers. Admission $9, children $6, families (2 adults and 2 youth) $22.50. carlemuseum.org.

Alonzo King Lines Ballet. UMass Fine Arts Center, 151 Presidents Dr., Amherst. 7:30 p.m. The San Francisco Chronicle reported, “Described by The New Yorker as ‘hyper kinetic’ and ‘exceptional,’ the celebrated Lines Ballet of San Francisco performs exhilarating works that meld classical Western ballet with a diverse set of cultural traditions. Suitable for ages 10 and up. Ticket information 413-545-2511. fineartscenter.com.

Daffodil Fun Run. Kendrick Park, East Pleasant St., Amherst. Registration begins at 10 a.m. Race starts at 11:30 a.m. The Daffodil Fun Run is a 5K run/walk that raises funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County. Afterwards, there will be free BBQ and entertainment. Online registration. Adults $23, students $16, children $15. daffodilfunrun.com.

5K for Little Feet Road Race. Fitchburg High School, 140 Arn-How Farm Rd., Fitchburg. Kids race begins at 9:30 a.m. Walkers and runners begin at 10 a.m. Annual road race provides money to buy shoes for underprivileged kids in the Fitchburg Public Schools system. $20 fee for 5K run and 5K walk. Kids race is free. For information, [email protected].

Rotunda Rhythms: Bel Canto String Quartet. Central Library Rotunda, 220 State St., Springfield. 1 to 2 p.m. The Allodola Singers will join for a warm reading of Beethoven’s Eligisher Gesang. All ages. 413-263-6828. Free.

29 TuesdayToo Human in Concert. Jones Library, 43 Amity St., Amherst. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Too Human presents A Celebration of Song: The Great American Songbook & Beyond, a collection of jazz standards. Free and open to the public. 413-259-3223.

30 WednesdayLiteracy Night: Family Child Care Language & Literacy Project. Central Branch Library Community Room, 220 State St., Springfield. 6 to 8 p.m. Family Child Care Educators taking the Language & Literacy Project class will offer presentations on what they have learned and how they are implementing it in their classrooms. Offered in Spanish. Pre-registration is welcome, but walk-ins welcome. 413-736-3900. springfieldlibrary.org.

For a more expansive list of family activities taking place in Massachusetts, and to post your group’s family events, visit baystateparent.com.

OUT&ABOUT

The 118th running of the Boston Marathon takes place on Monday, April 21, attracting over 20,000 amateur and

professional runners from throughout the world.

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Most parents equate the tiny round oat Cheerios with their tiny toddler’s sticky fingers: the little

“o’s” found in the big yellow box have been a trusted food for tots for over seven decades. So when General Mills announced in January of this year that they were committed to producing non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) Original Cheerios, it was hailed as a major victory by groups vocally op-posed to genetically modified foods. In reality, according to General Mills, the predominant ingredient – oats– is already non-GMO, so the modifi-cation is minor, and relates to corn-starch and sugar (just 1 gram per serving) added in the cereal. If par-

ents purchase other sweeter variet-ies of the well-known cereal, such as Honey Nut Cheerios, the non-GMO promise does not hold. Other food manufacturers are jump-ing on the non-GMO bandwagon as Kashi products, part of the Kellogg’s company, has promised that over 50 percent of its products will be GMO-free by 2015. Whole Foods Market, a food chain that is known for its or-ganic of-

ferings, has publically stated that it will require any foods with GMOs to have labeling to that effect by 2018. The Cheerios your toddler is gum-ming is only the tasty tip of the GMO foods that are in most family kitch-ens. How much of the food on our

supermarket shelves already have genetically modi-

fied ingredients in them, and do GMO

Beyond GMO-FreeCheerios:

Is genetically modified food harmful to your child?BY TRISH RESKE


Q:

foods pose a health hazard for par-ents and their children? First, a quick definition of GMO: genetically modified organisms are foreign genes introduced into foods for the purpose of producing a crop that can tolerate pesticides and/or are resistant to certain diseases. In the case of milk, a growth hor-mone, recombinant bovine growth hormone, is injected into cows to increase milk production. Top GMO foods include corn, soy, canola, sugar beets, milk, and some squashes. Most of these products end up as the sweeteners of pro-cessed food that consumers buy (high fructose corn syrup or soy protein, for example) – roughly 75 percent of all processed foods. Are GMO foods safe or harmful? It depends who you ask. Top scien-tific bodies such as The U.S. Acad-emy of Sciences reports that, “no adverse health effects attributed to genetic engineering have been doc-umented in the human population.” Similar statements can be found by The American Association for the Advancement of Sciences and The American Medical Association. Yet not all scientists and physi-cians agree, and there is concern that the long-term impact of GMOs on humans, the environment, and on developing babies and children has yet to be determined. Whatever the scientific stance, many argue that at the very least, genetically modified foods should be labeled as such. Consumers agree. According to a recent New York Times poll, 93 percent of Americans want GMO food to be labeled. Mandatory labeling of GMO foods has not as yet been adopted in the United States. In fact, the U.S. and Canada are the only two industrial-ized countries that don’t label GMO foods. In lieu of federal labeling, many bills are being introduced at the state level. Currently five pieces of legislation related to GMO food labeling have been introduced in Massachusetts. While the debate over safety and labeling continues, some par-ents remain concerned about the potential long-term health rami-fications to kids consuming GMO-laden food. Health and wellness coach Cynthia Conigliaro of South-borough is frequently asked about GMOs by parents who are looking to feed healthy food to their chil-dren. She believes that GMOs are only one part of today’s complex nutrition puzzle, and that for many reasons, parents should incorpo-rate healthier, less processed food into their children's diets as much as possible.

“I encourage parents to feed their kids organic and unprocessed food whenever possible and to avoid prepackaged food that does not have the ‘Non-GMO Project Veri-fied’ seal,” she said. Cynthia added that parents who model healthy eating have the biggest impact on their children, and even small changes in a family’s food choices can make a big difference. As a mom of two young children, Cynthia understands firsthand the challenges of getting kids to opt for healthy foods. “I can’t control everything my kids put into their mouths. That’s an unrealistic goal,” she said. “The last thing you want is a pow-er struggle with your kids,” she continued. “Do the best you can and expose your child to different tastes. And as they get older, talk to your child and bring them into the decision-making process of how to eat healthy.” Julia Walderzak, owner of H2K (Happy Healthy Kids) Fitness Stu-dio in Sudbury, agrees that kids who make their own choices are empowered. “I end every fitness class by asking each child to come up with a healthy goal pertaining to diet or exercise,” she said.

While the debate rages on about the health implications of GMO foods, parents who are concerned – or simply want to improve the quality of the food their kids con-sume - can make the following five changes:

1. Cut down or eliminate pro-cessed foods.While this may seem close to impossible, it’s really a lifestyle change. Try to avoid pre-packaged products and buy foods that are as close to their natural state as pos-sible. Look closely at labels to see how much added sugars are in the foods you buy.

2. Go organic.Currently, organic food can only be certified if it is guaranteed not to contain genetically engineered products. While organic food may be more expensive, you may de-cide the peace of mind is worth the extra cost.

3. Be wary of dairy. As much as 40 percent of dairy products contain recombinant bo-vine growth hormone, or rGBH. While you can look for milk that is labeled as rGBH-free, it’s not so straightforward with cheese and ice cream, for example. If you are concerned, cut down on cow’s milk and related products.

4. Help change your child’s think-ing about food. If your child is old enough, help him understand why what he eats mat-ters – and how food is energy to his body and brain. Empower him to make informed choices about the food he eats – one bite at a time.

5. Lobby to have GMO food la-beled.If you want to add your voice, con-tact your state representatives and encourage them to support GMO food labeling.

However you feel about geneti-cally modified food, the debate over the labeling and long-term safety of GMO food will continue. The best thing parents can do is to stay on top of the research, laws, and debate surrounding GMOs. In the meantime, you can opt for the Original Cheerios over Honey Nut Cheerios – your toddler won’t mind.

“I encourage parents to feed

their kids organic and unprocessed

food whenever possible and

to avoid prepackaged

food that does not have the

‘Non-GMO Project

Verified’ seal,’” she said.


Q:

4. Help change your child’s think-ing about food. If your child is old enough, help him understand why what he eats mat-ters – and how food is energy to his body and brain. Empower him to make informed choices about the food he eats – one bite at a time.

5. Lobby to have GMO food la-beled.If you want to add your voice, con-tact your state representatives and encourage them to support GMO food labeling.

However you feel about geneti-cally modified food, the debate over the labeling and long-term safety of GMO food will continue. The best thing parents can do is to stay on top of the research, laws, and debate surrounding GMOs. In the meantime, you can opt for the Original Cheerios over Honey Nut Cheerios – your toddler won’t mind.

“I encourage parents to feed

their kids organic and unprocessed

food whenever possible and

to avoid prepackaged

food that does not have the

‘Non-GMO Project

Verified’ seal,’” she said.

I have three kids, ages 10 to 15, and they told me they were still hungry af-ter eating lunch bought at school. So I started pack-ing their lunches with pea-nut butter sandwiches, fruit, crackers, cookies and juice. But they say they are still hungry at lunch. What kinds of foods should I be putting in their lunches to fill those ravaged adolescent tum-mies long enough to get through the school day?

— Laura D., Springfield

A: Feeding children can some-times feel like a losing game of Hungry Hungry Hippos— am I right? A great guide for building children’s meals is the United States Department of Agricul-ture’s (USDA) MyPlate initiative. The MyPlate icon is a helpful reminder of how to build meals and snacks throughout the day.

It emphasizes choosing meal ingredients that help us reach daily Food Group goals while focusing on balance and variety. The first nutrient that comes to mind when reading the foods you commonly pack is carbohy-drates. The bread used for sand-wiches, fruit, crackers, cookies and juice all provide carbohy-drates. And the type of grains chosen for the bread, crackers and cookies will impact how quickly your children’s bodies break down and use up the en-ergy provided by the carbohy-drates they contain. Carbohydrates are essential for all of us, not only grow-ing children. They provide our cells with energy in the form of sugar needed for us to func-tion properly. In fact, our brain works best with sugar. This is why many of us begin craving sugary treats when our blood sugar drops (for example, mid-way through the afternoon or if we skip a meal). When our brain yells “FEED ME, NOW!” we reach for a quick source of sugar— often in the form of indulgent treats like pastries and candy. The goal for keeping your chil-dren full and fueled while pre-

Dishin’ with the Dietician

Hunts are held under Atkins Pavilion.First come first served, expect a wait.

Hidden Prizes & Candy$4.00 per child, under 12.

(Weather permitting. Bring your own basket)

Easter Egg & Candy HuntSaturday, April 12th

12 - 3 pm

1150 West Street South Amherst, MA • (413) 253-9528 • atkinsfarms.com

venting their brain from scream-ing out for sugar is balancing their carbohydrate foods with those providing fiber and protein. You want to add fiber into your chil-dren’s lunch bags with items like whole grains, fruit, vegetables and beans. For protein, you have lots to choose from such as milk, yogurt, cheese, nuts, nut butters, seeds, beans, chicken, fish and meat.

How does this look? Let’s use your listing of foods as the ex-ample:

• Sandwich: Tuna salad in a whole grain wrap with varying colored vegetables like carrot shreds, ro-maine lettuce and yellow pepper strips.

• Fruit: Orange segments with Greek yogurt for dipping.

• Crackers: Whole grain options paired with a small slice of ched-dar cheese or mozzarella string cheese.

• Cookies: Watch portion size and choose whole grain options like oatmeal raisin cookies.

• Beverage: I recommend packing milk in lieu of juice since it pro-vides essential nutrients children need like calcium, vitamin D and protein in addition to carbohy-drates.

Although it may be controver-sial, I am one of those dieticians that supports offering flavored milk to children that otherwise would miss daily Dairy Food Group goals. The reason is this: I was turned off by the taste of plain milk as a child and strawber-ry flavoring was the medium to my eventual enjoyment of plain, unsweetened milk.

Add Ons:

• Side of vegetables such as car-rot sticks with hummus, celery “ants on a log” or small side salad with vinaigrette dressing.

• Fruit such as an apple and hand-ful of nuts or seeds like almonds or sunflower seeds for snacking on between the end of their day and when they arrive home (if this is an option).

• A bottle for water. Since thirst can sometimes be mistaken as hunger, ensuring your children are well hydrated can help dis-cern whether or not it’s truly their appetite or hydration status impacting hunger.

A great tool to help not only build your children’s meals, but to also learn what each of their daily Food Group goals are, is the ChooseMyPlate.gov website. You can enter your children’s age, height, weight, gender and activ-ity level to learn their specific daily goals on the Daily Food Plan page. Additionally, ChooseMy-Plate.gov offers plenty of tips and pointers for building balanced and varied snacks and meals. Feeding children’s growing ap-petites can be challenging. With a little guidance from MyPlate while balancing carbohydrates with protein and fiber, you’re well on your way to addressing your chil-dren’s hunger and nutrition needs while ensuring they grow up to be healthy.

Do you have food, nutrition, or diet questions to ask the dieti-cian? We may feature your ques-tion in a future issue of bay-stateparent. Send to [email protected].

Carrie Taylor is the lead registered dietician nutritionist for the

Living Well Eating Smart program at Big Y Foods. She can be reached at

[email protected] or write Living Well at

2145 Roosevelt Ave, PO Box 7840, Springfield, MA 01102.


Grow Your OwnAccording to The Old Farmer’s Almanac (almanac.com), April in Western Mass is a good time to plant:

• Beets• Broccoli• Parsnips

Bites

Learn to grow fresh mushrooms at Fungi Ally Farm, 123 Bay Rd. in Hadley. Simple Indoor Mushroom Cultivation takes place Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to noon. The workshop includes techniques to grow mushrooms at home, discussions on prepar-ing containers, and information on how to cook with mushrooms. The cost is $20. For more information, visit fungially.com/workshops or call 978-844-1811.

Artisan Cheese Making in the Berkshires takes place on Sunday, April 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cricket Creek Farm at 1255 Oblong Rd. in Williamstown is offering this cheese class. Participants will see how cheese is made in the farmstead creamery and experience the art of cheese making. The cost is $125. For more information, visit nofamass.org.

Cooking Workshops:Mushrooms and Cheese

Q&A What is the best way to store fresh potatoes?

According to mass.gov, unwashed potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. They are best stored up to two weeks at room temperature. It is not recommended to store potatoes in a refrigerator because the cold can cause starch in the potatoes to convert to

sugar. The result is both a very sweet flavor and brown coloring, reports mass.gov.

VegFest Opens at the DCU Center

The Worcester VegFest takes place at the DCU Center on Sunday, April 6. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can sample food and meet over 100 exhibitors. Admission is free. VegWorcester is looking for volunteers to help set and staff tables, distribute free samples, and clean up. For more information, visit worcestervegfest.com.

Cake and Ice Cream: A Family FavoriteAdd this to your April school vacation adventures: homemade ice cream! Pull out your ice cream maker, or borrow one from a friend.

Red Velvet Ice Cream - Makes 1 generous quart (940ML) • 3 red velvet cupcakes, frosting removed• 12 oz (340g) cream cheese• 1 ½ cups (355ml) sour cream• 1 cup (200g) sugar

Prepare your favorite red velvet cupcake recipe or buy your favorite prepared cupcakes. If you choose to bake cupcakes, allow the cupcakes to cool completely before adding to the ice cream. Cut the cream cheese into small pieces and place in a blender or food processor. Add the sour cream, sugar, cream, buttermilk, vanilla and salt and blend until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 2 hours.

Helping the HungryThe Food Bankof Western Massachusetts provides food to at least 200,000 people each year. It reports that 27 percent of those served are children. For information on how you can help, visit foodbankwma.org. For a list of food pantries and food banks in Massachusetts, visit foodpantries.org.

• Potato tubers• Swiss chard

Once chilled, pour the ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instruc-tions. Chop the cupcakes into 1/2-inch (1.3cm) cubes. When churning is complete, gently fold in the cupcake pieces. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and top with a few pieces of cupcake. Freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.

Recipe with permission from Scoop Adventures: The Best Ice Cream of the 50 States, by Lindsay Clendaniel. Page Street Publishing, March 2014.

• ½ cup (118ml) heavy cream• ½ cup (118ml) buttermilk• ¼ tsp vanilla extract• Pinch of salt


Selling a house is stressful in the best of times. But when you have young children, it comes with a new level of stress: keeping sticky finger-prints off walls, picking up Legos, quickly removing dirty diapers, and planning showings around nap and feeding times. And, of course, an-swering their questions and calming their concerns. While there are no quick fixes for ending moving stress, there are some things you can do to ease it. How you engage with your kids is important, and there are five things parents can do to simplify the process.

1. Make your kids part of the plan. Parents need to let children know their world is going to change, too. While babies are along for the ride, children older than a toddler can understand they are about to move, and they need clarity on what the ex-pectations are for the move and its preparation. The conversation needs to be sup-portive. Anticipate questions that your kids might have so you are pre-pared with answers. Remind your children while some things change, others will stay the same. Often what’s changing is the “house” the family lives in and not the furnishings in a room. So, a child’s “room” can follow the child to a new house. If the move is in town, the school may be the same. Use frank and supportive conversation. Remember, too, that you might be more stressed than your kids. Once, my family moved to Florida from

Childproof Your House Sale:

Massachusetts and circumstances required relocation back to Massa-chusetts. We thought our kids would struggle with back-to-back moves in a year, and carefully brought up the topic over dinner one night. To our surprise, they “high fived” at the din-ner table, and we were off and run-ning. 2. Think of your home as a product. Real estate agent and mother of three Mary Wood of Re/MAX Executive Re-alty in Hopkinton said parents should think of their home as a “product.” You want to appeal to the largest buy-er pool, so you can sell your home for the most amount of money with as little inconvenience to you and (espe-cially if you have kids) in the quickest amount of time. “Buyers need to ‘see’ themselves in your home,” said Wood. “If buy-ers are childless, having lots of toys around, etc. could be problematic and discourage buyers.” “Part of moving may require purging items from your house,” said realtor and mother of two Susan Marzo of Coldwell Banker Residential Broker-age in Worcester. “Use this oppor-tunity to pack up or donate unused toys and reward your children with a treat or trip to a fun spot — not more toys. Pack up seasonal toys and remove them from the play area. The children won’t be using them, and you’ll get a jump on your packing. Also, reduce or remove toys with a lot of parts, such as Legos. These have a ten-dency to get all over the house and

sellers will appreciate a quick pickup when a showing is short notice.”

3. Get organized. Both realtors agree getting organized is an important task. Put away toys to maximize floor space. “Ideally it would be nice to have toys all neatly put away be-hind closets. If this is not possible use some nice, attractive cubicles or baskets,” said Wood. “Most of the big box stores carry great low-cost orga-nizers. The big items — playhouses, play kitchens, and race tracks — should be put away. If a garage or basement is handy, then place them

Do you have an interesting, funny, or helpful story about selling or buying a home while parenting young children? Any tips to prepare kids for short-notice showings?

Share your stories on baystateparent.com, Facebook and Twitter!

there while the house is on the market.” “Have a limited amount of toys avail-able for play and keep other toys packed away that you can rotate in and out so the children won’t get bored with a their ‘toy inventory,’” said Marzo.

4. Make home showings a game. Home showings are often tricky with children. The phone rings, a prospective buyer is on the way and you must leave your home. Laundry baskets can help. “When you get the call for the showing, you can very easily throw what’s lying around in the basket and bring it in the car so it’s off the counters,” suggested Wood. Laundry baskets can help with more than just toys, too. You can use them to quickly pack and move the day’s mail, dog dishes, laundry, and other clutter piles.

5. Remove your kids on moving day. “On moving day keep the children away,” rhymed former mover and Franklin father of two John Bedarian. “You have professional movers or en-thusiastic friends moving your posses-sions, including large, heavy and awk-ward pieces — couches, mattresses, and appliances. This is not an environ-ment for children. They can get hurt if something falls on them. It’s best to have them stay at a friend’s or rela-tive’s place.” When making a moving plan, it is im-portant to think about how and when you will involve your children. Once you have a plan in place, your home will be ready for showings, your chil-dren will understand and even look forward to their move. And those laundry baskets? They come in handy on moving day, too. Use a few loaded with toys for your children on moving day so their time is occupied, and they will immediately have familiar toys with them in their new home.

5 Ways to Make Your Move

BY GARY L. KELLEY, LETA TSAI ILLUSTRATOR

HOME&GARDEN


A Gardener’s Invitation:

Come to Your Senses During my early years as a reporter, I once attended a lecture at an upscale garden club in Rhode Island. I was struck by the whimsy of the speaker’s theory on gardener personality types and I have carried it with me my entire life. His message was that in the world of gardening there are Alices and there are Poohs, and it’s okay to be who you are. He was referring, of course, to the Type A rigidity of Alice in Wonderland and the casual sloppiness of Winnie-the-Pooh. The lecture gave me permission to be the messy Pooh-type gardener I knew I was, who throws seeds into the air and giggles, while his Alice counterpart is known for making careful rows and using graph paper in February to meticulously plan her spring planting. Because of my Pooh tendencies, I have become a very creative if not lazy gardener, stealing every fun and low-maintenance idea I come across and resting on those laurels rather than developing a love of gardening that keeps me dirt-bound all spring and summer. When it comes to my gardens, I think of them like crock-pots: set it and forget it. The Sensory Garden

One of my best ideas (which I stole from a playground near my sister’s house in the suburbs of Connecticut) is doable for both Alices and Poohs alike because the garden is only as sloppy or organized as you want it to be – suiting all kinds of gardeners and pleasing anyone who wanders by. My Sensory Garden, which takes up about 10 square feet of space and occupies two narrow strips of earth along a path, is the main attraction in my small city yard. The concept is simple: plant things that stimulate the senses. In my garden, for example, you can see beautiful flowers of different colors, touch the soft lamb’s ear, hear the friendly buzzing bees, taste the raspberries and sweet peas and smell the honeysuckle. But in the botanical world, there are endless options for plantings and they are there for your enjoyment — if you know how to be still and notice. Best of all, there are no rules for how to make your sensory garden brilliant. It is going to be an expression of your own inner gardener whether you research and plan for months like Alice or throw a bunch of stuff in the ground with a Pooh-esque chuckle. The end result is your own individual creation. Here are some of my tried and true suggestions for what to plant in your own Sensory Garden:

BY AMANDA ROBERGE

HOME&GARDEN


Feel I have a soft spot for Lamb’s Ear – which, like it sounds, has leaves that are furry and soft and shaped like animal ears. They grow low to the ground and should be placed toward the front of your garden space so they are not blocked or overshadowed by taller plantings. A plant that grows taller and is cool not only to look at but also to carefully feel is thistle, which grows big spiky globes and later sprouts weird petals. A small sprinkler or punctured hose can add a bit of fun when you turn the water on during a heat wave, allowing the kids to feel the cool droplets of water on their skin and hair.

Hear In order to get the full effect of the sensory garden, there has to be something audible going on. Since I am assuming that nobody wants to hear a snake slithering through the dirt, let’s focus on attracting big bumble bees – which are generally harmless. I happen to have a deep love for bees, which makes me unusual. But even if you are afraid of bees, it is probably a good thing to help your kids not to share your fear, and bumble bees are a no-brainer way to start along that path. Purple Coneflower, also known as Echinacea, is a good plant for attracting noisy bumble bees. This bush grows rather large so place it in the back of your garden. A birdfeeder, birdbath or hummingbird feeder will also attract some happy flappy critters that may make splashing noises or pretty whistling sounds, and some landscaping grasses may provide a nice rustling sound when the wind blows.

Taste I have two favorite plantings to satisfy the taste requirement for a sensory garden – raspberries and

sweet peas. The danger with the raspberries is that they tend to become very intrusive over time. In my garden, the raspberries line one entire side of the path, with all of my other elements on the other side. I also have two different varieties so they produce berries almost all summer long, but the care and keeping of berries of any kind can take years of trial and error. If you don’t feel like getting involved with the drama of these thorny bushes, there are a few varieties of vegetables that are well worth sneaking into your garden. A clump or row of sweet peas allows kids to pick the pods and open them up to find the delicious little green globes inside. Another fun planting is green beans, which tend to lurk under leaves and therefore are fun to hunt. Chives are not only good to chew on but also produce pretty purple flowers, and they are always nice to have on hand if you like baked potatoes or soups. They can be dried at the end of the season and chopped up and stored in jars. Likewise, herbs like basil and cilantro are a nice and practical addition to any garden. A cherry tomato plant requires little care and offers up continual baby tomatoes, which kids can watch ripen and learn to wait for just the right shade of red before plucking and eating.

Smell I find that herbs are best for offering kids an olfactory opportunity – sage, lavender, and lemon balm are my favorites. Kids can pull a leaf off the plant, rub it between their fingers and then experience a burst of aroma that will knock their socks off. And while we always think of stopping to smell the roses, there are plenty of other flowers that are pleasing to the nose without being difficult to grow (roses are notoriously suited to the Green of Thumb). Honeysuckle, lily-of-the-valley, freesia and jasmine are flowers that grow well in our state’s climate and offer some divine scents. I have one friend who uses cocoa

bean shells distributed around the base of her plants to add the smell of chocolate. I haven’t gone this far because I am afraid I will eat my garden, but it’s worth a try for people with some semblance of self-control.

See What’s not to look at in a garden? Flowers come in all shapes sizes and colors and they are gorgeous by design. In this regard, you can’t go wrong. But to take this notion one step further, why not add a small garden gnome or statue that kids have to search for? In my garden I have a small marble frog that I am constantly moving around, “Where’s

Waldo” style. It’s just another fun element that brings some visual interest. Milkweed and butterfly bushes will attract a variety of beautiful butterflies, and the former will help to sustain a population of monarch butterflies during its migration. Ideas for fun-to-look-at garden elements are endless – pretty stones, sea glass, statues, shells and glass globes – the only limit is your budget and your imagination.

As a lifelong Pooh, I urge you to follow your own heart and not limit yourself to what is sold on the shelves at the garden store. Make your garden an expression of who you are.

BY AMANDA ROBERGE

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Not to talk trash about a classic Muppet song, but it is easy being green, Kermit. Very easy. And it

starts with talkin’ trash about Earth Day — rubbish, that is. Every fam-ily has trash, and that heap of waste holds some valuable environmental lessons for kids. So go ahead and talk trash with your kids. It will help them to see how easy it is to be green. Here are just a few ways to get started.

Grow a Garbage Garden

Think about the seeds that you throw away. With a little TLC, the citrus fruit seeds your family usually tosses into the trash can be nurtured into new trees. The next time your children eat oranges, ask them not to throw out the seeds. Instead, collect them and plant several in a four-inch pot that’s been filled with moist pot-ting soil. The seeds should be planted about one inch deep and watered well. Peek at the pot each day with your kids and note when the sprouts appear, which should happen within a month of planting. After an additional two weeks, the plants can be transplant-ed into individual pots, where they will continue to grow. This process of turning a piece of garbage into a living, growing plant is sure to challenge your children’s view of “trash” — and may even in-spire them to find additional ways to reuse discarded items.

Set Up a Recycling Station

Use separate bins for each recycla-ble material. By asking your children to help sort items like newspapers, empty milk jugs and food cans into the different containers, you teach them how to separate their trash and get them involved in the process. Children may know where to find the small recycle logo on plastic con-tainers, but they may not know what the small numbers 1 through 7 mean. Discussing the relationship between these numbers and the plastic’s abil-ity to be recycled will help your kids to figure out which items can go into the recycle bins and why. Plastics numbered 1 and 2 are typically re-cycled through curbside programs, while the higher numbers are not. Your local recycling agency should have this information available along with guidelines indicating what can or cannot be recycled within your region.

Turn Trash to Cash Your children will quickly learn that it pays to invest time and hard work in a garage sale or can collection. Start by collecting cans at home. Take a trip to the local grocery store or recycling center together to turn in the containers. The small cash re-ward will be an added bonus. Selling used items from home is an-other reminder to think twice before

TRASHTALKFOREARTHDAY

BY COLLEEN WRIGHT

throwing something out. Involve your children in a yard sale, and set an example about the importance and reward of reusing items. Young children can help by sorting items. Older children can make and post fliers.

Create a

Compost Bin Turn food scraps into nutrient-rich fertilizer with the help of a small compost crock that can be kept in-doors. Although some foods such as meat and bones cannot be placed in the crock, many can. Compostable items include fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, used tea bags and coffee grounds. To encourage the

decomposition process that pro-duces compost, alternate these ni-trogen-filled foods with layers of car-bon-rich items such as wood chips, dried leaves, and shredded newspa-per that is colorless and gloss-free. Get your children involved by put-ting them in charge of placing scraps into the crock. Before long, they will know what items have value and are biodegradable and which are truly trash. When it comes time to spread the compost over the annual garden or flowerbed, you may find that their interest and knowledge have ex-panded beyond the compost heap, the growing orange tree and the can collection. Perhaps they will even recycle the words to that famed Ker-mit the Frog song — because, after all, it is easy being green.

Green Reading for KidsCompost Stew, by Mary McKenna Siddals. This book gives “environmental chefs” an A-to-Z guide to making a compost pile. The lighthearted rhyming verses make this a bedtime favorite. Michael Recycle, by Ellie Bethel. Fun, rhyming verses and bright illustra-tions tell the story of how superhero Michael Recycle teaches a town about recycling and helps them clean up. Easy to Be Green: Simple Activities You Can Do to Save the Earth, by Ellie O’Ryan. Along with discussing hazards such as carbon footprints and landfills, this book suggests ways to make a difference, such as writing to politicians. Coloring pages and puzzles make for a good balance of information and fun.

HOME&GARDEN


Drum Away the Blues: An Earth Day Celebration of Songs, Stories and Percussion. Fitchburg Public Library, Garden Room, 610 Main St., Fitchburg. Wednesday, April 23, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Celebrate the rhythms of the Earth through songs, stories and percussion playing with master percussionist Craig Harris. Free. 978-345-9635. fitchburgpubliclibrary.org.

Earth Day Celebration. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Friday, April 25. A variety of indoor and outdoor family-friendly activities are planned. Admission to the museum is half-price: adults $7, children 2 to 18, $4. For more information, call 508-929-2700 or visit ecotarium.org.

Town of Charlton Earth Day Festival. Saturday, April 26. The annual town-wide cleanup will take place between 8 a.m. and noon. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., an Earth Fest will be held on the town common. The event includes educational displays, a pet show, live music and family activities. For more information, visit townofcharlton.net/earthdaycom.htm.

For more Earth Day events, visit baystateparent.com. Use our

interactive events calendar to post your Earth Day activity.

Area Earth Day Activities

for FamiliesSee you at the

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The enchantment of childhood is captured in this pretty pastel dress from Biscotti — one of your possible selections as the winner of a $100 gift certifi cate at Biscotti and Kate Mack. To enter, send your name and address to [email protected]. Add BISCOTTI AND KATE MACK GIVEAWAY in the subject line. Entries will be accepted through April 30, 2014. One winner will be chosen at random on May 1, 2014. Stylist Judy Beall will work with the winner as a personal shopper at biscottiandkatemack.com. Certifi cate must be redeemed by Oct. 31, 2014.

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A Spring F lingSpring F lings usher in the fresh feel of a new season.

Elena charms with the soft collection of seasonal colors in the Easter Basket Dress by Biscotti.

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A leading figure in children’s music, Mister G (Ben Gundersheimer) has been wowing family crowds throughout the world. His bilingual albums are filled with infectious tunes and clever wordplay. He was nominated for a

Grammy in 2011, 2012 and 2013, and he won a Parents’ Choice Gold Award in 2012. baystateparent caught up with this Western Mass sensation to find out more about him and his latest album, ABC Fiesta.

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How did you get your start in the music business? The summer after my freshman year at Amherst College, I got a job playing solo acoustic in a bar on Martha’s Vineyard. I played four sets a night to a pretty wild crowd. Some people were there to listen and some weren’t, so it was a good challenge to make everyone dance and have a good time. It wasn’t a gig for kids, but it was great preparation for my years playing rock clubs and, eventually, making music for families.

What is the inspiration behind your latest album, ABC Fiesta? ABC Fiesta brings together three of my lifelong loves: music, reading

and speaking Spanish. The songs on the album were inspired by my experiences working with children and teachers at bilingual schools

in the US and Latin America over the past few years.

What was your motivation to record bilingual albums? Missus G and I were on our honeymoon in Colombia shortly after the first Mister G album came out (Pizza for Breakfast). One day, we were on a beautiful beach in the jungle and I wrote my first bilingual song, “Vamos a la Playa,” which appeared on the BUGS album. The next thing I knew, I’d written enough for a whole record. Chocolalala was released in 2012, and ever since, we’ve been touring in Latin America and around the USA playing original bilingual music. It’s been an amazing ride so far, and we’re just getting going.

What are your musical influences? I write songs in many different styles (rock, reggae, funk, bluegrass, ska, country and a host of Latin and world influences), so it’s hard to know even where to begin! But some of my all-time favorite artists are: Bob Marley, Mark Knopfler, Joni Mitchell, Oliver Mtukudzi, Tom Petty, Susana Baca and Richard Thompson.

What is your top advice to children who want to be songwriters? Talk to kids about this all the time when I’m performing at schools. First of all, anyone can become a songwriter. All you need to do is think of something you’re interested in, and that can become the subject of a brand new, original song. It’s also great to listen to varied genres of music and start a playing an instrument. Most important, though, trust your imagination and have fun.

What is the best advice that was given to you when you became a children’s entertainer?

“When the kids are jumping up and down with their hands in the air, then you know you’re doing

something right.”

23 4

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WITH Mr. G

Describe a Mister G live show. Hundreds of kids and grown-ups singing, dancing and having a great time together. We always get lots of kids onstage with us and turn the theater into a big fiesta for the whole family.

Where are you next performing in Massachusetts? We’ll be back at Passim in Harvard Square on May 10 at 10:30 a.m. And we’ll be playing two concerts in Amherst at the Eric Carle Museum on May 25 at 1 and 3 p.m. Those shows always sell out, so get your tickets early!


Shrewsbury’s Melody Davis was a self-described “habitual offender” when it came to scheduling her annual mammograms – continually rescheduling appointments, forgetting appointments, or neglecting to make the appointment in the first place.

She was six months late in scheduling the one mammogram that would shake her to the core, and she now considers herself one of the lucky ones whose life was spared by the early detection of a fast-growing and aggressive breast cancer. “Once you’ve been through the experience of having breast cancer, everything changes,” she said, working tirelessly now to encourage – or browbeat, you might say – the women in her life to stay on top of their annual mammograms and self-exams. What hasn’t helped, she said, are studies that dismiss mammograms as ineffective. These studies do quite a bit of harm, she said – giving women like her former self (the rescheduling, forgetting, neglecting self) another excuse to put off their annual screening. When a recently-released Canadian study concluded that “annual screening in women aged 40-59 does not reduce mortality from breast cancer,” another layer of confusion was added onto the already contradictory information the public receives about mammograms. All of this has left women in their 40s and 50s wondering, “When exactly am I supposed to get mammograms and how often?” With breast cancer responsible for approximately 40,000 deaths annually in the United States alone, many women have relied on their annual mammograms to alert them of any problems before they progress past the point of treatment.

The Mammogram DebateBY AMANDA ROBERGE

WOMENSHEALTH


The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin the annual screening procedure at age 40, while the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force mammogram guidelines recommend women begin screening at age 50 and repeat the test every two years. Studies aside, even the medical community is at odds, with different arms having differing opinions on when mammograms are necessary. The discrepancy is attached to many factors – including breast density, which decreases with age and makes mammography accurate, and the cost effectiveness for insurance companies, said Dr. Carolynn Debenedectis, Assistant Professor of Radiology at UMass Medical School, who also practices as a radiologist at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. The Canadian study, she added, is confusing to women. “They are not saying [mammograms] aren’t helping people. They are saying they aren’t helping enough people to make it cost effective.” From the perspective of the radiology community, the risks associated with radiology – particularly with the tomosynthesis methods used at UMass – are so small and the treatment options so great when breast cancer is caught early, it’s a no brainer for women to have the annual mammogram and breast exam starting at age 40. From Davis’s perspective, even if one life per million is saved by mammography, “that is enough to make it worth it.” A mammogram, which is basically an x-ray of the breast, can be used as a screening or diagnostic tool, and carries with it an “extremely low risk” of radiation in exchange for its potentially lifesaving capabilities. The bottom line, added Debenedectis, is that early detection of breast cancer is always better than late detection – making the cancer more treatable and making survival more likely. The radiology community as a whole, she argued, urges women to stick with the American Cancer Society’s recommendation. “For what it’s worth, radiologists get yearly mammograms starting at age 40, and it’s what we recommend to the women in our lives that we love,” she said. “It’s worth any extra cost to us because we know what we see in our office – which is that we catch cancer, and we catch it early.” Dr. Robert Quinlan, Director of the Comprehensive Breast Center at UMass Memorial Medical Center, has an opinion or two of his own, and they are based in his longstanding commitment to a model of care that no longer exists – except, perhaps, in his office. Doctors who have high demands

The Mammogram Debate

on their time and are underneath stacks of paperwork, he added, don’t always have the extra time to spend with their patients getting to know them as individuals. “When you are running that fast, you don’t always have time to answer all of your patients’ questions,” he said. “It doesn’t happen in this office. I won’t let it.” The challenge, he said, is to take each woman’s individual situation, lifestyle, habits and risk factors and make a recommendation based on those personal elements of her life.

General recommendations to entire populations make such a personal touch impossible – something he strives each day to change. He urges women to take a quick online screening test known as the GAIL model Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool – which is a simple questionnaire that can be found online and helps a woman to determine if she is more or less at risk than the average woman of her demographic. He finds that looking at a patient’s individual risk factors and family

history helps him to determine what the best course of action is for her with regard to screening. “It comes down to a judgment call,” he said. “What doctors should be more aware of is how to counsel their female patients in their 40s and 50s.”

The Gail Model assessment, also known as BCRAT (Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool), can be found at www.cancer.gov.

Against the Tide

Fundraiser Against the Tide takes place on June 21, 2014 at Hopkinton State Park. This is a family-friendly fundraiser to benefit the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC). The MBCC was founded in 1991 by women concerned with the lack of attention to breast cancer. The response was so successful that the group founded Silent Spring Institute to investigate the link between breast cancer and the environment.

Against the Tide is held rain or shine and includes a number of different activities, including:

• Competitive 1 mile swim• Competitive 5K run• Competitive 10K run• Recreational 5K run• Recreational 10K run• Recreational 1 mile swim• Recreational 3 mile walk• Recreational 2 mile kayak

Participants can register for up to four of the events. Every dollar raised goes to the MBCC’s work for breast cancer prevention. For more information, visit mbcc.org/swim or call 800-649-MBCC.

Mammogram Scheduling Tip

The American Cancer Society recommends that you schedule your mammogram when your breasts are not tender or swollen, avoiding the week just before your period. This will not only reduce any discomfort, but it will also ensure a good picture.

Free Breast and Cervical Screenings

Free breast and cervical cancer screening is available for eligible, uninsured Massachusetts residents through the Department of Public Health Care Coordination Program. To get more information or to be connected to a Care Coordination Program clinical site near you, call 1-877-414-4447.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer takes place in Boston on May 17 and 18. The walk winds through Boston’s harbor and neighborhoods, including Back Bay and Beacon Hill. For more information, visit avonwalk.org.

Support For Women


When it comes to adoption, there is no such thing as “normal.” Just ask Christina and Kevin Kindt. The couple just had their biological child in August, but they are already parents to three other children: 5-year-old Elizabeth and 3-year-old Natalie, both adopted as infants from foster care, and a 1-year-old boy (name withheld), whose adoption from foster care is still in progress. Though not the typical family, the Kindts are far from alone. According to the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, 2 percent of American children are adopted. That means adoption — with numbers that large — touches most families, schools and communities across the country. Modern adoptive parents and adoptees will not encounter many of the old stigmas and biases that used to besiege adoptions. Not long ago, “You’re adopted!” was the ultimate childhood insult, birth mothers were shamed into hiding the pregnancy and lying about the birth, and adoptive parents kept the matter a closely guarded family secret. After being shrouded in silence and secrecy for most of its history, adoption is coming out of the shadows, becoming more mainstream and more open, according to Adam Pertman, author of Adoption Nation: How the Adoption Revolution is Transforming our Families — and America. But would-be adoptive parents still face challenges, including choosing which type of adoption to pursue, figuring out how to pay mounting fees and navigating the exploding world of online adoption information. One thing is clear: though every

adoption journey is unique, adoption as an institution is becoming less the exception, and more the norm, all the time.

Opening Doors: Adoption Comes Out

of the Shadows Because states are not required to record the number of private, domestic adoptions, it is hard to pinpoint just how many children are adopted each year. In 1992, the last year this type of data was compiled, the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute reported that nearly 127,000 children were adopted in the US, including those adopted domestically, internationally, out of foster care, and by stepparents (which account for 42 percent of all domestic adoptions). All told, there are more than 1.5 million adopted children in the U.S. That means adoption touches most schools, neighborhoods, and extended families across the country. The Donaldson Institute’s 1997 survey (the most recent one available) found nearly 60 percent of Americans have a personal connection to adoption — by knowing someone who has been adopted, adopted a child, or has placed their child with an adoptive family. And because so many adoptions have been veiled in secrecy, the real figure is likely much higher. Those types of secrets are dying out, though. Today, only 5 percent of modern adoptions are “closed adoptions” in which the birth parents and adoptive parents have no contact and birth records

are sealed. Ninety-five percent of agencies offer open adoptions, which allow for ongoing contact between the adoptive family and the birth parents. That is good news for everyone touched by adoption. Research from the Donaldson Institute shows that open adoptions are associated with greater satisfaction with the adoption process for all participants — adoptive parents, adoptees, and birth parents. Birth mothers who have ongoing contact with their children through open adoption experience less grief and greater peace of mind. And adoptees have access to their biological families and medical histories. In international adoptions, ongoing contact between birth parents and adopted children can be harder to arrange, due to logistics, language barriers, and a host of legal and other complications. But those, too, are slowly cracking open. When Lacey Yantis and Scott Blank traveled to Ethiopia earlier this year to adopt their son Ermias, 1, they met his birth mother and learned that the date listed on his birth paperwork is wrong. He was born a month earlier. This type of inaccuracy is not uncommon in international adoptions, says Yantis.

Families Without Borders: International

Adoptions International adoption can be a good option for families seeking an infant, like Yantis and Blank. Nearly half of the children adopted internationally are infants and 90 percent are under five, according

to the Donaldson Institute. But those who dream of international adoption face a number of hurdles. Primarily, choosing an adoption site from a dwindling list of countries open to US adoptions. Under tighter regulations, the number of international adoptions appears to be tapering off. After reaching a historic high of 22,884 children in 2004, it fell to just 12,753 in 2009. Russia, one of the top countries of origin for American parents adopting internationally, is now closed to prospective parents in US. Guatemala, Haiti, Rwanda, and Vietnam are also on the “closed” list, while China and Ethiopia have cut international adoptions drastically and stretched waiting times for adoptive parents. The waiting game adds to the mounting costs involved in adopting internationally as attorney and agency fees pile up over the course of months and years. The Donaldson Institute reports that parents adopting internationally can expect costs up to $25,000 for visas, immigration documents, agency costs, and program fees charged by the home country. Lacey Yantis places her family’s adoption fees between $25,000 and $30,000 — a total that doesn’t include travel to Ethiopia or lodging and living expenses during their three-week stay. Adoptive parents traveling for international adoption also face costs related to time off work and childcare for the children staying at home during the trip.

Home Sweet Home: Domestic Adoptions

While wait times for some

The Adoption Option:Opening Doors, Building a Family

FINALLYFOREVER

BY MALIA JACOBSON


Foster Care/Adoption Informational Meeting. Department of Children and Families, Western Regional Office, 140 High Street, 5th floor, Springfield. April 1, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Learn how to change the life of a child in need by becoming a foster parent with the Department of Children and Families. Monthly meeting on first Tuesday of every month. Registration is not required. Free. 413-452-3351.

New Worlds of Adoption Conference 2014. Campus Center Auditorium, UMass Amherst Campus. April 11, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Keynote speaker is Dr. Philip Fisher, Professor of Psychology, University of Oregon. He will present “Innovations and Best Practices: Helping Adoptive Families Overcome Early Adversities.” Panel discussions and breakout sessions throughout the conference. Open to the general public. $135. Registration closes April 5. psych.umass.edu/ruddchair/annualconference.

Pizzeria Adoption Party. CareerTec High School Bistro, West Springfield. April 12, noon to 2:30 p.m. Meet waiting youth age 10 and older. Social workers will be on hand to answer any questions. Open to the public. 1-800-882-1176.

Adoptive Families Together (AFT) Group Meeting. Worcester MSPCC Office, 335 Chandler St., Worcester. April 17, 7 to 9 p.m. Education, advocacy, training, and support for families, professionals and communities about the unique circumstances inherent in the adoption experience. Group for adopted individuals, birth parents, foster parents, and guardians. Drop-ins welcome. Free. 857-728-2157.

To list your adoption-related event information in baystateparent, email

[email protected], or visit baystateparent.com to add your listing

to our interactive calendar of events.

Aaliyah is a sweet and loving eight-year-old girl of Caucasian and Hispanic descent. She is tall and skinny and of average intelligence. Aaliyah loves to dance and draw. She is a very good dancer. She also likes to do arts and crafts projects with her foster mother. Aaliyah is very kind and gets along well with her foster family.Academically, Aaliyah is on

target. She has improved greatly in math over the past few months. She struggles with peer relations and does not like sharing the attention of adults with other kids. Aaliyah should be placed in a home with no other children or only older children. Legally free for adoption, Aaliyah

receives therapy for concerns

around loss and trauma. There is an open adoption agreement in place for two visits a year with her birth father. She also has maintained contact with some extended birth family members. The right family for Aaliyah would help her preserve these connections.For more information about

Aaliyah, please contact Department of Children and Families (DCF) Adoption Supervisor Karen Greaney at 508-929-1000. The DCF Worcester Adoption Office holds monthly information meetings for people wanting to learn more about the adoption process in general. For details about the next meeting, please call 508-929-2143.

international adoptions can stretch out for years, domestic adoptions can be relatively swift. According to Adoptive Families magazine, 34 percent of US parents adopting a newborn domestically were matched with a child within three months; 19 percent brought their baby home within four to six months. Couples who choose to adopt domestically have several options: private (or “independent”) adoptions through an attorney or an adoption facilitator, adopting through an agency, or adopting through the foster-care system (sometimes called “public adoption”). How can prospective parents choose which type of domestic adoption to pursue? One factor is cost. Agency and private adoptions are the more expensive. The Donaldson Institute pegs domestic adoption costs for agency and private adoptions at $4,000 to $30,000. It is a wide range that includes costs for home studies, post-adoption supervision, and court fees. Another factor is the age of the prospective adoptee. The Kindt family’s experience notwithstanding, newborn adoptions through the foster system are relatively rare — only two percent of children adopted through the public system are newborns, according to the Donaldson Institute. Thanks in part to federal financial incentives enacted during the Clinton administration, public sector (foster care) adoptions increased 40 percent between 1995-1998. By 2008, 55,000 children were adopted from foster care. Foster care adoptions aren’t as prohibitively expensive as other types of adoption — there

are no agency fees, legal fees are often minimal and reimbursed by the state, and parents can claim the adoption tax credit (as can parents adopting internationally or through an agency or attorney).

Building a family The first step for couples considering adoption: talk to others who have adopted, advises Lori Ingber, Ph.D., president and founder of Parent Match. “Ask them which agency they used, or which attorney. Ask them about their experience. Talk to as many people as you can.” You want to choose an adoption attorney or facilitator with significant experience with adoptions, she noted. Take advantage of the Internet’s expansive power for research, referrals, information, and support. Many agencies now have Facebook pages where prospective parents can ask questions, share victories, and support each other through tough days. Most importantly, parents should follow their heart to build a family that is uniquely their own. The Kindts may not be a cookie-cutter clan, but that doesn’t bother their happy children in the least. Instead, Elizabeth is puzzling over her soon-to-arrive brother’s birth. “Adoption is so normal to her, that she’s trying to figure out why this baby doesn’t need to be adopted,” said Christina. “One day, she figured it out, though, and told everyone ‘Mommy has a baby in her tummy. And he’s already adopted!’”

The Montessori School of Northampton51 Bates Street • Northampton, MA 01060413.586.4538 • northamptonmontessori.org

comprehensive curriculum • peaceful environment

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CIRCLEOFFRIENDS

APRIL’SCHILD:

Meet Aaliyah


our april favorites facts, f inds and freebiessunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday

Starting on the date the prize appears, log on to

www.baystateparent.com to enter for your chance to win.

{tip}

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Today is International Children’s Book Day, the perfect day to visit the library to

browse for a new read. The date was chosen by The International Board on Books for Youth to coincide

with the birthdate of children’s storyteller

Hans Christian Andersen.

{tip}Happy Easter!

Or maybe we should call it Peepster?

Just Born, the maker of Peeps, reports

that it manufactures over a billion

Peeps each year, or about 4 million Peeps every day!

14Win Kung Fu

Panda Legends of Awesomeness DVD that

includes over 2 hours of programming and a game app. Stop by baystateparent.com

today to find out how you might win!

Join Leap, Tad, Lily and friends on a problem-solving adventure! Perfect for early readers

(children ages 4 to 7), The Letter Machine Rescue Team teaches consonant blends, adjectives and problem solving. This DVD from Leap Frog and Lions Gate Entertainment could be yours. Details on this giveaway are on baystateparent.com.

{tip}Today is a good day to update your cell phone

contacts to include the Poison Control Center. The hotline is available around the clock.

The number is 1-800-222-1222.

29

Popular Disney stars Ross Lynch andLaura Marano

have a new CD and we have a copy

to give away! Austin & Ally: Turn It Up, features 12 tracks performed

by the series’ stars. Stop by

baystateparent.com today for details on how you can win!


{facts}

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our april favorites facts, f inds and freebieswednesday thursday friday saturday

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24 25 26Take an unforgettable journey back in time! The Higgins Armory Collection has arrived at the Worcester Art Museum and we have your tickets! Five people will be selected to win a family 4-pack of tickets to see the Knights! For details on how you can win, visit baystateparent.com today.

Today is International Children’s Book Day, the perfect day to visit the library to

browse for a new read. The date was chosen by The International Board on Books for Youth to coincide

with the birthdate of children’s storyteller

Hans Christian Andersen.

One person will be chosen to win a family 4-pack of tickets to see the Worcester Sharks! The winner will receive a voucher to redeem for any of the Worcester Sharks2013-2014 home games. See the full schedule at sharksahl.com. To enter to win, visit baystateparent.com today for details. Go Sharks!

4

Join Leap, Tad, Lily and friends on a problem-solving adventure! Perfect for early readers

(children ages 4 to 7), The Letter Machine Rescue Team teaches consonant blends, adjectives and problem solving. This DVD from Leap Frog and Lions Gate Entertainment could be yours. Details on this giveaway are on baystateparent.com.

{tip}Infantino is recalling the

Go Gaga Squeeze & Teethe Coco the Monkey

teething toys. The soft orange rubber monkey toy was sold at Target

from December 2012 to January 2014. It has the number 206-647 on the

inside of the rear left leg. If you have this toy, contact Infantino at

888-808-3111 or infantino.com to find out

how to get a replacement.

Today is a good day to update your cell phone

contacts to include the Poison Control Center. The hotline is available around the clock.

The number is 1-800-222-1222.

{tip}For a safe spring bike ride,

the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

recommends that you have your child stand while straddling the bicycle. There should be a space of 1 to 2 inches between your child

and the top bar of the bike. The seat should be level and

adjusted so that there is a slight bend in the knee when

the leg is fully extended.

17Popular Disney stars

Ross Lynch andLaura Marano

have a new CD and we have a copy

to give away! Austin & Ally: Turn It Up, features 12 tracks performed

by the series’ stars. Stop by

baystateparent.com today for details on how you can win!

18

3 Reasons to Love April

National Humor Month (NHM) kicks off with April Fool’s Day — of course! A website devoted to NHM is humormonth.com, and it offers up a fun way to enjoy the month: “Make an ‘already done’ list and celebrate your accomplishments.”

April 2 is National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day, a perfect reason to let your little ones help to make lunch today!

National Siblings Day is April 10, time to update a photo of your kids. Send it to [email protected]. Then look for some special sibling love pics on our website. You might just see yours!

National Library Week takes place April 13 to 19. Stop by your favorite library and tweet us a selfie (@baystateparent). We will be retweeting your pics all week, so give a shout out to your beloved book stops!

Take Your Daughter to Work Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of each April. This year, it falls on April 24. The official website, daughtersandsonstowork.org, recommends the day for kids ages 8 to 18.


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Western Mass Martial Arts Academy

Karate and Judo/Jujutsu

Morning Classes Begin in April!

Schools in Monson, Ludlow & Hampden

Come try a class or two at no charge.Be part of a tradition that has spanned

hundreds of years. We have been teaching both children & adults for 24 years.

Call Shihan Mark Pearlman413-519-4574 for class schedules

and locations.www.shobukan.net

Train with some of the best martial artistsin New England. Learn an art that will

remain with you for your lifetime.

Shobukan Karate and Judo/JujutsuChildren from age 4 through 12

Adults from 13 through ?Training suitable for all ages.

COMING IN JULYHampshire Shakespeare Company

(HSC)offers exciting, fun and

educational theater workshopsfor children ages 6-17.

Comedy, Drama, MysteryWherever Imaginations Go!

Using theater and improvisational games and movement, children

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For 6-8 and 9-13 year oldsWeek-long workshops,

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NEW! For 12-17 year oldsSketch Comedy

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For more information call 413-788-4750, 413-348-0750 or email [email protected],

or visit our website www.hampshireshakespeare.org.

Winterberry FarmA small family farm now in Colrain, MA

See our schedule at www.winterberryfarm.org

Offering hands-on farm & fiber programs for kids, families, and adults.

(413) [email protected]

340 Wilson Hill Road Colrain MA 01340

SUMMERCAMP


Heated Pool • Sailing • Skate Park Zip Line • Zumba Tennis Dance Team Sports • Gymnastics Crafts Pottery • Waterskiing

Archery • Judo • Rocketry • Golf • Yoga • GuitarCheerleading & much, much more!

Enroll Today For Summer 2014Day Camp and Sleepover Camp Ages 3 to 16 ~ Flexible Sessions

Beautiful Lake Buel Campus Only 5 miles from Gt. Barrington

888-528-0940

Celebrating 92 Amazing Summers in the Berkshires!

Scan this code with your mobile device to watch a Discovery Adventures video.

A Lesson Your Kids Will Never Forget

HiSToRy

Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA

www.osv.org/adventures Visit 508-347-0285

Register beforeMay 1 and SAVE!

Old Sturbridge Village Discovery AdventuresJune 23–August 15

Five-day programs for children ages 6–17 to experience history at New England’s largest living history museum.

Center For MartialArts & Fitness

22 Center St., Chicopee, MA 01013

(413) 594-9200 • CFMAF.net

LEARN MARTIAL ARTS & HAVE FUN ALL SUMMER LONG!OUR AFTER SCHOOL & SUMMER PROGRAMSPROVIDE EXCITING ACTIVITIES ALL YEAR...

*ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT FOCUSING ON MATH & WRITING *TAEKWONDO CLASSES *FIELD TRIPS *SUMMER READING PROGRAM

*SWIMMING *TEAM BUILDING *OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING:

• SPORTS CLINICS • BOWLING LEAGUES • MAGIC • CRAFTS • NATURE HIKES • COMMUNITY SERVICE & MORE!!!

DATES: June 30th - August 29thTIMES: Mon. - Fri. (7:30 am - 5:30 pm)LOCATION: PE Bowe Elementary School 115 Hampden St., Chicopee, MA 01013

TRANSPORTATION: AM & PM AvailableFULL AND 1/2 DAY PROGRAMS (Inc. Summer School)FREE lunch included (8 weeks)

• Our Staff to Participant Ratio is 1 to 10• New England Farm Workers Vouchers Accepted• Certifi ed Teachers & Life Guards on Staff• YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY IS OUR #1 PRIORITY!

Proudly owned and operated by Instructor

Ken GoodrichCertifi ed Child Care Provider & 3 Time USA

Taekwondo National Champion and2 Time World Breaking Association World

Record Holder. Our team has earned4 USA Taekwondo National Championship

Medals in the past 2 years.This year we compete

in San Jose, CA in July.

Call Today & Receive 1 Month of Free Classes. (not including uniform)

Classes are held Mon.-Sat. We have Children, Teen & Adult programs. Little Dragons (3-5 yrs.) - Family Discounts

Great For Children With ADD & ADHD

Center For Martial Arts

And Fitness

( )

SPIRIT

MIND BODY

COMING IN JULYHampshire Shakespeare Company

(HSC)offers exciting, fun and

educational theater workshopsfor children ages 6-17.

Comedy, Drama, MysteryWherever Imaginations Go!

Using theater and improvisational games and movement, children

create and perform their own shows.

For 6-8 and 9-13 year oldsWeek-long workshops,

Monday - Friday 8:30 - 4:30.

NEW! For 12-17 year oldsSketch Comedy

Monday - Friday 4:00-8:30 pm

All Workshops at the Williston Theatre in Easthampton.

For more information call 413-788-4750, 413-348-0750 or email [email protected],

or visit our website www.hampshireshakespeare.org.

• Day Camps• Travel Camps• Specialty Camps (baking, circus, outdoor adventure, science, sports, theater and more!)• Beautiful indoor and outdoor facilities• Nurturing, well-trained staff

Download a brochure at www.SpringfieldJCC.org

Springfield JCC Summer CampsJune 23 - August 15, 2014

JCC Summer Camps are part of the Springfield Jewish Community CenterNeal Webber Building • 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA • (413) 739-4715

www.SpringfieldJCC.org • facebook.com/JCCSummerCamp

All Are Welcome!JCC Summer Camps Director: Louis Lasko, [email protected] Kehillah Director: Linda LaPointe, [email protected]

We also offer Camp Kehillah for individuals with special needs

June 23-July 3; August 4-15: Inclusion CampAugust 18-22: Substantially Separate Camp

SUMMERCAMP


Unlock their inner artist, writer, scientist, or designer!

Courses for ages 5-15 in art instruction, robotics,

steampunk style, and science exploration.

Special ExhibitsIncluded!

SPRING & SUMMER COURSESAT THE MUSEUM SCHOOL

413.263.6800, ext. 377 • springfieldmuseums.org/learning_and_travel

baystateparentA Staple Ingredient for

Every Parent's Information Diet. Available at Every Big Y. Every Month.

Also find us at www.baystateparent.com

SUMMERCAMP

It’s Not Too Late To Advertise

Your Summer Camp For More Information Contact

Jessica at 413-437-4673 or [email protected]

Beth at 413-283-8393 or [email protected]


Dance, Gym & Enrichment

• Follow MA learning frameworks• All staff CPR and First Aid certifi cation• Caring for children 1-year up to 9 years of age• 2-day minimum for all programs (we fi t your schedule)• Full Day Programs 7am-5:30pm available hours• Before and after school - includes snow days/vacations/

holidays/summers if needed• Privately owned • Year round enrollment 58 Daniel Shays Hwy.,

Belchertown, MA 413-323-8447

E-mail:[email protected]

Website:Littlefriends39.com

Little FriendsChild Care Center

NEW FALL 2014 HOURS FOR MORNING PRESCHOOL9:15am-1pm follows the Belchertown school scheduleWeekly Tuition Payments $16.00 per dayYour choice of any 2-5 day combination

Preschool & Child Care

A Dream Come True Learning Center

(2 locations)

INFANTS • TODDLERSPRESCHOOL

6 weeks to 8 yearsPart Time/Full Time Slots Available

New England Farm Workers vouchers accepted•

We offer a 10% sibling discount and a 3% discount for monthly payment

6 Mainline Drive Westfield, MA 01085 413-562-3828

1029 North Road Westfield, MA 01085 413-650-0417

“A great beginning in early education”

Mittineague Children’s Center

1840 Westfield Street West Springfield, MA 01089

413-733-5566 mittineaguechildrenscenter.com

411 Granby Road South Hadley, MA 01075Call for an appointment (413) 532-5303

www.brighterbeginningcc.comQUALITY AND AFFORDABLE

ENROLL NOW

FEES (up to 9 hour day)

Infant–6 wks.-15 months ............... $245.00 weeklyToddler–15 mos.-2yrs. 9 mos. ........ $215.00 weeklyPre-School–2 yrs. 9 mos.-5 yrs. ..... $185.00 weekly

Established in 1987

Accredited by theNational Accreditation of Early Childhood ProgramsThe accreditation division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children

PRE-SCHOOL/CHILD CARE

TO ADVERTISEContact Jessica O’Malley 413-437-4673,

[email protected] Beth Baker 413-283-8393 ext. 245,

[email protected]

St. John the Baptist Nursery School

217 Hubbard St., Ludlow, MA 01056 “All that you expect from a great pre-school program and more…”

An integral part of St. John the Baptist Elementary School, our pre-school benefits from the larger community

by offering: Before and after-school care

Hot Lunch program Computer, Art, Music, Gym

We also offer flexible schedules and accept 3-year olds. Call us at 413-589-7531 for information on fees and to schedule a personal tour. You’ll be glad you did!

ThompsonsSummer Gymnastics

200 Old Lyman Rd., South Hadley

Quality Instruction Since 1981

Fun Summer Programs

www.FunWithUs.com

Call or Go On-Line

413-532-0374 • www.FunWithUs.com

For 3 to 5 Year Olds & First Grade and UpSpecial Weeks for

“Adventure” & “Pampered Princess”

Service Directoryfor Kids & Families

Want to bea teacher?You can with TIMELI.

[email protected] • www.wne.edu/TIMELI

Now accepting applications for summer 2014

Offered by The Teachers’ Loft in collaboration with Western New England University

TIMELI is a part-time Post-baccalaureate Alternative Route Licensure Program for those interested in becoming

a licensed secondary teacher in Massachusetts.TIMELI is fully approved by the Massachusetts Department

of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).



baystateparent


Massachusetts’ Premier Magazine for Families Since 1996baystateparent

If so, send your outstanding resume to Regina Stillings at [email protected]

• This is a commission position, with a start up base salary/guarantee.

• The sky is the limit on how much you can earn!

• Our company helps clients through print, online and digital services.

You are a self motivated creative and driven full-time multimedia account executive.

We are an award-winning premier parenting publication in Western, Central and Eastern MA.

Sound like a BULLSEYE?

A Dream Come True Learning Center........................45All American Gymnastic Academy............................20Amherst Pediatrics............................................... 22Arbors Camp.........................................................3Atkins Farm........................................................25Bay Path College............................................15, 19Belchertown Kidz Club .........................................42Big Apple Circus.....................................................4Big Y..................................................................10Brain Balance......................................................16Brighter Beginnings............................................. 45Brunelle’s Marina................................................ 48Camp Half Moon..................................................43

Center for Martial Arts and Fitness.........................43Country Bank........................................................2Creative Kids.......................................................16Disney on Ice (Feld Entertainment).........................47Hampshire Shakespeare Company.........................42Hits 94.3...........................................................13Little Friends Child Care Center............................... 45Little Sports Fitness..............................................16Longmeadow Montessori.......................................22MacDuffie School.................................................42Mittineague Children’s Center.................................45Montessori School of Northampton.........................39Old Sturbridge Village...........................................43

Propel Marketing.................................................. 9 Sixteen Acres...................................................... 29Springfield Jewish Community Center ....................43Springfield Museums............................................44Springfield Parent Academy....................................11St. John the Baptist Nursery School........................45Teachers Loft.......................................................45Thompsons Gymnastics.........................................45UMASS Fine Arts Center..........................................5Western Mass Martial Arts Academy.........................42Winterberry Farm................................................42WRSI, The River 93.9.............................................7

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36 disneyonice.com#DisneyOnIce

Opening Night Tickets $15!

Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability. Excludes premium seats.

Buy Tickets: Ticketmaster.com • 800-745-3000 Venue Box Office

APR. 16 – 20

MASSMUTUAL CENTER

✁

© D

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Opening Night

Tickets $15!

Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply.

Subject to availability.Excludes premium seats.

APR.16 – 20

MASSMUTUALCENTER

Buy Tickets: Ticketmaster.com

800-745-3000Venue Box Office

disneyonice.com

48 APRIL2014 BAYSTATEPARENTWEST 48

Food and DrinksJoin Us For

Grand ReopeningComing Soon

1 Alvord StreetSouth Hadley, MA 01075

413-536-3132www.BRUNELLES.com

The Picturesque Connecticut River

Brunelle's Marina

Lady Bea Opening Day Cruise Schedule

Friday, May 23rd1:00, 4:00 & 7:00

Sunday, May 24th1:00 & 4:00

Every Friday, Saturday& Sunday starting May 3rd

until re-opening of Dockside& Brunelle’s Marina

under the tent

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