Agassiz Early Childhood Resources

the OPENAIR Circus

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:26:26 EDT

JOIN THE CIRCUS THIS SUMMER!The OPENAIR Circus returns for a five-week series of classes in circus arts for children, teens and adults. Classes begin June 23 and run through July 30, including rehearsals. Performances are July 31, Aug. 1 and Aug. 3.The Extraterrestrial Circus Experiment, a touring company, will teach many of the classes, including juggling (diabolo, hat manipulation, devil sticks, sphere play), hula-hoops, poi, acrobalance, and unicycling. Other popular classes include stilting, stage combat, mime, clowning, tumbling, balance beam, tumbling for two, and commedia dell’arte.One-hour classes will be held Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Nunziato Field at the corner of Vinal Avenue and Summer Street; Wednesdays at Foss Park; and Thursdays at Nathan Tufts Park at Powder House Square.The registration fee of $20 per person or $30 per family, allows you to take as many classes as you like at no extra charge. Register at www.openaircircus.org or in person Tuesday, June 9, at SCAT, 90 Union Square; or Thursday, June 11, in Ten Hills Park in Davis Square.For more information, visit www.openaircircus.org, call 617-947-1191, or email peter_jehlen@openaircircus.org.

Night Walks on the Full Moon - Sandwich (Cape Cod

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:08:28 EDT

Come for a hooting and howling good time out and about at Green Briar bythe light of the full moon. Look and listen for signs of animals andhear some great stories about the moon and night animals.*Night Walks on the Full Moon - Sandwich*Location: 6 Discovery Hill Road, East Sandwich, MA, 02537 Phone:508-888-6870Date: Sunday, June 7, 2009Hours: 7:00pmIn/Outdoor: OutdoorCost: Members: Adult $4, Child $2 Family Maximum 12; Non-members: Adult$5, Child $3 Family Maximum $16http://www.thorntonburgess.org/FamilyPrograms.htmThese popular walks are always fun and suitable for families withchildren ages 4 & up. Advance registration is required.Sun., June 7Strawberry Moon8:00pmTues., July 7Buck Moon8:00pmThurs., Aug. 6Sturgeon Moon8:00pmFri., Sept. 4Corn Moon8:00pmSun., Oct. 4Harvest Moon7:00pm

Shear Fun Fest at David Farmland - Sterling

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:07:22 EDT

Come see sheep shearing and spinning demos; then make a craft with realwool to take home.*Shear Fun Fest at David Farmland - Sterling*Location: Davis Farmland & Water Spray Park, 145 Redstone Hill Road,Sterling, MA Phone:978-422-6666Date: Saturday, June 6, 2009 - Sunday, June 7, 2009Hours: Farmland is open 9:30-5:00 in the Spring; weekend events runfrom 11-3.Ages: Toddlers, KidsIn/Outdoor: OutdoorCost: Please call 978-422-MOOO(6666) for seasonal admission rates.Please visit http://davisfarmland.com/new-site/directions.html fordetailed directions.Come watch Farmer Fred shear our sheep, llamas and alpacas while he'spins a yarn' about his experiences. See spinning demos and learn howwool goes from the sheep's back to your favorite sweater. Top off yourday by creating your own sheep craft using real wool from your Farmlandfriends! Events run Saturday and Sunday from 11-3.

Summer Fest at Elm Bank - Wellesley

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:06:16 EDT

Summer Fest, to be held on Sunday, June 7, 2009, draws in local familiesby offering rides, games and challenges, while also showcasing talentedlocal youth in a dance recital, musical theater performance (Willy Wonkaand the Chocolate Factory), science fair and art gallery.*Summer Fest at Elm Bank - Wellesley*Location: 900 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA, 02481Phone:781-235-3210, exDate: Sunday, June 7, 2009Hours: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PMAges: Infants, Toddlers, Kids, Teens, AdultsIn/Outdoor: OutdoorCost: Free see below2009 Location and Non-Profit HostThis year’s Summer Fest is being held at Elm Bank to help support theMassachusetts Horticultural Society (MHS). MHS, founded in 1829, isdedicated to encouraging the science and practice of horticulture anddeveloping the public’s enjoyment, appreciation and understanding ofplants and the environment. MHS has over 8000 members and a beautifullymaintained headquarters at the 36-acre Elm Bank Horticulture Center.

Mothers & More Yard Sale - Framingham

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:05:08 EDT

Large yard sale- Lots of children's and baby gear, clothes & toys aswell as general yard sale items. No early birds please.*Mothers & More Yard Sale* - FraminghamLocation: Edgell Road, Framingham, MA, 01701 Date: Saturday, June 6, 2009Hours: 9:00am-1:00pmAll Ages; outdoor eventCost: Free * Mothers & More is a national, non-profit organization dedicated toimproving the lives of mothers through support, education and advocacy.The group addresses mothers' needs as individuals and members ofsociety, and promotes the value of all the work mothers do. TheFramingham-area Chapter, which serves over 150 mothers from Framingham ,Natick , Sudbury , Wayland and surrounding towns, can be found atwww.mothersandmoreframingham.com

Rubber Ducky Race - Concord (benefit for Mildam Nursury School and Concord Free Public Library)

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:03:34 EDT

More than 1,000 duckies race down the Concord River and compete forprizes. Ducky tickets are $10 each and must be purchased in advance.Proceeds to benefit Mildam Nursury School and Concord Free PublicLibrary.*Rubber Ducky Race - Concord*Location: 90 Stow Street, Concord, MA, 01742 mapPhone:978-369-6460Date: Saturday, June 6, 2009Hours: 3:00pmAges: Toddlers, Kids, Teens, AdultsIn/Outdoor: OutdoorCost: Free to watch; $10 per duck to racehttp://www.wickedlocal.com/concord/multimedia/x1655278822/Rubber-ducks-ready-for-annual-competitionInstead of landing in the Concord River by Egg Rock and floating downto the Lowell Road Boat Launch, the rubber ducks will take a dip in thechlorinated waters of the Concord Recreation Department’s pool atEmerson Playground.“It’s definitely going to be a different event this year,” saidTracey Marano, president of Milldam Nursery School. “We are literallygoing to put close to 2,000 ducks into the pool. It’s not going to beas much of a race as it will be a duck pluck. All the ducks will be inthe pool and we’ll pull them out one-by-one.”Proceeds to benefit Mildam Nursury School and Minuteman Arc EarlyIntervention Program.

Horn Pond Family Fishing Festival - Woburn

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:02:35 EDT

On the shores of the Horn Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in ourwaters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment.. MassWildlife AnglerEducation Instructors will be on hand to assist angler*Horn Pond Family Fishing Festival - Woburn*Location: Lake Street & Arlington Road, Woburn, MA, 02228 Phone:(508) 389-6309Date: Sunday, June 7, 2009Hours: 9:00 am- 1:00pmIn/Outdoor: OutdoorCost: Free Contact Jim Lagacy, Program Coordinator for more details at (508)389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/education/aep/aep_calendar.htmIf you have fishing equipment, bring it along. A limited quantity offishing equipment and bait will be available.The Massachusetts Angler Education Program is participating in thisevent in cooperation with the Woburn Elks.

DCR Universal Access Summer Recreation Fair - Brighton

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:01:28 EDT

Kick off next summer with park festivities and explore possibilities foroutdoor recreation! Try out adaptive bikes and hiking equipment. Getyour face painted, listen to a DJ, visit with friends and look around.Go on a treasure hunt for letterboxes and geocaches.*DCR Universal Access Summer Recreation Fair*Location: Artesani Park & Wading Pool, 1255 Soldiers Field Rd,Brighton, MA Artesani Park is on Soldiers Field Road in BrightonPhone:(617) 626-4973Date: Saturday, June 6, 2009Hours: 10AM – 3PMIn/Outdoor: OutdoorCost: Free Pre-register by calling 617-626-1294.Information on where to purchase bikes included. This event is free andopen to the public. Refreshments provided. Sign up for a wide array of summer opportunities, such as kayaking,sailing and hiking in the Boston area and beyond. Cool off in the spraypool. At DCR’s Artesani Park on Soldiers Field in Brighton

Massachusetts Free Fishing Weekend - Various Freshwater Locations

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:59:35 EDT

Take a friend or family member fishing -- you won't need a fishinglicense in freshwater for these two days.Saturday, Jun 6, 2009 - Sunday, Jun 7, 2009*Massachusetts Free Fishing Weekend*Location: Other Boston AreaDate: Saturday, June 6, 2009 - Sunday, June 7, 2009All Ages; Outdoor eventsCost: Free Contact Jim Lagacy, Program Coordinator for more details at (508)389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.website: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/education/aep/aep_calendar.htmTake a friend or family member fishing--you won't need a fishinglicense in freshwater for these two days! All other fishing regulationsapply.A fishing license is a valuable investment in your state, supportingfisheries research, fish stocking programs, angler education, land andwater protection and many other services provided by MassWildlife.Unlike most other state agencies, the Massachusetts Division ofFisheries & Wildlife does not receive general tax fund revenues

'See New England Festival - Boston City Hall Plaza'

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:58:39 EDT

Knowing that a challenging economy is forcing many to rethink theirvacation plans, WROR 105.7 FM will host the first-ever See New EnglandFestival on Saturday, June 6, 2009 on City Hall Plaza. This unique eventwill enable families to see all that New England has to offer in a fun,interactive setting perfect for the entire family.From lobsters in Maine to the beaches of Cape Cod, See New England willfeature exhibitors from local attractions, destinations, restaurants,theme parks, cruise lines, and much more. In addition to learning abouteverything New England has to offer, festival-goers will be able to booktrips and purchase tickets to local attractions onsite at the Festival.*See New England Festival*Location: Boston City Hall, One City Hall Square, Boston, MA, 02201 Date: Saturday, June 6, 2009Hours: 10am-5pmAll Ages; Outdoor eventCost: Free The Festival is accessible via public transportation. Take the MBTAGreen Line to the Government Center stop. For more details, visit theMBTA website at www.mbta.comFeatured exhibitors at the inaugural See New England Festival includeSix Flags New England, Santa’s Village, Kimball Farms, Boston SymphonyOrchestra, Boston Attractions Group, Bay State Cruise Lines, MaineBeaches, Massachusetts Office of Tourism and Travel and much more.

Touch a Truck Day

Tue, 19 May 2009 21:57:56 EDT

Back by popular demand!At the Bunker Hill Community College Parking Lot 1. CMA, Aggregate Industries, and multiple local businesses are co-sponsoring Charlestown's second Touch a Truck Day. There will be lots and lots of trucks for children and their families to touch, climb in, look at, and talk to the drivers who operate them. Refreshments and restrooms on site. Rain or Shine!! Free!!

Event: Charlestown Touch A Truck Day
Location: 250 Rutherford Ave. Charlestown, MA,02129 at Bunker Hill Community College
Date: Saturday June 6th
Hours: 10am-2pm
Ages: Infants, Toddlers, Kids
In/Outdoor: Outdoor
Cost: Free

"More than 25 different trucks and vehicles expected to this free event opento the entire community. Aggregate Industries, a construction materialscompany with locations all over New England has generously donated multipleconstruction and non-construction vehicles for this event including a backhoe, loader, grader, dump truck, and garbage truck.Teamsters Local 25 and Boston Sand and Gravel who also operate businesses inCharlestown, are also generously donating some of their trucks for theevent. The Boston Fire Department and the Boston Police Department will alsobe there as well as many others. Families are invited to touch, climb, tourand even talk to the drivers! Free hard hats to the first 300 children."TIP: bring earplugs. Those horns and sirens are loud!!!
2nd tip: bring a picnic lunch to eat at the Bunker Hill Monument, just blocks away.

Kids, Parents, and Power Struggles

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:08:43 EDT

A wonderful book for parents of children of all ages. The author takes into account that different parent/child personality combinations require different approaches to managing conflict. From book jacket: "Kurcinka views power struggles as an opportunity to teach your child essential life skills such as how to calm herself, to be assertive rather than aggressive, to solve problems, and to work cooperatively with you and others."

Learn the art of wearing your baby

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:44:34 EDT

Brilliant site with gazillions of detailed instructions and movies demonstrating how to tie a simple length of cloth into a baby sling. Also instructions for sewing your own simple baby pouches or slings. And more! Even how to turn a pair of sweatpants into a sling in an emergency. Thoughtfully organized by carrying position, age of baby or young child, type of carrier, etc.

Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys!

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 17:24:18 EDT

What: Popular singer-songwriter and child entertainer will perform with interactive fun for the whole family!

When: Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 10:30 am

Where: First Congregational Church, Harvard Square
11 Garden Street,
Cambridge, MA

Cost: Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
Children under 2 years are free.

Proceeds to benefit the Newtowne Preschool
Buy your tickets online at: www.newtowneschool.org

Bake Sale to follow the performance.

Maple Sugaring through DCR

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:56:27 EDT

Ever wonder how maple sugar is made? The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) invites you to explore this New England tradition at maple sugar programs and events throughout the month and across the state. Follow the process from sap to syrup! Take a tour, tap a tree, see an evaporator in process and enjoy a sweet treat! Learn about maple sugaring traditions old and new. Participate in hands-on fun and activities. Enjoy a sweet day outdoors!

DCR Maple Sugar Days are special Park Passport Event Days! Join us and get a commemorative event day stamp for your passport. Learn more about the DCR Park Passport Program below.

Join us!

Saturdays
March 7, 14, 21
Sundays
March 8, 15, 22
Events Run:
11:00am-3:30pm
Blackstone River & Canal Heritage State Park
River Bend Farm Visitor Center
287 Oak Street,
Uxbridge MA 01569.
(508) 278-7604 ph Maple Sugar Tours start every 25 minutes and last about 1 1/2 hours. Guests learn how to tap the trees and boil the sap, take a short walk to help us gather sap, visit the sugar house and sample a sweet treat.
There is no fee for the program and “kids” of all ages are welcome!
This program is co-sponsored by the Department of Recreation and Conservation along with the Blackstone Valley Sugaring Association.
Saturday, March 7
Sunday, March 8
Events Run:
10:00am – 4:00pm Blue Hills Reservation
Brookwood Farm
11 Blue Hill River RdMilton, MA 02186Take Exit 3 (Houghton’s Pond) off Route 93 and follow signs to Maple Sugar Days parking. For more information, please call (617) 698-1802 or (617) 333-0690. Join us as we make maple syrup in the traditional way at beautiful DCR Brookwood Farm in Milton. Smell the wood smoke and watch clouds of steam rise from the bubbling sap. Savor the taste of real maple syrup. Enjoy a wagon ride on the Maple Express for an additional fee. Activities for all ages. Program Admission:$5.00 Adults$3.00 Children Ages 3 – 12Ages 2 and under free Maple Sugar Days is a joint program of the DCR and Massachusetts Audubon’s Trailside Museum. Saturday, March 21 Sunday, March 22 Events Run:10:00am-2:00pm Breakheart Reservation Main Entrance 177 Forest StreetSaugus, MA(781) 233-0834 ph(off Lynn Fells Pkwy) (781) 233-0834ph The Maple Sugaring Tours include tree identification, tapping, history of sugaring, wood harvesting, boiling of sap, and sampling of real maple syrup on pancakes and popcorn. Suggested donation: $4 per person, or $3 for each person who brings a canned good (for contribution to a local food bank). This program is co-sponsored by Friends of Breakheart Reservation. Weekdays In March Programs Run:Day time hours DAR State Forest Krug SugarbushSouth StreetChesterfield, MA (413) 268-7098 ph From Route 9 in Williamsburg, take Route 143 to the center of Chesterfield. Take a left onto South Street, travel about 2 miles, and the Krug’s Sugarbush will be on the left. Visitors will learn firsthand how the sap is collected from maple trees and boiled down to produce pure maple syrup. Visitors should call the DAR State Forest prior to their visit to ensure that the sap is running. Operation is based on weather, so please call one day prior to your visit. Advanced group reservations are welcome. For more information please call (413) 268-7098 Directions! For park information and detailed direction please visit DCR online at http://www.mass.gov/dcr/forparks.htm Things to know before you go! When visiting a park or on the trail, a variety of tools and accessories can help to keep you safe, warm and comfortable: Wear sturdy, insulated winter boots Dress for the weather Dress in layers for maximum comfort Know your limits Carry out what you carry in. Don’t feed wildlife. Stay off ice and away from water Maple Sugaring! Learn More About It! Online! http://www.massmaple.org/ At your library! Here are a few children’s titles to enjoy. “Maple Syrup Season”, A. Purmell“Sugaring”, J. Haas“At Grandpa’s Sugar Bush”, M. Carney“Maple Harvest: The Story of Maple Sugaring”, E. Gemming“Sugaring Time”, K. Lasky“Sugar Snow”, (Adapted From The Little House Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder) Get your Passport!Bring your DCR Park Passport and collect the specialized Event Day stamp and unique Park stamp. Not a Passport holder yet? Find out more at http://www.mass.gov/dcr/passport . Coming Attractions!Discover DCR parks and programs all winter long. Visit www.mass.gov/dcr/events.for program details, directions and highlights.

Maple Sugaring in Somerville

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:53:02 EDT

Somerville Maple Syrup Project - The Boil Down Kicking off the 2009 season at the Somerville Community Growing Center…The Somerville Maple Syrup Project will fire their sap into syrup at The Boil Down on Friday March 6 and Saturday March 7 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Everyone is welcome to stop by to learn about and taste the sap & syrup collected from Somerville trees.

For more information contact Aviva at 617-628-9988 or email aviva.asher@gmail.com.

Their website is thegrowingcenter.org

Skating Programs

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:37:53 EDT

In the Boston area, skating lessons are available all year round! Tiny tots, school age children, and adults can learn skating basics, figure skating, hockey, and speed skating techniques.

Skating lesson signups for Spring and Summer 2008 at the Revere rink (go to http://www.fmcarenas.com/nfsa/ and check out the drop boxes at lower left)

Skating lessons for Cambridge and Somerville rinks for ages 4.5 and up are available through Bay State Skating.

Other nearby rinks:Kendall Square Community Skating

The Rink at the Charles Hotel (Cambridge)

Boston Common Frog Pond (Can't wait for the Agassiz Oldest Group outing to the Frog Pond!)

Finally, here's the list of DCR rinks in Massachusetts

Children's Vinyl Records on MP3

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:23:14 EDT

Dozens of children's vinyl records ripped to MP3 and available for free download! Album covers, too! This is SERIOUSLY awesome for anyone who grew up with these records from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Classic stories narrated by Danny Kaye, Lauren Bacall, and other greats, and children's introductions to all sorts of music.

It's such a joy to share these with the next generation.

Freecycle, Toycycle, and Craigslist

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:22:54 EDT

Running out of storage space? Or money? In both cases, check out Freecycle, Toycycle, and the free section of Craigslist.

If you're not fussy about getting baby and kid stuff new, join these groups to pick up strollers, cribs, and other outgrown items. Competition is high for children's items but if you stick at it you're bound to pick up some free things you would have had to buy otherwise.

These are also unparalleled ways to unload all your unwanted items and free up some cubic yards of precious apartment space.

Cambridge Freecycle Somerville Freecycle ToyCycle Massachusetts Free section of Craigslist

Train Time extended to Jan 19

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:35:10 EDT

Train Time 15, Model Railroad Exhibition - Wenham (Oct 10, 2008 - Jan 19, 2009)

"We have been fortunate to have the New England Lego Users Group donate their talents in building a Lego model train layout to be displayed the weekend of January 17-19th. I thought you might like to add this information to your website listing as well as updating the end date of the Train Time exhibition from January 12th to January 19th. (The exhibit was extended to include the Lego Train). "

Special Exhibition at Wenham Museum

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Wenham Museum's popular model train layouts and we're celebrating with 15 model train layouts throughout the museum in special exhibition, Train Time 15. Trainiacs can Take the Train to See the Trains, so put on your conductors cap and climb aboard the MBTA Newburyport Line to Wenham Museum.

Train Time 15, Model Railroad Exhibition
Location: Wenham Museum, 132 Main Street, Wenham, MA, 01984 map
Phone: 978-468-2377
Date: Friday, October 10, 2008 - Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Hours: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
All ages - indoor event
Cost: $7.00 Adults, $6.00 Seniors, $5.00 Children (2-16)
Visit www.wenhammuseum.org or email info@wenhammuseum.org for more information.
Get your ticket to ride on Wenham Museum’s Train Time 15 and enter an enchanted world of 15 model train layouts of trains traversing tracks through tunnels, around buildings and across bridges. Changing vignettes will capture your imagination throughout the fall and into the winter months. Your first stop is Harvest Time a G-gauge model train layout with close pin ghosts and goblins hiding in the pumpkin patch. Celebrate the holidays on November 28th as the Gingerbread Express a G-Gauge model train pulls into a miniature candy covered train station. As the snow falls and the winter month’s approach, return to the museum to visit the beloved Snow Train to Bakersville opening on December 20th.

Travel through gas lit streets ornamented with sparkling snow covered houses and busy with tiny holiday shoppers and carolers. Be sure to wave hello to the jolly conductor of this G-Gauge model train layout dressed in his red suit and white beard ready to deliver joy to girls and boys of all ages.