baystateparent BLOG

Point to Happy : A Book for Kids on the Autism Spectrum

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:17:00 +0000

It's Autism awareness month and baystateparent
received Point to Happy A book for Kids
on the Autism Spectrum (Workman, 2011, $19.95 )
in our office.

This book is really well done with bright, clear photographs. It's a one-of-kind design specifically for children
on the autism spectrum. A soft pointer is included so that kids can practice motor tasks of holding and pointing. The child can choose
different foods, recognize colors, interpret everyday tasks and
point to a feeling or emotion as the parent reads.

We only have one copy to share with a reader, and we know autism affects so many of you.
But if you'd like the copy, please comment here and we'll mail it to you.

We also send you our love and support as you navigate parenthood.
BOOK INFO:
Point to Happy by Miriam Smith and Afron Fraser/March 2011

baystateparent

Win a Tiny Tag Gold-Filled Initial Necklace

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:14:00 +0000

Happy Monday Everyone!

Have you been wanting one of these
initial necklaces to carry your child's initial close to your heart?

Win a 14K gold-filled initial necklace ($85 value)

from Tiny Tag Designs.

How? All you have to do is comment beneath
this BLOG post (please do not comment
on Facebook). Any 'ole comment will do!

If you don't win (or would like to order a tag and necklace for yourself or for a gift), Tiny Tag Designs offers bsp readers 20% till 5/1 with promo code 'baystate.'

Melissa Clayton,

Owner, Tiny Tag Designs

www.TinyTagDesigns.com

FROM MELISSA: Tiny Tag Designs is my sweet jewelry company where I hand stamp children's names or affirmations on sterling silver tags. Moms love wearing their kiddie’s names and Grandmas love showing off their grandchild with a bracelet with all her grandchildren's names. My new line for little girls includes adorable initial necklaces made for 3 to 13 year olds. I hope you like what you see!

Welcome Readers

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:44:00 +0000

4+ Ways to Be a Part of bsp's

May HOME issue:

1. Email us photos of something "cool" in your home for our May reader photo page "Captured." Do you have a nice mural, unique piece of furniture/artwork, beautiful nursery, fun play room...? Show us something unique, special, pretty, inspiring, etc. in your home. What's the most unique thing in your kitchen? It can be a corner of your room, a photo of an entire room, whatever... Please email photos to editor@baystateparent.com by Friday, April 8th.

2. Tell us about your child's Playhouse/Fort. We're looking to photograph some outdoor
play houses. Send us a photo if you can and tell us about it by Friday, April 8th. Include
your name, phone and town please!

3. Tell us about something you or your child collects. baystateparent is thinking of something sentimental,
whimsical, etc. as we'd like to tell the stories behind your collection and how it is displayed in your home. Please email us by Friday, April 8th. Include your name, phone and town please!

4. Lastly, tell us about a HOME EXPERT you love. baystateparent is inviting four professionals to share their tips in our May HOME issue. Please introduce us to a decorator, designer, realtor, contractor, organizer, colorist, etc. Please include their contact information and town. This will involve getting a photo of the person and doing an email Q & A. Tell us soon! Nominations taken by Tuesday, April 5th.

Also, our sales team has many fun opportunities for this issue so if you know a mompreneur tell her to contact Stephanie Pearl as soon as possible: 774-364-0296 or stephaniep@baystateparent.com. We have a whole section planned dedicated to moms who have their own businesses. It's a perfect price point for an entrepreneurial mom!

As always, we have our Show & Tell feature. You send us your product, and we tell 100,000 people about in a beautiful layout with all the information.

Looking forward to MAY! Questions? Email Carrie Wattu, editor: editor@baystateparent.com.

Looking for Survey Questions for our New Web site (coming soon)

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:34:00 +0000

baystateparents, I am looking for some survey questions to include in our new
Online poll for our upcoming revamped Web site (details about this exciting new
bsp development coming soon...working hard on it right now.)
What is something you would really like to know about other parents in Massachusetts?
The poll will be completely anonymous and just a very quick click to vote.
No sign-ups required, and you see results instantly about where other parents fall on the pie chart.
Poll questions can be about issues in our state, fun "just curious questions," etc.
Tell us: what would be really interesting to know?
A random brainstorm follows my signature. Of course, we'll think of questions relating to articles
and issues that come up in the magazine and on the news as well as local questions about
parenting in Massachusetts.
Please add some ideas here or on Facebook. Search
"baystateparent."
Thanks!
Carrie
baystateparent

When no one is looking, I....
throw the kids' toys away
take a sip from the sippie cup
??

I shouldn't admit this, but I often let my kids...
ride their bikes without their helmets.
eat sugar cereal for breakfast.
not use their booster seats in the car.
??
none of the above

I can honestly say I have never...
sniffed my child's diaper
tasted breastmilk
spanked my child

If there were a summer camp for moms, I would want to...
be alone most of the time, reading and relaxing
learn how to do something new
go with my friends and have lots of "girl" time
?

If I had to pick a favorite household chore, it would be...

I wish other parents would just admit that they...

The biggest challenge my family faces....

My family has too many...
stuffed animals
commitments
bills

My biggest pet peeve is...
stickers
balloons
stuffed animals
snacks
?

The one thing I can't get a handle on in our home is
laundry
photos
toy control
?
all of the above

Sat. March 26 and Sun. March 27 Family Fun in Massachusetts

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 18:23:00 +0000

What's everyone doing this weekend with the "fam"? Here are some ideas...

baystateparent

Saturday 26

Debbie & Friends Special DVD Release Concert. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. 10:30 a.m. A$10, C$8. regenttheatre.com.

Book, Video, Audio Sale. Fountain of Blessing Ministry at People's Church
56 S. Main St., Ashburnham. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Thousand of books, videos, CDs and more for sale to benefit local food pantries. .25 each or $2 a bag. 978-297-1894, peopleschurchhome.com.

Gardening Book Swap. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 1 – 4 p .m. Bring your gardening books and journals in good condition and choose a few new ones you can use. Admission fees apply: towerhillbg.org.

For Parents Puppet Slam. The Puppet Showplace Theatre, Brookline. 8 p.m. Your opportunity to witness some of the most out-there, wild, and wildly creative puppetry for adults and teenage audiences anywhere. An amazing artistic achievements plus there are cookies and brownies! $15 general admission; $13 St. 617-731-6400, puppetshowplace.org.

30th Annual Duxbury Spring Antique Show. Duxbury High School. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Features 50 quality dealers sponsored by the Duxbury Boosters with all proceeds to go to Duxbury High School athletics. Home baked goods table. Luncheon available. A$7. Duxburyboosters.org. Also Sun., March 27, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Grafton Fine Arts and Music Festival. Grafton Municipal Center
30 Providence Rd., Grafton. Friday, 7 – 9 p.m plus artists reception & awards on Saturday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; performances & exhibits on Sunday, 12 - 4 p.m. Hundreds of pieces of art judged by a prestigious panel of judges on display. Children's art activities and artist demonstartions. A$3, C (ages 5+) $3.graftonartsfestival.org.

Maynard Family Association’s Kid Gear Tag Sale. Boys and Girls Club
212 Great Rd., Maynard. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Done with all the baby clothes? Or maybe it’s time to weed through your children’s books and toys. Are you looking for some sports equipment for your ever-growing little one? Come shop or sell your goods. Spots are $20NM. To reserve a spot, contact Alannah Gustavson at tagsale@maynardfam.org or visit maynardfam.org.

FREE Crafts for Kids. Lakeshore Learning Crafts, Newton and Saugus. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Held every Saturday for kids ages 3 and up. lakeshorelearning.com.

Magnet Play. Providence Children's Museum, 100 South St.,Providence, RI. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Kids investigate the playful power of magnetism by experimenting and sculpting with a marvelous array of magnets. Ages 3 – 11. $8.50pp. 401-273-5437, childrenmuseum.org. Also March 27.

101 Dalmatians. Apple Tree Arts at Southgate Retirement Home, 30 Julio Dr., Shrewsbury. Fri. March 25 and Sat. March 26 at 7 p.m. Also Sun. March 27 at 2 p.m.
Featuring young students from grades two to five. A$8, Sr.$5, C $5, C under 4, FREE. 508-839-4286, appletreearts.org.

Sunday 27

Rube Goldberg Design Challenge with Olin College! The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. Drop-in 1 to 4 p.m. Science Discovery
Can you engineer and build a complex machine to plant and water a seed? The Olin College Engineering Discovery team thinks you can! Join them to design and test a multi-step fun/silly solution! Also discover how the properties of sand, soil, and water behave in surprising and unexpected ways when they are at the nano scale during this NanoDays program.
$10.50pp. 978-264-4200, discoverymuseums.org.

Talking about Words and Pictures with Mo Willems. Eric Carle Picture Book Art Museum, Amherst. 11:30 a.m. Join The Carle’s bookseller, blogger, and book-lover, Andy Laties as he engages picture book artists and authors in conversation about their beginnings and their books. carlemuseum.org.

Grafton Fine Arts and Music Festival. Grafton Municipal Center
30 Providence Rd., Grafton. See March 27 for details.

FREE Family Music Makers Jam! Little Bits Toys, 21 Main St. Natick. 3 p.m. Sing, dance and play instruments with Miss Carrie from Family Music Makers! Enjoy an engaging hour of hands-on musical activities designed to delight the whole family! 781-235-3210,  linx-usa.com

101 Dalmatians. Shrewsbury. See March 27 listing for details.

Family Fun Day. Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester. 1 – 4:30 p.m. All ages. Explore the many amazing works of art on view in the newly reopened “Art Since the Mid-20th Century” Galleries. Art-making activities, games, performances from the Worcester Children's Chorus and much more! C under 17 FREE. worcesterart.org.

Have you Signed Up a Grandparent Today? New Grandparenting Class at Isis Parenting Massachusettss

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:33:00 +0000

What a fun (and helpful) way to involve a grandparent-to-be in your pregnancy! Love the idea of having grandparents take a class because we all know that sometimes information sounds better coming from someone other than us when it comes to parenting. Don't you think? Plus, often a first-time grandparent-to-be is so excited for the baby to come, it will be a fun way to get in on the action.
Carrie, baystateparent

ISIS PARENTING LAUNCHES NEW CLASS FOR GRANDPARENTS

Greater Boston’s Premier Parent Education Centers Expands Class Offerings
with a Class for “Grandparents Today”

NEEDHAM, MA, MARCH 22, 2011 – Isis Parenting announces the launch of their first class designed exclusively for new grandparents. With dozens of class offerings from Childbirth Education, Breastfeeding Support, Early Parenting Groups and Child Development Programs, Isis Parenting is pleased to be able to offer their educational expertise to this important group of extended family -- grandparents.

“Grandparents Today” will be the first Isis Parenting class focused on this important life change and the information, attitudes and parenting decisions that continue to evolve with each generation. “Through discussion with mothers and fathers in our Early Parenting classes, we’ve found a large demand for an information-based class for the new grandparents of 2011. A lot has changed in terms of research findings and recommendations. While honoring their special role as grandparents and respecting their parenting experience, we created this class to provide the updated information to help them best support their children and grandchildren,” says Early Parenting Program Lead, Marena Burnett.

“I can imagine grandparents feeling very overwhelmed, particularly since they were raised (and raised us) before the 'explosion' of the baby industry,” an Isis Parenting client expresses her thoughts after her parents and in-laws first saw the enormous market of baby products available as they prepared for the arrival of their first grandchild. The purpose of “Grandparents Today” is to make this transition easier for new parents and grandparents. From bedside co-sleepers, Miracle Blankets and travel systems, to concerns over vaccinations, reflux and food allergies, today’s parents have dozens of new products and “rules” that barely existed 30 years ago. Back to sleep? Tummy time? Car seat inspections? There are so many changes to keep up with that grandparents are sure to feel better informed after taking this class.

The class will review current research and advice related to infant safety, feeding, sleep and essential baby gear. The class will also explore common issues like communication, boundaries and mutual respect, and how to best offer help and support from near and afar.

“Grandparents Today” will launch in April, with classes scheduled and open for registration now in all five Isis Parenting centers. The registration fee ($49.00) covers one grandparent. A second grandparent may attend at half-price. To register, visit isisparenting.com or call 781-429-1500.

Wednesday, March 23: Massachusetts Fun for Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:31:00 +0000

Plan your day tomorrow, Wednesday, March 23rd. Choose from puppet shows, story times, nature walks and more!

MAYNARD: Noon. Story Time with Private David Ferguson at Jam Time, a new indoor playground in Maynard. Meet Private David Ferguson from the Army National Guard as he reads a story in his military attire and talks about serving our country. $10. www.jamtime.com.

WINCHESTER: 3:45 p.m. Ballet and Books for dancers and story lovers will be held at the Winchester Library. David Ira Rottenberg will read his new picture book, Gwendolyn, the Graceful Pig, while members of the Ballet Arts Centre of Winchester perform a mime/dance of the story and provide a mini-dance lesson. Mr. Rottenberg will also sign copies of his book. FREE 781-721-7171, www.cedarcrestbooks.com.

Also listed in our print calendar for Wednesday, March 23rd:

Dr. Doohickey's Monster Machine by Brad Shur. Puppet Showplace Theatre, Brookline. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 4+. Hand and rod puppets! Tickets usually $10pp. www.puppetshowplace.org.

Take A Walk Winter Outdoor Activity. Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham. Through March 31st. Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m - 3 p.m.; Sat., 12 to 3 p.m. With activity backpacks (appropriate for ages 3-9) children and accompanying adults explore the 45-acre estate and farm. $5 rental per backpack. Snowshoes also available in adult and child sizes, rental $5. Complimentary hot cocoa served. $5 per snowshoes rental or backpack. 781-894-2798, www.goreplace.org.

FOR EXPECTANT AND NEW MOMS:
Wednesday, March 23, 7 p.m.
Founder of Boston Baby Nurses and author of the newly released, The Baby Nurse Bible, Carole Kramer Arsenault, RN, IBCLC is coming to Magic Beans, Brookline, to share her extensive knoweldge with new and expecting parents. Her Baby Basics talk will cover all the basics new parents need to know about newborn babies and baby care. She'll cover a wide range of topics including setting up routines, developmental milestones, creating time for you as a mother, how new dad's can help nursing tips, and more. She will give an hour long presentation and accept Q&A.
Her new book will be available for purchase and Magic Beans is raffling off a Mobywrap gift package!

Carole is featured in baystateparent's March baby issue: http://www.baystateparent.com/news/2011-03-01/Feature_Articles/TAKEGOODCARE.html

Harvard COOP Poety Contest April 2011 Grades K - 8

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:17:00 +0000

Do you have a creative child? Have fun with this poetry contest! bsp

The Harvard Coop Annual
Poetry Contest

Win Fame & Prizes!

Entry Rules All entries must be received by April 27th and must
include the author’s name, grade, address and phone number.
Drop off entries at the store, email them (with “Poetry Contest” in
the subject line) to hbooks@bncollege.com, or mail them to Poetry
Contest, The Harvard Coop, 1400 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, MA 02238.

Poets From Grades K–8 Are Welcome
We will judge poems in these four grade ranges: K–1, 2–3, 4–5 and 6–8.

Prizes Three winners in each age group will receive gift cards
(First Prize: $30; Second Prize: $20; Third Prize: $10) and their entries
will be displayed at The Coop. At 2pm on Saturday, May 7, 2011, we
will announce the winners and host an open mic for all contest participants
who want to read their poetry. In appreciation of everyone’s
efforts, a complete anthology of entries will go on exhibit in
the Children’s Department.

Open Mic on May 7th at 2 pm

1400 Massachusetts Avenue | Harvard Square | 617.499.2000 | hbooks@bncollege.com

Missing Puppies in Massachusetts!

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:40:00 +0000

Readers, Our friends at Sterling Animal Shelter asked for bsp's help in spreading the word about

two stolen puppies. The puppies are believed to be in danger.

Quinn - Blue collar in the is a pointer/lab/pit mix female 11 wks male

Scout – female black lab mix 10-11 weeks (pictured on the left)

Contact: Leigh Grady – Executive Director

978 422 8585 or staff@sterlingshelter.org

Friday, March 18, 2011

Update on STOLEN Sterling Shelter puppies

Sterling, MA - As of 3/18/2011 10:15 PM – Animal Shelter Inc. has recovered 7 of the 9 puppies stolen from the Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling, MA the night of Wednesday March 16^th 2011.

There are two puppies STILL missing….and we are extremely concerned for their safety and well-being. They have both had surgery recently and the shelter has had reports that they may have been abandoned to fend for themselves in the streets of Worcester. Their pictures are posted below… the last know sightings were in the Worcester area of Plumley Village / Burncoat Street and citings were also reported in the Franklin St / David Clark area of Worcester MA. These puppies are in immediately danger and in need of medical care.

Quinn - Blue collar in the is a pointer/lab/pit mix female 11 wks male

Scout – female black lab mix 10-11 weeks (pictured on the left)

“The Sterling Police Department, Detective David Johnson our Sterling ACO, as well as the Worcester, MA police department and Detective Mike Tarckini of the Worcester Detective’s Bureau’s have been instrumental in helping to recover these puppies. We’re also thankfully to the Boston Animal Rescue leagues PR department for helping to get the word out…and Lt. Alan Borgal of the Boston ARL who’ve helped us get through this extremely distressing time. Our shelter is grateful for all the help and support that the community has shown… it means so much to us… the calls and emails of support have been overwhelming… We are all very touched and cannot begin to thank the community of pet lovers that are watching out and over these tiny creatures who are so innocent,” stated Leigh Grady – Executive Director of the Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling, MA.

Four puppies were returned to the shelter late Wednesday night by Sterling’s Police Chief and Sterling ACO. According to reports an anonymous tip to the Worcester Police Department led them to the puppies. On Friday morning, a man brought in one of the shepherd mix puppies before the shelter was open. Shelter staff recognized him as one of the person/s that was at the shelter the morning of the break-in. His information has been turned over to the Sterling and Worcester Police Departments to follow up. The sibling to that puppy was found abandoned at a school in Worcester in Burncoat area. Tossed out of a car and found cowered under a car whimpering. The crying brought the school staff to look for the source of the noise where they discovered the puppy under a parked car. The 7^th puppy was brought to the shelter hours later, found by two Good Samaritans who saw two puppies running together. They managed to get one of the puppies, but the other was spooked and ran off. That puppy was seen in the Franklin St / David Clark area of Worcester MA.

“The remaining two puppies are still missing and it’s disgusting and sickening to think that someone may have just dumped them in hopes they wouldn’t get caught. They could have brought the puppies to another shelter or made a call anonymously to our shelter or the ANY of the police departments, animal control facilities, vet hospitals or brought the puppies really ANYWHERE so that they’d be safe and returned to us for the much needed medical care they will need. We are pleading with anyone who has information, has possibly found one of the puppies or might know they’re whereabouts to PLEASE contact the Sterling or Worcester Police Departments or our shelter. “We just want these puppies home safe, back to our shelter where they will get the medical attention they are desperately in need of. We just know they’re out there and our staff and volunteers have been in tears over this…to think that they might be hit by a car…wandering in the woods searching for food, becoming hypothermic or worse…attacked by a coyote or fisher cat…none of our staff can sleep at night thinking of all the terrible things that could happen to these innocent babies….” Grady added.

Tips or Information can be directed to * Sterling Police Dept 978 422 7331 report anonymously http://www.sterlingpd.com/tipform.html or call anonymously (508) 425-4669
* Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling at 978 422 8585 or email staff@sterlingshelter.org or
* Worcester Police department text an anonymous tip to the http://www.worcesterma.gov/police/anonymous-crime-tips or call (508) 799-8606.

CASTING CALL: Looking for TV Mom Look Alikes

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:12:00 +0000

Hello Moms!

baystateparent is looking for moms in Massachusetts who can pull off being styled as an iconic TV mom for
an upcoming fashion/editorial spread on moms. Just show up. baystateparent will do the rest!

Do you resemble one of the following 6 TV moms? If so, please email editor@baystateparent.com a recent photo of you, all of your contact information including your address, your availability and your usual clothing and shoe sizes by April 1st.

Good Thing Dial Soap wasn't on Sale...

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:52:00 +0000

Happy St. Patty's Day!!

Last night, as I was tucking my girls into bed, my 7-year-old twins start chatting it up about the
leprechaun coming during the night to bring them a surprise.

I quickly correct them, as I am exhausted, and about to indulge in an 8 o'clock bedtime myself.

"Oh no," I say. "The leprechaun has never come to our house. We'll celebrate St. Patrick's Day this weekend
at Nana and Papa's in Holyoke at the parade."

As I leave the room, I trip over shoes they put out for the leprechaun to fill with treats. The shoes are surrounded by notes and coins for the leprechaun to take.

Are you kidding me? What is a mother to do? I am t-i-r-e-d!
I don't want to encourage this tradition, but then again, they are little girls, so hopeful and excited
and innocent.

I get into bed, still contemplating, when my 10-year-old daughter comes to my side.
"Mom, we have to do something for them," she says.

My husband is at the store buying food for a St. Patrick's ski day in Vermont (tickets
are just $17 on March 17th). He never answers his cell phone so it's no use calling him to ask him to pick up
some chocolates, or anything to bring the luck of the Irish into our home.

I tell my daughter she can set out some stuffed animals I have put stashed away in the closet (they
were .50 each and supposed to be for their Easter basket). I fall asleep.

When I wake up, the kids are super excited to tell me the leprechaun has come, but I am the one who
is surprised. When they opened their bedroom door, they followed a trail of Irish Spring soap bars that led to the toilet where the leprechaun peed green (but didn't flush or he would have woken up the whole house). There were also stuffed animals.

Suddenly, this is romance that cannot hold a shamrock to red roses or jewels. How could
my husband have thought of buying Irish Spring soap (we never buy that kind) and make a trail!
It wasn't on the list he took to the store (and we all know he follows the list).
How could he have known that the girls were hoping a leprechaun would come? He is soo sweet!

I go downstairs to marvel at his creativity to find out he only grabbed the Irish Spring soap because
it was on sale, near the check-out.

He didn't think of a trail. He didn't think of St. Patrick's Day. He was buying roast beef and Fritos and cans
of Coke for his ski trip.

Turns out, when our 10-year-old saw the soap on the counter, she created
magic for her little sisters and a gift for me. I'll keep Easter, Christmas and Valentine's Day.
St. Patrick's Day is all hers!

Look What Readers Learned in our March issue!

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:10:00 +0000

baystateparent asked readers to tell us four things they learned that they didn't know before in our March Baby issue. (This was announced on our Facebook page. If you are not a member, JOIN! We give away lots of free things and share timely family information).

One reader received a family four-pack to Co Co Key Water Park for responding (valued at $80). Congratulations to Julie Siciliano!

Here are some of the responses. Did you learn something new?

1. Didn't know Portrait Simple did pictures with REAL bunnies!!!
2. That they make retractable driveway guards - definitely will be purchasing one of those
3. That Barney will ...be in Lowell next month
4. That kids under 17 are free at the Worcester Art Museum.

Candice Nutter, baystateparent reader

1. How to make rhubarb crumble... (May have to try this instead of my regular cobbler this year)
2. Oh Plah! Teething Bracelet - I didn't know they existed! How ...cool!
3. That a limousine company would pick up new parents and baby at the hospital and deliver them home in style. Who knew?
4. Higgins Armory has summer camp.

Melissa Platt, baystateparent reader

1. Portait Simple does pictures with live Bunnies (my daughter will love that!).
2.The comfy shampoo lounger looks like an amazing must have for new moms:)
3.The Worcester Art Museum will be on my to-do list ...in March!
4.Retractable Driveway Guard is a GREAT invention and will be in my driveway this Spring!

Christine Army, baystateparent reader

1. Loved being reminded of the idea of rubbing breast milk on baby scratches!
2. As always, I love the Moms Rock! feature and love reading about and learning from amazing moms. I love Barefoot Books, so it was great to learn more about Nancy Traversy
3. I had no idea about the teething bracelet either...what a great idea!
4. Not much a fan of corned beef and cabbage, so the recipe for Dubliner Shepherd's Pie will be a great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day dinner!

Laura Pagington, baystateparent

!. Kids under 17 are free at the Worcester Art Museum- here we come!
2. Shampoo Lounger? great idea
3. Barney will be coming to Lowell

4. Portraits with live bunnies at Portrait Simple!!!

...I also have to add that I loved the story about camp for special needs children. BSP is so full of useful infromation, much appreciated!

Maria Gross, baystateparent

‎1. Didn't know kids under 17 are free at the Worcester Art Museum.
2. Definitely looking into a retractable driveway guard!
3. My kids aren't teething anymore, but I have friends with babies, so the Teething bracelet is a great idea to pass ...on to them.
4. Didn't know you can use breast milk on baby scratches. Is there anything breast milk CAN'T do??
Laura Wetherbee, baystateparent

1. Nine-year-olds are sexting-thought I was safe a few more years.
2. Breast milk prevents infection and promotes healing.
3. You can register for meals as part of your baby registry...?!
4. A law was passed in December banning drop-side cribs.

Cheri Nordstrom, baystateparent reader

1. Babies that are strongly attached to their blankies seem to adjust better to anxiety producing situations. I had to read this whole article because I was a complete blanky lover back in the day. As soon as my baby was born and I found out it was a girl I pulled out my trusty blankie for her. Can't deny that I still love that blanket. So many memories!
2. That photoinabucket.com exists. Such a great idea! Will remember that for the next baby shower I attend.
3. That some bottle warmers actually make the milk in the bottle too warm for babies. This actually made me feel a little better about never buying one. I always use a mug of warm water.
4. That Bum Boosa Bamboo baby wipes company plants a tree for every package sold.

Julie Siciliano, baystateparent reader

More Emailed from our Readers

1. How wonderful for the parents of special needs children to be able to enjoy a summer camp too!
2. About the teddy bear clinic at the Greendale mall! I will definitely be taking my daughter!
3. That kids 17 and under are free at the Worcester Art Museum

4. How absolutly beautiful my son looks in your captured section! Madden Kilmer! Thank you so much for putting his picture in! We love it!

1. I learned that the Providence Dhildren's Museum celebrates Dr. Seuss' birthday with Seussational activities for kids!

2. You can get a limo ride home from the hospital with your newborn by calling Sky Limousine. How fun! I may look into this I'd I am ever blessed with another baby.

3. I was so excited to learn the cake decorating tip at the end of the magazine stating that if you put a thin layer of frosting on your cake, then freeze for a half hour, you can take it out and finish frosting like a professional- with no crumbs!

4. I did not know that you can rub a few drops of breastmilk on a cut your baby may give herself with those super sharp newborn fingernails.  I'll be buying The Baby Nurse Bible for my pregnant friends!  http://www.bostonbabynurse.com/bnb.html

Barefoot Books, Concord, A Great Place to Visit Now Opens Pottery Studio!

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:01:00 +0000

Have you visited Barefoot Books in Concord? They offer many wonderful FREE programs for you

and your family...a great place to visit in a gorgeous, historic town. Barefoot Books is now opening

a pottery studio, another reason to visit! Check it out! baystateparent

From Barefoot Books:

Who: Families with children of all ages

What: Join us on Saturday, March 26 for a full day of family fun at the Barefoot Books Studio to celebrate the opening of our new paint-your-own-pottery studio. Families can choose from more than 100 different pottery designs, including animal mugs, little monsters, and princess, castle, and crown boxes, and let their creativity flow! More than 50 vibrant paint colors will be available to decorate your pottery to your heart’s content, such as orange ya happy, blueberry hill, ruby slippers, and sour apple.

Storytimes will be held throughout the day at the storyteller’s throne where families can get cozy on satin pillows and listen to fun stories such as Animal Boogie, We’re Roaming in the Rainforest, The Prince’s Bedtime, and The Real Princess, chosen to accompany themed pottery pieces. Deep discounts on books and related pottery pieces will be available all day long.

Managing the pottery studio is long-time Concord resident, Elizabeth Parise, former owner of Thoreau ‘N’ Clay, and ‘potter to the stars’ including Carole King, Dana Reeve, Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon. The opening of Pottery Painting at the Barefoot Books Studio marks the only place where families can go to paint-your -own pottery in Concord, Lexington, Wayland, Lincoln, Sudbury, Burlington, Bedford, Chelmsford, and other surrounding towns.

Pottery painting at Barefoot Books Studio is now available Tuesday-Sunday for drop in times, as well as birthday parties, baby showers, fundraisers, and other special events.

When: Saturday, March 26 from 10 am – 5pm

Where: Barefoot Books Studio, 89 Thoreau Street, Concord, MA, across from the Concord train station

Why: Paint adorable and usable pottery in whimsical colors with your family while enjoying imaginative stories and getting deep discounts. Add a joyful ambience, satin pillows, cake. What’s not to love?

More Information: Please call the Barefoot Books Studio at 978.369.1770 or visit www.barefootbooks.com for details, including special pottery and story times (animals, monsters, magicians, ballet, princesses and pirates).

baystateparent Wins 17 National Awards for Design and Editorial from the Parenting Publications of America

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:45:00 +0000

Contact: Carrie Wattu, editor
508-865-7070/editor@baystateparent.com

Arlington, Virginia (Sat., March 5, 2011): baystateparent received 17 honors from Parenting Publications of America after competing in editorial and design with regional parenting publications across the country in its circulation (30,001 to 54,999). Competitors include Nashville Parent, Maryland Family and Carolina Parent.

A listing of baystateparent's awards are below. Congratulations to baystateparent's contributing writers and photographers for this achievement!

For more information, please see http://www.parentingpublications.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=ShowPage&PageID=55.

Editor's Note: The honors from the Parenting Publications of America follow baystateparent's 8 New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) awards, given on February 12th, 2011, Boston. Five of the awards were first-place honors, including General Excellence in Advertising.

10 DESIGN AWARDS

FRONT COVER/NEWSPRINT/ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Silver: Bay State Parent, "August issue, fashion fables," Paula Monette Ethier, creative director; Allison Cottrill, photographer; Carrie Wattu, editor
This nostalgic photograph looks like a renaissance painting. The muted purple and green allows the girl's face and hair to attract the most attention. The hair and makeup are wonderful. This is a dreamy photograph.

Gold: Bay State Parent, "March issue, baby gaga," Paula Monette Ethier, creative director; Paula Swift, photographer; Carrie Wattu, editor
The nuances make this cover a winner. The curved pinkie, the lip being chewed, the closed eyes, and the curved tail of the hat make for a perfect photograph. The subtle splash of color helps distinguish the lead story.

ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATION

Gold: Bay State Parent, Gramma Dates, Jonathan Cumberland, illustrator; Paula Monette Ethier, creative director
The excellent use of caricature in the artwork compliments the story of the fun that this grandmother has in taking her grandchildren on dates to create some one-on-one time. The colors against a black background add a 3D dimension to the move-house scene.

INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY (Original )

Silver: Bay State Parent; “Fashion Fables,” Allison Cottrill, photographer; Paula Monette Ethier, creative director
Accessories make the ensembles work. A neutral but busy (leafy) background force the photographer and creative director to devote extra energy and focus in on the children’s positioning and the colors in the clothing. The contrasting colors and attention to detail pay off.

Gold: Bay State Parent; “Fashion Forward,” Allison Cottrill, photographer; Paula Monette Ethier, creative director
The seemingly simple touch of replacing plain white backdrops with black-and-white background drawings make all the difference between a stock shoot and an interesting, vibrant fashion statement. Those black-and-white backgrounds have the added benefit of giving the fashion colors a little extra pop.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Silver: Bay State Parent, October 2010, Paula Monette Ethier, creative director; Carrie Wattu, editor
The strip across the top with photos and teases placed underneath draws the eye. The packaging of photo and tease makes it easy for readers and respects their time.

FEATURE LAYOUT (black and white)
Silver: Bay State Parent; Paula Monette Ethier, creative director
A restrained approach is the right one for this design, which addresses the difficult topic of infant death. The focus is where it should be, on the image.

Gold: Bay State Parent; Paula Monette Ethier, creative director, Steven King, photographer
In this spread about sugar, a clever photo illustration works beautifully with a focus on making the information accessible. Typographic contrast combines with a chart to highlight the most important facts, and the image makes the point clear at first glance.

OVERALL USE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Gold: Bay State Parent, “December, June and October,” Paula Monette Ethier, creative director
This entry begins with solid covers that are designed and photographed beautifully. They use multiple images per story, and they send the photographers when action is occurring so that they can photograph real moments. This publication also includes excellent portraits, such as with the stories on breast cancer, Christmas fashion and boy’s fashion.

SPECIAL SECTION
Gold: Bay State Parent, “Think Pink,” Paula Monet Ethier, creative director; Carrie Wattu, editor.
An all-pink background for this special section on breast cancer immediately attracts attention. That pink background also blends nicely with cutout images of the women impacted by breast cancer, and in a few places it’s smartly relegated to the outer margins of the page to keep from being a nuisance. All in all, it serves multiple purposes, the most important of which is communicating relationships and theme effectively to the reader.

7 EDITORIAL AWARDS

HEADLINES
Bronze: Bay State Parent; Carrie Wattu, editor
“Nixing the Narcissism” and “Adventures in Groceryland” (August 2010) prove to be strong lead-ins to articles, and they both deliver the promise of the contents. Supplement headlines strengthen the main heads.

PROFILE

Bronze: Bay State Parent, “Breast cancer made me do it,” Bonnie O’Connor, writer; Carrie Wattu, editor, Portrait Simple, photographer
These are the stories of remarkable women who, far from being defeated by breast cancer, have been inspired by it to launch a variety of businesses or charitable activities. The understated writing lets the content shine through.

GENERAL FEATURE WRITING
Gold: Bay State Parent; “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep”; Bonnie Adams, writer; Carrie Wattu, editor
Photographing babies who have died had to be a daunting subject, but in the hands of a capable writer, it became a moving, compassionate story. “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” is an organization that offers infant bereavement photography at no cost. The story finds its heart in the words of the photographers, often parents themselves, who see their work as a gift to grieving families. The writer handled this delicate topic with extraordinary grace and sensitivity.

SPECIAL SERIES
Bronze: Bay State Parent, Carrie Wattu, Editor
Great concepts lead to great series, and the editors chose wisely here. The strong personalities on display shine through, making these great reads in turn. Wonderful use of local voices throughout.

SPECIAL SECTION
Bronze: Bay State Parent ; “Think Pink,” Carrie Wattu, editor; Lynn Jolicoeur, Maryellen Brisbois, Bonnie O’Connor, and Bonnie Toomey, writers
A valuable concept for a section – resources for women with breast cancer. The package covers the gamut of resources, from how to help those who are undergoing treatment to a reflection on how the color pink represents or doesn’t represent the cause.
Silver: Bay State Parent; “Very Special Families,” Carrie Wattu, editor; Trish Reske, Lynn Jolicoeur, Laura Richards and Christine F. Dellamonca, writers
This issue broadens the idea of special families to include ones where parents have special needs. Another great story idea explores how to interact with mothers of special needs children – a positive story for all readers.

OVERALL WRITING
Gold: Bay State Parent; Carrie Wattu, editor
There is a lot to like in these issues. “Who’s Coaching our Kids,” stands out in a solid group of features. The writing is enjoyable and compelling throughout. The cancer-themed “Think Pink” issue was both important and moving.

High School Video Contest Theme: School Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:17:00 +0000

Attention budding high school directors! Project Bread and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education are excited to announce the launch of the School Breakfast: Eat. Film. Screen. school breakfast video contest, just in time for National School Breakfast Week.

High school students across Massachusetts are invited to submit a 30-second video promoting the school breakfast program and encouraging peers to eat a healthy school breakfast. The contest, which is designed to encourage high school students participation in school breakfast, gives students a unique and creative outlet for expressing the importance of a healthy breakfast. The goal is for teens to find a way to persuade their peers to give up doughnuts and java for a real breakfast that promotes learning by giving healthy food a “cool factor.”

There will be a 60-day submission period for the 30-second videos from Monday, March 7, 2011, to Friday, May 6, 2011. Submissions can be entered by individual students, by small groups of students, or as a class. The winning 30-second video will be featured as part of community programming on WHDH-TV, in addition to other great prizes.

For specific contest guidelines and information or to order promotional materials to encourage students in your community to submit their winning video, visit www.meals4kids.org and click on “What’s New”.

March baystateparent Discounts: Parent Savings!

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 22:43:00 +0000

Take advantage of 7 great baystateparent reader discounts this month if you can.

Happy shopping (and saving!) baystateparent

Sweet Melissa Bakery just opened in Holden and is offering bsp readers a discount on any order placed by March 31st. Baker and owner

Melissa Kurtz made baystateparent's 14th birthday cake last year.

www.swtmelissa.com

www.facebook.com/sweetmelissacakes

Mention baystateparent at Ephiphany Children's Boutique on 290 West Main Street in Northborough this month

and ask for the baystateparent discount!

www.epiphanychildrensboutique.com

Get 30% off infant and toddler Peace Tree Apparel T-shirts (shirts that inspire us to be good to ourselves, to one another and the world we share) through March 31st. Peace Tree Apparel was featured in the February issue of baystateparent and is advertising on page 64 of our March issue. Love this shirt: Rock, Roll and Recycle!
www.peacetreeapparel.com

Mention the baystateparent March Spector Photography ad and get 20% off of your session fee (on location or in studio). This Boston baby (and family) photographer is a must see!!!
www.spectorphotography.com

Get a coupon for the Diaper Bag Buddy baby basics kit as featured in the March 2011 issue
of baystateparent. At check-out enter the coupon code: baystatebaby
www.shop.me4kidz.com

Eco-friendly baby wipes. Enter BSPBUM10 every time you order Bum Boosa Bamboo Baby Wipes until 12/17/2011 and get 10% off of your eco-friendly baby wipes.
www.bumboosa.com

Protect your kids' ears from the water! Get 10% off Ear Band-It headbands and Putty Buddies ear plugs (as seen in the March 2011 issue of baystateparent).
Enter code BSP11 upon checkout.
www.earbandit.com

Don't Sit Out On This One! baystateparent April Summer Camp and PROM issue

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 17:02:00 +0000

baystateparent's April issue will continue to offer summer camp advertising so that you can prepare for your children's upcoming school vacation.
baystateparent is also offering a special teen section in April based on the prom experience. Check out what's new in prom flowers and fashions, learn about some new trends and read one mom's harrowing account of when she almost lost her teen son (he was supervised at a parent-chaperoned drinking party).

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 22:20:00 +0000

Mary Poppins Broadway Musical
Boston Opera House, February 17 - March 20
by Carrie Wattu, baystateparent editor

I want a Mary Poppins coat!

That's what I thought after baystateparent designer, Steph Renaud, and I took my 10-year-old daughter to see Mary Poppins in Boston last night.

Caroline Sheen as Mary Poppins was so striking and elegant, it made
me fall in love with the character. Her voice was as stunning as the vibrant colors of her wardrobe.

I've always liked the gratuitous Disney songs but never loved Mary Poppins.

Until now.

The whole performance was magical from the chimney sweep tap dancing to the hip
choreography in "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!"

And yes, there are many over-the-top Mary Poppins-esque theatrics that take the performance to
a "new heights." Lots of surprises!

If you get the chance to see this happy show, we highly recommend it. The parking was reasonable (just $12). The Opera House is beautiful. And the performance....supercalifragilisticexpiadlidocious.

Just note that producers recommend this production for children ages 6 and older. We would agree as it's a lot of money to spend on a ticket for a young child who may not have the patience for the entire show (it is long as musicals tend to be). Also, many adults told us they felt "funny" going to the show without their children. Don't! My daughter enjoyed it, but as an adult, I really appreciated the ingenuity and intricacies of a production of this size that a child may not be old enough to understand.

One thing is for sure...you'll be humming cheerfully the entire next day!
(Apologize ahead of time...I did)

http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/

Book Club Picks

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:03:00 +0000

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua (Penguin Publishing, 2011) and
Pressured Parents, Stressed-Out Kids: Dealing with Competition While Raising a
Successful Child by Clark University professor, Wendy Grolnick (Prometheus Books, 2008;
co-written by Kathy Seal) are short, easy-to-read and filled with conversation starters. While Professor
Grolnick's book was written three years before the release of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, it is definitely
the calm before the storm. And what parent does not prefer the latter?

From Carrie Wattu, editor of baystateparent:
I absolutely loved talking with Professor Wendy Grolnick of Clark University about the ideas presented in Amy Chua's new book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. If you are feeling a bit anxious about making sure your children are excelling and in with the "right" groups and activities, it's normal, says Wendy. She wrote a researched and practical book about this three years prior to "Tiger Mother": Pressured Parents, Stressed-Out Kids: Dealing with Competition While Raising a Successful Child. Highly recommend her book, parents! It will make you feel so much better about raising your kids during these competitive times.

38th Annual New England Adoption Conference Comes to Bellingham April 2nd

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:49:00 +0000

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Bellingham High School, 60 Blackstone Street, Bellingham, MA 02019

Adoption Community of New England, Inc. is pleased to announce that Susan Badeau will be this year’s keynote speaker and featured workshop presenter. She will share some of her tales of the journey as the lifetime parent, with her husband, Hector, of twenty---two children, two by birth and twenty adopted. They have served as foster parents for more than 50 children in three states, and as a host family for refugee youth from Sudan, Kosovo and Guatemala.

Susan Badeau has a degree in Early Child Development and Elementary Education from Smith College. She has been a child welfare professional for thirty two years. Currently, she is the Director of the Cross Systems Integration team within the Knowledge Management Department of Casey Family Programs. In recent years, Ms. Badeau has served as the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Children’s Commission and as the Deputy Director of the Pew Commission on Children in Foster Care.

We are looking forward to her contributions to Tales of the Journey: Past, Present & Future

The 2011 conference will include over 90 workshops with a wide mix of topics. We have a mix of workshops on tried and true topics with established presenters as well as workshops on new topics to help workshops help you navigate the changing world of adoption. Whether you are an adoptive or foster parent seeking to learn more about parenting your child, a birth parent interested in search and reunion, an adopted person interested in returning to your country of origin, a professional looking to hone your skills, or a prospective adopter seeking to discover whether adoption is a good choice for you. This year there will be two new workshops on social media and internet safety related to adoption, stories from birth parents, a birth sibling in an adoptive family, and single parents. Former ACONE Board member Sue Harris O’Connor returns after a several year hiatus with Reflections of a Transracial Adopted Person.

The gym will be filled with dozens of exhibitors, adoption service providers, support organizations, and vendors with goods of interest to the adoption community. Children of the World, LLC will sponsor the conference bookstore, providing books on adoption and adoption---related topics, in addition to many multi-cultural books for parents and children.

What makes the ACONE conference stand out from all the others? It is the inclusion of all members of the triad. Come see, hear, and learn from adoptive parents, birth parents, and adopted persons. Some of the comments and reflections from previous conferences: “Just wanted to let you know that I had a wonderful conference experience this year.” “I really enjoyed the conference.” “Loved it!! Powerful, helpful, thought provoking.” “I laughed, cried and learned a lot!”

Registration information will be available online NOW. Do not wait to register.

Please contact www.adoptioncommunityofNE.org or call 508-366-6822

Scholarship Opportunities at Applewild School, Fitchburg

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:07:00 +0000

bsp advertiser sent us this press release. Thought it might be helpful for some of you.

Good luck!

baystateparent

Peggy Williamson

Applewild School, 120 Prospect St., Fitchburg, MA 01420

pwilliamson@applewild.org

908-285-1105

Scholarship Opportunities at Applewild School

Students entering 5^th and 6^th grades in the fall of 2011 are invited to apply for Merit Scholarships at Applewild School in Fitchburg, serving families in central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. This program is aimed at admitting students of exceptional academic caliber into the fifth and sixth grade programs. The best candidates will demonstrate a history of strong academic achievement, excellent character, positive citizenship and community involvement, and will possess talent or passion in an area of special interest.

Grants of up to $10,000 each will be awarded to the top applicants. Partial scholarships may be available. Applicants who require additional financial aid are invited to apply for need-based financial aid. Students who do not qualify for merit awards will continue to be considered for admission to Applewild, and may qualify for need-based financial assistance. The deadline for completed applications is March 1, 2011. More information, including required forms, is available at www.applewild.org. To speak with Emily Bracchitta, Director of Admission and Financial Aid, call 978-342-6053 x110. Applewild School is an independent school for Kindergarten through eighth grade located at 120 Prospect St. in Fitchburg, MA. Financial aid is available at all grade levels.

See bsp's February Mom: Comedian Christine Hurley

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:40:00 +0000

Welcome Christine Hurley, fab mom of FIVE to baystateparent!
Christine is featured in our award-winning Moms Rock! in our February issue and will be
writing a monthly humor column about life with five kids called "Dirty Laundry," which
premiers in March.

Feb 25 Venus 2 in Marshfield for Mizuno Baseball Club
Mar 4 Quincy Sons of Italy for BroadMeadow School PTA
Mar 5 Weymouth Elks for S. Shore Baseball Club (Bobby Niles)
Mar 12 Venus 3 in Hanson with Lenny Clarke
Mar 18 Abinton K of C hall with Paul Keenan
Mar 19 Melrose Elks for LaCrosse funraiser with Johnny Pizzi
Mar 26 E Bridgew/Abington Hockey with Mark Riley
April 8 RI show to be announced
April 9 To Be Announced
Apr 15 MDA fundraiser in Randolph w/ Paul Keenan
Apr 16 Quonset Pt. RI
Apr 22 Weymouth Elks w/ Bobby Niles for School fundraiser
Apr 23 Leon's Place w/Steve Sweeney
May 13 Stadium Theater
May 15 Rehobeth, MA.
May 20 Tupelo Room LondonDerry NH w/Rich Ceisler
Jul 24 Bavis Foundation New Seabury CC

For more information or to inquire about booking Christine, contact Dawn Christensen

V.P. of Talent and Social Media at Loretta LaRoche Productions, 50 Court St, Plymouth Ma 02360

508-746-3998 ext 15

Dawn@lorettalaroche.com

baystateparent Wins for Ad Design and Editorial

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 14:26:00 +0000

Thank you baystateparent readers, advertisers and contributors for all of your support in helping us to remain competitive in the New England News and Newspaper (NENPA) Competition.
The Holden Landmark Corporation, baystateparent's parent company, attended the ceremony last night at the Boston Park Plaza. baystateparent took home 8 awards including FIVE FIRST PLACE
honors for....

First Place General Excellence in Advertising: Excellent ad layout and design. Great use of 4-color in ads and content. Appears to be a strong revenue producer. Excellent Holiday Section with great cover page,
print and online applications.

First Place Personality Photo: Allison Cottrill Photography

First Place Human Interest Story: Trish Reske, contributing writer: "For the Love of Luci," an inspirational story about an everyday hero. These are the kind of stories that readers love, and this one was
particularly well written.

First Place Local Color Ad: Perfect graphic placement. Great white space usage. Putting "Stephanie
Pearl" in color and only that made this ad highly readable and attractive.

First Place Local Black and White Ad: Some of the best eye-catching graphics I've seen. As powerful
as a full-color ad. Particularly like the caps and lower headline. Don't see this enough.

Second Place Black and White Ad: Everyone will read this ad. Creative and clean. Creative
yet clear message.

Third Place Local Color Ad: Without the blue, just an ordinary ad. With any more pink it
would have been too much. Great photo. Great color selection.
Third Place General Excellence: baystateparent covers all the bases for parents in Massachusetts. Easy design to read. Eye-catching covers. Some lack of male writers for a publication covering mother/father
parenting issues. Places to go on Mother's Day weekend is an excellent idea. Who's Coaching our Kids is a nice touch. baystateparent is a great reference with a full calendar. Cancer coverage was solid.

Congratulations to baystateparent's sister publications, Worcester Mag, The Holden Landmark
and the Millbury Sutton Chronicle who also took home several honors. Proud
to work with you!

Teen Community Service Fair at the Chestnut Hill Mall Sun., Feb. 13

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:36:00 +0000

bsp received this press release about teen volunteering opportunities. The Community Service Fair is coming this weekend, Sunday, Feb. 13th, at the Chestnut Hill Farm.

baystateparent

TeenLife Media to Host Fourth Annual Community Service Fair for Teens

February 13^th Event Will Feature More than 40 Boston Area Non-Profits Willing to Engage Teen Volunteers

Cambridge, Mass. – January 10, 2011 – From increased self-esteem to acquiring valuable job skills, teens today are experiencing the benefits of volunteerism. Many middle and high school students in Greater Boston are required or strongly encouraged to spend a certain number of hours outside of school volunteering for non-profits. However, many students do not know where or how to find meaningful opportunities that match with their needs and interests, and most parents and educators do not have the time or the resources to keep up with all of the interesting options.

On February 13, 2011, TeenLife Media will bring together more than 40 local non-profit organizations willing to engage teen volunteers for the 4^th Annual TeenLife Community Service Fair.

The annual event will take place at the Mall at Chestnut Hill from 12 noon to 4 pm. This free event will bring together more than 1000 students, parents and teachers from more than 150 public and private schools across Greater Boston with non-profit organizations, sponsors and supporting exhibitors.

“By engaging in volunteer work, teens have an opportunity to learn experientially. They discover where their passions lie while undertaking meaningful work,” said Marie Schwartz, president and founder of TeenLife. “This allows them to make more informed choices about college courses and career options as they continue on in life.”

TeenLife is a unique resource that helps families and schools to connect students to all sorts of meaningful educational and experiential learning opportunities. The first TeenLife Community Service Fair, modeled after similar events held by colleges for incoming students, was held in the winter of 2008 to help families and educators find volunteer opportunities for teens. It has quickly established itself as a “go-to” event in the area, attracting hundreds of students, parents, and educators annually from a wide variety of private, public, and parochial middle and high schools.

Exhibiting non-profits at the 2011 fair will include The American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay, Boston Cares, Challenge Unlimited, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Cradles to Crayons, DoSomething.org, The Food Project, Hale Reservation, Horizons for Homeless Children, New England Aquarium, People Making a Difference, Roots & Shoots, Tenacity, United Way, and many others.

“In the past two years, our presence at the TeenLife Community Service Fair has resulted in numerous school group visits, new staff and volunteers for our summer programs and a host of inquiries from individuals who want to know how they can help,” said Jay Walsh, environmental resource manager at Hale Reservation. “We are looking forward to being part of this year’s event and continuing the groundswell of results.”

As part of the event, Bristol Recording & Voice Studios will host a high school a cappella Sing Off at the Fair. Pitch Slapped, a coed a cappella group representing the Berklee College of Music on NBC's hit show The Sing Off, will also make a special guest appearance. Participating high schools include: Wayland High School, Milton Academy, Nobles and Greenough, Brookline High School, and Winchester High School.

Sponsors of the 2011 Community Service Fair include American Camp Association, Bristol Recording & Voice Studios, Internship Connection, Maine Arts Camp, Middlebury Monterey Language Academy, Princeton Review, REI, United Planet, Veritas Tutors, and Visions Service Adventures. High School Quiz Show on WGBH-TV and WickedLocal.com are the media sponsors and the Mall at Chestnut Hill is the venue sponsor.

“We look forward to hosting the fourth annual Community Service Fair again this year at the Mall at Chestnut Hill,” said Laurel Sibert, regional vice president of marketing, Simon Malls in New England. “The event provides a wonderful forum for young teens to engage with non-profit organizations, and we are thrilled to be able to provide a venue to support this volunteerism,” she added.

The 2011 TeenLife Guide to Community Service, generously sponsored by global education leader Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, will be distributed for free to all attendees at the Community Service Fair as well as to middle and high school students attending public and private schools in the Greater Boston area. This year’s guide, published in conjunction with the non-profit People Making a Difference, showcases more than 200 non-profit organizations that are willing to engage teens in a variety of volunteer activities. To request copies, contact info@teenlife.com.

Parents, students, and educators are encouraged to pre-register for this free event in order to expedite check-in and receive important pre- and post-event information. To register for the fair, visit www.teenlife.com/CSFair2011.

###

About TeenLife Media, LLC

TeenLife Media helps families and schools to connect middle and high school students with all sorts of meaningful opportunities, such as summer programs, community service, after school and weekend activities, and gap year programs. We also list extensive resources on how to find a job or internship and gain admission to college. Our goal is to become the "go to” online destination for students, parents and educators nationwide who are seeking programs, products and services geared to college-bound teens, aged 13-19. For more information on TeenLife Media, please email info@teenlife.com, call 617-868-5848, or visit www.teenlife.com.

Valentine's Idea for Couples Sat., Feb. 12, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 19:10:00 +0000

baystateparent holds a special place for the Capaldi family of Auburn who host a fun Valentine's Day Ball every year in honor of their daughter, Bella, whom they lost to childhood cancer. Proceeds go to Why Me?, a Worcester-based organization that helps children and their families with childhood cancer. If you are looking for a date night with a special someone, this night costs as much as a dinner out while doing something very good for others. Plus, you get to dance!!

The Eighth Annual Isabella Rose Capaldi

WhyMe Valentine Ball

“Bella’s Ball”

with all proceeds to benefit WhyMe Inc.

on Saturday, February Twelfth

Two thousand and eleven

Cocktail hour at six thirty in the evening with dinner immediately following

The Manor Restaurant

42 West Boylston Street (Route 12)

West Boylston, Massachusetts 01583

Enjoy dinner and dancing featuring the music of

Steve Anthony & Persuasion

$50.00/pp tax deductible donation

Please make all checks payable to

Why Me Inc / Bella’s Ball

Why Me tax ID # 042-880644

Exp 11/20/15

TICKETS:

(508)832-9934

e-Mail: RCAP@NovoNordisk.com

e-Mail: Kimberley.Capaldi@Charter.net