Bay State Parent

EDITOR'SNOTE

07/01/2008

Last July, I wrote about gas prices hovering around $3 a gallon. This July, gas prices are already over $4 a gallon. Families are definitely feeling it at the pump. Summer typically means vacation, weekend getaways, and lots of day trips for families!

LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR

07/01/2008

Dear Bay State Parent, My name is Donna McMilleon and I am a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. I have a client who is looking for information on school systems in the area. I remember seeing your review pages on the school systems, all over Worcester County, but I can't find my old copy.

JULY'SC H I L D

07/01/2008

Every child deserves a place to call home and the outpouring of love that is the foundation of a healthy parent-child relationship. However, there are nearly 10,000 Massachusetts children and teens in foster or other substitute care who have suffered abuse, neglect, abandonment, and betrayal at a time in their lives when they needed to be cared for most.

ADOPTIONINSIGHTS • PARENTPROSE

BY sharon m. yager — 07/01/2008

"I know it's here. I know it is!" Olya said, sounding more frustrated by the minute. O lya, our nine-year-old daughter, adopted from Russia two years earlier, was hastily thumbing through photos in photo boxes in our living room.

Portion of Sales from Adoption Book Benefits Orphan Charity

07/01/2008

Chicken Soup for the Adopted Soul will touch your heart with stories of finding and creating families. From tales about international orphaned babies and children who spent years in the foster care system to those who were adopted at birth, this special compilation of almost 100 essays conveys the true meaning of unconditional love.

Circle of Friends

Listings are arranged alphabetically by organization. — 07/01/2008

Adoption Community of New England, Inc. 45 Lyman St., Westborough. Pre-register and RSVP at least 24 hours before events (including free offerings). 508-366-6812. www.AdoptionCommunityofNE.org or E-mail info@AdoptionCommunityofNE.org.

Baseball Exhibit Sure to Be A Hit With RED SOX Nation

07/01/2008

More than a game, baseball weaves together the many threads of American culture. With each new season, hopes and dreams are renewed as fans root for their favorite teams (Go Red Sox Nation!

DAYTRIPGUIDE

BY susan scully petroni — 07/01/2008

Summer - the thought conjures up sunny days, relaxing on a beach, splashing in a lake, BBQs, and making S'mores. Summer also means kids are not in school and have an extra 6 hours a day to learn, explore, and of course spend time with mom and dad.

All The World's A Stage

BY susan spencer — 07/01/2008

Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of articles on Cape Cod. M odern American theatre is said to have been born on Cape Cod when Eugene O'Neill and other leading playwrights joined the fledgling Provincetown Players in 1916.

Westward Ho

BY james m. lang and mathew robert photography by mathew robert — 07/01/2008

ABOUT THIS SERIES FOLLOWING-THE-FOUR WINDS ROAD TRIP ADVENTURE: It seemed like a great idea over a couple of bottles of wine one evening, said the series authors.

i can do it MYSELF

BY dr. robyn j.a. silverman — 07/01/2008

Editor's note: This is the second in a series of articles on teaching self reliance. Next month: Teaching your child how to tie his shoe. Fred Johnson had to speak to me IN PERSON.

Zula Patrol Lands a t th e EcoTarium

BY lisa littlewood — 07/01/2008

Z achary and Jacob, 5-year old twins from Sterling, wait anxiously for the show to begin. Both are wearing baseball caps and huge grins as they look up, awed that they would be seeing, in just a few short minutes, Professor Multo, one of their favorite cartoon characters on the huge domed screen that reaches far above and behind them.

15 Family-Friendly Ways to Enjoy Summer

BY susan spencer — 07/01/2008

Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of travel articles on Cape Cod. Fifteen towns equal 15 family favorites for a memorable Cape Cod vacation. Each town has a unique flavor with not-to-be-missed attractions. We've picked out the best kid-tested destination in each town from the Cape Cod Canal to land's end in Provincetown to give you sure-fire family fun ideas.

Massachusetts July 4th Fireworks and Festivities

07/01/2008

The Bay State is bursting with red, white, and blue at its many Independence Day celebrations. Sport your patriotic colors, and join the fun. All listings are accurate at posting online. Please confirm events before attending.

calendar of july events

07/01/2008

All listings are accurate at press. Please call ahead to confirm events. Listings are arranged alphabetical by community. A Adult C Child Y Youth M Member NM Non-Member PP Per Person Tuesday, 1 Where the Boston Tea Party Began.

EDITOR'SPICKS

BY carrie wattu — 07/01/2008

1. July 1 - 6: There are over 200 things to do each day during Boston Harborfest 2008, a six-day long Fourth of July Festival that showcases the colonial and maritime heritage of the historic City of Boston. Many reenactments, concerts, historical tours and more are FREE. A complete schedule is available at www.bostonharborfest.com.

Look Mom, No Tickets!

07/01/2008

Make it a regular date with your family. Pack a picnic supper to enjoy while learning about jazz, blues, folk, classical, and many other musical styles. Not only is it quality, educational family time, it's free! Bay State Parent has rounded up a sampling of the region's sweet serenades.

Make Plans to See A Family Theater & Musical Performances in July

07/01/2008

Plus, don't miss our Outdoor Summer Concerts Special Section on page 20 of this month's issue and our exclusive look at Cape Cod Theatres on page 32. FREE "Inside/Out" Performances. Jacobs Pillow, Becket. 6:30 p.m.

List of Moms Support and Play Groups

07/01/2008

Calendar Editor's Note: Groups and classes are subject to change, please confirm before attending. Drop-In Playgroups. Isis Maternity Locations in Arlington, Brookline, and Needham. Groups for non-mobile babies (0-1 year) and for mobile babies up to 3 years. Enjoy a comfortable space with ageappropriate toys to frolic, play and learn with your child.

Free Museum Admission

07/01/2008

Gas (and basically everything else) is increasing in price, so each month Bay State Parent magazine compiles a list of Massachusetts museums that offer free admission for kids and/or families, so you can spend quality time with your children without emptying your wallet.

Story Hours

07/01/2008

Editor's note: Story hours are free, unless noted. Drop-in Storytime. Memorial Library, Acton. Fridays, 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. 978-264-9641. www.actonmemoriallibrary.org. Gabrielle Healy Carroll Storytime Program. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art 125 West Bay Rd.

Heading to the Berkshires? Here's 3 Events to Consider

07/01/2008

1. Ongoing: Look Park, located in the college town of Northampton, is a beautiful family destination. A vehicle entrance fee of just $3 on weekdays and $4 on weekends is your ticket to cool of in the 5,000- squarefoot water spray park or monkey around in the playground areas.

Heading to the Cape? Here's 3 Events to Consider

07/01/2008

1. Ongoing: Take a naturalist with you as you explore the Cape! Visit www.massaudubon.org for nature programs such as marsh and seal cruises, crabbing adventures, dusk paddles, discovery hikes, nature sketching, and more. These ongoing programs are held throughout the Cape. Programs are free or generally between $4 and $9 for non members.

Heading North This Month? Here's 4 Events to Consider

07/01/2008

1. July 25 - 27: The 13th Annual Eliot Antique Tractor and Engine Show offers a weekend of food, live music, crafts, contests, and of course, the "Maine" festivities with tractor parades, tractor pulls, a kids pedal tractor pull, and more.

Summer Schedule For 7 Children's Theatres

07/01/2008

1. Cape Playhouse, Cape Cod Center for the Arts: 820 Route 6A, Dennis Village, 1-877-385-3911. www.capeplayhouse.com. Performances are at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.; $9 first floor, $8 second floor. Schedule: July 3 Judy's Tune Room; July 10 Rockin' Teddy Bears; July 11 Fee, Fie, Foe, Fun!