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| Very Important Thank You's Donations from families through our Annual Appeal thus far: $3,010 Since the emailed appeal, the following additional families have made a donation - THANK YOU! Amy Barber Annese, Lucy Barrett, Erin Cusker, Silvia Dubinsky, Katheryne Fortini, Eamonn Goold and Anne Kilroy, Brooke Mackintosh, Stephanie Gould-Marian, Mollie Kaufman, Lynette Kelleher, Anastasia Lacasse, Jacqueline Lichwell, Brooke Mackintosh, Nicole Magun, Meaghan McGinn, Judith Papp, Caroline Roache, Elizabeth Saltz, Ali Sweeney, Caren Tolleth Mr. & Mrs. A. Heald in honor of Busby H, from Mamma Pat Nelson in honor of all children everywhere, in memory of Helen Vanmatre Kelley, from Mother Trinitarian Congregational Church, Concord: $4,000 donation The Nash Foundation: $2,000 grant to update our resource lists Greater Lewes Foundation: $750 donation Concord Therapy LLC: $650 from "Dark Side of the Full Moon" Event CHNA 15: $550 Community Training Grant IUVO Technologies: $300 donation 3 Birds Family Education & Postpartum Care: $150 donation Roche Bros: $50 for vegetables used in our STEM activity at Fall Family Fest Kristina Pinto: Free 8-week "Yoga for Moms" class for 10 moms Craven Family: baby toys for playgroups through our Amazon Wishlist Acton Barn Co-op Families: Tickets for Steve Songs Concert |
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| ALL FIRST CONNECTIONS PROGRAMS ARE FREE AND REQUIRE REGISTRATION BEFORE ATTENDING
Email:
or call 978-429-8284
We will confirm your registration!
Thank You!
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The Brain Building in Progress campaign is a public/private partnership of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, and a growing community of early education and child care providers, academic researchers, business leaders and individuals. Our work is based upon the latest science and research on early childhood development. - See more at: brainbuildinginprogress.org |
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Do You Have a Child with Special Needs?
If so, we urge you to subscribe to the following free newsletters which contain a wealth of information on programs and activities that your family may be interested in:
C.A.S.E. Community Newsletter:
casenews
@casecollaborative.org
SPED Child Mass.
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News About Childcare
Parents who would like to know if they are eligible for a childcare subsidy should call 877-211-6277, or go to
www
.mass211.org
This free service will help you find childcare that works for your family by providing referrals to licensed child care centers, family child care providers, preschools, and out-of-school time programs. This free service is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Subsidy Update
There are currently over 25,000 children on the wait list for a subsidy to help pay for the cost of child care.
If you are already on the subsidy wait list and have recently moved, changed your phone number or email address, please be sure to contact the office serving your town to update your record:
ACTON, BOXBORO, STOW, CONCORD, SUDBURY, HARVARD, LITTLETON, MAYNARD
BEDFORD, CARLISLE, LINCOLN, WESTFORD
800-660-2868 or
register online:
If you would like an updated listing of child care centers and home child care providers in the First Connections catchment area, we can easily send that to you. The list includes programs that accept vouchers, as well as scholarship information for preschool.
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| Do You Live In Acton and Not Have Access to a Car on Weekdays? Would you like to try Acton's public transportation system? A free guided tour of the CAT service can be arranged. See where it goes, ask all your questions, and learn how easy it is to get from here to there. Free passes included for you to try it on your own. Children are welcome to ride with you. To arrange your introductory tour, contact
Sheryl Ball at Acton Health Dept: 978-929-6453 or sball@acton-ma.gov  Transportation vans do not require car seat usage, but seat belts are available for those preferring to use one New Resource! Do You Live in Bedford and Not have Access to a Car on Weekdays? Bedford is piloting a dial-a-ride on-demand transportation system called DASH. This is a door-to-door service which can bring you to locations in Bedford, Billerica, Concord, or Lexington between 12:00 and 6:00 weekdays, in addition to the Food Pantry and Community Supper on Thursday evenings. Reservations are required: 781-275-3274 or on www.bedforddash.com Cost is between $1 and $4 each way depending on distance, age, veteran or medicare status. |
| Public School Early Childhood Program Registration News Acton-Boxborough KINDERGARTEN Tuesday, January 10 7:00 p.m. H.S. Auditorium General meeting for families with a child beginning kindergarten in September 2017. Online registration takes place Jan. 11 thru March 7. Parent school tours and individual school parent information meetings will be held in January & February. Full schedules, sign-up, and important dates at: www.abschools.org/home /kindergarten-registration Bedford PRESCHOOL SCREENING Friday, January 27 Bedford Public Schools is inviting children who will be 3 by 8/31/17 to a screening for possible enrollment in the Integrated Preschool. To schedule an appointment time call 781-275-1700 x4402 or email Stephanie_callahan @bedford.k12.ma.us Carlisle KINDERGARTEN registration will take place this spring. To be sure you are on the list to receive information about important dates, contact the registrar's office: 978-369-6550 x4101 laquavella@carlisle.k12.ma.us Concord KINDERGARTEN Registration Thoreau School, 1-2 pm March 7 & March 28 Alcott School, 1-3:00 pm April 25 & May 2 www.concordps.org Littleton KINDERGARTEN Registration Wednesday, February 15 1:00-4:00 or 6:00-7:30 Screening March 27, 28 and 29 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. www.littletonps.org Maynard KINDERGARTEN Registration January 10, 11 & 12 9:00-12:00 and January 11 5:00-7:00 pm Screening April 27 and 28 www.maynard.k12.ma.us Sudbury KINDERGARTEN Tuesday, January 24 Haynes School If your child will be 5 on/before 10/1/17 and you did not receive a kindergarten registration packet, contact Michele at: michele_horan@ Sudbury.k12.ma.us INTEGRATED PRESCHOOL Monday, January 30, 1:00 Tour the preschool at Peter Noyes Elementary School. Minimum age 3 by Oct. 1 RSVP: 978-639-3204 Westford KINDERGARTEN Registration Tuesday, March 6, 6-8 p.m. Wed, March 7, 9-12:00 http://westfordk12.us Pupil Services Office: 978-692-5560 x2111 Screenings take place in May 2017 |
| New Resource!  Neighborhood Brigade:
When Crisis Strikes, we're here to help! If you are currently experiencing a crisis due to acute illness, accident, injury, high-risk pregnancy/birth, or other tragedy, our networks of community volunteers can provide temporary, free assistance with some of your day-to-day needs. In times of crisis, the neighborhood brigade can help: Bedford http://bttr.im/0o3db Maynard http://bttr.im/4q5re Acton-Boxboro http://bttr.im/7eu57 To start your own chapter or volunteer visit: www.neighborhoodbrigade.org All volunteers must be 18 years old and background checked. |
| BABIES 'N' BOOKS A Free Weekend Program for Parents and Children Age 0-24 Months
This book group for babies and their parents or caregiver will feature a special guest each month providing tips on fostering a lifelong love of reading. Free play begins at 10:00, followed by story time at 10:30, then more free play.  Snowstorm cancellations will be posted at
www.concordfamilynetwork.org,
on Concord Family Network's Facebook page, and emailed to RSVP's
RSVP to:
Saturdays, 9:30-11:00
Feb. 4, March 4, April 1
Concord Children's Center, 1300 Main St.,
West Concord
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2017 Sudbury Camp Fair Sunday, January 22 11:00-2:00 Lincoln-Sudbury H.S. 390 Lincoln Road Sudbury It's hard to think about summer camp in January, but you can meet and speak with representatives from 80 summer camps for children entering Kindergarten through Grade 12 in one place by attending this event! Children welcome. Admission is free. Sponsored by Loring ElementarySchool PTO www.sudburycampfair.org
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FREE CHILD CARE AVAILABLE For Foster Parents, Pre-Adoptive Parents, and Kinship Parents
Available 7 Days Per Week
7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
for Ages 0-13
(or 16 with special needs)
Short-term child care is available with EEC licensed child care educators. Available statewide
Contact:
857-728-2157 Boston/Chelsea
508-790-2083 Southeast/Cape
978-682-9222 Northeast MA
413-747-0032 Western MA
508-767-3026 Worcester and MetroWest
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| Doli Atamian Campership Program
The campership program provides camp or summer school experiences for children of income-eligible families who reside in Acton or Boxborough, or for those whose housing is subsidized in contiguous communities by the Acton Housing Authority. In 2015 a 3-member household would be eligible with an income of $62,750. To request an application write to:
P.O. Box 693
Acton, MA 01720
Applications should be submitted between April 1 and June 30. Scholarships are limited to $250.
For information, call:
978-263-0131
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| Winter Parent Education Programs RSVP required to insure sufficient seating and handouts, and to avoid cancellation due to low registration: lmatthews@jri.org or 978-429-8284. Re-Defining Self-Care for Parents Presented by Heather O'Brien, LICSW This workshop will examine how the definition of self-care changes once you become a parent. The time and energy we have for ourselves and others changes dramatically after we welcome a child. However, the importance of caring for ourselves becomes even more important because it enhances our ability to care for our children, partners, other family members, etc. Participants will have the opportunity to define self-care for themselves and make a plan for how to incorporate self-care into their daily lives. This workshop is ideal for couples. However, information will be shared in a way that can be easily communicated to spouses or partners if only one can attend. Wednesday, February 8, 6:30-8:00 pm, The Taylor School, Boxboro Understanding "Threenagers" Presented by Ellie Springer, M.Ed. Early Childhood Often, around age 2 1/2-3, children's behavior becomes newly challenging and parents may wonder, "Who is this child?" 3 year olds begin to fiercely assert their independence, while at other times cling to adults and want help with tasks they have been able to do on their own for months. They can have big emotions that change all the time, shifting from gleeful to devastated to furious within minutes. These characteristics make them like teenagers: hence the term "threenagers." If your child is in this age range, come learn about this stage of development and what is going on with your child, as well as some ways of managing their behavior. Tuesday, March 14, 7:00 p.m. Congregation Beth Elohim, Acton Social-Emotional Skills Teaching Strategies for Parents Presented by Early Childhood Training Institute at J.R.I. At the top of most teachers' kindergarten readiness skills list will be the ability of your child to identify how he is feeling and use appropriate behaviors to express these feelings. This presentation will include how parents can identify teachable moments with their children and why this is important. The social/emotional teaching areas explored will include: friendship skills, emotional literacy, emotional regulation, controlling anger and impulses, and problem-solving skills. Examples of activities will be provided. Appropriate for parents of toddlers and older. Limited to 30 participants. This program is funded through a grant by CHNA 15, and is made possible by Determination of Need funds received from Lahey Hospital & Medical Center and Winchester Hospital. Thursday, April 13, 6:30-8:30, Held at Drumlin Farm, Lincoln |
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| First Year of Life Support Programs New Mothers Support Group Any mother with a pre-crawling baby is welcome to attend this ongoing  weekly support group facilitated by Emerson Hospital and First Connections. This open discussion group is a forum for you to share experiences and resources, connect with other new mothers, and seek guidance about any concerns you might have. Facilitators are certified in lactation support. Held at Emerson Health & Wellness Center, Concord. No registration required. Directions can be emailed (lmatthews@jri.org). Every Wednesday, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. in the Yoga Studio at 310 Baker Avenue Extension, Concord First-Time Mothers Group 6-week, small-group setting includes a different topic each week such as: adjusting to your new role, changes in relationships, work/family life balance, sleeping, feeding, crying and infant development. Emerson Center for Sports Rehab & Specialty Services provides our quarterly motor development guest speaker, Mary Evans, DPT, MA, who is a pediatric and neurological specialist. This group meets in Acton. Our next groups begin January 3, and February 28, 10-11:30 am Emotional Wellbeing After Baby Group Emotional challenges are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, yet mothers often feel isolated and ashamed if they are struggling. Mothers experiencing anxiety or depression in the postpartum year can come together in this supportive, nonjudgmental, confidential group to share stories and learn from each other. While this is an ongoing, weekly group, before attending for the first time please contact the facilitator, Heather O'Brien, LICSW at hobrien@jri.org or 978-429-8284, ext. 219. Childcare can be provided for older siblings with advance notice. Every Thursday, 10:00-11:30 a.m. at First Connections, 179 Great Road, Acton New Dads Group Our new dads group allows dads to make connections with other fathers, ask questions, and share their experiences of parenthood. Adjusting to the new work/life balance and changes in relationships with friends, family and partners can sometimes be a challenge! Fathers are welcome to attend with or without babies and continue to attend the group for as long as it is helpful. Please email lmatthews@jri.org before attending for the first time so we have your contact information in case of any last-minute changes. Facilitated by Heather O'Brien, LICSW and a "veteran" dad. Held at First Connections in Acton. Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., January 10, February 7, March 14 |
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New playgroups begin the week of January 9.
Registration is required for all groups:
lmatthews@jri.org. No fees. Children may be registered for one 10-week group. All groups require participation of a parent or caregiver. Registration begins as soon as you receive your newsletter.
Baby Playgroup: Group includes developmental discussions and handouts, playtime, circle time with finger plays, rhymes and songs.
Appropriate for ages 3
-9 Months on January 9
Held at Fowler Library, West Concord
Tuesdays, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Older Baby Playgroup:
This group will have free play time at the beginning, and stories and songs at the end. The facilitator will be available to talk to and answer questions, but we won't have the same structured adult talking time as in the infant group because the children are starting to move around and sitting still for more than a few minutes is too much to ask!
Appropriate for ages 10-17 months on January 9
Held at First Parish Church, Bedford Center
Wednesdays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Walking Toddlers Playgroup:
This group gives your toddler a chance to play in a classroom setting with other children his age. We will have free play time and some art, sensory, science or math activities. Groups will end with a circle time with songs and stories.
Appropriate for 12-23 Mos. on January 9 & walking independently
Held at Village Nursery School in Harvard
Fridays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. OR 11:00 a.m. to Noon
18-30 Month Large Motor Playgroup
This group combines story and song circle time with gross motor activities such as running, balancing, jumping, throwing and kicking balls. We will also work on literacy and social skill building. Ideal for helping children get some energy out while continuing to develop school-readiness skills. Infant siblings not recommended due to safety concerns during high activity times of this group.
Appropriate for Ages 18-30 months on January 9
Held at The Learning Experience, Littleton
Mondays, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
 Multilingual Families Playgroup
To support families' use of a home language, we offer a playgroup with a book-borrowing component so families will have a different set of books to bring home each week and read together. The circle time in group will be in English, but families are welcome to use their home language in conversation with their children or other parents. We are hoping this special group will feel supported in the wonderful gift they are giving their child by retaining the culture and language of their family. Information on the benefits of raising bilingual children, handouts and books will be provided in multiple languages. Families should bring a snack and inform us during registration of any anaphylactic allergies.
Babies in carriers welcome.
Appropriate for Ages 18 Months thru 5 on January 9
Held at First Connections in Acton
Mondays, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Preschool-Age Playgroup (babies in carriers welcome)
This playgroup will have free play time and some art and STEM activities. We will also focus on your child's social and emotional development with books and activities for the children as well as information for caregivers. We will have snack time and spend time on the playground weather permitting. Let us know of any anaphylactic allergies when registering.
Appropriate for Ages 2 1/2 thru 4 on 1/9/17
Held at WoodsEdge Children's Center in Sudbury
Thursdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
 Teaching Your Preschooler About Spending and Saving Playgroup
You may not realize it, but money is a big part of your preschooler's life. Our children watch commercials, thumb through catalogs, observe adults buying groceries and other things, accompany us to the bank, and watch as we slide our debit card multiple times a day. In this playgroup we will read stories about money, sing number songs, play games, count, and make choices while we pretend to shop or save for a desired item. There will be a weekly handout for parents, a book list, a field trip to Digital Credit Union, and suggested activities you can continue with your child as they grow. Preference will be given to children who have not participated in this program before.
Appropriate for ages 3 1/2 thru 5
Held at The Community School/Union Congregational Church, Maynard, on T
uesdays, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Sing & Play in Spanish Group
This playgroup is for parents and children who already speak or understand Spanish. All songs, stories and conversation will be in Spanish, led by Ibeliza Jaffe, a Venzuelan Spanish Montessori Teacher.
IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY ATTENDING THIS PLAYGROUP, PLEASE RE-REGISTER FOR THE WINTER SESSION SO WE HAVE AN ACCURATE COUNT:
lmatthews@jri.org
Appropriate for ages 1 thru 5 with a Spanish-speaking caregiver
Held at Reuben Hoar Library, Littleton
Fridays, 1:30-3:00 p.m., January 27, February 17, March 31
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|  Acton-Boxborough Family Network Upcoming Events Open to the Public |
| January 25, 6:30 p.m. "What is it Like to be a Young Child?" will be presented by Erika Christakis, Author of The Importance of Being Little: What Children Really Need from Grownups." Erika is a former faculty member of the Yale Child Study Center and is a Licensed Early Childhood Educator and Director. Erika will speak about preschoolers' unique strengths and inherent value as a group, and offers a radical reevaluation of the how and why of early learning. RSVP to Christie at cstover@applewild.org to attend. Free. Held at Applewild Preschool, 27 Jackson Rd., Devens February 11, 10-11:30 a.m. Sweetie Valentines Day Party ABFN would LOVE you to join their annual Valentine's Party! Children of all ages and their families are welcome to enjoy the crafts, activities, photo booth, music and refreshments. Held at Blanchard School Gym, 493 Mass. Ave. in Boxborough. Free for ABFN members, all adults, and children under 1. Fee for nonmembers is $3/child, $10 maximum/family. Small, NEW stuffed animals will be collected to donate to the Acton Police Dept. who distribute them to comfort children who have been in accidents. March 18, Preschool Fair Co-hosted by Sudbury Family Network  Thinking about preschool for your child? Come meet local school directors and learn about all the options! A preschool fair is a great way to collect information about and get your questions answered by area schools all at once. Held on Saturday from 10:00-1:00, generously hosted by and held at The Thoreau Club, 275 Forest Ridge Road, Concord. Check Facebook for RSVP info: www.facebook.com/ActonBoxboroughFamilyNetwork |
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Support & Education Topics
Tiny Fingers Tiny Toes for Expectant Parents: Westford & Lowell
Informational, hands-on classes cover newborn appearance, baby care basics, safety, immunizations, and pediatrician visit expectations. A free presentation taught by Pediatrics West staff. Healthy snacks and drinks provided. To register:
T
FTT@PediatricsWest.com or 978-577-0497
Lowell General Hospital: Saturday, January 14 or April 1, 9-4:00
Pediatrics West, Westford: Saturday, Jan. 21, Feb. 4, 18, Mar. 4, 18, 9-4:00
Infant CPR Anytime Class at Emerson Hospital
Practice skills needed to perform infant CPR and relieve choking. Includes kit to use at home for future practice.
www.emersonwellness.org
January 10, February 14 or March 14, 6:30-8. $50/2 participants
Adult and Pediatric CPR Class taught by EMS 2000 in Westford
Class includes lecture, mannequin and defibrillator practice and American Heart Association certification card. $59/nonresidents, $56 residents. Book is $14. Register thru www.roudenbush.org
January 11, February 8 or March 8, 6:30-10:00 p.m.
Research Study: Men Whose Wives/Partners have Postpartum Depression
Has your wife/partner suffered with PPD within the past 3 years?
Do you have feelings about the impact of PPD on you or your family?
Would you be willing to discuss your experience with a nurse researcher to help healthcare providers have a better understanding of this childbirth complication?Contact Janet Ierardi, R.N., for a 30- to 60-minute private interview in the location of your choice: 978-430-2358, jaierardi@comcast.net
$10 Dunkin' Donuts gift card for your time.
Soon-to-be-Grandparents Class at Emerson Hospital
Learn about sleep positions, tummy time, car seats and rules that barely existed 30 years ago. Retired labor & delivery nurse will also cover how to support and accept decisions that your children make, and infant care.
January 26 or March 23, 7-8:30 p.m.
January 10:
Perfectionism
(McLean, Belmont)
February 7:
Is it OCD or an Eating Disorder?
(McLean, Belmont)
March 7:
OCD & ADHD
(McLean, Belmont)
March 9:
Understanding Postpartum OCD
(U. Mass. Worcester)
Westford Parent Connection Evening Speaker Series:
January 18:
Are Your Children Protected (Making a Will)
January 24: Understanding and Living with Depression and Anxiety
February 7:
Sexual Abuse Prevention-
Educated Parents, Empowered Kids
March 1:
Effective Bullying Prevention
March 9:
Supporting Kids' Social & Emotional Needs
March 22:
Raising Kind, Ethical, and Happy Children
Lectures are held at Stony Brook Middle School, 9 Farmer Way, 7:00 p.m.
January 25:
Mindfulness
presented by Pamela Katz Ressler. Takes place at R.J. Grey School Auditorium, 7-8:30 p.m.
March 7: Executive Functioning and Resilience
presented by Sarah Ward. Takes place at R.J. Grey Library, 7-8:30 p.m.
Pre-
literacy Skills and Activities for Preschoolers
This workshop will teach parents about the literacy skills involved in the development of reading and writing, and ways in which you can nurture and celebrate children's love of books. Among other topics, rhyming and
Handwriting without Tears will be discussed. Presented by Sharon Ryan, M.Ed. $20.
Tuesday, January 10, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Preschool, Acton
"Turning 3 Essentials" for Parents of Children receiving E.I. Services
This presentation by the Federation for Children with Special Needs will share information about the procedures for transitioning a child from any Early Intervention program to Public School Special Education
January
12, 6:30-8:30 P.M., Lipton E.I., 100 Erdman Way, Leominster
Basic Rights in Special Education for Parents
This presentation by the Federation for Children with Special Needs will provide a basic understanding of the complex special education laws and procedures. Three presentations will contain the same information:
January 26, 7-9:00 pm at Concord-Carlisle H.S., 500 Walden St., Concord
February 7, 7-9:00 pm at Maynard Public Schools
March 23, 6:30-8:30 pm at Lincoln-Sudbury H.S., 390 Lincoln Rd, Sudbury
Community Happenings - Parent & Child
 Concord Family Network's Valentines Party will be Held February 4, 3:30-5:00
CFN celebrates "the day of love" with crafts, musical entertainment for the kids and refreshments for all. Ed "The Music Man" Morgan will once again be on hand to delight children of all ages with his original music and silly twists on some old-time classics. Pantry items to benefit the Yawkey Family Inn at Boston's Children's Hospital will be collected. Suggested donations include: granola bars, oatmeal, packaged cookies, cereal, fruit cups, tea and K-cup coffee, mac & cheese boxes, soups, pasta and sauces. All Concord-area families are invited. Free for CFN members. Non-members pay $3/child ($10/family max.). Fee will be waived with a pantry item donation. For more info contact
concordfamilyntwk@yahoo.com or
www.concordfamilynetwork.org
Held at Hunt Rec. Center, 90 Stow Street, Concord
Free program for families that will focus on what animals do in the winter time. Includes crafts, stories and games or songs. Siblings welcome. Free.
Friday, December 16, 10:30-11:30. 680 Hudson Rd. Register: 978-265-7467
Family Holiday Singalong at Indian Hill Music School, Littleton
Sing, dance, play and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at this free community event led by three faculty members who facilitate programs for children.
Saturday, December 17, 2:00-3:30 p.m., 36 King Street, Littleton
National Marionette Theatre at Old Sturbridge Village
School vacation week 50-minute performances at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00. Tickets are $9 per person for non-Sturbridge Village members (additional $5 per person to visit the Village.
www.osvchristmas.org
December 28: Pinocchio
December 29:
Sleeping Beauty
December 30:
Peter and the Wolf
December 31:
Hansel and Gretel
Drawbridge Puppets present Santa & The Christmas Trolls in December
This puppet theater is located at 1335 Mass. Ave., Lunenburg and you can reserve seats at 978-582-1578 or online:
www.drawbridgepuppets.com
Saturdays and Sundays (except December 25), 10:00 and 12:00
Special show on Wednesday, December 28, 10:00 am. $7.00/person.
Family Drop-in Workshop: Gifts for the Birds at Fruitlands Museum
Make pinecone bird feeders for our feathered friends. Decorate one of the trees on the Fruitlands hillside or take the bird-friendly goodies home to your yard.
Wednesday, December 28, 1-4:00, $1 per kit plus $5 adult admission
Family Trees: A Celebration of Children's Literature thru Jan. 4th
Unique trees decorated with inspiration from classic and contemporary children's books fill The Concord Museum. See website for special author and children's events on select dates. $10 Adult, $5 children 5-17, under 5 free.
The Art & Mystery of the Dollhouse continues through January 15.
Cardboard Explosion! Puppet Showplace Theater on January 7, 11:00.
Pre-registration required for this program, $15 adult, $5 children.
Discovery Museums in Acton Winter Vacation Highlights
December 28:
Trim a Tree for the Birds - Construct a bird feeder and then hang it in Fairyborough to feed the birds (or bring home). 11:00-2:00
December 30:
Construct a Lantern - Make a one-of-a-kind lantern, put in an LED candle and light up Fairyborough with a procession. 2:00-4:15.
December 31:
New Years Celebration - Make party hats and noise makers, and come decked out in your finest pajamas. We'll have a dance party at 11:45 and count down to noon at the Children's Museum. 10-11:45
January 6, February 3, March 3, 4:30-8:30 - First Friday Nights are Free!
Meet Star Wars Characters at the EcoTarium in Worcester
Stormtroopers and Jedi are landing at the EcoTarium today! Come dressed as your favorite character and meet members of the 501st N.E. Garrison.
Free First Saturday at Worcester Art Museum is Family Friendly
Join museum staff for special programs for families each month
10:30 - gallery tour including fun facts and stories
11:00 - intergenerational art time for your unique creations
11:30 - arms and armor presentation
Special exhibit through April 9, "KAHBAHBLOOOM: The Art and Storytelling of Ed Emberley, " author of Go Away Big Green Monster, and Cock a Doodle Doo
January 7, February 4 and March 4, 10-12:00
ARTful Play at Decordova Museum for Ages 2-5-January 11
This free-with-admission program helps kids engage with art, stories, materials, nature and new friends during a unique multisensory activity from 10:30-11:30.
ARTful Explorations for Ages 5-12 - January 22, 1:00-3:00
Investigate an idea or a material inspired by themes and artists on view.
Admission for under age 12 is always free. Adults $14 or $5 w/library pass.
Admission for Lincoln residents and active duty military and families is free.
"Make Way for Ducklings" at Museum of Fine Arts, Boston thru June 18
The art of Robert McCloskey is on display! Visit on a 1st or 3rd Monday from 10-11:00 for a special toddler (4 & under) storytime, looking activity in the galleries, and art making. Or check out a family activity tote bag for ages 4 & up. Free drop-in activities available during public school vacation weeks when children thru age 17 are free. Ages 6 and under are always free. Adult price is $25, but is reduced to $10 with a library pass (per adult, up to 2).
Free admission for all on MLK Day, January 16, 2017
New Resources!
Cobblestones Working Moms & Babies Play Group in Waltham
This group meets one Saturday per month for social time, sensory exploration, music circle time, and development and parenting discussions. The facilitator is a certified early intervention specialist and working mom of 3. Meets 9-10:30 for infants and pre-crawlers, and 10:45-12:15 for mobile babies and toddlers. $150 for January thru June. For dates and registration information,
l
Free Childcare during Merrimack Repertory Theatre's Performance of "The Making of a Great Moment" on Saturday, January 21, 4:00 p.m.
Has it been a while since you've been to the theater? MRT is partnering with Acre Family Child Care to offer FREE childcare for ages 0-10 by licensed professionals adjacent to the theater during their January 21st presentation. Free parking, walkable restaurants. Reservations should be made through the MRT Box Office: 978-654-4678 by January 17.
www.mrt.org/childcare
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