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Me r r im ack Va l l e y Augus t 2017
Pa rent
Freewww.merrimackvalleyparent.com
Get Ready for Back to School
IntroducingMiss Cathy’s
Book Reviews !
Young Entrepreneurs
Academy“Shark Tank”
Page 2 Merrimack Valley Parent Merrimack Valley Parent Page 3
In this Issue
Features
4 Opening a Line of Communication with Your Child’s Teacher
6 Young Entrepreneurs Academy “Shark Tank”
Columns & Departments 3 Maintain Your Weight on Vacation
8 Miss Cathy’s Book Reviews
10 Easing Back to School
Also...
12 August Calendar of Events
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Easing Back-to-School- Page 10 -
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The weather is nice, the kids are out of school, and life is a little more relaxed. It must be summer. If you are like the majority of families, the summer is time for vacation. Many of you are packing up the cars and heading to the lake, beach, or mountains for a family getaway.
Vacations are a much needed break from reality. It’s good for your health and your body to take some to de-stress. Often, though, this means being sedentary, eating loads of unhealthy foods, and drinking more alcohol. This is not so good for your health and body. To avoid the usual, “I’ll start after vacation” excuse, follow the five tips below to maintain your weight while still enjoy-ing yourself:
Step One: Plan AheadIf you have the convenience of a kitchen on vacation, plan at least half of your meals ahead of time. Pick healthy break-fasts, lunches, snacks, and a few dinners. This will help balance out your week so you aren’t overindulging every meal. Keep it simple. You don’t want to be spending all of your vacation preparing meals. Here’s a sample day of meals:
• Breakfast: scrambled eggs with spinach and feta, 1 cup of fruit
• Snack: ¼ cup nuts• Lunch: salad made with mixed
greens, vegetables of your choice, a few slices of deli turkey and cheese, and balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing
• Snack: hummus with vegetables and a few whole grain crackers
• Dinner: grilled chicken breast with asparagus and corn on the cob
Step Two: Indulge in a Controlled WayYou don’t want to overindulge on vaca-tion to stay healthy and maintain your weight, but you don’t want to over-restrict yourself either. Allow yourself to have a few of your favorite foods in small portions. For example: a hand-ful of chips, a kiddie size ice cream, ½ a dessert. Controlling your portions keeps
you in control of the food while also al-lowing yourself to indulge.
Step Three: Stay Hydrated, the Right WayA summer vacation means warm weather (hopefully, right?). When it’s warmer and you are spending more time outdoors, your hydration needs increase. This means you need to drink more water throughout the day. Add an extra 20-30 oz. per day if you are out in the summer heat. Also, be careful with alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can dehy-drate you putting you at a higher risk for heat stroke or exhaustion. It also adds tons of extra calories. A typical glass of wine, beer, or basic mixed drink can be about 100-150 calories. If you have
5 Steps to Maintaining Your Weight on VacationBy Samantha McCarthy, MS, RD/LDN of Cedardale Health and Fitness in Andover, MA
several throughout the day, it adds up quickly. Try to limit the alcohol as much as possible and follow each drink with a cup of water.
Step Four: Exercise DailyNo, I don’t mean find a gym while you are away and get-ting your butt there every day. I mean move on a daily basis. Go for walks on the beach or on the boardwalk, go for a hike with the family, swim, play sports games with your kids, or go for a bike ride. Try to incorporate at least one hour of physical activ-ity with the family each day.
Step Five: Don’t Forget to Rest on Vacation!Vacation is meant for you to de-stress and relax. As best you can, sleep in, go to bed early, take naps, and take it easy most of the day. Lowering your stress levels can do wonders for your body and help you maintain your weight during your vaca-tion and after.
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Don’t tough it out. Come on in. Come on in.
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Well, the mailman made it official last week with the delivery of my daughter’s teacher assignment, school supply list and welcome letter - summer vacation is near-ing its end.
Within the next few weeks we will be shop-ping for supplies, a backpack, lunch bag and of course new clothes.
I will also be sending an email to her new teacher to set up a meeting before the school year starts.
This is something I’ve done every year since she entered Kindergarten. It always helps with any first day of school, new grade, new teacher, new classroom jitters and makes me feel a better by putting a face and personality to the person who will help shape my daughter.
Both my daughter and myself get to hear first hand what the new school year will bring and it allows for a positive first meet-ing between the three of us.
In the past, if a problem arose (whether it be academic or social) I felt comfortable emailing her teacher for more informa-tion on what was happening and advice on how to proceed so as to help everyone involved.
Knowing that her teacher and I had some sort of relationship also helped ease any nerves she would have about going back after being out sick. I would simply tell her that I would email her teacher later in the day to check on her and see how she was doing.
It was also great when I would receive a random email regarding her outstanding score on a test or how proud her teacher
was with the way she handled a dispute with a friend.
Starting off on the right foot with her teacher and establishing a relationship with that teacher just made everything that comes up throughout the year so much easier to deal with and allow her to grow from.
No one is saying every parent has to email or call their child’s teacher every week to see how things are going. But an occasion-al check-in here and there keeps the line of communication open and will benefit all involved - child, parent, and teacher - in so many ways.
According to the American Federation of Teachers, substantial evidence exists showing that parent involvement benefits students, including raising their academic achievement. There are other advan-tages for children when parents become involved - namely, increased motivation for learning, improved behavior, more regular attendance, and a more positive attitude about homework and school in general.Parents benefit from being involved in their children’s education by getting ideas from school on how to help and support their children, and by learning more about the school’s academic program and how it works.
Perhaps most important, parents benefit by becoming more confident about the value of their school involvement. Parents develop a greater appreciation for the important role they play in their children’s education.
Research shows that parental involvement can free teachers to focus more on the task of teaching children. Also, by having more contact with parents, teachers learn more about students’ needs and home environ-ment, which is information they can apply toward better meeting those needs. Par-ents who are involved tend to have a more positive view of teachers, which results in improved teacher morale.
The National PTA offers these tips to communicate effectively with your child’s teacher this school year:
• Offer to help by signing up to donate items or volunteer your time.
• Provide information that will help the teacher get to know your child as an individual. Include relevant information such as allergies, behavior issues (tendency to be distracted, for instance), learning issues, or changes in family life.
• Ask the teacher about expectations regarding homework and what to do if there are problems with homework.
• Find out the best way to contact the teacher. Ask for times when it is con-venient to talk. Don’t expect them to be able to talk if you happen to be at the school and run into them.
• Write short notes (written or as an email, if allowed) and follow up with a phone message to the school if you don’t get a response in a few days. Be sure to include your phone number and/or email address.
• Be diplomatic, especially in an email. Choose words carefully and avoid criticizing the teacher.
• In email communication, be brief, stick to the point, and don’t use animation, pictures or graphics.
• Be positive and curious. Open with phrases such as “Can we talk about…?” Use “I” statements such as “I’m confused about…” so you don’t put the teacher on the defensive.
• Don’t be afraid to talk to other school personnel if needed. A school coun-selor might be able to intervene if you are unable to communicate with a teacher.
• Be a partner in your child’s learning. Assist with homework, help your child learn time management skills, talk about school matters at home.
• Send a note of appreciation to the teacher when things go well in class (and mention this to the principal).
• It may be difficult to hear what teach-ers have to say if they deliver bad news about your child. Try to focus on solutions and work with the teacher to come up with a healthy plan to help your child learn.
Opening a Line of Communication with Your Child’s TeacherBy Joni Lazisky
Page 6 Merrimack Valley Parent Merrimack Valley Parent Page 7
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The Age of the Entrepreneur: Not too long ago “baby boomers” graduat-ing from high school or college would set out to find a steady job with one company for 30 years or more, hopefully rise through the ranks and eventually retire with ben-efits and a good pension. Generation X went looking for the same future but found the idea of a long-term job was fast disap-pearing. The Millennials followed crashing into a technological wave that left many college graduates unable to find a job. To-day, as Generation Z, the first generation to be “wired” into technology from birth will be part of the most disruptive social and cultural change since the Industrial Revolu-tion. The skill sought most in the coming decade will be entrepreneurship.
Tony Seba, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, author and professor at Stanford predicts
the future in his 2014 book Clean Disrup-tion of Energy and Transportation says, “a child born today (2014) will never own a car or need a drivers license.” Howard Tull-man, another successful entrepreneur, and founder of Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy advises, “As more people become self-employed, the fundamental education path will change: instead of trying to find employment, people will invent jobs based on their skills.”
Into the Shark TankLike it or not the future rests in the “Shark Tank”. Job seekers will succeed if they can effectively communicate creative solutions to problems and challenges of the 21st century. Generation Z will experience the fastest changes and far different from their predecessors. Those with the best entre-preneurial skills will be the “founders” of
new technology and architects of an ever-changing society. Creativity, Imagination, and Passion will be the skills most sought. So, what does one do to be competitive? One bright light on the horizon is the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. YEA Spells SuccessThe Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA) sponsored locally by the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce is part of a nation-wide initiative offering an opportunity to students from middle to high school to be-come bona-fide entrepreneurs in a 30 week program that not only teaches competitive business skills but offers the opportunity for participants to develop and launch a their own business. Deanna Healey, Chamber President and Maria Terris, Event Coordina-tor are the architects of this lo-cal effort.
The Big Idea: The students meet one afternoon each week. The first order of business is to develop a “Big Idea” by coming up with a solution, product, or service and turn it into a busi-ness. YEA members analyze markets, demographics, competition, and, need to prove their idea has merit. The YEA’s are supported by local business owners and executives as mentors and instructors.
The Pitch: With the help of mentors, participants develop a business plan and a presentation as they prepare to compete
for funding in the Shark Tank pitching to local business owners and executives where they will be questioned much like the successful ABC TV program Shark Tank. Sharks will award actual dollars based on the success of the pitch and the value of the idea.
The Launch: With the benefit of weeks of support, nurturing, and advice some of the students will actually launch their own business. Now, remember, these young entrepreneurs are middle school to high school students. So far, the Peabody YEA has graduated 13 members and launched several successful ventures.
The Next Step: The final step is to pick one local YEA member to attend a regional competi-tion at Rochester Institute of Technol-ogy (RIT), a university renown for innova-tion and entrepre-neurship. Regional winners then com-pete on a national level at the US Business summit in Washing-ton DC.
At the 2016 regional competi-
tion PACC YEA graduate, Ashley Hurton won the RIT regional competition.
Are you ready for the sharks?YEA sponsored by the Peabody Area Cham-ber of Commerce is open to Massachusetts residents - To apply for YEA contact Maria Terris at the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce at 978-531-0384.
Instructors, Mentors and Guest Speakers WantedEach YEA session mentors are matched with one of the students to help them through the process of getting ready to enter the Shark Tank. It requires a weekly commitment of about 3 hours. Jill Menton, Humans Resources Director, of MRG Con-struction in Peabody served as a mentor last year for Sofia Vasconcelos YEA gradu-ate and owner of Generosi-Tee. Jill helped Sofia develop her business plan and launch her business. Owner and CEO of MGR, Matt Genzali, served as an instructor and mentor too. Jill advises that it is a commitment but the payoff to see the young entrepreneurs develop their business plan, pitch the plan, receive funding is exciting, motivat-ing and well worth the time. Each week a guest speaker shares advice and personal experience about building a business and overcoming obstacles. Are you ready to get involved? For more information contact: Deanna Healey, CEO 978-531-0384
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Helping Children of All Abilities Achieve their Full Potential
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Page 8 Merrimack Valley Parent Merrimack Valley Parent Page 9
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Don’t Miss Our Back to School IssuesMe r r im ack Va l l e y
Pa rent
THE WEB FILESWritten by Margie Palatini
Illustrated by Richard EgielskiHyperion Children’s Books, Publishers
Best for Ages 5 and Up
The call came in at 6:32 AM, there was a problem on the farm, the chicken was upset. SOMEONE has stolen her “perfect purple almost-pickled pep-pers”, a peck of them. Ducktective Web tried to calm the hen. Web and his partner, Bill, assembled a few suspects. They questioned Blue Boy, but he swore he was “under the haystack. Fast Asleep! While questioning possible witnesses they discovered that toma-toes and lettuce had also been stolen. Web decided that “there was only one thing to make out of all of this. ‘Salad.’” “DUM DE DUM DUM.” While they were “trying to quack the case”, Bill made an offhanded remark that just might be the solution. This book is a clear case
of Jack Webb and Sgt. Friday meet Mother Goose with engaging humor and creativity. Anyone who has ever seen Dragnet and is familiar with Mother Goose rhymes will thoroughly enjoy this story.
Terry Teddy and I give this book— --four paws up
Available at: Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Powell’s Books.
MR. PEABODY’S APPLESWritten by Madonna
Illustrated by Loren LongCallaway Editions, Publishers
Best for Ages 3 and Up
A man named Mr. Peabody lived In the town of Happville. During the school year he taught history at the elementary school. In the summer
he was a baseball coach to students from his elementary school when they played other elementary schools. A young boy on Mr. Peabody’s team, Billy, thought a great deal of Mr. Peabody. After each game he would stay to help Mr. Peabody clean up. After every game, Mr. Peabody would walk through town, greeted warmly by everyone. He would stop at Mr. Funkadeli’s fruit market and check the delicious fruit. One day, another young boy, Tommy, was across the street and noticed that Mr. Peabody took an apple, but DID NOT pay for it. Tommy could not wait to share this with his friends. Next Saturday they all gathered and watched as once again Mr. Peabody took another unpaid for apple. Soon the rumor spread that Mr. Peabody was a dishonest person. The following Saturday, Mr. Peabody was at the baseball field, ALONE. Mr. Peabody was puzzled, and then he saw Billy, he
asked Billy where everyone else was. Billy solemnly told Mr. Peabody about the rumor Tommy and his friends spread through town. Billy finds out the truth and tells Mr. Peabody he is going to find Tommy and tell him. Mr. Peabody asks Billy to have Tommy come see him. A meek Tommy asks Mr. Peabody what he can do to make things right. Mr. Peabody tells Tommy to meet him “at the baseball diamond in one hour, and bring a pillow stuffed with feathers”. Will Tommy be able to make things right? And why bring a feather pillow?! The book is well told and contains an excellent message.
Terry Teddy and I give this book—--four paws up
Available at: Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Directtextbook.com
Miss Cathy’s
Children’s Books Reviews By Cathy A. Marrow
I LOVE BOOKS
133 Neck Road, Ward Hill Haverhill, MA 01835
978.372.4780 www.rogersspringhill.com
TAKE YOUR CLASS ON A FARM TOUR!
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Page 10 Merrimack Valley Parent Merrimack Valley Parent Page 11
August & September
Don’t Miss Our Back to School Issues
Me r r im ack Va l l e y
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Getting your children back on a school schedule is never easy. To make the transition here are a few things parents can do to get their children ready.
*Be sure your children go to bed at a sensible hour a week before school starts. Children love staying up late and sleeping in until noon. When they start going to bed earlier, getting up in the morning will be easier.
*If your child is attending a new school, be sure to tour the school before classes start. This will make the first day of school less stressful.
For young children it’s always a good idea to preview the day. Sit down and go through the day, from arrival, to the end of school. Make sure they un-derstand where they need to go after school and who will be picking them up. The clearer children are about what they need to do, the smoother their first day will be.
*Make sure your children have all of their school supplies by the first day of school. The more prepared they are, the more secure they will be.
*Set down rules. Children need to understand that school is fun, but you expect them to take it seriously and do their best. When they understand that their complaining won’t change the rules, they eventually learn not to ques-tion them.
*Discuss homework rules. Some parent’s allow their children to play for a few hours before they get started on their homework. Others prefer homework to get done right after the children have an afternoon snack. Whatever your rule is, make sure your children understand it.
*Set up a homework area. It’s important that your children learn to be organized and put their things in the same place. Always have extra supplies handy so that you don’t have to rush to the store at the last minute.
Unless your children are older and they need a computer to do their homework, this area should be technology free. It’s not a bad idea to put codes on all your electronics.
Make sure the homework area has good lighting and that children are not distracted by the television. A good rule
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to have, especially for little ones, is no television on school nights.
Don’t wait until bedtime to do home-work. At that time, children are too tired to concentrate, and you don’t want to end the day with an argument over homework.
Let your children know that you are there to help them in any way you can, and that they can always count on your help. But most importantly, let them know how confident you are that they are capable of doing their work on their own.
*Schedule in time for your children to relax. If your child is exhausted from participating in too many after school activities, homework time will be frus-trating because they will not have the energy to do it.
*Make sure your children have a proper meal. Most children don’t eat their lunch at school; be sure they eat a healthy breakfast and dinner.
*Stick to a sensible bedtime. Young children, as well as teens, need a lot of
sleep. Put them to bed early so that they will feel rested.
* Keep the television, computer, and cell phone out of your child’s room. This will make it easier for you to monitor their use.
Finally, parents don’t complain! Com-plaining about early mornings, home-work and school projects will discourage your children. Be supportive, and when you need to vent, do it where your chil-dren can’t hear you.
Maria Luisa Salcines is a freelance writer, and certified parent educator with The International Network for Children and Families in Redirecting Children’s Behavior and Redirecting for a Cooperative Class-room. Follow her on Twitter @PowerOf-Family, Instagram mlsalcines or contact her on her blog FamilyLifeandFinding-Happy.com.
Easing Back-To-School
By Maria Luisa Salcines
Page 12 Merrimack Valley Parent Merrimack Valley Parent Page 13
Merrimack Valley Calendar of Events
AugustTuesday, August 1
“HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX” (PG-13)
August 1, 2017 | 2:00 pm – 4:30 pmWe’re showing all eight Harry Potter mov-
ies this summer! This week’s movie is spon-sored by the teen loft because of its PG-13 rating: parents are responsible for viewing
by their children. Every time you come to a Harry Potter
movie, put your name in the Goblet of Fire and be entered to win a prize (Harry, Ron
and Hermione figurines)! We’ll pull the win-ner at the end of the summer. This week’s movie: Harry Potter and the Order of the
Phoenix, rated PG-13. Run time: 2 hours 22 minutes. Newburyport Public Library
PAJAMA PARTYPajama Party is an evening story time for children ages 3-5 and their favorite adult.We will share stories, songs, a short movie
and a craft. Children may wear theirpajamas and bring a stuffed animal. No
registration required, but please pick up atoken in the Children’s Room.
Date / Time: Tuesday Aug 1, 2017 6:30 PM - 7:15 PM Location:
Activity RoomMemorial Hall Library, Andover
BEE HAPPY PUPPET SHOW, WUMP MUCKET PUPPETS
Bee Happy – Features our puppet star Super Space Princess G’Wizzl visiting The
Queen Bee, to learn how bees help us, and how we can help them. This story will get
kids up and dancing to a bee dance!Coleman’s Green Team – Has our popular furry friend Coleman the Sasquatch shar-ing simple things that the friendly puppet Witch Willie (and our young audience) can do to “be Green” by not being a litterbug,
and take better care of our world.The show is rounded out with our co-hosts
Cyril and Coleman’s silliness, as well as some fun with Unka Unka the caveman planting a flower garden on the puppet
stage! Run-time approximately 35 minutes. Perfect for children ages 3-10 and their
families! Sponsored by The Friends of Me-morial Hall Library Date / Time::
Tuesday Aug 1, 2017 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Memorial Hall Library, Andover
KIDS’ SUMMER PROGRAM: BUILDING PLAYGROUND
A great time to just play with all kinds of building supplies including blocks, Lego,
magnet blocks, and more! Drop in anytime between 9:30 – 11am to have some fun ex-ploring. Ages 0 – 8 years old a great fit for this program, particularly on a rainy day!
Date / Time:: Tuesday Aug 1, 2017 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Contact:
Clare Dombrowski 9783888148 [email protected]
Amesbury Public Library
NATURE NICK’S ANIMAL ADVENTURESWe welcome back Nature Nick and his
amazing Animal Adventures Show ! Nick visited us last summer and brought many
exotic animals, including a Kangaroo! I hear there might be another Kangaroo ! We
can’t wait to see what else he brings this year! Recommended for ages 5+. Please
register as seating is limited. www.naturenick.com Date / Time::
Tuesday Aug 1, 2017 2:00 PM - 3:00 PMLocation: Auditorium
Haverhill Public Library
Wednesday, August 2KIDS’ DAY IN THE PARK
August 2, 2017 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pmWe will be at Atkinson Common (Newbury-port) for Kids’ Day in the Park! Come listen
to a story and celebrate Yankee Homecom-ing with us.
PASSPORT CLUBThe Passport Club is a program that
introduces children ages 7-10 to different cultures of the world. We will share a story, an activity, and a craft. Please register each child starting July 19th at 9:00 a.m. at www.
mhl.org, space is limited.Date / Time:: Wednesday Aug 2, 2017
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM Location: Activity RoomMemorial Hall Library, Andover
BUILD A BETTER WORLD WITH AWESOME VEHICLES
Come and spend the morning in the park playing games, creating crafts and
exploring real big machines right here at the library. All families are welcome! (If it is raining the event will take place in the hall).
Please register to attend this event.Parking at the library will be crowded dur-
ing this event. Please use the lot in front
of the Quinn Public Safety Building (across the street from the library) or on High
Street for overflow parking. Carpooling with friends is encouraged.
Parents, if your plans change after you register, please call us at 978-686-4080 ext.
26. This will allow us to offer your spot to another family on our waiting list. Thank
you :-) Date: Wednesday Aug 2, 2017Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Contact:
Children’s Department 978-686-4080 ext. 26 Location: In the Park
Nevins Memorial Library, Methuen
TEEN CODING CLUBTeens entering grades 7-12 are invited to participate in a summer-long coding pro-gram. Learn the ins and outs of HTML and CSS to build your own digital creations. All participants must be registered and have a signed permission form, which can be
downloaded HERE. Teens who attend this class must also attend the August 9th class
as the lessons are connected. Date:Wednesday Aug 2, 2017 Time:
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Contact: Amy 978-686-4080 ex. 35 [email protected]
Location: The Study RoomNevins Memorial Library, Methuen
BEHIND-THE-SCENES AT JOPPA: FEEDING TIME AT THE TOUCH TANK
NEW PROGRAM! Join Lisa Hutchings and her animal husbandry team after hours for a fascinating look at feeding time for the marine life in our 110-gallon touch tank.
With the help of Joppa’s digital hand-held microscope, you’ll see a horseshoe crab
devour sea worms, sea anemones lick food off their tentacles, and hermit crabs “beg” for supper. Your view of the activities will
be larger than life on our video screen. As a special treat, we’ll show you our develop-
ing skate embryo in its egg case and our tiny green horseshoe crab eggs - which
should be hatching by the end of the summer! Date: Wed, Aug 02, 2017 4:30
pm - 6:00 pm Location: Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turn-
pike, Newburyport. Fee: adult/$8; child/$8. Preregistration required.
Thursday, August 3POSTCARDS TO PATIENTS
August 3, 2017Stop by any time today to fill out a
postcard for someone in the middle of a long-term hospital stay. Write or draw on a provided postcard and the Library will forward it to someone in the hospital to
brighten their day. Find more information at postcardpickmeup.org.
Newburyport Public Library
TEEN POKEMON TOURNAMENTBring your own Pokemon card deck. Free
Booster pack to all participants.Open to all teens going into grades 6-12.
Date / Time:: Thursday Aug 3, 2017 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Contact:
Anna/Renata 978-623-8432 [email protected]: Teen Room
Memorial Hall Library, Andover
TEEN PAINTING PARTYAugust 3, 2017 | 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Grades 6-12: Learn how to paint a real painting with step-by-step instructions!
You will leave with a beautiful completed painting! Art supplies will be provided.
Please contact Emely, Teen Services Librarian, with questions at 978-465-4428
ext.242 or [email protected]. Newburyport Public Library
SEE, THINK, AND WONDER WALKS: MAKING FLOWER ART AT SPENCER PEIRCE
LITTLE FARMIn every kind of weather, we love to head
outdoors to our spectacular local habitats, so join us for one, two, or more of these
nature explorations! Each one will focus on the importance of a sense of place as we
explore the ecology, sights, and sounds of our natural landscape. Wildlife, local and
migrating birds, collecting techniques, and environmental awareness will be present-
ed in a fun, energetic format that adults and children alike will enjoy.
Date: Thu, Aug 03, 2017 2:00 pm - 3:30 pmLocation: Meet at Spencer Peirce Little
Farm on Littles Lane in Newbury.Fee: adult, $9/child $8. Preregistration
required.
Friday, August 4CHOCOLATE OLYMPICS
August 4, 2017 | 2:30 pm – 4:00 pmGrades 6-12: Join us for an afternoon of
chocolate fun. Relay races, pie eating con-tests, M&M sorting and more! Bring your
appetites and your friends. Join us in the Program Room for this free
event! Please contact Emely, Teen Services Librarian, with questions at 978-465-4428
ext.242 or [email protected] Public Library
TEEN 3D PRINTER SHOW & TELLSee our new 3D printer, try out a 3D pen,
and learn what kinds of stuff you can make at the library! Open to all teens going into
grades 6-12. Date / Time:: Friday Aug 43:00 PM - 4:00 PM Contact:
Anna/Renata 978-623-8432 [email protected]: Teen Room
Memorial Hall Library, Andover
Saturday, August 5GIRLS WHO CODE INFORMATIONAL
MEETINGInterested in Girls Who Code? Girls Who Code is a free, nationwide organization committed to closing the gender gap in
technology and computer programming. Come to our information session to learn
about MHL’s Girls Who Code club and how girls in grades 6 - 12 can apply to enter.
Date / Time:: Saturday Aug 5, 2017 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Contact: Anna
Tschetter 978-623-8432 [email protected] Location: Teen Room
Memorial Hall Library, Andover
Monday, August 7SMART RASPBERRY PI ROBOTS
Join Thi Sarkis of the Rhode Island Comput-er Museum for Smart Raspberry Pi Robots.
Learn how to program a robot built using the Raspberry Pi computer. Make the robot
talk and move in remote control or as a drone! Learn how sensors work to help the robot avoid obstacles and to run a track on its own. Complete team coding challenges
and send the robot on an exploration mission to take pictures with an on-board
camera! For ages 9-11, space is limited. There is a second workshop for teens at
2pm. Sponsored by The Friends of Memo-rial Hall Library. Date / Time::
Monday Aug 7, 2017 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMLocation: Activity Room
Memorial Hall Library, Andover
Tuesday, August 8“HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD
PRINCE” (PG)August 8, 2017 | 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
We’re showing all eight Harry Potter mov-ies this summer! Every time you come to a movie, put your name in the Goblet of Fire and be entered to win a prize (Harry, Ron and Hermione figurines)! We’ll pull
the winner at the end of the summer. This week’s movie: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, rated PG. Run time: 2 hours
33 minutes.Newburyport Public Library
KIDS’ SUMMER CELEBRATION Celebrate summer and our summer
program with ice cream, games, and an awesome performance by Sciencetellers!
They will take you on a trip on a pirate ship using science experiments along the way.
This event is great for the whole family and includes free ice cream. Funding for this fun program provided by the Friends of
the Amesbury Library and Amesbury Youth Funding! Date / Time::
Tuesday Aug 8, 2017 6:00 PM - 7:00 PMContact: Clare Dombrowski 9783888148
[email protected]: Outside the Library
Amesbury Public Library
JUNGLE JIM’S MINECRAFT MADNESSWe welcome back Jungle Jim’s zany, fun, antics in his Summer 2017 Show - “Mine-craft Madness”. Jim will lead your young
patrons through the magical world of Minecraft with ballooning artistry, improv,
comedy and magic. Activities include Building Block Madness Tournament, a riveting Zombie Chase, the Baloon Firework Rocket Extravaganza, and
the Incredible Giant Slime-Ball Creation!Recommended for ages 6+. Please register.
www.junglejimboston.com Date / Time::Tuesday Aug 8, 2017 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: AuditoriumHaverhill Public Library
YANKEE HOMECOMINGNewburyport, MAJuly 29-August 6
60th Annual Yankee Homecoming with events throughout the week.
For full schedule of events and locations please visit:
Yankeehomecoming.com
BOOK APARTY!BOOK APARTY!
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Page 14 Merrimack Valley Parent Merrimack Valley Parent Page 15
Our Assignment:
Capture and promote the spirit of raising a family in the Merrimack Valley
Me r r im ack Va l l e y
Pa rentM a g a z i n e
To Advertise:978-427-3676
Greater Newburyport Mothers and Families Club
fun and friends for families in the greater Newburyport areaNot a member yet? Please explore our member benefits and use promotional code GNFC25 to purchase a gift certificate for 25% OFF a full-year membership at www.greaternewburyportfamilies.org/shop
If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Sullivan, GNFC President at [email protected] code valid for a limited time.
Wednesday, August 9JUNGLE JIM’S MINECRAFT MADNESS!
August 9, 2017 | 6:00 pm – 6:45 pmCombining balloon artistry, magic, comedy and improv, this 45-minute action-packed
performance is a Minecraft fan’s dream! Over a dozen volunteers join Jungle Jim on stage for activities such as the Build-
ing Block Madness Tournament, a riveting Zombie Chase, the Balloon Firework Rocket
extravaganza, and the incredible giant slime-ball creation! Open to all ages but
best suited for ages 3-10. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Newburyport Cultural
Council, a local agency which is supported
by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Newburyport Public Library
Thursday, August 10DUNGEONS & DRAGONS FOR TEENS
Learn to play the world famous fantasy RPG! Get help creating a character at
2:30pm and the story gameplay starts at 3:00pm. All teens are welcome - even if
you’ve never played before!Date / Time::Thursday Aug 10, 2017
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Contact:Anna 978-623-8432 [email protected]
Location: Memorial HallMemorial Hall Library, Andover
Friday, August 11TEEN ESCAPE ROOM
August 11, 2017 | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pmGrades 6-12: Join us for a Stranger Things themed Escape Room! You and your team
will have 60 minutes to solve a series of riddles, decipher the clues, and find the
key to escape! Do you have the brainpower and teamwork skills needed to win?
Registration required. Please register at the 2nd floor Reference Desk or call 978-465-4428 ext 242 by August 7th. Spaces are
limited. Newburyport Public LibraryPlease contact Emely, Teen Services
Librarian, with questions at 978-465-4428 ext.242 or [email protected].
Newburyport Public Library
LEGO FRIDAYS-ALL AGESDrop in every Friday from 3:30 - 4:30 to
build exciting and fun things with Legos. We supply the Legos, you supply the skill!
All Ages. Date / Time::Friday Aug 11, 2017 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Contact: Youth Services Department Location: Cavallaro Room
Haverhill Public Library
Saturday, August 12DADS AND DONUTS
Join us for a story time for preschoolers and their families (including a craft). After stories enjoy donut holes, coffee and juice. No registration but please pick up a token for each person attending in the Children’s Room. Date / Time:: Saturday Aug 12, 2017
10:00 AM - 11:00 AMMemorial Hall Library, Andover
SENSORY STORYTIMEThis half hour storytime is designed for children ages 4 and up on the autism
spectrum, with sensory integration issues, other developmental disabilities, and
their neurotypical peers. If your child has difficulty sitting through one of our other storytimes, this program of stories, songs, and activities might be just what you are
looking for. Everyone is welcome! Registra-tion is not required. If you have questions
or would like more information about how the program is run, please feel free to contact the Children’s Librarian, Clare
Dombrowski. Date / Time::Saturday Aug 12, 2017
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Contact:Clare A. Dombrowski 978-388-8148 x4
[email protected]: Amesbury RoomAmesbury Public Library
Monday, August 14LITTLE EXPLORERS- OUTDOOR EDITION! -
6 MONTHS-3 YEARSBring your little one in to explore some
new types of activities and materials with other little ones. It’s a learning experience for all! Date / Time: Monday Aug 14, 2017
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Contact:Youth Services Department 9783731586
[email protected]: Cavallaro Room
Haverhill Public Library
Tuesday, August 15“HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HAL-
LOWS, PART 1” (PG-13)
August 15, 2017 | 2:00 pm – 4:30 pmWe’re showing all eight Harry Potter mov-
ies this summer! This week’s movie is spon-sored by the teen loft because of its PG-13 rating: parents are responsible for viewing
by their children. Every time you come to a Harry Potter movie, put your name in the Goblet of
Fire and be entered to win a prize (Harry, Ron and Hermione figurines)! We’ll pull
the winner at the end of the summer. This week’s movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part One, rated PG-13. Run time: 2
hours 27 minutes.Newburyport Public Library
Wednesday, August 16PAJAMA STORYTIME
Join Ms Nicole for some quiet stories be-fore bed! She’ll have some calming songs and activities. Great for ages 2 to 6 years
old, but everyone is welcome! Please bring a stuffie and wear pajamas to have the full
experience! No registration required! Date / Time:: Wednesday Aug 16, 2017
6:30 PM - 7:15 PM Contact:Clare Dombrowski 978-388-8148
[email protected]: Amesbury RoomAmesbury Public Library
Thursday, August 17CRAFT BUFFET
August 17, 2017 | 3:00 pm – 4:30 pmDo you ever wonder what we do with
all the leftover materials from our library crafts? Now is your chance to find out. We are putting out lots of different craft mate-rials; grab a project and make something
cool! Newburyport Public Library
SEE, THINK, AND WONDER WALKS: FINDING FROGS AT MILL POND
In every kind of weather, we love to head outdoors to our spectacular local habitats,
so join us for one, two, or more of these nature explorations! Each one will focus on
the importance of a sense of place as we explore the ecology, sights, and sounds of our natural landscape. Wildlife, local and
migrating birds, collecting techniques, and environmental awareness will be present-
ed in a fun, energetic format that adults and children alike will enjoy.
Date: Thu, Aug 17, 2017 2:00 pm - 3:30 pmLocation: Meet at the Mill Pond Recreation
Area on Route 113 in West Newbury.Fee: adult/$9; child/$8. Preregistration
required.
Tuesday, August 22“HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HAL-
LOWS, PART 2” (PG-13)August 22, 2017 | 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm
We’re showing all eight Harry Potter mov-ies this summer! This week’s movie is spon-sored by the teen loft because of its PG-13 rating: parents are responsible for viewing
by their children. Every time you come to a Harry Potter movie, put your name in the Goblet of
Fire and be entered to win a prize (Harry, Ron and Hermione figurines)! We’ll pull
the winner at the end of the summer. This week’s movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part Two, rated PG-13. Run time: 2
hours 10 minutes.Newburyport Public Library
Thursday, August 24MUSEUM OF SCIENCE PRESENTS
SCIENCE MAGIC!August 24, 2017 | 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
How do magic tricks really work? This pro-gram investigates the science behind the
“magic” of several classic magic tricks.Newburyport Public Library
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE ROCKET WORKSHOP
Build and experiment with balloon rockets in the main floor of the library! Can you
get your rocket all the up to the top of the string? How can you change it? Ages 7 and up can come create and learn about rocket building from the Boston Museum of Sci-ence educators. Funded by a grant from
the museum. Registration is required as we can only have so many rocket builders!
Date / Time:: Thursday Aug 24, 2017 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Contact
Clare Dombrowski 9783888148 [email protected]: Amesbury Public Library
Wednesday, August 30MOVIE MATINEE: “FANTASTIC BEASTS AND
WHERE TO FIND THEM” (PG-13)August 30, 2017 | 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Join us for our Movie Matinees on Wednesday afternoons. This week we will be screening “Fantastic Beasts and Where
to Find Them” (PG-13) starring Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, and Dan Fogler at 2:30pm. Run Time: 133 minutes “It opens in 1926 as Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of
magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and
gone without incident.” Come and enjoy the theater-like screen and sound system with fellow film buffs.
This free event will be held in the Program Room and all are welcome!Newburyport Public Library
Thursday, August 3139 CLUES BOOK CLUB
Do you like The 39 Clues book series? If you said yes, then this is the club for you! Come
hang out with other fans, talk about the books, and participate in some awesome activities! *Must have read Mission Hur-
ricane: The 39 Clues: Doublecross Book 3Ages 8 and up. Registration required.Date / Time:: Thursday Aug 31, 2017
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Contact:Youth Services Department 9783731586
[email protected] Public Library
Please send any events you would like considered for the Calendar of Events to
WUMP MUCKET PUPPETS ARE POPPING UP IN METHUEN WITH A FUN-PACKED PUPPET SHOW!
Tuesday August 1, 10AM Nevins Library 305 Broadway, Methuen MA
The thirty minute show features a cast of hand-crafted puppet stars per-forming BEE HAPPY, which includes a brand new character QB the Queen Bee (learning about bees), COLEMAN’S GREEN TEAM (how to be kinder to our planet), and lots more puppet FUN!
Created and performed by former Andover resident Terrence Burke, the fun-loving cast of puppet characters have been charming audiences of all ages with their silliness and songs since 2010. It’s a perfect family activity for children ages 3-10 and their parents or grandparents. Admission is FREE and open to the public More information at www.WumpMucketPuppets.com
TAKE YOUR CLASS ON A FARM TOUR THIS FALL! From hay rides to interactive barnyard activities, our Farm Tours are educational and a
lot of fun. Customize your tour for your curriculum. For classrooms and other groups.
•AppleandPumpkinpicking•PlayscapeandPicnicarea•Mid-SeptthruendofOct
Rogers Spring Hill Farm133 Neck Road, Ward Hill, Haverhill, MA -1835
978-372-4780www.rogersspringhill.com
NEWBURYPORT WATERFRONT MOVIESWaterfront Park, downtown Newburyport
When: Sunset (approx 8pm)
Summer 2017 Line Up:August 9th: Finding Dory
August 16th: MoanaAugust 23rd: Beauty & the Beast
