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Get Involved! Now serving the Greater Brockton Area. Summer 2016 | FREE By parents, for parents in the Greater Brockton Area www.ccbrockton.org Sponsored by Community Connections of Brockton in alliance with Brockton’s Promise and the United Way of Greater Plymouth County In partnership with: 6 IN THIS ISSUE: » > SUMMER FUN AROUND TOWN » > HEALTH & WELLNESS TIPS » > FUN RECIPES TO TRY CELEBRATING OUR 6 TH YEAR IN PRINT!

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Page 1: Get Involved! Summer 2016 | FREE Now serving the Greater … · 2019-06-11 · Get Involved! Now serving the Greater Brockton Area. Summer 2016 | FREE. By parents, for parents in

Get Involved! Now serving the Greater Brockton Area. Summer 2016 | FREE

By parents, for parents in the Greater Brockton Area w w w . c c b r o c k t o n . o r g

Sponsored by Community Connections of Brockton in alliance with Brockton’s Promise and the United Way of Greater Plymouth County

In partnership with:

6IN THIS ISSUE: » > SUMMER FUN AROUND TOWN

» > HEALTH & WELLNESS TIPS

» > FUN RECIPES TO TRY

CELEBRATING OUR 6TH YEAR IN PRINT!

Page 2: Get Involved! Summer 2016 | FREE Now serving the Greater … · 2019-06-11 · Get Involved! Now serving the Greater Brockton Area. Summer 2016 | FREE. By parents, for parents in

Babe-e-NewsBabe-e-NewsAn electronic newsletter providing education,

tools and resources for pregnancy and early childhood.

✓Available in the language of your choice

✓Delivered weekly to email inboxes, making it accessible through smartphone, tablet or computer.

✓Tailored to your due date or child’s birth date, making the weekly information relevant and useful

Join our Signature Healthcare patient family

and take advantage of this great service

at your next visit.

MySignatureCare.org/obgyn

Do you have small children, or are you expecting a child?

Signature Healthcare offers our patients

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Table of Contents

In partnership with:

To advertise in the Brockton Parents Magazine, please call Juliana Langille, Executive Director of Community Connections of Brockton at (508) 857-0272 or email us at [email protected]. 1367 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301

INFANTS/TODDLERS PG. 8-9

PRESCHOOL/K PG. 10-11

ELEMENTARY PG. 12-13

MIDDLE SCHOOL PG. 14-15

HIGH SCHOOL PG. 16-17

COLLEGE PG. 18-19

FAMILY CENTER EVENTS PG. 23

A special thanks to our advertisers:

» BMC Healthnet

» Brockton Area Opioid Abuse Prevention Collaborative

» Brockton Housing Authority

» Brockton Youth Foundation/Summerfest

» Carousel Family Fun Center

» Massasoit Community College

» Mi Fiesta Balloon Decor

» Signature Health Care

» Stephon Construction

» Steward Good Samaritan Medical Center

» The Family Center

» TUFTS Health Plan

» United Way of Greater Plymouth County

SUMMER HAPPENINGS PG. 6

Dear Parents and Friends,

The summer months are upon us and with that brings longer days, shorter nights, and a the expectant faces of our kids looking for ways to stay occupied now that they are out of school.  If only parents were given two month’s off as well to enjoy this season right alongside their children, but most families we know have working parents and care givers leaving many to wonder about how to keep their children out of trouble, happy, and well fed.

We are no stranger to the summer stress that many families deal with when trying to balance continuing to work when the kids are out of school and we hope that you consider The Brockton Parents Magazine as a guide to raising happy and healthy families year-round.  We want you to turn to the information within our pages when looking for answers to some of the questions we all have raising kids. One mom we know is planning on taking advantage of all the city has to offer this summer from getting fresh vegetables at the Farmer’s Markets to swimming in one of the city pools, to trying her hand at fishing in DW Field Park!  Though she did add that she’s stocked up on plenty of bug spray and sunscreen to keep her little ones safe from burns and bites. 

There is so much to do in the area and much of it is either free or very low cost because we’ve partnered with some of the best organizations in the Greater Brockton Community to offer resources on almost every aspect of parenting from firsts to lasts and A to Z.  We are here to help, to inspire, to share, and even commiserate! We hope your summer is fun and fabulous. Make sure you take lots of photos and share them with us so you can inspire other families too.

- The Brockton Parents Magazine Parent Volunteers

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Try this recipe: Big Fat Pretzels By: Chris Draves

This is Carol Draves’ recipe being shared by her son Chris Draves.

Ingredients:• 1/2 cup lukewarm water• 1 package dry yeast• 1 teaspoon salt• 1 tablespoon sugar• 1 cup warm water• 4 cups flour• 1 egg• Coarse salt

1. Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup lukewarm water. 2. In a large bowl, add yeast mixture to 1 cup warm water and stir. 3. Stir in salt, sugar and flour. 4. Knead dough on a floured surface until soft and smooth, not sticky. 5. Shape into pretzels and put on a lightly greased sheet. 6. Beat egg and brush each pretzel with the egg and then sprinkle each pretzel with salt.7. Bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

Brockton TITLE I in partnership with CFCE Presents

“Terrific Tuesdays” 2016 Summer Family Fun Nights

Arnone School ~ 135 Belmont Street ~ Brockton

June 21 South Shore Conservatory 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. This story-based event with Holly and the ImagineARTS All-Star Band, will have the entire family up and dancing! Interest level- preK-5 June 28 John McDonough’s Pumpernickel Puppets 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Interest level ~ Ages- 5 - 10 Limited to 100 children and accompanying adults. July 5 Mr. DJ’s Ultimate Kids’ Party 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Come ready for an evening of fun, music, line dancing, games, and more! Mr. DJ will get everyone in the family up, laughing, and moving! Interest level ~ Ages 4 + July 12 Let’s Gogh Family Art Night 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Families will be able to move through 4 stations of arts & crafts, painting & creating.

Interest level ~ Ages 4+ Limited to 100 children and accompanying adult/s July 19 Tommy James Magic Show 6:30 -7:30 p.m. Come see Tommy in his NEW, MAGICAL, and FUNNY program that encourages all to turn OFF the TV and video games and turn ON to reading! Interest level ~ ALL July 26 Science on the Go! Build It! 6:30 -7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Easton Children’s Museum

Experiment with different material to solve fun engineering problems and build simple, cool machines.

Interest level ~ K-5 Limited to 75 children and accompanying adult/s Space is limited! Pre-registration is NECESSARY for all events through TITLE I Office~508-580-7561 or email [email protected]. An ADULT must remain with the children at ALL times.

Saturday, August 20, 201510 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Celebrate the best of what Brockton has to offer at the 6th Annual Summerfest. Ideas and volunteers welcome!

Call 508.584.2506 for more info!

www.brocktonyouthfoundation.com

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Contact InformationWHO WE ARE:The Brockton Parents Magazine is comprised of an editorial collaboration of local volunteers. We meet once a month to discuss story ideas, plan the magazine and talk about topics of interest for parents and caregivers in our community.

ARTICLE CONTRIBUTIONS: CHRIS DRAVESELIZABETH CHOUINARDFELICITA SEPULVEDAGOOD SAMARITIAN MEDICAL STAFFJAKE RAFFERTYJONI BLOCKMAGALIE A. PINNEYMARIA WILSON-SEPULVEDAMELISA GILLINGSMICHELLE MICELINRT STAFFSIGNATURE HEALTH CAREVICTORIA TUCKERWAETIE SANAA KUMAHIA

EDITORIAL TEAM: CLAUDIA CUNHA, Parent Editor & Distribution TeamJOSUE CUNHA, Parent Editor & Distribution TeamCHRIS DRAVES, Parent Editor & Distribution Team NICKI MEADE DRAVES, Parent Editor SANDRA GARÇON, Parent Editor & Distribution TeamMELISSA GILLINGS, Parent Editor FABIOLA HYPPOLITE, Parent Editor MICHELLE MICELI, Parent Editor & Layout TeamMAGALIE A. PINNEY, Parent Editor & Distribution TeamBETTY RADA, Parent Editor JAMES ROBER, Photographer FELICITA SEPULVEDA, Parent Editor & Outreach Team YOLENE WILSON, Parent Editor MARIA WILSON-SEPULVEDA, Parent Editor & Edit Team AMY WINSTON, Parent Editor & Edit Team

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO: Lauren DeFilippo, Edit VolunteerLuz Laboy, Volunteer - Children's Activities Marcia Perry, Edit Volunteer

CONTACT US: Want to get involved? Want to advertise? Looking to write an article? Write, call or visit online! We meet the FIRST Thursday of each month at 5:30 PM. Light dinner and child care are provided.

Brockton Parents Magazine c/o The Family Center at Community Connections of Brockton1367 Main Street | Brockton, MA 02301T: (508) [email protected] | www.ccbrockton.org

July 5 - August 5, 2016Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.Look What I Created! Elementary school grades 3-5 July 5 - July 15 at the Canton Campus

Science Investigative Team Middle school grades 6-8 July 25 - August 5 at the Canton Campus

Summer ScienceExper ence

For more information, please contact Shannon Skelly at 781-821-2222 x2107 or [email protected] or visit www.massasoit.edu/science4kids

The Summer Science Experience provides students entering grades 3 through 8 with an engaging and hands-on science experience. Participating students use creativity and teamwork to solve interesting design challenges. In a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere, students interact with college professors who are committed to making learning science and math both rewarding and fun.

Summer Science Experience Just for Kids!

Learn more at massasoit.edu/science4kids

Are you a Grandparent raising your grandchildren?

If the answer is yes than this group is for you.

Grandparents Raising Again Feeling stressed or out of sorts

Please join our support group during coffee hour and meet with others just like you

Every Tuesday From 6 pm-7 pm 1367 Main Street

Brockton, Ma 02301 (508) 857-0272

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Fun

Sum

mer

Eve

nts Mayor’s Summer Park Program

The Mayor’s Office, BAWIB, & Brockton Public Schools, with support from the Brockton Police Department, and Brockton’s Promise, is sponsoring the Mayor’s Summer Park Program. The goal is to involve hundreds of children, ages 7-12, in fun and active day programs from 9 AM to 1 PM. More info will follow this initial sign-up. Free Breakfast and lunch served at all locations. Swimming at Brockton High School. Program runs: Monday-Thursday, from July 5 – August 18, 2016. Registration is required. For more information call the Mayor’s office at 508-580-7123.

BROCKTON AFTER DARK - Mayor Bill Carpenter & the Brockton Public SchoolsAges: 13-20. All FREE! All Activities are at Brockton High School unless noted. Starting on July 5 – August 25, 2016. Program registration is required. Program volunteers are needed!Program offers: Soccer, Swim, Tennis, 7 on 7 Football/ Physical Fitness, Tennis, Basketball, Woman’s Field Hockey, Wrestling, Boxing, Flag football, and Volleyball *Swim held at Manning Pool *Boxing at Cappiello Boxing 162 Main St. Transportation Provided Pick-up Starts @ 5:30pm Drop-off Begins at 9:15pm. For complete information please contact: The Mayor’s Office at 508-580-7123.

Friday Night Flicks in the ParkAugust 5 Tukis Playground 8:00 pm INSIDE OUTAugust 12 Keith Park, Campello 8:00 pm SINGIN’ IN THE RAINAugust 19 Hancock Playground 7:45 pm FINDING NEMOSeptember 10 *Mulberry Street Playground 7:00 pm ZOOTOPIA *Saturday

Watch a movie OUTDOORS on a GIANT 16 foot inflated screen! Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, we’ll supply free bottled water and popcorn. All children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the film. This event is FREE and family friendly. If there are any weather related questions, on the day of the movie event please check the Facebook pages for Equity Realty Plus MA and the City of Brockton. Brought to you by: David Offutt, Century 21/Equity Realty Plus, Mayor Bill Carpenter, and Brockton Parks Dept.

Brockton Farmer’s MarketBrockton Farmers Market. Friday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, July 8 - October 28, 2016 at Brockton City Hall Plaza, 45 School St., Brockton. The market accepts cash, credit, debit and SNAP/EBT/Food Stamps. Several vendors also accept WIC and Elder Coupons. Please stop by the market manager tent for more information. The market offers a range of locally produced vegetables, fruits and beverages in addition to weekly music and activities.

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You Could Be on The nexT Cover!

Enter our facebook cover photo contest! • Email your family photo to

[email protected]

• Photo with the most 'likes' will be featured on the next cover

© 2012

53 Plymouth Street, Brockton MA 02302 • 508.427.9010 • 508.583.6324

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infant/toddler

MULTIMEDIA RESOURCES

Reading, telling stories, talking, and language all enhance children’s literacy

development. The following two sites have some great info for you. You will find articles, tips, resources, and fun

ideas. Happy Reading!

Reading Rockets: Reading Rockets is a national multimedia literacy initiative offering

information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle,

and how caring adults can help. For additional information visit:

www.readingrockets.org/

¡Colorín Colorado! Colorín Colorado is a free web-based service that provides

information, activities and advice for educators and Spanish-speaking families of English language learners (ELLs). For

additional information please visit: www.colorincolorado.org/about/

Breastfeeding SupportBy: Waetie Sanaa Kumahia

In my four years of experience as a nursing mother, I have had the pleasure of doing what is best for my children nutritionally, and the opportunity to grow into a breast feeding advocate as I have learned

to speak up for my family’s needs in all kinds of situations. Here are a couple of things I have learned about how to be patient with myself and others during this process.

1. Breast feeding takes time. After having my son, and then my daughter, I was amazed at how much time it takes to feed a breast feeding baby. Feeding on demand means that we honor the fact that sometimes, especially during a growth spurt, the baby will want to feed every hour or more. Getting used to this new routine can be very tiring during the first few six months of feeding, but taking this time to sit down with my baby (instead of prioritizing laundry, organizing your home, going out, etc.) is what helped me to recover from the birth and slow down to connect with my babies. This is a sacrifice but it helped my babies feel less anxious, more confident, and happier as they learned that they could trust that their needs would be met.

2. It is important to balance your needs and your baby’s (or babies) needs. I stayed home for quite a bit of time with my son before I went back to work and this allowed me to sleep when he slept and replenish myself more regularly. With two children, I had to return to work at 10 weeks and I had to learn to use a pump so that I could keep giving my daughter breast milk while I was away. These were two very different

experiences, but they worked for me. If you are too tired to eat well, drink enough water, and get enough rest at night, it’s almost impossible not to supplement or use formula. And that is what you have to do to stay healthy, it’s good to have this as an option.

The things that I learned during this experience was to be patient, keep trying, not to give up and most important enjoying the bonding time with my child.

What’s going on?Brockton Public Library | Tel. 508-580-7890 ext. 301304 Main St, Brockton, MA . For all activities listed, please sign up at Children's room or call 508-580-7890 ext. 301

Read and Create at the East Branch, 54 Kingman St., Brockton MA 02302Tuesdays: July 5, 12, 19, & 26, 10:30-11:30 amAges: Birth - 5 years old. This family program will feature themed stories, crfts, information and resources for parents as well as a free book for every child.

STORY HOUR - A weekly pre-school story/craft program will be held at the Main Library on from 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. AGES 3-6.

Time for Twos - A program for two year olds and their parent/caregiver that includes stories, nursery rhymes, finger-plays, songs and simple activities. It will be held at the Main Library on from 10:30 a.m.- 11:15 a.m.

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infant/toddler UNDERSTANDING DIABETES DURING PREGNANCYBY: GOOD SAMARITAN MEDICAL STAFF

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, your doctor will discuss with you the risks for developing Gestational Diabetes (GDM). Women who have a family history of diabetes, are obese, or have had GDM in a previous pregnancy are more likely to develop diabetes during their pregnancy – according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as many as 9.2% of pregnant women, or, 1 in 10.

But, why?“The causes of Gestational Diabetes are not precisely known,” said Albert Franco, MD, Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist with Good Samaritan Medical Center. “Studies have pointed to pregnancy hormones blocking the body’s natural insulin production and organ’s sensitivity to Insulin.” Insulin is what helps us process the sugar we ingest – when that is not functioning properly, high levels of sugar remain in our blood leading to complications and diabetes.

How does it affect the baby?Insulin will not cross into the placenta the same way as other nutrients and glucose. This results in the baby having high levels of glucose, and, since she’s still growing her pancreas will produce extra insulin – more than she can use – which will then cause extra nutrients be stored as fat. This is called macrosomia, commonly referred to as “fat baby”. Babies born with macrosomia are at greater risk for health concerns later in life including breathing issues, childhood obesity, and adult onset type 2 diabetes.

How is it diagnosed and treated?Between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy, a 2-step screening system for gestational diabetes takes place. The first step is a 1-hour glucose challenge test (GCT). Patients drink a sugary substance and after waiting one hour, the blood is tested through a finger prick. If the result is abnormal, a second, 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is given. For patients who show high levels of glucose in their blood after the three hours, a diagnosis of GDM may be determined.

“Once diagnosed, treatment needs to begin right away,” said Dr. Franco. “The goal of treatment is to keep blood glucose levels at healthy numbers. This will include adjusting the diet, increasing safe exercise, and frequent monitoring of blood glucose.” In addition, some women will need to begin medication such as insulin injections.

Patients with GDM will be seen by a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist (MFM) in addition to her Ob-Gyn and often times a Diabetic Specialist who helps manage medication and Insulin regimen. The MFM will use a growth ultra sonogram to measure the baby and determine if his or her rate of growth is consistent with other babies. This assessment will occur every 4-6 weeks leading up to delivery. In addition increased fetal testing will be started in the 3rd trimester to help decrease risk of complications.

Most women will also meet with a nurse educator to help manage their nutrition, insulin and / or medication, and make adjustments as needed. “Maintaining proper treatment during this time is crucial for the wellbeing of the baby,” said Franco. “It will help lower the risk of complications and cesarean section birth that larger babies often require.”

What happens after delivery?Gestational diabetes usually ends when the baby is born – however, there is increased risk of it returning during subsequent pregnancies. Some women remain diabetic, as it is possible they were pre-diabetic before the pregnancy, and many women develop type 2 diabetes in the future. The good news is that diabetes is very manageable – many patients are able to maintain their blood glucose through diet and exercise alone. “We encourage all our patients to continue with proper nutrition and a basic exercise routine,” said Dr. Franco. “It’s especially important for mom’s who are at risk of developing diabetes down the road.”

Good Samaritan partners with the expert providers from Boston Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) to provide comprehensive care for patients who may be considered high risk.  Sometimes a high-risk pregnancy is the result of a medical condition present before pregnancy. In other cases, a medical condition that develops during pregnancy for either mom or baby causes a pregnancy to become high risk. Doctors Albert Franco, MD and Kee-Hak Lim, MD, FACOG are both Board Certified in Maternal Fetal Medicine and work together with the Imaging Staff, OB-Gyn providers and patients to identify and manage the care of patients throughout their pregnancy. For more information about maternity services at Good Samaritan Medical Center, please visit: https://www.goodsamaritanmedical.org/services-directory/maternity-services

Sources: Boston Maternal Fetal Medicine Centers for Disease Control American Diabetes Association

A BABY’S SMILE By Elizabeth Chouinard, RDH and Carol Gilmore, RDHPublic Health Dental Hygienists Co-Founders of Protecting All Smiles, LLC

Is there anyone who doesn’t love a baby’s smile?  Among parents, it is a common misconception that care of a child’s primary (baby) teeth does not need to be a priority as those teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced. In fact, it is extremely important to maintain the health of primary teeth. Children’s teeth begin to form before birth.  As early as 4 months, their first teeth begin to surface.  By the age of three, most of the 20 primary teeth have emerged.  Permanent teeth begin to appear around age 6 and continue to emerge until approximately 21 years of age.

Having a child screened and examined by a dental professional within six months of his or her first teeth emerging is important for a number of reasons.  Most importantly, this allows a dental professional teach the parents how to establish the proper oral hygiene habits from the beginning and screen for any potential problems.

When cavities are not properly taken care of in baby teeth, they can affect the development of permanent teeth and even cause infection.  Cavities are classified as a disease and affect more young children than asthma.  Keeping primary teeth healthy ensures a child is able get proper nutrition as they are able to chew and eat comfortably.  Primary teeth hold the space for the proper emergence of permanent teeth. 

The development of a child’s speech and appearance can also be affected by primary teeth. Parents can help a child have great oral health, right from the very beginning, by scheduling a dental screening and exam as early as possible.

See more at: www.bamsi.org/blog/2013/02/06/why-are-baby-teeth-important/#sthash.x9s28okJ.dpuf

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preschool/K

Things That Make You Think About Summer

Hot WeatherHumidity

Fourth of July and Labor Day FestivitiesFireworks

Wearing shorts, short sleeves shirts and sandals every day

Flowers growing in your garden/yardGoing to Farmer's MarketsWatching fire flies at night

Sleeping outside under the starsBees, Bugs and Butterflies

Working in your yardGoing fishing with your family

Baseball gamesYard Sales

Block PartiesTrips to the Beach

SUMMERTIME DAY TRIPS MADE EASYBy: Maria Wilson-Sepulveda

One thing that I have learn after becoming a parent is that you can’t never be over prepared. I discovered that planning a day

trip, being prepared for any basic situation is key.

When our girls were little I made sure that their diaper bag was stocked with all the essentials, diapers, wipes, change of clothes, blankets and small toys or books. I always had children music CDs to sing a long on the ride. Other items that I always had in the car (and still do) is a first aid kit and emergency kit. The first aid kit had the basics for those small cuts and bruises. The emergency kit contained a big blanket, flashlight with fresh batteries, emergency flags and other items. Best to be prepared.

To make the trip simple, I would do my research, for example, I would do a GOOGLE search for the length of the trip. Looked for attractions, hotels in the area, just in case we decided to stay overnight and any good family friendly restaurants.

If the trip was to go to the beach, I would check the weather the night before to set what time we should head out. I would then pack the towels, sunscreen, and a change of clothes in one bag and any beach toys or any other toys to keep the girls entertained in another. We would load up the car the night before with the beach chairs and umbrella and leave everything that we were taking to the beach by door that way we would not forget anything. That way we weren’t scatter brains as we were heading out the door.

In the morning, my husband would pack up the cooler with water, juice, fruits, and snacks. He would also check the car for the basics, checked the tires, coolant, oil and made sure we had gas. With small children in your car, the last thing you need is get a flat, run out of gas or have your radiator overheat during the ride.

For trips to the museum or exploring a new area, when our girls were little we always carried the stroller. It made it so much easier, especially when we were out during their nap time. It would give them a place to nap while my husband and I still had time to explore and enjoy some couple time. Always had a change of clothes, sippy cups and snacks. I made the bag small with just the basics and the ever important blanket, binky and favorite small toy. Had to be prepared as we never knew when a meltdown was going to happen.

Taking the time to make these pre-trip preparations and preparing our children’s basic needs made the day more enjoyable. Keeping it simple and let us enjoy our day.

What’s going on? BROCKTON PUBLIC LIBRARIES - SUMMER WALK IN CRAFTS

WEST BRANCH WALK-IN CRAFTS, 540 Forest Ave, Brockton, MA 02301, 508-580-7894 Wednesday, 2–7 p.m. Children can visit the library to work on a craft project. (Ages 4 and up)

EAST BRANCH WALK-IN CRAFTS, 54 Kingman St, Brockton, MA 02302, 508-580-7892 Thursday, 3–7 p.m. Children can visit the library to work on a craft project. (Ages 4 and up)

MAIN LIBRARY WALK-IN CRAFTS, 304 Main St., Brockton, MA 02301, 508-580-7890 ext.301Thursday, 10 am - Noon. Children may walk-in to work on an art project

Brockton Main Library Events: Please sign up in the Children's Room or call 508-580-7890 ext.301Tuesday July 19, 2016 Olympic Dreams, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Ages 3-8 Be a sport and join us for a look at the Olympics and all things sports with songs & crafts and more!

Tuesday August 9, 2016 I Love Islands, 6:30 PM-7:30 PM, Ages 3-8Put on your suntan lotion. It's time to go island-hopping from Haiti to Puerto Rico to the other side of the world. Join us as we celebrate islands with stories, songs, and crafts!

CFCE Summer Programs and Activities: Summer Fun Family Literacy activities, special events are planned in collaboration with BPS Title 1, Raising a Reader MA, Brockton Public Library, The Family Center and other community organizations. There will be playgroups, information, resources and referrals. For additional information and to sign up for our newsletter, please call the CFCE office at 508-580-7491 or email at [email protected].

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preschool/K

Seven Intelligences of childrenBy: Waetie Sanaa Kumahia

Howard Gardner is a researcher who has identified seven distinct intelligences. His work tells us that ALL children are smart in more than one way! Here are his seven categories of intelligence. Which ones do you recognize in your kid or yourself?

1. Language: This child is chatting with friends, singing songs, telling secrets, raising their hands a lot, asking 100 questions, talking back when they don’t agree, or negotiating about their punishment. Maybe a future CEO, lawyer, politician, talk show host, or actor.

2. Logical-Math: This child is doing puzzles, figuring out the change before you do, creating or playing card games, making a chart of information, calculating things in their head, helping with cooking, or trying to figure out how to make money. Maybe a business owner, electrician, logistics director, accountant, or math professor.

3. Spatial Representation: This child is drawing, creating models, helping you with directions when you get lost, creating things that do not exist, figuring out new/ original solutions to his/ her problems. Maybe a city planner, artist, architect, New York cab driver, inventor, or construction worker.

4. Musical Thinking: This child sings a lot, recognizes patterns in language, memorizes information well when it is in music, is sensitive to rhythms and sound in their environment, knows all the words to his/her favorite songs, will make an instrument out of anything, taps their hands or body when thinking deeply, or playing music while studying. Maybe a Church music director, music teacher, song writer, branding specialist in advertising, musician, or music executive.

5. Physical intelligence: Using your body to solve problems or make things; this child is taking risks that worry you sometimes, standing up to the bully, always moving, climbing everything at the playground, learning all the newest dance moves, and has an easy time learning to swim or do other physical activities. Maybe police officer, dancer, karate teacher, EMT, physical therapist, cable guy, or undercover reporter in dangerous situations, or adventurer.

6. Understanding other people: This child is a leader who is often solving conflicts between friends, standing up for the kid who is left out, taking turns without a fuss, using common sense or street smarts, and sharing or caring for others without being asked. Maybe a marriage counselor, community organizer, social worker, or a religious leader.

7. Understanding yourself: This child will behave wise beyond their years, will be stubborn at times, enjoys writing in their diary, knows how to protect themselves, has good judgement, has natural confidence, and, has a strong inner compass or values, and is at home with others or by themselves but has a few select friends. Maybe a memoir or opinions, writer, advocate, home maker, nun, or artist.

EAT CLEAN… A HEALTHY RECYCLING TIPBy: Melisa Gillings

Growing up in the Caribbean I’ve seen my grandparents plant their own vegetables and fruits. They both live longer with fewer complications because they knew what was going in their body. Not saying fruits or vegetables that are being sold in supermarkets are bad for you, but I am saying when you grow your own crop is like you reap what you sow.

My grandparents recycled everything because they had a farm so everything went back into the soil to make natural nutrient for the plants.

On a typical Sunday when most Caribbean people prepare dinner (I choose Sunday because it’s special day when the entire family is normally together) nothing goes to waste. Seeds from the pepper will be dry and saved for re-planting, skins from the carrots will be grind and blend to make carrot juice, and left-over mince onions with carrot and peppers is put in a jar with white vinegar and pimento seeds to make pickle pepper also known as a homemade hot sauce. Even the coconut that was blend used to make rice and peas, I watched my grandmother blend and juice the coconut, the coconut water was used for making the rice and peas the coconut trash/minced used for either baking coconut cake called “toto” or “drops”. So really nothing went to waste.

With that said, growing your own garden and recycling everyday things you eat goes along way; not only stretching you money especially if you have a huge family, but also giving you the ability to control what you feed your body.

I am not a doctor or by anyway representing any companies or health official, I am just a mother who plant and grow her own garden. I must say my family benefits from my seasonal garden very well, because we are able plant different fruits, veggies and share within our family.

During my 10 years of gardening, I’ve learned that gardening helps with lowering my stress levels. It relaxes and calms my mind. So, thanks to my grandparent for schooling me a better way of eating healthy.

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Adopting from Foster CareBy: Victoria Tucker, LCSW Child Services CoordinatorM.A.R.E. (MA Adoption Resource Exchange

Can you provide the guidance, love and stability that a child needs? If you’re at least 18 years old, have a stable source of income, and room in your heart, you may be a perfect match to adopt a waiting child. Adoptive parents can be single, married, or partnered; experienced or not; renters or homeowners; LGBTQ singles and couples.

There are approximately 2,400 children in Massachusetts foster care with the goal of adoption. Through no fault of their own, they cannot be raised by their birth parents. Many will be adopted by a relative or foster parent, but more than 600 have no one to adopt them yet.

To adopt a child from foster care, you must go through a training, interview and matching process. To begin, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE), for referrals to agencies in your area (617-542-3678). A social worker from one of the agencies will meet with you, and then refer you for the Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP) training that is required of all foster and pre-adoptive families. After completing the MAPP course, you’ll have meetings with a social worker who will conduct your “home study” to explore adoption possibilities with you and begin to match you with a waiting child. It’s important to balance patience with persistence to make a match that will build a lifelong family.

It costs little or nothing to adopt a child from foster care. Unlike international or private adoptions, there is no adoption agency fee. There are also a number of free post-adoption support services available to families statewide, including support groups and respite care. Children with special needs who are adopted from the foster care system are eligible for ongoing financial and medical assistance after adoption. Children adopted from foster care are also eligible for a tuition waiver to attend a Massachusetts state college or university.

To learn more about adoption from foster care, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at 617-54-ADOPT (617-542-3678) or visit www.mareinc.org.

The sooner you call, the sooner a waiting child will have “a permanent place to call HOME.”

BROCKTON PUBLIC LIBRARY 304 Main Street, Brockton MA Tel 508-580-7890 ext 301Please sign up in the Children's Room for all activities.

Tuesdays: July 5 - August 23, 2016, Read With Miss Marilyn's Spaniel, 12:30 –2:30 p.m. Grade: 1-6 Ms. Thayer & her credentialed family therapy dog invite children to practice and improve their reading skills in a relaxed and nonjudgmental atmosphere. The dog loves having children read to him. Each child signs up for only one individual 20 minute session during this 8 week program.

Tuesday July 12, 2016 Up, Up and Away 6:30 pm Ages 5-12Mad Science of Greater Boston will captivate and amaze children with a high energy demonstration of how air pressure affects the world around us. The Mad scientist will make a hot air balloon out of a dry cleaning bag, show children a hovercraft in motion, and more.

Monday June 20, 2016 - Saturday August 13, 2016 ON YOUR MARK, GET SET...READ Exercise your mind by joining our summer reading club. You will receive a reading log, bookmarks and other surprises along the way. Younger children can also participate by having someone read to them.Please sign up on or after June 20 in the Children's Room, East Branch or West Branch. Sponsored by the Brockton Public Library, the Boston Bruins, and the MA Board of Library Commissioners.

Tuesday August 2, 2016 Storytelling and Music with Eshu Bumpus, 6:30 pm, Ages 4-12Renowned storyteller and accomplished jazz vocalist, Eshu Bumpus captivates his audience by telling a variety of African, African-American, and world folktales, combined with music, humor, mystery and audience participation. This family event will be held at the Main Library.

What’s going on? FREE SUMMER MEALS

Food that’s IN, when school is OUT!

Brockton Youth Summer Programs: Fun activities and Nutrition Education at Program Sites along with Free Meals. Free for all friends age 18 and under. For more

information call 508-580-7514. Thanks to the following sponsors: Brockton Public Schools, Brockton’s Promise,

Eos Foundations, MA Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education, CNOP and Project Bread.

Brockton Public Main Library Tuesday Movie Nights

Bring your whole family as we watch a terrific family-friendly movie at the Main Library. We’ll provide the

snack & the beverage. You don’t even have to buy tickets! Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Movie begin promptly at 6:00 pm.

July 26, 2016: Disney's The Good Dinosaur, Rated PG - 94 Minutes

August 16, 2016: Disney's Aladdin - Rated G - 90 Minutes

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HI! MY NAME IS MICHAEL. I AM VERY ATHLETIC!Submitted by: Victoria Tucker, LCSW Child Services Coordinator M.A.R.E. (MA Adoption Resource Exchange)

Michael is an engaging, energetic and active 10-year-old African American boy who likes playing video games and Pokémon cards.  He also likes arts and crafts, board games and action figures.  Michael is well-coordinated and athletic, and he shows confidence in his abilities.  He has played flag football and has also taken karate lessons.  Michael does well playing with his peers and in groups.  He is currently placed in a group home where he has developed some positive relationships with the staff.

Michael has responded well to the structure of his therapeutic classroom and he has formed some positive, trusting bonds with teachers and staff.  He is a creative writer who enjoys writing his own stories and making books.

Michael would do best in a two-parent home, or with a resilient and vigilant single parent, that could provide him with structure and calm limits while also being able to offer him warmth and affection. Michael would like a family with whom he could “share a lot of laughs” with and who would also protect him. He also needs to remain in contact with his younger sister.  To learn more about Michael, and about adoption from foster care, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at 617-54-ADOPT (617-542-3678) or visit www.mareinc.org.

The sooner you call, the sooner a waiting child will have “a permanent place to call HOME.”

Response to InterventionBy Magalie A. Pinney

Parents and their children have moved to Brockton from other urban cities, inner cities and towns, in and out of state, and in and out of the country. With that diversity in student population come variety in school instruction methods made available to these families.

For those families who have opted not to homeschool, or enroll their children in parochial, private and/or independent schools, the Brockton Public Schools have been a highly rated option. This was our family’s choice. There are times where teachers and parents need to work together for a response to intervention (RTI) if their child(ren) are currently struggling in the public schools. Parents should be aware that RTI is available like my family.

According to the Brockton Public Schools public website (brocktonpublicschools.com), RTI is a teaching model that exposes every child to core curriculum and programs while at the same time intensifying instruction to meet students’ needs. This is a multi-tiered approach to help struggling learners and involves in-depth science and research for educating the whole child.

According to the website, rtinetwork.org, the three–tier model is as follows: Tier I Intervention is for all students where general education-instruction occurs in the classroom; some parts of a lesson are taught whole group while others are taught to small groups of children; and formative assessments are administered to all students to determine their skill strengths and deficits. If a child is struggling here, then parents are made aware that Tier II Intervention is also provided to him/her. These applicable classroom students receive targeted intervention to address skill deficits; students are grouped by skill needs; groupings are determined by benchmark assessments; students’ progress is monitored every other week or more; their data is reviewed, their progress is evaluated and they are re-grouped accordingly.

If a child is not making adequate progress and still struggles since Tier II interventions were added, then parents are made aware that Tier III instruction is also provided. Instruction is based on formative and summative assessments and taught by a specialized teacher. Students’ progress is monitored weekly, their data is reviewed, their progress is evaluated and re-grouping is performed.

If a child does not meet the Tier III goals even with intensive and sustained instruction being performed, then the specialized teacher informs parents about Special Education screening via the Instructional support team (IST). Here a case manager is assigned to each IST case; student data is examined and the IST sets ambitious performance goals for the student’s achievement and subsequent plan adjustments are made. If a child does not meet these goals then a request for a Special Education team meeting is made.

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The Highland Street Foundation FREE FUN FRIDAYS

8 sites open for FREE each Friday.

10 FRIDAYS. 100% FREE.

June 24 – August 26, 2016.

For a complete list of sites or more information please visit:

HighlandStreet.org or call 617-969-8900.

What’s going on? Mayor's Summer Park Program FREE to Brockton Youth ages: 7-12, 9 am - 1:00 pm, Mon-Thur., July 5 - August 18, 2016.Free breakfast and lunch served at all locations. Swimming at Brockton High School. Held at James Edgar's Park, North Middle School and Gilmore. Registration is required. For more information contact the Mayor's Office at 508-580-7123.

BROCKTON PUBLIC LIBRARY 304 Main Street, Brockton MA Tel 508-580-7890Thursday June 30, 2016: The Sky is Falling: Asteroid Day 2:00 PM- 5:00 PM, Ages 10 and up. Celebrate Asteroid Day with NASA affiliated Pat Monteith who will show short movies on asteroids versus comets, stage a jet propulsion lab, activities, and a make-your-own edible asteroid. Contact: Lucia Shannon at 508-580-7890 x 203 or email: [email protected]

SUMMER FEST 2016Saturday, August 20, 2016, 10 am - 4 pm. Family Fun at Brockton High School. Crafts, Games, Activities, Food, and Music. For more information please call 508-584-2506 or visit www.brocktonyouthfoundation.org - Ideas and volunteers welcomed!

THE PARENT NET, PART 4By Magalie A. Pinney

It’s not every day that one can say they began their first day of job orientation with a fellow employee almost 15 years ago and have remained both colleagues and friends with that person since then. Tewabu is my inspiration here.

As an immigrant from Germany where she resided with her husband and before that Ethiopia, Africa from which she hailed, she had faced numerous cultural challenges and barriers as she was learning both English and American office politics simultaneously. We struck a chord our first work day together and were able to stay in touch primarily through work emails and periodic walk breaks and lunches. Eventually we arranged playdates with our daughters for events such as ice skating and science fair festivals in the Boston area.

She was very involved in what her cities of Quincy and Roslindale had to offer for daycare arrangements, schooling and extracurricular activities. She introduced me to a Boston STEM program called Science Club for Girls where she proactively enrolled her daughters. Eventually both my daughters would come to enjoy and love this club as well. I hope that like her oldest daughter mine will also become involved as a student mentor-teacher for the younger program participants.

Both her kids attend the prominent Boston Latin Academy, a rigorous exam school in the Boston Public Schools system. Her oldest has been accepted to two ivy-league schools and other prestigious private universities so I can’t help but be inspired to aspire for the best that Brockton has to offer my children. Two of

my three children have since been enrolled in the Brockton Public Schools’ Talented and Gifted TAG program.

Oftentimes the best parent networks can be formed for those mothers and fathers with like-minded interests and goals. She has furthered her own education to obtain a college degree while working part-time and parenting full time. This has inspired me to pursue that effort post graduate school as challenging as that is a course to juggle with family and work life balance. But, it’s always made all the more interesting when both parents come from such varied and diverse backgrounds with my being first generation American-born like her daughters and she being immigrant to the States like my parents had done before her.

I can only hope to continue to learn from my friend’s vigor, enthusiasm and perseverance like her daughters have already proven to learn from her. And like, Tewabu, I provide similar examples to challenge, interest and motivate my own two daughters and son on the other side of our enduring friendship.

Oftentimes the best parent networks can be formed for those mothers and fathers with like-minded interests and goals.

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The Importance of Staying Hydrated By Chris Draves

Summer signals the start of trips to the beach, spending time in and out of the water and spending more time out in the hot humid weather. You need to make sure your family stays hydrated during these activities.

During hot days when you and your family are out and about, your body loses water due to increased sweating. You need to drink more water than normal in hot weather in order to stop from becoming dehydrated and to stop the possibility of suffering from heatstroke or heat exhaustion. Water helps to regulate your body temperature, helps with digestion and protects your vital organs. Keeping hydrated also helps you to sleep. Watch the color of your urine. The darker your urine the more water you need to consume in order to become better hydrated.

Keeping hydrated also helps ward off headaches. Not being properly hydrated can cause you to experience headaches, become irritable and feel fatigued. Increasing your daily intake of water can reduce the intensity and duration of them. If you become dizzy, drink small amounts of water over time to make yourself feel better. Staying hydrated also helps you think better and act faster while doing whatever you are doing.

Want to help stop a coronary heart disease or a heart attack from happening? Drink more water to help decrease the risk of experiencing either. Sometimes when we think we are hungry, we are actually thirsty.

Drinking more water can help. You and your family also need to consume an adequate amount of water to burn calories in order to maintain a constant weight or consume extra amounts of water to help lose extra weight. Staying hydrated also helps with your bodily functions and helps things to move inside and out of your body.

Some of the symptoms of dehydration may include: ¨ Dry mouth ¨ Thirst ¨ Fatigue ¨ Impaired memory or concentration ¨ Headache ¨ Dizziness ¨ Constipation ¨ Muscle cramps

In order to keep you and your families’ bodies healthy and functioning properly, stay hydrated by drinking more water. It is generally recommended that everyone drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day. So make sure to bring water where ever you go this summer. And also remember that you can also become easily dehydrated during the winter because you’re not sweating like you do during the warmer weather months. So make sure you and your family continues to drink adequate amounts of water no matter what time of year it is in order to keep happy and healthy.

middle school

HI! MY NAME IS STACEY….I LOVE TO DANCE AND SING.Submitted by: Victoria Tucker, LCSW Child Services CoordinatorM.A.R.E. (MA Adoption Resource Exchange) Stacey is a very sweet, sensitive, and caring sixteen-year-old girl of Hispanic descent. She attends a local high school where she is in the tenth grade. Her focus is Culinary Arts and she loves it! She also loves to sing in her school’s chorus. Along with singing and dancing Stacey loves to swim and play with her hand held gaming system.

Stacey has stated that when she grows up she would like to be a social worker.

She currently has an Individualized Educational Plan for some cognitive delays and is in the life skills program. Within her program, she is an “A” student. Stacey has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, yet she is a very independent child. She is able to walk and go up and downstairs by holding onto objects in her home, then uses crutches when she goes out and utilizes a walker while she attends school. Her progress is monitored through Shriners Hospital. Stacey would do well in any family constellation, with or without other children.  To learn more about adoption from foster care, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at 617-54-ADOPT (617-542-3678) or visit www.mareinc.org.

The sooner you call, the sooner a waiting child will have “a permanent place to call HOME.”

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What’s going on? Mayor Bill Carpenter & Brockton Public Schools-BROCKTON AFTER DARKFree program for ages 13-20 held at Brockton High School. Monday - Thursday, July 5 - August 25, 2016. Free Dinner and Transportation provided. Registration is required. For complete information please call the Mayor's office at 508-580-7123. Volunteers are needed!

HOW DO YOU SCIENCE: A NEW ONLINE RESOURCE FOR STEM-BASED CAREER INFORMATIONBy NRT Staff

The NRT of Easton is proud to announce the creation of its newest STEM-related program, HowDoYouScience.org. This entirely online adventure was brainstormed by the creative and passionate staff members at the Natural Resources Trust of Easton. Though the NRT staff members pretty much live and breathe science every day, they've found that most people don't think that much about science at all, and many people don't ever consider a career involving science or other STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields.

But while talking about how many people underestimate the role of science in everyone's lives, one offhanded question- "Well, how do you science?"- was asked, and an exciting outreach initiative was born.

The NRT's How Do You Science? Outreach initiative is designed to expand people's understanding of how necessary and important science and all STEM fields are to every single person every day. Too many times people think that 'science' or 'math' is something that's only used in laboratories by scientists with lengthy titles after their names, but in reality STEM

principles are used everywhere, and everyone should know how great that is! How Do You Science? shares fun examples of real world science and concrete cases of how academic study and careers in many different science fields have lead people to an exciting, meaningful, and enriching professional lives in STEM fields.

How Do You Science? Combines the power of personal stories, online connections, and real world advice with the potential of social media to educate people, inspire them with creative and meaningful stories, and connect individuals to new sources of information that can give them important information on STEM careers.

To learn more about STEM careers, or for more information on how you can be involved with the How Do You Science? Initiative sponsored by the Natural Resources Trust of Easton, visit online: www.howdoyouscience.org.

CONGRATS TO THE CLASS OF 2016!

Brockton Parents Magazine would like to congratulate all of the

Classes of 2016

High school seniors from:

Brockton HigH ScHool

cardinal Spellman HigH ScHool

SoutHeaStern regional Vo-tecH And all other High Schools in the cities

and towns surrounding Brockton.

WE WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK FOR YOUR FUTURE!

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ADOPTING HEALTHY PRACTICESSubmitted by Signature Healthcare

Spring time is usually a time of renewal, fresh starts, and new beginnings. Here are two major tips to jump start you and your family into the season.

Be an active family:Spring is a good time to grow into an exercise routine. Some great ways to do this:

¨ Set specific activity times: try and find times when the whole family is available and devote that time to physical activity. You can try to do something active after dinner or start the weekend off with a morning walk.

¨ Include work around the house: involve the kids in yard work and or other chores around the house. You can have the children help with weeding, raking, planting, vacuuming.

¨ Use what is available: Plan activities that require little or no equipment or facilities such as walking, jogging, jumping rope, playing tag and dancing.

¨ Turn off the TV: Set a rule that no one can spend longer than 2 hours per day watching TV, playing video games, and using the computer unless it is for school work. Instead of a TV show your family could play an active family game, dance to a favorite song or go for a walk.

¨ Include other families: invite others to join your family activities.This is a great way for you and your family to spend time with friends while being physically active.

Adopt healthier eating practices:In addition to exercise, what you and your family eat is very important. Here are some few tips to help with healthy eating:

¨ Pigment your plate: You can add color to your meals by embracing what is in season. Load up on antioxidants by eating a rainbow of vegetables and fruits. You and your family can try a new fruit or vegetable every week!

¨ Choose less processed foods and eat more whole foods: Ditch the processed meats and instant foods. Try and make most of your meals from scratch and have your kids help with the meals. This way you are in charge of how many ingredients you get to add in your food.

¨ Choose a small plate for your meals: Choosing a smaller plate helps with portion control and reduced portion sizes.

¨ Always make half of your plate full of non-starchy vegetables: Examples are: dark leafy greens, green beans, broccoli, and cauliflower. The other quarter of your plate should consist of lean protein and the other quarter for carbohydrates.

¨ Go lean with protein: Choose lean meats such as eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, loin cuts of beef and pork. Also, plant protein is great source of lean protein, examples include: beans, lentils, and tofu.

¨ Drink lots of water. As you and your family increase physical activity this season it is also important to make sure you stay well hydrated!

Reference: www.usda.gov

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Volunteer Your Way to Success!By: Waetie Sanaa Kumahia

Perhaps you are approaching your final year of high school

and spending some time thinking about where you want to be once you graduate. There is no better way to find out if the things you think you enjoy and excel at could potentially become a career than by volunteering. By volunteering, you build your own skills in lots of big and small ways by contributing to an effort bigger than yourself.

You have the potential to gain mentors who can help guide you in your educational and career decisions. You gain opportunities to learn about various industries and might even save yourself the time of choosing a major that isn’t actually a good fit when you get to college. In addition, your presence might give someone else an opportunity to share what they have learned and their experiences with you, something many successful people are eager to do.

While many students love to get paid positions over the summer, sometimes volunteering can lead to bigger opportunities if you show yourself to be a responsible and reliable volunteer employee. Furthermore, as those college applications deadlines approach, the right summer experience can lead to an amazing and original college application.

It may be June, but do not be afraid to reach out to a trusted adult who can help you to brainstorm places that might be able to use or help you develop your skills. The great thing is that many organizations in our community, including this magazine, rely heavily on the volunteer work of local citizens to function on a day to day basis, so it is never to early or too late to volunteer your way to success!

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I DID IT! I GRADUATED FROM COLLEGEGet your College EducationBy Felicita Sepulveda

Four years ago I decide to start a journey of going to college. When I made that decision, I knew it was not going to be easy. Now four years later, look at me. I graduated from college! I made it! I did it!

Being a mother of seven wonderful children, a full time mom and having a full time job was very difficult for me. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my children encouraging me to never give up. Their support gave me the courage to attend college, semester after semester. It was hard as I lost time away from my children, but I knew it was for a good cause; to graduate from college so I can give my children a better life.

In this process, I have learned that with an education we can go on to better things. I always tell my children “If you want to be somebody in this life and get good things in life, educated yourself the most you can. Education is the key to success. Whether to get a better job, to change careers or just to learn. The reasons for getting a college degree are priceless.”

Whether you are a mom, working mom, stay-at-home mom, single or married mom, just know there’s nothing impossible in this life. You need to dream really high for yourself and that’s what I did by going to college. I did something for myself so I can be better for myself and my children.

Parenting is a full-time job, going to college is a full time job. Doing both at the same time is not an easy thing to do. You will need a lot of patience, courage and a lot of support from your love ones.

We don't live in a perfect world but we can make it better if we push ourselves by getting a better education. If you are considering going to college or going back to finish your degree, just go, don’t think twice about it! There’s a lot of resources out there that can help you to get an education.

Good luck, just give it a try. Just know that on Graduation day, all of your hard work will be justified with the best feeling in the world.

HarborOne U Classes, Brockton Campus: 68 Legion Parkway, Brockton MA 02301Tel 508-895-1770. Visit: harborone.com/HarborOneU or email: [email protected] for latest class offerings and workshops. Please check website for registration and full details. *Some classes may have a fee.

Volunteer Opportunities: Have extra time this summer? Need volunteer hours? Consider volunteering at the following area activities and/or organizations: Brockton After Dark - contact the Mayor's Office at 508-580-7123 SUMMERFEST 2016 - 508-584-2506 or visit: www.brocktonyouthfoundation.org The Family Center - 508-857-0272 or visit: www.ccbrockton.orgBrockton's Promise-The Alliance for Youth 508-565-1959 or visit: www.brocktonspromise.org

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME, Tuesday, August 2, 2016.

CONGRATS TO THE

CLASS OF 2016

CONGRATS TO ALL OF THE CLASS OF 2016 COLLEGE STUDENTS FROM:

BRIDGEWATER STATE UNIVERSITY MASSASOIT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

STONEHILL COLLEGEUMA-BOSTON & DARTMOUTH

WE WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK FOR YOUR FUTURE!

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Stonehill’s Mobile MarketBy: Jake Rafferty

The Farm at Stonehill was established in January of 2011 with the mission of providing fresh, nutritious produce to those who don’t have access to it in the Brockton area. Since 2011, Stonehill’s Farm Manager, Bridget Meigs, has worked to maximize the farm’s outreach and increase access to fresh, nutritious produce in Easton and Brockton. Over the past five growing seasons, all of the food produced at the farm has been donated to food banks and charities. Until now!

Last fall, Bridget Meigs and her students set out to establish a “Mobile Market” in Brockton with the purpose of selling healthy, organic produce, grown at the farm to Brockton residents for a very affordable price. Partially funded through a grant from Project Bread, The Mobile Market saw some success in its maiden voyage, setting up for six consecutive Wednesdays in the parking lot of Trinity Baptist Church and The Family Center in Brockton (1367 Main Street). During this pilot, volunteers joined Meigs to sell fresh produce to customers, rain or shine. With many health issues on the rise due to poor nutrition, it is very important that everyone not only have access to fresh, local foods, but learn about healthy ways to prepare and enjoy nutritious meals. To do this, The Farm partnered with UMASS Extension Nutrition Services who prepared meals during some of the markets right at the Mobile Market.

This year, the Mobile Market has teamed up with the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center in hopes of reaching more people. Mary Lynch from the BNHC recently stated, “The BNHC is thrilled to partner with the Farm at Stonehill this season! The Farm will be integrated into many various aspects of patient care at the health center.” Some of these initiatives involve free neighborhood cooking classes and providing recipes for cooking at home. Lynch and Meigs are discussing the use of a voucher system that will we be paid for through a grant that BNHC has received from Project Bread. Through this system, patients at the clinic who attend health seminars at the BNHC will be eligible to receive vouchers which will allow them to purchase nutritious foods at the Mobile Market and a local grocery store, Vicente’s Market.

The Mobile Market will open once again this June and will be setting up shop at two locations on Wednesday afternoons at The Brockton Neighborhood Health Center at their Main Street location and our original location (1367 Main Street). For more information about the Mobile Market and The Farm at Stonehill, please visit them online: www.stonehill.edu/farm

What It Means To Be an Adult Learner-One Woman’s PerspectiveBy: Michelle Miceli, Clemente Grad 2015, and Current College Unbound Student

Euripides, a playwright of Greek tragedies, said, “Learning is more effective when it is an active rather than a passive process”. As an adult returning to an academic environment I can totally relate to this quote. My return to school was a long thought out process. I questioned whether I could fit school into my schedule. I wondered how it would disrupt my normal routine of taking my sons to school, going to work, coming home to make dinner and spending time with my children. How would it affect my weekends and holidays? Could I handle the workload of assignments? Would I be disciplined enough to get my work done on time? All of these questions were scary to think about.

Over the last several years I had been looking for a new work environment. I saw job postings I was qualified for but there was a requirement I did not have; that is a Bachelor’s Degree. I knew if I wanted to earn higher pay and have a better job I would have to go back to school. I decided to make the commitment.

Going back to school as an adult is not easy. What it means to me is: » Many late nights » Many early mornings » Caffeine » Passing up on opportunities to do things with friends and family » Sacrificing cooking dinner and ordering out instead » Promising myself a better future » Being a good role model for my children » Learning my strength and value » Challenging my knowledge » Enriched living because of the relationships I’ve made

Though it is not easy, it is well worth the effort. Education in itself is a gift and the knowledge it imparts is priceless. If you are thinking of going back to school, consider building your support network. Talk to your family and friends about your dreams and surround yourself with those who are willing to help raise you up in a positive way. You are worth the investment.

There will always be obstacles in your way. Believing in yourself is half the battle. Learning is a challenge. Learning how to overcome those obstacles takes skill and talent. Every person has skill and talent. What it takes to succeed in your education is desire, motivation, and commitment.

If you are not sure where to start your educational journey, consider the Clemente Course in the Humanities. Visit http://www.ccbrockton.com/programsevents/clemente-program/ for more information, or you may call The Family Center at 508-857-0272. If you started college but didn't finish your degree you may want to consider College Unbound. For more information, visit their website at http://www.collegeunbound.org.

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BALLOONS, ARCHES, TOWERS, EVENT CONSULTATION & DECORBy Maria Wilson-Sepulveda

) 508-208-4569

* [email protected]

facebook.com/Mifiestaballoondecor

AFFORDABLE • FESTIVE • FUN

Are you without health insurance?

Or does your current health insurance not cover your prescription medications?

United Way of Greater Plymouth County, in partnership with FamilyWize Prescription Savings Card, can help!

• Free for everyone - no sign-up required• Covers all FDA approved prescription medications• Has been used over 20,000 times since 2007• United Way and FamilyWize have helped your neighbors save

over $1.4 million dollars in prescription medicine costs.

To start saving, simply cut out this card, download the free FamilyWize app or visit uwgpc.org/familywize to print your own card.

(508) 857-0272

 

EDWINE EL IE Fashion merchandiser/stylist

[email protected]

instagram: eternity0116

www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/eternity

 

b e c r e a t i v e b e c o n f i d e n t b e y o u

Check out our new summer collection!

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-21-

ResourcesBPS Summer Resource Guide can be found online at:https://www.brocktonpublicschools.com/uploaded/Parents-Community/Summer_Resource_Guides/BPS_2016_Summer_Resource_Guide.pdf

Summer Vacation Fun & Other Family Support Services, Groups and Activities:The Family Center, 1367 Main Street, Brockton, MA | 508-857-0272

Brockton Parks Department:45 Meadow Lane, Brockton, MA 02301, PHONE: (508) 580-7860, EMAIL: [email protected] HOURS: Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Background image courtesy of Greg Goebel on flickr.com.

Jamaican Toto Coconut Cake RecipeSubmitted by: Melisa Gillings

(Photo and Recipe from CooklikeaJamaican.com)

Here’s one of my favorite recipes. Great Summer time (or anytime) dessert.

Method*Preheat oven to 350 F

1. In a large bowl mix together all dry ingredients.2. Beat eggs and milk together and add melted butter.3. Add vanilla and rum (optional).4. Add above liquid to bowl with dry ingredients mix until blended. Do not over mix.5. Place batter in a greased oblong baking dish (about 13"x8") and bake at 350F for 1 hour.6. Cool on rack in baking dish and cut into squares.

Ingredients3 cups All-purpose flour1 1/2 cups Brown sugar1 1/2 cups Desiccated (unsweetened) or freshly grated coconut3 tsp Baking powder1 tsp Baking soda1/2 tsp Allspice1/2 tsp Nutmeg

1 tsp Ground ginger1/2 tsp Salt1/2 cup Raisins (optional)2 Eggs, well beaten2 cups Milk1/2 cup Butter, melted1 tsp Vanilla Extract (optional)1 Tbsp Jamaican rum (optional)

Brain Building in Progress is an informational campaign in Massachusetts. You may have seen the logo and information in materials from early childhood programs and CFCE resources. If you are interested in looking through the website, visit the following link: http://brainbuildinginprogress.org/about

We are all brain builders…our interactions with young children help their brains to develop. A resource book: Brain-Based Early Learning Activities: Connecting Theory and Prac-tice by Nikki Darling-Kuria has some great information. The following idea is from the author. This activity builds upon the ideas of dialogic reading – letting the child tell the story. It also supports oral language as an important literacy skill as well as one that can be used to pass down family traditions. ENJOY!

My Favorite Story!You will need a blank book. You can make one just by putting blank paper together with staples, in a three ring binder, or buying a journal with blank pages.

My favorite story is always changing - it’s never the same story twice. In fact, there are no words written on the pages of this book. I found a book at a local bookstore that was bound like a hard-back book but had blank pages. I started out by telling the children I was going to read them a new story. (This works great with one child as well.)

I began to turn the pages and “read” the story. I had to explain that there weren’t any pictures in the book, but that they could create the pictures in their minds.

The children soon caught on that this was a fun way to create stories, and every time I read the story, it had a different beginning, middle, and end. All children feel successful when they “read” this book because there are no actual words. It can be whatever they want it to be.

Use the blank book as a prop to hold while you make up the story. If you need help coming up with story ideas, think about favorite stories you read and make up different characters or different endings.

After you tell one of your stories, children can re-create the story in a book they can make themselves. Give children paper, cardstock, or a blank book and crayons, pencils, markers, etc. to illustrate their story. You can save each story in a binder so that you and your child(ren) have their own library of books that you designed!

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High-quality, affordable health care coverage

for you and your family.

tuftshealthplan.com

de bilingues

With Luz/con Luz

Every Wednesday in August

10-11am Todos los Miercoles en Agosto

10:00 am-11:00 am Location/lugar:

The Family Center 1367 Main St Brockton, MA 02301

Phone/Telefono: (508)857-0272

Ask for/Pregunte por: Luz

For Children ages

2-8yrs

Para Niño’s de edad

2 a 8 años

The Family Center Located at Converge Christian Center

When: July 19, 20, 21

And

August 16, 17, 18

From:

12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Where: 1367 Main St. Brockton, MA 02301

Please call us at:

508-857-0272

To let us know you’re coming!

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The Family Center

Summer 2016 Calendar of EventsThrough partnership and collaborations, The Family Center hopes to strengthen Brockton's families, neighborhoods and community, to increase parenting skills and neighborhood-based networks of support .

For more information or to register for any activity, please call 508-857-0272.

at Community Connections of BrocktonandSatellite at The Keith School

at Community Connections of Brockton

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR UPCOMING EVENTS! www.ccbrockton.org *If you have any questions about the above activities or would like to register, please call (508) 857-0272*

SPECIAL EVENTSSaturday, June 18th - Citizenship Clinic, 9:00 AM-3:00 PMIn partnership with MIRA Coalition of Boston, The Family Center will host a clinic to assist community members who wish to apply for U. S. Citizenship. Pre-registration is required. Call Maryline Sakpo to register at (508) 857-0272.

Friday, June 24th - Grown Women Real Talk, 5:30 PM-9:00 PMThis luau themed expo celebrates the self expression of womanhood, fun, rejuvenation and provides resourceful information for women and the betterment of their relational health. In addition to breakout sessions, women will enjoy a hilariously in depth panel discussion on self expression in romantic relationships. Register at www.gwrtexpo.eventbrite.com

Open Call - Sprinting through Autism Focus GroupIf you or someone you know is interested in participating, contact [email protected] for further details.

ONGOING GROUPS/CLASSESTuesdays - Your Second Cup with us, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Join us for free coffee, and bring your younger children to play, as we talk about current events, concerns, and learn about resources to make you and your child feel better. Program contact: [email protected]

Tuesdays - Grandparents Raising Again, 6:00 PM– 7:30PMA weekly support group for grandparents to share experiences and resources. Program contact: [email protected]

Wednesdays - Bilingual Story time, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Spanish/English - Stories and songs. Come join the fun! Program contact: [email protected]

Wednesdays - Nurturing Fathers, 13-Week Curriculum Based ProgramPrgram brings together men from all family circumstances (custodial, non-custodial, step fathers, new fathers). Gain tools to help effectively model good fathering behavior. Dinner and children’s activities/childcare provided. Program contact: [email protected]

Thursdays (1st Thursday of each month) - Brockton Parents Magazine, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Become a member of our magazine team! Dinner and childcare provided. Together we develop ideas, topics and themes for our quarterly magazine. You may help with writing, editing, marketing and distribution in this collaboration of community, by parents for parents, guardians, caregivers. Our magazine is distributed throughout all of Brockton and surrounding towns. Program contact: [email protected]

2nd, 3rd, 4th Fridays of the Month - Let’s Talk, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMGain tools to help effectively communicate with Doctors, school personnel, and others. This program is for adults who do not speak English as their first language. Program contact: [email protected]

www.ccbrockton.org

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Visit our website to see videos of some of our providers at www.goodsamaritan.org/maternity or call 508-427-3712 for a private tour of the Birthing Center at Good Samaritan Medical Center.

When it comes to Maternity Care, You Are the Center of Our World

The Birthing Center at Good Samaritan Medical Center offers advanced technology and contemporary family centered care with a personal touch.

Our newly renovated unit has Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists, Brigham and Women’s Newborn Care Physicians in our level II Nursery and special amenities including an elegant meal.

Our experienced team will personalize your care for the best birth experience possible.

EXPERIENCED MATERNITY CARE IS RIGHT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD