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Me r r im ack Va l l e y M ay 2018

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Yoga for

Kids

Goats to Go!

Raising Resilient Children

Merrimack Valley Parent Page 3

In this Issue

Features

4 Yoga for Kids

6 Goats to Go!

Columns & Departments 3 Sugar and Cholesterol

8 Summer Camps!

11 Miss Cathy’s Book Reviews

12 Carrot, Egg or Coffee Bean: Raising Resilient Children

Also...13 May Calendar of Events

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Carrot, Egg or Coffee Bean?- Page 12 -

If I had to make just one suggestion for how anyone can improve their diets, it would be to cut back on added sugars. Not only will this help control your cholesterol levels, it will also lower your risk of diabetes, lower your weight, and lead to healthier and less processed foods. But added sugars tend to be the last thing we think about when it comes to lowering cholesterol levels.

According to the American Heart Association, men should limit their added sugar intake to 9 teaspoons per day, which is equivalent to 36 grams of sugar or 150 calories. Women should limit sugar to 6 teaspoons per day, or 24 grams, 100 calories. To put that into perspective, the average American diet is about 22 teaspoons of added sugars per day, or an extra 350 calories from sugar alone.

An added sugar is defined as any sugar that is added during or after process-ing. It is not naturally occuring like the sugar in fruits and milk products. Added sugars come in many forms which makes it difficult to spot them on labels. Here are some common added sugar ingredients: • Agave nectar• Evaporated cane juice • Malt syrup• Brown sugar • Fructose • Maple syrup• Cane crystals • Fruit juice concentrates • Molasses

• Cane sugar • Raw sugar• Corn sweetener • High-fructose corn syrup • Sucrose• Corn syrup • Honey • Syrup• Crystalline fructose • Invert sugar • Dextrose • Maltose

This is a shortened list, but if you search for added sugars online, you will find hundreds of different names that added sugar can go by.

To identify whether a food has added sugar or not, you need to look at the ingredients. Look for the words above and other words that seem similar to sugar. On the nutrition facts label, the total grams of sugar listed may not be all added sugars. It could be naturally occurring sugars as well. For example, dried cranberries have 26 grams of sugar per ¼ cup. Some of that sugar is natural, right from the cranberry. If you look at the ingredients on the package, you will see that sugar is one of the ingredients, so part of that 26 grams is also added sugar.

To be a savvy consumer, start reading not just the front of the package, but the ingredients as well. You will be surprised how many products have sugar added into them. Some com-mon foods include:

• Sodas, juice, iced teas, sports drinks

• Alcoholic beverages• Ice Cream• Flavored yogurts and milk • Salad Dressings• Condiments (ketchup, BBQ sauce,

marinades, hot sauce, teriyaki) • Crackers• Cookies• Glazed/Marinated meats• Bakery goods • Candy and chocolate• Processed meats (honey turkey,

sweet sausage)• Pre-Made Sauces• Tomato sauce• Dried and canned fruits • Cereals • Flavored oatmeal

• Bread• Flavored coffee creamers• ….and many, many more!

In summary, good cholesterol levels are not just about fats. You need to cut back on saturated and trans fats, increase intake of healthy unsaturated fats, and minimize added sugar intake. And of course, get adequate exercise.

Sources: 1. American Heart Association: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/Nutrition/Added-Sugars_UCM_305858_Article.jsp#.WpATi4PwYdV 2. Harvard School of Public Health: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/added-sugar-in-the-diet/

How Lowering Your Sugar Can Help Improve Cholesterol LevelsBy Samantha McCarthy, MS, RD of Cedardale Health and Fitness

in Andover, MA

Merrimack Valley Parent Merrimack Valley Parent Page 5

We are now accepting new patients! Call or visit us today.

Walk in sick-call 8am-9am-no appointment needed Monday-Friday

chcmass.comfacebook.com/chc

Haverhill: (978) 373-6557

Newbury port: (978) 465-7121

Yoga has been a staple for many of us parents to gain some peace and to re-boot our minds to focus on all the daunting tasks at hand each and every day. If you haven’t tried yoga yet I highly recommend it.

Even if it is part of your routine, you may not have considered it as some-thing that could benefit your child as well. It can help them develop con-fidence, concentrate better and give them the exercise they need.Pbs.org explains the benefits of yoga clearly and the many things yoga can teach us about ourselves.

Quite simply, yoga is the “union” or coming together of mind (thoughts and feelings) and physical body. Many people feel an overall sense of well-being when they practice yoga.

It is about exploring and learning in a fun, safe and playful way, which is per-fect for children, and yoga can really teach them (and us adults) so much.Yoga teaches us about our bod-ies. When we practice the physical postures or exercises, we learn how to move more freely and with greater ease and awareness. These postures help our bodies become strong and flexible.

It teaches us how to breathe better. When we breathe deeply and fully and become more aware, we can bring peacefulness or energy to our bodies.Yoga teaches us how to use our energy more effectively. When we practice yoga, we learn how to use the life force energy in our bodies to feel more relaxed, focused, or motivated.

It teaches us how to quiet the mind. When we practice yoga, we learn how to be still. This helps us to listen with attention and make good decisions.Yoga teaches us about balance. When we practice yoga, we learn to be more aware about the need for balance in our lives. This could mean equal stretching on the left and right sides of our bodies or making sure we balance our very busy time with equal quiet time and relaxation.

It teaches us to be the boss of our bod-ies. It teaches us to listen to our bodies by modifying or changing poses that are too hard or cause pain.

Yoga teaches us about taking care of ourselves. Yoga is a great way to move our bodies and feel healthy. And teaching children how to take care of themselves is one way to show love. As with all forms of exercise, a good yoga practice can mean a good night’s sleep.

Many schools are now teaching yoga to young children, and there are many choices of after-school or weekend classes for kids and families.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and The National Association of the Education for Young Children recom-mend that children should participate in activities that support the develop-ment of the whole child. That is exactly what yoga is all about!

What better list of moves to start with than Spring Yoga for Kids from kidsyo-gastories.com. My daughter has tried

all of these and truly loves doing them everyday in the yard - weather permit-ting of course!

Sun (Sun Salute or Extended Moun-tain pose)Stand tall, look up, reach your arms up to the sky, and place your palms together.

Tree (Tree pose)Stand on one leg, bend your opposite knee, place the sole of your foot on your inner thigh, and balance. Sway in the breeze like a tree.

Bird (Warrior 3 pose)Stand on one leg. Extend the other leg behind you. Bend your torso forward and take your arms out in front of you to pretend that you are flapping your wings like a bird.

Rain (Standing Forward Bend)From mountain pose, bend your upper body, reach for your toes, and hang your arms like the falling rain.

Planting a garden (Squat pose)Come down to a squat and pretend to plant seeds in the garden.

Caterpillar (Locust pose)Lie on your tummy with your arms stretched out front and inch along a leaf like a caterpillar.

Bee (Hero pose)Come back to rest upright on your heels, buzz with your arms, and prac-tice a humming breath.

Butterfly (Cobbler’s pose)Sit on your buttocks with a tall spine, bend your legs, place the soles of your feet together, and gently flap your legs like the wings of a butterfly.

Flower (Flower pose)Come to sit on your buttocks with a tall spine, lift your legs, balance on your sitting bones, touch the soles of your feet together, and weave your arms under your legs. Pretend to blos-som like a flower.

Relaxing in the Park (Resting pose)Lie on your back with your arms and legs stretched out. Breathe and rest. Close your eyes and imagine the sights and sounds in the park.

Yoga can also be used as a tool to stop a tantrum in its tracks.

Childhood101.com provides some great tips for how to introduce this method and five “Move to Calm” poses to help your child successfully calm down before a complete meltdown.Don’t try and start this during a tan-trum. Instead, try out the idea of yoga when you are both calm and connect-ed and it can be a fun activity to learn together. This way they will be familiar with the poses and routine when it is time to try and use them.

Once comfortable with the pose sequence, they can take a deep breath in and a deep breath out during each pose to further help calm their body and mind.

“I am strong.” (Warrior 2 pose)From standing position, step one foot back, placing the foot so that it is fac-ing slightly outwards. Take your arms up in parallel to the ground, bend your front knee, and look forward. Pretend to be a surfer and use your strength to catch tricky waves.

“I am kind.” (Tree pose)Stand on one leg, bend your knee, place the sole of your foot on the op-posite inner thigh, and balance. Sway like a tree. Think of trees being kind by offering shade, creating oxygen, and providing homes to animals.“I am brave.” (Chair pose)

Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart, bend your knees, and keep a straight spine. Hold your hands out in front of you, pretending to grasp ski poles as you fly down a ski run like a brave and fearless skier.

“I am friendly.” (Downward-facing Dog pose)Bend down and place your palms flat on the ground. Step your feet back to create an upside down V shape with

your buttocks high in the air. Straight-en your legs, relax your head and neck, and look down between your legs. Think of being an eager and friendly dog.

“I am wise.” (Hero pose)Drop your knees to the ground and come down to rest upright on your heels. Then pretend to be a wise owl perched on a tree. Twist your upper body one way and then the other.Whether you and your family use it as a calming tool, group activity or just decide as a parent you need a few mo-ments to recenter yourself, yoga can benefit everyone. Find the poses that work best for each individual and find a sense of calm and strength each day.

By Joni Lazisky

Sun TreeBird

Rain Squat

Locust

Hero Butterfly Flower

Resting


According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for March, the last calculated time period at the time this story was printed, stood at 3.5 percent, four-tenths lower than the same period last year, and six-tenths lower than the national average for March.

The job market is so hot now even a herd of goats from Georgetown is find-ing jobs.

Yes, you read correctly. Goats. George-town. Working.

Okay, so they don’t arrive at the of-fice, punch a clock, fetch coffee and answer phones, but they’re industrious little creatures and work around the clock when needed. They’re pampered too. They spend their summers in George-town, arriving in mid-May, but come the middle of October they’re loaded onto a trailer and driven south to Florida.

The goats belong to the Aulson fam-ily of Georgetown.

The fury little creatures, which weigh between 20 and 50 pounds, depend-ing on the variety of goat, reside at Great Rock Farm through the summer and are employed for landscaping and yoga.

To be more specific, boar goats, which grow to be 50 or more pounds are used for “greenscaping” while the baby fainting goats, or kids, which weigh roughly 20 pounds, are used for yoga.

Michelle Aulson said the family has about 130 goats. She also said they

own about 150 sheep, which are also used for “greenscaping.” Goats are used for pruning areas thick with vines, while sheep are used for areas over-grown with grass. Only goats are avail-able to interrupt your downward dog pose, in a goat-friendly and adorable way of course.

“Sheep are more grazers and will go after grass,” explained Aulson. “Goats are browsers, the first thing they go after is vines and get into shrubs. They like the woody bark.”

Both goats and sheep are rented out to get out of control areas back to their natural beauty.

When it comes to landscaping, Aul-son’s father Alan will visit the area to be pruned back, shall we say, so he can decide how many animals will be needed and for how long, he can then quote the job. It’s not unusual to have the goats on a property for upwards of 24 hours.

Last year the Aulsons loaned out their goats to North Andover to help re-

discover an overgrown cemetery in town. The Aulsons trailered 50 goats to the property, fenced them in, and let them get to work. A day later gravestones were uncovered that had long since been forgotten about.

Because goats are “mis-chievous and curious” they’ll tend to wander if their energy isn’t fo-cused on a specific area. Hence the need to fence them in.

Michelle Aulson said typically they’ll recom-mend 25 goats per acre of land. The Aulsons

also loaned out the sheep to trim the grass in a field filled with solar panels. The sheep are perfect for this work because it involved grass, but also be-cause sheep won’t climb up onto the solar panels as the goats would.

This business venture began about five years ago when the Aulsons got their goats and asked, “what do we do with goats.”

The yoga arm of the business started just over a year ago. Michelle Aulson enjoys yoga as a method of relaxing, it’s her “grounding”, she said. She’d read about others using goats during yoga classes, so she talked with some yoga instructors and they started hosting classes on the farm. Six classes and 1,700 yoga enthusiasts later, the goat yoga craze on Great Rock Farm began.

“It’s fun to see the smiles on people’s faces,” she said. She did say if you’re squeamish around animals and don’t like the goats climbing on you, or coming from nowhere and sitting on your lap.

“This isn’t a petting zoo,” she said. They’ll probably (be) on your lap at some point during the class.”

They may even relieve themselves around you, as a group of teenagers discovered.

“Most people are fine with them, but we did have a few high school girls who were a little freaked out when that happened,” she said.

Because goats are curious by nature and are very interactive ,everyone has a good time, said Aulson.

Class sizes are limited to 30 people, which makes the person-to-goat-ratio one to one. Although that doesn’t mean each person will get one goat each. There are times that goats will double and triple team class attend-ees.

All services, class schedules and in-formation can be found at goatstogo.farm.

Goats to Go!By Mike Sullivan


Jim Loscutoff’s

Our 47th Year Providing a WonderfulCamping Experience for Boys & Girls

in a Natural Forest Setting.

www.campevergreen.com166 Jenkins Road, Andover, MA

978-475-2502This camp complies with the regulations of the M.D.P.H. & is licensed by the Andover Board of Health

2 Pools • Softball • Tennis • Archery• Boating & More!!

Door to DoorTransportation

Camp EvErgrEEnCamp EvErgrEEn

Summer Day CampNow Accepting Applications

Ages 4.5 to 14

Celebrating 55 Years of Providing a Wonderful Camping Experience for

Boys & Girls in a Natural Forest Setting2 Pools • Softball • Tennis • Archery • Boating

Horseback Riding • Drama • Arts & Crafts & More! Door to Door Transportation

888 Boston Road, Haverhill, MA 01835978-521-7700 www.cedarland.net

Applica� ons Available Online

Keeping it Fit,Focusing on Fun!• Daily Swim Lessons • Mini-Golf

• Arts ‘n Crafts • Water Safety

• AMAZEment Action Playcenter

• SkyWalk Ropes Course

• Tennis Fun & Games

• Climbing Wall • And Much More!

Full Day (Ages 4 - 12)

Junior Outing (Ages 12 - 14)

Camp Starts June 25th!

SummerCamp!WeeklySessions!Full&Halfday!Forallagesand

abilities

978-373-1300104KingSt,GrovelandMA

[email protected]

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toyou.Perfectforanyoccasion!

!Lessons!Boarding!ShowTeam!Camp

Summer Camp• Weekly Sessions

• Full Day• For all ages and

abilities

FENCING!

Youth Beginner Summer Camp August 20-24

[email protected]

40 Rogers RoadHaverhill, MA 01835


Miss Cathy’s

Children’s Books Reviews By Cathy A. Morrow

I LOVE BOOKS

Where kids can “ACT UP” all summer long!

KIDSTOCK!

outstandingSUMMER THEATERPROGRAMSages 4-15

50 Cross Street, Winchester, MA

Individual Weeks & Days from June 18 through August 30

KIDSTOCK!kidstocktheater.com

781-729-5543

Summer Fun for Everyone!

• 4 Crystal Clear Pools • Supervised Jr. Rec programs• 10 Tennis Courts - 4 New ProClay Courts • Swim/Dive/Tennis lessons & teams• Wet ‘n Wild Sprayground • Mul� purpose health & fi tness center

OpeningJune 16th

~ Outdoor Facili� es Only ~Membership Valid June 16 - Sept 3All this Fun Just Minutes away!

Summer MembershipsNow Available!

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JOIN TODAY!

Over the last couple decades fewer kids have been going to camp for the entire summer, mainly because of the vast number of summer opportunities offered to them. Many camps that have one or two week sessions with the option to attend three weeks or more, are finding that a majority of campers opt for shorter stays, while camps that operate on a four, six, or eight week session are having to work extra hard to fill sessions. There is also a trend of campers arriving to camp late or leaving camp early because of other commitments, as well as a growing number of cancellations. While the good news is that more kids are getting a camp experience, the struggle for parents and campers is all the choices they have between camps and other opportunities. As a camp person, I believe in what camp has to offer, but it is important to pick what is best for you and your child. When

making decisions about summer schedules, here are some things camps offer that you might not realize:

CAMP IS A UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY Camp encourages critical thinking, independence, and self worth. Chil-dren who participate in enrichment activities such as camp, after school programming, sports, and electives outside the traditional school subjects get better grades and have better study habits. Camp teaches grit and determination and lays a solid frame-work for a growth mindset.

CAMP KEEPS KIDS ACTIVE In a research project done by Merrimack College students, it showed that on average students participating in Outdoor Education at camp achieved their rec-ommended step count in two hours, whereas on average they only reached half their recommended step count

in a typical school day in a building. Again, children who are more active do better in school, develop better lifelong eating and exercise habits, and have less of a chance of developing a chronic disease.

CAMPS ARE TYPICALLY A BREAK FROM SCREEN TIME Camp teaches children the importance of face to face interaction. While tech-nology is an important skill to learn to stay relevant, campers are learning how to excel in human connections. Core skills such as articulating and verbalizing issues and resolutions, while maintaining eye contact during conversation. These types of inter-actions don’t happen with phones, tablets, and computers, and schools do not have the time to teach these skills.

CAMP TEACHES LIFE LESSONS People often say, “Everything I know, I learned at camp.” Camp is this per-

fect balance of social interaction, skill development, and confidence building where children thrive and learn values that become engrained into their per-sonalities. It is a place where children can be themselves with little peer pres-sure, it is a place where children can make mistakes and learn from them to be better, and it is a place where children can advocate for themselves.Someone once told me that if we could take a page from a typical day at camp and share it with the universe, the world would be a better place. As we raise the future leaders of our world, camp experiences can help children from every background thrive to be the best they can be. As your family works to pick the right opportu-nities for your child’s needs remember that camp has a positive everlasting impact on a person

Camp Versus Other Summer Opportunities: How Do We Choose?By Claudia J. Soo Hoo, District Executive Director, Merrimack Valley YMCA

SHINE!Written by Patrick McDonnell

Illustrated by Naoko StoopMegan Tingley Books, Little, Brown

and Company, PublishersBest for Ages 6 and Up

The central character within this story is Hoshi. Like many young people gets discouraged with her life. Hoshi wishes her life could be different. She feels she can only be happy, if her life was changed and she was able to live in a different place. This character is not a young girl, but a lovely young starfish. Hoshi wants to shine like the stars she sees overhead in the sky. She feels sad and out of place. Can her friends help her see the light she possesses and help her find happiness within? The illustrations in this story are soft,

with a blend of subdued and bright colors depicting the undersea world. Although very young children may not discern the concept, discussing the book with parents may provide insight.

Terry Teddy and I give this book -- -- four paws up.

This book was generously provided by Jabberwocky Bookshop in

Newburyport, MA.Jabberwockybookshop.com

CLICK, CLACK, SPLISH, SPLASHA COUNTING ADVENTUREWritten by Doreen CroninIllustrated by Betsy Lewin

Atheneumm Books for Young Readers, Publishers

Best for Ages 5 and Up

This is a delightful edition by this author/illustrator team who have written several wonderful and creative children’s books that entertain and teach. In this particular book clever illustrations help tell an amusing counting story of Duck and the other farm animals planning and going on a fishing excursion, while Farmer Brown is taking a nap. The twist in this tale is that this fishing expedition does not require any fishing poles.

Among other titles from this team: Click, Clack, Quackity-Quack: An Alphabetical Adventure; Wiggle; Duck for President; Giggle, Giggle, Quack; and the Caldecott Honor Book, Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type.

Terry Teddy and I give this book -- -- three paws up

Available: Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and The Book Rack Bookstore in Newburyport.


Merrimack Valley Calendar of Events

MayTuesday, May 1

COOKIES & COLORINGMay 1, 2018 | 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Just what it sounds like! Stop by and relax after school. We’ll put out bookmarks to color and tasty cookies to eat. Kids of all

ages and abilities welcome. Drop-in. Newburyport Public Library

WHAT WILL WE DEWEY?What Will We “Dewey” is an exciting new program for children in Grades 2-3. Each time we meet we will explore a group of numbers in the Dewey Decimal System

through stories and activities. You will be amazed at all the exciting things you will “Dewey” in this program! Please register

online the NAME OF THE CHILD that will be attending. Date: Tuesday May 1, 2018Time: 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM Contact: Kim

Bears 978-623-8440 [email protected]: Activity Room

Memorial Hall Library, Andover

STORYTIME ADVENTURES!MATH Ages 2 - 6 years join us for a fun,

interactive, program with a different focus each week! This week we’ll explore num-

bers, patterns, shapes, and all sorts of math fun with Amy! No registration is required

and this is a great stop on the way to the playground as the spring weather arrives!

Date / Time:: Tuesday May 1, 2018 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Contact:

Clare Dombrowski 978-388-8148 [email protected]

Location: APL Teen LoungeAmesbury Public Library

Wednesday, May 2OPEN PLAY

May 2, 2018 | 10:00 am – 11:30 amDrop in for non-directed playtime and so-cialization. We’ll fill our big program room with tents, tunnels, shaker eggs, and more.

This program is best suited for kids ages 0-5 and their caregivers.Newburyport Public Library

BUILD WITH ME: BUG BOx (3-5 YEAR OLDS)

This program features a parent/child building time to create a wooden object using child-sized tools. This

month we will build a Bug Box.Date: Wednesday May 2, 2018

Time: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Contact:Children’s Department 978-686-4080

x26 Location: Garden RoomNevins Library, Methuen

STORYTELLING IN A JAR FOR TEENSWe will provide the prompts - you provide

the story!Snacks funded by the Friends of the APL

Date / Time::Wednesday May 2, 2018

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Contact:Margie Walker 978-388-8148 [email protected]

Location: APL Teen LoungeAmesbury Public Library

Thursday, May 3DUNGEONS & DRAGONS FOR TEENS

Create a character and learn about tabletop RPGs at 2:30pm or come for the

campaign’s start at 3:00pm. All in grades 6 through 12 are welcome; no RPG experi-ence necessary! Open for teens in grades

6 - 12. Date: Thursday May 3, 2018Time: 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Contact:Anna Tschetter 978-623-8432 [email protected]

Location: Trustees RoomMemorial Hall Library, Andover

Visit www.salisburyma.gov or contact [email protected], 978-463-3363

10:45am: 12:45pm: 2:45pm:New this year we are hosting a Plant Sale. Susan Spellman and other artists will be demonstrating Plein-Air Painting during the event.

10am — 12pm:

12 — 2pm:

2 — 4pm:

Old Eastern Marsh Trail

1 Friedenfels St @ Rt. 1 Bridge

10am to 4 pm

Art Music & Entertainment Food Fine Crafts

Free Art Classes Face- painting Free Balloon Artist

This program in supported in part by grants from the Coastal Trails Coalition as well as The Salisbury & Newbury Cultural Councils, Local agencies, and the MA Festivals grant which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

The Salisbury Art Stroll is not a school sponsored event.

FREE JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS CHALLENGESAT CEDARDALE HEALTH & FITNESS ANDOVER

(Andover, MA) - Cedardale Health & Fitness Andover in conjunction with the USTA Net Generation Junior program will be offering Junior Team Tennis Challenges. These Challenges will be an introduction to tennis competition focusing on team play, parent information, and character development all in a fun environment. Court size as well as balls and racquets are modified by age to promote quick learn-ing and easy of play. Juniors will take part in Skill Challenges, Tennis Competitions, Fun Games all followed by pizza! These Challenges are designed for players new to the game. Racquets will be available for use.

The Challenges will be held:Red Ball Challenge – Ages 8 & Under Saturday, May 12th 12:30 – 2:00 pm

Orange Ball Challenge – Ages 14 & UnderSaturday, May 19th 12:30 – 2:00 pm

To register call (978) 373-1596 opt 1 or email Adam Molda at [email protected]

Summer Guide 2018


Pa rentM a g a z i n e

Active LifeMerrimack Valley 50+

M a g a z i n e

To Advertise in the Summer Guide Special Section Contact Lisa at (978) 335-1527 [email protected]

A Special Section in the June, July & August Issues

Calendar of EventsThings to See and Do!

Great RestaurantsDay Trips

Hikes and Nature TrailsHidden Gems

Festivals and Fairs

A Special Section in the June, July & August IssuesTo Advertise in the Summer Guide Special Section

Contact Lisa at (978) 335-1527 or [email protected]

Summer Guide 2018

Calendar of EventsThings to See and Do!

Great RestaurantsDay Trips


Pa rentM a g a z i n e

Active LifeMerrimack Valley 50+

M a g a z i n e

Happy individuals don’t necessarily have the best job or the best life, but they do have a knack for making the most out of every situation they find themselves in. They have a fighting spirit that kicks in when times get tough. The following is a short version of the par-able A Carrot, An Egg, and A Cup of Coffee: that I often use in my parenting classes.One day a young woman went to her mother to complain about all the hard-ships she was facing in her life. She was tired of fighting and felt like giving up. Her mother took her to the kitchen and filled three pots with water. Once the water be-gan to boil, she placed carrots in one pot, eggs in the second pot, and coffee beans in the third.

Twenty minutes later, she took the carrots and the eggs, and placed them in separate bowls. Then she poured the coffee in a third bowl.

The mother asked her daughter to feel the carrots. The daughter noted that the carrots had grown soft. Then she asked her to break an egg. The daughter pulled off the shell and observed the hardboiled egg. Her mother then asked her to take a sip of the coffee, which she did, enjoying its rich flavor.

All these objects the mother explained faced the same adversity, boiling water, but each one responded differently. The carrots went in strong and hard, but became weak. The eggs have a fragile outer shell that protects their interior, but became hard. But when the coffee beans hit the boiling water, they changed the water.

Our job as parents is to teach our children to be survivors. To give them the skills they need to get through the challenges they will face, as they get older.

I read once that there are several species of birds, one of which is the blue jay that teach their young to fly from the ground up, not from the nest down.

The mother blue jay kicks her baby out of the nest and the baby spends a day or two hopping around on the ground, straighten-ing its wings until it learns how to fly.

I can just imagine the mother blue jay sitting up on her nest watching her baby trying to fly, and hoping that her baby does not become prey to a cat or some other animal.

We have a lot more time than the mama blue jay to teach our children how to fly.

Along the way, we have to offer our children support and encouragement, and give them responsibilities that are appro-priate for their age. When you do, too much, you deprive children of necessary life experiences and learning skills, they will need in the future.Solving your child’s problems and not allowing him or her to make mistakes will hinder their independence.

Life lessons are painful and difficult to deal with, but they are also the ones that strengthen us.

It’s impossible to raise children without coming to the rescue every once in a while. However, you need to let go and allow them to struggle a bit so they can be like the coffee bean, strong and aromatic. 5 Tips to Help You Raise a Resilient Child1. Don’t give your children everything

they ask for. It’s all right for them not to have what everyone else has. In our quest to raise happy kids, we are raising children who don’t know how

to handle the word “no”2. It’s not your job to entertain your

children. They need to learn how to handle being patient and bored.

3. Give your children opportunities to help their younger siblings. Building a Lego tower or helping his or her sibling climb up on the sofa builds confidence.

4. Don’t baby your children. Teach them to deal with homework and doctor visits with a positive attitude. Listen to their fears and help them work through their anxiety.

5. Let your children struggle a bit and only intervene when necessary. It’s all right for your child not to be happy all the time.

Maria Luisa Salcines is a freelance writer, and certified parent educator with The Interna-tional Network for Children and Families in Redirecting Children’s Behavior and Redirect-ing for a Cooperative Classroom. Follow her on Twitter @PowerOfFamily, Instagram mlsalcines or contact her on her blog Family-LifeandFindingHappy.com.

Will Your Child Grow up To Be a Carrot, an Egg, or a Coffee bean?Raising Resilient Children

By Maria Luisa Salcines


Friday, May 4DIY LIGHTSABERS

May 4, 2018 | 3:30 pm – 4:30 pmGrades 6-12: Come celebrate Star Wars Day

by making your very own lightsabers!! 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

CRAFTY CREATIONSDrop in and join us every other Friday

afternoon for some crafting fun!! 3:30 - 4:30pm Ages 6-12

Starting Friday, May 4th, we’ll get creative with FLIP FLOPS (you MUST bring your own

flip flops to decorate)! Date:Friday May 4, 2018 Time:3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Haverhill Public Library

Saturday, May 5FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

Drop into the Teen Room to pick up some FREE comics!

Open to teens in grades 6 - 12.Date: Saturday May 5, 2018 Time:

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Contact: Anna or Renata 978-623-8432 [email protected]

Location: Teen RoomMemorial Hall Library, Andover

MINECRAFT FREE PLAY (2ND-6TH GRADE)Participants will pair up with a friend and play Minecraft in creative mode. Space is

limited so be sure to register early.Date: Saturday May 5, 2018 Time:

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Contact:Children’s Department 978-686-4080 x26

Location: Garden RoomNevins Library, Methuen

LEGOMANIALegomania is a program for children ages

5 and up who love to build with Lego’s. We will share a story, then build freely for about 30 minutes. Each child will have an

opportunity to talk about their creation before putting it on display in the Chil-

dren’s Room. Please register at www.mhl.org starting April 21st at 9:00 a.m., space is

limited. Date: Saturday May 5, 2018Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PMLocation: Memorial Hall


ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH - CHINESE CULTURE DAY

All ages are welcome. Private collections of colorful Chinese art, traditional instru-

ments, calligraphy and other historical items will be on display. Visitors can try

their hand and make a craft to take home.A collaboration of the Chinese American

Association of the Andovers and Memorial Hall Library. Date: Saturday May 5, 2018

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Contact:Reference 978-623-8430 [email protected]

Location: Memorial HallMemorial Hall Library, Andover

Tuesday, May 8STEM STRUCTURES

May 8, 2018 | 3:00 pm – 4:30 pmJoin us after school for open building time. We’ve got straws & connectors and other

building toys, so join us and flex your imagination. Drop-in for all kids of ages.

Newburyport Public Library

Friday, May 11PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP

Join Sparhawk school staff and students to create your own mixed media collagraph

that will be inked and printed on Saturday May 19th at the Steamroller Printmaking Event at Sparhawk School. This program is free and is for ages 6 - 10 year olds with

parents encouraged to attend! Registration is required. About the Steamroller EventSparhawk School is proud to present the

2nd annual Steamroller Printmaking Event! Sparhawk students and the community have created woodcuts and collagraphs that will be inked and printed under the weight of a 2,000 lb steamroller! Tons of free family friendly art activities, raffles,

food and more! Date / Time::Friday May 11, 2018

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Contact:Clare Dombrowski 978-388-8148

[email protected]: APL Teen Lounge

Amesbury Public Library

Saturday, May 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: Saturday May 12, 2018Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location: Activity RoomMemorial Hall Library, Andover

SEUSSICAL STORYTIME!Join the Cat in the Hat and Horton from the Amesbury Children’s Theater production of Seussical for a fun filled reading of Dr. Se-

uss books and a couple songs! All ages are welcome and anyone who loves Dr. Seuss

will enjoy this! No registration required Date / Time:: Saturday May 12, 2018

10:00 AM - 11:00 AMContact:Clare Dombrowski 978-388-8148

[email protected]: APL Teen Lounge

Amesbury Public Library

Friday, May 18MUSICAL MORNINGS: PRESCHOOL MUSIC

WITH PETER SHERIDANPeter Sheridan has been a children’s musi-cian for twenty years providing music to

many libraries, daycare centers and schools in the area. He plays guitar, accordion, harmonica and an assortment of other

instruments along with using puppets and books in his program. Peter has also been

Merrimack Valley Flag FootballFlag FootballSPRING

For Boys & Girls Ages 5-17Register today, Go To

www.merrimackvalleyflagfootball.com

978-400-6058

From 4-5pm(6 Sundays)

NUTRITION LECTURE: PROPERLY FUELING YOUR WORKOUTS

Thursday, May 10th at 6:30 pm

Join Cedardale Health & Fitness Andover’s Registered Dietitian Samantha McCarthy as she discusses how to properly fuel for your workouts whether it is in the gym, on the courts or outdoors.

Topics to be discussed are: • ProperHydration• MacronutrientIntake–Carbs,Fats,&Proteins• CalorieNeedsBy the end of the lecture you will understand the importance of nutrition for performance and recovery.

The lecture is FREE and open to the public. Please register by calling (978) 373-1596 opt 1 or email Samantha at [email protected]

Cedardale Health & Fitness Andover is located at 307 Lowell Street, Andover, MA adjacent to the Hamilton Green Apartment complex. Cedardale Health & Fitness is the leading provider of health, fitness, and recreation in New Eng-land. Cedardale Andover offers 4 indoor tennis courts, full fitness center and a varied schedule of Group Fitness classes. Personal Training and Nutrition Services are also available.

For more information on Cedardale Health & Fitness Andover please visit www.cedardaleandover.net or contact Membership Director Lori McHugh at [email protected]

THE LOWELL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA PRESENTSSTAGE AND SCREEN – SPRING POPS CONCERT

Sunday, May 6th at 2:00pmNevins Memorial Library

305 BroadwayMethuen, MA 01844

Please join us for our upcoming Spring Pops Concert. With a fun and energetic program that features favorites across the entertainment medium including Broadway hits, classical pieces from ballet and opera as well as instantly rec-ognizable themes from film and television, this performance truly represents both “Stage and Screen”.

Inspiring the greater Lowell community with quality musical performances since 1987, the Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra continues to provide audiences with lively classical and pops music each season. We offer casual, lighthearted concerts, making audiences of all ages comfortable and engaged.

Comprised of passionate semi-professional and amateur musicians, the LPO not only offers an outlet for local talent, but fosters future generations of musi-cians and music lovers by actively encouraging area youth to become involved with local music. The LPO enriches youth through the appreciation of concerts, skill development, and showcasing local young musicians’ excellence.

Our 2018 Spring Pops Concert will feature the winner of this year’s Jeanne Selander Memorial Concerto Competition. In this competition, young musi-cians through the age of 18 who live or go to school within 75 miles of Lowell audition for the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the orchestra. Our 2018 Concerto Competition winner Avik Sarkar is a seventeen-year-old pianist, cellist & composer, who is currently a junior at Buckingham Browne & Nichols (BB&N), Cambridge, MA. He is 2018-2020 Lang Lang International Music Foun-dation Young Scholar. He studies piano with Mana Tokuno and Alexander Kor-santia at the New England Conservatory (NEC) and has been a student of Niva Fried for several years. Avik has also won top prizes at several international and national piano competitions, including Future Stars International, The Ameri-can Prize, Forte International Music, New York International Artists, Louisiana International, and Hartford Chopin International Piano competitions. He has won first prize at NEPTA, MTNA, MMTA, and Steinway Society of Massachusetts piano competitions multiple times. He has performed in recitals at Cadogan Hall in London, UK, Symphony Hall in Boston, Carnegie Hall in New York City, and was heard on WGBH Radio, NPR, Boston. Avik enjoys bringing music to the community and raised over $5,000 for refugees in the Boston area by organiz-ing a classical music benefit concert. Aside from music, he enjoys competition math, writing poetry and watercolor painting. Avik will be performing the 1st movement of Chopin’s 1st piano concerto with the orchestra.

Program:Belle of the Ball Waltz (Anderson)Selections from Carmen Suite No. 1 (Bizet)Music from EvitaGo West! (The Magnificent Seven * The Good, The Bad And The Ugly * Hang ‘Em High)Hawaii Five-ONocturne from A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Mendelssohn)Scherzo from A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Mendelssohn)Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor (Chopin)No. 6 Valse from Sleeping Beauty (Tchaikovsky)

Admission: $10/Adults, $8/Senior Citizens and $5/Children & Students with IDAmple Parking and Handicap Accessible

For more information visit our website or Facebook page:https://www.lowellphilharmonic.org/https://www.facebook.com/Lowell-Philharmonic-Orchestra-166878780033402/

a featured children’s performer at First Night celebrations in Portsmouth, NH for the past six years. Please register online the name of each adult and child attend-

ing, two weeks before. Date:Friday May 18, 2018 Time:

10:00 AM - 11:00 AMLocation: Memorial Hall


Saturday, May 19JR GREEN GATHERINGS

The Andover Jr. Garden Club in collabora-tion with the Memorial Hall Library Child-

rens Room will be hosting a bookreading and related activities to learn more

about nature and gardening.Children ages 4-7 should register online,

space is limited. Date:Saturday May 19, 2018 Time:

10:30 AM - 11:30 AMMemorial Hall Library, Andover

Monday, May 21DUMBLEDORE’S ARMY: HARRY POTTER

STRING ARTMay 21, 2018 | 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Grades 6-12: Join us to make some Harry Potter string art to decorate your bedroom!

Snacks will be provided. 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

Wednesday, May 23MUSIC CREATIONS

Free music and movement story time for children ages 0 - 8! Play, move, explore

instruments, sing, read, and have fun!Presented by Family Community Connec-tion (FCC). Family & Community Connec-tion is funded by the Coordinated Family

& Community Engagment (CFCE) grant by the Massachusetts Department of Early

Education and Care awarded to Commu-nity Action, Inc. Date:

Wednesday May 23, 2018 Time:10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Contact:

Youth Services Department 9783731586 [email protected]

Haverhill Public Library

Please send any events you would like considered for the Calendar of Events to

[email protected]

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