tea cup fairy gardensmerrimackvalleyparent.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/... · 2018. 3. 29. ·...

Me r r im ack Va l l e y Apr i l 2018

Pa rent

Freewww.merrimackvalleyparent.com

Preventing Food Waste

SummerCamps!

Tea Cup Fairy

Gardens

Growing Golf Through

Youthful Exuberance

The Ability to Make

Choices is Vital to Life

Merrimack Valley Parent Page 3

In this Issue

Features

4 Tea Cup Fairy Gardens

6 Growing Golf Through Youthful Exuberance

Columns & Departments 3 Preventing Food Waste

8 Summer Camps!

11 Miss Cathy’s Book Reviews

12 Ability to Make Choices is Vital to Life

Also...13 April Calendar of Events

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- Page 12 -Making Choices

Preventing Food Waste

By Samantha McCarthy, MS, RD of Cedardale Health and Fitness in Andover, MA

Food waste is a big issue in our world. You may not think much about it. You throw out some old vegetables here and there, maybe some leftovers, or maybe food at a restaurant you don’t take with you. But stop and think, where does all of the food go? Because it is not just you who wastes food, but millions of Americans. And it is not just us. Grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and food manufacturers waste food every day. In short, we waste billions of pounds of food per year as a country, or about 300 pounds of food per indi-vidual. That’s a lot of food wasted.

The ramifications of food waste go far beyond just throwing money in the trash. It impacts all levels of the food supply chain, including farmers and business owners. When food goes uneaten, we end up with higher prices on food. Water is wasted to grow that food and landfills grow in size as more food piles up. This can all affect our environment. Lastly, wasted food also means wasted nutrients. We often throw out old produce, seafood, dairy, and meat when it goes bad. Some of the most nutritious foods available. We end up losing out on essentials vita-min, minerals, and quality calories.

Throwing out food not only affects our wallets, but it has a big impact on our environment and also those house-holds who aren’t as fortunate. Start paying attention to how much food you are wasting on a regular basis. How can you cut back?

First off, food planning goes a long way. Not only does it help you stay healthy and focused, it can also pre-vent food waste. When planning your

meals, start by working with what is already in your fridge. What needs to be used up first? What is expiring soon or about to go bad? Find recipes using those ingredients and make a list of any ingredients you don’t have but need for the meal.

Always make a grocery list and stick to it. It can be tempting to buy those marked down foods and sale items, but ask yourself, will you really use it before it goes bad? Buy only the amount of food that you know you will use in the next few days. No need to buy for an army when it’s just 2-4 people in your household. Place items that spoil quickly in the front of your fridge so you see them and don’t for-get about them. Also, make sure you are properly storing your produce so it lasts longer.

When dealing with leftovers, get creative! And when in doubt, look up ideas online. You can transform many dinners into soups, salads, or sandwiches for lunch the next day. Be mindful when you are dining out as well. Keep portion size in mind and always take leftovers home with you for another meal. If it stays at the res-taurant, it is wasted. Lastly, if you have an at home garden, consider compost-ing food scraps for soil. It is a great way to reuse all of that vegetable and fruit waste you throw out.

Even small changes can make a big impact on not only the environment, but also your budget. Every time you throw out food, you are throwing out money. Plan accordingly for your meals to decrease food waste.

*Source: Academy of Nutrition and Di-etetics. National Nutrition Month 2018 Presentation. https://www.eatright.

org/food/resources/national-nutrition-month/national-nutrition-month-celebration-toolkit

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My daughter’s favorite thing about Spring is setting up her fairy garden with Grammy. They have the perfect spot for it under an old pine tree in Grammy’s backyard.

But with all the recent storms, the yard is still snow covered and they haven’t been able to set it up yet. My daughter’s biggest concern? What will happen to all the fairies who are trying to return to their home now that it’s Spring?

To help relieve her fear that her fairy friends will be homeless, I searched for indoor fairy gardens and stumbled across the cutest idea - tea cup fairy gardens!

So we checked out our local craft store for supplies but I honestly thought their fairy garden stuff was way too expensive. I’m all about helping my daughter save her fairy friends from being homeless but I’m not going to spend a fortune doing it.

Don’t get me wrong, the stuff in the stores are beautifully crafted and have enormous detail. But my 8-year-old doesn’t really care too much about that and was excited at the idea of making some of the things herself.

We did purchase a tiny fairy house that was too cute to resist and got it for under $2. Thank you coupons!

Next stop was our local retail store where she picked out a succulent plant and bright colored cactus for just a few dollars each. We also got a small bag of pebbles, which you will need if using real plants.

You will also need potting soil but we had some at home from a previous project of mine.

Once we got home, I pulled out an old, chipped tea cup that probably would have been destined for the trash and we began to transform it into a fairy’s dream home - or her version of it anyway.

She started by placing a couple layers of pebbles into the bottom of the tea cup. This will help with drainage when you water your succulents (which thankfully is not very often at all).

Then she loosely filled the tea cup with potting soil. Once she planted her suc-culent and cactus where she wanted, she filled the tea cup with tightly packed soil so that it was level and just below the rim of the cup.

Now came the difficult decision for her to decide where to place the fairy house. Once she had the house where she wanted, she used a few of the flat-ter pebbles to create stepping stones leading to the house.

And what fairy garden would be com-plete without a mushroom of some kind? She made a one from old play dough and a toothpick. First she made the stem with yellow and pushed the toothpick through it, leaving enough of end sticking out to attach the cap and stick into the soil.

For the cap she used orange and gave it blue and pink spots by pushing little balls of each color onto it.

Once she placed the mushroom where she wanted I thought she would be all smiles at her fairies’ new home but instead she got his wondering look on her face. I asked her what was wrong and she asked me how the fairies would know that this would be their new home?

After brainstorming for a few minutes she decided a banner suspended over the tea cup would fix the problem. We made this from construction paper and four toothpicks. I hot glued each pair of toothpicks together and once she had her banner done, I fastened them to either side with a dab of glue.

Once it was dry, she stuck the tooth-picks into the soil to suspend her

“Welcome Fairies” banner. Kinda hard for the fairies to misinterpret whose home this would be now!

Just when I thought we were done, she hit me with another question.

“How will they be able to get inside the cup?”

“Fairies have wings and can just fly up,” I replied.

“But what about the ones who don’t have wings or are just babies who don’t know how to use their wings yet?”

So we built a ladder from skinny wood-en dowels from an old craft and some hot glue. At first I couldn’t believe we were making one for the fairies but once we attached it to the side of the tea cup it looked adorable!

Our teacup will be a gift for Grammy so the fairies trying to return to her

yard will have a place to live until the snow is long gone.

There are hundreds of ways to make an indoor home for your child’s fairy friends. They are perfect for under a window sill or on a desk or bureau and make a great gift idea.

Not a fan of fairies? Your old tea cups are still great for a succulent garden without all the trinkets or you can use them to grow your favorite herbs right in your kitchen. They will smell wonderful and you couldn’t cook with fresher ingredients!

The next time your eye spots your chipped tea cup that you never use anymore, think of the things you can create with it instead of leaving to col-lect dust or wind up in the trash can. Who knows what you can create!

Tea Cup Fairy Gardens

By Joni Lazisky


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Peter Doherty, director of golf at the Atkinson Country Club loves the game, but he’s passionate about introducing the sport to young people, infecting them with the bug to play and grow-ing the game through them.

Doherty has seen plenty of growth. He has been with Atkinson since it first opened in 1996, back when the club-house, pro shop and starter’s window were one in the same, all operating out of a double-wide trailer across from the first tee, which is now the second hole.

Oh, after your round, when you wanted a hot dog and a cold drink, you grabbed them at the trailer too.

Thinking back 21 years invokes laugh-ter and good memories from Doherty.

“We did it all out of that trailer,” he mused. “That’s where you signed in and paid. And we’d say, you’re up in 10 minutes, don’t go too far. Of course, you could only go as far as the dirt parking lot right there, which a lot of players did. When it was their turn we’d open the window, yell out the name and tell them to hustle down to the tee because they were up.”

Back in 1996 Atkinson didn’t have junior leagues or clinics, it barely had separate bathrooms for men and women, but it did have dreams of one day catering to golfers of all ages and abilities. That time has come.

Boasting a full 18-hole, par-72 golf course, which was named National Course of the Year by the National Golf Course Owner’s Association, a nine-hole, par-3 course, full driving range, putting green and a 75,000 square-foot clubhouse and function hall, Atkinson has come a long way. And so has its junior program, which made a trip to Arizona late last sum-

mer to compete in the Junior National Tournament.

Doherty had a lot to do with that through the years, but he didn’t do it alone and he’s quick to pass along a lot of credit to former Atkinson pro and well-known Haverhill resident Marc Spencer, who’s now a teaching pro at Windham Country Club.

“This was really Marc Spencer’s vision,” Doherty said, while sitting on a big leather couch in the spacious lobby of the Willow Creek Golf Academy, a sprawling center for lessons on the back edge of the driving range. “We

were talking one day and he told me of this idea he had. I had been thinking of something similar.”

They pitched the idea to Christine Lewis, who along with her father, owner of Lewis Builders, owned and operated Atkinson Country Club. A couple years later Doherty found him-self alongside architects and builders designing the facility, then years after that the dream was a reality.

You recall that famous line in the movie Field of Dreams, where Kevin Costner is walking through a corn field and hears a voice tell him, “If you build it, they will come.” Gradually through-out the movie, after Costner fashions a ball field out of the rows of corn, people did come, first as a trickle, then as a constant stream, including the ghosts of famous players from years past.

Atkinson’s story is similar. In the first year of existence the program had a dozen players ages 13. Enrollment

has steadily increased each year. Three years ago there were 48 partici-pants; two years ago 66 and last year there were 86 junior golfers playing throughout the late spring and sum-mer.

“Golf is instrumental in teaching kids about life,” said Doherty. “Mainly it teaches integrity and patience. I enjoy watching kids develop as golfers, but more importantly develop as people.”

With such a robust group of players making appearances week in and week out throughout the golf season Doherty isn’t just excited for the here and now and what it means for the club, but as he said, he’s excited to see where these players will be 10 years down the line. He’s not putting any money on the line that one of the play-ers will be the next tour pro the likes of Ricky Fowler, Jordan Spieth, or dare say we, Tiger Woods, but he’s not discount-ing it either. It’s all in the makeup of the individual.

He’s got one youngster who shows up every weekend with his father. He’s caught halfway between the ages of 4 and 5 and all he wants to do is pitch, putt and pull out the driver and swing away.

“He knows everyone in here. We call him the mayor,” said Doherty. “He was here Sunday. His father sat on the couch and watched golf while his son was out that window hitting balls. He then came in and went into the room and was putting.”

This is exactly why Spencer and Doherty created the junior program.

“For kids, the most important thing to me would be getting them away from the screens. The NFL promotes this Play 60 where they want kids active for 60 minutes a day, golf will give them much more than 60 minutes of time being active,” he said.

While Doherty enjoys knowing there are young kids on the course in groups

of three or four, he gets more excited when he sees a family come into the pro shop to report in for a round of golf.

The junior clinics are six weeks long. Baked into each week are one practice session, one weekly match and an in-vite to come to the course and hit golf balls on the range, or practice their chipping and putting.

The course also has classes on Monday or Friday nights when the kids will gather in a room with a pro, watch videos and learn about their swings, course management, etiquette and rules. To learn more about the junior golf program at Atkinson, either stop by the clubhouse or Willow Creek Acad-emy, or call 603-632-8700, or visit the website at www.atkinsonresort.com.

Photo of 2017 Team Courtesy of Atkin-son Resort & Country Club

Growing Golf Through Youthful ExuberanceBy Mike Sullivan


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Miss Cathy’s

Children’s Books Reviews By Cathy A. Morrow

I LOVE BOOKS

WE’RE ALL WonDERSWritten and Illustrated R. J. Palacio

Penguin Random House, PublishersBest for ALL Ages

This is an extraordinary book about a young boy who is different from his peers. The story is told from the boy’s perspective. This gentle story helps us be aware of how not being ac-cepted by others makes anyone, but especially the young, feel. A touching and insightful quote from the text, “I know I can’t change the way I look. But maybe, just maybe, people can change the way they see ...” Reading this book to your children and discussing it with them, may help them understand the importance of looking beyond physi-cal differences and see the person beneath. If you or someone you know

has a disability you may be all too fa-miliar with negative reactions. Perhaps this book can help to change those perceptions. This is a book that adults should read to their children and for themselves.

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

Available at: Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and Jabberwocky Bookshop.

EASTER PARADEWritten by Irving Berlin

Illustrated by Lisa McCueDial Books for Young Readers~Div. of Pen-

guin Putnam, Inc., PublishersBest for Ages 5 and Up.

A little girl bunny takes a plain straw hat and decorates it with ribbons, Eas-ter eggs and uses her own distinctive talents to make her hat look faultless. Her Dad watches with pride as his daughter prepares herself on Easter morning. Her Dad presents her with a bouquet of lovely lavender tulips. They even place two of them on her bonnet before the leave to join all of the other people from town in their special outfits. As they walk along, bunny gets more things for her hat from some of their friends, a lilac, a pinwheel and even a feather from Ms Bird. Suddenly a gust of wind comes along and takes her hat right off of her head. Bunny and her Dad chase after her hat, running up and

down streets, as they desperately try to re-cover her beautiful Easter hat. The words to this wonderful Irving Berlin song are well known to generations, words and music are given in the back of the book, but it is what the combination of these words and the detailed and handsomely “Springtime”-colored illustrations do in unison that make this book truly worthwhile.

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

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Merrimack Valley Calendar of Events

AprilMonday, April 2

STORIES WITH SAVANNAHCurl up with Savannah, a gentle, well

trained Therapy Dog, and practice your reading skills! Savannah has been with our library for over 3 years now and loves her

job. Children need to be able to read inde-pendently to register a 15 minute time slot.

Time slots available are: 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45. When registering, choose a time slot and input it next to the child’s first name (Example: Ricky 4:15). Registrants will be called to confirm their slot 1 - 2 days prior

to the visit. Ages 5 - 11.Date: Monday Apr 2, 2018 Time:

4:00 PM - 5:00 PMLocation: Cavallaro Room

Haverhill Public Library

Tuesday, April 3NATURE PLAYGROUP

4/3, 4/17, 5/1, 5/15, 5/29, 6/12, 6/269:30AM – 11AM

To encourage outdoor play and familiar-ity with the natural world, a nature-based

toddler playgroup will be held at the Stevens-Coolidge Place on every-other

Tuesday, April through June. Come to one or all of the sessions and explore the gardens, pond and orchard, and imagine

hidden worlds beneath our feet and above our heads. Children and their care-givers

will peek under rocks, inspect tree bark for hiding bugs, jump in puddles and have fun together in flower-filled fields and a shady apple orchard. Recommended for ages 2-5; babes in backpacks are welcome. No reg-istration required, simply stop by the gar-

dens to play on the days that work for your schedule. Questions? Contact kbibeau@

thetrustees.org. or visit our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information: www.

facebook.com/stevenscoolidgeplace/This program is occurring on: 4/3, 4/17, 5/1,

5/15, 5/29, 6/12, 6/26Trustees Member Child: Free. Nonmember

Child: $5. Adults Free.The Stevens-Coolidge Place, N. Andover

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 Apr 3, 2018

Time: 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM Contact: Kim Bears 978-623-8440 [email protected]

Location: Activity RoomMemorial Hall Library, Andover

PAJAMA PARTYPajama Party is an evening story time

for preschoolers and their favorite adult. We will share stories, sings songs, watch

a short movie, and make a craft. Chil-dren may wear their pajamas and bring

stuffed animal or blanket. No registration required, but please pick up tokens in the

Children’s Room. Date:Tuesday Apr 3, 2018 Time:

6:30 PM - 7:15 PMLocation: Activity Room

Memorial Hall Library, Andover

Wednesday, April 4WACKY WEDNESDAY FOR TWEENS!Join Nicole for some fun on this early

release day! Kids 8 - 12 years all will create, play, or explore depending on the month

activity! Funded by the Friends of the Amesbury Public Library. Registration is required! Date / Time::Wednesday Apr 4

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Contact:Clare Dombrowski 978-388-8148

[email protected]: APL Loft

Amesbury Public Library

STORYTELLING IN A JAR FOR TEENS We will provide the prompts - you provide the story! Snacks funded by the Friends of

the APL Date / Time::Wednesday Apr 4, 2018 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Contact:Margie Walker 978-388-8148 [email protected]

Location: APL Teen LoungeAmesbury Public Library

Thursday, April 5PEEP CATAPULTS

April 5, 2018 | 3:30 pm – 4:30 pmGrades 6-12: It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a…

Peep? Show off your engineering skills as we construct catapults with com-

mon household items, then test them by launching Peeps! Will yours fly the farthest?

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

ALPHABUDDIESAlpha-Buddies is a program geared to

children between the ages of 4-5 (and a favorite adult). We will share stories and

activities that center around a single letter of the alphabet! Please register online the NAME OF THE CHILD who will be attending

the program. Date:Thursday Apr 5, 2018 Time:

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM Contact: Kim Bears 978-623-8440 [email protected]


FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT - COCOJoin us for a screening of Coco.

Date: Thursday Apr 5, 2018 Time:6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: AuditoriumHaverhill Public Library

Friday, April 6FREE FORM FRIDAYS

Join us in the Activity Room for games on our WiiU and crafts in the Teen Room.

Open to teens in grades 6 - 12.Date: Friday Apr 6, 2018 Time:

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Contact:Anna/Renata 978-623-8432 [email protected]

Location: Teen RoomMemorial Hall Library, Andover

Saturday, April 7DONUTS WITH DAD: MUD SEASON (3-6

YEAR OLDS)Children and their fathers, grandfathers, or uncles are invited to this fun story and ac-

tivity time with the added bonus of yummy donuts and juice. The theme this session is

Mud Season. Date:Saturday Apr 7, 2018 Time:

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM Contact:Children’s Department 978-686-4080 x26

Location: Garden RoomNevins Library, Methuen

SENSORY STORYTIMEThis half hour storytime is designed for children ages 4 and up on the autism

spectrum, with sensory integration issues, other developmental disabilities, and

their neurotypical peers. If your child has

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

We all know that one friend who can never decide what movie he wants to watch, or the sister that can never make up her mind about what to wear, or the an-noying cousin who drags you shopping for a gift but never buys it, because she can’t make up her mind. Being able to make quick and wise deci-sions is an essential skill to develop if you want to succeed in life. Parents can help their children develop these skills by offer-ing them choices.

It’s easier to issue commands and make choices for your kids, but if you do this all the time you are not allowing your children to practice making decisions.

The following are a few things you can do to help your child develop decision making skills.

• Pick out two outfits for your child and let him or her choose which one he or she wants to wear. Not only will you avoid being late in the morning, but you will make your child feel confident and powerful.

• Give your child healthy lunch choices to choose from and encourage him or her to pack their own lunch.

• Take turns allowing each of your chil-dren to choose what movie to watch or where the family will eat dinner. This makes the child feel important and that his opinion matters.

• Let your child solve his or her prob-lems. Give your child the opportunity to make mistakes and learn how to resolve issues. Next time you find yourself wanting to rush in and rescue your child. Ask him or her questions

that will help them find a solution. Listen to their concerns and guide them. If they can’t solve it and you are worried they are in over their heads then get involved.

• Allow your child to resolve conflicts with his siblings. The next time your children are fighting, unless they are in physical danger, let them try to work things out on their own. Disagreements are a great way to develop problem solving skills. Even young children have the ability to figure out a win-win solution.

• Let your children decorate their room. It might not look the way you would like, but what is the harm in allowing your children to change the furniture around or put up a few posters. Set limits and then give them the freedom to do what they want.

• Be flexible. If your son’s job is to mow the lawn on Saturday why does he have to wake up at 7 a.m. to do it? If Saturday is the only day he can sleep until noon, don’t you think he would be more cooperative if you allowed him to choose when he wanted to do the job? As long as he does it on Saturday let him choose the time.

• When age appropriate ask your chil-

dren their opinion about a decision you have to make at work. Describe the circumstances and listen to their advice. By discussing things with your children you are teaching them about life.

The teen years are scary for parents and out of fear they sometimes want to hold on tight to protect their children, but this causes strife between the parent-child relationship.

Your child will make bad choices. This is part of growing up. These bad choices will lead to consequences that will help him or her make better decisions in the future.

It is better your children make mistakes while they are living in your home and you are there to guide them.

Give your child every opportunity you can to practice making decisions and you will be helping them gain a skill they will use for the rest of their lives.

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.

Ability to Make Choices is Vital

to Life

By Maria Luisa Salcines


difficulty sitting through one of our other storytimes, this program of stories, songs, and activities might be just what you are

looking for. Everyone is welcome! Registra-tion is not required. If you have questions

or would like more information about how the program is run, please feel free to contact the Children’s Librarian, Clare

Dombrowski. Date / Time::Saturday Apr 7, 2018

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Contact:Clare A. Dombrowski 978-388-8148 x4

[email protected]: Amesbury RoomAmesbury Public Library

Tuesday, April 10TEEN CRAFTERNOON: NO-SEW PILLOWS

April 10, 2018 | 3:30 pm – 4:30 pmGrades 6-12: Drop in after school from 3:30

to 4:30 to make something. Whether or not you consider yourself an artist, you can spend a lazy crafternoon at the library! At

this session, participants will learn to make

a no-sew pillow cover. Join us in the Program Room for this free

event! Please contact Emely, Teen Services Librarian, with questions at 978-465-4428


STORIES WITH LOKICurl up with Loki, a gentle, but gigantic

cuddle bug and well trained Therapy Dog, and practice your reading skills! Loki

began his Therapy Work here last spring, and he became very popular at our library. Children need to be able to read indepen-

dently to register a 15 minute time slot. Time slots available are: 6:30. 6:45, 7:00,

7:15. When registering, choose a time slot and input it next to the child’s first name (Example: Ricky 4:15). Registrants will be called to confirm their slot 1 - 2 days prior

to the visit. Ages 5 -11.Date: Tuesday Apr 10, 2018 Time:

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Location:Haverhill Public Library

Thursday, April 12SCRATCH CLUB!

Scratch CatAttention all kids in third through seventh grade! If you like comput-

ers, you’ll love Scratch, the kid-friendly programming game where you make the rules. Want to generate your own movie, game or program? This is where to do it!

Join us to tinker with Scratch and impress your friends with your awesome creations.

Please bring a laptop if you can. We also have a few laptops here that you can use. If you’re not comfortable with a computer, that’s OK! We’ll show you how to use one.

Date: Thursday Apr 12, 2018 Time:4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Contact: Anna 978-

686-4080 [email protected]: Garden RoomNevins Library, Methuen

TEEN CREATOR CLUBWhether you like to write, draw, knit, build, code - basically just create - this is the club for you! Bring your supplies to the library

and work among other creative teens. We’ll chat about what we’re working on, share

advice and work on our projects together.This program is for teens in grades 7-12. There’s no need to register, just drop in!

Date: Thursday Apr 12, 2018 Time:7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Contact:Amy 978-686-

4080 ex. 35 [email protected]: The Study RoomNevins Library, Methuen

PAINTED LIGHT JARSWe will be painting mason jars and adding

light to them.Funded by the Friends of the APL.

Date / Time:: Thursday Apr 12, 2018 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Contact:

Margie Walker 978-388-8148 [email protected]

Location: APL Teen LoungeAmesbury Public Library

APRIL 7 & 8

Clothing, Toys, and Gear for Kids and Babies

SPRING & SUMMER CONSIGNMENT SALE

For details and fee information visit www.greaternewburyportfamilies.org

West Newbury

Annex

381 Main Street

West Newbury, MA

Saturday 9AM – 2PMSunday 9AM – 12PM

Friday, April 13TEEN FOOD FRIDAYS: STORE-BRAND VS.

NAME-BRAND TASTE-OFFApril 13, 2018 | 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Grades 6-12: Are you be able to taste the difference between store brand and name brand foods? Come join us for a blind taste

test! Join us in the Teen Loft for this free event! Please contact Emely, Teen Services Librarian, with questions at 978-465-4428


Saturday, April 14DADS 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 Apr 14, 2018Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM


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 Apr 14, 2018 Time:

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


ON SCREEN: STAR WARS THE LAST JEDIRey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers.

Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order.

Rated PG-13 Date: Saturday Apr 14, 2018Time: 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM Contact:

Rachel 978-373-1586 [email protected]

Location: AuditoriumHaverhill Public Library

Monday, April 16FREE COMMUNITY DAY IN THE GARDENS

11AM-2PMThis Patriot’s Day, join your friends and

neighbors at the Stevens-Coolidge Place for a free day of outdoor enjoyment! This free mid-day event is the perfect low-key

introduction to the Stevens-Coolidge gardens, including assorted lawn games, a variety of paths through the gardens to see what spring has sprung, and several tables set up for communal picnicking. We’ll host a story time for the little ones at 12PM and 1PM and for a little arts and crafts in the gardens, we’ll color in a giant

“Earth Day” banner, in anticipation of Stevens-Coolidge’s first Earth Day event on April 22. So, pack some sandwiches, stretch

your hamstrings and bring your camera, because the gardens are waking up from their winter slumber and you won’t want

to miss it! No registration necessary. Simply

stop by the gardens at your convenience.Questions? Contact kbibeau@thetrustees.

org or visit our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information: www.facebook.

com/stevenscoolidgeplace/ Free The Stevens-Coolidge Place, N. Andover

Tuesday, April 17TEEN ExPLORERS NIGHT HIKE

7:30PM-9:00PMExperience the sights and sounds of the

night as we explore the less-traveled corners of the Stevens-Coolidge Place

property under moonlight. Tonight, is a Libra moon - Libras like sharing with others and being outdoors; they are gracious and

social – so what better way to enjoy this Libra moon than with a guided no-flash-light night hike in the company of fellow

teenage explorers? We’ll allow our eyes to adjust to the darkness, view constellations

and learn what happens when you bite down on a Wintergreen Mint in the dark! Will we see bats? Will we hear bullfrogs?

Only Mother Nature can tell. Then, end the evening around a fire toasting marshmal-lows to warm you up. We will be walking through wet and uneven terrain and the night may be chilly, so please dress ap-

propriately! Questions? Contact [email protected] or visit our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information: www.

facebook.com/stevenscoolidgeplace/Space is limited; Pre-registration required.

Suggested for ages 13 to 16.Trustees Members $9. Nonmember $15.The Stevens-Coolidge Place, N. Andover

Wednesday, April 18YOUNG NATURALISTS

10AM-12noonThere’s a lot to observe when the weather

warms up. Spring is a time when migrating birds return from their wintering grounds

and baby animals like deer and squir-rels are born. During this April Vacation

program, participants will put on their ex-plorer hats and head out into nature to see

what’s changing in the animal kingdom. Of course, you can’t head out without the proper gear, so we’ll be making binoculars

together to help you better observe the world around you, and animal behavior handouts for sketching and/or writing

about your findings.Refreshments provided. Suggested for ages 6-10 or with assistance of adult.

We encourage participants to pack a picnic for the afternoon and continue their visit

after the program has concluded.Homework: Ask family members - What is

your first memory of being outdoors?Questions? Contact kbibeau@thetrustees.

org or visit our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information: www.facebook.

com/stevenscoolidgeplace/Pre-registration encouraged.

Trustees Member Child: $5. Nonmember Child: $10. Adults Free

The Stevens-Coolidge Place, N. Andover.

Thursday, April 19BUG BRIGADE10AM-12noon

It’s time for a good ol’ bug hunt! Did you know that insects are the largest group

of animals? It’s true! About 75 percent of all the world’s animals are insects. During

this April Vacation bug scavenger hunt, we invite you to bring your buddies to the Ste-vens-Coolidge Place or team up with new

friends met on the property. Each group of explorers will be given field note handouts on which to record their observations and a magnifying glass-topped bug jar for get-ting a better look at our tiny friends in the

gardens. What will you find today?Creepy Crawly refreshments provided.

All bugs will be returned to their natural habitat. Suggested for ages 6-10 or with

assistance of adult.We encourage participants to pack a picnic

for the afternoon and continue their visit after the program has concluded.

Homework: Many insects rely on flowering plants for food. And many flowering plants rely on insects for pollination to spread and grow. Can you think of a way to add more

flowering plants to your yard, porch or windowsill? Questions? Contact [email protected] or visit our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information: www.

facebook.com/stevenscoolidgeplace/Pre-registration encouraged.

Trustees Member Child: $5. Nonmember Child: $10. Adults Free

The Stevens-Coolidge Place, N. Andover

TINY WORLD TERRARIUMSApril 19, 2018 | 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Grades 6-12: Create a tiny world in a glass container! Terrariums are so much fun to

make and easy to care for. Fill your contain-er with plants and other natural elements. Choose from a collection of tiny add ins to customize your world, or bring your own elements that you can build your world around. Plants and planting materials

will be provided. Join us in the Children’s Activity Room for this free event! Please contact Emely, Teen Services Librarian,

with questions at 978-465-4428 ext.242 or [email protected] Public Library

SCIENCE QUEST: RECYCLE DAY (K-3RD GRADE)

Participants will listen to stories, learn about recycling, play a game, and plant

seeds. Date: Thursday Apr 19, 2018Time: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Contact:

Children’s Department 978-686-4080 x26 Location: Garden RoomNevins Library, Methuen

Friday, April 20*SLIME SPECTACULAR - AGES 7-12

Squelch into spring with this slime-tastic program! Sparkly, floamy, squishy - Oh My Slime.Squelch into spring with this slime-tastic program! Sparkly, floamy, squishy

- Oh My Slime.Date: Friday Apr 20, 2018 Time:11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Contact:

Youth Services Department 9783731586 [email protected]

Location: Cavallaro RoomHaverhill Public Library

Saturday, April 21LEGO BLOCK PARTY (K-4TH GRADe)

Bring your imagination and have fun creat-ing! The library supplies lots of LEGOs to build with. We will take pictures of what you build to put on our Facebook page.

Date: Saturday Apr 21, 2018 Time:2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Contact:

Children’s Department 978-686-4080 x26 Location: Garden RoomNevins Library, Methuen

Monday, April 23DUMBLEDORE’S ARMY: MINI-TRAVEL TRUNKS

April 23, 2018 | 3:30 pm – 4:30 pmGrades 6-12: These Mini-Travel Trunks will

easily slip onto Platform 9 3/4 without muggles even knowing you were there. Join us in the Children’s Program Room

for this free event! Please contact Emely, Teen Services Librarian, with questions at

978-465-4428 ext.242 or [email protected]. Newburyport Public Library

Tuesday, April 24FAMILY STORYTIME: WORMS

(3-8 YEAR OLDS)Participants will listen to stories, play a

game, or make a craft. The theme this ses-sion is Worms. Date: Tuesday Apr 24, 2018

Time: 6:30 PM - 7:15 PM Contact:Children’s Department 978-686-4080 x26


Friday, April 27AROUND THE WORLD

We will explore different languages through songs, rhymes, stories and games.

Whether you are a native speaker who would like to meet other parents in the

community who raise their children bilin-gually, or you would like to expose your

child to different languages and cultures at an early age, join us for this fun event.

Date: Friday Apr 27, 2018 Time:9:30 AM - 10:00 AM


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

[email protected]

Merrimack Valley Flag FootballFlag FootballSPRING

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

www.merrimackvalleyflagfootball.com

978-400-6058

Season Starts April 29From 4-5pm(6 Sundays)

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