merrimack valley february 2015...

Me r r im ack Va l l e y Fe br uar y 2015

Pa rent

Easing Anxiety at the Dentist

Budget Friendly Winter Activities

www.merrimackvalleyparent.com

Free

Summer Camps and

Schools

Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder

In this Issue

Features4 Budget Friendly Winter Activities

6 Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder

14 Fourteen Days of Tips for Demonstrating Love to your Child

Columns & Departments

3 Foot Health Tips for Children

7 Easing Anxiety at the Dentist

8 Summer Camps & Schools

11 Merrimack Valley Dad

Also...13 February Calendar of Events

Merrimack Valley Parent Page 3

Me r r im ack Va l l e y

Pa rentwww.merrimackvalleyparent.com

11 82nd StreetNewburyport, MA 01950

(978) 427-3676

To Submit Calendar Events:[email protected]

To Advertise:[email protected]

PublisherJodi Vaccaro

General ManagerMike Nercessian

See the new Digital Edition ofMe r r im ack Va l l e y

Pa rent www.merrimackvalleyparent.com

Budget Friendly Winter Fun!- Page 4 -

• Cedarland’s year round indoor interactive play space • Open to the public for children up to age 12 • Enjoy climbing, crawling, bouncing, swinging, sliding, and overall playing in

giant indoor play MAZE• Separate toddler play area with the innovative Comfyland - an explorative

play experience• Giant Sand Room, Chalk Table, Pretend Store and House • Token-driven skill games and redemption center.

888 Boston Road, Haverhill, MA 01835(978) 521-7700 ext 1 www.cedarland.net

Celebrate your birthday with us - The Birthday Party Specialists!

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1 Elm Square, Suite 1D, Andover, MA 01810 • (978) 296-4964 www.AndoverPediatricDentistry.com

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Treating Children 1 year and older • Preventive • Restorative &

Cosmetic Treatments • Behavioral Management Techniques • Extractions • Children with Special

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ANDOVER

DENTISTRY

PEDIATRIC

Our Office open Monday through Friday. Our doctors are faculty members at Children’s Hospital, Harvard and Tufts School of Dentistry

Comprehensive Pediatric Dental Care

&100 Amesbury Street, Suite 111

Lawrence, MA 01840 • (978) 682-3342

Children can develop problems with their feet for a number of reasons. Whether your child has a problem with their skin or nails, or is complaining of foot pain, it is a good idea to have them evaluated by a Podiatrist for the appropriate treatment for their foot problem.

Many times foot pain can be due to im-proper fitting or unsupportive shoe gear. Having your child in supportive, proper fitting shoes is important. Children should have their feet measured twice a year. Shoes should fit comfortably when they are tried on in the store and should not have to be broken in. Even with the most supportive sneakers, often times children need to wear an arch insole or orthotic as well in their shoes.

Ingrown toenails can be seen in pa-tients of all ages, however they are more commonly seen in the teen population. Ingrown toenails can sometimes be due to cutting your nails improperly, from the way your nail grows, or from pressure in shoe gear. An ingrown toenail can become infected quickly, so if your child has pain to the edge of their nail, or has swelling or redness, it is important to have them see a Podiatrist as soon as possible. A simple procedure done in the office can alleviate your ingrown toenail immedi-ately.

Another common problem that occurs on children’s feet are plantar warts. This could be due to walking barefoot at public places such as swimming pools or gyms. Some children complain of pain when walking, and may have what looks like a callus on the bottom of their foot. Usually, it is a plantar wart, which is a virus, and should be treated by a medi-cal professional. It is important to treat warts right away, as they can spread and become more difficult to treat. Over the counter wart medication is typically not effective for warts on the bottom of the feet. A Podiatrist can offer several treat-ment options for your child to cure this common problem.

With most children active in competitive sports these days, foot pain can occur. Children that are still growing, and are very active, can get pain to their growth plates. Another common complaint is heel pain during activity. If your child is complaining of pain, it is important to have them evaluated immediately. Foot pain without a specific injury could be treated as easily as with a pair of orthotics, however if left untreated could cause a bigger problem and require a longer time out from their sporting activity.

Foot deformities can also be present in children of young ages. A common

foot deformity in children is flat feet. This problem can be evaluated by a podiatrist with experience in treating children. Some children with this foot problem complain of arch or ankle pain. Others don’t complain of any pain, but do complain that their feet or legs get tired with activity. Treatments for flat foot deformity can range from orthotics to surgery.

At the Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley, our board certified doctors have experience in treating children of all ages. Whether your baby has an ingrown toenail, or your elite athlete is having heel pain, our doctors will spend the time that is needed to provide your child with the treatment necessary to get them healthy. Our friendly staff makes every child feel comfortable and at ease during their time at our office. If your child is hav-ing a problem with their feet, call us today for an appointment.

Dr. Kathleen O’Keefe is on staff atFoot Health Center of Merrimack Val-ley with offices in North Andover and Tewksbury and can be reached at 978-686-7623

Foot Health Tips for ChildrenBy Dr. Kathleen O’Keefe

Merrimack Valley Parent Merrimack Valley Parent Page 5

* Specializing in Family Chiropractic and Wellness care

* Pediatric and Perinatal Certified

* Working with Children with ADD/ADHD

* Relief of colic, reflux, ear infections and allergies

* Certified in Webster Technique

Parker River Chiropractic & Wellness 95 Parker Street Newburyport, MA 01950

(p) 978-462-0263 www.ParkerRiverWellness.com

Dr. Stephanie Rittenour

Our office specializes in customized, integrative care for the entire family. We pride ourselves on our detailed approach to care.

We are a family friendly office and strive to help your family optimize their overall health and wellness.

NOW OFFERINGThe Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley is the most advanced Podiatry Practice in the area. Our team of 3 Board Certified* Podiatrists offer state of the art technology at our two convenient locations. We provide excellence in our specialty and have a passion for putting our patients first. Call us today with any foot pain related issue.

FLAT FEET • DIABETIC CARE • FUNGAL TOENAILS • PLANTAR FASCIITIS

451 Andover Street, #209North Andover, MA 01845978-686-7623

1565 Main St., Suite 102Tewksbury, MA 01876978-640-1010

www.WeFixYourFeet .com*Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery

Safe and Private Pedicures with a Licensed Nail Technician

Christine Dalrymple DPMBoard Certified*

Kathleen O’Keefe DPMBoard Certified*

Teresa Burtoft DPMBoard Certified*

Now offeringMLS LASER THERAPY

for treatment of neurological, soft

tissue, tendon and ligament injuries.

Eyecare for the Entire Family!

Visit our website to learn more: www.DrLauraAnnePotvinPC.comNow Located At

939 Salem Street, Suite 7 Rte. 97 Groveland, MA 01834978-374-8991

Dr. Kathleen HornDr. Nyla Lambert

Dr. Cathleen DoucetteDr. Judith Marrocco

In addition to our comprehensive services,

we are proud to now offer:Vision Therapy and

Specialty Contact Lenses

DR. LAURA ANNE POTVIN, P.C.OPTOMETRISTS

During these last few winter months, it can be hard to find fun family activi-ties that don’t empty your wallet.

Luckily, plenty of winter fun can be found in your own backyard.

Instead of looking out your window at a vast blanket of white, fill up a few spray bottles with water and food col-

oring and turn your lawn into a work of art. The kids will love to create funny faces, rainbows or whatever comes to mind.

Another fun project to add some color to a bland yard is by filling balloons with water and food coloring and al-lowing them to freeze outside. When you remove the balloon you will have a colorful frozen orb to arrange around

your driveway or on your front steps.You can also hide the orbs around your yard and have a winter scavenger hunt.

For a fun twist, try doing the same thing with rubber gloves to create colorful, frozen hands.

Snow angels are fun to make but the finished product can be a little boring

to look at. Spice them up a little by adding faces and clothing with food coloring. Top off their new look with old hats, mittens and scarves.

No winter would be complete with-out the construction of a snow fort. Pile up the snow and hollow out your mound to make an igloo or fill plastic bins to create bricks for walls. You can decorate your new hideout with food

coloring, sticks, pinecones, rocks or whatever else you can find outside.

If there is not enough snow to build a fort, break out the beach toys and put them to use. Instead of creating sandcastles, make snow castles.

A great way to get the kids to burn some pent up energy is to turn the yard into a maze for them to run through. Make paths by packing down snow with your boots, shovel or snow shoes. Have each path twist and turn or intersect at certain points. They will love racing and chasing each other around all afternoon.

Keep some black construction paper on hand for when the next snow flurry rolls in. Catch snow flakes on the paper to see just what each flake looks like. If you have one, use a magnifying glass to see the details in each unique flake. Have your children draw a picture of their favorite ones when you head inside to warm up.

If you’re looking to get away from the house for a bit without spending a

fortune, pack up the family and your sleds and head to local sledding hill. You’d be hard pressed to find a child who wouldn’t think a day of sledding was the best part of wintertime, aside from Christmas of course.

Some favorite sledding spots in the area include Woodsom Farm in Ames-bury, Bartlet Mall in Newburyport, and Half Mile Hill and Drummond Park in North Andover.

Lace up your skates and head to your local pond or lake for another clas-sic winter activity. If you don’t have a natural ice rink nearby there are many ice rinks within the Merrimack Valley that offer public skating times at fair prices.

Lawrence Valley Forum Ice Rink holds a public skate weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prices are $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 12 and under for two hours or $9 for adults and $7 for children for one hour.

Methuen High School Ice Rink is available on Saturdays and Sundays

from 1 to 2 p.m. and costs only $5 for adults and $3 for students. Helmets are required.

Brooks School Skating Rink in North Andover is open to the public Sundays from 6:40 to 8:40 p.m. and costs $3 per person.

The Veterans’ Memorial Skating Rink in Haverhill holds public skating Mon-day through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 2 p.m. There is a $3 charge per adult and $1 charge per child. Skate rentals are $4.Lawrence Valley Forum, Methuen High School, and Brooks School do not offer skate rentals.

Cross country skiing and snow shoeing are another great way to get out of the house and burn some energy. The Rail Trails throughout the area are a perfect place to go, such as the Amesbury Riverwalk, Bradford Rail Trail, Clipper City Rail Trail and Harborwalk in New-buryport, Jay McLaren Memorial Trail in Merrimac or the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in Chelmsford.

If you don’t mind the road trip, the Ice Castles in Lincoln, N.H., are a perfect destination for you and your family, especially if the little ones are fans of Disney’s Frozen.

Everything is made out of snow and ice and all the ice formations are cre-ated by hand.

More than 5,000 icicles are “grown” each day and then harvested and sculpted together to form large tow-ers, tunnels, archways, caves, caverns and safe pathways for exploration. When the sun sets, the castles are illuminated and are truly a spectacle worth seeing.

The Ice Castles are open Sunday through Thursday from 2 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. Admis-sion is $12.95 for adults and $8.95 for ages four through 12. Warm clothing and winter boots are best. Shoes and boots with flat soles are not recom-mended.

Budget Friendly

WinterActivities

By Joni Lazisky


Our stellar OB/GYN teamhas a new arrival…Introducing Andrea Rollins, MD...

Dr. Rollins is a board-eligible OB/GYN who is � uent in Spanish and German.

She specializes in all aspects of women’s health care and is

now accepting new patients.

Practicing in Haverhill and NewburyportCall 978-556-0100 for an appointment

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AJH_DrRollins_MVparent_HalfPg_11.14.indd 1 11/5/14 3:32 PM

Easing My Child’s Anxiety At The DentistBy Maritza Morell, DMD, MS, MPH

Most people understand that going to the dentist is necessary to maintain good oral health and promote excellent oral hygiene habits. However, many adults hate going to the dentist or may feel sick to the stomach just thinking about the sound of the drill. Dental anxiety has potentially detrimental effects on the patient when it interferes with receiving optimal dental care. Dental anxiety and phobia are extremely com-mon. It is estimated that as many as 75% of US adults experience some degree of dental fear, from mild to severe. Further-more, approximately 5 to 10 % of U.S. adults are considered to experience dental phobia. That’s about 30 million to 40 mil-lion people.

From a child’s point of view, a trip to the dentist can be a frightening experience because loud sounds, lights, smells and touching can overwhelm a young child. This presents a special challenge for dental treatment because pretty much anything about dentistry involves these things. Dental visits for a young child may end up in tears and tantrums. Teach your child that visiting the dentist is important and necessary for years to come. It has been

found that as many as 19.5% of school-age children are afraid of dentists. Parents play an important role in “setting the stage” for making the first dental office visit a positive experience. As a parent, there are some things you can do in order to decrease a child’s dental anxiety. Take your child to the dentist at age one! The earlier a child visits the dentist the better it is to reduce a lifetime of dental fears. When preparing for a visit, especially the first time, try not to include too many details. Try to keep it simple and keep a positive attitude towards the dental visit. Any anxiety displayed by parents will be “picked up” by your child. Young children may have difficulty understanding com-plicated verbal explanations; do not use words as “hook”, “poke”, “shots” or “needles”. Let the dental staff introduce their own vo-cabulary to help children get through the dental visit in a non- threatening way.

Children are more likely to tolerate a procedure when they have been told in advance what to expect. Demonstration or role-play can be a useful strategy before the dentist appointment. Play pretend with your child, let your child role-play by

using a toothbrush and counting your little one’s teeth. In order to get your child more familiar with the real visit, picture books with detailed illustrations and easy-to-un-derstand language can also help children get a sense of what to expect. Stay calm during the visit and be prepared for some fussing! It is age-appropriate for a young child to fear strangers and to cry, whine and wiggle. Please remember that the dentist and her staff are used to working with children and have seen their share of crying.

Often an upsetting childhood dental experience has lasting effects into adult-hood. But dentists are well-trained today and have tools and techniques to minimize discomfort for the child who is visibly anxious. A dentist who treats children often will know how to cope with your child’s fears and anxiety and put them at ease. For the anxious child, going to a pediatric dental office may be the solution! Most pediatric dentists use relaxation and distraction strategies that are quite useful. Pediatric offices are kid-friendly, use words that seems familiar to children, have video games, pleasing pictures on the walls, and movies or TV shows kids enjoy. Pediatric

dentists study two or three years after a doctorate in dental school to solely special-ize in the care of children, teenager and young adults. These specialists are highly trained in the management of patients with dental anxiety and patients with special medical conditions. When exten-sive dental treatment is needed, pediatric dentist sometimes may use sedation to help the child relax and be more comfort-able, such as, nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) or an oral sedative. In addition, general anesthesia in coordination with an anes-thesiologists at a local hospital can be used by the pediatric dentist to help patients with dental phobia easily cope with the stress of the dental office. “The number of adults who suffer from dental fear will be decreased if they are treated supportively and gently from a young age!” says Dr Morell.

Dr. Morell maintains a private practice “Andover Pediatric Dentistry” in Andover, MA and Lawrence, MA. Dr Morell forms part of the clinical pediatric dentistry faculty at Bos-ton Children’s Department and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine

Feeling blah, dreary, ho-hum? It could be cabin fever, but with minimal amounts of snow and above-average temperatures this winter (editor’s note: this was written before the blizzard!), it’s unlikely you’ve been cooped up in the house. What is likely is that you’re suffering from a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Though the acronym could convey this as a joke, the disorder is anything but a laughing matter.

Also known as winter depression or winter blues (it’s also called summer depression and/or summer blues when occurring during the late spring and summer months), this syndrome is classified as a major depressive disorder that comes about at a specific time of year, overstays its welcome for a couple months and then goes into hibernation until the next year.

People affected by this disorder – it has been diagnosed in children, teens and adults, but in most cases doesn’t begin to reveal itself until a person

reaches the age of 20 - may expe-rience nausea, a desire to sleep too much, overeating, having little energy and bouts of depres-sion. Those who suffer from the disorder in the summer months may also experience insomnia, decreased appetite, fluctuation in weight, both loss and gain, ir-ritability and heightened anxiety. Adults may also experience low sex drive. And women are four times as likely as men to be diag-nosed with the disorder.

The disorder has also been named With Seasonal Pattern and affects 6 percent of the population in the United States. Although linked to bipolar disorder, it is important that people affected by it receive the proper diagnosis, as treat-ment for bipolar I, bipolar II and With Seasonal Pattern are treated differently.

The beginning of the SAD winter season, the most common of the two disorders, begins in close proximity to when we turn our clocks back an hour in the fall. The shorter days and less sunlight are a major factor in altering mood swings, which in turn leads to less active individuals, which height-ens the depressive phase. The summer SAD season begins in late spring/early summer. Both are linked to the change in daylight.

The good news for those suffering with bouts of this syndrome is that, as mentioned previously, each episode is not deemed permanent and goes away after a couple months, and there are ways to treat the disorder while it’s taking hold of an individual.

Light therapy is the most common treatment available, according to the American Family Physician. It requires people suffering from SAD to either sit in front of a specially designed light box of full spectrum light for 30 minutes a day through the winter until more natural light becomes available and boosts a person’s mood naturally. Sufferers are instructed not to aban-don this therapy even if symptoms diminish or go away because another episode can be triggered after the treatments are stopped. People af-fected by SAD can also wear a light visor. Similar to a baseball cap, the underside of the brim has a light fix-ture that shines brightly on the person, providing the artificial light needed to

enhance their mood. Light therapy is successful in 80 percent of the people who use it.

Another form of treatment is physical activity. When you exercise you release endorphins in the body. Endorphins are partly responsible for creating that “runner’s high” or feeling of euphoria. When people suffer SAD, they suffer from low self-esteem. Because physical activity increases endorphins, those afflicted get a boost which leads to an increase in self-esteem and a more positive attitude. Exercise also reduces stress, improves sleep and wards off anxiety, all symptoms of SAD.

Exercise can come in many enjoyable forms, and it doesn’t have to be overly taxing on the body. Dancing, golf or a casual and leisurely bike ride can be exactly what the doctor ordered. Here in New England, where the winters can be long and the opportunity to go for a nice run or bike ride are severely limited, can be overcome with other forms of activity like ice skating, skiing – downhill or cross-country – snow-shoeing, indoor golf, or joining a gym to workout, use the treadmill or ride a stationary bike.

SAD is only a temporary affliction, with proven treatments it doesn’t have to turn the winter doldrums into any-thing more than that.

By Mike Sullivan

Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder


Summer Camps & Schools

104 King Street, Groveland, MA 01834978-373-1300 • huntershavenfarm.com

Summer Camp Weekly Sessions

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

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FOR BROCHURE, REGISTRATION, AND/OR INFORMATION:

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REGISTRATIONHAS

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NOW IN OUR 35TH YEAR

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New Courses in 2015

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Minecraft and HovercraftsAlso, KITE Program for High Ability Students

in Grades Pre-K-Grade 7 July 27-31, 2015Don’t Miss The Fun! Sign Up Soon

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• Make sports anchor tapes from a TV studio • Make play-by-play tapes of the Super Bowl & NBA Finals• Tour Fenway Park and make reporting tapes inside… and much more!

Back for our 11th year!

July 20-24, 2015• Nursery - Grade 8• NEASC Accreditation• Newly Built Fine Arts Center• Before & After School Care From 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM• Full Time, On-Site Nurse• Low Student Teacher Ratio• Nurturing And Secure Environment• State-Of-The-Art Technology: iPads, SmartBoards, Computer Center• Challenging Core Curriculum• Religious Education & Liturgical Celebration• Art, Physical Education, Music, Library, Computer & Spanish• Extensive Extra-Curricular Programs• Exceptional High School Placement Results

Saint Michael School is a place where strong academics, Catholic moral principles and loving families come together to create a positive and inviting educational experience.

Join us for a tour to learn what makes Saint Michael School simply exceptional!

Scan to learn more about Saint Michael School

Saint Michael School80 Maple Avenue, North Andover, MA 01845978-686-1862 | www.SaintMichael.com

SAIN

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NORTH ANDOVER

NOW REGISTERINGWe are currently enrolling students for

the 2015-2016 academic year. Email [email protected] or call 978-686-1862

now for information and a tour.

SUMMER FUNSTARTS HERE!Summer Camps 2015HAVERHILL AND PLAISTOW COMMUNITY YMCAsBuild friendships and memories to last a lifetime at YMCA camps!

• At our classic day camp, Camp Tricklin’ Falls, kids love kayaking, canoeing, archery, our low ropes challenge course, arts & crafts and much more

• Enjoy specialty camps—Youth Basketball, Girls Basketball, Volleyball, Floor Hockey, Explorers, Trips, Gymnastics and Counselors In Training (CIT)

• Little Pine Cones and Pee Wee camps for young campers offer low staff to camper ratios and age appropriate activities

• For your convenience, transportation is provided from 14 locations across the region• Safety and well-being are our staff’s highest priority

Visit www.northshoreymca.org for fun camp videos, details, dates, fees and special options.

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Friendship | Accomplishment | Belonging

OPEN HOUSECAMP TRICKLIN’ FALLS:

Saturday, April 18, 11:00am-1:00pmSunday, May 17, 11:00am-1:00pmSaturday, June 6, 11:00am-1:00pm

HAVERHILL YMCA AND PLAISTOW COMMUNITY YMCA:

Sunday, May 17, 11:00am-1:00pm


Merrimack Valley Dad“I’ve Seen this Somewhere Before”

By Mike Nercessian

It’s always an odd, but slightly enter-taining moment when I notice a family trait has been passed down. A few years ago, I noticed how my father was standing, one hand on his hip, legs crossed while he casually inspected his garden. I thought it a strange way to stand until I realized not only was I standing the exact same way at the exact same time, but my son was too! Three of us! Surely this posture was passed down one way or another, either hard wired or learned and imi-tated, though likely a combination of nature and nurture.

The recent Patriots vs. Ravens playoff game was an instant classic (un-less you’re from Baltimore) with the Patriots not once, but twice falling behind by 14 points before rallying for the win. Despite watching from the climate controlled comfort of my living room, I spent the entire game on my feet, pacing from one end of the room to the other during a game that was in serious doubt until the final whistle.

During the game, my son and daugh-ter also paced incessantly as we watched, nearly bumping into each other as they crisscrossed the room. Yet, despite their behavior mirroring my own (ah yes, we tend to pass down both the good and the odd to our children), their perceived stress was in fact something entirely different.

I paced the room in direct correlation to the score – when the Patriots were behind, the walking about was a tool to alleviate the tension, to let some air out of the stress balloon the game was rapidly filling. Only during moments of game equilibrium (the score tied or working in our favor) was I able to momentarily take my seat.

My son, though I didn’t realize it at the time, was almost completely oblivious to the score of the football

game and the toll it was taking on his father’s sanity. It turns out, he was busily formulating a strategy to solve a Minecraft issue that had surfaced around kick-off. His pacing about was a problem-solving tool, a way to get from point A to point B both literally and figuratively.

My daughter, on the other hand, had little reason to pace about - her pac-ing was in direct correlation to her boredom. Her prowling from one end of the house to the other was more to pass the time than to alleviate the stress of the game. And here I was thinking she cared!

Thankfully, the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts provided few, if any, stressful moments and, therefore, little in the way of incessant pacing or other idiosyncra-sies that may or may not have been passed down from my parents.

Of course, before New England could collectively celebrate the victory, the unsavory business of deflated foot-balls and subsequent demonizing of Bill Belichick became a bigger story than the victory.

As of this writing (a few days before the Super Bowl), we don’t seem any closer to learning what, if anything, happened to eleven of the twelve Patriot footballs.

What I did learn during the two weeks leading up to the big game was yet another family trait was passed along to my son. Upon hearing the report of deflated footballs, he scoffed, “the Patriots wouldn’t do that.”

Ah, yes, somewhere along the line I’d passed along the enduring attitude of the pompous Boston sports fan .

Mothers and Familie

s Clu

b

• G

re

ater Newburyport •

15 Years

The Greater Newburyport Mothers and Families Clubfun and friends for families in the greater Newburyport area

For membership benefits, please explore

our website at www.greaternewburyportfamilies.org

If you have any questions, please feel free to contactKristen Jackman, GNFC President, [email protected]

Camp Name Instructor Dates & Times Eligible Cost Registration Info

A Step Ahead Nike Basketball Camp

Bobby Allan -‐Campbell Varsity Basketball Coach

June 29 – July 2 9am to 3:00pm

Ages 7 – 14

Co-‐Ed

$225

http://www.asahoops.com/event/614

Readers’ Theater

Suzanne Cronin

July 6 – 10

9:00am to 12:00pm

Entering Grades 2 – 3 in

Fall of 2015

$149

http://www.hampsteadacademy.org

Image Making Within The

Writing Process

Marci Crowley

July 6 – 10

12:30pm to 3:30pm


Fall of 2015

$149 plus

$10 supplies fee


Fun With Letters and

Numbers

Kate Gleason

July 6 – 10

9am to 11:30pm

Entering Grades K – 1 in

Fall of 2015

$149


Mind and Body

Suzanne Cronin & Pete

Demeritt

July 13 – July 17

9:00am to 3:00pm


Fall of 2015

$149


Mathematics SSAT Prep

Stacy Kutzelman

July 13 – July 17

9:00am to 12:00pm


Fall of 2015

$149


Outdoor/Indoor Play

Kaleigh Liupakka

July 13 – July 17

9:00am to 11:30am

Ages 3 -‐ 5

$149


SWAT Team

Suzanne Cronin

July 20 – July 24

9:00am to 12:00pm


Fall of 2015

$149


Art Camp

Kaleigh Liupakka

July 20 – July 24

9:00am to 11:00am

Entering Grades K – 2 in

Fall of 2015

$149


LEtGO Your Mind – Amusement Park Thrill

Rides**

LEGO Camp Instructor

July 20 – July 24

9:00am – 12:00pm

Ages 4 -‐5

$150

http://letgoyourmind.com/hampstead-‐academy-‐nh/

LEtGO Your Mind – Amusement Park Thrill Rides & Stop Motion Animation**


July 20 – July 24

9:00am – 3:00pm

Ages 6 -‐ 9

$300


LEtGO Your Mind – Minecraft/Redstone Circuits,

Robotics & Stop Motion Animation**


July 20 – July 24

9:00am – 3:00pm

Ages 9 -‐ 13

$300


Hampstead Academy 2015 Summer Camp Programs

Hampstead Academy w 320 East Road w Hampstead w NH w 603-‐329-‐4406 w www.hampsteadacademy.org

**Call 603-‐329-‐4406 x124 to register for the LEtGO Your Mind Open House at Hampstead Academy on March 7th from 10:00am to 12:00pm! Your child will have the opportunity to participate in LEGO Gravity Cars, LEGO Ziplines, Robots, Stop Motion Animation.

931 Boston Road, Haverhill, MA 01835978-373-1596 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 & Racquetball Fun & Games

• Climbing Wall • And Much More!

1/2 Day Preschool (Ages 3 - 5)

Full Day (Ages 4 - 12)

Junior Outing (Ages 12 - 14)

Camp starts week of June 29th

Sum

mer

Cam

ps

& S

choo

ls

Merrimack Valley Parent Page 13

Merrimack Valley Calendar of Events

FebruaryTuesday, February 3

PAJAMA PARTYPajama Party is our evening story time for

preschoolers and their favorite adult. Wear your pajamas, bring a stuffed animal, and

share stories, songs, and a simple craft. No registration required. Date / Time::

Tuesday Feb 3, 2015 6:30 PM - 7:15 PMLocation: Activity Room

Memorial Hall Library, Andover

Wednesday, February 4TWEEN CHALLENgE! MINUTE TO WIN IT!

It’s early release! Are you up for a chal-lenge? We’ll see what you can do in a

minute’s time with some pretty awesome (and sometimes silly) activities (such as bal-ancing die on a stick...in your mouth! Using only a straw and air to move cotton balls!)

Last one to survive the set of challenges for the month gets a cool prize! Ages 8 to 12

are welcome. Registration is required!Date / Time:: Wednesday Feb 4, 2015

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Contact: Dorothy Purdy 978-388-8148 x4 [email protected]

Amesbury Public Library

Thursday, February 5HARRY POTTER BOOK NIgHT

February 5 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pmFebruary 5, 2015 will see the first ever

Harry Potter Book Night celebrated throughout the world and the Newbury-

port Public Library is getting ready for our own special evening of activities. The fun kicks off at 6:00 pm and continues until

8:00 pm. Wizards, witches and muggles of all ages are invited to join us at NPL for a

magical night. Costumes are encouraged! This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Newburyport Public Library. Contact

Jessica Hilbun, Teen Services Librarian, at 978-465-4428 ext. 246 or nplteenlibrarian@

gmail.com with questions.

LEgO BLOCK PARTY (K TO 4TH gRADE)Come create anything you wish using our

new LEgOS. There are 10,000 pieces to choose from as you put together your mas-terpiece. We will take a picture of you and your creation before you leave. All LEgOS

must stay at the library so we may offer this program throughout the year.

Date / Time:: Thursday Feb 5, 2015 4:00 PM - 5:00 Contact: Children’s Department 978-

686-4080 ext 26 Nevins Memorial Library, Methuen

Saturday, February 7MERRIMACK RIVER EAgLE FESTIVALCelebrate the seasonal return of bald

eagles to the Merrimack Valley with the tenth annual Merrimack River Eagle

Festival! Staff and volunteers from Joppa Flats and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge help visitors find eagles and other winter specialties and answer questions

about behaviors and habitats. The scaven-ger hunt for children and families launches

on January 16th and runs through to the festival—hunt forms available at most loca-tions displaying the Eagle Festival Friends

window cling or call us for locations: 978.462.9998.

Date: Sat, Feb 07, 2015; 8:30 am - 4:00 pmLocation: Newburyport and vicinity

Fee: free. No preregistration required.

LEgOMANIALegomania is a program for chidlren ages 5 and up who love to build with Lego’s. This

month we will be meeting at anearlier time, 1:00 p.m. Each child will build

on their own base, then share their cre-ation with the group before putting it on

display in the Children’s Room. Date / Time:: Saturday Feb 7, 2015 1:00 PM - 2:00

PM Memorial Hall Library, Andover

FAMILY LEgO BUILD!Come on up to the Children’s Room and

build anything you can imagine! We’ll provide the Lego, you provide the builders! Everyone is welcome (we have some Duplo

for youngers)! We’ll have some challange suggestions each month, if you’d like! No registration required and drop in anytime between 2pm - 4pm. We will display any

creations made in our fiction section! Date / Time:: Saturday Feb 7, 2015

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Contact:Clare Dom-browski 978-388-8148 x4 cdombrowski@

mvlc.org Amesbury Public Library

Wednesday, February 11SCIENCE CLUB!

Science Club for 9 to 12 year olds! Simulate an oil spill in the ocean this month and

learn about ways to clean it up (and try a few out!) A great way to explore the world with hands-on projects and experiments! Registration is required for each month!Date / Time:: Wednesday Feb 11, 2015

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Contact: Dorothy Purdy 978-388-8148 x4 [email protected]


Thursday, February 12IMAgINE, SINg, & LEARN:

DO ANIMALS EAT SNACKS?This parent/child program is designed for

the creative, curious, and active preschool-er. Each 90-minute session offers a struc-

tured series of activities including original songs, movement, dramatic play, hands-on

science, and a thematic snack.Date: Thu, Feb 12, 2015; 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Location: Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike,

Newburyport.Fee: $8 (adult)/$7 (child). Preregistration required.

Friday, February 13IMAgINE, SINg, & LEARN:

DO ANIMALS EAT SNACKS?This parent/child program is designed for

the creative, curious, and active preschool-er. Each 90-minute session offers a struc-

tured series of activities including original songs, movement, dramatic play, hands-on

science, and a thematic snack.Date: Fri, Feb 13, 2015; 1:00 pm - 2:30 pmLocation: Meet at Joppa Flats Education

Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Fee: $8 (adult)/$7 (child).

Preregistration required.

Saturday, February 14HAPPy VALEnTInE’S DAy!

KIDS BOOK SALE AND MAgIC SHOWFebruary 14 | 1:30 pm – 3:15 pm

Join us for the annual Friends of the Library Kid’s Book Sale, plus a free Magic Show! The show starts at 1:30, followed by re-

freshments, and the book sale is from 2:15 to 3:15. This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and will take place in

the Program Room. All are welcome.Newburyport Public Library

Sunday, February 15TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE:

BALD EAgLES ALONg THE ESTUARYAdults and children can spend quality

family time in the great outdoors finding, observing, and admiring local wildlife.

Excursions might include a group game to burn off some steam, an on-the-water

scavenger hunt, or a guided tour. We’ll observe, investigate, and compare coastal environments and their inhabitants, both on- and offshore. Date: Sun, Sun, Feb 15,

2015; 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Location: Meet at

Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport.

Fee: $8 (child)/$11 (adult). Preregistration required.

Wednesday, February 18FEBRUARY VACATION WEEK AT JOPPA

FLATS: POLAR PAL PARADE!Our school vacation programs offer a wide

variety of indoor and outdoor activities while we keep minds active and hands

busy during school break with free-flow learning for the whole family. For ages 7

and up, there are STEM (science, tech-nology, engineering, and math) activity

stations featuring experiments, challenges, data sheets, maps, and charts. For ages 2 to 6, there are stories, crafts, table top

games, coloring pages, and science activi-ties. Family presentations will be offered at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Date: Wed, Feb 18, 2015; 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Location: Meet

at Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport.

Fee: $5 (child)/adults free--$20/family maximum fee. No preregistration required.

MANgA CLUB FOR TEENS

Manga Club is for anyone that loves Manga and Anime. We talk about books, make

crafts, make candy sushi, and play games.Date / Time:: Wednesday Feb 18, 2015

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Contact: Margie 978-388-8148 [email protected]

Location: APL Teen LoungeAmesbury Public Library

Thursday, February 19FEBRUARY VACATION WEEK AT JOPPA

FLATS: CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL!Our school vacation programs offer a wide

variety of indoor and outdoor activities while we keep minds active and hands

busy during school break with free-flow learning for the whole family. For ages 7

and up, there are STEM (science, tech-nology, engineering, and math) activity

stations featuring experiments, challenges, data sheets, maps, and charts. For ages 2 to 6, there are stories, crafts, table top

games, coloring pages, and science activi-ties. Family presentations will be offered at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Date: Thur, Feb 19, 2015; 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Location: Meet

at Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport.

Fee: $5 (child)/adults free--$20/family maximum fee. No preregistration required.

ilikemyteeth.orgFluoridation reduces the rate of tooth decay among children.

Keep Your Water Fluoridated

If your town water is not fluoridated, contact your Pediatrician or Dentist for a prescription for fluoride so your child’s teeth will grow

in strong to prevent cavities.

• TheU.S.TaskForceonCommunityPreventiveServices—ablue-ribbonpanelofexperts—examined21studiesandconcludedinits2000reportthatfluori-datedwaterreducestoothdecaybyamedianrateof29%amongchildrenofages4to17.*1

• AstudyofAlaskachildren(2011),conductedbytheCentersforDiseaseCon-trolandPrevention,showedthatchildrenlivinginnon-fluoridatedareashada32%higherrateofdecayed,missingorfilledteeththankidsinfluoridatedcommunities.*2

• AstudyofIllinoisandNebraskachildren(1998)foundthatthetoothdecayrateamongchildreninthefluoridatedtownwas45%lowerthantherateamongkidsintheinthetwonon-fluoridatedtowns.Thisbenefitoccurredeventhoughthevastmajorityofchildrenineachofthesecommunitieswereusingfluoridatedtoothpaste.*3

• ANevadastudy(2010)examinedteenagers’oralhealthandfoundthatlivinginacommunitywithoutfluoridatedwaterwasoneofthetopthreeriskfactorsassociatedwithhighratesofdecayandotherdentalproblems.*4

• Astudyofmorethan17,000Australianchildren(2003)determinedthatfluori-datedwater’s“preventiveeffectwasmaximizedbycontinuousexposurebothbeforeandaftereruption(i.e.,whenteethfirstappearinthemouth).”Thisfind-ingrefutestheclaimmadebyfluoridationopponentsthattopicalapplicationoffluorideistheonlyeffectivewaytousefluoride.*5

Sources: 1CommunityPreventiveServicesTaskForce.PreventingDentalCaries:CommunityWaterFluoridation.GuidetoCommunityPreventiveServices.http://www.thecommunityguide.org/oralfluoridation.html.AccessedDecember3,2014.

2U.S.CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention.DentalCariesinRuralAlaskaNativeChildren---Alaska,2008Weekly.MorbidityandMortalityWeeklyReport.2011:60(37);1275-1278.http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6037a2.htm?s_cid=mm6037a2_x.AccessedDecember3,2014.

3SelwitzRH,Nowjack-RaymerRE,KingmanA,DriscollWS.Dentalcariesanddentalfluorosisamongschoolchildrenwhowerelifelongresidentsofcommunitieshavingeitherloworoptmallevelsoffluorideindrinkingwater.JPublicHealthDent.1998:58(1);28-35.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9608443.AccessedDecember3,2014.

4DitmyerM,DounisG,MobleyC,SchwarzE.Acase-controlstudyofdeterminantsforhighandlowdentalcariesprevalenceinNevadayouth.BMCOralHealth.2010:10(24).http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6831/10/24.AccessedDecember3,2014.

5SinghKA,SpencerAJ.Relativeeffectsofpre-andpost-eruptionwaterfluorideoncariesexperiencebysurfacetypeofpermanentfirstmolars.CommunityDentOralEpidemiol.2004:32(6);435-46.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15541159.AccessedDecember3,2014.

978-462-4590 portsidefamilydental.com

Merrimack Valley Parent

Specialty CampsAcademic TutoringArtist-in-ResidenceComputer Game DesignCookingCounselor-in-TrainingCraftsCreative WritingCrime Scene InvestigationCupcake MakingDance Fashion DesignMandarinMathMovie MakingJr. NaturalistOutdoor AdventurePhotographyTheatreRoboticsWilderness Survival

Day CampsFull-Day Traditional Half-Day

Sports CampsAll-SportBaseballBasketballCricketField HockeyLacrosseSoccerSwim Lessons

• Grades PK-10• Team, Early Bird,

Multi-week, and Sibling discounts

• Pool time• Lunch provided• Nine one-week sessions

Summer ProgramsLawrence Academy

Groton, MA

www.lacademy.edu/summers

Camps run from June 22 until August 21, 2015.

Summer Programs Office: 978-448-1610 • [email protected]

9.5 x 11 COLOR Summer 2015 Ad_Layout 1 1/20/15 2:20 PM Page 1

Friday, February 20SCHOOL VACATION WEEK:

IMAgINATION PLAYgROUNDWhere will your imagination take you? We will have tons of supplies (such as tubes, cardboard, containers, paper bags, glue, markers....a whole bunch of items) This is

the time to play and allow for creativity to blossom. A great thing for all ages (includ-

ing parents). Drop by any time between 10am-2pm to play! Date / Time:: Friday Feb

20, 2015 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Contact:Clare Dombrowski 978-388-8148 x4

[email protected] Public Library

Saturday, February 21CHILDREN’S AUTHOR FESTIVAl

This new event will feature almost a dozen local authors for children. Each author will

have a short time to read their book and answer questions. All will be available to meet and sign books. Bring your copy or purchase that day. A list of authors, book

titles and schedule of readings will be available soon. Date / Time:: Saturday Feb

21, 2015 9:00 AM - 1:00 PMContact: Beth Kerrigan 978-623-8401 x40

[email protected] Memorial Hall Library, Andover

DONUTS WITH DADS (3 TO 6 YEARS OLD)Children ages 3-6 and their fathers, grand-fathers or uncles are invited to join us for a fun story and activity time with an added

bonus of sweet, yummy donuts and juice!\Please register online or call the Children’s

Department for more information.Date / Time:: Saturday Feb 21, 2015

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM Contact:

Children’s Department 978-686-4080Nevins Memorial Library, Methuen

Monday, February 23TEEN WRITINg gROUP

If you like writing for fun or have dreams of becoming an author, please join the Teen

Writing Club! This is an informal group that meets monthly, works on improving

our writing skills with different writing exercises and has fun! Date / Time::

Monday Feb 23, 2015 7:00 PM - 8:00 PMContact:Sarah 978-686-4080 nevin-

[email protected] Memorial Library, Methuen

Wednesday, February 25FAN FICTION WRITINg FOR TEENS

What is fanfiction? Fanfiction refers to sto-ries produced by fans based on plot lines

and characters from either a single source text or multiple sources; these fan-created narratives often take the pre-existing sto-

ryworld in a new, sometimes bizarre, direc-tion. While the activities of fans may take many forms, writing stories deriving from

one or more source texts has long been the most popular way of showing their passion for a particular fictional universe. For 7th-

12th grade. Date / Time::Wednesday Feb 25, 2015 3:00 PM - 5:00 Contact: Margie Walker 978-388-8148


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

[email protected]

The antidote for battling all of the pain and hardships in the world is to practice and demonstrate love to our children. What better month to do this in than the month of LOVE, February. So to get you jump started in showing your child love, here are tips for each of the first 14 days of the month of February. And if you don’t find this article until well after February 1st, it’s never too late to start it.

DAy 1: HIDE LOVE nOTES OR SURPRISES Toddlers to teens love to be surprised. Hide a small valentine, an encouraging note, or a small valentine chocolate somewhere for them to find each day leading up to Valentine’s Day. get creative and mix it up. You could also leave a note each day in one place that contains clues to helping them find what you’ve hidden.

DAy 2: READ A SPECIAL BOOK – Find a child’s illustrated book that sends a mes-sage of love and commit to reading it to your children every night, leading up to Valentine’s Day. My favorite is the book LOVE YOU FOREVER by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Sheila Mcgraw. It sends the message that I’ll always love you uncon-ditionally, no matter how you behave and well into your adult years.

DAy 3: PLAn A PARTy – Help your child plan a V-Day party with all of their friends. For one activity at the party, provide a per-sonalized mailbox (or bag) for each child. On blank slips of paper, have each child write down words that describe what they like about each of the other kids, one child per slip of paper. They will deposit them in each other’s’ mailboxes.

DAy 4: BE AFFECTIOnATE WITH yOUR SIGnIFICAnT OTHER – Teach your children about love by expressing love for your significant other in front of them. Children who have healthy models of af-fection around them are likely to recreate in their adulthood what they witnessed as children. When your significant other and you argue or fight in front of the children, be sure and let the kids see the two of you makeup.

DAy 5: SCHEDULE A DATE – Schedule a special Valentine date with each of your children. Put it on your calendar and tell your child so they will have something to look forward to. Scheduling in these dates ahead of time ensures they will happen. Then everything else that is less important can fill in around them. Why not schedule a date with your significant other as well? Do this every Sunday night for the week to come.

DAy 6: FRAME A PICTURE OF THE TWO OF yOU – Take a picture of you and your child, frame it, and then give it to your child to put in his or her room on the dresser or night table. If you have more than one child, create one for each of them. For an older child, put a picture of the two of you in a locket that the child can wear. This will also help calm a child who feels anxious when being away from the parent.

DAy 7: THE EnCOURAGEMEnT FEAST – Use the ENCOURAgEMENT FEAST exercise with your family. Each person takes a turn in the center of the circle, facing each per-son who states one thing they love about the person in the center. Before the person

in the center steps back into the circle, they must state one thing they love about them self. Then someone else steps into the circle. See the video http://bit.ly/xsueNx.

DAy 8: GIVE 100% OF yOUR ATTEnTIOn – When your child approaches you to get your attention, stop what you’re doing, get to your child’s eye level, silence your mind-chatter, and remain completely quiet while your child speaks. Nothing feels better to a child (or an adult) who has something to say, than the sense of getting 100% of that adults attention in that moment.

DAy 9: MOVIE nIGHT – Have a movie night with your child(ren), complete with big pillows to snuggle up with and a big bowl of popcorn. The one difference in making this night special is that the movie being featured will be the home movies you have of your child(ren)!

DAy 10: CRAFT PROJECT – Using a family meeting, have everyone create a craft proj-ect that represents love to them. Provide a wide selection of construction paper and craft supplies and allow your children to create whatever comes to mind. Put the creations on display for everyone to see and enjoy, and photograph them to look at for many years to come.

DAy 11: SHARE HOW yOU LOVE yOUR-SELF – Create teachable moments with your child when they are open to learning, by explaining (and demonstrating) what you do to love yourself. This might be a tough exercise for some, but teaching a child to love himself starts by setting a healthy example they can see.

DAy 12: MAILBOXES – In a family meet-ing have everyone make and decorate a mailbox using any household craft items. On slips of paper, have everyone write short love notes to everyone at the table as a practice run and then insert them in the appropriate mailboxes. Have everyone hang their mailboxes on their bedroom door knobs for accepting mail whenever someone desires to write a note.

DAy 13 FInD OUT WHAT MAKES THEM FEEL LOVED – Ask your child what he likes others to do to or for him that makes him feel loved. Dr. gary Chapman, in his book THE FIVE LOVE LANgUAgES OF CHILDREN (Northfield Publishing, 1997), explains how each individual feels loved in different ways; receiving gifts, hearing words of affir-mation, acts of kindness, or touch. Ask your child which one makes him feel loved.

DAy 14: COMPOSE A POEM FOR yOUR CHILD – Compose a poem about your child or describing how much you love her. Print if off on special preprinted paper with a border that can be purchased at office supply stores. Frame it and hang it on your child’s bedroom wall. You could even include the child’s picture or her foot or handprints if you had them done earlier. Sign it and read it to her nightly.

Bill Corbett has a degree in clinical psychology and is the author of the award winning book “Love, Limits, & Lessons: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Cooperative Kids,” in English and in Spanish. He is a Massachusetts native, hap-pily married with three grown children, three grandchildren, and three step children. You can visit his Web site www.CooperativeKids.com for further information and parenting advice.

14 DAYS OF TIPS FOR DEMONSTRATING LOVE TO YOUR CHILD

By Bill Corbett

merrimack valley february 2015...

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