Cambridge Mom’s Blog

Come see a family chorus sing original songs about the wonders of space  - 3 FREE shows during the Cambridge Science Festival.   The shows are performed by are geared to families by the North Cambridge Family Opera Company.  We loved the performance in 2008 so much that my then 6 year old son and I joined.  He particularly enjoyed reading along with the lyrics that were projected during the performance and asking science questions I could not answer My kids are really inspired by live performances, particularly when watching children perform. Don’t miss this unique opportunity and don’t be surprised if you see some kids you recognize.

Here is a better/more detailed description written by a friend who joined the group this year after watching us sing last year!

Looking Up celebrates the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s first observation of the moons of Jupiter and rings of Saturn with songs about the wonders of the night sky, from noctilucent clouds and auroras to the sun, moon, planets and galaxies. Music by five contemporary composers (Bruce Lazarus, David Haines, David Bass, Andrea Gaudette and Jonathan Coulton) and G. F. Handel.  Laura Backley directs the NCFO Festival Chorus of 75 adults and children. Performed with a slideshow of children’s artwork, NASA images, and lyrics.

The concerts are always lots of fun.  These are brilliant composers whose music is incredibly varied.  The lyrics are full of science, but also humor, poetry and moving imagery.  There will be live music to accompany many of the songs and a special surprise at the end of the program.

3 opportunities – FREE concerts during Cambridge Science Festival:
-          Sunday, April 25 at 6:30 PM, Museum of Science
-          Saturday, May 1 at 2:00 PM, Broad Institute (MIT), 415 Main Street
-          Sunday, May 2 at 2:30 PM, Peabody School, 70 Rindge Ave, Cambridge

 Looking Up: Wonders of the Night Sky  http://www.familyopera.org/drupal/node/79

This Friday and Saturday, get your geek on by watching high school kids compete in a robotics competition at BU.  From this photo it looks a bit like the WWF.  My Husband and two kids went last year.  He said my daughter, then 3 was too young to really pay attention, but my 8 year old son remembers and wants to go again. They got there late and could not see the competition very well, but they enjoyed walking around seeing the teams and their machines prep and sweat before they have to compete.  I was pretty impressed when I watched the video that is on the homepage of Boston First.

Public transportation is your best option - apparently the parking is tough. They ended up parking along the green line route and taking the T the rest of the way.  I am sure the T ride was the highlight for my daughter!

Boston First Regional Robotics Competition
March 26th - 27th, 2010
Friday and Saturday - 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
BU Agganis Arena 925 Commonwealth Avenue

The North Cambridge Opera Company will be performing its annual Opera the next two weekends, March 20, 21, 27 & 28.  The Family Opera is an incredible, unique organization that brings family members together, from ages 5 - 80 to perform Opera style shows - as in story telling with music, not unapproachable music.  Creative costumes, beautiful, catchy music and rich stories come together in a show that can be enjoyed by nearly all ages. My 3 year old daughter was able to sit through most (some breaks for running through the halls of the school) and my then 7 year old son was memorized.  It is powerful and inspiring for kids to see other children up on stage singing in the show.  Based on last year’s show, the music is fun.  We still occasionally sing the chorus from last year’s opera The Weaver’s Wedding (Cheena, cheena, churu - probably totally off but you get the idea :)   I have good luck with my kids enjoying performances by letting them have breaks if they need them, and quietly narrating the story to them to help them follow along.

This year’s Opera, Springtime for Haman, is based on the Biblical story of Esther.  A synopsis of the story can be found on the Family Opera website as well as information on purchasing tickets, but I have include a quick blurb below from their newsletter:

“This sensitive and entertaining opera based on the biblical story of Esther features rich, lyrical music in a variety of popular and classical styles.  Two 50-minute acts performed by an inter-generational cast in English with side titles.”

Springtime for Haman
Music and Libretto by Cambridge Composer David Bass

Saturday March 20 & 278th 2:30 & 7 pm
Sunday March 21 and 28 1:30 & 6 pm*
*Pizza available at intermission of the Sunday 6 pm show

The Peabody School, 70 Ringe Avenue, North Cambridge, MA

Tickets:            $5 children, $10adults
24-hr ticket hotline 1.800.838.3006
Tickets also available at the door or at www.FamilyOpera.org
For group rates, email Tickets10@FamilyOpera.org

*Saw it last weekend.  Really fun.  My son loved it.  What a treat to see a live performance for less than it would cost to see a movie.  Definitely has humor (some of which I had to explain to my son.)  And some really talented and brave kids (and adults.)  Some of the singing is a more operatic style, which your child may not be used to, but much is chorus style, fun and catchy. I didn’t think much about it being a biblical story and forgot themes of revenge,  power, etc. but it was a good opportunity to talk about tough topics with my 8 year old.  Again, it is helpful that they project the words on the side of the screen to help all follow along.  And I forgot they put mats on the floor in front of the stage for kids (or parents) to lie down and get a good up close look of the action.   

A friend of mine had a birthday and invited us to join her family in Concord for Square Dancing.  My memories of square dancing include wearing bandannas and overalls in a show we had to put on in elementary school.  I shared my good memories, but my 8 year old son was not interested.  This is not uncommon, resistance to something new, so I stayed positive and kind but made it clear we were all going and if he was not enjoying himself after a 1/2 hour we could leave.  I spent the walk from parking in Concord Center to the Concord Scout House alternatively cajoling my son to walk and listening him complain about not wanting to go.  My 3 year old daughter, on the other hand, went skipping along carrying her bag with her dancing shoes (the locale asks people to not wear street shoes to protect the floors.)

The Scout house looks like a large barn or gymnasium on the inside, with a stage at the back where the callers were.  Yes, live callers that talked everyone through the dance before you did it.  After a little stumbling through the first dance (we couldn’t even organize four pairs to make the dance, or figure out who was your “corner”) we got into our grove, especially my son.  I was thrilled to dance with him, my younger one was a little more challenging.  It was a large room, I would guess there were more than 50 people, kids and adults.  But my kids didn’t get too overwhelmed, I assume because they had to focus on following the dances.  Yes, there were several times my daughter just ran around, or lay on the ground (she is three after all), but it didn’t detract from our fun.

The only real discord happened when my kids wanted to have the same partner, Mom or Dad, which at one point became diffused when they agreed to be each other’s partner.  We didn’t realize it was a dance were partners danced with and traveled through each set of partners as we all made a huge circle.  My husband nearly developed whiplash as he craned his neck to watch them promenade, but they did great! It felt good to see them off on their own.

Afterward my son commented the most of the people were helpful with the dancing but a few were serious and annoyed by them and it was especially fun when he had to drag his sister to the next partner.  I realize when looking at the flyer that it was recommended for kids 5 and up, though there were other younger ones, including those in baby carriers.  Some people do take their dancing seriously, but I found the vibe super family friendly and fun, including a break 1/2 way for cold cider.

Asked to rate square dancing he put one thumb up and one sideways. Why not two thumbs up? “I got really hot and sweaty.” So did I.  We left after about an 1 and 15 minutes and followed up with a visit to The Toy Shop of Concord, which is a sweet little toy store in Concord Center.  More family dances for us!

Family dances are hosted by the New England Folk Festival Association one to two Sundays a Month from 2- 4 pm from November through March.  Admission is $5 per person, with a maximum of $25 per family.  Check out the NEEFA Family Dance flyer for details about dates, locations and different dances.

I found a box labeled yards sale in the basement.  You know, a glass coffee table bowl from Pier One, candle holders, all the things replaced by Legos or non-breakable “dustables” (as my bachelor friend calls all decorative nic-nacs) in my living room.  I don’t know how long they were there waiting for the often promised yard sale (or imaginary yard sale as my husband calls it. ) But the time for liberation is upon us and goes by the name of FREECYCLE.

I am sure many are already aware if the beauty of FreeCycle, but I was a slow convert.   As it is I am not very good at managing my email inbox, especially the series of emails I received from other yahoo groups (even in digest form), so I didn’t even consider it until a friend informed me that I could opt out of emails and only access via my yahoo account. Now the only emails I receive are directly from people wanting my junk - the best kind of email.  Just imagine this subject in your inbox “Re: OFFER: Bag of stuffed animals and dolls.”  Someone wanted my daughters cast off stuff animals - Hooray! Additionally, I have successfully found new homes for toys, baby gear, and an old computer.

There are groups in Arlington, Somerville and Cambridge as well as other towns in the area.  You need a yahoo account to sign up for the group.  There is a thankless moderator who will approve your sign up and slap your wrists when you forget etiquette like stating “OFFER”, or put in multiple posts instead of grouping all your stuff in one.  If you are concerned about your privacy, the email you have on your yahoo account will show up on your posts (there may be an option to not show but I am not sure.)  Because they are town specific don’t be surprised if you see your buddies there. You’ll get an odd little view into your community (who is cleaning our their basement, besides you

The big surprise is the good vibe of the experience.  I guess if I thought about it I could have imagined that everyone in the transaction would be psyched.  I feel much better than when I drop off a bag at Goodwill (which I will continue to do) knowing that someone actually needs or wants what I don’t, that my stuff won’t rot in a basement or dump somewhere. Even if someone is just going to take my stuff and sell it I don’t mind.  It is not in my house anymore.  And of course there is the other side of the transaction - the takers.  I got a bunch of great condition moving boxes I would have had to buy otherwise.

So with Freecycle, you may not have the $50 you might have pocketed with a yard sale but you do have the days you would have spent planning, setting up, having and cleaning up from the yard sale (if it doesn’t rain.)  And with that time you can post a few of the valuable items on Craigslist, find stuff you need on FreeCycle, or go back to cleaning up your basement.

Tags: donation, FreeCycle

Time to get some early birthday gifts (particularly great for kid’s gifts), or just get a fantastic treat for yourself. Here is the announcement of the annual Porter Square Books sale, from their e-newsletter

“Please remember to join us on Friday, January 1st between 1 and 5 pm for our annual New Year’s Day Sale!! Everything in the store, except for items on the HOLD shelf, will be discounted 20%. Many holiday items are already at a 40% discount and they will remain so. ALSO, calendars will be on sale at 40% off beginning January 1. We hope you will take a few minutes to stop by on Friday. It’s that same electric atmosphere as last week but without the pressure! We will even wrap your purchases. Wishing you all a happy and prosperous New Year!”

We like to go apple picking but somehow the autumn got past us last year before our trek to the orchards.  We had been going to the same place, Shelburn Farms in Acton for the last several years and noticed the energy and activities were really accelerating.  Boy, missing last year didn’t prepare us for what they had evolved to.  Granted we showed up on the most glorious Saturday afternoon — sunny and warm, but were surprised we had to wait in line to park.  While I waited my husband also waited in line to buy hot cider doughnuts.  In the time I waited to find a spot my daughter passed out in the back seat and as I carried her over to the concession stand line, bribing her with the doughnuts to wake up, I noticed a new fence along the orchard and a queue to get into the orchard.  Ack!!  She saw the bouncy house and the previously dead weight that was my girl nearly leap from my arms.  Too bad you needed a “pass” to use the bouncy house ($5 per kid for house and other activities) and my husband was already through the concession line where you need to buy the pass.  Once we also explained that they also could not play on the rider toys because we didn’t have a pass, we got on line to pick.  Fortunately the line was very quick and we began our adventure of picking apples (then taking three bites and dropping them on the ground, at least that was what my three year old’s style was.)  The picking itself didn’t take too long.  Though the ones by the entrance were pretty picked over, it is a large enough place that the full tree were still to be found further out.

But my husband and I were in agreement - a new place next year or at least visiting on a cloudy day to avoid the crowds.  I think with a less beautiful day or going earlier it might have been perfectly fine.  It is a lovely spot and not too far (maybe 40 minutes from my place in Somerville), but it depends what you are are looking for.  I have heard of some great places that are more low key, but I have to admit I love the caramel apples and cider doughnuts which seem to go hand in hand with the hay-riding/bouncy house jumping/petting-zoo circuses these farms become during the season.

I did make a pie this year — my first one!  I highly recommend this pie recipe.  I came out great, even for a novice, though the Cortlands suggested by the orchard for the pie were a little mushy.  I might just cut them a little larger next time — of course we have enough apples for several next times…

Check out last year’s apple post and comments for other ideas for pick-your-own apples in the area.

Tags: acton, apple picking

The Cambridge Moms Blog is looking for a few additional writers to share thoughts, ideas, and events around parenting in the Cambridge area. This is a great way to enjoy writing, share experiences, and build community at the same time!

Please email us at cambridgemoms@gmail.com if you are interested.  Thank you!

The Growing Center, one of my favorite city places to go with the kids, is hosting the annual Fairies in the Garden event this Saturday.  Although I have never attended (and will not this year because we are out of town I have seen the fairies all dressed up leaving the garden.  It just has to be a sweet event.  Here is the information I received in an email about the event from the Growing Center.

“all fairies, children, and
true believers in the little folk
are invited to…

Fairies in the Garden
the annual gathering of fairy folk and friends of the fairies

at…
The Somerville Community Growing Center
22 Vinal Ave. in Somerville (near Union Square)
www.thegrowingcenter.org

on…
Saturday September 12 from 2-5 pm

(raindate September 13)

Tea Party herbal tea juice and cookies crackers and carrots * Moovin’ and
Groovin’ with Su Eaton * Fairy House Building to leave for the fairies in the
garden * Bubbles Galore * Crafting * Face Painting * Chalk Drawing * Fairy Card
Readings * Visit the fairy bears and other soft cuddly creatures in the large
fairy houses where you can relax or read stories * Buy Fairy Para”fun”alia
crafts made by your local fairies * Find a new fairy name and get a fairy
certificate at the Fairy Naming Ceremony * Revel in the fairy chaos * Dance to
your hearts delight * Fun and Delight for all Ages

Things to Bring:  your own magical fairy tea cup for your sipping or gulping
pleasure; natural materials to build fairy houses; fairy treats to share at the
Tea Party.  And, of course, you are encouraged to come in your magical attire!

Donations Gratefully Accepted (and The Growing Center is pleased to host this
free special annual event.)”

For more information check out the Growing Center Schedule.

Redbones will be selling grilled veggies in the parking lot in Davis Square at the corner of Herbert and Day Street (around the corner from Redbones) to benefit the Farmers Market from 12 - 5:30 today.  The market runs until 6 pm.  I am so excited that the early apples are available, as well as peaches and other stone fruit.

My love for Agassiz Preschool, a cooperative preschool with a loyal alumni following and dedicated staff and curent parents, is deep and lasting (in case you missed a past blog on it check it out).  I tend to gush a bit about it, so please bear with me!

Agassiz has unexpected (people move, I know) openings for 3-4 year olds.  We’re a month away from the school year opening in September.  For those of you who got to the process a little late, or gave up on it in general (the application process for preschools in the area and competitive nature of it all can be a bit much), this is your chance to visit the school while Summer Camp is in process.  During a tour, you’ll see kids ages 2 to 5, playing together, cooling off in shallow water or squealing with delight!

Agassiz is in its last year in Porter Square (on the corner of Roseland and Mass Ave), and will be starting the 2010 school year at their newly purchased and soon-to-be renovated home in Somerville (corner of Spring and Summer).

Please call Agassiz’s director Tracey Kaplan for details and a tour: 617-547-9355.

Tags: 2009, Agassiz Preschool, cambridge, fall, middle group, openings, school year, somerville

Well….Looks like the rain may have skipped us for today (phew!)…..Why not check out the Open Air Circus.  Chances are good (especially if you live in Somerville) that you or your child know some of the performers! And the price of $3 can’t be beat.