summer happy camps! valentine’s day!...

Me r r im ack Va l l e y Fe br uar y 2018

Pa rent

Freewww.merrimackvalleyparent.com

SummerCamps!

Avoiding the

Common Cold

Positive Input

Creates More

Positive Behavior

Winter Backyard

Birds

HappyValentine’s

Day!

Merrimack Valley Parent Page 3

In this Issue

Features

4 Bird Friendly Backyards

6 February Break!

Columns & Departments 3 Avoiding the Common Cold

8 Summer Camps!

11 Miss Cathy’s Book Reviews

12 Positive Input Creates More Positive Behavior

Also...13 February Calendar of Events

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Attracting Birds in Winter- Page 6 -

The common cold. An inevitable virus we all suffer from each year. While most of the time it is not life-threatening, it is certainly annoying. Many of us are quick to reach for over the counter medica-tions or supplements to help prevent it from getting worse. But do these actually work? I did a little research to find out if the common Vitamin C and Zinc supplement actually help fight off a cold.

Vitamin CVitamin C is arguably the most common cold supplement out there. You can find it in many forms: drops, powders, teas, and pills. The research behind the popular vitamin and the common cold does not show much promise in helping to fight off colds. For the average Ameri-can, taking Vitamin C after the onset of a cold has no effect on cold symptoms or length. If you regularly take Vitamin C, whether you have a cold or not, research has shown that Vitamin C can mod-estly reduce duration of a cold by 8% in adults and 14% in children. Not a very large amount. There is no evidence that it can reduce the incidence of colds.

ZincZinc is another common mineral added into cold remedies, lozenges, and supplements. This mineral has conflict-ing research behind it. There are many studies that show it can decrease the duration of a cold and also the severity, while others say it has no effect at all. There is more promising evidence that Zinc does have an effect on the com-mon cold, but optimal type and dosage has not been determined. Like Vitamin C, Zinc also has a toxicity limit. For Zinc, you want stay under 40mg per day to be safe. Also, stay away from nasal sprays with Zinc in them as they have been

shown to hinder your sense of smell. So what really works to help fight off colds? It comes down to the health of your immune system. This remarkable system works 24/7 to fight off disease-causing microorganisms. And it does an incredible job at it. But, certain people may have weakened immune systems based on the lifestyles they live. Incor-porate the following tips into your life-style, and you will boost your immune system making you less likely to end up with a cold.

1. Skip the cigarettes2. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables3. Exercise regularly 4. Maintain a Healthy Weight5. Drink alcohol only in moderation 6. Sleep 7-8 hours every night7. Manage your stress levels

The healthier you are, the healthier your immune system. Practice healthy eating habits and regular exercise to make the most out of your immune system. Be kind to your body. Lack of sleep, high stress, alcohol, and smoking can all damage the body and in return slow your immune system. Stay as healthy as possible and that common cold should stay away!

*Sources: • Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system

• Office of Dietary Supplements: Zinc. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/

• Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/

Avoiding the Common Cold

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

Merrimack Valley Parent Merrimack Valley Parent Page 5

Women’sHealth Care

Our Haverhill OfficeHas Moved To

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February School Vacation Week Programming

While many birds opt for warmer parts of the country when the cold weather rolls around, a lot do stay behind and brave whatever Mother Nature throws

their way here in New England.

You can help keep these feathered friends stay fed and safe until spring

arrives by making your backyard a bird friendly zone in just a few simple steps. Plus, they are quite lovely to watch from a comfortable perch inside your home.

All they need is food, water and safety. The first thing you need to do is decide what kind of birds you want to attract and what kind of seed you need.

Almost any bird that will visit a feeder will eat black-oil sunflower seed. The kernels have a higher fat content than striped sunflower seeds, making them a great winter meal. They also have a thin papery shell that can be easily taken apart by smaller birds such as chickadees and nuthatches.

Safflower seed is a thin-shelled, white conical seed eaten by most birds. It is also known for being a favorite treat of the northern cardinal whose bright red feathers look beautiful against the snow.

Shelled, dry-roasted, and unsalted peanuts provided the birds with the fat and protein they need to stay fueled all winter long. Chickadees, titmice, jays, woodpeckers, cardinals, finches and nuthatches will all gobble them up.

While it is a more expensive choice, Nyjer (thistle) seed is preferred by all

small finches. The sight of goldfinches, purple finches, house finches, pine siskin or red polls against a wintery background can be well worth the price of seed though.

Suet is a quick source of energy and a great substitute for protein rich insects that are hard to find in the winter. You can find suet blocks anywhere bird seed is sold.

Mealworms are another great option that most birds will eat, except gold-finches. You can find live mealworms in bait stores or you can oder them by mail. Bags of freeze-dried mealworms are usually found where bird seed is sold.

Cracked corn will attract just about any bird but is also loved by other crea-tures such as squirrels.

Or you can go with a mixed bag of seed but be careful with your pur-chase. With a mixed bag you do get what you pay for. Many of the cheaper bags have filler ingredients that most birds won’t eat.

Once you decide on the type of seed you want to use, you can choose your feeders accordingly.

Place your feeders near trees or bushes so the birds have a safe place to go if

they are startled by something and need to seek shelter. Be careful not to place them too closely, however, as this will make them easy targets for squirrels who can jump onto your feeders from tree branches.Do not let your feeders stay empty for too long. If the birds find your yard empty of seed for more than a few days they made seek out food else-where.

Make sure you clean your feeders out every once in a while, especially if there has been a lot rain. Scrub the inside with a brush, soap and water and let them dry completely before refilling them.If dealing with seed isn’t your thing, you could also choose a platform feeder, which allows you to give your birds a wide variety of foods, including fruits and bakery prod-ucts such as popcorn, dough-nuts or other bread crumbs and leftovers.

Fruit is an important part of a bird’s diet and can be very hard for them to find in the winter. Set out grapes, slices of citrus fruits, apple or banana slices, or even melon rinds on your platform feeder to help them get the nutrition they need.

Whatever food source you decide on, remember to have patience at first. It can take time for the birds to seek out your feeders and to trust that they are not dangerous to them.

To encourage them to use it, you can sprinkle a little seed next to, on top

of and under the new feeder to draw more attention to it. Make sure it is in a spot clearly visible to the birds so they can see that food is available.

Having a source of water in your yard is a great way to keep the birds coming back to your feeders, especially in the winter when water can be harder to find. While snow and ice are both wa-ter, frozen water is less helpful to birds because they must expand energy to melt it to drink. A heated bird bath is ideal for a sip or bath.

Backyards that offer winter shelter will also attract more birds. Birdhouses or old shrubbery branches and logs piled up are much appreciated to help keep

little guys such as Jun-cos, towhees and spar-rows warm and safe on cold winter nights.

While birds do not breed in winter, those that stick around all year will remain in the same territory and continue to visit their favorite spots at springtime. By keeping up with your birdhouses and other nest-ing spots throughout

the winter season, you will increase the odds of them making your back-yard their new permanent home.

(Sources: www.thespruce.com, www.birdsforever.com, birdwatchersdigest.com)

Picture Opposite Page:Northern Cardinal

Bird FriendlyBackyardsIn Winter

By Joni Lazisky

Purple Finch


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Parents, take a look at the calendar. It’s February, time for another school vacation.

Your children will be off the week of February 19th; a plan of attack for keeping the cherubs busy that week, if you haven’t planned a family vacation, should be assembled, and right quick.

For those families remaining in the Merrimack Valley for the week (after

all, it’s really the April vacation that draws families south to Florida, the islands and other sunny and warmer climates) you’re in luck, the valley is chock full or activities indoors and out to keep the kids occupied.

Whether you’ve got home bodies or the outdoorsy type there’s an activity to suit everyone. You’ve got laser tag, arcades, inflatable theme parks and trampoline zones, or indoor ice skat-

ing, sled parks, skiing (downhill and cross country) and snowshoeing all within a half hour drive.

Let’s tackle the indoor activities first. Located in the former Lucent Tech-nologies building in North Andover is the Interactive Family Fun Center which sports a multilevel, futuristic playing arena. Players can compete as an individual or as a group. It’s $15

for a single game or $24 for a double session. Group rates also apply and the facility will accommodate parties for special occasions.

The facility is open from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. There will likely be extended hours for vaca-tion week, but you may want to call ahead to confirm.

If laser tag isn’t your child’s speed, the facility also has the adrenaline zone, an indoor inflatable structure park for kids ages 2 to 10. Price of admission is between $7 and $10, based on age. And there’s also an arcade filled with video games, Skeeball, basketball and other arcade favorites.

If your child is someone with a little more bounce, consider Launch Tram-poline Park on Milk Street in Methuen(launchmethuen.com for times).

Launch has over 30,000 square feet of space with 15,000 square feet of con-nected trampolines which form one giant bounce surface.

Launch also offers a cool game of dodgeball to increase the fun.

If getting an adrenaline rush isn’t what your child is in to, but they seek a more subdued but interactive activity then a cooking class may be to their liking.

Taste Buds Kitchen in North Andover has a baking techniques camp running from Monday through Friday. The camp is broken into two daily sessions. Kids ages 4 to 8 will attend the 9 a.m. to noon session. Kids 9 to teenage will attend the session that runs 1 p.m. to 4 p.m

At this camp, students will learn to bake breads, pies, pastries and of course cookies and cupcakes. Each day will be a new item, and a new tech-nique, like cutting in butter or making a crust, will be taught.To register for the camp visit tastebudskitchen.com.

Public skating is also an option and times vary throughout the days at the FMC operated rinks in Haverhill (Veteran’s Memorial) and Newbury-port (Graf ). There’s also public skating opportunities at Brooks School (North Andover) and Governor’s Academy (Byfield).

Wamesit Lanes in Tewksbury offers both candlepin and ten pin bowling as well as an arcade with over 60 of the latest and greatest games.

If getting outside is more of what your child is looking for then as long as Mother Nature is cooperating there are options available.

The Amesbury Sports Park boasts seven snow chutes of fun and excite-ment. Located right off the highway in Amesbury, the park is open between 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Thursday and Fri-day, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. The park will be open extended hours during February vacation.

If you prefer skiing the valley has op-tions for that too.

In Haverhill, Bradford Ski Area is open for business with the slopes open from noon to 7 p.m. weekdays and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 on weekends. Check skibrad-

ford.com for ticket prices and status as to whether or not Mother Nature has tossed a wrench into the works.

Farther down 495 is Nashoba Valley. It offers a bit more elevation and with that comes more crowds. The slopes are open between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Both ski areas do have night skiing.

Cross country skiing is also an option at Atkinson Country Club in Atkinson, N.H. Groomed trails are available over the 18-hole course which has a mix of flat areas and modest, hilly terrain. The cost is a minimal fee and equipment rentals are available.

Contact the club for time and fees.

By Mike SullivanFebr

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Miss Cathy’s

Children’s Books Reviews By Cathy A. Morrow

I LOVE BOOKS

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FRANKLIN’S VALENTINESWritten by Paulette Bourgeois and

Sharon JenningsIllustrated by Brenda ClarkScholastic, Inc., Publishers

Best for Ages 3 and Up

Franklin carefully worked on each and every Valentine card he was bringing to school for his friends. He packed them into his school bag and dashed off to school. Franklin and his class-mates could hardly wait for the Valen-tine’s party at school after lunch. When Mr. Owl, their teacher, told them it was time, Franklin rushed to his school bag to take out all of the Valentines he had made. To Franklin’s horror, they were GONE! Mr. Owl let Franklin call home, but his Mom said they were not there. Franklin hastily returned to the cloakroom. Mr. Owl found him crying.

Franklin did not want to go to the par-ty if he did not have any Valentines to give his friends. Franklin’s teacher was very wise and persuaded Franklin to join everyone. Franklin’s friends made him feel so special that he decided to do something special for all his friends the next day at school. A sweet story in true Franklin tradition, with an impor-tant message, that it does not have to be Valentine’s Day to let the special people in your life know that you care.

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

Available at: Amazon.com, www.goodreads.com/book and Barnes and Noble

A PicturE BOOk OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.Written by David A. Adler

Illustrated by Robert CasillaScholastic, Inc., Publishers

Best for Ages 5 and Up

Soft, effective sketches portray the life of Martin Luther King from a very young age, showing the parental guid-ance and innate character that made Dr. King the caring, gentle and deter-mined person he became as an adult. Two of the quotes contained in the book, unquestionably exemplify the importance he placed on showing the worth of ALL people.

“We must meet hate with love.”“I have a dream that one day my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged not

by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

This is a very well written book about the life of Dr. King. Although this book is most often read and referenced dur-ing the month of January, because his birthday and the holiday in his honor are celebrated, the message within it’s pages, the message of Dr. King is one of importance to remember through-out the year.

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

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Merrimack Valley Calendar of Events

FebruaryThursday, February 1

WONDErFuL ONESFebruary 1, 2018 | 9:30 am – 10:00 am

Enjoy stories, songs, dancing and more with Miss Allison! For children aged 12-23

months and their caregivers. Siblings welcome. No pre-registration is required; just pick up a ticket at the desk before the program begins so that we may prevent

overcrowding. Newburyport Public Library

tHrEE tO FiVE YEAr OLD StOrYtiMEJoin Amy for an awesome storytime with stories, books, interactive rhymes, songs,

and movement. It all ends with a tie-in activity based on our theme. Please bring only children in the 3 to 5 year old range to this program as we base our programs developmentally to give the best literacy building activities! Please arrive on time

so as not to distract other attendees. This is a drop-in program with no registration required. Check out the list of themes on

our website! Date / Time::Thursday Feb 1, 2018 10:00 AM - 10:50 AMContact: Clare Dombrowski 978-388-8148

[email protected]

Location: APL Teen LoungeAmesbury Public Library

HArrY POttEr BOOk NiGHtJoin us for another magical evening cel-

ebrating the Harry Potter books! This year’s theme is FANTASTIC BEASTS! Study up on those fantastic beasts and you might just

become a world famous magizoologist like Newt Scamander! Make sure to arrive by

5pm for the start of the sorting ceremony!This event is for young witches and wizards

ages 7 - 18. Registration required.Wizard attire encouraged, but Muggle

clothing is acceptable as well ;).Date: Thursday Feb 1, 2018 Time:

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Contact: Rachel 978-373-1586 x650 [email protected]

Location: AuditoriumHaverhill Public Library

Saturday, February 3LEGO FrEEPLAY

Come play with Lego and build whatever is in your imagination! We’ll have a challenge each time as well. Build together or on your own. Families (adults included) are encour-

aged to build. We’ll display your creation in the Children’s Room for a month after!

All ages (we have big blocks, too!) are wel-come to drop-in. Date / Time::

Saturday Feb 3, 2018 2:30 PM - 4:00 PMContact: Clare Dombrowski 978-388-8148

[email protected]: APL Loft

Amesbury Public Library

Monday, February 5Sensory Playground!

Caregivers and little ones aged newborn to prewalkers are welcome to come explore! We’ll have a variety of sensory activities in-cluding tunnels, sensory bags and bottles,

books, noise makers, and more. A great way to interact with your babies and to see how they explore the world. Children start exploring and absorbing the world as soon

as they are born and they do it with all their senses! Create giggles and stimulate

their brains at the same time. Funding provided by the Friends of the Amesbury

Public Library. No registration and just come by with your pre-walker!

Date / Time:: Monday Feb 5, 2018 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Contact:

Clare Dombrowski 978-388-8148 [email protected]

Location: APL Teen LoungeAmesbury Public Library

iN-BEtWEENS, Gr. 4 & 5: StEM SNOW-BALL LAUNCHERS

Tweens! If you’re currently in Grades 4 or 5, join us as we create snowball launch-

ers and learn the science behind motion. Please register online as space and supplies

are limited. Date: Monday Feb 5, 2018Time: 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM Location:

Activity RoomMemorial Hall Library, Andover

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. Date: Monday Feb 5, 2018Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location: Cavallaro RoomHaverhill Public Library

Tuesday, February 6BOOkWOrMS (1St-3rD GrADE)

This book group is for newly independent readers. Part of a short chapter book will be read aloud, followed by a brief discus-

sion, and then an activity or craft related to the story. Everyone is encouraged to check

out a copy of the book to finish at home. This month we will start The Notebook of Doom: Rise of the Balloon Goons by Troy

Cummings. You’ve seen those big, tall, floppy balloon figures outside of stores,

right? And you might think they’re a little creepy, right? Well, when you read about

Alexander Bopp’s adventures in this book, you’ll find out that you are right: those

balloons are bad-guy goons, but how will Alexander convince anyone to help him defeat them? Date: Tuesday Feb 6, 2018

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

Location: Garden RoomNevins Memorial Library, Methuen

Wednesday, February 7tEEN rANDOM FANDOM: GuDEtAMA

Are you a fan of that lazy egg, Gudetama? Come make a cute Gudetama craft.

Open to teens in grades 6 - 12.Date: Wednesday Feb 7, 2018 Time:

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Contact:Anna/Renata 978-623-8432 [email protected]

Location: Teen RoomMemorial Hall Library, Andover

SCIENCE QUEST: BACKYARD ANIMALS (k-4tH GrADE)

Learn about how birds and other mammals in our backyards live during the winter

months. Participants will make eco-friendly birdfeeders and learn how to take part in the Audubon Great Backyard Bird Count

(GBBC) taking place February 16-19.This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Ser-vices (Grant number LG-80-15-0041-15).

Date: Wednesday Feb 7, 2018 Time:4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Nevins Memorial Library, Methuen

Thursday, February 8tEEN crEAtOr cLuB

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

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


M a g a z i n e

Saint Michael School, 80 Maple Ave, N. Andover, MA 01845978-686-1862 • www.SaintMichael.com

Nursery, Pre-K, Kindergarten,Elementary School and Middle School

Prospective families are invited to join us for a tour to learn more about Saint Michael School!

SAIN

T MICHAEL SCHO

OL

NORTH ANDOVER

RSVP to [email protected] or 978-686-1862

OPEN HOUSEWednesday, February 28, 201810:00AM and 1:30PMJO

IN U

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Saint Michael School is conveniently located in North Andover, just minutes off Routes I-495 and I-93. We are a thriving school community, established in 1950, with approximately 530 students from 19 towns in MA and NH. Learn more at SaintMichael.com.

• Before School Care Available From 7:00AM - 9:00AM

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Parents enjoy being around their children when they are behaving well, but they rarely let them know how much they are enjoying that good behavior. Catching a child being good is one of the best ways to teach the behavior we think is appropriate.

Parents program their children to misbe-have because most of the time they pay attention to them only when they are doing something wrong.

If a child gains recognition only when he exhibits inappropriate and obnoxious behavior, he is more likely to continue to be inappropriate and obnoxious.

Next time you are around a toddler and she does something funny, laugh and applaud her and you’ll notice that she will continue to make the same goofy face or do the same thing over and over again.

Adults should encourage children to behave by giving them positive feedback when they behave appropriately.

In Parenting That Works, a book written by Dr. Edward R. Christophersen and Dr. Susan L. Mortweet, the authors suggest that parents use what they call “time-in.” We’ve all heard about “time-out,” but it makes sense that in order to compensate all the

time-outs we use with our children, we also have time-in. Time-in is a variety of positive interactions parents can have with their children.

They recommend that parents catch their infant being good by going to her before she begins to cry, while she is lying or play-ing contently in her crib. By doing this you are teaching the baby that when she wakes up, if she’ll play for a little while, you will be there soon.

Young children will spend most of their time moving around the house, getting into one thing or another. Most parents try to go on with their work and ignore them, hoping that they will allow them to finish what they are doing. The child only gets his parents attention when he does something he is not supposed to do.

Christophersen and Mortweet recommend that parents give their child a quick kiss and positive statements to let he or she know that they are nearby and that what they are doing is Ok. One example they gave is of a toddler dragging a magazine through the house instead of getting mad at the child, for ruining your magazine, use this situation to teach her what a magazine is for. If the child sits down near you and begins to look through the magazine, you should

smile and lean down for two seconds and pat him or her on the back. Eventually, the child will understand that sitting down, even if it’s just for a few seconds, is enjoy-able, and mommy and daddy like her to do this.

When you pay attention to age-appropriate behavior, you are helping your child de-velop skills.

Next time your child is doing his home-work, cleaning out his closet or getting ready to perform in a recital, rest your hand on his shoulder and show your support for the activity they are doing. Sometimes, children get more out of a loving pat than the spoken word.

Parents should give time-in as often as pos-sible. The following is a list of suggestions from the book Parenting That Works:

• Read to your children and have them read to you.

• Let your child talk, and allow her to guide the conversations, and refrain-ing from offering advice.

• Spend time relaxing with your child, sit in a park, go for a walk.

• Play games with your children, board games, card games, or sit next to them when they are playing with their

tablets.• Cook with your child, teach them how

to bake a cake or let them help you make pancakes.

• Help your children with their home-work.

• Help your child prepare for a birthday party.

• Help your child make a birthday pres-ent for her other parent or sibling.

• Show affection by holding your child’s hand, put your arm around her shoul-der when you are walking or when you are watching a spectator event.

All these things can be done repeatedly throughout the day. Children shouldn’thave to earn these gifts from you. These should be things you do for them because you love them.

Time-in’s are easy to do and they are an effective way to reinforce positive behavior from your children.

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 Redi-recting for a Cooperative Classroom. Follow her on Twitter @PowerOfFamily, Instagram mlsalcines or contact her on her blog Family-LifeandFindingHappy.com.

Positive Input Creates More Positive BehaviorBy Maria Luisa Salcines


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Your Local Business Network

Community Businesses You can Trust!

To Advertise in this Directory

Call Richard at [email protected]

Richard B. Merrill III, RealtorBentley’s Real Estate

(c) [email protected]

Old Coins WantedFree Appraisal

Pratt Hobby Shop20 East Main Street

Georgetown, MA 01833

Pratthobbyshop.com800-870-4086 • 978-352-2234

Certified and InsuredMold & Moisture Inspections

Mullen Mold Control978-992-2041 or [email protected]

When Mold is a problem, I can help

Authorized Dealer of Austin Air Purifiers

“From closets to kitchens to basements, I’ll work with you to create a stress-free space with no clutter! I’ll teach

you organizing systems so that your space will remain free from clutter in the future.”

Cheryl Russo

Serving the North Shore and Boston [email protected]

978-853-6661• Organizingbycheryl.com

Home and Office Professional Organizer

Community Businesses You can Trust!

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Spring Home Improvement

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978-427-3676

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 Feb 8, 2018Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Contact:

Amy 978-686-4080 ex. 35 [email protected]

Location: The Study RoomNevins Memorial Library, Methuen

Friday, February 9LIBRARY BABIES

February 9, 2018 | 11:00 am – 11:30 amBring your non-walkers to this special

bonding time hosted by Miss Anna! This is a drop-in program for babies under 12

months and their caregivers.Newburyport Public Library

Saturday, February 10SENSOrY StOrYtiME

This 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 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 Feb 10, 2018

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

[email protected]: Amesbury RoomAmesbury Public Library

DADS AND DONutSJoin 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 Feb 10, 2018 Time:

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Location:Activity Room

Memorial Hall Library, Andover

Monday, February 12DuMBLEDOrE’S ArMY: HArrY POttEr triViA

February 12, 2018 | 3:30 pm – 4:30 pmGrades 6-12: Test your Harry Potter knowl-

edge and join us for some Harry Potter Trivia! Join us in the Children’s Program Room for this free event! Please contact

Emely, Teen Services Librarian, with ques-tions at 978-465-4428 ext.242 or nplteenli-

[email protected] Public Library

Tuesday, February 13SciENcE QuESt FAMiLY StOrYtiME:

tHE NiGHt SkY (3-8 YEAr OLDS)Participants will listen to stories, play a

game, or make a craft. The theme this ses-sion is The Night Sky.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Ser-vices (Grant number LG-80-15-0041-15).

Date: Tuesday Feb 13, 2018 Time:6:30 PM - 7:15 PM Contact:

Children’s Department 978-686-4080 x26 Location: Garden Room


MAGic trEE HOuSE BOOk cLuBDo you like the Magic Tree House book

series? If you said yes, then this is the club for you! Join other fans, talk about the

books, and participate in some awesome activities! *Must have read Midnight on the

Moon Registration Required.Date: Tuesday Feb 13, 2018 Time:

4:00 PM - 4:45 PM Contact:Youth Services Department 9783731586

[email protected] Public Library

Wednesday, February 14HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Friday, February 16ArOuND 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 Feb 16, 2018 Time:9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Location:

Activity RoomMemorial Hall Library, Andover

Tuesday, February 20PJ MOViE DAY: “cOcO” (PG)

February 20, 2018 | 3:00 pm – 4:50 pmEnjoy a relaxing movie afternoon (PJs wel-come and encouraged!) watching “Coco” (PG). Feel free to bring a cozy blanket and

pillow. Run Time: 1 hour 49 minutes.Newburyport Public Library

Friday, February 23BLADES THE BRUINS BEAR!

Blades is participating in our Stuffed Ani-mal Sleepover! Come meet him as he picks

up his bear and does a short storytime! Pick up your stuffie or just come by to

meet him! Also, the Bruins run the pajama drive each year and our library is partici-pating! Bring a NEW PAir OF PAJAMAS to

donate any size from infant to teen! All ages welcome! Date / Time:: Friday Feb 23,

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM Contact:Clare Dombrowski 978-388-8148

[email protected]: APL Teen Lounge


Saturday, February 24DONutS WitH DAD: FAMiLiES

(3-6 YEAr OLDS)Children and their fathers, grandfathers, or uncles are invited to this fun story and

activity time with the added bonus of yummy donuts and juice. Date:

Saturday Feb 24, 2018 Time:9:30 AM - 10:15 AM Contact:

Children’s Department 978-686-4080 x26 Location: Garden Room


Monday, February 26PiZZA PickS! BOOk DiScuSSiON

5th and 6th graders can come to discuss their favorite books! Bring something

you’ve been reading and would recom-mend (or something you wouldn’t). Enjoy some pizza as you get recommendations

from other readers. An informal discussion group that will meet monthly. Please reg-

ister so we know how much pizza to order! Thank you to Flatbread for the donation!

Date / Time:: Monday Feb 26, 2018 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Contact: Amy Caira 978-388-8148

[email protected]: APL Loft


Tuesday, February 27STEM STRUCTURES

February 27, 2018 | 3:00 pm – 4:30 pmJoin us after school for open building time. We’ve got straws & connectors and other

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

Newburyport Public Library

Wednesday, February 28OPEN HOuSE At SAiNt MicHAEL

ScHOOLWednesday, February 28, 2018 at 10am

and 1:30pm 80 Maple Avenue, North Andover, MA 01845

Prospective families are invited for a tour to learn more about Saint Michael School, serving children in Nursery, Pre-K, Kinder-garten and Grades 1-8. We are currently

accepting applications for the 2018-2019 academic year. RSVP to st-michael@com-

cast.net or 978-686-1862.

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

[email protected]

Meet the Local Business Network Member of the Month

Cheryl is a natural organizer. Her family says, she has been organizing since birth. For the past dozen years, she has served a project manager for the Department of Education. But, there has always been that ember of entrepre-neurism and the desire to create her own business. A friend asked her what she loves to do most. The answer was obvious; organizing! With the encour-agement of family and friends cheryl started Organizing by cheryl in 2016.

She joined the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Profes-sionals (NAPO) to hone her skills. cheryl is a member of the Beverly, Lynn, and Peabody Chambers of Commerce and the North Shore Business Builders of Danvers. It is through these associations, she learns first-hand what her clients need and want.

Cheryl’s client list ranges from real estate agents, entrepreneurs, single moms to empty nesters, in the Greater Boston including the North Shore and

Organizing by Cheryl LLC, Cheryl Russo,

Professional Organizer

Merrimack Valley. Often juggling careers, kids, parents, and more, clients say, “I’m too busy to be organized!” or “I just can’t find the time”.

Cheryl often encounters clients who have too much paper; she offers ways to use technology more efficiently to cut down on paper clutter. Other challeng-es are closets and laundry rooms in need of organizing.

Now, two years later, with a long list of satisfied clients, Cheryl is doing what she loves most; organizing and helping people succeed.

Contact: 978-853-6661 or at [email protected].

www.organizingbycheryl.com.

www.chcmass.com facebook.com/chc

Welcoming our patients and new families to our brand new Haverhill location. Now open at AJH Medical Offices, 600 Primrose Street, Haverhill, MA (1/2 mile off of route 495 exit 51A)

Newburyport978-465-7121

978-373-6557

Haverhill

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

Skilled and friendly team of health care professionals

summer happy camps! valentine’s day!...

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