Get ready for Spring! - Community Connections of Brockton

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SPRING 2014 | FREE
By parents, for parents in the Greater Brockton Area
www.ccbrockton.org
Get ready for Spring!
› Go take a hike
› Tips for the perfect prom dress
Take the Pledge - Hang it up before you Buckle up!
Join us at the South Shore Leadership Conference
OUR COVER WINNERS: The Dagba Family
Sponsored by Community Connections of Brockton in alliance with
Brockton’s Promise and the United Way of Greater Plymouth County
What is a
HOSPITAL ist?
I ntently
Spending
Time
Pediatric care designed especially for kids and families in the hospital.
Pediatric hospitalists are doctors who specialize in the care of children in hospitals, managing the care team, coordinating
with specialists, scheduling tests, and helping parents feel better. At Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital, we have
expert hospitalists from Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center on site around the clock to deliver a higher
level of attention and care. It’s why you can feel good about bringing your child to Signature Healthcare – and staying
close to home for the best care.
To find out more, visit TopCareForKids.com
Table of Contents
z
z
JUNIOR EDITION
PG. 6
NURSE'S CORNER
PG. 9
INFANTS/TODDLERS
PG. 10-11
PRESCHOOL/K
PG. 12-13
Dear Brockton Area Parent,
ELEMENTARY
PG. 14-15
A
s we prepare this spring issue of Brockton Parents
Magazine it’s hard to imagine spring at all! This has
MIDDLE SCHOOL
PG. 16-17
HIGH SCHOOL
PG. 18-19
COLLEGE
PG. 20-21
SPRING RESOURCES
PG. 22
been the never ending winter and we’ve certainly seen our
share of cold weather and snow. As such, the warmer weather
will be a true blessing for our families as we fling open our
doors and windows to let the fresh breezes chase out those
winter doldrums. We’ve talked about spring cleanings before,
but this season will truly be a time of renewal as we watch the
DID YOU KNOW...
PG. 24
FAMILY CENTER EVENTS
PG. 26
nature around us push up through the cold earth and bloom
against all odds.
And that is really what we want for our children and families;
A special thanks to our advertisers:
to welcome growth and strength even in times when our
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BAWIB & Youth Works
Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan (BMCHP)
Brockton Housing Authority
Fisher College
Greater Brockton Community Network Area (CHNA22)
HarborOne Multicultural Banking Center
High Point - The Castle
House of Possibilities
Jim Rober Photography
Massasoit Community College
Mi Fiesta Balloon Decor
Network Health
NY LIFE, Rodney Kornegay
Signature Health Care
Simpson Springs
Southeastern Technical Institute
Steward Good Samaritan Medical Center
Tiny's Flowers
The Family Center
always been our hope that you find within these pages the
»
Walgreens
and input so we can create a magazine that truly is by parents
winters have felt long, our days short and darkest. It has
tools and encouragement you need to help your families
through challenging times whatever they may be and come
out with faces turned toward the sun welcoming the bright
future each new season brings.
We know that the City of Brockton offers many resources
for any need your family may have – whether your focus is
garnering the most out of your child’s education, available
health services, recreational and sporting opportunities
or even social services. We’re continually researching and
compiling the most up to date information for you to save
your family time so you can enjoy more of those sunny days
together. We’d love to hear from you, too, about what you
want to see within these pages. We welcome your feedback
for parents.
To advertise in the Brockton Parents Magazine,
please call Juliana Langille, Executive Director of
Community Connections of Brockton at
(508) 583-5631 or email us at
magazine@ccbrockton.org.
18 Perkins St., Brockton, MA 02302
–The Brockton Parent Magazine Editorial Board
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What is a pediatric
SPECIAList?
I nformed
S upportive
Tireless
Top Boston pediatric specialists are now in our community.
Top pediatric specialists from Boston’s Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center are available to see your children at
Signature Healthcare. We are now pleased to offer the following pediatric specialties:
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Pediatric Nephrology
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Pediatric Genetics
To find out more, or to schedule an appointment,
visit TopCareForKids.com or call 617-636-8100.
• Pediatric Endocrinology
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HERE ARE A FEW POEMS FROM OUR YOUNG
INSPIRING JR. POETS AT THE FAMILY CENTER.
All ABOUT ME!
By Amaya Hollins-Porter
I like to sing.
I like to dance.
I’m jiggily
And wiggily
Like jiggily Pudding
Run a little w
hen you sing!
Author: Hannah
Draves
YOU COULD BE ON THE NEXT COVER!
When I sing
I run little.
With my frien
d
By my side.
We run a race
.
And sing a so
ng of Grace
The view outside my window
By Jaquelynne C. Wilson
The view outside my window is the best view of all
It’s like going to the zoo without leaving my room
I peek out my window to see what they do
Oh wow! I see a fawn, oh no, there are two!
I see them but I wonder if they see me
I can hear the owls and hawks up in the trees
I wonder how they live? How do they sleep?
Do they cuddle next to their mom just like me?
I’ve seen many animals and birds from my room with a view
Rabbits, raccoons, wild turkeys, blue jays and cardinals too
Enter our facebook cover photo contest!
• Email your family photo to
magazine@ccbrockton.org
-6-
• Photo with the most 'likes' will be
featured on the next cover
I walk in the backyard and see their prints in the snow
I imagine and guess who visited long enough but did not say “hello”
The view outside my window is great indeed
Would you like to come over so you can see?
Contact Information
WHO WE ARE:
The Brockton’s Parents Magazine is comprised of an editorial
board of local volunteer parents. We meet once a month to
discuss story ideas, plan the magazine and talk about topics of
interest for parents in our community.
EDITORIAL TEAM:
NOT ALL HEROES
CAN FLY
Some just inspire the hearts of others, and push us
to do our own personal best. BMC HealthNet Plan
is home to legions of heroes, and we’re stronger
for it.
Visit ChooseBMCHP.org to learn more.
KAREEN BLAKE, Parent Editor
CLAUDIA CUNHA, Parent Editor, Distribution Team
JOSUE CUNHA, Parent Editor, Distribution Team
STACEY DOBBINS, Parent Editor
CHRIS DRAVES, Parent Editor & Distribution Coordinator
NICKI MEADE DRAVES, Parent Editor
MELISA GILLINGS, Parent Editor
FABIOLA HYPPOLITE, Parent Editor
PHILLIPE JUSTIN, Jr. Editor
VANESSA LUNDY, Parent Editor
CINDY MEDINA-SEPULVEDA, Parent Editor
MICHELLE MICELI, Parent Editor & Layout Team
ALLEN PERREAULT, Parent Editor
BETTY RADA, Parent Editor
JAMES ROBER, Parent Editor & Photographer
FELICITA SEPULVEDA, Parent Editor & Outreach Team
SUSIE SHAW, Parent Editor
YOLENE WILSON, Parent Editor
MARIA WILSON-SEPULVEDA, Parent Editor & Edit Team
AMY WINSTON, Parent Editor & Edit Team
NEW PARENT VOLUNTEERS:
DARRIN BRADFORD
HERKINS FRANCOIS
LYNNE SPADEA
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO:
Close to home
to help you stay well.
Count on us to offer trusted healthcare
expertise and convenient services such as
90-day prescriptions, plus immunizations
for adults and children.
To find the Walgreens nearest you,
call 1-800-WALGREENS (1-800-925-4733)
or visit Walgreens.com.
Kate Archard, Edit Volunteer
Katie Cavanagh, Edit Volunteer
Lauren DeFilippo, Edit Volunteer
Gail Delgado, Edit Volunteer
Mark Frey, Edit Volunteer
Judith Guevara, Edit Volunteer
Raegina Joyner, Volunteer
Nancy King, Edit Volunteer
Luz Laboy, Volunteer - Children's Activities
Marcia Perry, Edit Volunteer
Ann Rosen, Edit Volunteer
Danyelle Roppolo, Edit Volunteer
CONTACT US:
Want to get involved? Want to advertise? Looking to write an article?
Write, call or visit online! We meet the FIRST Thursday of each month at
5:30 PM. Light dinner and child care are provided.
Brockton Parents Magazine
c/o The Family Center at Community Connections of Brockton
18 Perkins Street | Brockton, MA 02302
T: (508)-583-5631 | magazine@ccbrockton.org | www.ccbrockton.org
Promoting
financial independence
through education.
We created our MultiCultural Banking Center to help
people in our community improve their understanding
of personal finance – borrowing, saving and much more.
To sign up for classes or to learn more, call
508-895-1770 or visit us online at www.harborone.com.
1.800.244.7592 www.harborone.com Member FDIC. Member SIF.
THE NURSE'S CORNER
Practical advice for parents, caregivers and students
Springtime in New England is such a beautiful time of the year. Those trees and plants that have survived the harsh, cold, snowy
winter now awaken and begin budding and blossoming. The grass and weeds begin to pop out of the ground and with all
of this awakening comes allergy season in full force. Pollen is in the air sometimes as early as March. People with allergies begin
experiencing stuffy, runny noses, sneezing, itchy, red and watery eyes, and sometimes an asthma attack is triggered.
Spring is also the gardener and farmer's time of year. With transplanting perennials, planting spring annuals, getting
garden beds ready for planting, spreading mulch, compost, weeding and cleaning the yard. These activities are a good
workout and provide fresh air after being inside all winter. They may also cause your allergies to flare up. We must not forget the bugs that return. The bees, and fleas, ticks, flies and mosquitoes invade our private spaces
sometimes with a vengeance inflicting bites, stings, disease, and in some cases a life threatening allergic reaction.
I have included some tips and information in hopes that your springtime in New England will be more comfortable and
your allergies kept in check. I have also included some safety tips for you and your family.
REMEMBER:
REMEMBER:
If you have allergies, begin taking your allergy
medicine early. Whether you use antihistamines,
decongestants, or a steroid, check with your
doctor if you are on any prescribed medications or
experiencing severe allergy symptoms. Be prepared
and take control of your allergies.
WEAR YOUR HELMET. Helmets protect your head
from injury. Helmets should not move when you
shake your head and you should be able to fit 1
finger between your chin and the strap. Should
you or your child sustain a head injury, seek
immediate medical attention for symptoms like:
unable to remember where you are, or what day
it is, headache that lingers or worsens, dizziness,
disorientation, or nausea.
When working outside wear gloves, long sleeves,
and pants. Mosquitoes are out early in the morning
and as the sun goes down so protect exposed skin
from these biting insects. Use mosquito repellant
too. Mosquitoes can cause diseases like West Nile
Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) to name
a couple.
To help protect from ticks and fleas know that grass
and leaves may harbor these insects that may travel
on animals that come into your yard.
Make sure that you check your entire body and
shower after you finish outside. Put clothes in a
dryer on high for 60 minutes this will kill remaining
ticks. Check your children and pets also. Ticks can
hide under armpits, in the groin, hair, or behind
the knees. Good weather means children will be
playing outside. Please watch out for them on
bicycles or running after balls that may roll into
the street. Please wear your sunscreen year round
because the suns UV rays are always on us even on
cloudy days. School registration begins in the spring, and
kindergartners should have a recent physical, all
required immunizations and a lead and vision test
should be done before they enter school.
Yvonne Winston RN, BSN
"As a school nurse, I see a need for continued education of the public and providing
resources to better assist in the care of our children. Seasonal advice on current
health issues will also be included. BE WELL.
Thank you so much to my nursing sisters, Mary Jane Ritchie and Mary Ellen Divine for
your contributions. They are greatly appreciated.
-9-
infant/toddler
PREPARING SIBLINGS FOR A BABY
By: Brockton Parent
Sibling rivalry will probably always exists in families to some degree,
but I think I minimized it in my home by keeping everyone “pro-active”
and team players as the new babies arrived. The following was a typical
scenario.
Sometime during the sixth month of my pregnancy we had a family
meeting announcing the coming of the “new baby”. We talked about how
tiny the new baby will be, looked at baby pictures of the older siblings and
discussed the care that the baby will require.
Our four year-old recalled his one year-old cousin being so small that he
couldn’t play yet or even walk. He also recalled his cousin’s tiny hands
being closed in a fist. Then our seven year-old added that the new baby
will need a crib, a high chair and lots of diapers. One of them also recalled
that babies sometimes cry a lot, but it’s really fun to make them laugh.
For the next few months we had weekly talks as a group and one-to-one
about how the new baby would make changes in our home. As the time
grew closer, we set up the crib, changing table and made room for baby
stuff in a closet.
When the new baby arrived, all the children came with dad to meet him
at the hospital. At home, our youngest had a lot of the hands on bonding
because the older siblings were in school all day. We would sing to the
baby, take him on tours of each room of the house and the backyard.
We also enjoyed story time together.
When the older siblings arrived home from school they would take
turns to sit and hold the baby. They would tell him about their school
adventures. After homework, the older siblings took care of their chores,
like helping with dishwashing, stacking the diapers, and taking out
the trash.
springtime
Family Activities:
Walking in the park
•
Arranging outside
playdates
•
Pointing out all the
new sowers
-10-
They enjoyed telling funny stories and taking pictures of every new thing
they see him do. They couldn’t wait to see how much he had grown at
each check-up. I tried to keep them involved and sharing in the infant
care. I’m sure they would get tired of his cries but, “that’s the way babies
talk at first” our son would say.
I think that prepping the siblings for the arrival of the new baby has
helped them to be more accepting. It would have been easy for me to get
caught up with the changes happening in my body, and the stress of “how
am I going to do this?” But I did not forget that a new baby was going to
mean a huge change for his siblings as well.
I’m constantly trying to keep them involved with the whole process
so they bond and take ownership, but they know that the parents are
in charge.
When my maternity leave was over, both our youngest were enrolled in
child care and it was back to work for me. Everyone is required to help
more with chores. Our biggest challenge has been getting everyone out
of the door on time, but since we’re a team everything is working out fine.
What’s going on?
Sensory Exploration | 115 W. Chestnut Street, Brockton MA 02301
South Bay Early Childhood invite your toddler to a fun, adventurous and at times messy group.
Please wear play clothes for messy time. Thursday 9:00-11:30am
Toddler Groups (18 months to 3 years):
• Monday through Thursday 9 am -11:30 am, Friday 9:30 am-12:00 pm
• Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 1:30 pm – 4 pm
Mommy & Me Group, Location: Good Samaritan Hospital, Brockton
Friday 1:30-3:00pm | For more information please contact 508-559-0473
WALK D.W. FIELD PARK TO END CHILD MOLESTATION, APRIL 6TH @ 9AM
Help us protect children throughout the New England area by taking a walk in the park.
It’s easy, simply visit EndChildMolestation.com to register, then show up at the Oak St. entrance to
sign in and get your official walk t shirt. You can also sign up to be present for the book give away!
Volunteers needed. Please call 857-266-0980 or email: Talk2Shnell@EndChildMolestation.com
infant/toddler
NOTE TO SELF:
TAKE CARE OF ME!
HOW TO GET YOUR FAMILY OUTSIDE
By Kristi Glenn, Senior Family Partner,
Community Service Agency, BAMSI
By: Jen Cummings, M.Ed.
NRT of Easton Executive Director
W
M
any parents want to know how to get
their children more interested in the
natural world than in the various forms of
electronic gadgetry that have become a staple
in our homes. It’s not always easy, but with
patience, perseverance, and effort, your child
can experience the wonder of the outdoorsand look forward to it, too!
e all hear about making time
for ourselves.
As parents, it can feel
impossible to do that.
But, WE NEED A BREAK!
We all feel it. How do we do it?
Here are some options:
1- BREATHE! Say what? What’s that
going to do? Just settling your breath
for a few minutes can help set the tone
for your day. Set aside five minutes
to close your eyes and think of your
favorite relaxing place. Focus on your
breath, in and out, listen to your inner
voice, focus on the joys in your life.
Imagine how great your day could
start? How your day would end if you
let it all go? Resting your mind is as
important as resting your body.
So, breathe.
2- Remember the Positives! So the
children take you for granted and your
job is stressful? UGH! So frustrating,
right? We all feel that way. But your job
gives you income to provide for your
family and the children would be lost
without you. It’s hard to think about the
positives in our life when we are tired,
overwhelmed and juggling life. So
stay positive! Focus on the good stuff.
Your daughter scored her first goal at
soccer. Your son made honor roll. You
reconnected with an old friend. It’s the
simple pleasures that keep us going.
“The love is in the details.”
–Oprah Winfrey
3- Find Others Like You! Something
magical happens when you surround
yourself with people who walk the
same journey. For example, here at
BAMSI Community Service Agency,
we serve families whose children have
mental health needs. Often we hear“people don’t understand.” There are
many people out there that know what
it’s like to raise a child with ADHD, for
example. Making these connections is
immensely helpful. And it feels great
when you are able to return
that support.
Maybe you are trying to balance work with
your child’s activities? Connecting with
parents on the team for car pooling can
be a huge help! Most likely, they need
the support too. Join a book club, parents
group or religious community? All free.
Try one!
4- Exercise. I know. This one is hard.
It takes commitment. We all know the
importance of exercise. So, short and
sweet: 20 minutes of exercise a day will
make you healthier, stronger and it will
boost your mood. Plus, adding exercise
to your family’s culture can’t be a bad
thing, right?
START YOUNG. Families with young children
should take time to walk outside, look at
flowers, watch birds in the backyard, and
visit outdoor spaces. By making nature an
important part of childhood, you can foster a
lifelong love of being outside.
START SLOWLY. Children that have limited
exposure to being outside are naturally going
to be resistant to trying new things. Don’t plan
a day-long, intensive outing on your first time
outside together. Instead, visit a zoo or take a
short walk in the
park a few times,
and gradually
increase the length
of your activities.
MAKE IT FUN.
5- GIVE UP THE GUILT!!! I’ve saved the
best for last. Ok, parents- let it go!
As parents, especially mothers, we put
ourselves through the ringer! WE ARE
NOT SUPERHEROES! We are doing the
best we can. We work, we play with
our children, coordinate appointments,
help with homework and the list goes on.
We cannot do everything.
Remembering that is SO important!!
There will be times that we are late for
appointments, miss our child’s game or
we just don’t feel like doing anything.
Guess what?? It’s OK!! It’s ok to feel tired,
burnt out and plain exhausted!
Don’t guilt yourself and don’t let
anyone else guilt you. As parents,
we do our best to raise, provide,
love, teach and protect our families.
We must take a few moments to care
for ourselves.
So breathe, be positive, go for a walk
with a new buddy and remember that
you are doing the best you can!
Forcing children outside for “fun” won’t foster
the love of nature you are hoping for. Rather,
plan an activity that interests your child when
you are outside. Bring a ball to play with, take
a camera to record birds, have a race to see
who can walk the most steps in a morning
walk. Whatever is fun for your family, try it!
DON’T BE AFRAID. Parents’ fears are often
greater than their children’s and can get in the
way of new experiences. Let children get dirty,
explore new areas, and try new skills. Only
when we are open to trying new things can
we change our perception of the world.
LEARN TOGETHER. Want to learn how to ride
a bike? Interested in identifying the weird
bug you saw? Want to try painting outdoors
with watercolors? Work together as a family
to learn new skills or information, and you will
all have a great time together. Also, when your
children see you trying something new, they
will be more likely to try it, too.
APPRECIATING THE NATURAL WORLD is
about more than knowing the names of every
plant or animal you see. Spending time with
family, learning something new, and having
fun are what really make outdoor recreation
special. By working together, you can enjoy
being outside more and plugged in less.
-11-
preschool/K
DRC PARK PASSPORT PROGRAM
By Chris Draves, Parent Editor
N
eed something fun and local to do on the weekend or on a day off
from school? The Massachusetts Department of Conservation
and Recreation has a fun program called the DCR Passport
Program where families can have fun while and kids can earn a t-shirt by
accumulating stamps (76 in all) in their passport by exploring the 450,000
acres that make up their state parks. Here’s some quick information
concerning the passport program.
S
The parks are split into 5 regions: Boston, Central, North, South and West.
S
Each region has its own passport and its own t-shirt to earn (each
has the stamps from that region on it.)
S
The passport pages are for pre-school (with assistance) through
junior high age children (16 years of age) and are great for teachers,
parents, grandparents, scout leaders and others who work
with youth to help them enjoy the parks and to generate
questions and conversation concerning the parks in their state.
S
Each has its own parks and fun attractions that could be enjoyed on
a long weekend or on a family vacation.
S
Each park has its own stamp particular to that park in its own
stamp box at that park.
S
You can download a complete passport, a regional passport or a
one page passport and the passport is free.
What Do You Do For
Sping Fun?
Start working out a little
harder so I can be ready
for summer!
S
It does cost to park at some parks, but passes are available at and
can be borrowed from most libraries.
S
All parks have a stamp box (each region has its own color of box)
that is located in an obvious place.
The combination to the lock is located in the passport
on the park list page. The park staff will also have a stamp if there is
a visitor center.
S
If you visit all the passport parks in one of the five passport
regions, you earn a t-shirt from that region which can be picked
up at the regional headquarters.
Since we live in
Brockton, most of
us will probably
look into the parks
in the South or
Boston region. Don't
discount the other
regions because they
are farther away. This
will give you a bigger
challenge that will
bring great fun and
learning to your trip.
Details
concerning the
program can be found on the DCR website at:
www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/park-passport/
What’s going on?
NRT of Easton Spring Farm Festival
May 3, 2014 - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at NRT’s Sheep Pasture. Festival entrance at 261R Main Street,
Easton, MA. Join us for a day of activities, displays, and events for the whole family. Meet the New
England Revolution travel soccer team and challenge yourself with games. Meet farm animals
and learn about their care. Play outdoor games, enjoy crafts, and investigate the Sheep
Pasture trails. Check out AMP 103.3 and Mix 104.1 radio van for giveaways, contest, and more.
Friendly pets are welcome, must be leashed. Cost: Free admission, some activities or food may
require a fee. For more information, please visit the NRT’s website at www.nrtofeaston.org.
The Old Colony YMCA Presents PARENT CAFES
Going to the park to
watch the ducklings.
-12-
Parent Cafes provide an opportunity for parents to have important conversations about
topics that matter. Join other parents in your community at the following upcoming
Parent Cafes. Dinner and child care provided. Please RSVP to Lauren Paiva at 508-326-7195
or email: lmaiapaiva@oldcolonyymca.org
Thursday, March 25, 2014 6:00 - 7:30 pm-Stoughton YMCA Branch
Friday, April 11, 2014 6:30 - 8:00 pm-Easton YMCA Branch
Wednesday, May 21, 2014 6:00 - 7:30 pm-Stoughton YMCA Branch
preschool/K
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PET FOR
YOUR FAMILY
By: Amanda Bettle, NRT Teacher/ Naturalist
Many children want to have a pet, and
sometimes deciding what kind of pet is right
for your family can be difficult. Here are a few
simple steps to help your family make the best
decision possible for everyone in the family:
How much time is available? Pets such as
dogs and cats require daily care that can
sometimes be difficult to manage with the
time commitments of parents’ jobs, school,
lessons, and family responsibilities. Even small
animals such as hamsters, rabbits, and guinea
pigs should have daily care. Sometimes pets
with fewer time requirements, such as fish, can
be a better choice for a busy family.
Drawing provided by Reading Connection Newsletter via CFCE of Brockton
Literacy in the kitchen
By Maria Wilson-Sepulveda
A
s a parent and community volunteer, I receive a lot of great information from
our community agencies and community partners. Joni Block and staff from
the Brockton CFCE office email the best monthly newsletters for parents and
caregivers. I would receive them in my daughters back packs when they attended
Pre-K. I found them to be a great tool and resource.
In the March edition of the Reading Connection, Reading for Success newsletter,
one of the articles is titled “Mealtime Literacy”. This article had some very
interesting suggestions like reading a recipe, write a menu board and cook
a storybook meal, which included a list of great books to read.
When you think about it, there are a lot of great opportunities in your own kitchen
to start a reading conversation. Maybe have your child point out their favorite cereal
and ask them if they recognize the letters on the box, read the letters out loud. You can
also give them a little challenge by having them come up with a word that begins
with that letter. You can also try a rhyming game. Some cereal boxes have puzzles
and games that they can enjoy as well.
Not only pointing out the fruits and vegetables, but describe them as well.
For example, I would point to a fruit and my daughters would tell me the name.
I would then ask “What letter does it start with?” “What color is the fruit?”
“What letter does that color start with?” Then we would talk about the differences
between a red apple and yellow banana. Reading does not only help them hear
the words but also helps with their speech.
One thing that I found very helpful and worked well was, now they would ask
me what they wanted instead of just pointing to it. It also helped during food
shopping as they became my little “helpers”.
Be sure to check your child’s back pack for these informative newsletters
which contain helpful tips, ideas and suggestions.
Who will care for the pet? It is not realistic
to think that children of any age will be the
primary caregivers for any pet in the house.
Before bringing an animal into the home, it
is important for the adults in the house to
determine who will be primarily responsible
for caring for the pet. It is fantastic to include
your children with animal care, but the
responsibility must ultimately be with an adult.
What kind of pet would be appropriate for
our budget and our home? All pets require
some space and have needs that must be met,
though some pets require less than others.
Does your home have a place outdoors to
walk a dog, or will you have to walk around
the block every day? Do you have a place for
a kitty litter pan? Families should consider the
cost of annual veterinary care, food, training,
supplies, and emergency care when deciding
on a pet, not just the initial price of the animal.
What does an expert say?
There are thousands of different breeds
and species of animals that are suitable as
pets, depending on your family’s needs.
Talk to different pet professionals, including
veterinarians, trainers, and breeders, who
can help you get a realistic idea of what
kind of pet, would be right for your home.
These individuals can also give you helpful
information on the best place to purchase or
adopt the perfect pet for you.
If you take the time to do some research and a
little self-reflection before bringing a pet into
your home, you will have a much happier
family and pet!
-13-
elementary
INTRODUCING THE KEITH PARK NEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOCIATION (KPNA)
By Lynn Smith
» Why do so many New England towns have town greens?
» Why do cities have public parks?
» Is it because our founders needed a place for their
cows to graze?
» Or were they homesick and designed spaces that reminded
them of their town squares in England?
P
erhaps it’s because our earliest settlements were small communities
built around an open plot and protected from attack by a perimeter
wall built of logs.
Maybe one day a thrifty housewife decided to plant a few
flowers and vegetables in a corner of that open lot. As bigger towns were
built, the outer walls came down but the center
town green, or park, remained.
Over time, those parks became places where locals gathered to connect,
celebrate, and relax with family. Good public spaces promote people’s
health and well being. People refer to sustaining these types of parks and
greens as “place-making”.
In the Campello section of Brockton, there is a public space in the
triangle of Plain and Main and Montello Streets called Keith Park. The
Keith family was prominent in the Brockton shoe industry at the turn
of the century. George E. Keith had a five-story brick building in the
Walk-Over Manufacturing Company complex that served as his business
headquarters. The fifth floor contained a banquet hall and kitchen. The
basement had a bowling alley and gymnasium for his employees! Keith
Park was the location of just one of his mansions. The Keith family donated
the land to Brockton to be enjoyed by all as a public park.
Spring is here!
Time to prepare:
Garden beds
Treating the lawn
Tulips
Filling up the
bird feeder
A group of volunteer citizens who love the park want to make it an even
better place – not only the “town green” of Campello for everyone to
enjoy, but also to serve as the inspiration of the Keith Park Neighborhood
Association (KPNA) to connect neighbors to neighbors.
KPNA is looking for volunteers from the Campello area that would like to
join in and help plan fun activities like these that will support community
“place-making”:
» Saturday, April 19, Easter Egg Hunt, 1 pm
Come search for eggs and visit with the Easter Bunny
»
Saturday, June 14, 10 to 4, Arts and Crafts Festival
»
Future Fall Festival or Winter Holiday celebration ideas are
all welcomed
To learn more about KPNA, or to join or volunteer, email
Cindy Ethier-Kostka, Director, at KPNABrockton@aol.com
or visit http://kpnabrockton.weebly.com
What’s going on?
Brockton Public Library, 304 Main St., Brockton MA, Tel. 508-580-7890 ext. 301,
FAMILY MOVIE, Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 2 PM Adventures in Zambezia-Rated G.
Join us for a fun family movie at the Main Library. Light refreshment included. Children
under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Please call the Children's Room
to register
TRADING CARD NIGHTS, 6-7:30 pm Ages 9-16,
Tuesday, March 25, April 29, May 27 and June 24, 2014. Bring Yu-Gi-O, Duel Masters or
other trading cards. , No registration required
Other events at the library - registration is required as space is limited
April 22 6:30 - 7:30 pm, ages 3-8, S-S-S-Snake, Rattle and Roll
April 23 2 pm, ages 3 and up - Reptiles Rock - a "Live" animal show
May 13 6:30 - 7:30 pm, ages 3--8, Walk like an Egyptian
June 17 6:30 - 7:30 pm, ages 3-8, Zoomania
KIDS ROAD RACES, D.W. Field Park, Brockton, MA, Saturdays in May & June 2014
Open to all boys and girls ages 14 & under, Registration 9:30 am, Race 10 am sharp. $1.00 donation
per week per child. Dates: May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, then June 7, 14, 21, 2014. For more information
-14-
please visit www.kidsroadraces.org
elementary
HIKING IN BORDERLAND
STATE PARK
By Peter Deschenes, father of 2
Borderland is a 1,782 acre state park
located south of Boston. Parking is located
at the visitor center located off Massapoag
Avenue on the Sharon/Easton border.
City of Brockton Little League and Softball signups
By Allen Perreault
I
t may be cold outside and a coat of white is on the area baseball diamonds.
The city of Brockton is heating up for the upcoming 2014 spring/summer
season by having baseball sign ups and tryouts now. Here is some general
information you will need to join the action.
BROCKTON NORTH LITTLE LEAGUE
North Little League’s signups will take place at the North Middle School,
February 27th and at the Raymond School, March 21st. Both signups will be
in the schools’ cafeterias from 6:30 to 8:00pm. Registration is open to Brockton
residents for ages 4-16. Please email brocktonnorthbaseball@gmail.com or you may
call the League’s President LeRoy at (508) 326-0047 or Vice President Geana at
(774) 297-0187 for more information.
BROCKTON SOUTH WEST LITTLE LEAGUE
South West Little League’s signups will take place at the South Middle School,
105 Keith Ave. Ext., Wednesday nights in February 12th and 20th and March 5th,
12th and 19th. All signups will be in the school’s cafeteria from 6:00 to 8:00pm.
Registration is open to Brockton residents for ages 4-14 living on the South or
West sides of the city. Contact Rick Kruzel at (508) 583-0447 or visit the league’s
website at www.bswll.org with any questions.
BROCKTON YOUTH SOFTBALL LEAGUE
Brockton Youth Softball Spring 2014 League’s signups will take place at the
Raymond School, 125 Oak Street on March 7th. Registrations will be open
until March 29th.The signup will be in the school’s cafeteria from 6:00 to
8:00pm. Registration is open to Brockton residents for ages 8-16. You can call the
League’s President, Tom Ross at (508) 769-5125 or email him at rossco@aol.com or
visit the league’s website at brocktonyouthsoftballleague.com with any questions you
may have.
While you are at registration, ask or consider helping out the league by
becoming a volunteer, coach, or part of the set-up/clean-up crews.
The leagues depend on parent volunteers to make the games enjoyable
for all. Now, let’s get ready to play ball!
Here is some additional information:
»
All leagues require a birth certificate for all new players
»
Most leagues supply t-shirts and hats for players
»
Leagues offer discounts for members or families with multiple players
»
Opening Day for most leagues start in April and go through June.
The park’s fields, woods, streams, and
ponds provide a great place to hike,
mountain bike, fish, dog walk, bird watch,
snowshoe, cross country ski, disk golf, or
just relax in the field near the old mansion.
If someone in your group has difficulty
walking, ask a ranger for an off-road
wheel chair.
Maps of the park are available for free at
the visitor center. A few of my favorite
hikes are listed below. Be sure to keep an
eye out for deer, bluebirds, turtles, and
other wildlife.
The Pond Walk trail (about 2 miles) starts
at the visitor center, circles around Leach
Pond, and ends back at the visitor center.
This is a wide, flat gravel road suitable for
baby strollers with off-road wheels and
kids’ bikes.
The Swamp trail and Pond Edge trail are
shorter walks. The roots and rocks on the
trails make baby strollers difficult. The
swamp trail has a short through
the swamp.
While the southern half of the park is
relatively flat, the northern half rises
quickly, featuring granite outcrops and
giant boulders left by the glaciers. The
Granite Hills trails and Ridge Trail are
the major connecting trails. This area is
suitable for children and adults who are
prepared for a somewhat rigorous hike
which could take around 2 hours. The
brave hiker can venture off trail to find
secluded areas with views of
surrounding towns.
Before you go, prepare for the elements,
bring a map, food, and water. Be safe,
and have fun! Borderland State Park is
also a DCR Park Passport Park. For more
information on Borderland State Park, go to
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/
region-south/borderland-state-park-generic.html .
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middle school
Save a Life, Be a Donor
By Lesley Washington and Jim Mahoney
In 1990, Katharina Harf’s life changed forever when her mother,
Mechtild, was diagnosed with an acute form of blood cancer. Her family
was told that a bone marrow transplant could save her mother's life,
if she could find a matching donor. With the odds of finding a match
ranging from one in 20,000 to one in millions, having only 3000 donors
available in Germany at the time made the situation seem hopeless.
Determined to make the impossible, possible, Katharina’s father, Peter
Harf, made it his mission to find his wife a donor. Recognizing that
the need for bone marrow donors extended far beyond his wife, Harf,
together with his wife's physician, Professor Dr. Gerhard Ehninger,
founded Delete Blood Cancer DKMS in Germany in 1991. Sadly, that
same year, Mechtild lost her hard-fought battle with blood cancer.
Katharina was only fourteen.
In 2004, Katharina led the expansion of Delete Blood Cancer into the
United States. Through this effort, Delete Blood Cancer has established a
national donor recruitment program to increase and diversify the donor
registry. With campaigns throughout the U.S., Delete Blood Cancer is also
raising awareness about the urgent need for bone marrow donors. What
began as a mission to save one woman, has become a global movement
dedicated to saving everyone with blood cancer.
New England Donor Recruitment Consultant Michael Guglielmo knows
the impact and importance of bone marrow donation all too well. His
son Giovanni was diagnosed with a rare genetic immune disorder at five
months old, requiring doctors to create a new immune system for him.
Gio, as the young boy is lovingly called, prompted almost 50,000
people to register as bone marrow donors. Sadly, at the age of five, Gio
succumbed to his fight against NEMO.
Michael has registered over 65,000 donors since his son's blood cancer
diagnosis and successfully found over 236 matches. Guglielmo states,
"Four out of every ten people find a match and the rest die," a blunt
and bleak reminder of the urgent need to improve that ratio. Michael
emphasizes that “all adults aged 18-55 are eligible to register and
therefore have the power to save a life.”
How do you Save a Life?
Register to be a bone marrow donor. "The more people we have in the
registry, the more people we save," Guglielmo remarks. "Five minutes of
their [donors'] time could be a lifetime for somebody with blood cancer."
Take those five minutes.
The City of Brockton will host a week long bone marrow
donation campaign April 10th through the 17th. There will be
several donation sites around the City with various donations times so
everyone has the opportunity to Save a Life. Please visit
www.chna22.org for dates and locations for this initiative.
If your time is scarce, please visit deletebloodcancer.org.
"We will send a kit right to their homes so they can register," divulges
Guglielmo. For more information on how to become
a donor or to volunteer to staff a blood drive, contact
Michael Guglielmo, Donor Recruitment Consultant.
Tel.: 246-276-7380 or Email: Michael@dkmsamericas.org
Please join us in the fight against blood cancer.
A Spring time Poem
by Elizabeth Wilson
Student at W.M.S.
What’s going on?
Teen Movie Events
Spring is almost here
Preparing for flowers to appear
Ready to spend some time in the sun
I eagerly await all the fun
Not waiting for the school bus out in the cold
Great feeling that we won't see anymore snow
Brockton Public Library, 304 Main Street Brockton, MA, Location: Lingos Auditorium Main Library
Contact: Reference Department at 508-580-7890, x 201.
All tweens and teens (12-19) are welcome to attend our free movie. FREE popcorn and
beverages will be provided. Doors open 15 minutes before the movie.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Mortal Instruments: City of Bones PG-13.
Saturday, April 26, 2014, 2:15 PM - 5:00 PM Hunger Games: Catching Fire PG-13
Time is of essense, spring hurry don't waist time
I cross the dates waiting for you to arrive
Mixing these words with the hope that you are near
Expressing that you are the prettiest time of the year
Tuesday, May 27th, 2014, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Ender's Game PG-13
KEEP BROCKTON BEAUTIFUL CLEAN DAY
Saturday, May 3, 2014. For more information please call the Mayor's Office at 508-580-7123.
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middle school
MPRESS-EMPOWERMENT THROUGH THE ART OF DANCE
By Cara Sidoti and Beverly Teixeira
“DANCE, it's the art of movement. I was inspired to
dance when I was 5 years old after seeing my cousin
float on stage as Ariel in a ballet she starred in. I had
a love for music, sparkly costumes, make-up, and
hair do's. The practice of dance shows responsibility,
commitment, dedication, and passion. I spent
hours each week in the studio and dedicated many
weekends to practicing and training. However, dance
above all is a way to express yourself, your thoughts
and emotions. I remember getting lost in music, letting
what I felt be shown in each step and leap, facial
expression and pose. I escaped to another world with
each piece I danced.
Transforming from a student to a teacher has been a unique experience for me. My mission was to give
back to the students the dance experience I had. From new choreography, flashy costumes, pretty makeup and hair to the opportunity to commit to routines, the program, and their teammates; Mpress has
provided the girls with the exact experience I had. The program above all has provided an outlet for the
girls to express who they are and what they feel. Through all of the above, a family has been created. A
group of young, talented, unique, and passionate girls have formed the Mpress family. It is rewarding to
see every student continue to improve their unique talent, and also grow into dedicated, passionate, and
responsible dancers and leaders.”
-CARA
Now let us fill in you on Mpress. My name is Beverly Teixeira and I founded and created the program
in 2010. It’s a unique non-profit program designed to empower young girls in the community. My
aim was to empower students by educating them on proper dance technique and various dance
styles from ballet, to jazz, and hip-hop. The program goes beyond just teaching dance though; we
have instilled responsibility, respect, commitment, and ultimately empowerment into its core values.
Currently operating out of two facilities, The Family Center in Brockton and the Boys & Girls Club of
Brockton. Cara and I cater to girls 4-17 years of age. It is a great opportunity for the dancers to get the
“dance studio” experience without the expensive cost of a typical dance studio. The dancers undergo
1-2 hour lessons each week where they learn various dance routines. The girls perform at fundraising
events to benefit the program, and also certain events within the community. The girls also commit
to performing in the annual recital showcase towards the end of spring/early summer. The girls have
the opportunity to dance on a stage in dazzling costumes, make-up, and hair-do’s.
As a non-profit, Mpress is managed solely from fundraising events and donations from the
community. This past winter 2013, Mpress dancers and parents hosted their first annual Winter
Wonderland. The event consisted of holiday activities such as, face painting, arts & crafts, sugar
cookie decorating, and pictures with Santa Claus. There were several local organizations that
supported the event and show continuous support throughout the year. Without such donors, the
events and program would not be possible.
The program has seen much success over its short life span, and expects to see continuous growth.
We originally started with 24 dancers, and since seen an increase in enrollment; the program now
hosts over 65 dancers.
We are always looking for girls to join the excitement and become part of the Mpress family. For
more information, questions, or comments can be directed to either Beverly Teixeira or Cara Sidoti at
mpress.danceco@gmail.com.
VEGETABLES AND FLOWERS IN
RAISED BED GARDENS
By Chris Draves, Parent Editor
J
ust about everyone has tried at one time
or another to plant seeds or seedlings
to have their own garden. Raised bed
gardens, also called garden boxes, are a great
way to grow vegetables and flowers with good
to great success. Most garden beds are 4 foot
by 4 foot or 4 foot by 8 foot. You may want to
start off with the smaller 4 by 4 bed
if it’s your first time or you have little
experience gardening.
Garden boxes are great for growing small
plots of plants, provide good drainage and
prevent soil from getting too compacted or
washed away in downpours. A garden bed
also allows you to plant earlier in the season
(typically in April) because the soil is warmer
and it drains better when it is above ground as
its not compacted. Loose soil makes seeding,
transplanting and weeding easier. If the
garden bed is well built a gardener can also sit
on the edge while working in the bed and this
will help reduce back and leg strain. Raised
garden beds also allow you to plant more than
a typical backyard garden and allowing you to
grow more vegetables and flowers in a smaller
space. Fewer tools are needed to help plant
and care for your garden box.
A garden bed consists of four wooden sides or
other materials if you have the extra money. I
bought a 12-foot by 12 inch pressure treated
board and cut it into four 4-foot by 12 inch
sections. You can use smaller boards and make
it taller if you’d like. I then bought chicken
wire and cut it to line the bottom and used a
staple gun to attach the wire to the sides of
the box. The wire is used to keep critters from
digging up and into the bottom of the garden
box. Next, I put a layer of landscape fabric in
the box that goes inside the box from the top
of one side, across the bottom and up to the
top of the other side. Again I used a staple
gun to attach the fabric to the sides. Finally
the garden bed needs to be filled with clean,
nutrient rich compost and seeds or seedlings
need to be planted and watered.
The Stoughton Community Garden Project has
an excellent manual online at
https://sites.google.com/site/
stoughtonyouthcommission/community-garden-project
that can help you get started.
-17-
-17-
high school
Guide to the perfect prom dress
By Vanessa Lundy – Fashion Blogger
Y
ou've waited the whole school year for this day, talked about
it with your girlfriends. Prom is finally approaching and this is
your time to have fun and create memories. While it is a fun
time, it can easily go wrong if you are not prepared. Finding that
perfect dress is a must and it can and should be done stress free!
Inspiration
Before you do anything, start off listing your inspirations. Maybe it is the
spring palettes; soft pinks, mint, or yellow hues. Try browsing the internet
and magazines for looks from stars so you can recreate. This process will be
a starting point and give an idea of what you are looking for and where to
start looking.
Start shopping
Begin shopping for your prom dress 4 to 6 six weeks in advance as this will
allow you time to browse sales and deals. If you are searching for that one
of a kind, you may want to start with the local thrift stores. Coming out
earlier will give you a head start and more style options.
LOVE IT!
Your dress has to make your heart skip a beat. For starters the color and
fit has to be right. Don't get distracted in trendy colors and styles of the
current moment. Keep in mind all the dancing and walking that will
be done. Try on the dress and walk in it to ensure the fit and length is
comfortable.
Accessorize
Now that you have
found the perfect
dress, it is time to seal
the deal. Accessorize
your dress to finalize
your look. If you
went with a detailed
dress you will want to
keep the accessories
to a minimum. Just earrings and a ring will do. For a simple dress, more
accessories will help bring the outfit to life. A chunky neck piece and
bracelet is just what you need.
Shoes
Your shoes should be a height that you can tolerate, and not make you
taller than your prom date. Make sure that they are comfortable as you
don’t want to take them off before you have your prom picture taken or
get onto the dance floor.
Lastly, have fun and celebrate!
What’s going on?
Wellness Wednesday | Free Zumba Class | 5pm-6pm
BCS DRIVERS EDUCATION
DEPT ASK YOU TO TAKE
THE PLEDGE
"HANG IT UP
BEFORE YOU
BUCKLE UP!"
-18-
Signature Health Care-Brockton Hospital, Assembly Room, 2nd Floor 680 Centre St., Brockton
02302. All ages and levels welcome, no registration required. Bring a mat if you'd like to do the
5 minute ab workout at the end.
Zumba For Tweens & Teens | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM | Saturday March 22, 2014
Brockton Public Library, 304 Main St., Brockton, MA 02301. Ages 9-14 Zumba instructor, Mary Ellen
Reardon will conduct this lively 45 minute class at the Main Library. Zumba incorporates Latin
dance, hip-hop, and other international rhythms into easy-to-follow choreographed dance/fitness
routines. The emphasis is on having fun in a non-intimidating environment. Please sign up in the
Children's Room or call 508-580-7890 x301
15th Annual Mayor's Youth Summitt | 1:30 - 3:30 pm | Thursday , April 10 , 2014
Red Cafeteria, Brockton High School, 470 Forrest Ave, Brockton MA 02301.
Free and open to all youths ages 13 -20. Please join us for music and prizes!
high school
6TH ANNUAL MENTOR RECRUITMENT RALLY AND CELEBRATION
By Allen Perreault
T
he 6th Annual Mentor Recruitment Rally
and Celebration took place on January
30th at a crowded Shaw’s Center. The
Rally was the conclusion of National Mentoring
Month. Allison Dailey, Caring Adults Chair at
the Old Colony Y Big Sister and Big Brother
welcomed the enthusiastic crowd.
Edward Jacoubs (Plymouth County District
Attorney’s Office) and newly elected City
Councilor Shaynah Barnes shared the Master of
Ceremonies duties and kept the crowd rolling
in the aisles.
Opening remarks were given by the
newly elected Mayor Bill Carpenter and
Superintendent of Brockton Public Schools
Kathleen A. Smith. The Invocation was given
by the Reverend Dr. Mark T. Oliver from the
Trinity Baptist Church and Life Transforming
Leadership Foundation.
During the dinner a Video Presentation was
shown that was produced by the Boys and
Girls Club and OCY Kidz Konnect Advisory
Council. Aaron Thibault and Noube Raleau
from Brockton Community Access helped out
with the video. The Keynote speaker of the
night was the Reverend Timothy Allen who is
the Pastor of the Greater Friendship Missionary
Baptist Church. Allen is a tireless advocate for
high risk youth and their families.
After the speakers it was time for the awards.
The Promise in Action awards for outstanding
Businesses were given out to Alves Grocery,
Christo’s Restaurant and Signature Healthcare.
Shaynah Barnes, City Councilor and Edward Jacoubs of the Plymouth County
District Attorney’s Office were the Masters of Ceremonies for the evening.
ALVES GROCERY (accepted by owner Maria
Alves) on North Main Street supports nonprofit youth serving organizations and has
provided free food to youth and families at
multiple youth centered events.
CHRISTO’S RESTAURANT was opened in
December 1964 by Christo and Bessie Tsaganis.
It was the jewel of the East Side of Brockton for
over 50 years. Christo’s has provided both food
and financial support to many youth services.
Christo’s closed its door for the final time last
New Year’s Eve.
SIGNATURE HEALTHCARE has been a long
standing supporter of mentoring and youth
development in Brockton. The Junior Volunteer
Summer Program runs during the months of
July and August.
The Promise in Action Award for Exceptional
Mentoring were given to four exceptional
Mentors:
» Sandra Bowers
»
James Martelli
»
Jenn Pudder
»
Catherine Walper
took top honors of the night.
OTHER NOMINEES WERE:
»
Alberta Alves
»
Stephen McCall
»
Afonso Andrade, Jr.
»
Phy Mitchell
»
Karyssa Bendiksen
»
Enoma Okunbar
»
Shaquan Berry
»
Joan Packard
»
Lila Burgess
»
Marcella Raines
»
Dashawn Butner
»
Carla Riberia
»
Col. Richard Clark
»
Olga Rodriguez-Rosa
»
Susan Davis
»
Tara Rosen
»
Emily Flores
»
Gloria Rubilar
»
Matt Gurley
»
Alisha Tagger
»
Dr. Herbert
»
Peter Terenzi
»
Fabiola Hyppolite
»
Janet Trask
»
Craig Jenkins
»
Christine Tufts
»
Maria Lamarre
»
Lisa Villani
»
Beverley Marini
»
Michaela
»
Drake McCabe
“HANG IT UP BEFORE YOU BUCKLE UP”
By Jim Mc Sherry, BHS History Teacher and
BCS Driver Education Supervisor
The BCS Drivers’ Education
Program at BHS would
like to urge all Brockton
residents, and especially
our students to…“Hang it up before you
buckle up.”
Using cell phones and texting while driving is
all too quickly becoming a national epidemic,
and Boxer Country is not immune to this
frightening reality.
Even though texting while driving is against
the law for drivers of all ages, too many still
think they can manage to do both.
It has been said that “numbers don’t lie,” so
let’s put that admirable quote to the test as it
relates to texting and driving:
» Texting is the reason for nearly 25 percent
of all auto accidents.
»
Texting results in 11 teen deaths every
day.
»
Texting is about six times more likely to
cause an accident than being intoxicated.
»
Texting makes you 23 times more likely to
get in a car crash.
»
Texting is the same as driving blindfolded
for 5 seconds at a time.
»
Texting takes place by 800,000 drivers at
any given time across the country.
»
Texting slows your brake reaction speed
by 18 percent.
»
Texting is the No. 1 driving distraction for
teen drivers.
Teens and their parents should make a textfree driving pledge to one another in an effort
to avoid being part of those shocking statistics.
Let’s make a promise to our fellow Boxer
Country drivers, of all ages, that Brockton
will become a model city when it comes to
complying with anti-texting laws, which have
been passed with our safety in mind.
There will be a pledge form that we will ask
students and parents to go over, discuss,
complete and take the pledge. So we ask you
to please... *“Hang it up before you Buckle up”!
*BCS D ED anti-texting message*
-19-
college
WHAT’S NEW IN HOME MORTGAGES?
By: Lynne Smith
All of us have been affected by the recent housing crisis. Many
homeowners were “underwater” – the mortgage on their house was higher
than its market value. Other homeowners got mortgages that were so
complicated that they did not understand the fine print, or simply did not
have the ability to repay from the very beginning. Even if you are not a
homeowner, your neighborhood or your street was impacted if owners
walked away from their troubles and left a house abandoned.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was established in 2010
as a result of this recession. Its focus is to watch out for Americans looking
for consumer financial products and services.
The CFPB has issued new mortgage guidelines designed to protect
consumers. These are now called “Qualified Mortgages” or QMs. The rules
will make sure that borrowers have clear information, and more protection,
when shopping for a home loan.
Lenders will now have to make a “good-faith, reasonable” effort to
determine that you are likely to repay your loan. More work will
go into verifying your income, savings, other loans and your
credit history.
Lenders cannot design products with risky features like no interest periods
or negative amortization – which happens when the amount paid each
month on the loan is not enough to keep the total amount borrowed
going down. They can no longer qualify people based on short term
“teaser” rates that go away quickly and trap consumers once the rate
moves to its permanent higher level.
Who?
BY: ED LIAUTAUD
Who can't either read or write
Who are hungry of a smile?
Who have remorse in their skin?
Who are thirsty for water?
Those we forget little by little
And which are unhappy...
For all those who are battered
Who has a continuous headache?
With the image of disdain
Without a new tomorrow
Weak and bare feet
They go only towards the unknown...
Those who are orphans
Champions of insecurity
For all those who are without hope
Who at night cry in the shadow?
I want to say to them this evening
Take my writings for your comfort
Because I still have a dream
-20-
There are also guidelines
on QMs in terms of how
much impact the mortgage
will have on your total
gross income. For the most
part, QMs are available to
borrowers with a monthly
debt-to-income ration of 43
percent or less.
For following the QM
guidelines, lenders may be
protected from a borrower’s
lawsuit so long as the lender
demonstrates that they followed the rules and issued a "safe" mortgage.
According to the CFPB: “You can think of all these changes as a “back to
basics” moment for the mortgage market: No debt traps, surprises and
runarounds. And a market where, if you run into trouble paying your
mortgage, you’ll have a fair shot at all the options available to help you
avoid foreclosure.”
For more information, visit http://www.consumerfinance.gov/
The information in this article, while not guaranteed, is considered to be
accurate and reliable at the time of publication.
Lynn Smith has been a Banking professional for over 30 years. Most
recently she was a member of the senior team that opened Start
Community Bank in New Haven, a Community Development Financial
Institution with a focus on providing bank accounts and credit to
underserved neighborhoods. She is a resident of the Campello section
of Brockton. What’s going on?
JOB FAIR – APRIL 2, 2014, 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
MASSASOIT COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Brockton Campus – Student Center Lounge
BRING PLENTY OF RESUME’S & DRESS PROFESSIONALLY! ALL ARE WELCOME. For More Information Call Career
Placement Services 508-588-9100 Ext. 1406
A Free Head and Neck Cancer Screening Clinic | Wed. April 16, 2014 | 5:00-7:00 pm
Signature Healthcare Radiation Oncology and ENT Specialists, 35 Pearl Street - Brockton, MA
At the screening, you will get information to help you stop smoking and be safe in the sun.
Screening is quick and painless. Please contact Kathryne McNichols at 508-941-7907 or by e-mail
at Kathryne.McNichols@vantageoncology.com for full details and more information or to
pre-register. ** This is only a screening and does not take the place of a medical examination.
Participants should have regular examinations with their own physicians**
Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes 2014
A week of Health and Wellness Education June 14 , 2014 to June 21, 2014.
With a day of fun activities for the entire family on Saturday, June 21, 2014, 9 am - 1 pm
Shaw's Center, 1 Fienberg Way, Brockton, MA or visit our website for more information and event
details at: www.harborone.com/diabetes
college
college
BREAKING FREE FROM THE COMFORT ZONE
By: Alain Yaovi Dagba
M
ost people talk about the comfort zone, but not everyone knows what it means. I
will not here waste words. However, your understanding of each concept written
is required.
No human knows himself or herself until he or she steps out of his or her comfort zone. When I
say knowing yourself I mean knowing what is inside you.
Knowing yourself is the greatest gift that life could give you. Because everything else that
pertains to your survival and fulfillment depends on it.
Before you can know yourself you have to discover yourself. Before you can discover yourself you
have to uncover yourself.
Yet, the gift of self-uncovering is what the comfort zone steals from you the most. The comfort
zone is a thief. It steals the privilege of growth and self-actualization away from humans.
I once saw the vision of a man dancing in front of his mirror, because his reflection was
leading him into an euphoric complacence. He loves his image in the mirror, because he was a
handsome fellow.
Then, in the same vision, I saw the same man punching the mirror in front of which he was
dancing not too long ago, because his face was wounded.
Then the Spirit told me that the story of this man is the story of so many people on earth. A
situation you live in could be your mirror.
You dance, you clap, you worship, you pray, you chant, you give, and you love God and people,
when the reflection of your mind and of your heart in the situation-mirror is showing you joy,
peace, and bliss.
Then one day you wake up, and things suddenly change, and you look into the situation-mirror,
and the reflection of your mind and heart is showing you fear, doubt, low self-esteem, anger,
and resentment.
In this case, you will hate the situation just like the man hits the mirror. The man broke the mirror
because the mirror was truthful. You hate your unhappy situation because it shows you what is
truly inside you.
Then, in another vision I saw the same man returning to the broken mirror, making every effort
to locate his face so that he may apply a healing balm to his wound.
It was never the mirror's fault. It is never about your situation. Hating the situation is not the
answer. But making every effort to see yourself, which means to see what is coming out of you in
the situation and find ways to heal and improve yourself is the way of the masters of life. Being
able to do this is the highest form of religion which leads man to his creator.
There is no real comfort zone outside you. No. The comfort zone is in you. It is everything in
you that stops you from seeing the things you need to improve and the dormant wealth of
potentials you need to see and to manifest. The mirror and the situations are your greatest
helpers. They help you start uncovering. No need to be afraid. No need to punch the mirror. You
are in the right place.
“CLEMENTE PROGRAM IN
BROCKTON,
A CHANCE TO STEP IN”
By Edwing Guilloteau - Proud student of the
Clemente Course in Brockton
E
ducation is defined as a form of learning
in which the knowledge, skills, and habits
of a group of people are transferred from one
generation to the next through teaching,
training or research.
The Clemente Course is a unique educational
institution founded in 1995 to teach the
humanities at the college level to people
living in economic hardship. The Family
Center at Community Connections of
Brockton and satellite at The Keith School
launched a Clemente Program on October
7th 2013. I enrolled right away because it
was too good to be true. There is no tuition,
books are provided and the credits offered
can be transferred to other institutions. I
was very pleased to partake in the Open
House Introductions and Celebration with a
very excited group of students and a warm
welcome staff.
To be honest, I did not know how I was going
to adjust myself with my busy schedule
and some others were raising up all type of
concerns about the schedule and their kids.
You won't believe it that the schedule is very
flexible and the child-care provided is very
accommodating. I learned through dialogue
about philosophy, writing, American history
and very soon literature and art history. My
experience is way above my expectations and
the professors are willing to help, assist any
students having difficulty with any classes.
I highly recommend you to step in this
October 2014 because you won't regret giving
yourself a little push to attend college and
remember a mind is a terrible thing to lose.
-21-
For your fridge:
Spring Resources
RESOURCE CATEGORY
» James Rober-Photography
Braintree, MA
Tel 508-944-1285
Photographer with more than 25 years of experience. Specializes in portraits, weddings, events
and more.
Visit www.jimroberphotography.com for more information.
» Fisher College - Division of Accelerated and Professional Studies NEW EXPANSION SITE in BROCKTON
370 Oak St., Brockton MA 02301
Tel. 774-296-7650
Programs in: Human Services, Early Childhood and Healthcare. Bachelor, Associates Degrees and
Certificates. Classroom, blended and Online. Visit www.fisher.edu.
FREE! HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY
PREPARATION PROGRAM
AGES 16-24
CONTACT: ANDY MARTIN
(508) 584-9800 amartin@bawib.org
Sponsored by BAWIB & YouthWorks
Brockton
Housing
Authority
©
2012
53 Plymouth Street • Brockton, MA 02302
508.427.9010 • www.themoreyouearn.net
BALLOON ARCHES, TOWERS,
DÉCOR & MORE
By Maria Wilson-Sepulveda
508-208-4569
Mifiestaballoon@hotmail.com
facebook.com/Mifiestaballoondecor
Make your Party a Fiesta!
Anniversaries, Birthdays, Sweet 16, Bridal Showers, Weddings,
Baby Showers, Bar mitzvah, Bat mitzvah,
Corporate & Community Events.
Balloon Towers, Arches, Party Décor & More…
Mention this ad & receive a
10% discount on your order.
Offer Code: BPM2014
Offer expires: 12/31/14
Where:
When:
Why:
Contact:
Tel.:
Email:
Website:
2nd Annual Brockton "City Transformers" Brunch
Thorny Lea Golf Club
Wednesday, April 30, 2014, 10:30 a.m.
Because Pastors are some of the greatest assets of our city!
Dr. Mark T. Oliver, Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church,
508-588-4668, ext. 101
revdrmark@comcast.net
www.champs4life.org
Did you know?
With the assistance of
Boston Community
Capital’s SUN program,
Shirley Thomas was able
to re-mortgage the entire
two-family house where
she had been living with an
affordable monthly
mortgage payment.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO LOSE YOUR HOME
By: Marilyn Humphries
“You don’t have to lose your home,” is what Shirley Thomas tells Brockton
residents who are facing foreclosure. She knows what she’s talking about
and she has a good story to tell.
Shirley was renting an apartment in a two-family house in Brockton when
the landlord fell behind on his mortgage payments. When he tried to
get a modification, instead of lowering his monthly payments, the bank
raised them $300 to over $4,100 per month, and the house went into
foreclosure. As a tenant, Shirley didn’t seem to have much control over
the situation, but she didn’t want to leave. She loved the area and there
was a park across the street where her grandson loved to play basketball.
Shirley Thomas is one of
50 homeowners in Brockton who has participated in the SUN program,
which has invested more than $8 million providing affordable new
mortgages to these residents. Any Brockton resident facing foreclosure
may contact SUN.
Although Shirley couldn’t afford the current monthly mortgage payment,
by the time the home went into foreclosure, it was worth less than half
the purchase price that her landlord paid at the peak of the housing
market in 2005. What happened next is news worth sharing with anyone
facing foreclosure in Massachusetts, who has a stable income and can
afford to pay a mortgage roughly equivalent to the current market of
their home.
SUN, or Stabilizing Urban Neighborhoods, is dedicated to helping
Massachusetts and Maryland families facing home foreclosure. Through
Boston Community Capital, a local non-profit, SUN helps families who
have a steady income but can’t make their monthly mortgage payments
due to hardship, remain in their homes. Since inception in 2009, SUN has
helped over 450 families stay in their homes. For more information please
call 617-933-5880 or visit: www.SUNHomeHelp.org. There is no fee to apply.
Brockton Public Schools
Parents’ Academy Workshops 2013 – 2014
March
20
21
25
27
28
29
April
2
3
8
9
15
29
May
1
2
7
8
9
15
20
21
30
June
11
13
TH
FR
TU
TH
FR
SA
Parenting in the 21st Century Workshop: Families First
Communication & Language Development Workshop: Families First
Fit Families Night – Zumba
City Wide: Grade One 2014 - 2015 Showcase
Raising A Reader Parent Workshop
4th Annual Parent Leadership Conference
Arnone
Barrett Russell
Arnone
Gilmore
Gilmore
South
6:00 p.m.
9:15 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
WE
TH
TU
WE
TU
TU
Family Cooking Night
Coping with Changes and Challenges Workshop: Families First
Week of the Young Child Family Night
Texting, Sexting and Online Trends Parents & Teens Need to Know About
Fit Families Night – Family Fitness Workout Night
PA & Title 1: Book Cook Night for Pre K – Gr. 2
Arnone
Arnone
Paine – ALC
West
Davis
Barrett Russell
5:45 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
TH
FR
WE
TH
FR
TH
TU
WE
FR
Town Hall Meeting: Raising Awareness to Underage Drinking – CMCA
West
6:00 p.m.
Playing with Their World, Play in Early Childhood Workshop: Families First Gilmore
9:00 a.m.
PA & Title 1 Family Game Night
Hancock
6:00 p.m.
Human Trafficking……………….Uncovered!
Arnone
6:00 p.m.
Family Nutrition Healthy Choices Workshop: UMass Extension
Barrett Russell 9:15 a.m.
Summer Fun in the City Wellness Resource Fair
Arnone
6:00 p.m.
Fit Families Night – Zumba
Baker
6:00 p.m.
BPS SPED Dept.: Structuring Your Home for Success - Autism & other related disabilities Angelo
6:00 p.m.
Raising A Reader Parent Workshop
Gilmore
9:00 a.m.
WE
Parents’ Academy Year End Celebration
Arnone
6:00 p.m.
FR
Get Ready for Kindergarten Celebration - Otto the Auto with AAA
Gilmore
9:00 a.m.
The eighth year of the Parents’Academy Workshop Series are held at the:
Angelo Elementary School
Arnone Elementary School
Baker Elementary School
Barrett Russell Kindergarten Center
Davis K - 8 School
Gilmore Early Childhood Center
Hancock Elementary School
Huntington Elementary School
Paine – Adult Learning Center
South Middle School
West Middle School
x
x
x
x
x
472 North Main Street
135 Belmont Street
45 Quincy Street
45 Oakdale Street
380 Plain Street
150 Clinton Street
125 Pearl Street
1121 Warren Ave
211 Crescent Street
105 Keith Avenue Extension
271 West Street
Brockton MA 02301
Brockton MA 02301
Brockton MA 02301
Brockton MA 02301
Brockton MA 02302
Brockton MA 02302
Brockton MA 02301
Brockton MA 02301
Brockton MA 02302
Brockton MA 02301
Brockton MA 02301
For the evening workshops the doors open at 6:00 p.m. for registration. Programs begin at 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
For the family nights the doors open at 6:00 p.m. for registration. Programs begin at 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
For the morning workshops the doors open at 9:00 a.m. for registration. Programs begin at 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Free day care is provided for the evening workshops.
Pre-K students are welcome to attend the morning workshops with their parents. Literacy activities will be provided for the children by
B.P.S. Early Childhood teachers during the Gilmore parent workshops. Free day care is provided for the Barrett Russell workshops.
To sign up to be on the email contact list or for additional information contact: Jane Feroli
B.P.S. Specialist for Parent Engagement 508-894-4328 janeeferoli@bpsma.org 2.24.14
-24-
CASTLE
: A Program of
#24
Look after your
business so it looks
after you.
High Point Treatment Center
www.castlekids.org
I’m here to help you plan
for the future so you can
continue all the good you
do in your life.
20 Meadowbrook Road
Brockton, MA 02301
ADMISSIONS: 508-638-6000
Rodney Kornegay
Agent, New York Life Insurance
Company
One Lakeshore Center
Suite 202-204
Bridgewater, MA 02324
(508) 279-4462
rtkornegay@ft.newyorklife.com
rodneykornegay.nylagents.com
ADOLESCENT: Ages 13-17 on 24-bed unit
SPECIALTIES: Addiction abuse, which may
be accompanied by mental health issues
INSURANCE: Most insurances accepted, including Mass Health. Sliding fee scale.
5egistered 5epresentatiYe oNjering
investments through NYLIFE
Securities LLC (Member FINRA/
SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency.
CASTLE is a short-term 24-hour addiction treatment program for adolescents
who abuse or are dependent on alcohol or drugs, which may be accompanied by
mental health issues
© 2013 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York,
NY 10010
SMRU496908(Exp.01/11/2015) © 2013 New York Life Insurance
Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010
KEEP
Life Insurance. Retirement. Investments.
GOOD
GOING
Steward. The New Health Care.
TM
House of Possibilities (HOPe) is the organization that
discovers and celebrates the special in special needs.
A quality adventure day program that serves
ages 8-22 on Saturdays from 10-4pm.
We are offering a special discount for residents of
Brockton, only $25 for an adventure in March or April!
Regularly $65.
Just mention ‘Brockton” when you call or email.
For more information please contact
John Giusti at 508-205-0555 ext. 11
j.giusti@houseofpossibilities.org
Please Note: To ensure the safety of all children, HOPe
requires a full intake application to be completed prior to
attending any of our programs
Good Samaritan Medical Center and other local
community organizations are partnering with the City of
Brockton in a week long bone marrow campaign, April
10 through 17th.
Join us in the fight against blood cancer.
Wednesday, April 16
6 - 8 a.m. and 2 - 4 p.m.
There’s no party like a SWAB PARTY!
Save a Life, be a Donor.
How do you save a life? Register to be a bone marrow
donor. Five minutes of a donor’s time could be a lifetime for
somebody with blood cancer. Take those five minutes.
Location: Good Samaritan Medical Center
Moakley Conference Center, 235 North Pearl Street, Brockton
Good Samaritan Medical
Center ranked as one of
the Top 20 Best Hospitals
in Massachusetts
By U.S. News & World
Report, August 2013
For more information visit deletebloodcancer.org
The Family Center
Spring 2014 Calendar of Events
Through partnership and collaborations, The Family Center hopes to strengthen Brockton's families, neighborhoods and community, to increase
parenting skills, neighborhood-based networks of support
• Saturday - March 8th - Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Focus Group, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
We would like to hear from you about: Resources, supports, and activities you would be interested in to support you as
you raise your grandchildren. Refreshments and activities for children will be provided.
• Wednesday – Grow Good Habits, Workshop by Money Management International
MMI is offering FREE budgeting Workshops for DTA clients. Learn how to track expenses, create a budget, and much more!
• April 16th 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM @ Lincoln Technical Institute
• April 23rd 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM @ The Family Center, 18 Perkins Street
• Tuesdays - Tutoring for 1st – 8th Graders, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Is your 1st – 8th graders challenged by Math, Science, History or English? Join us for 1 hour of free help. MUST REGISTER.
• Wednesdays - Drop in Play Group, @ Keith School, 175 Warren Avenue, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Looking for something to do with your child(ren)? Drop by to meet friends, engage in activities with your child, and get
ideas for family activities in Brockton.
• Wednesdays - Get Out, Get Active, Get Connected! @ Lincoln Technical Institute, 5:30 PM- 7:00 PM
Children activities, Tutoring, information/workshops for adults, and much more!
• Thursday - Brockton R.E.A.D.S. with Children and Their Families,
10:30am-12:00pm @ Keith School & 6:00 PM–7:30 PM @ Family Center
For children 4 -10 years old and their parents/caregivers. There will be arts and crafts, story time and songs. Come join the fun!
• 1st Friday - Let’s Get Messy, 9:30 AM–11:00 AM
Are your kids bored at home, especially on week-ends? We have a great idea!
Bring your children and their friends and let’s get messy! For children ages 2 – 5 years old.
• 2nd Saturday and Sunday of the month – Bilingual Story Time, Story time and songs. Come join the fun!
• 2nd Saturday 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Spanish and English
• 2nd Sunday 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Haitian Creole/French and English
• 3rd Saturday of the month - Let’s go Build, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Join us for imaginative and creative building fun with LEGO. Friendly and fun play where kids will build with LEGO bricks
to create imaginative masterpieces. Meetings are theme-based. Current theme is "Our Community." MUST REGISTER.
• 1st & 3rd Sundays a month – Tutoring, 2:00 PM-3:30 PM
Is your 1st – 8th graders challenged by Math or English? Join us for 1 ½ hours of free help. MUST REGISTER.
• Saturday- Starting May 3rd - Nurturing Fathers Program, 10:000 AM-12:00 PM
This 15 week program is designed to give fathers support as they learn the best way to build a positive relationship
with their child. MUST REGISTER.
For more information or to register for any activity, please call 508-857-0272.
For more information check out our Web page. www.ccbrockton.org on any of these programs
or to register, please call the Family Center at 508-857-0272.
at Community Connections of Brockton
and Satellite at The Keith School
-26-
Summer Science
We’re
Covered.
We trust our health plan
to get us the care we
deserve, and be there
with support and answers
when we need them.
Exper ence
Summer Science Experience
The Summer Science Experience provides
July 7 - August 8, 2014
students entering grades 3 through 12
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
with an engaging and hands-on science
experience. Participating students use creativity
and teamwork to solve interesting design
For all your health plan options,
call the Health Connector at
877-623-6765 (TTY: 877-623-7773),
M – F, from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., or visit
MAhealthconnector.org.
Just for Kids!
challenges. In a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere,
students interact with college professors who
Look What I Created!
Elementary school grades 3-5
Science Investigative Team
Middle school grades 6-8
are committed to making learning science and
Special Study in Biology
math both rewarding and fun.
High school grades 9-12
Learn more at massasoit.edu/science4kids
#getcovered
GetNetworkHealth.com
For more information, please contact Carine Sauvignon
at 781-821-2222 x2107 or csauvigno@massasoit.mass.edu
or visit www.massasoit.edu/science4kids
WHY DOES OUR SODA
TASTE SO GOOD?
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*find us on facebook and twitter
SIMPSON SPRING
719 Washington St | South Easton
www.simpsonspring.com
THE SIMPSON SPRING MARKETPLACE
Our Farmer & Artisan Market
Saturdays 10am–2pm
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Ŷůŝ
.Ž
ƚech rŐ
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PURE SPRING WATER!
ReŐŝƐƚerŽ
It’s made with our
GOOD SAMARITAN MEDICAL
CENTER IN BROCKTON
RANKED TOP 20 BEST HOSPITALS
IN MASSACHUSETTS* BY
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
Good Samaritan Medical Center is proud to be named among the Top 20 Best Hospitals in Massachusetts
by U.S. News and World Report. The Medical Center was also recognized for top honors in Neurology and
Neurosurgery.
At Good Samaritan we believe that world-class health care should be available right here in the Community.
And, together, with Steward Health Care we have built the new health care. Over the last two years we opened
a state-of-the-art Emergency Room, invested in new technologies such as innovative robotic-assisted surgery,
expanded access to services including a new Surgery Center in Easton and grew our physician base to 600
doctors in multiple specialties.
The New Health Care is at Good Samaritan.
To learn more, visit TheNewHealthCare.org/GoodSamaritan
*115 hospitals in Massachusetts were evaluated