The new year has come, and it’s finally beginning to cool off and feel a bit more like winter out there. The informative workshops and fun things to do around Boston and throughout Massachusetts are heating up, so take a look at the many activities going on this month!
Workshops and Classes
Asperger Syndrome & Adult Life: Massachusetts Services and Support
Boston/Newton, January 9th, 2016. Asperger Syndrome and Adult Life: Navigating the Massachusetts Public and Private Supports and Service Systems. This conference is for those with Asperger Syndrome (AS) or related profiles and family members of adults and older teens with AS/related profiles to learn about the many public and private supports that may be appropriate for adults who live in Massachusetts. Sign up at the Conference Registration Page or contact 617-393-3824 x10, karen.doran@aane.org
Healthy Hills Cooking & Nutrition
Worcester – ASPiRE! Training Kitchen. January 12 – February 2, 2016. For ages 19+ of all abilities. Healthy Hills, a hands-on program to support healthy lifestyles, implements nutrition, health, and cooking programs for children and adults with disabilities and their caregivers, will feature hands on cooking demonstrations and cover a variety of topics including nutrition, portion control, and the importance of physical activity. Participants will also taste delicious, low-fat meals, and learn how to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diet.
Topics may include:
- Cooking Healthy Fast Food at Home
- How to Make Room in your Life for More Vegetables
- Healthy Holiday Cooking
- Avoiding Artificial Sweeteners and Colors
- Healthy Fats, and more. Of course, you will eat what we make in class!
To promote carryover of skills, each participant needs to have a family member, friend, or caregiver attend each class. For more information contact the Seven Hills Recreation Department: 508.796.1861 or jbergstrom@sevenhills.org.
How Difficult Can This Be? Understanding Learning Disabilities
Bridgewater, January 12th, 2016. Free and open to the public. The Bridgewater-Raynham Special Education Parents Advisory Council (BR-SEPAC) and The Bridge Center will host How Difficult Can This Be? F.A.T City Workshop: Understanding Learning Disabilities. Includes a viewing of simulations emulating daily experiences of children with learning disabilities and their frustration, anxiety, and tension, followed by a discussion on how to change our approach with children who have these challenges. Free childcare. Registration required to www.thebrigectr.org. Or for more information contact Anna Wood, M.S., CTRS, Executive Director, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Specialization in Community Inclusion Services, The Bridge Center, 470 Pine Street, Bridgewater, MA 02324, WWW.TheBridgeCTR.org, 508-697-7557 ext. 23
Planning for a Successful Future
Danvers, January 13th, 2016. Free.The Northeast’s Arc’s Family Resource Center Planning for a Successful Future, for parents and guardians of special-needs children. Caregivers will learn how to about ways to success, security, and happiness with tips about Guardianship and Alternatives, Adult Service Agencies and Supports, Special Needs Trusts and more. Speakers include:
- Attorney Annette M. Hines Annette’s, who focuses on estate planning, trust administration and elder law with special needs planning and healthcare law.
- John F. Raycroft, SpecialCare™ Program Manager – John leads the efforts of the Special Needs Team at Reliant Financial Group. Through workshops and consultations he presents on the issues critical to successful special needs planning.
Free but RSVPs required to (978) 624-2381 or alucifora@ne-arc.org.
Sexuality & Healthy Relationships for Disabilities
Concord, January 13th, 2016. The Minuteman Arc present’s a free parent and guardian training “Sexuality and Healthy Relationships” with a focus on breaking down barriers to discussing sexuality and healthy relationships for those living with a disability. Friendships, fears, realities, and ways to provide a support system around education and understanding will be explored.
The speaker will be Kristen Lamoureux, Senior Division Director of Family and Clinical Supports at The Arc of Opportunity in Fitchburg, MA. Prior to working for The Arc, her experience has been in the world of autism, intellectual disabilities, and mental health.
RSVPs required to MKlein@minutemanarc.org or at 978-287-7900.
American Student Assistance
American Student Assistance will be in Teen Central every Thursday, answering your college questions about financial aid, scholarships, common applications, and more.
Thursday, January 14, 21, and 28, 3—5PM
Central Library, Teen Central (700 Boylston St. Boston, Ma 02116)
ADHD Essentials
Join the BPL for a presentation by Brendan J. Mahan, M.Ed. The following topics will be discussed: an overview of ADHD, the emotional impact of ADHD, lifestyle strategies for managing ADHD, home/school approaches to dealing with ADHD, and behavioral strategies for managing ADHD. A question and answer period will follow the presentation.
Thursday, January 14, 2016, 6:30—7:45PM
West Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library (1961 Center Street, West Roxbury, Ma 02132)
Money Talks: Helping Your children Make Smart Financial Choices
Parents can learn tips and conversation starters when talking with children about managing money at this presentation by Richard Impert of New York Life Insurance Company. Parents may bring older children.
Saturday, January 23, 2016, 10—11AM
Roslindale Branch of the Boston Public Library (4246 Washington Street, Roslindale, Ma 02131)
Activities, Events, and Exhibits
Three Kings Day Celebration / Tres Reyes Magos
Join the VROCC to celebrate this beautiful Latino tradition, network and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and delicious Rosca de Reyes (king’s bread). RSVP. Www.vrocc.org
When: Wednesday, January 6, 2016 6:00p -8:00p
Where: Veronica Robles Cultural Center (VROCC): 175 William F. McClellan Highway, East Boston, MA 02128
Admission: FREE
Snowflake Festival
The Brookline Arts Center is pleased to host its annual Snowflake Festival and Open House Saturday, January 9, 2016 from 12:00-4:00pm. Join us for an afternoon filled with artwork, activities and fun for all ages! This annual event provides the community with the opportunity to watch demonstrations and participate in free art making activities. This is a great time to learn about the BAC’s class offerings and history as well as meet our Board, Staff and talented Faculty.
This year, we will incorporate a community art activity! We will lead an activity that focuses on group art-making, and help members of the community contribute to a piece that will be given to a local non-profit. See your art become part of something bigger as you explore the fundamentals of collage and collaboration.
Two free drop-in workshops will also be offered during the event. Try your hand at bangle-making in the Jewelry Studio! Students will learn how to form, texture and solder a stack of brass and copper bangle bracelets in one day. This workshop is perfect for beginners! Leonie Little-Lex will offer a Monoprint workshop. This workshop offers an introduction to Monoprinting, a method of printmaking that produces unique work, often through spontaneous beauty! Students will explore various techniques including oil painting, adding collage elements and texture imprinting.
The Brookline Arts Center’s annual Student Exhibition will also be on view in the BAC’s gallery. Stop by for a day full of creativity!
When: Saturday, January 9, 2016 12:00p -4:00p
Where: Brookline Arts Center: 86 Monmouth Street, Brookline, MA 02446
Admission: FREE
Event website: http://brooklineartscenter.com/events/snowflakefestival
The Sunday Salons
Come hear live music and poetry readings as they are recorded live-i-performance for international digital radio broadcast!
The Salons have returned to Boston and are pleased to be in their new home at the Plaza Theatre at the Boston Center for the Arts. As they have been since the series was founded, the Salons are hosted by poet Daniel DeLoma, author of The December Manifestos (Lions Arrow, 2013) and Tristan (Forthcoming). Now joining DeLoma at the helm as Director is his longtime friend and creative partner, Gerald Acevedo who hails originally from Santiago, Chile. DeLoma and Acevedo will take the series to new heights in order to carry out its mission.
The Salons have undergone a number of changes during the hiatus. After much reform and discussion, the Salons now feature a new more accessible format, which includes three guest poets and one musical guest per Salon as well as an exclusive conversation with the guests and an opportunity for audience interaction.
When: Saturday, January 9, 2016 5:00p -6:30p
Where: Boston Center for the Arts: 539 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116
Admission: FREE
Event website: thesundaysalons.com
Brandeis Family Winter Carnival
Held on Sunday, January 10 from 2-4pm at the Brandeis Gosman Sports Center, this is an inclusive family carnival sponsored by Brandeis University Departments of Orientation and Community Service to engage kids, adults, and families in the local community. Accommodations are made for each activity to support kids and adults with disabilities. Come dance, play games and enjoy activities such as a professional photo booth, can toss, Extra Large Bowling, arts & crafts, face painting, prizes and free food. RSVP by Thursday, January 10 to Orientation@brandeis.edu.
January Rock Climbing Series with Waypoint Adventure
Waypoint Adventure and Spaulding Adaptive Sports Center partner for a unique Rock Climbing series designed for beginners and the experienced alike. You will be encouraged to push your limits, reach goals, and find your strength – all within a safe and fun environment. Adaptive equipment, personal instruction, and trained staff will support and instruct you as you experience the benefits and freedom that are found in this amazing sport! All ages and abilities welcome. Pre-registration required at 877-976-7272. Please arrive 15 minutes in advance of your session to fill out paperwork and dress in comfortable, stretchy clothing.
Sessions are available in Boston, Quincy, North Shore, and South Shore locations, and cost is $20. Please Email or visit their Website for more information about session dates throughout January.
Join the Studio Audience for a High School Quiz Show Taping
You are invited to a taping of WGBH’s award-winning TV series High School Quiz Show, featuring 16 Massachusetts high schools competing in a head-to-head academic competition! Tapings are fun for ages 7 to 75 and a great way to support your local high school by cheering the team on from your seat in our Brighton studios. Spread the word about this opportunity and join us behind the scenes at WGBH! Please contact us at highschoolquizshow@wgbh.org if you have any questions.
When: Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24, 2016, 8:30-10:30, 10:30—12:30, 1:30—3:30, 3:00—5:00
Where: WGBH: One Guest Street, Brighton, MA 02135
Admission: FREE
Event website: http://www.wgbh.org/support/hsquizshow_studio_signup.cfm
PSC Boston Swimming Open, January 31
Adaptive Sports New England will host the 2016 PSC Boston Swimming Open on Sunday, January 31 at UMass/Boston’s Clark Athletic Center pool. The meet is open to swimmers who have physical disabilities or visual impairments ages 6 and up. This is a great first-ever swim meet for novices, though we also expect several local swimmers contending for spots on the USA’s team to Rio. Full meet information is available HERE.