SteveSongs, known and loved by millions of families throughout the country as "Mr. Steve," co-host of the nationally broadcast PBS KIDS preschool destination, will bring his signature brand of seriously good (and seriously fun) music to two rocking family shows on Friday July 12 at 9:30a and 11:30a at the cape Playhouse Theater for Children at 820 Rte. 6A Dennis Village, MA

SteveSongs shows are fantastic, fun-filled, kid-pleasing extravaganzas, packed with great melodies, clever stories, and over-the-top interactivity. The Cape Cod audience will be sure to enjoy the boisterous call and response for "Grumpy Boy", the giggle generating, tricky audiation game in "Brush, Brush, Brush" and the heart pumping, hip hopping dance to one of Steve's most requested new songs, "Recess Rocks". 

For nearly fifteen years, Steve Roslonek, as SteveSongs, has been writing and performing his award-winning family music.  A bright star on the kids' music scene, Steve has delighted audiences at such prestigious venues as the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, Symphony Space in NYC, Fenway Park in Boston, the Kennedy Center in DC, Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA, and even The White House.   Steve's music has won numerous awards, including two Parents' Choice Gold Awards, a NAPPA Honor, two iParenting Media Awards, and a Kidscreen nomination for Best Children’s TV Host.  Steve's animated and live action videos online, including some for his popular illustrated books (published by Barefoot Books), have garnered millions of views.

Since May 2008, Steve Roslonek, as "Mr. Steve," has co-hosted the PBS KIDS preschool destination that features the popular shows Curious George, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That, Dinosaur Train, Super WHY! and Martha Speaks.  Steve regularly makes appearances nationwide at PBS station events, and, along with other notable PBS KIDS characters, such as Hooper, he is a featured visitor at libraries across the country, encouraging kids to read through the JetBlue and PBS KIDS collaborative "Soar with Reading" program.

WHAT:           SteveSongs Concert at the Cape Cod Center for the Arts: Theater for Children at the Cape Playhouse
WHERE:          Cape Playhouse, 820 Rt 6A, Dennis Village, MA
WHEN:            Friday, July 12 at 9:30a & 11:30a
ADMISSION:    Tickets are $11
INFO:               www.stevesongs.com/tour
http://www.capeplayhouse.com/2013/2013ChildrensTheater.htm#show6

For more information about SteveSongs, to schedule an interview or to request a review copy of Orangutan Van, please contact Michele Fox at 781.248.9455 or michelehfox@gmail.com

Check out Steve’s website at www.stevesongs.com

Check out the 2014 Fireworks Listing HERE!

***Due to the weather some fireworks have been cancelled-we will post new dates here when we hear the updated news!

It's that time of year again when Fireworks appear everywhere in the Cape Cod skies!  In anticipation of the upcoming Celebrations we have compiled in one spot all the local fireworks for all you Cape Cod Moms and Dads!  Where will you be watching this year?

You can also find them on our calendar! 

Fireworks Displays

Yarmouth MA
 Date: June 27, 2013
Time: Dusk
 Place: Red Wilson Field, D-Y High School, 210 Station Avenue, South Yarmouth
Tip: This colorful extravaganza caps off the Cape Cod Baseball League's All-Star game festivities. Go for the game, stay for the fireworks!

Yarmouth, MA CANCELLED - NO RESCHEDULED DATE AS OF YET
Date:  June 29, 2013
 Time:  Dusk
 Place: Dennis-Yarmouth High School
Tip: This fireworks display is part of the Yarmouth Summer Celebration which runs from June 23rd through June 29th. Other events during the Celebration include commissioned sand sculpting at area businesses, a kids fishing derby, and "Kite Fun" with Archie & Friends at Seagull Beach and Bass River beaches.
 
Mashpee, MA
ORGINALLY: June 30, 2013 - Mashpee's 12th annual Community Picnic and Fireworks
celebration has been rescheduled for Aug. 20 at 5 p.m. after multiple weather-related delays. Rainy weather has put a damper on the town's celebration two weeks in a row. After first being scheduled July 1 with a July 2 raindate, storms resulted in the event being rescheduled for July 9 with a July 10 raindate. Stormy weather then further delayed the annual event until it was rescheduled for Aug. 20.
  For more information, call 508-539-1400.
Best Night of the Year Fireworks ~ Willowbend Country Club, 130 Willowbend Drive, Mashpee
14th annual Cape and Islands United Way "Best Night of the Year" is one of Cape Cod's premier charity auctions. Proceeds from the event benefit more than 30 direct service programs at local non-profit agencies working to improve the quality of life of thousands in need on Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha's
Vineyard. The "Best Night of the Year" concludes with  a spectacular private fireworks display donated each year by Atlas Pyrovision Start time is approximate. 

Mashpee, MA
Date: July 1, 2013 (Rain date July 2nd) CANCELLED  & RESCHEDULED FOR JULY 9 5pm
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Place: Mashpee High School
Tip: The festivities begin at 5 p.m. with a family style picnic and carnival. Get there early and enjoy a
whole evening of food, rides, games, music, and lots more.

Orleans, MA Due to Rain, the Fireworks for Tuesday, July 2nd at Rock Harbor have been postponed and will be rescheduled for a date to be determined in August.
Date:  July 1, 2013 (rain date July 2nd)
Time:  Dusk
Place: Rock Harbor
Tip: You can also see the Rock Harbor fireworks display from Cape Cod Bay beaches in Brewster and Eastham. They'll be off at a distance, but still fun to see.

Falmouth, MA
Date: July 4, 2013 Rain date:  Friday, July 5th
Time:  Dusk
Place: Falmouth Heights Beach
Tip: Get there early as the roads close into Falmouth Heights.  Do you have a portable radio? Be sure to bring it with you, and tune to 92.7 WMVY to hear the music that accompanies the fireworks. There will be a special tribute song to local Fireworks Supporter Patrick Grant this year! There is also a LOT of traffic after, so come packed with patience while leaving town after.  The 2013 Fireworks are scheduled for Thursday July 4, starting at about 8:45 PM.As in years past, traffic will be restricted from entering the Falmouth Heights area at 6 pm. The Falmouth Police have released the following information for traffic leaving after the display. Press Release Handicapped parking will be on a first come first serve basis with parking also at Bristol and Surf Drive beaches.  The Falmouth Fireworks Display is a non-alcoholic event, and all laws governing the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages will be enforced.

Hyannis, MA
Date:  July 4, 2013
Time:  Dusk
Place: Lewis Bay
Tip: The best viewing spots are the beaches around Hyannis Harbor. Pack a picnic basket for dinner and stake out your spot in late afternoon. Or have a bite to eat at a restaurant on Main Street or by the Harbor, then walk to the beach for the fireworks. (Don't forget your cover-up clothes. It gets chilly on the beach after sunset, even in July.)

Provincetown, MA
 Date: July 4, 2013
 Time:  Dusk
 Place: Provincetown Harbor
Tip: For a very special experience - watch the fireworks from onboard a ship in the Harbor. On July 4th, Dolphin Fleet offers whale watch plus fireworks cruises at 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., as well as a fireworks-only cruise at 8 p.m. These cruises are very popular, so reserve your spot early. (Dolphin Fleet: 1-800-826-9300)

Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard
July 4, 2013 -
Edgartown's Annual Fourth of July Fireworks
Edgartown's Annual Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks 4th of July Fireworks in Martha's Vineyard at dusk - viewing from Memorial Wharf and other harbor front locations. Start time is approximate, please arrive early for parking and best viewing.
 
Nantucket, MA
July 4, 2013 - Nantucket Independence Day Fireworks ~ Jetties Beach, Nantucket 
  Nantucket 4th of July Fireworks July 4th at 9:00 PM
  Jetties Beach, Nantucket  Start time is approximate, please arrive early for parking and best viewing. 

Plymouth, MA
July 4, 2013 - Plymouth's July 4 Fireworks ~ Plymouth Waterfront, Plymouth
Plymouth's July 4 Fireworks Thursday, July 4, 2012 at 9:30 PM
  Historic Plymouth Waterfront Start time is approximate, please arrive early for parking and best viewing.
 
Onset, MA
 Date: July 6, 2013
Time: Dusk
Place: Onset Beach & Bay
Tip: The town of Onset is on the "mainland" side of the Cape Cod Canal, just over the bridge. It's an absolutely gorgeous little town, and well worth a visit!

Sandwich, MA
Date:  Friday July 12
Time: Dusk Place: Sandwich High School, Quaker Meetinghouse Rd, Sandwich Rain date for fireworks is Saturday July 13

Dennis, MA
Dennis Summerfest Celebration
Date: Saturday, August 17, 2013
Time:  Dusk
Place: West Dennis Beach

By: Amy E

How many of you parents out there are single parents?  Today my post is dedicated to all you single moms and dads.  I am somewhat new to this arena and still early on in this rollercoaster of a journey.  It is definitely not the smoothest journey at this point, but I’ve been told there are points where it smooth’s out.  One of my recent experiences was to meet the new “friend”.  

I was the one to bring up meeting his new “friend” who he moved in with, because obviously if our child was going to be spending time with her at her house then I was going to have to meet her.  As some of you know, meeting the new “friend” can be awkward or stressful. We both sized the other up and the meeting went as well as could be  expected.  There were a few very awkward moments, like when my son’s father decided to feed his new “friend” food  directly into her mouth in front of me. That was a bit uncomfortable but I sense it was  probably only on my end.  Another rough moment was later when I was home with the Tiny One and he kept on going on and on about his Daddy and his new “friend”.  Hearing about those adventures and my son talk so much about the “friend” was a little rough.  

I ended up having snow globe moment when you feel as if you are viewing the life of your child but without you in it or not the way you had pictured it in your head. I guess the lesson for me here is that I used to have a fantasy of what a family should look like or be and in my situation it is not what I fantasized.  I have to let go of that dream and mourn the loss of it so that a new one can take shape.  It will take some time I’m sure, but I’ll get there.  I also know in the long run, it is better for me to always be positive and respectful
when dealing with my child's father and his "friend" (current and potential future ones) as it will set the tone for how the Tiny One behaves and treats others, including his future spouse, etc.

So here's to all you single Moms & Dads out there, the road is certainly rough going, but kudos to those of you who bear the burden and do so with a smile on your face knowing that we are rewarded with our
child's love and knowing the end result will be better if we are the ones to approach these situations with positivity and respect. 

Have you ever met your ex’s new “friend”? How did it go? 
We'd love to have you share your stories!

On Friday June 28, 2013, the Osterville Library will host a MUST-SEE event under the tent on the lawn!  Join them at 11am for All Hands Drumming!!!

Tony sets up a drum-circle of ten to thirty drums of various heights to accommodate children, youth, and adults of all ages and sizes.  From inside the circle, Tony plays a continuous series of heart-pounding beats as he interacts with the visitors to the circle as they play along on the drums. For those at the event who do not choose to try drumming at the circle, they still enjoy watching and listening to Tony, as he keeps the atmosphere lively and upbeat with his masterful drumming style.

Get ready for a TON of Fun!
On Saturday June 29, 2013, a Kids Zumbathon will be held to raise money for 4 Paws for Zachary.
Zachary is a 5 year old boy diagnosed with Autism. Zachary often wanders, leaving his home and getting away from his parents in public places. His family is trying to raise money for an Autism Assistance Dog that will help Zachary and bring him home if he gets away. The family has to raise $13,000 for the training of the Autism Assistance Dog. A Kids Zumbathon featuring Zumbatomic music, games, play time, and more!
 It will be held at Hop Skip and Jump Preschool in Plymouth.
The suggested donation to attend is $10 per child or $20 per family. 
 
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/292115297591968/

 If people wish to donate but cannot attend they can visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/4-Paws-For-Zachary

Family Dynamics
Summer Safety Tips, Part 3

by Tracy Lamperti, LMHC, BCETS

It may seem strange to find the topic of “family dynamics” under Summer Safety Tips, but stay with me on this one.
 
Holidays are surely a time of stress for many due to increased expectations to spend time with family.  Summer, though, in my personal and professional experience is equally stressful, if not more so.  The Thanksgiving/Christmas period, at most, usually lasts about 4-6 weeks.  Summer, on the other hand, is about 8-12 weeks of expectations of cookouts, Fourth of July parties, beach parties, bonfires, birthdays….and the expectation tends to be, “since it is summer, of course you can come!”
 
It is my wish that you could enjoy every minute of summer fun, but let me call your attention to “Why Summer Can Be Bad For Kids.”  ….not to be a killjoy….

Stress
– When parents are stressed, children are stressed.  Some children act out (behavioral issues) and some children act in (emotional issues) when their adults are stressed.  Talk about plans ahead of time.  Your husband might not want to go to your mother’s house for the 3rd week in a row for a cookout. You might want to stay at your mother-in-law’s cookout for 2 hours, not 6.

 Negative Influences
– If cousin Sally typically has too much to drink and starts wobbling around the guests, better to talk with your husband ahead of time to decide if and how to handle this around your children if it should occur.  
 
Older Youth
– If you are so fortunate as to have mature older cousins as role models for your children that is awesome! 
Sadly, all too often, it is an older cousin to leads a younger child astray with negative behavior lessons. 
Statistics are becoming overwhelmingly alarming that the numbers of older cousins/youth relatives are luring younger children into both, negative behavior and sexual situations.  It is too common that the older cousin relationship is by default a trusted situation; they are family and you are on the property (often they are congregating apart from the adults).  However, in this situation, the older youth often knows HOW LIKELY it is that an adult will enter their space.  Adults, since they are blindly trusting family, don’t tend to check on the kids. Many of us have very lovely and loving children who would never be that “dangerous cousin,” but don’t take unnecessary chances.  It was once a “trusted cousin” who lit the woods on fire and sent the younger children running back for a bucket of water.
 
Staying Too Long
– Know your child. Know your husband. Know yourself.  It’s better to leave wishing it could have stayed longer and longing for the next get-together, than to stay too long.  What could be worse than having had a
good time with family and a big fight on the way home because the little ones are melting down.
 
Unfinished Business
– Many adults have “issues” with a parent or sibling.  For the sake of “family” and “fun” many people set these “issues” to the side.  Be aware of buttons that could be pushed and how you plan to handle this.  The event could be “uneventful”, i.e. no major blowouts, however you leave feeling terrible.
 
Supervision
– When there is lots of family around, it is easier to assume that someone is watching the children at any given time.  Not necessarily.  Keep an eye on your little ones.
 
Commotion
– When there is a lot of commotion, there are likely to be dangers that no one is thinking of; hot grills, knives, open doors or gates, pets, alcoholic beverages….Stay on your toes.

By: Gary M. DellaPosta, CPA

This year's tax deadline may have come and gone already but it's never too early to start planning for next year. With that in mind, here are six things you can do now to make next April 15 easier.
 
1. Adjust your withholding. Why wait another year for a big refund? Now is a good time to review your withholding and make adjustments for next year, especially if you'd prefer more money in each paycheck this year. If you owed at tax time, perhaps you'd like next year's tax payment to be smaller. 

2. Store your return in a safe place. Put your 2012 tax return and supporting documents somewhere secure so you'll know exactly where to find them if you receive an IRS notice and need to refer to your return. If it is easy to find, you can also use it as a helpful guide for next year's return.

 3. Organize your recordkeeping. Establish a central location where everyone in your household can put tax-related records all year long. Anything from a shoebox to a file cabinet works. Just be consistent to avoid a scramble for misplaced mileage logs or charity receipts come tax time.

4. Review your paycheck. Make sure your employer is properly withholding and reporting retirement account contributions, health insurance payments, charitable payroll deductions and other items. These payroll adjustments can make a big difference on your bottom line. Fixing an error in your paycheck now gets you back on track before it becomes a huge hassle.

5. Consult a tax professional early. If you are planning to use a tax professional to help you strategize, plan and make financial decisions throughout the year, then contact your tax professional.  You'll have more time when you're not up against a deadline or anxious for your refund.

 6. Prepare to itemize deductions. If your expenses typically fall just below the amount to make itemizing advantageous, a bit of planning to bundle deductions into 2013 may pay off. An early or extra mortgage payment, pre-deadline property tax payments, planned donations or strategically paid medical bills could equal some tax savings. 

Each household's financial circumstances are different so it's important to fully consider your specific situation and goals before making large financial decisions.

By: Emily Accrocco

“So, we’re going to have a complete stranger in the delivery room with us? I mean, you seem cool…” said one father-to-be during my second prenatal interview with potential doula clients. His remark didn’t shake me at all, as I’ve learned how precious doula support is for the father as well as the mother. Some fathers are thrown off at the idea of a doula, but are very grateful to have had an experienced support person in the room with them for the beautiful transition into parenthood. “The training of a doula emphasizes quiet
reassurance and enhancement of the natural abilities of the laboring woman. A doula is constantly aware that the couple will carry the memory of this experience throughout their lives” (The Doula Book, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus). The doula must be sensitive to this time and compatible with mom and dad. Things to consider when interviewing a potential birth doula: 

1.      Are you available during my due date? Most doulas will offer to be on call for you two weeks before and two weeks after your due date.

 2.      What is your training? Are you certified? If so, by what organization? What were the requirements for certification? DONA, for example, requires birth doulas to attend three births with positive evaluations from the OB or midwife, the nurse, the mother and father or birth partner.

 3.      How many births have you attended? How long have you been a doula?

 4.      Why did you become a doula?

 5.      What is your stance on pain medication during labor?

 6.      Are you familiar with my OBGYN/midwife and hospital/birth center? Have you been to a birth with my provider before?

 7.      How would you be able to support me during labor and delivery? What is in your birth supplies bag? 

 8.      How would you involve and assist my partner during the birth? 

9.      When would you join me once I am in labor?

10.  What is your back up plan if you are unable to attend my birth? Can I meet the back up doula?

 11.  What is your fee? Fees for doulas can range from $300-$1000 depending on your location and the doula’s experience. Some doula students offer birth services pro bono, on a sliding scale, or for trade of goods or services. 
 
12.  What does your fee cover? The majority of doulas offer up to 2-3 prenatal visits, attendance at your birth and up to 2-3 postpartum visits. Unlimited phone, email or text support for your pregnancy from date of hire.

13.  What is our refund policy?

 If you like her, schedule another meeting to go over your birth preferences. After the interview, ask yourself these questions:

 1.      Am I compatible with this person’s personality?

 2.      Can I imagine this person with me for the big show?

 3.      Does this doula seem to have her own idea of how your birth should go or is she supportive of your decisions?

 4.      Does she listen and communicate well?

Keep in mind that this kind of support requires a high level of trust- in yourself, and in the doula’s knowledge and skills. Make sure she is someone that will reassure you and ground you. This is your body, your birth, your baby. 

A great site to find birth and postpartum doulas is Doulamatch.net!

By: Meghan
Three years ago this June, I had a newborn baby girl and a 2 year old who was having a very hard time adjusting to her new status as a big sister. Heck, I was having a hard time adjusting to being a mother of two, and my poor husband was surrounded by overemotional ladies (granted only one of them was an adult). It was summer and it was hot and we were all starting to go a little crazy. We needed some fun and we needed to give each other some extra love. 
 
Despite my sleep deprived brain, I was able to recognize that my little 2 year old needed some special
attention. It was her half-birthday that day and I decided we would make the day all about her. My sweet older girl has a birthday very close to Christmas, so it tends to be one crazy month of birthday and Christmas getting rolled together and the idea of giving her a special day far away from holiday madness was appealing. So we spent the day making half of a birthday cake, decorating, dancing, and being silly. She LOVED it. During a difficult time for her, and for all of us, it was a moment of light and love. 

So, a tradition was born. We now celebrate both kids’ half- birthdays and shape the day to fit their needs at the moment. For my oldest who  always seems to struggle during those half year developmental periods, it is a  moment of relief and levity for all of us. A time to put a positive focus on her and give her some very special attention. For my youngest girl, it’s usually a simpler celebration with the most important thing for her, a lot of dancing and twirling in beautiful dresses. There are no presents at these occasions, and usually it’s just the four of us. 

Fiona’s most recent half-birthday celebration was a little different. We are in another crazy time. My husband is again, and I’m afraid always will be, surrounded by overemotional ladies (and still, only one of them is an adult) and we are again in need of some fun and extra love. We are moving from the only home my children have known, our path is not entirely set, it is a time of excitement, trepidation, and anxiety. 
 
My daughter decided that this year, she wanted all of our neighbors at her half-birthday celebration. She spent the morning making invitations and dropping them off. We baked a cake together while her little sister napped. She decorated the living room and her sister helped hang up streamers. It became clear that this party meant more to her than celebrating her new status as a 5.5 year old. She was beginning to say goodbye to her home and her neighbors in her own, special Fiona way.       
      
That night, after dinner, all the neighbors came over. Bearing smiles, hugs, and even (thank God!) wine.
The kids ate the cake and ran around like wild animals, the grown ups talked and laughed. We all stayed up too late, but it was a wonderful, impromptu party.

 I will forever be grateful that my 5.5 year old was able to recognize what we as a family needed just at that moment. She knew we needed our friends and she knew we needed a party. 

Does your family have any fun traditions? How did they start? I’d love to see the special ways your families celebrate one another or days that are important to you!

By: Coach Pam Wills

Last week, I got up on my soapbox about all the good reasons WHY holding onto your dreams is just…GOOD. Today, I’m all about the HOW. You ready? Here we go…

 #1 QUIT LISTENING TO THE NEGATIVE CHATTER IN YOUR HEAD

This point is by far the most important, life changing thing you can do for your Self right now. Turn down the volume on the Mean Voice. Actually, mute it! Turn it off completely! Then, go ahead and turn the volume waaaaay up on the Best Friend Voice. I swear to you, this can be done. I did it my Self. And the results are amazing. You can totally do it, too!

 #2 BE NICE TO YOUR SELF
Goes hand in hand with #1. If you’re not being nice to your Self, why do you suppose anyone else will be nice to you? Take that new Best Friend Voice and start listening to all the wonderific, nice things it says to and about you! Go ahead, I dare you.

 #3 GET COMFORTABLE WITH BEING UNCOMFORTABLE
Practice courage regularly. Do something scary every day. Why? Because accomplishing challenges builds your confidence. Increased confidence allows you to continue pursuing your dreams. See how easy that is?

#4 MEDITATE ON YOUR DREAMS
Meditation doesn’t need to be weird or difficult. All it really involves is a little focus. My fave way of meditating is lounging in bed for a few extra minutes on the weekend and just letting my thoughts drift.

Another great way to focus is to keep a special journal. Write only about your dream in that journal. Write it all in the present tense, as if it is happening right now. Call it your “Make It Happen” bible or your “Yes!” manifesto!

One more way to focus is to keep your media consumption to a minimum, turn off the radio and TV and just enjoy the silence. Gives your brain some room to breathe. Breathing is good.

#5 GO VISION BOARDING
If you’re a visual person, try vision boarding. We used to call this making a collage, back in the day… Now it is all the rage. And with good reason!

Pull out some old magazines and a piece of poster board, cardboard or even an old lined notebook or scrapbook. Cut and paste your way to a creative dream! It is so much fun and a great activity to do with kids. Vision board regularly and watch your dreams come true!

#6 GET UP AND DANCE
Dance, jump, run, skip, sing, hum, color, create, make music… just have fun! Playing makes life worth living. The fun times are the times we remember. Don’t let them pass you by.

 Keep the faith. Sometimes, it’s all you have!

Okay so I’m on a roll with my cheesy 80s music… enjoy this one, including the hairstyle and fashion choices!  

Don’t Stop Believing