If you want to be edutained….

The MacGuyver of Assistive Technology herself, Dr. Therese Willkomm will be in Rhode Island in March to lead a great workshop.  I have had the pleasure of participating in Therese's workshops twice.  Her unique presentation style and ideas ignite creativity and practicality that will follow you to work and home immediately.  After her workshop, I visited my local Ace Hardware multiple times to get my hands on PVC piping and various other supplies to make a variety of assistive tech supports for my students.  And luckily, my husband has access to lots of companies who supply many of the materials she recommends.  So if you want to be edutained, consider contacting TechAccess to register for this make and take session with materials included!

Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes – Using Ordinary Items to Create

Extraordinary Solutions – A Hands-On Make and Take Fabrication Workshop

March 28, 2014 8:30 am —3:30 pm

Learn how to make over 50 adaptations to accommodate someone who experiences a disability. This hands-on, interactive fabrication workshop will teach you how to make over 50 adaptations in 5 min. or less. These adaptations include assistive technology mounting solutions for a wheelchair, table, bed, car, crib, and other surfaces; adaptations to an iPAD; creating basic switches; and making solutions using various plastics. Each participant will fabricate: an iLean, BookiLean, SlantiLean, ScaniLean, SitiLean, FlipiLean, MouseiLe-

an, a battery interrupter; momentary switch; a Plate switch; a camera mount; and an adapted stylus. In addition, participants will learn how to heat and bend acrylic and cut PVC pipe.

Materials and Registration $180.00 

Contact TechACCESS to inquire about group discounts    

To register for any of our workshops visit our website: www.techaccess-ri.org 

The mission of TechACCESS of RI is to promote and support the independence and achievement of people with disabilities through the use of technology.

The House of Many Candies...

I guess with Kyle working on the bathroom, I too had the urge to renovate.  So on the way home, I was inspired to start my own a little do-it-yourself project: A Gingerbread House.  I have no shame in saying I purchased a kit for $10 at the Family Dollar.

 

So while he was scraping and plastering, I was constructing the cottage with my own tasty caulk.  Once put together, and held with my hands, the boys were able to decorate.

 I have to say, they had better self control than I think I have.  They stuck to just a few pieces to eat, since we did do it before supper.  

With just a few minor collapses, the house finally was finished, the boys licked their pasty hands and we all enjoyed the final product of  "B and S Services" (now including construction and home decorating).

But if you are one of my gluten free friends, you don't have to lose out on the fun too.  A and J Bakery in Cranston, Rhode Island created The Allergen Friendly Gingerbread House Kit.  And even better, you can order one and have it sent to you.  Just remember this time of year is busy so make sure to call soon if you want one :)

A Dear John Letter... to Stop and Shop

Dear John,

By the time you read these lines I'll be gone.  We have share some good times together.  Savings. 10 for $10. By one, get one free. The double your dollar off coupons.  But recently, I just don't feel like you love me anymore.

Life goes on.  Right or wrong.  I ate out of date cheese.  It might not have been your fault the first time.  But when it happens again, I just can't take the pain.

The sun has come and gone, poor John.   I am leaving you for a someone who might treat me better.  Offer more varieties of organic and fresh foods.  And hopefully keep out of date items off the shelf.  His name is Dave.  And I will be visiting his Marketplace from now on.

Yours truly,
Me

A-Maze-Ing Perspectives at Fort Hill Farms

How someone can design a corn maze and make it with a weed whacker and a GPS is beyond me.  But Kristin Orr owner of Fort Hill Farms in Thompson, Connecticut did just that.

If you ever have the pleasure of meeting Kristin, you may be in awe of her positive energy.  She has a way with words, literally.  She goes around forming zen quotes about peace throughout the farm.  Today, she showed me "A-maze-in-grace", formed in rocks.  She not only shared with me her passion for words, but I could just tell about her passion for farming and agriculture as well.  She and her family have owned Fort Hill Farms for over 20 years.  The ice cream business, just for the past two.  The namesake to this year's corn maze "The Farmer's Cow" is from their desire to produce and distribute the freshest dairy around.

I inadvertently learned quite a bit today when I took the boys over to the farm to complete the maze after school. I figured it might be the only nice day of the week to do it, and Fort Hill is open daily, weather permitting.  Did you know there is difference between a maze and a labyrinth?  There is.  And you can find it out at Fort Hill Farm's Corn Maze.  For $7 per person, you can do the Milk Carton Labyrinth to find your fortune.  By locating the five flavors throughout the condensed labyrinth, placing a different chalk color on each finger, you can learn your destiny.

 It was actually oddly eerie that Boog's fortune was that he "Walks the Straight and Narrow."  Um, yes in fact, he does.  Mudge's fortune was that he "Aspires greatness."  And I, of course, "spend my time wisely."  Kinda funny.   Not surprisingly Kristin created the fortunes.  It took us about a half hour to complete the path and find our fortunes.  Then, of course, we had ice cream.  Muddy Boots.  Mint Chip. Nutter Butter Chocolate something.  All I remember is that it was delicious.

Though we didn't have a chance today to complete the formal Maze, we will hopefully go back before it closes in November.  If you happen to want some peace, tranquility and ice cream, head to Fort Hill Farms.  You just might find it there.  Or you just get lost and become fortunate.

You still have Sunday to checkout Kidsfest!

If you are trying to figure out something to do with the family that incorporates bouncy houses, free healthy snacks, free schwag, and kid friendly entertainment then head to Wachusett Mountain 21st Annual Kidsfest.

The boys and I went today and we had a blast.  After all the rain last night, the grounds were mushy and muddy (no different than soccer this morning) but that didn't stop the show.  The North East Trixstars BMX bikers doing stunts, that Boog claims that he will do when he is 11.  There was a stiltwalker: Mom, where are his feet?  There was enough calcium enriched foods like the TruMoo Garelick farms stands giving away free chocolate and plain mild and the Stoneyfield guys dispersing delicious yogurt, cheese, and milk goodies, to strengthen the bones of all of Massachusetts.

Boog at the Worcester Sharks Hockey Shoot Out

There were reps from tons of local kid related business from the Worcester area including karate, golf, hockey (Go Sharks!), care centers, and gymnastics.  And we didn't even get to stay to see the Blue Dog Group do their amazing frisbee stunts.  Oh, and we "met" Smokey the Bear, you remember "Only you can prevent forest fires."  Well, Boog was not keen on going near the bear in jean with red suspenders, but at least he took the hat.

Entering one of the at least 5 bouncies.

Mudge learning the art of golf at the PGA tent

There were so many food products being given away, my bag was stuffed.  My snack drawer is now full of goodies.  So bring an extra back pack or something.  You can go there hungry, and come out full from tasting a ton of stuff. But they do have concessions and BBQ there if you need something a little more substantial.

I swear I didn't hoard.  That was just a one of each from the kids and me.

After about 2 hours there, the boys were toast and I wasn't going to push the limits.  Though I was lucky enough to have gone for the nadda, my friends that accompanied me agreed that the $8-10 admission fee, free for 2 and under, is well worth the bouncy house exercise and the free snacks.  There are other activities for additional fees, like the Sky Ride, crafts, and such.    Overall, it is a great way to spend the day finding new activities to do while wearing the kids out!

Turtles, and Alligators, and Scorpions, Oh My!!!

Arachnophobes, Ophidiophobes, and Herpetophobes beware.  RI House of Reptiles is full of everthing a little boy can dream of.

I took the boys on a hop, skip and a jump to 580 Harris Ave, Providence to check out RIHOR, since their predecessor, Regal Reptiles is closed.  And we were so glad we did.

Yes, that IS a SCORPION on Booger

The kids got to come face to face and handle a ton of creatures including but not limited to: a large Albino Burmese Python, a scorpion, a chinchilla, a ferret, a turtle, a tarantula, an alligator, some cockroaches, and a gecko (which now is on Boog's birthday wish list).

Normally, I wouldn't post a pic of myself but the snake was 55lbs and putting his tail in my pockets.

The family owned and operated business includes Beth and her 11 year old son Fox who were there today to give us the world of information and experiences.  We got to feed the turtles these super meal worms, which had I not had sons, I would NEVER have done.  We witnessed alligator feedings.  Super cool.

The closest I will EVER let my son near an alligator.

For $6 (and if you go to their website, you can print out a BOGOF) we were there for 2 hours and we had such a great time.  Be prepared to park on the street, as it is a little off the beaten path. They also offer educational programs for schools and birthday parties.
Bring your camera, curiosity, and your courage.  You'll need them all.

In a world of Almond Joys, A&J is Mounds...

My nephew, as well as many others, has a nut allergy.  For some time, he was also allergic to egg.  Many of my students have gluten allergies.  As a parent, I can only imagine how difficult it is to find safe and tasty foods for their kids.  Until now...

A&J Bakery in Cranston, RI is one of the area's only nut and gluten free bakery.    Joe and his wife Amy  opened up 4 years ago after their son was diagnosed with a mild nut allergy. Both are graduates from the Johnson and Wales Culinary school, so you know they have the know-how.  But it is still quite the undertaking.   They have dedicated two separate kitchens, down to the air duct system, one for nut free and the other for gluten free.  But it has been worth it.  A&J's biscotti has been featured on Rachel Ray's show as the Snack of the Day in February and September of 2010.   Now they ship around the world.  It is well worth it.

Though neither of my boys have allergies (though we tend to stay away from artificial dyes) , we knew we had to taste test some items.  So selfless of us I know... Of course, we got some Double Chocolate Biscotti and also some Lemon Chocolate Biscotti.  Yum with a good cup of joe!

Mudge picked out a huge chocolate chip cookie, which he devoured the minute we got into the car, without sharing a crumb.  Boog chose a chocolate cupcake which you would have never known it was allergy friendly; it was moist, light, almost angel food in texture.  And I went for the Bomb, Chocolate Bomb that is.  I couldn't resist.  Joe told me it was a like a yodel with the icing mixed into it.  It was awesome.  We also picked up some incredible brownies that were so rich, we cut into quarters to serve them.

But they might be best known for their Allergen Friendly Gingerbread House Kits.  Most popular during the holidays, their kit includes allergen friendly handmade gingerbread as well as hand picked allergen friendly candies to decorate.  They send just about everywhere and their packaging holds up to the milage.

So if you or someone you know has a food allergy, visit A&J's Bakery either in person in Cranston or online, to get something safe and delicious.  If you don't have the allergy, try something anyway and you will be quite suprized that it is allergy friendly.