Free Activities and Concerts at Stoughton Public Library

Stoughton Public Library will host events and spaces for all ages during the remainder of this week, April 29-May 2. The events are free and open to the public. Registration is required for events.

Drop-in Chess for Kids will be this afternoon at 5:00. It is open for children ages 5-11.

The Teen Space will be open today and Thursday, 2:30-4:45 in the afternoon. Teenagers are welcome to drop in and play games on Nintendo Switch, Wii, PS2, and PS4. There are also card games, board games, and craft supplies available for those who want a break from screens.

Tonight at 6:00 is Teddy Bear Storytime hosted by Peggy Sewyck. Children ages 4-7 can come by in their pajamas for stories and music. They are encouraged to bring their stuffed friend with them and wind down from a long day.

Family Storytime will be Thursday morning, 10-10:30. The morning will include stories, music and dancing.

The library will host Storytime for babies on Friday morning at 10:00. The interactive program is open to babies up to age 2 and their caregivers.

Sewyck will be back at the library on Saturday for another Storytime. This offering will be for children ages 3-7 and begins at 10:00. It will take place in the Children’s Craft Room.

Steve Tapper and Shira Moss will be at the library at 2:00 Saturday afternoon for a flute & percussion concert. The local musicians will play a variety of genres and styles from around the world. The selections range from serious to abstract to fun and danceable. Children are encouraged to come to the show and participate on some of the songs.

Trying to Balance Life, Work, and Relationships

Some of us face challenges every day. These challenges are at school, at work, or at home. I had a job when I was in college. Some of those days were harder than others. School is hard enough when you’re not running off to make it in time for work. At the same time, you could be at your job knowing there is a paper waiting to be written or a test that needs studying for.

There are other pressures that people need to deal with. It’s not easy, and it’s not fun. There are some people who deal with pressure from their family. Sometimes there are family members who pester people who are single; people who haven’t met “The One” yet. What’s wrong? Why haven’t you met someone yet. It can be annoying. Sometimes, you can be pestered by family members who are anxious for grandchildren. Some will even go so far as to try to fix you up with someone.

Ambreen Khan has written about a woman who is just trying to live her live, but things continue to happen to her no matter what she tries. Ambreen’s book “Love Squared” is about a woman name Midhat. Midhat is a Pakistani risk analyst studying for her MBA in Toronto. She is also engaged to Sufyaan, who is living in Pakistan while his fiancé finishes her studies in Canada.

But the wedding is not to be. “Sufi” breaks up with Midhat, who returns home to Pakistan. She returns to the pity of her family and the curiosity of her grandmother Zeenat, who is concerned with her granddaughter not having a proper marriage and being exposed to the temptations of the Western World.

Midhat does all she can to balance the demands of her job and the expectations of her family. It isn’t easy. She thought she was going to marry Sufi, but he ends the engagement, and Midhat returns to her family with a long list of troubles waiting for her. Among them is her cousin Sarah. Sarah looks like she is living a perfect life and has a fiancé who adores her. Midhat’s life is difficult enough without her cousin needing to orchestrate every last detail of parties and occasions. God forbid something should go wrong. The entire day will be ruined if the smallest thing doesn’t go as planned.

Sarah’s needs and her jealousy cause tension between the cousins. Midhat meets other men Zeenat like better for her “beta”. There is Qutubuddin, a grandchild of an old friend of Zeenat. Zeenat would love to arrange a meeting between Qutubuddin and Midhat and have another dimension to the grandparents’ friendship.

Midhat does all she can to stay ahead of the struggles she faces. She knows her family provided her with a comfortable life growing up. She doesn’t want to get caught up in the superficial, materialistic trappings her family has grown accustomed to. Midhat is trying to live her life. Sarah wants everything just right at parties. Zeenat wants the family to return to a more traditional mode of living where children don’t have as much input in who their life partner will be.

Sometimes people have to deal with expectations of their family. It can be something simple like do well in school. Sometimes families can be more demanding and expect a lot more from their children. It might be their mate isn’t “good enough”. There is enough pressure to make it to work and make sure you kids are safe and healthy. People don’t need any more pressure from relatives who want to judge the people in their circle or compare things to friends, neighbors, or families.

Ambreen’s writing will make you empathize with Midhat. She returns to Pakistan to find more drama and even a little judgement. She didn’t ask for any of this. She just wants to live her life and be happy. The peaks and valleys in “Love Squared” come and go as Midhat meets other men. Some disappoint her in different ways. She also needs to navigate the rivalries within her own family. People accusing her of being a “favorite” with other relatives. “Love Squared” is a good read. Western readers will have some trouble with the native words and phrases mentioned throughout the book. There are also references to foods and dishes enjoyed that come with no explanation or description, further adding to some confusion

Khan’s book offers a look at life in Pakistan and personifies struggles people can face early in their professional lives and the problems with their personal lives. Unfortunately, life doesn’t wait when you are trying to fix problems and just try to be happy living your life. Readers will find this to be an interesting book, especially those who have to deal with the constant judgement and expectations of their families. You can try and do what you can to keep your head above water, but family and circumstances won’t always cooperate.

Reading Event for Children at Stoughton Public Library

“Stoughton Reads Together” Event Co-Hosted with Old Sturbridge Village

Stoughton Public Library will hold an interactive reading event on Friday, April 24 in the Community Room.

The event, part of “Stoughton Reads Together”, will be held in conjunction with Old Sturbridge Village. An educator from Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) will be in attendance to read “The Ox Cart Man” by Donald Hall. In addition to reading the story, there will be artifacts mentioned in the story will be passed around for children to investigate and examine.

This Story Time and demonstration is suggested for ages 4-10. Registration for the event is required. Click here for more information and to register.

Craize, Wonder Juice Appearing at Annual NAMA Show

Two better-for-you brands under the Kayco Beyond portfolio, Craize, and Wonder Juice, will be showcased at The NAMA Show, running April 22-24 in Los Angeles. Families know Craize as the bold chip-cracker hybrid redefining better-for-you snacking, and Wonder Juice as the delicious line offering 100% organic cold-pressed juices.

Craize will feature 1-ounce bags (perfect for vending) and 4-ounce bags (great for micro-markets and pantry use). Wonder Juice brings its 100% certified organic, cold-pressed juices to these channels as well.

This marks the first time Craize, building on its well-established grocery business, will be exploring new opportunities in the vending, micro markets, kiosks, pantry services, and other self-service platforms. Wonder Juice makes the same expansion alongside it, bringing its certified organic cold-pressed juices into these emerging channels with a healthy juice sustainably packed in glass bottles.

Craize Snacks

More than just a cracker, Craize is made with a proprietary fire griddle process. It is a modern, wholesome snack delivering exceptional taste, crunch, and versatility. Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, seed oil–free, and Kosher, Craize proves that clean-label snacking never has to compromise on flavor.

The Craize Everything Flavor was recently awarded the sofi Gold Award at Winter FancyFaire for Best Cracker of 2026.

Michele Abo, General Manager of Kayco Beyond, exclusive distributor of Craize, said, “Craize is a truly differentiated snack that delivers on taste, craftsmanship, and modern wellness. The NAMA Show provides an exciting opportunity for vending and micro-market operators to offer consumers better-for-you, on-the-go snacking that is seed oil free, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO —without ever sacrificing crunch, flavor, or versatility.”

Designed to meet growing demand for elevated, ingredient-forward snacks, Craize stands out in a crowded category with its distinctive texture, innovative production process, and crave-worthy flavor profiles.

What Makes Craize Different

Chip-Cracker Hybrid – The satisfying crunch of a chip meets the versatile, toppable nature of a cracker
Fire-Griddled, Never Fried – A proprietary slow-griddling process locks in flavor and crispness without added oils
Versatile Enjoyment – Perfect for dips, toppings, charcuterie boards, or straight from the bag
Real Ingredients Baked In – Fruits, vegetables, and spices are blended directly into the dough—not just sprinkled on top
Wholesome & Allergen-Friendly – Vegan, non-GMO, kosher, gluten-free, seed oil–free, and produced in an allergen-friendly facility

Five Signature Flavors

Everything – Sesame and poppy seeds blended with garlic and onion for a savory, bagel-inspired bite
Sweet Corn – Lightly sweetened with dark brown sugar; pairs well with jams, nut butters, or guacamole
Guava – Fruity and refreshing, made with authentic guava puree
Coconut – Infused with dried coconut, vanilla, and cinnamon for a subtly sweet tropical twist
Jalapeño Lime – Zesty heat balanced with bright cilantro and lime

Wonder Juice to Showcase its Line with Samples

Joining Craize at Booth #4572, Wonder Juice will offer samples and showcase its full line of 100% cold-pressed organic juices—bringing the same better-for-you ethos to the beverage side of the booth.

Crafted with non-GMO, Fair-Trade certified ingredients and containing no added water or sugar, Wonder Juice delivers a refreshing, authentic taste experience while setting a new benchmark for healthy beverages. The brand’s commitment to sustainability has been recognized with the Mindful Product Award in 2024, highlighting its use of 100% recyclable glass bottles.

Discover the Wonder Juice Lineup

Wonder Juice offers 11 distinct flavors across multiple varieties.

Wonder Beet – Harnessing the nutritional power of beets in blends such as Beet + Lemon Ginger, Beet + Cherry, Beet + Berry, and Beet + Veggie. Beets provide a high-nutrition, low-calorie source of natural energy and vitality.

Wonder Melon – A hydrating, antioxidant-rich juice supporting cardiovascular health and digestion. Flavors include Watermelon Cucumber Basil, Watermelon Lemon Cayenne, and classic Watermelon.

Wonder Lemon – A vitamin C-rich variety offering immune support. Flavors include Lemon Ginger, Lemon Basil Jalapeño, and Lemon Mint.

Wonder Green – The newest addition to the lineup, featuring vibrant, nutrient-dense blends including Clean Green and Veg8 & Cayenne, designed to deliver a refreshing, vegetable-forward boost for everyday wellness.

“Wonder Juice meets the growing demand for 100% organic, authentic juice with no added water or sugar,” Abo said of the juice line. “Each blend is thoughtfully crafted to deliver a delicious and nutritious cold-pressed juice experience. Consumers seeking convenient, on-the-go wellness options will especially appreciate its availability in new self-service environments.”

The NAMA Show is the premier event for the vending and convenient services industry, bringing together the latest insights, resources, technology, and equipment to meet the evolving needs of professionals in these channels.

Kayco is a leading manufacturer and supplier of kosher foods. Its Kayco Beyond division sources and distributes innovative products that meet the growing demand for healthful, convenient, and lifestyle-focused food options Headquartered in Bayonne, NJ, Kayco’s portfolio includes Dorot Gardens, Craize, Wonder Juice, Mighty Sesame Co., and Absolutely! Gluten Free, among others. For more information www.kayco.com.

Events for Children and Adults the Stoughton Public Library

Stoughton Public Library will host events this week for people of all ages.

On Tuesday, April 14, Stoughton Reads Together will host a book discussion on “The Widow’s War” by Sally Gunning. The discussion will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Library Community Room and is hosted by Christine Iacobucci. Registration for the event is required. Those interested in attending can register by clicking here.

Also on Tuesday, teenagers can visit the Teen Space. The Teen Space is open Tuesday-Thursday 2:30 p.m.-4:45 p.m. and features gaming systems, arts & crafts, board games, and card games.

Children ages 5-12 and their caregivers can come in on Wednesday afternoon for Drop in Chess. Instruction is available, but children are expected to have some basic knowledge. Drop in Chess is held in the Children’s Area.

Wednesday evening is Teddy Bear Storytime for children ages 4-7 and their bedtime friends. Beginning at 6:00, Peggy Sewyck will read a story in the Children’s Craft Room. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas for this event to wind down from a long day of playtime and other activities.

While the little ones wind down, adults can bring whatever craft they are working on to the Bring Your Own Craft Club (BYOCC). The BYOCC provides a relaxed, social space for you to start or finish that project. Light refreshments will be served and registration is required. The event runs 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on Wednesday in the Community Room.

Families are invited to Family Storytime on Thursday, April 16. Storytime starts at 10:00 a.m. and is open for children ages 2-6. Not only will children be able to hear an exciting story, but they will also be able to sing and dance while attending!

Babies will get their own story time on Friday. Beginning at 10:00 in the morning, Stoughton’s littlest residents will be able to attend an interactive story time in the Community Room.

The week wraps up with a Brain Building STEM Event on Saturday in the Community Room. “Mad Science: Phenomenal Physics for Kids & Caregivers” will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Community Room. The event is open for children ages 0-6, and a link for required registration can be found here. More information about the event can be found on the same link.

The Different Alarm Clocks to Face my Mornings

I’m not one to ease into my morning. If I close my eyes after the alarm goes off, I’m afraid I won’t open them until too late in the morning, and that has happened before. My primary job in the morning is to make sure The Boy and the Oppressed are vertical and make it out of the house for the bus. they are usually good with making it, but I’m still needed to make sure it is a successful morning.

Alarm clocks. Nobody really likes them or likes hearing them, but if we didn’t have them, we wouldn’t be able to get up in time for work or school. They help us get up and get ready to face the day.

Different Tones, Different People, Different Times

People have all kinds of sounds and music when it comes to their morning alarm. Some like to have a favorite song, or a different song depending on the morning. Hearing the same song over and over again can be a little annoying after a while.

When I was in high school, my alarm was set to the radio. Sometimes I would wake up to a song, sometimes I would wake up to people joking and laughing. On mornings when I was unfortunate, I would wake up to a commercial.

Before that, I woke up to an actual alarm. No music, no talk, no laughter. Just a shrill chirping that sounded until I turned it off. It wasn’t the most pleasant thing to meet my ears, but it got me up and out of bed, so it did the trick. The clock was set up right next to me. All I had to do was reach out and turn it off.

Waking up with He-Man

My first alarm clock was a He-Man alarm clock. I loved He-Man, and it was nice to wake up to He-Man and Teela in the morning. Masters of the Universe could be one of the greatest ways for a second grader to start their day.

Different Ways of Facing the Morning

There was a time when the alarm was across the room from me. This worked because it forced me to get out of bed and turn it off. I was out of bed. Might as well stay out of bed and face the morning.

Remember when I told you I had the alarm on the other side of the room played music? Well, there was a time when I had the shrill chirping on the other side of the room. Again, this was effective. A loud, disturbing sound to get me out of bed. It worked.

And Then I Met my Wife

You learn to compromise when you move in with someone. This was one of the compromises made when I moved in with Wife. Wife wasn’t thrilled with the sound that greeted us in the morning. I switched to music playing just loud enough it would wake me from my slumber. I explained to her the reason for the loud sounds in the morning. This was too rude of an awakening for Wife, who likes to ease into her morning.

What Gets You Up in the Morning?

How do you get up and face the day? Comment below and let me and the other readers know the method that starts your morning madness. Nowadays it’s my phone. At six in the morning, my phone tells me it’s time to end my peaceful slumber and face the morning. This includes making sure the Miracles of Christ are out of bed, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and ready to face the day and the necessary tasks that are included with it. But first, Daddy needs to feed the dog and drink some coffee.

Learn and Explore at New Bedford Whaling Museum’s AHA! Night

The New Bedford Whaling Museum will present their AHA! Night on Thursday, April 9 from 4-7. The theme of the night will be “Project Planet – Explore our Ecosystem”.

Admission to the museum is free during the first hour of every AHA! Night. During this time, families can participate in a scavenger hunt. A scavenger hunt card can be picked up at the front desk. From there, children can explore the museum for hidden whales. Anyone who finds all of the whales within the hour will get a special treat.

An exhibit on watersheds will be at the Jacobs Family Gallery in the Museum’s lower level. “Explore Our Ecosystem: Climate Change, Whales, and Us” will examine how ecological networks affect people and plants alike. “Explore Our Ecosystem” examines how human activity and climate change can impact ecological balance and the environment. Ecology students from UMass-Dartmouth will be on hand 4-6 to show their Capstone projects.

Students from Our Sisters’ School (OSS) will present a showcase in the Harbor View Gallery. The showcase is a part of a collaboration with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Cape Cod Commercial Fisherman’s Alliance. Students from OSS are working with scientists, fishermen, and artists Jill Pelto and Deb Ehrens to find out how ocean data connects to climate change and marine life.

The exhibition will also feature art created by students and ocean science research for visitors. Students will be there to announce their research findings and talk about their time working with experts. A reception will follow the presentations.

New Bedford Whaling Museum’s AHA! Program is a free platform for New Bedford’s creative community allowing residents to showcase their talents and creative expression in art, history, and architecture.

Stoughton Library Hosts Poetry Contest for Children

Stoughton Public Library is holding a poetry contest for children in grades K-5. The contest will run until April 30.

The theme of the contest is self-sufficiency and family cooperation in 18th century America. Subjects covered in Verla Kay’s “Homespun Sarah”. Kay’s book is being read by children as part of Stoughton Library’s “Stoughton Reads Together 2026”.

Poems will be displayed in the Children’s Room.

Homeschool Day at New Bedford Whaling Museum

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is hosting a Homeschool Day on Tuesday, March 31 from 9 am to 3 pm.

While at the museum, little whalers can participate in a whale scavenger hunt throughout the museum and rest in the Sailor’s Nook, where they can see what life on a whaling ship was like. Other activities include an interactive Topographic Sand Table and an inflatable whale. The 43-foot long humpback is located in the museum’s upper level in the Harbor View Gallery. Visitors will be able to learn more about the animal’s internal organs. Also in the upper level’s gallery is a chance to learn about the past and present threats to whales with the “Save the Whales” activity. Kids can do their part to save whales and other sea creatures by designing their own bumper sticker.

Homeschool Day

Tuesday, March 31; 9am-3pm
$12 for adults, $10 for students
Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

There is no food or beverages available for purchase at the museum. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lunch and snacks. Food is only permitted in the Harbor View Gallery, open from 9-3.

Squid Dissection Workshop

$7 (Not included with museum admission)
Workshops held at 9:45 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm
There will be a smell of seafood
People with a shellfish allergy are advised to call (508) 997-0046 ext. 184.

If your little whaler is feeling adventurous, they can participate in a Squid Dissection Workshop. Children (and their parents) can see how squid adapt to different environments by studying its internal and external anatomy using dissection tools. There will be three different workshops (9:45 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm). The workshop is $7 for participating students and free for accompanying adults.

The Squid Dissection Workshop requires close interaction with a squid, which is considered to be a shellfish. Activities will include handling the squid with gloves and interacting with fluids. A smell of seafood will be in room. Anyone with a shellfish allergy should be aware of this environment and interaction. If you have a shellfish allergy, or have any other concerns, you can call (508) 997-0046 ext. 184 with your questions

In the museum’s lower level, you can learn All About Whales in the Exploring our Ecosystem Exhibit. From 9:15-11:45 am. At the Drop-in station, you can learn about how whales adapt to their environment and climate change’s impact on the ecosystem. The same exhibit will host a STEM Design Challenge from 12:30-2:30 pm. This is another Drop-in station. Here, students will combat the rise of sea levels using mitigation strategies.

NBWM’s “Look Pleasant, Please”: Early Portrait Photography in New Bedford explores life before cell phone cameras holding thousands of images of everyday life. The exhibit is open from 10:30 am-2:00 pm. In addition to learning about the history of photography in New Bedford, you can also make a collage of historic portraits.

The Lagoda Whaling Ship features the living quarters of the captain and his mates. The quarters are located on the ship’s lower deck. Access is limited for some guests. It is open from 9:45-11:30 am and 12:30-2:00 pm.

https://www.whalingmuseum.org/exhibition/lagoda/ — Lagoda Whaling Ship

The museum’s main level will host “History Story time”. At 10:45 am, you can hear storis of real people with “Forging Independence: Building a Nation”. At 12:45 pm, you will hear “Energy and Enterprise”. Guided tours of the museum will start in the front lobby at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. Tours will run 25 minutes.

Learn Homeopathy with a New E-Book

This post features products I may receive a commission on.

“The Homeopathy Primer” is excited to announce the book that helps you learn and understand Homeopathic remedies is now available as an e-book.

This newly available version is accessible as a PDF version. Readers will not be able to copy or print anything they need to research, but they will be able to search important information such as symptoms or remedy names. Having the e-book stored in your phone or tablet means a more convenient method of transporting the answers you need for your health compared to a 384-page book.

“Most people keep their books at home, but life doesn’t always happen at home,” said Abby Beale, the author of “Homeopathy Primer”.

The e-book can be purchased at this link. Anyone wishing to purchase both the hard copy and the e-book can do so at a discount.