Harvest Festival at Verrill Farm to support Pediatric Care at Emerson Hospital

✨ The Bedford Family Connection will be meeting up around 10 AM to kick off the fun — join us!

Family favorites include:
Goats & Giggles Petting Zoo
Live music by John Fitzsimmons
Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins (all sales benefit Pumpkins for Pediatrics)
️Games, raffles & prizes
A la carte food

Buy tickets now

️ Tickets (used for games/activities):

• $10 = 5 tickets

• $25 = 15 tickets

Buy online & get 2 bonus tickets when you arrive!

New this year: Premium Raffle ($5 each) with prizes like $150 gift cards & hand-crafted items.

Event details

Saturday, October 11 | 10 AM – 2 PM
Verrill Farm, Concord, MA

We have some Parent coaching and education in the works but in the meantime, we wanted to highlight this Bedford Recreation Fall 2025 Adult class.  

Sign up here

At your wit's end with your child's challenges?!  Want some help?!  Come talk to the OT Parent Coaches,  Carrie Carman and Jen Papasodoro, who are experienced pediatric occupational therapists, parents, and parent coaches.  They will provide support and offer strategies for dealing with: meltdowns, morning and bedtime routines, mealtime madness, sensory differences, sibling struggles, developmental phases (from toddlers to teens!), or anything else you're feeling stuck on.  You'll leave as a more empowered parent.

Fee:  $10

Can’t join the session live? Sign up anyway! You’ll receive a recording by email a few days after the webinar.

Sign up HERE

Parenting a child is an endless job: our kids count on us to help them learn to do everything from read and write to ride a bike. With so many responsibilities, even the most dedicated parents can lose sight of the role they play in teaching and modeling something that lasts a lifetime: managing our mental health.

So what should parents know about raising mentally healthy children? How can they help their kids learn to manage stress, adapt to change, and build self-confidence? And why is it so important to set examples for a child to follow?

In this highly practical session filled with takeaways, Jacqueline Sperling, PhD, breaks down the critical skills kids need to build strong mental health, provides concrete strategies parents can use to nurture those abilities, and shares tips for modeling emotional well-being.

Learn more about mental health and well-being from the experts. Hundreds of hours of training videos are available to watch on demand!

Available videos HERE discuss various parenting issues such as:

Managing Fears and Phobias in Kids and Teens

A Parent’s Guide to Dealing With Bullying

Helping Kids Thrive Mentally and Emotionally: A Guide for Parents

Cost: $15 per child (caregivers do not need tickets)

This is not a drop-off event — parents/caregivers must remain with their children.

Tickets: Purchase on Eventbrite

What to expect:
Hop on a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch
Pick out your own pumpkin to take home
Enjoy a pony ride with Farmer Sandy’s helpers

Preschool Fall Fun at Chip-In Farm

When: Thursday, October 16, 2025 | 9:30 – 11:00 AM
Where: Chip-In Farm, 201 Hartwell Rd, Bedford, MA

More info: Visit www.farmershelpers.com for additional classes & events at Chip-In Farm.
Questions? Email chipinfarmclasses@gmail.com
Refunds: Refunds available with 24 hours’ notice, or we can transfer your ticket to another event.

Join BFC at the Community Farm School Open House
Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Community Farm School at Clark Farm

Join BFC families as we visit Community Farm School’s October Open House! This outdoor-based preschool offers children the chance to explore, learn, and grow through hands-on experiences in nature. Tour the grounds, meet the teachers, and see why CFS is such a special place for early learners.

Scan the QR code or RSVP HERE .

It's time for the annual BFC Halloween Bash! Come get in on all the spooky family-friendly fun!

$10 for member families
$30 for non-member families

Tickets are non-refundable at this time. 

Burlington's annual Trunk-or-Treat!

Can't get enough of Halloween?!  Come join BFC for an afternoon of festive fun for a good cause at Burlington High School. Stop by in your best Halloween costume and celebrate spooky season with the Burlington community at their FREE event:

• Trick-or-treating
• Crafts & goodies
• Visits from local vendors
• Refreshments, music & more

 RSVP on Eventbrite by Clicking HERE

 What to bring:

• A treat bag to carry candy and goodies
• Halloween costume
• (Not required) - a donation for the Burlington food pantry, People Helping People:

With school back in session, please consider bringing a kid-friendly lunch item or snack as we'll be collecting donations to help local families in financial struggle.

For more info or donation item ideas, visit: peoplehelpingpeopleinc.org

Hosted by: Burlington Girl Scouts and Kadilak Realty Group of Fiv Realty Co.

Where: Burlington High School faculty parking lot

Parking will be available in the student parking lot, the first lot on the right.

Questions, comments, or concerns? Contact:

Laura Borisow, Burlington Girl Scouts
laura.borisow@yahoo.com

Ashley Hassell, Kadilak Realty Group
ashley@kadilakhomes.com

When: Monday, October 20th from 4:00-5:30 PM

Where: Town Center Playground, Bedford (Mudge Way)

Come meet other families! These play dates are a chance for kids to play and parents to connect.  Snacks and juice boxes provided.  Siblings welcome!

✨ Come show off your costumes! ✨

We’ll be heading to the Bedford Chamber’s Trunk or Treat — a fun afternoon of candy, costumes, and community. The kids can “trick-or-treat” from table to table, and it’s the perfect chance to practice saying hello and thank you while meeting friendly neighbors.

We aren’t running a table — just walking around, collecting treats, and enjoying the fun. Come join us if you’d like to walk together and see all the spooky decorations!

Thank you to the Bedford Chamber of Commerce for organizing this event.  It is ALWAYS a blast with tons of goodies to go around.

Bedford Chamber of Commerce Trunk or Treat
Whole Foods Parking Lot
Friday, October 24th 3:30 - 5:30 PM

BFC Spooky Meet-Up at local Bedford Haunted House

Looking for a little Halloween thrill (without the nightmares)? Join other Bedford families for a special BFC meetup at Vlad’s Community Open House — a family-friendly, immersive haunted house experience right here in Bedford!

Vlad recently moved to town and is an incredible Halloween enthusiast. His display features a glowing front-yard cemetery that’s fun (not frightening!) for young children — and a second, optional area for those who want a few more chills and thrills. His scare actors are instructed to tone it down for anyone who prefers a gentler walk-through.

When: Friday, October 24th,  Halloween Friday, October 31st & Saturday, November 1st
Where: 4 Fox Run Road Bedford, MA
Cost: Free!
Bring: A non-perishable food donation for the Bedford Food Pantry

Can’t make it that night? You can also drive by any evening in October to see the cemetery all lit up!

Follow Vlad’s spooky progress here: facebook.com/VladtheImpaler666

Join BFC members at the Acton-Boxborough Family Network (ABFN) annual Halloween Spooktacular event on October 25th from 10:00 AM-12:30 PM, including a juggling magician! (11am) and other fun activities provided by local preschools and businesses. Entertainment will be from 11:00-12:00.There will also be a Family costume contest, so come dressed for a chance to go home with cool prizes donated by local businesses.  Attendance is free for ABFN families. Non-Member Families: $10 per family. Pre-registration REQUIRED for Non-Member Families. Pre-registration for Non-Member Families closes 8:00 AM on 10/25. Registration greatly appreciated and recommended for Member families. Only members may walk-in without registering. This is to ensure a safe event. We appreciate your understanding. The first 30 minutes of the party (10-10:30am) will be geared for families that desire a more sensory-friendly experience. They will be collecting items for the Acton Boxborough Food Pantry. Please consider bringing a donation with you! Most needed items are: cereal, healthy snack items, baby food, and larger sized diapers (5, 6, or 4T-5T pullups).  They will have a bin/donation area for drop off.   Register below: ABFN Halloween Spooktacular! - 10/25/2025

LexFUN!’s Fall Extravaganza

LexFUN has invited Bedford Family Connection to their Fall Extravaganza to help kick off a fun-filled year! Families can enjoy:

• Fresh apple cider donuts

• Live entertainment

• A chance to connect with local sponsors & preschools

Costumes encouraged! Kids are welcome to dress up and join the annual Halloween Parade at 3:45 PM, which will loop around the track.

✨ This event is free and open to all—bring your friends and neighbors to experience the fun!

When: Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 2:00–4:00 PM

Where: Center Playground, Lexington (corner of Clark St & Park Dr)

Cost: $15 per child (caregivers do not need tickets)

This is not a drop-off event — parents/caregivers must remain with their children.

Tickets: Purchase on Eventbrite

What to expect:
Hop on a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch
Pick out your own pumpkin to take home
Enjoy a pony ride with Farmer Sandy’s helpers

Preschool Fall Fun at Chip-In Farm

When: Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 9:30 – 11:00 AM
Where: Chip-In Farm, 201 Hartwell Rd, Bedford, MA

More info: Visit www.farmershelpers.com for additional classes & events at Chip-In Farm.
Questions? Email chipinfarmclasses@gmail.com
Refunds: Refunds available with 24 hours’ notice, or we can transfer your ticket to another event.

BFC Spooky Meet-Up at local Bedford Haunted House

Looking for a little Halloween thrill (without the nightmares)? Join other Bedford families for a special BFC meetup at Vlad’s Community Open House — a family-friendly, immersive haunted house experience right here in Bedford!

Vlad recently moved to town and is an incredible Halloween enthusiast. His display features a glowing front-yard cemetery that’s fun (not frightening!) for young children — and a second, optional area for those who want a few more chills and thrills. His scare actors are instructed to tone it down for anyone who prefers a gentler walk-through.

When: Halloween Friday, October 31st & Saturday, November 1st
Where: 4 Fox Run Road Bedford, MA
Cost: Free!
Bring: A non-perishable food donation for the Bedford Food Pantry

Can’t make it that night? You can also drive by any evening in October to see the cemetery all lit up!

Follow Vlad’s spooky progress here: facebook.com/VladtheImpaler666

BFC Spooky Meet-Up at local Bedford Haunted House

Looking for a little Halloween thrill (without the nightmares)? Join other Bedford families for a special BFC meetup at Vlad’s Community Open House — a family-friendly, immersive haunted house experience right here in Bedford!

Vlad recently moved to town and is an incredible Halloween enthusiast. His display features a glowing front-yard cemetery that’s fun (not frightening!) for young children — and a second, optional area for those who want a few more chills and thrills. His scare actors are instructed to tone it down for anyone who prefers a gentler walk-through.

When: Halloween Friday, October 31st & Saturday, November 1st
Where: 4 Fox Run Road Bedford, MA
Cost: Free!
Bring: A non-perishable food donation for the Bedford Food Pantry

Can’t make it that night? You can also drive by any evening in October to see the cemetery all lit up!

Follow Vlad’s spooky progress here: facebook.com/VladtheImpaler666

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills: The Value of Validation

A few words can go a long way in helping someone feel understood. Say something as simple as “I hear you” or “That must seem really hard,” and you’re likely to provide more emotional support to that individual than you realize.

Tell yourself that you recognize an inner experience, and you can likewise benefit internally. It’s a concept called validation, and it involves the acknowledgement and acceptance of thoughts and feelings in their current context.

So how can we learn to validate our ourselves and others?

What sets validation apart from reassurance?

And what is the technique’s connection to dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)?

Kathryn Broge, LICSW, shares the science behind validation and why it works, offers examples of how to validate the experiences of those we love, along with our own, and answers questions about how to practice validation in challenging interactions.

Can’t join the session live? Sign up anyway! You’ll receive a recording by email a few days after the webinar.   Click this link to REGISTER NOW!

☀️ Join Us for a Weekly Afternoon Stroll! ☀️

Bedford Family Connection invites you to get outside, connect with other families, and enjoy the fresh air at our new weekly walking group!

Where: Bedford Depot Park (Loomis Street)
When: Thursdays at 4:00 PM

Families, strollers, and siblings welcome!

Bedford Depot Park is the perfect meeting spot — with free parking, outdoor seating, and plenty of space to gather. The park also features historic railroad buildings and a vintage passenger car you can check out before or after our walk. (Please note: the visitor’s center is open on weekends only.)

From there, we’ll decide together each week whether to stroll along the Minuteman Bike way or the Narrow-Gauge Rail-Trail.

Hosted by Bedford Family Connection’s Secretary, Julie Schaefer

Come for the fresh air, stay for the community! ✨

Sleep can be one of the trickiest subjects for families with young children. Join our experienced early childhood educators—who have supported infants, toddlers, and preschoolers through every stage of growth—for a practical, encouraging workshop on creating healthy sleep routines. We’ll share research on why good sleep is essential for children’s learning, behavior, and overall development, and provide simple, effective strategies to make naptime calmer and bedtimes smoother. From setting up routines that work for your family, to handling common challenges like night waking and transitions, our teachers will offer real-life tips and best practices rooted in both science and years of hands-on classroom experience. Parents will leave with concrete strategies, reassurance, and new ideas to help their children (and themselves!) get the rest they need.

To attend this parent education program, email: lmatthews@jri.org

Learn more about mental health and well-being from the experts. Hundreds of hours of training videos are available to watch on demand!

Available videos HERE discuss various parenting issues such as:

Managing Fears and Phobias in Kids and Teens

A Parent’s Guide to Dealing With Bullying

Helping Kids Thrive Mentally and Emotionally: A Guide for Parents

Can’t join the session live? Sign up anyway! You’ll receive a recording by email a few days after the webinar.

Anxiety on its own is actually not problematic. But when kids and teens start avoiding experiences that cause anxiety, this can lead to difficulty learning, going to school, and performing required activities at home and other areas of life—like maintaining healthy eating habits, bathing, or getting a good night’s sleep.

Since anxiety and OCD are fueled by avoidance, caregivers and other family members can learn how to be supportive at home and ensure kids and teens get the help they need.

Lisa W. Coyne, PhD, and Eli Lebowitz, PhD, talk about how the home setting can affect children and teens who struggle with anxiety and OCD. They outline how the conditions manifest in young people and their impact on the entire family system.

Discovery Museum announced that from September 16 through 21, 2025, the cost of admission will be $2.50 per person. The annual “Pay and Play Like It’s 1982,” promotion celebrates the Museum’s founding in 1982 and is meant as a Thank You to the community for more than four decades of support.

 

During the promotion, existing discount programs that offer deeper discounts—including $1 admission for EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare Card to Culture card holders, and free admission for active-duty military families, teachers, and children under 1—will continue to be honored. Standard admission prices are $19.00 for adults and children ages 1 and up; $18.00 for seniors 60+.

 

The Museum is open during the school year from 9:00am to 4:30pm Tuesday through Sunday; it is open with free admission the first Friday night of the month from 4:30 to 8:00pm.

Can’t join the session live? Sign up anyway! You’ll receive a recording by email a few days after the webinar.

Mental health challenges impact people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. But research suggests that members of the LGBTQ+ community face these challenges at higher rates than heterosexual and cisgender individuals.

Why? The experts point to stigma and discrimination as likely contributing factors, while also noting that many face additional barriers to treatment.

So how can LGBTQ+ people best manage their mental well-being? And where can they turn for help? What about parents, educators, and treatment providers? What should they know about their potential to make a difference?

Jeff Day, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, breaks down the most prevalent mental health challenges facing those who identify as LGBTQ+, shares tips for supporting someone in this community, and discusses the groundbreaking work he’s doing to help prepare nursing students to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Can’t join the session live? Sign up anyway! You’ll receive a recording by email a few days after the webinar.

Nearly all of us find ourselves physically alone from time to time—whether briefly while commuting, for example, or perhaps longer-term if living on our own. But being without company doesn’t necessarily create loneliness. Nor does surrounding ourselves with others always keep us from feeling lonely.

So what exactly is loneliness? How does it impact our health and happiness? And what are some practical steps we can take to address it?

Jacqueline Olds, MD, and Richard S. Schwartz, MD, explain what factors drive loneliness and how to address them, explore the roles of companionship and relationship dynamics, and answer questions about how to feel supported even when physically alone.

Register directly with Crafted Together:

Holiday String Art Workshop

Parents’ Night Out: Holiday String Art Workshop

Join fellow BFC parents for a festive and creative night out at Crafted Together —Bedford’s artisan collective and retail shop! Crafted Together features locally made art, unique gifts, and hands-on workshops where anyone can refine their skills and learn something new.

✨ Event Details
Thursday, December 11th
7:00–9:00 PM
Crafted Together, Bedford, MA

We’ll be taking part in their Holiday String Art Workshop, where you can choose your project:

• Hanukkah Menorah – $50

• Christmas Tree – $50

Come get creative, meet other BFC parents, and enjoy a festive evening together. With enough interest, we may even plan more workshops!

Space is limited.  Don't wait!  Reserve your spot. 

Click the link below to view project options and register directly with Crafted Together:
Holiday String Art Workshop

Interested in a different activity, workshop, painting, or craft? Reach out to bfcdirectors@gmail.com and host your own Meetup!

BFC runs because of parents like you.

BFC will once again be attending the Rotary Club's annual Breakfast Fundraiser this year! This is an opportunity to come together to celebrate winter and its many holidays and support a great cause! We'll be bringing sensory bins with fake snow, which was quite the hit last year. Hope to see you there!

More details can be found at the event's website or Facebook page: 

https://bedfordmarotary.org/page/winter-community-breakfast

LINK once the event is created on Facebook