Parenting Pointers - Boston Globe to Host Second Annual Working Mothers Summit (Online or Boston, 3/26)

 The Boston Globe announces its second annual Working Mothers Summit, which will bring together working mothers and caregivers, industry leaders, and advocates for a day of connection, empowerment, and support.

The Globe's Working Mothers Summit will take place on March 26 at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, 450 Summer St., Boston, MA, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m ET.

As Massachusetts continues to rank among the nation's best states for working mothers, The Boston Globe's Working Mothers Summit convenes the vibrant and supportive community of mothers and caregivers navigating today's workplace.

Following last year's inaugural Working Mothers Summit, The Boston Globe has expanded the event into a full-day program featuring insightful discussions, inspiring stories, and opportunities to connect with experts and innovators dedicated to driving meaningful change across industries.

Boston Globe journalists will host fireside chats with key speakers including Morra Aarons-Mele, author of "The Anxious Achiever," Cady Coleman, former astronaut, speaker and author of "Sharing Space," Joanna Lydgate, CEO of States United and First Lady of Massachusetts, Marina Middleton, partner and CEO of Create & Cultivate, Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, lecturer on Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard University, and Emily Oster, founder and CEO of ParentData.

Afternoon breakout sessions that will explore topics across technology, advocacy, and business, include:

• What the Tech? Real Talk About Kids, Screens & Safety
• From To-Do Lists to Tough Decisions: AI for the Working Mom
• Your Child's Champion: Asking the Right Questions in Healthcare
• Beyond Maternity Leave: How Mothers Can Advocate for Long Term Support in the Workplace
• Mompreneur: How to Start, Sustain, and Scale on Your Own Terms
• Owning Your Career: How to Navigate Transitions and Negotiate Your Worth

"Our team at The Boston Globe recognizes that working mothers make up the fabric of our organization and the workforce as a whole," said Erika Hale Smith, Vice President of Events & Sponsorships, Boston Globe Media. "That's why we're honored to host a second annual Working Mothers Summit, creating a space for working mothers from a range of backgrounds and career stages to hear from the innovators making it easier for caregivers with careers to find success, care for their loved ones, and navigate that ever-challenging work-life balance."

The Boston Globe is hosting the 2026 Working Mothers Summit in partnership with PNC Bank. Sponsors include Bark, Boston Children's Museum, Cross Insurance, Day Pitney, NAPS, and Russian School of Mathematics. Partners include Diana Levine Photography, Dress for Success, Good Inside, Milkmate, Unicorn, Uwila Warrior, Women's Foundation of Massachusetts, and nonprofit partners 826 Boston and Dignity Matters.

Register here to attend the 2026 Working Mothers Summit either in-person or virtually.

About Boston Globe Media:
Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC is a locally owned, award-winning media company serving Boston and New England for over 153 years. Its cornerstone is The Boston Globe, a 27-time Pulitzer Prize-winning news source and one of the most successful metro news organizations in the United States. The Globe is headquartered in Boston with regional bureaus in Washington, D.C., Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. The Globe has been successfully growing its direct subscriber base, today boasting the highest total number of subscribers the organization has had since 2008. The Globe hosts events that connect community members to its journalism and provides a range of digital and home-delivered advertising solutions that reach more consumers than any other New England media brand. Boston Globe Media's portfolio includes The Boston Globe, Globe.com, Boston.com, STAT, The B-Side, Globe Publishing Services, Globe Events, Studio/B, and Boston magazine.

Money Makers - Best Metro Areas for Women-Owned Businesses

CoworkingCafe's latest analysis ranks the best U.S. metro areas for women-owned businesses, highlighting where female entrepreneurs have the strongest support systems and growth opportunities. For a fair comparison, the metros were split into three population brackets – large metros (over 1 million), mid-sized metros (500K–1M), and small metros (under 500K).

Our study analyzed over 200 metros across 14 metrics grouped into three main categories: women's entrepreneurship, economic context, and labor and talent pool, covering indicators from share of women-owned businesses and median earnings to coworking prices and educational attainment.

Women-owned businesses represent nearly 22.9% of U.S. firms, and the geography of women’s entrepreneurship is shifting quickly – with Southern and Sun Belt metros leading across all three size brackets, alongside strong growth and comparatively favorable cost conditions.

Key national benchmarks: median earnings for women are $42,361 (a 74.1% women-to-men pay ratio); the business formation rate is 1,529 per 100K population; 58.9% of women participate in the workforce; and the median coworking membership price is $224.

These are the top metros for women-owned businesses by population bracket:

• Large metros: Austin leads on women-owned business density (26% of firms), Denver tops the pack on women’s earning power ($53,602 median), and Raleigh stands out for population growth (11% population growth since 2020) – together showing that the best big-city ecosystems blend ownership, income potential, and fast-expanding demand.
• Mid-sized metros: Durham, NC, sets the bar for women founders with the highest women-owned business share (28%), Charleston, SC, boasts the strongest entrepreneurial churn (2,112 new businesses per 100K population), and Des Moines, IA, wins on affordability for building sustainably (regional price parity 91.7) – a trio that pairs equity and ownership with start-up energy and margin-friendly economics.
• Small metros: Naples, FL, dominates on entrepreneurial intensity (18% self-employment among population 16+ years), Savannah, GA, is the most accessible place to launch a business ($129/month coworking, lowest in the top five), and Crestview, FL delivers standout start-up activity (2,163 new businesses per 100K population) – highlighting how smaller metros can outperform when demand is rising and the cost of starting up stays low.

You can read the full study here: https://www.coworkingcafe.com/blog/best-places-for-women-owned-businesses/

CoworkingCafe, part of Yardi, is a global coworking and flexible workspace discovery platform, publishing original market research and analysis on coworking, office and remote work trends in the U.S. and UK.

Mealtime Magic - Lilac Almond Scones

 As the first signs of spring arrive in the Catskills, food lovers have a fresh reason to celebrate. The Catskills Farm to Table Cookbook, Revised Edition from renowned chef Courtney Wade invites readers to savor the region’s seasonal bounty with updated recipes and stories rooted in local farms and kitchens.

To celebrate the season, I have a chance to share a delicate and unexpected spring treat: floral scones made with edible blossoms. Lightly sweet and fragrant, the recipe showcases how ingredients often found growing in backyard gardens and along country paths can be transformed into something elegant yet approachable, capturing the beauty of springtime in the Catskills in every bite.

Lilac Almond Scones

Yields 1 Dozen

Ingredients

2½ cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons salted butter, chilled
¼ cup sugar, plus more for baking
¹⁄³ cup heavy cream, plus more for baking
½ teaspoon vanilla
½ cup almonds, toasted and chopped
1 cup lilac flowers

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a large bowl or the bowl of a food processor. Cut chilled butter in by hand or by pulsing in a food processor until pea-sized pieces form. Blend in sugar, almonds, and flowers. Add heavy cream and blend until a soft dough forms.

Transfer dough onto a well-floured surface and divide in half. Form dough into two six-inch rounds and cut into 6 triangles. Place scones onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with additional cream and top with sugar. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.


About Hatherleigh Press: http://www.hatherleighpress.com

 

Area Attractions - WonderWorks Orlando Unveils New High-Tech Exhibits for a STEAM-Powered Spring Break

Spring break is here! March is an exciting time each year around Central Florida, as locals and tourists alike look for fun opportunities for the whole family. One stop topping the list each year is WonderWorks Orlando. This year, the popular attraction is taking things to the next level by launching new exhibits to encourage a STEAM-filled spring break. They offer something for adventurers of all ages, making it a great indoor entertainment stop for the whole family to keep guests learning, exploring, and having fun.

 

“Spring into learning at WonderWorks!” said Davianys Ramos, education sales manager at WonderWorks Orlando. “The upside-down house has everything you need to make this spring break a memorable one. Families can learn something new while having a blast. Our newest exhibits are already a big hit with guests!”

 

Conveniently located on International Drive, WonderWorks Orlando is the go-to spot for educational, family fun this month and beyond. Just in time for spring break, the upside-down house is installing two exciting new exhibits that encourage having a fun-filled spring that includes up-close looks at science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). The learning doesn’t have to stop when schools let out.

 

Guests can let their creativity shine by trying out the first new exhibit, Magic Canvas AI. Using their fingertips, they can draw the prompt given to them on the small screen, and then watch with amazement as it is enhanced and brought to life on the big screen. The new interactive exhibit allows people to create a STEAM masterpiece by combining art and technology. Another exciting opportunity can be found at SuperBlaster, an exciting attraction that combines the best of the 4D Theater and laser tag. Guests will take a seat, choose their game, and get ready for a thrilling simulator, complete with motion seats, laser blasters, wind effects, and more. Work as a team or go head-to-head in a friendly competition for the highest score. These new exhibits are a great addition to the lineup of “edu-tainment” throughout the facility.

 

Families can also add some magic to spring break by opting for an evening at The Outta Control Magic Dinner Show. The show will amaze audiences of all ages with its unique format, jaw-dropping illusions, mind-blowing tricks, and exciting audience participation. Plus, guests get to dine on a delicious dinner of unlimited pizza, salad, dessert, and drinks. Shows are running nightly at 6:00 pm, and starting March 13, 2026, an additional show will be added nightly at 8:00 pm through the rest of the month. The shows often sell out, so making advanced ticket purchases highly recommended. Tickets for the dinner show can be purchased online.

 

Those looking for the best bargain will want to grab the 2 Attraction Pass ticket, which provides access to all WonderWorks exhibits and the dinner show. Tickets for WonderWorks can be purchased online.

 

WonderWorks Orlando has been a key part of the Central Florida experience for decades. They are thrilled to celebrate their 28^th anniversary this spring, having opened on March 4, 1998. Since then, they have remained a go-to spot for educational, family fun in Central Florida. The WonderWorks team is looking forward to many more years of wonder ahead. Guests can continue to expect plenty of fun and memorable opportunities in the future, including educational events, new exhibits, exciting ticket deals, and more. With something for everyone to enjoy, it remains a must-stop on everyone’s list.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve been spreading wonder for 28 years!” said Brian Wayne, general manager at WonderWorks Orlando. “We’re honored to be a favorite stop for vacationers and locals alike. Come celebrate with us this month!”

To keep up on the latest discounts, events, and more, follow the WonderWorks Orlando Facebook page. WonderWorks Orlando is located at 9067 International Drive and is open 365 days a year. It offers a variety of educational and student group opportunities, including visits for schools, summer camps, team building, and more. With over 100 hands-on exhibits to explore, there is something for everyone. There are six Wonder Zones, a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, laser tag, a 4D XD Motion Theater, and a family-friendly magic dinner show. To learn more about the attraction or get ticket information, visit the site: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/orlando.

About WonderWorks

WonderWorks, the upside-down adventure, is a science-focused indoor amusement park for the mind that holds something unique and exciting for visitors of all ages. Guests enter through an upside-down lobby, where the ceiling is at their feet, and the ground is above their heads. They must pass through an inversion tunnel to turn right side up. There are three floors of nonstop "edu-tainment," featuring over 100 hands-on and interactive exhibits that serve a STEM educational purpose, challenging the mind and sparking the imagination. WonderWorks Orlando is also home to The Outta Control Magic Dinner Show. WonderWorks is in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, Myrtle Beach, Panama City Beach, Syracuse, and Branson. For more information, visit WonderWorksonline.com, and follow @WonderWorksORL on Facebook and X (Twitter), @WonderWorks_ORL on Instagram, and @WonderWorksOfficial on TikTok.

 

House & Home - Cities with the Most Green Space

 

To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the coming spring season, Lawn Love ranked 2026’s Cities With the Most Green Space.

How does St. Paul stack up in some key metrics (1st = Best)? Percentage of Residents Living 10 Minutes from a Park - 6th Number of Parks and Green Spaces - 42nd Share of Land Used for Parks and Recreation - 53rd   How does St. Paul compare to other Minnesota cities (1st = Best)? Plymouth - 8th Minneapolis - 11th Bloomington - 18th Woodbury - 33rd Brooklyn Park - 53rd Duluth - 77th Rochester - 168th

To rank the 500 biggest U.S. cities, we looked at the amount of public green space, from the number of parks to total park acreage and the share of land used for parks and recreation. We also considered “private green spaces,” aka yard size. We also factored the percentage of residents living within a 10-minute walk of parks from the Trust for Public Land (TPL), using 6 total metrics.  Read the full story here: ​​https://lawnlove.com/blog/cities-with-most-green-space/  Why green space matters: Over the past 3 decades, American voters approved more than $110 billion for funding parks and other public lands. But federal funding cuts have canceled or frozen billions in park and land conservation grants. “Studies show that even 10 minutes of sitting in nature or walking along a tree-lined sidewalk can make a big difference to someone experiencing mental health challenges,” says Lincoln Larson, an associate professor at NC State University. Other helpful links: Full rankings for the 500 biggest U.S. cities What the data shows: Parks, yards, and the access gap Expert take: Parks as public health infrastructure Methodology: How we ranked the Cities With the Most Green Space More from Lawn Love: Urban Forests: Top Cities for Tree Huggers How to Take Care of Trees During a Drought How Much Does it Cost to Plant a Tree in 2026? How to Create a Pollinator Lawn Best Cities for Rain Gardens 12 Types of Flowering Weeds

Music Minute - Andy Cooney: Everybody's Irish

 

Andy Cooney, the Long Island-born entertainer christened "Irish America's Favorite Son" by The New York Times, has released the music video for his new single, "Everybody's Irish (You Know That Way)." The video, directed by the Emmy winning Kieran McGirl, arrives just in time for St. Patrick's Day and captures the joyful, inclusive spirit that has made Cooney a beloved fixture on the Irish-American entertainment scene for over 35 years. The song is a celebratory anthem built on a simple, universal truth — on St. Patrick's Day, it doesn't matter where you're from. The video brings that message to life with the warmth, humor, and infectious energy that Cooney's fans have come to love. "People send me songs all the time to record," says Andy Cooney. "And, I listen to every one of them — you never know when you'll find a great one. A writer from the Bay Area, Darrin Mazzille, sent me this song he began writing in Santa Monica on St. Patrick's Day, 1986. Here we are, 40 years later, and it's finally seeing the light of day!" The release marks the latest chapter in a remarkable career that includes 20 albums, eight sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall, and collaborations with country legends Larry Gatlin and Crystal Gayle. Cooney has performed alongside Ronan Tynan and The Irish Tenors and was a founding member of The New York Tenors. His recordings have earned significant airplay throughout Ireland and the UK, and his annual Cruise of Irish Stars — now in its 28th year — draws over 1,000 fans each year for a Caribbean celebration of Irish music and culture.

Cooney is currently on the road with his 2026 Irish Celebration Tour, featuring comedian George Casey, Emerald Fire Dance, and The Guinness Irish Band. Remaining March tour dates are: March 14 — The Wayne Theatre, Waynesboro, VA March 15 — Theater at North, Scranton, PA March 16–20 — Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton, Nj March 21 — The Paramount Theater, Middletown, NY March 22 — Our Lady of Angels ~ Msgr. Kevin B Noone Auditorium, Brooklyn, NY Tickets Available at: www.andycooney.com.  The music video can be viewed on YouTube and at www.andycooney.com.

Book Nook - The Secret of the Old Clock: A Nancy Drew Detective Mystery

The Secret of the Old Clock is the originating volume in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories. The book, published in 1930, first introduced the teenage sleuth in a cozy mystery (no violence or gore). The story has Nancy solving the case of a missing will, hidden in an old clock, and helping the struggling relatives and friends of Josiah Crowley receive the promised money from his estate. Of course there are robbers, greedy will-altering heirs, suspense, and resolution.

Monson’s retelling of the original book, The Secret of the Old Clock A Nancy Drew Detective Storycaptures the plot and distills it in a way that is fun for children. Along with the story, there are activities, games, and puzzles (not requiring writing in the book) throughout to foster budding detectives.

This retelling of the very first Nancy Drew mystery, The Secret of the Old Clock, is the third book in the Mini Mysteries series of interactive picture book mysteries for children. The previous titles were Agatha Christie mysteries.

MARCI KAY MONSON is an avid reader, crafter, and gardener. She received her BS in Technical Communications from Utah State University and a graduate certificate in publishing from the Denver Publishing Institute. She loves stories, bright colors, and a little bit of (cozy and fictional) murder. Raised in Japan, England, and Germany, she now lives in Layton, Utah.

RYAN WHEATCROFT was born and raised in Sheffield, England, where he still lives on the outskirts of the city. He graduated from the University of Lincoln with a degree in illustration in 2014 and has been making artwork for books ever since.

Amazing Art - Wizard of Oz Interview

I recently had a chance to interview Becca Claire Hart, who will be playing "Aunt Em/Glinda the Witch of the North" in CTC's production of Wizard of Oz. 

What are some of the great things about portraying a classic character from a well-known story?

There's a freedom in performing a character as well-known as Glinda the Good. There are so many iconic versions of this character, from the Wizard of Oz movie to the Wicked versions on stage and screen - I feel inspired to fill that famous bubble with my own version of her magic and warmth. 

What are some of the challenges?

Hah! I've already had to tell a few folks, "Yes, I'm playing Glinda, but not that Glinda!" In direct relation to your previous question, there's bound to be some comparison of the Good Witches, but I'm happy to say I don't feel any pressure to copy the iconic options given to us by Billie Burke, Kristin Chenoweth, or Ariana Grande, to name a few. 

Why should people come see the show, even if they already know the story?

It'll be like watching a favorite story...but with some new surprises! We're going to Oz, yes, but how will we do the tornado? How will we go from black and white to a world of color? How is the Wicked Witch of the West going to melt? There's something so exciting about seeing magic happen live on stage. (I'm excited to see it myself!)

What do you hope audiences take away from the experience?

I hope folks walk away singing, laughing, and holding the warmth that comes with the final message: there's no place like home.

Becca Claire Hart* (she/her) feels so lucky to be a part of this wonderful show. Hart has performed in several CTC shows and has worked at the Guthrie Theater, Jungle Theater, Theater Latté Da, and other stages around the Twin Cities. She sends love to her family and friends! 

Tickets may be purchased at childrenstheatre.org/oz or by calling the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400. Ticket prices start at $25.

 

School groups interested in attending The Wizard of Oz can contact schools@childrenstheatre.org for more information.

 

The Wizard of Oz has a run time of 2 hours, with one 15-minute intermission.

 

This production is recommended for all ages. Lap passes are available for children 3 years and younger.

 

The Wizard of Oz
By L. Frank Baum

With Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg

Background Music by Herbert Stothart

Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard

Orchestration by Larry Wilcox

Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company
Music Direction and Orchestrations by Victor Zupanc
Choreography by Christopher Windom†

Directed by Rick Dildine†

 

Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by

Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.
 

April 21-June 14, 2026
UnitedHealth Group Stage
Best for all ages

Music Minute - Ancient Seed

Ancient Seed, the new song in support of #SaveSoil is available now! As the first single from the forthcoming Conscious Planet EP, it combines music and message to draw global attention to the future of our soil.

The track unites international artists Australian-Tamil singer-songwriter Dhee, Nigerian Afrobeats singer-songwriter Tiwa Savage, Indian music producer and film composer Santhosh Narayanan, and multi-platinum, GRAMMY-nominated record producer WondaGurl, creating a mashup of Indian and Afrobeats music with a Western pop flair, all while shining a spotlight on soil and nature.

Click to add “Ancient Seed”  to your music library