LYNN — A 13-year Lynn Common tradition will go online Oct. 8 to give city students a break from studying with a virtual “family fun day.”
Billed as an hour filled with “info-tainment,” Family and Children’s Services of Lynn is putting the finishing touches on a production featuring interactive performances in English and Spanish from Curious Creatures and Bruce the Clown, as well as a music and a craft demonstration.
The virtual presentation, scheduled from 6-7 p.m., will also include important information for parents juggling work and COVID-19-imposed virtual learning.
“Now, more than ever, families need to know about the services, agencies, and support that exist to help them not only survive, but thrive,” said Interim Executive Director Ruben Montano-Lopez.
Based on North Common Street, Family and Children’s Services has a 135-year history helping families in Lynn and surrounding communities.
Its early history included running nurseries to aid working parents and a penny lunch program.
It launched a baby clinic in 1913 and Family and Children’s Services’ programs over the decades have evolved into aiding more than 5,000 families annually through its early childhood family resources center, home visiting services and other programs.
Family and Children’s Services scrambled in early spring to provide families with diapers and other supplies after the pandemic closed or limited access to stores.
“Our mission is to strengthen the life skills of families, children and individuals of all ages,” states the agency’s website.
Although this year’s virtual fun day won’t include bouncy houses, face painting, sack races, and free ice cream, it will include raffle prizes and an opportunity for parents who pre-register to win a backpack full of school supplies.
“Family Fun Day has been a great in-person event on Lynn Commons for the past 13 years and we just couldn’t bear to cancel it because of COVID-19. The show must go on,” said Montano-Lopez.
The one-hour special will air on Facebook, YouTube,
and Lynn Community Television with pre-registration through https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/G553P5T
The hour is sponsored by Eastern Bank and more information is available for families by contacting Family and Children’s Service Program Manager Mariana Marquez at [email protected].
