Bergen • Rockland Parent June 2017

Bergen RocklandParent JUNE 2017

•

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

Unexpected Ways to

Have Fun This Summer Plus: Top Beaches and Amusement Parks

Sick in Summertime Childhood ailments to watch out for this season

c

Last Call for the

2017 Kids Cover Contest See your child here

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RocklandParent

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NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Contents

June 2017 ››

15

Features

15 Unexpected Summer Fun Unique, unusual, and off-the-beaten-path things to do in NYC

26

26 The Summertime Health Blues How to avoid—or beat—six childhood ailments that commonly strike during the warmer months 42 Grilling with Chef John Stage Tips for cooking on the barbecue from a grill master—just in time for a Father’s Day feast 44 It’s Never Too Early to Prevent Drug Abuse With changing laws and attitudes about recreational marijuana, it’s more important than ever for parents to talk to their kids about drug use.

Connections

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Quotables 11 NYMP Q&A: Diaper Dude’s Chris Pegula talks dads’ roles in parenthood.

28 Voices of the Next Generation: My family celebrates the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr, which takes place in June this year— here’s why it’s so special to me 58 Voices: How we, a gay couple with two adopted sons, raised our kids during changing times

44

42

Family Activities CALENDAR ››

33

Fun & Activities

12 Humor: Happy Father’s Day to the Fellas!

12 Last Chance to Enter the Cover Contest 30 Outing: Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey 33 Family Activities Calendar 40 Where-To Guide: Beaches 41 Where-To Guide: Amusement Parks

Directories 48 49 50 57 57

Meet the Health Care Professional Party Central Camp #SnapShots Party Planner Advertisers’ Index

Original photo by PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided

by Appaman (appaman.com)

››

ON THE COVER ›› 12 Last Call for the 2017 Kids Cover Contest 15 Unexpected Ways to Have Fun This Summer

facebook.com/nymetroparents

26 Sick in Summertime

@NYMetroParents

40 Beaches

41 Amusement Parks

Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!

at Barnes & Noble this Summer MUST-READS for YOUNG READERS

Favorite Paperbacks

BUY 2, GET THE 3RD FREE* Selection may vary. Ask a bookseller for details. Offer ends 9/4/17.

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Visit your local store or shop BN.com for these savings and much more.

RocklandParent

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JUNE 2017 • Vol.10 • No.8

NYMetroParents Publications EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress

EDITOR’S NOTE

MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf

Hidden Gems, Happy Days D

REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Emma Steven (Manhattan); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke

id you know you can see wild parakeets in Brooklyn? Visit a museum housed in an old freight elevator in Manhattan? Play on a former landfill on Staten Island? We at NYMetroParents pride ourselves on knowing all about how to have fun with kids around New York City, but to kick off summer, we decided to dig deeper. So Katelin Walling took on the challenging assignment of uncovering our region’s hidden gems—and found many exciting options we hadn’t known before. See her round-up of the best unexpected ways to have fun this summer (p. 15), and then get out and start exploring!

Unfortunately, we all sometimes have to cancel fun plans to run our children to the doctor—their illnesses, ailments, and injuries certainly don’t take the summer off. That’s not unusual, as I learned from Stacey Pfeffer’s report on children’s summertime health issues (p. 26). From Coxsackie virus to athlete’s foot to lice, we offer advice on how to prevent summertime ailments, and failing that, how to treat them.

June marks the end of our Kids Cover Contest, so make sure to enter your child before it’s too late! Submissions close June 9. Head to nymetroparents.com/cover and follow the directions there to upload a photo and enter the contest. Ten finalists will participate in a professional photo shoot, and any of them may appear on upcoming magazine covers. Two grand-prize winners will be guaranteed cover spots and will win awesome prizes—a family vacation at Kalahari water park or a Barbizon modeling scholarship. And once you’ve entered, don’t forget to get your friends and family to vote! The Fan Favorite—the child with the most votes—will be one of the 10 finalists (the others are chosen by our editors) and will win tickets to Sesame Place.

There is so much to celebrate in June! Summer officially starts, graduations take place, and we’ll salute Dad on Father’s Day. If you’re planning a barbecue as part of your celebration, make sure to check out our tips—and recipes—for grilling meals everyone will love (p. 42).

Plus, in our Voices column, dads Rod Howe and Mark Pedersen—who met and fell in love more than 30 years ago and are grandparents today—look back on parenting their sons during an era of changing attitudes about gay parents (p. 58). Muslims also are celebrating one of their biggest holidays of the year, Eid al-Fitr (which falls on different dates every year but in 2017 is in June); 12-year-old Farah Husain, a student at Manhattan’s Trinity School, shows us how she and her family celebrate this joyous festival (p. 28). If you have a unique personal story to tell about life as a parent, we want to hear from you: Submit essays (600800 words) to NYMPWriter@davlermedia.com.

Happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there, and wishing all the best to our region’s graduates!

ADVERTISING SALES Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239 Jessica Leonhardt, Jeunesse Jackson, Linda Pierce Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Ellen Klein Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Merrill Sugarman, Mary Wender Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Ellen Klein, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager, Dani Pollack Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Lisa Herlihy, Karen Shapiro To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Ray C. Guédez, Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: Erin Jordan

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Keep in Touch: nymetroparents.com editor@nymetroparents.com

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June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2017, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.

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nymetroparents.com/np-rp

Courtesy Bricks 4 Kidz - Rockland County

NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS

Bricks 4 Kidz Launches Summer Camp

Through Bricks 4 Kidz, children engage in STEM-based Lego building.

Courtesy Young Chefs Academy of New City

Who: Bricks 4 Kidz - Rockland County What’s New: A weeklong summer camp at Bounce! Trampoline Sports in Valley Cottage for children ages 5-10.

By partnering with Bounce! Trampoline Sports, Bricks 4 Kidz in Rockland County will provide its STEM-based Lego building this summer along with interactive trampoline play within a temperature-controlled environment.

The Bricks 4 Kidz camp program will be offered for four weeks: June 26-30, Aug. 14-18 and 21-25, and Aug. 28-Sept. 1. There will be morning (9am-12pm) and afternoon (1-4pm) sessions with weekly themes such as NASA Space Mission or Extreme Ninjas.

Participants can register for a full- or half-day week.

Want More Info: info@b4kcenter.com; b4kcenter.com; facebook.com/bricks4kidz.rcklndny. Bounce! Trampoline Sports: 612 Corporate Way, Valley Cottage

Cooking School for Kids Offers Summer Mini-Camps Who: Young Chefs Academy of New City What’s New: Camp Can-I-Cook, a series of themed mini-camps held over the summer for ages 6 and older.

The three- to four-day hands-on camps run from 9am-12pm on select dates between June 26 and Aug. 17. Camp themes include farm to table, international flavors, popular recipes from decades past, a friendly culinary competition, and several sweet options.

“Young Chefs Academy is a place where your child can go off to camp and come home with gained culinary skills, new friendships, original Young Chefs Academy recipes, and memories to utilize and last a lifetime,” says Tina Latina, owner of the New City location.

Want More Info: 59 S. Main St., Suite 2, New City; 845-638-0601; newcityny@youngchefsacademy.com; newcityny.youngchefsacademy.com

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June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

New City store owner and instructor Tina Latina (right) with her husband Sebastian Latina

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UOTABLES I was watching Finding Nemo with Marlowe the other day, and there was an exchange between Dory and Nemo’s father that I hadn’t ever paid close attention to before. Nemo’s father tells Dory, anxiously, “But I told him I’d never let anything happen to him!” Dory replies, “But then nothing would ever happen to him.” And there it is. Letting go is hard, but wishing for a full, vibrant, messy, beautiful life for both of my children is a lot louder than my fear. I can guarantee I will never stop trying to fight for that.

—Eva Amurri Martino, in a post entitled “Parenting a Rainbow Baby,” on her blog HappilyEvaAfter.com

in an instagram Nothing beats the big smiles of a few hours well spent in a playground.

(Posted by @dadarocks, aka Adam Cohen, who blogs at dadarocks.com)

WRITE IT DOWN….TOGETHER

in an instagram I love this photo. It was taken right after a very serious conversation where I explained that it’s time to stop eating her boogers.....at least in public #loosingbattle She’s really struggling with this mandate.

(Posted by @mochamommy_nyc, aka Nia Lawrence, who blogs at mochamommyinthecity.com)

“You also never know how much a kind glance or a few words can mean to a mom. Several years ago, we were in a restaurant and desperate to subdue Max, who was wailing loudly. Finally, we distracted him with a video. I felt drained and sad. A mom at another table caught my eye. “You OK?” she mouthed. And that was exactly the comfort I needed.”

—Ellen Seidman, in a post entitled “Stop the Special Needs Mom Shaming,” on her blog LoveThatMax.com

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June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

“If you want to know what’s going on in your child’s head, you need to discuss things beyond, ‘How was school today?’

When you journal together, you can write about things like: ‘What is my biggest dream?’ and ‘What was my recent mistake and what have I learned from it?’ These are important conversational questions that are not typically asked at the dinner table.”

—Stamford, CT, mom Alexandra Eidens in an article entitled “Why You Should Start Journaling With Your Child.” Read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/journal.

MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: CELEBRATE DAD: Tips for making Father’s Day extra special (nymetroparents.com/fathers-day) DAY TRIP: Visit Hyde Park, home of President Franklin Roosevelt (nymetroparents.com/hyde-park).

ACTIVITY QUIZ: Plan the perfect day for your family (nymetroparents.com/activity-quiz).

FREE ADVICE: Download a helpful parenting guide at nymetroparents.com/freebies.

DESTINATION MARKETPLACE

NYMP Q&A

You Got It, Dude!

C

››

By Bethany Braun-Silva

hris Pegula is the founder of Diaper Dude, a brand of diaper bags and accessories for dads. His second book, Diaper Dude: The Ultimate Dad’s Guide to Surviving the First Two Years was recently published.

Why did you want to write a book for dads about parenthood?

I felt that if there was something geared toward men it would help them feel more secure and confident in wanting to be prepared. Both of my books were written about approaching parenthood from a more emotional point of view and preparing men emotionally for the journey ahead. I give tips on how to not lose your identity when you become a parent; you throw yourself into this parenting world but it’s still important to nurture yourself and your relationships. There are plenty of books that tell you how a baby or pregnancy is developing, but I didn’t feel there was something that addressed the emotional things that men go through or how to be there for their partner or how to feel secure enough as a father for the first time or how to put on that dad role and still maintain your individual role as the person that you were.

How have dads’ roles evolved? They have changed dramatically, and I felt that when I became a parent myself. I thought, “Why wouldn’t more dads want to be more involved?” So many women have gone back into the workforce after having children and solidified their positions as more powerful and financially stable then their counterparts, so there are more stay-at-home dads today. It’s exciting and tremendous to see that shift happening.

What was the most challenging thing for you in your children’s early years? I have so much love for my children that it was almost to a fault. The love can confuse and alter your decisions as a parent; you just want to do anything and everything for your children. But I feel like being able to be strong with your discipline and set boundaries and establish your role as a parent is important so that you can set an example for what you expect from your children. It was challenging for me because I was kind of a pushover. My wife would be the first to say, “You need to be more stringent as a dad.”

What are some ways dads can feel more involved? Having something that gives you confidence is so important and a great way for dad to get more involved in parenting. That’s where the ideas of the diaper bags came from. It helped to establish the connection that dads belong. Pregnancy can be especially difficult to connect to your baby because, after all, it’s growing inside of your partner.

She’s experiencing everything and everyone is falling over her and congratulating her, and until you actually hold that baby in your arms, it can be very difficult to feel connected. I think products for dad that get him involved absolutely give him the feeling that he has a purpose and that he can be involved early on.

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©2016 Alison Wong

HUMOR

Happy Father’s Day to the Fellas!

Alison Wong is the writer and illustrator of New Mom Comics: The First Year, which offers a humorous and relatable take on the wild journey of parenting.

“Daddy’s first Father’s Day! Having a little one makes you love your husband in a whole new way and more!” Wong writes in her book.

Anyone celebrating Father’s Day this June will appreciate Wong’s illustration on what makes dads so great.

Last Chance to Enter the Cover Contest

PhotoOp

Alison Wong is an illustrator, product designer, and innovation consultant. She lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her husband and son.

Visit newmomcomics.com for more.

››

H

undreds of local parents have already entered the 2017 Kids Cover Contest, hoping for a chance to see their child or teen on our magazine cover. Are you one of them? If not, what are you waiting for? The contest is open to kids ages 2-16 and closes June 9.

This year, 10 finalists will participate in a professional photo shoot: Nine of them are chosen by our editors and the 10th is the Fan Favorite—the child with the most votes. So once you’ve entered, be sure to spread the word for your friends and families to vote!

Our editors will choose two grand-prize winners from among the finalists, and both will be featured on upcoming covers of the magazine. One will also win a photo shoot from Barbizon and a one-year scholarship to Barbizon Modeling and Acting School, while the other will get a free two-night stay at Kalahari Resorts in the Poconos, the largest indoor

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June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

The finalists from last year’s Kids Cover Contest

water park in the U.S. The Fan Favorite will get four free tickets to Sesame Place, and all finalists have a chance to be on future covers.

To enter, go to nymetroparents.com/cover. You’ll be asked to upload a photo of your child and you can add a caption, if you like. We’ll ask for your child’s name and age and for some information on how to contact you if your child is a finalist.

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Photo Credit: André Maier

Photo Credit: André Maier

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Davler Media Group Fax: 212.271.2239 • Call: 914.290.4716 Email: Distributon@davlermedia.com 498 Seventh Ave., 10th Floor New York, NY 10018

Your Mitzvah CHECKLIST, Budget Worksheet and TIMELINE

37 things to do in New York City that are unique, unusual, and off the beaten path

Katelin Walling

D E T C E P UNEX Fu n r e m Sum

By Katelin Walling

W

e live near (what is arguably) the greatest city in the United States, with its dozens of museums and cultural institutions, landmarks, and historical sites. Yet, sometimes it can feel like you visit those kid-friendly locations too often already, and the thought of schlepping the kids there for the nth time is draining. Let’s face it: You and your kids are bored—itching for a new adventure. Now what?

We scoured the city and created a scavenger hunt of 37 unique, unusual, or off-the-beaten-path things to do, see, or explore with your kids. If you post photos of your adventures on Instagram, make sure you tag us @NYMetroParents, and let us know if you find anything we should add to our list! continued on next page ››

The Fearless Girl statue will remain facing the Charging Bull 15 RocklandParent in the Financial District of Manhattan through February 2018.

Each year Randall’s Island Urban Farm purchases 10 chicks to raise in the garden.

Steve Baldwin

Courtesy Randall’s Island Park Alliance

At Brooklyn Cat Café, run by Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition, families can play and hang out with adoptable cats.

Courtesy Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition Inc.

Giacomo Francia, courtesy the artists

Pinkie, a talking parrot from Pet Resources in the Bronx, is drawn by students at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens, on March 8 as part of Lenka Clayton and Jon Rubin: ...circle through New York.

Several wild monk parakeets (aka Quaker Parrots) mob a bird feeder in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

Hang with Animals without Going to the Zoo Get a hug from a golden retriever.

If you’re walking around Chelsea in Manhattan, and you see a dog giving hugs, go ahead; stop and see if you can get a hug, too. Louboutina, or as her fans call her Loubie, became a social media sensation earlier this year for clinging to the legs of passersby.

As with all dogs, make sure you ask her owner if it’s okay to get some puppy lovin’.

Hang out with adoptable kitties.

Love felines but can’t have one due to an allergy in the family or a strict landlord?

Head to 1 of 3 cat cafés in New York City, where you can enjoy snacks, play with cats, or cuddle with the adoptable felines while you read a book: Koneko Cat Café and Meow Parlour, both located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, or Brooklyn Cat Café, located in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn. Reservations are not needed but strongly recommended to guarantee time with the kitties. Visit nymetroparents.com/cat-cafes for information about what you’ll find at each location.

Go on a safari in Midwood, Brooklyn.

See all the animals mentioned in the Torah.

A Wild Parrot Safari, that is. Wild monk parakeets live near the Brooklyn College campus, and multiple sources have confirmed that they either escaped or were released from JFK airport, likely in the late 1960s, according to Steve Baldwin, who leads the tours.

Participants gather at Brooklyn College, at the intersection of Hillel Place and Campus Road, and will be led on a tour to see and learn about the parrots. Summer tours are scheduled for Saturdays, June 3, July 1, and Aug. 12. Visit brooklynparrots.com to learn more and to RSVP for a tour date.

You can see every beast, great and small, named in the Hebrew Bible in taxidermy form at Torah Animal World, located at 1601 41st St., Borough Park, Brooklyn (torahanimalworld.com). Exhibits include Animals of the Torah, Birds of the Torah, and Animals of the Tefillah (prayer).

Become one with a brood.

Every year the folks at Randall’s Island Urban Farm purchase 10 chicks and raise them in the garden. You can hang out with the chickens during Urban Farm Exploration Days on Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-5pm, May 13-Oct. 14. Visit randallsisland.org for more information.

Spot the red-eared sliders in Central Park.

I used to think the lake at the Loeb Boathouse was Turtle Pond, until I took the time to wander around Central Park and found myself near Belvedere Castle.

That’s where Turtle Pond, a smaller, more secluded pond, is located (mid-park, between 79th and 80th streets). The man-made pond is home to five species of turtles, the easiest of which to identify is the red-eared slider—it has small red spots near its ears. See how many you and your kids can find.

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You can follow Max’s adventures on Instagram @governor_max.

Need a staycation?

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Talk to a parrot.

Pinkie, a salmon-crested cockatoo from Pet Resources in the Bronx, will spend June at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, July at St. Philips Church in Harlem, Manhattan, and will return home in August, as part of …circle through New York, a unique project of circulating things commissioned as part of Guggenheim Social Practice. For more information about the project, and what Pinkie will be doing at each location, visit circlethroughnewyork.com.

Say “Hi” to Max on Governors Island.

Governors Island (govisland.com) used to have a problem with too many goose droppings on the lawns—until Max, a border collie, was hired in 2015. Max’s job on the island, apart from being an official greeter, is to herd and discourage geese from hanging out to ensure the enjoyment and safety of guests. Jim Reed, the director of park and public space for Governors Island, adopted Max from the Mid Atlantic Border Collie Rescue Program in Maryland.

Visitors are encouraged to take pictures, and are allowed to say hi if Max is not actively herding. continued on next page ››

Find everything you need, faster at

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Nina LoSchiavo

NYC Parks

Originally built in the mid-19th century as part of the Croton Aqueduct system, High Bridge opened in 2015 as a pedestrian walkway.

Activities for the Adventurous Explore the Gowanus Canal.

Join the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club (gowanuscanal.org) for a self-guided canoe trip of the Gowanus Canal during walkup canoeing. The canoe trips aim to raise awareness of harbor issues, and you may even see such wildlife as ducks, herons, horseshoe crabs, fiddler crabs, and jellyfish. Walk-up canoeing is held Wednesdays, 6-8pm, MaySeptember, and Saturdays, 1-5pm, JuneOctober. Canoeing and equipment use is free, though donations are accepted, and no reservation is needed. Meet the club at the 2nd Street Launch Site: 165 2nd St., Gowanus, Brooklyn.

Let your kids play in a junkyard.

No, not an actual junkyard! This summer, Governors Island (govisland.com) will again be home to play:groundNYC, a junkyard playground that gives young adventurers the opportunity to work with tools and building materials to explore physical, social, and emotional problem solving. Don’t

Pia Peterson ©2017

Children participating in canoeing with the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club must have a waiver signed by a parent.

Courtesy the Trust for Governors Island

Located at 61 Hester Street, Lower East Side, Manhattan, this mural was painted by Jessica Blowers as part of the 100 Gates Project.

The junkyard area of play:groundNYC on Governors Island, for kids only, is filled with materials and tools such as nails, hammers, saws, wood, tires, and fabric for children to create and play.

worry, though, trained staff provides support to help children construct and create.

Play:groundNYC is free and open to the public May 6-Oct. 1, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm.

Bike, scoot, or walk across NYC’s oldest bridge.

Built in the mid-19th century as a part of the Croton Aqueduct system, which carried water from the Croton River in Westchester to Manhattan, High Bridge is now a pedestrian walkway that connects Washington Heights in Manhattan and Highbridge in the Bronx. It’s accessible in Manhattan via a staircase in Highbridge Park (West 172nd Street and Amsterdam Avenue) or a ramp at 167th Street and Edgecombe Avenue; and in the Bronx at University Avenue and 170th Street, or a ramp north of there.

Whisper secrets to each other in Central Park.

While most of us know about the Whispering Gallery in Grand Central Station, a lesser-known place to whisper

to each other is at the Charles B. Stover Bench—colloquially known as the “Whisper Bench” because if you whisper into one corner, your voice travels to the other side—in the Shakespeare Garden in Central Park (located on the west side between 79th and 80th streets).

Go on an art walk.

In an effort to deter graffiti artists and beautify the Lower East Side, the 100 Gates Project—started by local artist and pro skateboarder Billy Rohan in 2014—connects local artists with businesses to collaborate on original murals that are painted on the roll-down security gates of those businesses.

Over two years the project installed 100 gates throughout the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and currently has plans to expand to Harlem and Staten Island. Visit 100gates.nyc for more information and to find a map of the participating businesses.

Get your fortune told.

A 1907 Cleveland Grandma, who sits in a wooden booth at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park in Coney Island, Brooklyn,

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Wonder what your future holds? Ask Grandma, located at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

has been predicting fortunes for almost 100 years. When her booth first opened, predictions were 1 cent, but due to inflation, they now cost a whopping 50 cents. Visit wonderwheel.com for more information about Deno’s.

Zip through the air in Glendale, Queens.

Families can zipline, rock climb, or air jump at Zip Jump Climb, stationed at The Shops at Atlas Park (8000 Cooper Ave., Glendale, Queens), for just $10 each, but only through July 9.

Visit zipjumpclimb.com to reserve your adventure. continued on next page ››

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Courtesy Black Tap

Katelin Walling

Hippo Ballerina will leave Manhattan’s Lincoln Center July 31

Katelin Walling

Black Tap milkshakes are piled high with goodies; pictured are Sweet N’ Salty, Cotton Candy, and The Cookie Shake.

Susan Gardner has been affixing items to her brownstone since just after 9/11 to create this amazing mural in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.

Do It for the ’Gram

Stand with Fearless Girl

Snap a photo of the sunset.

The Fearless Girl statue appeared suddenly in Manhattan’s Financial District for International Women’s Day and immediately became a symbol of female strength and confidence.

Snap a pic of your own fierce females posing with Fearless Girl this summer, if you haven’t already. While there has been controversy surrounding Fearless Girl (because of a plaque that used to be at her feet, and backlash from the artist of the Charging Bull), she is sticking around through February 2018, according to NY Daily News.

#DanceWithHippoBallerina

Indulge in over-the-top milkshakes.

But not just any sunset. Unique to Manhattan, Manhattanhenge— when the sunset is perfectly aligned with the grid of the streets in Manhattan—will occur twice this summer. If you miss the May 30 (8:12pm) sunset, mark your calendars for July 12 at 8:20pm. The best streets to get breath-taking photos are 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th, according to famed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ph.D. Just make sure to be as far east as possible, while having a clear sightline west, and be in position 30 minutes before the above times.

The installation of artist Bjorn Skaarup’s bronze statue has been dancing outside Lincoln Center since February, and will remain until July 31. Jeté over to Dante Park (at 64th Street and Broadway) on the Upper West Side of Manhattan to ’gram your tiny dancers before she disappears.

Milkshakes have taken over Instagram. No, not your classic milkshakes—we’re talking indulgent, over-the-top, work-of-art milkshakes from Buns Bar, located in Chelsea, Manhattan, and Black Tap, located in Soho, Manhattan. We won’t try to describe these treats with words—we’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Katelin Walling

Eat cereal out of a shoebox.

Enjoy a bowl of the traditional breakfast meal for lunch at KITH Treats, a cereal “bar” at which you can order up a combination of your favorite cereals (there are 23 different cereals to choose from) with choice toppings, or choose one of the specials. Plus, you choose how you eat it: in a commuter cup, a shoebox, or as a custom ice cream flavor or milkshake.

KITH Treats is located within KITH Brooklyn (233 Flatbush Ave., Boerum Hill, Brooklyn), a clothing store founded by Queens native Ronnie Fieg.

Revel in the beauty of the mosaic house.

The Flat White, Cinnamon Toast Crunch with toffee crunch and almond milk, served in a shoebox at KITH Treats in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn

Katelin Walling

Stop by and see what treasures you can find affixed to the façade of a Brooklyn Brownstone. Susan Gardner, creator and inhabitant of the mosaic house, began affixing items to her brownstone after 9/11 because she didn’t want to be alone in her studio, she says in a Moonshot Productions New Yorkers video. The house is located at 108 Wyckoff St., Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.

Visit a locksmith.

Even if you don’t need keys made, you’ll want to stop by Greenwich Locksmiths to see an amazing key mosaic on the shop’s façade. Owner Philip Mortillaro, who started locksmithing in 1964 and opened this location in 1980, says he had always wanted to make a chair out of keys, and when that was accomplished, he started on his door and then moved onto the building itself.

Greenwich Locksmiths is located at 56 Seventh Ave. S., West Village, Manhattan.

Courtesy Buns Bar

Philip Mortillaro, owner of Greenwich Locksmiths welded the key mosaic on the façade of his shop, as well as the chair sitting out front, and the inside of the door.

Call on the Ghostbusters!

Buns Bar adds artistic flair to its milkshakes by decorating the mug with frosting, cookies, cereals, and candies.

Well, actually, the firehouse that was used as the Ghostbusters’ home base in the 1984 movie. Hook and Ladder No. 8, located at 14 N. Moore St., Tribeca, Manhattan, was used for the exterior shots of Ghostbusters HQ, and the logo sign used in the movies still hangs in the station today. This is a working firehouse, so be prepared to move quickly if the firefighters are called into action. continued on next page ››

Courtesy Randall’s Island Park Alliance NYC Parks

Families can learn about agriculture during Urban Farm Exploration Days on Randall’s Island.

Explore Nature Explore the Urban Farm on Randall’s Island.

Courtesy Maria Viljoen

Families can ride their bikes around Freshkills Park on Staten Island during Discovery Day on June 4.

Home to Icahn Stadium and the site of Governor’s Ball music festival, Randall’s Island (randallsisland.org) is also home to an urban farm. Families can experience and learn about agriculture at the 40,000-square-foot environmentally sustainable garden and outdoor classroom during Urban Farm Exploration Days on Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-5pm, May 13-Oct. 14.

Get a taste of the Adirondack Mountains in Manhattan.

Explore the North Woods of Central Park—one of the most secluded areas of the park—where the landscape isn’t manicured (located on the west side, between 101st and 110th streets).

The highlight of the 90-acre section of the park is the man-made waterfalls— contrary to TLC’s advice, these are ones you definitely should chase.

Get your green thumb a little dirty.

A young forager on one of Marie Viljoen’s walks picked some dandelions, which are good for digestion, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Bushwick City Farms is a community farm that relies on donations and help from volunteers of all ages to run. So if you want to work in a garden but don’t have the space for your own, you can stop by on Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30pm to dusk, to help with and learn about composting, animal care,

transplanting, weeding, garden cleanup, spreading wood chips, and other garden tasks. There are also opportunities to donate items and time in other ways.

Bushwick City Farms is located at Lewis Avenue and Stockton Street, Bushwick, Brooklyn. Visit bushwickcityfarm. wordpress.com for more information.

Go on a foraging walk.

Did you know you can find edible plants in NYC’s parks? “Wildman” Steve Brill and Marie Viljoen offer foraging walks in various parks in the city to point out which plants—most of which are often thought of as weeds and destroyed—can be used in everyday cooking. Visit wildmanstevebrill.com or 66squarefeet. blogspot.com for more information and to sign up for a walk.

Play on an old landfill on Staten Island.

Freshkills Park is a new park being built over NYC’s former primary landfill on Staten Island. Opening in phases from the outside in, the park currently offers programs and events to learn about and explore currently closed sections of the landfill-to-park project. Events include Discovery Day on June 4, a bike tour on June 10, and kayak tours for ages 16 and older on June 18 and July 16 and 30. Visit freshkillspark.org for more information.

Courtesy Bushwick City Farms

Bushwick City Farm’s motto is “Give what you can, take what you need,” and all produce at the farm is free for community members.

Visit the largest rooftop soil farm in the city.

Central Park Conservancy

Brooklyn Grange’s Flagship farm hosts open houses on Saturdays (May 20-Oct. 21, 11am-4pm), but families should be sure to visit May 20, June 17, July 15, Aug. 19, or Sept. 16 for Family Farm Day, when City Growers, an educational nonprofit that connects urban communities with agriculture, food, and environment, hosts free family-friendly workshops and children’s activities geared toward children ages 2 and older at Brooklyn Grange. Family Farm Day activities vary, and are typically announced via City Growers’ social media—Instagram and Twitter: CityGrowersNYC; Facebook: City Growers. The flagship farm is located on the roof of 37-18 Northern Blvd., Long Island City, Queens. Visit brooklyngrangefarm.com to learn more.

Do you need a location for his 7th birthday party?

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©Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farm

Get a taste of the Adirondack Mountains in the North Woods of Central Park in Manhattan.

Find everything you need, faster at The Long Island City location of Brooklyn Grange hosts Family Farm Day, run by City Growers, the third Saturday of each growing-season month.

continued on next page ››

RocklandParent 23

Katelin Walling

Courtesy Paul Klein

See the original stuffed animals that inspired the stories of Winniethe-Pooh at the New York Public Library in Midtown, Manhattan

Jonathan Blanc/The New York Public Library Courtesy TK

Courtesy New York Federal Reserve

The Gold Vault at New York Federal Reserve

The City Island Land Ferry is free on the first Friday of the month, April-December.

Catch a ride to City Island in the Bronx.

Yonah Schimmel’s Knish Bakery is the oldest knishery in the U.S.

Uniquely New York Check out one of Manhattan’s smallest museums.

Housed in a former freight elevator, Mmuseumm’s exhibitions aim to engage, educate, and inform the public in a unique cultural approach to looking at the current world. The tiny museum is located at 4 Cortlandt Alley in Chinatown, Manhattan, and the 2017 season opens May 11.

See a lot of gold.

Tour the New York Federal Reserve, located in Lower Manhattan, where you’ll learn about the role of the New York Fed and the Federal Reserve System through displays and interactive exhibits, as well as the U.S. economy and how money is made. Plus, you’ll descend into the Fed’s Gold Vault to see the gold bricks housed there. Unfortunately visitors can’t take pictures. Visit newyorkfed. org to reserve a free tour; children must be 16 and older.

Ride the subway through an abandoned stop.

There are two ways you can see the restored City Hall station on the 6 subway line in Manhattan: be a member of the New York Transit Museum and sign up for tour tickets quickly, or stay on the downtown 6 train as it turns around through City Hall station to head uptown. Look out the windows on the right side of the train as you’re facing the direction the train is moving (and make sure you double check with the subway attendant that it’s okay with them for you to stay on the train).

Adventure to City Island, which is reminiscent of a small fishing village, via the City Island Land Ferry. Ride the 6 train to the Pelham Bay Park station, and on the first Friday of the month (AprilDecember) from 5:30-9:30pm, you can hitch a ride on the trolley for free. While there, you can play at the Ambrosini Field playground, enjoy dinner, stop by Lickety Split Ice Cream for dessert, and watch the sun set before taking the trolley back to Pelham Bay Park station.

See the stuffed animals that inspired Winnie-the-Pooh.

The original stuffed animals of Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, Kanga, and T-I-double Guh-Errr are housed in the New York Public Library’s Children’s Center at 42nd Street (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 476 Fifth Ave., Midtown, Manhattan). While you’re there with your little book lovers, check out a few books or participate in a story time.

Watch a giant chess match.

A larger-than-life chessboard is affixed to the north wall of 212 E. 48th St., Midtown East, Manhattan. Each Wednesday at 12pm, one piece is moved using a cherry picker, in a recreation of some of history’s greatest matches. You can learn more about the current match by visiting the concierge in the building’s lobby.

Enjoy a knish.

And not just any knish. Yonah Schimmel’s Knish Bakery, established in 1910 and located at 137 E. Houston St., Lower East Side, Manhattan, is the oldest knish bakery in the United States. And, man, are they delish!

Learn how pianos are made.

Participate in a Steinway & Sons Factory Tour and learn what goes into making a piano by going through the working factory. Tours are free, and children younger than 16 are not allowed on the tours. Tours are offered Tuesdays, 9:30am-12pm, September-June. While tours are completely booked through December 2017, you can email tours@ steinway.com to be placed on a waiting list for this year’s tours.

New York State Thruway Authority

Tuxedo Union Free School District STEM Academy at

George Grant Mason School & George F. Baker High School

Close to Home After sections of structural steel were anchored to the main span towers of the New NY Bridge, workers installed precast concrete panels to create the bridge deck.

While making the trek into NYC is worth it, sometimes we don’t want to venture too far from home. We found five hidden gems in Rockland and Bergen counties to add to your summer scavenger hunt.

Promoting the use of higher thinking, digital technologies, and content driven-problem solving skills, which help our students not only today but for the rest of their lives Preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow with the skills of today

A K-12 district that connects components of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Explore a “ghost town” in Bear Mountain State Park.

Lived in continuously from circa 1762 to 1965, the hamlet of Doodletown was abandoned in the ’60s after a long period of land acquisition by the Palisades Interstate Parks Commission, which had planned to build a cross-country ski network on the land. The project never progressed, and Doodletown is now a town of ruins you can explore, from cemeteries and church/school ruins to a swimming hole and roads that are said to have been used by the British in 1777.

Visit nynjtc.org for more information.

See wild monk parakeets.

You don’t have to schlep into Brooklyn to see wild monk parakeets, as some live in Bergen County, NJ, and have been spotted in Edgewater, Leonia, Englewood, Cliffside Park, and Palisades.

Though in New Jersey, you won’t find an informational tour.

Engaging students in project-based activities while incorporating collaborative learning environments.

Visit www.tuxedoufsd.org, or call 845.351.4799 for more information Entrance exam not required Scholarships Available

Are you planning a

Snap a photo with the original fearless woman.

Rosie the Riveter, who has become an iconic symbol of women’s achievements, stands in bronze in Wood-Ridge, NJ. During World War II, more than 6 million women went to work in plants that produced munitions and other war supplies. The Curtiss-Wright facility, also in Wood-Ridge at the height of the war, employed many women during the war, producing engines that powered aircrafts.

Rosie the Riveter is located at 100 Rosie Square, Wood-Ridge, NJ.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah?

Simplify Your Simcha Let’s you keep track of everything from your laptop, tablet or phone.

Bask in the glow of fluorescent minerals.

Did you know that some minerals found in the area glow in the dark? While the Franklin Mineral Museum is almost an hour drive from Rockland and Bergen counties, we didn’t want to leave its fluorescent minerals off this list. The 32-foot-long display features hand-sized to large specimens of local fluorescent minerals that glow in hues of red, blue, green, orange, and yellow under ultraviolet light. Franklin Mineral Museum is located at 32 Evans St., Franklin, NJ. Visit franklinmineralmuseum.com for more information.

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Watch the progress of the New NY Bridge.

Do you have a little engineer who is curious about the New NY Bridge? Do you wonder how the bridge has progressed since work started in 2015? Head to the fishing pier in Nyack’s Memorial Park to get a view of the action. The platform features viewing scopes and informational panels, including a spotter’s guide that identifies different equipment being used. Plus, see if you can spot the peregrine falcons that reside on the current Tappan Zee Bridge. Visit newnybridge.com for more information.

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The Summertime Health Blues ›› How to avoid—or beat—childhood ailments that commonly strike during the summer months By Stacey Pfeffer

L

ike most parents, I am overjoyed when winter is over. This winter my house was a revolving door of germs with flu, strep, and pneumonia running rampant and causing my kids to miss way too many school days. When the warm weather approaches, I look forward to fewer trips to the pediatrician and hope my kids will have a fun-filled and illness-free summer. Yet there are some common childhood ailments that are actually more prevalent during the summer months. I spoke with area health experts to learn about the most common health problems for kids during the summer and what you can do to prevent them, or failing that, treat them effectively.

Coxsackie Virus

Dubbed the “summer flu,” Coxsackie virus is an enterovirus that lives in the gastrointestinal tract and can be spread through swimming pools. It is most common in young children and is highly contagious. Symptoms can include fever, sore throat, crankiness, and a rash that occurs on the hands, feet, and mouth.

The virus is spread through nose and mouth secretions or from contact with the feces of an infected child, so thorough hand washing after diaper changes is key. All shared toys or objects should be cleaned since the virus can live on surfaces.

Jay Berger, M.D., a Long Island pediatrician and the associate chairman of pediatrics of ProHEALTH Care, has seen his fair share of summertime Coxsackie cases. The virus often “masquerades as strep,” he says. “Unfortunately Coxsackie usually gets worse before it gets better,” Dr. Berger adds. “The patient might have higher temperatures or more blisters may appear before they start to feel better.”

Sometimes young children with Coxsackie avoid solid food because it is too painful to eat, so it’s essential to ensure your child remains well hydrated with cold drinks. Avoid acidic or 26

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

tangy foods, which can aggravate mouth sores. Dr. Berger prefers Motrin for Coxsackie because it is anti-inflammatory, helping with pain and discomfort. He also suggests parents make a concoction of equal parts Maalox and Benadryl for their older children who can swish it around in their mouths and then spit it out. “This can really help heal the lesions in the mouth and alleviate discomfort,” Dr. Berger says.

The rash and blisters can remain visible for several days, so parents often are confused about when the virus is no longer contagious. A good rule of thumb is when your child is fever free and has no visibly oozing blisters, she can return to camp or other summer activities.

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Rash

Searing temperatures during the dog days of summer can take a toll on young children who play outdoors for hours. Children are more prone than adults to heat exhaustion because a child’s body surface area makes up a much greater proportion of his overall weight than an adult’s. “Babies are also more likely to get heat exhaustion because they can’t self-regulate like older children.

They are depending on adults to give them drinks or remove them from a sunny spot,” Dr. Berger says.

Heat exhaustion occurs when children become dehydrated. Early signs can include lack of energy, fatigue, thirst, and dry lips and/or tongue. We’ve all heard that children should drink regularly before they get thirsty to avoid dehydration, but kids don’t really get thirsty until they’ve lost 2 percent of their body weight as sweat—so be sure to be giving them water regularly.

If you suspect your child is suffering from heat exhaustion, get her into the shade or air conditioning. Make sure he is drinking water and eating salty pretzels or bananas to help replenish electrolytes.

Heat rash looks like tiny red dots or pimples on the skin. It tends to happen in hot, humid weather, and babies are most likely to get it. “Heat rash is actually a blockage of sweat glands,” Dr. Berger says. It can cause itching and discomfort in children.

Most cases of heat rash go away after three or four days. Try to keep your child’s skin cool and dry and avoid overdressing her.

Hydrocortisone cream can help alleviate the symptoms. If the heat rash is accompanied by a fever, contact your doctor.

Lice

Ask any lice removal specialist about his busiest week in business, and chances are he will say it is the week when kids return from sleepaway camp. In fact, many parents make a beeline to lice removal specialists for screening before their kids even step foot in their house.

“I think that camps are a breeding ground for head lice and I think the reason is the close proximity of kids to each other, less supervision, sharing of towels, brushes, etc.,” says Anna Krosche, founder and owner of The Lice Lady of Westchester. “It really only takes one kid to have lice and then before you know it the whole bunk has it.”

Children should be reminded not to share brushes, towels, or hair ties. Girls should keep their hair up and in a braid or tight bun to minimize exposure. Krosche suggests daily use of a lice-repellant spray with lemongrass, peppermint, lavender, or rosemary oils, which are lice-resistant.

Krosche also recommends using an enzyme shampoo, which works well because the bugs themselves are made out of enzymes, so they can’t develop a resistance to it. “Some lice have actually become resistant to OTC [over-the-counter] shampoos such as Rid or Nix,” she says.

When Krosche and her team treat a client, they will use a conditioner and combing solution, and she suggests combing the hair out in all four directions with a special nit-picking comb.

“Nits are only on one side of an individual’s hair, so that’s why it’s important to comb it in all four directions.” Krosche and her team then blow dry the hair and do another lice check. “Parents should follow up with a comb-out each day for a week and then come back for a re-check after seven days. It is important to do daily comb-outs because if the lice lay eggs, it takes about three days for it to grow big enough to be removed with a comb-out,” she says.

Plantar Warts & Athlete’s Foot

Most kids love running barefoot in the summer, but this carefree attitude puts them at higher risk for plantar warts and athlete’s foot.

“A wart is a virus, and a viral particle is tiny. The body is generally wellequipped to prevent warts, but the second there’s an opening through small cuts is when you can have trouble,” says Ari Rubinstein, M.D., a podiatrist at Lower Westchester Foot and Ankle. Dr. Rubinstein sees a large influx of kids with plantar warts during the summer.

Warts are treated through several methods, including strong acid medicines, freezing (cyrotherapy), or laser treatments. Most cases can be treated with an excision and applying salicylic acid. “Several treatments might be needed though to fully eliminate the warts,” Dr. Rubinstein says.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that causes itching, redness, and burning between the toes. The infection thrives in moist, warm environments such as communal locker rooms and public showers. “Although there are several OTC products for it, a prescription product might be more effective and help speed up the healing process with a difficult case,” Dr. Rubinstein says. It’s also great to remind kids that flip-flops are their friends and can help prevent warts and athlete’s foot.

Sunburn

Parents need to be vigilant with sunscreen application and look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that offers both UVA and UVB protection, advises Julie Karen, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan and an assistant clinical professor at NYU Langone Medical Center. UVA and UVB refer to two kinds of harmful rays, ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B. “Both types of rays contribute to skin cancer, but a broad-spectrum sunscreen has to protect proportionately against both UVA and UVB rays,” she says. In fact, if a child has five or more sunburns in his lifetime, the risk for melanoma is doubled.

With so many sunscreen options available, it can be difficult for parents to choose one. Dr. Karen prefers sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because, she says, “the benefits are manifold. They are not just physical blockers but they are also better tolerated for children with sensitive skin.” If your child is going to the pool or beach, opt for a water-resistant formula that is less susceptible to degradation from water exposure.

Other helpful tips are to apply the sunscreen 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and then reapply every two hours, or sooner if your child is excessively perspiring or swimming. Keep the sunscreen in a temperate environment and check the expiration date on the bottle. “No one uses nearly enough sunscreen,” Dr. Karen says. “Always use more than you think you could possibly need and spend time rubbing it in.”

She recommends complete sun avoidance for infants 6 months and younger. Children younger than 1 have particularly sensitive skin and should avoid the sun during peak hours (10am–4pm).

Besides seeking shade and limiting sun exposure, children should also wear a broad-brimmed hat and clothing such as rash guards with ultraviolet protection factor.

“Parents need to understand that sunscreens aren’t perfect,” Dr. Karen says. “They are not intended for you to wear and stay all day out in the sun. They are meant for the necessary exposure to the sun that comes with living a healthy, active lifestyle.”

If your child still gets sunburned, a cool bath can help lower the skin’s temperature and then a gentle moisturizer should be applied to hydrate the skin. If your child has a high fever with the sunburn or your infant gets sunburned, call your pediatrician.

Swimmer’s Ear

Children are susceptible to swimmer’s ear because their small ear canals can easily trap moisture. “Moisture is a key ingredient for swimmer’s ear, so parents need to keep their children’s ears dry after swimming,” says Joey Bernstein, M.D., chief of the division of pediatric otolaryngology at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai in Manhattan. Chlorinated pools are actually less of a risk factor for swimmer’s ear than swimming in lakes or rivers where bacteria counts are higher.

Dabbing your ears with a towel is a good first step in keeping your child’s ears dry. Blow dryers on a low setting about a foot away from the ear can also help keep moisture out. “If simple things like this don’t work, some kids may need to wear ear plugs, but that’s rarely necessary,” Dr. Bernstein says.

If you suspect your child has swimmer’s ear, it is important to treat it early, before the infection escalates and the pain becomes severe. Minor discomfort and itching are early signs of an infection.

At-home treatments can help acidify the ear canal—meaning, make it a more acidic environment—which helps prevent bacteria from growing, while also helping dry the ear as much as possible. A 1-to-1 solution of white vinegar, an acidifier, and rubbing alcohol, a drying solution, can help. If this doesn’t work, pay a visit to your doctor, who can prescribe antibiotic eardrops.

Stacey Pfeffer is a writer based in Chappaqua.

RocklandParent 27

Courtesy Sahar Husain

VOICES of the Next Generation

The Magic of Eid ››

My family celebrates the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr, which takes place in June this year—here’s why it’s so special to me By Farah Husain

T

he sound of laughter echoed through the house as people bustled about, and the faint, delicate twinkling of glass bangles filled the apartment. This day was special, and the weather happened to be absolutely gorgeous. It was warm and the sun was beaming down onto New York City with a few wisps of pink-tinged clouds drifting lazily across the horizon. A couple of birds let out a few clear, sweet notes as if to announce that it was Eid. My parents, brother, grandfather, and some visiting cousins all sat around the table, cheerfully chatting as they ate the feast my mom had prepared. I noticed a few family members were missing, but they soon joined the merriment not too long after I did. I seated myself in between my younger brother and my cousin, Zoha. We all ate our fill.

Once my mom was satisfied everyone was full, she started shooing us away to get ready. I put on a white kameez with gold embroidery and small, white, pearly beads over cotton straight pants with silvery-gold trimming. I had styled my long dark hair into loose, silky curls. Zoha sat next to me with her knees crossed wearing a dark green and light pink kameez over black leggings and natural makeup. The male members of my family were dressed in plain shalwar kameez in various shades of blue and black. My aunt and mom emerged from their rooms in outfits similar to Zoha’s and mine. Theirs finished with a necklace and high heels.

Then everyone left for the Eid prayer except for the two older women, who stayed back to prepare the food for later.

As our cab neared the mosque, I could see a throng of people surging through the big gates while calling out Eid greetings and hugging each other. On our way in, we stopped by the donation boxes and my dad paid fitr, which is money the mosque passes on to the poor. Fitr is mandatory because it helps us remember those who have less than us. The head of the family (in my case, my dad) has to give the appropriate amount for all family members, including our caregiver; Eid prayer is not accepted unless you pay fitr before praying.

Farah (in red clothes and glasses) is joined by her brother and cousins for a family photo on Eid.

After dropping the cash into the box, the women separated from the men as we all headed to our allocated sections. I could barely hold on to Zoha as we squeezed through the crowd to get to the prayer area. Women sporting their own cultural clothing in all sorts of colors were talking to each other while young children either clung to their mother’s clothes or happily played with one another. While we waited, we compared the intricate henna designs on our hands until the imam’s voice filled the room through giant speakers. He started off with the call to prayer, the adhan, and then started the actual prayer.

Everyone stood up, shoulder to shoulder, all different skin colors, all different ages, but all equal in the eyes of God. Prayer ended with great scrambling as everyone tried to reach their shoes and get out of the way before they got swept up into the tide of people.

When we returned home, we were met by the delicious smells of the food my aunt and mom had made in honor of Eid. After sampling some of these delicious dishes, we visited a few friends and stuffed ourselves with many more yummy treats.

We exchanged gifts and greetings as we chatted about what we planned to do with the money we had received from elders throughout the day, and we snapped some pictures to preserve the memory of this Eid. We finally headed back home to unwind after a long day of visiting and fun. Zoha and I decided to finish a movie we had started watching the previous night and before long the rest of the cousins had joined us too. I sat on the bed sandwiched between Zoha and another one of my cousins, Areeb, with everyone else sprawled on the floor. Looking around, I smiled. To me, this is the magic of Eid: a time to share my joy and excitement with family and friends; a time to celebrate with others, no matter where they’re from or how old they are; a time to bring people together and spread happiness.

Happy Eid!

Farah Husain, 12, attends the Trinity School in Manhattan. She enjoys horseback riding, tennis, and soccer, and plays the violin. She also volunteers with the organization Muslim Volunteers for NY.

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June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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OUTINGS: Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey

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Where Education and Inspiration Take Flight 1

2

3

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© 2016 by the Aviation Hall of Fame of NJ

See real-life aircraft, learn about aerospace pioneers, and enjoy interactive exhibits in Teterboro, NJ. ›› By Caitlin Berens

1 Popular among younger visitors but appealing to all, guests can sit in an ejection seat from a B-52 bomber. 2 Visitors can board the cabin of an authentic Martin 202 airliner from the 1950s in the museum’s courtyard—it’s said to be the last one left in the world. 3 “Little Cut Up” is an airplane assembled from actual “cut-up” airplane parts. Children are encouraged to sit in the cockpit and make the control surfaces move on the wings and tail. 4 Learn more about the astronauts, aviators, and more who made an impact on New Jersey’s aerospace industry inside the Aviation Hall of Fame. 5 The Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey has 10 aircraft on display inside and outdoors.

H

ave you ever wanted to climb into the cockpit of an airplane? At the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey you can do just that—and more.

Founded in 1976, the Teterboro, NJ-based aviation museum offers a wealth of history, artifacts, artwork, and aircraft spanning “from early balloons to the space age,” says Shea Oakley, the executive director of the museum.

The museum’s collections focus on the historic events and technological advances by New Jersey’s air and space pioneers over more than 200 years. The two-level museum has 10 aircraft on display (inside and outdoors), thousands of artifacts to view, more than 400 aircraft models, and interactive exhibits.

Think Like a Pilot

The museum offers a host of interactive exhibits, including a hot-air balloon basket that guests can carefully climb into and an ejection seat from a B-52 bomber that guests can sit in. A favorite among young visitors is “Little Cut Up,” an airplane assembled from actual “cut-up” aircraft parts. Kids are encouraged to sit in the cockpit of the aircraft and make the control surfaces move on the wings and 30

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

tail, just like a pilot would. The museum’s custom-built Fundamentals of Flight interactive aerodynamics exhibit provides hands-on opportunities for guests to experience the principles of flight.

exclusively for Scout troops—to the public in the future (for groups of 15 or more). It also hosts tours for school groups.

Get In the Cockpit

Though you can board two of the museum’s aircraft year-round (“Little Cut Up” and The Aviation Hall of Fame contains bronze an authentic Martin 202 airliner outside), plaques and information about the aerospace Open Cockpit Weekend is worth marking on the calendar. Held six weekends pioneers inducted from 1973 to present throughout the year, including June 17-18, who have made an impact on the New it allows guests to sit in the cockpit of most Jersey aerospace industry. Inductees include of the aircrafts on display at the museum. former NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin as well as identical twins Scott Kelly and Mark Kelly, The annual Wings and Wheels Expo, Sept.

23-24 at Essex County Airport in Fairfield, both retired NASA astronauts and the only NJ, will have several aircraft, vintage military twins who have ever traveled to space (All vehicles, and show cars on display. three were born in The Garden State!).

Honoring Aerospace Pioneers

Inspiring the Next Generation

In addition to preserving the history of New Jersey aviation, the museum is also dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of aerospace pioneers.

Through the Dare to Fly Program kids learn about aerodynamics by designing, building, and flying balsa wood gliders.

The museum hopes to open its Night at the Museum program—currently offered

Want to Go?

Address: 400 Fred Wehran Road, Teterboro, NJ Directions: Approximately a 40-minute drive from New City Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm Admission: $8; $6 seniors and kids. Groups of 10 or more: $7; $5 seniors and kids.

Open Cockpit Day: $10; $8 seniors and kids.

For more information: 201-288-6344 or njahof.org

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Ideas When You Need Them:

Sign up for our FREE newsletter & never hear “I’m bored!” again. We email the top kids’ events every Thursday—just in time to make weekend plans!

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Turn the page for details on 4th Annual Nanuet Street Fair (No. 3 on our list).

JUNE

y-day day-b : r u o t ou line ar Check alendar on alend c ood, hborh cost. g i e n h by and Searc type, age, t n eve ily! ted da a d p U

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CALENDAR 35 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!,

Holiday Fun

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36 Fun Fairs & Festivals,

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34 Editor’s Hot Tickets

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nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar EDITOR: SAMANTHA BERANBOM rpeditor@davlermedia.com

38 Great Outdoors, Smarty Pants

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the seven events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!

1

TNC National Trail Day Hike FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 3, 10am WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Along a 1-mile walk, a Tenafly Nature Center Environmental Educator will discuss the techniques used to maintain the 7 miles of trails. Wear good walking shoes or hiking boots.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Step away from those devices and smell the fresh summer air!

WANT TO GO? 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Greek Festival

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WHEN: June 1-4, Thursday, 5:30-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 12-11pm; Sunday, 12-8pm WHERE: Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1 Marycrest Road, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: This annual celebration is the county’s largest cultural festival. Featuring Greek food and desserts, live music, dancing, crafts, games, rides, and more.

WHY WE LOVE IT: So much to do, so much to eat, so little time!

WANT TO GO? Free admission; rides and food available for purchase. 845623-4023. saintschchurch.org.

3

4th Annual Nanuet Street Fair

WHEN: Sunday, June 4, 10am-5pm WHERE: Nanuet Chamber of Commerce, Main Street, Nanuet AGES: All WHAT: Featuring 200 vendors selling handcrafted art, jewelry, and home items. Also enjoy food, a beer and wine garden, rides, old-fashioned games, live entertainment, and more.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s the start of street fair season.

WANT TO GO? Free admission. nanuetchamber.com.

Strawberry Festival

WHEN: Sunday, June 4, 9am-2pm WHERE: Ramsey Farmers’ Market, Main Street Train Station, Ramsey, NJ AGES: All WHAT: The annual Strawberry Festival kicks off the open34

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

4

7 ing day of this favorite market. Also enjoy music, scheduled local chefs, crafts, book signings, and more than 50 local farmers and vendors offering fresh, organic, and responsibly grown produce and products every Sunday throughout the season.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Fresh strawberries and complimentary strawberry shortcake seem like the best way to ring in the season!

WANT TO GO? Free admission. 201-675-6866. ramseyfarmersmarket.org.

How to be a Happy Camper: Family Campout

WHEN: June 9-10, 6pm Friday to 10am Saturday WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: All WHAT: Welcome the summer season with a night under the full moon. Learn everything you need to know from campground reservations to starting a fire and feast on s’mores around the campfire. A light breakfast snack and coffee will be provided Saturday morning.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A great way to start what can forever be a family summer tradition.

WANT TO GO? $20; $12 for children 3 and older. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.

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Children’s Shakespeare Theatre Performs ‘Scapin’ FREE

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WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 7pm WHERE: Edward Hopper House Art Center, 82 N. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Presenting a production of Moliere’s topsy-turvy Commedia dell’Arte Scapin performed by the Children’s Shakespeare Theatre in the garden.

WHY WE LOVE IT: What a great opportunity!

WANT TO GO? Donations appreciated. 845-358-0774. edwardhopperhouse.org.

7

HappyFest Obstacle Course

WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 10am WHERE: Raceway Park, 230 Penison Road, Englishtown, NJ AGES: All WHAT: HappyFestUSA is the country’s first all-ages, all-abilities accessible obstacle course and family fun festival. Each obstacle has an alternative option for all who choose and every member of every family can do the course and cross the finish line together. Autism- and wheelchair-friendly.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Family, fitness, and fun...for everyone!

WANT TO GO? $49; $39 children ages 3-13. 212-759-2800. happyfestusa.com.

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE

Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome.

United to Promote Quality FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 2, 8:30am WHERE: Technology Center, Rockland Community College, 145 College Road, Suffern AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Learn about quality investments for children, a community awareness initiative to ensure all children in Rockland County receive high quality child care. Discuss how the community can best serve the children of Rockland County.

WANT TO GO? 845-425-0009. childcarerockland.org.

Chocolate Olympics FREE

WHEN: Thursday, June 8, 6:30pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Play games, win prizes, and eat chocolate. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Rocket Launch FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 10, 4-6pm WHERE: Wedler Park, 148 W. Maple Ave., Monsey AGES: All WHAT: Everyone is invited to attend the Town of Ramapo Challenger Center’s rocket launch. Bring your own model rockets to launch or just come and watch.

WANT TO GO? 845-357-3416. lhvcc.com.

HOLIDAY FUN Father-Daughter Yoga

WHEN: Saturday, June 10, 9am-4pm WHERE: Shine Yoga Kids, 118 Maple Ave., New City AGES: 3-12, adult WHAT: Spend a fun and meaningful hour bonding through yoga in honor of Father’s Day. Grandfathers and uncles are welcome, too.

WANT TO GO? $30; $10 additional siblings. 845-608-7344. shineyogakids.com.

Father’s Day Workshop

12th Annual ART WALK FREE

WHEN: June 2-16, Monday-Tuesday, 10am-12pm; Friday, 3-5pm WHERE: Jill’s Ceramics, 180 Germonds Road, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Customize Father’s Day items such as mugs, plaques, pencil holders, or mail holders. Items can be painted and taken home the same day or left for glazing.

WANT TO GO? Prices vary per piece. 845-623-4975. jillsceramics.com.

Family Movie FREE

Rockland Boulders vs. Dominican National Team

WHEN: June 16-18, Friday-Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: p.ross boutique, 89 Main St., Nyack AGES: All WHAT: A juried art event during which boutiques are turned into mini art galleries with the artists presenting and selling their works all weekend, this year honoring veterans. Stroll through the village and enjoy boutiques, restaurants, and the culture of Nyack.

WANT TO GO? 845-348-1767. prossboutique.com.

WHEN: June 5-19, Mondays, 5pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Village Branch, 85 Main St., Haverstraw AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Families are invited to watch a children’s classic on the library’s big screen.

WANT TO GO? 845-429-3445. hkdpl.org.

WHEN: June 16-18, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 6:30pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Palisades Credit Union Park, 1 Palisades Credit Union Park Drive, Pomona AGES: All WHAT: Take Dad out to a ballgame and see the Rockland Boulders take on the Dominican National Team this Father’s Day Weekend. Stay for the Fireworks Extravaganza after the game on Friday and Saturday night.

WANT TO GO? $11-$16. 845-364-0009. rocklandboulders.com.

Father’s Day Hike

WHEN: Sunday, June 18, 1-3pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Father’s Day with a guided walk outdoors. For the outdoor enthusiast or for those just hoping to spend some quality time with Dad, a family walk is the perfect activity to celebrate this special family day.

WANT TO GO? $6; $3 for fathers. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org. ›› RocklandParent 35

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS The Flavors of Haverstraw Food Crawl

WHEN: Sunday, June 4, 1-5pm WHERE: Sterling Bank Parking Lot, 38 New Main St., Haverstraw AGES: All WHAT: Flavors of Haverstraw is a small plates- or tapas-focused food crawl and food sampling guided walking tour with more than 15 participating restaurants and live music throughout.

WANT TO GO? $3-$6 per plate. 845-372-6552. haverstrawriverarts.org.

End Of The School Year Spectacular!

WHEN: Friday, June 9, 5:30-8:30pm WHERE: The Joseph T. St. Lawrence Center, 115 Torne Valley Road, Hillburn AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Celebrate the end of school with games, inflatables, crafts, sports, and more. Snacks and drinks provided and registration required.

WANT TO GO? $10 per child. 845-753-2324. ramapoparks.org.

7th Annual Montvale Street Fair FREE

WHEN: Sunday, June 11, 10am-5pm WHERE: Montvale Chamber of Commerce, 101 Paragon Drive, Montvale, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Featuring more than 100 exhibitors, a special arts and crafts section, two food courts, and live entertainment all day. Plus a kids’ section with rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, clowns, face painting, sand art, and more.

WANT TO GO? montvalechamber.com.

Rockland County Pride Sunday Celebration FREE

WHEN: Sunday, June 11, 12-5pm WHERE: Downtown Nyack, Main Street, Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Rockland County Pride Sunday continues its tradition of celebrating the LGBT communities. Featuring live entertainment, vendors, music, children, and youth activities.

WANT TO GO? 845-353-6300. rocklandpridecenter.org.

Summer Street Fair

ANIMAL LOVERS Ladybug Release

WHEN: Sunday, June 4, 10am WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: All WHAT: Learn about ladybugs and how helpful they are. After a short presentation, release the ladybugs into the fields and gardens.

WANT TO GO? $8; $5 children. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.

Creature Feature Weekend: Incredible Insects

WHEN: June 10-11, Saturday-Sunday, 1pm and 2:30pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Wildlife Education Center, 25 Boulevard, Cornwall AGES: All WHAT: Learn all about insects and their special attributes during the Meet the Animal program.

WANT TO GO? $3. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.

Condor Day

WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 11am-3pm WHERE: Bergen County Zoo, Van Saun County Park, Paramus, NJ AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Enjoy activities including crafts and animal encounters.

WANT TO GO? $8; $5 children; $2 seniors; free for children younger than 3. 201-262-3771. co.bergen.nj.us/parks.

Nature Story Time

WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 11:30am WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy a nature-themed story and a visit from one of TNC’s Animal Ambassadors. Learn about the animal and how they came to TNC. A new story and animal are featured each month, and may include snakes, frogs, turtles, owls, or a hawk.

WANT TO GO? $6; free for children younger than 2. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

PAWS for Reading FREE

WHEN: Sunday, June 11, 10am-5pm WHERE: New City Chamber of Commerce, South Main Street, New City AGES: All WHAT: A day full of fun for the family, including rides, a DJ, and a variety of vendors including artisan crafts, jewelry, and clothes.

WANT TO GO? Free admission.

WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 10:30am WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Sign up for a 15-minute session to read to a dog.

Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Motorcycle Expo FREE

Behind The Scenes at WEC

WHEN: Thursday, June 15, 5pm WHERE: Nyack Chamber of Commerce, Main Street, Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Great machines, great entertainment, family-friendly fun. Check out hundreds of two-wheel wonders lined up along Main Street.

WANT TO GO? 845-353-2221. nyackchamber.org.

Congers Fire Department Carnival & Fireworks

WHEN: June 22-25, Thursday-Friday, 6-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, 4-11pm WHERE: Congers Fire Department, 64 Lake Road, Congers AGES: All WHAT: Rides, games, family fun, and more! Check the Facebook page for more details and updates.

WANT TO GO? $30 unlimited ride bands; $1 per ride ticket. congersfd.org.

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June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, June 18, 10am

CityBound

N Y C Merritt Birnbaum/”Summertime” by Gary Dolan

Must-Sees in

Summer Children’s Library Reading Program: Builder Bees FREE

WHEN: Monday, June 26, 4-5pm WHERE: Rose Memorial Library, 79 E. Main St., Stony Point AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Children will be introduced to indigenous pollinators and their favorite sweet treat haunts to understand how both benefit natural environments and home gardens.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-2100. rocklandcce.org.

BROWSE & BUY Suffern Farmers’ Market

WHEN: Through Oct. 28: Saturdays, 8:30am-1pm WHERE: Lafayette Avenue, between Orange and Wayne avenues, Suffern AGES: All WHAT: A family-friendly market with food and craft vendors, children’s activities, and live entertainment weekly. Fresh, locally grown, nutritious produce and fruit, prepared foods, grass-fed beef, farm fresh eggs, baked goods, body care products, handmade gift items, and more are available for purchase.

WANT TO GO? Prices vary. suffernchamber.org.

Piermont’s Down to Earth Farmers’ Market

WHEN: Through Nov. 19: Sundays, 9:30am-3pm WHERE: M&T Bank Parking Lot, Piermont Avenue and Ash Street, Piermont AGES: All WHAT: Down to Earth markets bring together two kinds of vendors: local farmers and area food makers who source locally.

WANT TO GO? Prices vary. 914 923-4837. downtoearthmarkets.com.

Nyack Farmers’ Market

WHEN: Through Nov. 30: Thursdays, 8am-2pm WHERE: Main Street Parking Lot, 119 Main St., Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Some of the greatest vendors come together in the center of Nyack to hold the weekly Nyack Farmers’ Market with produce, baked goods, sweets, and more.

WANT TO GO? Prices vary. 845-353-2221. nyackchamber.com.

SPECIAL NEEDS Sensory Tuesdays

WHEN: Through June 27: Tuesdays, 6-7pm WHERE: Bounce! Trampoline Sports, 612 Corporate Way, Valley Cottage AGES: 3-8 WHAT: For children with sensory issues and those with autism, this program offers fun structured activities with decreased auditory and visual stimuli in a less crowded environment with limited class size.

WANT TO GO? $12. 845-268-4000. bouncevalleycottage.com. ››

Head to Governors Island for mini-golf art fun

Art Ahoy!

A trip to Governors Island is a summer must-do. One of the best weekends to visit is in early June when the arts festival FIGMENT NYC arrives. Get your hands dirty with art making such as painting and sculpture, and enjoy some performance art and music. There’s something for all ages, and while it isn’t a festival just for families, both kids and adults will love it. A particular highlight for little ones is the artistdesigned miniature golf course, where you can putt your ball on, in, up, down, or around unique art! Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, and check out Slide Hill. June 3-4, 10am-5pm. Age: All. The event is free. The ferry is $2-$2.75, some routes are free before 11:30am, ferries leave from various pick-ups in Brooklyn and Manhattan, see website for details including new routes for 2017. Governors Island. govisland.com.

Lower East Side Melting Pot

Kate Milford/Eldridge Street Synagogue

WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Wildlife Education Center, 25 Boulevard, Cornwall AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn what is involved in the daily animal care at the center.

See animal enrichment activities and assist the staff in caring for some very cool native animals.

WANT TO GO? $8; $5 children. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.

The Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Festival is a celebration of the different cultures of the neighborhoods surrounding the Eldridge Street Synagogue. This annual block party celebrates Jewish, Chinese, and Puerto Rican culture and draws thousands every year. Wander around the busy stalls and experience traditional art and music, dance, crafts, and delicious traditional foods. There will be klezmer, cantorial, Chinese opera is just one of the Chinese opera, Puerto performances going on at this celebration of the immigrant culture of Rican folk music, Hebrew the Lower East Side. and Chinese scribal arts, yarmulke making, Puerto Rican mask and lace making, mah jongg, and more! Don’t leave without trying the kosher egg rolls, egg creams, and empanadas that have made the festival famous. June 18, 12-4pm. Age: All. Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side. 212-219-0302. eldridgestreet.org.

RocklandParent 37

Seasonal Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, June 10, 2-3pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Families will receive a set of clues to solve nature riddles along nature nenter trails. Each family will need to work as a team as they hike along the trails to complete the hunt and receive a small prize.

WANT TO GO? $6; $30 per family. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Spectacular Garden Visit: Session III of Gardening Lecture Series

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Guided Nature Walk

WHEN: Sunday, June 4, 3-4pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy the season with a guided walk along one of Tenafly Nature Center’s trails with an environmental educator. Participants will enjoy different sensory experiences in the forest each month.

WANT TO GO? $6. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

The Herb Garden FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 9, 1-2:30pm WHERE: West Nyack Free Library, 65 Strawtown Road, West Nyack AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Learn some of the fun facts as well as the practical aspects of having an herb garden. This course will also instruct participants on how to preserve herbs.

WANT TO GO? 845-358-6081. rocklandcce.org.

Ocean Conservation

WHEN: Saturday, June 10, 11am-3pm WHERE: Bergen County Zoo, Van Saun County Park, Paramus, NJ AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Enjoy crafts, animal encounters, short programs, and exhibit chats. Check the website for activity updates.

WANT TO GO? $8; $5 children; $2 seniors; free for children younger than 3. 201-262-3771. co.bergen.nj.us/parks.

Full Moon Hike

WHEN: Saturday, June 10, 6:30-9pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Experience a guided 1½-mile walk along the trails by the light of the full moon. Participants will stop for a rest at the crossroads of the Purple and Allison trails. Bring a flashlight. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $10. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

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June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Wednesday, June 14, 10-11am WHERE: Private Residence in Upper Grandview, register for address, Upper Grandview AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Visit a spectacular garden way above the Hudson River in Upper Grandview. As this is a private residence, there will be no walk-ins for this event.

WANT TO GO? $18. 845-429-7085. rocklandcce.org.

Family Fishing Day

WHEN: Sunday, June 25, 8:30-10:30am WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Join Carl Heitmuller for some tall fishy tales and to learn all about fishing. There are many different species of fish in the ponds, including largemouth bass, black crappy, and pumpkinseed sunfish. Bait provided, bring poles.

WANT TO GO? $10; $7 children. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.

SMARTY PANTS Hands Only CPR Training FREE

WHEN: Sunday, June 4, 1-7pm WHERE: Palisades Center - East Court Level 1, Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: In less than five minutes, learn how to identify the need for CPR and practice on a CPR mannequin.

WANT TO GO? 845-348-1000. healthsav.com.

Share and Care Club for Parents and Caregivers FREE

WHEN: Monday, June 5, 10am WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: Newborn to 5, adult WHAT: An opportunity for parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers to discuss various parenting joys and woes, share secrets, and learn tips from other families. While parents enjoy the discussion, there will be a program provided for their toddlers in the next room.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Tales and Tunes FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 10, 11am WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville

AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Stories, fingerplays, songs, and bubbles. Caregiver participation and registration required.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Public Planetarium Show

WHEN: Sunday, June 11, 2-4pm WHERE: Town of Ramapo Challenger Center, 225 Route 59, Airmont AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Travel to the planets and moons of our Solar System and observe comets, meteors, eclipses, nebulae, galaxies, and black holes. Following a 1-hour planetarium show, participants will take part in a hands-on astronomy-related project in the center’s activity room.

WANT TO GO? $10; $5 seniors and for children younger than 9. 845357-3416. lhvcc.com.

Wee Craft FREE

WHEN: June 12-13, Monday, 10am; Tuesday, 6pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Little artists will enjoy making a fun simple craft. Caregiver participation and registration required.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Graduation Shabbat at CSI, Nyack FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 9:30am WHERE: Congregation Sons of Israel, 300 N. Broadway, Upper Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Join CSI to celebrate Shabbat with all graduates from nursery school through college and beyond.

WANT TO GO? 845-358-3767. csinyack.org.

Public Space Mission

WHEN: Sunday, June 18, 2-5pm WHERE: Town of Ramapo Challenger Center, 225 Route 59, Airmont AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Just like real astronauts, public crewmembers will attend a briefing session and then select tasks to perform on the mission. Small teams of space adventurers will conduct research, perform scientific experiments, and even deploy a probe.

WANT TO GO? $10; $5 seniors and for children younger than 9. 845357-3416. lhvcc.com.

Play the PS4 FREE

WHEN: June 6-27, Tuesdays, 4:30pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Public Library, Village Branch, 85 Main St., Haverstraw AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Gamers can come in and play the PS4 on the library’s big screen.

WANT TO GO? 845-429-3445. hkdpl.org.

MOVERS & SHAKERS Silly Shake Out FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 11am WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Put a spring in your step and dance your sillies out.

Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Your First Mud Run

WHEN: Sunday, June 18, 10am-2pm WHERE: North Rockland High School, 106 Hammond Road, Thiells AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Obstacles will include mud pit, tires, wall climb, tubes, hills, balance beams, tire carry, heavy jump rope, and paint/color. Courses are 1½-2 miles and include 10-16 obstacles that are designed for adults and kids.

WANT TO GO? $43. 845-624-7933. yourfirstmudrun.com.

Rockland Boulders vs. Cuban National Team

WHEN: June 27-29, Tuesday, 6:30pm; Wednesday, 6:30pm; Thursday, 7pm WHERE: Palisades Credit Union Park, 1 Palisades Credit Union Park Drive, Pomona AGES: All WHAT: Come join the Rockland Boulders for fun-filled nights of baseball, as the team takes on the Cuban National Team, fresh off its appearance in the World Baseball Classic.

WANT TO GO? $11-$15. 845-364-0009. rocklandboulders.com.

Mommy and Me Yoga

WHEN: Through June 30: Fridays, 11-11:45am WHERE: Purple Mat Yoga, 408 Paulding Ave., Suite #M, Northvale, NJ AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Encourages children to an early yoga practice along with a caregiver, with games, music, poses, and the benefits of aromatherapy.

WANT TO GO? $16. 201-633-6504. purplematyoga.com.

Kids Bowl Free

WHEN: June 26-Sept. 1, Monday-Friday, 3:30-6pm WHERE: New City Bowl & Batting Cages, 90 N. Main St., New City AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Free bowling on weekdays all summer long! Family Passes are available for purchase for adults and older children.

WANT TO GO? Shoe rental fees apply. 845-634-4977. newcitybowlandbattingcages.com.

Friday Fun FREE

WHEN: June 9-30, Fridays, 4pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Village Branch, 85 Main St., Haverstraw AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Different programs every week, including Builder’s Club, games, fun with 3-D pens, PS4, Code Club, and Science Squad.

WANT TO GO? 845-429-3445. hkdpl.org.

Coming up next month: JULY 15-16: We Can Share The Wine Music Festival at Torne Valley Vineyards, Hillburn JULY 16: Sea Glass Hunt! at Palisades Interstate Park, Alpine, NJ JULY 20: Piermont Civic Association Free Outdoor Summer Concert at Flywheel Park, Piermont

RocklandParent 39

WHERE-TO GUIDE

Beaches

nymetroparents.com/where-to

››

Research by Karen Lo

It’s time to feel the sand between your toes! Pack up an umbrella, some chairs, a picnic, and a good book, and hit the beach with the kids. We’ve got all of your local sandy spots to enjoy a sunny day this summer, so why hesitate? There’s an entire ocean out there waiting for you to splash around. Want some time to relax? Have the kids compete in a sandcastle contest so you can focus on “me time” until you have to pick a winner.

Note: Dates and prices are projected; call ahead or check your local beach’s website to confirm all details.

Courtesy New York City Department of Parks & Recreation

weekday parking fee, $9 on weekends; $7 beach admission on weekdays, $8 on weekends. From 4pm-close, parking is $5 and from 4-7pm, beach admission is $5 per person for residents, $7 for nonresidents on weekdays, and $8 per person on weekends. Children younger than 13 are admitted free.

Swimming and park

Located at Pelham Bay Park, this beach 1.1-mile sandy beach offers picnic areas and playgrounds.

Harriman State Park/Bear Mountain Park Bear Mountain 845-786-2701 (Lake Welch office) nysparks.com Hours: Vary by area Cost: $10 parking per vehicle; some additional pool fees apply.

More than 200 miles of hiking trails, 31 lakes and reservoirs, two beaches, two public camping areas, plus miles of streams and scenic roads and scores of wildlife species, vistas, and vantage points. Bear Mountain also has a small zoo with animals native to the area.

Westchester County Croton Point Park Croton-on-Hudson 914-862-5290; westchestergov.com/parks Hours: Beach: May 27-June 18: weekends and holidays, 11am-6:30pm; June 23-Sept.

4: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6:30pm.

Park: daily, 8am to dusk.

Cost: $4; $3 children ages 5-11; free for children younger than 5; $10 parking ($5 with Westchester County Parks pass).

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This 508-acre park on a peninsula on the east shore of the Hudson River offers a beach, boating, fishing, picnic grounds, hiking, a playground, a nature center, and camping.

Harbor Island Park Beach/Steven E. Johnston Beach Mamaroneck 914-777-7784 village.mamaroneck.ny.us/rec Hours: May 26-Sept. 4: 9am-8pm; swimming, 9am-6pm.

Cost: $7 parking on weekdays; $10 weekends and holidays. Beach admission: $7; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 2.

Swimming, spray park, baseball, soccer, tennis (private club), boating, and fishing Oakland Beach/Rye Town (Municipal Beach) Rye 914-967-0965 townofryeny.com/rye-town-park-and-beach Hours: May 26-Sept. 4: daily, 9am-7pm Cost: Non-residents (9am-4pm): $15 weekday parking fee, $20 weekends; $10 beach admission on weekdays, $15 on weekends. Residents (9am-4pm): $8

Rye Playland Pool and Beach Rye 914-813-7010; playland.org Hours: Beach: May 27-June 18: weekends and holidays, 11am-6:30pm; June 23-Sept.

4: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6:30pm.

Pool: June 23-Sept. 4: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6:30pm.

Cost: Beach admission: $4; $3 children ages 5-11 and seniors with county ID; free for children younger than 5. Pool: $6; $4 children ages 5-11; $3 seniors; free for children younger than 5. Parking: $10 daily and $15 holidays. Lockers and umbrellas are available to rent for a small fee.

Pool, boardwalk, rides, boating, arcade, mini golf, and concerts

Bronx Orchard Beach and Promenade Pelham Bay Park 718-430-1891; nycgovparks.org/parks/ pelham-bay-park/facilities/beaches Hours: Year-round: daily, 10am-6pm.

Swimming: Memorial Day Weekend through Sept. 4.

Cost: FREE admission. Parking: $7 weekdays, $9 weekends and holidays.

A 1.1-mile beach, promenade, changing areas, showers, food and specialty shops, playgrounds, picnic areas, basketball, volleyball, and handball courts

Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/beaches

WHERE-TO GUIDE

nymetroparents.com/where-to

Amusement Parks

››

Research by Sabrina Sooknanan

Zoom down twisty roller coasters, splash around on a water slide, and don’t forget to collect a big prize at the arcade. This summer, take your family to a local amusement park, or get out of town for a weekend of big play. Every place on our list has kid-friendly rides and attractions, and something for the grown-ups, too. Call ahead or visit the website before your day out at the amusement park, as hours, ticket prices, and attractions are subject to change. explore 30,000 square feet of games, laser tag, games of chance and redemption, a rockclimbing wall, bumper cars, and rides. Other attractions include the Monkey Mayhem carnival ride, and the Bounce House.

FunTime America is available for birthday parties and summer camp field trips.

Northern New Jersey Bowcraft Amusement Park 2545 Route 22 W., Scotch Plains 908-389-1234; bowcraft.com Hours: Late May through Labor Day, daily; hours vary; check the website or call.

Price: Day Fun Pass: $27.95; 100 tickets: $100; 40 tickets: $45; 20 tickets: $25.

Rides are 3-4 tickets per person Features more than 24 rides and attractions, including the Crossbow Roller Coaster and classic favorites such as the Tilt-a-Whirl and the Drop Zone.

Field Station: Dinosaurs Overpeck County Park, Henry Hoebel Area, Fort Lee Road, Leonia 855-999-9010; fieldstationdinosaurs.com Hours: May 27-June 25: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm; June 27-Sept. 4: TuesdaySunday, 10am-6pm. Open Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Price: Advanced pricing: Day pass: $15, adults and children ages 3-12; Explorers pass (includes 3-D movie Sea Rex: Journey to a Prehistoric World): $20, adults and children ages 3-12; free for children

younger than 2 for everything except planetology laboratory ($10). Prices increase when bought on-site. Group rate available by calling 973-748-4317 or emailing groups@fieldstationdinosaurs.com.

Enter a natural oasis featuring more than 30 life-sized, realistic-looking animatronic dinosaurs (including the largest ever made).

The exhibition encompasses the latest theories and discoveries in the fields of paleontology, geology, and environmental studies. Participate in more than 40 live shows, games, and workshops. At the Paleontology Lab, kids get a book and can dig for fossils like a paleontologist, and dig for fossils at the big site. Brand new for 2017: a 3-D movie about sea monsters from the age of the dinosaurs and two new live shows, including the revamped T-Rex Feeding Frenzy!

FunTime America 269 Route 35 N., Eatontown 732-460-0700; funtimeamerica.com Hours: Opens daily, starting May 30, at 10am. Closing times vary.

Price: Varies based on activity At this indoor amusement park, kids can

iPlay America 110 Schanck Road, Freehold 732-577-8200; iplayamerica.com Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4-9pm; FridaySaturday, 10am-11pm; Sunday, 10am-9pm.

Summer hours extended, check website for updates on hours and special hours for holidays and events.

Price: 20 credits: $10; 50 credits: $25; 110 credits: $50; 220 credits: $100. Unlimitedride wristbands: $22.99-$29.99; check online for price changes.

This indoor amusement park features mini-bowling, laser tag, and a 4-D theater, along with eight rides, including bumper cars and a go-kart speedway. There’s also a Boardwalk Arcade with more than 200 modern and nostalgic arcade games.

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach 732-892-0600; jenkinsons.com Hours: Memorial Day Weekend through June 30: daily, 12pm-close, closing times vary, see website. Weather permitting.

Price: 60 credits: $25; 140 credits: $50 (rides are 3-8 credits per person).

Wristband special: $20 for all rides on Tuesdays (12-6pm) and Fridays (5-11pm).

Features several rides and attractions for small children to teens. Attractions include Time Freak (player vs. player interactive game), 7D Dark Ride Theater at South Beach Arcade, (multi-sensory interactive experience), batting cages, and the South Beach Arcade. The park also hosts free weekly shows and special events; check the website for a schedule.

Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/amusementparks

Courtesy Chef John Stage

FOOD & NUTRITION

Grilling with Chef

John Stage

››

Tips for cooking on the barbecue from a grill master—just in time for a Father’s Day feast

By Katelin Walling; recipes by Chef John Stage

Chef John Stage, owner of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que with locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and, most recently, Flip Bird and Apizza Regionale, located in Gotham Market at The Ashland in Downtown Brooklyn

W

arm weather brings grilling season, and what better time to grill a feast than Father’s Day? But before you crank up the heat and throw some meat on the fire, you’ll want to check out these do’s and don’ts from Chef John Stage, the man behind Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, with nine locations, including Brooklyn and Manhattan, and two new restaurants located in Gotham Market at The Ashland in Brooklyn: Apizza Regionale, serving pizza made from locally sourced ingredients, and Flip Bird, serving rotisserie and fried free-range, antibiotic- and growth hormone-free chicken.

So grab your tongs and wire brush, fire up the grill, and cook a feast fit for the king of your castle—maybe one of Stage’s recipes (right)?

Grilling Do’s

Clean your grill before and after cooking. Food releases more easily from a clean grill, so “while the grill is still warm, at the end of your grilling, take a wire brush to it and hit it pretty good. You don’t want all the build up from the grilling,” Stage says. “And do it again before you start [next time].”

Try fruits and veggies on the grill. Stage says any fruit or vegetable that won’t fall through the grate on the grill will work, but this time of year he especially enjoys grilled asparagus, and corn on the cob a little later in the season.

Grilling Don’ts

Manhandle the meat. Try to avoid poking the meat and flipping it too early. “If it doesn’t want to be flipped, it lets you know. If it’s sticking to the grill just leave it alone, don’t flip it. It will release on its own when it’s ready to flip,” Stage says.

Buy just any meat. “I like to look for marbling,” Stage says. “I’m looking for a decent fat content.” You want to see the white flecks of fat throughout the meat, he says, which will self-baste the meat while cooking, and fat is the flavor of the meat.

Lose your patience. This goes hand in hand with not manhandling the meat. Cooking on the grill takes patience, Stage says, and that’s when people flip the meat too early. “That’s the wrong approach,” he says.

Master the fire. Every grill has hot and low spots, Stage says, and you’ll want to know where they are. “There are some meats that you want to grill low and some you want to grill high. With any type of barbecue you want to go low, and you tend to go high on any type of grilled meat Use expensive cuts, especially if it’s your first time cooking on a grill. “Keep it simple,” Stage says. “Do a burger. That way if you like steaks or burgers or chops,” Stage says. “Then you want be able to screw it up, you’re not out a lot of money. That will give you a get that food from high to low to get it in a resting spot.” good understanding of how the fire and grill works.”

Season your meat before grilling. Especially with a burger or Keeping all these do’s and don’ts in mind, as with anything, the steak, give it a good salt and then get a sear on it. “You want to get that crust. It’s a matter of putting the meat on the grill, getting more you practice, the better you’ll get at it. “Whether it’s a gas or that good crust, and leaving it on one side before flipping it so you charcoal grill, once you understand the nuance of it and understand the fire, get a good piece of meat, and have a little patience,” Stage do get that good sear. Then once you get that good sear, the meat says. “That’s how you get good at it.” will release from the grill,” Stage says.

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June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Serves 4 Ingredients For the steak: • 4 8oz. skirt steaks, trimmed • ¼ cup red rub (recipe below) • ¼ cup olive oil For the Salsa: • 1½ lbs. plum tomatoes • 2 Tbsp. olive oil • ¼ cup diced red onion • ½ tsp. minced garlic • 2 tsp. minced jalapeno • ½ cup avocado, diced • 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro • 2 tsp. lime juice • 1 tsp. kosher salt • 1 tsp. sugar • ¼ tsp. Tabasco sauce • 2 tsp. barbecue sauce For the Rub: • ¼ cup smoked paprika • ¼ cup Kosher salt • ¼ cup sugar in the raw • 2 Tbsp. dark chili powder • 1 Tbsp. granulated garlic • 1 Tbsp. granulated onion • 1½ Tbs. black pepper • 1 tsp. cumin • 1 tsp. celery salt • ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper

Directions 1. Make the salsa: Fire up the

grill to medium heat.

Core and split tomatoes in half lengthwise, place them in a bowl, and toss them with the oil. Grill them on both sides until charred, transfer them to a cutting board, and chop to a chunky texture. Add them back to the bowl and gently stir in the rest of the ingredients until combined.

2. Make the steaks: Mix rub ingredients together.

Combine ¼ cup of rub and the olive oil in a bowl to form a paste and rub it on both sides of the steak. Preheat grill to high. Remove the steaks from the marinade and pat them dry. Grill steaks to desired temperature, let rest, and slice across the grain.

3. Serve with the Charred Tomato and Avocado Salsa.

Flip Bird’s Spatchcock: Chicken with Harissa spices

Courtesy Chef John Stage

Courtesy Chef John Stage

Red Rub Skirt Steak with Charred Tomato and Avocado Salsa

Cooked on a gas grill Chicken

Ingredients • 1 Whole Chicken, approximately 3½ lb.

• 3-4 Tbsp. Harissa spices (recipe below) • 2 Tbsp. Olive oil Directions 1. To Spatchcock Chicken: Using poultry shears or a sharp knife, cut down on each side of backbone/spine and remove completely. Turn chicken over and press down, flattening chicken as much as possible.

2. Coat chicken with olive oil and spices, completely cover, and let sit in refrigerator for a couple of hours.

3. For gas grill, turn on two burners to medium high and leave off one burner.

This will create indirect heat. You want the internal temperature of grill to be approximitely 350-375º.

Adjust burners as necessary.

4. Place chicken skin side up on the side of grill with the burner off. Close lid and cook for 50 minutes, until the thickest part of thigh reads 165º.

5. Lower heat on burners to medium-low and flip chicken skin side down onto direct heat for 5-8 minutes to crispen and tender skin.

Don’t let it burn. Remove from grill, let rest, light season, and serve.

Harissa spices

Ingredients • ¼ cup smoked paprika • 2 Tbsp. fine sea salt • 2 Tbsp. Sugar • 1½ Tbsp. turmeric • 1½ Tbsp. cumin seed • 1½ Tbsp. fennel seed • 1½ Tbsp. granulated garlic • 1½ Tbsp. sumac • 1½ Tbsp. cinnamon • 1½ Tbsp. ground ginger • 1½ Tbsp. black pepper • 1½ Tbsp. Szechuan peppercorns Directions 1. Toast and grind cumin and fennel seed.

2. Blend all spices evenly.

Chef John Stage is the owner of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, which has nine locations including Harlem and Brooklyn, and two newly opened restaurants in Gotham Market at The Ashland in Downtown Brooklyn: Flip Bird, a rotisserie and friend chicken establishment, and Apizza Regionale, which uses only locally sourced ingredients.

A Lavishly Illustrated Children’s Story of Friendship and Overcoming Obstacles

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(BASED ON A TRUE STORY)

Follow the adventures of a rescued baby deer.

Share Tilly’s courage and valiant recovery.

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to schedule a free Tilly Event for schools, libraries & hospitals Available at Barnes & Noble, Walden Books and at Amazon.com For books preview and sale, visit us at:

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We’re closer than you think!

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Tenafly • Clifton • Oakland • Fort Lee • Paramus • Park Ridge RocklandParent 43

HEALTH

Introducing tweens to new to hobbies such as hiking as a healthy way to cope with stress is one way to help prevent them from turning to drugs.

It’s Never Too Early to Prevent Drug Abuse ››

With changing laws and attitudes about recreational marijuana, it’s more important than ever for parents to talk to their kids about drug use. By Dana Klosner-Wehner

P

opular opinion on the legalization of recreational marijuana has changed dramatically in the last decade. Today, 57 percent of U.S. adults say the use of marijuana should be made legal, while 37 percent say it should be illegal. A decade ago, opinion on legalizing marijuana was nearly the reverse: 32 percent favored legalization, while 60 percent were opposed, according to a 2016 Pew Research Poll. While marijuana is still illegal federally, recreational and medical use is permitted in eight states, and medical use is allowed in more than half the country, including New York and New Jersey.

“With legalization [for recreational use] comes increased availability and a decrease in the perception of harm among children and adolescents,” says Amy Goldstein, communications director of the National Family Partnership. But studies from the World Health Organization and The National Academy of Sciences show just the opposite: Marijuana can be addictive and harmful. Chances of becoming dependent on marijuana can be up to 50 percent for some users, according to Smart Approaches to Marijuana, an alliance

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June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

dedicated to a health-first approach to marijuana policy, and regular use is dangerous to the adolescent brain—in some cases linked to permanent reductions in IQ, respiratory problems, injury, psychosis, and suicide. “When people begin using marijuana as teenagers, the drug may reduce thinking, memory, and learning functions and affect how the brain builds connections between the areas necessary for these functions. Marijuana’s effect on these abilities may last a long time or even be permanent,” Goldstein says.

But with these new state laws, kids are being inundated with messages that the drug is harmless—and it’s more important today than ever that parents understand the risks of marijuana when used recreationally.

“There are new television commercials coming after kids and young adults,” says Sue Rusche, president and CEO of National Families in Action. She refers to the T-Mobile Super Bowl commercial featuring Martha Stewart and Snoop Dog having a potluck supper with thinly veiled references to pot. “There were purple cushions, marijuana vines, and other pot references,” she says.

“That kind of stuff comes after kids. It’s the new tobacco industry, only worse.”

Medical marijuana—which has been approved for treating symptoms of a number of diseases including cancer, HIV infection or AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy—is a different story: Though it remains controversial and the American Academy of Pediatrics disapproves of its use in children, it is a topic that parents should discuss with their doctor if their child suffers from one of these diseases.

In states where marijuana is fully legal, there are billboards advertising where to get it. Nationally, there are websites such as weedmaps.com that tell you where you can buy pot and even have it delivered.

Paraphernalia is not the only way to indulge anymore. Legalization has spurred a boom in pot “edibles.” THC concentrate is mixed into almost any type of food or drink, including candies, soda, and baked goods. Today, these edibles comprise at least half of Colorado’s marijuana market, according to a report by SAM. There are even edible recipes on the Internet. “These foods are being left around,” Rusche says. “Babies and toddlers are eating them. They are rushed to the ICU.” “Marijuana is more potent today than it was in the 1960s and ’70s even through the ’90s,” Rusche continues. “In those days the THC levels were 1, 2, 3, 4 percent. As marijuana growers begin cross breeding the average level of THC is now 12-15 percent.”

But all is not lost. “Parents have the power to help our children grow up to be healthy and drug free,” Goldstein says. And it is never too early to start.

Englewood Wyckoff • Norwood, NJ

Bronxville Woodcliff Lake

Pinatas • Crafts • Entertainment • Sombreros • Birthday Cake (packages range from $8.95 - $21.00 per child)

for party info

201.848.4088 • www.bluemoonmexicancafe.com

Jill’s Ceramics Where children & adults create their own functional works of art

• KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES • ADULT’S NIGHT OUT • Specialty Items For Every Holiday

Ages 3-6

Model a healthy relationship to drugs and alcohol. “In very young children parents want to model behaviors,” says Susan Newman, Ph.D., a social psychologist who specializes in parenting issues. “Always use drugs and alcohol moderately. You think kids aren’t watching but they are.”

Take advantage of teachable moments. “There are teachable moments,” says Peggy Sapp, executive director of the National Family Partnership. “You can use gummy vitamins. You can say, ‘These taste like candy but they’re not, they’re medicine and you can only have one a day.’”

• Paint & Go - Same Day • Glaze & Fire Look us up on Facebook

Call for Extended Group Hours/Pricing and Current Weekend Hours

Mon, Tues & Weds 930am-300pm; Thurs 700pm-930pm; Friday Kids Classes 300-500pm

180 Germonds Rd. West Nyack, NY • 845-623-4975 • www.jillsceramics.com

Eat dinner as a family. Even at this young age getting together for meals has a positive impact on kids, Newman says. You can model listening and sharing events of your day. “There are several studies that show the more dinners you have with children, the less likely they are to try dangerous substances,” she says. “They feel supported, they get heard, and it’s a great opportunity to talk about all this.”

Elementary School

Express clear disapproval for drug use. “Marijuana use was much less prevalent among youths who perceived strong parental disapproval for trying marijuana once or twice than for those who did not,” according to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

What Happens When You See Commercials and Billboards?

“Help [kids] become media literate by asking questions about what they think the commercial or message are trying to tell them and why. It’s a good opportunity to ask questions about what they continued on next page ››

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RocklandParent 45

‹‹ continued from previous page

Planning an Activity or Event for Children or Families?

think they know about marijuana, what they’ve heard from their friends, who they perceive to be using it—and responding to those questions with facts, calmly and clearly,” Goldstein says.

Tell your kids that even in states where marijuana is legal, it is only legal for adults of a certain age, and regulated by law the way alcohol is, until age 21. It is still considered illegal and harmful for teens and the developing teen brain, which is not fully matured until age 25, according to Josie Feliz, director of communications for the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.

Talk about family values. “Discuss incidents with friends in general about anti-social behavior,” Newman says. “If some child in the neighborhood throws rocks at someone’s dog, you need to discuss values and what’s important. For example you can say, ‘In this family we value respect and not following negative examples.”

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Address negative behaviors. According to Joseph Lee, M.D., American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry member and expert specializing in substance abuse, there can be telltale signs and many years of behavior before a child turns to substance abuse. “A child might have behavior problems in school,” he says. “He could be telling white lies and have trouble with remorse or empathy.

These issues should be addressed.”

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Know your kids’ friends. Studies show younger teens, those 13 and older, are much more influenced by their peers. “Be aware of where your kids are and who they are with,” Newman says. “Being vigilant can pay off.”

“Ask them how their friends are using and why they are,” adds Susan Weiss, Ph.D., director of the Division of Extramural Research at The National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Tell them, ‘Your friends may be taking risks with things you may not want to do.’”

Team up with other adults in your kids’ lives. “Know who the parents are,” Goldstein says. “Work together with the parents of your children’s friends to set common boundaries and monitor behavior. There’s strength in numbers. By getting to know your children’s friends’ parents and joining forces, you are essentially building a safety net for your children. Plus, supporting each other during times when you feel worn out can empower you to stay focused on helping your kids grow up healthy and drug free.”

Model and introduce healthy coping mechanisms and hobbies.

Middle School can be a time of high stress, Goldstein says. Children go through puberty while experiencing pressure to fit in and gaining more independence. It’s important for children to be exposed to healthy ways of coping with stress, whether it’s through daily exercise, getting out in nature, yoga, meditation, or playing their favorite sport.

Teens and Young Adults

Be Available. Parents should be honest about the risk to kids, Weiss says. “But if your child is using it find out why—some are depressed, some are anxious. They are using it to solve problems. Tell them this is not a good way and there are better ways of coping.”

Discuss family history and what they see in the news. Talk about family members with addictions and family members with mental illness, Weiss says.

“When a celebrity or local person in the news is in trouble

for marijuana or other substances, it is an opportunity for parents to take advantage of the situation and discuss it in detail,” Newman says. “You want to say something like this happened to this person and these are the dangers of using marijuana and other drugs.”

Make them aware that everyone is not doing it. According to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health, only 7 percent (1 out of 14) of 12- to 17-year-olds have reported using marijuana in the last month. “Sadly the misconception that everyone is doing it, which is common for teens, leads to increased use,” Goldstein says. “Many prevention organizations are aware of this and are investing in marketing campaigns, which help to reduce alcohol and drug use by educating teens about the actual use by their peers, based on surveys done in a school or community.”

“You can show them a site like weedmaps.com and say, ‘Look how many sites are exploiting kids and breaking federal laws.

These folks don’t care about your health, they only care about making money’,” Rusche says.

Cultivate a positive family culture. It’s important that you spend quality time with your kids and have a good relationship, Goldstein says. Your kids need to know that they can trust and talk to you.

“You don’t know what outside influences are going to do to your teenager,” Newman says. “The only way to combat this is by how you as a parent behave.”

Dana Klosner-Wehner is a Long Islander who enjoys writing about parenting issues.

Her topics are quelled from her own experiences in raising two kids.

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Meet the Health Care

PROFESSIONAL

To be in this section, call 845-848-8021 or email nympads@davlermedia.com A&R Advanced Dental Group, Anna Alekseyeva, D.D.S., Roman Izmailov, D.D.S. 5C Medical Park Drive, Pomona 845-364-9400 aradvanceddental.com

Marita Smith, D.D.S. Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 5C Medical Park Drive, Pomona 845-414-9626 smithslittlesmiles.com drsmith@smithslittlesmiles.com

At A&R Advanced Dental Group, patient satisfaction and comfort is our No. 1 priority. We are a cutting edge practice that delivers state-of-the-art dental care to our patients. Dr. Roman Izmailov and Dr. Anna Alekseyeva have more than 30 years of experience in all phases of dentistry, including high quality and affordable dental implants, zirconia crowns, porcelain veneers, fixed bridges, root canal treatments, teeth whitening, and composite fillings. Evening appointments are available and we accept most insurances.

Dr. Marita Smith is a board-certified pediatric dentist dedicated to providing excellent dental care for children from infancy through adolescence in a warm and friendly environment. As a mother of two, Dr. Smith knows how important it is for a child to be comfortable and stress-free during their dental visits. Dr. Smith places great focus on prevention and her goal is to keep your child’s smile healthy! Most insurances accepted. Evening and Saturday hours and 24-hour emergency service available. Se Habla Espanol.

Kastin & Newman Orthodontics 6 Medical Park Drive, Pomona 845-354-7233 rocklandorthodontics.com info@kastin-newmanortho.com

Dental Wellness of Suffern Sherri Alpert, D.D.S. 2 Executive Blvd., Suite 307, Suffern 845-918-1801 dentalwellnessofsuffern.com dentalwellness@optonline.net

Drs. Brett Kastin and Warren Newman utilize state-of-the-art materials and customized treatment planning for every patient, ensuring the highest quality of care. Dr. Kastin is a certified Invisalign® provider, and has been president of the Rockland County Dental Society since 2006. Dr. Newman has more than 40 years of orthodontic experience. They have been a team for more than 10 years, and were voted Rockland’s Top Orthodontists by the dentists of Rockland County. Their practice offers an experienced staff and flexible appointment times. Initial exams are complimentary, as are children’s recall appointments.

Kupchik Dental Dr. Anna Kupchik, D.D.S. 2 Medical Park Drive, Suite 16, West Nyack 845-535-3500 kupchikdental.com info@kupchikdental.com

At Kupchik Dental, patients’ comfort is our No. 1 priority. We strive to make every dental experience easy and relaxing by practicing gentle touch dentistry. Our state-of-the-art dental office is committed to providing the best quality of care for the entire family. Dr. Kupchik and her team believe in educating patients and keeping them informed of their oral health every step of the way. We are open seven days a week for your convenience, and have an in-house insurance plan for the uninsured.

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June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Dental Wellness of Suffern provides natural, effective, quality dental care for your family, making your visit enjoyable, comfortable, and relaxing. A parent herself, Dr. Alpert enjoys working with children who are apprehensive about the dentist, creating a fun environment with magic tricks, interactive Wii games, a wall mural, and a Find the Dental Helpers game. Author of two books, Cassandra Gets Her Smile Back and Attack of the Sugar Bugs, Dr. Alpert makes visiting the dentist fun. Dental Wellness of Suffern—let them create the smile you were born to have.

Helping Kids Pediatrics 180 Phillips Hill Road, Suite 4A, New City 845-499-2339 helpingkidspediatrics.com hkp@helpingkidspediatrics.com

Dr. Stanley and Dr. Elizabeth are boardcertified by the American Board of Pediatrics and have specialized training in caring for pediatric patients. They offer customized care and look forward to caring for the health and well-being of your children from birth through adolescence. Dr. Elizabeth is also an internationally board-certified lactation consultant, offering consultations in the office. In addition, they have specialized training in the Ear Well™ system for correction of newborn congenital ear deformities. This is a noninvasive, pain free, non-surgical option for newborns.

Bobby Crohn, D.D.S. Monroe Dental Office 400 State Route 17M, Suite 2, Monroe 845-782-0189 monroedentaloffice.com monroedental@optonline.net

Dr. Crohn graduated from SUNY Stony Brook with a degree in biology. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University at Buffalo in 1992, and he completed his general practice residency at Danbury Hospital in 1993. Dr. Crohn has done extensive additional training in implant dentistry including training with Dr. Nick Elian at Vistara Institute, DentalXP Symposiums, and training at Zimmerman Institute.

Tenafly Pediatrics 74 Pascack Road, Park Ridge, NJ 201-326-7120 Offices also in Tenafly, Fort Lee, Clifton, Paramus, and Oakland, NJ tenaflypediatrics.com

Dr. David Schaumberger is one of the pediatricians working out of our newly expanded Park Ridge office. As someone who lives nearby, he enjoys working in northern Bergen and Rockland counties. Dr. Schaumberger completed his pediatric residency from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and has been working at Tenafly Pediatrics since 2001. On a personal note, he enjoys ethnic cuisine and spending time with his three children. Tenafly Pediatrics is a recent Angie’s List Winner with offices conveniently located throughout Bergen County.

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nymetroparents Calling all thespians: Summer Theatre Camp registration is underway at @clarkstown_theatre_co! This is your child’s chance to explore Shakespeare, take acting classes, and work with Broadway professionals!

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nymetroparents Rock out and make friends this summer at @bachtorockmusic’s Rock Band Camp!

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June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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RocklandParent 53

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June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Who are we?

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Wander down the Lindgren drive and you know you’ve entered into a very special place. From our extensive arts and crafts program, to sports and swim lessons, the farm animals and gardens, and the adjacent Closter Nature Center, we’re a unique country atmosphere that engages and inspires campers—and lets children be children.

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ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS Galaxy Gymnastics..................................54 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics...........................9 BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES Academy for Martial Arts...........................7 Bach to Rock - Nanuet............................53 Blue Moon Mexican Café .......................45 Bricks 4 Kidz - Rockland..........................56 Dave & Busters - West Nyack.................11 Galaxy Gymnastics..................................54 Jill’s Ceramics..........................................45 Master Jung & Yu Traditional Taekwondo.............................56 Palisades Climb Adventure......................13 Rockland Parent Party Planner...............57 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics...........................9 West Rock Tennis Club...........................56 CAMPS Academy for Martial Arts...........................7 Bach to Rock - Nanuet............................53 Bricks 4 Kidz - Rockland..........................56 Camp Ramaquois....................................53 Clarkstown Theatre Company.................56 Galaxy Gymnastics..................................54 Lindgren School & Camp.........................54 Mathnasium of Nanuet............................54 Palisades Country Day School & Camp....54 Red Owl Academy...................................54 Rivertown Music......................................56 Rockland Center for the Arts...................54 West Rock Tennis Club...........................56

CLASSES Bach to Rock - Nanuet............................53 Bricks 4 Kidz - Rockland..........................56 Fin 2 Swim.................................................7 Galaxy Gymnastics..................................54 Jill’s Ceramics..........................................45 Mathnasium of Nanuet............................54 Rivertown Music......................................56 Rockland Center for the Arts...................54 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics...........................9 DANCE Danceworks.............................................49 DEVELOPMENTAL Huntington Learning Center....................17 EDUCATION Barnes and Noble......................................5 Huntington Learning Center....................17 Lindgren School & Camp.........................54 Mathnasium of Nanuet............................54 Palisades Country Day School & Camp....54 Red Owl Academy...................................54 Tuxedo Union Free School District - STEM Academy.........................25 FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS Dave & Busters - West Nyack.................11 Greek Festival...........................................9 Jill’s Ceramics..........................................45 Land of Make Believe..............................11 Nanuet Street Fair ..................................19 New City Street Fair..................................9 Palisades Center ......................................2 Wild West City.........................................13

FAMILY TRAVEL Land of Make Believe..............................11 Wild West City.........................................13 FITNESS Academy for Martial Arts...........................7 Danceworks.............................................49 Galaxy Gymnastics..................................54 i9 Sports - Rockland County....................47 Master Jung & Yu Traditional Taekwondo.............................56 Palisades Climb Adventure......................13 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics...........................9 HEALTH A&R Advanced Dental ............................48 Clemente Orthodontics............................49 Crystal Run Healthcare...........................60 Dental Wellness of Suffern............7, 48, 49 Fidelis Care New York...............................3 Helping Kids Pediatrics............................48 Kastin & Newman Orthodontics...............48 Kupchik Dental, PLLC.......................47, 48 Nyack Pediatric Dentistry........................45 Rockland Behavioral Health....................47 Smile More Dentistry...............................49 Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry.............................19, 48 Tenafly Pediatrics..............................43, 49 The Wholeness Center............................23

RESTAURANT / FOOD SERVICES Blue Moon Mexican Café .......................45 Dave & Busters - West Nyack.................11 Palisades Center ......................................2 RETAIL Barnes and Noble......................................5 Palisades Center ......................................2 Tilly...A Deer’s Tale...................................43 Toyriffic....................................................47 SPECIAL EVENTS Barnes and Noble......................................5 Greek Festival...........................................9 Nanuet Street Fair ..................................19 New City Street Fair..................................9 SPECIAL NEEDS Huntington Learning Center....................17 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics...........................9 SPORTS Academy for Martial Arts...........................7 Fin 2 Swim.................................................7 i9 Sports - Rockland County....................47

MUSIC Bach to Rock - Nanuet............................53 Rivertown Music......................................56

Master Jung & Yu

PERFORMING ARTS Clarkstown Theatre Company.................56

The Wholeness Center............................23

Traditional Taekwondo.............................56 Palisades Climb Adventure......................13 West Rock Tennis Club...........................56

RocklandParent 57

Rod Howe and Mark Pedersen

VOICES Three Decades and Counting ››

How we, a gay couple with two adopted sons, raised our kids during changing times By Rod Howe and Mark Pedersen

W

e met in Boston in 1986 and quickly cut to the chase.

One of us indicated that he planned to adopt a child, since he had known he wanted to be a parent since the age of 12. The other shared he was HIV positive and had never thought about the possibility of parenthood.

Fast forward through a brief romance, moving in together, marching in front of then-governor Michael Dukakis’ home to oppose an intolerant foster care policy, and then turning to foreign adoption options. It is now 31 years later; we have raised our two adopted sons from Cambodia and now are enjoying being grandfathers to two granddaughters. The journey in many ways is very different than the one we had envisioned, but it is ours, and we are in equal measures humbled, proud, a bit bruised, and ultimately contented.

As far as we are concerned, whoever coined the phrase “Practice makes perfect” clearly was not a parent. We have made our share of mistakes—as did our parents and their parents and so on throughout history—but we haven’t been terrible parents.

Sometimes it was the thing we swore we would never say to our child that we did say in the heat of the moment. Sometimes it was something of our own creation that was equally hurtful or certainly not very helpful. Sometimes it seemed like we didn’t have better options.

Now that our sons are adults (ages 19 and 30) the challenges they present are vastly different from when they were younger (not surprisingly), and we are sometimes at a total loss for how to react or what to say. We try to remember the maxim that if you openly disagree with something your child is doing he will tend to cling all the more tightly to that behavior. And as parents of children from another culture, we have always had to consider whether our perspective is objectively “right” or only makes sense from the standpoint of the lens with which we see the world.

Biological parents sometimes say their children are so different from themselves that they swear the child must have been switched at birth. We held no expectations that our children would look like us or act like us, and they haven’t disappointed.

The world certainly has changed since we were in our 20s, especially in terms of how alternative families are perceived and

The authors’ sons when they were children, circa 2001

received. Not too long ago our teenage son introduced us to one of his friends, and she shrieked, “You have two gay dads! That’s awesome!” We were surprised that she—and everyone else in the school—didn’t already know, and we wondered if our son was somehow ashamed of our family constellation. (Weren’t we all ashamed of our parents for one reason or another at some point in our lives?) On the other hand, maybe he just did not see any need to mention it.

In his last year of high school, this same young man came out to us as bisexual in the midst of a play in which he was acting. He had blocked us from a number of Facebook posts in which he had been questioning who he was, but some family members and friends had reported back to us already. Prior to this we had always been forbidden from setting foot anywhere near where he might be street dancing or acting in a play, so we knew something was up when he invited us to this performance. I’m afraid that the shock value wasn’t present on our faces as he made his announcement during the talk-back after the play.

Both of our sons have felt free to experiment with who they are and are very accepting of others whose way of being in the world may not be considered the norm. They are very empathetic to those who are bullied or are somehow labeled and treated as different or other.

Perhaps we haven’t done such a bad job after all.

Rod Howe is the product of a large, ever-expanding, and inclusive family from upstate New York, where he and Mark Pedersen have resided for the past 27 years. He is now the executive director of a history center after retiring from Cornell University. Pedersen, originally from the Boston area, now works for a local Unitarian Universalist congregation.

Their two sons and grandchildren all live within 10 miles of each other.

58

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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