Bergen • Rockland Parent October 2016 by City Guide NY

Bergen•RocklandParent OCTOBER 2016

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

Scheduling Woes

Time for a Cellphone?

How to solve common birthday party dilemmas

Knowing when kids are ready for independence

Haunted Fun Find Halloween events near you WHERE TO PICK PUMPKINS

•

BEST JOBS FOR TEENS

FROM TEENS TO YOUNG ADULTS

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October 2016 | nymetroparents.com CRH_West Nyack_Adolescent Medicine_DrCalderoni_73x96_Rockland Parent.indd 1

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NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Contents

October 2016 ››

Features

14 When Can They...? A guide to when your kids are old enough to do certain activities on their own

18 Happy Birthday, Unhappy Timing Tips for handling common birthday party scheduling dilemmas 22 So Your Teen Wants a Job... What adolescents need to know to earn their first paycheck 40 20-Minute Meals Three healthy recipes that can each be made in 20 minutes 42 Family First, Even From Afar How one NYC couple makes it work when the father travels with the Texas Rangers for much of the year

44 The Importance of Sleep Getting a good night’s rest does more than prevent cranky kids and tired parents 45 Gifted & Talented? How to know when your child should be in a G&T program 46 Where Everyone Is an Artist How to spend the day at Crayola Experience in Easton, PA

Connections

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Quotables 13 NYMP Q&A: Ron Leiber, the “Your Money” columnist for the New York Times, talks kids and money

Family Activities CALENDAR ››

Fun & Activities

12 Media Matters: New on DVD & Streaming 12 DIY Corner: Pumpkin Animals 24 Outing: Historic Village at Alliare 27 Family Activities Calendar 36 Where-To Guide: Pick Your Own Pumpkins 38 Where-To Guide: Haunted Houses, Corn Mazes, and Pumpkin Activities

Directories

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

20 Birthday Party Directory 48 Meet the Health Care Professional 50 Advertisers’ Index

››

ON THE COVER ›› 14 Time for a Cellphone? 18 Scheduling Woes 22 Best Jobs for Teens facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

36 Where to Pick Pumpkins

38 Haunted Fun

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

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OCTOBER 2016 • Vol.9 • No.12

NYMetroParents Publications

EDITOR’S NOTE

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress DEPUTY EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva

Birthdays & Milestones

t feels like Adira, my 9-year-old daughter, has been agitating for more independence since the moment she came into this world. Like most parents, we’ve gradually given her more freedom, but letting her walk the streets on her own was a scary idea to us—until, one day, that changed rather spontaneously. I was home with our sleeping toddler while my wife took our two older kids on an errand. When we realized that Adira wouldn’t be home in time to catch her ride to play rehearsal, my wife and I decided that Adira would walk the several blocks home by herself. I waited for her outside, peering down the block until her smiling, proud-of-herself face came into view. Since then, we’ve talked a lot about when she might be allowed to do even more on her own. It can be hard to know when it’s appropriate and safe to give kids independence. To help guide you in making these decisions, we’ve gathered expert advice on when kids may be ready for specific milestones of independence, including getting a cellphone, going to the mall, and walking to school on their own (p. 14). Of course, no matter how old and mature our kids get, birthdays always loom large in their lives. We all want to give them the party they’re hoping for, but sometimes reality collides with those plans. In our case, we’ve got one kid born on Thanksgiving weekend and another on New Year’s Day, making party scheduling a challenge. We’ve also had the experience of calling a party venue weeks in advance only to find it’s booked for the weekend we’d like— and often for weeks before and after. Such problems are not uncommon, so we’re offering a useful guide to dealing with party scheduling dilemmas (p. 18). As kids get older, something else tends to grow in importance to them as well: money. Once they hit their teenage years, getting a part-time job is a realistic option and one that can provide important life lessons in addition to cash. Katelin Walling tells us everything we need to know for teens to get started in the work world, including the top jobs they might pursue (p. 22). If it’s October, it means baseball playoffs are upon us, and Halloween is just around the corner. To mark the former, Bethany Braun-Silva profiles a New York City family for whom Dad’s dream job—as a coach for the Texas Rangers—keeps him away from home for long stretches. The couple tells us how they make it work and how he stays involved in his kids’ lives even from a distance (p. 42). And as Halloween spirit ramps up, check out our guides to pumpkin-picking farms (p. 36) and haunted houses and other Halloween activities (p. 38). Or learn how to go beyond the standard jack-o’-lantern and make cool pumpkin animals (p. 12). Happy fall and happy Halloween to all! Michael Kress Editorial Director

Got a Story to Tell? Get Published! Rockland Parent and NYMetroParents.com are seeking great stories from local moms and dads. We are looking for personal essays that capture the joys, challenges, and deep emotions that come along with being a parent—writing that makes us smile and nod in recognition, laugh out loud at the absurdity of it all, or maybe even shed a tear of empathy. We’ll publish our favorites on nymetroparents.com or in a future edition of the magazine. Submissions should be 600-800 words and written from your personal perspective. Send essays for consideration to dmgEDIT@davlermedia.com with the subject line “Voices Submission.” 6

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling ASSISTANT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf REGIONAL EDITORS: Karen Demeter (Fairfield, Suffolk); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Emma Steven (Manhattan); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERNS: Jonathan Perry

ADVERTISING SALES Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239 Jeunesse Jackson, Linda Pierce Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Ellen Klein Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Randi Shulman, Merrill Sugarman, Mary Wender Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Ellen Klein, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Fairfield Parent 914-397-0200 Judy Samuels, Randi Shulman 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 TRAFFIC MANAGER: Alexis Brower

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Anthony Diaz CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Jiyon Son DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Robert Reynolds GRAPHIC ARTIST: Sara Wentworth

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CONTROLLER: David Friedman

MARKETING

HEAD OF MARKETING: Jacqueline Lachman

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CREDIT MANAGER: Elizabeth Teagarden CREDIT ASSISTANTS: Rosa Meinhofer, Diedra Smith EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Barbara Byrd

Davler Media Group CEO: David L. Miller General Manager: Thomas K. Hanlon 498 Seventh Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239 nymetroparents.com fairfieldparent.com davlermedia.com nybarbatmitzvah.com

BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN PARENT, FAIRFIELD PARENT and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2015, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39

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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS

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Kids can now play Bubble Ball at West Rock Indoor.

Courtesy The Ramapo Athletic Center

Who: West Rock Indoor What’s New: Bubble Ball, which is like bumper cars on foot. Kids can play soccer and “last man standing” all while strapped into an inflatable airtight plastic bubble. “Kids have a blast with these,” says Donnie Leenig, administrative manager at West Rock Indoor, “because they can hit each other, run around, and not get hurt.” West Rock also offers basketball, baseball, lacrosse, and softball programs for kids ages 7-12. It also provides numerous other sports for kids as well as birthday party options. Want More Info: 21 Pralle Lane (at Route 304), Nanuet; 845623-3636; westrockindoor.com

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Indoor Multi-Sport Facility Now Offering Bubble Ball

Athletic Center Adds Party Room to Its Facilities Who: The Ramapo Athletic Center What’s New: The Burgundy Party Room, at which customers can hold a number of different events including birthday parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, and corporate meetings. The Ramapo Athletic Center aims to be the premier location for sports and recreation, says owner Yehuda Russak. Sports options include handball, volleyball, racquetball, basketball, and a workout center. Each of these can be incorporated into parties if desired. Want More Info: 267 Cherry Lane, Airmont; 845-659-8244

Enjoy a sports-themed birthday party at The Ramapo Athletic Center.

Who: Hurds Family Farm What’s New: A farm-themed storybook trail for kids. Families navigate their way through the half-acre trail while reading stories from Aaron Burakoff’s Evergreen Creations. Kids can also take part in the 2-acre corn maze, the Cow Train (weekends only), hayrides, the Big Apple Bounce air pillow, and apple and pumpkin picking. The farm is open daily, 9am-5pm. VIP wristbands for the more than 20 outdoor activities are $15 per person, $8 on weekdays. Children younger than 3 are always free. Want More Info: 2187 State Route 32, Modena; 845-883-7825; hurdsfamilyfarm.com

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Hurds Family Farm

New Offerings For Kids at Family Farm Near New Paltz

A child enjoys the Cow Train at Hurds Family Farm.

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UOTABLES

Posts from

Halloweens Past

When the big day finally arrived, Captain America was highly annoyed with the layers that his mama stuffed underneath his costume. Thankfully, the first trick or treat experience of the year seemed to cure the crank-factor. A single piece of candy tossed into a bag can work wonders! —NYC mom Monica Marino in a post entitled “Trick or Treat” on her blog marinobambinos.com

in an instagram Growing up NYC >> The brownstones in our neighborhood go all out for Halloween and #lilStrange kept sneaking candy out of her pumpkin. (Posted by @kristrange, aka Kris Strange, a NYC mom of two who blogs at mystrange.family)

REAL-LIFE GHOST

HUNTING

“The most common complaints are unexplained noises or a disembodied voice, the feeling of being watched or touched, occasional shadows or mists and the unexplained moving or relocation of objects. The complaints often start with children reporting these things to their parents.” —Victor Furman, a NY-based “paranormal

in an instagram (Posted by @cuddlesandchaos, aka Jennifer Garry, a Westchester mom who blogs at cuddlesandchaos.com).

“We’ve made it a tradition each year to visit a senior citizen home before we head out to trick-or-treat. The elderly folks get such a kick out of the kids’ costumes and they usually put on quite the production.” —Brianne Manz, an NYC mom, in a post entitled “Halloween of ‘14” on her blog strollerinthecity.com

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

investigator,” in an interview with NYMetroParents entitled “My Husband is a Ghostbuster.” Read it all at nymetroparents.com/ghostbuster

MORE NYMetroParents HALLOWEEN HIGHLIGHTS: COSTUME PLANNING: What should your child be this Halloween? (nymetroparents.com/costume) GET CRAFTY: Find spooky art projects at nymetroparents.com/ halloween-diy TODDLER FUN: How to trick-or-treat with your little one (nymetroparents.com/toddler-halloween) HALLOWEEN TREATS: Eyeball cake pops, monster ‘toes,’ and more at nymetroparents.com/halloween-treats

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Come on in!

Being a part of a synagogue community can enrich your life like nothing else. And there are many warm and welcoming congregations in Rockland just waiting to invite you inside! The Rockland Jewish Initiative (RJI) can help you find a new synagogue family. Contact us for our free guide to the Rockland County Board of Rabbis’ synagogues, and learn about the financial grants we give to help defray the cost of new membership and religious school tuition. Need seats for High Holidays? We can help there, too.

for REE qua Hi lify gh jew ing ho Holi ish use day roc hol kla ds. L ticke nd. ear org n m ts /rji ore :

Find out more at jewishrockland.org/RJI or call Cantor Barry Kanarek at 845-362-4200 x170

RocklandParent 11

Media Matters: MOVIES X-Men: Apocalypse H H H H

New on DVD & Streaming

(PG-13) Release Date: Oct. 4 Recommended Age: 13+ You’ll find superhero-size violence and fab effects in

Ice Age 5: Collision Course H HH (PG) Rele

this ‘80s-set threequel.

ase Date: Oct. 11 Recommended Age: 6+ The fifth installment in this franchis e is fine but not-so-fresh prehistoric

Alice Through the Looking Glass

HHH

fun.

(PG) Release Date: Oct. 18 Recommended Age: 9+ This uneven, less-violent sequel has a girl-empowerment theme.

In Theaters Nov. 4: Trolls

Our Partner: Common Sense Media An independent nonprof it that helps families make smart media choices. Check out thousands of ratings and reviews at commonsensemedia.org

Parents need to know that Trolls—a digitally animated musical comedy from DreamWorks—is inspired by the tall-haired troll dolls, but with more funky adventures than ‘60s nostalgia. The story follows an unlikely pair of troll heroes, the overly optimistic Princess Poppy (voiced by Anna Kendrick) and her grumpy opposite, Branch (Justin Timberlake), who journey beyond their world and face the ugly, troll-eating Bergens. The voice cast also includes the likes of Zooey Deschanel, John Cleese, and James Corden. Some jokes might rely on potty humor or else go over kids’ head entirely, but overall, Trolls looks like a quirky, family-friendly movie.

See more at NYMetroParents.com/media

DIY CORNER HALLOWEEN CRAFT

Pumpkin Animals

There’s no need to stop at carving pumpkins when it comes to Halloween. Experiment by making all sorts of creatures from pumpkins, squash, and other vegetables to add fun to your Halloween party. And when you have finished you can still cook and eat everything you have used! You Will Need • Pumpkins and squash in any shape, size, and color • Selection of other vegetables—carrots, Brussels sprouts, eggplants (aubergine), and zucchini (courgette) are all great • Pumpkin and sunflower seeds, fresh ginger root, bay leaves • Sharp knife • Chopping board • Toothpicks (cocktail sticks) • Wooden skewers 1. Lay all your vegetables out on the table so you can see what you have. Start thinking about which animals you would like to make and play around with different arrangements to create some crazy creatures! 2. Push one end of a toothpick (cocktail stick) into the vegetable you would like to use, such as a carrot, and then push the other end into your pumpkin. 3. Push seeds into pumpkins to make eyebrows, teeth, nose, etc.

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

4. Seeds make great spikes for hedgehogs. Push them into a squash, using the pointed top of the squash as a nose. 5. Use a sharp knife and chopping board to cut slices of vegetables. (Remember to keep your fingers out of the way or ask an adult to help you.) The slices make great eyes when held in place with toothpicks. 6. Push half of one of the wooden skewers into a squash to join one onto the other. 7. Push another squash onto the rest of the skewer to join two together. 8. Make antlers, ears, arms, and eyes by attaching vegetables to the squash with toothpicks—Brussels sprouts make great ears! 9. Bay leaves are a good shape to use as hair or headdresses and decoration on your creatures. It is easy to push toothpicks through them, which can then be pushed into the pumpkins. Excerpted from My First Gardening Book, Ryland Peters & Small, $14.95; rylandpeters.com

NYMP Q&A Kids and Money Matters ›› By Bethany Braun

Ron Lieber is the “Your Money” columnist for The New York Times and an awardwinning journalist. He recently published The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money. Any tips on how parents can start conversations about money with their kids? Well I think the first thing you need to stop and do is remind yourself to be open to the questions in the first place because it’s so tempting to shoo our kids away or shush them or shame them when they ask money questions. The fact of the matter is that money is a source of enormous power in our world but also a source of mystery for kids, precisely because grown-ups don’t talk about it enough. We need to be prepared to give our kids honest answers to the questions and don’t make them feel bad for asking. Should kids start earning their own money early on? When I think about jobs, I think about work that you do for somebody that you’re not related to for which you get paid—not household chores. I think every child should have at least one job, preferably a full-time job that they take on in the summer sometime during high school, and preferably every summer. I think every child should contribute, hopefully substantially, to the cost of their undergraduate education, and I think there’s something developmentally profound about having to show up someplace every day, where a team of other people or customers are relying on you and learning what it means to perform that task or a set of tasks for a wage where there’s a possibility that you’ll be kicked out by a boss if you’re not doing the things that you’re supposed to do. What’s your view on giving kids an allowance? Allowance is for practice, and money is something we want our kids to get good at. We should think about it in the same way that we should think about a musical instrument, or art supplies, or athletic equipment, and as with those things, or books, these are not things that we take away generally if our kids have not done their chores. I think the allowance should be given out without any conditions except that the money gets used responsibly, that you don’t lose it or burn it, and that you don’t buy anything or do anything with the money that is on the family’s banned-items list. As long as you follow all those rules, the allowance is yours. For parents who are tired of being nagged all the time for stuff, the quickest way to nip that in the bud is to actually double your child’s allowance if you can afford it, which may seem like a counterintuitive approach. But once it’s clear to them that they have this sum of money—but that until further notice, every single thing that they want as opposed to things that they need is going to have to come out of the allowance—then there’s no reason to bug you anymore because they know that the answer is going to be, “No, that’s what the allowance money is for.” Whatever that allowance is, they have to make that last and parcel it out and make tradeoffs around the things that they want the most.

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When Can They….?

››

Riding the bus, walking to school, going to sleepaway camp, and more milestones of growing up: a guide to when your kids are old enough to do activities on their own By Laurie Sue Brockway

fter years of knowing your child’s exact whereabouts, who he is with, and what she is eating, it can be daunting, even scary, to ease your child into independent activities. But there will come a time when you will have to give your little one wings to fly—or at least, money to take a train somewhere. “A parent’s confidence in a child’s age-appropriate abilities to make good choices and be responsible goes a long way to instilling confidence in the child and provides a much-needed inner resource that would benefit any kid,” says Jody Ripplinger, MA, LMHC, a psychotherapist at Manhattan’s Citron Hennessey Private Therapy and a Brooklyn mom of three. “I think the real test is whether we as parents feel able to let our children out of our sight for periods of time, without letting our anxiety get the better of us.” We rounded up some of the big firsts and offer advice on when you might expect your child to be ready for them. Of course, you know your child best and every person and situation will be different, but we hope this helps you figure out when it’s okay for your child to take some big steps on his own.

Getting a Cellphone

It may seem like your child has been begging for her own phone for as long as she’s known how to talk. Most experts agree that kids should have phones once they start going out and about on their own, whenever that may be. Pre-paid, no-frills, functional phones just for calling in to the mothership, and vice-versa, are 14

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

fine. “We gave our kids cellphones once they started traveling alone, so it was around the age of 9,” says Alina Adams, a mother of three and author of Getting Into NYC Kindergarten. “But these phones are for announcing that they’ve arrived at their destination only. And the very, very cheap phones we got them can’t even download apps.”

Attending Sleepaway Camp

Experts we spoke with suggested 7 years old as the minimum age for sleepaway camp. Before you enroll, take into consideration your child’s prior response to separations, if he’s already successfully experienced a few nights away, whether friends are attending the same camp, and what the child’s expectation is, says clinical psychologist Joe Taravella, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor at New York University School of Medicine. “The average age for a first trip to sleepaway camp ranges from 7 to 9 years old, but it really depends on your child’s maturity and ability to separate from parents.” Some kids will dive in and others may beg to come home, so find out how the camp handles homesickness. “Sleepaway camp presents a wonderful opportunity for your child’s growth,” Dr. Taravella says. “Children feel part of a community and develop self-respect, maturity, self-esteem, independence, and responsibility.” They can also learn new coping skills and strengths, become more resilient and resourceful, and cultivate life-long friendships.

Going for a Bike Ride

Developmentally, children ages 8 and older should be able to take a bicycle out for a spin around the block by themselves if they are familiar with the neighborhood. A 10-year-old should be able to go out on longer rides accompanied by a friend, as long as they practice safety rules, Ripplinger says. There is a lot to pay attention to, so a child must be able to keep track of the environment around her while moving quickly on a bike. “Make sure he knows how to stay safe,” Ripplinger says. “Tell him to always wear a helmet, always stop at corners and wait for the green light, and be on the lookout for turning cars on the green when it is time to cross.” In New York City, kids can legally bike on the sidewalk until they are 12, and she recommends that they do. A cellphone, and assuring the child that she has your trust, helps.

Riding the Bus or Subway

Some parents are comfortable starting kids young, yet some transportation systems have established minimum age requirements for unaccompanied minors. Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road require kids to be at least 8, while Amtrak’s minimum is 12. “Additional factors to consider could include your child’s desire to ride alone, history of demonstrating responsibility and good judgment, and ability to follow directions as well as the length of the trip and/or the safety of the route,” says Amy DiBernardo, LMSW, clinical assistant professor in the department of child and adolescent psychiatry at NYU Langone Medical Center’s Child Study Center. In preparation, go for a trial run, review subway and bus maps, and walk the route to the train or bus to point out places the child can go for help if needed along the way. Discuss safety concerns and how to identify police officers and security guards. DiBernardo says to send them with, an “emergency kit” that includes contact information, a cellphone if they have one, and additional money ($5-$15) in case a their pass, MetroCard, or ticket gets lost and your child needs to use another form of transportation.

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Crossing the Street

National Highway Traffic Safe Administration says children are not ready to cross a street alone until 10 years of age, according to Dr. Taravella. Your child’s readiness depends on the ability to shift attention and also concentrate. “Children who tend to be impulsive and easily distracted can engage in unsafe crossing choices and other unsafe behavior,” he says. “Parents can reinforce judgment skills by walking with their children and always modeling safe pedestrian behavior for their children, such as not crossing the street when you don’t have the right of way or stopping at the curb and looking in all directions when crossing the street.”

Walking to School

Once children reach fifth or sixth grade, they might be ready to take the leap with their friends or by themselves, Dr. Taravella says. Some children initiate the conversation by asking their parents if they can walk alone or with their friends. “Parents should evaluate the distance to the school, how many streets to cross, the availability of crossing guards, and their child’s ability to navigate the streets safely to and from school,” he says. They’ll need coaching on continuously taking the safest route between school and home, and they should demonstrate for their parents that they have excellent traffic-safety skills. continued on next page ››

RocklandParent 15

‹‹ continued from previous page

Not every child is anxious to go it alone. “My middle child was uncomfortable with the idea of going to school by himself,” Adams says. He was accustomed to traveling with his older brother, who moved on to a new school, but Adams had to take her younger daughter to school in a different direction, so she started him walking alone at 10 years old. “He was anxious, but he did it anyway, and has had no problems since,” she says. “He did not feel he was ready, but I did.”

Going to the Mall

“Dropping a child off anywhere alone definitely depends on the maturity level of the child, but I would say age 11 or sixth grade should be fine for any child with a friend, as long as the parent knows and trusts the friend,” says parenting coach Elisabeth Stitt, author of Parenting as a Second Language. Parents may be more concerned about kids being loud and disrespectful than being harassed, so avoid letting them go in large groups or trios. Pairs make for a better buddy system and less chance of fighting. Give kids a primer on safety and strangers. Limit money to just what they need, and outline your no-go zones. “Video arcades are good places to avoid until kids are a little older,” Stitt says. “They tend to be dark, and kid-to-adult ratio favors kids, which allows for more room for kids to behave obnoxiously and for peer mentality to develop. Places such as skating rinks, on the other hand, although kid-heavy, invite less trouble.”

Studying at the Library

You can start dropping them off at the library by themselves around ages 11 or 12, according to Danielle Lindner, children’s book author and founder and CEO of the London Day School in Florham Park, NJ. Start by accompanying your child but spending time in separate areas so that he knows where to find you if needed. This offers freedom without you being right on top of him. “As they get older and become more comfortable, demonstrating that they can be responsible, you can slowly give them more and more freedom to walk places with a friend or spend time with friends without adult supervision,” Lindner says. The other factor is library location, she adds. “If visiting the library means walking through an area that would generally be thought of as unsafe, I don’t think there is any age that a child should be able to walk alone in that case.”

Staying Home Alone

Opinions on when kids can stay home by themselves are wide ranging. “Trusting your child to stay home alone, especially the first time, is daunting for any parent,” DiBernardo says. “While concerns are warranted, allowing your child to stay home alone can have real benefits. It fosters a sense of responsibility and independence in your child and may help strengthen your work and life balance.” The decision depends on your child’s maturity and the situation: Is it a safe neighborhood, is there an alarm system, are there friends and family nearby? “Generally speaking, between the ages of 10 and 12 is an acceptable age range to leave your child home alone for a short period of time (an hour or so), provided that your child is not scared and you believe they are mature enough to handle the situation,” DiBernardo says.

Visiting the Doctor’s Office

Going solo to the doctor can encourage self-care as well as more 16

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

TIPS TO DETERMINE YOUR CHILD’S READINESS Start in small increments, do trial runs, and try role-playing. Additionally, ask yourself whether your child has: Exercised good judgment in the past and/or demonstrated responsibility. Examples may include finishing homework without being asked, completing chores, or watching a sibling. Shown that she can follow basic directions, such as locking the door or not opening the door for strangers. Demonstrated problem-solving skills. For examples, has he called you or family members in the past when he needed help? Has she demonstrated that she is capable of coping in stressful situations?

honesty with the physician. “Children can come into the office at 13 years old by themselves,” says Mary Ellen Renna, M.D., a pediatrician in practice in Jericho and author of 10 Steps to Almost Perfect Parenting. Even if you are there, stay out of the exam room. “It is always better to see a teenager without the parent present,” Dr. Renna says. “They are more likely to be forthcoming about sexual behavior or drug use if the parent is not in the room.” It’s different when a child is sick, because it is always better to have someone with you when you are ill. “Sick visits and emergencies should be accompanied by a parent as often as possible,” she says—unless the child is older than 17, drives, and is physically able to drive to the office.

Signing Up for an Email Account

Let school be the lead and find out if there is an age or grade in which they require students to have their own email, or if the school assigns email addresses to everyone. “Kids don’t really need one,” says Richard Rende, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist and co-author of Raising Can-Do Kids: Giving Children the Tools to Thrive in a Fast-Changing World. “Keep in mind that all kids— including and especially teens—can be impulsive and emotional and that plays out socially. So think about an age when you feel they are mature enough to use it responsibly—early teens—and teach them the rules of the game.” This applies also to texting, which kids probably do more frequently, he adds.

Getting on Social Media

Early teens is probably the right time for most kids to start entering the social media world, but this may require a long period of monitoring, Dr. Rende says. “It will be a learning curve for kids because now they have a device that permits instantaneous expression of moods, kids will say things about other kids, misinterpretations can happen.” There are many different kinds of social media kids may delve into, so parents should take a proactive stance in learning about them and teaching safety tips. Parents should also be aware of the different minimum ages set by the individual networks for membership. “Practice transparent monitoring—not constant surveillance or lurking,” Dr. Rende says. While teaching good online protocol, hang on until you think they are ready to truly go solo. “You will need to practice good communication skills with your child and partner with them.” Laurie Sue Brockway is a journalist and author who has written extensively on love, romance, marriage, parenting, well-being, and emotional health. Her work has appeared in hundreds of print and online publications, including Woman’s Day, Everyday Health, and The Huffington Post.

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RocklandParent 17

Happy Birthday, Unhappy Timing

››

Tips for handling common birthday party scheduling dilemmas. By Bethany Braun-Silva

lanning your child’s birthday party can be lots of fun, but let’s face it, it can be really stressful, too. That’s especially true if your child has her heart set on a certain type of party or a particular venue, but for whatever reason, it’s just not feasible. Here we’ve listed some common birthday party planning scheduling dilemmas and what to do to make sure the day is still a success for your child.

Same Friends, Same Birthday

Dilemma: The invites have all been sent and the venue has been booked. You drop your child off at school a few days later only to find out that another child in his class has scheduled a birthday party for the same day. Solution: Ask the parents if they are absolutely set on that date. If so, suggest a change in time, and if they still won’t budge, see if your venue will offer a change in time. After all, two parties in one day is a dream for kids, even if it’s a nightmare for most parents.

The Venue Has No Openings Dilemma: You thought you were being a good parent by trying to book your child’s birthday party venue of choice months in advance. Or maybe you’re a lastminute person, and despite the best intentions, are calling just a little too late to schedule it. Whatever the reason, it turns out the place is all booked up and so are similar venues in the area.

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Solution: Try holding the party a few weeks earlier or later, or look at venues just a little further away. Your child might be disappointed at first, but ultimately, she’ll get on board, because after all, a party is still a party, no matter when it’s held. Alternatively, you can plan to hold the party at home. Your first step is to get on Pinterest ASAP and give it your best DIY try. Or get an assist from a party entertainer—think clown, face painter, or costumed character—who makes house calls. If a spa party is what she had in mind, recruit family and friends to act as estheticians for the day. If she had her sights set on something more elaborate, such as a club-themed party, turn the lights down and pump up the jams, or hire a musician or DJ to handle the tunes. You can pretty much MacGyver your way to a successful birthday party with a little planning.

Birthday On or Near a Holiday

Dilemma: If your child’s birthday is a week before Christmas, falls on Leap Day, or is July 4 or Jan. 1, fear not. You’ve probably already heard the stories of slighted kids who share their big day with a national holiday, but that doesn’t mean it has to be lacking in fun or that your kid won’t get all the birthday attention he deserves. Solution: Try moving your kid’s party a few days after the big holiday; that way the holiday is in the past and everyone can be completely focused on the birthday boy or girl. If that won’t work, try incorporating the holiday into your child’s party to make it all about her. Vicky’s Valentine’s Birthday Bash or Steven’s 7th St. Patty’s Day might be a great way to celebrate your child’s birthday without ignoring the big holiday elephant in the room. And families that have lateafternoon or evening get-togethers—such as Thanksgiving dinners or Memorial Day barbecues—might appreciate a morning activity that gets the kids out of the house and allows them some fun.

Siblings Who Have the Same Birthday

Dilemma: Your children have the same birthday or their birthdays are only a few days apart. While it may be convenient for you (no need to remember multiple dates!), your kids aren’t too keen on sharing a party. Solution: You can get really crafty here and try to convince your kids of all the great reasons to have a shared party. Or you can choose to split the parties, which means more work for you. If you choose to split them up, try to keep each party small and ask each child for one special thing she would like to include. If two parties are just not in the budget or schedule, try to arrange for separate events at the combined party. Perhaps have each child open presents in separate rooms, or split off for certain games. Each child can choose a favorite food, and you can have separate, smaller cakes for each, so no one feels slighted or has to compromise on his favorite flavor or decoration. Everyone can come together for cake and playtime—just make sure each kid has her moment in the spotlight.

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BIRTHDAY PARTIES 2016 Your Local Guide to party places, resources and activities for kids! The Academy For Martial Arts

8 Orangetown Shopping Center, Orangeburg 845-359-4500 rocklandkarate.com Our parties are legendary! A karate party is a great way to enter the world of martial arts. It’s also a great way for experienced students to share martial arts with friends and family. And, don’t tell anyone, but it’s also great fun! At The Academy for Martial Arts, we offer a spacious, fully equipped facility, an energetic, cheerful, and professional staff, and martial arts-themed fun and games. Packages include pizza and juice boxes, plates, cups, napkins, plasticware, and table cloths. Additional options available. Give your child a party everyone will remember!

201-541-0600 327 Franklin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 201-891-1331 595 Broadway, Norwood, NJ 201-784-3311 bluemoonmexicancafe.com Looking to spice up your child’s next birthday party without sending your savings south of the border? Then take an unforgettable trip to the moon—the Blue Moon Mexican Café, that is. Five convenient locations in Bergen and Westchester counties allow visitors of all ages to enjoy a bright and airy atmosphere. Our outgoing, child-friendly staff will put together the party of a lifetime. Your party guests will revel in a fun-filled celebration with a mouth-watering menu. Call today to find out more!

Art Adventure

Bounce! Trampoline Sports

60 Dutch Hill Road, Suite 8, Orangeburg 845-680-6780 artadventureny.com info@artadventureny.com Art Adventure now open for all ages (2-18) from 10am-7pm every Tuesday-Friday! Our certified teachers will also be hosting fine art classes for schoolage children after school. From sculpture to painting, drawing to printmaking, we offer something new and exciting every day. Our low cost monthly memberships enable you to come as often as you like for open studio time. We also offer mini-camps and unforgettable custom birthday parties!

Blue Moon Mexican Café

7-27 Pondfield Road, Bronxville 914-337-4000 42 Kinderkamack Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 201-782-9500 23 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, NJ

612 Corporate Way (off Route 303), Valley Cottage 845-268-4000 facebook.com/ bouncetrampolinesports twitter.com/bouncesport bouncevalleycottage.com info@bounceonit.com There is no party place in the tri-state area like Bounce! Trampoline Sports! Guests jump on more than 10,000-square-feet of trampolines, including trampoline dodgeball, slam-dunk basketball, and launching into giant foam pits! And now they can enjoy our new Bounce! Xtreme Ninja Obstacle Course. We also have a Bounce! Jr. for ages 5 and younger with a separate trampoline court, foam pit, and giant inflatable castle. Free Wi-Fi, HD television lounge, and snack and coffee bar. At Bounce! “Have Fun–Get Fit!®” Visit our website or call for party details.

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Bricks 4 Kidz - Rockland

121 W. Nyack Road, Suite 11, Nanuet 845-501-7800 b4kcenter.com info@b4kcenter.com At Bricks 4 Kidz®, we know how to party while we learn, build, and collaborate with each other. A Bricks 4 Kidz® celebration allows the birthday child to choose and build a model from one of our many model plans. Party guests will also enjoy age-appropriate games and challenges using our extensive Lego® collection. Creative free-play time included in party time. Two birthday packages are available. Give us a call. We’ll help you customize your child’s Lego® party.

The Burgundy Room @ Ramapo Athletic Center

267 Cherry Lane, Airmont 845-659-8244 The Burgundy Room @ the Ramapo Athletic Center is great place to celebrate your next party. It is a place where you can throw a beautiful party combined with a recreational facility, including volleyball, basketball, or a good workout in a world-class gym. It is located on a sprawling, private 10-acre campus with ample parking for 30-40 cars. It provides an enjoyable and memorable party. Great fun for all! Call to plan your next party at 845-659-8244.

Dave & Buster’s

Palisades Center Mall, 4661 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack 845-353-1555 daveandbusters.com Planning your kid’s birthday party is a piece of cake! Dave & Buster’s birthday parties are perfect for kids of all ages. With kid-friendly food to keep them

fueled for fun and hundreds of games, there’s something for everyone. We’ll do the work— they’ll have a blast. Put some play in your day! Save time and book online, or call us at 845-348-6007. Located on the fourth floor of the Palisades Center Mall.

Jill’s Ceramics

180 Germonds Road, West Nyack 845-623-4975 jillsceramics.com jillsceramics@aol.com Established for more than 36 years, we offer a fully equipped ceramics and plaster studio in which children and adults let their creativity run wild. Parties for kids include paper goods, a painter’s hat for the birthday child signed by their friends, and an item for each child to paint. You provide the food and drink. Walk-ins welcome as well as groups of all ages (Girl Scouts, ladies’ night, corporate, or camps). We offer the largest selection of ceramic and plaster pieces, to paint and glaze or paint and take home same day, including items for holidays.

Master Jung & Yu Traditional Taekwondo

70 N. Main St., New City 845-638-4000 mytaekwondolife.com Give your child a birthday party that will change his or her life! An introductory taekwondo lesson involves stretching, kicking, relay games, board breaking, and self-defense. Celebrate your child’s birthday, but also teach valuable lifetime techniques. These lessons include healthy eating habits, daily exercise, respect, discipline, confidence, and appreciation of parents. Teaching martial arts is love. Parties are

offered on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings.

Palisades Climb Adventure

4590 Palisades Center Drive, Level 4 of the Palisades Center, West Nyack 845-727-3500 palisadesclimb.com Palisades Climb Adventure offers the world’s tallest indoor ropes challenge course. Standing 85-feet tall, it has five levels and 75 unique challenge elements to explore, climb, and conquer. More advanced athletes will find a challenge, while “just for fun” climbers will experience a sense of athletic accomplishment. Our Sky Tykes kids’ ropes course is designed for ages 2-7, no taller than 48 inches, and our new Sky Rail attraction is now open! Both courses are available for birthday parties, other groups, and special events. Book your party today!

Tech Adventure

404 E. Route 59, Nanuet 845-627-7000 techadventureny.com info@techadventureny.com Video Gaming at it’s finest! Rent out our gaming room for your own private events! Our game room boasts 12 XBox One systems (with tons of games including titles such as Just Dance and Rock Band),

two Wii U systems, two super-sized HD projectors, and 10 large TVs! We also have four computer rooms in which your party can join our private network to work in teams and build together in Minecraft! Two-hour parties start at just $375! We provide food, beverages, staff, and cleanup!

Tilly... A Deer’s Tale

914-764-5564 tillyadeerstale.com josie42812@yahoo.com Tilly...A Deer’s Tale is about a real deer that lives in upstate New York and faces challenges after an accident. This powerful story is meant to inspire children living with physical challenges or limitations. The book makes a great birthday gift!

Toyriffic2 Toy Store

1581 Route 202, Pomona 845-362-6053 toyriffic2.com toyriffic2@aol.com Looking for the perfect birthday gift? Come visit our unique toy store in Pomona. We offer a great selection of Melissa & Doug crafts and many other quality, affordable, educational toys, crafts, games, and puzzles for kids of all ages, both boys and girls. Everything from unique stuffed animals and baby toys to cool gadgets, Playmobil® sets, robotic toys,

unique board games, and ontrend items. Come see our new store location (same shopping center, just a few stores away from the previous spot).

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics and Fitness

401 Market St., Nanuet Mall South, Nanuet 845-623-2553 tumble-beegymnastics.com Tumble-Bee Gymnastics and Fitness is more than just tumbling. We offer an education in gymnastics, fitness, and fun. Serving Rockland for more than 30 years, we offer private birthday parties and programs for children ages 10 months to 12 years. Our preschool program offers exciting lessons and theme weeks. We teach the nationally recognized Fun & Fit Gymnastics program and International Smart Moves for our after-school program. Our staff is warm, caring, and well trained to work with your child building confidence and self-esteem to achieve success in the future.

Vicki’s Dance Studio and Kreative Kids

61 Maple Ave., New City 845-634-2202 vickistudio.com We offer a variety of birthday parties for boys and girls of all ages. Great party theme

options include Hip-Hop Dance Party & Games Mix, Jumping Gymnastics, Disney Dance Mix, and Dress-up Princess Party! We make sure the birthday child feels special and is the center of attention. Our parties are very well organized, at a price you can’t beat! Easy for the parents and fun for the children. Party packages include decorations, paper products, entertainment, and a party coordinator. Call for a party to remember.

West Rock Indoor Sports and Entertainment Complex

21 Pralle Lane, Nanuet 845-623-3636 westrockindoor.com West Rock offers the ultimate place to hold your birthday party, fundraiser, or special event. Our unique and versatile facility boasts 40-foot ceilings, 26,000 square feet of turf, two regulation-size basketball courts, six Har-Tru tennis courts, indoor bouncers, and private party room. Choose one of our specialty or sports parties. Parties can be customized to fit your child’s interests. Our themes include Color War and In It To Rock It as well as our newest Bubble Ball Parties! All packages include dedicated party host(s) to ensure your child has a memorable event.

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So Your Teen Wants a Job… ››

What kids need to know to earn their first paycheck. By Katelin Walling

rowing up, if I wanted something that wasn’t necessary (makeup, UGG boots, CDs, my pet rat and all the proper accouterments), I had to buy it with my own money. I also knew from an early age that I would be responsible for paying for my college education while my parents would pay for room and board. (Mom and Dad decided this as a way to guarantee all of their kids would attend classes and do well in school—they figured that if my brothers and I were paying for our own education, we wouldn’t waste it.) Since my brothers and I didn’t get a weekly allowance to buy the unnecessary items we wanted, I took a job the first chance I could. My first job was delivering newspapers when I was in fourth or fifth grade, and I began babysitting when I turned 12 (only on the weekends!). Other positions I held were as a janitor at the church my family attended, a housekeeper for an inn during the summer, a newspaper carrier (again), a waitress in a retirement community’s dining room, and a waitress at a Mexican-Irish restaurant. And that was all before earning my high school diploma. So I know a thing or two about working as a teenager. There are a lot of options available, but also a lot of rules and regulations specific to teens younger than 18 in the workplace. If your teen wants to start earning his own money, where to start? Here is our best advice.

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

First Job Options

There are a variety of options available to those ages 16 and older (some are even available for tweens and younger teens)—just make sure to check the state’s child labor laws to see what jobs minors can legally hold and whether they need working papers, as well as how many hours per week and what times of day they can work. Our top choices for first jobs for teens include: Babysitting: There are a plethora of sources for teens to find families who need sitters, first and foremost family connections and word-of-mouth. The two families I primarily sat for in middle school were my first-grade teacher and one of my dad’s coworkers. Other sources available now for finding families are sites such as UrbanSitter.com, HelloSitter.com, Sitter.me, and SitterCity.com. An option for younger kids is being a mother or father’s helper— someone who is there to occupy the kids while Mom or Dad is trying to get work done in the house. One thing I did to ensure my preparedness for caring for children was to take an American Red Cross Babysitter Training course, which teaches 11- to 15-year-olds basic child care and first aid skills, as well as how to keep everyone safe and help children behave.

Camp counselor: For those teens who went to summer camp as a kid and wish they could go back after they age out, being a counselor at a sleepaway or day camp is the perfect option. According to a 2012 Economic Impact Report conducted on behalf of the American Camp Association, 7,000 camp programs in the Northeast employed a total of 190,000 people, with the majority of those seasonal jobs being held by 16- to 24-year-olds. Bonus: Teens will learn valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, responsibility, time management, and problem-solving. Dog walker: Whether a neighbor needs someone to walk Fido occasionally for a few extra bucks, or your teen wants to make dog-walking a full-fledged part-time job (heck, some people in NYC are able to make a living by walking dogs), this task gets your kids active outside. Plus, if you’re thinking of getting a family pooch, this is good practice for a tween to see what goes into the care of a dog. Food service: There are a variety of jobs in the food service industry, from scooping ice cream at the local shop to making cappuccinos and lattes in the neighborhood café to any of the jobs in a restaurant, including busser, dishwasher, host or hostess, server, or bartender. Note: The minimum age to serve alcohol in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut is 18. Landscaping: From mowing lawns to raking leaves to shoveling driveways and sidewalks in the neighborhood, this is a sure-fire way for tweens and teens to earn some cash. Kids: Just make sure you ask your parents for permission before you push their mower around the neighborhood! Lifeguard: Another (mainly) summer option, teens as young as 15 (some facilities require teens to be at least 16) can take the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course to learn to recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and provide care until EMS personnel arrive. Lifeguarding locations include local pools, beaches, amusement parks, and water parks. Paper routes: I had paper routes a couple of times when I was growing up, my first in elementary school in a nearby neighborhood and my second in eighth grade in a neighborhood near school so I could walk there after school. I earned a small fee each week, but the real money was in weekly or monthly tips from subscribers—and especially during the holidays. Check with your town’s paper to see if it has any opportunities available. Retail: From stocking the shelves at the grocery store to folding clothes at Gap to staffing a register at Target, there are a number of opportunities at local and big-box retail stores for teens. Bonus: Some stores offer discounts for employees—teens just need to make sure they don’t spend their whole paycheck before it gets to their savings account!

Obtaining Working Papers

Child Labor Laws may vary from state to state, but for the most part, they all limit the number of hours minors can work daily and weekly, and during what time of day they can work.

Some laws even limit what types of jobs minors can hold. In order to uphold these laws, minors who wish to work must obtain working papers to document where they are working—and to make sure the minors and employers know the limits of the laws. In New York, a minor first needs to get an application from her local public high school or school district office. (NYC residents need to visit their local public high school.) After the minor fills out the form, a parent or guardian must sign it. In addition, the minor needs proof of age (birth certificate) and a written statement from a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant saying he is physically fit to work. Once the minor has all the necessary documentation, she needs to bring the application back to the high school, and working papers can be issued on the spot, according to the New York State Department of Labor (labor.ny.gov). In New Jersey, minors can obtain a working-papers application from the NJ Department of Education, the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development, or from the issuing officer of the local school district in which the minor resides. Once she has obtained the application, she must fill in her personal information, have her employer fill in the employment information and sign the form, have a doctor sign the form saying she is physically fit to work (the school district is responsible for performing the physical examination at no cost to the minor or her parents), document proof of age (birth certificate), and have a parent or guardian sign the form. Once the form is complete, the minor must bring it to the school district office, at which a designated official will review the form and issue working papers, according to the State of New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (lwd.dol.state.nj.us). I credit my strong work ethic as an adult to my early entry into the workforce—yes, even though it was only a paper route. It taught me responsibility, reliability, time management, and following through with a commitment. It also taught me the value of a dollar at an early age. Yes, I may have wanted the expensive Levi’s, but I didn’t need them when the much-cheaper jeans from Old Navy worked just as well. When I did want something (like those aforementioned UGG boots), I saved my hard-earned money to pay for them myself—and I wore those ruby-colored slipper-like shoes until they had holes in the soles to get my money’s worth. For some, their first job sparks an interest that leads to their future career. I delivered papers, which got me interested in journalism and led me to publishing; a friend mowed lawns and now owns a landscaping company. But for many, the first job was a way to earn money on their way to success. If you follow #FirstSevenJobs, you know that Tony Goldwyn (President Fitzgerald Grant on Scandal) was a farm hand; LinManuel Miranda (creator of Broadway’s Hamilton) worked the slushee machine at his aunt’s store; Stephen Colbert worked in construction; and astronaut Buzz Aldrin was a dish washer. Even First Daughters aren’t off the hook: the Boston Herald reported that Sasha Obama worked at a restaurant in Martha’s Vineyard over the summer. So… What’s your teen’s first job going to be?

RocklandParent 23

OUTINGS: Historic Village at Allaire

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Explore Early Industrial American Life 1

Courtesy Historic Village at Allaire

The Historic Village at Allaire is a living history museum offering historic re-enactments, craft demos, hearth cooking, and more, open to the public April through December. ›› By Melissa A. Kay

1 Children get into the industrial spirit. 2 Laundry is hung out to dry, the old fashioned way at Allaire Village. 3 Halloween is a spooky time at Allaire. 4 Watch a blacksmith demonstration during your visit. 5 Fall fun includes pumpkin picking and hayrides.

The Historic Village at Allaire in Farmingdale, NJ, engages visitors and teaches the public what everyday life was like during early Industrial America by offering families historic re-enactments, craft demonstrations, carpentry, tinsmithing, hearth cooking, and much more.

Year-Round Fun

This museum with 13 original buildings offers a variety of educational tours, living history interpretations, gardens, exhibits, and special programs for all ages. Allaire’s historic interpreters and guides will give you an inside look into a different time and way of life, and the many challenges and triumphs of an early 19th century industrial community. Explore Allaire State Park with more than 3,000 acres of walking trails, picnic areas, and biking trails. Be sure to stop by the fresh bakery and do some shopping at the old-fashioned General Store and Enameling Building shop.

Annual Events

Group tours are offered year-round and 24

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

are a great way to experience industrial history. Tours can be scheduled at any time for any type of group. Allaire’s monthly calendar offers many great events including An Evening with Edgar Allen Poe, which includes a chilling performance of some of the poet’s favorite tales, and James P. Allaire’s Birthday every July 16, which includes numerous craft demonstrations and sweet treats. The Annual Ducky Derby, which is typically held in July, is a great event to raise money for the village. Children enter their rubber ducks into a race and are awarded prizes. Also be sure to check out the numerous flea markets and craft shows, the Annual Rolling Iron Antique Show in August, the Allaire 5K Run in October, and the Allaire Auxiliary Stocking Stuffer Sale in November.

October Highlights

Allaire dares you to brave the village and forest at nighttime when all the “monsters” come out. Join the Haunted Allaire hayrides, have your fortune told,

dance with Zombie Zumba, listen to haunted ghost stories around the campfire, and explore Hogwarts at Allaire. Preregistration is suggested. Oct. 14, 15, 21, and 22; 6-9:30pm. Adults: $15; children younger than 12: $10. Another favorite is the 19th Century All Hollow’s Eve celebration on Oct. 30. This is a fun event for all ages featuring spooky storytellers. Take a ride on the tractor and hay wagon to explore the park. Take part in historic demonstrations as villagers prepare for fall. Pick a pumpkin (limited supply) and decorate it! Costume contest and parade at 3pm. Adults: $5; children ages 5-12: $3. Wagon and tractor rides extra.

Details

Address: 4263 Atlantic Ave., Farmingdale, NJ Directions: Approximately a 1½-hour drive from New City Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-4pm Admission: Free; special events cost extra. For more information: 732-919-3500 or allairevillage.org

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31 The Great Outdoors, Must-Sees in NYC

32 Show Time!, Fun Fairs & Festivals 33 Special Needs 34 Smarty Pants, Once Upon a Time 35 Holiday Fun

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the eight 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!

WHEN: Through Oct. 2: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-7pm WHERE: Sterling Forest, 600 Route 17A, Tuxedo Park AGES: All WHAT: The faire is a rollicking romp through Elizabethan England complete with 16th century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music, and dance set within the majestic groves of Tuxedo Park. Check the website for the stage schedule, special events, and theme weekend details. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s the end of the fairytale, don’t miss the last days of this magical event! WANT TO GO? $25; $20 seniors and military; $12 children ages 5-12; free for children 4 and younger. 845-351-5174. renfaire.com/ny.

The Wiggles: Wiggle Town Tour

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 2, 1pm WHERE: Bergen PAC, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Joined on stage by the lovable friends Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog, and Henry the Octopus, The Wiggles can’t wait to deliver a rocking good time for audiences with new music from the Wiggle Town! album. WHY WE LOVE IT: Hard to believe it’s been 25 years of wiggling with these mates! WANT TO GO? $29 and up. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.

10th Annual Pearl River Day Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 8, 11am-6pm WHERE: Pearl River Chamber of Commerce, Central Avenue between John and Main streets, Pearl River AGES: All WHAT: Filled with numerous events and activities including food, music, entertainment, demonstrations, shopping specials, face painting, pumpkin painting, balloon twisting, and bouncy attractions. WHY WE LOVE IT: A full day of family fun that celebrates this special tight-knit community. WANT TO GO? pearlriverny.org.

Helen Hayes Hospital Classic Race, Fun Run, and Family Fun Day

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 16, 8:45am-2pm WHERE: Bowline Point Park, 1 Bowline Plant Road, Haverstraw AGES: 3 and older WHAT: A race and activities, which will include pumpkin painting, games, refreshments, and prize and raffle opportunities. The race brings together runners, handcyclists, wheelchair racers, and other athletes of all abilities to raise community awareness and to benefit the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation.

NY Renaissance Faire

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHY WE LOVE IT: An opportunity to teach kids that the fun that benefits others is the best kind. WANT TO GO? $10-$40. 845-786-4225. helenhayeshospital.org.

6th Annual Montvale Street Fair FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 23, 10am-5pm WHERE: Montvale, 101 Paragon Drive, Montvale, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Featuring more than 100 quality exhibitors, a special arts and crafts section, and a kids area that includes rides, pony rides, petting zoo, climbing wall, clowns, face painting, sand art, and temporary tattoos. WHY WE LOVE IT: You’ve been to the rest, now stop by one of the best. Something for everyone! WANT TO GO? jcpromotions.info.

Boo at the Zoo

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 29, 10:30am WHERE: Trailside Museums and Zoo, Bear Mountain State Park, Bear Mountain AGES: All WHAT: Come to the Bear Den to make spooky snacks for the black bears, then watch the zookeepers let the bears loose to enjoy the tasty Halloween decorations. Touch real animal skulls, see stuffed specimens in the Nature Study museums, make autumn crafts, and learn about bats, owls, and vultures. WHY WE LOVE IT: Two of kids’ most favorite things: animals and Halloween. Genius. WANT TO GO? $10 parking fee; $1 admission donation suggested. 845786-2701. trailsidezoo.org.

RISE of The Jack O’Lanterns

WHEN: Oct. 27-30, Thursday-Sunday, 10am-10:30pm WHERE: Meadowlands Exposition Center, 355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Come see thousands of hand-carved illuminated jack-o’-lanterns creatively arranged along a scenic walking path and set to a musical score designed to bring out the Halloween spirit in visitors of all ages. WHY WE LOVE IT: Truly a unique, family-friendly experience that lasts a lifetime. WANT TO GO? $26; $22 children ages 3-12 and seniors; free for children 2 and younger. (818) 639-8981. therise.org/njny.

Pumpkin Fiesta Weekend

WHEN: Oct. 15-30, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4pm WHERE: Hurds Family Farm, 2187 State Route 32, Modena AGES: All WHAT: Don’t miss the famous pumpkin chocolate chip muffins and be sure to sample the pumpkin apple salad at the Big Apple Cafe. Everyone will love to pick-your-own pumpkins for $0.59 per pound after enjoying all the fun activities including, hayrides, corn mazes, pony rides, petting zoo, and a bounce house. WHY WE LOVE IT: Good ol’ Fall farm fun! WANT TO GO? $7-$15. 845-883-7825. hurdsfamilyfarm.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. Junior Builders Club FREE

WHEN: Oct. 3-17, Mondays, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Calling all young architects! Have an hour of fun creating and building with Legos, Lincoln Logs, and K’nex. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Sew-You Club FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 20: Thursdays, 7-8pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Learn the basic sewing skills that have been taught for many generations. Projects include bookmarks, teddy bears, and a pincushion. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Munchkin Mondays Spookfest FREE

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 24, 11am WHERE: Palisades Center, East Court Level 1, Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Don’t miss a Munchkin Monday Halloween Celebration with tricks, treats, and a musical performance. WANT TO GO? 845-348-1000. palisadescenter.com.

Play the PS4 FREE

WHEN: Oct. 4-25, Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Village Branch, 85 Main St., Haverstraw AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Gamers can come in and play the PS4 on the big screen. WANT TO GO? 845-429-3445. hkdpl.org.

Trunk or Treat and Family Movie Event FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 29, 1pm WHERE: Street School Community Center, Zukor Road, New City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Put on a costume, trick out the trunk, and enjoy a fun Halloween event, family movie, and popcorn. WANT TO GO? 914-403-1642. newcitychamber.com. ››

JC’s Fairs

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Montvale Street Festival Sun. Oct. 23 10-5PM 1 Paragon Dr. Montvale, NJ

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BROWSE & BUY

Haverstraw Farmers’ Market FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 9: Sundays, 9am-1pm WHERE: Village Hall, Maple Avenue, Haverstraw AGES: All WHAT: Support local businesses and the community by purchasing fresh produce, jams, spices, and more. WANT TO GO? voh-ny.com.

Ramapo Farmers’ Market FREE

ANIMAL LOVERS Woolly Bear Caterpillars

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1, 10am WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Take a close look at the curious, legendary Woolly Bear. Help release caterpillars back to the field and make a Woolly Bear craft. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 children. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.

River Otters & the Weasel Family

Suffern Farmers’ Market FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 29: Saturdays, 8:30am-1pm WHERE: Commuter Parking Lot A, Orange and Wayne avenues, Suffern AGES: All WHAT: This community-focused market provides fresh, locally grown, and nutritious produce; prepared foods; grass-fed beef; farm fresh eggs; baked goods; handmade gifts; and more. Enjoy craft vendors, children’s activities, and live entertainment. WANT TO GO? suffernchamber.org.

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 9, 10am WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Be amazed at the “otterly” intriguing adaptations of the River Otter and the other members of the weasel family. Learn what makes these creatures so fascinating to watch. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 children. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.

Piermont’s Farmers’ Market FREE

Return of the Raptors FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 25: Thursdays, 8am-2pm WHERE: Main Street Parking Lot, Depew Avenue and South Broadway, Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Featuring more than 30 vendors specializing in locally sourced produce, fresh fish, grass-fed beef, prepared foods, and artisanal crafts. WANT TO GO? 845-353-2221. nyackchamber.com.

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 13, 7pm WHERE: Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, 443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood, NJ AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Learn how the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and osprey have made an amazing comeback from the brink of extinction and have adapted to many suburban places in Bergen County. WANT TO GO? 201-567-1265. flatrockbrook.org.

Tenafly’s Not-So-Scary Sensory Safari

WHEN: Oct. 15-16, Saturday-Sunday, 4-6:15pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Arrive early or come after dark and meet several live nocturnal animals on a sensory safari along the trails. Learn about animal senses and then test your own sensory skills. WANT TO GO? $16; free for children younger than 2. 201-5686093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Playtime at the Zoo

WHEN: Through Dec. 12: Mondays, 10am-12pm WHERE: Bergen County Zoo, Van Saun County Park, Paramus, NJ AGES: 2 and younger WHAT: Toddlers and their caregivers meet in the Education Discovery Lab to play with animal-themed toys, interact with other visitors, and meet animals. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 children ages 3-14; $2 seniors; free for children younger than 3. 201-262-3771. co.bergen.nj.us/parks. 30

WHEN: Through Oct. 9: Sundays, 9am-4pm WHERE: Eugene Levy Parking Lot, Route 45, Pomona AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy local produce, fresh goods, and more. WANT TO GO? 845-357-6100. ramapoparks.org.

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through Nov. 20: Sundays, 9:30am-3pm WHERE: M&T Bank Parking Lot, Piermont Avenue and Ash Street, Piermont AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy local produce, area food makers who source locally, seasonal tastings, music, and more. WANT TO GO? 914-923-4837. downtoearthmarkets.com.

Nyack Outdoor Farmers’ Market FREE

Ramsey Farmers’ Market FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 27: Sundays, 9am-2pm WHERE: Main Street Train Station, Erie Plaza, Ramsey, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Featuring more than 50 outstanding, local farmers and food purveyors, talented musicians, children’s crafts, special guests, and more. WANT TO GO? 201-675-6866. ramseyfarmersmarket.org.

Spring Valley Farmer’s Market FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 30: Wednesdays, 8am-3pm WHERE: Spring Valley, Main and Church streets, Spring Valley AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy fresh local produce, goods, and more. WANT TO GO? 914-923-4837. rocklandgov.com.

CityBound

Fallon Prinzivalli

Must-Sees in N Y C

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Fresh Air Celtic Concert FREE

Fall Colors

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 9, 2-3pm WHERE: Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, 443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood, NJ AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Fall is in full swing, and the leaves are changing color. Come find out the science behind beautiful fall foliage. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $8. 201-567-1265. flatrockbrook.org.

Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly Get your superhero costumes ready, The East Coast’s biggest popular culture convention New York Comic Con is back! This huge event features star-studded panels, autograph sessions, screening rooms, sneak previews, and launches of movies and shows. Everything from comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, and toys to movies and television. There’s a special Family HQ area with kids activities too. Oct. 6-9, see website for times. Age: All. $40-$50, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 655 W. 34th St., Hell’s Kitchen. 718-707-0711. newyorkcomiccon.com. Lightwire Theater

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 2, 2-4pm WHERE: Hurds Family Farm, 2187 State Route 32, Modena AGES: All WHAT: Award-winning Irish Fiddle player Dylan Foley and Friends are back by popular demand to entertain with foot stomping Celtic music. Come listen, dance, and enjoy while picking apples and pumpkins with the whole family. WANT TO GO? 845-883-7825. hurdsfamilyfarm.com.

Fall Foliage Hike

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 16, 10am WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: 5 and older WHAT: The trails become ablaze with vibrant reds, yellows, and golds. Join for a beautiful fall hike and learn about tree identification. WANT TO GO? 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.

Spooktacular Event

WHEN: Oct. 22-30, Saturday-Sunday, 6-9pm WHERE: Hurds Family Farm, 2187 State Route 32, Modena AGES: All WHAT: Bring a flashlight and come to a special spooktacular event when the farm reopens for Halloween fun including a corn maze, moon bounce, bonfire, and smores. WANT TO GO? $7-$15. 845-883-7825. hurdsfamilyfarm.com.

Apple Cider Making

WHEN: Oct. 2-30, Sundays, 12:30-3:30pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Participants will use an apple press, help to make cider, and learn about the history of apple cultivation and cider making. Apples will be provided but it is encouraged to bring three or more per person. WANT TO GO? $10. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org. ››

Glow in the Dark Theater The award-winning theater company (and America’s Got Talent semi-finalists) brings two classic stories to the Upper West Side this month. Part of Just Kidding’s new season, Lightwire Theater’s production of The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise and the Hare is just one of the fun shows on offer in October. See these two fables like you’ve never seen them before as they come to life in the dark, like magic. The secret is the company’s electroluminescent wires, used to create amazing 3-D puppets and props. Once the lights are off they seem to dance, move, and leap on their own. Set to a mix of classical and modern music, you won’t find a show like this anywhere else. Oct. 29, 11am and 2pm. Age: All. $17. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org. RocklandParent 31

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS Oktoberfest FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1, 8:30am-3:30pm WHERE: Suffern Farmers’ Market, Lafayette Avenue between Orange and Wayne avenues, Suffern AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy children’s activities including hayrides, a hay maze, hot cider, and cider doughnuts. WANT TO GO? suffernchamber.org.

Fall Festival FREE

SHOW TIME! Backstage Featuring Spooktacular FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 8, 10am-1pm WHERE: Westfield Garden State Plaza, 1 Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Wailing banshees, soaring vampires, silly seances, acrobatic zombies, and aerial witches contorting from the beyond. Watch as the undead escape to the circus and discover what truly goes bump in the night through an acrobatic Halloween spectacular. WANT TO GO? 212-986-7080. westfield.com.

Kidz Cabaret Series: Bubblemania

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 22, 1pm or 3pm WHERE: Bergen PAC, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: 3-12 WHAT: It’s a soapy, spectacular, interactive treat for the whole family loaded with visual comedy, quick wit, big band music, and big beautiful bubbles of unusual shapes, sizes, and abilities. WANT TO GO? $17. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.

‘Frankenstein Live!’

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 28, 8pm WHERE: Nyack High School Auditorium, 360 Christian Herald Road, Nyack AGES: 13 and older WHAT: The 1931 horror classic Frankenstein was made without any underscoring. See the Boris Karloff classic on the big screen while hearing 15 members of the The Chappaqua Orchestra conducted by the composer. WANT TO GO? $20; $10 students. artsrock.org.

The Spirit of Michael Jackson Presented by Laser Spectacular

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 31, 8pm WHERE: Bergen PAC, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Paramount pays tribute to the pop legends’ legacy with a stunning stage presentation, featuring one of the top Michael Jackson impersonators and the show’s dance troupe performing all of his choreography to perfection. The production includes lasers, large screen video projection, concert lighting, and 50,000 watts of awesome sound. WANT TO GO? $19-$39. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1, 10am-4pm WHERE: Sloatsburg Public Library, 1 Liberty Rock Road, Sloatsburg AGES: All WHAT: Visitors will enjoy a performance from The Hip Replacements, food, books sale, open house, pumpkin decorating, kids activities, face painting, and more. WANT TO GO? 845-753-2001. sloatsburgvillage.com.

Oktoberfest Street Fair FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 2, 10am-5pm WHERE: Downtown New City, Main Street and New Hempstead Road, New City AGES: All WHAT: Come enjoy the Oktoberfest Street Fair with vendors, crafts, rides, live music, food, and activities for kids. WANT TO GO? 914-403-1642. newcitychamber.com.

2nd Annual Fall Festival

WHEN: Oct. 1-2, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Red Hill Cafe & Nursery and Cropsey Comunity Farm, South Little Tor Road, New City AGES: All WHAT: A two-day event filled with activities, games, and fun for the whole family including hayrides, a petting zoo, face painting, food, and more. WANT TO GO? $5 parking per vehicle; free admission. fallfest2016.com.

Family Fall Music Festival

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 8, 1-4pm WHERE: Powerhouse Park, 57 Powerhouse Lane, Tuxedo Park AGES: All

WHAT: Don’t miss music, games, food, pumpkin painting, a scarecrow contest, pony rides, and more. WANT TO GO? check website for updates. tuxedogov.org.

MAKE THIS SCHOOL YEAR

GREATER THAN LAST YEAR!

Taste of the Season: Apples FREE

A new school year brings a fresh start—and Mathnasium is here to help set the stage for success!

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 9, 11:30am-1:30pm WHERE: Down to Earth Farmers’ Market, M&T Bank Parking Lot, Ash Street and Piermont Avenue, Piermont AGES: All WHAT: Sample a variety of fresh, locally grown apples and find your favorite while enjoying Piermont’s popular farmers’ market. WANT TO GO? 914 923-4837. downtoearthmarkets.com.

Together, we can make this school year greater than last year!

Fall County Fair FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 9, 9am-5pm WHERE: Adorno Fathers, 575 Darlington Ave., Ramsey, NJ AGES: All WHAT: A fun day for the whole family featuring more than 125 exhibitors of jewelry, clothing, sports collectibles, giftware, candy, toys, crafts, antiques, and more. Also enjoy food, rides, bounces, face painting, and art. WANT TO GO? jcpromotions.info.

50% OFF on Assessement Fee + $100 OFF the First Month!

Nyack Famous Street Fair FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 9, 10am-5pm WHERE: Downtown Nyack, 100 Main St., Nyack AGES: All WHAT: More than 300 exhibitors will be lining downtown featuring a great selection of art, crafts, retailers, collectibles, commercial booths, festival foods, outdoor cafes, and live music by Ritchie G at the gazebo. Don’t miss the kids area for fun and games by Total Jump Amusements. WANT TO GO? 201-666-1340. pjspromotions.com.

Some restrictions apply. New students only.

Math Help and Enrichment

Test Prep

Homework Help

Mathnasium of Nanuet

(845) 624-6284

Nanuet@mathnasium.com www.mathnasium.com/Nanuet 209B W. Route 59, Nanuet, NY 10954

Flavors of Haverstraw Food Crawl

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 16, 2-6pm WHERE: Sterling Bank Parking Lot, 38 New Main St., Haverstraw AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the diverse culinary options downtown with a small plates or tapas-focused food sampling walking tour. WANT TO GO? $3-$6 per plate. 845-372-6552. haverstrawriverarts.org.

The 4th Annual Great Fall Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 16, 1-4pm WHERE: Flat Rock Brook Nature Association, 443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Come celebrate the season with live music, delicious barbecue, pumpkins, kids activities, and more. WANT TO GO? $13, $9 children ages 9-17; free for children younger than 5. 201-567-1265. flatrockbrook.org.

Sunday October 9, 2016 10am - 5pm - Main Street, New City

SPECIAL NEEDS Sensory Storytime FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 22, 10:30am WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Enjoy stories, music, movement, and play in a safe and accepting environment. WANT TO GO? 845-634-4997. newcitylibrary.org. ›› RocklandParent 33

SMARTY PANTS

WHAT: Different programs every week including Builder’s Club, games, 3-D fun with 3-D pens, PS4, Code Club, and Science Squad. WANT TO GO? 845-429-3445. hkdpl.org.

Dual Vision: Connecting the Past with the Present FREE

Monster Hunt FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 2: Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm; Saturday-Sunday, 1-4pm WHERE: Rockland Center for the Arts, 27 S. Greenbush Road, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Rockland Center for the Arts will be kicking off a yearlong theme of looking at its past legacy and its future going forward. In that spirit, the first exhibit, Angle of View, will feature the photography of longtime photographer and curator Ned Harris. WANT TO GO? 845-358-0877. rocklandartcenter.org.

Minecraft Challengers FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 8, 3-4pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Young fandom at its best. Talk and play everything Minecraft. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Public Planetarium Show

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 9, 2-4pm WHERE: Town of Ramapo Challenger Center, 225 Route 59, Airmont AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Following a 1-hour planetarium show, participants will take part in a 1-hour hands-on astronomy-related project in the center’s activity room. The planetarium show and astronomy activities are a fun-filled way for the entire family to explore and learn about the wonders of the universe. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 seniors for children 9 and younger. 845-3573416. lhvcc.com.

Public Space Mission

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 16, 2-5pm WHERE: Town of Ramapo Challenger Center, 225 Route 59, Airmont AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Just like the real astronauts, public crew members 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. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 seniors and for children younger than 9. 845357-3416. lhvcc.com.

Friday Fun FREE

WHEN: Oct. 7-28, Fridays, 4-5pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Village Branch, 85 Main St., Haverstraw AGES: 5-12

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 31, 6-8pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children work in teams and solve clues that lead to the monster’s secret lair. All participants have their own clues and proceed at their own pace, and everyone recieves a monster detective badge. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Sally Savage’s Nyack Photographs

WHEN: Through Nov. 26: Saturdays, 1-4pm WHERE: Historical Society of the Nyacks Museum, 50 Piermont Ave., Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Savage, now a Nyack resident, has been focusing her camera on Nyack people, events, and scenes for many years. She has produced a commentary on the community that will delight all. WANT TO GO? Donations accepted. 845-418-4430. nyackhistory.org.

Dennis Oppenheim: Terrestrial Studio and Outlooks: Josephine Halvorson

WHEN: Through Nov. 27: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5:30pm WHERE: Storm King Art Center, 1 Museum Road, New Windsor AGES: All WHAT: Dennis Oppenheim: Terrestrial Studio is an exhibition featuring outdoor and indoor sculpture, installation, sound, film, and photography. Josephine Halvorson is featured in the annual Outlooks series, which invites one emerging or mid-career contemporary artist to create a new, site-specific work. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 seniors; $8 children ages 5-18 and students; free for children 4 and younger. 845-534-3115. stormkingartcenter.org.

ONCE UPON A TIME Halloween Storytime FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 22, 11am WHERE: Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Nanuet, Palisades Center, and Paramus, NJ locations, check website for addresses and phone numbers AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This storytime is a real treat, featuring Little Blue Truck’s Halloween and I Need a Monster. WANT TO GO? barnesandnoble.com.

Playtime Storytime FREE

WHEN: Oct. 7-28, Fridays, 10:30-11:15am WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Little ones will enjoy stories, songs, activities, and more. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

PAWS for Reading FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 29, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids can sign up for a 15-minute session to read to man’s best friend. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org. 34

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Outdoor Storywalk Exhibit FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 1: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Hikers can read a nature-themed story while they walk in the woods. Designed for beginning readers, the stories will appeal to all ages. WANT TO GO? 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Hogwarts Book Club FREE

WHEN: Oct. 27–Dec. 15, Thursdays, 7-8pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Discuss the stories and adventure of Harry Potter and his days at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

WHAT: The scariest haunted house in the Hudson Valley area for a night of frights, frills, and lots of chills. WANT TO GO? $12. rocklandboulders.com.

Stories & Craft FREE

‘I Spy’ Halloween Trail

WHEN: Oct. 3–Jan. 9, 2017, Mondays, 2pm; Wednesdays, 10:30am WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Stories, crafts, and more. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

HOLIDAY FUN ZooBoo 2016

WHEN: Oct. 21-22, Friday-Saturday, see website for times WHERE: Bergen County Zoological Park, Van Saun County Park, Paramus, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Kids will love trick-or-treating throughout the zoo, ghostly storytelling, magic shows, and the Erie Express train, which is not recommended for young children. WANT TO GO? $6; $5 train ride. 201-262-3771. co.bergen.nj.us.

WHEN: Oct. 29-30, Saturday-Sunday, 12-4pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: All WHAT: Visitors will sharpen their observation skills while searching for objects such as bones and skulls cleverly hidden along the trail. Then visit the Creepy Crawly room and make a Halloween craft for some spook-tacular family fun. WANT TO GO? $7 children ages 2-14; free for visitors 15 and older. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.

Family Scavenger Hunt: Halloween Edition

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 30, 1-4pm WHERE: Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, 443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Follow the clues and find the answers to a set of Halloweenthemed nature riddles. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $15 per family. 201-567-1265. flatrockbrook.org.

Halloween & Fall Workshops

Mall-O-Ween FREE

Halloween Parade FREE

34th Annual Halloween Night

WHEN: Oct. 3-28, Monday-Tuesday, 10am-12pm; Fridays, 3-5pm WHERE: Jill’s Ceramics, 180 Germonds Road, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Choose from a large selection of pumpkins, witches, ghosts, goblins, and outdoor decorative pieces for fall. Items can be painted and taken home the same day or left for glazing. WANT TO GO? Prices vary by piece. 845-623-4975. jillsceramics.com. WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 29, 5-8pm WHERE: Nyack Chamber of Commerce, Main Street and Broadway, Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Join other ghosts and ghouls for the biggest parade outside of New York City. There will be cash prizes for best costumes and floats. WANT TO GO? 845-353-2221. nyackchamber.org.

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 31, 4-6pm WHERE: Palisades Center, East Court Level 1, Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Go trick-or-treating throughout Palisades Center. Maps with participating tenants will be available at Guest Services. WANT TO GO? 845-348-1000. palisadescenter.com. WHEN: Monday, Oct. 31, 6pm WHERE: Tuxedo Park Fire Company, Route 17, Tuxedo AGES: All WHAT: Come to the firehouse and join in a night of tricks, treats, music, fun, and more. WANT TO GO? tuxedoparkfire.com.

Halloween Haunted Harvest

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 29, 10am-2pm WHERE: Memorial Park, Van Neste Square, East Ridgewood Avenue and Oak Street, Ridgewood, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Get your costumes ready for lots of fun. WANT TO GO? See website for prices. experienceridgewood.com.

Field of Screamz Rockland Boulders Haunted House

WHEN: Oct. 15-29, Friday-Saturday, 8pm WHERE: Palisades Credit Union Park, 1 Provident Bank Park Drive, Pomona AGES: 13 and older

Coming up next month: NOV. 14: Englewood Holiday Toy Drive, Englewood, NJ NOV. 19: Milk and Cookies Playhouse presents Klassic Rock for Kids Featuring Alice Leon, Congers NOV. 27: Odd Squad Live!, Bergen PAC, Englewood, NJ

RocklandParent 35

WHERE-TO GUIDE

Pick Your Own Pumpkins ››

Research by Lauren Diaz

You can paint them, carve them, bake with them, and decorate with them! This fall, get out and pick your own pumpkins, then playfully master them into crafts or treats. Many pumpkin patches offer fun autumn activities, such as hayrides, corn mazes, and farm stands with fresh fruits, vegetables, and delicious pastries. Spooky or silly, picking your own pumpkin is definitely one thing: fun for the whole family. As always, confirm details ahead of time. preserves, old-fashioned candy, refreshments, and local dairy farm ice cream. Picnic area available; train rides on weekends. Admission: $3 per person. Seasonal pick-yourown passes available for $10.

Dr. Davies Farm 306 Route 304, Congers 845-268-7020 drdaviesfarm.com Pick your own pumpkins and apples through the first weekend in November, 10am-4pm daily. Hayrides to the pumpkin fields offered on weekends (weekdays by appointment); $5 per person. Farmers market with homegrown and local produce open daily. Large field with picnic areas.

Bergen County, NJ Secor Farms 85 Airmont Ave., Mahwah 201-529-2595; secorfarms.com Pick your own pumpkins through October. Hay maze, corn maze, millet maze, apple cider doughnuts, pies, animal farm, and flower garden. Hayrides offered weekdays, 3-5pm, and weekends, 10am4:30pm. Farm stand open daily, 8am-6pm. Visit Facebook page for most up-to-date information. 36

Orange County, NY

Bellvale Farms Iron Forge Road, Warwick 845-988-5414 info@bellvalefarms.com bellvalefarms.com Pick your own pumpkins and hayrides through October, 12-5pm weekends and on Columbus Day. Call for availability of pumpkins. Creamery on-site featuring homemade ice cream, shakes, sundaes, and more.

Apple Ridge Orchards 101 Jessup Road, Warwick 845-987-7717 appleridgeorchards.com Pick your own pumpkins from mid-September through October, 9am-5pm, MondayWednesday for school groups only; 9am-6pm ThursdaySunday and all holidays. Hay wagon rides, corn maze, fresh-pressed cider, apple cider doughnuts, apple butter, friendly farm animals for petting, glass observation honey beehive, farm store, and bouncy house.

Lawrence Farms Orchards 39 Colandrea Road, Newburgh 845-562-4268 lawrencefarmsorchards.com Pick your own pumpkins, apples, grapes, peppers, pears, plums, other fruits, corn, eggplant, squash, tomatoes, beans, and other vegetables through October, 9am-4pm daily. Little Play Village, animal visiting, and indoor hay bale maze on-site. Country store and bakery with fruits and vegetables, homemade doughnuts, honey,

Demarest Farms 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale 201-666-0472 demarestfarms.com Pumpkin and apple picking in the fall, weekends and holidays, 9:30am-4:30pm, weekdays; 3-4:30pm (group picking during the week by appointment only). Hayrides to the orchard. Store on-site open daily, 8am-6:30pm.

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Manza Family Farm 730 State Route 211, Montgomery 845-692-4364 manzafamilyfarm.net Pick your own pumpkins during Fall Festival 9am-5pm weekends in October, which includes tractor-drawn hayrides, pony rides, a straw maze, and farm animals. Farm stand with trees, shrubs, and flowers for sale. Open 8am-5pm daily. Masker Orchards 45 Ball Road, Warwick 845-986-1058; maskers.com Drive-thru pumpkin and apple picking through the end of October, 9am-5pm daily. Barnyard animals and fence maze (all week); pony rides, wagon rides, haunted house, face painting, country store, snack bar, and live entertainment only on weekends. Free parking and admission. Ochs Orchard 4 Ochs Lane, Warwick 845-986-1591 ochsorchard.net Pick your own pumpkins and apples through October, 9am-5pm daily. Petting zoo, gazebo, and picnic area on-site. Farm market with homegrown and local fruits and vegetables (in season), apple cider and doughnuts, jams and jellies, honey, maple syrup, and homemade ice cream; open 9am5pm daily through December.

nymetroparents.com/where-to

Overlook Farm Market & Country Store 5417 Route 9W, Newburgh 845-562-5780 overlookfarmmarket.com Pumpkin patch and apple orchard open until it snows, 8am-6pm Wednesday-Monday. Fall harvest weekends in October feature orchard walk, harvest picnics, and picnicking at Blossom Pond. Farm market with homegrown produce, garden center greenhouse, farm animals, bakery, and deli open March-December, 8am-6pm Wednesday-Monday. Pierson’s Evergreen Farm 1448 Route 211 W., Middletown For accurate GPS directions, Google Pierson’s farm 845-386-188 piersonsfarm.com facebook.com/piersonsfarm Pick your own pumpkins through October. Weekends feature tractor-pulled hayrides to feed the animals, corn maze, and round bale maze. Fright Nights feature the Haunted Barn, cemetery, and corn maze ($17). Snacks and refreshment stand, rentable party area, and store on-site with prepicked produce, mums, homemade goods, gifts, holiday decorations, and country decor. Grass-fed meat products for sale by the pound on-site. Birthday parties and school tours welcome in October. For up-to-date information, like the Pierson’s Farm and Fright Nights at Pierson’s Farm pages on Facebook. Soons Orchard 23 Soons Circle, New Hampton 845-374-5471 soonsorchards.com Pick your own pumpkins through October (starts third week in September), 11am4pm weekends and Columbus Day. Apple picking available on weekends, 10am-4pm.

Wagon rides to pumpkin patch. Farm store with homegrown and local produce, freshpressed apple cider, homemade goodies, apple gift baskets, and other specialties. Homemade hard cider available in tasting room along with other New York state wines and spirits. Scotty’s Country Kitchen sells baked goods. Store and kitchen open 9am-6pm daily. Weed Orchards 43 Mount Zion Road, Marlboro 845-236-2684 weedorchards.com Pick your own pumpkins and apples through October. Bakery, farm market, gift shop, winery, and restaurant on-site. Free hayrides, picnic tables, petting zoo, 1-acre corn maze, and face painting. Live entertainment on the weekends, plus games and contests for children and adults. Call, visit the website, or check us out on Facebook for updated information on this year’s Apple Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Festival. Winery opening in mid-October. Open daily through Oct. 31, 10am5pm Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm weekends and holidays.

Ulster County, NY Apple Hill Farm 124 Route 32 S., New Paltz 845-255-1605 applehillfarm.com U-pick pumpkins, gourds, and apples through October, Friday-Monday, 10am-5pm. Free hayrides and fire truck rides on weekends. Picnic areas available. Barn with homegrown produce, freshpressed apple cider, and doughnuts on-site. DuBois Farms U-Pick 209 Perkinsville Road, Highland 845-795-4037 upick@duboisfarms.com duboisfarms.com

U-pick pumpkins, apples, tomatoes, eggplant, and pears through October, 10am-5pm daily. Apple Daze Festival: Oct. 1-2; Harvest Festival: Oct. 8-10; The Great Pumpkin Festival: Oct. 1516; Fall Into Fall Festival: Oct. 22-23; Halloween Fun Festival: Oct. 29-30. Corn maze, hayrides, farm animals, and children’s play area and activities on-site; restrooms available. Farm market, café, and bakery on-site; weekend barbecues. Free admission. Hurds Family Farm 2187 State Route 32, Modena 845-883-7825 information@hurdsfamilyfarm.com hurdsfamilyfarm.com U-pick pumpkins, veggies, and apples through October, 9am-5pm daily. Familyfriendly mystery corn mazes, storybook corn maze, hayrides, big apple bounce pillow, rubber duck derby, apple launcher, cow train, giant slide, fish feeding, farm animals and nature trails, and gem mining daily. Educational school tours and birthday parties available. Check website for themed weekends, music, and special events. Jenkins-Lueken Orchards 69 Yankee Folley Road, New Paltz 845-255-0999 jlorchards@yahoo.com jlorchards.com Pick your own pumpkins, raspberries, blackberries, and apples through October, 9am6pm daily. Corn maze, bakery, hayrides, and fresh-pressed apple cider available. Kelder’s Farm 5755 Route 209, Kerhonkson 845-626-7137 info@keldersfarm.com keldersfarm.com Pick-your-own pumpkins,

apples, and raspberries through October, 10am6pm daily. Eight-acre corn maze, petting zoo, minigolf course, jumping pillow, and hayrides on-site. School tours and birthday parties by appointment. Call ahead for picking updates. Maynard Farms & Orchards 326 River Road, Ulster Park 845-331-6908 maynardorchards@aol.com maynardfarms.com Pick your own pumpkins and apples in October, 10am-5pm weekends only. Picnic tables available. Prospect Hill Orchards 73 Clarks Lane, Milton 845-795-2383 info@prospecthillorchards.com prospecthillorchards.com Pumpkin and apple picking late September through October, 9am-4pm weekends only. Pre-picked produce, apple cider and doughnuts, and other baked goods available. Farm tours by appointment. Sept. 24-25: Free Kids Day Program. Oct. 15-16: Free Johnny Appleseed Cider Festival. Saunderskill Farms 5100 Route 209, Accord 845-626-2676 info@saunderskill.com saunderskill.com Pick your own pumpkins daily, and apples and raspberries on weekends through October. Open 7am-6pm TuesdaySunday. Tractor-drawn hayrides, free corn maze, and horse-drawn hayrides on weekends. Farm market with pre-picked homegrown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, apple cider and doughnuts, local maple syrup and honey, ice cream, flower garden, and more on-site.

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

WHERE-TO GUIDE

nymetroparents.com/where-to

Haunted Houses, Corn Mazes, and Pumpkin Activities ›› Research by Jonathan Perry

Whether you’re looking for something spooky or just outdoor fall fun this Halloween season, these haunted houses, corn mazes, pumpkin blazes, and autumn activities in New York and New Jersey are sure to make this Halloween one to remember.

Scared by the Sound, Rye Playland 1 Playland Parkway, Rye 914-813-7010; ryeplayland.org The park closes down its rides for this event, back for its 17th year. More than 100 actors help to make the crypt walk, morgue, and haunted wine cellar creepy without lots of gore; don’t miss the giant outdoor graveyard behind the haunted house.

The Orchards of Concklin 2 S. Mountain Road, Pomona 845-354-0369; rchardsofconcklin.com The children’s activities at this orchard include a half-acre mini corn maze and haunted house, as well as inflatable slides and bouncers. Pick a pumpkin or two to take home and make your own jack-o’lantern. Plus, and apple cider and cider doughnuts are available. Pure Terror Scream Park 299 Museum Village Road, Monroe pureterror.com For Halloween freaks who can’t get enough, Pure Terror Scream Park offers six haunted houses for the price of one—past attractions have included clowns and a slaughterhouse. Best for pre-teens; supervision required for children younger than 10. Annual Halloween Parade Main Street and South Broadway, Downtown Nyack 845-353-2221 This annual event doesn’t include a corn 38

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

maze, jack-o’-lanterns, or haunted house, but since it’s the largest Halloween parade outside of NYC, it still deserves a place in our roundup. Expect marching bands, stilt walkers, and floats. Here’s hoping for a repeat of last year’s zombie apocalypse crawl.

Westchester County The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze 525 S. Riverside Ave., Croton-On-Hudson 914-366-6900 hudsonvalley.org/events/blaze Thousands travel to Van Cortlandt Manor each year for this massively popular event, which features more than 7,000 illuminated jack-o’-lanterns, plus themed areas such as Jurassic Park and the Undersea Aquarium. Sound effects and synchronized lighting make it even more impressive; parents who are Howard Stern fans will love that the original soundtrack is provided by the show’s own Richard Christy, a selfdescribed Halloween fanatic.

The Haunt at Rocky Ledge 1402 Old Orchard St., White Plains hauntatrockyledge.com Started in the mid-1980s (and known in the 2000s as Haunted Dead End on Gainsborg Avenue), the original haunted house has grown into two houses on 5 acres of land, complete with a haunted trail, woods, and a corn maze. The scares you’ll experience come from humans, not machines: The event employs actors to create them, and some have been with the event for more than 20 years. Outhouse Orchards 139 Hardscrabble Road, Croton Falls 914-277-3188; outhouseorchardsny.com After visiting this family-owned farm (lovingly called ‘home of the happy apple’) for your munching and baking needs, learn about apples as you help your kids navigate through the corn maze. The map provides interesting facts about apples, as well as hidden puzzle clues. Schuyler Farms 1124 Route 29, Schuylerville 518-695-5308; schuylerfarms.com Corn maze enthusiasts will love this 7-acre version, which is open during the day as a ‘regular’ maze and at night as the ‘Field of Screams,’ which features masked men and ghouls around every turn. Remember to bring a flashlight! Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown 914-631-4481; visitsleepyhollow.com Fans of classic monster movies will love

touring this gothic Lyndhurst mansion, which pays homage to The Mummy, The Phantom of the Opera, and Bride of Frankenstein through actor performances and decorations. Designed for adults and teens, it is also suitable for younger children.

Bergen County, NJ Abma’s Farm Market and Garden Center 700 Lawlins Road, Wyckoff 201-891-0278 abmasfarm.com This 34-acre farm dates back to the 1790s; the homestead and outbuildings are well preserved and kept in their original state. Take part in daytime or nighttime hayrides, pony rides, and petting zoo activities. Pick pumpkins from the patch and check out the market for apple cider doughnuts. Halloween Haunted Harvest East Ridgewood Avenue and Oak Street, Ridgewood experienceridgewood.com Join the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce for this event at Van Neste Square in Memorial Park with activities such as the haunted Halloween hay maze, parades, and arts and crafts. The Park Player’s The Coven Archer Hall, 37 E. Allendale Ave., Allendale 201-825-8805; sryt.org

The Park Players present for the Halloween Season The Coven, a moving horror play at the John Fell House Historic Site on Oct. 21 and 22. Based on true events, a mother shows up at a darkened boarding school worried for her daughter’s life. Not recommended for children 10 and younger.

We Grow Fun

RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns 355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus 203-330-7773; therise.org Debuting for the first time at Meadowlands Exposition, this national event will get families into the Halloween spirit. See thousands of hand-carved illuminated jack-o’-lanterns creatively arranged along a scenic walking path and set to a musical score. Some displays include life-sized dinosaurs, dragons, safari animals, and famous characters from beloved movies.

Pumpkin Fiesta Weekends!

ZooBoo 2016 216 Forest Ave., Paramus 201-262-3771 friendsofbergencountyzoo.org Bergen County Zoo hosts this popular Halloween event on Oct. 21 and 22 with fun events for the whole family including trick-or-treating, ghost stories, and magic shows. If you are brave enough, take a ride on the scary Eerie Express train, which is not recommended for young children.

Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/haunted-houses

Old Fashioned Family Fun Daily 9am – 5pm through October

Farm to Table Café Menu

U-Pick Apples & Pumpkins • Famous Cider Donuts

Over 20 Activities Including:

• Hayrides • Cornmazes • Bouncy Pillow • Gem Mining • Cow Train Rides • Giant Slide • Pedal Karts • Animals

Hurds Family Farm

2187 State Rte. 32, Modena 12548 • 845-883-7825 (Just 5 minutes off NYS Thruway, Exit 18, New Paltz)

HurdsFamilyFarm.com

Back-toSchool Checklist

Discipline g Goal Settin Image Great Self- eem -Est Higher Self

TS CLASSES MARTIAL AR

Danceworks

NEW After School Program! FREE transportation from Willliam O. Shaefer and Cottage Lane . Daily A+ Homework Assistance . Karate, Arts & Crafts, and more! . Call before we fill up. The back-to-school checklist is far more than pencils and paper these days. Stop by or call our school to see how we can make a positive difference in your child.

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Children Our Specialty Non-Competitive Atmosphere F�� T�� C�� F�� A�� N�� S�� 69 L�� R�� • C�� C�� D�� B�� 845-268-4669

Karate • Jiu-Jitsu Kickboxing Birthday Parties Camp & Mini Camps Adult Classes

35 Years In Rockland

Serving the community in Rockland & Bergen County for over 18 years. We are now The Academy For Martial Arts.

THE ACADEMY FOR MARTIAL ARTS

8 Orangetown Center, Orangeburg, NY 10962 (845) 359-4500 • www.RocklandKarate.com

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FOOD & NUTRITION

20-Minute Meals

››

Bright and colorful, this fresh recipe makes a delicious light supper. It’s a good weekend brunch dish, too, which you could serve topped with a poached egg for each person. Serves 4 Ingredients 3 eggs ¾ cup plain/all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder ½ cup crème fraîche 1 cup canned sweetcorn 1 bunch of coriander/cilantro, chopped A small bunch of spring onions/scallions, sliced 1 tbsp. canola oil, for frying Sea salt Freshly ground black pepper Lime wedges, to serve

For the Salsa 4 tomatoes, diced 1 red onion, diced 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced 1 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed Juice of 1 lime 2 tbsp. olive oil NOTE: If you’re following glutenfree diet, simply replace the flour with a gluten-free blend, which will work just as well.

Directions 1. Start off by making the pancake batter. Place the eggs, flour, baking powder, crème fraîche, and two-thirds of the sweetcorn in a blender. Blend for approximately 30 seconds until smooth. Tip the batter into a bowl and then stir in the remaining sweetcorn, half of the coriander/cilantro, the spring onions/scallions, and a

Cod, Green Bean, and Cherry Tomato Parcels Baked in a parcel, this delicate fish retains all of its moisture while taking on plenty of flavor from the other ingredients. Serve with tender new, salad potatoes, which will soak up all of the cooking juices when crushed with the back of your fork. Serves 4 Ingredients 7oz French beans 4 cod fillets (each approximately 4-5 oz.) 4 small bunches of cherry tomatoes (each with approximately 5-6 tomatoes)

Olive oil, for drizzling ½ lemon 1 tbsp. pine nuts 16 basil leaves ¾ cup white wine Sea salt Freshly ground black pepper

Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 2. Cut four pieces of baking parchment large enough to form a parcel for each piece of cod. 3. Place the green beans in equal piles in the middle of each piece of paper. 40

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

pinch of salt. Leave to one side while you make the salsa. 2. To make the salsa, combine the tomatoes, onion, avocado, chili, and garlic in a bowl. Add the lime juice, olive oil, and some salt and pepper. Stir well and then add most of the remaining chopped coriander/cilantro. (If you have any extra sweetcorn left you can add this to the salsa, too.) 3. To cook the pancakes, heat 1 tbsp. canola oil in a frying pan and when sizzling, drop in 2–3 large tablespoons of batter at a time, letting each spread out to form small round pancakes. Cook for approximately 2 minutes, then flip over to cook for a further 2 minutes, until nicely golden brown. Keep the pancakes warm while you cook the rest of the batter. 4. Once all of the pancakes are cooked, top with the salsa and the remaining coriander/cilantro. Serve with wedges of lime to squeeze over.

4. Lay the cod fillets on top of each pile, followed by a bunch of cherry tomatoes. Drizzle each with a little olive oil, followed by a squeeze of lemon juice, and a few pine nuts. Tear each basil leaf in half before placing them on top. Season with salt and pepper. 5. Partially seal the parcels by twisting the edges of the paper together at both ends so that when you add the white wine it won’t leak out. Pour the wine into the parcels, then finish sealing the edges and top of the parcels and place them on a baking sheet. 6. Bake in the middle of the oven for 15 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. When you’re ready to serve, lift the whole parcels onto the plates, open the edges and dive in.

Sweetcorn Pancakes with Avocado Salsa

As the school-year schedule kicks into high gear, cooking balanced meals can seem too time-consuming. Here are three healthy recipes that can each be made in 20 minutes. By Katriona MacGrego

Beef Stir-Fry with Green Peppers Taking a minute or two to make your own stir-fry sauce is really worth it. Not only will the result be fresher and tastier than anything you squeeze out of a packet, you can play around with the ingredients and adjust the seasonings to suit your own tastes. To this quite basic recipe, you could also add black-eyed beans, mangetout/snow peas, mushrooms, or pak choi/bok choy in place of, or as well as, the vegetables listed. Don’t worry if you don’t have a wok, just use a large frying pan; the key is to cook quickly over a high heat without the ingredients being crowded. Serves 4 Ingredients 1 heaped tsp. cornflour/ cornstarch 3 tbsp. soy sauce 3 tbsp. mirin (rice wine) Canola oil, for cooking 1 bunch of spring onions/ scallions, sliced 2 green peppers, deseeded and sliced 2 garlic cloves, crushed

1lb 9oz rump steak, sliced into strips 2/ cup stock 3 5 tbsp. oyster sauce 3 tbsp. sweet chili sauce 2 tsp. sesame seeds, toasted, to serve (optional) Steamed rice or noodles, to serve

Directions 1. Place the cornflour/cornstarch in a small bowl and stir in the soy sauce and mirin until you have a smooth paste. 2. Heat 2 tbsp. of oil over a high heat and, when very hot, add the spring onions/scallions, peppers, and garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are tender and slightly golden at the edges, but still have a bit of bite. Tip out of the pan and leave to one side. 3. Add a little more oil to the pan and, when hot, add the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring all of the time until the meat is cooked and has taken on some color. 4. Take the pan off the heat and add the cornflour/cornstarch mixture, followed by the stock, oyster sauce, and sweet chili sauce. Return to the heat and bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add a little more stock if the sauce is too thick. Return the vegetables to the pan and stir to heat everything through. 5. Serve with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds, if you like, and some steamed rice or noodles.

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Extracted from Healthy Speedy Suppers by Katriona MacGregor © Katriona MacGregor 2016 published by Nourish Books, London, Hardback, $24.95

RocklandParent 41

Family First, Even From Afar

››

For one NYC father, the job of his dreams means living apart from his wife and kids for much of the year. The couple tells us how they make it work. By Bethany Braun-Silva

aseball season is coming to an end, and that means it’s time for Queens native Anthony Iapoce, hitting coach for the Texas Rangers, to finally return home to his family here in New York. Anthony fulfilled his lifelong dream of working in Major League Baseball when he was hired by the Rangers last fall. However, the job requires him to be with his team for long stretches of time. His wife, Suzanne, was accustomed to him traveling for work—including stints in the Chicago Cubs and Florida Marlins organizations—but this was the first time they faced a long-term separation. Somehow over the past year, the Iapoces were still able to buy a home, have a second baby—and there’s a third on the way now, too—and look completely unfazed (at least on the outside) by these major life events. I know the family personally—our kids went to school together, and I am friends with Suzanne—and I can attest to the fact that the Iapoces make living apart look easy, although it obviously is not. I talked to them about how they keep it all together and manage work and family time while one spouse lives away from home.

Making It Work

Suzanne and Anthony Iapoce met as kids growing up in Queens. Their mothers were very good friends, so they found themselves drifting in and out of each other’s lives as they got older. Anthony made a career for himself in baseball and traveled quite a bit as a result, and it was through the help of Facebook that he and Suzanne were finally able to make a romantic connection. Cut to a few years later, and they are now married with two beautiful daughters, 4-year-old Lily and Abby, who turns 1 this month, and a baby due in the spring. Anthony says even though he’s achieved his personal goal of working in the Major Leagues, what’s more important to him is being a great dad—and that balance takes a bit of figuring out. The key to making it all work is “great family and friends,” he says, and for the Iapoces, that includes Suzanne’s parents, who took Lily to and from school every day last year. When Anthony is away, the family uses FaceTime frequently, allowing Lily to connect with her dad by talking to him and showing him artwork and pictures from school. Since welcoming Abby in the fall, the family has been faced with the expected challenges that come along with having a new baby 42

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

The Iapoce family visits Dad at his workplace.

and being a family of four. This put extra pressure on Suzanne, who also worked full-time as teacher. “I remember being worried about my girls, thinking, How am I going to pick up the slack?,” she says. “Anthony is such a hands-on, active dad, even when he’s not there. He’s so engaged with them and so present with them, and his presence is extremely powerful, so I was worried about picking up the slack of him being absent.” For Suzanne, taking on double duty as a parent meant letting other chores go, at least temporarily. For one thing, the selfproclaimed “neat freak” chose to let dishes pile up in the sink in exchange for some quality time with her girls, which she says was well worth it.

Hometown Home Base

One of the biggest decisions the Iapoce’s faced upon receiving the news of Anthony’s new job was where to live. After some back and forth, they made the decision to keep their home in New York and not move to Texas. Anthony has been with four organizations during the past 10 years, so the family would be faced with potentially frequent moves if they relocated every time he took a new position. Plus, he travels with the Rangers, so the couple figured it would be best to keep the girls and Suzanne near their family in New York. “We decided to stay with our support system,” Suzanne says. “My parents are here and they are so active in our daughter’s lives, and it was important for us to be near them.” Even with Anthony being away, the couple managed to purchase their first home this summer. With some creative scheduling, Anthony was able to make it to the closing, and the Iapoces were

able to check off another important milestone for their family. Suzanne and the girls spent the rest of the summer traveling to Anthony’s games. “Taking the opportunity to travel to him as much as possible is what we are going to be doing to make it work, we are learning as we go with this baseball life,” she says.

Angie’s List Award Winner

Setting Great Examples

Anthony is a testament to what working hard and never giving up will get you. As a kid in Queens, he never stopped playing baseball, which included teams at St. Joseph’s Elementary School in Astoria and St. Joseph’s Catholic Youth Organization, and then in high school at Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School. He continued in college and transitioned to the Minor League, but the goal was always the Big League, Anthony says. When the Rangers came calling, Anthony and the family were excited, but he knew he was going to have to be away more than before and that was always in the back of his mind. “It’s tough because as far as a personal goal, like where I’ve wanted to be my whole life, this is it, but now it’s also that I want to be a great dad,” he says. “So I’m trying to figure out how to balance that.” Anthony hopes that this fulfillment of a lifelong dream will inspire his girls to pursue their own passions. “The thing with Lily and Abby is trying to show them that you can get to where you want to get, you just got to keep going and believe in yourself,” he says. When it comes to his girls he wants them to “believe that anything is possible.” With the Rangers holding a comfortable lead in their division as of our press time and widely expected to go deep into the playoffs, Anthony’s return home is likely to be delayed a bit this year—albeit for all the right reasons. Still, he, along with Suzanne and the children, look forward to spending some time living in the same place for a while, until it’s time for Anthony to head back to work for next season.

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

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

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8 Second Street, New City | 845-708-2288 www.clarkstowntheatrecompany.com RocklandParent 43

The Importance of Sleep

››

Getting a good night’s rest does more than prevent cranky kids and tired parents. By Katelin Walling

leep. We all need it. But why is it so important? Sleep is a pillar of health, and is essential to human functioning. “Sleep is critical for health and well-being. While you sleep, your bodies are healing, your bodies are processing,” says Lisa J. Meltzer, Ph.D., Sleep Education Fellow for the National Sleep Foundation.

How Healthy Baby Sleep Impacts Babies

Dr. Meltzer says sleep is so important for babies because they develop in a number of different ways when they sleep: Physical Development: One of the first things to happen when a child falls asleep is the growth hormone is released. “Children literally grow in their sleep, as do teeth, which is why teething is so disruptive to sleep,” Dr. Meltzer says. “Increased duration of sleep is associated with those important outcomes that you get when you go to the pediatrician: weight gain, length, head circumference. Healthy sleep in the first year also lowers the risk for becoming overweight or obese in childhood.” Brain Development: When they’re sleeping, babies’ brains are constantly reorganizing and processing, which fosters better cognitive development. “It’s one of the most critical things that happen within the first year of life,” Dr. Meltzer says. “They’re learning to form new memories, they’re learning how to say words, and they’re learning important motor skills like crawling and walking.” Emotional and Social Development: Babies who don’t get enough sleep are fussy, cranky, and irritable. And science shows what every parent knows: A baby who sleeps more cries less. “Healthy baby sleep is related to better social skills and improved maternal-child interactions,” Dr. Meltzer says. “Healthy sleep during the first year serves as a protective factor to future problems in attention and learning during preschool.” 44

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

How Healthy Baby Sleep Impacts the Family

Other than being able to sleep for longer periods of time, healthy baby sleep is important for the family as a whole: Immune Systems: Our immune system fights off illnesses and infections when we sleep, which is important for babies and critical for exhausted parents. “Studies have shown that adults who regularly sleep less than 7 hours per night are three times more likely to develop the common cold, compared to adults who regularly get more than 7 hours of sleep per night,” Dr. Meltzer says. Less Depressed Mothers: “Science clearly shows that babies who learned to sleep by the age of 11 months have mothers who are less depressed when their child is age 2,” Dr. Meltzer says. “Moms who sleep better are happier and interact with their child more.” Healthy Family Functioning: Babies live within a family system. In order for that system to function at its best, the whole family needs healthy sleep. Plus, Dr. Meltzer says, parents who sleep more are more productive at work and are at less risk for driving-while-drowsy accidents. “By helping babies sleep, we help the families be at their best. I spend a lot of time talking about this with parents who come into my clinic, in particular mothers who say to me I feel guilty and selfish that I want my baby to sleep so that I can sleep,” Dr. Meltzer says. “That’s not selfish. Sleep is essential for health and well-being, and sleep deprivation is not a good thing.” Learn about the bedtime routine that is proven to make babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer at ›› nymetroparents.com/baby-sleep

Gifted & Talented?

How to know when your child should be placed in a G&T program ›› By Thomas John Ferraro, Ph. D.

potting giftedness early is important. If your child is truly gifted and you don’t spot her talent, she is at risk for bullying and social ostracism for being considered ‘quirky.’ However, knowing if your kid is gifted or not is not an easy task. You may find it surprising but most gifted kids are never identified as such. My first experience with a gifted child was early in my psychology career as a psychological tester for a large preschool. A teacher came to my office and asked me to test one of her students who was making trouble in class and seemed hyperactive and unhappy. Later that week when the 4-year-old arrived in my office he sat down, crossed his legs like an adult, looked me straight in the eye, and asked, “Well Dr. Ferraro, what would you like to talk about today?” Here before me was a 30-year-old mind in a 4-year-old body. It turned out his IQ was 145, which was in the top 1 percent of intelligence. So I learned early on that giftedness can not only be a problem for teachers and peers, but it is often misdiagnosed as an illness. Here are 10 of the more common traits of the young gifted child: 1. Frequently very sensitive, overactive, and moody 2. Asks many questions 3. Highly focused and even obsessed when she finds something that interests her 4. Can be critical and skeptical

5. Develops a large storehouse of knowledge 6. A very fast learner, which can at times produce laziness since he never has to work very hard to get by 7. Curious and inquisitive 8. Playful, possesses a good sense of humor, and is creative 9. Has a well-developed aesthetic sense and appreciates beauty and nature 10. Develops a high ethical sense and gets angry when she sees injustice If your child has five or more of these traits: • Observe what he is interested in over time and support this interest with information, material things, and lessons • Make sure you give her a ‘romance phase’ in her hobbies and keep the hobby or sport fun for the first few years • Ask the teacher or coach if he seems exceptional to them • As she begins to excel in her hobby, sport, or art form, be prepared to support her emotionally by listening and safeguarding her from the pressure that will come The parents’ ability to identify and support the child’s talent is just as important as the child’s gifts. Research now tells us that it is only when the young prodigy is surrounded by ongoing parental support that the gifts can grow. And the very first step in this process is early identification.

Thomas John Ferraro, Ph.D., an internationally noted sports psychologist and journalist, has worked with some of the world’s elite young athletes and their families. Dr. Ferraro publishes widely in the area of giftedness and how to manage it. He has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the London Times.

RocklandParent 45

Where Everyone Is an Artist ››

A visit to Crayola Experience offers a day of colorful fun for kids—and adults—of all ages. By Shara Yolku

here’s a reason the Crayola brand has been around for more than 100 years: It is simple yet innovative, and gives kids the tools for unleashing their wondrous artistic creativity. The same can be said about the company’s attraction in Easton, PA, Crayola Experience. Formerly the site of a Crayola crayon factory, it was redesigned in 2013 as a family activity destination that will delight young artists and non-artists alike, especially those ages 2-10. With 26 interactive exhibits and more than 60,000 feet of creative adventures, plan to spend the day there expressing your own inner artistry along with your little scribblers.

The Nuts and Bolts

Only a 90-minute drive from New City, Crayola Experience is the perfect day-trip distance for families with young kids. Parking is easy, with either street meters ($1 per hour, maximum 2 hours) or the lot right behind the Crayola building ($3 per hour). The fun starts before you even enter the building, where children can play on and pose with the enormous marker and crayon sculptures in front of the building. Inside, there’s a coatroom to dump your stuff (jackets, snacks, etc.) before you

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

get started. Regular tickets are $19.99 per person ($16.99 if you buy online in advance), and it’s free for kids younger than 2. Each ticket gets you one goodie bag containing two tokens that you’ll need for two of the activities, and the bag will hold all the cool stuff the kids make. Additional tokens are available for purchase at vending machines near the activities.

Highlights to Hit

It’s smart to have a plan as you head in, because during peak times or seasons it can get crowded, which makes it harder to move quickly between all of the exhibits. Plus, the exhibits vary by wait time, energy level, and cool-factor. So while you might be tempted to do each activity in order on every floor, here are some attractions to prioritize in order to get the best out of your visit: The Crayola Factory on the second floor is a good place to start to get the kids excited, and it offers a bit of a Crayola education. Crayola keeps the factory-visit spirit alive with a cute theatrical show featuring two animated crayons and a live Crayonologist who teach the kids how crayons are made with fun facts and demonstrations.

Right outside the theater is Wrap It Up, where they can “buy” a crayon with a token, name it with a custom label, and then wrap it with a special tool. On the third floor there’s a large space for non-structured art and play. Kids can cut, color, paint, and glue at the Activity Studio and Paint Palette, at which staff regularly rotates the projects, and then switch to the Color Playground in the center of the room to burn off some energy climbing and sliding. (The younger set can play safely at Toddler Town on the second floor.) Kids can use the provided chalk to draw on the floor of the playground, or use dry-erase markers to decorate the whiteboard-material animal figures. Next door, the dimmed lighting at Doodle In The Dark will help bring their energy level back to normal as they experiment with light, color, and interactive media. Kids can doodle on light boards with neon markers, dance in front of a special screen that displays an animated crayon guy mimicking their every move, or play on the floor screen on which projected objects move when stomped on. At this point, you’ll probably be ready for a lunch break! Cafe Crayola on the first floor is quick and easy, as long as you’re OK with typical kid-friendly fare. There’s also the option to bring lunch and picnic on-site, or if you’d like to venture out to one of the restaurants nearby, make sure you get your hands stamped for re-entry. After re-fueling, the second floor has high-tech activities to satisfy your post-millennial Picassos. Your older ones will love creating a computerized 4-D animated adventure of their own drawing at Color Magic, and you can bring the little ones to Be A Star, at which they can make a coloring page using their own image. Down the hall they can get their sensory groove on at Modeling Madness, which features Crayola’s unique foam-like version of play-dough. Token and cash vending machines sell the Model Magic in almost every color, and kids can sculpt away at tables set up with tools.

If You Have Extra Time

The highlights explored above usually have little or no wait time involved. But if your kids have the patience to wait on line, the fourth-floor activities are fun, too. At Melt & Mold they can turn a crayon into a keepsake (a ring, dinosaur, or crayon guy), and the Drip Art station is good ole’ spin-art using melted crayon wax. The third activity on the floor generally has less of a line, so if you have another adult with you, it might be worthwhile to split up and have one wait on one of those lines while the other goes to Meltdown with the kids, at which they can paint with melted crayon wax. If you still have some steam left, and the thought of bringing your kids to a store doesn’t make your head explode, visit the Crayola Store on the first floor. Along with its ubiquitous branded products, it sells cool Crayola souvenirs unique to the site, customizable crayon and marker sets, and T-shirts and puzzles made from creations you colored earlier. At the end of your Crayola Experience, the goodie bags are filled with projects and keepsakes, you’ve all majorly scratched your coloring itch, and you can still make it home in time for dinner. Shara Yolkut is a former music business executive who can now be found gallivanting in and around NYC with her three young kids who share her adventurous spirit and insatiable need for variety.

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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

A&R Advanced Dental Group, Marita Smith, D.D.S. 5C Medical Park Drive, Pomona 845-364-9400 aradvanceddental.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 who is 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 children 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! We accept most insurances and evening hours are available.

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

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

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

Clemente Orthodontics 60 W. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 201-447-2888 603 S. Route 304, New City 845-638-6646; clementeorthodontics.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.

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. 48

October 2016 | 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.

At Clemente Orthodontics, our patients receive the benefit of experience, quality, and energy that comes with a multigenerational team. Dr. Michael Clemente and his daughters, Dr. Nicole Clemente and Dr. Marissa Clemente, work together seamlessly to care for your orthodontic needs. They run a state-of-the-art practice with digital X-rays, private treatment rooms, impression-free Invisalign, and a highly experienced staff. They are an Invisalign Super Elite Premier provider, offering Invisalign and Invisalign Teen as treatment options. Consultations are complimentary.

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

Confidence Coaching for Teens A unique and valuable service for introverted, shy, or socially uncomfortable teens.

Drs. Brett Kastin and Warren Newman utilize stateof-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.

• Individual Sessions: Practical and individualized coaching provided in one on one sessions. • Group Sessions: Activities and events to promote interaction where teens can practice social skills and create friendships.

Free consultation with mention of this ad. Michelle Varvaro 845-709-0047 | MichelleVarvaro.com

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

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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.

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ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS

DEVELOPMENTAL

MUSIC

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics............................................... 15

Varvaro, Michelle........................................................... 49

R&R Music School......................................................... 41

BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES

EDUCATION

PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING

Academy for Martial Arts............................................... 39

German Language School Westwood........................... 11

Clarkstown Theatre Company....................................... 43

Art Adventure................................................................. 49

Green Meadow Waldorf School..................................... 51

Blue Moon Mexican Café ............................................. 21

J.E.P. of Rockland......................................................... 21

Bounce! Trampoline Sports........................................... 11

Kreative Kids ................................................................. 7

Bricks 4 Kids - Rockland................................................ 49

Lead Academy .............................................................. 13

RELIGIOUS

Mathnasium of Nanuet.................................................. 33

J.E.P. of Rockland......................................................... 21

The Burgundy Room @ Ramapo Athletic Center.......... 49 Danceworks................................................................... 39 Dave & Busters - West Nyack....................................... 19 Jill’s Ceramics................................................................ 43

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS

Kreative Kids / Vicki’s Studio........................................... 7

Dave & Busters - West Nyack....................................... 19

Master Jung & Yu Traditional Taekwondo..................... 13

Hurd’s Family Farm ...................................................... 39

Palisades Climb Adventure.............................................. 9

JC Promotions Inc......................................................... 29

Tech Adventure................................................................ 7 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics............................................... 15 West Rock Tennis Club................................................. 15 CAMPS Art Adventure................................................................. 49 Bricks 4 Kids - Rockland................................................ 49 Clarkstown Theatre Company....................................... 43

Jewish Federation of Rockland County......................... 11 New City Chamber of Commerce.................................. 33 Palisades Center ............................................................ 3 RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns......................................... 52 FITNESS Academy for Martial Arts............................................... 39

Mathnasium of Nanuet.................................................. 33

The Burgundy Room @ Ramapo Athletic Center.......... 49

R&R Music School......................................................... 41

Danceworks................................................................... 39

Tech Adventure................................................................ 7

i9 Sports - Rockland County.......................................... 47

West Rock Tennis Club................................................. 15

Master Jung & Yu Traditional Taekwondo..................... 13 Palisades Climb Adventure.............................................. 9

CLASSES

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics............................................... 15

Art Adventure................................................................. 49 Bricks 4 Kids - Rockland................................................ 49

HEALTH

Clarkstown Theatre Company....................................... 43

A&R Advanced Dental Group.................................... 9, 48

German Language School Westwood........................... 11 Green Meadow Waldorf School..................................... 51 J.E.P. of Rockland......................................................... 21 Jill’s Ceramics................................................................ 43 Mathnasium of Nanuet.................................................. 33 Tech Adventure................................................................ 7

Clemente Orthodontics.................................................. 48 Crystal Run Healthcare................................................... 2 Dental Wellness of Suffern........................................ 5, 48 Fidelis Care New York................................................... 17 Kastin & Newman Orthodontics..................................... 49 Kupchik Dental, PLLC............................................. 41, 48

PLAY SPACES Bounce! Trampoline Sports........................................... 11

Jewish Federation of Rockland County......................... 11 RESTAURANT / FOOD SERVICES Blue Moon Mexican Café ............................................. 21 Dave & Busters - West Nyack....................................... 19 RETAIL Palisades Center ............................................................ 3 Toy Box (The)................................................................ 19 Toyriffic.......................................................................... 47 Tilly...A Deer’s Tale......................................................... 41 SPECIAL EVENTS Hurd’s Family Farm ...................................................... 39 JC Promotions, Inc........................................................ 29 Jewish Federation of Rockland County......................... 11 New City Chamber of Commerce.................................. 33 RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns......................................... 52 SPECIAL NEEDS Littman Krooks, LLP........................................................ 9 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics............................................... 15 SPORTS Academy for Martial Arts............................................... 39 Bounce! Trampoline Sports........................................... 11 The Burgundy Room @ Ramapo Athletic Center.......... 49 i9 Sports - Rockland County.......................................... 47

MVP Health Care............................................................. 5

Master Jung & Yu Traditional Taekwondo..................... 13

Tenafly Pediatrics.................................................... 43, 48

Palisades Climb Adventure.............................................. 9

Varvaro, Michelle........................................................... 49

West Rock Tennis Club................................................. 15

Danceworks................................................................... 39

LEGAL SERVICES

TUTORS

Vicki’s Studio................................................................... 7

Littman Krooks, LLP........................................................ 9

Lead Academy .............................................................. 13

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics............................................... 15 DANCE

October 2016 | nymetroparents.com

ÂŠDyana Van Campen

An inspiring education, emphasizing creativity and individual thinking over high-stakes testing Spots open in select grades for January 2017!

845.356.2514

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