BrooklynParent AUGUST 2016
NYMETROPARENTS.COM
Making Melodies
All you need to know about kids’ music lessons
Behind the Thrills
PLUS: Find the best
after-school activities
How water parks keep everyone safe
Olympic Conversations Using the Summer Games to spark family discussions
WHERE TO PICK BERRIES
•
THE POWER OF PRESCHOOL
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NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions
Contents
August 2016 ›› Features 14 Choose the Best After-School Activity for Your Child A flowchart to help you pick extracurriculars 16 It’s Music to Their Ears What you need to know about music lessons 22 Olympic Lessons How the Summer Games can spark important family conversations 38 Behind the Thrills A look at how water parks train lifeguards
22
40 Burgers Reinvented Three new takes on the grilled summer staple
44
44 The Power of Preschool Pre-K is much more than just play time
16
Connections 6 Editor’s Note 8 Quotables 12 Voices: Respecting kids’ fashion choices 13 NYMP Q&A: Allyson Downey talks thriving in your career while raising children
Fun & Activities 10 Media Matters: Screen-Time Recommendations 11 DIY Corner: Mollusk Wind Chime 24 Outing: Prospect Park Zoo 27 Family Activities Calendar 36 Where-To Guide: Pick Your Own Berries
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Directories
Family Activities CALENDAR ››
27
18 46 48 49 50
After-School Classes & Programs Preschools and Child Care Centers Meet the Health Care Professional Open Houses Advertisers’ Index
Original photo by PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided by Appaman (appaman.com)
››
ON THE COVER ›› 16 Making Melodies 18 Find the Best After-School Activities 22 Olympic Conversations facebook.com/nymetroparents
@NYMetroParents
36 Where to Pick Berries
38 Behind the Thrills 44 The Power of Preschool
Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!
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AUGUST 2016 • Vol.13 • No.1
NYMetroParents Publications EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress
EDITOR’S NOTE
Our Activities, Our Passions
W
hen I was little, I took piano lessons, but practicing was always a struggle, and I quit after a year. Some years later, I got it in my head that I wanted to play clarinet, and took several years of lessons before transitioning to saxophone, which I played in my high school orchestra. Despite all this, playing music was a constant struggle for me, and practicing held little interest. I stuck with it because I liked the idea of being a musician—but never got much out of it. Still, I have always been fascinated by those who can produce beautiful sounds from a musical instrument. I didn’t know until recently that one of those people is on my staff here at NYMetroParents. As you can read on p. 16, Samantha Neudorf, our assistant editor, is a longtime violinist. In addition to giving us a glimpse into her own personal musical experiences, she shares all the information parents need to know before starting their kids on musical lessons. While my kids have not learned instruments, my two oldest daughters have over the years taken swim lessons, ballet, art, a couple of different kiddie music and movement classes, chess, after-school enrichment, gymnastics at two different neighborhood schools, and… I am sure I am missing something. Balancing all the factors—schedules, costs, other siblings’ needs, homework time, and the need for downtime—is a challenge we face annually as we prepare for a new school year. But it is important to us that our kids participate in activities outside school and find outlets for their creativity, athleticism, and passions. In this issue, you will find our comprehensive guide to local after-school classes (p. 18) and a fun quiz to help you narrow down the choices (p. 14). While my older two children focus on choosing their after-school activities for this year, my youngest will be heading to school for the first time (cue the tears). It’s three mornings per week, and despite having had two older kids attend local nursery schools, we still toured a few, spoke with directors, and had a hard time deciding where to send her. Sure, preschool feels like it’s mostly play, but there’s a lot more that happens there. To find out why it’s so important, check out our story on “The Power of Preschool” (p. 44). For my oldest daughter, gymnastics has become her biggest after-school focus. She’s psyched to watch the world’s best gymnasts compete this month in the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The games provide a great, laid-back opportunity to engage your kids in discussions about important topics. To help you get started, we offer a guide to sparking these family conversations (p. 22). With all the talk of after-school activities and back-to-school prep, let’s not forget that it’s still summer! Fire up the grill and try one of our fantastic burger recipes (p. 40) or browse our calendar to find the perfect sunny day family event near you (p. 27). And enjoy the remaining weeks until the kiddos board those buses for school once again. Michael Kress Editorial Director
DEPUTY EDITOR: Bethany Braun MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling ASSISTANT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Catherine Patwell 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: Megan Bailey, Lauren Diaz, Melissa Wickes
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UOTABLES Obviously, the goal of parenting is to raise well rounded human beings that are able to go off into the world and make smart decisions and have a life of their own, but the idea of my sweet boy not needing me as much really struck a chord in me today. —Allison Cooper, in a post entitled “When Independence Takes Over,” on her blog projectmotherhoodnyc.com
in an instagram 4+ hours. precisely what summer breaks are made of. #boys #childhoodunplugged #endlesssummer #summersixteen (Posted by @mommydelicioius, aka Alicia Harper, who blogs at mommydelicious.com. The photo was taken at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6.)
WHEN MOM IS BOSS “I truly enjoy what I do on a daily basis and I’m unlocking the potential of the children in my community, making it a better place to live.”
in an instagram Ladies who lunch! #thisis6 #bff
—Natania Blumenkehl, in a post entitled “Tips for Balancing Life as a Mom and a Business Owner.” Read more at nymetroparents.com/mom-boss
(Posted by NYC mom @naomi_sixdegreesofmom, aka Naomi Schoenkin, who runs the private playdate community Six Degrees of Mom)
“There are a finite number of years when my voice will be louder than their friends, than magazines, than the rest of the world. So I hold tightly to this sliver of time. I take every opportunity I can to tell them that I think the world of them, that their bodies are perfect exactly the way they are, that they are beautiful and brilliant and creative and strong.” —Sarah Sandifer, in a post entitled “Why I Completely Overvalue My Kids,” on the site scarymommy.com
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MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: SAND & SURF: Find the best beaches near you at nymetroparents.com/beaches. LUNCH TO GO: Discover the perfect picnic spot at nymetroparents.com/picnic. FRACTURE OR SPRAIN? Learn how to tell the difference at nymetroparents.com/fracture-sprain. WAXY FUN: Plan your visit to Madame Tussauds New York at nymetroparents.com/madame-tussauds.
When your little angel thinks he’s a daredevil...
Better have a good pediatrician. Make sure your kids are covered.
Contact Affinity Health Plan at 866.247.5678 to obtain more information about Child Health Plus, a free or low-cost health insurance program sponsored by New York State for kids under the age of 19. To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 855.355.5777.
AffinityPlan.org/CHP
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Media Matters: TV
Terrific Trucks
Recommended Age: 3+ H H H H H
Network: Sprout A delightful series that follows the adventures of real dirt movers.
Screen-Time Recommendations
Mouk
Recommended Age: 4+ H H H H
Network: Xfinity A gentle preschool series that promotes cultural diversity.
Voltron, Legendary Defender
Recommended Age: 8+ H H H H
Network: Netflix DreamWorks updates this ‘80s toon in tense but fantastic form.
Roots
Recommended Age: 14+ H H H H H
Network: History The reimagined slave epic is violent but stirs worthy questions.
In Theaters Aug. 12: Pete’s Dragon Parents need to know that Pete’s Dragon (2016) is Disney’s remake of the classic 1977 live-action/ animated movie that looks to be a fantasy story for all ages. Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has told children tales of a boy and his dragon for years, but his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), a forest ranger, never believed him. Then she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley), a 10-year-old orphan who claims he lives in the woods with his pet dragon, Elliot, which sounds eerily similar to the dragon in her dad’s stories. With the help of 11-year-old Natalie (Oona Laurence), Grace sets out to find out the truth behind Pete, his supposed dragon, and her father’s stories. Given the source material, this looks like a strong choice for families.
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
See more at NYMetroParents.com/media
Lois A. Jackson, D.D.S., P.C. and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry
505 LaGuardia Place, New York • 212.995.8888 16 Court Street, Suite 2211, Brooklyn • 718.855.8833 10
August 2016 | nymetroparents.com
DIY CORNER BEACH CRAFT
Mollusk Wind Chime
A wind chime made from attractive mollusk shells will remind you of the seashore as it dances noisily in the breeze. When you visit the beach, search for shells that have a natural hole. Empty limpet shells, for example, may already have a neat, circular hole in the middle—made by the limpet’s predator—which means you can just thread the craft cord through the hole. Bivalve twin mollusks, such as mussels, cockles, and razor clams, are useful if the two halves of the shell are still attached to each other, because the cord for hanging each shell can be twisted and secured at the shell’s natural hinge. This means that you don’t have to tie a knot—how shellcrafty is this? What to Use: • 12 empty mollusk shells (such as limpets and bivalve mussels, cockles, or razor clams) • Bowl of warm, soapy water • Spray craft varnish (optional) • 12 lengths of colored craft cord, 10-12 inches in length • Colored plastic clothes hanger, driftwood, or stick • Large pieces of dulse (seaweed) (optional) What to Do: 1. Wash your selection of mollusk shells in a bowl of warm, soapy water and dry them carefully. 2. Spray the shells with craft varnish if you want glitzy shells, and leave to dry.
3. Attach each shell to a length of craft cord by threading the cord through the natural hole and trying a knot at one end. You can also just tie the cord around the shell, but this won’t be as secure. If you’re lucky enough to have joined bivalve shells, simply twist the cord around the hinge. 4. Arrange the threaded shells attractively and then tie the other end of each cord securely around the lower bar of the clothes hanger. Make sure you space the cords so the shells will bounce into each other in the breeze. Attach a larger piece of dulse for added color if you wish. The color of the seaweed will fade over time. 5. Hang the finished wind chime in front of an open window or perhaps in the garden. Let Your Kids Go Wild Outside by Fiona Bird; Ryland Peters & Small, $19.95; rylandpeters.com. Photography by Dylan Drummond and Terry Benson
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VOICES
Avoiding the Fashion Fight ››
Clothes are an expression of who we are—as my girls are well aware. I’ve learned to let go and respect my little fashionistas’ choices. By Jennifer Garry
M
y girls are fearless fashionistas. While their momma is perfectly content in a solid rotation of V-neck T-shirts, jeans, and TOMS that smell like they’ve been worn all summer, these daughters of mine treat getting dressed in the morning like a ceremony for the super fabulous. There is combing through closets. There are wardrobe changes. There are accessories. There are spritzes of perfume and lip gloss application and ballerina-like twirls in front of their fulllength mirror. Ellie, my 5-year-old, has even started quietly creeping out of bed like the bite-sized ninja she is and dressing herself fully (lip gloss, arm full of bracelets, and much more) before shaking me awake and asking in her best Valley girl voice if she looks beautiful. Where does a 5-year-old child pick up a Valley girl lilt in the first place?! As the start of a new school year barrels toward us, there is one thing I’m sure of: There is no way these opinionated ladies of mine will transition from the absolute freedom of summer to a rigid school-year wardrobe without a battle. Apparently, kids have their own personalities and opinions—I just wish someone had slipped me that memo when I was pregnant and daydreaming about what life with kids would be like. I’ve made it clear that there will be no makeup and there most certainly will be daily hair brushing by Mom. But the notion of me picking out their outfits and forcing them into submission? It’s not worth the struggle, even if that means Ellie shows up to kindergarten wearing fleece sweatpants with fluffy skirts and two completely different shoes with as many accessories as she can possibly pile on.
These girls already see their clothes as expressions of who they are. As long as it’s appropriate—meaning they’re not wearing four sweaters when it’s 80 degrees out or tank tops in the snow—why take that away from them? Who really cares if all of the colors and patterns clash violently and make me cringe? If they’re happy and confident, why do I care what anyone else thinks? Because, if we’re being honest, what other people think is the only real reason we battle with our kids over their mismatched hodgepodge outfits. But consider this: The clothes we wear tell a story. They are a form of self-expression, and allowing our children to show the world who they are and that they’re confident being that person is such an easy way to give them power. I consider it my job to let my girls shine—and I’d much rather allow them to express themselves freely and comfortably now, before I’m arguing with them about more permanent ways of expressing themselves later. Who am I to get in the way of them figuring out who they are and what they like? I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a struggle to get to the point where I can just let them be. In fact, it was really, really hard to let go of my control-freak tendencies and my desire to have my girls look like they came skipping from the pages of an expensive catalog. But I truly believe in the importance of teaching my girls that they can make the world a better place by being themselves. And as I watch them skip off in wild outfits of their choosing, I know that they’re confident and excited and feel like the best version of themselves. What more could a momma want?
Jennifer Garry is a freelance writer and Westchester mom. She writes about that ever-elusive struggle for balance on her personal blog, Cuddles and Chaos (cuddlesandchaos.com).
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NYMP Q&A
Careers & Children ›› Allyson Downey experienced pregnancy discrimination at work and thought it was an anomaly. In doing research for her book, Here’s the Plan: Your Practical, Tactical Guide to Advancing Your Career During Pregnancy and Parenting, in which she lays the foundation to help you thrive in your career while raising children, Downey found that nearly one-third of women experienced some form of pregnancy discrimination.
Allison Hooban
By Katelin Walling
BROOKLYN
What are the most important things you want new mothers to take away from your book? I think the two biggest ones are speaking up for yourself and really building a professional support network, making as many connections as you can from the earliest point in your career. That is the network that is going to be there for you if you do run into problems like I ran into, but it’s also going to be there to help elevate your career if you don’t get into problems. What can mothers do to limit judgment from coworkers for having a different schedule? Every woman I talked to that was constrained by child care hours felt spectacular guilt every time she walked out of the office. Those women don’t want to talk about it because why would you want to bring up something that’s making you feel terrible? And the colleagues who are watching you walk out the door don’t want to bring it up because they don’t want to begrudge a mother’s time with her children. What no one is acknowledging is it’s making everyone unhappy. As hard and uncomfortable it can be, clearly tell your colleagues: I have to leave every day at 5pm for child care pickup. I hate walking out of here while all of you are still working. I am going to do everything I can to cram as much work into the 8 hours I am here, so you may see me decline meetings that aren’t absolutely critical for me to attend. State whatever accommodations you reasonably can make to ensure that you are able to stay on equal footing with your colleagues. What can men and women do to help change their work culture to be more accommodating to new parents? I think that we are at this really amazing point where there are all of these conversations happening in the media, and dozens of private companies are speaking up and talking about family leave. You can harness that energy and momentum. I think the most effective way to do that is to talk about why it’s good for your company. Talk in terms of the company’s ability to retain outstanding talent and its ability to recruit great talent because it’s progressive about family leave. Talk about all of the great press that companies are generating from the announcements they’re making about their new 16 weeks of paid leave for both men and women. ...It’s such an important signal that being a parent and taking care of a child is not women’s work. It’s work for parents.
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Choose the Best After-School Activity for Your Child With myriad activities available to children these days, it’s easy to get bogged down with all the options. Take this fun quiz to see which activity best suits your child. ››
Your child is a...
Social butterfly
Lone wolf
On the weekends your kid is...
Outside
Is he a picky eater?
No
Yes
Does he love being physical?
Yes
Sports
No
Your child is a ball of energy, so make sure you put it to good use. Team sports, such as basketball or soccer, are a great way to learn team work while also staying fit and active.
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Your child’s dream job is...
Watching TV
Astronaut
Is she the leader of the pack?
Yes
What’s the first thing she does in the car?
Roll down window
The Arts
Turn on radio
Dance, drama, or a music class would be a great fit for your kid. She is creative and has a zest for life that just can’t be contained. You might have a potential triple-threat on your hands!
August 2016 | nymetroparents.com
Her favorite subject is...
Science
No
President
Your child’s room is...
English
Is he smarter than you?
Yes
Academic Enrichment
Grades
Your smarty pants can’t get enough of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Many tutoring centers also offer enrichment classes, espeically during the summer. Get your Einstein learning all year long.
Clean
Messy
What’s more important?
Experience
Art Class
If your child is constantly drawing or painting at home, save yourself the mess and get him into an art class. Art is a great way for your little Picasso to express himself.
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Sophia Lee
Christian and Jessica Li of Manhasset perform at the Music Institute of Long Island’s Gala Concert at Carnegie Hall in June.
It’s Music to Their Ears
››
Your child wants to play an instrument—now what? We asked music instructors to weigh in on renting vs. buying, how to choose what to play, and the benefits of private and group lessons. By Samantha Neudorf
I
t was 1998 when I decided I wanted to play the violin. Only 5 years old, I was watching Disney’s Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra on TV with my parents when a violin soloist named Vanessa-Mae came on stage to perform “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s Turandot opera, and her own piece called “Storm” on the electric violin. She swayed back and forth with her eyes closed, evoking a fiery passion with every note. I turned to my mom, mesmerized and inspired, and declared, “I want to do that.” After 12 years of violin and three years of viola lessons, I can firmly say that my life changed for the better. Science has proven time and again that children who play musical instruments do better in school. That’s because while playing an instrument the brain exercises motor, auditory, visual, and emotional responses all at once, making it the “most complex and demanding cognitive challenges that the human mind can undertake,” according to a study published in the journal Nature Reviews Neuroscience. Brain stimulation is just the beginning of the benefits of music. It also helps children focus better in school and grasp new concepts easily. Sophia Lee of Manhasset is the mother of two children— Christian, 8, and Jessica, 6—who take piano lessons at the Music Institute of Long Island, also in Manhasset. Both of them began taking lessons at age 4 and got started because they looked up to 16
August 2016 | nymetroparents.com
Lang Lang, a Chinese concert pianist, and their grandmother, who also played piano. “Piano has also been a great method to be focused, structured, and has helped them academically with school,” Lee says. “[They have more] confidence [when] delivering presentations at school, and [it] has helped Jessica with dance, to be more artistic and graceful.”
Practice, Practice
Music lessons are a discipline because the only way to improve and advance is to practice, which can be hard if a child refuses to pick up her instrument regularly. “It’s a slow process, but kids have good days and bad days,” says Geri Kushner, director of the Music Institute of Long Island. “Not everybody is going to have an incredible day at a lesson and a practice at home. Slow and steady wins the race.” Whether parents want their children to play an instrument or a child chooses to, the child needs to first have an interest in learning about music. “If there is no interest, there is little chance that the child will study an instrument long-term,” says Karen Geer, executive director of the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music in Park Slope. Geer suggests that if a child is not ready to play an instrument, she can join a pre-instrumental class to try out different ones and learn about rhythm, pitch, and tempo.
Selecting an Instrument
When choosing an instrument, it is important that the child gets a say in what he wants to play. After all, he is the one who will be practicing it. Some children may have an idea of what they want to play. If not, most schools offer trial classes. “We say you have to give it at least a semester,” Kushner says. “Otherwise you’re never really going to know.” Other schools may have community outreach programs, such as “instrumental petting zoos,” for kids to try out their options. Parents and kids can also sit in to observe classes. Summer camp programs can also be helpful for families to tour the schools without making any commitments. If your child is still undecided, Rachael Carson, director of Bach to Rock in Mamaroneck, suggests either trying out voice lessons or playing piano because they are the foundation for a lot of instruments. “We also emphasize to kids that if you pick an instrument, it doesn’t mean that this is the only instrument that you will ever play,” Carson says.
Renting vs. Buying
Most music instructors recommend renting an instrument if a child is just starting out—especially if she is young and can outgrow an instrument that fits her perfectly now. The only instrument that musicians recommend buying right away, if a family can afford it, is a piano because it is a timeless piece of furniture. “If you can get it in the beginning, you won’t have to worry about it again,” Kushner says. Otherwise, for piano players, a keyboard can suffice, as there are many decent ones available. Your music instructor can provide suggestions for affordable rental options. Carson strongly advises against buying instruments from eBay or other similar websites because they are poor quality, calling them “instrument-shaped objects.” “If your kid gets really serious and you bought an instrument that’s a beginner quality instrument, it’s going to end up hindering that child’s development on the instrument,” Carson says, adding that she did not buy her first violin until she was in high school. If your child continues to show an interest in playing his instrument years down the line, it could be worth investing in a high-quality instrument.
Musical Methods
Among the first decisions parents need to make when deciding on music lessons for their child is what teaching method to pursue. Many music teachers use the Suzuki method of teaching, developed by a Japanese violinist named Shinichi Suzuki, in which parents learn to play alongside their children. The child would take private lessons along with group classes. (This is the method that I studied.) Other methods include the Orff method, which engages kids in music using percussion instruments such as the glockenspiel or xylophone; and the Kodaly method, which enforces singing as the foundation of musicianship. Some music schools, such as Bach to Rock, offer the Suzuki method, along with their own curriculum for kids to learn a mix of classical, pop, and rock music. “Parents are surprised when they find out that a violin student can learn Katy Perry in addition to learning how to play ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ on the violin,” Carson says. “One comment that I get all of the time is, ‘I can’t believe how fun this is!’”
The Music Institute of Long Island offers Kindermusik classes for young children, a Germany-based curriculum designed to encourage musical play and movement.
Private vs. Group Lessons
Children may be enrolled in both private or group lessons—or a mixture of the two—as both are beneficial and provide different experiences for the student. Young children might consider starting off by taking lessons with one or two other students, then transitioning to a private lesson around age 7. Private lessons are highly encouraged because the teachers can better review the students’ techniques, and one-on-one instruction tends to instill in kids a sense of responsibility. Group lessons allow kids to play as an ensemble, which teaches them to play cohesively and perform together. For example, the Music Institute of Long Island performs at nursing homes and other venues as a way to give back to people in the community, as well as to build confidence in playing for an audience. Bach to Rock holds a Battle of the Bands competition for its rock band program, in which the kids have the responsibility to listen to the members of their group and play at the same tempo. If a child is very eager to play, it is possible that she can begin at age 3. Otherwise, age 6 or 7 might be more appropriate, as that is when children begin learning how to read and are more focused and physically developed. When sitting in lessons, Kushner advises parents to record their children using a video camera or tape recorder and to take notes to make sure that the child takes the corrections from class and applies them at home. “Everything takes time,” Kushner says. “We improve and sometimes we plateau, just like in everything else. But if they’re not putting in the time, they can’t expect to do fabulously.”
The Payoff
Something that most parents may be surprised to learn once their child begins music lessons is how much dedication and commitment is required. Just as a child might study over and over for a test, he must be ready to constantly practice his instrument to become more advanced. “If [children] take SATs, ACTs, math tutoring, English tutoring, and Kumon, [those teachers] expect them to work there,” Kushner says. “We expect them to work at a violin lesson or piano lesson, as well.” Parents can motivate and support their children by giving them words of encouragement. “The attitude of the parents, and just being ready to be a support and as enthusiastic as their kids, is important,” Carson says. As for me, my mom would encourage me to enter music competitions, and even though I only ever placed among the winners once in the 12 years I took lessons, the experience made me learn how to pick myself up from failure and move on. It was not until adulthood that I realized how valuable this was for me. Even if my parents and I butted heads when I did not want to practice, it disciplined me to refocus my energy to buckle down and chip away at improving, which showed that hard work and dedication can take you far. If it were not for music, I do not think I would have had the ambition and drive to push myself through Advanced Placement classes in high school, move 5,000 miles away from home for college, and make a living here in New York City, arguably the most competitive city in the world. All thanks to that unforgettable TV concert nearly 20 years ago.
BrooklynParent 17
AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES & PROGRAMS The Annual Directory of
County-wide resources to keep kids active & entertained when the school bell sounds
A+ Academy
6802-8th Ave. 718-748-6802 aplusnewyork.com A+ Academy is a neighborhood supplemental education provider and test prep center. We provide enrichment classes for all grades in math, ELA, and creative writing. In addition, we offer extensive summer and fall SHSAT prep courses and SAT/ACT prep courses for rising eighth and 11th graders as they prepare for high school and college admissions. Our classes run Monday– Friday during the summer, and on Saturdays or Sundays during the school year. New courses are offered every year, so please stop by any of our three Brooklyn locations to inquire if interested.
BounceU
6722 Fort Hamilton Parkway (entrance on 67th Street and 9th Avenue), Dyker Heights 347-450-5867 bounceu.com/brooklyn Come on guys, we all know how hard it is to get the kids to exercise. When they come to BounceU, they will experience the benefits of exercising and having fun without realizing that it’s good for them. At BounceU, our “Bounceologists” graduated with a BA (“Bounceology” of arts) degree. They’ve concluded that bouncing (the uncontrollable urge to jump up and down until your cheeks turn red and you are totally exhausted), is one of the many ways to achieve this. “Get out of the heat and into the fun!”
Brienza’s Academic Advantage
8696 18th Ave. 1902 Avenue T 259 Rose Ave., Staten Island 718-232-0114 brienzas.com Brienza’s Academic Advantage offers a wide variety of academic
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programs for students attending kindergarten through 12th grade. We specialize in reading and math tutoring along with TACHS, SHSAT, Regents, SAT, and ACT preparation. Our programs provide students with the opportunity to increase their skills and knowledge, enabling them to reach their full potential. Programs offered include tutoring in all subjects, test preparation courses, and SETSS (P-4) services. Call our office to speak to our educational specialists who can help you choose the best option for your child.
Brooklyn College Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts
234 Roosevelt Hall, 2900 Bedford Ave. 718-951-4111 bcprepcenter.org For more than 35 years, The Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College has offered music (including Suzuki violin, cello, and flute for very young children), theater and dance classes, and private lessons for children of all ages and levels. We also welcome adult students for private instruction and group classes. Our experienced professional teachers, many of whom have extensive performance experience and advanced conservatory degrees, encourage students’ growth at all levels. For further lesson and class information for the 20162017 school year and to schedule an individual consultation, call 718-951-4111.
Brooklyn Heights Montessori School
185 Court St., Brooklyn Heights 718-858-5100 bhmsny.org info@bhmsny.org After the school day has finished, a place for creative learning and relaxed play can
August 2016 | nymetroparents.com
still be found at BHMS in our Montessori Afternoons Plus program. MAP is a comfortable, safe, and progressive after-school program for children in preschool through eighth grade. MAP offers a rich variety of activities under the guidance of our experienced and nurturing staff. The program is open to BHMS students, as well as children from the local community.
Cookie’s Kids - The Kids’ Department Store
Brooklyn: 265 Livingston St. 718-797-3300 510 Fulton St. 718-797-3300 982 Flatbush Ave. 718-287-2300 Queens: 166-21 Jamaica Ave. (at 168th Street) 718-291-7700 Bronx: 1534 Westchester Ave. 718-991-9500 576 Melrose Ave. 718-585-0800 cookieskids.com marvin@cookieskids.com With back-to-school approaching, parents are learning that Cookie’s Kids, the Kids’ Department Store, is New York City’s premier school uniform supplier. It carries the largest selection of uniforms, from toddler to adult sizes, stocking quality brands such as French Toast, Nautica, Lee, and U.S. Polo Assn. Its knowledgeable staff can answer any questions about your child’s uniform needs, and provide information on custom embroidery and screen-printing options. Cookie’s also carries lots of school uniform-approved footwear from brands such as Nine West, Sperry, Hush Puppies, French Toast, Rachel, and Stride Rite.
Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet
29 Jay St. 212-600-0047 gelseykirklandballet.org info@gelseykirklandballet.org The Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet’s Young Dancer Program, made up of the Children’s Division (for the recreational student), and the Pre-Professional Division (for the vocational student), was created for aspiring dancers ages 3-14 who want to experience the joy that comes from dancing. Our goal is to have our young students develop creative movement skills, musicality, rhythm, coordination, expression, character, ballet technique, and confidence. Come and join our fun-filled program that also includes many performance opportunities!
KindStart Early Childhood Center
7702 New Utrecht Ave. 718-621-5382 kindstartpreschool.org Kindstart has been a serving the Bensonhurst community with early childhood education excellence since 1999. Our program is highly rated by both the DOHMH and the department of education. Our students ages 2-5, feel happy and safe, and are motivated to learn. The children enjoy the special meals and learning activities we provide as they excel in their programs. Enroll your child age 5-6 in our enriching after-school program to help them continue to excel throughout the school year. Children will receive a special snack, help with homework, any individual tutoring in math or reading, music, and arts and crafts. Please call 718-621-5382 for information about our nursery and toddler program, pre-K program, after-school program, and summer enrichment program. continued on next page ››
THE SWEETEST PARTIES IN BROOKLYN
Your child and guests will be transformed into “chocolatiers”for the day!
Check out our awesome outdoor space
Leif Ericson Day School
Success without Stress INTEGRATING NYS LEARNING STANDARDS • Stress-free learning environment • Small class size • Graduates attend finest high schools • Opportunity for individualized instruction
TEACHING CHRISTIAN VALUES
• Engaging children in an active faith life • Creating a strong sense of community/family • Designated as a “No Place for Hate” school by the ADL • 50 years of quality education in a safe, caring environment
MUSIC EDUCATION
• Develops critical thinking through music ideas • Performing Arts Program • Instills a positive self-concept • Vocal and instrumental instruction
Leif Ericson Day School 1037—72nd Street, Brooklyn NY • 718-748-9023
http://www.ledsny.org
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
• Equips students with social and intellectual skills • State of the art facility and components • Project-based learning • Internet Safety Pledge promoting safe social networking practices.
Serving children in Nursery through Grade 8
Call for a Personal Tour Anytime! BrooklynParent 19
‹‹ continued from previous page
RSM Russian School of Mathematics
2115 Benson Ave. 322 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington 516-551-6428 brooklyn@russianschool.com russianschool.com masha.rifkin@russianschool.com portwashington@russianschool.com The Russian School of Mathematics is an award-winning, after-school math enrichment program for students in kindergarten through 12th grades. Our approach is based on the best practices of advanced math schools in the former Soviet Union and Europe, adapted to the U.S. educational environment for students of all abilities. We help our students to become thinkers and analysts by enabling them understand mathematical concepts at a high level, and at an early age.
The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center
Math
World-class your child will
Love
Our award-winning, after school program helps K-12 students build excellence in math and critical thinking. Families of over 17,000 students trust RSM to deliver a world-class math education for their children.
Fall Classes Now Enrolling! Schedule a Free Math Evaluation
RSM - Brooklyn • 2115 Benson Ave Brooklyn, NY 11214 • (516) 551-6428 www.RussianSchool.com/Brooklyn 20
3 Lafayette Ave., Fort Green 718-624-8400 mmdg.org info@mmdg.org The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center offers year-round, community-based dance and music programs for ages 18 months to 18 years in a fully inclusive and nurturing environment, in the heart of the Brooklyn Cultural District. The school’s diverse and professional faculty provides progressive instruction, all accompanied by live music. Our non-recital approach allows for non-competitive and focused training, with opportunities for students to perform and for parents to see their dancer in action. Learn more at mmdg.org/ school or call 718-624-8400. Fall registration opens Aug. 22.
Storybook Land
8638 20th Ave. 718-996-8714 We offer a powerful first grade prep for kindergarten students only! You can give your child a head start with our after-school tutoring program focusing on common core standards. Tutoring is also available for homework help and test prep for kindergarten through eighth grades. Call for information: 718-996-8714.
August 2016 | nymetroparents.com
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STREB
51 N. 1st St. 718-384-6491; streb.org KidAction is based on Elizabeth Streb’s POPACTION, which intertwines dance, athletics, boxing, rodeo, the circus, and Hollywood stunt work into bristling muscle-and-motion vocabulary and reflects the high-energy, fast-paced movement that kids experience all around them every day. Offering 16-session classes for children ages 18 months to teens with additional classes in kid trampoline, flying trapeze, and parkour! Also offering full-day camps for ages 6-13 and half-day camps for ages 3-5, and after-school programs. Call 718384-6491 today to get in on the action! streb.org.
The Tutoring Club of Bay Ridge
7811 3rd Ave., Bay Ridge 718-748-8867 bayridgeny@tutoringclub.com The Tutoring Club is dedicated to helping students increase their subject skills and self-esteem. We utilize the most advanced curriculum in tutoring, maintain low student-to-tutor ratios, pinpoint and correct problems, motivate our students, and provide qualified instructors certified in the use of the programs and committed to ensuring each child’s success. Our Core Programs are Math, ELA, and Writing Skills. We have high school math and sciences tutors available. Test prep programs for NYS Grade Level, Gifted and Talented, SSHSAT, TACHS, ISEE, GED, and SAT tests. Homework Help sessions are available.
Ume Ume Music + Arts
319 4th Ave., (between 2nd and 3rd streets), Park Slope 718-768-0800; umeumearts.com info@umeumearts.com Our name, “ume ume,” reflects the focus of our program and the importance of bringing everyone together (you = u + me), as we create and learn about our world through music and the arts. Ume Ume programs implement an original curriculum through an arts integrated approach to learning, for children younger than age 12. We develop a young child’s familiarity with music, dance, and art while encouraging experimentation, exploration, and creative thinking. We also offer daily drop-in classes, day camps, private lessons in violin and piano, and birthday parties.
Pediatric Immediate Care, PLLC Pediatric Urgent Care Where Kids Come First ® www.pediatricimmediatecare.com • CERTIFIED URGENT CARE CENTER by Urgent Care Association of America
• PEDIATRIC SPECIALTY CARE Hematology • Oncology • Pediatric Psychology
A Montessori
Summer
2016
September 8 • • • •
Open to students from all schools Campers ages 3.5-14 Register online at bhmsny.org/ bhms-experience/summer-camp 1 block from the F and G trains. Close to 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, R trains.
COMPLETE PEDIATRIC & ADOLESCENT CARE
OPEN 7 DAYS Including Holidays 8am - 11pm
• Rapid Laboratory Tests • EKG • Digital X-Ray • Ultrasonogram • IV Hydration • IM Medications • Attention Deficit Disorder • Developmental Test • IVA & IMPACT Test
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• Minor Surgeries • Splints / Casts • Allergy Injections • Inhalation Therapy • Pulmonary Function Test • Computerized Vision Test • Hearing Tests • CPR Classes • Pharmacy Service & More
We Speak Your Language:
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Kid Friendly • Walk-ins Welcome • Most Insurance Plans Accepted
www.bhmsny.org 185 Court Street Brooklyn, NY 11201
CONVENIENT LOCATIONS LINDENHURST • SMITHTOWN • BROOKLYN
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718-389-PEDS
Shorefront YM-YWHA
• Programs For Children Ages 2-5 • Sunny Spacious Classrooms • Private, Outdoor, Rooftop Playground • Hot, Nutritious, Kosher, Freshly-Made Food • Extended Hours from 7:45am to 6:30pm
Schedule a tour today!
BrooklynParent 21
John Cheng/USA Gymnastics
Gabby Douglas, a 2012 gold medalist for Team USA, competes in the 2015 World Gymnastics Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, one step in her journey to this summer’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Olympic Lessons
››
Watching the Summer Games together as a family can spark important discussions about your kids’ goals, values, and outlook on the world. By Melissa Kagan
S
ometimes the best, most in-depth conversations with kids happen while you’re all focused on something else, especially if your kids are relaxed and having fun while it happens. The Summer Olympics, taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug. 5-21, offers a chance for your entire family to enjoy watching sports together—while providing plenty of opportunities to engage your kids in discussions about topics such as following their passions, setting and achieving their personal goals, and choosing role models. In addition to cheering on your favorite athletes, it’s a great idea to use the competitions themselves and the personal stories behind the athletes’ hard work getting to Rio to spur your kids to reflect on and discuss some of the issues and values on display. Take advantage of the time you spend watching the games by asking open-ended questions and see where the conversation takes you. Here are some potential conversation starters: What inspires you to work hard at something? Let’s face it: Not everybody is going home a winner. Most of these
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athletes will go home without medals, and that’s okay because the fact they made it to the Olympics at all should be reward enough. Is it the promise of a trophy or admiration from others that your kids want most? Or is it simply a personal goal or the satisfaction of improvement that drives them to push harder? Do you prefer team sports or individual sports? Why? You will have many opportunities to point out how everyone’s contribution is key to a team’s success while watching group sports such as volleyball, water polo, or basketball. Help kids make the connection between teamwork in sports and other collaborative efforts, such as group projects for school. On the other hand, viewing individual sports such as gymnastics or diving can also provide teaching moments about being your own toughest competitor and the opportunity each time you compete to beat your personal best. To achieve these results, you need a high amount of self-reliance, discipline, focus, and passion, all of which are on display at the Olympics and can provide fodder for discussion and inspiration.
Do you look up to athletes? Which ones, and why? What are the qualities that make an athlete a good role model? Not all athletes are responsible members of the community. Do your kids look up to professional sports figures because of their talent or because they contribute something to society, such as spearheading a charity or being the face of a cause? Keep in mind that many teens tune out authority figures—including parents or teachers—but a superstar athlete may be able to deliver a message of inspiration and hope to kids. How do you feel when you lose at a game or competition? Use the Olympics to talk about losing—and winning—gracefully. The emphasis on medals does not mean that winning is the most important thing. Watch the interviews with the various athletes and you’ll discover that they’re happy to be there, no matter what the outcome is. At some point during the event, you’ll witness athletes falling or fumbling, and yet they still persevere. You don’t see much foot stomping, storming away, or crying by the athlete who comes in fourth. Watch how the competitors react to winning and losing and how they treat their opponents and use this as an example for your kids to show the difference between good and bad sportsmanship. What do you dream you could do, and how do you think you can make that happen? Journalists covering the Olympics tend to focus on inspiring human-interest stories about athletes overcoming obstacles to reach their goals. These emotional stories can make watching an event all the more compelling and give you a chance to talk to your kids about perseverance. Kids often make a habit of trying an activity and then giving up when it doesn’t come easily to them or they aren’t excelling in it right away. Remind your children that Olympic competitors are not born; they are developed over years and years, through practice and more practice and even more practice. What are some other cultures that fascinate you or that you’d like to learn more about? Aside from the competitions themselves, the greatest part of the Olympics is watching how countries from all around the world come together to share in their common language of sports. Parents can use this as a starting point for conversations about embracing other cultures. It’s one of those rare moments when you are able to see citizens from around the world join together as they celebrate their unique strengths and talents. Use a globe or a map to see where the competitors are from and discuss a variety of topics, such as traditions, language, flags, and relating to people who are different. Conversations build connections. Expose your kids this August to different sports and their rules, and explore the concept of teamwork, the power of practice, the values and traditions of other cultures, and the different components of competition, including effort, losing, and winning. When you pause and listen, you can get to know so much about your children and they may even learn a thing or two about themselves. Melissa Kagan is the former editor-in-chief of the now-defunct lifetimemoms.com. She is currently a freelance writer whose work has been featured on Mommy Poppins, and in Westchester Magazine and Westchester Family. She lives in Pelham with her husband and two children.
Remember when it was the most important day of the year? It still is at BounceU! Make this birthday unforgettable - bounce, play, party. BounceU is where birthdays are the best! • 100% Private Birthday Parties • Field Trips and Team Parties • Fundraisers and more!
Call to reserve your private party today!
BounceUBrooklyn BounceU of Brooklyn • 347-450-5867 • BounceU.com/Brooklyn-NY 6722 Ft. Hamilton Pkwy. 2nd Floor • Brooklyn, NY 11219
Tutoring Club of Bay Ridge 7811 3rd Ave. Ground Fl. Brooklyn, NY 11209
Featuring Tutoring for: • Math
- NY State Math Tests (All grades)
• Algebra
- NY State ELA Tests (All grades)
• Geometry
- Regents Exams (All Tests)
• Trigonometry
- SHSAT, TACHS, HSPT, & ISEE Tests
• Beginning Reading • Reading
- SAT Tests
• Writing
- K, 1st, and 5th Grade Gifted and Talented Tests
• Chemistry • Biology
- GED
• Earth Science
- Nursing and EMT Test Prep
• Homework Help
- Armed Forces Test Prep
Packages of Classes Available in either single subject or multi-subject groups Contact John or Bruni McCauley - See contact list below
Phone: (718) 748-8867
Fax: (718)748-8868
Email: BayRidgeNY@TutoringClub.com
BrooklynParent 23
OUTINGS: Prospect Park Zoo
nymetroparents.com/outings
Explore Wildlife in the Heart of Brooklyn 1
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Julie Larsen Maher © WCS
Home to a plethora of exotic animals, Prospect Park Zoo serves as an escape from the racing city life for families. ›› By Megan Bailey
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1 You can see red pandas climbing trees or snoozing on branches on the zoo’s outdoor Discovery Trail. 2 A Jacob’s four-horn sheep lives in the zoo’s domestic Barn and Garden exhibit, where you can take a turn feeding grain to some of the animals. 3 The Australian dingo exhibit is also on the zoo’s Discovery Trail. 4 These tiny Juliana pigs can also be found in the Barn and Garden exhibit.
In the late 1800s, Prospect Park Zoo first operated a tiny menagerie with livestock and limited wildlife—sheep, cows, rabbits, birds—up until its first public opening in 1935. Since then, the zoo has made quite an impression on city residents. There is something for every animal-lover to enjoy, from sea lions to red pandas to baboons.
Year-Round Fun
If you decide to do a simple self-guided tour, there are five exhibits you should check out. Animal Lifestyles includes the nocturnal and furry Pallas’ cats, as well as birds, lizards, and fish. At Barn and Garden, you can feed animals grain as if it’s a normal thing to do in New York City. Here, you can see sheep, cows, horses, chickens, and two unique species of farm animals that are sure to be crowd-pleasers: a Zebu calf and three little Juliana pigs. In the outdoor Discovery Trail, you will find red pandas hanging on tree branches, a black-tailed prairie dog roaming around, and the North-American river otter exhibit. In the unique Hall of 24
August 2016 | nymetroparents.com
Animals exhibit, children can enjoy smaller creatures, whether it’s a dwarf mongoose, dart frog, or Madagascar jumping rat. A visit to the zoo isn’t complete without stopping by the Sea Lion Court, a popular exhibit at the heart of the park. At the Discovery Center, children can interact with animals up close in a fun yet educational space. This can be through playing pretend as a veterinarian or utilizing any of the classroom and laboratory equipment available to learn about the art of zoology. The Discovery Center is open Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm.
Special Activities
At the Sea Lion Court, there is an opportunity to participate in Sea Lion Training Sessions, daily at 11:30am, 2pm, and 4pm. Guided tours are available for Scout troops, during which they will learn more about wildlife and environmental conservation, and can even earn the Prospect Park Zoo Patch. Teachers: If you are looking for an exciting and educational field trip, the
Prospect Park Zoo is a great opportunity. You may bring groups on self-guided tours, receive an official tour from a park guide, or participate in classes.
Annual Attractions
Prospect Park Zoo’s Summer Camp gives children ages pre-K to eighth grades the opportunity to explore wildlife in a weeklong session. This includes live animal encounters, creative art projects, interactive games, science experiments, exhibit visits and meeting zookeeper staff, role-play, and theatrical exercises. Campers are split into groups by age. Cost, session dates, and times vary for each group.
Details
Address: 450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Lefferts Gardens Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday and holidays, 10am-5:30pm Admission: $8; $6 seniors ages 65 and older; $5 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger For more information: 718-399-7339 or prospectparkzoo.com
The Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts
Over 35 years of music, theater, and dance instruction for children from age 3, teens and adults 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR AT THE PREP CENTER MUSIC
• Beginner to advanced instrument and voice lessons, group classes • Suzuki programs for teaching violin, cello, and flute to children ages 3 and up
DANCE
• Itty Bitty Ballet – first ballet class for age 3 and up • Ballet classes offering beginner to advanced classes • Beginner to advanced tap and hip hop • Dance Combo Classes - ballet, jazz and tap from age 3
THEATER
• Creative Dramatics for 4-6 years old • Theater Workshops for Children and Teens • Musical Theater Workshop – beginner to advanced classes
CBE
Audition prep for music, theater and dance auditions for performing arts schools or colleges Classes begin September 17 for the 2016-2017 school year. Please call 718-951-4111 for further information on programs and classes, registration consultation, Suzuki family information sessions, or visit our website at www.bcprepcenter.org for complete course listings.
The Brooklyn College Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts 234 Roosevelt Hall, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210
After School
Center 2016 Fall Term REGISTRATION FORMS
KIDS
Tuesday, September 13th – Friday, December 9th Register Now! www.congregationbethelohim.org/afterschool
Come Enjoy Our Classes in:
Chess, Sewing, Swimming, Sports, Art, Video, Computers, Bit Bots, Hands on Science, Gymnastics, Theater and Much More! DIRECTOR OF YOUTH SERVICES Bobbie Finkelstein 718.768.3814 ext. 210 bfinkelstein@cbebk.org Congregation Beth Elohim (After School Programs) 274 Garfield Place, Brooklyn, NY 11215 BrooklynParent 25
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August 2016 | nymetroparents.com
Ideas When You Need Them:
Sign up for our FREE newsletter & never hear “I’m bored!” again. We email the top kids’ events every Thursday—just in time to make weekend plans!
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Turn the page for details on Hindu Lamp Ceremony (No. 2 on our list).
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AUGUST CALENDAR
28 Editor’s Hot Tickets 29 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE! 30 Fun Fairs & Festivals 31 Show Time!, Once Upon a Time WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?
nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar EDITOR: ROSALIND MUGGERIDGE bkcal@davlermedia.com
32 Dance Party, Mini Musicians 33 On Screen 34 Movers & Shakers, The Great Outdoors 35 Smarty Pants
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EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS
Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the 10 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!
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SummerStage Kids: Moona Luna FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 3, 10:30am WHERE: Martin Luther King Jr. Playground, between Bradford Street and Miller Avenue, East New York AGES: All WHAT: After making a splash on the family music scene with its accordion-driven, Latin-inspired debut album Piñata Party, Moona Luna delivered something fresh in its sophomore album: Vamos, Let’s Go! WHY WE LOVE IT: Songwriter and bandleader Sandra Velasquez stays true to her bilingual mission, crafting Spanish and English lyrics for each song. WANT TO GO? 212-360-1319. cityparksfoundation.org.
Hindu Lamp Ceremony FREE
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WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 6, 4-8pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pebble Beach, Main and Plymouth streets, DUMBO AGES: All WHAT: Help bring peace and harmony to the shoreline. Aeilushi Mistry performs the traditional Hindu Aarti ceremony at the park. Plus, enjoy a dance performance by a guest artist. WHY WE LOVE IT: An opportunity to teach your kids about this important Hindu ritual. WANT TO GO? 718-624-4719. brooklynbridgepark.org.
All American Drive-In
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WHEN: Aug. 8-13, Friday-Wednesday, 7-11pm WHERE: Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave., Staten Island AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Pull into the parking lot and sit back to enjoy a
August 2016 | nymetroparents.com
handful of great short films submitted by filmmakers from all over America. This year’s line-up includes lots of family favorites. WHY WE LOVE IT: Now your kids can experience a drive-in movie in NYC! WANT TO GO? See website for prices. 718-351-1611. historicrichmondtown.org.
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Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 11am WHERE: Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk, Coney Island AGES: All WHAT: Professional sculptors will build remarkable sculptures, while amateurs from the community will challenge each other for cash prizes. WHY WE LOVE IT: The day also includes live music, food, and activities for kids. WANT TO GO? 718-310-5600. coneyislandfunguide.com.
Fort Greene Summer Literary Festival FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 2pm WHERE: BRIC Media House, 647 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Greenlight Bookstore partners with NY Writers Coalition and Akashic Books to present the 12th annual Fort Greene Summer Literary Festival, featuring young writers reading alongside published writers for an inspiring afternoon of literature. WHY WE LOVE IT: This event brings generations of writers together to build on the literary traditions of Fort Greene. WANT TO GO? 718-683-5600. bricartsmedia.org.
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KIDFlix Film Festival FREE
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WHEN: Aug. 5-26, Fridays, 7pm WHERE: Fulton Park, Chauncey Street between Lewis and Stuyvesant avenues, Bedford-Stuyvesant AGES: All WHAT: This annual event draws hundreds of children and families from throughout the borough to experience kid-friendly features, documentaries, shorts, and television programming by filmmakers of the African Diaspora. See website for full schedule. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids and adults are invited to dress up as their favorite character from the movies. WANT TO GO? 718-230-0492. mocada.org.
The 240th Commemoration of The Battle of Brooklyn
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 28, 10am-3pm WHERE: Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25th St., Greenwood Heights AGES: All WHAT: The Green-Wood Historic Fund will commemorate the 240th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn with a day of living history and family-friendly events. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids have fun while they learn about the largest battle of the Revolution. WANT TO GO? $30 trolley tour. 718-210-3080. green-wood.com/toursevents.
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Annual Brighton Jubilee Festival FREE
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WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 28, 10am-5pm WHERE: Brighton Beach Avenue, Brighton Beach AGES: All WHAT: The annual Brighton Beach Jubilee street festival features multiple entertainment stages and blocks of merchandise and informational booths, as well as kiddie rides and delicious food. WHY WE LOVE IT: Cool off with a dip in the ocean after checking out this lively street fair. WANT TO GO? 718-891-0800. brightonbeach.com.
Kids to the Rescue
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WHEN: Through Sept. 1: Monday-Thursday, 10am5pm; Sundays, 10am-5:30pm WHERE: Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Climb aboard life-size emergency vehicles for imaginative play, drive to the emergency scene, put out ‘fires’ with a giant wind hose, learn to recognize the uses for medical equipment, and much more. WHY WE LOVE IT: Here’s a chance to meet your local safety heroes: real-life NYPD police, FDNY firefighters, OEM disaster responders, and many more. WANT TO GO? $13. 718-907-8833. jcm.museum.
CMA’s Art Island Outpost FREE
WHEN: Through Sept. 27: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Governors Island, Nolan Park Building 14, ferries leave from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Spend the summer getting creative with free hands-on art making workshops on Governors Island. WHY WE LOVE IT: All workshops are led by CMA teaching artists and feature immersive art experiences in the outdoors. WANT TO GO? 212-274-0986. cmany.org.
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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. 26th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival FREE
WHEN: Aug. 6-7, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-5pm WHERE: Meadow Lake at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 53-51 111th St., Flushing, Queens AGES: All WHAT: This family-oriented event features exciting racing, food, entertainment, and arts and crafts. See website for complete schedule. WANT TO GO? 718-767-1776. hkdbf-ny.org.
Community Family Day FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 7, 4-7pm WHERE: Clove Lakes Park, 1150 Clove Road, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy an afternoon of family-friendly entertainment, featuring Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, Sierra Leone Dance Troupe, and Wahoo Skiffle Crazies, in association with the Staten Island Arts Folklife. WANT TO GO? 212-463-9791. cityparksfoundation.org.
Squirt Gun Fight FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 1-4pm WHERE: Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk, Coney Island Boardwalk, Coney Island AGES: All WHAT: Break out those sweet ’90s Super Soakers for a proper water fight in on the Coney Island Boardwalk. WANT TO GO? 718-965-8993.
Crown Heights Neighborhood Festival FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 21, 1-5pm WHERE: Brower Park, St. Marks Avenue and Park Place, between Brooklyn and Kingston avenues, Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: This fair features games, music, festival rides, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and Kosher and non-Kosher food. WANT TO GO? eventbrite.com.
Weekend Walks FREE
WHEN: Aug. 1-31, 5-9pm, see website for schedule WHERE: Various locations across Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Each year, the New York City Department of Transportation partners with community groups to present Weekend Walks—multiblock neighborhood events on streets temporarily closed to vehicles. WANT TO GO? nyc.gov. ››
BrooklynParent 29
FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS R&B Festival at MetroTech FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 4: Thursdays, 12-2pm WHERE: MetroTech Commons, Flatbush and Myrtle avenues, Downtown Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Spanning R&B, funk, gospel, jazz, and world music, this year’s lineup is packed with artists you won’t want to miss. See website for lineup. WANT TO GO? 718-636-4100. downtownbrooklyn.com.
Brooklyn Music Festival
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 7, 11am-5pm WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, Brooklyn Heights AGES: 13 and older WHAT: The Brooklyn Music Festival is designed to celebrate the accomplishments of New York City’s largest borough. WANT TO GO? Free admission; donations collected at the gate will benefit The Center Against Domestic Violence NYC. 212-440-2200. brooklynmusicfestival.nyc.
Lulu’s 15th Anniversary Carnival
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 5-8pm WHERE: Lulu’s Cuts and More, 48 5th Ave., Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: To celebrate this special occasion, Lulu’s is throwing a carnivalthemed party right outside its store. The event includes a bounce house, face painting, and carnival games. WANT TO GO? Free; some ticketed activities. 718-832-3732. lulukidscuts.nyc.
Dragon Boat Family Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 12-4pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Little Italy, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate and learn about the Dragon Boat Festival and find out what a poet, zong zi, and dragon boats have in common. WANT TO GO? $10; free for children younger than 2. 212-619-4785. mocanyc.org.
The 11th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party
WHEN: Aug. 13-14, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra invite you to the beloved Jazz Age Lawn Party, a Prohibition era-inspired party on Governors Island. Entertainment includes a kid’s carnival area, music, dance lessons and contests, vintage cars, and a pie competition. WANT TO GO? $35 and up; free for children 12 and younger. 212440-2200. jazzagelawnparty.com. 30
August 2016 | nymetroparents.com
Stoops Bed-Stuy FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 14, 5pm WHERE: Garden of Hope, 392 Hancock St., Bedford-Stuyvesant AGES: All WHAT: Aimed at bringing people outside and promoting social interaction among artists, homeowners, residents, and businesses of Bed-Stuy, Stoops facilitates the collaboration between homeowners and local artists to host mini performances and art showcases on their stoops, yards, or sidewalks. WANT TO GO? 212-333-2552. nyrp.org.
ECOFEST FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 14, 10am-6pm WHERE: Times Square, Broadway between 42nd and 44th streets, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: A day-long environmental event at which people can get information, get involved, find products, learn about services, and be entertained by people who care about the environment. Kids activities, food, and performances will also be on offer. WANT TO GO? 212-496-2030. ecofest.com.
Rite of Summer Festival FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 27: See website for schedule WHERE: Governors Island at Nolan Park, ferries leave from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Rite of Summer, now in its sixth year, is a classical contemporary music festival that presents many of New York’s bestknown soloists and ensembles. WANT TO GO? 212-938-0836. govisland.com.
Governors Island Storytelling Festival FREE
WHEN: Through Sept. 3: Sundays, 1-3pm WHERE: Governors Island, Nolan Park, Building 10, ferries leave from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: This festival features award-winning stories, music, puppets, and marionette shows. WANT TO GO? 347-425-7770. brooklynartery.com.
Live at the Archway Series FREE
WHEN: Through Sept. 29: Thursdays, 6pm WHERE: Archway under the Manhattan Bridge, Pearl and Water streets, DUMBO AGES: All WHAT: This family-friendly performance series encompasses a broad range of musical genres including salsa, R&B, jazz, and classic rock, together with some of today’s emerging indie bands, performances by modern dance companies, and five evenings of social dance. WANT TO GO? dumbo.is.
ONCE UPON A TIME Summer Reading Storytime FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 9: Tuesdays, 10:30am WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Granite Terrace behind Pier 3, Furman Street, Brooklyn Heights AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Enjoy storytime with librarians from the Brooklyn Heights branch of the Brooklyn Public Library who read fun stories from their summer reading list and more. WANT TO GO? 718-624-4719. brooklynbridgepark.org.
SHOW TIME!
SummerStage Kids: Central Park Zoo Wildlife Theater FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 2, 10:30am WHERE: Underwood Park, Lafayette and Washington avenues, Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Wildlife Theater will take the audience on an adventure with our superhero, Captain Cocoa, who is convinced he can save the rainforest. WANT TO GO? 212-360-8205. cityparksfoundation.org.
CityParks Puppetmobile: ‘Puss In Boots’ FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 8: See website for days and times WHERE: Various parks throughout New York City AGES: All WHAT: The puppeteers from the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater hit the road again with this summer’s new production of Puss in Boots. WANT TO GO? cityparksfoundation.org.
Books Beneath The Bridge FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 15: Mondays, 7pm WHERE: Granite Prospect Steps, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1, Brooklyn Heights AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This annual literature series returns to the Granite Prospect steps featuring six evenings curated by local, independent bookstores. Each program will include a reading, Q-and-A, and book signing with the authors. See website for schedule. WANT TO GO? 646-930-0225. brooklynbridgepark.org.
Adventures in Storytelling
WHEN: Through Aug. 15: Mondays, 4-5pm WHERE: Stories Bookshop + Storytelling Lab, 458 Bergen St., Park Slope AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Young writers will make classic forms new again in these playful workshops that turn fairytales, fables, and autobiographies on their heads, while simultaneously teaching the fundamentals of storytelling. WANT TO GO? $35 per class. 718-369-1167. storiesbk.com.
SummerStage Kids: Winard Harper and Jeli Posse FREE
Uni Project Pop-Up Library FREE
WHEN: Aug. 3-10, Wednesdays, 10:30am WHERE: Sunset Park Playground, 44th Street and Sixth Avenue, Sunset Park AGES: All WHAT: From the African roots to today, this band continues to expand on the ground laid by the medicine men and messengers before us. WANT TO GO? 718-972-2135. cityparksfoundation.org.
WHEN: Through Aug. 31: Wednesdays, 3-6pm WHERE: Putnam Triangle Plaza, 22 Putnam Ave., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: The mobile unit pop-up provides reading, drawing, and other hands-on activities that allow children to embrace the act of learning almost anywhere. WANT TO GO? faballiance.org.
Celebrate Brooklyn: Andra Day/Son Little FREE
Stories for Chocolate
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, gates open 6:30pm WHERE: Prospect Park Bandshell, 9th Street and Prospect Park West, Park Slope AGES: 9 and older WHAT: R&B songstress Andra Day lends her old soul and extraordinary range to the close of the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival’s 38th season. WANT TO GO? 718-683-5600. bricartsmedia.org.
Rolie Polie Guacamole’s Chips and Salsa Summertime Tour FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 18, 5:30pm WHERE: JJ Byrne Park, 344 5th Ave., Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: Rolie Polie Guacamole brings its irresistible energy to its New York City shows, playing tunes such as “Wake Up Shake Up,” “Always Brush Your Teeth,” and, of course, “Rolie Polie Guacamole.” WANT TO GO? 718-768-3703. nycgovparks.org.
Neighborhood Family Concerts FREE
WHEN: Through Sept. 24: Saturdays, 4pm WHERE: Bargemusic, 334 Furman St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Walk across the gangplank of a renovated coffee barge for a onehour performance including a Q-and-A session with the musicians. WANT TO GO? 718-624-4924. bargemusic.org.
WHEN: Through Sept. 30: Saturdays, 10am WHERE: Mast Brothers Chocolate, 111 N. 3rd St., Williamsburg AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Stories for Chocolate is an hour-long storytelling and singalong session at the Mast Chocolate Factory and Shop in Brooklyn. Come ready to sing, dance, and enjoy chocolate with your little ones. WANT TO GO? 718-388-2625. mastbrothers.com.
Drop-in Art-Making and Storytelling
WHEN: Through Dec. 20: Tuesdays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Stories Bookshop + Storytelling Lab, 458 Bergen St., Park Slope AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Join this drop-in for art-making and storytelling activities. WANT TO GO? $10 materials fee. 718-369-1167. storiesbk.com. ››
AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Each session will feature an African dance-based workout. No partner or prior experience required. WANT TO GO? 212-333-2552. nyrp.org.
Qualia Series FREE
WHEN: Monday, Aug. 29, see website for times WHERE: Hecksher Community Garde, 134 Scholes St., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: LEIMAY continues its exploration of expansion and collapse of outdoor space, affirming the garden as a place of contemplation, rebirth, and regeneration. WANT TO GO? 212-333-2552. nyrp.org.
DANCE PARTY SummerStage Kids: Hybrid Movement Company FREE
WHEN: Monday, Aug. 8, 10:30am WHERE: Willowbrook Park, Eaton Place and Victory Boulevard, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: The Hybrid Movement Company—a dance, acrobatic, and visual arts troupe—will perform a powerful cohesion of Hybrid Movement, circus arts, classical and contemporary ballet, rhythmic gymnastics, bobbing, waving, and popping. WANT TO GO? cityparksfoundation.org.
Drop-In Dance Classes for Pre-Teens and Teens
WHEN: Through Aug. 10: Mondays and Wednesdays, 5-6:30pm WHERE: Dancewave, 45 4th Ave., Park Slope AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Drop in at one of these classes for Modern Technique I/II on Mondays or Ballet I/II on Wednesdays. WANT TO GO? $16. 718-522-4696. dancewave.org.
Battery Dance Festival FREE
WHEN: Aug. 14-20, Thursday-Tuesday, 6:30-8:30pm; Wednesday, 6-8:30pm WHERE: Robert F. Wagner Park, 20 Wagner Place, Battery Park City, Manhattan AGES: 9 and older WHAT: New York’s longest running public dance festival features dance companies from around the world with diverse dance backgrounds and styles. Enjoy international dance performances in the scenic setting of Wagner Park. WANT TO GO? 212-219-3910. batterydance.org.
B-Boy Royale II
WHEN: Monday, Aug. 22, 7-10pm WHERE: Skirball Center for the Performing Arts at NYU, 566 LaGuardia Place, East Village, Manhattan AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Eight award-winning East Coast crews battle it out for a $5,000 grand prize at the city’s largest annual breakdance competition. Proceeds from the event will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Tri-State Area. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-352-3101. mcdonaldsnytristate.com.
Garden Moves: African Dance FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 24: Wednesdays, 6:30pm WHERE: Target Community Garden, 931 Bedford Ave., Bedford-Stuyvesant 32
August 2016 | nymetroparents.com
MINI
MUSICIANS Hopalong Andrew FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 2, 11am WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join the fun with folk songs, cowboy songs, and other fun songs to sing, holler, and hoedown to. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.
Music in the Grove: Kids Concerts FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 3: Wednesdays, 10am WHERE: Fort Greene Park, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park, Fort Greene AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy family-friendly music every Wednesday in the park including borough faves Rolie Polie Guacamole, Mill’s Trills, and Hopalong Andrew. See website for full schedule. WANT TO GO? 347-559-5142. fortgreenepark.org.
SummerStage Kids: Mil’s Trills FREE
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 5, 10:30am WHERE: Bloomingdale Park, Lenevar and Ramona avenues, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Brooklyn-based Mil’s Trills is a children’s music project led by singer-songwriter Amelia Robinson, inviting families to celebrate the community through original tunes and a rotating cast of musical guests. WANT TO GO? 718-430-1890. cityparksfoundation.org.
Shira Kobren FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 9, 11am WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Kobren is the front woman and songwriter for kindie rock band Shira & Friends. She performs all over the tri-state area, bringing her high energy and catchy tunes to audiences that love to dance along with her. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bkynlibrary.org.
Musical World Tour
WHEN: Aug. 7-11, Sunday, 10:45 and 11:45am; Wednesday, 3pm and 4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This program will offer a welcome and fun environment where
participants will enjoy family-friendly, hands-on activities designed to engage the senses. Children will develop a deeper understanding of each selected international community and its influences and contributions to the melting pot that is New York City. WANT TO GO? $11. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.
2016 Summer Sunset Concert Series FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 20: Thursdays, 7pm WHERE: Various venues, see website for locations, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Sponsored by Borough President James Oddo with council members, the Sunset Concert series features bands at parks across Staten Island. WANT TO GO? 212-463-9791. statenislandusa.com.
Shine and the Moonbeams FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 23, 11am WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Shine and the Moonbeams creates a soulful musical extravaganza that captures the sweetness, uncertainty, and simplicity of youth. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.
Rock and Roll for Kids
WHEN: Through Aug. 28: Sundays, 12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: Rock and Roll For Kids is designed to keep children moving, playing, and singing while simultaneously listening to classic tunes and teaching developmental milestones. WANT TO GO? $10. 718-963-3369. brooklynbowl.com.
Funikijam Music World Tour FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 30, 11am WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join Funikijam on its Magical World Tour. This fun and musical show encourages children’s participation with award-winning musical exploration. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.
BK Block Parties FREE
WHEN: Through Sept. 10: second Saturday of the month, 10am WHERE: Albee Square, Fulton Mall, Fulton and Bond streets, Downtown Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Kick off the day with a family-friendly concert, and activities for kids. Then get some shopping done at the Albee Square Outdoor Market. WANT TO GO? 212-889-0808. downtownbrooklyn.com.
ON SCREEN Flicks on the Beach FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 8: Mondays, 7:30pm WHERE: Coney Island, 1001 Boardwalk West, Coney Island AGES: 5 and older WHAT: The beach turns into a movie theater. See website for schedule. WANT TO GO? 718-594-7895. coneyislandfunguide.com.
Celebrate Brooklyn: ‘Labyrinth’/Donny McCaslin Group FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 10, gates open 6:30pm WHERE: Prospect Park Bandshell, 9th Street and Prospect Park West, Park Slope AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Celebrate the legacy of David Bowie. WANT TO GO? 718-683-5600. bricartsmedia.org.
SummerScreen Film Series FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 10: Wednesdays, 6pm WHERE: McCarren Park, North 12th Street and Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg AGES: 13 and older WHAT: See website for schedule and movie ratings. WANT TO GO? 718-965-6580. summerscreen.org.
Town Square’s SummerSTARZ Free Family Movie Nights FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 12: Fridays, 8pm WHERE: WNYC Transmitter Park, West Street, Greenpoint AGES: All WHAT: Bring a picnic blanket, friends, and family. See website for schedule. WANT TO GO? 347-987-2765. townsquareinc.com.
Summer Movie Night: ‘An American Tail: Fievel Goes West’ FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 23, 7:30pm WHERE: Westervelt Community Garden, 143 Westervelt Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: A family of mice moves west, where cats and mice are said to live in peace. WANT TO GO? 212-333-2552. nyrp.org.
Movies With a View FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 25: Thursdays, 6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, 334 Furman St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: 9 and older WHAT: See website for schedule. WANT TO GO? 718-624-4719. brooklynbridgepark.org.
Movie Night: ‘Despicable Me’ FREE
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 26, 8:15pm WHERE: Narrows Botanical Garden, Shore Road, Bay Ridge AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Gru plans to steal the moon, but nothing has prepared him for his greatest challenge: three adorable orphan girls. WANT TO GO? narrowsbg.org.
Classic Film Series FREE
WHEN: Aug. 24-31, Wednesdays, 8pm WHERE: Jane Bailey Memorial Garden, 327 Greene Ave., Bedford-Stuyvesant AGES: 13 and older WHAT: This series honors Kirk Douglas and Sidney Poitier. WANT TO GO? 212-333-2552. nyrp.org.
Movie Night
WHEN: Through Oct. 30: Sundays, 8pm WHERE: Habana Outpost, 757 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: 9 and older WHAT: See website for schedule. WANT TO GO? Free with food/drink order. 718-858-9500. habanaoutpost.com. ›› BrooklynParent 33
Big and Little Skills Academy Basketball Clinics FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 28: Thursdays, 5-7pm; Sundays, 12-2pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 2, Clark and Furman streets, Brooklyn Heights AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Big and Little Skills Academy will conduct clinica and 3-on-3 tournaments. Kids learn the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. WANT TO GO? 718-222-9939. brooklynbridgepark.org.
Kayaking FREE
MOVERS & SHAKERS Brooklyn Family Fun Day Olympics FREE
Double Dutch FREE
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 12, 1-4pm WHERE: Sunset Park Recreation Center, 4200 7th Ave., Sunset Park AGES: All WHAT: Join Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus, NYC Parks, NYC Football Club, WBLS, Hot 97, and Shape Up NYC for a fun day. WANT TO GO? 347-452-5679. eventbrite.com.
WHEN: Through Aug. 31: Wednesdays, 7pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 2, Clark and Furman streets, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Learn to double dutch jump rope in a block party environment. WANT TO GO? 718-222-9939. brooklynbridgepark.org.
Playmobile at Owl’s Head Park FREE
Water Play FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 18, 12-4pm WHERE: Owl’s Head Park, 67th Street and Colonial Road, Bay Ridge AGES: All WHAT: NYC Parks Playmobile, parked in front of the playground, will provide kids with classic games to play and coloring activities. WANT TO GO? 718-965-8928. facebook.com/owlsheadvolunteers.
Summer Playstreets Program 2016 FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 19: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm WHERE: Various venues citywide, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Kids can take part in sports, arts and crafts, music, and dance. WANT TO GO? 212-477-9450. palnyc.org.
Family Field Day FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 10am-2pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 5, Joralemon and Furman streets, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Play games, from volleyball, basketball, and soccer clinics to potato sack and relay races, with celebrations on the park’s active piers. WANT TO GO? 718-222-9939. brooklynbridgepark.org.
Yoga in the Park 2016 FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 25: Thursdays, 7pm WHERE: Prospect Park Long Meadow, Grand Army Plaza entrance, Park Slope AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Join The Prospect Park Alliance, Bend + Bloom Yoga, and Lululemon Brooklyn. Bring your own towel or mat, water, and a friend. WANT TO GO? 718-965-8951. prospectpark.org.
City Parks Foundation Free Summer Sports FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 26: See website for registration and activity times WHERE: Various parks around New York City AGES: 5-17 WHAT: This program provides tennis, golf, soccer, track and field, and fitness instruction with the use of equipment for more than 14,000 New York City children. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 212-353-9585. cityparksfoundation.org. 34
WHEN: Through Aug. 28: Saturdays, 10am-3pm; Thursdays, 5:30-6:45pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 2 Dock, Furman and Clark streets, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Glide along the water with an accompanying adult. WANT TO GO? 718-802-0603. brooklynbridgepark.org.
August 2016 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Through Sept. 5: Monday-Saturday, 10am-7pm; Sundays, 10am-6pm WHERE: Lakeside, Parkside/Ocean Avenues entrance, Prospect Park AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The Splash Pad, provides state-of-the-art water play. WANT TO GO? 718-462-0010. lakesidebrooklyn.com.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Imani Community Garden FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 11, 6pm WHERE: City Chicken Institute: Brooklyn, 87 Schenctady Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Visit a live chicken coop and learn how to raise your own flock. Workshops are suitable for all levels of experience. WANT TO GO? 212-333-2552. nyrp.org.
Bark in the Park
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 14, 2pm WHERE: MCU Park, 1904 Surf Ave., Coney Island AGES: All WHAT: Bring your dog as the Cyclones take on the West Virginia Black Bears. WANT TO GO? $10 for one person and up to two dogs. 212-252-2350. animalalliancenyc.org.
Free Family Day at Wyckoff Farmhouse FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 1-4pm WHERE: Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, Canarsie AGES: All WHAT: Engaging, kid-friendly tours, hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, and more. Special activities for younger children available before 2pm. WANT TO GO? 718-629-5400. wyckoffmuseum.org.
Family Discovery Weekends
WHEN: Through Aug. 21: Saturdays, 10:30am-12:30pm; Sundays, 1-3pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Ave., Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Stations throughout the garden encourage nature exploration. WANT TO GO? $12; $6 seniors and students; free for children 12 and younger. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.
Kids’ Discovery Stations
WHEN: Through Aug. 26: Tuesday-Friday, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Ave., Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Investigate and classify plants, touch a carnivorous plant and learn how it eats, or go on a monarch and milkweed exploration. WANT TO GO? $12; $6 seniors and students; free for children 12 and younger. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.
Fireworks FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 27: Fridays, 9:30pm WHERE: Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk, West 10th Street and Surf Avenue, Coney Island AGES: All WHAT: Aspectacular show that lights up the Coney Island skyline. WANT TO GO? 718-965-8993. coneyisland.com.
Meet the Goats FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 31: daily; check website before visiting WHERE: Prospect Park, Vale of Cashmere, Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: This herd of goats was brought to the park to restore woodlands damaged by severe storms. WANT TO GO? 718-965-8951. prospectpark.org.
South Beach Fireworks FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 31: Wednesdays, dusk WHERE: South Beach, Father Capodanno Boulevard and Sand Lane, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: A crowd-pleasing, popular fireworks show. WANT TO GO? 718-816-6804. boardwalkdays.com.
Karaoke on the Boardwalk FREE
WHEN: Through Sept. 2: Fridays, 7pm WHERE: Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk, West 10th Street and Surf Avenue, Coney Island AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy singing karaoke. Brought to you by Deno’s Wonder Wheel. WANT TO GO? 718-965-8993. coneyislandfunguide.com.
Green Machines
WHEN: Through Dec. 28: Wednesdays, 2pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Explore the layers of composting and how you can get started. WANT TO GO? $9; free for children younger than 1. 718-224-5863. brooklynkids.org.
SMARTY PANTS Checkmate 101 FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 7: Sundays, 11am WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6 Lawns, Atlantic Avenue and Furman Street, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: A beginners class to help elevate your chess game. WANT TO GO? 718-222-9939. brooklynbridgepark.org.
Chess Classes with Chess at Three
WHEN: Through Aug. 17: Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30pm WHERE: Stories Bookshop + Storytelling Lab, 458 Bergen St., Park Slope AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Learn why chess pieces move the way they do, and more. WANT TO GO? $40 per class. 718-369-1167. storiesbk.com.
Journey to the Stars FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 25: Thursdays, 8:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1, 334 Furman St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Amateur Astronomers will guide your eyes across the sky. WANT TO GO? 718-802-0603. brooklynbridgepark.org.
Train Operators School
WHEN: Through Aug. 28: Saturday-Sunday, 1:30pm and 3:30pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Boerum Hill AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Drop by the Computer Lab to take control of a NYC Subway car and operate it over virtual miles of track in this realistic game. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 seniors and children ages 2-17. 718-694-1792. nytransitmuseum.org.
Summer Safety Event
WHEN: Through Sept. 1: Sundays, 10am-5:30pm; Monday-Thursday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights AGES: 3-12 WHAT: At this annual safety event, kids get to meet local heroes and learn road sense, as well as checking out other exhibits at the museum. WANT TO GO? $13; free for children 2 and younger. 718-467-0600. jcm.museum.
Totally Tots Studio Program: Meet the Artist
WHEN: Through Dec. 28: Wednesdays, 10am-1pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Children are introduced to an artist and a related activity, which invites young artists to build and refine fine motor skills; engage in sensory exploration; and learn how to share with others. WANT TO GO? $9; free for children younger than 1. 718-224-5863. brooklynkids.org.
Coming up next month: SEPT. 1-4: Unicycle Festival, Governors Island SEPT. 10: Kite Festival, Brooklyn Bridge Park SEPT. 25: Atlantic Antic Street Fair, Atlantic Avenue from Hicks Street to 4th Avenue BrooklynParent 35
WHERE-TO GUIDE
Pick Your Own Berries ››
Research by Melissa Wickes
Enjoy the sweet fruits of summer by picking your own berries at a local farm! Kids will love plucking fresh strawberries, blackberries, and even cherries straight from the bush. Many of these farms also have farm stands at which you can purchase pre-picked fruits, baked goods, and fresh juices. Want even more farm fun? Lots of our picks offer hayrides and activities to keep kids busy after they’ve collected their basket of fruit. Note that dates and availability are projected. We recommend calling ahead before visiting these farms.
Long Island Patty’s Berries and Bunches 410 Sound Ave., Mattituck 631-298-4679 pattysberriesandbunches.com pattysberriesandbunches@gmail.com Open daily, 9am-6pm (U-pick closes at 5:30pm) Pick your own strawberries in June; raspberries in July; blueberries July through mid-August; and blackberries through August. Seasonal pre-picked flowers and homemade ice cream for sale. Seven Ponds Orchard 65 Seven Ponds Road, Water Mill 631-726-8015 Open daily, 9am-6pm Pick your own raspberries and blackberries July-November, blueberries also available. Apple picking begins the end of August and continues through November. Also offers on-site market
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with baked goods and jams, children’s play area, and corn maze. Wickham Farms 28700 Main Road (Route 25), Cutchogue 631-734-6441 wickhamsfruitfarm.com Open Monday-Saturday, 9am-4pm; farm stand open daily, 9am-5pm; tours are available by appointment Monday-Friday. Pick your own raspberries and blueberries in July; raspberries, cherries, blackberries, and peaches through August; apples and pumpkins in September and October. (Note: Berry seasons may be early this year due to weather conditions.) Windy Acres 3810 Middle Country Road, Calverton 631-727-4554 Open daily, 9am-6pm
Pick your own blackberries, peaches, and nectarines through August. Also has a farm stand with pre-picked fruits and vegetables, jams, and pies.
Orange County Ochs Orchard 4 Ochs Lane (off Reservoir Road, Route 94), Warwick 845-986-1591; ochsorchard.net Open daily, 9am-5pm (subject to availability) Pick your own strawberries peaches, apples, blueberries, blackberries, tomatoes, and raspberries daily through October. Farm stand with pre-picked produce open 9am6pm daily.
Dutchess County Barton Orchards 63 Apple Tree Lane (County Route 7), Poughquag
nymetroparents.com/where-to 845-227-2306 bartonorchards.com Open daily, 9am-5pm Pick your own berries and garden vegetables from late July through mid-August. Onsite farm store with pre-picked produce, honey, jams and jellies, and more. Greig Farm 223 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook 845-758-1234; greigfarm.com Open daily, 8am-8pm Pick your own blueberries and raspberries in July; blueberries and blackberries in August; apples and raspberries in September. Nursery and garden shop on-site. Kids can feed goats and visit the koi fish pond behind Grandiflora Nursery. The Hudson Valley Farmers Market at the Grieg Farm is open every Saturday, 10am3pm, offering local vegetables, fruits, eggs, cheeses, meats, fish, flowers, and more from local Hudson Valley Farms.
site store with pre-picked produce, ice cream, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies, and more.
Columbia County Samascott Orchards 5 Sunset Ave., Kinderhook 518-758-7224; samascott.com Open daily, 8am-6pm; last admission is at 5:30pm. PYO strawberries and snap peas during early summer. Later on in the summer you can pick your own blueberries, raspberries, cherries, peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins, peaches, apples, and more. On-site farm store with jams and ice cream. Visit Samascott’s Garden Market, 1 mile from the orchard, for farm produce and garden and nursery items.
Fairfield County, CT
Jenkins-Lueken Orchards Route 299 West, New Paltz 845-255-0999; jlorchards.com Open daily, 9am-6pm Pick your own raspberries in mid-July and August; blackberries will be available in mid-August. Blueberries also available. On-site store with pre-picked veggies, local maple syrup, and snacks.
Jones Family Farms 606 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Shelton 203-929-8425 jonesfamilyfarms.com Open Monday-Saturday, 8am5:30pm, and Sunday, 8am-12pm Pick your own strawberries through early July and blueberries mid-July through late August. For blueberry season the farm is typically open Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-5:30pm. Winery on-site; tasting room open ThursdaySunday, 11am-5pm. Call for daily updates and location.
Kelder’s Farm & U-Pick 5755 Route 209, Kerhonkson 845-626-7137; kelderfarm.com Open daily, 10am-6pm Pick your own blueberries, raspberries, red currants, blackberries, melons, grapes, apples, pumpkins, and a variety of vegetables through October. Petting zoo, minigolf, hayrides, jumping pillow, and picnicking available, as well as an on-
Silverman’s Farm 451 Sport Hill Road (Route 59), Easton 203-261-3306 silvermansfarm.com Open daily, 9am-5pm Pick your own raspberries and blueberries in late June; apple picking begins Aug. 20 (late season). Call for updates. Pre-picked blueberries and raspberries available for purchase.
Ulster County
STREB POPACTION SCHOOL KidAction is based on Elizabeth Streb’s POPACTION which intertwines dance athletics, boxing, rodeo, the circus and Hollywood stunt work into bristling muscle-and-motion vocabulary and reflects the high energy, fast paced movement that kids experience all around them every day.
Fall Semester begins September 19
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**Also, space still available in Summer Circus Camp (ages 6-13) and Little Kid Action Camp (ages 3-5)! New to SLAM?! Call today and mention code SLAM25 for a special summer camp offer! STREB Lab for Action Mechanics 51 North 1st street, Brooklyn, NY 11249 PH:718-384-6491 WEB: www.streb.org EMAIL: info@streb.org
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Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/berries BrooklynParent 37
Courtesy Great Wolf Lodge
A lifeguard at Great Wolf Lodge measures a child to see which attractions would be safe for her at the water park.
Behind the Thrills
››
It takes a dedicated and well-trained crew of lifeguards to keep everyone safe at a water park. Here’s how they do it. By Samantha Neudorf
“My name is Timmy. You may see me throughout the park today and you may see lifeguards rescuing me. When you see lifeguards rescuing me, it means they’re training to do their job better every day, so please applaud my performance when you see these rescues taking place.” Those are words you may have heard announced over the public-address system or posted on the walls at popular water parks across the country, and believe it or not, it’s a standard type of training for lifeguards. Timmy is a mannequin that looks like a little boy and is used as a form of training that takes place at water parks. A supervisor throws the mannequin into the water, and it is up to the lifeguards on duty to rescue it within a matter of seconds, as though it were an actual child drowning. “If [the lifeguards] don’t respond in time, the guards are retrained,” says Thatcher Robertson, corporate water park director of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania. “If it’s something that happens more than once, then we have to take a hard look at whether the guard needs to stay doing what they’re doing.”
Preventing ‘Deadly Sins’
Approximately 10 people in the U.S. die from unintentional 38
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drowning every day, and of this number, nearly two of them are children ages 14 and younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lifeguards, often teenagers themselves, are employed at swimming pools and beaches across the country to keep swimmers safe and help those who find themselves in trouble. Water parks face additional safety challenges, including very large crowds, children eager for thrills, and activities, such as fast-moving slides, that heighten the risks. This is why water parks insist on extra training and drills for their lifeguards, and many pay an extra fee to receive third-party audits. At Great Wolf Lodge and Camelback Resort’s Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark—both also in the Pocono Mountains—the water parks receive third-party audits from Ellis & Associates Inc., an aquatic risk management firm dedicated to drowning prevention and accredited by International Aquatic Safety and Risk Management Consulting. Kalahari Resorts uses the American Red Cross for its audits. Three or four times a year, these third-party auditors will arrive at the water parks unannounced and record the lifeguards with a video camera. The footage is reviewed and the auditors will tabulate scores for individual lifeguard performances, along with other tests, to calculate the overall facility performance score. If a lifeguard fails an audit test, whether it is from an external
auditor or from an internal test, she will be dismissed from her job and will be placed in a different department of the park or will be asked to leave. “It’s something that we’d call a ‘deadly sin,’ if you will,” says Bill Colavito, general manager of Great Wolf Lodge. “We’re talking about an audit where you would potentially put somebody at risk, and we can’t stand for that.”
Becoming a Lifeguard
To become a lifeguard at a water park, one must be at least 16 years old and first take the lifeguard training program, which is part instructional and part skills training. The instructional portion takes place online, and the skills training involves approximately 30 hours at the facility to go over swimming and rescuing skills, CPR, and more. After passing the written and swimming exams, the lifeguard is certified and will be placed into his assigned section of the water park. Whether stationed at the shallow kiddie pool or wave pool, all lifeguards have the same certifications and training. Lifeguards are required to participate in in-service training on a weekly basis to reinforce their swimming skills, and sit in pre-shift meetings to go over anything that needs to be discussed, mainly pertinent to water safety. “That’s what really keeps lifeguards sharp,” says Wayne Franks, director of water park operations at Camelback Resort. “Knowing that they have [the] responsibility of not only the guests that are in the park [and] are swimming in the pools… there’s that opportunity that it could be catastrophic, [and] that trains for that awareness.” Most water parks have between 100-200 certified lifeguards on staff, but the number who are on duty at any one time varies, depending on the size of the park. Though there can be a lot of lifeguards working at once, the most important factor is that they do not take their eyes off of the water. At Great Wolf Lodge, the director of aquatics sometimes sets down a glass of water during the interview process and asks the candidate to stare at it for five minutes straight. “Sometimes it just gives people the perspective of how important it is no matter what,” Colavito says. “Even if there isn’t anybody in the water, you’re still watching water, and that’s how important the job is.”
SMART START
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REGISTER FOR FALL 2016! Full/Part Time Sessions available for: 2 year old class & 3 year old class
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Shared Responsibilities
When taking children to water parks, safety is not just the lifeguards’ responsibility—it, of course, starts with parents. The number-one tip that experts emphasized is to provide constant supervision to your children. Franks advises parents to enroll children in swimming lessons to make sure they can keep themselves afloat while in the water. Franks and Robertson both suggested that kids should wear life jackets even if they are strong swimmers. Robertson also stresses that parents should not allow their children to go down waterslides if they do not meet the height requirements, no matter how tempting it may be to give in to kids’ entreaties to allow them to skirt the rules. “Their kids may not be tall enough to ride that ride now, but they will be,” Robertson says. “There are reasons for the rules that are there.”
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BrooklynParent 39
FOOD & NUTRITION
Burgers Reinvented
››
Three recipes for when you need a new take on a barbecue staple at the end of the summer All-in-One Grilled Burgers
Why This Recipe Works: We love a burger that’s stacked high with add-ons, but we couldn’t help but wonder whether there was a way to take some of the “top” out of the toppings. We wanted to put the same bold flavors inside the burger instead. We started with some classic burger toppings: cheese, bacon, and mustard. Because the cheese and bacon added a good amount of fat to the meat, we switched from 80-percent lean ground beef, which is our usual favorite, to 90-percent lean for this recipe. We also found that we liked these burgers cooked until they were completely well-done. The additions to the meat kept it from getting dried out. We then went on to more adventurous flavor combinations using firm cheese and potent ingredients with minimal moisture (such as garlic, herbs, chiles, and powdered seasoning mixes). These burgers may not be piled high with colorful toppings, but one bite will prove that looks aren’t everything—it’s what’s inside that really counts.
Serves 4 We suggest cooking these burgers completely (to well-done); the extra ingredients tend to make them taste mushy if not cooked all the way through. If you like, toast the hamburger buns on the grill while the burgers rest. 8 slices bacon, chopped fine 1½ pounds 90-percent lean ground beef 40
August 2016 | nymetroparents.com
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup) 4 teaspoons yellow mustard 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 4 hamburger buns 1. Cook bacon in 12-inch skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until brown and crisp, 10-12 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate. 2. Break ground beef into small pieces in bowl, then add cheddar, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and bacon. Using your hands, lightly knead mixture until combined. Divide meat into four equal portions. Working with one portion at a time, lightly toss from hand to hand to form loose ball, then gently flatten into 1-inch-thick patty. Press center of patties down with your fingertips to create ¼-inch-deep depression. 3A. For a charcoal grill: Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter filled with charcoal briquettes (6 quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash pour evenly over grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, approximately 5 minutes. 3B. For a gas grill: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, approximately 15 minutes. Leave all burners on high. 4. Clean and oil cooking grate. Place burgers on grill and cook, without pressing on them, until browned and meat easily
releases from grill, 4-6 minutes. Flip burgers and continue to grill until browned on second side and meat registers 150155 degrees (for well-done), 4-6 minutes longer. Transfer burgers to platter, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve on buns. Variations
MIND POWER
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Ranch All-in-One Grilled Burgers Omit bacon, cheddar, mustard, and Worcestershire. Add 2/3 cup crumbled blue cheese, 4 teaspoons powdered ranch dressing mix (from packet), and 2 minced garlic cloves to burger mixture in step 2. Tex-Mex All-in-One Grilled Burgers Omit bacon, cheddar, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Add 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, 4 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce, and 4 teaspoons taco seasoning (from packet) to burger mixture in step 2.
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Why This Recipe Works: A good shrimp burger should be first and foremost about the shrimp. Unfortunately, many shrimp burgers are more reminiscent of fish-flavored rubber patties or overseasoned bread balls than shrimp. We set out to develop a recipe for our ideal shrimp burger: moist, chunky yet still cohesive, and with seasoning that complements the sweet shrimp flavor but doesn’t overpower it. After early testing we decided we needed a combination of finely chopped shrimp to help bind the burgers, as well as some larger, bitesize chunks. We achieved this texture with help from the food processor. We wanted to use as little binder as possible, to avoid the soggy, mushy results we’d seen in other shrimp burgers that frequently used a combination of mayonnaise, egg, and breadcrumbs. We kept the mayonnaise for the much-needed moisture and fat it added but left out the egg and decreased the breadcrumbs. Some minced scallion and parsley, lemon zest, and a touch of cayenne pepper round out the flavor of our burgers.
Serves 4 Be sure to use raw, not cooked, shrimp here. Dry the shrimp thoroughly before processing, or the burgers will be mushy. Handle the burgers gently when shaping and grilling; if overhandled while being shaped, the burgers will be dense and rubbery, and if handled roughly during cooking, they will break apart. Serve with salad greens or toasted hamburger buns with tartar sauce. 1 slice hearty white sandwich bread, torn into large pieces ¼ cup mayonnaise 2 scallions, minced 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest ¼ teaspoon salt 1 /8 teaspoon pepper continued on next page ››
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Italian All-in-One Grilled Burgers Omit bacon, cheddar, mustard, and Worcestershire. Add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard, and 2 minced garlic cloves to burger mixture in step 2.
Grilled Southern Shrimp Burgers
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1 3 1 7 A v e n u e T @ E a s t 1 4 t h S t r e e t B r o o k l y n, N Y 1 1 2 2 9
BrooklynParent 41
›› continued from previous page
Pinch cayenne pepper 1½ pounds extra-large shrimp (21-25 per pound), peeled, deveined, and patted dry Vegetable oil 1. Pulse bread in food processor to coarse crumbs, approximately 10 pulses. Transfer to small bowl. Do not clean food processor. Combine mayonnaise, scallions, parsley, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and cayenne in large bowl until uniform. 2. Pulse shrimp in now-empty food processor until some pieces are finely minced and others are coarsely chopped, approximately seven pulses. Add shrimp to mayonnaise mixture and gently fold until just combined. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over mixture and gently fold until incorporated. 3. Scrape shrimp mixture onto small baking sheet, divide into four equal portions, and loosely pack each into 1-inch-thick patty. Cover and refrigerate patties for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 hours. 4A. For a charcoal grill: Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter three-quarters filled with charcoal briquettes (4½ quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly over grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, approximately 5 minutes. 4B. For a gas grill: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, approximately 15 minutes. Turn all burners to medium-high. 5. Clean and oil cooking grate. Lightly brush tops of burgers with oil, lay them on grill, oiled side down, and lightly brush other side with oil. Cook burgers, without pressing on them, until lightly browned and cooked through, 10-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through grilling. Transfer burgers to platter, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Mediterranean-Style Portobello Burgers
Why This Recipe Works: For a vegetarian burger with unbeatable meaty taste, we turned to grilled portobello mushrooms. Scraping out the gills avoided any muddy off-flavors, and marinating the mushrooms in a simple vinaigrette boosted their complexity. Cutting a shallow crosshatch into the caps not only allowed the portobellos to soak up more marinade, but it also prevented the skin from turning chewy while cooking. Before grilling, we mixed together some toppings that complemented the mushrooms’ Mediterranean flavor profile. A combination of chopped roasted red peppers, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese made for a bright, briny accompaniment, and a quick basil-boosted mayonnaise promised a creamy component for our finished burgers. Keeping these two toppings close by, we grilled the mushrooms alongside ½-inchthick sliced red onions. Skewering the slices with toothpicks kept the onion rounds in place for tidy grilling and brushing them with the remaining marinade unified the flavors. Once the mushrooms had taken on plenty of rich char on both sides, we placed them on a platter and filled the gilled sides with the feta mixture. Returning to the grill, we gave the filled mushrooms a final blast of heat to warm them through and then toasted up sturdy Kaiser rolls. We assembled our flavor-packed finished product, stacking our stuffed mushrooms, sweet grilled onions, and some peppery baby arugula on top of our basil mayo–smeared buns. These burgers were perfectly rich, and juicy—no meat necessary.
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Serves 4 Our favorite feta cheese is Mt. Vikos Traditional Feta from Greece. If the mushrooms absorb all the marinade, simply brush the onions with olive oil before grilling them in step 4. 4 portobello mushroom caps (4 to 5 inches in diameter), gills removed ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 garlic clove, minced Salt and pepper 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (1 cup) ½ cup jarred roasted red peppers, patted dry and chopped ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, patted dry and chopped ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup chopped fresh basil 4 (½-inch-thick) slices red onion 4 Kaiser rolls, split 1 ounce (1 cup) baby arugula 1. Using tip of paring knife, cut ½-inch crosshatch pattern on tops of mushroom caps, 1/16 inch deep. Combine oil, vinegar, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper in 1-gallon zipper-lock bag. Add mushrooms, seal bag, turn to coat, and let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour. 2. Combine feta, red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes in bowl. Whisk mayonnaise and basil together in separate bowl. Push 1 toothpick horizontally through each onion slice to keep rings intact while grilling. 3A. For a charcoal grill: Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter filled with charcoal briquettes (6 quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly over grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, approximately 5 minutes. 3B. For a gas grill: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, approximately 15 minutes. Turn all burners to medium-high. 4. Clean and oil cooking grate. Remove mushrooms from marinade, reserving excess. Brush onions all over with reserved mushroom marinade. Place onions and mushrooms, gill side up, on grill. Cook (covered if using gas) until mushrooms have released their liquid and are charred on first side, 4-6 minutes. Flip mushrooms and onions and continue to cook (covered if using gas) until mushrooms are charred on second side, 3-5 minutes. 5. Transfer onions to platter; remove toothpicks. Transfer mushrooms to platter, gill side up, and divide feta mixture evenly among caps, packing down with your hand. Return mushrooms to grill, feta side up, and cook, covered, until heated through, approximately 3 minutes. 6. Return mushrooms to platter and tent with aluminum foil. Grill rolls cut sides down until lightly charred, approximately 1 minute. Spread basil-mayonnaise on roll bottoms and top each with 1 mushroom and 1 onion slice. Divide arugula evenly among burgers, then cap with bun Excerpted with permission tops. Serve. from Master of the Grill from America’s Test Kitchen.
Fall Registration is now open
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Explore. Create. Engage. Music and creative movement | Rooftop playground and school gardens | Bilingual staff, full-day &full-year Park Slope North Child Development Center ACS & Private Slots 71 Lincoln Place, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (718) 638-4100 psnhoc@universitysettlement.org
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Enrollment for 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds available! BrooklynParent 43
The Power of Preschool
››
Experts discuss the importance of early childhood education. It’s much more than just play time! By Melissa Wickes
K
ids play together, sit in a circle with their teachers and sing songs, eventually moving to the table for a snack. Maybe they discuss the weather outside or the calendar, or learn about letters and numbers. From the outside, you’d be forgiven for seeing preschool as a nice-to-have, rather than a necessity—and, for those not in public pre-K programs, a potentially expensive option at that. Indeed, some parents have argued that preschool is simply a glorified day care, that anything taught there can easily be learned at home. There is, however, more going on in that classroom than the untrained eye might observe. Educators and child development experts say that early childhood education offers kids advantages long after they leave the colorful walls of their preschool classroom and helps set them up for success in school and beyond. We’ve been hearing a lot about preschool from our political and educational leaders in recent years, as exemplified by New York City’s much-heralded push to provide universal pre-K. There is good reason that policymakers have zeroed in on this as an area where kids’ lives can be influenced for the better regardless of their backgrounds and situations. Research shows that the benefits of preschool are tangible and visible in more ways than one. Preschool not only provides more opportunities for children, it helps them learn how to face social interactions as well, according to Rina Patel, a former preschool teacher and director of the early childhood enrichment program Book Nook, which is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. There are, as a result, big differences between at-home learning and in-school learning. 44
August 2016 | nymetroparents.com
“There’s a different expectation at home when there is a parent with a child versus a teacher with a child,” Patel says. “Children do naturally develop skills, but at home they are only exposed to a certain amount of materials, toys, or learning products. School is open to a whole different variety of learning materials from programs to class trips.”
Trained Teachers and Groups of Peers
Schools provide teachers who are professionally trained to be molding young minds and are equipped with certain skills parents alone may not have. An important aspect of in-school learning is instilling in kids the ability to interact successfully with other people. It may seem very straightforward, but getting along with others, especially at 2-4 years old, is not so easy. Being in a classroom with multiple children their own age allows children to develop social and emotional skills that cannot be learned solely at home, Patel says. At preschool, children become accustomed to being in group settings, separating from parents, and making decisions on their own—even if those decisions are as simple as, “Do I want to play with Legos or finger paint today?” All of the social experiences children undergo in preschool contribute to their overall confidence, according to Tovah Klein, Ph.D., author of How Toddlers Thrive and director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development. “People think of it as the ABCs and 123s, but it’s much, much more than that,” Dr. Klein says. “Children gain a lot of confidence by being able to handle themselves away from their parents and then reuniting with them later in the day.”
Open year-round, Rolling admission Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Preschool classrooms also teach kids a great deal about resiliency and curiosity, according to Dr. Klein. Being able to handle disappointment and moving on from it, learning to be proud of your own work, and the ability to make decisions all play into a child’s curiosity and overall desire to learn.
Preparing Kids to Learn
Beyond the realm of confidence and social skills, going to preschool prepares children for life in various other ways, such as getting them ready to learn in school. This has become increasingly true in recent years as the kindergarten curriculum has been revamped. Today, skills such as reading are generally being taught earlier, prompting one study to ask, “Is kindergarten the new first grade?” With so much more expected of children at the kindergarten level, early education becomes crucial as preparation for the new rigors of kindergarten. Various studies have shown that early education programs for 3and 4-year-olds improve language skills, literacy, and mathematics. Attending preschool has been shown to improve children’s IQ, their receptive and expressive vocabulary skills, and early reading and math skills. By enrolling your child in a preschool program, you are preparing him to acquire academic skills that he will be expected to use as early as kindergarten, and offering him a head start in his academic career. Studies show that a crucial part of preschool education lies in stimulating interactions between students and their preschool teachers. By supporting their students emotionally and academically, teachers help children learn to develop skills, respond both verbally and physically, and enjoy learning. Young children often struggle with the transition from a play environment to a learning environment, which can cause a “learning anxiety,” or fear of learning, according to Patel. By introducing your child to this learning environment as early as preschool, you eliminate the anxiety as early as possible, preparing her for future learning.
Teaching Kids Routine
Preschool also helps children develop and understand the concept of a routine. The school day is structured, which helps acclimate children into a daily routine and a learning environment in a gentle and enjoyable way. Being accustomed to a routine helps children prepare for higher levels of grade school, college, and a professional life, according to Patel. “When I was in a kindergarten classroom with children who didn’t go to preschool prior to entering, they were experiencing social anxiety and learning anxiety simply because they didn’t know what to expect,” Patel says. “Preschool fills those separation and learning anxieties so your child has a better idea and is better prepared for the future.” In the process of preparing a child for a routine, parents likewise become accustomed to enforcing and sticking to that routine. The earlier you start bringing your child to a structured program such as preschool every day, Patel says, the earlier you learn the importance of an everyday routine for your child. An aspect that is also beneficial for parents is that the earlier you begin, the earlier you can decide what works for you and your child and what doesn’t. By sending your child to preschool, experts say, he will be provided the resources necessary for proper academic preparation, and social and emotional development. Plus, she will learn more about herself than she could ever do from your living room.
ABC Infant & Toddler Center ABC’s goal is to provide safe, age-appropriate and stimulating programs for children up to five years old, while fulfilling their need to laugh, learn, play, make new friends and discover new things. Providing quality child care since 1993. Child Care for Infants & Toddlers, ages 3 - 24 months
ABC Child Center
Child Care and Preschool for children ages 2 - 5 years
Full Day, Half Day Programs & Drop-off Care Available 109 Nassau Avenue, Greenpoint - Brooklyn, NY (718) 389-9004 • www.abcchildcenter.com For more information or to schedule a tour email us at info@abcchildcenter.com
KindStart Early Childhood Center
Excellence in early childhood education since 1999
Now registering for all programs for September 2016
Our nursery, toddler and pre-k programs have our students school ready, thriving and motivated for kindergarten ages 2-4
Healthy breakfast program Exciting new 2 and 3 year old program, “hats of learning” Enriching afterschool program for ages 5-6
FREE PRE-K FOR ALL!
Please call 718-621-5382 for info about our nursery/ toddler program, pre-k program, afterschool program and summer enrichment program.
7702 New Utrecht Avenue • Kindstartpreschool.org Find us on Facebook
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PRESCHOOLS AND CHILD CARE CENTERS ABC Child Center
109 Nassau Ave., Greenpoint 718-389-9004 abcchildcenter.com info@abcchildcenter.com ABC is open year-round, Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm with rolling admission. Providing child care since 1993. ABC’s goal is to provide safe, age-appropriate, and stimulating programs for children ages 3 months to 5 years, while fulfilling their need to laugh, learn, play, make new friends, and discover new things. Utilizing age-appropriate curriculum, along with the support of its families and devoted staff, ABC will ensure that every child achieves success and will set them on a path of lifelong learning. For more information or to schedule a tour, email info@ abcchildcenter.com.
The Green School
631-237-1148 the-green-school.org info@the-green-school.org The Green School Brooklyn is an offshoot of its founding school operating on a 5-acre farm in the Hamptons since 2009. Children discover, explore, and learn through The Green School’s animal and multi-cultural based curriculum. The Green School is a preschool program centered on emotional, social, and physical development. Through hands-on learning and integrated lessons, teachers incorporate science, language arts, and math skills into activities such as gardening, art, cooking and baking, and animal care. Through a green curriculum, the importance of saving energy, recycling, and composting is taught, and healthy eating habits are introduced.
KindStart Early Childhood Center
7702 New Utrecht Ave. 718-621-5382 kindstartpreschool.org Kindstart has been serving the Bensonhurst community with early childhood education excellence since 1999. Our program is highly rated by both the DOHMH and the department of education. Serving children ages 2-5. We have been providing excellence in early childhood
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education, at all levels. Our program develops the child’s academic skills to their full potential. Our nursery, toddler, and pre-K programs have our children school-ready, thriving, and motivated for kindergarten! Please call 718-621-5382 for information about our nursery and toddler program, pre-K program, after-school program, and summer enrichment program.
Lango Kids, NYC
93 3rd Ave. (at Bergen Street) 917-300-8789 langokidsnyc.com langonewyork@gmail.com Academically stimulating and unbelievably fun, Lango Preschool returns this fall to our Boerum Hill center, offering new and improved immersion preschool programs in Spanish and Mandarin. Designed for children ages 2-4, these programs combine subject learning with more creative activities to produce a rich and challenging learning environment, full of informative fun and foreign language practice. Our highly knowledgeable staff of native speakers facilitates cultural understanding through cooking demonstrations, stories, and holiday celebrations. Email us at beiyi@langokidsnyc.com to schedule a personalized tour, or visit langokidsnyc.com for further information.
Leif Ericson Day School
Christine Hauge, Principal 1037 72nd St. 718-748-9023 ledsny.org Leif Ericson Day School, celebrating more than 50 years of quality Christian education for children in nursery to eighth grade, offers an outstanding early childhood education program. Small class sizes promote personalized attention. Focus is on full development of the child to foster innate love of learning in a caring, safe environment. LEDS offers developmentally appropriate lessons in music, math, science, social studies, computers, and reading readiness. Rest time promotes alertness, memory, and performance. Playtime fosters imagination and creativity while
August 2016 | nymetroparents.com
promoting socialization, problem-solving, and language skills. Call for a personal tour!
Little Hands & Feet
1270 Bay Ridge Parkway 718-680-KIDS (5437) littlehandsandfeetdaycare.com Little Hands & Feet was founded by Aneshah, who has been certified in child care for 20 years. Our goal is to provide a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment while focusing on educational and social development. We believe each child is special and unique. Our staff is dedicated, qualified, and trained in CPR. At Little Hands and Feet, be assured it is a homeaway-from-home and your child will have the best care available. Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6:30pm. Free fullday UPK program for all! Call for information.
Little Scholars Learning Center
52 Quentin Road 718-373-7046 448 Neptune Ave. 718-743-9009 104 West End Ave. The Wave 347-913-5437 4123 Avenue U 718-210-3233 littlescholarsnyc.com littlescholarsnyc@gmail.com At Little Scholars Childcare Center, we provide a carefully crafted curriculum to fit various learning styles. Children are provided opportunities to explore with hands-on learning activities, to enrich and inspire creativity and learning. Our philosophy centers on the idea that children should be taught how to think and not what to think. Therefore, our teaching methods are designed to create a learning environment in which children have a voice and teachers provide a safe place for children to express their thoughts, and develop innovative ideas.
Park Slope North / Helen Owen Carey
184 Eldridge St. 718-638-4100 universitysettlement.org/us/ programs/early_childhood/park_ slope_north/
The center provides a full-year, full-day program (8am-6pm) for children ages 2-5. We rely on a play-based curriculum to support children’s development and learning. Children explore science, math, literacy, cooperation, and collaboration through carefully planned, interactive activities. This bright and cheery facility has a rooftop playground, library, and a large children’s garden. Supporting a diverse community, this center has spots for families of all economic backgrounds, including those that use ACS or HRA vouchers to assist with child care payments, as well as those who qualify for universal pre-kindergarten and private tuition.
Shorefront YM-YWHA of BrightonManhattan Beach Inc.
3300 Coney Island Ave. 718-646-1444 x335 shorefronty.org info@shorefronty.org Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and child-centered learning environment with a high-quality educational program to prepare each child for a lifetime of learning in school and beyond. We strongly believe that early childhood years are the most important years for physical, social-emotional, and cognitive growth. Each child we teach is unique. Each student has different interests, learning abilities, personal needs, and a different level of life experiences.
Smart Start Early Learning Center
8411 Fort Hamilton Parkway 718-921-1868 smartstart@verizon.net While providing a safe, warm, and nurturing environment, our staff addresses the social, emotional, and physical needs of children. Through thematic units, arts and crafts, and dramatic play, the “whole” child will flourish. Full- and part-time classes for ages 2-3, and free universal pre-K for age 4, with extended-day option. Open year-round; summer program available.
Storybook Land
8638 20th Ave. 718-996-8714 Give your child a superior beginning. A mind is a wonderful thing to expand! All teachers certified in Early Childhood Development. Programs include half-day, full-day, extended time, ages 2-5. Preschool and kindergarten activities, fitness program, trips, music, math, reading readiness, tutoring, and after-school programs are available. Tutoring available for kindergarten through eighth grades, after-school program for kindergarten students only!
Treasure Island
347 74th St. (corner of 4th Avenue and 74th Street) 718-238-7676 Our programs are for children ages 2 through pre-K. Monday-Friday, 7:15am-6pm. Part-time schedules are available. We offer hands-on learning in a loving, nurturing environment. Social, emotional, and cognitive development is our primary focus. Motivating and fun expe-
riences. Enrichment through the arts program. All meals included. Maria Nogueira, director. Free full-day UPK program for children born in 2012.
Summer SAY HELLO TO
with WHEEL FUN RENTALS
Windmill Montessori School
1317 Avenue T 718-375-7973 windmillmontessorischool.org Windmill Montessori proudly celebrates 75 years serving our community as a peaceful place to learn. Our environment encourages your child to progress at his or her own pace. This family-oriented school, adheres to the Montessori Method. Windmill nurtures its pre-K to eighth-graders, socially and academically, promoting purpose, love of learning, and civility. Small classes meet individual needs. Curriculum-based local trips culminate in JHS overnights with trips to Boston, Gettysburg, and Williamsburg; and “Meeting Our Lawmakers” in Albany and Washington. We offer French, yoga, phys. ed., music, art, computers, and after-school.
We treat:
• Food Allergies • Asthma • Eczema • Hay Fever • Sinus Issues • Recurrent Infections • Hives • Insect Allergies & much more! Board certified pediatric & adult allergist.
Bike & Boat Rentals Marine Park • Brooklyn & Flushing Meadows Corona Park • Queens
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Get $5 off your rental total when you present this ad. Not valid holidays, holiday weekends or with any other offer. Limit one per person.
Registering Now!
1270-Bayridge Pkway BIG BEAUTIFUL BRIGHT STIMULATING WELCOMING & NURTURING ENVIRONMENT
Professional Dedicated Experienced Staff who will care for your children! Infant/Toddler/PreK Program
FREE FULL DAY U.P.K for all!
“We believe every child is special”
Hours of operation is Mon-Fri 6:30am to 6:30pm
718-680-KIDS
www.littlehandsandfeetdaycare.com All Teachers Certified and Licensed by Dept of Ed & CPR trained
10 Plaza Street East Suite 1E Brooklyn, NY 11238 & 311 Saint Nicholas Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385
(347) 564-3211 www.brooklynallergyDR.com
(917) 300-8789 www.langokidsnyc.com
Due to popular demand, Camp Lango is back and better than ever! Already in its fifth edition, the innovative, one-of-a-kind immersion programs in Mandarin and Spanish offer children ages 2-8 the unique opportunity to learn a new language, while participating in traditional summertime activities and age-appropriate academic pursuits. Exhilarating weekly themes, delightful field trips, songs, dances and much, much more, Camp Lango is surely something you won’t want to miss!
BrooklynParent 47
Meet the Health Care
PROFESSIONAL
To be in this section, call 212-315-0800 or email nympads@davlermedia.com
Lois Jackson, D.D.S., P.C. and Associates 16 Court St., Suite 2211 718-855-8833 505 LaGuardia Place, Suite L4, Greenwich Village near Washington Square Park 212-995-8888; lajacksondds@aol.com
Dr. Lois Jackson is very experienced in pediatric dental care for children, adolescents, and patients with special-needs. She is the president of the New York State Association of Pediatric Dentists. To give back to the community, Dr. Jackson volunteers and supports numerous civic and cultural organizations. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Camp Brooklyn (sending children to camp), Flatbush Development Corporation, East Midwood Jewish Center, and Fisk Terrace Neighborhood Association. Dr. Jackson was a Nickelodeon Parents’ Pick for Best Dentist for two years running!
Pediatric Immediate Care 698 Manhattan Ave. 718-389-PEDS (7337) 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337) pediatricimmediatecare.com
Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. State-of-the-art medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit. Kidfriendly; walk-ins welcome; most insurance plans accepted. Complete pediatric and adolescent care, as well as baby, camp, school, and sports physicals. Certified urgent care recommended by Urgent Care Association of America. Thirty years of dedication to our patients. The offices are open seven days a week including holidays, 8am-11pm.
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August 2016 | nymetroparents.com
Park Slope Kids Dental Care 150 4th Ave. 718-488-0200 parkslopekidsdental.com
At Park Slope Kids Dental Care, children who are first seen for a friendly examination and cleaning are able to enjoy the dental experience and build a bond of trust with us. A customized dental plan that includes prevention, growth development, and possible treatment is created to fit your child’s specific dental needs. We are committed to giving children the best possible experiences at our office to help set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.
Dr. Cascya Charlot - Allergy and Asthma Care of Brooklyn 10 Plaza St. E., Suite #1E 347-564-3211 311 Saint Nicholas Ave., Ridgewood 347-564-3211; brooklynallergydr.com
Dr. Cascya Charlot is an award-winning, Harvard Medical School-trained physician who is boardcertified in pediatric and adult allergy and immunology. She is the chief of pediatric allergy at Methodist Hospital in Park Slope, and medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of Brooklyn in Park Slope and Williamsburg. She evaluates patients for a wide variety of allergic conditions including asthma, eczema, food allergies, sinusitis, and environmental allergies. Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades including the prestigious Patients’ Choice “Most Compassionate Doctor” award in 2012 and 2013.
OPEN HOUSES 2016 Smart Start Early Learning Center
HELP WANTED! NYMetroParents is looking for experienced temporary help in our midtown Manhattan office.
8411 Fort Hamilton Parkway 718-921-1868 smartstart@verizon.net Join us for our open house on Sunday, Aug. 21, 11am1pm, for children ages 2-3.
Projects Include: • Data Entry • Customer Service
Storybook Land 8638 20th Ave. 718-996-8714 Storybook Land will be hosting an open house on Sept. 6 and 7, from 9am-12pm.
• Operations/Ad Hoc Projects • Magazine/Flyer Distribution
Windmill Montessori School 1317 Avenue T 718-375-7973 windmillmontessorischool.org Join us for an open house on Thursday, Aug. 4, Wednesday, Aug. 31, Tuesday, Sept. 13, or Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 9-10:30am.
Flexible Schedules & Earn Extra Income! Please email resume or work history to:
projectwork@davlermedia.com
Mitzvah Market magazine Your Source for Ideas & Inspiration Get Your FREE Copy New Issue in 2016 Your single source for: g Entertainers g Caterers g Favors g Photographers g Invitations and more... I want a free copy of the 2016 Mitzvah Market magazine Name Address City
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BrooklynParent 49
AD INDEX
NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY Metropolitan area!
ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS
Congregation Beth Elohim............................................. 25
Rab’s Country Lanes....................................................... 2
STREB........................................................................... 37
KindStart Preschool / Nursery ...................................... 45
Wheel Fun Rentals........................................................ 47
Lango Kids..................................................................... 47
FAMILY TRAVEL
BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES
Little Hands and Feet.................................................... 47
BounceU........................................................................ 23
Mark Morris Dance Group............................................. 43
Chocolate Works - Brooklyn.......................................... 19
Rab’s Country Lanes....................................................... 2
Land of Make Believe.................................................... 47
Smart Start.................................................................... 39
STREB........................................................................... 37
Tutoring Club of Bayridge.............................................. 23
Ume Ume Music & Arts................................................. 43
Ume Ume Music & Arts................................................. 43
CAMPS
DANCE
LiceXchange.................................................................. 43
Congregation Beth Elohim............................................. 25
Gelsey Kirkland - Brooklyn............................................ 20
Park Slope Kids Dental Care................................... 15, 48
Gelsey Kirkland - Brooklyn............................................ 20
Mark Morris Dance Group............................................. 43
Pediatric Immediate Care........................................ 21, 48
Land of Make Believe.................................................... 47 Wheel Fun Rentals........................................................ 47
HEALTH Affinity Health Plan.......................................................... 9 Allergy & Asthma Care of Brooklyn......................... 47, 48 Jackson, Lois Dr...................................................... 10, 48
Leif Ericson Day School................................................ 19 HOME SERVICES
LiceXchange.................................................................. 43
EDUCATION
Park Slope Day Camp..................................................... 7
A+ Academy.................................................................. 52
Rab’s Country Lanes....................................................... 2
ABC Child Center.......................................................... 45
Russian School of Mathmatics...................................... 20
Brienza’s Academic Advantage..................................... 11
Shorefront YM-YWHA.................................................... 21
Brooklyn Heights Montessori School............................. 21
Smart Start.................................................................... 39
KindStart Preschool / Nursery ...................................... 45
Storybook Land............................................................. 41
Lango Kids..................................................................... 47
STREB........................................................................... 37
Leif Ericson Day School................................................ 19
Treasure Island.............................................................. 37
Little Hands and Feet.................................................... 47
PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING
Little Scholars................................................................ 15
Brooklyn College Prep Center....................................... 25
CHILD CARE / DAY CARE
Park Slope North / Helen Owen Carey.......................... 43
Gelsey Kirkland - Brooklyn............................................ 20
ABC Child Center.......................................................... 45
Russian School of Mathmatics...................................... 20
KindStart Preschool / Nursery ...................................... 45
Storybook Land............................................................. 41
Little Hands and Feet.................................................... 47
The Green School Brooklyn.......................................... 13
Little Scholars................................................................ 15
Treasure Island.............................................................. 37
Smart Start.................................................................... 39
Tutoring Club of Bayridge.............................................. 23
Storybook Land............................................................. 41
Windmill Montessori School.......................................... 41
Treasure Island.............................................................. 37
Geico Insurance............................................................ 26 LiceXchange.................................................................. 43 Stuck On You................................................................... 5
MUSIC Brooklyn College Prep Center....................................... 25 Llingsworth Music.......................................................... 43
PLAY SPACES BounceU........................................................................ 23
RELIGIOUS Leif Ericson Day School................................................ 19
RETAIL FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT /
Cookies Department Stores............................................ 3
CLASSES
EVENTS / OUTINGS
A+ Academy.................................................................. 52
BounceU........................................................................ 23
TUTORS
Brienza’s Academic Advantage..................................... 11
Chocolate Works - Brooklyn.......................................... 19
A+ Academy.................................................................. 52
Brooklyn College Prep Center....................................... 25
Land of Make Believe.................................................... 47
Brienza’s Academic Advantage..................................... 11
Brooklyn Heights Montessori School............................. 21
Llingsworth Music.......................................................... 43
Tutoring Club of Bayridge.............................................. 23
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August 2016 | nymetroparents.com
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