Fairfield Parent August 2016 by City Guide NY

Fairf ieldParent AUGUST 2016

Bridgeport • Danbury • Darien • Fairfield • Greenwich • New Canaan • Norwalk • Ridgefield • Stamford • Westport • Wilton and more

FAIRFIELDPARENT.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 20 Olympic Lessons How the Summer Games can spark important family conversations 22 Behind the Thrills A look at how water parks train lifeguards

38 Burgers Reinvented Three new takes on the grilled summer staple

41 Grilled Desserts? Yes, Please! Sweet treats to impress at your next barbecue

42 The Power of Preschool Pre-K is much more than just play time 45 The Importance of Sleep Getting a good night’s rest does more than prevent cranky kids and tired parents

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

Family Activities CALENDAR ››

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 46 Where-To Guide: Horseback Riding

Directories 18 44 48 49 50

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

After-School Classes & Programs Preschools and Child Care Centers Meet the Health Care Professional Party Planner and Family Resource Guide Advertisers’ Index

››

ON THE COVER ›› 16 Making Melodies 18 Find the Best After-School Activities 20 Olympic Conversations facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

22 Behind the Thrills 36 Where to Pick Berries

42 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.8 • No.11

NYMetroParents Publications EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress

EDITOR’S NOTE

Our Activities, Our Passions

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. 42). 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. 20). 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. 38) 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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Fairf ieldParent

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

August 2016 | fairfieldparent.com fairﬁeldparent.com

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.

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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

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August 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

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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 shell-crafty 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

Fairf ieldParent 11

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

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).

August 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

NYMP Q&A

Inspired by the Best…

Now Enrolling for 2016-2017!

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

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?

Yes

Watching TV

Yes

Roll down window

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.

August 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

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!

President

Her favorite subject is...

Science

What’s the first thing she does in the car?

Sports

Astronaut

Is she the leader of the pack?

Yes

Does he love being physical?

Your child’s dream job is...

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, NY, 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

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, NY, 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 | fairfieldparent.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, Brooklyn, NY. 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.

Fairf ieldParent 17

AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES & PROGRAMS The Annual Directory of

County-wide resources to keep kids active & entertained when the school bell sounds

Atelier Constantin Popescu/ Riverside School of Music

Cos Cob, Greenwich Shop 401-403 E. Putnam Ave., Cos Cob 203-661-9500 Westport Shop 25 Davenport Ave., Westport 203-227-9577 atelierconstantinpopescu.com atelierstrings@aol.com Atelier rents stringed instruments. Atelier Constantin Popescu and The Riverside School of Music are located in a stunning, light-filled space at 401-403 East Putnam Ave. in the Cos Cob section of Greenwich. High quality European stringed instruments for professional musicians, students, and collectors are offered for sale and rental. The sounds produced from these instruments are fit for concert halls. Children can rent our fine quality violins, violas, cellos, and double basses starting at prices as low as $10 per month, and take private lessons in the music school.

Bounce! Trampoline Sports Danbury

21 Prindle Lane, Danbury 203-992-9000 bouncedanbury.com info@bouncedanbury.com Bounce! Danbury combines the best of all the Bounce! facilities! Two trampoline bungee jumps, a huge main jump court with additional dodgeball courts, triple foam pits, two Ninja style Bounce! Xtreme obstacle courses, an enormous separate Bounce! Jr. Zone with its own mini slam dunk basketball hoop, a laser light extravaganza for Jump n Glow, multiple party rooms of every size with glow-in-the-dark themes, a parent lounge area with nine TV viewing options streamed right

to your cellphone, and a spectacular mezzanine observation deck with 40 charging stations and an arcade with an array of challenging video games.

CompuChild

719 Post Road E., Westport 203-921-7905 westporttechedu.com fairfield@compuchild.com Join us in our exciting STEMfocused classes or summer camp. Students can learn from many different activities: Robotics, Mindstorms NXT, Scratch Projects, Engineering, Fun Challenges, and Python and Web Programming. Hands-on learning and fun. Dream up and design your own ideas. Build your robots with technic pieces and command them. For ages 4-14. Classes year-round and summer camps available until Aug. 12. Visit westporttechedu.com or email fairfield@compuchild.com.

Connecticut Dance School

42 Halley Court, Fairfield 203-384-2492 ctdanceschool.com Connecticut Dance School, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to providing dance education of the highest standard to the Connecticut community. The CDS faculty includes specialists in the teaching of young children using the Royal Academy syllabus. This combines creative dance in a positive learning environment and a pre-ballet curriculum, with training in strength and flexibility.

Curtain Call Inc.

1349 Newfield Ave., Stamford 203-329-8207 x16 Administration: 203-329-8207 Box Office: 203-461-6358 curtaincallinc.com brian@curtaincallinc.com

August 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

Curtain Call Inc. is Stamford’s longest-running, nonprofit theater providing year-round performances and classes. Classes are available for ages 5 through adult after school, evenings, and weekends in acting for the stage, TV and film, comedy, improv, musical theater, Broadway tap, Shakespeare, and more! Full-day vacation programs are also available for ages 6-16. Our faculty consists of area professionals dedicated to arts education. We can also design a workshop for your before- or after-school program, business, or civic group. Call 203-3298207 x16 or visit curtaincallinc. com. “Where acting out is encouraged!”

The D’Valda & Sirico Dance and Music Centre

1580 Post Road, Fairfield 203-255-9440 dvaldaandsirico.com D’Valda & Sirico has been fostering success at school and in life for more than 28 years! Programs for all ages include dance classes, music lessons, and early childhood programs all under one roof, with flexible, convenient scheduling. D’Valda & Sirico is the only officially licensed Angelina Ballerina Academy in Fairfield County, featuring specialized, developmentally appropriate, early childhood programs that encourage creativity, musicality, rhythm, and gross motor skills. Our professional staff creates a warm, secure environment for students.

The Discovery Museum and Planetarium

4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport 203-372-3521 discoverymuseum.org A children’s science museum focusing on hands-on learning fun. Daily planetarium shows

included with admission feature One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure plus shows for all ages. Interactive exhibits include Dare to Discover challenges, Adventure Science mini ropes course, Science on a Sphere, and Giant Light-Brite design station. Simulated NASA space missions in Discovery’s Challenger Center (a mock space station and mission control with state-of-the-art technologies) available for groups. Hands-on summer programs, children’s weekend workshops, and school holiday specials. Scout badge courses, themed birthday parties, overnights, homeschoolers, and rentals.

Dojo Fairfield

2317 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield 203-319-9989 dojofairfield.com The new school year is upon us...and our karate program at Dojo Fairfield is designed to help students excel by fostering confidence, self-discipline, and goal-setting skills. Students at Dojo Fairfield learn what it means to work together as a group in class—yet all achievements and belt promotions are done independently instilling a sense of individual accomplishment. Dojo Fairfield offers youth karate lessons, adult kickboxing, C.O.B.R.A. self-defense training, and Cage Fitness classes seven days per week. Call or email us today to get started!

Flash Pointe Dance

1657 Post Road, Fairfield 203-259-1600 flashpointedance.com Ready to be inspired by the best? Join our remarkable faculty and explore jazz, contemporary, lyrical, musical theater, tap, modern, classical

and contemporary ballet, break, hip-hop, Latin, story ballet, and preschool combo classes. Our programs are designed to motivate the novice and recreational dancer, and to inspire and push the intermediate or advanced dancer, with training appropriate for college or professional-bound dancers. Classes conducted in our environmentally friendly facility for preschool through adult students. New adult dancer? Try our three classes for $5 card.

Music Together of Fairfield County

76 Walbin Court, Fairfield 203-256-1656 ctmusictogether.com Music Together is an international, award-winning program with more than 2,000 locations in 40 countries. Nurture your child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement by registering for our classes! Music Together is a researched approach to music and movement, committed to helping families and caregivers discover the pleasure and educational value of informal musical experiences. We offer mixed-age, baby, and “Rhythm Kids” classes for children age newborn to 7! Share your love of music with your children and join us today! Fall registration is now open.

Rockin’ Jump - Mount Kisco

333 N. Bedford Road, #225, Mount Kisco, NY 914-743-5730 mtk.rockinjump.com info@mtk.rockinjump.com At Rockin’ Jump, we believe exercise should be fun. Our Mount Kisco location is only 15 minutes from most areas of Fairfield County. We created an 18,000-square-foot facility where you can soar in open jump arenas, do flips into pools of soft foam cubes, play trampoline dodgeball, and do extraordinary basketball dunks. Some trampoline fitness facts: Jumping burns three times more calories than jogging. Jumping puts slight stress on your bones, making them stronger. We offer Open Jump, tailored programs for tots and teens, awesome birthday parties, special events, and fundraisers.

Salko Farm and Stable

374 Hulls Farm Road, Southport 203-255-5092 salkofarmandstable.com Salko Farm is located in the heart of Southport. We specialize in all levels of English riding for ages 3 and older. Riders learn not just how to ride but also care for, communicate, and handle our four-legged friends. We offer a variety of programs for every age and level from summer camps and after-school programs to horse shows. We have something for everyone.

Quality Instruments are Easier to Play! Our Back to School Rental Special:

VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS 4-Month Trial Starting at $10 per month

Stamford Twin Rinks

1063 Hope St., Stamford 203-968-9000 stamfordtwinrinks.com Stamford Twin Rinks boasts two NHL regulation-sized ice-skating rinks and regular, year-round public skating sessions. Extensive hockey and skating programs, and summer camps for all ages and abilities are conducted by professional and qualified instructors. Skate Zone Pro Shop offers expert skate sharpening and a full line of hockey and skating equipment. Four themed and decorated birthday party rooms and hostess services are available for parties. Twin Rinks is also the home of the Springdale Figure Skating Club, Springdale Ballet Academy, Center Ice Bar & Grill, and Hope Street Café.

403 East Putnam Ave.

Greenwich/Cos Cob 203-661-9500

25 Davenport Ave.

Westport

203-227-9577 www.atelierstrings.com Email: atelierstrings@aol.com

Music School at Greenwich/Cos Cob Location

Easton Country Day School , VA

, A

Westport’s Academy of Dance

345 Post Road W., Westport 203-226-9987 westportdance.com Westport’s Academy of Dance has been teaching classical ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and hip-hop to children and teens for more than 40 years. Our program includes classes for all ages and levels of ability. Registration is currently open for our 2016-2017 season, and a consultation and tour of our newly renovated studios is available by appointment. Please visit our website for more information, and to view photo and video galleries. All those passionate about dance are welcome to join our online forum “Body, Spirit, and Grace Through Dance” at westportdance.com/blog.

We nurture caring, responsible, accomplished human beings!

Come and see our small, friendly high school, where the academics fit your individual needs, from tutorial all the way to college credit courses! See how comfortable and personal high school can be!

The Little Phoenix

Our Pre-School & Day Care 203-268-5073

Easton Country Day School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex or national origin. Easton Country Day School is an equal opportunity institution.

Fairf ieldParent 19

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

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

August 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

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.

Curtain Call, Inc. Performance Classes in cooperation with The City of Stamford

For more than 25 years, Stamford’s longest-running, professionally operated, non-profit, theatre has offered year-round classes and educational programs for young and old!

CLASSES SEPTEMBER THRU DECEMBER

Study acting for the stage, TV and film, dance, improv, musical theatre AND MORE! Specialized classes for kids five and up, teens and adults. We can even design a class for your school, business or civic group.

203-329-8207 x16 curtaincallinc.com

Sterling Farms Theatre Complex 1349 Newfield Ave. Stamford, CT 06905

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

ResouRces ARticles

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, NY, with her husband and two children.

Find everything you need, faster at

Fairf ieldParent 21

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 22

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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

Courtesy Camelback Resort

A SAMPLING OF NORTHEAST WATER PARKS 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.”

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.”

The wave pool at Camelback Resort’s Camelbeach

Camelback Resort Tannersville, PA camelbackresort.com Located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, Camelback Resort is home to Aquatopia, the biggest indoor water park in the Northeast, along with Camelbeach, home to 37 rides, slides, and attractions, making it Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor water park. CoCo Key Water Resort Mount Laurel, NJ mtlaurelcocokey.com Coco Key Water Resort and Hotel has 55,000 square feet of water park, an arcade, and endless fun for the whole family. Great Wolf Lodge Scotrun, PA greatwolf.com/poconos With tons of slides, water games and activities, an arcade, spas, and more, Great Wolf Lodge has something for everyone. Mountain Creek Waterpark Vernon, NJ actionpark.com From Adventure Ridge to Wild River Canyons to Park Central, Mountain Creek Waterpark has tube slides, body slides, and even Canyon Cliffs, where you can jump off a 23-foothigh cliff into the crystal clear “mountain spring.” Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Pocono Manor, PA kalahariresorts.com/ pennsylvania

Kalahari is a 100,000-squarefoot indoor water park with a retractable roof, so you can bodyboard, stand-up surf, or take a ride on the Anaconda water roller coaster in any kind of weather. Rocking Horse Ranch Highland, NY rockinghorseranch.com The Rocking Horse Ranch is home to an 85-degree yearround indoor water park, complete with a 250-footlong Gold Rush Flume. Sahara Sam’s Oasis West Berlin, NJ saharasams.com Float down the Congo Bongo Adventure River, take a dip in the tropical warming pool, or race down the five-story-high water slides at Sahara Sam’s. Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park Queensbury, NY sixflagsgreatescapelodge.com Ride side by side with your family and friends on Glacier Run and Snow Shoe Falls, the tube-shaped water slides, take it easy on Tak-it-Eesi-Creek, or visit the beach and shallow activity pool designed just for young children. Split Rock Resort Lake Harmony, PA splitrockresort.com Split Rock is the perfect place for relaxing, dining, and of course indoor water fun at H2Oooohh! Water Park.

Fairf ieldParent 23

OUTINGS: Prospect Park Zoo

nymetroparents.com/outings

Explore Wildlife in the Heart of Brooklyn 1

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

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 Animals exhibit, children can enjoy smaller creatures, whether it’s a dwarf mongoose, dart frog, or 24

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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 week-long session. This includes live animal encounters, art projects, games, experiments, exhibit visits and meeting zookeeper staff, and theatrical exercises. Campers are split into groups by age. Cost, session dates, and times vary.

Details

Address: 450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn, NY Directions: Approximately a 1-hour, 40-minute drive from Fairfield, or take the Metro-North to Grand Central and then the 4 or 5 subway line to the Franklin Ave. stop 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

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Turn the page for details on Secret Agent 23 Skidoo (No. 2 on our list).

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AUGUST CALENDAR

28 Editor’s Hot Tickets 30 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Show Time! 31 Animal Lovers WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar EDITOR: KAREN DEMETER ffeditor@davlermedia.com

32 Once Upon a Time, Movers & Shakers

33 Smarty Pants, Special Needs 34 Crafty Kids, The Great Outdoors 35 On Screen

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

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

Outdoor Adventures: Things with Wings

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 5, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Take a sunset hike to look for resident bats and birds, for signs of local owls, and see what insects are out and about. WHY WE LOVE IT: One of the benefits of shorter days...a night hike at 7pm! WANT TO GO? $8. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Secret Agent 23 Skidoo FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 10, 7pm WHERE: Levitt Pavilion, 40 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: Newborn to 8 WHAT: Skidoo’s albums and shows are a cornucopia of creativity, mixing a wide spectrum of genres into multi instrumental, musically sophisticated, lyrically intelligent house party classics. WHY WE LOVE IT: 23 Skidoo is the pioneer of positive family hip-hop. WANT TO GO? levittpavilion.com.

Wonderful Wednesdays: Disney Princesses Day FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2-4pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Drop in and meet your favorite Disney princesses, have your picture with them, and make a craft. Wear your costume if you’d like. WHY WE LOVE IT: Even the books will be princess-themed! WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

August 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

Outdoor Messy Craft FREE

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 15, 4pm WHERE: Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Wear sloppy clothes and prepare to get messy with crafts. WHY WE LOVE IT: Is there any better way to make art? WANT TO GO? 203-291-4800. westportlibrary.org.

Ashley Ash & the Leaping Lizards FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 17, 7pm WHERE: Levitt Pavilion, 40 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Her latest album, Bon Voyage, features gypsy jazz, zydeco, swing, blues, and Dixieland to encourage kids and their grown-ups to celebrate the music of New Orleans. WHY WE LOVE IT: Jazzy Ash’s cover of the Louis Armstrong classic “Heebie Jeebies” is the No. 1 song on SiriusXM Kids Place Live radio. WANT TO GO? levittpavilion.com.

Teddy Bear Fest

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 27, 12-3pm WHERE: Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Bring your teddy bear and enjoy crafts and storytelling focused on bear awareness and facts about real bears. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s nice to include our teddy bears in the fun! WANT TO GO? $15; $12 children ages 3-11; free for children younger than 3. 203-394-6563. beardsleyzoo.org.

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Science on the Silver Screen: ‘Jaws’

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 28, 1:30-4:30pm WHERE: Bruce Musuem, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The screening will be followed by Q-and-A with scientists to explain what was right, what was wrong, and what was confusing. WHY WE LOVE IT: Finally, a chance to “dissect” that great white shark! WANT TO GO? $7; $5 children; free for children younger than 5. 203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

Special Exhibit: Electricity

WHEN: May 14–Nov. 6, Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich AGES: All WHAT: The science and history of electricity is brought to life through engaging hands-on interactives including Plasma Tubes, Jumping Rings, Solenoid, and Jacob’s Ladder. WHY WE LOVE IT: This exhibit, developed by The Franklin Institute, will even show how your own body can become a battery. WANT TO GO? $7; $6 children; free for children younger than 5. 203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org. ››

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SHOW TIME! Family Favorite Chris Rowlands

WHEN: Aug. 5-7, Friday-Sunday, 11am, 1pm, and 3pm WHERE: Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport AGES: All WHAT: Rowlands brings animals to life through kid-friendly songs, dance, puppets, and colorful props. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 children ages 3-11; free for children younger than 3. 203-394-6563. beardsleyzoo.org.

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. Alastair Moock & Friends FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 3, 7pm WHERE: Levitt Pavilion, 40 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Long one of Boston’s premier folk artists, Alastair is a 2013 Grammy nominee and two-time Parents’ Choice Gold Medal winner. WANT TO GO? levittpavilion.com.

Get Into It! FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 4, 5-8pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy free admission, books, and take-home activities for children as you celebrate quality early care and education. WANT TO GO? 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Let’s Make Something!: Code-a-Pillars FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 2-3pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Kids can explore basic coding using these click-together critters. Tickets will be handed out on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 1:45pm. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Pajama Party for Rising Kindergartners FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 25, 7pm WHERE: Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: 4-5 WHAT: Meet new and old friends to enjoy a craft and story. For incoming kindergartners and families. WANT TO GO? 203-291-4800. westportlibrary.org.

Summer’s Last Roar FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 27, 10am-4pm WHERE: Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave., New Haven AGES: All WHAT: To mark the end of summer, the museum opens its doors for a free day. In addition to all permanent and temporary exhibitions, visitors will have a chance to win door prizes. WANT TO GO? 203-432-5050. peabody.yale.edu. 30

August 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

Shakespeare on the Green and Green Expo FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 2pm WHERE: Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge Ave., Ridgefield AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This family-friendly comedy showcases text from many popular Shakespeare plays, in an homage to the life and dreams of a struggling Shakespearean actor. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? 203-438-5795. ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

Ashley Ash & the Leaping Lizards FREE

Open Mic Night FREE

WHEN: Aug. 1-23, Tuesdays, 7-9:30pm WHERE: Freese Park, Wall and Main streets, Norwalk AGES: All WHAT: Budding and established musicians are invited to perform during an informal jam session. WANT TO GO? 203-854-7806. norwalkct.org.

Back to School Special FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 24, 7pm WHERE: Levitt Pavilion, 40 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The closing night of the summer series culminates with a fun, high-energy concert and gets everyone ready for adventures in learning. WANT TO GO? levittpavilion.com.

First County Bank Summer Concert Series

WHEN: Aug. 3-31, Wednesdays, 7:30-9:30pm WHERE: Calf Pasture Beach, 69 Calf Pasture Beach Road, Norwalk AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy music by the beach. WANT TO GO? $10 parking fee without Norwalk beach pass. 203854-7806. norwalkct.org.

ANIMAL LOVERS Wonderful Wednesdays: Beardsley Zoomobile FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children will watch and interact with rainforest and jungle creatures. Tckets will be handed out on a first-come, first-serve basis at 2:15pm. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Wonderful Wednesdays: Animal Embassy FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 17, 3-4pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Animal Embassy introduces children to Animal Ambassadors representative of rainforest regions around the globe. Tickets will be handed out on a first-come, first-serve basis at 2:45pm. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

WILD! Feeding

WHEN: Through Aug. 20: Saturdays, 12:30-1pm WHERE: Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford AGES: All WHAT: Help to make salads for tortoises, lizards, and other fruit–and veggie-loving friends. Spaces are first-come, first served. WANT TO GO? $5; $3 children ages 5-17. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Animal Meet and Greet

WHEN: Through Aug. 20: Tuesdays and Friday-Saturday, 3pm WHERE: Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford AGES: All WHAT: Stop by Heckscher WILD! to meet one of the teaching animals and discover how they are adapted to their habitat. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 4-17; free for children younger than 4. 203-977-6521. stamfordmuseum.org.

A Day in a Farmer’s Life

WHEN: Through Aug. 22: Mondays, 11-11:30am WHERE: Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Children will participate hands-on programs, including milking, grooming, and caring for baby animals. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 4-17; free for children younger than 4. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Beloved Camels at Beardsley Zoo

WHEN: Through Sept. 5: daily, 9am-4pm WHERE: Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport AGES: All WHAT: Two camels, Toby and Goliath, are back at the zoo this year and will be joined by Noah. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 children ages 3-11; $5 camel rides; free for children younger than 3. 203-394-6563. beardsleyzoo.org.

Dragons: Real or Myth

WHEN: Through Sept. 5: daily, 10am-5pm WHERE: Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk AGES: All

WHAT: Dragons are very real but none of them breathe fire. You can find them living today on land and in the sea, as you’ll discover in this fun new exhibit. WANT TO GO? $19.95; $17.95 children ages 13-17; $12.95 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 203-8520700. maritimeaquarium.org.

‘Flutter Zone’ Butterfly Exhibit

WHEN: Through Sept. 5: daily, 10am-5pm WHERE: Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk AGES: All WHAT: The exhibit features dozens of varieties of vibrant butterflies from both Asia and South America that will fly about freely, possibly even landing on visitors. WANT TO GO? $19.95; $17.95 children ages 13-17; $12.95 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 203-8520700. maritimeaquarium.org.

Penguin Plaza

WHEN: Through Sept. 30: daily, 9am-4pm WHERE: Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport AGES: All WHAT: Three males, Tubbs, Sal, and South, and one female, Squirt, will splash and play in a new temporary exhibit featuring a 30,000-gallon pool located next to the Peacock Café. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 children ages 3-11; free for children younger than 3. 203-394-6563. beardsleyzoo.org.

Animals Without Passports Special Exhibit

WHEN: Through Jan. 2, 2017: daily, 10am-5pm WHERE: Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk AGES: All WHAT: Learn the challenges of humpback whales’ annual 3,000mile migration between New England and the Caribbean. WANT TO GO? $19.95; $17.95 children ages 13-17; $12.95 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 203-8520700. maritimeaquarium.org. ›› Fairf ieldParent 31

WHAT: Join a discussion of Master Minds by Gordon Korman. WANT TO GO? 203-291-4800. westportlibrary.org.

Reading to Rover Showcase FREE

WHEN: Aug. 2-23, Tuesdays, 4:30-5pm WHERE: Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Children can practice reading aloud to a dog. Register online. WANT TO GO? 203-291-4800. westportlibrary.org.

ONCE UPON A TIME! Read to Me! Storytime FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 3, 10:30-11am WHERE: Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road, Fairfield AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Explore the animal kingdom, nature, and fables with stories illustrated and inspired by Robert Lawson, including The Story of Ferdinand. WANT TO GO? 203-259-1598. fairfieldhistory.org.

Once Upon an Author

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 8, 11:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy a book reading of Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still, by local author Karlin Gray. Video and related activity to follow. WANT TO GO? $15; free for children younger than 1. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Ready Readers FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 9: Tuesdays, 4:15-5pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Children will hear stories, watch short films, and participate in fun activities and crafts. Each week children explore different topics. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Terrific Tales for Twos and Three FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 16: Tuesdays, 11-11:30am WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Songs, finger plays, and stories will encourage language skills. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Books for Babies FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 16: Tuesdays, 10:15-10:45am WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 2 and younger WHAT: An infant-friendly program of songs, playtime, and gentle stories. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Storytime on Jesup Green FREE

WHEN: Aug. 3-17, Wednesdays, 11am WHERE: Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Bring a blanket to sit in the shade and hear a story. WANT TO GO? 203-291-4800. westportlibrary.org.

Mysterious Book Society FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 18, 4:30pm WHERE: Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: 5-8 32

August 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

Teddy Bear Picnic FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 23, 11-11:30am WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Enjoy teddy-bearific stories, songs, and crafts. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Show Me a Tale: ‘The Talking Turtle’

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 28, 2-3pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: A tale in which a king learns wisdom and discretion, and how to keep silent when it was necessary. WANT TO GO? $15; free for children younger than 1. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

MOVERS & SHAKERS Teen Iron Chef Challenge FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 4, 3-5pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Kids will create dishes to dazzle the judges. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Fun with Lynn Lewis FREE

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 5, 11am-12pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join Lynn Lewis for songs and dancing. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Movement and Dance for Little Ones FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 15: Mondays, 11-11:30am WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: Newborn to 5, adult WHAT: Join a fun time of moving, singing, and playing instruments. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Move Your Feet Mondays at the Zoo

WHEN: Aug. 1-29, Mondays, 9am-4pm WHERE: Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy live entertainment at the Peacock Pavilion. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 children ages 3-11; free for children younger than 3. $5 for camel rides. 203-394-6563. beardsleyzoo.org.

Itsy Bitsy Playgroup FREE

WHEN: Aug. 3-31, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Temple Sholom, 300 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich AGES: 2 and younger WHAT: This drop-in gives moms and their babies the opportunity to bond. WANT TO GO? 203-869-7191. templesholom.com.

Bruce Beginnings FREE

WHEN: Aug. 2-30, Tuesdays, 11-11:45am and 1-1:45pm WHERE: Bruce Museum Seaside Center, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Explore the museum’s collections through picture books and hands-on activities. Topics change weekly. WANT TO GO? 203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

Electric Paris

SMARTY PANTS Creative Kids: Fiber Optics

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 6, 2-3pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Discover the wonders of fiber optics and the work of the Indian scientist Narinder Singh Kapany and then make your own fiber optic creation. WANT TO GO? $15; free for children younger than 1. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Steaming Ahead FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 11, 4pm WHERE: Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Join an interactive program to learn the science of absorbency. WANT TO GO? 203-291-4800. westportlibrary.org.

Fairfield ‘Fly In’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 10am-2pm WHERE: Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road, Fairfield AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the 115th anniversary of Gustave Whitehead’s flight in 1901 at Turney’s Farm in Fairfield. There will be a replica of Whitehead’s No. 21 “Flyer” on display. WANT TO GO? 203-259-1598. fairfieldhistory.org.

Family Gallery Tours

WHEN: Aug. 7-28, Sundays, 11:30am-12:15pm WHERE: Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Join a museum educator on an interactive, discussion-based tour of the museum’s current exhibitions. WANT TO GO? $7; $6 children; free for children younger than 5. 203869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

WHEN: Through Sept. 4: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich AGES: All WHAT: Electric Paris is the first exhibition to explore the ways in which artists responded to older oil and gas lamps and the newer electric lighting. WANT TO GO? $7; $6 children; free for children younger than 5. 203869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

Mega Making Exhibit

WHEN: Through Sept. 5: 10am-5pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Explore art, textiles, construction, woodworking, tinkering, and gadgets, and a variety of materials, techniques, and projects. WANT TO GO? $15; free for children younger than 1. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Treasures of the Peabody: 150 Years of Exploration and Discovery

WHEN: Through Jan. 8, 2017: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm, Sunday, 12-5pm WHERE: Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave., New Haven AGES: All WHAT: Learn the Peabody’s story, beginning with the founding of Yale in 1701 to the expeditions and research that curators are leading today. WANT TO GO? $6-$13. 203-432-5050. peabody.yale.edu.

SPECIAL NEEDS Accessibility Day

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 9am-5pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk AGES: All WHAT: Reduced admission for special needs families. WANT TO GO? $3. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Networking Autism Moms and Dads Pizza Group FREE

1750 Ogden House Tours

WHEN: Aug. 7-28, Sundays, 1-4pm WHERE: Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road, Fairfield AGES: All WHAT: Experience life in 18th century Fairfield. WANT TO GO? $5; $3 students. 203-259-1598. fairfieldhistory.org.

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 29, 7:30pm WHERE: The Pizza Post, 522 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich AGES: All WHAT: De-stress at this meeting with the Friends of Autistic People, where you can enjoy a glass of wine and relax among your tribe. WANT TO GO? 203-661-8510. autisticadults.net.

Science Sunday: Science and Motion

Pump It Up’s Sensory Friendly Bounce Time

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 28, 1-3pm WHERE: Bruce Musuem, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Explore simple science concepts while partaking experiments, projects, and crafts. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 children; free for children younger than 5. 203869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Tuesdays, 6:15-7:45pm; Saturdays, 8:30-9:30am WHERE: Pump It Up of Norwalk, 145 Main St., Norwalk AGES: All WHAT: The music is low and the lights aren’t flashing. Just bouncing, jumping, and sliding. WANT TO GO? $12. 203-838-5867. pumpitupparty.com/norwalk-ct. ›› Fairf ieldParent 33

Family Studio Workshops: Flora and Fauna

CRAFTY KIDS Light Up Bucket Hats for Teens FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 3, 3-5pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Use fabric markers to create a unique design on a bucket hat and then get acquainted with light-up wearables by sewing on LED circuits. Registration required WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Let’s Make Something: Fairy Dolls FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 6, 2-3pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Children will learn how to make dolls in an hour-long workshop. Tickets will be handed out on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Children’s Reference Desk starting at 1:45pm. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Cupcake Club

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 12, 3-3:45pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Follow step-by-step instructions to decorate a fancy cupcake. Tickets will be given out at 2:45 the day of the program. Space limited. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Jungle Crafts FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 15: Mondays, 10am-7:30pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: All WHAT: Drop in to make a jungle craft using crowns, monkey masks, and something different each week. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Third Annual Summer Art Workshop Program

WHEN: Through Aug. 20: Saturdays, 10am-12pm WHERE: Loft Artists Association, 845 Canal St., Stamford AGES: 5-12 WHAT: The program features explorations in clay, robot recyclables, beading, multimedia landscapes, printmaking, nature collage, and more. WANT TO GO? $5. 203-323-4153. loftartists.com.

Animation Station

WHEN: Aug. 13-20, Saturdays, 12:30-2pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Children learn the basics of stop animation by making their own setting and background and using an iPad to make a short video with sound. WANT TO GO? $3 with admission: $15; free for children younger than 1. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org. 34

August 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 21, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A full 1½ hour-long workshop designed for families with children. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $15. 203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

Sketching on the Saugatuck FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 25, 3:30pm WHERE: Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Enjoy an afternoon of sketching by the Saugatuck River with local artist Elaine Clayton. WANT TO GO? 203-291-4800. westportlibrary.org.

Crafty Fridays FREE

WHEN: Aug. 12-26, Fridays, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Participate in craft activities to make dream catchers, wind chimes, and more. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Themed Crafts for All Ages FREE

WHEN: Aug. 6-27, Saturdays, 2-3pm WHERE: Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: All WHAT: Drop in for a different Olympic-themed craft every Saturday. WANT TO GO? 203-291-4800. westportlibrary.org.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Model Yacht Regatta

WHEN: Aug. 5-7, Friday-Sunday, 9am-5pm WHERE: Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic AGES: All WHAT: Mystic Seaport hosts model yacht racing. Two different boat classes will take to the water for what promises to be an exciting event hosted by the Mystic River Radio Sailors. WANT TO GO? $26; $17 children ages 6-17; free for children younger than 6. 860-572-5331. mysticseaport.org.

Insect Investigations

WHEN: Aug. 2-16, Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Explore the many places that insects live at the nature center and meet some of our teaching insects up close. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 4-17; free for children younger than 4. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Summer Stars Planetarium Shows

WHEN: Through Aug. 17: Wednesdays, 1pm; Saturdays, 1pm and 2:30pm WHERE: Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Discover some of the common constellations of the summer and their stories. Doors open 15 minutes before program and seats are firstcome, first-served. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 4-17; free for children younger than 4. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Storytime at Longshore FREE

WHEN: Aug. 2-18, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30am WHERE: Longshore Club Park, Compo Road South, Westport AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Start the day outdoors with the Westport Library at Longshore Club Park. WANT TO GO? 203-291-4800. westportlibrary.org.

Family Sunset Cruise

WHEN: Aug. 5-26, Fridays, 6:30pm WHERE: Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This cruise is timed to include the sunset and sky reflecting on the water. Aquarium educators will be onboard to point out sights and wildlife. WANT TO GO? $29.95. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

Children’s Garden Club FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 26: Fridays, 4-4:45pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, children plan, plant, tend, and eat fruits and vegetables in a raised garden bed. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Tasty Tuesdays at the Zoo

WHEN: Aug. 2-30, Tuesdays, 9am-4pm WHERE: Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport AGES: All WHAT: Sample tasty treats from local vendors. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 children ages 3-11; free for children younger than 3. 203-394-6563. beardsleyzoo.org.

Observatory Visitors’ Night

ON SCREEN Movie Theater Thursdays: ‘Rio’ FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 4, 10:15-11:45am WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Kids can walk in and enjoy the fun. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Movie Theater Thursdays: ‘FernGully: The Last Rainforest’ FREE WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 4, 2-3:15pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Kids can walk in and enjoy the fun. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Family Outdoor Movie Time: ‘The SpongeBob Movie’

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 6, 6pm WHERE: Calf Pasture Beach, 69 Calf Pasture Beach Road, Norwalk AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Free face painting and Karate Universe demo before screening. WANT TO GO? $10 parking fee. 203-854-7806. norwalkct.org.

Movie Theater Thursdays: ‘Jungle Book: Legend of the Giant Claw’ FREE WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 11, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Kids can walk in and enjoy the fun. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

WHEN: Through Aug. 31: Fridays, 8pm WHERE: Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 151 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Head to the observatory to explore the night sky through a 22-inch telescope. WANT TO GO? $5; $3 children ages 5-17. 203-977-6521. stamfordmuseum.org.

Family Outdoor Movie Time: ‘Pixels’

Marine Life Study Cruises

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 18, 2-3:15pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Kids can walk in and enjoy the fun. WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

WHEN: Through Sept. 5: daily, 1pm WHERE: Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Aquarium educators put participants to work in collecting and examining animals from all levels of the water column. WANT TO GO? $29.95. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

SM&NC Sunday Farm Market

WHEN: Through Oct. 9: Sundays, 10am-2pm WHERE: Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford AGES: All WHAT: The market will have eggs, wool, and syrup that come directly from the farm, as well as other vendors and their produce. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $10; $5 children ages 4-17; free for children younger than 4. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 6pm WHERE: Shady Beach, 69 Calf Pasture Beach Road, Norwalk AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Face painting and Karate Universe demo before screening. WANT TO GO? $10 parking fee. 203-854-7938. norwalkct.org.

Movie Theater Thursdays: Disney’s ‘Jungle Book’ FREE

‘Sense the Wind’ Screening and Discussion FREE

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 22, 7pm WHERE: Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: 13 and older WHAT: The film follows four blind sailors as they train and compete. Filmmaker Christine Knowlton will lead a discussion afterward. WANT TO GO? 203-291-4800. westportlibrary.org.

Coming up next month: SEPT. 10-11: 39th Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival, Norwalk SEPT. 24-15: Octonauts Adventure Weekend, Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk SEPT. 24: Curiosity Concerts Presents Atacama Ensemble, Western Middle School, Greenwich Fairf ieldParent 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.

Jones Family Farms 606 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Shelton 203-929-8425; jonesfamilyfarms.com Open Monday-Saturday, 8am-5:30pm, 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. 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 36

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updates. Pre-picked blueberries and raspberries available for purchase.

New Haven County Bishop’s Orchards 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford 203-458-7425 (pick your own hotline, updated daily) or 203-453-2338 farminfo@bishopsorchards.com bishopsorchards.com Berry picking hours vary through October; call ahead for pick your own times. Pick your own blueberries mid-July through mid-August; peaches early August to mid-September; raspberries late August to mid-October; apples and pears early September through midOctober. This 300-acre farm features an on-site bakery specializing in pies and prepared meals; a market with fresh farm

produce, meats, dairy products, flowers, and gift baskets; goats, llamas, and alpacas. The farm market is open daily (Monday-Saturday, 8am–7pm; Sunday, 9am-6pm). Emerald Green Farm 84 Tankwood Road, Wallingford 203-949-0594 emeraldgreenfarm@sbcglobal.net Open Monday-Saturday, 9am-4pm, and Sunday, 10am-3pm Pick your own blueberries late July through September. This farm minimizes chemical and pesticide use. Fresh eggs for sale. Greenhouse on-site with a large selection of annual flowers and hanging baskets, plus a country store and gift shop. Call for daily updates, or follow Emerald Green Farm on Facebook for picking updates.

nymetroparents.com/where-to High Hill Orchard 170 Fleming Road, Meriden 203-294-0276 highhillorchard.info Call or check the website for picking schedule Pick your own peaches. Retail stand open Tuesday-Friday, 12-6pm, and Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm through the fall.

NEW YORK Dutchess County Barton Orchards 63 Apple Tree Lane (County Route 7), Poughquag 845-227-2306 bartonorchards.com Open daily, 9am-5pm Pick your own berries and garden vegetables from late July through mid-August. On-site farm store with prepicked 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; and 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.

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 prepicked produce open daily, 9am-6pm.

Ulster County 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. 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-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, but 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, just a mile from the orchard, for farm produce as well as garden and nursery items.

Saratoga County Bowman Orchards 141 Sugar Hill Road, Rexford 518-371-2042 bowmanorchards.com Open Monday-Saturday, 9am5pm; Sunday, 12-5pm Pick your raspberries early July, blackberries mid-July through early September, blueberries late June through early August, and cherries early July until early August. On-site farm market with fresh local produce.

Albany County Indian Ladder Farms 342 Altamont Road, Altamont 518-765-2956; 866-640-PICK (7425; berry picking hotline) indianladderfarms.com

Open daily, 9am-5pm; Pick Your Own has separate hours: Wednesday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-4pm Pick your own blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and tomatoes. Also offers a petting zoo, fall weekend hayrides during September and October, café, and store with local produce. Rulfs Orchard 531 Bear Swamp Road, Peru 518-643-8636 linda@rulfsorchard.com rulfsorchard.com Open 6am-7pm daily in the summer; U-pick hours: 7am-5pm Pick your own blueberries through Aug. 15. Also features a bakery and a roadside stand with pre-picked produce.

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

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Fairf ieldParent 37

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 38

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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 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. 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.

21st 8

Grilled Southern Shrimp Burgers

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.

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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

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Fairf ieldParent 39

›› 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.

FOOD & NUTRITION

Grilled Desserts? Yes, Please! ››

Prepare one of these sweet treats to wow the guests at your next barbecue. By Danielle Bennett

Blueberry-Lemon Cobbler

Makes: 8-10 servings • Prep: 30 minutes • Cook: 1¼ hours Cobblers are heartwarming to me, and they’re such a simple dessert to make—a bit of dough and some berries, peaches, or other fruit. Let it bubble away ’til golden and sumptuous. That’s it. Perfectly easy for anyone to do. Over the years, I have had countless varieties of cobblers at picnics, backyard bashes, and barbecue competitions. Play with different types of fruit—fresh or frozen—and make something you love. Sugared Lemon Slices 2 lemons, sliced ¼ cup granulated sugar Filling 6 cups fresh or frozen wild blueberries ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 lemon, zested and juiced ¼ cup water 3 tbsp. cornstarch Topping ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 can (12 oz.) Texas-style or regular refrigerated biscuits (10 biscuits) 2 tbsp. whole milk 1. Prepare your grill for indirect cooking and preheat it to medium-high (375°F to 450°F).

S’more Better Dip

Makes: 6-8 servings • Prep: 20 minutes • Cook: Approximately 45 minutes Everyone loves toasting s’mores over a campfire. But for a big crowd, it’s easier to make a tray of this s’more dip. You can dunk just about anything in the sweet treat, from fresh fruit, cake cubes, and cookies to salty pretzel sticks. I love using Skor toffee bits in this recipe, but feel free to add anything—chopped nuts, crushed cookies—to make it uniquely your own. Ingredients 2 cups milk chocolate chips 1½ cups heavy (whipping) cream 1 package (14½ oz.) graham crackers 15 jumbo marshmallows, halved ½ cup Skor toffee bits

2. For the Sugared Lemon Slices, sprinkle the lemon slices with sugar. Place on the cool side of the grill. Cook until the lemon slices are dried out and caramelized on top, approximately 45 minutes. Remove the lemon slices from the grill and set aside. Leave the grill on. 3. For the filling, mix together the blueberries, sugar, and lemon zest and juice in a 9-inch cast iron skillet. 4. Whisk together the water and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the blueberry mixture and stir well. 5. Place the skillet on the hot side of the grill. Watching closely and stirring often, cook until the mixture is bubbling and the juices have thickened, approximately 10 minutes. Move the skillet to the cool side of the grill. 6. For the topping, mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Arrange the biscuits on top of the blueberry mixture. Brush the biscuits with milk. Sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon and sugar. 7. Bake on the cool side of the grill until the biscuits are thoroughly cooked and browned on top, approximately 20 minutes. 8. Remove the skillet from the grill. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving. 9. Garnish the cobbler with the Sugared Lemon Slices.

Directions 1. Mix together the chocolate chips and cream in a microwavesafe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high in 30-second increments, stirring after each one, until the chocolate chips are melted. Stir until smooth. 2. Prepare your grill for indirect cooking and preheat it to 300°F. 3. Arrange some of the crackers in a single layer in a 12-by-10inch disposable aluminum pan to cover the base of the pan completely. Pour the chocolate mixture evenly over the crackers. Top with marshmallow halves. Sprinkle with Skor bits. 4. Place the pan on the cool side of the grill. Cook until bubbling, 35-45 minutes. 5. Serve immediately with the remaining graham crackers. Excerpted from Diva Q’s Barbeque by Danielle Bennett. Copyright © 2016 Danielle Bennett. Photography Copyright © 2016 Ken Goodman. Published by Appetite by Random House, a division of Random House of Canada Ltd., a penguin Random House company. All rights reserved.

Fairf ieldParent 41

The Power of Preschool

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Experts discuss the importance of early childhood education. It’s much more than just play time! By Melissa Wickes

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. 42

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“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.”

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.

STEM Focus Classes • Kids Ages 4 - 14 Robotics/Mindstorms EV3

• LEGO Robotics, LEGO Mindstorms-EV3 & Engineering • Programming Classes: Scratch, Web & Python • Get your child engaged in Hands-on Learning in Fun & challenging way Classes & camps are offered year round! We prepare teams for FLL. Our Robotics team was 1st in Robot Mechanical Design 2014

719 Post Rd E, Westport, CT 06880 | 203-921-7905 Fairfield@compuchild.com | www.westporttechedu.com

Apple Blossom School & Family Center

A WALDORF SCHOOL 440 Danbury Road • Wilton, CT 06897 • (203) 493-4003

THE FIRST SEVEN YEARS OF A CHILD'S LIFE IS AN OPEN WINDOW WHERE DRIVE, CONFIDENCE, AND JOY IN LEARNING IS FOUNDED.

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.

Apple blossom school recognizes the profound connection in developing rich brain capabilities with artistic play and sensory engagement. Programs include under-three nursery, three and four pre-k, kindergarten, and summer. Please call to learn more, or visit www.appleblossomschool.org

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(800) 404-2204 Visit our website @ justweetwo.com Fairf ieldParent 43

PRESCHOOLS AND CHILD CARE CENTERS Apple Blossom School and Family Center

440 Danbury Road, Wilton 203-493-4003 appleblossomschool.org admissions@appleblossomschool.org appleblossomschool.org@gmail.com The Apple Blossom School and Family Center is a Waldorf school specializing in ages newborn through 7 years. Our programs support the healthy development of the young child by educating through play, artistic activities, and outdoor activities. Emphasis on nurturing each child’s natural sense of wonder and joy, and comradeship for their fellow playmates, allows the full development of kindness, confidence, and mastery skills. We offer parent-and-child classes for ages newborn to 3 years, a flexible under-3 nursery, a preschool for ages 3-4, mixed-age kindergarten, and an Extended Care Program until 4pm.

Easton Country Day School

660 Morehouse Road, Easton 203-268-5530 eastoncountryday.org Easton Country Day School uses its small size and a unique, individual educational approach to ensure each child not only achieves academic excellence in a safe and loving environment, but also learns those skills necessary to be a caring and responsible citizen, from preschool to 12th grade. We build a relationship with each child. ECDS offers rigorous academics shaped to the individual child in a familial environment that encourages accomplishment, responsibility, and acceptance of diversity. In addition to preschool, we also offer day care for ages 3 months and older.

Just Wee Two

Locations in Greenwich, Stamford, and Westchester County 800-404-2204 justweetwo.com info@justweetwo.com Just Wee Two is a fun-filled program for young children ages 8 months to 3½ years and their moms (dads, grandparents, etc.). Through our 1½-hour classes and activities, such as music, arts and crafts, playtime, and stories and snack, children are encouraged to explore, discover, interact, and enjoy this special time in their lives. Celebrate summer with Just Wee Two’s six-week parent-child program. We also offer partial separation classes, and 2-hour separation classes focused on music, art, and drama.

Landmark Preschool

Redding (Georgetown) Campus 20 Portland Ave., Redding (20 months-5s) 203-544-8393, Kimberly Swabsin Ridgefield Campus 223 W. Mountain Road Landmark Preschool (1s-4s) Ridgefield Academy (2s-Eighth Grade) 203-894-1800 x112, David Suter Westport Campus 11 Burr Road, Westport (2s-5s) 203-226-6982, Gretchen Sabek landmarkpreschool.org ridgefieldacademy.org With more than 40 years of experience educating young children, Landmark Preschool is a place where learning is a joyful! With locations in Redding (Georgetown), Ridgefield, and Westport as well as Bedford, NY, Landmark’s balanced curriculum offers early exposure to literacy, math, and science concepts through play. Children also experience world language, art, music, gym,

and technology each week. Extended hours are offered before and after the school day. CAIS accredited. For tuition information and to schedule a visit, please contact the campus nearest you.

Little Friends Child Care & Preschool 25 Valley Drive, Greenwich 203-861-6549 littlefriendsgwc.com verna@littlefriendsgwc.com Family-owned and -operated, Little Friends of Greenwich, run by Verna Esposito, offers child care and early childhood education for ages 6 weeks to 5 years. “We provide a safe, loving, and fun environment for children,” Esposito says. “We follow the National Association for the Education of Young Children guidelines.” Open Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6:30pm. Year-round rolling admissions. Ongoing summer programs.

Temple Israel Carol Shoke Early Childhood Center

Nancy Isaacs, director 14 Coleytown Road, Westport 203-227-1293 tiwestport.org We welcome your family with Gan Katan, a weekly Mommyand-Me program for children ages 12-20 months with caregiver. Two-year-olds are warmly transitioned to first school experiences by teachers who support curiosity and growing independence in the classroom. Threes grow in confidence and competence in bright, modern classrooms with curriculum planned to encourage socialization and self-regulation. Pre-K fours hone their readiness skills through projects, experimentation, and a literacy-rich environ-

ment. Weekly Shabbat celebrations, music, and afternoon enrichment options.

Westbrook Nature School

7 Long Ridge Road, West Redding 203-664-1554 westbrooknatureschool.org Westbrook Nature School offers a nature-based curriculum on a 6-acre property featuring trails, streams, meadows, an organic garden, and natural playscapes. This curriculum results in an education that builds physical and emotional resilience, moral awareness, and the foundation required for intellectual growth. Programs include parent-child classes (for ages newborn to 3 years), mixed-age kindergarten (ages 3-6), adult workshops, playdays, and seasonal events.

Wilton YMCA Nursery School

Riverbrook Regional YMCA Wilton Branch 404 Danbury Road, Wilton 203-762-8384 wiltonymca.org At the Wilton Family YMCA Nursery School, we provide a safe, nurturing environment for children ages 3-5 to learn, grow, and develop social skills. Our comprehensive curriculum is designed for discovery, choice, and problem-solving. Each of our preschool programs includes art, science, music, fitness, outdoor play, healthy snacks, and circle time, in addition to math and reading readiness skills to help kids prepare for kindergarten. A full Y National Swim Instruction Program is included in the classes! We adhere to the CT Early Learning and Development standards and are state-licensed.

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August 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

The Importance of Sleep

››

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

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

How Healthy Baby Sleep Impacts Babies

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

How Healthy Baby Sleep Impacts the Family

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

Fairf ieldParent 45

WHERE-TO GUIDE

Horseback Riding

nymetroparents.com/where-to

›› Research by Lauren Diaz

If your child is begging for a pony, and all you see are dollar signs, it might be worth considering all the benefits horseback riding brings to kids. Exercise is one, of course. Riding is aerobic, but it also builds muscle strength and increases balance, not to mention coordination, visual spatial skills, faster reflexes, and all-round circulation. But riding offers more than just physical benefits. A child who is able to master the skill of synthesis with such a graceful, large animal will have improved self-confidence, self-discipline, and the appropriate ability to take risks. A child caring for a horse learns patience, care, respect, and responsibility.

Blue Spruce Farm 626 Wheeler Road, Monroe 203-268-6774 bluesprucehorseriding.com Lessons in English and Western riding are based on principles of yoga and tai chi. The farm has a therapeutic riding program for children with special needs, offers 45-minute guided trail rides, and hosts group events that include pony rides, hay rides, and theme parties. The farm’s summer camp includes daily riding, grooming, saddling, therapeutic massage and meditation, swimming, and pizza parties. Larkspur Farm 93 Silver Spring Road, Wilton 46

August 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

203-762-2995 larkspur-farm.com Private and group lessons are available by appointment. There is a summer camp for ages 7-14 that allows campers to ride daily and learn about horse care and stable management. The facility includes indoor and outdoor rings for year-round lessons. Silver Horseshoe Riding Stable 350 Wolf Harbor Road, Milford 203-874-2168 silverhorseshoestableinc.com Group, private, and semi-private lessons are offered in English and Western styles. The stable has an indoor riding arena and a lighted outdoor arena.

Birthday parties are offered but space and time are limited. Spring Meadow Farm 918 Wheelers Farm Road, Milford 203-877-4784; springmeadowfarmct.com Private and group lessons for ages 4 and older of all ability levels. The farm hosts a summer horsemanship and riding program. Therapeutic riding lessons are available based on PATH standards.

Westchester County, NY Boulder Brook Equestrian Center 291 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale 914-725-3912; boulderbrookequestrian.com

Private and group lessons for children and adults (ages 6 and older) are offered at Westchester’s largest indoor riding ring. Its summer camp includes daily lessons in riding and stable management. Pony rides are given daily and birthday parties are available on Sunday afternoons. Chicory Meadow Farm 76 Jack Road, Cortlandt Manor 914-737-7814 chicorymeadowfarm.com Group, semi-private, and private lessons are offered daily. Customized lessons are available based on a rider’s specific needs, abilities, and goals. A summer camp is offered, which features hands-on horsemanship, riding, horse care, arts and crafts, nature walks, picnics, and games. The facility includes indoor and outdoor arenas. Fox Hill Farms 204 Old Sleepy Hollow Road, Pleasantville 914-769-9813 foxhillfarms.com English-style riding lessons available in a group or private setting. Guided rides are available through the Rockefeller Preserve spring, summer, and fall. A weekly summer camp in June through August includes riding lessons, horse care, and games. Pony rides are also available during the summer. JT Farm 1125 Route 35, South Salem

914-763-3705; jtfarm.com Provides lessons for all levels and all ages. Facility includes 45 miles of trails, an indoor ring, two outdoor rings, and a Grand Prix field. Stratford Stables 120 Cottage Ave., Purchase 917-855-5282 stratfordstables.com Offers year-round lessons for ages 6 and older. Small minicamps are available during school vacations and include lessons in horsemanship. A summer camp is offered June through August for ages 6-12 and features riding, grooming and tacking the horses, and art projects. Twin Lakes Farm 960 California Road, Bronxville 914-961-2192 twinlakesfarm.com Private, semi-private, and group lessons are available daily, year round. The farm’s summer camp includes riding lessons, horsemanship, and arts and crafts. Westchester Trail Rides 6 Croton Lake Road, Croton-on-Hudson 914-539-2987 westchestertrailrides.com This stable offers guided horseback trail riding for all ages. Trails traverse more than 7,000 acres of land surrounding the Croton reservoir and dam. English and Western riding styles are accepted.

Carol Shoke Early Childhood Center at Temple Israel Learn, Play, Grow • Gan Katan (Mommy and Me) • Two, Threes and Pre-K • Afternoon Enrichment Options • “Spring into Summer” Program Registration opens in November for 2017-2018

Nurturing and growing the whole child in an environment of discovery and creativity guided by the traditions and values of Jewish life. Warm, professionally trained teachers inspire a lifetime love of learning.

Nancy Isaacs, Director: nIsaacs@tiwestport.org 203.227.1656 | www.tiwestport.org

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

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