LongIslandParent NASSAU EDITION
AUGUST 2017
NYMETROPARENTS.COM
Organize
Your Home • 8 Hacks for Taming the Mess • What to Do With Kids’ Artwork
How to Turn After-School Activities Into College Scholarships! Reasons to
Relax
Why Me Time Is Good for Your Health
HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS
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A Private Practice With a Commitment To Personalized Women’s Health Care and Wellness
Introducing Dr. Karyn Wat Specializing in adolescent and mature women’s health care and obstetrics. Multilingual - English, Spanish and Chinese
Welcome to Mesbah OB/GYN.
We are dedicated to providing the highest quality health care to women of all ages. In this day and age of large impersonal medical groups, our goal is to maintain a personal connection with our patients.
Specializing in minimally invasive and robotic surgery
Most major insurances accepted 2
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877 Stewart Avenue Suite 3 Garden City, NY 11530 516-794-1500 www.mesbahobgyn.com
Caring for kids is what we do. Calm, comfortable dentistry for children and special needs patients.
Serving three generations of satisfied - and relaxed families on Long Island
for Voting Us Best Pediatric Dental Practice
Ehrenman & Khan P E D I AT R I C D E N T I ST RY
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959 Brush Hollow Road • Suite 101 • Westbury, NY 11590 516.333.3033 • www.KidsTeeth4LI.com LongIslandParent
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NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions
Contents
August 2017 ››
48
Features
12 Battling Burnout How me time benefits your physical and mental health, as well as your relationships 16 Easy Home Organization Hacks for Families One mom offers tips for taming the mess and getting your home in order.
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20 Hang, Store—or Toss? Ideas for organizing and displaying kids’ artwork 22 DIY Your Home Three projects to make your decor uniquely you, plus an easy way to clean crayon and pencil marks off your walls 40 From Extracurricular to Extra Cash How to turn your kids’ after-school passion into a college scholarship 46 Bring Shake Shack to Your Kitchen Rather than wait on line for what feels like hours, you can make the NYC chain’s customer favorites at home.
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48 The Dangers of Dry & Secondary Drowning What to watch out for even after children leave the pool
Connections
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6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Quotables 11 NYMP Q&A: Lyss Stern, founder of Divalysscious Moms, talks reclaiming your identity after giving birth. 54 Voices: What Potty Training Taught Me
Fun & Activities
Family Activities CALENDAR ››
27 Family Activities Calendar 38 Where-To Guide: Pick Your Own Berries
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Directories 49 50 52 53
Professional Services Meet the Health Care Professional Party Central Advertisers’ Index
ON THE COVER ›› Organize Your Home: 16 8 Hacks for Taming the Mess 20 What to Do With Kids’ Artwork 12 Reasons to Relax 40 How to Turn After-School Activities Into College Scholarships facebook.com/nymetroparents
@NYMetroParents
Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!
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AUGUST 2017 • Vol.9 • No.3
NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com
EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling
EDITOR’S NOTE
DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf
Hack Your Home Organization
P
erhaps you’re one of those people whose home seems immaculate and clutterfree every moment of every day, even as the kids run around being, well, kids. I, most decidedly, am not. Despite our efforts to keep some semblance of order and to teach our kids to clean up after themselves and put stuff away when they’re done with it, our house seems consistently overrun with toys large and small, notes home from camp or school, books strewn about, and of course, artwork everywhere. If your house is anything like mine, read on as we bring you our first-ever Home Issue. In these pages, find easy-to-do hacks for home organization (p. 16), tips for what to do with all that kids’ artwork (p. 20), and DIY projects to make your home feel more uniquely your own (p. 22). I’ve always found late August to be a good time for home projects. Summer is winding down, and my mind is on my kids’ school year ahead—a time to take stock, literally and figuratively, and get organized. It’s also a time for figuring out the kids’ after-school activities and classes. In recent years, mine have participated in a mix of gymnastics, drama, academic enrichment, and chess programs. For younger kids like mine, these are fun activities that build skills and character. For older kids, though, they can be even more rewarding and lucrative, even life-changing, as high school seniors seek scholarships to help with college costs. If your August to-do list includes gearing up for college applications—and figuring out how to pay for it all—check out Samantha Neudorf ’s report on how to turn your child’s extracurricular activities into scholarship money (p. 40). In the meantime, though, there’s plenty of time left to enjoy summer—safely, of course. I love swimming with my kids, but I must admit to feeling a bit of relief when it’s time to pack up and head home; there are so many potential dangers at the pool that I sometimes find it hard to relax. Recent headlines have reminded me, however, that the danger is not over just because a child is no longer in the water. Dry drowning and secondary drowning (related but different syndromes) happen in the hours or even days after a child has gulped water accidentally, and they can potentially be fatal. Learn more about these conditions, including how to prevent them, recognize the signs, and react if you suspect your child has them (p. 48). For fun beyond the pool, find the best activities in the region with our calendar (p. 27). And finally, don’t forget to take time for yourself. Katelin Walling explores the importance of me time to your health and well-being (p. 12)—so if you need an excuse to take a run or relax in a coffeeshop, now you have it!
REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Emma Steven (Manhattan); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERNS: Jamie Bonchick, Julia Hyman, Amanda Marrone To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents
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Patients will always see Dr. Elbaz to ensure consistency and build trust.
Dr. Rania Elbaz, DDS Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Columbia Dental School Graduate
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Conveniently Located less than a mile south of the Southern State Parkway
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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS
nymetroparents.com/np-np
Who: Curvebreakers Test Prep What’s New: Subject matter tutoring for students in sixth through ninth grades at the Mineola and Great Neck locations, which started in May. Curvebreakers Test Prep expanded its offerings as it found helping younger students improve class performance to be rewarding. Curvebreakers Test Prep also offers an intensive, individualized standardized test prep program for the SAT, ACT, PSAT, and more, first analyzing student performance through diagnostic testing and a free consultation. “No part of our program is cookie-cutter, just like no two students are the same; no two programs are the same,” says owner Nicholas LaPoma, Esq. Want More Info: 80 E. Old Country Road, Mineola and 3 Grace Ave., Great Neck; 516-728-1561; info@curvebreakerstestprep.com; curvebreakerstestprep.com
Courtesy Curvebreakers Test Prep
Curvebreakers Test Prep Expands Services
Nicholas LaPoma, Esq., is the owner, CEO, and master of test preparation for Curvebreakers Test Prep.
Day Care and Special Education Center Expands Offerings Who: Alternatives For Children What’s New: Head Start, Early Head Start, and Department of Social Services subsidized care (for qualifying families), plus a sensory integration room became available at the Dix Hills location in fall 2016. The sensory integration room, used by occupational therapists and other staff, can help calm or stimulate a child through each of their senses via specialized lighting, aromatherapy, sounds, and more. “This space allows us to use any of the various machines to modify or control certain behaviors, which can result in improved attention, motor functioning, and communication,” says parent engagement coordinator Therese Blanton. Want More Info: 600 S. Service Road, Dix Hills; 631-271-0777; alternativesforchildren.org
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August 2017 | nymetroparents.com
The new aquatics program at YMCA of Long Island is focused on safety, swim basics, and drowning prevention.
Courtesy Alternatives For Children
Who: YMCA of Long Island What’s New: A swim lessons program with an emphasis on safety, swim basics, and drowning prevention, which is scheduled to start Sept. 10 at all six locations. The lessons, for children and adults, will focus on different swim stages, such as swim starters, swim basics, and swim strokes. Lessons will cover safety skills, endurance, and stroke development. “A big key in our new program is safety and being able to be water conscious and have the basic swimming skills,” says Tracie Busch, aquatics director at the Patchogue Family YMCA. Registration begins Aug. 20. Want More Info: See website for locations; 855-2YMCALI (296-2254); ymcali.org
Courtesy YMCA of Long Island
YMCA of Long Island Launches New Swim Program
At Alternatives For Children in Dix Hills, the sensory integration room is used to help children with sensory issues.
Celebrate o
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UOTABLES Be easy on yourself postpartum. Ask for help. Call upon your village. Allow yourself to process all the feelings that come up. There is no rulebook. Practicing gratitude every day will help you keep things in perspective. My dear friend always says, “It’s like a hurricane in a teacup.” This phase feels like 1000 years when you are in it but I promise you it will pass. It gets easier. —Lindsey Bliss, in the “Honest Motherhood” series on theglow.com
in an instagram Saturdays. (Posted by @kaityvelez, aka Kaity Velez, co-founder of wellroundedny.com)
A SPECIAL MILESTONE
in an instagram When your friends force you on a ride.. what the heck #yolo Thanks @Lunaparknyc for hosting us (Posted by @mamidoesitall, aka Karen Angustia, who blogs at mamidoesitall.com)
“My son—he is exactly like me, we are kindred spirits and he drives me up the wall. We butt heads, we argue, we never see eye-to-eye which doesn’t make any sense because we are so damn alike. I guess you could say it literally does feel like we are two positive sides of a magnet trying to come to together yet repelling each other at the same time.” —Katie Smith, in a post entitled “It’s Not Easy When Your Child is Just Like You,” on mom.me
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“My son has autism and, at age 13, recently saw a movie in a theater for the first time. It is not something I thought would work for him—until now.” —Manhattan mom Dana Greenberg in an article entitled “Taking a Child with Autism to the Movies: 5 Tips From a Mom Who’s Been There.” Read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/autism-movies.
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. SUMMER FUN: See 100 things to do in NYC this summer at nymetroparents.com/summer-fun. KEEP ‘EM SAFE: Learn tips for keeping kids safe at amusement parks at nymetroparents.com/park-safety.
NYMP Q&A
Motherhood is Fabulyss ›› By Bethany Braun-Silva
Lyss Stern is the founder of Divalysscious Moms, a networking company for moms in New York City. Stern recently wrote the book Motherhood is a B#tch! 10 Steps to Regaining Your Sanity, Sexiness, and Inner Diva. Why do you think it’s so important for moms to reclaim their identity after giving birth? Being a mom is wonderful but that’s only part of what defines me. Motherhood should be added onto everything else a woman was before she became a mom. Of course, if you want to take a pause from work and you want to change careers or be a stay-at-home mom that’s 100-percent great with whatever you choose to do, but at the end of the day, moms, especially new moms, shouldn’t lose sight of who they were before they had a kid. So what are some things moms can do to get their mojo back? If you can get an hour of exercise a day or an hour to yourself a day, that’s ideal. Everyone can carve out five to 10 minutes a day whether it is going to your local coffee shop and having a cup of coffee with a girlfriend or locking yourself in the bathroom for 10 minutes and reading a magazine. For me, I take a bubble bath and I light some candles; that is my time. Go sit quietly for 10 minutes and meditate. Go for a long walk in the park, whatever it may be, do something just for you, and it doesn’t have to cost any money. Just hit the pause button, just take a moment to breathe, and you will start to feel a little bit better every time you do that because we take on so much. It’s great how you take ownership of the word b#tch. Can you tell our readers what being a b#tch means to you? In the book, we spell it out for you. “B” stands for, be the person you want to be. “I,” identify with that. “T,” take time out for yourself. “C,” care for yourself. “H,” ask for the help. We spell the word b#tch for you by giving you ways to make yourself stronger: to empower yourself to be the best you can be, to learn to say the word “no,” to practice self-care, to ask for help. I talk about it in the book, but when I first started off 13 years ago, I thought I was Wonder Woman. I had black hair and blue eyes, and I thought I could have it all. I could have the career and have these kids and do it all by myself. But here I am, 13 years later, and it was a wakeup call for me because I can’t do this all by myself. I want to ask for help, I want to delegate, I want to take time for myself, I want to be the woman I visualize myself as. And I think that if all moms took a moment to realize this, we will be much better off. LongIslandParent 11
FOCUS ON: ME TIME
Battling Burnout
››
Why spending 15-20 minutes every day doing something for yourself will benefit your physical and emotional health, as well as your relationships with your partner and children By Katelin Walling
Y
our kids left their shoes in the middle of the entryway, and your first reaction is to lose your cool and yell at them. You’re pulling away from your partner because you feel like he isn’t doing his fair share of household chores. Your mental, physical, and emotional health is crumbling because you consistently feel stressed out. If any of these scenarios sound familiar to you but you’re not sure why you’re feeling this way, I have two words for you: caregiver burnout. Yes, it’s a very real thing. And the antidote to caregiver burnout? Me time. “The way I like to put it often is, if you don’t put on your oxygen mask first, you can’t really help anyone around you. So to some degree women often do feel responsible and even guilty and push themselves to be there for everybody else in their lives,” says Gail Saltz, M.D., a Manhattan-based psychiatrist and author of The Power of Different. And to do so with maximal effort and without staying attuned to their own emotional or physical needs, they can become very depleted and unable to care for themselves and for others, she says.
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Health Benefits of Me Time
“Me time is recovery time, it’s recoup time, it’s regeneration time,” says Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., author of Better Than Perfect: 7 Strategies to Crush Your Inner Critic and Create a Life You Love. “When you continually do something—even if it’s something you enjoy doing—if you keep doing it and pushing yourself without ever taking a step back, that’s like training for a marathon and running 100 miles a day. You can’t do that. Your body can’t handle it,” she says. So how, exactly, does me time positively affect physical and mental health? Overall, it relieves stress, which can: Boost the immune system. Based on research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology (the study of the effect of the mind on health and resistance to disease), when we are stressed out, we’re more likely to get sick because our immune system doesn’t function as well, according to Dr. Lombardo.
Help prevent and relieve chronic pain. Constant stress is also likely to cause aches and pains, Dr. Lombardo says. When she first started her private practice in psychology (she also has a background in physical therapy), Dr. Lombardo worked exclusively with those who had chronic pain known as medically unexplained pain. “The majority of those people had something in common, which was they took care of a whole lot of other people and did not have a lot of me time. They didn’t allow their bodies to rest and recoup, and they pushed it to the limit until their bodies finally said, if you’re not going to listen to me, I’m going to make you listen to me, and they developed chronic problems,” she says. Lead to better overall health. Moms who don’t take any time for themselves tend to forgo exercise and may skip doctors visits. “Physically you don’t have cardiovascular health and all that goes with it, you don’t go to the doctor and do preventative health care, you don’t go to the doctor and catch things in early stages that maybe can be dealt with as opposed to waiting,” Dr. Saltz says. Prevent negative thinking. “When we are at heightened levels of stress without coming down, it affects our ability to think and we tend to use cognitive distortion. We tend to think in more negative ways,” Dr. Lombardo says. “We personalize that our kid doesn’t pick up their shoes and get more upset about it than we need to.” Cause more positive emotions and prevent unhealthy habits. “I think for moms the biggest issue becomes depression or anxiety related to feeling that they have not done anything to meet their own emotional needs,” Dr. Saltz says. When we experience negative emotions, Dr. Lombardo says, we tend to turn to alcohol, retail therapy, and what she likes to call Ben & Jerry’s therapy to squelch those feelings. Lead to a better night’s sleep. Constant stress can lead to trouble sleeping, which affects mental and physical health, Dr. Lombardo says. “I don’t know about you, but when I don’t get enough sleep, I can’t think straight and I’m frankly not a very nice person, and that can affect our mental health,” she says.
Your Me Time Benefits Everyone in Your Life
Burning out affects more than just physical and mental health; it affects relationship health, too. “When we have that time to ourselves, we can be close to our true self, and that true self is the person who has less stress, is compassionate and loving,” Dr. Lombardo says. “When you are your true self, you are a lot more fun to be with, you are a lot more forgiving.” Mia Redrick, The Mom Strategist™ and author of Time for Mom-Me: 5 Essential Strategies for a Mother’s Self-Care and Time for Mom-Me: 365 Daily Strategies for a Mother’s Self-Care, adds that when you spend time “dating yourself” (something her mother made her promise to do every week as a mom), you become clear about what’s good for you—what you really want and need in life—and truly knowing yourself adds value to yourself. “I think that one of the greatest assets is being a parent that has added value to herself and therefore you can add value to that parent-child relationship. Imagine that because you are connected to who you are, your kids now know the things that make you happy and fulfilled,” Redrick says. Another thing to consider is children constantly observe their parents. “If you think about how you want your children to be
when they become parents, my guess is we all want our kids to be healthy, well-rounded parents. …So it’s really modeling positive behavior for them to be able to see that Mom gets time for herself,” Dr. Lombardo says. “And that’s a good thing.” Plus, not taking me time is unhealthy for the parent-child relationship “in terms of being so enmeshed with your child and promoting the idea that your child can’t be okay without you,” according to Dr. Saltz. “You want a child to be able to separate and feel that they can be independent and they’re okay.” As for how me time benefits relationships between partners? For moms who don’t have me time, “their primary relationship may start to decline, their sexual relationship may start to decline. Particularly, moms can become so focused on children that spouses can feel like, hey, there’s nothing going on between us—anything from strain to feeling disconnected and feeling like, [she’s] not in love with me anymore, or even feeling like, [I’m] not in love with [her] anymore. So time must be taken to maintain a healthy primary relationship,” Dr. Saltz says. Dr. Lombardo shares a story about one of her clients. He and his wife were having issues, and they had young children. For their anniversary, he got a hotel room for one night and had her stay there alone. “Honestly it’s the best thing he could have done for their marriage,” Dr. Lombardo says. “To realize that he understood she just needed some time to herself, and he was not only okay with it, he made sure it happened. I’m not saying it saved their marriage, but it did a lot.”
“Finding” Time for Me Time
“Before we even talk about finding time, we have to talk about giving yourself permission,” Dr. Lombardo says. “Because here’s the thing: We all have the same amount of time, we all know that. So if something is so important to you, you’re going to do it. No one says, I haven’t brushed my teeth all month because I just couldn’t find the time. So the first thing is to realize why it’s important to you personally, but also to your kids.” Once you’ve given yourself permission to take me time—and we’re only talking 15-20 minutes a day—a good next step is to figure out the best time, Dr. Saltz says. Is it when your partner is home to care for your young child, or if you want to do something with your spouse, can a grandparent or babysitter care for your child? For Redrick, finding that time comes from implementing three techniques: Mirroring: When you’re doing something for yourself, have your kids do that same thing for themselves. For instance, tell your kids, Mommy is going to read a book to herself for two minutes, and you’re going to read a book to yourself for two minutes. “I did this with my kids when they were very young. As they got older, the time grew, but as a result of that, I could always read for myself, by myself every single day,” Redrick says. Blending: When Redrick does something for her kids, she looks for an opportunity to do something for herself during that time. “I do something for myself every day because it’s tied to me doing something for my kids. For example if I push them on the swing, I do a squat for myself. If I sign them up for an activity, I can write my book while they’re in their class or practice. I always look for opportunities to do things for me and advance me while I’m doing things for them and advancing them.” continued on next page ››
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DIPP: Delegate household chores or tasks to family members to create more time for yourself, even something as simple as “having the kids do the dishes so you can read a book,” Redrick says. Incorporate others in your space. “Maybe, if you’ve got young children, you have a mother’s helper—a 13- to 15-year-old that comes over to your house so that you can make some calls if you’re trying to start a business while she reads to your kids for an hour, or something like that. Maybe its grandparents who ritualistically commit to coming over to get the kids so you can take a bath alone without the kids knocking on the door,” she says. Plan time for yourself. It’s impossible to make time for you if you don’t plan it. You don’t get the support you need if you don’t plan it. Purge your calendar and get rid of activities that no longer add value to your life. “I think so many moms are really good at addition and not great at subtraction. We just add and add and add. And then you try to figure out why you’re feeling overwhelmed, why there’s no room for me time—it’s because we’re connected to so many things,” Redrick says.
Suggestions for Me Time
Now that you know why taking me time is important and how you can find the time, the next step is to figure out what you want to do during your alone time. “Once you identify [what you want to do], figure out how can you do it. So if someone says to me, oh, I just want to go to the beach and get away for five days. Okay, maybe you can’t do that, but maybe you can do part of that. So if you live near a beach, you can go for a walk down there. If it’s just sitting in the warmth, maybe it’s taking 20 minutes [to sit] in a hot tub or getting in the warm bath. So just looking at what do you want to do and looking at ways to do it,” Dr. Lombardo says. If you’re stumped and need an idea to kick-start your me time, try: Indulging in self-care. Take a nap, meditate, or do guided visualization “where you can kind of go on a mental vacation,” Dr. Lombardo says (you can find free guided visualization videos on YouTube). Or splurge a little and get a massage or a mani/pedi. Doing something small and inexpensive. “A lot of people think me time has to be expensive. It doesn’t have to be,” Redrick says. “I initially would just go to a coffee shop and enjoy a cup of coffee and read a book to myself, or I would go to the bookstore and spend some time alone, or I would go to a park with a picnic blanket and snack that I like and I could spend some time just to hear myself think.” Reading a book or magazine. “I had one client who was talking about how she had a stack of magazines that built up over three years. She had three kids and she had the magazines, but hadn’t read any of them,” Dr. Lombardo says. “And just the thought of sitting down with her feet up without anyone asking her for anything for 10 minutes was all she wanted, and that’s so easy to do.” Signing up for a class or activity. Just because you say you’ll take me time, it doesn’t mean you’ll always commit to yourself and actually take it—something inevitably will come up. “If you find you’re one of those people and you have all the support in the world, then what you do is you commit in advance with an activity,” Redrick says, “So I would book a concert series six weeks out, and I knew I would go because I paid in advance, or a cooking
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class, or a yoga class, or Zumba. Commit with your dollars to a class that has a date and that will get you out of the house.” Engaging your creative side. Whether it’s music, journaling, painting, knitting, writing, or drawing, your creative talents can be utilized during me time. Dr. Lombardo has a client who, when they were talking about musical instruments, said she used to play the guitar and wished she had never stopped. When Dr. Lombardo asked why she didn’t play now, “she looked at me like I was crazy and said, ‘I don’t have any time!’ And I said, ‘What if you took 15 minutes once a week to play the guitar. What would that be like for you?’ And she just became dreamy, just that thought to her was so wonderful,” Dr. Lombardo says. Going to the gym or for a walk. “I think exercise is a biggie because it really helps with mood, it helps with mental health and physical health. So that’s an important thing to try to be doing,” Dr. Saltz says. “But if you don’t find exercise to be pleasurable, then it is important to have times when you’re picking something that you do enjoy.”
Overcoming the Mom Guilt
While the idea of taking me time is well and good, what about that ever-lingering feeling of mom guilt and the fear of being on the receiving end of mom shaming? “When people are concerned about being judged by other people, what they really are is judging themselves. Because if you aren’t judging yourself, if you are one hundred-percent fine with it, then another mother could say some comment or remark like, oh, it must be nice to be able to do that, and it doesn’t hurt,” Dr. Lombardo says. Moms feel guilty about spending time alone because they have a perfectionistic expectation of themselves and they shouldn’t need me time, according to Dr. Lombardo. “In psychology we talk about should-ing all over yourself. I shouldn’t do this. I shouldn’t do that. That’s ridiculous, and it’s so harmful psychologically, it’s so harmful physically, it’s so harmful socially,” she adds. “We are such an all-or-nothing society—you’re either selfish or selfless, but there’s a lot in between. So realizing that it’s not being selfish, it’s practicing good self-care. You can’t consistently be a great mom if you’re so overwhelmed you’re not taking time for yourself. We have needs like rest, we have needs like having fun…and we really need to take care of those needs. You can take care of yourself and that doesn’t make you selfish. It makes you human.” On the other hand, “if you’re so overwhelmed with guilt that you can’t take 15 minutes to go take a bath or to read a book, I would be concerned that either you have separation anxiety from your child, or your child is having something going on that makes it feel like you can’t leave. Maybe they have an issue that needs attending to or you have an issue going on that needs attending to,” Dr. Saltz says. “It should be okay to take 15 minutes to do something relaxing or engaging that doesn’t include your child.” And if that mom guilt does start to creep in when you’re doing something for yourself, just remember: “We’re human. Everyone needs time for themselves, it’s just part of they way we’re made up,” Dr. Lombardo says. “Remind yourself, I’m being a really good mom by taking this time for myself because I can be much more engaged with my children. I can be more present.” This is the first in a two-part series on me time. Next month: Why downtime is important for kids—and how to balance it with their busy after-school activities schedules.
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LongIslandParent 15
A pill organizer makes for great hair tie storage.
Use food containers to store craft supplies.
Easy Home Organization Hacks for Families
Recycle shoeboxes to organize messy drawers.
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Clutter is a fact of life for most parents. One mom offers tips for taming the mess and getting your home in order.
Hack #1: Baskets
By Jennifer Garry
Let’s be honest: When you have kids, you accumulate an abundance of stuff. From products to soothe and comfort them as babies to itty bitty figures and the countless toy houses that go with them when they’re a little older, it can get really tough to tackle clutter. While I can be the queen of messes, sometimes I go on epic decluttering sprees that leave me feeling much more sane and in charge of my surroundings—even if neither of those things is actually true. In the spirit of helping a mother out and making you feel more sane and in charge, I’m sharing eight super-simple organization tricks that my sister and I swear by.
In my house, there are baskets everywhere. We have shelves filled with them. They’re in our cabinets and under side tables. They’re next to my girls’ desks and all over our basement. The reason? They offer an incredibly easy way to contain similar items and hide things that look messy. Toys are sorted into different categories and the baskets are put onto our shelves. Things my daughters need to put away are in baskets next to their desks. Smaller baskets hold like food items to make it easier to grab and go. And I love the look of nice, cozy blankets stored in a basket instead of haphazardly strewn over chairs. Baskets can also be a great way to store puzzles and card games, which brings me to our next hack…
Hack #2: Storing Board Games I won’t lie to you—our board game situation was the bane of my existence for a while. I cringed any time one of the girls asked to play a game because I knew that getting a board game out was going to require some serious Tetris skills and would more likely than not end with me getting hit in the head with flying game pieces. That is until I made the (brilliant) decision to store all of our board games sideways instead of lying them flat and on top of one another. This way, when someone wants to play a game, all you have to do is slide it out of its slot. There’s no delicate balancing act or cursing or crawling on the floor looking for tiny pieces. Pro tip: You might want to secure boxes with a rubber band if you store them this way to make sure the tops don’t slide off. 16
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Hack #4: Food Containers for Craft Supplies Like dress up, craft supplies are another area that gets unruly really quickly. For one, I’m kind of a craft supply hoarder. Aside from typical things such as crayons, markers, and glue, I keep an assortment of things that may otherwise have found their way into the garbage. I love seeing what creative ways my daughters find to use things such as bottle caps or a pair of jeans that got too tattered to wear anymore. (The jeans were turned into a pretty cool throw pillow by my tween.) The problem? With so many random things on hand, it can be difficult to corral them and then store everything neatly—until my repurposed craft supplies inspired me to repurpose containers to hold them in. Now I clean and save takeout containers or any other plastic containers our food comes in (hummus containers, for instance, are a great size for holding tiny beads) and store craft supplies in those. Not only is it cheap and eco-friendly, but it keeps things contained and makes it easier to stack them inside our craft closet.
Hack #5: Pill Organizer for Hair Ties Hack #3: Kids Dress Up Outfits I don’t know about you, but I’m a saver. If I think my kids will get use out of it, it stays. That means we have a ragtag collection of old Halloween costumes, party props, and dress up clothes exploding all over the place. While I’ve yet to tackle our mess, I absolutely love how my sister organized my niece’s dress up. With nothing more than a hanging rod and a shelf, not only does her dress up look nice, but it’s organized in a way that’s manageable for my niece and makes choosing things much less overwhelming than digging through an enormous mound (which is our current situation). The baskets up top keep all of the loose accessories together and out of view.
Another kids organization problem always making me crazy is hair ties—especially the teensy, tiny hair ties required for babies’ fine hair and for securing small braids and ponytails. They’re so small they’re hard to keep track of to begin with. Add in varying sizes and kids who get very specific about what color is allowed to grace their head each day and you have yourself a situation that can easily suck up more of your precious morning time than you’d like. Pill organizers have completely changed that for me. The small compartments are the perfect size for sorting hair ties of different colors, sizes, and materials. It makes it easier to find what you’re looking for and helps limit choices if your daughter has to pick them out herself. It’s essential to note that, obviously, this is not a great idea if you regularly use pill organizers for actual medicine. I wouldn’t want my daughter feeling comfortable sorting through one for hair ties if there were organizers elsewhere in the house containing medicine that she might find and feel free to explore.
Hack #6: Shoeboxes for Storage This one is similar to baskets, but it’s a free, ecofriendly version for spots that don’t need to look pretty. You can, however, make them pretty if you need to with a coat of paint or some scrapbook paper. My kids’ dressers always drive me crazy. They’re constantly digging and pulling things out of there so that it becomes impossible to find anything really quickly. To combat that, I’ve started using shoeboxes to keep smaller items together. I fill open shoeboxes with underwear, socks, tights, and bathing suits to make them easier to find. I can’t even tell you how much time this one little tip saves me. I also use shoeboxes for crayons, markers, colored pencils, and stickers. It’s so much easier than trying to keep them in the boxes they typically come in. My girls generally destroy those pretty quickly. continued on next page ››
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Hack #7: Toilet Paper Tubes for Cords I realize this one sounds a little insane at first, but hear me out. We had tangled messes of power cords and wires for all of our technological devices spread all over the house. My husband solved the tangling problem with Velcro strips, which at least helped tame them into little circles. But there was still the problem of having cords all over the house and constantly being unsure of where to find the particular one we needed. Enter toilet paper tube organization! Once the cords are wrapped into tight circles and secured with Velcro, they fit perfectly into toilet paper tubes—which fit nicely into shoeboxes. Now, we line up toilet paper tubes inside of a shoebox (which is so easy to tuck into cabinets and out of sight) and store a cord in each tube. Pro tip: Use washi tape to make labels for each of your cords to make finding them even easier.
Hack #8: Wine Crates for Storage Sometimes it’s nice to switch things up a bit. My sister scored a bunch of wine crates for free at a local liquor store. Like baskets and shoeboxes, they are a great way to contain things, but they add a different kind of visual feel. While baskets can almost melt into the background and go unnoticed, wine crates are a little unexpected and add a cool touch. They’re also nice and sturdy, which comes in handy if little people are going to be sorting through them. If you have any hacks for organizing your home that you swear by, I’d love to hear them. I’m all for anything that makes life easier Jennifer Garry is a freelance writer and Westchester mom. She writes the blog CuddlesandChaos.com.
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August 2017 | nymetroparents.com
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Haeley Giambalvo of Design Improvised
Hang, Store—or Toss? A simple kids’ art wall, using wire and clothespins
A child hangs her artwork in frames her parents have hung on the wall for this purpose.
Kids love to create, and create, and create some more. Here’s how to display and organize all that artwork—and when it’s okay to make it disappear. By Bethany Braun-Silva
L
et’s face it, there’s only so much room on the fridge, and hanging macaroni art or finger paintings on the living room wall might not be to your design taste. No judgment, it’s not mine either. So what do we do with the countless art projects our kids create in camp, in school, at after-school programs, at friends’ houses, and at home? Sure, we can toss some of it, but we naturally want to keep a lot of it, albeit without creating clutter. Luckily, there are some fun ways to display and store your kids’ artwork, all while getting them involved in the process, too.
Let Your Child Decide
Kids love to show off what they’ve learned and accomplished, and that’s why a DIY gallery wall is a great way to give them some ownership of their space and their artwork. Hang several empty frames of various shapes, sizes, and colors in your child’s room. Then give her some blue tacky or scotch 20
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tape and let her decide which of her masterpieces to display. The artwork can easily be swapped out, and older pieces can be moved to storage (or recycled!). If you don’t have a ton of wall space, leave it to Target to sell the perfect solution. The Loft by Umbra Kids Art Display & Storage frame allows you to store artwork right in the frame: Your child can pick a piece of artwork to display while storing several other pieces behind it, and she can switch it out when ever she feels like it. It’s a space-saving lifesaver! Another easy way for kids to display their own art is by hanging a wire and attaching some clothespins to it. Haeley Giambalvo, a DIY expert and founder of the blog designimprovised.com writes, “The art wall has become a rotating display in the playroom. It is right by their table so the girls can hang up something on their own once they are done.” It’s a simple and fun way to display kids’ art.
New Yorkers know apartment space is sacred, simply because we don’t have a lot it. And even in the ‘burbs, plenty of us find extra wall space is at a premium. We turned to Sharon Lowenheim, a certified personal organizer and founder of Organizing Goddess, to give us some advice on how to display our kids’ art when we don’t have a lot of room to do so. “First, you need to decide how much space you are willing to devote to storing your child’s art,” Lowenheim says. Once you decide if it’s a little or a lot, she suggests you “buy a portfolio or plastic bin of the appropriate size, and then make sure that you don’t exceed that space. This will require you to continually make decisions about what stays and what goes.”
Don’t Be Afraid to Throw It Away
Throwing away your child’s art is usually harder on the parents than it is on the kids—cue the mom guilt! But unless it’s a particularly special or important project, your child will probably not be all that attached to it. After all, they create so much! Talk with your child about recycling his art instead of throwing it away. This might make the conversation a little easier and also help to teach him about repurposing items and the process of recycling. “We always involved our daughter in making the decision about what would be displayed and what would go directly into the recycle bin. Small children are very passionate about recycling and will understand that what doesn’t get kept should be recycled,” Lowenheim says. “It’s important for your child to learn that not everything can be saved, and that decision-making about what to keep is important at every stage of life,” she adds. If throwing your kid’s art away just simply isn’t your style you always have the option of gifting it to friends or relatives. Sending several pieces to Grandma and Grandpa is a great way to free up space in your house, while at the same time deepening their relationship with their grandkids and reminding them just how important they are to your kids.
Turn to Tech
These days, there are tons of ways to store your kids’ art and schoolwork on the web. Apps like Keepy allow you to store, save, and even privately share your children’s artwork and schoolwork. All the photos you take of your child’s work is uploaded to the cloud, which is backed up on Keepy’s own server to ensure your stuff is always safe. Similarly, the app Art My Kid Made is like an Instagram for kids’ art. Parents take a photograph of the artwork, upload it, tag it, and share. You can also upload to other social networks through the app, and there is even an option to print.
Storage Ideas
After putting pieces on display for a certain period, it might be time to put them away to make room for newer pieces of artwork from the creation machines all children are. Here are some great ways to store your kids’ art:
they can be viewed at any time or put into a photo album that is easily accessible when you’re feeling nostalgic. Or, if you have a digital photo frame, you can display your child’s art on rotation. • Make your own storage binder using clear sheet protectors. Much like a photo album, you and your children can go through it together and see their progress through the years. For larger artwork and projects, Bonnie Dewkett of The Joyful Organizer suggests, “For three-dimensional pieces of art, the easiest thing to do is take a photo of your child with the piece; keep it [the project] for a little while, and then dispose of it. I usually suggest moving it to another area of the house, such as the garage, after a period of time. If it’s not missed, you can easily get rid of it.” Courtesy makelifelovely.com
Solutions for Small Spaces
A binder in which you can neatly store kids’ art.
As much as we want to honor our kids’ work by keeping and displaying it, it is also important for children to understand organization and tidiness, and how to know when to keep and when to throw away certain items. Letting your little Picasso curate her own bedroom gallery might have you well on your way to a more organized home.
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• S ouvenarte Books (souvenartebooks.com) will make a coffee table book of your child’s art. “It’s a great way to honor your child’s creations without having to save them all,” Lowenheim says. • S nap a photo. Even without a dedicated app, photos of kids’ art can be uploaded to the family computer, where LongIslandParent 21
DIY CORNER
DIY Your Home
Make your decor uniquely you with these projects from “Make It Yours,” “Rag Rugs, Pillows, & More,” and “Sunshine Spaces.” Plus, an easy way to clean crayon and pencil marks off your walls. Time: 1 hour Difficulty: • Learn: How to decoupage wood surfaces Remix: Use this decoupage technique for keepsake wooden boxes or recipe boxes Materials Wood panel, 18-by-24-inch with 2-inch cradle 400-grit sandpaper (optional) Rag Rubbing alcohol (optional) Base coat paint (optional) Foam brush, 4-inch (10cm) Laser printer
Message Board
As an anti-list maker and avid forgetter-of-all-things, I’ve had to change my ways now that I’ve got a toddler in tow. I wanted a message board that looked good whether it’s blank or packed with messages, so I worked up this project. These wood panels are available in many sizes in art stores and their depth allows you to rest a chalk marker on the top for writing. Remember that you must use photocopies from a laser printer. (An inkjet print will bleed when it hits the liquid Mod Podge.) You can just bring the book to the copy shop or lay the template directly on the copy glass. Because you don’t glue the graphics down until later, you can move them around until you get the composition you want.
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Graphics (visit nymetroparents. com/message-board to download) White paper (standard weight, not cardstock) Scissors Scrap paper Mod Podge Chalk marker
Directions 1. Prep the wood panel if it is rough by sanding with 400-grit sandpaper. Cleaning off wood with a wet cloth will raise the grain. Best to use a soft rag that is either dry or moistened with rubbing alcohol that evaporates quickly. Prime and paint the panel a solid color if you like, using a large foam brush. 2. Apply a coat of Mod Podge to the surface and sides of the wood panel with a foam brush and allow it to dry. 3. Photocopy the graphics provided or design your own. Use a laser printer to print the images on white paper and then cut out the graphics with scissors. 4. Position graphics in place to create a composition. I chose to space the graphics at least 2 inches inside the perimeter of the panel and then space them evenly from one another, but you could bunch them together as well. My composition means I will be writing my list over the graphics, but I chose this design so the board would still look interesting when there was no writing on it at all. 5. Place one of the graphics facedown on scrap paper and use foam brush to coat it with Mod Podge. Then quickly place graphic back in position. Use foam brush to coat the front of the graphic with Mod Podge, stroking from center to edges. This will adhere the graphic and ensure a smooth surface. 6. Repeat step 5 until all the graphics are adhered in position. 7. Paint several coats of Mod Podge over the entire surface and set it aside to dry for at least 24 hours. 8. Use a chalk marker to write your messages and wipe them off with a damp cloth when needed.
Reprinted from Yellow Owl Workshop’s Make It Yours. Copyright © 2017 by Christine Schmidt. Photographs copyright © 2017 by Aubrie Pick. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC.
Hiding Space
How much do kids love a hiding space? For that matter, how much do adults love one, too? I love it when my kids create their own spaces to hide in, but I don’t love the mess left afterwards. I feel like I’m folding up sheets and putting away cushions for days. This is a hiding spot you can make that is somewhat more permanent, and can be quickly collapsed and put away for another day. It can also be moved outdoors and lined with blankets and a few cushions, to provide a comfy, shaded reading / napping / tea-party spot for both kids and adults alike. You Will Need: Scrap paper 4 10-foot lengths of white fabric, about 4 feet wide (I used varying weights but all lightweight fabrics, such as gauze or poplin) Acrylic paints: grey, mustard, pale pink, navy (or use fabric paints if you have them) Wide paintbrushes
Scissors Pins Sewing machine and thread Retractable knife 20 feet of ¾-inch wide flexible cream-colored irrigation tubing 3 irrigation tubing joiners Tape measure and pencil 26 feet of 1/8-inch rope or cord, cut into four equal lengths
Directions: 1. Cover the work area with some scrap paper, then place your first length of fabric on top. Have all your paints ready. 2. Using a wide paintbrush, paint large waves and swirls on the fabric. If you don’t have enough space to lay the whole fabric length on the table, paint sections and then, when it’s dry, move the fabric along to the next blank spot. 3. Use a variety of shapes and colors, keeping the pattern fairly simple. Repeat the process with the remaining three lengths of fabric.
4. When the painted fabric lengths are completely dry, cut them in half lengthways so you end up with eight pieces, 10 feet long and 2 feet wide. At the top of each piece, fold over 2 inches of fabric to create a loop for the tubing. Pin and sew. If you like, hem the bottom of each length (I didn’t, but I’m lazy). 5. Cut the irrigation tubes into one 3-foot, 3-inch, one 6-foot, 8-inch, and one 9-foot, 10-inch lengths. Join the ends of the 6-foot, 8-inch length together with tubing joiners to form a hoop. Repeat for the 9-foot, 10-inch length. 6. Feed the 3-foot, 3-inch length of tube through the loops at the top of each fabric length, ensuring the painted side of the fabric is facing outwards. Fasten with a joiner. 7. Place the hoops in order of size, starting with the smallest in the center (the smallest hoop will have all the fabric attached). Using a tape measure, measure and mark eight equally distanced spaces around the hoops: 3-foot, 3-inch hoop = 5 inches; 6-foot, 6-inch hoop = 10 inches; 9-foot, 10-inch hoop = 15 inches. 8. Align the ends of the four lengths of rope, then fold them in half and tie in a knot at the folded end, leaving loops at the top for hanging. Tie the eight ends of rope at the marked spaces on the hoops, starting at the top hoop and moving down to the next marked line on the next hoop, so the rope stays in line. Leave 8 inches of rope between the top knot and the smallest hoop, 10 inches between the small and medium hoop, and 12 inches between the medium and largest hoop. Trim any excess rope. Hang from the nearest shady spot using a lasso knot.
Excerpted with permission from Sunshine Spaces by Beci Orpin, published by Hardie Grant Books April 2017, RRP $24.99.
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Braided Rug
Braided rag rugs have been popping up all over social media recently as a fun way to upcycle old T-shirts into something both beautiful and useful. One of the greatest draws is that you don’t need much specialist equipment. In fact, you probably have everything you need at home already! As long as you choose colors you love then it is very difficult to go wrong with the design and the only slightly tricky part is the sewing together of the braid. My main advice if you decide to give this project a go, is to take your time when sewing everything together to make sure that the rug lies perfectly flat in the end. Materials Assorted fabrics (I used 14 T-shirts to make a rug 45-by33½ inches) Fabric scissors Bag clip or clothespin/peg
Ruler or tape measure Pins Needle and thread (I used button or extra-strong thread) Color Palette: Assorted colors
Tip: I like to use at least four “neutral” colors (here I’ve used two whites, light and dark gray, and navy) to ground the color scheme. I mainly use solid colors (as opposed to patterned T-shirts) to create a bold palette. Before turning your T-shirts into fabric yarn, place them next to each other to make sure the colors complement each other. If any of the fabrics look out of place, choose a different color to replace them.
Directions 1. Choose 14 plain T-shirts in various colors for your rug. Turn all the T-shirts into balls of fabric yarn (visit nymetroparents.com/ braided-rug for a step-by-step guide). 2. Choose the three colors you would like at the center of your rug. I recommend choosing at least one “neutral” color to start with. Tie the ends of the three yarns together to form a knot. Weigh down the knot with something heavy to make the braiding easier.
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Tip: Before braiding, think through how you would like your rug to look. Braiding similar shades together creates a bold color band in the rug, while mixing different colors together creates a “speckled” look. Do not overanalyze your design—if you are happy with the colors you’ve chosen, then it is hard to go wrong. The colors naturally blend together as one braided color ends and the next yarn is added in. 3. Braid the three yarns together, making sure to keep the braid fairly loose. Secure the braid as you go using a clip or clothespin/peg. As you braid, try to tuck in any seams so that they are on the underside of the braid—the tidier you can keep the top of the braid, the neater your rug will look. During braiding, the fabric strands will get tangled in a counter-braid further down the yarn, so untangle them from time to time. Wind the braid into a ball as you go. 4. When your first ball of yarn is coming to an end, attach the next ball. If you are unsure which color to choose next, unwind the ball of braid and lay it out on the floor in a loose coil to see how the rug is shaping up. Keep braiding until you are happy with the size of the rug, then cut the yarns and tie the end of the braid in a knot. 5. Carefully wind the braid into a large ball. The end of the braid that you would like on the outside of your rug should be at the center of the ball. Before you start assembling the rug: The hardest part of this project is achieving a rag rug that lies perfectly flat. When sewing your braid together, make sure you leave enough excess braid around any curves in the rug. This will prevent your rug from curling up like a bowl. 6. Place the beginning of the braid upside down (you will be sewing on the slightly messier side) and measure 22 inches from the end of the braid. Bend the braid back on itself (all the time keeping the braid facing downward) and pin the bend in the braid together to make sewing easier. 7. Starting at the bend in the braid, sew the two inner edges of the braid together tightly so that the stitches are not visible from the neat side of the braid (fortunately it doesn’t matter what it looks like from the back!). When you reach the knotted end of the braid, cut off the knot and sew the loose edge on top of the bend in the braid (still on the underside) to secure it in place. 8. Continue sewing the braid together in a clockwise direction. It is extremely important that you feed the braid loosely around the corners (so that there is excess braid around any curves) or the rug will curl up. It helps to lay your rug on the floor every now and then to make sure that it is lying flat. 9. Continue sewing your braid in a clockwise direction until you are happy with the size of the rug. It is best to attach the end of your braid to the curved corner of the rug rather than a long, straight edge so that it blends in. Trim the end of the braid and overlap it with the braid inside. Sew it on top to secure the rug. Tip: If you find that your finished rug does not lie flat, stretching the rug out and attaching nonslip backing may fix the problem. Otherwise, lightly dampening the rug, then steaming it flat with an iron can help.
Images and text excerpted from Rag Rugs, Pillows, & More by Elspeth Jackson ($19.95) with permission of CICO Books. Photographs by Emma Mitchell.
HOW TO REMOVE CRAYON AND PENCIL MARKS FROM WALLS If you have little ones running around your house, it is a sure bet that one day you will be dealing with a crayoned or penciled masterpiece on a wall! Rest assured, there is a super-simple solution that will have you wiping it right off. Yield: Varies Ingredients: Lemon essential oil Directions: On a damp cloth or sponge, add a few drops of lemon essential oil. Gently rub the crayon or pencil marks until they disappear. That’s it! Easy, right? Did you know... Lemon oil can help in conquering allergies. Lemon oil can also be used as a safe and natural furniture polish. Diffused lemon oil can help purify the air that you breathe every day.
C on t u s to a c t v a c l a i s it s s!
Discover the joy of making music together with your family! Excerpted from Natural Solutions for Cleaning & Wellness by Halle Cottis with permission of publisher. Cover and book design by Page Street Publishing Co.
Find a location near you in Long Island or Queens: www.MusicTogetherLI-Queens.com
LongIslandParent 25
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AUGUST
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EDITOR: DEE SAUNDERS nassaucal@davlermedia.com
CALENDAR
28
Editor’s Hot Tickets
33
Mini Musicians
29
We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!
34
30
Fun Fairs & Festivals, Smarty Pants
Show Time!, On Screen
35
Animal Lovers
31
Must-Sees in NYC
36
32
The Great Outdoors, Little Foodies
Movers & Shakers, Crafty Kids
8
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!
1
Beech Tree Concerts
WHEN: Through Aug. 6: Sundays, 3pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Bring a chair or blanket and relax under the cool shade of the West Porch Beech Tree listening to a variety of musical genres performed by artist-in-residence Suzanne Mueller and friends. WHY WE LOVE IT: We can sit back and relax to soothing sounds. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors; free for children 17 and younger. 516333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.
Asian Youth Orchestra with Sarah Chang
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 13, 7pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Since her debut with the New York Philharmonic at the age of 8, Sarah Chang has performed with the greatest orchestras, conductors, and accompanists internationally in a career spanning more than two decades. WHY WE LOVE IT: Chang is recognized as one of the world’s great violinists. WANT TO GO? $48. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.
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August 2017 | nymetroparents.com
3
‘Cinderella’
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 16, 10:30am and 1:30pm WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre at Elmont, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: All WHAT: This timeless classic touches the hearts of theatregoers young and old alike. WHY WE LOVE IT: Fairies and royalty intrigue us, but we mostly love happy endings. WANT TO GO? $13. 516-775-4420. broadhollow.org.
#FOLLOWME Dance Show
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 20, 7pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Presented By New York Community Bank, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: 9 and older WHAT: #FOLLOWME is an electrifying live dance show celebrating the hip-hop dance community, inspiring dancers to step into the spotlight. Get the incredible opportunity to see, dance, and interact with their YouTube dance idols. WHY WE LOVE IT: The show will offer fans the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dance alongside their favorite dance and social media stars. WANT TO GO? $33 and up. 800-745-3000. nycblive.com.
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5
‘Smile In My Heart’
WHEN: Aug. 22-23, Tuesday-Wednesday, 11:30am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Suzi Shelton returns to LICM to perform songs with guitarist Greg Mayo and drummer Dan Weiner. They will be singing songs from Suzi’s latest album, Smile In My Heart, along with some of her old favorites. WHY WE LOVE IT: Shelton is guaranteed to provide fist-pumping, high-energy, hand-clappin’ fun for everyone! WANT TO GO? $9 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
Long Island Scottish Festival and Highland Games
6
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 26, 8am-5pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: With bagpipes, caber tossing, and highland dancing, the Scottish Festival is one of the highlights of the season. WHY WE LOVE IT: Bagpipes, kilts, and dancing! Can’t wait! WANT TO GO? $20; $18 seniors; $8 children ages 7-17; free for children younger than 7. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.
7
Plaza Theatrical presents ‘Snow White’
WHEN: Aug. 12-27, Saturday-Sunday, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Children will delight in the story of Snow White, the seven Dwarf Brothers, and the dashing prince that comes to the rescue. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s a rambunctious tongue-in-cheek original musical version of the familiar fairy tale. WANT TO GO? $12. 516-599-6870. licm.org.
‘Cirque du Soleil: OVO’
WHEN: Aug. 30-Sept. 3, Wednesday-Saturday, 7:30pm; Saturday, 4pm; Sunday, 1:30pm and 5pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Presented By New York Community Bank, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: 9 and older WHAT: When a mysterious egg appears in the midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives in this stunning acrobatic performance. WHY WE LOVE IT: The acrobatics, choreography, and costumes are breathtaking and delightful. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 800-745-3000. nycblive.com.
8
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. Dance Visions FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 1, 7pm WHERE: Clark Botanic Garden, 193 I.U. Willets Road, Albertson AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy this free dance performance and art display. Bring a chair and a snack. WANT TO GO? 516-484-2208. clarkbotanic.org.
Kids Workshop FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 5, 9am-12pm WHERE: Home Depot, 600 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. All kids get to keep their craft and receive a free Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin, and certificate of achievement. WANT TO GO? 516-488-8500. homedepot.com.
‘Hairspray the Musical’ FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 5, 7:30pm WHERE: Manorhaven Beach Park, Manorhaven Boulevard, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: The story of Tracy Turnblad involves a cast of colorful characters and the turmoil of social change in the early ’60s. WANT TO GO? 516-767-4618. northhempsteadny.gov.
Salute to Veterans Starring Tony Orlando and the USO Liberty Bells FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 5, 6pm WHERE: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, Stewart Avenue and Parking Lots 6 and 6A, East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: A rightly deserved salute to the men and women who have fought for our freedom. WANT TO GO? 516-572-0200. nassaucountyny.gov/parks.
Made with Love FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 30, 11am WHERE: Floral Park Public Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Made With Love is a service-oriented group of knitters and crocheters who create hats, scarves, blankets, and other items for hospitals, shelters, and the military in a friendly atmosphere. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org. ››
LongIslandParent 29
SMARTY PANTS Summer ArtLab: The Math of Mandalas
FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALES Annual Garvies Point Day
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 5, 10am WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: Events for this special day include bird watching, butterfly garden tour, face painting, rock and mineral identification, and a live wildlife presentation. WANT TO GO? $5; free for children younger than 4. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.
Baldwin Day FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 5, 4pm WHERE: Baldwin Park, 3232 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: All WHAT: With tons of vendors, events, and entertainment for all, Baldwin Day has become a town tradition. Enjoy the picnic, concert, and fireworks. WANT TO GO? 516-223-8080. baldwinchamber.com.
Art Craft & Gift Fair FREE
WHEN: Aug. 12-13, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Rockaway Beach Boardwalk, B.87-B.94 streets, Rockaway Beach AGES: All WHAT: Looking for that unusual craft gift? You’ll be sure to find it as you choose from many unique products from these talented artists and artisans. WANT TO GO? 516-442-6000. nassaucountycraftshows.com.
BeachFeast FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 19, 12-5pm WHERE: North Hempstead Beach Park, 175 W. Shore Road, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: A festival of food and wine on the harbor. WANT TO GO? $10 parking fee. 516-869-6311. northhempsteadny.gov.
Queens VillageCon, a Comic Convention FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 26, 10am WHERE: Queens Village Library, 94-11 217th St., Queens Village, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Meet local artists, illustrators, and representatives from the favorite comic stores from all over NYC. WANT TO GO? 718-776-6800. queenslibrary.org.
Westbury Farmers and Artists Market FREE
WHEN: Through Sept. 24: Sundays, 9am-2pm WHERE: Piazza Ernesto Strada, Post and Maple avenues, Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Stock up on fresh produce, baked goods, pickles, breads, coffee, and honey, and check out the crafts, original art, jewelry, and music from local artists and artisans. WANT TO GO? 516-400-2787. westburyarts.org. 30
August 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 3, 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Traditionally, mandalas are used in cultures around the world to promote relaxation and healing. Learn about the important role math plays in the creation of mandalas, and create your own one-ofa-kind mandala. WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
Jetsetter Kids FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 10: Thurdays, 1pm WHERE: Floral Park Public Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 5-8, adult WHAT: You’ll learn a little about different countries and make a craft to celebrate each culture. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.
Summer ArtLab: Written in the Stars
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Learn about the 12 zodiac constellations, then make a “telescope” to view your own constellation. WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
Women in Contrast Exhibition FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 18: Tuesday-Friday, 11am-4pm; SaturdaySunday, 12-4pm WHERE: Hofstra University Museum, 112 Hofstra University, Hempstead AGES: All WHAT: This original exhibition features iconic imagery captured
CityBound Must-Sees in
N Y C Michael Seto
by a selection of innovative modernist and contemporary female photographers, including Berenice Abbott, Diane Arbus, Marilyn Bridges, Nancy Burson, Imogen Cunningham, Donna Ferrato, Toni Frissell, Mary Ellen Mark, and Dorothy Norman. WANT TO GO? 516-463-5672. hofstra.edu/museum.
Yana Copek: Fine Art Photography Exhibit FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 20: Tuesday-Friday, 10am-2pm; Saturday, 11am-3pm; Sunday, 1-4pm WHERE: Oyster Bay Historical Society, 20 Summit St., Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Freelance portrait and event photographer Yana Frangiskos Copek specializes in nautical photography and publishes an annual calendar of classic wooden yachts under sail in Oyster Bay. WANT TO GO? 516-922-5032. oysterbayhistorical.org.
Pattern Palooza
Lego Tournament FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 30, 12pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: All WHAT: Use the Legos you have at home to create something incredible from your imagination (not a kit) and bring it into the library. Everyone’s creation will be put on display for all to see and the three most creative entries will win a prize. WANT TO GO? 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.
Family fun in Central Park at the Summerstage Family Day
Giant Family Fun This year’s Manhattan SummerStage Family Day is headlined by alt-rock legend They Might Be Giants, singing songs from one of its many hit albums for kids. The event will also feature Bill Childs, creator and host of Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child, a hit radio show for kids. Hear the best kindie rock from the last decade and take part in audience participation, singing, and dancing for all ages. Feel good fun on an August afternoon! Aug. 12, 2-5pm. Age: All. FREE. SummerStage: Rumsey Playfield, Mid-Park at 72nd Street, Central Park. summerstage.org. Courtesy NYC DOT
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 22, 12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Investigate and relate patterns to your world as you take part in a variety of crafts and activities that celebrate patterns that are all around us. WANT TO GO? $13; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
Children Sing and Celebrate Around the World FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 31, 3pm WHERE: Bellerose Library, 250-08 Hillside Ave., Bellerose AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the great variety of ways that people sing and celebrate around the world in this interactive program. WANT TO GO? 718-831-8644. queenslibrary.org.
stART (Story + Art)
WHEN: Through Aug. 31: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Join in each week as children listen to the reading of childhood classics and new favorites; followed by literature-inspired activities and crafts. WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org..
Pattern Wizardry
WHEN: Through Sept. 3, Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This bilingual (English/Spanish) exhibit introduces the fundamentals of patterns as the building blocks of our natural and man-made world and as a critical developmental tool for children. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org. ››
One, two, three, whee!
Slide Into Manhattan Part block party, part hike, part urban beach, and part bike tour, Citi Summer Streets 2017 is a summer highlight. For three Saturday mornings in a row, nearly 7 miles of Manhattan’s streets will be closed off to traffic, giving you the chance to explore and enjoy a ton of fun activities such as biking, a giant zip line, food and drink, music and dance performances, and more. One of the most popular activities is the giant water slide at the Foley Square rest stop. Aug. 5, 12, and 19: 7am-1pm. Age: All. FREE. Between Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park, along Park Avenue and connecting streets (starting at East 72nd Street). Registration is required for the Vita Coco Beachside Slide, see website for details. nyc.gov/summerstreets. LongIslandParent 31
Summertime Stargazers
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 31, 8:30pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Join members of the Astronomical Society of Long Island, a group of dedicated amateur astronomers and telescope makers, for skywatching. WANT TO GO? $8; $6 seniors; $3 children ages 7-17. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.
Mill Neck Manor House Tour
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Storybook Stroll: ‘The Day the Crayons Quit’ by Drew Daywalt
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 5, 12pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Open your ears to classic and modern tales while strolling the gardens, then create a unique take-home craft. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 7-17; free for children 6 and younger. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.
Monarch Larva Monitoring Project
WHEN: Aug. 4-18, Fridays, 11am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Each Friday morning, take a walk through our Milkweed Garden and see how the plants grow and are a habitat for visiting monarchs. WANT TO GO? $13; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
Oyster Bay Walking Tours
WHEN: Aug. 5-19, Saturdays, 2pm WHERE: Oyster Bay Historical Society, 20 Summit St., Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Join Oyster Bay Historical Society Director Philip Blocklyn and Howard Ehrlich of the Theodore Roosevelt Association on a foot tour of Oyster Bay, featuring the historical sites along East and West Main Street, Audrey Avenue, and South Street in the heart of the hamlet. WANT TO GO? $20; $5 children ages 12-17. 516-922-5032. oysterbayhistorical.org.
Green Teens
WHEN: Through Nov. 5: Sundays, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Mill Neck Manor House, 40 Frost Mill Road, Mill Neck AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Step back in time to experience and savor the mansion’s exquisite appointments and its 86-acre scenic estate overlooking the Long Island Sound. Learn about its history, the life of Lillian Sefton Dodge, and the Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf. WANT TO GO? $25; $20 seniors; $15 students; $5 for children 12 and younger. 516-628-4243. millneckmanorhouse.org.
LITTLE FOODIES Cake Decorating
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 1, 7pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Pastry Chef Mary T. Sydor will help you decorate a cake. WANT TO GO? $3. 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.
What’s Cookin’ in the Gardens: Tomatoes
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 12, 12pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Discover tasty delights growing in the garden beds. Concoct and sample a simple recipe full of delicious seasonal flavors. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 7-17; free for children 6 and younger. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.
Kids in the Kitchen
WHEN: Aug. 1-22, Tuesdays, 11am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Explore the worlds of science and nature with the Green Teens this summer in the backyard. WANT TO GO? $13; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
WHEN: Through Aug. 25: Fridays, 11:30am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Create tasty treats, take home recipes, and enjoy your yummy creations at the end of each class. WANT TO GO? $5 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
Sensory Garden Sundays
Summer Chocolate Fun: Candy Bar Making
WHEN: Through Aug. 27: Sundays, 9am-5pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, Coe Hall, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Exciting new programming for families in which children will have the opportunity to see, taste, touch, smell, and listen to the wonders of the Sensory Garden. WANT TO GO? $8 per car. 516-922-8668. plantingfields.org.
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August 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Through Aug. 31: See website for dates, 11am-4pm WHERE: Chocolate Works Garden City, 916 Old Country Road, Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Make your very own candy bar by choosing the chocolate and toppings from our 20-foot candy wall, and enjoy a dip in the 4-foot chocolate fountain. WANT TO GO? $25. 516-833-9198. chocolateworks.com/gardencity.
MINI
MUSICIANS Picnic Pops: Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 2, 7pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: The group plays classic, fun jazz from the 1920s and ’30s. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children 17 and younger. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.
Jazz at the Museum
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 4, 7:30-9pm WHERE: The African American Museum, 110 N. Franklin St., Hempstead AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Enjoy an evening of jazz and jam in a range of styles. Musician Chuck Fowler and other artists perform. WANT TO GO? $20; $30 for two people. 516-572-0730. theaamuseum.org.
Summer Intensive Cabaret
WHEN: Aug. 4-5, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm and 7pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Students will learn methods and techniques from Broadway professionals, bettering them as performers and preparing them for auditions. WANT TO GO? $15. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.
International Music Nights Concert Series FREE
WHEN: Aug. 6-27, Sundays, 8pm WHERE: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, Merrick Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: Reflecting on Nassau County’s diversity, a broad range of cultural artistry is presented through this popular musical series. Listen to Chinese music on Aug. 6; Bangladeshi music on Aug. 13; Korean music on Aug. 20; and Latino music on Aug. 27. WANT TO GO? 516-572-0200. nassaucountyny.gov/parks.
Shiver Me, Patterns!
WHEN: Aug. 1-29, Tuesdays, 11:30am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Join Lena and the Happy Clam Band in this interactive musical adventure to discover patterns in our world and find treasure. Hear new music to accompany the museum’s exhibit Pattern Wizardry. WANT TO GO? $9 with museum admission: $13; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
Free Concerts on Freeport’s Nautical Mile FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 31: Thursdays, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Freeport’s Nautical Mile, Woodcleft Avenue, Freeport AGES: All WHAT: Free concerts with all styles of music at Freeport’s Esplanade on the Nautical Mile. Check the website for a list of performers. WANT TO GO? 516-223-2522. liacfreeport.org. ››
North Shore Pops FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 8, 7pm WHERE: Clark Botanic Garden, 193 I.U. Willets Road, Albertson AGES: All WHAT: The band plays popular themes from movies and classics. Bring a chair and a snack. WANT TO GO? 516-484-2208. clarkbotanic.org.
Long Island Speech & Myofunctional Therapy
Trout Fishing Musical Fun
WHEN: Aug. 16-17, Wednesday-Thursday, 11:30am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Trout Fishing rocks out on the LICM stage with its eclectic folk/ rock family music. WANT TO GO? $9 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
CBS-FM’s Saturday in the Park FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 19, 8pm WHERE: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, Merrick Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: Includes genres ranging from disco to classical. WANT TO GO? 516-484-2208. nassaucountyny.gov/parks.
Klezmer Concert FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 23, 8pm WHERE: Rock Hall Museum, 199 Broadway, Lawrence AGES: All WHAT: Take a journey back in time as The Klezmer Connection takes you on a musical journey from klezmer to rock. WANT TO GO? 516-292-9000. toh.li.
718-640-6767 • 516-216-1791 www.LISpeechandMyo.com
Licensed Speech Pathologists & Myofunctional Therapists Specializing in the Treatment and Correction of: • Language Disorders • Memory & Auditory Processing Difficulties • Fluency • • Voice Disorders • Motor Planning Disorders • Deviate Swallowing • Tongue Thrust • • Feeding & Swalling Problems /Aversions • Thumb Sucking • Articulation Disorders • Oral Facial Muscle Weakness •
Specialized Therapy Approaches Including Including: PROMPT Therapy • Individual FEEDING Therapy Augmentative Communication Evaluations & Therapy
“FEES”...Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Participating with most Major Health Insurance Companies
Jericho
500 North Broadway Suite 141
Lake Success 444 Lakeville Road Suite 202
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3375 Park Avenue Suite 4010
LongIslandParent 33
‘Madagascar: A Musical Adventure’
WHEN: Aug. 10-17, Saturdays, see website for times WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre at Elmont, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Take a journey out of the zoo and onto the stage. WANT TO GO? $13; $11 in advance. 631-581-2700. broadhollow.org.
‘My Fair Lady’
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 20, 2pm WHERE: The Showplace at The Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Take a musical journey and enjoy this music theater classic. WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.
SHOW TIME! ‘Shrek: The Musical’
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 1, 11am WHERE: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: All WHAT: The tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. WANT TO GO? $19.50 and up. 516-247-5213. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com.
‘Hairspray’: Luncheon Theatre
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 2, 12pm lunch; 1:15pm performance WHERE: Westbury Manor, 1100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury AGES: 13 and older WHAT: The story of Tracy Turnblad involves a cast of colorful characters and the turmoil of social change in the early ’60s. From Tracy’s own issues of acceptance and her fight for integration on the Corny Collins Show to her mother’s rejection of sexual normality, this highly energetic and entertaining musical continues to echo in its relevance. WANT TO GO? $46. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.
Miss Long Island and Miss Long Island Teen 2018
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 6, 3pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: All WHAT: Witness the crowning of the new Miss Long Island and Miss Long Island Teen 2018, who will represent Long Island at community service and charity events across the region. WANT TO GO? $50. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.
ABBA: The Concert
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 12, 8pm WHERE: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Sing and dance to the music you love. WANT TO GO? $39.99 and up. 516-334-0800. thetheatreatwestbury.com.
Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’
WHEN: Aug. 3-13, Wednesday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: St. Gregory Theatre, 242-20 88th Ave., Bellerose AGES: All WHAT: In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale. WANT TO GO? $18; $15 seniors and students; $9 for children 12 and younger. 718-989-2451. sgtg.org. 34
August 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Squirrel Nut Zippers
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 25, 8pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The band’s music is a fusion of Delta blues, gypsy jazz, 1930s-era swing, and klezmer. WANT TO GO? $35. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.
ON SCREEN ‘What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?’ FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 2, 7pm WHERE: Chelsea Mansion-Muttontown Preserve, Muttontown Lane, East Norwich AGES: All WHAT: Tonight’s presentation is What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? WANT TO GO? 516-571-8500. nassaucountyny.gov.
Cinema on the Bay: ‘Finding Dory’ FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 5, 8pm WHERE: Sunset Park, Lower Main Street, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Today’s presentation is Finding Dory. WANT TO GO? 516-708-5819. northhempsteadny.gov.
Children’s Films FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 9: Wednesdays, 3pm WHERE: Douglaston Little Neck Library, 249-01 Northern Blvd., Little Neck AGES: All WHAT: Watch Max 2: White House Hero at this summer film festival. WANT TO GO? 718-225-8414. queenslibrary.org.
Family Movies FREE
WHEN: Aug. 3-24, Thursdays, 8:15pm WHERE: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, Merrick Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: Family-friendly films will be shown on the big screen, including Middle School on Aug. 3; Angry Birds on Aug. 10; Sing on Aug. 17; and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them on Aug. 24. WANT TO GO? 516-572-0200. nassaucountyny.gov/parks.
‘Manchester by the Sea’ FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 24, 2pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Watch this popular, award-winning movie with friends. WANT TO GO? 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.
ANIMAL LOVERS Petland Parties FREE
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 4, 1:30pm WHERE: Rock Hall Museum, 199 Broadway, Lawrence AGES: All WHAT: The program provides a fun and educational experience that encourages children to learn more about all types of animals. Children will learn to respect these creatures, cast off their fears, and accept them as part of our natural world. WANT TO GO? 516-292-9000. toh.li.
Bug Scout
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 5, 10am WHERE: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Port Washington AGES: 3-12 WHAT: We’ll look for flying insects and even dig into the soil to see what crawling bugs can be unearthed here. Participants can view the Conservancy’s apiary and build a paper towel bee house, among other fun projects. WANT TO GO? $20 per car. 516-571-7901. sandspointpreserve.org.
Bat Walk
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 17, 7:15pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Bat biologist MariaACTIVITIES Armour from Bridgewater University EVENTSState MORE will lead a walk through the gardens to listen and look for bats while she discusses bat ecology and conservation. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 7-17; free for children 6 and younger. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.
Bee Whispering at the Apiary
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 19, 11am WHERE: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Port Washington AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Learn about the biology and life cycle of this beneficial insect and the complex social structure of the hive, including the powerful queen bee and her drones. WANT TO GO? $10 per car. 516-571-7901. sandspointpreserve.org.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 19, 11am WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Hunt elusive grasshoppers, butterflies, predatory insects, and other creepy, crawly creatures in the gardens. Bring a butterfly net and collecting jars. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 7-17; free for children 6 and younger. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.
Calling Young Scientists: The Underwater World
WHEN: Monday, Aug. 21, 11am and 12:15pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Discover how a squid’s body is specialized for its environment though a hands-on dissection. WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
Birds of Prey
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 27, 1pm WHERE: Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, 20 Sagamore Hill Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy the Birds of Prey Program presented by the Sweetbriar Nature Center. WANT TO GO? $10; free for children 15 and younger. 516-922-4788. nps.gov/sahi. ››
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Polo at Bethpage State Park
WHEN: Through Aug. 20: Sundays, 3pm WHERE: Bethpage State Park, 99 Quaker Meeting House Road, Farmingdale AGES: All WHAT: Polo is a great competive sport. Come and enjoy an afternoon of excellent polo games at Bethpage State Park. A treat for the whole family. WANT TO GO? $5; $8 vehicle fee. 631-669-1000. bethpagepolo.com.
Yoga in the Gardens
MOVERS & SHAKERS New York Lizards vs. Charlotte Hounds
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 5, 7pm WHERE: James M. Shuart Stadium, Hofstra University, 900 Fulton Ave., Hempstead AGES: All WHAT: Come on down and bring your family and friends to watch Major League Lacrosse. WANT TO GO? $22 and up. 516-742-1180. nylizards.com.
Summer Mommy & Me Class
WHEN: June 29- Aug. 10, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10:15am and 10:30-11:45am WHERE: Portledge Summer Adventures, 355 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley AGES: 3-5 WHAT: The class offers toddlers and caregivers a safe, nurturing environment that will inspire imagination, self-expression, social interaction, and physical development through a variety of shared activities, such as music, games, and crafts. WANT TO GO? $25 per class. 516-750-3104. portledge.org/summeradventures.
Mounted Cowboy Shooting Match
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 13, 11:30am-1:30pm WHERE: Old Bethpage Village Restoration Fairgrounds, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: The show is based on the historical reenactment of shooting events held at Wild West Shows during the 19th century. WANT TO GO? $10; $7 children ages 5-12; free for children younger than 5. 516-572-8400. islandlongriders.com.
Family Game Night
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 16, 6-8pm WHERE: Westfield Sunrise, 1 Sunrise Mall, Massapequa AGES: All WHAT: A host of fun, family activities including classic board games, entertainment, face painting, and dinner provided by Sbarro. All ticket proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. WANT TO GO? $5. 516-795-3550. westfield.com/sunrise.
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August 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Through Aug. 26: Thursdays and Saturdays, 11:15am WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Professional Kripalu Yoga instructor, Lorili Henry, will lead students through a dynamic, yet gentle, continuous flow of postures and conscious breathing. WANT TO GO? $18. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.
5K/10K Veterans Walk & Run 2017
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 26, 9am-12pm WHERE: Eisenhower Park, Merrick Avenue and Park Boulevard, East Meadow AGES: 13 and older WHAT: All donations and race proceeds will assist local veterans through the Semper4Veterans Organization. Awards will be presented for the fastest runners of the 5K and 10K races. WANT TO GO? $30. 516-572-6521. runsignup.com/nassauveteransrun2017.
Tai Chi in the Gardens
WHEN: Through Aug. 30, Wednesdays and Sundays, 10:30am WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Sessions are taught by professional tai chi instructor, Linda Cafiero, and designed for all experience levels. WANT TO GO? $18. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.
Music and Movement
WHEN: Aug. 2-30, Wednesdays, 11:30am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Enjoy creative movement exercises and interactive sing-alongs that get little bodies moving to the rhythm. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
CRAFTY KIDS Summer Fun Wednesdays
WHEN: Through Aug. 2: Wednesdays, 1-3pm WHERE: A.C. Moore, 157 Glen Cove Road, Carle Place AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Creating innovative, family-friendly crafts. From tie-dying and wood crafts to painting and more, there’s something to spark everyone’s interest with a different project each week. WANT TO GO? $2. 516-294-8401. acmoore.com.
Just 2 Fun FREE
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 4, 10:30am WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 2 WHAT: A program just for 2-year-olds to make crafts and play together. WANT TO GO? 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.
A Boys-Only Craft FREE
Suncatchers
WHEN: Aug. 7-9, Monday and Wednesday, 6:30pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 9-12 WHAT: During this two-session workshop, boys will build, paint, and assemble a 3-D model with cars and anything else they come up with. WANT TO GO? 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Pick your favorite suncatchers from our assortment. WANT TO GO? $1. 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.
Young Makers
The Puppet Project
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 9, 1:30pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Discover the inventor in you. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
WHEN: Aug. 1-Sept. 1, Monday-Friday, 1-3pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT:Design and engineer your own stick and rod puppet. WANT TO GO? $5 with museum admission: $13; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
Messy Afternoons
WHEN: Through Aug. 27: Saturday-Sunday, 3:30-5pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Kids will be up to their elbows in goop, shaving cream, and Play-Doh. The afternoon will offer a variety of sensory activities. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
Crafts For Kids FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 27: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Kids will have a ball making crafts they can use or display. WANT TO GO? 516-616-9360. lakeshorelearning.com.
Coming up next month: SEPT. 16-17 & 23-24: The Long Island Fair at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Old Bethpage SEPT. 23-24: Cruise to the Show: Parade and Car Show at Eisenhower Park, East Meadow SELECT DATES SEPT. 23-OCT. 8: Rapunzel at Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City
LongIslandParent 37
WHERE-TO GUIDE
Pick Your Own Berries
››
Research by Jaime Bonchick and Amanda Marrone
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: Dates and availability are projected. We recommend calling ahead before visiting these farms.
Long Island Patty’s Berries and Bunches 410 Sound Ave., Mattituck 631-298-4679 pattysberriesandbunches.com pattysberriesandbunches@gmail.com Open daily, 9am-6pm (U-pick closes at 5:30pm) Pick your own strawberries in June; raspberries and blueberries July through mid-August; and blackberries through August. Seasonal pre-picked flowers and homemade ice cream for sale.
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August 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Seven Ponds Orchard 65 Seven Ponds Road, Water Mill 631-726-8015 Open daily, 9am-6pm Pick your own raspberries and blackberries July-November, blueberries also available. Apple picking begins the end of August and continues through November. Also offers on-site market with baked goods and jams, children’s play area, and corn maze. Wickham Farms 28700 Main Road (Route 25), Cutchogue 631-734-6441
wickhamsfruitfarm.com Open Monday-Saturday, 9am-4pm; farm stand open Monday-Saturday, 9am5pm; tours are available by appointment Monday-Friday. Pick your own raspberries and blueberries in July; raspberries, cherries, blackberries, and peaches through August; apples and pumpkins in September and October. (Note: Berry seasons may be early this year due to weather conditions.) Windy Acres 3810 Middle Country Road, Calverton
nymetroparents.com/where-to 631-727-4554 Open Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4:30pm Pick your own blackberries, peaches, and nectarines through August. Also has a farm stand with pre-picked fruits and vegetables, jams, and pies.
Albany County
Market, just a mile from the orchard, for farm produce as well as garden and nursery items.
Dutchess County Greig Farm 223 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook 845-758-1234; greigfarm.com Open daily, 8am-8pm
Indian Ladder Farms 342 Altamont Road, Altamont 518-765-2956 866-640-PICK (7425; berry picking hotline) indianladderfarms.com Open daily, 9am-6pm; Pick Your Own has separate hours: Wednesday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-4pm Pick your own blueberries and raspberries. 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 daily, 8am-7pm in the summer; U-pick hours: daily, 7am-5pm Pick your own strawberries through July 15. Pick your own blueberries July 14 through late August. Also features a bakery and a roadside stand with pre-picked produce.
Pick your own blueberries in July; blueberries and blackberries in August; and apples 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.
Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/berries
Providing Services For Over 45 Years
not-for profit program that provides services for infants and children up to 11 years of age with learning language and social delays, motor impairments and
•SEIT •ABA Home Programs
•Related Services: -Speech - OT/PT - Parent Training - Family Support Services
•Special Ed Classes: - Developmental Groups (2 -3) - Pre-School (3-5) - School-Age (5-11) - Inclusion
Columbia County Samascott Orchards 5 Sunset Ave., Kinderhook 518-758-7224; samascott.com Open daily, 8am-6pm; last admission is at 5:30pm. Pick your own strawberries and snap peas during early summer, and later on in the summer you can pick your own blueberries, raspberries, and cherries. Onsite farm store with jams and ice cream. Visit Samascott’s Garden
750 Hicksville Road Seaford, NY 11783 • 516-520-6000 Funded and regulated by Nassau County (NCDOH) and Suffolk County (SCDOH) Department of Health, NYS, NYS ED Department
must be referred by NCDOH/SCDOH for EI and/or to the local school district for CPSE. Services are provided based on an individual child’s eligibility as established by NYS DOH and/or NYS ED department and local government at no direct cost to parents. Parents are responsible for fees/costs associated with childcare. LongIslandParent 39
Lilianne Gering will be attending Muhlenberg College this fall as a double major in business and dance.
From Extracurricular to Extra Cash ››
Whether your kid is committed to sports, the arts, or even community service, here’s how to turn that passion for after-school activities into a college scholarship By Samantha Neudorf
J
enna Turato, a rising junior at Molloy College in Rockville Centre, knew she wanted to go to college at a young age and knew she could use softball to get there. Turato began playing softball when she was in third grade and watched her older sister play softball and receive a scholarship to college, so she seized the opportunity once it was her turn to apply. An accounting major who lives in her hometown of Garden City South, Turato currently is a pitcher for the Molloy Lions softball team and receives a $7,000 scholarship each year for athletics and academics. “I realized how much softball could really make a difference in my college experience,” Turato says. It’s no secret college is expensive—and, with tuition costs rising, continually getting more out of reach for many families,
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August 2017 | nymetroparents.com
especially low-income ones. Overall college enrollment declined by 3 percent between 2008 and 2013, falling from 68.6 percent to 65.9 percent, according to an annual survey from the U.S. Census Bureau. The most dramatic decline happened among low-income families, dropping from 55.9 percent to 45.5 percent. Many families may not be able to afford college without assistance, and this is where scholarships for academics or after-school activities can help to make it more attainable—and even, in some cases, tuition free. (These are separate from the need-based financial and student loans many families rely on to afford college.) Alexandra Timoshenko graduated from Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville in June and will be attending Molloy College in the fall to study music therapy. She is enrolled in
the dual-degree honors program and was awarded a full-tuition scholarship because of her committed involvement in afterschool activities. In fact, Timoshenko received full-tuition scholarships at all of the schools she applied to, including Belmont University, the State University of New York at Fredonia, and Seton Hill University. In high school, Timoshenko was captain of the cross-country and track teams and participated in the jazz ensemble and band, along with a band program outside of school. On top of that, she took numerous Advanced Placement and honors courses and graduated as salutatorian of her class. She attributes her success in obtaining the scholarship to her work ethic. “Everything I did I poured myself into one hundred percent, and all that hard work paid off,” Timoshenko says. Lilianne Gering, a recent graduate from Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead, was awarded various scholarships to attend Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA, in the honors program as a double major in dance and business. Gering received merit scholarships, dance talent scholarships, and a scholarship from the Italian Genealogical Group for research on her Italian heritage. In total, she was awarded $38,000. “I was very excited and also a little shocked because I figured I’d get [scholarships], but I was surprised at how much I got,” she says. Gering started taking dance lessons when she was little and was a part of the Spotlight Dance Studio in Wantagh for 15 years, where she did ballet, pointe, tap, hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, and kickline. Along with dancing there six days a week and teaching classes, she performed in her school’s production of The Nutcracker during each of her four years there. With two other girls, Gering was co-president of the production in her senior year, as well as the choreographer, director, and a lead role. Gering advises students who are interested in applying for talent scholarships to become very involved with the activities about which they are passionate and to take on leadership positions in high school. “Colleges really want to see students who have leadership potential and the ability to lead and take on new roles within their school,” she says.
The Journey to a Scholarship
No one says it’s easy to earn these scholarships, as these successful teens’ stories attest. All require a strong commitment and passion—not just for the activities themselves but also for the sometimes-arduous college recruitment and scholarship application processes. In order for Turato to have been recruited to play softball at Molloy, she played on a travel team and at recruiting tournaments, to which college coaches are invited in order to decide who will receive offers and scholarships. According to National Collegiate Athletic Association rules, only Division I and II schools offer athletic scholarships; Division III schools do not. For fine arts areas such as dance, theater, music, and art, students must submit a sample of their work or audition in person. Gering attended an in-person audition to be considered for a dance scholarship at Muhlenberg. Dance scholarships range from $1,000 to $4,000 a year at Muhlenberg and vary at other schools. When applying for merit-based scholarships, students must follow detailed instructions for submitting the required documents, such as a resume, essay, and transcript. Students should speak to their guidance counselor or teacher for
recommendations on scholarships for which they should apply. John Rodis, music department chair at Long Island Lutheran High School, teaches AP Music Theory and symphonic band and prepares students for college through his program. His students follow the New York State School Music Association track, which is the New York affiliate of the National Association for Music Education to evaluate student musicians from elementary through high school. Rodis helps his students prepare for the final level of NYSSMA, which is to audition for the all-state level. Passing this level means that the student is able to read college-level music. When students go through this program with Rodis, they have more opportunities to apply for music scholarships. “These NYSSMA pieces themselves are great vehicles for college auditions,” Rodis says. “If the opportunity [to apply for a scholarship] presents itself to you, you will be prepared.”
A College’s Decision
Colleges, of course, factor in grades and standardized test scores when making admissions decisions, but they also review an applicant’s resume to be considered for various scholarships the institution offers. Marguerite Lane, the director of admissions at Molloy College, says an applicant’s activity involvement comes into consideration if a student did average on SAT or ACT scores. “The reality is that the students who are the busiest are usually the ones that are the most successful, even in their academic subjects,” Lane says. “They learn very valuable time management skills at a young age that will be very transferable for when they come to college.” And it’s not just sports and the arts that can win a committed continued on next page ››
SCHOLARSHIP CHECKLIST There are many types of scholarships out there to apply for, if you do your research. Here are the requirements that are typically needed for any type of scholarship: • Essay • Letters of recommendation • Resume • Test scores • Transcript Performing arts scholarships, including dance, music, art, and theater, require all of the above, but also: • Audition video (if you cannot attend in-person) • Portfolio of work Athletic scholarships are different than the other types of scholarships because coaches recruit the students they want on their teams. Here is what a coach looks for in a student athlete, along with the requirements from above: • Highlight video • Communication with the coach via phone or email • Attendance in summer camps or showcases
LongIslandParent 41
‹‹ continued from previous page
high school student tuition relief for college. Many schools also offer community service-based scholarships. Molloy’s range from $2,000 to $5,000 per year and are awarded to students who have served their schools and communities. “We are a mission-based institution and we recognize that [community service is] that component that’s equally as important [as academics],” Lane says. Manhattanville College in Purchase offers community service scholarships starting at $2,000 as well. Nikhil Kumar, vice president of undergraduate enrollment management at Manhattanville, says students with more extracurricular activities on their resumes are favored because national data proves those students are likely to be involved and engaged on campus. “Some would argue that you learn just as much outside of the classroom, if not more, just by having those kinds of experiences,” Kumar says. “It’s teaching you life lessons and humility to give back and get involved.” Involvement in an extracurricular activity in high school does not just translate into potential scholarships; it may also help students transition into college life because they can make friends with people from that same group or team. “It helps them adapt to their new environment,” Kumar says. Kumar suggests applicants research the college and engage with the admissions office or faculty in their area of interest. For example, Turato kept in contact with Molloy coaches and made herself visible at recruiting tournaments while on her travel team. An institution tends to be more interested in a student if
that student shows an interest in that institution, Kumar says. “It shows what we call demonstrated interested, and that always weighs heavily in the admissions process.”
Other Scholarship Sources
When seeking scholarships, Lane advises students to find opportunities beyond the colleges, such as scholarships offered by nonprofit and community organizations. “Students don’t realize that if they sit down and take the time to write that five hundred- or one thousand-word essay, it can really help offset their college education costs,” Lane says. “It’s really well-worth applying for as many scholarships as they are qualified for because those independent scholarships can really help them, even if it’s with books for the semester or travel expenses.” Some of Lane’s suggestions include researching Awana clubs, Knights of Columbus, local churches and foundations, and opportunities from parents’ employers for scholarships. When applying, she also says students should thoroughly explain how deeply they have been involved in outside activities. For example, if a student volunteered at a church, it is better to specify how many hours for however many months she did so, rather than just saying she did volunteer work generally. “Show the level of commitment and how it impacts your life and how that has made you ready for college and for life,” Lane says. All that effort and passion for after-school activities just may pay off and make college more financially attainable.
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St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Regional School 516 2341 Washington Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710 ~ Phone 516Ͳ785Ͳ5709 ~ wwwsteas.com 42
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FOOD & NUTRITION
Bring Shake Shack to Your Kitchen ››
Rather than wait on line for what feels like hours, you can make the NYC chain’s customer favorites at home. The ShackBurger
Okay, here’s our sacred cow! Makes 4
Most likely the reason you have this book in your hands—our version of the great American cheeseburger. Like all deceptively simple things, it took us years to get it right, but now you can master burger perfection in five minutes. 4 hamburger potato buns 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 4 tablespoons ShackSauce (recipe on opposite page) 4 pieces green leaf lettuce
8 ¼-inch slices ripe plum tomato 1 pound very cold ground beef, divided into 4 pucks ½ teaspoon Our Salt & Pepper Mix (recipe on opposite page) 4 slices American cheese
1. H eat a cast-iron griddle over medium-low heat until warm. Meanwhile, open the hamburger buns and brush the insides with the melted butter. A soft brush is helpful here. Place the buns buttered side down on the griddle and toast until golden
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brown, 2-3 minutes. Transfer buns to a plate. Spoon the ShackSauce onto the top bun. Add a piece of the lettuce and two slices of tomato. 2. I ncrease the heat to medium and heat the griddle until hot, 2-3 minutes. 3. Evenly sprinkle a pinch of Our Salt & Pepper Mix on top of each puck of meat. 4. Place the pucks on the griddle, seasoned side down. Using a large, sturdy metal spatula, firmly smash each puck into a 1/ 3-inch-thick round patty. Pressing down on the spatula with another stiff spatula helps flatten the burger quickly. Evenly sprinkle another big pinch of Our Salt & Pepper Mix. 5. Cook the burgers, resisting the urge to move them, until the edges beneath are brown and crisp, and juices on the surface are bubbling hot, approximately 2½ minutes. Slide one of the spatulas beneath the burger to release it from the griddle and scrape up the caramelized browned crust. Use the other spatula to steady the burger and keep it from sliding. Flip the burgers. Put the cheese on top and cook the burgers 1 minute longer for medium. Cook more or less depending on your preference. 6. Transfer the cheeseburgers to the prepared buns and enjoy.
Our Salt & Pepper Mix
‘Shroom Burger Makes 4
We knew that our idea of a community gathering place meant we wanted to offer our vegetarian guests more than just fries to munch on. We set out to create a vegetarian experience even meat eaters would crave. Hence the ’Shroom Burger’s crispy mushroom halves surrounding a creamy, cheesy filling. After it became so popular, we created the Shack Stack, piling a ’Shroom Burger atop a ShackBurger, so our meat-loving friends can get in on the ’Shroom action. For the mushroom caps: 4 4-inch portabello mushroom caps ¼ cup canola oil ½ teaspoon kosher salt 1/ 8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1½ cups flour 3 eggs 2 cups panko breadcrumbs For the filling: 1½ cups grated muenster ½ cup grated cheddar ½ teaspoon minced onion
teaspoon minced garlic ¼ teaspoon flour 1 egg yolk 1 pinch cayenne 1/ 8
To cook and assemble the mushroom burgers: Canola oil for deep-frying Kosher salt 4 tablespoons ShackSauce (recipe at right) 4 hamburger potato buns, toasted 4 pieces green leaf lettuce 8 ¼-inch slices ripe plum tomato
1. For the mushroom caps, preheat the oven to 375°F. Put mushroom caps on a medium baking pan. Rub caps all over with the oil, then season both sides with the salt and pepper. Arrange mushrooms gill side down in a single layer and roast until tender, 30-35 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Slice mushrooms in half horizontally. 2. Put the flour in a wide dish, beat the eggs in another wide dish, and put the panko in a third wide dish and set aside. 3. For the filling, mix together the muenster and cheddar cheeses, onion, garlic, flour, egg yolk, and cayenne in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside. 4. Shape the filling into four equal disks, ½ inch smaller in diameter than the mushroom caps. Place cheese disks on gill side of each mushroom cap, cover with other half of cap, cut side down, and gently press together to secure the filling. 5. Dredge the stuffed mushroom caps in the flour, then dip in the beaten egg, coating them completely, then dredge in the panko. Set prepared mushrooms on a plate and refrigerate while heating the oil to deep-fry them. 6. To cook the mushroom burgers, pour the oil into a deep, wide pot to a depth of 3 inches. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches a temperature of 350°F on a candy thermometer. Deep-fry the prepared mushrooms, one or two at a time, until golden brown and crisp all over, 3-4 minutes. Transfer mushrooms with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towels. Season with salt. 7. Spoon the ShackSauce onto the top bun. Add a piece of lettuce and two slices of tomato. 8. Transfer the mushroom burgers to the prepared buns. Enjoy!
We mix ½ cup kosher salt with ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper and use that mixture to season our burgers as they cook. You’ll see we call for a pinch or two of the mixture in every recipe.
ShackSauce
Makes approximately ½ cup Long ago we threw away the key to the secret recipe for ShackSauce; but we promise to get you really close with ingredients easily found in your kitchen. ½ cup Hellman’s mayonnaise 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ¾ teaspoon Heinz ketchup
¼ teaspoon kosher dill pickling brine Pinch of cayenne pepper
Put all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and stir until well combined. Sauce will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Cheese Sauce
Makes approximately 6 cups 1 tablespoon canola oil ½ onion, peeled and sliced ½ inch thick 6 thin slices jalapeño 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
½ teaspoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 2 teaspoons white wine 2 cups heavy cream 2 cups grated American cheese 2 cups grated cheddar
1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions, jalapeños, peppercorns, and salt, and cook, stirring often, until the onions are translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add the vinegar and wine, and cook until the liquid has almost completely evaporated, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the cream. Remove the pan from the heat and let the cream steep for 30 minutes to build flavor. 2. Return the saucepan to the stove and heat over medium heat until very warm (don’t let it come to a boil). 3. Meanwhile, put the American and cheddar cheeses into a large heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream through a strainer (to remove the solids) over the cheeses, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth, approximately 3 minutes. Sauce will keep, covered and refrigerated, for up to one week. You can easily reheat the sauce in a microwave or over a pot of gently simmering hot water.
Reprinted from Shake Shack. Copyright © 2017 by Shake Shack Enterprises, LLC. Principal photographs copyright © 2017 by Christopher Hirsheimer. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC.
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The Dangers of Dry & Secondary Drowning ››
What to watch out for even after children leave the pool By Stacey Pfeffer
T
here’s nothing better than swimming in a cool pool during the scorching days of summer. But parents can be forgiven for being wary after reading recent headlines about children who’ve died from a condition called secondary drowning—including a Texas toddler, Frankie Delgado, who lost his life a full week after getting knocked over by a wave at the beach. How can this happen? And more importantly, how can parents make sure their little ones are safe after exiting the water? While secondary and dry drowning make up only 1-2 percent of all drowning deaths, it’s important for parents to know the symptoms, because they can be life-threatening. Secondary drowning and dry drowning are two similar but technically different conditions that can affect anyone, although children are especially vulnerable. As the names imply, both affect their victims after they’ve left the pool, usually with no idea anything is wrong. Symptoms of dry drowning typically occur immediately after any incident in the water, while secondary drowning usually begins later, within one to 24 hours after exiting the water—but it can progress over one to two days, or, as in Frankie Delgado’s case, several days. “Children are more prone to dry and secondary drowning because of their small size, stature, and immature gag reflex,” says Robert Glatter, M.D., an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. Toddlers, especially, may be at heightened risk because they don’t know to keep their mouths closed or how to blow bubbles in the water.
Symptoms
Secondary drowning happens when someone inadvertently swallows too much water and it goes into his lungs. Patients suffering from secondary drowning may feel tired after a short period in the water, have a dry cough, and complain of chest pain. These symptoms can progress over a longer period of time as the child loses oxygen in his blood, a condition known as hypoxia, according to Dr. Glatter. While many pools post rules prohibiting horseplay and dunking other people in the water, parents should emphasize this safety lesson to all children because just a few mouthfuls of water 48
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accidentally swallowed can lead to water entering the lungs. Symptoms of dry drowning are much more profound and develop suddenly, with a spasm of the vocal cords causing them to snap shut. The child cannot get any air in or out and her breathing will sound high-pitched. Wheezing often occurs due to a blockage in the airway and she may turn blue as well. “This child should be taken to the emergency room immediately so that he or she does not asphyxiate,” Dr. Glatter says.
Treatment
While there are no medications for secondary or dry drowning, the treatment is close observation. If necessary, a breathing tube may have to be inserted if oxygen levels drop. Parents should keep a close eye on their child for 24 hours after he may have swallowed water during swimming or had any difficulty breathing in the water. If symptoms do develop, bring your child to the emergency room immediately instead of a doctor’s office or urgent care facility. In the ER, she will have access to an immediate chest X-ray, IV placement, and advanced airway support such as a breathing tube or respirator.
Prevention
The vast majority of children recover from dry or secondary drowning, despite the terrifying headlines about toddler deaths. However, the best way to avoid these conditions altogether is to teach kids water safety and to remain constantly vigilant as caregivers. Babies as young as 6 months can begin taking water safety classes. Children should never swim alone, and parents or caregivers should keep a close eye on them at all times. Dr. Glatter also warns parents to not use their phones or any social media while your child is in or near the water. As tempting as it may be to take a video of your child enjoying pool time, he says, “it’s a diversion, and parents must remain cognizant of the risk of secondary and dry drowning. Take all of that attention and focus on your child and remember that drownings can even occur in shallow water—including bathtubs, sinks, toilet bowls, and small plastic pools.” Stacey Pfeffer is a writer based in Chappaqua.
Professional services
Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals. DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders. EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS STRATEGIC STAFFING WORKS Brooklyn and Long Island locations 631-649-6573 strategicstaffingworks.com strategicstaffingworks@gmail.com Offers workshops designed to help parents, family, and friends aid people with diverse abilities in their search for volunteer opportunities related to their field of college interest. LEGAL SERVICES LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW COHEN 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high quality service at a reasonable cost. LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 1772 E. Jericho Turnpike, Suite 2, Huntington 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law.
SPECIAL NEEDS DR. ELLEN T RICHER, EDUCATION CLINICIAN & COUNSELOR Convenient Long Island Locations 347-668-3676; etrdream@aol.com We co-develop strategies to improve executive functioning, sensory processing, and social cognition challenges, and provide enrichment opportunities to engage and motivate highly capable yet underachieving children. LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 1772 E. Jericho Turnpike, Suite 2, Huntington 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law. LITTLE OPTICS INC. 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, Queens 53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside, Queens 718-468-7500; Hablamos Español littleopticsinc@yahoo.com We provide eyeglasses and professional eye care for children, including infants and young adults. We also alleviate any self-esteem issues associated with the stigma of wearing glasses. When your child leaves Little Optics, rest assured that they will feel confident. LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders. STEPS TO SOCIALIZATION 13 S. Bayles Ave., Port Washington 516-767-0266 Steps to Socialization was created to help children who have difficulty socializing. We teach children how to think socially, step by step. Working in small
groups, we cover a variety of topics, including how to establish and maintain friendships and initiating and maintaining conversations. SPECIAL NEEDS EMPLOYMENT STRATEGIC STAFFING WORKS Brooklyn and Long Island locations 631-649-6573 strategicstaffingworks.com strategicstaffingworks@gmail.com Offers workshops designed to help parents, family, and friends aid people with diverse abilities in their search for employment and life-fulfilling volunteer opportunities. THERAPY & COUNSELORS LOUIS E. MORA, PH.D., PSYCHOLOGIST P.C. 70 Glen Cove Road, Suite 201, Roslyn Heights 347-740-5690 lmoraphd.com Dr. Mora specializes in psychological testing. This includes neuropsychological testing, giftedness examinations, and evaluating for the presence of psychological disorders. DR. ELLEN T RICHER, EDUCATION CLINICIAN & COUNSELOR Convenient Long Island Locations 347-668-3676; etrdream@aol.com We co-develop strategies to improve executive functioning, sensory processing, and social cognition challenges, and provide enrichment opportunities to engage and motivate highly capable yet underachieving children. TUTORS & TEST PREP JEI LEARNING CENTERS (NASSAU) Herricks-Williston Park: 516-742-5534 Hicksville-Jericho: 917-815-0977 Merrick-Bellmore: 516-308-4705; jei.com JEI Learning Centers offer a variety of academic enrichment and tutoring programs for children in pre-K through ninth grade, including math, problem solving, English, reading, and writing. VILLAGE EAST GIFTED: ENRICHMENT CENTER FOR THE GIFTED LEARNER Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com Village East Gifted provides after-school enrichment and private tutoring. Enriching every qualified, gifted child. We are also a John Hopkins CTY info and SAT testing center. LongIslandParent 49
Meet the Health Care
PROFESSIONAL To be in this section, call 516-883-4543 or email nympads@davlermedia.com ChiroMom 2874 Merrick Road, Bellmore 516-221-1212 mychiromom.com mychiromom@gmail.com
Dr. Dana Walters is a chiropractor specializing in prenatal and pediatric care. Dr. Walters has practiced in a variety of areas, including Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and has brought her passion for helping families discover the benefits of chiropractic care to Bellmore as ChiroMom. ChiroMom offers chiropractic care utilizing techniques including immune boosting treatments, musculoskeletal and nutritional work, activator techniques, massage therapy, and lifestyle education. As a mom, Dr. Walters experiences first-hand how chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, birth, and childhood sets a solid foundation for greater health and well-being.
Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry 959 Brush Hollow Road, Suite #101, Westbury 516-333-3033 kidsteeth4li.com kidds@optonline.net
Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry cares for all of your child’s oral health needs in a fun, kid-friendly environment that includes iPads and chair-side TV monitors. Drs. Ehrenman and Khan are dedicated and trained to ease dental anxieties for young children as well as patients with special needs. Their years of advanced training include hospital and sedation dentistry. Please visit kidsteeth4li.com to learn more about what Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry has to offer!
Dr. Michael Gruttadauria, The Center for Integrative and Innovative Therapies (The CIIT Center) 131 Sunnyside Blvd., Suite 100, Plainview 516-243-8660; theciitcenter.com
Dr. Michael Gruttadauria leads the operations at an advanced treatment center for autism spectrum disorder called The CIIT Center. The CIIT Center’s mission is to approach each child with autism as a total entity by enhancing the biomedical, neurological, nutritional, electrical, and immune system of each of our patients and combining this with occupational, physical, and speech therapies, along with applied behavioral analysis. Our comprehensive approach starts with identifying the underlying factors that may be holding the child back, not just treating their symptoms. This gives each child every opportunity to reach their potential.
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Mesbah OB-GYN Women’s Health Care & Wellness 877 Stewart Ave., Suite 3, Garden City 516-794-1500 mesbahobgyn.com
Michael Mesbah, M.D., is board-certified with more than 20 years of private practice experience. His experience and expertise in obstetrics has made him one of the most respected physicians on Long Island. He has extensive training in gynecological surgery, and is a certified robotic surgeon. Karyn Wat, M.D., is multilingual in English, Spanish, and Chinese. She has been trained in general and high-risk obstetric care, as well as gynecological surgery. She is compassionate, dedicated, and knowledgeable in issues pertaining to teenagers, family planning, menstrual and hormonal abnormalities, and menopausal symptoms.
Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 • Suffolk: 631-689-6858 • Queens: 718-640-6767
Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, is owner and operator of Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. Along with her group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and FEES—Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing—are also offered. There is a total of seven affiliated offices across Long Island, all participating with most major health insurance companies and offering evening and Saturday hours.
Tiny Sparkles Pediatric Dentistry 164 Main St., Port Washington 516-888-9789 tinysparkles.com
Dr. Angie Chin welcomes everyone to her new office in Port Washington. The office is modern and child-friendly with themed treatment rooms, iPads and games in the waiting room, movies and cartoons available during treatment, and digital animal X-rays. Dr. Chin’s practice philosophy is centered on promoting preventive care and helping parents and children develop a healthy and happy dental home. With her light-hearted approach and welcoming demeanor, kids of all ages have grown to truly love going to the dentist!
Merrick Pediatric Dentistry 1756A Merrick Ave., Merrick 516-547-1997 merrickpediatricdentistry.com
Dr. Rania Elbaz is a board-certified pediatric dentist. She earned her dental degree from Columbia University. She then completed her pediatric dental training at UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School. Dr. Elbaz loves working with children and strives to create a warm and fun environment that children look forward to visiting. Dr. Elbaz sees every patient in order to ensure consistency that is so important to young children. The office welcomes and gives extra time and attention to patients with special needs. The office also participates with most major insurance plans.
Allied Physicians Group Children’s Medical Group of Bayside and Plainview Thomas Capilupi, M.D. 26-11 Corporal Kennedy St., Bayside 718-224-6000 1171 Old Country Road, Suite 2A, Plainview 516-931-4343 childrensmedicalgroupny.com
Cold Spring Harbor
Fish Hatchery & Aquarium UNIQUELY AWESOME
BIR BIRTHDAY B IIR RT TH H DAY PARTIES! DA DAY PARTI PA PAR TIIES ES! HD E
Celebrate while exploring the aquarium, feeding fish & enjoying a live animal presentation!
Dr. Thomas Capilupi grew up in New York and attended Fordham University, graduating in 1983 with a B.S. He then went on to New York Medical College, graduating in 1987. Dr. Capilupi completed his internship and residency at North Shore University Hospital and has been practicing in Bayside and Plainview. He is a member of the Nassau Pediatric Society.
SUMMER CAMP
Kidds on Park Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Jodi Guttenberg 111 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre 516-678-7422 drjodiguttenberg.com info@kiddsonpark.com
Dr. Jodi Guttenberg and her board-certified associates have been treating the dental needs of children since 1995. Their training and experience allow them to provide the highest quality of care for children. The office is “full service” offering routine dentistry along with orthodontics, cosmetic procedures, laser surgery, and even sedation when necessary. The environment is welcoming for both children and their parents. The staff members provide stress-free treatment for children of all ages and are experts in special-needs care.
Healthy Spine Chiropractic 1308 Grand Ave., Baldwin 516-749-1758 healthyspinechiropracticpc.com
Dr. Kronowitz graduated from New York Chiropractic College in 2015. She has been adjusted since she was 6 and believes in the holistic approach to wellness. She has a certification in Rock Tape, which she uses on patients who are athletes and musicians. She is certified in the Webster technique that is specific to pregnant moms. She does a great deal of prenatal care and helps mothers all the way until birth. Dr. Kronowitz also helps women with menstrual cramps and overall health and nutrition. She is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and the International Chiropractic Association.
Louis E. Mora, Ph.D., Psychologist P.C. 70 Glen Cove Road, Suite 201, Roslyn Heights 347-740-5690 lmoraphd.com
Dr. Mora works with children and adults. He specializes in psychological testing, which helps improve diagnosing and treatment planning. Such testing includes neuropsychological testing, giftedness examinations, and evaluating for the presence of psychological disorders. This includes evaluating for ADHD and possible consequences of head injury. He has years of experience doing such testing with various populations. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology and postdoctoral education in forensic psychology from St. John’s University. He is also an adjunct professor of psychology at St. Francis College.
thru August Young explorers are surrounded by nature. Handson outdoor adventures, nature crafts, live animals & more!
HATCHLING TURTLE DAY
August 19th, 10am-3pm Come meet our baby turtles during their first outdoor adventure!
WACKY WATER WEDNESDAYS
Wednesdays in August Sprinklers, Bubbles, Lawn Games, & more!
Long Island’s Premier Lice Treatment Centers
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May Be Covered Under Insurance * Covered under FLEX Health Spending We Accept Competitor’s Coupons—One coupon per visit
It’s Back To School
Get Healthy With ChiroMom · Innovative Chiropractic Care for the Whole Family ·Prenatal & Pediatric Care ·Prenatal, Infant, Child And Adult Therapeutic Massage · Nutrition & W eight Management · Specializing in treating children with ADD/ADHD 2874 Merrick Road· Bellmore, NY · 516-221-1212 (In Lakeview Plaza across from Mill Pond)
www.mychiromom.com
LongIslandParent 51
PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT CLOWNS.COM Proudly Serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000 718-971-5862 clowns.com We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals. GAMETRUCK LONG ISLAND 917-327-8700 gametruck.com david.schwartz@gametruck.com Video Game Party, laser tag arena, inflatables, or bubble soccer—GameTruck’s unique mobile video gaming theaters and arenas can make your ultimate party wishes come true! MAD SCIENCE OF LONG ISLAND Call for locations throughout Long Island: 855-264-1672 madscienceli.com info@madscienceli.com A Mad Scientist brings all the necessary equipment to you. Party packages include invitations and a take-home activity each child makes. Optional grand finales include Bubbling Potions, Rockets, Cotton Candy, and more. ROYAL EVENTS PRINCESS PARTIES INC. 516-729-4970 royaleventsli.com; royal.events@aol.com Thank you for considering Royal Events! We are a family-owned company that provides princess performers for birthday parties, hospital visits, and all your special events! PARTY PLACES ART BUZZ KIDS 35 Jackson Ave., Syosset 516-802-4954 syosset@wineanddesign.com 21 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre wineanddesign.com Spark your child’s creativity and imagination! Art Buzz Kids offers family-friendly painting and craft classes for children of all ages. Our birthday party themes are designed to inspire and excite all children. 52
@ PLAY AMUSEMENTS 229 NY-110, Farmingdale 631-815-5355 atplayamusement.com info@playamusement.com Have your next party at the newly renovated @ Play Amusements! It offers 30,000 square feet of fun including 92 arcade games, inflatables, bumper cars, roller coaster, a carousel, disco room, and laser tag! BOUNCEU FARMINGDALE 101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale 631-777-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/cities/farmingdale.ny farmingdale.ny@bounceu.com BounceU Farmingdale was voted “Best of Long Island” for Children’s Party Place and Family Amusement Center. We provide the ideal combination of inflatable structures, a clean environment, incredible customer service, and non-stop excitement in a private party atmosphere. CELEBRATIONS IN THE KITCHEN 63 E. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-396-2193 celebrationsinthekitchen.com celebrationsinthekitchen@gmail.com The most unique, fun-filled, joyous event! We have created a true baking experience for everyone to enjoy, including cookie baking and decorating, cupcakes “from scratch,” muffin and scone baking, and brownies. Come in, call, or visit celebrationsinthekitchen.com for more information on parties. COLD SPRING HARBOR FISH HATCHERY & AQUARIUM 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfha.org steved@cshfishhatchery.org Celebrate your child’s next birthday at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium! See the hatchery and aquarium’s exciting live exhibits. Feed the hungry trout and learn about fish, reptiles, and amphibians with an upclose animal encounter. FABULOSITY AT THE TODDLEWOOD STUDIOS 818 Merrick Road, Baldwin 646-596-4227 toddlewoodparties.com parties@toddlewood.com Welcome to Toddlewood! This high-end fashion photo studio has a large hair and makeup station, nail station, arts and crafts, dancing, music, and the best professional
August 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.
photography session for your next top model birthday girl and her friends. THE FASHION CLASS 1812 Merrick Road, Merrick 516-246-2000 thefashionclass.com Learn from real fashion designers with a runway or sewing party this year in our 3000-square-foot, bright, sunny, and pink fashion studio! Guests can choose from a variety of our most popular sewing projects, or put on a full runway show! KEY TO MY ART INC. 10 W. Oak St., Amityville 631-608-9048 keytomyart.com At Key to My Art, our children’s paint parties include all supplies from aprons to easels. The guest of honor picks the theme, we provide the instruction, and each guest leaves with a finished painting! THE LITTLE LADIES CLUB 246 W. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-939-CLUB (2582) thelittleladiesclub.com party@thelittleladiesclub.com The Little Ladies Club has been providing glamorous makeover parties for girls since 1998! Her Majesty will be sure to receive the royal treatment! LONG ISLAND AQUARIUM & EXHIBITION CENTER 431 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-208-9200 xH20 (426) 631-208-9200 x186 longislandaquarium.com Have an Aquatic Birthday Party at the Long Island Aquarium! Take a private tour of the aquarium, receive preferential treatment at our Submarine Simulator and Discovery Tower rides, and special seating at our Sea Lion Show! LONG ISLAND SPORTS COMPLEX 103 Mill Road, Freeport 516-546-0900 longislandsportscomplex.com Long Island Sports Complex is your field of dreams! Long Island’s state-of-theart, climate-controlled, indoor turf field. Known to have the “greatest party on turf,” offering special sports or inflatable parties, and bubble soccer parties. M.A.T.S.S. KID’S GYM & EARLY CHILDCARE EDUCATION CENTER A RAINBOW OF PROGRAMS UNDER ONE ROOF! 2629 Grand Ave., Bellmore
516-221-1330 171 Eileen Way, Syosset 516-496-7765 matsskidsgym.com corporate@matsskidsgym.com M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym offers a rainbow of themes and activities that will make your child’s next birthday party the ultimate celebration of their special day! MY GYM CHILDREN’S FITNESS CENTER 1320 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook 631-751-KIDS (5437) 128 W Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station 631-427-GYMS (4967) mygym.com/huntingtonstation mgym.com/stonybrook My Gym parties include exclusive use of the gym, including a zip line, rock wall, trampoline, trapeze, climbing structures, and slides. Instructors lead your guests through action-packed activities with theme options including Superheroes, Princesses, Mickey Mouse—any theme you want. NOT JUST ART 183 South St., Oyster Bay 516-922-8300 notjustart.com; create@notjustart.com Not Just Art has oodles of excellent music, art, and science parties for ages 1-12 and beyond. Choose from our treasury of super imaginative projects or use favorite themes and activities as a creative springboard. UNLIMITED SPORTS ACTION 30 Beechwood Ave., Port Washington 516-767-7675 unlimitedsportsaction.com info@unlimitedsportsaction.com Unlimited Sports Action offers sports birthdays for ages 2 and older. Our parties offer 1 hour of sports and activities on a climate-controlled turf field, followed by 30 minutes of food, drinks, and birthday cake in a private room. THE VILLAGE ARTIST 630 New York Ave., Huntington 631-271-0715 thevillageartist.com lori@thevillageartist.com Create art for your next birthday party! The Village Artist Fine Arts Center is proud to host your next birthday party. Enjoy a fun and creative time with your family and friends including an art project of your choice.
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ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS
Hagedorn Little Village School...................................... 39
Steps To Socialization................................................... 19
M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym.................................................... 37
Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 33, 50
Tiny Sparkles Pediatric Dentistry................................... 50
BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery................................. 51 Great Play of Syosset.................................................... 45 Key to My Art................................................................. 44
Louis Mora, Ph.D........................................................... 51 Physical Therapy Options.............................................. 35 Steps To Socialization................................................... 19 Variety Child Learning Center........................................ 25
M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym.................................................... 37
EDUCATION
Music Together, LLC...................................................... 25
Countryside Montessori School..................................... 18
CAMPS Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery................................. 51
MUSIC Music School of New York City ..................................... 44 Music Together, LLC...................................................... 25 The Jewish Education Project....................................... 42 PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING Stars of Tomorrow......................................................... 43
Eye Level Learning Center............................................ 45 Hagedorn Little Village School...................................... 39
RELIGIOUS St. Elizabeth Ann Seton ................................................ 42
Countryside Montessori School..................................... 18
LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 44
Kenwal Day Camp........................................................... 9
M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym.................................................... 37
RETAIL
Key to My Art................................................................. 44
Mathnasium ................................................................... 5
Once Upon a Child........................................................ 21
LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 44
Music Institute of Long Island........................................ 44
M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym.................................................... 37
New-York Historical Society.......................................... 11
Mathnasium ................................................................... 5
RoboMind Tech.............................................................. 45
Music Together, LLC...................................................... 25
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton ................................................ 42
SPECIAL EVENTS
Variety Child Learning Center........................................ 25
New-York Historical Society.......................................... 11
RoboMind Tech.............................................................. 45 Village East Gifted......................................................... 43
SERVICES Geico Insurance............................................................ 55
Village East Gifted......................................................... 43 SPECIAL NEEDS
CHILD CARE / DAY CARE M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym.................................................... 37
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery................................. 51
CLASSES
New-York Historical Society.......................................... 11
Eye Level Learning Center............................................ 45
Allied Physicians Group................................................. 51 C.I.I.T. Center.......................................................... 19, 50 ChiroMom................................................................ 50, 51 Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry....................... 3, 50 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 33, 50
Great Play of Syosset.................................................... 45
HEALTH
Key to My Art................................................................. 44
Affinity Health Plan........................................................ 56
LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 44
Allied Physicians Group................................................. 51
Music Institute of Long Island........................................ 44
C.I.I.T. Center.......................................................... 19, 50
Music School of New York City ..................................... 44
ChiroMom................................................................ 50, 51
RoboMind Tech.............................................................. 45
Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry....................... 3, 50
SPORTS
Fairy LiceMothers.......................................................... 51
Great Play of Syosset.................................................... 45
Fidelis Care New York................................................... 15
M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym.................................................... 37
Russian School of Mathematics.................................... 44 Stars of Tomorrow......................................................... 43 Steps To Socialization................................................... 19 The Jewish Education Project....................................... 42 Village East Gifted......................................................... 43
Healthy Spine Chiropractic............................................ 51 Kidds on Park, Jodi Guttenberg, D.D.S......................... 51 Louis Mora, Ph.D........................................................... 51
Kidds on Park, Jodi Guttenberg, D.D.S......................... 51 Louis Mora, Ph.D........................................................... 51 Tiny Sparkles Pediatric Dentistry................................... 50 Variety Child Learning Center........................................ 25
THEATER Stars of Tomorrow......................................................... 43
DEVELOPMENTAL
Merrick Pediatric Dentistry......................................... 7, 50
TUTORS
Allied Physicians Group................................................. 51
Mesbah OB-GYN....................................................... 2, 50
Eye Level Learning Center............................................ 45
C.I.I.T. Center.......................................................... 19, 50
Physical Therapy Options.............................................. 35
Russian School of Mathematics.................................... 44
LongIslandParent 53
Melissa Errico
VOICES What Potty Training Taught Me ›› Why the biggest lesson from potty training was for me, not my son By Emma Steven
E
ver since I got pregnant with my first child I’ve been a parenting book junkie. Books on pregnancy, birth, newborns, sleep, child development, baby-led weaning, traditional weaning, toddler behavior, gentle parenting, traditional discipline—you name it, I’ve read it. My husband rolls his eyes when another Amazon box arrives. “Another parenting book?” he’ll say, before I explain why I need this particular book and how it will change our lives. My friends laugh because whatever the parenting challenge, I’ve usually read a few books about it and can quote them. I can’t solve the particular problem, but boy do I know a few opinions on what we could do. Unfortunately this obsession has yet to turn me into the perfect parent. So when it came to potty training—one of the most dreaded times in toddlerhood—everyone was expecting me to line up some good reading material. “What do the books say?” my husband asked whenever the topic came up. “I don’t know...” I said, for the first time in my parenting life. Perhaps it was because I’d just had another baby, or perhaps it was because I just wasn’t ready for potty training myself. For the first time I didn’t deal with a parenting question by buying a book. I didn’t know what to do; there were so many books, not to mention blogs, videos, and storybooks for kids—how was I to choose? Why were there so many different methods? Why do people need potty training consultants for something that should be so simple? It was overwhelming. My Amazon cart stayed empty. Then my son turned 2. I half-heartedly read a couple of online articles about potty training readiness. But instead of researching the subject thoroughly I did nothing. I bought a potty seat and showed him how to use it. He got the hang of it but showed zero interest. “He’ll do it when he’s ready,” I told my mom. “Eighteen-yearolds don’t wear diapers after all.” So we waited...and waited. I offered to buy him underwear: no interest. I offered a special treat if he potty trained: cue tantrums. I asked him if he wanted to be a big boy and say goodbye to diapers. He said no, he wanted to be a baby and wear diapers forever. His third birthday came and went. His friends all potty trained one by one. The other moms discussed different methods and what worked for them. Still he wasn’t interested. I began to
despair. I knew that he could do it if he wanted, but he didn’t. “What if he’s never ready?” I wept to my husband. “He’s nearly 4!” I shrugged off the disapproving comments in mom forums about the topic of “late” training. I ignored a potty training consultant who told me that kids have to potty train between the ages of 2-3 or face long-term problems. I refused to try and force him, as was suggested by some of these “experts.” Everyone had a piece of advice to give me. “Read him potty stories,” his preschool teachers said at parent-teacher conferences. We had a dozen. “Go underwear shopping,” said other moms. We had drawers of unwanted underwear. I realized that half of my anxiety stemmed from the fact he had always been the first of his friends to hit milestones. Was my competitiveness and anxiety causing his reluctance? He certainly couldn’t care less that he wasn’t potty trained. The mere discussion of it would result in tantrums and tears. So we waited some more. I decided to focus on what he wanted, rather than what he was “supposed” to be doing. Then one day, when he was 3 years and 8 months old, I told him casually we were about to run out of diapers. “Okay,” he said. A few days later he came out of his room asking to sit on the potty. I cheered and did a special dance. Two more days passed and instead of peeing on the floor, he said, “I need to go potty” and ran back to the bathroom. Something had shifted. A week later I told him we’d run out of diapers, and within three days he was trained, day and night, with no fuss, and no need for big rewards. I can count the number of accidents he’s had since then on two hands. My gut instinct had been right all along. When people ask me what method I used I shrug and say, “I didn’t. I just waited until he was ready and he did it.” It took me three years and nine months to realize that the parenting expert who has the most to teach me about my son is my son.
Emma Steven is a writer and NYMetroParents’ Manhattan calendar editor. She lives in Manhattan with her husband, two toddlers, and two cats.
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August 2017 | nymetroparents.com
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LongIslandParent 55
When your little angel thinks he’s a daredevil...
Better have a good pediatrician. Make sure your kids are covered. Call 866.247.5678 (TTY 711) To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 855.355.5777.
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