Long Island Parent (Nassau) August 2016

LongIslandParent NASSAU EDITION

AUGUST 2016

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

Making Melodies

All you need to know about kids’ music lessons

Behind the Thrills

PLUS: Find the best

after-school activities

How water parks keep everyone safe

Olympic Conversations Using the Summer Games to spark family discussions

WHERE TO PICK BERRIES

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August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

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NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Contents

August 2016 ›› Features 16 Choose the Best After-School Activity for Your Child A flowchart to help you pick extracurriculars 18 It’s Music to Their Ears What you need to know about music lessons 24 Olympic Lessons How the Summer Games can spark important family conversations 42 Behind the Thrills A look at how water parks train lifeguards

24

44 Burgers Reinvented Three new takes on the grilled summer staple

48

48 The Power of Preschool Pre-K is much more than just play time

18

Connections 6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Quotables 14 Voices: Respecting kids’ fashion choices 15 NYMP Q&A: Allyson Downey talks thriving in your career while raising children

Fun & Activities

44

12 12 26 29 40

Family Activities CALENDAR ››

Media Matters: Screen-Time Recommendations DIY Corner: Mollusk Wind Chime Outing: Prospect Park Zoo Family Activities Calendar Where-To Guide: Pick Your Own Berries

Directories

29

22 50 52 53 53 54

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

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

by Appaman (appaman.com)

››

ON THE COVER ›› 18 Making Melodies 22 Find the Best After-School Activities 24 Olympic Conversations

facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

40 Where to Pick Berries

42 Behind the Thrills 48 The Power of Preschool

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

LongIslandParent

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AUGUST 2016 • Vol.8 • No.3

NYMetroParents Publications EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress

EDITOR’S NOTE

Our Activities, Our Passions

W

hen I was little, I took piano lessons, but practicing was always a struggle, and I quit after a year. Some years later, I got it in my head that I wanted to play clarinet, and took several years of lessons before transitioning to saxophone, which I played in my high school orchestra. Despite all this, playing music was a constant struggle for me, and practicing held little interest. I stuck with it because I liked the idea of being a musician—but never got much out of it. Still, I have always been fascinated by those who can produce beautiful sounds from a musical instrument. I didn’t know until recently that one of those people is on my staff here at NYMetroParents. As you can read on p. 18, Samantha Neudorf, our assistant editor, is a longtime violinist. In addition to giving us a glimpse into her own personal musical experiences, she shares all the information parents need to know before starting their kids on musical lessons.

While my kids have not learned instruments, my two oldest daughters have over the years taken swim lessons, ballet, art, a couple of different kiddie music and movement classes, chess, after-school enrichment, gymnastics at two different neighborhood schools, and… I am sure I am missing something. Balancing all the factors—schedules, costs, other siblings’ needs, homework time, and the need for downtime—is a challenge we face annually as we prepare for a new school year. But it is important to us that our kids participate in activities outside school and find outlets for their creativity, athleticism, and passions. In this issue, you will find our comprehensive guide to local after-school classes (p. 22) and a fun quiz to help you narrow down the choices (p. 16).

While my older two children focus on choosing their after-school activities for this year, my youngest will be heading to school for the first time (cue the tears). It’s three mornings per week, and despite having had two older kids attend local nursery schools, we still toured a few, spoke with directors, and had a hard time deciding where to send her. Sure, preschool feels like it’s mostly play, but there’s a lot more that happens there. To find out why it’s so important, check out our story on “The Power of Preschool” (p. 48).

For my oldest daughter, gymnastics has become her biggest after-school focus. She’s psyched to watch the world’s best gymnasts compete this month in the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The games provide a great, laid-back opportunity to engage your kids in discussions about important topics. To help you get started, we offer a guide to sparking these family conversations (p. 24).

With all the talk of after-school activities and back-to-school prep, let’s not forget that it’s still summer! Fire up the grill and try one of our fantastic burger recipes (p. 44) or browse our calendar to find the perfect sunny day family event near you (p. 29). And enjoy the remaining weeks until the kiddos board those buses for school once again.

Michael Kress Editorial Director

DEPUTY EDITOR: Bethany Braun MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling ASSISTANT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Catherine Patwell REGIONAL EDITORS: Karen Demeter (Fairfield, Suffolk); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Emma Steven (Manhattan); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERNS: Megan Bailey, Lauren Diaz, Melissa Wickes

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

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Connect With Us Every Day Wherever and whenever you need parenting advice and resources, we are here for you.

Find useful articles, local business directories, event listings, and much more 24/7 at nymetroparents.com, and connect with us at:

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

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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS

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Who: North Shore Performing Arts Center What’s New: Combination classes for boys and girls ages 2-5, in which students will learn tap, ballet, and creative movement.

Combo classes are known for improving the coordination, gross and fine motor skills, general coordination, rhythm, and attention span of children as young as 2, says owner Pam Roeske.

In addition to these combination classes, the center also provides dance classes in a number of disciplines, as well as new competition teams every year.

Want More Info: 609 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset; 516-3641150; northshoreperformingartscenter.com

Courtesy North Shore Performing Arts Center

Performing Arts Center Adds Combination Classes for Boys and Girls

The North Shore Performing Arts competition students

Who: A Mighty Lass What’s New: An immersive camp, which strives to create opportunities for young girls to gain confidence, strength, and support from peers.

A Mighty Summer Camp is a full-day program running from 9am-3:30pm from Aug. 22-26. The campers are divided by age: first-third grades and fourth-sixth grades.

Daily activities include creative arts, swimming and water slides, leadership skills workshops, social etiquette instruction, nutrition, and other activities allowing the young girls to build both inner and outer strength.

Want More Info: 21 Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington; 917-822-2969; amightylass.com

Courtesy A Mighty Lass

Girls Empowerment Camp to Open at West Hills Day Camp

Girls enjoy the outdoors at A Mighty Lass.

Who: Mosquito Joe What’s New: A successful Mosquito Control Awareness Week: Beat the Bloodsuckers Campaign, in which Mosquito Joe educated local communities about the dangers of the zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases and how to fight them. The company donated 10 percent of sales from new customers to blood banks nationwide, and with the help of its customers raised $10,300 for the American Red Cross and 27 blood centers around the country. This is an annual event that will be repeated next summer.

Mosquito Joe provides bug control services to residential and commercial customers, repelling and killing outdoor pests such as mosquitoes and ticks.

Want More Info: Serves Huntington, Smithtown, Oyster Bay, and North Hempstead; 631-458-5810; northshoreny.mosquitojoe.com 8

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Mosquito Joe

Pest Control Company Raises Money for Charity

Mosquito Joe provides services to special outdoor events.

LongIslandParent

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UOTABLES Obviously, the goal of parenting is to raise well rounded human beings that are able to go off into the world and make smart decisions and have a life of their own, but the idea of my sweet boy not needing me as much really struck a chord in me today.

—Allison Cooper, in a post entitled “When Independence Takes Over,” on her blog projectmotherhoodnyc.com

in an instagram 4+ hours. precisely what summer breaks are made of. #boys #childhoodunplugged #endlesssummer #summersixteen (Posted by @mommydelicious, aka Alicia Harper, who blogs at mommydelicious.com. The photo was taken at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6.)

WHEN MOM IS BOSS “I truly enjoy what I do on a daily basis and I’m unlocking the potential of the children in my community, making it a better place to live.”

in an instagram Ladies who lunch! #thisis6 #bff

—Natania Blumenkehl, in a post entitled “Tips for Balancing Life as a Mom and a Business Owner.”

Read more at nymetroparents.com/mom-boss

(Posted by NYC mom @naomi_sixdegreesofmom, aka Naomi Schoenkin, who runs the private playdate community Six Degrees of Mom)

“There are a finite number of years when my voice will be louder than their friends, than magazines, than the rest of the world. So I hold tightly to this sliver of time. I take every opportunity I can to tell them that I think the world of them, that their bodies are perfect exactly the way they are, that they are beautiful and brilliant and creative and strong.”

—Sarah Sandifer, in a post entitled “Why I Completely Overvalue My Kids,” on the site scarymommy.com

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MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: SAND & SURF: Find the best beaches near you at nymetroparents.com/beaches.

LUNCH TO GO: Discover the perfect picnic spot at nymetroparents.com/picnic.

FRACTURE OR SPRAIN? Learn how to tell the difference at nymetroparents.com/fracture-sprain.

WAXY FUN: Plan your visit to Madame Tussauds New York at nymetroparents.com/madame-tussauds.

When your little angel thinks he’s a daredevil...

Better have a good pediatrician.

Make sure your kids are covered.

Contact Affinity Health Plan at 866.247.5678 to obtain more information about Child Health Plus, a free or low-cost health insurance program sponsored by New York State for kids under the age of 19.

To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 855.355.5777.

AffinityPlan.org/CHP

LongIslandParent 11

Media Matters: TV

Terrific Trucks

Recommended Age: 3+ H H H H H

Network: Sprout A delightful series that follows the adventures of real dirt movers.

Screen-Time Recommendations

Mouk

Recommended Age: 4+ H H H H

Network: Xfinity A gentle preschool series that promotes cultural diversity.

Voltron, Legendary Defender

Recommended Age: 8+ H H H H

Network: Netflix DreamWorks updates this ‘80s toon in tense but fantastic form.

Roots

Recommended Age: 14+ H H H H H

Network: History The reimagined slave epic is violent but stirs worthy questions.

In Theaters Aug. 12: Pete’s Dragon Our Partner: Common Sense Media An independent nonprof it that helps families make smart media choices.

Check out thousands of ratings and reviews at commonsensemedia.org

Parents need to know that Pete’s Dragon (2016) is Disney’s remake of the classic 1977 live-action/ animated movie that looks to be a fantasy story for all ages. Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has told children tales of a boy and his dragon for years, but his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), a forest ranger, never believed him. Then she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley), a 10-year-old orphan who claims he lives in the woods with his pet dragon, Elliot, which sounds eerily similar to the dragon in her dad’s stories. With the help of 11-year-old Natalie (Oona Laurence), Grace sets out to find out the truth behind Pete, his supposed dragon, and her father’s stories. Given the source material, this looks like a strong choice for families.

See more at NYMetroParents.com/media

DIY CORNER BEACH CRAFT

Mollusk Wind Chime

A wind chime made from attractive mollusk shells will remind you of the seashore as it dances noisily in the breeze. When you visit the beach, search for shells that have a natural hole. Empty limpet shells, for example, may already have a neat, circular hole in the middle—made by the limpet’s predator—which means you can just thread the craft cord through the hole. Bivalve twin mollusks, such as mussels, cockles, and razor clams, are useful if the two halves of the shell are still attached to each other, because the cord for hanging each shell can be twisted and secured at the shell’s natural hinge. This means that you don’t have to tie a knot—how shellcrafty is this?

What to Use: • 12 empty mollusk shells (such as limpets and bivalve mussels, cockles, or razor clams) • Bowl of warm, soapy water • Spray craft varnish (optional) • 12 lengths of colored craft cord, 10-12 inches in length • Colored plastic clothes hanger, driftwood, or stick • Large pieces of dulse (seaweed) (optional) What to Do: 1. Wash your selection of mollusk shells in a bowl of warm, soapy water and dry them carefully.

2. Spray the shells with craft varnish if you want glitzy shells, and leave to dry.

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3. Attach each shell to a length of craft cord by threading the cord through the natural hole and trying a knot at one end. You can also just tie the cord around the shell, but this won’t be as secure. If you’re lucky enough to have joined bivalve shells, simply twist the cord around the hinge.

4. Arrange the threaded shells attractively and then tie the other end of each cord securely around the lower bar of the clothes hanger. Make sure you space the cords so the shells will bounce into each other in the breeze. Attach a larger piece of dulse for added color if you wish. The color of the seaweed will fade over time.

5. Hang the finished wind chime in front of an open window or perhaps in the garden.

Let Your Kids Go Wild Outside by Fiona Bird; Ryland Peters & Small, $19.95; rylandpeters.com. Photography by Dylan Drummond and Terry Benson

LongIslandParent 13

VOICES

Avoiding the Fashion Fight ››

Clothes are an expression of who we are—as my girls are well aware. I’ve learned to let go and respect my little fashionistas’ choices. By Jennifer Garry

M

y girls are fearless fashionistas. While their momma is perfectly content in a solid rotation of V-neck T-shirts, jeans, and TOMS that smell like they’ve been worn all summer, these daughters of mine treat getting dressed in the morning like a ceremony for the super fabulous.

There is combing through closets. There are wardrobe changes.

There are accessories. There are spritzes of perfume and lip gloss application and ballerina-like twirls in front of their fulllength mirror.

Ellie, my 5-year-old, has even started quietly creeping out of bed like the bite-sized ninja she is and dressing herself fully (lip gloss, arm full of bracelets, and much more) before shaking me awake and asking in her best Valley girl voice if she looks beautiful. Where does a 5-year-old child pick up a Valley girl lilt in the first place?!

As the start of a new school year barrels toward us, there is one thing I’m sure of: There is no way these opinionated ladies of mine will transition from the absolute freedom of summer to a rigid school-year wardrobe without a battle. Apparently, kids have their own personalities and opinions—I just wish someone had slipped me that memo when I was pregnant and daydreaming about what life with kids would be like.

I’ve made it clear that there will be no makeup and there most certainly will be daily hair brushing by Mom. But the notion of me picking out their outfits and forcing them into submission? It’s not worth the struggle, even if that means Ellie shows up to kindergarten wearing fleece sweatpants with fluffy skirts and two completely different shoes with as many accessories as she can possibly pile on.

These girls already see their clothes as expressions of who they are. As long as it’s appropriate—meaning they’re not wearing four sweaters when it’s 80 degrees out or tank tops in the snow—why take that away from them? Who really cares if all of the colors and patterns clash violently and make me cringe? If they’re happy and confident, why do I care what anyone else thinks? Because, if we’re being honest, what other people think is the only real reason we battle with our kids over their mismatched hodgepodge outfits.

But consider this: The clothes we wear tell a story. They are a form of self-expression, and allowing our children to show the world who they are and that they’re confident being that person is such an easy way to give them power. I consider it my job to let my girls shine—and I’d much rather allow them to express themselves freely and comfortably now, before I’m arguing with them about more permanent ways of expressing themselves later.

Who am I to get in the way of them figuring out who they are and what they like?

I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a struggle to get to the point where I can just let them be. In fact, it was really, really hard to let go of my control-freak tendencies and my desire to have my girls look like they came skipping from the pages of an expensive catalog. But I truly believe in the importance of teaching my girls that they can make the world a better place by being themselves. And as I watch them skip off in wild outfits of their choosing, I know that they’re confident and excited and feel like the best version of themselves. What more could a momma want?

Jennifer Garry is a freelance writer and Westchester mom. She writes about that ever-elusive struggle for balance on her personal blog, Cuddles and Chaos (cuddlesandchaos.com).

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NYMP Q&A

Careers & Children ›› Allyson Downey experienced pregnancy discrimination at work and thought it was an anomaly. In doing research for her book, Here’s the Plan: Your Practical, Tactical Guide to Advancing Your Career During Pregnancy and Parenting, in which she lays the foundation to help you thrive in your career while raising children, Downey found that nearly one-third of women experienced some form of pregnancy discrimination.

Allison Hooban

By Katelin Walling

Enroll Now! FREE First Class

What are the most important things you want new mothers to take away from your book? I think the two biggest ones are speaking up for yourself and really building a professional support network, making as many connections as you can from the earliest point in your career. That is the network that is going to be there for you if you do run into problems like I ran into, but it’s also going to be there to help elevate your career if you don’t get into problems.

What can mothers do to limit judgment from coworkers for having a different schedule? Every woman I talked to that was constrained by child care hours felt spectacular guilt every time she walked out of the office. Those women don’t want to talk about it because why would you want to bring up something that’s making you feel terrible? And the colleagues who are watching you walk out the door don’t want to bring it up because they don’t want to begrudge a mother’s time with her children. What no one is acknowledging is it’s making everyone unhappy.

As hard and uncomfortable it can be, clearly tell your colleagues: I have to leave every day at 5pm for child care pickup. I hate walking out of here while all of you are still working. I am going to do everything I can to cram as much work into the 8 hours I am here, so you may see me decline meetings that aren’t absolutely critical for me to attend. State whatever accommodations you reasonably can make to ensure that you are able to stay on equal footing with your colleagues.

What can men and women do to help change their work culture to be more accommodating to new parents? I think that we are at this really amazing point where there are all of these conversations happening in the media, and dozens of private companies are speaking up and talking about family leave. You can harness that energy and momentum. I think the most effective way to do that is to talk about why it’s good for your company.

Talk in terms of the company’s ability to retain outstanding talent and its ability to recruit great talent because it’s progressive about family leave. Talk about all of the great press that companies are generating from the announcements they’re making about their new 16 weeks of paid leave for both men and women. ...It’s such an important signal that being a parent and taking care of a child is not women’s work. It’s work for parents.

S uc ce s s f u l F r ie n d s h i p s a re Po s s i ble !

•••••••••• •••••• We ca n h elp you r ch ild su cc ee d one st ep at a ti m

e.

S2S

STEPS TO

SOCIALIZATION

516.767.0266 www.s2sny.com LongIslandParent 15

Choose the Best After-School Activity for Your Child With myriad activities available to children these days, it’s easy to get bogged down with all the options.

Take this fun quiz to see which activity best suits your child. ››

Your child is a...

Social butterfly

Lone wolf

On the weekends your kid is...

Outside

Is he a picky eater?

No

Yes

Does he love being physical?

Yes

Sports

No

Your child is a ball of energy, so make sure you put it to good use. Team sports, such as basketball or soccer, are a great way to learn team work while also staying fit and active.

16

Your child’s dream job is...

Watching TV

Astronaut

Is she the leader of the pack?

Yes

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

Roll down window

The Arts

Turn on radio

Dance, drama, or a music class would be a great fit for your kid. She is creative and has a zest for life that just can’t be contained. You might have a potential triple-threat on your hands!

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Her favorite subject is...

Science

No

President

Your child’s room is...

English

Is he smarter than you?

Yes

Academic Enrichment

Grades

Your smarty pants can’t get enough of reading, writing, and arithmetic.

Many tutoring centers also offer enrichment classes, espeically during the summer. Get your Einstein learning all year long.

Clean

Messy

What’s more important?

Experience

Art Class

If your child is constantly drawing or painting at home, save yourself the mess and get him into an art class. Art is a great way for your little Picasso to express himself.

LongIslandParent 17

Sophia Lee

Christian and Jessica Li of Manhasset perform at the Music Institute of Long Island’s Gala Concert at Carnegie Hall in June.

It’s Music to Their Ears

››

Your child wants to play an instrument—now what? We asked music instructors to weigh in on renting vs. buying, how to choose what to play, and the benefits of private and group lessons. By Samantha Neudorf

I

t was 1998 when I decided I wanted to play the violin. Only 5 years old, I was watching Disney’s Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra on TV with my parents when a violin soloist named Vanessa-Mae came on stage to perform “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s Turandot opera, and her own piece called “Storm” on the electric violin. She swayed back and forth with her eyes closed, evoking a fiery passion with every note. I turned to my mom, mesmerized and inspired, and declared, “I want to do that.” After 12 years of violin and three years of viola lessons, I can firmly say that my life changed for the better.

Science has proven time and again that children who play musical instruments do better in school. That’s because while playing an instrument the brain exercises motor, auditory, visual, and emotional responses all at once, making it the “most complex and demanding cognitive challenges that the human mind can undertake,” according to a study published in the journal Nature Reviews Neuroscience.

Brain stimulation is just the beginning of the benefits of music.

It also helps children focus better in school and grasp new concepts easily.

Sophia Lee of Manhasset is the mother of two children— Christian, 8, and Jessica, 6—who take piano lessons at the Music Institute of Long Island, also in Manhasset. Both of them began taking lessons at age 4 and got started because they looked up to Lang Lang, a Chinese concert pianist, and their grandmother, who also played piano.

“Piano has also been a great method to be focused, structured, and has helped them academically with school,” Lee says. “[They have 18

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

more] confidence [when] delivering presentations at school, and [it] has helped Jessica with dance, to be more artistic and graceful.”

Practice, Practice

Music lessons are a discipline because the only way to improve and advance is to practice, which can be hard if a child refuses to pick up her instrument regularly.

“It’s a slow process, but kids have good days and bad days,” says Geri Kushner, director of the Music Institute of Long Island.

“Not everybody is going to have an incredible day at a lesson and a practice at home. Slow and steady wins the race.”

Whether parents want their children to play an instrument or a child chooses to, the child needs to first have an interest in learning about music. “If there is no interest, there is little chance that the child will study an instrument long-term,” says Karen Geer, executive director of the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music in Park Slope.

Geer suggests that if a child is not ready to play an instrument, she can join a pre-instrumental class to try out different ones and learn about rhythm, pitch, and tempo.

Selecting an Instrument

When choosing an instrument, it is important that the child gets a say in what he wants to play. After all, he is the one who will be practicing it. Some children may have an idea of what they want to play. If not, most schools offer trial classes.

“We say you have to give it at least a semester,” Kushner says.

“Otherwise you’re never really going to know.”

Other schools may have community outreach programs, such

as “instrumental petting zoos,” for kids to try out their options. Parents and kids can also sit in to observe classes.

Summer camp programs can also be helpful for families to tour the schools without making any commitments.

If your child is still undecided, Rachael Carson, director of Bach to Rock in Mamaroneck, suggests either trying out voice lessons or playing piano because they are the foundation for a lot of instruments. “We also emphasize to kids that if you pick an instrument, it doesn’t mean that this is the only instrument that you will ever play,” Carson says.

it could be worth investing in a high-quality instrument.

Musical Methods

Among the first decisions parents need to make when deciding on music lessons for their child is what teaching method to pursue. Many music teachers use the Suzuki method of teaching, developed by a Japanese violinist named Shinichi Suzuki, in which parents learn to play alongside

their children. The child would take private lessons along with group classes. (This is the method that I studied.)

Other methods include the Orff method, which engages kids in music using percussion instruments such as the glockenspiel or xylophone; and the Kodaly method, which enforces singing as the foundation of musicianship.

Some music schools, such as Bach to Rock, offer the Suzuki

method, along with their own curriculum for kids to learn a mix of classical, pop, and rock music.

“Parents are surprised when they find out that a violin student can learn Katy Perry in addition to learning how to play ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ on the violin,” Carson says. “One comment that I get all of the time is, ‘I can’t believe how fun this is!’”

The Music Institute of Long Island offers Kindermusik continued on next page ››

Providing Services For Over 45 Years

Renting vs. Buying

Most music instructors recommend renting an instrument if a child is just starting out—especially if she is young and can outgrow an instrument that fits her perfectly now.

The only instrument that musicians recommend buying right away, if a family can afford it, is a piano because it is a timeless piece of furniture. “If you can get it in the beginning, you won’t have to worry about it again,” Kushner says.

Otherwise, for piano players, a keyboard can suffice, as there are many decent ones available.

Your music instructor can provide suggestions for affordable rental options.

Carson strongly advises against buying instruments from eBay or other similar websites because they are poor quality, calling them “instrumentshaped objects.”

“If your kid gets really serious and you bought an instrument that’s a beginner quality instrument, it’s going to end up hindering that child’s development on the instrument,” Carson says, adding that she did not buy her first violin until she was in high school.

If your child continues to show an interest in playing his instrument years down the line,

The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children (HLVS), is a 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 autism with no direct cost to families: *Evaluations *Early intervention (Birth - 3) •SEIT *CSE Itinerant Services •ABA Home Programs

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750 Hicksville Road Seaford, NY 11783 • 516-520-600 www.littlevillage.org

Funded and regulated by Nassau County (NCDOH) and Suffolk County (SCDOH) Department of Health, NYS, NYS ED Department Early Intervention (EI) and Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) services are for children who have or are suspected of having a developmental delay or disability. Evaluations 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 19

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classes for young children, a Germany-based curriculum designed to encourage musical play and movement.

Private vs. Group Lessons

Children may be enrolled in both private or group lessons—or a mixture of the two—as both are beneficial and provide different experiences for the student.

Young children might consider starting off by taking lessons with one or two other students, then transitioning to a private lesson around age 7. Private lessons are highly encouraged because the teachers can better review the students’ techniques, and one-on-one instruction tends to instill in kids a sense of responsibility.

Group lessons allow kids to play as an ensemble, which teaches them to play cohesively and perform together. For example, the Music Institute of Long Island performs at nursing homes and other venues as a way to give back to people in the community, as well as to build confidence in playing for an audience. Bach to Rock holds a Battle of the Bands competition for its rock band program, in which the kids have the responsibility to listen to the members of their group and play at the same tempo.

If a child is very eager to play, it is possible that she can begin at age 3. Otherwise, age 6 or 7 might be more appropriate, as that is when children begin learning how to read and are more focused and physically developed.

When sitting in lessons, Kushner advises parents to record their children using a video camera or tape recorder and to take notes to make sure that the child takes the corrections from class and applies them at home.

“Everything takes time,” Kushner says. “We improve and

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August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

sometimes we plateau, just like in everything else. But if they’re not putting in the time, they can’t expect to do fabulously.”

The Payoff

Something that most parents may be surprised to learn once their child begins music lessons is how much dedication and commitment is required. Just as a child might study over and over for a test, he must be ready to constantly practice his instrument to become more advanced.

“If [children] take SATs, ACTs, math tutoring, English tutoring, and Kumon, [those teachers] expect them to work there,” Kushner says.

“We expect them to work at a violin lesson or piano lesson, as well.”

Parents can motivate and support their children by giving them words of encouragement.

“The attitude of the parents, and just being ready to be a support and as enthusiastic as their kids, is important,” Carson says.

As for me, my mom would encourage me to enter music competitions, and even though I only ever placed among the winners once in the 12 years I took lessons, the experience made me learn how to pick myself up from failure and move on. It was not until adulthood that I realized how valuable this was for me.

Even if my parents and I butted heads when I did not want to practice, it disciplined me to refocus my energy to buckle down and chip away at improving, which showed that hard work and dedication can take you far. If it were not for music, I do not think I would have had the ambition and drive to push myself through Advanced Placement classes in high school, move 5,000 miles away from home for college, and make a living here in New York City, arguably the most competitive city in the world. All thanks to that unforgettable TV concert nearly 20 years ago.

Behavior Therapy For Autism In Your Home Many health insurance plans are now required to pay for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the treatment of autism. Children and adults with autism may be entitled to up to 20 hours per week or more of intensive behavioral therapies and ABA services.

At ABA Psychological Services, P.C., our treatment programs are designed to teach children and adults with autism a wide range of skills that are required for success in life.

Our Clinical Director, Dr. Tricia Moss, is a Doctoral-Level, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, as well as a New York State Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Behavior Analyst. Dr. Moss is a published author, and has served on the faculty of New York Medical College.

To find out whether your health insurance pays for these in-home services, please call us at 516-294-5000

ABA Psychological Services, P.C. www.abapsychologicalservices.com | 516-294-5000

LongIslandParent 21

AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES & PROGRAMS The Annual Directory of

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

ABA Psychological Services, P.C.

Servicing Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens 516-294-5000 abapsychologicalservices.com ABA Psychological Services, P.C. is a private professional agency providing high quality, Applied Behavior Analytic therapy to children and adults of all ages who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Our goal is for individuals with autism to learn the skills necessary to reach their full potential by creating a treatment program that is specific to each person’s needs. Our clinical director, Dr. Tricia Moss, is both a doctoral-level board-certified behavior analyst (B.C.B.A.-D.), as well as a New York state-licensed psychologist.

Brookville Center for Children’s Services Brookville location at Children’s Education Center: 516-626-1000 New Hyde Park location at Marcus Avenue: 516-326-5600 Westbury location at Post Avenue: 516-326-5800 Westbury location on SUNY Old Westbury Campus: 516-333-8063 brookvillecenter.org info@brookvillecenter.org Brookville Center for Children’s Services provides day care services and early childhood programs at four locations in Nassau County.

Children are afforded an enriching experience with a play-based education aimed at stimulating overall development. Brookville Center operates high staff-tostudent ratios with staff members being certified or licensed in their professional areas. Programs are approved and licensed by the New York State Education Department, the New York Department of Health, and the Office of Children and Family Services, and it is a recognized School of Excellence by the National Association of Special Education Teachers.

ChiroMom

2874 Merrick Road, Bellmore 516-221-1212; mychiromom.com mychiromom@gmail.com Dr. Dana Walters is a chiropractor specializing in prenatal and pediat-

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ric 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.

Countryside Montessori School

354 Lakeville Road, Great Neck 516-406-3623; cmsgn.com csmontessori@cmsgn.com Countryside Montessori School was founded in 1998. We were founded with the aim of providing a high quality early childhood education based on the philosophy, methods, and techniques developed 100 years ago by educational pioneer and Nobel prize nominee Dr. Maria Montessori. Our children become responsible for their own learning and their own behavior. They learn to respect themselves and others. Everything in our school is designed to encourage and aid the child’s natural curiosity.

Eye Level Learning Center Williston Park

61 Hillside Ave., Williston Park 516-747-7700; myeyelevel.com After a long summer of information brain drain, make sure that your child is ready to head back to school with confidence! Eye Level of Williston Park can help prepare your child as you pack their backpacks up once again for the new school year. It’s the perfect time to review your child’s strength in math and English and ensure that they’re prepared for the year ahead! Refresh, review, and stay ahead! Call us now to schedule your free diagnostic placement test today! 514-747-7700.

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Fairy LiceMothers

2463 S. Long Beach Road, Oceanside 866-561-0492 1755 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park 679 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Head fairylicemothers.com fairylicemothers@gmail.com Back-to-school season is approaching, and children have been playing head to head all summer.

It is important to check your children before school starts. Fairy LiceMothers says, “Once a week, take a peek” by doing a quick 10-minute weekly comb-out with the MagicWand and MagicHalo Conditioner. Watch our comb-out video to learn how to check your children at fairylicemothers.com/ lice_treatment.html. Or schedule a headcheck at one of our three Long Island locations. Headchecks are normally $25 but mention this ad and get $10 off. Remember, advice is always free.

The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children 750 Hicksville Road, Seaford 516-520-6000; littlevillage.org jon.feingold@littlevillage.org The Hagedorn Little Village School is a nonprofit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. HLVS provides year-round programs and services that include diagnostic evaluations and treatment, early intervention, a preschool, an elementary school, SEIT, and related services. Services provided on-site, and in homes, nursery schools, and day care centers include speech, feeding, occupational, physical, and movement therapies; behavior management or Applied Behavior Analysis; counseling; and support groups.

Katya’s School of Dance - To The Pointe!

40 Middleneck Road, 2nd Floor, Great Neck 917-771-0687; katyasdance.com info@katyasdance.com At Katya’s School of Dance, we provide a nurturing environment for your dance education. We believe

learning to dance should be fun, but also impart a sense of discipline.

We provide individualized attention to the recreational, as well as the serious student. We offer classes for adults and children in ballet, musical theater, tap, ballroom, and creative movement/primary ballet for our youngest dancers. We believe that dancing is not only for the naturally gifted student but that anyone who has the love and the drive can learn to dance.

Kidville Roslyn and Wantagh

Willow Wood Shopping Center 1183 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh 516-409-4558 kidville.com/wantagh 250 S. Service Road, Roslyn 516-626-3126; kidville.com/roslyn Kidville Wantagh and Roslyn is a beautiful membership facility that offers classes for every child ages newborn to 6 years! We have a wide range of creative classes for babies, toddlers, and children ages 6 and younger all developed by our team of early childhood development specialists. Choose from classes in music and dance, gym, art, and enrichment. We also offer our members supervised open play in our fantastic state-of-the-art gym, giving children a fun and safe space to run, climb, and make new friends.

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 Still in that Olympic mood and want to keep your kids moving and off the couch? Our after-school classes provide gymnastics, sports, dance, movement, and enrichment instruction for community school-age children (20 months to 12 years), not just for our on-site center children.

Dedicated teachers and staff are gymnastics-, N.Y.S.ED.-, CPR-, and first aid-certified. Discover M.A.T.S.S.—Movement, Aerobics, Tumbling, Sports, and Skills.

Since 1985-A Rainbow of Programs to Play, Learn, and Grow!

Mathnasium Learning Centers

1759 Grand Ave., Baldwin 516-544-2525 414 Central Ave., Cedarhurst 516-569-1500 11 Great Neck Road, Great Neck 516-482-MATH (6284) 661 Old Country Road, Plainview 516-881-7997 1003 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park 516-616-MATH (6284) 217A Mineola Ave., Roslyn Heights 516-484-MATH (6284) mathnasium.com Mathnasium Learning Centers, the nation’s leading math-only learning center franchise with centers throughout Nassau County, specializes in teaching kids of all ages math in a way that makes sense to them.

Students go to Mathnasium yearround to catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math. Our experienced math tutors utilize our proprietary teaching materials and techniques, The Mathnasium Method™, to deliver a customized learning plan designed to address each student’s needs. Our instructional approach goes beyond traditional math tutoring to develop understanding and build a love for math.

Music Institute of Long Island

Community Reformed Church, Manhasset 516-627-7052 milimusic.com; miligirls@aol.com Now in our 27th year, Music Institute of Long Island is “New York’s Premier Music School.” Programs include violin, viola, cello, guitar, piano, voice, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and tuba.

Instructions in Traditional, Suzuki, and ABRSM methods for ages 3-99, beginner-advanced. MILI offers Chamber Music, Theory, Sight Reading, NYSSMA, and college preparation. Students perform eight times annually at Steinway Hall, Carnegie Hall, and for charities. First prize competition winners, soloists with orchestras.

Outstanding faculty. Fall, spring, summer sessions, private lessons in all levels, all instruments offered.

Fall semester begins Sept. 12.

North Shore Performing Arts Center

609 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset 516-364-1150 northshoreperformingartscenter.com Established in 1998, founder of North Shore Performing Arts Center, Pamela Roeske prides herself in helping children gain self-confidence, coordination, and

self-expression. The instructors at NSPAC teach more than just how to dance—they teach their students the art of dance. It is the studio’s mission to encourage all students to reach their full potential physically, emotionally, and socially. Small classes, positive instruction, friendly service, and an educated staff allow us to have one of the best and growing performing arts programs in the area, with more than 150 weekly classes from which to choose.

Once Upon A Child

1089 Hicksville Road, Seaford 516-579-4200 onceuponachildseaford.com We buy and sell gently used and new kids clothing, furniture, equipment, and toys! We pay cash for an amazing array of gently used name-brand items. Each item brought into our store is individually examined and reviewed. We will purchase gently used and new items that meet current style and safety standards.

As the safety of children is our first priority, the Once Upon a Child service team will inspect all equipment and toys for recalls. You will then be offered payment on the spot for all items that meet our standards.

Our Lady of Mercy

520 S. Oyster Bay Road, Hicksville 516-433-7040; olmshicks.org Our Lady of Mercy School strives in the spirit of service and love to inspire our students to grow spiritually, academically, and socially.

Our goal is to enable all students to meet the challenges of the future through a strong faith-based academic program enhanced by extracurricular activities. A variety of early childhood classes, and fullday kindergarten to eighth-grade programs are available. Weekday, evening, and weekend tours are available by appointment.

Prime Time Early Learning Center

270 Airport Plaza, Farmingdale 631-777-9090; primetimeschools. com/farmingdale-day-care Prime Time Farmingdale’s beforeand after-school program provides homework assistance, supervised play, computers, group games, and playground time in a safe, educational, and relaxed environment. There is ample opportunity for children ages 10 and younger to study, socialize, do homework, rest, or engage in play activities.

Our Farmingdale center offers an environment that is safe and loving, with a staff that is well trained, highly motivated, and dedicated

to each child’s well-being. Prime Time of Farmingdale is open Monday-Friday from 6:30am-7pm.

Renée Gallery of Art

1966 Jackson Ave., Seaford 516-785-7291 Drawing and painting instruction for children ages 7 and older once a week, 1½-hour classes, 4:306pm. Students are taught the basics of fine art at their individual level.

Small informal classes, beginners welcome. Evening class available for adults. Established in 1973.

RoboMindTech Summer S.T.E.M. Camp Premier Education Center/ RoboMindTech

575 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho 718-264-7626 robomindtech.com robomindtech@gmail.com Build a Lego® amusement park, ride or play sports in the Robot Olympics! Channel your child’s creative energy into exciting projects in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) with our unique, hands-on curriculum. Home to NYC FIRST Lego® League and National World Robot Olympiad Champions, RoboMindTech is an award-winning STEM education center that inspires young minds with engineering. From robotics, video game design, and coding to Lego® creative play, we offer a variety of immersive weeklong summer camps and after-camp studios. Call to RSVP for our open house!

Steps to Socialization

13 S. Bayles Ave., Port Washington 516-767-0266 At Steps to Socialization, we understand that not all children process social information the same way. Our curriculum, designed for children through 12th grade, makes the hidden rules of daily social interactions simple and clear. Through targeted activities and role-play, your child will gain the communication skills needed to navigate the social world. Parents and caregivers are an integral part of the team. We work together to reinforce the program at home and school.

Variety Child Learning Center

47 Humphrey Drive, Syosset 516-921-7171 Variety Child Learning Center at the Gallow School 72 Farmedge Road, Levittown 516-490-3301; vclc.org Variety Child Learning Center provides programs and services to more than 750 children (ages newborn to 7) and their families

annually, at two sites in Syosset and Levittown, and off-site, including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA Home Program); special education preschool and kindergarten-second grade; Early Intervention; Evaluation Center to determine eligibility; Special Classes in an Integrated Setting; SEIT (Special Education Itinerant Teachers) at nursery schools, child care locations, and homes; Family Center Sunday Respite and Recreation Program; Social Skills Training Groups; Lufrano Training Program for early childhood personnel; and Saturday Enrichment Groups.

Variety Child Learning Center Center Social Skills Training Programs for Children and Teens

47 Humphrey Drive, Syosset 516-921-7171 Variety Child Learning Center at the Gallow School 72 Farmedge Road, Levittown 516-490-3301; vclc.org Variety Child Learning Center offers Social Skills Training Groups for children and teens (ages 4–16) who are experiencing difficulties in social situations and forming friendships.

It also offers enrichment groups (Sparkling Artists and Movement) focused on social and emotional development, for children ages 3-8, on Saturday mornings during summer, fall, winter, and spring sessions. Call or email for additional information and fees: 516-921-7171 x2179 or ahamel@vclc.org.

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® is a highly rigorous, creative, and engaging academic enrichment program for gifted students ages 3-16. Its curriculum includes Latin, writing, geography, global studies, world history, STEM, advanced linguistics, SAT vocabulary enrichment, public speaking, art, and creative problem solving. Gifted pre-kindergarten (ages 3-4) is offered as well as parallel classes for bright children not classified as gifted. More than 400 students have enrolled in the program, all of whom have placed in the 90th percentile or higher on national tests with IQ scores between 130 and 155.

LongIslandParent 23

John Cheng/USA Gymnastics

Gabby Douglas, a 2012 gold medalist for Team USA, competes in the 2015 World Gymnastics Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, one step in her journey to this summer’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Olympic Lessons

››

Watching the Summer Games together as a family can spark important discussions about your kids’ goals, values, and outlook on the world. By Melissa Kagan

S

ometimes the best, most in-depth conversations with kids happen while you’re all focused on something else, especially if your kids are relaxed and having fun while it happens. The Summer Olympics, taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug. 5-21, offers a chance for your entire family to enjoy watching sports together—while providing plenty of opportunities to engage your kids in discussions about topics such as following their passions, setting and achieving their personal goals, and choosing role models.

In addition to cheering on your favorite athletes, it’s a great idea to use the competitions themselves and the personal stories behind the athletes’ hard work getting to Rio to spur your kids to reflect on and discuss some of the issues and values on display. Take advantage of the time you spend watching the games by asking open-ended questions and see where the conversation takes you.

Here are some potential conversation starters: What inspires you to work hard at something?

Let’s face it: Not everybody is going home a winner. Most of these

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athletes will go home without medals, and that’s okay because the fact they made it to the Olympics at all should be reward enough.

Is it the promise of a trophy or admiration from others that your kids want most? Or is it simply a personal goal or the satisfaction of improvement that drives them to push harder?

Do you prefer team sports or individual sports? Why? You will have many opportunities to point out how everyone’s contribution is key to a team’s success while watching group sports such as volleyball, water polo, or basketball. Help kids make the connection between teamwork in sports and other collaborative efforts, such as group projects for school.

On the other hand, viewing individual sports such as gymnastics or diving can also provide teaching moments about being your own toughest competitor and the opportunity each time you compete to beat your personal best. To achieve these results, you need a high amount of self-reliance, discipline, focus, and passion, all of which are on display at the Olympics and can provide fodder for discussion and inspiration.

Do you look up to athletes? Which ones, and why? What are the qualities that make an athlete a good role model?

Not all athletes are responsible members of the community. Do your kids look up to professional sports figures because of their talent or because they contribute something to society, such as spearheading a charity or being the face of a cause? Keep in mind that many teens tune out authority figures—including parents or teachers—but a superstar athlete may be able to deliver a message of inspiration and hope to kids.

How do you feel when you lose at a game or competition?

Use the Olympics to talk about losing—and winning—gracefully.

The emphasis on medals does not mean that winning is the most important thing. Watch the interviews with the various athletes and you’ll discover that they’re happy to be there, no matter what the outcome is. At some point during the event, you’ll witness athletes falling or fumbling, and yet they still persevere. You don’t see much foot stomping, storming away, or crying by the athlete who comes in fourth. Watch how the competitors react to winning and losing and how they treat their opponents and use this as an example for your kids to show the difference between good and bad sportsmanship.

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WE ACCEPT ALL SEASON CHILDREN’S APPAREL All equipment and toys must be less than 5 years old and not be recalled

What do you dream you could do, and how do you think you can make that happen?

Journalists covering the Olympics tend to focus on inspiring human-interest stories about athletes overcoming obstacles to reach their goals. These emotional stories can make watching an event all the more compelling and give you a chance to talk to your kids about perseverance. Kids often make a habit of trying an activity and then giving up when it doesn’t come easily to them or they aren’t excelling in it right away. Remind your children that Olympic competitors are not born; they are developed over years and years, through practice and more practice and even more practice.

What are some other cultures that fascinate you or that you’d like to learn more about?

Aside from the competitions themselves, the greatest part of the Olympics is watching how countries from all around the world come together to share in their common language of sports.

Parents can use this as a starting point for conversations about embracing other cultures. It’s one of those rare moments when you are able to see citizens from around the world join together as they celebrate their unique strengths and talents. Use a globe or a map to see where the competitors are from and discuss a variety of topics, such as traditions, language, flags, and relating to people who are different.

Conversations build connections. Expose your kids this August to different sports and their rules, and explore the concept of teamwork, the power of practice, the values and traditions of other cultures, and the different components of competition, including effort, losing, and winning. When you pause and listen, you can get to know so much about your children and they may even learn a thing or two about themselves.

Melissa Kagan is the former editor-in-chief of the now-defunct lifetimemoms.com. She is currently a freelance writer whose work has been featured on Mommy Poppins, and in Westchester Magazine and Westchester Family. She lives in Pelham with her husband and two children.

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OUTINGS: Prospect Park Zoo

nymetroparents.com/outings

Explore Wildlife in the Heart of Brooklyn 1

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Julie Larsen Maher © WCS

Home to a plethora of exotic animals, Prospect Park Zoo serves as an escape from the racing city life for families. ›› By Megan Bailey

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1 You can see red pandas climbing trees or snoozing on branches on the zoo’s outdoor Discovery Trail. 2 A Jacob’s four-horn sheep lives in the zoo’s domestic Barn and Garden exhibit, where you can take a turn feeding grain to some of the animals. 3 The Australian dingo exhibit is also on the zoo’s Discovery Trail. 4 These tiny Juliana pigs can also be found in the Barn and Garden exhibit.

In the late 1800s, Prospect Park Zoo first operated a tiny menagerie with livestock and limited wildlife—sheep, cows, rabbits, birds—up until its first public opening in 1935. Since then, the zoo has made quite an impression on city residents. There is something for every animal-lover to enjoy, from sea lions to red pandas to baboons.

Year-Round Fun

If you decide to do a simple self-guided tour, there are five exhibits you should check out. Animal Lifestyles includes the nocturnal and furry Pallas’ cats, as well as birds, lizards, and fish. At Barn and Garden, you can feed animals grain as if it’s a normal thing to do in New York City. Here, you can see sheep, cows, horses, chickens, and two unique species of farm animals that are sure to be crowd-pleasers: a Zebu calf and three little Juliana pigs. In the outdoor Discovery Trail, you will find red pandas hanging on tree branches, a black-tailed prairie dog roaming around, and the North-American river otter exhibit. In the unique Hall of Animals exhibit, children can enjoy smaller 26

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

creatures, whether it’s a dwarf mongoose, dart frog, or Madagascar jumping rat. A visit to the zoo isn’t complete without stopping by the Sea Lion Court, a popular exhibit at the heart of the park.

At the Discovery Center, children can interact with animals up close in a fun yet educational space. This can be through playing pretend as a veterinarian or utilizing any of the classroom and laboratory equipment available to learn about the art of zoology. The Discovery Center is open Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm.

Special Activities

At the Sea Lion Court, there is an opportunity to participate in Sea Lion Training Sessions, daily at 11:30am, 2pm, and 4pm.

Guided tours are available for Scout troops, during which they will learn more about wildlife and environmental conservation, and can even earn the Prospect Park Zoo Patch.

Teachers: If you are looking for an exciting and educational field trip, the Prospect Park Zoo is a great opportunity.

You may bring groups on self-guided

tours, receive an official tour from a park guide, or participate in classes.

Annual Attractions

Prospect Park Zoo’s Summer Camp gives children ages pre-K to eighth grades the opportunity to explore wildlife in a weeklong session. This includes live animal encounters, creative art projects, interactive games, science experiments, exhibit visits and meeting zookeeper staff, role-play, and theatrical exercises. Campers are split into groups by age. Cost, session dates, and times vary for each group.

Details

Address: 450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive from Garden City Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday and holidays, 10am-5:30pm Admission: $8; $6 seniors ages 65 and older; $5 children ages 3-12; free for children ages 2 and younger For more information: 718-399-7339 or prospectparkzoo.com

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For More Information Please Call or Email: Nicholas Churaman – (516)-622- 5057 – nchuraman@northwell.edu

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Ideas When You Need Them:

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

nymetroparents.com/register

Turn the page for details on Long Island Scottish Festival and Highland Games (No. 6 on our list).

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AUGUST CALENDAR

30 Editor’s Hot Tickets

35 Little Foodies

31 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

36 Crafty Kids,

The Great Outdoors

32 Fun Fairs & Festivals,

Movers & Shakers WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar

EDITOR: DEE SAUNDERS nassaucal@davlermedia.com

37 On Screen

33 Special Needs,

Must-Sees in NYC

38 Show Time!,

Smarty Pants

34 Mini Musicians,

Animal Lovers

39 Once Upon a Time

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

Chocolate Dumbbells

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 3, 7pm WHERE: Freeport Public Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Create tasty dumbbells with chocolate covered pretzels and cookies and take home two in a bakery box.

WHY WE LOVE IT: These dumbbells are a sweet way to get “exercise”!

WANT TO GO? $1 materials fee. 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

Erik’s Reptile Edventure FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 4, 1:30pm WHERE: Rock Hall Museum, 199 Broadway, Lawrence AGES: All WHAT: A fun-filled “edventure” designed to educate youngsters about the importance of science and nature.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Everyone can learn something from the creepy-crawlies!

WANT TO GO? 516-239-1157. toh.li.

3

2

The Wailers

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 12, 7pm WHERE: The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Together with Bob Marley, The Wailers have sold more than 250 million albums and have played to an estimated 24 million people performing an average of 200 dates a year.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The Wailers are undoubtedly the world’s premier reggae and world music group that brings high energy shows to fans.

WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 516-283-5566. thespaceatwestbury.com.

‘Into the Woods’

4

WHEN: Aug. 6-21, see website for dates and times WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The story follows a baker and his wife who wish to have a child, Cinderella who wishes to attend the King’s Festival, and Jack who wishes his cow would give milk.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Everyone’s favorite storybook characters are brought together for a timeless yet relevant, enchanting performance.

WANT TO GO? $28 at door. 516-775-4420. broadhollow.org.

Plaza Theatrical Presents ‘Disney’s Aladdin Jr’

WHEN: Aug. 13-21, Saturday-Sunday, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Get ready to take a soaring ride on a flying carpet filled with romance and adventure.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This production is based on the animated film, with an Academy Award-winning score.

WANT TO GO? $12. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.

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August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

1

6

Long Island Scottish Festival and Highland Games

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 27, 8am-5pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: With bagpipes, caber tossing, and highland dancing, the Scottish Games is one of the highlights of the season.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It is believed that the games were begun by ancient highland chieftains to help them select the strongest men for their armies.

WANT TO GO? $20; $18 seniors; $8 children ages 7-17; free for children younger than 7. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

‘To Catch a Thief’ FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: 13 and older WHAT: The film stars Cary Grant as a retired cat burglar who has to save his reformed reputation by catching a new “cat” preying on wealthy tourists.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Who resist Carey Grant and Grace Kelly?

WANT TO GO? 516-767-6444. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

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7

So You Wanna Be a Puppeteer: Learning the Skills of Hand Puppets

WHEN: Aug. 8-Sept. 1; Monday-Thursday, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 9 and older WHAT: During a four-day workshop, children will learn how puppets can be used as a tool for expression and storytelling.

WHY WE LOVE IT: After this workshop, puppets will be popping up in school projects and in imaginative play at home!

WANT TO GO? $50 per week. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Sensory Garden Sundays

WHEN: Aug. 7–Sept. 25; Sundays, 12pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, Coe Hall, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Exciting new programming for families during which children will have the opportunity to see, taste, touch, smell, and listen to the wonders of the Sensory Garden.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Everyone can enjoy the beauty of nature.

WANT TO GO? $8 parking fee. 516-922-8668. plantingfields.org.

9

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE

Immerse. Make. Inspire

Premier Education (Jericho) 575 Jericho Turnpike Jericho, NY 1175 robomindtech@gmail.com 718-264-7626 / 516-597-5252

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

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 2, 7pm WHERE: Clark Botanic Garden, 193 I.U. Willets Road, Albertson AGES: All WHAT: Bring a chair and a snack and enjoy this dance performance.

WANT TO GO? 516-484-2208. clarkbotanic.org.

> LEGO Science & Robotics Programs (K-8) > Video Game Design (Grade 3-8) > Coding Camps / After Camp Studio Workshops > Robotics Competition Training > Group Programs: STEM Field Trips & Workshops

Arts in the Plaza FREE

Call for a FREE Trial Class Time

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 6, 10am-4pm WHERE: Kennedy Plaza, 1 W. Chester St., Long Beach AGES: All WHAT: Handcrafted art by Long Island artists, live music, cultural performances, and a free Kids Art Station.

WANT TO GO? 516-507-8383. artsintheplaza.com.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 25, 6:30pm WHERE: Floral Park Public Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Kids are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal to the library for a fun night.

WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

OPEN HOUSE @ Premier Education

August 13 Sat 10:30am-12:30pm Please RVSP date via email Home to NYC FIRST Lego League & National World Robot Olympiad Champions

Laughs At the Library FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 31, 7pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: All WHAT: Have a laughing good time at the library when you join comedy veteran Mark Brier for an evening filled with jokes, stories, anecdotes, and impressions.

WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

From Shore to Shore: Boat Builders and Boatyards of Long Island FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 4: Tuesday-Friday, 10am-2pm; Saturdays, 11am-3pm; Sundays, 1-4pm WHERE: Oyster Bay Historical Society, 20 Summit St., Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: This exhibit explores the traditions of working boat builders and boatyards found in the region.

WANT TO GO? 516-922-5032. oysterbayhistorical.org. ››

LongIslandParent 31

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS Annual Garvies Point Day

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 6, 10am WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: Come enjoy this magnificent 62-acre preserve. Programs and films are scheduled throughout the day, along with ongoing craft workshops.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for children younger than 4. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

Baldwin Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 6, 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 for a good reason!

WANT TO GO? 516-223-8080. baldwinchamber.com.

26th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival FREE

WHEN: Aug. 6-7, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-5pm WHERE: Meadow Lake at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 53-51 111th St., Flushing, Queens AGES: All WHAT: A colorful Hong Kong tradition returns to New York, drawing more than 200 teams competing from around the world. This family-oriented sporting and cultural event features exciting racing, food, entertainment, and arts and crafts. See website for complete event schedule.

WANT TO GO? 718-767-1776. hkdbf-ny.org.

Showtiques Craft Fair FREE

WHEN: Aug. 6-7, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Massapequa Park Street Fair, Park Boulevard and Front Street, Massapequa Park AGES: All WHAT: The festival provides several different attractions and activities making it a fun-filled weekend for the entire family.

WANT TO GO? 201-737-9000. showtiques.com.

Summer Art and Craft Fair FREE

WHEN: Aug. 24-28, Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-9pm WHERE: Broadway Mall, 358 N. Broadway Mall, Hicksville AGES: All WHAT: Explore the exhibitors’ booths full of local arts and craft fare.

WANT TO GO? 718-241-4630. broadwaymall.com.

MOVERS & SHAKERS Polo at Bethpage State Park

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 7, 3pm WHERE: Bethpage State Park, 99 Quaker Meeting House Road, Farmingdale AGES: All WHAT: Come and enjoy an afternoon of excellent polo games.

WANT TO GO? $5; $8 vehicle fee. 631-669-1000. bethpagepolo.com.

Summer Mommy and Me Classes

WHEN: Through Aug. 11: Wednesdays or Thursdays, 10-11:30am WHERE: M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym, 2629 Grand Ave., Bellmore AGES: 3-5 WHAT: A Mommy and Me Mini-Camp with snacks, crafts, and more.

WANT TO GO? See website for prices. 516-221-1330. matsskidsgym.com.

Revolution Yoga FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 14, 12pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, Coe Hall, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: 5-12 WHAT: This class will improve strength, flexibility, and coordination.

WANT TO GO? 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

Baby and Me Classes

WHEN: Through Aug. 18: See website for dates and times WHERE: M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym, 171 Eileen Way, Syosset AGES: 3-5 WHAT: This nurturing environment and playful venue includes tumbling, music, playtime, bubbles, and more.

WANT TO GO? See website for prices. 516-496-7765. matsskidsgym.com.

Summer SOULstice: Zumba FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 18, 6:45pm WHERE: Floral Park Public Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: Everyone of all skill levels is invited to the library lawn to move to the rhythm of the night.

WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Mounted Cowboy Shooting Match

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 21, 11:30am-1:30pm WHERE: Old Bethpage Village Restoration Fairgrounds, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: The Island Long Riders navigate a course on horseback while shooting targets. 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.

Tai Chi in the Gardens

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 24, 10:30am WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Sessions are designed for all experience levels.

WANT TO GO? $15 per session. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

Yoga in the Gardens

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 25, 11:15am WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Participants must bring a yoga mat, yoga strap, and towel.

WANT TO GO? $15 per session. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

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CityBound

Forrest Clonts

Must-Sees in N Y C

Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day

Music and Movement

WHEN: Aug. 5–Sept. 2; Fridays, 1pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Musical instruments and sing-along songs get the youngest children’s bodies moving.

WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Catch the next big thing in kids’ theater at FringeJR.

Tiny Thespians Don’t miss this year’s kid- and teen-friendly picks from The 20th Annual New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC), the largest multi-arts festival in North America. A great chance to see the next big show before anyone else, the festival features a selection of fun productions for kids (FringeJR) and teens (FringeHigh). Previous hits include last year’s Commedia Rapunzel (pictured) that went on to become one of the most popular kids shows of 2015. Aug. 12-28; see website for schedule. Ages 5 and older. $18, $13 for children younger than 12 (only available in person). Various theaters, see website for locations. 917-745-3397. fringenyc.org.

Courtesy NYC DOT

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 27, 9:30am WHERE: USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows Corona Park Road, Flushing, Queens AGES: All WHAT: The day features a ticketed Stadium Show and concert preceded by a free Grounds Festival, which includes interactive games, face painting, music and tennis clinics, and a chance to get an up close and personal look at the biggest stars of tennis.

WANT TO GO? $10-$25 concert tickets; free for all other events. 718760-6200. arthurashekidsday.com.

Art with a Partner Workshop for Children and Young Adults with Special Needs WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 7, 1-3pm WHERE: Art League of Long Island, 107 E. Deer Park Road, Dix Hills AGES: All WHAT: Using a multitude of mediums, each young person will go home every session with a completed craft project.

WANT TO GO? $35. 631-462-5400. artleagueli.org.

Sensory Friendly Performance: ‘James and the Giant Peach’

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 11am WHERE: The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Highway, Oakdale AGES: All WHAT: Lights will remain on, the volume will be reduced, a sensory area will be available for breaks, and there will be coloring sheets and stress sensory toys. Children are free to sing, talk and vocalize as they wish.

WANT TO GO? $12. 631-218-2810. cmpac.com. ››

Did someone say giant water slide in Manhattan? We’re in!

The Slide’s the Limit Part block party, part hike, part urban beach, part bike tour, Summer Streets 2016 is not to be missed. For three Saturdays in a row, 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 including a giant zip line, food and drink, street art, and yoga.

The best bit? The giant water slide! Aug. 6, 13, and 20; 7am-1pm.

Age: All. Free. Between Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park, along Park Avenue and connecting streets (as far as East 72nd Street), registrations required for Vita Coco Beach Slide, see website for details. nyc.gov.

LongIslandParent 33

MINI

MUSICIANS Picnic Pops: Aurora Nealand and the Royal Roses

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 5, 7pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Watch this jazz band perform traditional New Orleans jazz.

WANT TO GO? $12; free for children 17 and younger. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

Dr. K’s Motown Revue FREE

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 12, 8pm WHERE: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, Merrick Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: Don’t miss this concert that brings back the real Motown!

WANT TO GO? 516-572-0200. nassaucountyny.gov/parks.

CBS-FM’s Saturday in the Park with Eddie Money and Taylor Dayne FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 8pm WHERE: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, Merrick Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: Rock singer-songwriter Eddie Money performs along with Taylor Dayne in this summer concert.

WANT TO GO? 516-484-2208. nassaucountyny.gov/parks.

Broken Road Concert FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 16, 8pm WHERE: Merrick Road Park, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick AGES: All WHAT: “My Wish” is a Rascal Flatts Tribute performed by this band.

WANT TO GO? 516-868-4373. toh.li.

Billy Joel Tribute FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 18, 10:30am WHERE: Seamans Neck Park, 2700 S. Seamans Neck Road, Seaford AGES: All WHAT: Songs in the Attic is in a “New York State of Mind” as it performs this Piano Man tribute.

WANT TO GO? 516-783-3200. toh.li.

Kidstock FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 21, 12-5pm WHERE: North Hempstead Beach Park, 175 W. Shore Road, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: An open-air family festival featuring musical entertainment that kids and parents can enjoy together.

WANT TO GO? $10 parking fee. 516-869-6311. northhempsteadny.gov.

Summer Concert Series FREE

WHEN: Aug. 5-26, Fridays, 8:15pm WHERE: John Philip Sousa Band Shell, Sunset Park, Lower Main Street, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Watch bands perform at this outdoor concert series.

WANT TO GO? 516-708-5819. northhempsteadny.gov.

International Concert Series FREE

WHEN: Aug. 7-28, Sundays, 8pm WHERE: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, Merrick Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: Listen to music from around the world, including China, Pakistan, and Korea.

WANT TO GO? 516-572-0200. nassaucountyny.gov/parks.

Old Time Music Weekend

WHEN: Aug. 27-28, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: Guests can to hear music from 150 years ago.

WANT TO GO? $10; $7 children ages 5-12; free for children younger than 5. 516-572-8400. nassaucountyny.gov.

Concert in the Park FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 3: Saturdays, 6-7:30pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, Coe Hall, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Bring a chair, blanket, and an outdoor picnic to enjoy great upbeat music and the beauty at Planting Fields and exterior of Coe Hall.

See website for performance schedule.

WANT TO GO? 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

ANIMAL LOVERS Animals Around the World FREE

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 5, 2pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 5-12 WHAT: The Tackapausha Nature Preserve will present Long Island animals.

WANT TO GO? 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

Beautiful Butterflies FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 21, 12pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, Coe Hall, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Come learn about the fascinating world of the butterflies, then make a butterfly wind chime to take home.

WANT TO GO? 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

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LITTLE FOODIES

Little Chefs FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 2, 3:15pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children are paired with teens each week to share a story and make a simple, edible, food craft.

WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Junior Chefs: Beach Pail Snack FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 3, 4pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Decorate a delicious treat with frosting and candy.

WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Cake Decorating

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 9, 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 materials fee. 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

Summer Games Cake for Teens

Calling Young Scientists!

WHEN: Aug. 15-25, Monday and Thursday, 2-4pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Young scientists will dig into learning all about owls as they find bones and dissect an own owl pellet.

WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 for seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Live Animals with Green Meadows Farm FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 30, 4pm WHERE: Floral Park Public Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: Learn some interesting facts about some special animals with whom we share our planet.

WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

David Rosaire’s World-Famous Dog Show

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 10, 5pm WHERE: Freeport Public Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Create this masterpiece using buttercream and fondant to celebrate the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

WANT TO GO? $1 materials fee. 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

Junior Chefs: Jumping Froggy Cupcakes

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 15, 4:30pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Join the Baking Coach and make three adorable little frogs using buttercream and fondant.

WANT TO GO? $5 per child. 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Daily Open Workshops

WHEN: Through Jan. 1, 2017: daily, 11am-5pm WHERE: Chocolate Works Garden City, 916 Old Country Road, Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Select and fill a chocolate mold with chocolate or make your own candy bar by choosing the chocolate and selecting the toppings.

WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 516-833-9198. gardencity.chocolateworks.com. ››

WHEN: Through Sept. 5: daily, 12pm and 3pm WHERE: Long Island Game Farm, 638 Chapman Blvd., Manorville AGES: All WHAT: New this year is the addition of Chinese-themed costumes and production elements that celebrate the heritage of Mr. Rosaire’s pups.

WANT TO GO? $16.95; $14.95 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 631-878-6670. longislandgamefarm.com.

Giraffe Encounter

WHEN: Through Sept. 5: daily, 11:30am WHERE: Long Island Game Farm, 638 Chapman Blvd., Manorville AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a short presentation, followed by the opportunity to feed the majestic animal from an elevated platform.

WANT TO GO? $6 with admission: $16.95; $14.95 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 631-878-6670. longislandgamefarm.com.

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Sensory Art Days

WHEN: Through Aug. 19: Monday-Friday, 9:30-11:30am WHERE: Not Just Art, 183 South St., Oyster Bay AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Explore summer-themed art, activities, sensory play bins, bubbles, and construction to create joyful and artful creative experiences for young imaginations.

WANT TO GO? $36 per workshop; $28 siblings. 516-922-8300. notjustart.com.

KEVA Castles

WHEN: Aug. 18-26, Thursday and Friday, 2-4pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Experiment with the physical forces at work and create the ultimate castle for your royal court characters.

WANT TO GO? $13; $12 for seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Abrakadoodle FREE

CRAFTY KIDS Wonderful Warhol

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 4, 1-4pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn about the life and work of Andy Warhol as you explore different crafts and activities inspired by this famous artist.

WANT TO GO? $13; $12 for seniors 65 and older; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Summer Fun Wednesdays FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 10: Wednesdays, 1-3pm WHERE: A.C. Moore, 157 Glen Cove Road, Carle Place AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Innovative, family-friendly craft workshops designed to tap children’s creativity.

WANT TO GO? 516-294-8401. acmoore.com.

Art & Soul

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2-4pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Put on your smock and try your hand at miniature paintings.

WANT TO GO? $13; $12 for seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Crazy Concoctions!

WHEN: Through Aug. 17: Tuesday-Wednesday, 1:30-3:30pm WHERE: Not Just Art, 183 South St., Oyster Bay AGES: 3-8 WHAT: A gloriously messy combination of imaginative art materials and science process learning.

WANT TO GO? $36 per workshop; $28 siblings. 516-922-8300. notjustart.com.

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WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 28, 12pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, Coe Hall, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Explore the world of art and create your own masterpiece while sipping lemonade.

WANT TO GO? 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

Photo Transfers with Sandra and Andy

WHEN: Aug. 15-29, Monday-Friday, 10:30am-2:30pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Transform black and white images with color using a variety of materials to create your own pop art poster.

WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 for seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

What Can You Do with a Toilet Paper Roll?

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 29, 2pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make an owl, a cannon that shoots pompoms, or a contraption of your own invention.

WANT TO GO? $1 materials fee. 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Summer Harvest Competition FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 11am WHERE: Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Enter your homegrown tomatoes, eggplant, squash, peppers, and other vegetables for a chance to win bragging rights and a gift card from Hicks Nurseries.

WANT TO GO? 516-334-0066. hicksnurseries.com.

Bug Safari

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 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.

WANT TO GO? $10; $8 seniors; $5 children ages 7-17; free for children younger than 7. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

Mill Neck Manor House Tour

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 14, 11am-1pm 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.

WANT TO GO? $25; $20 seniors; $15 students; $5 for children 12 and younger. 516-628-4243. millneckmanorhouse.org.

Nature Walk Guided Tour

WHEN: Through Aug. 20: Saturdays, 1-2pm WHERE: Hoffman Center, 6000 Northern Blvd., Muttontown AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Enjoy a guided nature walk.

WANT TO GO? $5. 516-922-3290. hoffmancenter.org.

Signs of Fall Migration

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 11am-1pm WHERE: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Port Washington AGES: Adult WHAT: Bring your binoculars and hiking boots as we walk far and wide in search of birds and other wildlife.

WANT TO GO? $10 per car. 516-571-7901. sandspointpreserve.org.

Wacky Water Wednesdays

WHEN: Aug. 3-31, Wednesdays, 11am-2pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Children should bring a towel and cool off under the hatchery’s lawn sprinklers.

WANT TO GO? $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.

Nature Maker Space

WHEN: Aug. 29–Sept. 2; Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Engage in gardening, nature fort building, and reconnect with the natural world.

WANT TO GO? $13; $12 for seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

ON SCREEN Family Movie: ‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 4, 8:15pm WHERE: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, Merrick Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: Watch this family-friendly film on the big screen outdoors.

WANT TO GO? 516-572-0200. nassaucountyny.gov/parks.

Cinema on the Bay: ‘Minions’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 6, 8pm WHERE: Sunset Park, Lower Main Street, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Three minions are recruited a super-villain.

WANT TO GO? 516-708-5819. northhempsteadny.gov.

‘Tootsie’ FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 9, 8:15pm WHERE: Clark Botanic Garden, 193 I.U. Willets Road, Albertson AGES: All WHAT: The comedy will have everyone laughing. Bring chairs and snacks.

WANT TO GO? 516-484-2208. clarkbotanic.org.

Family Movie: ‘Goosebumps’ FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 11, 8:15pm WHERE: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, Merrick Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: Beginning at dusk, films will be shown on the big screen.

WANT TO GO? 516-572-0200. nassaucountyny.gov/parks.

‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 13, 8pm WHERE: North Hempstead Beach Park, 175 W. Shore Road, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: The whole family will enjoy this Star Wars movie.

WANT TO GO? $10 parking fee. 516-869-6311. northhempsteadny.gov.

Family Movie: ‘Pan’ FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 18, 8pm WHERE: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, Merrick Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: Peter is spirited away to Neverland, where he finds fun and danger, and discovers his destiny to become Peter Pan. WANT TO GO? 516-572-0200. nassaucountyny.gov/parks.

Family Movie: ‘The Wizard of Oz’ FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 25, 7:45pm WHERE: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, Merrick Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: Dorothy and her dog are whisked away to the magical land of Oz. WANT TO GO? 516-572-0200. nassaucountyny.gov/parks. ››

LongIslandParent 37

‘Wizard of Oz’

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 16, 11am WHERE: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Bring the kids to see the classic story live on stage!

WANT TO GO? $13. 516-247-5200. thetheatreatwestbury.com.

Shakespeare In The Park: ‘Julius Caesar’ FREE

SHOW TIME! ‘Alice in Wonderland’

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 2, 11am WHERE: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: 3-8 WHAT: The ever-curious Alice’s journey begins innocently enough as she chases the White Rabbit.

WANT TO GO? $13. 516-247-5200. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com.

‘Mysterious Lake’

National Circus Project

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 19, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Meet one of the talented performers for a solo circus showcasing a variety of circus skills, including juggling, stilts, unicycles, and clowning.

WANT TO GO? $5 with museum admission: $13; $12 for seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

WHEN: Aug. 1-4, Monday-Thursday, 10:30am and 1pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This original story by Izumi Ashizawa comes to life through puppetry and traditional Japanese music.

WANT TO GO? $9 with museum admission: $13; $12 for seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

SMARTY PANTS

Shakespeare In The Park: ‘As You Like It’ FREE

Happy Birthday Melville!

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 4, 8pm WHERE: Cunningham Park, 196-22 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Shakespeare’s sparkling comedy about love, family, and identity is full of wit, music, and gender-bending fun. An interactive workshop for children of all ages precedes each performance.

WANT TO GO? 718-729-8567. hiptohip.org.

‘Peter Pan’

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 9, 11am WHERE: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Bring the kids over to Westbury to see the classic story of Peter Pan live on stage.

WANT TO GO? $13. 516-247-5200. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com.

‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 9, 7:30pm WHERE: Averill Boulevard Park, 145 Averill Blvd., Elmont AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy Plaza Production’s hilarious Broadway classic.

WANT TO GO? 516-437-5881. toh.li.

The Amazing Max

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 12, 10:30am and 1pm WHERE: The Gateway, 215 S. Country Road, Bellport AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This high-energy illusionist combines visual magic, comedy, and audience participation with uncanny skill.

WANT TO GO? $12-$25. 631-286-0555. thegateway.org.

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WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 18, 8pm WHERE: Cunningham Park, 196-22 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, Queens AGES: All WHAT: In this sensational political thriller, Shakespeare explores the tension between private loyalties and the public good, and unflinchingly questions the price of freedom.

WANT TO GO? 718-729-8567. hiptohip.org.

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 1, 12-3pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the birthday of the author of Moby Dick with ice pops.

WANT TO GO? $8; $6 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Sky Spinners

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 2, 4pm WHERE: Hempstead Public Library, 115 Nichols Court, Hempstead AGES: All WHAT: Discover the science behind kites and learn how to build one yourself.

WANT TO GO? $0.50 materials fee. 516-481-6990. hempsteadlibrary.info.

Tremendous Trees FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 7, 12pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, Coe Hall, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Become a tree detective while exploring the vast collection of trees.

WANT TO GO? 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

Summertime Stargazers

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 11, 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.

Energy Week

WHEN: Aug. 8-12, Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Get ready to tinker with various activities that explore different forms of energy.

WANT TO GO? $13; $12 for seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

BioBus

WHEN: Aug. 6-12, Saturday-Sunday, 12-4pm; Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Travel into worlds smaller than the eye can see aboard the only state-of-the-art microscope facility housed on a solar-powered 1974 transit bus. Come on board for a carbon-neutral, hands-on tour of the microscopic world.

WANT TO GO? $15; $12 children ages 2-17. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Historic Trades Weekend

ONCE UPON A TIME Bilingual Storytime FREE

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 5, 11am WHERE: Hempstead Public Library, 115 Nichols Court, Hempstead AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy stories in Spanish and English.

WANT TO GO? 516-481-6990. hempsteadlibrary.info.

WHEN: Aug. 13-14, Saturday-Sunday, call for times WHERE: Old Bethpage Village Restoration Fairgrounds, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: Do you want to know how things were made 200 years ago?

Talk with the tradesmen showing off their craft and make a purchase.

WANT TO GO? $10; $7 children ages 5-12; free for children younger than 5. 516-572-8400. nassaucountyny.gov.

Storybook Strolls: ‘The Ugly Duckling’ by Hans Christian Andersen

Hands on Science

Story Time With Rosie FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 15: Mondays, 1:30-3:30pm WHERE: Not Just Art, 183 South St., Oyster Bay AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Each workshop is packed with themed explorations, experiments, and projects.

WANT TO GO? $36 per workshop; $28 siblings. 516-922-8300. notjustart.com.

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 6, 12pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Enjoy a story of true beauty where the differences in nature make all things magnificent.

WANT TO GO? $12; $12 children ages 7-17; $10 seniors; free for children 6 and younger. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Rosie the Therapy Dog and her owner will read dog stories.

WANT TO GO? 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

Garden of Weavin’ Drop-In Information Station

Art and Stories Around The World

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 12-1pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Drop-in to learn how sunflowers benefit both our eyes and stomachs.

WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 7-17; free for children younger than 7. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

WHEN: July 7–Aug. 18, Thursdays, 1:30-3:30pm WHERE: Not Just Art, 183 South St., Oyster Bay AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Beautifully illustrated folktales and mythology are paired with art styles and craft techniques from cultures all over the globe.

WANT TO GO? $36 per workshop. 516-922-8300. notjustart.com.

Bee Amazed

Summer Storycrafters FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 23, 1-4pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Discover the art of beekeeping, bee anatomy, and all of the important contributions bees make to the planet.

WANT TO GO? $13; $12 for seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

WHEN: Aug. 4-18, Thursdays, 10:45am WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Kids will love these stories, favorite songs, and simple crafts.

WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Coming up next month: SEPT. 2: Pirate School with Captain Billy Bones, Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City SEPT. 14: Peppa Pig’s Big Splash Live!, Tilles Center, Greenvale SEPT. 25: Swingtime Big Band: Autumn in New York, Madison Theatre, Rockville Centre LongIslandParent 39

WHERE-TO GUIDE

Pick Your Own Berries ››

Research by Melissa Wickes

Enjoy the sweet fruits of summer by picking your own berries at a local farm! Kids will love plucking fresh strawberries, blackberries, and even cherries straight from the bush. Many of these farms also have farm stands at which you can purchase pre-picked fruits, baked goods, and fresh juices. Want even more farm fun? Lots of our picks offer hayrides and activities to keep kids busy after they’ve collected their basket of fruit.

Note that dates and availability are projected. We recommend calling ahead before visiting these farms.

Patty’s Berries and Bunches 410 Sound Ave., Mattituck 631-298-4679 pattysberriesandbunches.com pattysberriesandbunches@gmail.com Open daily, 9am-6pm (U-pick closes at 5:30pm) Pick your own strawberries in June; raspberries in July; blueberries July through mid-August; and blackberries through August. Seasonal pre-picked flowers and homemade ice cream for sale.

Seven Ponds Orchard 65 Seven Ponds Road, Water Mill 631-726-8015 Open daily, 9am-6pm Pick your own raspberries and blackberries July-November, blueberries also available.

Apple picking begins the end of August and continues through November. Also offers on-site market with baked goods and jams, children’s play area, and corn maze.

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August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Wickham Farms 28700 Main Road (Route 25), Cutchogue 631-734-6441 wickhamsfruitfarm.com Open Monday-Saturday, 9am-4pm; farm stand open daily, 9am-5pm; tours are available by appointment Monday-Friday.

Pick your own raspberries and blueberries in July; raspberries, cherries, blackberries, and peaches through August; apples and pumpkins in September and October. (Note: Berry seasons may be early this year due to weather conditions.)

Windy Acres 3810 Middle Country Road, Calverton 631-727-4554 Open daily, 9am-6pm Pick your own blackberries, peaches, and nectarines through August. Also has a farm

stand with pre-picked fruits and vegetables, jams, and pies.

Orange County Ochs Orchard 4 Ochs Lane (off Reservoir Road, Route 94), Warwick 845-986-1591 ochsorchard.net Open daily, 9am-5pm (subject to availability) Pick your own strawberries peaches, apples, blueberries, blackberries, tomatoes, and raspberries daily through October. Farm stand with pre-picked produce open 9am6pm daily.

Dutchess County Barton Orchards 63 Apple Tree Lane (County Route 7), Poughquag

nymetroparents.com/where-to 845-227-2306 bartonorchards.com Open daily, 9am-5pm Pick your own berries and garden vegetables from late July through mid-August. Onsite farm store with pre-picked produce, honey, jams and jellies, and more.

golf, hayrides, jumping pillow, and picnicking available, as well as an onsite store with pre-picked produce, ice cream, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies, and more.

Greig Farm 223 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook 845-758-1234 greigfarm.com Open daily, 8am-8pm Pick your own blueberries and raspberries in July; blueberries and blackberries in August; apples and raspberries in September. Nursery and garden shop on-site. Kids can feed goats and visit the koi fish pond behind Grandiflora Nursery. The Hudson Valley Farmers Market at the Grieg Farm is open every Saturday, 10am-3pm, offering local vegetables, fruits, eggs, cheeses, meats, fish, flowers, and more from local Hudson Valley Farms.

Samascott Orchards 5 Sunset Ave., Kinderhook

Columbia County

518-758-7224 samascott.com Open daily, 8am-6pm; last admission is at 5:30pm.

PYO strawberries and snap peas during early summer.

Later on in the summer you can pick your own blueberries, raspberries,

cherries, peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins, peaches, apples, and more. On-site farm store with jams and ice cream. Visit Samascott’s Garden Market, 1 mile from the orchard, for farm produce and garden and nursery items.

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

Ulster County Jenkins-Lueken Orchards Route 299 West, New Paltz 845-255-0999 jlorchards.com Open daily, 9am-6pm Pick your own raspberries in mid-July and August; blackberries will be available in mid-August. Blueberries also available. On-site store with pre-picked veggies, local maple syrup, and snacks.

Kelder’s Farm & U-Pick 5755 Route 209, Kerhonkson 845-626-7137 kelderfarm.com Open daily, 10am-6pm Pick your own blueberries, raspberries, red currants, blackberries, melons, grapes, apples, pumpkins, and a variety of vegetables through October. Petting zoo, mini-

LongIslandParent 41

Courtesy Great Wolf Lodge

A lifeguard at Great Wolf Lodge measures a child to see which attractions would be safe for her at the water park.

Behind the Thrills

››

It takes a dedicated and well-trained crew of lifeguards to keep everyone safe at a water park.

Here’s how they do it. By Samantha Neudorf

“My name is Timmy. You may see me throughout the park today and you may see lifeguards rescuing me. When you see lifeguards rescuing me, it means they’re training to do their job better every day, so please applaud my performance when you see these rescues taking place.”

Those are words you may have heard announced over the public-address system or posted on the walls at popular water parks across the country, and believe it or not, it’s a standard type of training for lifeguards.

Timmy is a mannequin that looks like a little boy and is used as a form of training that takes place at water parks. A supervisor throws the mannequin into the water, and it is up to the lifeguards on duty to rescue it within a matter of seconds, as though it were an actual child drowning.

“If [the lifeguards] don’t respond in time, the guards are retrained,” says Thatcher Robertson, corporate water park director of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania. “If it’s something that happens more than once, then we have to take a hard look at whether the guard needs to stay doing what they’re doing.”

Preventing ‘Deadly Sins’

Approximately 10 people in the U.S. die from unintentional 42

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

drowning every day, and of this number, nearly two of them are children ages 14 and younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lifeguards, often teenagers themselves, are employed at swimming pools and beaches across the country to keep swimmers safe and help those who find themselves in trouble. Water parks face additional safety challenges, including very large crowds, children eager for thrills, and activities, such as fast-moving slides, that heighten the risks.

This is why water parks insist on extra training and drills for their lifeguards, and many pay an extra fee to receive third-party audits.

At Great Wolf Lodge and Camelback Resort’s Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark—both also in the Pocono Mountains—the water parks receive third-party audits from Ellis & Associates Inc., an aquatic risk management firm dedicated to drowning prevention and accredited by International Aquatic Safety and Risk Management Consulting. Kalahari Resorts uses the American Red Cross for its audits.

Three or four times a year, these third-party auditors will arrive at the water parks unannounced and record the lifeguards with a video camera. The footage is reviewed and the auditors will tabulate scores for individual lifeguard performances, along with other tests, to calculate the overall facility performance score.

If a lifeguard fails an audit test, whether it is from an external

auditor or from an internal test, she will be dismissed from her job and will be placed in a different department of the park or will be asked to leave.

“It’s something that we’d call a ‘deadly sin,’ if you will,” says Bill Colavito, general manager of Great Wolf Lodge.

“We’re talking about an audit where you would potentially put somebody at risk, and we can’t stand for that.”

Becoming a Lifeguard

To become a lifeguard at a water park, one must be at least 16 years old and first take the lifeguard training program, which is part instructional and part skills training. The instructional portion takes place online, and the skills training involves approximately 30 hours at the facility to go over swimming and rescuing skills, CPR, and more. After passing the written and swimming exams, the lifeguard is certified and will be placed into his assigned section of the water park.

Whether stationed at the shallow kiddie pool or wave pool, all lifeguards have the same certifications and training. Lifeguards are required to participate in in-service training on a weekly basis to reinforce their swimming skills, and sit in pre-shift meetings to go over anything that needs to be discussed, mainly pertinent to water safety.

“That’s what really keeps lifeguards sharp,” says Wayne Franks, director of water park operations at Camelback Resort.

“Knowing that they have [the] responsibility of not only the guests that are in the park [and] are swimming in the pools… there’s that opportunity that it could be catastrophic, [and] that trains for that awareness.”

Most water parks have between 100-200 certified lifeguards on staff, but the number who are on duty at any one time varies, depending on the size of the park. Though there can be a lot of lifeguards working at once, the most important factor is that they do not take their eyes off of the water. At Great Wolf Lodge, the director of aquatics sometimes sets down a glass of water during the interview process and asks the candidate to stare at it for five minutes straight.

“Sometimes it just gives people the perspective of how important it is no matter what,” Colavito says. “Even if there isn’t anybody in the water, you’re still watching water, and that’s how important the job is.”

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Shared Responsibilities

When taking children to water parks, safety is not just the lifeguards’ responsibility—it, of course, starts with parents. The number-one tip that experts emphasized is to provide constant supervision to your children.

Franks advises parents to enroll children in swimming lessons to make sure they can keep themselves afloat while in the water.

Franks and Robertson both suggested that kids should wear life jackets even if they are strong swimmers. Robertson also stresses that parents should not allow their children to go down waterslides if they do not meet the height requirements, no matter how tempting it may be to give in to kids’ entreaties to allow them to skirt the rules.

“Their kids may not be tall enough to ride that ride now, but they will be,” Robertson says. “There are reasons for the rules that are there.”

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LongIslandParent 43

FOOD & NUTRITION

Burgers Reinvented

››

Three recipes for when you need a new take on a barbecue staple at the end of the summer All-in-One Grilled Burgers

Why This Recipe Works: We love a burger that’s stacked high with add-ons, but we couldn’t help but wonder whether there was a way to take some of the “top” out of the toppings. We wanted to put the same bold flavors inside the burger instead. We started with some classic burger toppings: cheese, bacon, and mustard. Because the cheese and bacon added a good amount of fat to the meat, we switched from 80-percent lean ground beef, which is our usual favorite, to 90-percent lean for this recipe. We also found that we liked these burgers cooked until they were completely well-done. The additions to the meat kept it from getting dried out. We then went on to more adventurous flavor combinations using firm cheese and potent ingredients with minimal moisture (such as garlic, herbs, chiles, and powdered seasoning mixes). These burgers may not be piled high with colorful toppings, but one bite will prove that looks aren’t everything—it’s what’s inside that really counts.

Serves 4 We suggest cooking these burgers completely (to well-done); the extra ingredients tend to make them taste mushy if not cooked all the way through. If you like, toast the hamburger buns on the grill while the burgers rest.

8 slices bacon, chopped fine 1½ pounds 90-percent lean ground beef 44

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup) 4 teaspoons yellow mustard 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 4 hamburger buns 1. Cook bacon in 12-inch skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until brown and crisp, 10-12 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate.

2. Break ground beef into small pieces in bowl, then add cheddar, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and bacon. Using your hands, lightly knead mixture until combined. Divide meat into four equal portions. Working with one portion at a time, lightly toss from hand to hand to form loose ball, then gently flatten into 1-inch-thick patty. Press center of patties down with your fingertips to create ¼-inch-deep depression.

3A. For a charcoal grill: Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter filled with charcoal briquettes (6 quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash pour evenly over grill.

Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely.

Heat grill until hot, approximately 5 minutes.

3B. For a gas grill: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, approximately 15 minutes. Leave all burners on high.

4. Clean and oil cooking grate. Place burgers on grill and cook, without pressing on them, until browned and meat easily

releases from grill, 4-6 minutes. Flip burgers and continue to grill until browned on second side and meat registers 150155 degrees (for well-done), 4-6 minutes longer. Transfer burgers to platter, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve on buns.

Variations Ranch All-in-One Grilled Burgers Omit bacon, cheddar, mustard, and Worcestershire. Add 2/3 cup crumbled blue cheese, 4 teaspoons powdered ranch dressing mix (from packet), and 2 minced garlic cloves to burger mixture in step 2.

Tex-Mex All-in-One Grilled Burgers Omit bacon, cheddar, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Add 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, 4 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce, and 4 teaspoons taco seasoning (from packet) to burger mixture in step 2.

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Italian All-in-One Grilled Burgers Omit bacon, cheddar, mustard, and Worcestershire. Add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard, and 2 minced garlic cloves to burger mixture in step 2.

Grilled Southern Shrimp Burgers

Why This Recipe Works: A good shrimp burger should be first and foremost about the shrimp. Unfortunately, many shrimp burgers are more reminiscent of fish-flavored rubber patties or overseasoned bread balls than shrimp. We set out to develop a recipe for our ideal shrimp burger: moist, chunky yet still cohesive, and with seasoning that complements the sweet shrimp flavor but doesn’t overpower it.

After early testing we decided we needed a combination of finely chopped shrimp to help bind the burgers, as well as some larger, bitesize chunks. We achieved this texture with help from the food processor.

We wanted to use as little binder as possible, to avoid the soggy, mushy results we’d seen in other shrimp burgers that frequently used a combination of mayonnaise, egg, and breadcrumbs. We kept the mayonnaise for the much-needed moisture and fat it added but left out the egg and decreased the breadcrumbs. Some minced scallion and parsley, lemon zest, and a touch of cayenne pepper round out the flavor of our burgers.

Serves 4 Be sure to use raw, not cooked, shrimp here. Dry the shrimp thoroughly before processing, or the burgers will be mushy. Handle the burgers gently when shaping and grilling; if overhandled while being shaped, the burgers will be dense and rubbery, and if handled roughly during cooking, they will break apart. Serve with salad greens or toasted hamburger buns with tartar sauce.

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LongIslandParent 45

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Pinch cayenne pepper 1½ pounds extra-large shrimp (21-25 per pound), peeled, deveined, and patted dry Vegetable oil 1. Pulse bread in food processor to coarse crumbs, approximately 10 pulses. Transfer to small bowl. Do not clean food processor.

Combine mayonnaise, scallions, parsley, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and cayenne in large bowl until uniform.

2. Pulse shrimp in now-empty food processor until some pieces are finely minced and others are coarsely chopped, approximately seven pulses. Add shrimp to mayonnaise mixture and gently fold until just combined. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over mixture and gently fold until incorporated.

3. Scrape shrimp mixture onto small baking sheet, divide into four equal portions, and loosely pack each into 1-inch-thick patty. Cover and refrigerate patties for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 hours.

4A. For a charcoal grill: Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter three-quarters filled with charcoal briquettes (4½ quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly over grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, approximately 5 minutes.

4B. For a gas grill: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, approximately 15 minutes. Turn all burners to medium-high.

5. Clean and oil cooking grate. Lightly brush tops of burgers with oil, lay them on grill, oiled side down, and lightly brush other side with oil. Cook burgers, without pressing on them, until lightly browned and cooked through, 10-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through grilling. Transfer burgers to platter, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Mediterranean-Style Portobello Burgers

Why This Recipe Works: For a vegetarian burger with unbeatable meaty taste, we turned to grilled portobello mushrooms. Scraping out the gills avoided any muddy off-flavors, and marinating the mushrooms in a simple vinaigrette boosted their complexity. Cutting a shallow crosshatch into the caps not only allowed the portobellos to soak up more marinade, but it also prevented the skin from turning chewy while cooking. Before grilling, we mixed together some toppings that complemented the mushrooms’ Mediterranean flavor profile. A combination of chopped roasted red peppers, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese made for a bright, briny accompaniment, and a quick basil-boosted mayonnaise promised a creamy component for our finished burgers. Keeping these two toppings close by, we grilled the mushrooms alongside ½-inchthick sliced red onions. Skewering the slices with toothpicks kept the onion rounds in place for tidy grilling and brushing them with the remaining marinade unified the flavors. Once the mushrooms had taken on plenty of rich char on both sides, we placed them on a platter and filled the gilled sides with the feta mixture. Returning to the grill, we gave the filled mushrooms a final blast of heat to warm them through and then toasted up sturdy Kaiser rolls. We assembled our flavor-packed finished product, stacking our stuffed mushrooms, sweet grilled onions, and some peppery baby arugula on top of our basil mayo–smeared buns. These burgers were perfectly rich, and juicy—no meat necessary.

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August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Serves 4 Our favorite feta cheese is Mt. Vikos Traditional Feta from Greece.

If the mushrooms absorb all the marinade, simply brush the onions with olive oil before grilling them in step 4.

4 portobello mushroom caps (4 to 5 inches in diameter), gills removed ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 garlic clove, minced Salt and pepper 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (1 cup) ½ cup jarred roasted red peppers, patted dry and chopped ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, patted dry and chopped ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup chopped fresh basil 4 (½-inch-thick) slices red onion 4 Kaiser rolls, split 1 ounce (1 cup) baby arugula 1. Using tip of paring knife, cut ½-inch crosshatch pattern on tops of mushroom caps, 1/16 inch deep. Combine oil, vinegar, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper in 1-gallon zipper-lock bag. Add mushrooms, seal bag, turn to coat, and let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.

2. Combine feta, red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes in bowl.

Whisk mayonnaise and basil together in separate bowl. Push 1 toothpick horizontally through each onion slice to keep rings intact while grilling.

3A. For a charcoal grill: Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter filled with charcoal briquettes (6 quarts).

When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly over grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, approximately 5 minutes.

3B. For a gas grill: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, approximately 15 minutes. Turn all burners to medium-high.

4. Clean and oil cooking grate. Remove mushrooms from marinade, reserving excess. Brush onions all over with reserved mushroom marinade. Place onions and mushrooms, gill side up, on grill. Cook (covered if using gas) until mushrooms have released their liquid and are charred on first side, 4-6 minutes. Flip mushrooms and onions and continue to cook (covered if using gas) until mushrooms are charred on second side, 3-5 minutes.

5. Transfer onions to platter; remove toothpicks. Transfer mushrooms to platter, gill side up, and divide feta mixture evenly among caps, packing down with your hand. Return mushrooms to grill, feta side up, and cook, covered, until heated through, approximately 3 minutes.

6. Return mushrooms to platter and tent with aluminum foil. Grill rolls cut sides down until lightly charred, approximately 1 minute. Spread basil-mayonnaise on roll bottoms and top each with 1 mushroom and 1 onion slice. Divide arugula evenly among burgers, then cap with bun Excerpted with permission tops. Serve. from Master of the Grill from America’s Test Kitchen.

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LongIslandParent 47

The Power of Preschool

››

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

K

ids play together, sit in a circle with their teachers and sing songs, eventually moving to the table for a snack. Maybe they discuss the weather outside or the calendar, or learn about letters and numbers. From the outside, you’d be forgiven for seeing preschool as a nice-to-have, rather than a necessity—and, for those not in public pre-K programs, a potentially expensive option at that.

Indeed, some parents have argued that preschool is simply a glorified day care, that anything taught there can easily be learned at home.

There is, however, more going on in that classroom than the untrained eye might observe. Educators and child development experts say that early childhood education offers kids advantages long after they leave the colorful walls of their preschool classroom and helps set them up for success in school and beyond. We’ve been hearing a lot about preschool from our political and educational leaders in recent years, as exemplified by New York City’s much-heralded push to provide universal pre-K. There is good reason that policymakers have zeroed in on this as an area where kids’ lives can be influenced for the better regardless of their backgrounds and situations.

Research shows that the benefits of preschool are tangible and visible in more ways than one. Preschool not only provides more opportunities for children, it helps them learn how to face social interactions as well, according to Rina Patel, a former preschool teacher and director of the early childhood enrichment program Book Nook, which is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. There are, as a result, big differences between at-home learning and in-school learning.

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“There’s a different expectation at home when there is a parent with a child versus a teacher with a child,” Patel says. “Children do naturally develop skills, but at home they are only exposed to a certain amount of materials, toys, or learning products. School is open to a whole different variety of learning materials from programs to class trips.”

Trained Teachers and Groups of Peers

Schools provide teachers who are professionally trained to be molding young minds and are equipped with certain skills parents alone may not have. An important aspect of in-school learning is instilling in kids the ability to interact successfully with other people. It may seem very straightforward, but getting along with others, especially at 2-4 years old, is not so easy. Being in a classroom with multiple children their own age allows children to develop social and emotional skills that cannot be learned solely at home, Patel says.

At preschool, children become accustomed to being in group settings, separating from parents, and making decisions on their own—even if those decisions are as simple as, “Do I want to play with Legos or finger paint today?” All of the social experiences children undergo in preschool contribute to their overall confidence, according to Tovah Klein, Ph.D., author of How Toddlers Thrive and director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development.

“People think of it as the ABCs and 123s, but it’s much, much more than that,” Dr. Klein says. “Children gain a lot of confidence by being able to handle themselves away from their parents and then reuniting with them later in the day.”

Preschool classrooms also teach kids a great deal about resiliency and curiosity, according to Dr. Klein. Being able to handle disappointment and moving on from it, learning to be proud of your own work, and the ability to make decisions all play into a child’s curiosity and overall desire to learn.

Preparing Kids to Learn

Beyond the realm of confidence and social skills, going to preschool prepares children for life in various other ways, such as getting them ready to learn in school. This has become increasingly true in recent years as the kindergarten curriculum has been revamped. Today, skills such as reading are generally being taught earlier, prompting one study to ask, “Is kindergarten the new first grade?” With so much more expected of children at the kindergarten level, early education becomes crucial as preparation for the new rigors of kindergarten.

Various studies have shown that early education programs for 3and 4-year-olds improve language skills, literacy, and mathematics.

Attending preschool has been shown to improve children’s IQ, their receptive and expressive vocabulary skills, and early reading and math skills. By enrolling your child in a preschool program, you are preparing him to acquire academic skills that he will be expected to use as early as kindergarten, and offering him a head start in his academic career.

Studies show that a crucial part of preschool education lies in stimulating interactions between students and their preschool teachers. By supporting their students emotionally and academically, teachers help children learn to develop skills, respond both verbally and physically, and enjoy learning. Young children often struggle with the transition from a play environment to a learning environment, which can cause a “learning anxiety,” or fear of learning, according to Patel. By introducing your child to this learning environment as early as preschool, you eliminate the anxiety as early as possible, preparing her for future learning.

Teaching Kids Routine

Preschool also helps children develop and understand the concept of a routine. The school day is structured, which helps acclimate children into a daily routine and a learning environment in a gentle and enjoyable way. Being accustomed to a routine helps children prepare for higher levels of grade school, college, and a professional life, according to Patel.

“When I was in a kindergarten classroom with children who didn’t go to preschool prior to entering, they were experiencing social anxiety and learning anxiety simply because they didn’t know what to expect,” Patel says. “Preschool fills those separation and learning anxieties so your child has a better idea and is better prepared for the future.”

In the process of preparing a child for a routine, parents likewise become accustomed to enforcing and sticking to that routine. The earlier you start bringing your child to a structured program such as preschool every day, Patel says, the earlier you learn the importance of an everyday routine for your child. An aspect that is also beneficial for parents is that the earlier you begin, the earlier you can decide what works for you and your child and what doesn’t.

By sending your child to preschool, experts say, he will be provided the resources necessary for proper academic preparation, and social and emotional development. Plus, she will learn more about herself than she could ever do from your living room.

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PRESCHOOLS AND CHILD CARE CENTERS Camps ‘R’ Us Where Summer Vacation Is Our Job

Locations in Baldwin, Bellmore, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Valley Stream, and West Islip 516-935-CAMP (2267) campsrus.org info@campsrus.org Camps ‘R’ Us preschool campers enjoy a fun-filled first camp experience that offers a full day of enrichment for children ages 3 and 4. Our Tiny Tots Program is designed to complement the unique complexities of early childhood. Campers will acquire a greater ability to reason, plan, and remember through carefully selected activities designed to enhance their development.

They begin to better understand common social conventions as our staff initiates games based on cooperative learning experiences, in which close group interaction is essential. Call now for early bird summer 2017 rates!

Countryside Montessori School

354 Lakeville Road, Great Neck 516-406-3623 cmsgn.com csmontessori@cmsgn.com Countryside Montessori School was founded in 1998. We were founded with the aim of providing a high quality early childhood education based on the philosophy, methods, and techniques developed 100 years ago by educational pioneer and Nobel prize nominee Dr. Maria Montessori. Our children become responsible for their own learning and their own behavior. They learn to respect themselves and others.

Everything in our school is designed to encourage and aid the child’s natural curiosity.

The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children

750 Hicksville Road, Seaford 516-520-6000 littlevillage.org jon.feingold@littlevillage.org The Hagedorn Little Village School is a nonprofit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. HLVS pro-

50

vides year-round programs and services that include diagnostic evaluations and treatment, early intervention, a preschool, an elementary school, SEIT, and related services. Services provided on-site, and in homes, nursery schools, and day care centers include speech, feeding, occupational, physical, and movement therapies; behavior management or Applied Behavior Analysis; counseling; and support groups.

Iken Science Academy

351 E. 74th St., Manhattan 914-476-3876 ikenscienceacademy.com admin@ikenscienceacademy.com Exciting things are happening at Iken Academy, home to enrichment workshops for children ages 2½-5 years, full-day STEM program, after-school programming for school-age children, with pick up from local public and private schools within walking distance, summer camp, and birthday parties! Come visit our state-ofthe-art, beautiful facility on the Upper East Side in Manhattan.

We are currently accepting registration for all programs.

In September, the Iken Stem Science Academy Nursery School will open in Jericho, Long Island offering Mommy and Me classes and a full-day or half-day nursery school following in the tradition of the Manhattan location.

Kenwal Day Camp

100 Drexel Ave., Melville 631-694-3399 kenwaldaycamp.com Our preschool program has use of the same facilities as older campers, taking into consideration the needs of younger campers and modifying the program accordingly. Counselor-to-camper ratio is 1-to-4. Preschool campers are given Red Cross instructional swim and free swim daily, with the opportunity for 1-on-1 instruction. Our preschool program maintains separate air-conditioned camp houses and playgrounds, where campers participate in arts and crafts, tumbling, mini-golf, circle games, go karts, parachute play, Junior Zip Line course, and karate, along with many sports activities tailored to meet their ability.

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Long Island Lutheran Day School

106 Vernon Valley Road, East Northport 631-754-4424 x224 longislandlutheran.org admissions@ludaynorthport.org LuDay’s preschool program serves children ages 2-5 in fulland half-day programs. Nursery classes emphasize learning through imaginative play and exploration as the means for cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. Attention is given to the student’s continued development of language and self-expression skills. Preschool curriculum includes tools for mathematics and reading readiness, and is designed to build a solid foundation for future learning. The Kindersteps program provides an extra year of preparation for a child who has a late birthday or is not quite ready for kindergarten.

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 Infant, toddler, and separation classes bridge development to a comprehensive Early Childhood Education-Nursery School and Gym Program. After-school classes provide movement, gymnastics, sports, and enrichment instruction for both our on-site center and community school children, ages 7 months to 12 years. Summer Camp, Holiday Mini-Camps, Weekend Birthday Party, and Friday “Kids’ Night Out” events provide a year-round place to play and celebrate! Extended day available.

Full day care (3 months and older) available at our Syosset location. Dedicated teachers and staff are N.Y.S ED., CPR- and first aid-certified. Since 1985-A Rainbow of Programs to Play, Learn, and Grow!

Our Lady of Mercy

520 S. Oyster Bay Road, Hicksville 516-433-7040 olmshicks.org

Our Lady of Mercy School strives in the spirit of service and love to inspire our students to grow spiritually, academically, and socially, as well as to exemplify religious truths and moral values. Our goal is to enable all students to meet the challenges of the future through a strong, faith-based academic program enhanced by extracurricular activities. Nursery, pre-K, as well as full-day kindergarten to eighthgrade programs are available.

Prime Time Early Learning Center

270 Airport Plaza, Farmingdale 631-777-9090 primetimeschools.com/ farmingdale-day-care Prime Time Farmingdale offers an extensive pre-K program that prepares your child for their transition to school.

Phonological awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking are emerging literacy skills we work on during the pre-K year. Prime Time also offers expert child care for ages 6 weeks through pre-K. Families are welcome to register for as little as 16 hours per week or for our full-time program that provides child care during any of our hours of operation.

Prime Time of Farmingdale is open Monday-Friday from 6:30am-7pm.

Variety Child Learning Center

47 Humphrey Drive, Syosset 516-921-7171 Variety Child Learning Center at the Gallow School 72 Farmedge Road, Levittown 516-490-3301 vclc.org Variety Child Learning Center operates a child care center where “children play, learn, and grow together to become the best that they can be.” Licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services for young children ages 6 weeks to 5 years at VCLC’s Levittown site at the Gallow School, the center is open year-round, except for designated time off, from 6:45am-7pm. Lead teachers are certified teachers.

Registered nurse on premises from 8am-4pm. Email childcare@ vclc.org or call 516-921-7171 for additional information.

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Meet the Health Care

PROFESSIONAL

To be in this section, call 516-883-4543 or email nympads@davlermedia.com

ProHEALTH Dental 1 ProHEALTH Plaza, Lake Success 516-467-8191; prohealthcaredental.com

Dr. Marcie Lebovic of ProHEALTH Dental in Lake Success graduated from SUNY at Binghamton in 2002 and received her D.D.S. degree at the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine in 2006. Dr Lebovic then went on to complete her two-year pediatric specialty at the LIJ Medical Center Pediatric Training Program, where she received her certificate of specialization. She is also a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry at Stony Brook University and lectures for parent education programs at Winthrop University Hospital on infant oral health.

Merrick Pediatric Dentistry 1756A Merrick Ave., Merrick 516-547-1997 merrickpediatricdentistry.com

ChiroMom 2874 Merrick Road, Bellmore 516-221-1212; mychiromom.com mychiromom@gmail.com

Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy Locations across Nassau and Suffolk: 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

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics 1000 F Park Blvd., Massapequa Park 516-798-1111 62 Lake Ave. S., Suite A, Nesconset 631-360-PEDS (7337) 615 Montauk Highway, West Islip 631-661-PEDS (7337); ampediatricdental.com adelbergped@optonline.net

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.

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.

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 chairside 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!

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August 2016 | nymetroparents.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.

We are Drs. Adelberg, Montalvan, Bennet, Pistilli, Postel, Schecter, and Abraham. Our purpose is to provide outstanding dentistry in a child- and family-friendly environment. We treat your family like they are our own. All of our doctors are board-certified specialists and offer the most combined laser dentistry experience on Long Island. We want your visit to our office to be an extraordinary experience, that will make you say, “Wow!” Our three offices even look like a theme park. We hope to make your children love visiting the dentist.

Allied Physicians Group, MD Kid Care Monica Melamedoff, M.D., F.A.A.P. 380 N. Broadway, Suite L2, Jericho 516-931-1776; alliedphysiciansgroup.com

Dr. Monica Melamedoff is a board-certified pediatrician, and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She has been in private pediatric practice in Nassau County since 1988. In addition to her practice, Dr. Melamedoff is an attending physician at North Shore Hospital at Manhasset, Plainview Hospital, and Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center. She is a member of Cohen’s voluntary teaching staff as well. Dr. Melamedoff received her medical degree from the University of Buenos Aires and continued her pediatric training at the Nassau University Medical Center.

OPEN HOUSES 2016 Kenwal Day Camp

100 Drexel Ave., Melville 631-694-3399 kenwaldaycamp.com Visit Kenwal and meet with our directors, have questions answered, and tour the beautiful, 20-acre camp grounds. Receive huge savings with our early bird rates through Aug. 15.

Prime Time Early Learning Center

270 Airport Plaza, Farmingdale 631-777-9090 primetimeschools.com/ farmingdale-day-care Visit Prime Time Farmingdale and meet with our directors.

Learn about our Childcare, Preschool, and After-School programs for children ages 6 weeks to 10 years. Call us to schedule a tour.

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ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS

DEVELOPMENTAL

MUSIC

M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym.................................................... 21

ABA Psychological Services P.C................................... 21

Music Institute of Long Island........................................ 49

Brookville Center for Children’s Service........................ 43 BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES

Hagedorn Little Village School...................................... 19

Adventure Parks of Outdoor Adventures ...................... 27

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 45, 52

Kidville - LI..................................................................... 43

Steps To Socialization................................................... 15

M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym.................................................... 21

Variety Child Learning Center........................................ 20

Long Island Parent Party Planner.................................. 53

Variety Child Learning Center Social Skills................... 27

PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING North Shore Performing Arts Center................................ 2

PLAY SPACES Adventure Parks of Outdoor Adventures ...................... 27

RoboMindTech............................................................... 31 EDUCATION CAMPS

Countryside Montessori School..................................... 31

Camps ‘R’ Us................................................................. 41

Eye Level Learning Center............................................ 45

Countryside Montessori School..................................... 31

Hagedorn Little Village School...................................... 19

Katya’s School of Dance............................................... 47

LI Lutheran Day School at St. Pauls.............................. 49

Kenwal Day Camp......................................................... 17

Mathnasium ................................................................... 5

LI Lutheran Day School at St. Pauls.............................. 49

Our Lady of Mercy......................................................... 47

M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym.................................................... 21

Prime Time Early Learning Center................................ 47

Mathnasium ................................................................... 5

Russian School of Mathematics.................................... 25

Music Institute of Long Island........................................ 49

Village East Gifted......................................................... 13

Kidville - LI..................................................................... 43

RELIGIOUS LI Lutheran Day School at St. Pauls.............................. 49 Our Lady of Mercy......................................................... 47

RETAIL Once Upon A Child........................................................ 25

SPECIAL EVENTS

Prime Time Early Learning Center................................ 47 RoboMindTech............................................................... 31

FITNESS

Russian School of Mathematics.................................... 25

Adventure Parks of Outdoor Adventures ...................... 27

Village East Gifted......................................................... 13

Variety Child Learning Center........................................ 20

SPECIAL NEEDS HEALTH

CHILD CARE / DAY CARE

ABA Psychological Services P.C................................... 21

Brookville Center for Children’s Service........................ 43

Adelberg Montalvan - Massapequa Office.............. 52, 56

M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym.................................................... 21

Affinity Health Plan........................................................ 11

Prime Time Early Learning Center................................ 47

ChiroMom................................................................ 47, 52

ABA Psychological Services P.C................................... 21 Adelberg Montalvan - Massapequa Office.............. 52, 56 Brookville Center for Children’s Service........................ 43 ChiroMom................................................................ 47, 52

Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry....................... 3, 52

Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry....................... 3, 52

CLASSES

Fairy LiceMothers.......................................................... 47

Hagedorn Little Village School...................................... 19

Kidville - LI..................................................................... 43

Licenders....................................................................... 27

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 45, 52

Music Institute of Long Island........................................ 49

Merrick Pediatric Dentistry......................................... 7, 52

Northwell Health ........................................................... 27

North Shore Performing Arts Center................................ 2

Northwell Health ........................................................... 27

RoboMindTech............................................................... 31

ProHealth Dental Management, LLC............................. 52

Steps To Socialization................................................... 15

Steps To Socialization................................................... 15

Village East Gifted......................................................... 13

Allied Physicians Group................................................. 52

Variety Child Learning Center........................................ 20 Variety Child Learning Center Social Skills................... 27

SPORTS DANCE

HOME SERVICES

Camps ‘R’ Us................................................................. 41

Katya’s School of Dance............................................... 47

Geico Insurance............................................................ 28

Kenwal Day Camp......................................................... 17

North Shore Performing Arts Center................................ 2

Stuck On You................................................................... 9

M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym.................................................... 21

54

August 2016 | nymetroparents.com

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