Long Island Parent (Nassau) September 2016

LongIslandParent NASSAU EDITION

SEPTEMBER 2016

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

Calm the Cafeteria Chaos

Kids can eat healthy and socialize, too.

PLUS: Your Back-to-School Resource Guide

All About Gap Years

Why many grads are waiting before starting college

Should Kids Play Contact Sports?

Weighing the risk of concussions

WHERE TO PICK APPLES

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NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Contents

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September 2016 ›› Features 16 Cute Kids Meet the winner of our cover contest, and the rest of the finalists 18 Filling the Gap Taking a year off between high school and college can set teens up for a lifetime of success 22 Calming the Chaos of the Cafeteria How to get kids to eat a healthy lunch while chatting with friends 26 Should Your Kid Play Contact Sports?

New policies are being put into place to reduce the risk of concussions in children

22

54 Healing Powers What it’s like to provide your child with medical marijuana in New York

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18

Connections 6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Quotables 14 Voices: Learning to let go 15 NYMP Q&A: Walker Lamond shares ‘pearls of wisdom’ for fatherhood

Fun & Activities 12 30 33 46

Family Activities CALENDAR ››

DIY Corner: Sail boat for imaginary play Outing: New York City Fire Museum Family Activities Calendar Where-To Guide: Pick Your Own Apples

Directories

33

48 53 58 60 61 62

Back-to-School Resources Private Schools Meet the Health Care Professional Open Houses Party Planner Advertisers’ Index

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

by Appaman (appaman.com)

››

ON THE COVER ›› 18 All About Gap Years 22 Calm the Cafeteria Chaos 26 Should Kids Play Contact Sports

facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

46 Where to Pick Apples

54 Medical Marijuana for Sick Kids?

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

LongIslandParent

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SEPTEMBER 2016 • Vol.8 • No.4

NYMetroParents Publications EDITORIAL

EDITOR’S NOTE

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress

New Beginnings, Emotional Transitions

L

ike many parents, I feel unprepared for a new school year to begin, and less than eager to restart the cycle of lunch prep and hustling out the door every morning. Really, though, this feeling is less about the hassle and more about being forced to confront the very clear fact that my babies are no longer babies. Our youngest, not yet out of diapers and still sleeping in a crib, begins nursery school this month, while my middle daughter will be in kindergarten, starting the transition away from play-based learning to more traditional schooling. And my oldest, still so young in my mind, starts fourth grade, when, I am told, the work gets more intense and the pace quicker. Sunrise, sunset, indeed; those years certainly do swiftly fly.

And so I look to parents who have older kids with a mix of awe and curiosity. How do we encourage our not-so-little ones to grow into independent people and not inadvertently stand in their way? Dana Greenberg offers her own perspective on letting go of her middle-school-age daughter and teaching her to navigate NYC streets by herself (p. 14). Meanwhile, any of you whose kids are entering their senior year of high school are contemplating a whole new level of letting go.

Decisions about next year will likely consume much of your attention the next few months. But even as today’s seniors apply to and choose their colleges, many will be opting to delay actually starting that school for one year. Find out why so many grads are taking a so-called “gap year,” what they’re doing during that time—and why many experts are encouraging it (p. 18).

Meanwhile, my family—and many of yours, I am sure—will be focused on more mundane matters, such as the aforementioned lunch prep. Despite the care I give to my kids’ meals, I’ve found pieces of my daughters’ lunches coming home uneaten, not because they weren’t hungry, but because they didn’t have time to finish. Besides eating, lunch provides valuable, much-needed social time for our kids, and we’ve got tips on how to ensure your kids can eat and gab during their fleeting cafeteria moments (p. 22).

Lastly, an invitation to join Long Island Parent for an event that promises to be great fun for everyone. LI FamFest, taking place on Sept. 17 at Long Island University’s Pratt Recreation Center, is a day of kid-focused fun—think face painting, arts and crafts, a rope obstacle course, live reptiles, and plenty of snacks (and snack making). While the little ones have a blast, the grown-ups will have a chance to plan the year ahead, with more than 100 exhibitors, such as after-school programs, birthday party venues, and much more. See lifamfest.com for more info and to register.

See you there, and may everyone have a happy and smooth start to the 2016-17 school year!

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

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Anthony Diaz CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Jiyon Son DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Robert Reynolds GRAPHIC ARTIST: Oscar Osario

ACCOUNTING

Michael Kress Editorial Director

CONTROLLER: David Friedman

MARKETING

HEAD OF MARKETING: Jacqueline Lachman

ADMINISTRATION

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

Davler Media Group CEO: David L. Miller

A NYMetroParents Event

Join Us for a Day of Fun! You are invinted to a day of kid-focused fun, during which parents can accomplish all their planning for the year ahead. LI FamFest will be held Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10am-3pm at Long Island University’s Pratt Recreational Center, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville, Long Island.

While parents explore more than 50 exhibitors and meet experts, their kids will be able to participate in activities such as a live reptile and wildlife show, face painting and balloon making, hip-hop dance movement, a rope obstacle course, candy making, and much more.

Visit lifamfest.com for more information and to register!

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September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

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

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

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LongIslandParent

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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS

nymetroparents.com/np-np

Guests try their hand at fishing at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery.

Joyous Music School Students to Release an Album at the End of the Year Who: The Joyous Music School What’s new: An album by The Joyous String Ensemble, lead by artistic director Julian Yu, which will be released at the end of this year.

The album, titled Reflection, will be a mixture of classical and pop music and will be available on iTunes.

The Joyous String Ensemble performs approximately 40-50 shows per year and will be appearing locally for a performance at Carnegie Hall Nov. 20. The group recently appeared on NBC’s Little Big Shots and has been featured on Good Morning America and the Today Show.

Want more info: 21 Jerusalem Ave., Hicksville, 888-628-9865; joyousmusicschool.org

The Joyous Music School String Ensemble

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September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Kidville Roslyn

Enrichment Facility for Kids Now Open in Roslyn Who: Kidville What’s new: A Roslyn location at which kids ages newborn to 6 can take gym, art, dance, and music classes.

It has a wide range of creative classes for babies, toddlers, and children, which were developed by a team of early childhood development specialists.

The membership-only center offers supervised open play in a state-ofthe-art gym, giving children a fun and safe space to run, climb, and make new friends.

Want more info: 250 South Service Road, Roslyn; 516-626-3126; kidville.com/roslyn

Courtesy The Joyous Music School

Who: The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium What’s New: Fishing birthday parties during which partygoers ages 4 and older can fish for 45 minutes, catch-and-release only.

The parties can occur year-round, rain or shine, and two experienced staff members will be on-hand to guide all attendees. Fishing poles and bait are provided.

Parties can only be scheduled from 3:30-5pm and cannot be scheduled on the weekends from June-August.

Following the fishing portion, the facility will provide pizza, soda, and goodie bags for each guest.

Want More Info: 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor, 516-692-6768; cshfishhatchery.org

Courtesy Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery &Aquarium

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery Now Offering Fishing Birthday Parties

The facilities at Kidville Roslyn

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

9

UOTABLES The days are hot, hot, hot; and the house is stale and messy. I am often reminded in its state something my neighbor said to me one afternoon, after I apologized for our home’s condition: ‘You are living. That’s what this is.’

—NYC mom Latonya Yvette in a post entitled “Motherhood Right Now” on her blog blog.latonyayvette.com

in an instagram He couldn’t wait to get on and he claimed the frog right away. His eyes were big and he kept throwing his head back and looking up at the lights, bopping his head to the carrousel music. Then as soon as he got off he asked if there was a roller coaster in the park he could ride next. #boys (Posted by Manhattan mom @lilliesandleon, aka Nicole Gonzalez, who blogs at lilliesandleon.com)

PARENTING AFRICAN-AMERICAN BOYS “I see my fellow black moms hurting. I’m hurting. I see my non-black friends hurting. And I see those who are keeping silent.”

in an instagram Hidden gem in Long Island—Hempstead State Park for a lazy Sunday fishing adventure #blogger #photography

—Long Island mom Kimberly Thomas, who runs the blog valleystreammom.com in an essay on entitled “At What Age Will My Son Become a Threat?” Read it all at nymetroparents. com/kimberly-thomas

(Posted by @thatsbetsyv, a NYC mom who blogs at betsy-v.com)

“It’s okay to be scared. If we aren’t terrified about some of the things we need to do as we learn how to be a parent, we aren’t parenting well enough.”

—Manhattan dad Pete Cataldo, who runs the website daddymindtricks.com, in a Huffington Post article entitled “5 Thoughts On The First Year Of Fatherhood”

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September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: FREE FUN: Visit museums and zoos without paying (nymetroparents.com/free) FAIRS & FESTIVALS: Where to go in the late summer and fall (nymetroparents.com/fairs) BEAM THEM UP: All about the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum’s interactive Star Trek exhibit (nymetroparents.com/star-trek) FALL GUIDE: How to make the most of autumn (nymetroparents.com/fall-guide)

__________________________________________________ Â

LongIslandParent 11

DIY CORNER IMAGINARY PLAY

Hello, Sailor!

After a fresh batch of laundry is fluffed and folded, take your basket to the high seas.

What you’ll need: • 1 40-inch stick or dowel • 1 18-inch stick or dowel • Thin cotton rope • 1 24-by-18-inch piece of fabric or bed sheet • Scissors • Hot-glue gun (optional) • Fabric scraps • 1 laundry basket 1. To make the mast and the boom, cross the short stick perpendicularly over the long stick approximately 24 inches down from one end and wrap the joint, making figure eights back and forth around the sticks, with approximately 2 feet of cotton rope.

2. To make the sail, cut your piece of fabric in half diagonally. Place the right corner of the sail where the mast and the boom meet.

For a quick assembly, have an adult hot-glue the fabric edges to the mast and the boom, or tie your sail on: Use your scissors to poke holes every 3 inches along the two perpendicular edges of the fabric, approximately 1 inch in from the edge. Cut 4-inch

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September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

pieces of rope and thread them through the holes and around the sticks.

3. Cut an 80-inch piece of rope and then tie strips of fabric scraps you might have every 3-5 inches along the rope. Tie the rope to the top of the mast, and let it hang down.

4. Use rope to tie the mast to the side of the basket, securing it through the holes in at least two places.

Excerpted from Project Kid: Crafts That Go! by Amanda Kingloff (Artisan Books). Copyright © 2016. Photographs by Alexandra Grablewski and Amanda Kingloff

“GOING TO SCHOOL HAS NEVER

BEEN THIS MUCH

FUN!

”

DAILY NEWS

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LongIslandParent 13

VOICES

Out on Her Own ›› How I learned to let go of my middle schooler, a little bit at a time By Dana Greenberg

I

cannot believe that my little girl is starting eighth grade, her final year of middle school. Where has the time gone? The days when I would tag along on the walk to school in the mornings are just about over. I may have squeezed my last “I’ll take you and your friends for pizza” out of her. I can only hope I have done my job and prepared her well for the road on which we are now embarking.

When my daughter was going into sixth grade, just starting middle school, parents of older children in New York City told me that many kids start traveling alone, without an adult, sometime during the middle school years. The thought of this absolutely terrified me: the strangers, the cars, the bikers. I knew I had to start preparing her to navigate the streets without me by her side.

In the beginning of sixth grade I made a very conscious effort to start making her aware of everything I could think of on the route to school—and even scare her a little bit. We discussed which streets had turning signals, what side of the street the liquor store is on, how to wait until the bikers stop before crossing the street, and so much more. I did this over and over and over again for months, just like a broken record. Finally it was time to let her guide the way. “Tell me what to do, when to cross, where to stand,” I told her. By the end of the sixth grade, she was walking home from school without an adult.

As we moved to seventh grade, I suspected she would have even more of a zest for independence. To that point, she’d only gone to and from school by herself. Now she wanted to go to friends’ apartments, the movies, the frozen yogurt shop. How was I going to deal with this? I really needed to think about the next steps.

Since she was not necessarily going to be staying in our neighborhood, we talked about the choices of transportation in the city—buses, subways, Ubers. There are so many options, but we needed to figure out what would make us both feel safe and comfortable. I got her the Uber app for her phone, and I make

sure she always has a MetroCard with funds on it. We both agreed that walking should be her first choice if the distance is not too far. We talked about safe places she could duck into if she ever felt it was necessary for any reason at all, such as Starbucks, Duane Reade, or CVS, places with which she is familiar and are very easy to find. She assured me, “Mom, I can do this. I’ll be fine.” I must admit, her confidence was somewhat reassuring; however, deep down, I was dying just a little bit. She was still my little girl, and I would worry no matter what.

We did tons of talking and prepping. Then one day, it was time for her to go use all of her newfound knowledge and be a big kid with her friends. Even today, I still remind her before she leaves the house to make sure her phone is fully charged and that her tracker app is on. “No texting while walking, don’t stand too close to the curb, and be careful of those bikers,” I remind her as I watch her walk down the hall to the elevator. I typically get a cute smirk in return. As time goes on, I admit, it does get a little easier—but just a little easier—to watch her walk out the door.

As hard as it is to watch this independence sprouting right in front of my eyes, I have found an upside to all of this. I no longer have to take her everywhere. I don’t have to drag her brother out in the rain to pick her up from a friend’s apartment. I can even send her down to the supermarket to pick up a few things for me.

This independence thing might not be so bad after all!

As my city kid now starts her last year of middle school, I feel almost as confident as she does when she is out and about on her own or with her friends. I must remind myself that I have done my job and taught her to make smart choices. I can’t be with her every second, so I must trust that she has listened and paid attention along the way. She has come a long way since starting middle school. I will continue to let go, even while still trying to hold on to her, a little bit at a time.

Dana Greenberg is a mom of twins living in Manhattan. Dana’s site theautismclub.com was created as a way to connect moms who have kids with special needs, like her son Jack—who has autism—and offer them a space to tell their stories.

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September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

NYMP Q&A

Rules to Live By ››

By Bethany Braun

Walker Lamond’s first book, Rules for My Unborn Son was based on his blog of a similar name. He recently released a follow-up, Rules for My Newborn Daughter, in which he shares hilarious “pearls of wisdom” such as, “Don’t pawn your grandmother’s jewelry” and “Practice safe selfies.”

Enroll Now! FREE First Class

Do you have a favorite rule or piece of parenting advice? For you? Your kids? I think I come from the paint-inside-the-lines school of parenting. I tell my kids that if you’re the kind of person that respects dress codes and knows what the little fork is for, you’ll be given more liberty to be the life of the party. As a parent I just have to remind myself every day to be patient, kind, and silly. And not throw shoes.

Do your kids follow these rules? I’m lucky if they leave the house with shoes.

Have you experienced a difference in parenting boys vs. girls? Universally? No, I don’t think so. Kids learn from your example. Which is why I probably use these books more as manuals for being a better dad than I do as rulebooks for raising better kids.

That being said, my son is way more susceptible to bribes.

Do you think parents should collect their own sets of rules for their kids? Absolutely! These books were imagined as conversations with my own kids and are specific to my own experiences growing up. There’s plenty in there that some parents will disagree with, and I love it when readers give the rules their own spin or take to Twitter to tell me how wrong I am. I think writing down your own rules for your kids is a great way not just to keep your little angels in line, but also to pass down your own experiences and institutional knowledge about how to live a fun, fulfilling life.

How was writing the book for your daughter different than writing it for your son? When I started Rules for My Newborn Daughter, I did have a nagging concern that it may not be appropriate for a man to be doling out advice to a young woman. I mean if I wanted my daughter to grow into a strong, independent woman unafraid to challenge traditional power structures and gender stereotypes, handing her a book full of rules written by a man didn’t seem like the best way to start her journey.

But I think a dad has a right and a duty to tell his daughter what he expects of her. To share with her what he knows about life and how to make the best of it. And while I might not know even a fraction of what it takes to become an independent, intelligent, courteous, courageous, honest, adventurous, self-reliant, well-read, well-dressed, well-mannered young woman, I do know someone who does.

Thankfully, I married her.

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

Cute Kids!

››

Meet the winner of our 2016 cover contest, and take a look at all eight finalists.

F

rom April to June the staff here at NYMetroParents had the hard job of picking eight finalists from hundreds of adorable entries. Once we were able to narrow it down, the finalists traveled from all across the New York metro area to meet for a photo shoot at PhotoOp NYC. The finalists wore their best smiles and some seriously stylish clothes and had a blast shooting with the studio’s awesome photographers.

The kids did a great job posing for the camera, but at the end of the day it was 3-year-old Carter from Suffolk County who was selected as the Grand Prize Winner.

Carter and his family will enjoy a weekend trip to Great Wolf Lodge to celebrate his big win! Each finalist received a $25 gift card from Appaman, who also provided most of the clothes for the shoot, and a New York CityPASS ticket book. Plus, our fan favorite, Konstancja from Brooklyn, received a family fourpack of tickets to Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA. You’ll get to see more of these smiling cuties in the coming months.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this contest a success, especially our sponsor, Barbizon.

Carter

Age: 3 Hometown: Suffolk County

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

Genesis

Age: 8 Hometown: Fairfield County, CT

Ryan

Angelina

Age: 13 Hometown: Nassau County

Age: 6 Hometown: Manhattan

Lucas

Age: 5 Hometown: Queens

Emma

Age: 10 Hometown: Rockland County

Angelina C.

Age: 4 Hometown: Westchester County

Konstancja

Age: 7 Hometown: Brooklyn

FAN FAVORITE

Courtesy David Hamburger

Filling the Gap

››

Many high school graduates are opting to take a year “off” before starting college. But far from doing nothing, they are participating in programs and gaining experiences that set them up for success in college and provide a lifetime of benefits. By Lauren Diaz New York City native and Columbia University graduate David Hamburger (left) volunteered for a nonprofit called Pencils of Promise during his gap year. He traveled on behalf of the organization to visit rural schools in northern Laos.

W

hen Malia Obama announced her decision to defer her acceptance to Harvard University for a year, she became the poster child for a growing trend. The Associated Press reports that Malia is one of an estimated 30,000-40,000 students each year who choose to take an academic break before attending college—a number that is steadily rising, according to the American Gap Association, which tracks this data. After spending 13 years in the educational system, many students are now electing to take a year off from school to do a variety of activities and programs—known as a gap year—and are coming back to start college with a new perspective and maturity.

There are many options for those looking for a rewarding, meaningful gap year, including travel or study abroad and volunteering or working here in the United States in virtually any setting imaginable. When many of us imagine gap years, we tend to think of expensive programs abroad or at sea, but many teens opt for volunteering or working instead. Students can either invest money in a program or spend the time gaining work experience and saving money for tuition. When it comes to managing college applications, they can either apply to college and defer matriculating for a year, or wait to apply during their gap year after mulling it over. There is something formative out there for every student.

David Hamburger, a New York City native and Dalton School alumnus, deferred his 2011 admission to The University of Chicago in order to devote himself to a year of service work for 18

September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

multiple organizations. Hamburger volunteered at Habitat for Humanity during the fall while also working for an educational development nonprofit called Pencils of Promise. As a volunteer at the relatively new organization, Hamburger was given a great amount of responsibility, which led to an internship with its International Programs team in the spring of his gap year. At 18, Hamburger was responsible for spearheading an overhaul of Pencils of Promise’s data storage, supervising four junior interns, and training new hires. After applying to Columbia University during the fall of his gap year, Hamburger was admitted for the fall semester of 2012. By 19, he entered Columbia with a level of real-world work experience practically unheard of for his age.

The Benefits of Taking a Gap Year

While gap years may be relatively new in the broader culture, they have long been a staple of Jewish education, with schools encouraging students to study in Israel for a year before heading to college. Dorothy Denburg, director of college counseling at Heschel High School, a Jewish day school in Manhattan, reports that approximately a third of her students chose to defer college last year. “There are so many options for different structured programs for them,” she says, adding that when she previously worked for a college, 90 percent of the students she saw taking a gap year were Jewish, and most of them had spent their year in a wide variety of programs based in Israel. The motivation, Denburg says, is to “spend a year in Israel but not necessarily in study”

and to “go to college with a year of maturity under your belt,” a sentiment that is quickly gaining ground among students and educators far beyond the Jewish community.

A huge benefit of taking a gap year is the life or work experience that comes with it. Contrary to some people’s misperceptions, “it is very often our strongest students who will choose to take a gap year”—not to improve anything specific academically but to foster their own “intellectual and personal growth,” notes Jessica Landis, a guidance counselor at King School, an independent school in Stamford, CT. That includes self-discovery, which can be achieved richly and deeply from gap-year experiences. “It’s so much better if you take time to get to know yourself in a different situation outside of the academic world,” since you “learn so much more about yourself when you’re actually participating as opposed to just sitting in a classroom learning,” says Susan Avery, a guidance counselor at Harvest Collegiate High School, a Manhattan public school.

Another, often vital reason to take a gap year is to take a breather. Thinking back to her time working at private schools, Avery says the “level of stress seen on children was astounding.” A gap year is “the single best thing a kid can do for themselves after spending 13 years in school.”

Hamburger agrees, adding that it is especially important for students dealing with a physical or mental illness. “One thing I observed at college is how difficult it can be for people that aren’t 100-percent [well] to make it through a semester,” he says, adding that “it paid dividends” for his peers who took time off as a “chance to recharge.”

Debunking the Case Against Gap Years

The low number of students taking gap years in years past can in some ways be attributed to societal pressures and common misconceptions. For many high school students, immediate college enrollment seems like the necessary next step in a strict path. There has been an ingrained fear of facing social ridicule and alienation, falling behind, and ultimately failing professionally as a result of taking a year off. Landis says she recognizes many students fear condemnation from their peers but countered that “once those students talk about what their plans are, what they’ll be doing with that time, I think a lot of students actually look back and say ‘Wow. I wish I had considered doing that a little bit more.’”

Students tend to fear being left behind, since most of their former classmates will be sophomores while they are in their first years, but “that’s ok,” Landis says. “You have done something equally valuable that will also have a really positive impact on your future.” Avery agrees, saying “there’s no such thing as graduating on time. People just want to know that you went to college.”

A huge misconception plaguing high school seniors is the notion that gap years are only for the affluent. “So is money a problem?”

Avery says, “Well, no, because you’re not spending. You’re not paying college tuition when you’re on a gap year.” There are certainly students who spend the year in programs for which they need to pay, Avery says, recalling a student who did a semester at sea. But money is not a prerequisite, and there are many tuitionfree ways to spend a productive gap year. For “kids who need to just stop the carousel of academics and jump off and go do something different,” Avery says, “there are always options.”

Hamburger personally found no disadvantages in his gap year, continued on next page ››

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.

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ABA Psychological Services, P.C. www.abapsychologicalservices.com | 516-294-5000 LongIslandParent 19

‹‹ continued from previous page

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September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

saying it was a “tremendous year of growth” that set him up for the “next four years and beyond.” “Legitimately, every activity I engaged in during my gap year continued at Columbia,” he says.

From his gap year Hamburger attained lifelong friends, a great mentor, the initiative to participate in a future study abroad program, and an established interest in international education.

He also considers his work at Pencils of Promise to be “among the most substantial and important work I’ve ever done in my professional life” and believes the experience ultimately led him to attaining his current postgraduate Fulbright-Nehru fellowship.

Formula for a Successful Gap Year

Hamburger argues that in order to have a successful gap year, a teenager must “be devoting him or herself to something he or she is interested in or cares about.” Keep yourself busy, and maintain good communication with your parents, he advises. While he thinks almost everyone would benefit from a gap year, he also believes those students who are able to take initiative, are struggling with an illness, have a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” or are lacking in maturity would glean the most from taking a year off, while those hoping to just take an unstructured vacation would not do as well.

Taking a gap year is a highly personal and complicated decision that can only be made by the student. The role of a parent is similar to that of the guidance counselor: listen, guide, and support.

Avery points out that we do not even know what Malia Obama is doing with her gap year yet, but “the fact that the Obamas are 100-percent behind their daughter taking an academic breather just truly makes my heart joyful because it sends such an important message that everybody needs to slow the heck down.”

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LongIslandParent 21

FOOD & NUTRITION

Calming the Chaos of the Cafeteria ›› Some children forgo eating at lunchtime to be social. Here’s how to get your kids to eat a healthy lunch while chatting with their friends. By Nimali Fernando, M.D., MPH, and Melanie Potock, M.A., CCC-SLP

C

hances are it’s been a while since you’ve ordered “hot lunch” in the school cafeteria. Whether you send a homepacked lunch with your child or they order lunch, eating in the cafeteria can be overwhelming at first. Coach Mel [Melanie Potock, M.A., CCC-SLP ] had a client who called it the “caféFEAR-ia” because the whole experience was a bit scary for him.

Imagine being a brand-new kindergartner, toting your sparkly new Disney princess lunch box down the school hallway, when you turn and enter utter chaos. Older kids tower over you as you cross the sea of tables and try to find where you are supposed to sit for the next 20 minutes. Irritating fluorescent lights flicker while children chatter, teachers clap loudly to insist on silence, and rebellious kids ignore the adult plea and pop potato chip bags open with a bang! Metal lunch boxes clang as hungry tykes unpack a multitude of tins, cartons, juice boxes, and squeezable thingamajigs. The display on the tables is like a giant fire sale.

Now picture the typical metal cafeteria table with benches made to fit the average fifth-grader. Your kindergartner’s feet are

22

September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

dangling and there’s no backrest. She has to balance while her elbows hunch up practically to shoulder level in order to stabilize herself on the table edge, her little eyes barely able to see past the barrage of sandwich bags and containers spread before her. In an effort to ensure that their kids eat anything at all, well-meaning parents pack lunch boxes filled to the brim, typically with seven to eight different options.

She sits and tries to ignore the boy next to her who keeps elbowing her in the ribs as he turns to talk to his friend on the other side of her—and turns back to eat—and then turns back to his friend. By the time she gets out all the containers you’ve packed, plus the juice box straw finally unwrapped and poked hard enough that juice squirts her in the face, five minutes have gone by. She’s holding up her other hand to signal the teacher, “Can you please open this lid?” but there are three other kids who need help first.

Meanwhile, that nice girl who played with her at the craft table this morning wants to chat—and she just wants to make friends.

Maybe she’ll get a few containers open and swig down that juice, but now her mind is on recess. Here’s the biggest dilemma:

For most kids, their priority during that very quick lunch is to visit with their friends and get a few bites of food in in the process.

However, teachers and the parents have a different priority for lunchtime: They want kids to have a nutritious meal so they are well fueled and ready to learn in the afternoon.

Solutions to the Chaos

If your school cafeteria resembles the picture we’ve painted above, and you want to rest assured that your child gets a healthy lunch in her belly, here are six solutions to finding some calm in the chaos: Send one easy-open container plus a drink. Bento boxes are all the rage nowadays. For many families, there is just enough time to get lunches packed and to grab them on the way out the door in the morning. The solution is a one-piece bento with an easyopen lid. Bentos are not as overwhelming as a lunch box filled to the brim with individual plastic bags, containers, and drippy fruit cups with tricky foil lids. Our favorites are EasyLunchboxes (the best-selling lunch-box system on Amazon) and the Yumbox (yumboxlunch.com). Both offer easy-open lids and compartments that are just the right size for kids. The Yumbox can be ordered with different trays that fit inside the box itself. Our favorite tray has five compartments each marked with a food group: Protein, Vegetables, Fruit, Dairy, and Grains to ensure a balanced lunch every time you pack.

Pack “grab and gab” food. Cut fresh fruit, veggies, sandwiches, cheese, etc., small enough so that kids can grab a piece without having to look down, and continue to gab with their friends across the table. Using a cookie cutter to create food in a fun shape like a dinosaur keeps the eating on track for some kids. But for kids who tend to eat a sandwich and skip the other items, try cutting the sandwich into small pieces so the child alternates grabbing a variety of foods, much like a mini-smorgasbord. Remember, you don’t need to send a whole sandwich when sending half leaves room in little bellies for other key food groups.

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Include a power-packed smoothie that you made the night before. Freeze it directly in a cup or Mason jar with a lid and be sure to include a wide straw. Wrap some rubber bands around the continued on next page ››

COACH MEL’S TIP: WHAT’S THE STAR OF YOUR CHILD’S LUNCH? As a speech-language pathologist, I teach the parents engaged in lunch-box dinners with their child to practice this little script: “I’ve got ____ in my lunch!” In all my years of sitting in school cafeterias and listening to young kids, it’s always the first thing they say to each other. It’s their traditional conversation starter, usually accompanied by them proudly holding up the celebrity food—the star of the lunch box. I can attest that I hear just as many kids enthusiastically say, “I have fruit today!” as “I have chips today!” Try for the veggies. It’s really OK—it’s just as cool to have vegetables cut up into stars or other fun shapes so they can announce, “I have CUCUMBER STARS today!” Better yet, get the kids involved packing the lunches and creating fun shapes so they can exclaim, “I made carrot triangles for lunch!”

LongIslandParent 23

›› continued from previous page

jar for added grip and to keep little hands from getting too chilly.

By the time your child opens her lunch, the smoothie will be the perfect consistency, plus it helps to keep the lunch cold.

Pack last night’s dinner for lunch. If your child has a favorite healthy dinner, find ways to pack it in his lunch the next day.

Use insulated containers to keep soups, stews, or pasta warm for lunchtime. Using leftovers can save time packing lunch in the morning, too.

Pack a waste-free lunch. A lunch-box system means that you won’t be throwing away plastic bags every day. Use brightly colored cloth napkins and stainless steel water bottles to make lunch even more fun. Use lunch packing as a chance to show kids that they help to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Start weekly lunch-box dinners at home. For kids transitioning to school lunch, introduce once-a-week lunch-box dinners where the entire family pretends to eat in the school cafeteria. At the entrance to the kitchen or dining area, one parent stashes a large bin, just like the kids will find at school. Each member of the family has their own distinct lunch box thrown into the bin, along with a few “old” random empty lunch boxes, so kids can practice digging down to the bottom to find their own. Once everyone is seated at the table, the child can practice the fine motor skills of unzipping zippers, unfastening Velcro flaps, and opening up containers. Choose a lunch box that is easy to open and pack it with “grab and gab” food, just like you would in the cafeteria.

Once the meal is over, everyone latches their lunch box and puts it back in the bin, just like at school.

Phasing in New Foods

When packing lunch, parents pray that their child will “just eat something!” But at the end of the day, especially if the child is a picky eater, parents sigh as they open the lunch-box latch and see that lunch has barely been touched. What can a parent do at home to encourage kids to eat lunch, even when they eat only five to 15 different foods and are hesitant to try anything new?

Here are some tips to encourage young eaters to explore beyond their preferred foods: Begin with exposure. Kids may need to see a new food multiple times before they may even consider trying it. That means they need to see it at school, too. If you’re thinking, “But he won’t eat it, so why pack it?” remember that the first step is helping your hesitant eater get used to the presence of that food in his lunch box again and again. Food doesn’t have to be eaten to serve a purpose in food education, and it doesn’t have to be a large quantity of food when first introduced.

Give kids ownership in the lunch-packing process. All kids like predictability and being a part of the process. Ask them to help with choosing, preparing, and packing lunch items. They are more likely to enjoy food when they are involved.

Include a favorite, but just enough. Most of us eat our favorite foods first, so be sure to include your child’s preferred food, but not too much. Provide just enough so that you won’t be worried that they are starving, but not so much that the other lesspreferred choices don’t stand a chance.

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September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

No comments, please! When the lunch box comes home, resist the urge to unpack it immediately. Give everyone a chance to breathe, especially those kids with sensory challenges who have difficulty with transitions from one environment to another. When you eventually open it, don’t comment about the contents. Say nothing, positive or negative. For many kids, it creates too much focus on whether they ate or not. For now, just wash it out and set it on the counter for your child to pack again later that evening. If your child mentions the food or requests it again, that’s the time to respond with a positive comment. Be careful not to say things like, “See, I knew you would like it!” You may mean well, but a child will typically interpret that as “See, I was right and you weren’t.” Try stating something positive, such as, “Pomegranates are one of my favorites—I like how they crunch and squirt at the same time in my mouth!”

Make a lunch-packing roadmap. Skip the filler foods such as pretzels and chips and pack a balanced lunch by including items from all five food groups: proteins, grains, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Use the chart below to keep you on track and have plenty of options that are frozen or shelf-stable in case you run out of fresh. A handful of frozen edamame or dried fruit can be a great stand-in for fresh vegetables or fruit in a pinch. Whether you have a selective eater or a “foodie” with a palate that rivals a Top Chef, have all the kids in your family create a packing map and be responsible for their own lunch packing. Kids can choose foods from each group while the parent provides the healthy food options and keeps the kitchen stocked! Remember, it starts with exposure and builds from there.

Fruit

Grain

Mixed dried fruit Raisins Grapes Berries Apple slices Melon balls Fruit and yogurt blend All-fruit leather

Whole grain bread Pasta Soba noodles Quinoa Pita bread Tortillas Brown rice Granola

Vegetable

Protein

Carrot sticks Celery sticks Edamame Sugar snap peas Sliced sweet peppers Cherry tomatoes Kale chips Broccoli Vegetable soup

Yogurt Lean meats Hummus Nut butters Sunflower butter Beans, bean salads Meatballs Cheese Eggs

Excerpt from Raising a Healthy, Happy Eater: A Stage-by-Stage Guide to Setting Your Child on the Path to Adventurous Eating, copyright © Nimali Fernando and Melanie Potock 2015. Reprinted by permission of the publisher, The Experiment. Available wherever books are sold. theexperimentpublishing.com.

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Should Your Kid Play Contact Sports? ››

As our understanding of concussions grows, policies are being put in place to keep young athletes safe. But some still wonder whether certain sports can ever be considered safe for kids. By Melissa Kagan

I

t’s a question more and more parents are asking these days: “Should I let my kid play football?” Or maybe it’s soccer, lacrosse, ice hockey, or some other contact sport. Their concern with these activities can be summed up in one word: concussions.

For most kids, playing sports is fun, social, and challenging. Sports are also an excellent way to teach teamwork, competitiveness, and responsibility, while helping kids grow stronger and stay fit. But at the same time, a growing body of research has focused on the dangers of concussions and head injuries in youth sports, and the conversation has escalated over the past few years. Lawsuits by former pro-football players with lingering health problems and Will Smith’s 2015 movie Concussion have brought the topic of sportsrelated head injuries into the spotlight.

In some ways, this extra attention is great for young athletes.

And yet, in other ways it’s holding them back, as some parents wonder whether contact sports are safe in any capacity.

When Can Kids Start Playing Again?

Discussion about the risk of sports-related brain injury leads to heightened awareness. Many families and coaches now better understand the signs and symptoms of concussions. They’re seeking care when necessary, taking precautions, and following the proper re26

September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

turn-to-play guidelines (a set of criteria detailing when someone can return to the field after a concussion)—all positive developments.

Concerns over athletes returning to play too quickly have led legislators in almost all states to pass laws stating that no player may return to play the same day of getting a concussion and that the athlete must be cleared by an appropriate health care professional before she is allowed to return to play in games or practices. The laws typically also mandate that players, parents, and coaches receive education on the dangers of concussions and recognizing their signs and symptoms.

The return-to-play protocol is significant for athletes of all ages and competitive levels because the long-term effects of concussions in children can be considerable. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a six-step program, allowing approximately 24 hours for each step. If any symptoms return during this process, it’s a sign of incomplete recovery and the young athlete should wait an additional 24 hours before attempting that step again. Generally speaking, symptoms should improve within a week to 10 days, but a doctor should re-evaluate athletes with persistent symptoms.

“There’s a rare condition called ‘second’ impact in which a second concussion occurs before a first concussion has properly

healed,” according to Jay Selman, M.D., chief of neurosurgery and consultant to the Traumatic Bain Injury Unit at Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Valhalla. “This causes rapid and severe brain swelling and a vast majority of these cases end in death.”

The first step in the AAP’s protocol is for the child to rest—physically, as well as cognitively. “Relative cognitive rest involves minimizing potential cognitive stressors, such as schoolwork, but this also includes video games,” Dr. Selman says. “Modified school assignments shouldn’t result in your child playing Xbox all afternoon.”

After that, the steps call for the child to slowly and methodically return to activities.

New Policies

Another result of the public discussion about concussions is that Pop Warner, the country’s largest youth football organization, announced in May that it will ban kickoffs in games starting this fall, the latest attempt to reduce the risk of head blows that can lead to concussions.

The elimination of kickoffs will apply to the three youngest Pop Warner divisions, which include players ages 5-10. It will possibly expand to older kids in the near future, once the results of the change have been reviewed. Instead of kickoffs, the ball will be placed at the 35-yard-line at the beginning of each half and after each score. Pop Warner will also reduce the amount of contact time in practice in all age groups, to 25 percent from 33 percent.

Because the number of children who sustain concussions is on the rise, youth recreation programs and many school districts are responding with stricter policies to ensure safer play. For example last winter, the Westchester County Concussion Task Force unveiled a list of best practices for concussion management

for high school and youth sports. The 10-point plan focuses on improving collaboration between school officials when treating head injuries. It also stresses the importance of parent education about concussions and how to identify symptoms. The task force’s goal is to get schools caught up on the latest, rapidly evolving science of head injury protocol and concussion treatment.

Many advocacy groups encourage parents to have their children evaluated before the playing season begins to establish a baseline measure of brain function. One such test, called the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT), evaluates memory, motor speed, and reaction time. Athletes take the test at the start of the season and periodically thereafter, and again if they’re injured. continued on next page ››

RETURN-TO-PLAY STEPS This is an example of a what a typical return-to-play plan looks like: 1. T he athlete must observe complete physical and cognitive rest while symptoms are present.

2. O nce the athlete has stopped showing any symptoms, he or she can progress to light aerobic activity.

3. P rovided symptoms don’t return, activity may increase to sportspecific exercises without head impact.

4. The athlete may advance to more complex, non-contact drills.

5. The athlete may advance to full-contact practice.

6. The athlete may advance to normal game play.

LongIslandParent 27

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‹‹ continued from previous page

Paralyzed by Fear

The recent attention to the dangers of concussions has led some parents to say they are now paralyzed with fear and are choosing to keep their kids out of sports entirely. Lisa, a mother of two in Scarsdale, is relieved that neither of her boys has asked to play football. “I would be fine with flag football but I would be entirely opposed to tackle football,” she says.

“Although, my 13-year-old son, who, like many boys his age, has suffered from one concussion already from soccer. So now I’m rethinking soccer as well. I’m starting to question the safety of any sport at this point.”

There is a middle ground that some experts are advocating.

Instead of kids avoiding sports entirely, these advocates believe in setting a minimum age for when kids should be allowed to start playing contact sports. Bennet Omalu, M.D., a forensic pathologist and leading expert in the growing field of concussion research, wrote an op-ed piece last year for The New York Times saying that children should be prevented from playing football and other high-impact contact sports before the age of 18.

“Our children are minors who have not reached the age of consent,” Dr. Omalu wrote. “It is our moral duty as a society to protect the most vulnerable of us. The human brain becomes fully developed at about 18 to 25 years old. We should at least wait for our children to grow up, be provided with the information and education on the risk of play, and let them make their own decisions. No adult, not a parent or a coach, should be allowed to make this potentially life-altering decision for a child.”

Other experts in the field propose that tackle football, heading in soccer, and full-body checking in ice hockey not start until kids are 14, largely because their brains and bodies are still developing and are therefore more vulnerable to serious injury.

“Nothing magic happens when an athlete turns 14,” Dr. Selman says. “There are big 14-year-olds who develop earlier and then there are 14-year-olds who look like they are 10. But by the time teens are juniors or seniors in high school, the difference in size between the athletes isn’t quite as dramatic.”

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September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

There is no set number of concussions that determine when a young person should give up playing contact sports. The circumstances that surround each individual injury, such as how the injury occurred and the duration of symptoms, are very important and must be factored in when assessing an athlete’s risk for—and potential long-term consequences from—experiencing additional and potentially more serious concussions. The decision to quit certain sports is a decision best reached after a complete evaluation by your child’s primary care provider and consultation with a physician or neuropsychologist who specializes in treating sports concussions.

It’s not an easy decision to make. Ultimately, it is up to parents to make informed choices based on their individual circumstances about whether to let children play contact sports. And above all, it is critical for parents and coaches to arm themselves with proper concussion knowledge, the right equipment, good training, an understanding of the symptoms of a concussion, and a healthy attitude about sports should they let their kids participate.

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 in Mommy Poppins, Westchester Magazine and Westchester Family. She lives in Pelham with her husband and two children.

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To apply for a FREE live on-camera audition Call 516-765-2400 or visit www.TowerTalent.com LongIslandParent 29

OUTINGS: New York City Fire Museum

nymetroparents.com/outings

New York’s Bravest 1

2

4

Courtesy New York City Fire Museum

Housed in a 1904 firehouse, this must-see museum tells the history of the FDNY. ›› By Melissa Wickes 3

5

1 This 1912 American LaFrance Tractor-Steamer, a coal-fired steam engine drawn by a gasoline powered front-drive tractor, was dubbed “Old 93” upon its retirement in 1933 when it was then used as a parade vehicle. 2 The New York City Fire Museum is housed in the former quarters of Engine Company No. 30, a 1904 Beaux-Arts firehouse. 3 The Brooklyn Company Engine No. 8 is a steam engine pumper made by American LaFrance in 1901 and was drawn by three horses. 4 Framed documents and works of art illustrate firefighting in the volunteer period in the Romance of Firefighting exhibit. 5 This permanent memorial to the 343 firefighters lost on 9/11 was designed by Jude Amsel and is made of tiles with the names and images of each firefighter.

The New York City Fire Museum is the official museum of the Fire Department of the City of New York. Housed in the former quarters of Engine Company No. 30, the museum is a tribute to firefighting and takes visitors through the history of techniques, equipment, and more. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a fire truck—fun for kids to climb on and perfect for a photo op.

Permanent Exhibits

Firefighting on Parade displays beautifully crafted machines and artifacts used by volunteer firefighters who marched in the firefighter parades. Paintings and illustrations depicting volunteer firefighters at work are shown in Romance of Firefighting, which honors the venerable New Yorkers who risk their lives to keep the city safe.

Check out the evolution of the fire engine from the steam engine to the motorized machine in Fire Apparatus. A crowd favorite is Tools and Uniforms, 30

September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

which shows how significantly firefighting gear has changed throughout the last 30 years, from breathing masks to protective garments to tools.

The 9/11 Memorial Room is the first permanent memorial recognizing the 343 members of the FDNY who sacrificed their lives on Sept. 11. The exhibit includes a black marble and tile memorial showing pictures of the firefighters who lost their lives, cases displaying tools used and items recovered, and a computer station at which visitors can browse profiles of the fallen.

Fire Safety Education Program

In collaboration with the FDNY, the museum operates a fire safety program, which teaches participants about fire prevention in homes and how to escape a fire. After classroom training, students go through a simulated fire in a mock home environment. The simulation consists of a

tour through four rooms and common fire hazards are explained. A bedroom is then filled with theatrical smoke and a firefighter teaches the children how to escape.

Remembering 9/11

The NYC Fire Museum will hold a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on Sept. 11, at 1pm, which will be led by the FDNY commissioner, with songs and a speech made by the museum director.

Details

Address: 278 Spring St., Manhattan Directions: Approximately a 1-hour, 10-minute drive from Garden City Hours: Daily, 10am-5pm Admission: $8; $5 students, seniors, and children ages 2-12; free with ID: FDNY, NYPD, DSNY, PANYNJ, Active U.S. Military, and Merchant Marine For more information: 212-352-3117 or nycfiremuseum.org

™

Styles of Yesterday & Today The American Girl Fashion Show is a fun-filled event for girls and their families, friends, and favorite dolls!

Celebrate the experience of being a girl, whether yesterday or today, through a colorful presentation of historical and contemporary fashions. Enjoy elegant refreshments, visit the doll hair salon, enter to win door prizes, and learn how clothing has changed over the years to reflect history, culture, and girls’ individual styles.

Hosted by

Our Lady of Mercy School 520 South Oyster Bay Road, Hicksville, NY

Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 1pm & 6pm Sunday, October 16, 2016 at 2pm

Tickets: $30 ($20 is tax deductible)

Please visit our website for more information and to purchase tickets

www.americangirlfashionshows.com Like us on Facebook American Girl Fashion Show at Our Lady of Mercy School Hicksville

Recommended for children 6 and up American Girl Fashion Show is licensed from American Girl Publishing.

Copyright © 2015 American Girl. All rights reserved.

All American Girl marks are trademarks of American Girl.

Introducing a new, LOW-COST health plan for eligible individuals!

The Essential Plan

Offered by Fidelis Care and available through NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace

• Monthly premiums are either $0 or $20 a month based on income

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• Low out-of-pocket costs with no deductible the plan starts paying for your health care right away

Doctor visits (including specialists), lab tests and X-rays, hospital care, prescription drugs, and more.

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Choose your doctor from Fidelis Care’s extensive provider network, which you can search on fideliscare.org

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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 www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

LongIslandParent 31

BEST SATURDAY WITH THE FAMILY

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 ‘Peppa Pig’s Big Splash Live!’

(No. 3 on our list).

y-day day-b : r u o t ou line ar Check alendar on alend c ood, hborh cost. g i e n h by and Searc type, age, t n eve ily! ted da a d p U

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SEPTEMBER CALENDAR

34 Editor’s Hot Tickets 36 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!,

Animal Lovers 37 Little Foodies, 9/11 Memorials,

Must-Sees in NYC WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

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

EDITOR: DEE SAUNDERS nassaucal@davlermedia.com

40 Mini Musicians,

Show Time!

42 Fun Fairs & Festivals,

Special Needs 43 Once Upon a Time

38 Crafty Kids

44 Smarty Pants

39 Movers & Shakers

45 The Great Outdoors

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the 10 events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!

1

Mysterious Lake

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 2, 10:30am and 1pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5 and older WHAT: See how spirits and humans learn to celebrate the old and new of our world.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Shadow puppets express the world we live in while colorful, directly manipulated puppets represent the spirit world.

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.

Pirate School with Captain Billy Bones

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 2, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Billy Bones is generally a good pirate, and youngsters have a little bit of pirate in them. Like pirates, kids naturally yearn for adventure, independence, and self-actualization.

WHY WE LOVE IT: These traits captivate children’s imaginations.

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.

2

‘Peppa Pig’s Big Splash Live!’

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 14, 6pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: All WHAT: An interactive experience full of singing, dancing, games, and muddy puddles.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s a guaranteed blast for the whole family.

WANT TO GO? $37.50 and up. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.

3

LI FamFest 2016

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 17, 10am-3pm WHERE: Long Island University, Pratt Recreation Center, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: All WHAT: LI FamFest is a fun day for the whole family. Children can play in the Kids Corner and participate in activity classes and parents can meet many back-to-school exhibitors, such as birthday party venues, after-school

4

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September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

5 classes, special needs professionals, enrichment programs, health related professionals, and many other family-oriented businesses.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s discovery and fun all in one place, in one afternoon.

WANT TO GO? $25 with up to 4 kids, $30 day of show, see website for discount code. 212-315-0800. lifamfest.com.

5

The Wiggles

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 18, 1pm and 4pm WHERE: The Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Joined on stage by the lovable friends Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog, and Henry the Octopus, The Wiggles will be celebrating its 25th birthday.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This group delivers a rocking good time for audiences!

WANT TO GO? $29.50 and up. 516-247-5200. thetheatreatwestbury.com.

24th Annual Italian Experience Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 18, 11am-5pm WHERE: Hofstra University, South Campus, 1000 Fulton Ave., Hempstead AGES: All WHAT: The festival features food, vendors, handmade crafts, exhibits by cultural organizations, music, dance, poetry, and more for the entire family to enjoy.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Unlike any other Italian festival, the Hofstra celebration emphasizes the many Italian contributions to American culture.

WANT TO GO? $6; $5 seniors; free for children younger than 12. 516463-6582. hofstra.edu.

6

Premier Education (Jericho)

Get weekend activities delivered to you!

nymetroparents.com/register ›› Immerse. Make. Inspire

FALL REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Long Island Heart Walk FREE

7

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 18, 10am WHERE: Jones Beach, 1000 Ocean Parkway, Field 5, Wantagh AGES: All WHAT: The American Heart Association is encouraging physical activity this fall. Take your place among thousands who believe in fitness and who would like to support a great cause.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The benefits of walking and moderate physical activity for as little as 30 minutes each day can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

WANT TO GO? 516-450-9104. longislandheartwalk.org.

KidsFest

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

> LEGO Science & Robotics Programs (K-8) > Video Game Design (Grade 3-8) > Robotics Competition > Group Programs: S.T.E.M. Workshops

FREE TRIAL CLASS! 9/10 Sat 1-2pm

OPEN HOUSE @ Premier Education Center Sept 10 & 17 Sat 4-5:30pm Please RVSP via email or call)

8

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 18, 12-4pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: A day of fun and educational activities featuring a highenergy performance by singer-songwriter Danny Weinkauf and his Red Pants Band.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Everyone will want to dance and jump around!

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

Home to NYC FIRST Lego League & National World Robot Olympiad Champions

your kids an eve n Give

C H S O O R E L YEAR T R A !

SM

Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’

WHEN: Sept. 17-25, Saturday-Sunday, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: The classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s an edge-of-your-seat, heart-thumping classic!

WANT TO GO? $12 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.

9

Long Island Fair

WHEN: Sept. 24–Oct. 2; Friday, 10am-4pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: Prize-winning vegetables, flowers, arts and and crafts, culinary delights, farm animals, hot air balloons, and entertainment; wagon, camel, and pony rides; and more.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s a beloved tradition that celebrates Long Island’s agricultural heritage and showcases the creative talents of Long Islanders from all walks of life.

WANT TO GO? $10; $8 seniors and children ages 5-12; free for children younger than 5. 516-572-8400. lifair.org. ››

10

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Call us today to schedule a Free Parent Orientation to learn more:

800.ABC.MATH • www.kumon.com ©2016 Kumon North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Offer valid at participating Kumon Centers only when you enroll between 9/1/16 – 9/30/16. Most Kumon Centers are independently owned and operated. Additional fees may apply. Amazon.com is a registered trademark of Amazon.com, Inc. Used with permission.

Please look for the “Welcome to Kumon e-mail” for the gift card redemption details within 4 – 8 weeks after enrollment. *Amazon.com is not a sponsor of this promotion. Except as required by law, Amazon.com Gift Cards (“GCs”) cannot be transferred for value or redeemed for cash. GCs may be used only for purchases of eligible goods at Amazon.com or certain of its affiliated websites. For complete terms and conditions, see www.amazon.com/gc-legal. GCs are issued by ACI Gift Cards, Inc., a Washington corporation. All Amazon ®, ™ & © are IP of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. No expiration date or service fees.

LongIslandParent 35

ANIMAL LOVERS David Rosaire’s World-Famous Dog Show

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome.

Kids Workshop FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 3, 9am-12pm WHERE: Home Depot, 600 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Kids learn to build or create a useful, fun product.

WANT TO GO? 516-488-8500. homedepot.com.

Cary Grant: Prince of Hollywood FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: 13 and older WHAT: This multimedia presentation will follow Cary Grant’s life from humble beginnings as Archie Leach in Bristol, England, to his final onstage appearances in Evenings with Cary Grant.

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

Teen Miniature Golf FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 21, 4pm WHERE: Roosevelt Public Library, 27 W. Fulton Ave., Roosevelt AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Enjoy an hour of miniature golf.

WANT TO GO? 516-378-0222. rooseveltlibrary.org.

Let’s Play Scrabble FREE

WHEN: Sept. 19-26, Mondays, 10:30am-3:30pm WHERE: Massapequa Public Library, 40 Harbour Lane, Massapequa AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Come in and enjoy a game of Scrabble.

WANT TO GO? 516-799-0770. massapequalibrary.org.

Warren Schein Performs A Musical Tribute to Classic Hollywood FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Enjoy an afternoon with Warren Schein as he performs songs

by George Gershwin, Johnny Mercer, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and Rodgers & Hammerstein from the Great American Songbook.

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

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September 2016 | nymetroparents.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 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.

Humane Education with Cats & Dogs FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 15, 4:30pm WHERE: Bellerose Library, 250-08 Hillside Ave., Bellerose AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Children will explore various ways to treat animals with kindness and compassion and are taught the “rules” of pet ownership, responsibility, and kindness. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 718-831-8644. queenslibrary.org.

CityBound

Courtesy WHIDC

Must-Sees in N Y C

Central Avenue Chefs FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 17, 3-4:30pm WHERE: Massapequa Public Library, 40 Harbour Lane, Massapequa AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Swap recipes and ideas, discuss the newest cookbooks, and bring in a favorite dish for others to try.

WANT TO GO? 516-799-0770. massapequalibrary.org.

Veggie Quesadillas FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 21, 4pm WHERE: Roosevelt Public Library, 27 W. Fulton Ave., Roosevelt AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn how to make veggie quesadillas for Hispanic Heritage Month, then eat and enjoy.

WANT TO GO? 516-378-0222. rooseveltlibrary.org.

Medieval fun in 2016

Gallop Into History Get your armor ready, saddle up your horse, and gallop up to Fort Washington for the popular Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park. Great fun for families, there are performances, processions, music, food and drink, and medieval wares to buy. The main event is the armed combat and jousting competition in which wannabe Jon Snows will show you how it was done in olden times. A living history lesson for all ages. Sep. 18; 11:30am-6pm. Age: All. Fort Tryon Park, 741 Fort Washington Ave., Fort Washington. 212-7951600. whidc.org.

Courtesty New Victory Theater

LITTLE FOODIES

Kids in the Kitchen

WHEN: Sept. 2-30, Fridays, 11:30am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Create tasty treats, take home recipes, and enjoy your yummy creations at the end of each class.

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

9/11 MEMORIALS September 11 Sunrise Memorial FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 11, 7:30am WHERE: Town Park, Point Look Out, 1300 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach AGES: All WHAT: Join the Hempstead Town Board, clergy, and community as they seek comfort, hope, and renewal at the annual September 11 Sunrise Memorial service.

WANT TO GO? 516-489-5000. toh.li. ››

Go 20,000 leagues under Times Square with this eye catching new production

Find The Original Nemo The New Victory Theater opens its new season with a production of the Jules Verne science fiction classic, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The atmospheric production has eye-catching special effects and uses multimedia and projections to bring the sea to the stage. Kids will learn about the infamous Captain Nemo and the tale of the Nautilus. For ages 8 and older due to complex story. Sep. 30-Oct. 10; see website for show times. $16-$38. New Victory Theater, 229 W. 42nd St., Times Square Theater District.

646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

LongIslandParent 37

Silly Scarecrows

CRAFTY KIDS Little Makers: Magnets in Motion+

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 11, 10:30am WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Investigate the powerful science of magnets by tinkering with everyday objects and exploring their magnetic fields. Use magnets in fun ways from painting to racing cars. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $8 with museum admission: $15; $12 children ages 2-17. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Pinecone Animal Craft

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 17, 11am-3pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: Create a craft made out of pinecones and show your creativity.

WANT TO GO? $5. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

Autumn Apple Trees

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 24, 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Come and create your own mini “apple” tree to celebrate the arrival of autumn.

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

A Taste For Art

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 25, 1-4pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Participate in collaborative theater, movement, and songwriting with members of the New York City Children’s Theater Company before collecting your art-making supplies to create largerthan-life sculptures and design an artwork using pizza boxes.

WANT TO GO? $10 with admission: $10; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12; free for children younger than 4. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

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September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sept. 20-30, Tuesday-Friday, 2:30pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Create your own silly scarecrow with colorful paper and clothespins.

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

Sketching in the Galleries

WHEN: Sept. 20–Oct. 18; Tuesdays, 1-2pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This program encourages visitors to slow down as they engage in a variety of drawing assignments that focus on the artists’ use of lines, proportions, textures, and values.

WANT TO GO? $15. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

Crafts For Kids FREE

WHEN: Sept. 3–Oct. 29; Saturdays, 11am-3pm WHERE: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2070 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Kids will have a ball making exciting crafts that they can use or display. Every craft is educational and fun.

WANT TO GO? 516-616-9360. lakeshorelearning.com.

Messy Afternoons

WHEN: Sept. 17–Oct. 30; Saturday-Sunday, 3:30-5pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Kids will be up to their elbows in goop, guts, shaving cream, and play-dough.

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

Neiman Marcus Family Sundays at the Museum

WHEN: Through Nov. 6: Sundays, 1pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Family Sundays allow children and the adults in their lives to take time to reconnect while talking about and making art together.

WANT TO GO? $10; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12; $2 weekend parking fee. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

Upcycled Jewelry Making

WHEN: Sept. 22–Nov. 10; Thursdays, 6:45-8:15pm WHERE: Floral Park Public Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Join Cathy Buckley, Floral Park’s creative upcycled jewelry designer and maker, for a four-session adventure in creating your own baubles.

WANT TO GO? $15. 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

MOVERS & SHAKERS Polo at Bethpage State Park

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 4, 3pm WHERE: Bethpage State Park, 99 Quaker Meeting House Road, Farmingdale AGES: All WHAT: Come and enjoy an afternoon of excellent polo games at Bethpage State Park.

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

Tots’ Night Out FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 8, 7pm WHERE: Uniondale Public Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Get ready to move, march, sing, and enjoy great stories.

WANT TO GO? 516-489-2220. uniondalelibrary.org.

Glow Jump

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 9, 6:20-7:30pm WHERE: Pump It Up of Great Neck, 225 Community Drive, Suite 250, Great Neck AGES: All WHAT: This is fun for the entire family.

WANT TO GO? $16.95 per child. 516-466-7867. pumpitupparty.com.

Parents’ Night Out

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 9, 6:20-9:30pm WHERE: Pump It Up, 225 Community Drive, Suite 250, Great Neck AGES: All WHAT: Includes open jump time in our arenas, games, dinner, and a craft project to take home.

WANT TO GO? Call for prices. 516-466-7867. pumpitupparty.com.

Lil’ Kickers Open House FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 10, 9am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Sports Hub, 165 Eileen Way, Syosset AGES: 1-9 WHAT: Lil’ Kickers classes are available to children ages 18 months to 9 years.

WANT TO GO? 516-364-4000. lisportshub.com.

Walking Tour

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 10, 3pm WHERE: Oyster Bay Historical Society, 20 Summit St., Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: A foot tour of Oyster Bay, featuring the historical sites along East and West Main streets, Audrey Avenue, and South Street in the heart of the hamlet.

WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 12 and younger. 516-922-5032. oysterbayhistorical.org.

Town of Hempstead’s 32nd Annual Triathlon

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 10, 8am WHERE: Town Park Point Lookout, 1300 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout AGES: All

WHAT: An exciting combination of a ¾-mile ocean swim, 10-mile bike ride, and 5-mile run is a late-summer tradition and one of Long Island’s signature athletic events.

WANT TO GO? Free to watch, fee to participate. 516-431-3900. townofhempstead.org.

Music and Movement

WHEN: Wednesdays, Sept. 21 and 28, 11:30am 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.

Yoga in the Gardens

WHEN: Sept. 1-29, Thursdays and Saturdays, 11:15am WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Yoga instructor Lorili Henry will lead students through a dynamic, yet gentle, continuous flow of postures and conscious breathing.

WANT TO GO? $18 per session. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

Historic Old Time Baseball Matches: 1864 Rules

WHEN: Sept. 4–Oct. 2, Sundays, 12-3pm WHERE: Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: Watch as teams from the 1864 League play base ball (as it was spelled then) following the rules and customs of the 19th century in vintage uniforms.

WANT TO GO? $10; $7 children ages 5-12, seniors, and volunteer firefighters; free for children younger than 5. 516-572-8401. nymutuals.com. ›› LongIslandParent 39

MINI

MUSICIANS Rascal Flatts Concert

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 1, 7pm WHERE: Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, 1000 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Don’t miss this end-of-summer concert.

WANT TO GO? $27 and up. 212-377-7900.

Family Fun Night at Coe Hall with Strummin’ & Drummin’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 2, 5:30-7:30pm WHERE: Coe Hall-Planting Fields, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Bring a blanket and picnic dinner to Coe Hall for a night of family fun.

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

Concert in the Park: Tony Kelly and the Real Deal FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 3, 6-7:30pm WHERE: Coe Hall-Planting Fields, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: The band plays an exciting blend of classic country, 1950s rock, and rockabilly.

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

International Music Nights Concert Series: Latino-American Night FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 4, 2pm WHERE: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, Merrick Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: This popular musical series presents an exciting evening of Latino-American music that has been revered for ages.

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

Sarah Vaughan, “The Divine One” FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 10, 3pm WHERE: Roosevelt Public Library, 27 W. Fulton Ave., Roosevelt AGES: 13 and older WHAT: A concert featuring vocalist Joy Hanson and the Don Hanson Quartet.

WANT TO GO? 516-378-0222. rooseveltlibrary.org.

Sweet Megg & the Wayfarers

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 16, 7pm WHERE: Coe Hall-Planting Fields, Cloister Garden, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Sweet Megg and her wayfaring musicians will transport you, not to the past but to a new world of their own making.

WANT TO GO? $30. 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

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September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Musical Performance FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 18, 1pm WHERE: Massapequa Public Library, 40 Harbour Lane, Massapequa AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Neal Stuart and the Empire State performs the music of Johnny Maestro.

WANT TO GO? 516-799-0770. massapequalibrary.org.

Long Island Harmonica Club Workshop FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 21, 7pm WHERE: Massapequa Public Library, 40 Harbour Lane, Massapequa AGES: 9 and older WHAT: A workshop for those who have an interest in learning to play the harmonica.

WANT TO GO? 516-799-0770. massapequalibrary.org.

Swingtime Big Band: Autumn in New York

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 25, 3pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Come hear classics from the Great American Songbook performed as only Swingtime and director Steve Shaiman can.

WANT TO GO? $30 and up. madisontheatreny.org.

Singalong with Irv FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Irv Plastock will be singing traditional children’s songs.

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

SHOW TIME! So You Wanna Be a Puppeteer: Learning the Skills of Hand Puppets WHEN: Through 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.

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

‘My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, & I’m in Therapy’

WHEN: Sept. 1-4, Thursday, 2pm and 7pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm and 8pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: 13 and older WHAT: More than 30 characters and voices are brought to life by the comedic genius of actor and comedian Peter Fogel.

WANT TO GO? $40 and up. 516-767-6444. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

Reading/Writing Learning Clinic at the

Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center Literacy Instruction programs, for children and youth, offer: • Individual or small-group classes, in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere • Classes taught by New York state-certified teachers • Personalized consultations that offer parents straightforward advice

about how to support their child’s literacy growth

‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 10, 6pm WHERE: Coe Hall-Planting Fields, Hay Barn, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Broadway’s musical farce is light, fast-paced, and witty with twists and turns, cases of mistaken identity, slamming doors, and a showgirl or two.

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

‘The Wanderer: The Story of Dion’

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 10, 3pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: 13 and older WHAT: A reading of the story about American singer-songwriter Dion, one of the most popular rock and roll performers of the preBritish Invasion era with more than a dozen Top 40 hits with singles including “Runaround Sue” and “The Wanderer.”

WANT TO GO? $25. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.

‘The Will Rogers Follies’

WHEN: Sept. 3-18, Saturdays, 8pm; Sundays, 2:30pm WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The Will Rogers Follies is a show about Will Rogers, who, though he died in 1935, remains a beloved figure remembered for his humor, his wisdom, and his just plain common sense.

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

An Evening with Betty Buckley

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 30, 8pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Betty Buckley, who has been called “The Voice of Broadway,” is one of theater’s most respected and legendary leading ladies.

WANT TO GO? $47 and up. 516-767-6444. landmarkonmainstreet.org. ››

• Literacy Instruction that builds on each learner’s strengths to build

confidence and improve reading and writing proficiency.

Fall classes are now forming!

For more information, including registration and spring program options, visit hofstra.edu/RWLClinic or call 516-463-5805.

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LongIslandParent 41

Long Island Fringe Festival

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 17, 7pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: All WHAT: A festival which encourages collaboration among all Long Island creative communities.

WANT TO GO? $15. 516-931-6849. tillescenter.org.

36th Annual Antique Motorcycle Show

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS Summer Fair FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 5: daily, 10am WHERE: Green Acres Mall, Sunrise Highway, Valley Stream AGES: All WHAT: Lots of local and regional vendors with handmade crafts and unique items.

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

20th Annual Bayville Waterside Festival FREE

WHEN: Sept. 10-11, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Ransom Beach, 11 Bayville Ave., Bayville AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy food and drink, inflatable rides, face painting, a petting zoo for the kids, and live music from bands in the area.

WANT TO GO? 516-317-7729. fxpromotionsinc.com.

Merrick Fall Festival FREE

WHEN: Sept. 9-11, Friday-Sunday, 10am WHERE: Broadcast Plaza, Merrick Avenue and Sunrise Highway, Merrick AGES: All WHAT: Vendors, food, and fun for everyone.

WANT TO GO? 516-442-6000. nassaucraftshows.com.

Stars & Stripes Festival FREE

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 16, 6pm WHERE: Village of East Rockaway, Main Street, East Rockaway AGES: All WHAT: This fun-filled event celebrates families with rides, games, Town of Hempstead mobile truck, facepainting, DJ music, performances, food, refreshments, and more.

WANT TO GO? 516-341-0996. villageofeastrockaway.org.

11th Annual Seaside Spectacular Car Show FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 17, 12-4pm WHERE: Town Park Point Lookout, 1300 Lido Blvd., Point Look Out AGES: All WHAT: Admire beautiful collector cars and listen to music or enter your very own classic car.

WANT TO GO? 516-812-3267. toh.li.

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September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 18, 11am-4pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: See a display of various makes and models of motorcycles that have been out of production for 10 or more years. Music, farmhouse tours, hayrides, and food will provide fun for the entire family.

WANT TO GO? $5. 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.

Long Beach Street Fair FREE

WHEN: Sept. 17-18, Saturday-Sunday, 10am WHERE: Long Beach Boardwalk, 1 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach AGES: All WHAT: Plan to enjoy food, carnival rides, animals, and countless other activites.

WANT TO GO? 516-442-6000. nassaucountycraftshows.com.

34th Annual Queens County Fair

WHEN: Sept. 24-25, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: A traditional county fair with blue ribbon competitions in produce, livestock, and arts and crafts. Enjoy the Amazing Maize Maze, pie-eating and corn-husking contests, pig-racing, hayrides, carnival rides, midway games, and entertainment.

WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 12 and younger. 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.

West Hempstead Fall Street Fair FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 25, 10am WHERE: Nassau Boulevard, between Hempstead Avenue and Johnson Lane, West Hempstead AGES: All WHAT: Hosted by the West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce, enjoy crafts, inflatable rides, food, a car show, and fun.

WANT TO GO? 516 644-5615. lifairs.com.

SPECIAL NEEDS Sensory Garden Sundays

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

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

TDF Autism Theatre Initiative: ‘The Lion King’

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 25, see website for times WHERE: Minskoff Theatre, 200 W. 45th St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: The hugely popular Autism Theatre Initiative’s season begins with the The Lion King. Its mission is to make theater accessible to children and adults on the autism spectrum.

WANT TO GO? See website for prices. 212-912-9770. tdf.org.

Music for Autism FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 25, 2pm WHERE: The Family Center for Autism, 1517 Franklin Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Music For Autism is a 1-hour long interactive concert for individuals with autism and their families.

WANT TO GO? 516-355-9400. fcautism.org.

ONCE UPON A TIME Storybook Stroll: ‘The Tree Lady’ by H. Joseph Hopkins

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 3, 12pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Snuggle into a shady spot to hear the true story of how one woman’s leafy green vision transformed an entire city.

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

Playtime at the Library FREE

WHEN: Fridays, Sept. 9 and 16, 11am WHERE: Uniondale Public Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Kids play with age-appropriate toys and books.

WANT TO GO? 516-489-2220. uniondalelibrary.org.

Pajama Story Time FREE

Toddler Storytime FREE

WHEN: Sept. 2-30, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:30am WHERE: Bellerose Library, 250-06 Hillside Ave., Bellerose AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Children and their caregivers, enjoy a morning of stories, songs, and fingerplays. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 718-831-8644. queenslibrary.org.

stART (Story + Art)

WHEN: Sept. 20–Oct. 27, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Children listen to the reading of childhood classics and new favorites.

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

Need a staycation?

ResouRces ARticles

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 20, 7pm WHERE: Hempstead Public Library, 115 Nichols Court, Hempstead AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Come in your pajamas with a stuffed animal, listen to stories, and make a craft.

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

Parachute and Music Time FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 22, 6:30pm WHERE: Queens Village Library, 94-11 217th St., Queens Village AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Toddlers and early elementary age children will enjoy a story, creative music, and parachute fun.

WANT TO GO? 718-776-6800. queenslibrary.org.

Ele-Fun Storytime and Craft FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 22, 11am WHERE: Uniondale Public Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Children enjoy stories and craft time.

WANT TO GO? 516-489-2220. uniondalelibrary.org.

Find everything you need, faster at

LongIslandParent 43

SMARTY PANTS 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.

Fun with Folklore FREE

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 9, 4pm WHERE: Uniondale Public Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Explore folktales, fairy tales, and fables from different cultures around the world.

WANT TO GO? 516-489-2220. uniondalelibrary.org.

Friedberg JCC Open House FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 11, 11am–2pm WHERE: Friedberg JCC, 15 Neil Court, Oceanside AGES: All WHAT: Come join us for our open house and find out about what the JCC has to offer! There will be games and activities for the entire family!

WANT TO GO? 516-766-4341. friedbergjcc.org.

The American Revolution on Long Island: Talk and Book Signing with Joanne Grasso

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 12, 7pm WHERE: Oyster Bay Historical Society, 20 Summit St., Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: An interesting talk on the American Revolution which sharply divided families and towns on Long Island.

WANT TO GO? Call for cost. 516-922-5032. oysterbayhistorical.org.

Writer’s Workshop FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 14, 7pm WHERE: Rockville Centre Library, 221 Village Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Learn new skills or hone your craft at this workshop.

WANT TO GO? 516-766-6257. rvclibrary.org.

Amazing Amate

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 18, 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Explore the beauty and techniques of Amate Bark painting, one of the many folk arts of the Latin American culture.

WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 516224-5800. licm.org.

Hispanic Heritage Folk Art Traditions FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 22, 4pm WHERE: Roosevelt Public Library, 27 W. Fulton Ave, Roosevelt AGES: 13-17 44

September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHAT: Make traditional folk art to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

WANT TO GO? 516-378-0222. rooseveltlibrary.org.

Great Ocean Liners 1900-1940 Exhibition FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 2: daily, 11:30am-3:30pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum–Coe Hall, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: The installation includes large-scale color photos of first class ocean liner public rooms to demonstrate the luxuriousness of first class quarters, and their design relationship with interiors at Coe Hall.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for children younger than 12. 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

Artist in the Gallery

WHEN: Sept. 18–Oct. 23, Sundays, 3-4pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn AGES: All WHAT: Meet and greet some of the Long Island artists whose work is currently on view in A Feast for The Eyes and take the opportunity to ask about their art, inspirations, and artistic process.

WANT TO GO? $10; $8 seniors; $4 children. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

Ben Schonzeit: Abstract Figuration: Exhibit

WHEN: Through Nov. 6: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-4:45pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: All WHAT: This work by Ben Schonzeit is featured in a solo exhibition that reveals an entirely different aspect of the career of this artist, who is a central figure in the American Photorealist movement.

WANT TO GO? $10; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12; $2 weekend parking fee. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Nature’s Nighttime Noises

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 3, 7:30pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Hear how a symphony of sound enhances our summertime sunsets on a guided walk through the gardens at twilight.

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

Mill Neck Manor House Tour

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 4, 11am-1pm WHERE: Mill Neck Manor House, 40 Frost Mill Road, Mill Neck AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Step back in time to experience the mansion’s exquisite appointments.

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

Walk and Craft: Isn’t Life Grand?

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 10, 12pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Invite your elders to celebrate Grandparents Day with a guided tour to discuss early generations of the Phipps and their family tree, then create a symbolic crest to take home.

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

Revolutionary War Encampment

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 10, 10am-4pm WHERE: Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: The 119th New York Infantry Encampment will do several demonstrations. Enjoy children’s activities and a historic reenactment.

WANT TO GO? $10; $7 seniors and children ages 5-12; free for children younger than 5. 516-572-8401. nassaucountyny.gov.

Moonlight Walk

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 16, 8-10pm WHERE: Sunken Meadow State Park, 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park AGES: All WHAT: Sunken Meadow is a different place after the sun sets.

WANT TO GO? $4; $3 children ages 3-17; free for children younger than 3. nysparks.org.

Sweet Eats: Walk and Tasting

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 24, 12pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Discover the adaptations that enable nature’s residents to devour sweet eats for survival. Complete the chomp challenge by sampling treats through similar methods of butterflies, bees, and other natural friends.

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

Coastal Clean-Up Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 24, 10am-12pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: Help clean up our shoreline along Hempstead Harbor.

WANT TO GO? 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

The Amazing Maize Maze

WHEN: Sept. 24-25, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4:30pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Families can enjoy the fun of getting lost and loving it at this three-acre interactive corn maze. The adventure begins with a “Stalk Talk” to prepare you for the challenge of finding clues, solving puzzles, and making your way out of the maze.

WANT TO GO? $9; $5 children. 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.

Nature Walk

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 25, 10am-12pm WHERE: Muttontown Preserve, Muttontown Lane, East Norwich AGES: All WHAT: The preserve includes miles of marked nature trails with local wildflowers, trees, birds, mammals reptiles, and amphibians.

WANT TO GO? Call for cost. 516-571-8500. nassaucountyny.gov.

Autumn Sculpture Stroll

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 22, 5:30pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn AGES: All WHAT: Laura Lynch and Katie Hillman of the museum’s education department lead a walk through the Sculpture Park, one of the largest in the region.

WANT TO GO? $5. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

Coming up next month: OCT. 1-2: Sesame Street Live, Elmo makes Music, Tilles Center, Brookville OCT. 7-30: The Rise, Old Westbury Gardens, Old Westbury OCT. 16: Super Scientific Circus, Landmark on Main Street, Port Washington

LongIslandParent 45

WHERE-TO GUIDE

nymetroparents.com/where-to

Pick Your Own Apples ››

Research by Megan Bailey, Lauren Diaz, and Melissa Wickes

Bite into crunchy, juicy, just-picked apples this month! A day trip to a local orchard yields fresh fruit to take home by the bucket, sweet pastries and baked goods (apple cider doughnuts, please!), and lots of kid-friendly perks, from hayrides to petting zoos. Grown-ups: Some farms even serve up hard cider and homemade wines!

Note that dates are projected and availability is subject to change. We recommend calling ahead before visiting these locations.

631-537-2565; milk-pail.com Apple and pumpkin picking from Labor Day through early November, FridaySunday and holidays, 10am-5:30pm. The Country Store offers cider, doughnuts, muffins, pies, cookies, and more.

Hank’s Pumpkin Farm 240 Montauk Highway, Water Mill Farm stand: 324 County Road 39, Southampton 631-726-4667; hankspumpkintown.com Apple and pumpkin picking early September through late October, 9:30am6pm daily. Corn maze, wagon rides, face painting, farm stand, and roasted corn shack with sweet corn, pies, doughnuts, candy apples, apple cider, and kettle corn.

Farm stand open through mid-September.

Southeast New York Rockland County

Suffolk County

Davis Peach Farm 561 Hulse Landing Road (near Wildwood State Park), Wading River 631-929-1115 davispeachfarm.com Pick-your-own nectarines through late September, peaches through mid-October, and apples through late October. Call for availability. Open 9am-5pm daily.

Lewin Farms 812 Sound Ave., Wading River Second location: Fresh Pond Avenue, Baiting Hollow 631-929-4327 lewinfarm.com Apple picking late August through early October, weekends, 9am-4:30pm.

Pumpkin picking late September through October. Corn maze and roasted corn on weekends, 11am-4:30pm.

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Seven Ponds Orchard 65 Seven Ponds Road, Water Mill 631-726-8015 Apple, pumpkin, winter squash, and raspberry picking 9am-6pm daily through Thanksgiving. Hayrides, 5-acre corn maze, wooden toys, and picnic area.

Farmers market with pre-picked fruits and vegetables, roasted corn, homemade pies, jams, and snacks. Call for availability.

Wickham’s Fruit Farms 28700 Route 25, Cutchogue 631-734-6441; wickhamsfruitfarm.com Apple picking through September into mid-October, Monday-Saturday, 9am-4pm. Closed Sunday. Also offers U-pick blackberries and pumpkins (call for availability). Hayrides 9am-4pm on Saturdays and Columbus Day in October.

Milk Pail Farm & Orchard 1346 Montauk Highway, Water Mill

Dr. Davies Farm 306 Route 304, Congers 845-268-7020; drdaviesfarm.com Labor Day through mid-November, open 10am-4:30pm daily for pick-your-own.

Hayrides offered weekends 11am-5pm; weekdays by appointment ($5 per person).

Farm market open 8:30am-5:30pm. Picnic fields on-site. Cash and checks only.

Orchards of Concklin 2 S. Mountain Road (off Route 45), Pomona 845-354-0369; theorchardsofconcklin.com Open the last two Sundays in September and the first two Sundays in October, 10am-5pm. Picking poles available; $5 refundable deposit and $2 rental fee. Farm store with baked goods, apple cider, and doughnuts open 8am-6pm. Pick-your-own group tours are available by appointment.

Westchester County

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchards 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem

914-485-1210; harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com Apple picking begins in early September after Labor Day (call for availability). Fresh pies, doughnuts, produce, and local honey, local dairy products, and maple syrup for sale, as well as New York state wines and spirits and the farm’s own hard cider. Open 8am6pm daily.

Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights 914-245-5111 wilkensfarm.com Apple picking through midOctober, 10am-4:30pm daily.

Farm market with apple cider, baked goods, pre-picked produce, and gifts.

Apple picking Labor Day weekend through October, 9am-6pm daily and until 7pm on weekends. Gourds, fresh peanut butter, fresh cider, and hard cider also available.

Bakery, corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkin picking on-site (in October).

Hurds Family Farm 2185 State Route 32, Modena 845-883-7825 hurdsfamilyfarm.com

Pick your own apples from August through early November with more than 20 varieties at the 400-acre farm. Apple cider doughnuts, hot and cold apple cider, applesauce, apple butter, and jams and preserves available for purchase. Visit the café for savory and sweet foods, all made with apples. Open Thursday-Sunday, 9am-5pm.

Minard Farms 250 Hurds Road, Clintondale 866-632-7753; minardfamilyfarms.com Apple picking through October, weekends 9am-6pm.

Farm market with apple cider, doughnuts, homemade pies, jams, and jellies. Hayrides, farm tours, and picnicking available.

Restrooms on-site. Plus Haymaze, apple slingshot, and pumpkin picking available.

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

THROUG

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SEPT. 30 TH

Outhouse Orchards 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-277-3188 outhouseorchardsny.com Apple picking begins the weekend after Labor Day, 9am-5pm daily while supplies last. Fresh cider for sale, hayrides, and corn maze onsite, and a pick-your-own pumpkin patch.

Ulster County

Dressel Farms 271 State Route 208, New Paltz 845-255-0693 dresselfarms.com U-pick apples (15 varieties) in September and October, weekends only 10am-4:30pm.

Small trees for kids. Homemade apple cider and doughnuts for sale. Ice cream stand onsite. Hayrides, picnic tables, and animals to feed. Farmers’ market open weekdays 9am6pm. Cash or check only; ATM on-site. You can use credit cards at the farm stand.

Jenkins-Lueken Orchards Route 299 W. and Yankee Folly Road, New Paltz 845-255-0999 jlorchards.com

Contact Us! JEI Herrick-Williston Park Herricks@jeilearning.com 516.742.5534 JEI Merrick-Bellmore Merrick@jeilearning.com 516.224.3177 JEI Jericho-Hicksville Jericho@jeilearning.com 917.815.0977

LongIslandParent 47

Back-to-School 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.

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 Our underwater themed offices are so much fun that children don’t want to leave. As pioneers in laser pediatric dentistry, we are able to eliminate the need for injections for many fillings. Our pediatric dentists have gone above and beyond their additional two years of residency training to become board-certified. We even have an orthodontist on staff so that we can coordinate all of your child’s comprehensive treatment needs.

We have flexible hours including evenings and weekends. In-house sedation with an anesthesiologist is available when indicated. Check out our website, ampediatricdental. com, and call our friendly staff to find out more information.

Allied Physicians Group

More than 30 locations available.

Please visit the website to find a location near you.

866-621-2769 alliedphysiciansgroup.com The more than 120 physicians that comprise Allied Physicians Group are among the top pediatricians

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throughout Long Island, New York City, Westchester County, the Hudson Valley, and beyond.

When you bring your children to an Allied pediatric practice, you know they are getting the very best care. Our doctors have access to resources, technology, and support that other, stand-alone pediatric practices simply cannot offer. Our doctors have more time for what matters most: you and your child! For more information, visit alliedphysiciansgroup.com or call us at 866-621-2769.

American Girl Fashion Show Our Lady of Mercy

520 S. Oyster Bay Road, Hicksville 516-433-7040 olmshicks.org americangirlfashionshows.com The American Girl Fashion Show is a fun-filled event for girls and their families, friends, and favorite dolls! Celebrate the experience of being a girl, whether yesterday or today, through a colorful presentation of historical and contemporary fashions. Enjoy tea party-style refreshments, enter to win raffle and door prizes, and learn how clothing has changed over the years to reflect history, culture, and girls’ individual styles.

Hosted by Our Lady of Mercy School, Saturday, Oct. 15 at 1pm and 6pm. Sunday, Oct. 16 at 2pm.

Tickets: $30.

Bakshi Law

Offices in the Financial District, Manhattan, Long Island, and Westchester 917-244-6133; lawbakshi.com lara.bakshi@gmail.com Bakshi Law specializes in special education law. We represent parents and children with disabilities, acquire correct classification under IDEA, ensure proper implementation of IEP, ascertain correct placement for children, and tuition reimbursement. We attend CSE meetings, resolution meetings, suspension hearings, and all disciplinary hearings for special needs and general education students. Bakshi Law’s attorneys are passionate about your child’s education and offer assistance on a sliding scale for parents experiencing financial difficulties.

September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

The annual guide to schools, resources, programs, & activities for kids!

BounceU Farmingdale

101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale 631-777-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/cities/farmingdale.ny farmingdale.ny@bounceu.com It’s not your birthday yet? That’s okay! Our Open Bounces are perfect for children to come in with their parents and bounce to their hearts’ content. Every Friday morning we host a Preschool Playdate that includes bounce and snack for children ages 6 and younger, Wednesday nights we have Family Bounce Night, and Thursday nights are our All Ages Open Bounces. Sessions may be added or cancelled based on availability, so please make sure to call us at 631-777-5867 or go online to bounceu.com/farmingdale-ny/ calendar to reserve your spot!

Brookville Center for Children’s Services

189 Wheatly Road, #10, Brookville 516-686-4496 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 is a multi-service children’s program that provides year-round day care, preschool, school-aged educational, residential, therapeutic, respite, recreational and social skills, and home- and school-based services for more than 1,000 children with developmental delays, developmental disabilities, as well as typically developing children.

Brookville Center fulfills its mission of providing comprehensive services to children (ages newborn to 21) through an emphasis on assisting families in understanding their child’s strengths and areas of need. Brookville Center has five conveniently located, center-based programs throughout Nassau County.

ChiroMom

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

mychiromom@gmail.com Dr. Dana Walters is a chiropractor specializing in prenatal and pediatric care. Dr. Walters has practiced in a variety of areas, including Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and has brought her passion for helping families discover the benefits of chiropractic care to Bellmore as ChiroMom. ChiroMom offers chiropractic care utilizing techniques including immune boosting treatments, musculoskeletal and nutritional work, activator techniques, massage therapy, and lifestyle education. As a mom, Dr. Walters experiences first-hand how chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, birth, and childhood sets a solid foundation for greater health and well-being.

Countryside Montessori School

354 Lakeville Road, lower level, Great Neck 516-466-8422; 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.

Dr. Steve Imber Psychoeducational Consultants

Serving Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as the five boroughs of NYC 61-43 186th St., Fresh Meadows 516-273-1961 dr-imber.com; scimber1@aol.com Dr. Imber has more than 40 years of experience consulting, evaluating, and advocating for children, adolescents, and adults with various disabilities including autism (e.g. Asperger’s syndrome), attention deficit disorders, intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities. Dr. Imber is a professor of special education

Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry 959 Brush Hollow Road, Suite #101, Westbury 516-333-3033; kidsteeth4li.com kidds@optonline.net Your child’s dental health is truly important to us! The most common childhood disease is tooth decay, but most cases are preventable with early dental care. Drs. Ehrenman and Khan have two years of pediatric specialty training including care for the child with special needs, behavior management, sedation, and hospital dentistry. Our expert care, gentle touch, and fun office environment make us the dentists of choice for your precious child. Call us today and discover why we were voted 2016 Best Pediatric Dental Practice on Long Island!

Eye Level Learning CenterWilliston 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.

The Fashion Class

1812 Merrick Road, Merrick 516-246-2000; thefashionclass.com Kids, ages 6-12, will learn to sew real clothing with real fashion designers at The Fashion Class!

Classes run year-round in our bright 3,000-square-foot fashion studio with separate classrooms for illustration, sewing, and more. Fall 2016 registration is now open with fun classes such as handbag design, eveningwear illustration, fashion entrepreneurship, and of course sewing! All sewing classes end with

a professional fashion show on our raised, light-up runway.

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 combout video to learn how to check your children at fairylicemothers. com/lice_treatment.html. Or schedule a head check at one of our three Long Island locations.

Head checks are normally $25 but mention this ad and get $10 off.

Remember, advice is always free.

Our Lady of Grace Montessori School “Inspiring confidence, lifelong learning and compassionate citizenship rooted in a rich Montessori curriculum for Nursery through Third Grade since 1968.”

KIND • JOYFUL • COMPASSIONATE • COLLABORATIVE PEACEFUL • RESPECTFUL • CONFIDENT “Montessori education provides a child-centered curriculum based on each individual student.”

Call Now to Enroll. Space Is Limited.

School 516.365.9832

Hannah Kroner School of Dance

Carol Riley, owner and director 1180 Willis Ave., Albertson 516-484-5430 hannahkronerschoolofdance.com carolhksod@aol.com The legendary Hannah Kroner School of Dance will be celebrating its 70th year with many new special programs offered throughout this 2016-17 season. The school has a reputation for offering the newest and most innovative dance education. Owner and director Carol Riley and an unsurpassed staff have continued to be innovators of programs unique to dance education on Long Island.

A complimentary Musical Theatre class will kick-off the season on Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 4:306pm. Call to reserve a spot. Classes are offered in every age range and level, 18 months through adult.

HAPPYFEST

Long Island Sports Park, 149 Edwards Ave., Calverton 888-593-0087; happyfestusa.com HappyFest Obstacle Course and Festival Oct. 15. Register at happyfestusa.com for the country’s first all-ages, all-abilities, accessible obstacle course. HappyFest is designed so that every member of every family and their friends can do the obstacle course that’s longer than 1 mile, and cross the

29 Shelter Rock Road, Manhasset, NY 11030

www.olgmanhasset.com

MUSICAL THEATRE COMPLIMENTARY CLASSES WED., SEPT. 7th 4:30pm-6:00pm

Tuesday, September 6th, Wednesday, September 7th & Thursday, September 8th 9:30am-12:00pm & 6:00pm-8:00pm & Saturday, September 10th 10:00am-2:00pm

CHILDREN, TEENS & ADULTS

• Pre-school Classes • Dance/Gym • Tap/Gym Jazz (3-4yrs. & (5-6yrs.)

• Ballet • Pointe • Tap • Jazz • Lyrical • Hip Hop • Contemporary • Boys Hip Hop ( 5-8yr. olds, tweens & teens) • Dance, Music, Stories Altogether (18mos.-2yrs.)

• Tots Two (Separation Class) • “Mom & Toddler Program” (Walkers) • Floor Stretch (Pilates Style) • New Yogalates • Barre Fitness/Cardio Dance • Dance Exercise for Children and Adutls with Special Needs (Group or Private Classes)

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and a special education expert.

He addresses needs of students in public, private, and charter schools. Services are available to parents, students, pediatricians, and attorneys. A confidential complimentary phone consultation is available upon request (Nassau and Suffolk counties and the five boroughs of NYC).

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finish line. Each obstacle has a wheelchair accessible alternative for all who choose. Entry includes the obstacle course, t-shirt, medal, entrance to the live music festival, and the awesome bubble finish.

Check the website for pricing-early bird specials. happyfestusa.com.

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, Manhattan. We are currently accepting registration for all programs. In September the Iken Stem Science Academy Nursery School will open in Jericho offering Mommy and Me classes and a full-day or half-day nursery school following in the tradition of the Manhattan location.

JEI Learning Centers

Herricks-Williston Park: 516-742-5534 Hicksville: 917-815-0977 Merrick: 516-224-3177 jei.com JEI Learning Centers have helped children achieve academic success around the world since 1977. We offer a variety of academic enrichment and tutoring programs for children in pre-K through ninth grade, including math, problem solving, English, reading, and writing. Our program is designed to elevate each student’s abilities to the next level and beyond. JEI’s scientific diagnostic system pinpoints the missing links in learning and prescribes individual study programs based on specific needs. Our curriculum is aligned with the Common Core Standards. Call us for more information.

Joyous Music School

21 Jerusalem Ave., Hicksville 1-888-628-9865 joyousmusicschool.org joyousmusicschool@gmail.com Tiny, adorable, and blessed with bags of musical talent—meet Joyous String Ensemble, a group of rising stars with musical aptitude

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way beyond their years. They’ve been playing together since they were age 4, and have progressed to the point where they can produce a flawless rendition of the Michael Jackson classic “Smooth Criminal” without even breaking a sweat.

These talented kids perform 30 concerts a year around the globe.

Check out their latest performance on NBC’s hit show Little Big Shots. joyousmusicschool.org.

Kidds on Park Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Jodi Guttenberg

111 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre 516-678-7422 drjodiguttenberg.com info@kiddsonpark.com Choosing the right pediatric dentist for you child is a very important decision. Our board-certified pediatric dentists have the training and experience to treat any dental need your child may have, ranging from cleanings to fillings to surgery and orthodontics. Our office is welcoming and provides a fun environment. Drs. Guttenberg, Sing, and Simoni welcome new patients and look forward to meeting your family! Find us at kiddsonpark.com.

Kidville Roslyn and Wantagh

Kidville Roslyn 250 S. Service Road, Roslyn 516-626-3126 kidville.com/roslyn Kidville Wantagh Willow Wood Shopping Center 1183 Wantagh Ave.,Wantagh 516-409-4558 kidville.com/wantagh 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-ofthe-art gym, giving children a fun and safe space to run, climb, and make new friends.

Kumon Math and Reading Centers

1-800-ABC-MATH (222-6284) kumon.com; manhattan@kumon.com Kumon is a structured, proven self-learning program that gives your child the critical thinking skills and mindset to learn new materials independently.

The key to Kumon programs is

September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

the individualized instruction, carefully planned by an instructor.

Regardless of academic level, your child will progress through the individualized instruction at his or her own pace, advancing step by logical step. Kumon’s disciplined, worksheet approach to learning advances your child’s abilities in the classroom and throughout life.

Law Offices of Brad H. Rosken, P.L.L.C. 1772 E. Jericho Turnpike, Suite 2, Huntington 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com School districts consult their attorneys, why shouldn’t you? Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law. He’ll guide you, decipher lingo, and develop effective strategies. He’s also a New York state-certified impartial hearing officer who hears cases in New York City and Rockland and Westchester counties.

LIU Post Center for Gifted Youth

Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, director LIU Post, Brookville 516-299-2160; liu.edu/giftedyouth The Long Island University program for gifted children was established in 1979 in response to the increasing recognition of society’s special responsibilities for children with demonstrably superior intellectual ability. The Long Island University Center for Gifted Youth brings together two important elements of education for the gifted: extraordinary teachers recruited from leading high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools in the metropolitan area and university-level facilities. These two factors, combined with an administrative and psychological team schooled in the needs of gifted children, give the program at LIU Post unique strengths in producing positive benefits for young people admitted to the program.

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 Janine Stiene, speech-language pa-

thologist, is owner and operator of Speech Pathology and Swallowing Disorder Services of Long Island.

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.

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 year-round 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.

Merrick Pediatric Dentistry

1756A Merrick Ave., Merrick 516-547-1997 merrickpediatricdentistry.com Dr. Rania Elbaz is a board-certified pediatric dentist. She earned her dental degree from Columbia University. She then completed her pediatric dental training at UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School. Dr. Elbaz loves working

with children and strives to create a warm and fun environment that children look forward to visiting.

Dr. Elbaz sees every patient in order to ensure the 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.

Music Institute of Long Island

90 Community Reformed Church P.O. Box 119, Manhasset 516-627-7052 milimusic.com; miligirls@aol.com Now in our 27th year, Music Institute of Long Island voted No. 1 “Best Music School On The North Shore 2016.” Programs include violin, viola, cello, guitar, piano, voice, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and tuba. Instructions in traditional and Suzuki methods for ages 3-99, beginner-advanced. MILI offers Chamber Music, Theory, Sight Reading, NYSSMA, and College Audition Preparation. Performances eight times annually at Lincoln Center, Steinway Hall, Carnegie Hall, and for charities. First prize music competition winners, soloists with orchestras. Outstanding faculty.

Fall semester begins Sept. 12.

Music Together

Various locations Find the location near you: musictogetherli-queens.com While the big kids head back to school this fall, have some family-style, music-makin’ fun with your little ones. Once a week for 10 weeks, you’ll sing, dance, and play with your baby, toddler, or preschooler in a play-based, developmentally appropriate musical environment. Some centers even offer classes for the big kids, too!

Founded in 1987, Music Together is a research-based program. Each family receives a CD/download set and songbook so you can continue the fun at home with the rest of the family. Find a location near you in Queens or on Long Island: musictogetherli-queens.com.

Not Just Art

183 South St., Oyster Bay 516-922-8300; notjustart.com create@notjust art.com More than ever, children need places to wonder, discover, play, create, experience joy, and express their ideas! Engaging natural curiosity and imagination is the heart of our Music Together® art, science,

and story arts programs. Inclusive hands-on activities emphasize learning process over product and performance. Staffed with experienced teachers, classes are developmentally appropriate and thoughtfully designed to nurture children and their families at each age and stage!

Infants and toddlers, pre-K through elementary, after-school, homeschoolers, scouts, parties, drop-in studio, school vacation camps, and workshops. Music Together® locations in Nassau and Suffolk.

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.

class size to deliver knowledge based on inquiry and inspired by a student-centered learning approach. Individual talents are nurtured through the arts, athletics, and a variety of community and travel programs that all emphasize the Portledge Pillars of passion, purpose, honor, and respect.

Premier Education Center/ RoboMindTech

575 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho 718-264-7626; robomindtech.com robomindtech@gmail.com Science, technology, creativity, and L-E-G-O learning fun! RoboMindTech is an award winning STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education center that integrates the motivational effects of robotics, video game design, 3-D modeling, coding, and Lego® creative play into unique, hands-on curriculum designed to inspire young minds. We offer after-school programs, on-site field trips and group programs, off-site school programs, birthday parties, and robotics competition training. Home to NYC FIRST Lego League and National World Robot Olympiad Champions. Call to RSVP for our open house!

Prime Time Early Learning Center

270 Airport Plaza, Farmingdale 631-777-9090 primetimeschools.com/ farmingdale-day-care Prime Time Farmingdale offers expert child care for infants ages 6 weeks through pre-K, and an enriching before- and after-school program for children ages 10 and younger. We are dedicated to fostering harmonious homeschool relations. Our before- and after-school program provides homework assistance, supervised play, computers, group games, and playground time in a safe, educational, and relaxed environment.

Our 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 Farmingdale is open Monday-Friday from 6:30am-7pm.

PTS Coaching-Cindy Goldrich, Ed.M., A.C.A.C., Certified ADHD Parent Coach Long Island ptscoaching.com info@ptscoaching.com Cindy Goldrich specializes in parenting children and teens

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Our Lady of Grace Montessori School

29 Shelter Rock Road, Manhasset 516-365-9832; olgmanhasset.com sister.kelly@olgmanhasset.com Our Lady of Grace is committed to providing an atmosphere that is conducive to spiritual and educational growth. The school strives to foster and maintain an educational experience for children from nursery to third grade, inspiring them to pursue life-long learning. The school has offered high quality education for more than 48 years and is rooted in the core values of love, spirituality, respect, community, and beauty.

Our teachers recognize that children learn in different ways and accommodate all learning styles.

Countryside Montessori School An Education Where Children Thrive Under the Guidance of Great Teacher in an Environment that Stimulates Creativity and Individual Potential!

A proven system celebrating over 100 years of practice, research and worldwide recognition • Our fully equipped spacious classroom offer the most enriched curriculum available for 18 months - 6 years.

• Fully affiliated with the American Montessori Society since 1998.

• Early drop-off and Extended day available.

Portledge School

355 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley 516-750-3100; portledge.org Portledge School is an independent, pre-nursery through 12th grade preparatory day school. The school’s coordinated sequential programs, beginning with the Reggio Emilia program in early childhood, provide a rigorous academic environment, preparing students to live responsible and productive lives. Dedicated teachers use small

REGISTER NOW FOR FALL

354 Lakeville Road Great Neck, NY 516-466-8422 Visit our website: www.CMSGN.com LongIslandParent 51

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with ADHD. She helps parents reduce arguing, stress, and chaos to help children reach their true potential. Cindy conducts a parent workshop series to help parents develop the tools to create a calm, more compliant environment.

Specific strategies are developed to establish workable, realistic rules and expectations, reduce homework stress, and improve children’s problem solving, self-advocacy, and communication skills.

Additional services include school support, staff development, and presentations. Coaching is available in person on Long Island and Manhattan or via phone.

PTS Coaching Tutors

89 Melanie Lane, Syosset cindy@ptscoaching.com With PTS Coaching Tutors, our teacher and tutors have been rigorously trained by Cindy Goldrich, ADHD expert. They understand your child’s ADHD and executive function challenges and their impact on learning. All are knowledgeable about both academics and the specific support children with these challenges need to succeed as students. In Calm and Connected: Parenting Kids with ADHD©, a seven-week workshop, you’ll meet other parents who have come across similar obstacles, you’ll gain insight into ADHD and you will always have respect and support as we move forward in this journey together.

The Reading/Writing Learning Clinic at the Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center of Hofstra University

131 Hofstra University 516-463-5805 hofstra.edu/community/slzctr/ slzctr_reading.html Located at Hofstra University, The Reading/Writing Learning Clinic at the Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center is dedicated to providing literacy support to children and youth in a safe and supportive environment.

Each class incorporates students’ experiences with literacy, using innovative ways, to help develop their strengths and identities as readers and writers. All classes are taught by New York state-certified teachers in individual or group settings. And, personalized consultations are offered to parents to learn how to support their child’s literacy growth. Call 516-4635805 for more information.

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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, 4:30-6pm.

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.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School

2341 Washington Ave., Bellmore 516-785-5709; steas.com St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Regional School is a middle states accredited parochial school for nursery through eighth grade children providing a top quality education since 1992. We offer an early childhood program that consists of half-day nursery, half- and full-day pre-K and kindergarten, as well as Our Time, which is a 2-year-old child and parent transitional program.

SEAS provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes language, music, art, computer technology, academic intervention services, sports, clubs, and after-school enrichments and care. At SEAS we learn and grow in respect, responsibility, and reverence.

St. Peter of Alcantara

1321 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington 516-944-3772; stpeterspw.org St. Peter of Alcantara School provides a Roman Catholic education dedicated to preparing students for the future within a supportive, safe, and caring environment.

We teach faith-based leadership skills that will instill a lifelong commitment and devotion to the church. Our teachers challenge students academically to make connections to become creative and independent problem solvers.

We recognize the importance of the integration of technology for academic and future career success. We offer Little Learners Nursery to pre-K programs, fullday kindergarten through eighth grade, after-school enrichment, and after-school care.

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 inter-

September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

actions 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.

Tower Talent

535 Broadhollow Road, Suite A2A, Melville 516-765-2400; towertalent.com towertalentclasses@gmail.com On-camera acting, modeling, and vocal coaching for kids and teens ages 4 and older. Build confidence, overcome shyness, and prepare your child for a future career in entertainment. Local auditions with NYC talent agencies, management and casting companies are held at our Melville location and are provided to students for potential jobs in commercials, TV, film, fashion shows, and print campaigns. Attend special guest workshops and learn from working actors, models, and casting directors. After school and on weekends. If your child has star quality, give us a call today.

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 Saturday 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.

Vincent Smith School

322 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington 516-365-4900; vincentsmithschool.org Located in Port Washington, the Vincent Smith School is a private, independent day school serving students in Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens counties in New York since 1924. The school is well known for its individualized program for students in first through 12th grades with ADHD and learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, auditory processing disorders, and language (expressive or receptive) processing disorders. Emphasis is placed on academic excellence, differentiated instruction, strong home to school connection, and college and career counseling in small supportive classes.

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Zoos and Aquarium

Call our education “one stop” shopping number for all parks: 1-800-433-4149 Queens Zoo: 53-51 111th St., Queens Prospect Park Zoo 450 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn New York Aquarium 602 Surf Ave., Brooklyn The Bronx Zoo 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx Central Park Zoo 830 Fifth Ave., Manhattan wcs.org Looking for something fun for your child to do on school holidays? Encourage them to learn about animals and science at one of New York City’s Zoos or Aquarium on their days off!

The Wildlife Conservation Society is excited to offer school break camps at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium! Topics and dates vary across the facilities, so please call 800-433-4149 or visit wcs.org/ educators for more information!

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Catholic Elementary Schools of Long Island Diocese of Rockville Centre

128 Cherry Lane, Hicksville 516-678-5800 drvcschools.org Long Island’s Catholic elementary schools are 43 unique and beautiful schools in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Academically, the expectations of each student are high and the historical performance has been exceptional.

The schools are differentiated from their public counterparts by their integrated program of learning and living the Catholic faith and values. We help instill the moral values, self-respect, and study habits that go on to serve our students well as they continue their education, and for the rest of their lives.

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-of-the-art, beautiful facility on the Upper East Side, Manhattan. We are currently accepting registration for all programs. In September the Iken Stem Science Academy Nursery School will open in Jericho offering Mommy and Me classes and a full-day or half-day nursery school following in the tradition of the Manhattan location.

Our Lady of Grace Montessori School

29 Shelter Rock Road, Manhasset 516-365-9832 olgmanhasset.com sister.kelly@olgmanhasset.com Our Lady of Grace is committed to providing an atmosphere that is conducive to spiritual and educational growth. The school strives to foster and maintain an educational experience for children from nursery to third grade, inspiring them to pursue life-long learning. The school

has offered high quality education for more than 48 years and is rooted in the core values of love, spirituality, respect, community, and beauty. Our teachers recognize that children learn in different ways and accommodate all learning styles.

Our Lady of Mercy

520 S. Oyster Bay Road, Hicksville 516-433-7040; olmshicks.org americangirlfashionshows.com 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-eighth grade programs are available. Weekday, evening, and weekend tours are available by appointment.

Portledge School

355 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley 516-750-3100 portledge.org Portledge School is an independent, pre-nursery through 12th grade preparatory day school.

The school’s coordinated sequential programs, beginning with the Reggio Emilia program in early childhood, provide a rigorous academic environment, preparing students to live responsible and productive lives. Dedicated teachers use small class size to deliver knowledge based on inquiry and inspired by a student-centered learning approach. Individual talents are nurtured through the arts, athletics, and a variety of community and travel programs that all emphasize the Portledge Pillars of passion, purpose, honor, and respect.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School

2341 Washington Ave., Bellmore 516-785-5709; steas.com St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Regional School is a middle states accredited parochial school for nursery through eighth grade children providing a top quality education since 1992. We offer an early childhood program that consists of half-day nursery, half- and

full-day pre-K and kindergarten, as well as Our Time, which is a 2-year-old child and parent transitional program. SEAS provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes language, music, art, computer technology, academic intervention services, sports, clubs, and after-school enrichments and care. At SEAS we learn and grow in respect, responsibility, and reverence.

St. Peter of Alcantara

1321 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington 516-944-3772 stpeterspw.org St. Peter of Alcantara School provides a Roman Catholic education dedicated to preparing students for the future within a supportive, safe, and caring environment. We teach faithbased leadership skills that will instill a lifelong commitment and devotion to the church.

Our teachers challenge students academically to make connections to become creative and independent problem solvers.

We recognize the importance of the integration of technology for academic and future career success. We offer Little Learners Nursery to pre-K programs, fullday kindergarten through eighth grade, after-school enrichment, and after-school care.

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.

Vincent Smith School

322 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington 516-365-4900 vincentsmithschool.org Located in Port Washington, the Vincent Smith School is a private, independent day school serving students in Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens counties in New York since 1924. The school is well known for its individualized program for students in first through 12th grades with ADHD and learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, auditory processing disorders, and language (expressive or receptive) processing disorders. Emphasis is placed on academic excellence, differentiated instruction, strong home to school connection, and college and career counseling in small supportive classes.

It’s Back To School

Get Healthy With ChiroMom · Innovative Chiropractic Care for the Whole Family ·Prenatal & Pediatric Care ·Prenatal, Infant, Child And Adult Therapeutic Massage · Nutrition & W eight Management · Specializing in treating children with ADD/ADHD 2874 Merrick Road· Bellmore, NY · 516-221-1212 (In Lakeview Plaza across from Mill Pond)

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LongIslandParent 53

Courtesy Melissa Hilt

Healing Powers

››

What it’s like to provide your child with medical marijuana in New York. By Madeleine Burry

T

wice a day—once with breakfast, and once again at dinner— Melissa Hilt administers medicine to her 9-year-old daughter, Haley. Hilt uses a syringe to measure out a precise dosage, and gives it to Haley mixed in her food. It’s a normal, everyday scene for a child who needs medication, with one big difference: The medicine Haley is ingesting is a coconut oil compound that contains extract from the marijuana plant. A resident of East Schodack in Rensselaer County, Haley is among the first New York residents to take advantage of the state’s recent legalization of medical marijuana.

Haley has severe intractable epilepsy. She can’t walk or talk, and is incontinent. Her first seizure was at 4 weeks old; since then, she seized at least once daily. But in the months since Haley started taking medical marijuana, she’s improved tremendously. “Within 24 hours of her first dose,” Hilt says, Haley “was more alert, bright in the best way.” She has just two or three seizures each week, compared to the seven to 10 she experienced prior to the drug.

Before she began taking medical marijuana, “we were never really sure what Haley knew, and what she didn’t.” Now, she’s able to communicate using an eye gaze computer. Hilt describes Haley as making “huge, huge gains” due to the medication. Haley can now stand on her feet and even ride a tricycle at school. In fact, “she loves to stand with support and dance,” her mom says. With the help of a walker-like device, Haley can walk down the hallways at school.

Haley is able to legally take medical marijuana thanks to New York’s legalized medical cannabis program, which took effect at the beginning of this year. New York joins the District of Columbia and 24 other states—including Connecticut and New Jersey— which have passed laws allowing use of marijuana in some form for medical purposes. The new laws, in addition to those in a handful of states that have legalized or reduced punishment for recreational marijuana use, come as public opinion has shifted dramatically. A 2015 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 53 percent of people believe marijuana should be legalized. That may seem like a slim majority—and it is—but just a decade ago, in 2006, a similar survey from Pew found that only 32 percent believed marijuana should be legalized.

Risks, Side Effects—And Benefits

Still, if you came of age in the unequivocal “Say no to drugs” era, when marijuana was labeled a gateway drug, the idea of children being recommended medical marijuana may cause trepidation. Hilt, however, has no regrets or reservations about the treatment method for Haley. Side effects are familiar to Haley: Steroid injections caused a heart murmur; a special high-fat diet aimed at reducing seizures caused Haley to go into liver failure; benzodiazepine, a tranquilizer used to reduce seizures, “zombified” Haley. Once, a medication caused her to sleep for 72 hours straight. In contrast, the coconut oil compound that’s used as a delivery agent for the cannabis treatment can sometimes cause Haley to get constipated. “When you’re looking 54

September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Haley Hilt, a 9-year-old whose quality of life has improved dramatically since she started taking medical marijuana after it was legalized in New York

at the side effects of the other medications that are out there, it’s nothing in comparison. Honestly, part of me wishes I could have tried it before we put her little body through all of these horrible things, to see if it would have worked then,” Hilt says.

The American Academy of Pediatrics sounds a more cautionary note. In a policy statement issued in March 2015, the AAP points out that there is ample documentation on “the adverse effects of marijuana” on adolescents as well as a lack of “published studies on the use of medicinal marijuana or pharmaceutical cannabinoids in pediatric populations.” As well as all the well-known side effects— including reduced attention span, short term memory, coordination, and judgment—the AAP also points out that “new research has also demonstrated that the adolescent brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex areas controlling judgment and decision-making, is not fully developed until the mid-20s, raising questions about how any substance use may affect the developing brain.”

Still, while opposing medical marijuana outside of the oversight and regulation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “the AAP recognizes that marijuana may currently be an option for cannabinoid administration for children with life-limiting or severely debilitating conditions and for whom current therapies are inadequate.”

Against this backdrop of increased accessibility of medical marijuana, at least in some states, the federal government continues to classify marijuana as a Schedule I drug, alongside LSD, heroin, and ecstasy. The Drug Enforcement Agency defines these drugs as having “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” These Schedule I drugs are considered “the most dangerous.” It’s an undeniably complex landscape, and this, perhaps, is why New York’s medical marijuana program has been implemented with tight regulations.

Stephen Dahmer, M.D., the Chief Medical Officer at Vireo Health of NY, one of five organizations approved to dispense

medical marijuana in the state, agrees that there are undeniable risks involved with medical marijuana. “Any physician that reads the literature about children or anyone under 21 and THC [a part of the marijuana plant] knows that caution has just been amplified a thousandfold,” he says. But for children such as Haley—people with intractable disease and extreme pain and discomfort—these risks may be worth it. “When these children arrive at our dispensary, this is one of their last hopes,” Dr. Dahmer says.

New York’s Cautious, Medical-Led Program

How do children—or any patients—get to Vireo or the other dispensaries in New York? The journey isn’t easy. The first New York dispensaries opened in January 2016. You may be imagining storefronts festooned with decorative marijuana leaves, Mason jars stuffed full of pot, boxes of pre-rolled joints, or plastic-wrapped cannabis-laced cookies, brownies, and other edibles. Erase that image: New York’s implementation of legalized medical cannabis differs sharply from states with more lenient, and lower regulated, programs (ahem, California). In New York state, no wink-wink, nudge-nudge diagnosis will get you access to medical marijuana. The program is tightly regulated and cautious. Dr. Dahmer describes New York’s program hewing “very closely to a medical model.”

Vireo’s work with doctors, and the state’s program, mimics the general practices that govern doctors’ habits and style, Dr. Dahmer says. “Anything we do—in our practice, and oftentimes in our lives—is done with a lot of caution. We want to always take the safest route…and make sure that our patients are protected and that some unforeseen circumstance doesn’t catch us by surprise.”

Haley’s Path to Medical Marijuana

In her two daily doses, Haley takes what is known as a “high CBD, low THC” strain of marijuana. CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, is non-psychoactive, and cultivated for its pain-relieving, antiinflammatory qualities, while THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the mind-altering part of the marijuana plant. Put another way, THC is the part of the marijuana plant that makes you feel stoned while CBD is the medicinal part of the plant.

Several years ago, Hilt became interested in the possibility of medical marijuana as a treatment option for Haley: Her family doctor had watched a special about Colorado’s Stanley brothers, famous for creating a high CBD, low THC strain called Charlotte’s Web, that reduced its namesake’s seizures.

This prompted Hilt to begin researching how high CBD strains could help people with epilepsy. A registered nurse, Hilt read the research carefully, and then began lobbying at the capital.

For more than six months, “we were lobbying and trying to get senators to listen to us and support our cause,” Hilt remembers.

Hilt and her daughter were there the day the program passed, and when the program went live on a Friday, Haley was certified the following Wednesday. Because Haley was on a form of benzodiazepine that’s affected by CBD, Haley had to decrease her dosage of benzodiazepine before she could begin taking medical marijuana. She began taking the high CBD, low THC strain in February. The transformation has been huge: “She is soaring,” says Hilt. “Haley is doing phenomenally.”

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We love summer, but we love school more. Come see why everyone is excited to be back at Portledge.

Medical cannabis remains—even after legalization in many states— in a complicated position. Laws differ from state to state, even in ones that have legalized the plant. Federally, it remains illegal, continued on next page ››

KIDVILLE WANTAGH

Willow Wood Shopping Center 1183 Wantagh Avenue Wantagh, NY 11793 (516) 409-4558 http://www.kidville.com/wantagh

355 DUCK POND ROAD, LOCUST VALLEY, NY 11560 | 516.750.3100

Call the Admissions Office at 516.750.3202/3203 or visit www.portledge.org

LongIslandParent 55

Courtesy Melissa Hilt

‹‹ continued from previous page

Full day schedules Licensed by New York State Office of Child and Family Services Masters Level Teachers/Licensed and Certified Staff High Staff to Child Ratios Reasonable Rates New York State Learning Standards Creative & Educational Curriculum

Melissa Hilt holds Haley in the New York State Senate chambers on the day that legislators voted to legalize medical cannabis.

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September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

even if the government’s guidance is essentially to prosecute major offenses (drugged driving or possession on federal property, for instance) and to allow states to enforce their own regulation.

That makes for an uneasy balancing act, with results that can be frustrating. For one, medical marijuana, still illegal federally, is not covered by insurance. Hilt pays for Haley’s medical marijuana— which costs nearly $400 a month—with the help of fundraising done by her church and community.

Beyond the expense, Hilt chafes at the federal government’s slow move to reclassification, which would allow drug trials, and feels frustrated that truly sick people cannot get access to a potentially helpful drug. “It’s almost like we’re being held hostage to the pharmaceutical companies when there’s this plant out there that can really and truly help so many people.”

And while the AAP opposes legalization, concerned that it will increase children and teen’s access to the drug, the organization also advocates for studying the impact of new laws, and calls for marijuana to be reclassified as a Schedule II drug (a classification that includes Adderall, OxyContin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, among others). This classification would allow “research and development of pharmaceutical cannabinoids and supports a review of policies promoting research on the medical use of these compounds.” Dr. Dahmer says he is also “interested in helping to support or promote research,” especially given the tremendous impact he sees daily on children and their families.

For parents whose children face one of the 10 eligible conditions, Hilt’s advice is twofold. First, educate yourself.

“That’s the number one recommendation I have for other parents,” Hilt says. Dig into the slim research currently available, review anecdotal evidence, and reach out to dispensaries for their

insights. And then, “Fight for your kid.” Medical marijuana is “not something our government should say we can or can’t have. This is something our physicians should determine, not the government.

Call your legislators, call your senator, and tell them, I want this available for myself, for my children, for whomever.”

A SNAPSHOT OF NEW YORK’S MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAW We are a Middle States Accredited Parochial School for Nursery through 8th Grade offering a comprehensive “all in one” curriculum including

CALL FOR A TOUR TODAY! St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Regional School 2341 Washington Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710 Phone 516-785-5709 WWW.STEAS.COM

Only some conditions are eligible: Only 10 conditions (as well as several associated conditions) make patients eligible for a medical marijuana recommendation. They are: • Cancer • HIV infection or AIDS • Multiple sclerosis • Spinal cord injury with spasticity • Epilepsy • Inflammatory bowel disease • Neuropathy • Huntington’s disease • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) • Parkinson’s disease A stringent registration process: Even patients who suffer from those conditions do not have an easy path to a recommendation.

Only registered doctors—who meet certain set criteria, and have taken a four-hour class—can register with New York’s Medical Marijuana Program and recommend marijuana. Fewer than 600 doctors had done so by mid-July, according to the state. Patients have to either find one of these doctors (there is a registry, but doctors are not required to add their names to it and some prefer to keep their participation quiet) or ask their doctor to join the program. Only then can patients get a recommendation. Currently, there are more than 5,000 patients certified.

Licensed pharmacists: Only licensed pharmacists can fulfill recommendations; currently, there are five medical marijuana dispensaries in the state, each with four or five locations.

Extract only: New York limits the forms medical cannabis can take. There is no form of regulated, medical marijuana available for sale in the state that can be smoked or eaten (no medical cannabis brownies). Instead, it is sold in forms such as pills, vaporizers ingested via inhaler, and oils.

Educaang students in faith, academics and service Open Registraaon Call anyyme for a Tour (516) 433-7040 | www.olmshicks.org

Nursery - 8th Grade Before and AAer Care AAer School Enrichment Programs Principal: Mrs. Jane Harrigan

Madeleine Burry is a Brooklyn-based freelance writer and editor, covering everything from parenting to open data to workplace productivity. She’s held staff positions at Parents.com, Scholastic, and About.com. You can follow her on Twitter @lovelanewest.

LongIslandParent 57

Meet the Health Care

PROFESSIONAL

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

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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September 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 familyfriendly 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 MDs4Kids, Allison Langs-Barlow, M.D. 935 Northern Blvd., Suite 300, Great Neck 516-466-5437; alliedphysiciansgroup.com

Dr. Allison Langs-Barlow comes to MDs4kids following a yearlong instructorship in pediatric infectious disease at Yale New-Haven Children’s Hospital. Dr. Barlow has a strong interest in tropical diseases, global health, and travel medicine. Dr. Barlow has extensive experience with Lyme disease as well as other tick borne illnesses. She has cared for patients with a wide range of infectious diseases from recurrent MRSA to Leishmaniasis. She is comfortable conducting both travel medicine consultations as well as caring for the specific needs of internationally adopted children and their families.

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

Steve C. Imber, Ph.D. Psychoeducational Consultants

Nassau and Suffolk Counties and the Five NYC Boroughs

Dr. Monica Tanna is a board-certified pediatric dentist, specializing in the dental care of children of all ages and patients with special needs. Dr. Tanna earned her dental degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. She then completed her general practice residency at Montefiore Medical Center and obtained her specialty degree in pediatric dentistry at the Brookdale Hospital Medical Center.

Dr. Tanna loves working with children and making it fun. She takes the time to create individualized oral health plans for each patient, while building positive dental experiences from a young age.

PTS Coaching - Cindy Goldrich, Ed.M., A.C.A.C. Certified ADHD Parent Coach Long Island ptscoaching.com info@ptscoaching.com

Is Your Child struggling with Learning or Behavioral Problems at Home or in School?

Dr. Imber addresses the needs of students with a variety of special needs through multiple services.

Dr. Imber will be speaking at an event on October 30th on Long Island where you can get a chance to learn more about him.

Get more information at www.navelexpo.com/Health

Special Needs Attention Deficit Disorders - distractible and inattentive students Autism including asperger syndrome

Services Offered Parent and School Consultation Independent Education Evaluation with observations, consultation and testing

Behavioral and Emotional Disorders including Students with Bipolar Disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorders, Depression and Isolation, and Social Challenges, issues of bullying

Support for Students in Public and Private Schools

Cognitive Challenges - children and youth with intellectual disabilities

Participation in evaluation team meetings as well as Individualized Educational Program meetings Special Education Expert Services

Learning Disabilities in Reading, Math and Written Language

Special Education Expert Services

Contact: 516-273-1961 or scimber1@aol.com 61-43 186th Street | Fresh Meadows, NY 1136 www.dr-imber.com

Cindy Goldrich specializes in parenting children and teens with ADHD. She helps parents reduce arguing, stress, and chaos to help children reach their true potential. Cindy conducts a parent workshop series to help parents develop the tools to create a calm, more compliant environment. Specific strategies are developed to establish workable, realistic rules and expectations, reduce homework stress, and improve children’s problem-solving, self-advocacy, and communication skills. Additional services include school support, staff development, and presentations. Coaching is available in person on Long Island and Manhattan or via phone.

ST. PETER OF ALCANTARA SCHOOL 1321 Port Washington Blvd. Port Washington, NY 11050

Come Share the Spirit!

Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Open Registration | Call any time for a Tour (516) 944-3772 | www.stpeterspw.org

®

Make your next birthday party come to life by hosting it at Bounce U!® • Private Party Experience • Giant Inflatable Rides • Dedicated Party Pros • Easy to Do • We Clean Up!

Mommy & Me Program • Nursery - 8th Grade Before and After Care • After School Enrichment Program

Principal: Mrs. Marianne Carberry

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Specializing in individual program for students with AD/HD and Learning Disabilities, including Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Auditory Processing Disorder and Language (Expressive/Receptive) Processing Disorders Call TODAY for a Private Tour!

“Believe and Achieve...

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Academic Excellence • Differentiated Instruction College & Career Counseling • Social Emotional Learning Small, Supportive Classes • Skills for Social & Academic Success

GRADES 1-12 2016-2017 ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE Saturday, October 15, 2016 | 12:00 PM

BounceU of Farmingdale (631) 777-JUMP (5867) • BounceU.com/farmingdale 101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale, NY 11735

VINCENT SMITH SCHOOL 322 Port Washington Boulevard Port Washington, New York 11050 516-365-4900 ext.105

Still Accepting Applications For 2016-17!

Visit our website at: www.vincentsmithschool.org Registered by the New York State Board of Regents-Accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools.

The Vincent Smith School is a non-profit corporation and is open to all without regard to race, creed or national origin.

LongIslandParent 59

BAKSHI LAW C. Lara Bakshi

Special Needs Attorney & Special Education Specialist Providing a clear road map of the law and zealously advocating for you and your child.

WINNING Record against DOE & Districts Winning record at due process hearings including failure to provide FAPE and tuition reimbursement.

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MUSIC INSTITUTE OF LONG ISLAND

OPEN HOUSES 2016 Premier Education Center/ RoboMindTech

575 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho 718-264-7626 robomindtech.com robomindtech@gmail.com Join us for an open house @ Premier Education on Saturday, Sept. 10 or 17 from 4-5:30pm.

Please RSVP via email.

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 child care, preschool, and after-school programs for children ages 6 weeks to 10 years. Call us to schedule a tour.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School

Voted # 1 Best Music School on the North Shore 2016

2341 Washington Ave., Bellmore 516-785-5709; steas.com Come visit our open house on Oct. 16! We offer a comprehensive all-in-one curriculum including language, arts, music, service, clubs, after-school enrichment, sports, and after-school care.

Open to all ages & levels Suzuki & Traditional methods

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90 Plandome Road, Manhasset, NY 11030 www.MiliMusic.com • 516-627-7052 Long Island’s Premier Lice Treatment Centers

866-561-0492

535 Broadhollow Road, Suite A2A, Melville

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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 Visit VEG and let your child join a demo lesson taught by our director. Learn about our gifted kindergarten, after-school enrichment, writing workshops, art workshops, and STEM/ STEAM classes. Ages 4-18.

Vincent Smith School

322 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington 516-365-4900 vincentsmithschool.org Join us for an admissions open house on Oct. 15 at 12pm, for first through 12th grades.

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679 Glen Cove Ave.

www.FairyLiceMothers.com

May Be Covered Under Insurance * Covered under FLEX Health Spending We Accept Competitor’s Coupons—One coupon per visit

60

Village East Gifted - Enrichment Center for the Gifted Learner

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Oceanside

2463 S. Long Beach Rd.

$10 OFF One HeadCheck OR 10% OFF One Treatment

516-765-2400 towertalent.com towertalentclasses@gmail.com We specialize in development for actors, models, and performers ages 4-18. Call us at 516-7652400 and a representative will invite you to our studio for a live on-camera audition.

September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

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516 922 COOK(2665)

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63 Old Country Rd. • Hicksville, NY • 516-396-2193 In Delco Shp. Ctr.-easily accessible (only 1½ mi. S. of L.I.E. exit 41S)

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LongIslandParent 61

AD INDEX

NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY Metropolitan area!

BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES BounceU - Farmingdale................................................ 59 Fashion Class (The)...................................................... 31 Kidville - LI..................................................................... 55 Long Island Parent Party Planner.................................. 61 Music Together, LLC...................................................... 25 Rubie’s Costume Company........................................... 63 Unlimited Sports Action................................................. 29 CAMPS Countryside Montessori School..................................... 51 Fashion Class (The)...................................................... 31 Mathnasium ................................................................... 5 Music Institute of Long Island........................................ 60 Music Together, LLC...................................................... 25 Prime Time Early Learning Center................................ 57 RoboMindTech............................................................... 35 Village East Gifted......................................................... 11 Wildlife Conservation Society........................................ 29 CHILD CARE / DAY CARE Brookville Center for Children’s Service........................ 56 Prime Time Early Learning Center................................ 57 Variety Child - Child Care.............................................. 20 CLASSES Fashion Class (The)...................................................... 31 Hannah Kroner School of Dance................................... 49 Hofstra University.......................................................... 41 Joyous Music School....................................................... 2 Kidville - LI..................................................................... 55 LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 25 Music Institute of Long Island........................................ 60 Renee Gallery................................................................ 56 RoboMindTech............................................................... 35 Steps To Socialization................................................... 15 Tower Talent - Melville................................................... 29 Unlimited Sports Action................................................. 29 Village East Gifted......................................................... 11 Wildlife Conservation Society........................................ 29 DANCE Hannah Kroner School of Dance................................... 49 DEVELOPMENTAL ABA Psychological Services P.C................................... 19 Brookville Center for Children’s Service........................ 56 Hofstra University.......................................................... 41 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 41, 58 PTS Coaching Tutors.............................................. 56, 59 Steps To Socialization................................................... 15 Variety Child Learning Center........................................ 12 EDUCATION Bakshi Law.................................................................... 60 Countryside Montessori School..................................... 51 Diocese of RVC............................................................. 64

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September 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Eye Level Learning Center............................................ 28 Hofstra University.......................................................... 41 JEI Learning Center - Nassau....................................... 47 Kumon North America................................................... 35 Law Offices of Brad H Rosken...................................... 28 LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 25 Mathnasium ................................................................... 5 Our Lady of Grace Montessori School.......................... 49 Our Lady of Mercy......................................................... 57 Portledge School........................................................... 55 Prime Time Early Learning Center................................ 57 Psychoeducational Consultants.................................... 59 PTS Coaching Tutors.............................................. 56, 59 RoboMindTech............................................................... 35 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton ................................................ 57 St. Peter of Alcantara..................................................... 59 Village East Gifted......................................................... 11 Vincent Smith School.................................................... 59 FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS American Girl Fashion Show......................................... 31 BounceU - Farmingdale................................................ 59 HappyFest / HTBAD Inc................................................ 21 Oyster Fest.................................................................... 23 Rubie’s Costume Company........................................... 63 School of Rock ............................................................. 13 Wildlife Conservation Society........................................ 29 HEALTH ABA Psychological Services P.C................................... 19 Adelberg Montalvan - Massapequa Office.................... 58 Affinity Health Plan.......................................................... 9 Allied Physicians Group........................................... 25, 58 ChiroMom................................................................ 53, 58 Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry....................... 3, 58 Fairy LiceMothers.......................................................... 60 Fidelis Care New York................................................... 31 Licenders....................................................................... 29 Merrick Pediatric Dentistry......................................... 7, 58 ProHealth Dental Management, LLC............................. 59 Steps To Socialization................................................... 15 Tobacco Action Coalition of LI....................................... 21 LEGAL SERVICES Bakshi Law.................................................................... 60

PLAY SPACES BounceU - Farmingdale................................................ 59 Kidville - LI..................................................................... 55 RELIGIOUS Diocese of RVC............................................................. 64 Our Lady of Grace Montessori School.......................... 49 Our Lady of Mercy......................................................... 57 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton ................................................ 57 St. Peter of Alcantara..................................................... 59 RESEARCH Tobacco Action Coalition of LI....................................... 21 RETAIL NCircle........................................................................... 27 Once Upon A Child........................................................ 20 Rubie’s Costume Company........................................... 63 SPECIAL EVENTS American Girl Fashion Show......................................... 31 HappyFest / HTBAD Inc................................................ 21 Variety Child Learning Center........................................ 12 SPECIAL NEEDS ABA Psychological Services P.C................................... 19 Adelberg Montalvan - Massapequa Office.................... 58 Bakshi Law.................................................................... 60 Brookville Center for Children’s Service........................ 56 ChiroMom................................................................ 53, 58 Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry....................... 3, 58 HappyFest / HTBAD Inc................................................ 21 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 41, 58 Law Offices of Brad H Rosken...................................... 28 Oyster Fest.................................................................... 23 Psychoeducational Consultants.................................... 59 PTS Coaching Tutors.............................................. 56, 59 Variety Child Learning Center........................................ 12 Vincent Smith School.................................................... 59 SPORTS

MUSIC Joyous Music School....................................................... 2 Music Institute of Long Island........................................ 60 Music Together, LLC...................................................... 25 Tower Talent - Melville................................................... 29

Unlimited Sports Action................................................. 29

PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING School of Rock ............................................................. 13 Tower Talent - Melville................................................... 29

TUTORS

THEATER School of Rock ............................................................. 13

JEI Learning Center - Nassau....................................... 47 Kumon North America................................................... 35

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ORIGINAL QUEENS LOCATION 120-08 JAMAICA AVENUE RICHMOND HILL, NY 11418 • 718.846.1008 LongIslandParent 63

LI Parent NEW EC VALUES ad Sept 2016:Layout 1 8/9/16 2:06 PM Page 1

The best way to help them learn and live your values?

Get an early start.

Prepare your children for life’s journey.

Strong spiritual values are a living part of our daily activities at every Catholic elementary school on Long Island. Your child is nurtured by certified teachers in a safe and loving environment where they’ll gain the skills, knowledge and self-esteem they’ll need to succeed. We work in partnership with parents to reinforce the enduring moral values you live at home—and our environment of kindness and respect teaches each child that God loves them and that they are precious in His eyes.

To learn more about why a Catholic Elementary School is a great place to start and to find a school near you, visit us online at www.LICatholicElementarySchools.org or call 516-678-5800 Ext. 258.

Religious Values • Resources • Results