Rockland Parent March 2019 by City Guide NY

Rockland Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM MARCH 2019

Find the Perfect

Summer Camp! • Tips to choose the best one for your child • Day, sleepaway, and specialty camp descriptions • Side-by-side comparison chart

Decorate on a Dime Budget-friendly tips to rethink your home décor

Baby Roommates The numerous benefits of sharing a room with your infant

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

RocklandParent

Explore the possibilities of Dance this summer at Coupé Theatre Studio Summer Camps start on July 1st Young Ones: for students aged 4 & 5 years Junior Camp: for students aged 6 & 7 years Students will experience classes in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acting, Singing, Hip hop, Acro and explore creativity and self-expression through movement and art.

Coupé Theatre Studio in Nanuet, NY has been training dancers for over 40 years. We offer classes for students of all ages from the �irst steps to preprofessionals.

For more information on these camps and our other programs please call 845-623-2808 or visit our website at coupedance.com

Coupé Theatre Studio

Summer Camp 2019 Become the real triple threat!! Dance Sing Act Perform

Work with Broadway professionals, improve your dance technique, individual vocal coaching, song selec�on and audi�on prepara�on. Classes oﬀered in Ballet, Jazz, Theatre Dance, Acrodance, Hiphop, Tap, Contemporary. Weekly trips to Broadway and Master classes from working professionals.

COUPEDANCE.COM 2

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March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

RocklandParent

contents table of

march 2019

21 36

Family Activities Calendar

Find something fun to do with your kids every day this month!

Decorate on a Dime

Budget-friendly ways to redecorate your home

camp 14 Choosing the Perfect Camp 16 Camp Directory 18 At-a-Glance Camp Guide

Rooming with Baby

Sharing your room with your infant has more benefits than convenient nighttime feedings.

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Keeping Memories Alive 12 5 Tips for Raising Your Child Through the Early Years 38 Rooming with Baby 40 Conversations to Have with Your Teen About Dating 42 Meet the Health Care Professional 44 Party Central 45 Party Planner 45 Advertiser’s Index

20 Family Fun in Manhattan

34 Could You Lose Your Coverage?

21 Family Activities Calendar

36 Decorate on a Dime

33 Spring into Action 46 DIY: Reversible Cape

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 14 Find the Perfect Summer Camp 16 Camp Descriptions 18 Comparison Chart 36 Decorate on a Dime 38 Baby Roommates facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

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FREE Musicians Face Painting FAMILY

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Craft Tables Demonstrations and More!

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over 4,000 Visitors Expected

FREE ADMISSION & PARKING over 150 Booths & Displays

Tons of activities for the KIDS Want to have a Booth? Contact the

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RocklandParent

raising kids editor’s note MARCH 2019 • Vol.12 • No.7

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

Happy Campers Await

ith spring on the horizon and thoughts of warmer weather ahead, all we can think about is summer camp. And we’re here to ensure you find the perfect one for your child—for this summer and many summers to come! Living in Rockland County has its pros and cons. Pros: There’s a ton to do with your kids on any given day and lots of great options for health care providers, camps, afterschool activities, and more. Cons? There are a lot of great options. So, we turned to the experts on camps, and got the six best tips for choosing the perfect camp for your children. If your list of potential summer camps is longer than your weekend to-do list, you’ll want to turn to pg. 14 for advice from local camp directors—after all, we’re here to help you make the best decisions for your children. If you’re just starting the camp-planning process, we have lots of resources for you, too. Turn to pg. 16 for day, sleepaway, and specialty camp descriptions, and then check out the side-by-side camp comparison charts on pg. 18. And if you’d like more help in planning your child’s perfect summer, check out our inaugural issue of The Camp Planner by Rockland•Bergen Parent at nymetroparents.com/campguide/rockland. It’s a free digital download, full of camp planning advice, even more camp descriptions, open house listings, and more! While we do love camp, we have more than just camp advice in this issue. You can find budget-friendly decorating tips on pg. 36, read about the benefits of sharing your room with your infant (pg. 38), discover reasons why an insurance company may decide to cancel your policy on pg. 34, and get advice on the various conversations to have with your teen when he or she starts dating (pg. 40). Of course, we’re also all about things to do with your kids on any given day of the week, so be sure to check out our calendar chock-full of fun events (pg. 21)— and remember to sign up for our weekly newsletter of the best weekend activities at nymetroparents.com/register. Wishing you a successful camp planning season! Katelin Walling Editorial Director Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling PRODUCTION EDITOR: Melissa Wickes ASSISTANT EDITOR: Anja Webb CALENDARS CALENDAR COORDINATOR: Whitney C. Harris EVENT RESEARCHERS: Rochelle Dorset, Lisa Fogarty, Kristina Johnson, Shara Levine DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke

ADVERTISING SALES

Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, Manager Lauren Alperin Meirowitz, Managing Director Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Lauren Anchin, Merrill Sugarman Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager Lisa Herlihy Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Karen Shapiro, Gayle Sherman To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents To Submit News: nymetroparents.com/submitnews

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EDITOR/PUBLISHER: Roselle Farina-Hecht 718-494-1932

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MANAGING DIRECTOR: Lauren Alperin Meirowitz 646-736-3609

OPERATIONS

DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Elvins Cruz, Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro MARKETING SERVICES MANAGER: Erin Jordan

PRODUCTION

Moms & Dads Make Great Part-Time Employees (are you looking?) M

any parents want a lifestyle that allows them to devote large blocks of time to raising kids and also pursue professional activities. The answer is often a work-from-home or part-time job. Mommybites.com—the go-to parenting community for resources, support, and education—has a job board dedicated to parents who are looking for those ﬂexible opportunities! Whether you are a part-time bookkeeper, writer, catering staff person, or have other skills, there are companies looking for you. These are jobs designed for people who want to return to the workforce, while remaining the primary caregiver for their children. Check Mommybites.com/jobs today to see what opportunities are available now. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter to get weekly updates about just-posted positions. Are you looking to hire a mom (or a dad)? Post your opportunity on Mommybites.com!

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BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN • ROCKLAND PARENT, STATEN ISLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2017, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39

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SUMMER 2019 JUL 1-AUG 22 ASK US HOW TO TRY THE CAMP FOR 1 WEEK!

Mosholu Day Camp/MMCC Located at Lake Cohasset in Harriman State Park 261 Arden Valley Road, Southfield, NY 10975

CALL: 845.243.0751VISIT: mosholudaycamp.com EMAIL: mosholudaycamp@gmail.com RocklandParent

Courtesy Palisa

des Climb Adven

ture

raising kids new places, new programs

Indoor Ropes Challenge Course in West Nyack Adds Climbing Structures

two walk-the-plank Adventure is adding und and The Palisades Climb ly 80 feet above gro ate im rox app is ich wh spin a disc. of to e on rm s, tfo ure pla r struct of you out over the edge ch rea to you es requir

Courtesy Vicki’s Dan

ce Studio

Who: Palisades Climb Adventure What’s New: Walk-the-plank balance test and hula walk obstacle, which are expected to open to the public by President’s Day. There will be two walk-the-plank structures, one that dips a little when you step on it to give the illusion of falling and another that requires you to reach out over the edge to spin a disc, both incentivizing visitors to step out of their comfort zone and to go the extra distance. Both obstacles are approximately 80 feet in the air. The hula walk obstacle will allow participants to step from one platform to another in various ways, including shimmying and twisting. Want More Info: 4590 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, 845-727-3500; palisadesclimb.com

Dance Studio in New City Adds Specialty Classes Who: Vicki’s Dance Studio What’s New: Technique, Conditioning, and Strengthening classes and Tumbling, Turns, and Tricks classes, which are slated to be offered June 24-Aug. 23. In Technique, Conditioning, and Strengthening classes, students will work on building stamina and tightening their technique through the use of ankle weights, medicine balls, cardio work, and obstacle courses. Tumbling, Turns, and Tricks classes will focus on acrobatics, or moves that are “off-foot,” according to Vicki Gianetti, owner of Vicki’s Dance Studio. This includes back handsprings and back tucks. Both classes are divided by age and skill level and will take place in the evenings, Monday-Friday. Parents will have the option to create a flexible summer schedule by combining these classes with a slew of other programs. Want More Info: 61 Maple Ave., New City; 845-6342202; vickistudio.com

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Students at Vicki’s Dance Studio do ing bridges in a and Tricks class. Tumbling,

Turns,

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Keeping Memories Alive ››

Courtesy Sara Rubinfeld

raising kids voices

The author with her family

How my husband and I keep the spirit of my father alive with our kids

y 20s were a whirlwind. I am sure it’s a feeling many of us share. I graduated college at 21, met my future husband at 22, started grad school at 23, then got married at 25. I finished grad school and had my first baby just a few weeks apart. I was 27. My Dad died when I was 29. And since that day, everything in my life has been divided into two parts: before Daddy died and after. His death made me the first among my friends to lose a parent as an adult. Trust me, that’s not the kind of distinction anyone wants. As many people will tell you, the loss of a parent is something from which you never truly recover. The lucky ones among us figure out how to keep moving forward. Our daughter turned 5 last summer. When she was born, my Dad was nine years into his battle with kidney disease. With medication, lots of doctor’s appointments, daily dialysis, and copious amounts of support from my Mom, our extended family, and their friends, he was managing it. December marked four years since my Dad passed. In December our son, named after my Dad, also turned 3. It’s hard for me—for both me and my husband—raising our kids without my Dad. Grandpa was a role he was born to play. Almost from day one he jumped into the deep end. There was no greater gift the world could’ve given him than becoming a grandpa. Unfortunately, our time together was cut short; he died when our daughter was 17 months old. Our daughter doesn’t remember him, and our son is still too young to comprehend the loss. But we talk about my Dad a lot.

By Sara Rubinfeld

Keep talking. It’s one of the lessons I learned from the death of my grandmother when I was young. My parents and aunts and uncles never stopped talking about my grandmother. They talked about her so much to the point that my two younger cousins—one who was too young to remember her and the other who was born after she had passed away—can tell the stories and family lore almost as well as the rest of us. I talk to our kids because I really thought we would have more time with my Dad than we got. I talk to our kids because I want them to know how proud he would’ve been of all their accomplishments, both great and small. Talk to your kids about loved ones who have passed because you love them, and you want your kids to know how important this person was (and still is) in your life. Talk about them because you know how much they would’ve loved your kids. Talk about loved ones who have passed because your kids will do or say things that will remind you of them. Share with your kids the things that brought those loved ones joy. You never know when you will find a shared passion or a simple moment of appreciation. I wish my Dad was here to get to know our kids in all of his threedimensional glory, but I do the best I can both to honor his memory and to connect our kids to the grandfather they will never know. The ability to talk to our kids about my Dad is one of the greatest gifts my family gave me. Now I’m hoping I can inspire some of you to share that gift with your kids as well.

Sara Rubinfeld is a wife, mom, and nonprofit fundraiser. When she isn’t busy trying to save the world one charitable gift at a time, she can be found at home in Brooklyn with her husband, kids, and cats. This is her first personal writing piece for a professional publication.

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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RocklandParent 11

raising kids in the know

5 Tips for Raising Your Child Through the Early Years ››

By Melissa Wickes

s a parent of a young child, it can be overwhelming and difficult to find tangible actions from parenting resources that will contribute to a healthy upbringing for your kid. It’s helpful to know the specific steps you can take to teach your child what is right and wrong—and ensure she feels safe and confident. Christine Martin, author of You’ve Got This! Keys to Effective Parenting for the Early Years, shares what you can do to help navigate this confusing but crucial time in your child’s development. Set aside uninterrupted bonding time. As soon as your child is born, she is searching for a secure attachment that will allow her to confidently and safely explore the world and new things, according to Martin. It is essential to enhance these secure attachments by spending as much time as possible with her. More time spent with your child at this age will foster positive self-esteem, socialemotional development, and academic success. By dedicating 100 percent of your attention to your child as often as you can, you are allowing her to trust her caregiver and giving her the confidence she needs to grow and develop healthily. Decide what you liked (and didn’t like) about your upbringing. Often, parents copy the way they were parented without taking a closer look and determining if that really worked for them. Examine the parenting styles you were exposed to as a child and take the time to think, this is a style I’m comfortable with or that didn’t really work for me, Martin suggests. Think about how you can do better and how you can do just as great, but don’t mimic without thinking about what you’re doing and if you really believe in it. Make routines and stick to them. Once your child begins school, he will be in a daily routine for the rest of his school years. The best way to teach him how to deal with everyday tasks and 12

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

teach him responsibility is to get started as soon as possible. Take photographs of your child brushing his teeth, putting on his pajamas, and whatever else is part of his bedtime routine, and then hang them up on the wall in the bathroom as a fun way to help him remember what he needs to do before bed. Encourage positive behaviors, no matter how small. Instead of focusing on how to discipline your child after she’s gotten in trouble, Martin suggests focusing on the tangible ways you can teach your child to minimize and overcome these behaviors. If your daughter shares her toy with her little brother, make sure you praise her, so she knows these sorts of actions get positive attention. Even if she is simply working hard on a drawing, compliment the amount of colors she is using and foster confidence in positive behaviors instead of drawing attention to the negative ones. Talk to your child about feelings. Another way to contribute to fewer negative behaviors is by teaching your child how to react when he isn’t getting what he wants. Teach your child the words for different feelings, so he knows how to express himself. Take the time at the dinner table or when you’re driving together in the car to ask, “How did you feel today? Were you excited about what you learned in school today? Did you feel frustrated?” By using these words, your child will know how to handle conﬂict vocally rather than resorting to physical actions. Another way of doing this is by giving your child realistic alternatives to a situation if he isn’t getting what he wants. If he wants to play with the truck his sister is playing with, he can play with another toy, he can ask to take turns, or you can give him a timer and teach him to negotiate with his sister that it will be his turn once the timer goes off.

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Choosing the Perfect Camp Narrow your list of potential summer camps with these helpful tips.

ne of the big advantages of raising a family in the New York metro area is the sheer volume of things to do and places to go. That’s true for camp, too: There are hundreds of nearby day and sleepaway camps available for your child to attend. It’s a perk—but can also make determining the just-right spot for your child to spend the summer a bit overwhelming. How can you narrow your list, and choose the perfect summer camp? Internet reviews and browsing camp websites can help, but so too can talking to your child, considering the logistics involved, and touring the actual destinations. Here’s how to get started.

Know What You—and Your Child—Want

The first step: Consult with your child. After all, this is her summer! “The child’s opinion has to be respected,” says Terence Ryan, director at Hofstra Summer Camps in Uniondale. Begin your conversation with a simple question: “[Ask your child] to imagine what a great summer camp would look like for them,” recommends Bobbie Finkelstein, director of after-school and day camp at Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn. Think about your child’s preferences—does he enjoy time indoors or outdoors, is he sedentary or active, and does he like large or small groups, says Cheryl Anstett, director and owner of Ann & Andy Child Care Center in Elmsford. And, consider what you want your child to gain from the summer, says Lauren Wexler, director of camp programs at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan. Whether it’s becoming a better swimmer, making neighborhood friends, or increasing STEM skills, think about how the camp can help support that 14

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

››

By Madeleine Burry

goal. Additionally, think about the other characteristics, such as size, facilities, mix of activities, and so on, when initially reviewing options.

Look into the Camp’s Accreditation and Safety

Safety is one of the first features for parents to consider, says Howard Seidman, camp director at Hillcrest Jewish Day Camp in Queens. Todd Roth, owner and director of Deerkill Day Camp in Suffern, recommends confirming that prospective camps are accredited by the American Camp Association. “It’s a seal of approval, and not always easily attainable,” he says. With this accreditation comes an assurance that the camp meets hundreds of sensible and important health and safety standards. If you opt to only have your child attend an ACA-accredited camp, you’ll significantly reduce your list of options. “[With ACA accreditation] you can be assured that your child will be going to one of the top-notch camps in the country,” says Susie Lupert, executive director of the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey.

Keep Your Budget in Mind

Here’s another quick way to eliminate a wide swath of camps from the list: Figure out what you can afford, and then remove the camps with rates above that amount. “Budget is a big consideration,” Roth says. Find out the total price, he recommends, as well as what’s included, such as transportation, meals, etc. “A lot of those little pieces can add up, so when you’re looking at your budget, you want to look at the total all-in costs,” he says.

CAMP MARKETPLACE

And Don’t Forget About Day-to-Day Logistics

For parents, the logistics of camp can throw a wrench into routine. Think about the location of pick-up and drop-off, and how it’ll fit into your day-to-day schedule, Wexler recommends. Ask about whether the camp has ﬂexibility if you want to take a family trip or go on a vacation for a week of the summer, Roth says. Some camps will let you cancel a few days or a week, Wexler notes, while others do not have that ﬂexibility.

Do Your Research

You might be surprised about how much information you can gain from the camp’s website, from the logistical details to the overall vibe of the camp. “We always tell parents look at your values and try to discern whether the camp reﬂects those values,” Roth says. Spend some time browsing through websites—and involve your child, too. Same goes for when you visit camp fairs, Wexler says. Let your child ask questions and get a sense for the camp from the booths, brochures, and websites. Some things to pay attention to as you browse through websites and stop by booths at the camp fair are: • Interactions with the staff: If you’re at the fair, pay attention to how you feel during conversations with the camp representatives. “The crux of what makes a camp great is the staff,” Seidman says. • Facilities and activities: Is there a good mix? Joe Siegel, executive camp director at Sportime on Long Island, recommends asking what a typical day is like. Ideally, he says, you’ll want a variety of active time (swimming, sports, etc.) along with some downtime to balance your child’s day. Again, keep in mind your kid’s personality. If he’s an introvert, for instance, seek out a camp that’ll fit with that trait. W P ION • Counselor-to-camper ratio: This is another big factor to NO CAM UCT R E R OD keep in mind, Siegel says, especially if the camp is instructional. IST ME AL PR G There’s a big difference between a 30-to-1 camper-to- RE SUM IGIN R counselor ratio and an 8-to-1 ratio in terms of attention. FOR ALE, O

Call or Visit the Camps on Your Shortlist

Most directors recommend visiting your two or three finalist camps. While a website is a nice intro, there’s no substitute for looking at the camp with your own eyes, Ryan says, especially since you’re investing a lot of money, and a significant amount of your child’s time, in the experience. If you do a tour, make sure to bring your child along, Seidman says. “Your child is going to be spending time here, not you,” he notes. During your tour, you’ll want to see if the camp seems clean and well maintained, and if the facilities look modern, Anstett says. Calling the camp director is your next best option if a visit isn’t feasible. “Ask to speak to the person in charge—any really good camp director will be thrilled to take that phone call,” Lupert says. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to the director or feel like they’re not giving you sufficient time on the phone, that’s a bad sign. During conversations (or visits) try to dig into factors that may not be mentioned on the website. For instance, ask how much attention the camp gives to developmental levels when planning activities, Finkelstein says. You can also ask how the camp encourages friendship-building (and how it responds to bullying or other bad behavior). One more tip: Try to get a sense if the camp can grow with your child. Ask about the camp’s retention rate, and what’s available for kids a few years ahead of your child’s age. “You don’t want to be taking tours on an annual basis,” Roth notes—your goal is to choose a camp your child can enjoy for many summers to come. Ultimately, Anstett says, “if it feels right go with your gut.” Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents.com, Scholastic, and About.com. You can follow her on Twitter @lovelanewest.

! MP CA ION! R T ME UC SUM PROD R O L W F INA NO ORIG R E , IST ALE REG LL SC FU

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Camp Directory Camp Outings

Campers meet for a Red Cross swim lesson with their troop daily.

Jill’s Ceramics

180 Germonds Road, West Nyack 845-623-4975 jillceramics.com jillsceramics@aol.com We provide a great ceramics program to offer campers this summer. Schedule field trips to our fully equipped ceramics and plaster studio in West Nyack, or a program to be held at your location. We offer many choices from our “paint and take home” items. All age groups, affordable rates.

Palisades Climb Adventure

4590 Palisades Center Drive, Level 4 of the Palisades Center, West Nyack 845-727-3500 palisadesclimb.com We offer the world’s tallest indoor ropes challenge course. Standing 85-feet tall, with five levels and 75 unique challenge elements to explore, climb, and conquer including a zip line. Our Sky Tykes kids’ ropes course is designed for ages 2-7. Both courses are available for camp groups, parties, and special events.

Day Camps Alpine Day Camp

441 US 9W Box 377, Alpine, NJ 201-768-1910 alpinedaycamp.org Are you ready for some adventure this summer? The Alpine Day Camp is open to all children entering grades first-seventh. Swimming, climbing, archery, nature, theater, art, outdoor skills, sports, and team building. Morning and afternoon extended hours included at no additional cost. Open houses are March 16 and 30 and April 6 and 27.

Mosholu Day Camp

261 Arden Valley Road, Southfields 845-243-0751 mosholudaycamp.com Mosholu Camps offer a quality program at a low cost. With a strong emphasis on developing new relationships and experiences, our traditional camp day is filled with dynamic activities. Campers participate in activities such as swimming, music, arts, trips, archery, boating, dance, and sports. At Mosholu, we make memories!

Palisades Country Day Camp

248 Herbert Ave., Closter, NJ 201-784-7600 x3 palisadescountryday.com It’s all about fun at Palisades Country Day Camp in Closter, NJ, Bergen County’s No. 1 summer day camp for toddlers-second graders ensures that every child has the opportunity to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Campers enjoy three heated pools, two splash parks, a triple-decker playground, and amazing daily activities.

RoCA Summer Camp / Rockland Center for the Arts

Amy Alinkofsky, camp director 27 S. Greenbush Road, West Nyack 845-358-0877 x18 rocklandartcenter.org amy@rocklandartcenter.org RoCA features one of the region’s most comprehensive art programs. At Camp RoCA, with guidance from teaching artists, campers explore various art forms in studio-based activities where they learn cooperation, personal development, and self-esteem. Available five or three days a week for two, four, six, or eight weeks. July 1-Aug. 23.

Young World Day Camp Camp Ramaquois

30 Mountain Road, Pomona 845-354-1600 ramaquois.com Camp Ramaquois is “a day camp as complete as sleepaway camp,” situated on 44 acres in Rockland County. From adventurous activities to creative arts and athletic activities, boys and girls ages 3-15 experience a traditional day camp program filled with a variety of stimulating activities.

The Lindgren Nursery School and Camp

211 Irving Ave., Closter, NJ 201-768-3550 lindgrenschool.com/summer-camp Set in our spacious, woodland oasis, Lindgren is a haven unlike any camp in the local area. Pools, pavilions, and farm animals create a true outdoor camp experience. Local elementary teachers and artisans bring talents to each department.

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

585 Wyckoff Ave., Mahwah, NJ 201-327-3888 youngworlddayschool.org director@ywdschool.org Traditional camp for ages 2–12, half- and fullday with extended care available. Includes swim instruction and age-appropriate sports and activities. Montessori Camp for ages 3-5, morning only from July 8-Aug. 2. Counselor-in-Training for middle school students. Explore the Arts ages 4-13, afternoon mini sessions from July 8-Aug. 2.

Sleepaway Camps Camp Huntington

56 Bruceville Road, High Falls 855-707-2267 camphuntington.com dfalk@camphuntington.com Camp Huntington is a coed, residential summer

camp for children and young adults with autism-related developmental and learning disabilities, and ADD. Ability levels mild to moderate-severe. Located in High Falls in the beautiful Catskill Mountain region, the camp provides therapeutically and instructionally designed recreation programs in summer.

Campus Kids Weekday Sleep-Away Camp

973-845-9260 campuskids.com Campus Kids is the weekday sleepaway camp: Monday-Friday at camp, home with family on weekends. Transportation included from Westchester and Rockland counties. Each camper chooses activities every day including sports, fine arts, performing arts, and swimming. On the beautiful rural campus of Blair Academy, Blairstown, NJ. ACA-accredited since 1991.

Specialty Camps Bright Beginnings Preschool & Childcare

6 Charles St., New City 914-420-5785 2 Mountainview Court, Pomona brightbeginningsofrockland.com We offer a fun, affordable summer program for children 6 months to school age. Private cul-desac location with an acre of property for outdoor play. Program includes meals, water table and sprinkler play, dance lessons, arts and crafts, physical education, and theme weeks. NYS-licensed/NAFCC accredited facility. Staff is CPRand first aid-certified.

Camp Huntington

56 Bruceville Road, High Falls 855-707-2267 camphuntington.com dfalk@camphuntington.com Camp Huntington, a coed, residential summer camp for children and young adults with autism and related developmental and learning disabilities, ADD. Ability levels mild to moderate-severe. Located in High Falls in the beautiful Catskill Mountain region, the camp provides therapeutically and instructionally designed recreation programs in summer.

Camp Venture Summer Camp

58 Oak Colony Road, Stony Point 845-624-3868 venturerockland.org/programs/summer-camp Camp Venture is proud to offer a summer day camp for all children, but specializing in providing kids with special needs a unique camping experience. Our one- to seven-week integrated camp is a fun, nurturing place for Rockland children with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Activities include swimming, art, and noncompetitive sports. Morning and teen programs available.

CAMP MARKETPLACE Children’s Shakespeare Theatre

103 S. Greenbush Road, Orangeburg 845-826-2623 childrensshakespeare.org childrens.shakespeare@gmail.com Summer Session of The Children’s Shakespeare Theatre is an excellent opportunity to have a taste of what we do. Daily work in voice, stage combat, and acting gives a young actor confidence and training to do any type of theater. Lots of games and outdoor fun too! Culminates in a full, outdoor performance.

Clarkstown Theatre Company

8 Second St., Lower Level, New City 845-708-2288 clarkstowntheatrecompany.com We are a year-round theater company offering acting classes, music theater workshops, and intimate original showpieces. In addition to after-school classes, we are offering a new three-week summer program that involves your child in an original production from start to finish. We keep our casts small, so the experience is “huge!”

Coupé Theatre Studio

430 Market St., Nanuet 845-623-2808 coupedance.com Coupé offers a variety of exciting summer programs for students ages 4 through teens and a Ballet Intensive (by audition). Programs feature age-appropriate classes in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hiphop, musical theater, acro and acrodance, voice training, and acting. Trips to Broadway shows, and ballet at Lincoln Center. Flexible schedules.

Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Dance Studio

61 Maple Ave., New City 845-634-2202 vickistudio.com We are the best alternative to an all-day camp, at reasonable rates! We cater to ages 16 months (diapers welcomed) to 5 years. This multi-arts program includes music, creative movement, theme weeks, and tumbling. Other special summer programs for ages 2½ to adult include a variety of dance and combination classes.

St. Anne Stages - Musical Theater Summer Workshop c/o the Church of St. Anne

15-05 St. Anne St., Fair Lawn, NJ stannestages.com stannestages@aol.com We are an award-winning, nonprofit local theater company established in 1996. Created by certified teachers to increase opportunities for children in third to 12th grades in the arts of music, dance, and stage production, MTSW helps build communication skills, self-esteem, and increased confidence in presentation. Please check our website for more details.

Surge Studio

285 N. Route 303 (in Colonial Plaza), Congers 845-589-0990 surgestudioarts.com info@surgestudioarts.com Surge Studio is a true dance home for students of all ages and levels. Perfect for students taking dance for recreational purposes, as well as students who want to establish a professional dance career! This summer we will offer a variety of classes and programs. Please call for summer schedule.

July 15-26 Weekdays Acting Stage Combat Movement Voice

Scene Painting Costuming Dance Sound Design

Master-class opportunity to work with CST’s Artistic Director For info email: 9:00 a.m.*- 4:00 p.m. childrens.shakespeare@gmail.com *Early drop-off available for additional fee www.childrensshakespeare.org RocklandParent 17

Alpine Day Camp alpinedaycamp.org

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Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Dance Studio vickistudio.com

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Mosholu Day Camp mosholudaycamp.com

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St. Anne Stages stannestages.com

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Surge Studio surgestudioarts.com

The Academy for Martial Arts theacademyformartialarts.com

West Rock Indoor westrockindoor.com

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Young World Day Camp youngworlddayschool.org

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March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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Lindgren Summer Camp lindgrenschool.com

Challenge Courses

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German Language Camp germanschoolnj.org

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Fine Arts

Special Needs

Nature & Petting Zoo

Counselor-in-Training

Travel

Horseback Riding

Competitive Sports

Music, Theater, & Dance

Scholarship

Flexible Scheduling

Extended Hours

STEAM & Academic Enrichment

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Coupé Theatre Studio coupedance.com

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Children’s Shakespeare Theatre childrensshakespeare.org

Palisades Country Day Camp palisadescountryday.com

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Camp Venture Summer Camp venturerockland.org

JCC Rockland jccrocklandcamps.org

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Camp RoCA rocklandartcenter.org

Campus Kids Weekday Sleep-Away Camp campuskids.com

PROGRAMS:

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Bright Beginnings brightbeginningsofrockland.com Camp Ramaquois ramaquois.com

Lunch

Transportation

Camp Guide

SERVICES:

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CAMP MARKETPLACE

The Best Alternative To An All Day Camp! Programs & Workshops for Girls & Boys 16 months - teens St. Anne Stages Musical Theater Summer Workshop 2019

vicki’s dance studio

» Award-winning, nonprofit local theater company established in 1996. » Created by certified teachers to increase opportunities for children in grades 3-12 in the arts of music, dance and stage production. » MTSW helps build communication skills, self-esteem and increased confidence in presentation. Session I: Session II: July 9th-12th & 15th-19th July 29th-August 2nd & August 5th-10th Performances on July 19th & 20th Performances on August 9th and 10th. For more information on our auditions, dates and past productions of original shows, check out our website at stannestages.com

2 or more hour sessions available (extended hour options)

Preschool & Childcare Open Enrollment

Infants to School Age • Operated and run by a NYS certified Elementary Teacher with a Literacy Specialization. • All Staff – CPR & First Aid Certified • We offer special rates for teachers!

• Before and after school programs as well as drop-ins for school delays and closures. • We follow a NYS pre-k curriculum • NYS Licensed Facility & NAFCC Accredited

Now Includes Weekly Dance Lessons

(914)420-5785 Two Great Locations in New City & Pomona

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Our Summer Programs Include: • Multi-Arts Program (Ages 16 months - 5 years old) includes Arts & Crafts, Music with instruments, theme weeks, tumbling, creative movement & more

• Princess Dress Up Dance Tea Party • American Girl Dance Around The World • Broadway Kidz New Competitive Strength Dance Team • Pop Diva & Conditioning Options • Youth Theatre Workshops Ages 5-18 • Pre-Teen - Teen Dance Workshop • Gymnastics Galore

61 Maple Ave, New City • www.vickistudio.com • 634-2202

Summer Arts Day Camp

savings, special offers Team and Youth & Adult Dance Classes | Competition Dance deep discounts—for you Private Instruction | Birthday Parties & more! and Great New York deals,

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POSITIVE, CREATIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR DANCE STUDENTS OF ALL AGES AND LEVELS.

285 N. Route 303, Congers, NY • 845-589-0990 • www.surgestudioarts.com

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July 1- August 23, 2019 3 or 5 days per week 2, 4, 6, or 8 week sessions grades K-9

Cityguideny.com has coupons and discounts for NYC sightseeing attractions, restaurants, stores and more.

Fine Arts h Ceramics h Swimming h Sculpture Nature Trails h Dance h Theater Artsh Yoga

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ROCKLAND CENTER FOR THE ARTS 27 s greenbush rd, w nyack, ny 10994 (845) 358-0877 www.rocklandartcenter.org

GREAT DEALS?

RocklandParent 19

things to do

city bound

N Y C

Family Fun in Manhattan

By Melissa Wickes

Courtesy Feld Entertainment

Courtesy AMNH/ R. Mickens

W he hile y re ou , v ’r isit e …

A scene from Vital Theatre Company’s Angelina Ballerina the Musical

Have a ‘Mice’ Time!

American Museum of Natural History

Explore all that this institution has to offer, from prehistoric creatures to the wonders of space. This iconic museum has been educating its visitors in the cross-disciplinary history of North America since 1869. With 45 permanent exhibition halls, including the Rose Center for Earth and Space, the Hayden Planetarium, and a variety of galleries for temporary exhibits, the educational fun will be endless. Visit it: Central Park West at 79th Street, Upper West Side Can’t-miss event: T. Rex: The Ultimate Predator opens March 11 Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive from New City

Leo Herrera

Richard Termine

Angelina is way more than just a ballerina (and mouse). She can dance hip-hop, modern, and she even does an Irish jig with her friends Alice, Gracie, AZ, Viki, and their teacher Ms. Mimi. See them in the family-friendly Angelina Ballerina the Musical, the story of a group of mice who show off their dancing skills to their famous guest at the Camembert Academy. It will get the kids dancing in the aisle faster than you can say, “cheese!” Through May 19, select Saturdays and Sundays, 11am and 1pm. Age: 2 and older. $25 and up. Theater at Blessed Sacrament, 162 W. 71st St., Upper West Side. angelinamusical.com.

T. Rex: The Ultimate Predator will showcase the latest research and discoveries about tyrannosaurs, with emphasis on the T. Rex.

The puppets featured in Ajijaak on Turtle Island are from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.

Blood Mirror, a piece by Jordan Eagles, is featured at the Museum of the City of New York’s exhibit Germ City: Microbes and the Metropolis.

Love and Appreciate Our Earth

Museum of the City of New York

Celebrate the natural world through the visually beautiful story of Ajijaak, a young whooping crane facing her first migration south, told through the realistic puppets of artist Heather Henson and Grammy Award winner Ty Defoe’s ensemble. Ajijaak on Turtle Island features indigenous songs, languages, and dance, all combined to create a fable about the dangerous effects of climate change on Earth and its animals. On Saturday, March 2 at 7pm, Ajijaak on Turtle Island will feature an autism-friendly performance. March 1-10, see website. Age: 7 and older. $17 and up. The New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Hell’s Kitchen. newvictory.org. 20

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

This unique and educational museum tells the real story of New York City, exploring the past, present, and future. Baseball-lovers will marvel at In the Dugout with Jackie Robinson, or you can gaze up at Starlight, the museum’s light installation suspended above the Rotunda. Littlest museumgoers won’t want to miss A City for Corduroy, which pays tribute to Don Freeman, the creator of the classic children’s story of a beloved bear. Visit it: 1220 Fifth Ave., at 103rd Street, Upper East Side; mcny.org Can’t-miss event: Germ City: Microbes and the Metropolis; through April 28; see website for schedule Directions: Approximately a 50-minute drive from New City

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Turn the page for details on the 38th Annual Bergen County St. Patrick’s Day Parade (No. 4 on our list)

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WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

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CALENDAR

Editor’s Hot Tickets

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Crafty Kids

The Great Outdoors

Mini Musicians

Smarty Pants

Animal Lovers, Show Time!, Special Needs

Fun Fairs & Festivals, Once Upon a Time

Movers & Shakers, Little Foodies, On Screen

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

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

Currents by Mayumana

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 8pm WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown, NJ AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This innovative troupe takes you on a breathless journey of sound and light combining music, visual effects, and skilled performers in constant movement. WHY WE LOVE IT: The playfulness extends beyond the stage, reaching out to engage directly with the audience. WANT TO GO? $29-$69. 973-539-8008.

‘B-The Underwater Bubble Show’

WHEN: Sunday, March 3, 2pm and 5pm WHERE: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: All WHAT: After another day full of meetings and deadlines, Mr. B finds himself transported to a beautiful underwater world where fantasy becomes reality. WHY WE LOVE IT: The visuals are stunning and will impress kids and adults. WANT TO GO? $19-$39. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could

WHEN: Sunday, March 3, 1:30pm and 4:30pm WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Brady Rymer performs accordion-laced pop and rock music that regularly wins national awards including three Children’s Grammy nominations. WHY WE LOVE IT: The 4:30pm show will be a relaxed performance with lights up, modified sound, a quiet room, and the ability to get out of your seat for children with special needs. WANT TO GO? $12-$15. 973-539-8008. mayoarts.org.

38th Annual Bergen County St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 10, 2pm WHERE: Washington Avenue, Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate a week early at the 38th Annual Bergen County St. Patrick’s Day Parade. WHY WE LOVE IT: There will be a special St. Patrick’s Day mass at St. Mary’s Church earlier in the morning. WANT TO GO? bergencountyirish.org.

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Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour

WHEN: Sunday, March 17, 3pm WHERE: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark, NJ AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Sing and dance with Disney Junior’s greatest hits at this interactive, live concert experience. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Elena of Avalor, Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, and Puppy Dog Pals will be there. WHY WE LOVE IT: Audiences will also experience magical on-screen moments with Muppet Babies and the Lion Guard. WANT TO GO? $19 and up. 800-466-5722. njpac.org.

Children’s Purim Spiel & Carnival at RTR FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 17, 9am-12pm WHERE: The Reform Temple of Rockland, 330 N. Highland Ave., Upper Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Join for a children’s spiel followed by a Purim Carnival filled with games, crafts, treats, and other fun-filled excitement. WHY WE LOVE IT: Costumes are encouraged! WANT TO GO? 845-358-2248. rtrny.org.

Sounds Like Science Show with Mad Science FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 24, 2-3pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-12 WHAT: This Mad Science show explores how sound is made and how we hear it. Explore the science of speakers and create a disco show with magnets and your skull. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids who like chaos will love creating a crazy cacophony with tools such as a garbage can, a swinging sound tube, and a metal pipe. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Weekly Drop-In at Rockland Baby Café FREE

No drill No numb feeling No needles No jarring noises No soreness And multiple procedures done in one appointment

Dental Wellness of Suffern | Sherri Alpert, D.D.S. 2 Executive Blvd., Suite 307, Suffern | (845) 918-1801 dentalwellnessofsuffern.com

Hop Around GREAT AFFORDABLE FAMILY EVENT

10% O FF

B USE RCING THIS ODE H AD OR AH-R P2019

HAVERSTRAW Easter Egg Hunt & Pictures with the Easter Bunny

HAVERSTRAW CABOOSE

April 13, 14 & 20 10am – 3pm

SEE US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM

WHEN: March 25-Jan. 31, 2020, Tuesdays, 10:30am12:30pm WHERE: Rockland Baby Café, 14 S. Main St., Spring Valley AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: Meet and talk to new moms, learn how to make breastfeeding easier, and get tips on pumping, going back to work, and other parenting topics. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s the first drop-in baby café in the New York metro area. WANT TO GO? 914-922-2240. rocklandgov.com. ››

WWW.INFOSTRAW.COM 1 Railroad Square (Route 9W & New Main Street) ~ Haverstraw, NY RocklandParent 23

CRAFTY KIDS Summer Art Camp Open House FREE

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. An Introduction to the Lower School FREE

WHEN: Monday, March 4, 7-9pm WHERE: Rose Hall, Green Meadow Waldorf School, 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Learn all about this unique school and the Waldorf method. WANT TO GO? 845-356-2514 x302. gmws.org.

Crystal Run Healthcare Prenatal Class FREE

WHEN: Monday, March 4, 5-6pm WHERE: West Nyack Office, 2 Centerock Road, West Nyack AGES: Adult WHAT: The program, designed by Crystal Run pediatricians, provides guidance and emotional support and helps prepare expectant parents for the arrival of their new baby. WANT TO GO? 845-703-6999. crystalrunhealthcare.com.

Family Bingo FREE

WHEN: Friday, March 8, 6:30-8pm WHERE: Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Public Library, 25 Flywheel Park W., Piermont AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Play bingo after hours for snacks, prizes, and fun! WANT TO GO? 845-359-4595. piermontlibrary.org.

Camp Open House FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 24, 1-4pm, by appointment WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: All WHAT: Take a tour of the campus and get answers to your questions about the ins and outs of camp. Preceded by optional Outragehisss Pets live animal show from 12-1pm. WANT TO GO? 845-356-1234. thenatureplace.com.

Gathering the Magic with Master Ben FREE

WHEN: March 6-27, Wednesdays, 4-6pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 13-17 WHAT: For new and experienced players alike come learn the basics of Magic the Gathering, learn new tricks, meet new people, and have fun! WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org. 24

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, March 3, 1-4pm WHERE: Rockland Center for the Arts, 27 S. Greenbush Road, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: RoCA is a space for developing artists to explore various visual art forms in studio-based activities such as painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, art, nature, dance, music, theater arts, yoga, and cartooning. WANT TO GO? 845-358-0877. rocklandartcenter.org.

Hand Spinning Group

WHEN: Monday, March 4, 10:10am-12pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 13 and older WHAT: All levels of hand spinners (drop spindle, wheel spinners) are welcome, beginner to expert. WANT TO GO? $5 loan of spindle and initial supply of wool. 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Crafts with Miss Cheryl FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, March 6, 4:30-5:15pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Make a fun craft to take home. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Teen Crafternoon: Friendship Bracelets FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 9, 3-4pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Learn how to make friendship bracelets in this teen-led workshop. All materials provided. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Bubbling Potions Workshop with Mad Science FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 10, 2-3pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Students will be introduced to the concept of matter and the properties of solids, liquids, and gases during this fun workshop. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Tween Stop Motion Animation FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, March 12, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Make your own mini movies using stop motion animation. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Puppy Party FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, March 13, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Celebrate National Puppy Day with games, crafts, and tails. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Tween Paper Circuits FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, March 19, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Use conductive paint and the library’s Makey Makey to create interactive art. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

All The Dentistry Your Family Needs Under One Roof! Open Evenings and Saturdays

Lego Club FREE

Family Savings Plan as Low as $50/mo

WHEN: March 5-19, select Tuesdays, 4:15-5:15pm WHERE: Pearl River Library, 80 Franklin Ave., Pearl River AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Drop in and play with Legos. WANT TO GO? 845-735-4084. pearlriverlibrary.org.

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A Modern Office for the Modern Family

Teen Craft FREE

WHEN: March 12-26, select Tuesdays, 6-7pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Make stuff with Miss Morgan! WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

FREE Consultation, X-Ray, and Exam! ($205 Value) Dedicated Children's Facility!

Teen Knit & Crochet FREE

WHEN: March 6-27, Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Learn how to make a scarf and some mittens. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

CrafterSchoolClub FREE

WHEN: March 7-28, Thursdays, 4:15-5pm WHERE: Pearl River Library, 80 Franklin Ave., Pearl River AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make simple robots, crafts that light up, and other fun projects. WANT TO GO? 845-735-4084. pearlriverlibrary.org.

Friday Fun FREE

WHEN: March 1-29, Fridays, 4-5pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Village Branch, 85 Main St., Haverstraw AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Enjoy different programs every week including Builder’s Club, games, 3-D pens, PS4, Code Club, and Science Squad. WANT TO GO? 845-429-3445. hkdpl.org.

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Be Social

Storytime

WHEN: March 4-Dec. 30, Mondays, 11:30am WHERE: Glaze, 34 Orangetown Shopping Center, Orangeburg AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Children enjoy 30 minutes of a new book each week and paint a piece of pottery related to that story. WANT TO GO? $20. 845-359-9020. glazeartstudio.com. ››

RocklandParent 25

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Camp Open House FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 1-2pm and 3-4pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Take a tour of the campus and get answers about the ins and outs of camp. WANT TO GO? 845-356-1234. thenatureplace.com.

Maple Sugaring! FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 12-1pm or 2-3pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Discover what it takes to turn sap into syrup. WANT TO GO? 845-356-1234. thenatureplace.com.

Public Skating Sessions

WHEN: Through March 2: Monday-Tuesday, 10am-1:30pm; Friday, 8-9:30pm; Saturday, 10am-9:30pm; Sunday, 10am-7:30pm WHERE: Bear Mountain Ice Rink, 7 Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove AGES: All WHAT: Lace-up for the season and enjoy skating outdoors in the fresh air. WANT TO GO? $5; $2 non-skaters and seniors; free for children younger than 4. $5 skate rental. 845-786-2701. bearmountainicerink.com.

Seasonal Trail Cleanup FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 10-11:30am WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Help give back by picking up trash and cleaning up the forest. WANT TO GO? 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Adventures In Reading - Scoot! FREE

WHEN: Through March 6: weekdays, 9am-5pm; weekends, 11am-4pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Hikers read a nature-themed story while they walk in the woods. WANT TO GO? 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Camp Open House FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 9, 10-11am WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: All WHAT: An Environmental Educator will take you around the property, lead a craft, and address any questions you may have. You might even get to meet one of the Animal Ambassadors. WANT TO GO? 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Family Nature Discovery: Skulls

WHEN: Saturday, March 9, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Enjoy a winter discovery-themed lesson, featuring hands on activities and animal encounters. WANT TO GO? $5 members; $20 family up to 6 people; $8 non-members; $32 family up to 6 people. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Seasonal Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, March 9, 2-3pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Families will receive a set of clues to solve riddles along Nature Center trails. WANT TO GO? $3 member; $10 member family; $6 non-member; $20 non-member family. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Primitive Living Skills - Children Session: Bow and Arrow

WHEN: March 3-17, first and third Sunday (part 1 and 2), 10am-12:30pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 285 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Learn all about the art of archery and its uses for survival. WANT TO GO? $45. 845-356-1234. thenatureplace.com/programs/ primitive-living-skills.

Primitive Living Skills Family Session: Bowl and Spoon Making Part 1

WHEN: March 3-17, first and third Sunday, 2pm-4:30pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 285 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn all about making your very own bowl and spoon using a ‘coal burning’ technique. WANT TO GO? $25 per participant. 845-356-1234. thenatureplace.com/programs/primitive-living-skills.

Maple Sugar Tours

WHEN: March 2-17, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center, 120 Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: All WHAT: Learn to identify and tap sugar maple trees, discover sugaring techniques, see an evaporator in action, and participate in a taste test challenge. WANT TO GO? $10; $8 children ages 3-17 and members; $6 children members ages 3-17. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.

Knee-High Naturalists

WHEN: Through March 18: Wednesdays, 10-10:45am WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Explore the natural world through a series of topics lead by a Tenafly Nature Center Environmental Educator. Each week has a different focus emphasizing working together through discovery stations, songs, and journeys outside. WANT TO GO? $10 members; $15 non-members; $56 series for members; $80 series for non-members. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

First Day of Spring Full Moon Walk

WHEN: Wednesday, March 20, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, 25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the first day of spring and the last full moon of the winter season during this walk. WANT TO GO? $6 adult members; $4 children members; $8 adult non-members; $6 children non-members. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.

WHERE: Campgaw Mountain, 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing (with a surface lift!) for all abilities on uncrowded trails. Equipment rentals and instruction available. WANT TO GO? See website for rates and packages. 201-327-7800. skicampgaw.com.

Public Skating Sessions

WHEN: Through March 31: Monday and Friday, 3:30-5pm; Saturday, 1:30-4:30pm; Sunday, 2-5pm WHERE: John T. Wright Arena, 130 W. Englewood Ave., set GPS to 85 W. Englewood Ave., Englewood, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Go outdoor ice-skating with your family! Lessons available too. WANT TO GO? $6 Englewood residents; $8 non-resident; $4 skate rentals. 201-568-3133. mackayicerink.com.

MINI

MUSICIANS Irish Music in America FREE

WHEN: Friday, March 8, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Go on a musical journey from Ireland to the New World! WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Spring Campfire

Music Together FREE

Maple Sugaring

Play, Move & Sing with Sukey Molloy FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 6-8:30pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Gather around the campfire and explore how lengthening days and warmer temperatures affect plants and animals. WANT TO GO? $5 members; $10 non-members. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org. WHEN: March 3-24, Sundays, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Check Tenafly Nature Center’s tapped tree and boil down sap to make fresh, warm maple syrup. WANT TO GO? $5 per member and guests; $15 member family up to 6 people; $10 per non-member; $30 non-member family up to 6 people. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Drop-In Snowshoe Lessons

WHEN: March 2-30, Saturdays, 11am WHERE: Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Sam’s Point Area, 400 Sam’s Point Road, Cragsmoor AGES: All WHAT: This program is designed for people who are beginners, interested in trying snowshoeing as a new winter activity. WANT TO GO? $5 snowshoe rental. 845-647-7989. parks.ny.gov.

Ski, Snowboard, and Tubing Season

WHEN: Through March 31: Monday-Thursday, 2-8pm; Friday, 1-10pm; Saturday, 8:30am-10pm; Sunday, 8:30am-8pm

WHEN: Tuesday, March 19, 11:45am-12:30pm WHERE: Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Public Library, 25 Flywheel Park W., Piermont AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Each child participates at his or her own level in singing, moving, chanting, listening, watching, or exploring musical instruments. WANT TO GO? 845-359-4595. piermontlibrary.org. WHEN: Wednesday, March 20, 10-10:45am WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Play, move, and sing to creative arrangements or traditional favorites with lots of rhythmic nuances. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Music Fun with Kurt Gallagher FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 10:30-11:15am WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join for a special family music program for young children. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Playtime Storytime FREE

WHEN: March 1-29, Fridays, 10:30-11:15am WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Enjoy stories and songs, sensory story time with cool activities, fun with nonfiction, and more. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org. ›› RocklandParent 27

Snowy Science FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 17, 2-3pm WHERE: Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, 443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood, NJ AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Experiment with super cooling, learn how to make fake snow, and discover how you could make your very own hot ice! WANT TO GO? 201-567-1265. flatrockbrook.org.

Baby Signs FREE

WHEN: March 5-19, Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30am WHERE: Pearl River Library, 80 Franklin Ave., Pearl River AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Children and caregivers will learn signs to communicate. WANT TO GO? 845-735-4084. pearlriverlibrary.org.

Spirit of Being Exhibition FREE

WHEN: Through March 24: Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm; SaturdaySunday, 1-4pm WHERE: Rockland Center for the Arts, 27 S. Greenbush Road, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Rockland Center for the Arts kicks off its 2019 exhibition season exploring the power of art to transform and heal with Spirit of Being. WANT TO GO? 845-358-0877. rocklandartcenter.org.

Quantum Connections FREE

SMARTY PANTS Free Practice SAT Test FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 9, 12:30-4:30pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Take a free practice SAT in a real testing environment with a proctor. Bring your own calculator and snacks. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370. nyacklibrary.org.

Afternoon ABC 123: Leprechaun Treasure Hunt

WHEN: March 14-15, Thursday-Friday, 2pm WHERE: Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, 75 N. Water St., Poughkeepsie AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Storytelling and play combine to make this early math program pure fun! Leprechaun #10 has lost his nine friends. Count the green footprints as you follow the trail to the gold. WANT TO GO? $10; free for children younger than 1 year. 845-471-0589. mhcm.org.

Bingo for Adults & Children FREE

WHEN: Friday, March 15, 6:30-8pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: All WHAT: An evening of fun for all ages! WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Winter Weekend

WHEN: March 16-17, 11am-4pm WHERE: Storm King Art Center, Old Pleasant Hill Road, (For GPS, enter 1 Museum Road, New Windsor), Mountainville AGES: All WHAT: Explore the sculpture and grounds in the brilliant winter landscape. WANT TO GO? $18; $15 seniors 65 and older; $ 8 ages 5-18 and students; free for children ages 4 and younger, Storm King Members, and Federal Employees plus one guest. 845-534-3115. stormking.org/winterweekends.

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through March 24: Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm; SaturdaySunday, 1-4pm WHERE: Rockland Center for the Arts, 27 S. Greenbush Road, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: The works of Daniel Martin Diaz engage the senses and ask: What does it mean to be a human being? WANT TO GO? 845-358-0877. rocklandartcenter.org.

Master Ben’s Boardgames FREE

WHEN: March 4-25, Mondays, 4-6pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Play some awesome new board games and meet fellow gamers. The group will sometimes play Magic the Gathering. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

Library Chess Group

WHEN: March 6-27, Wednesdays, 5:30-8pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 13 and older WHAT: New players are always welcome! WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

‘Elemental Forces’ Exhibit

WHEN: Through April 30: Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm; Saturday-Sunday, 1-4pm WHERE: Rockland Center for the Arts, 27 S. Greenbush Road, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: This public art exhibit invited artists to create sculptures using renewable energy. WANT TO GO? 845-358-0877. rocklandartcenter.org.

Weekly Drop-In at Rockland Baby Café FREE

WHEN: March 25- Jan. 31, 2020, Thursdays, 11am-1pm WHERE: Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center, 110 Bethune Blvd., Spring Valley AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: A drop-in to meet and talk to new moms, learn how to make breast-feeding easier, make sure your baby is latching and gaining well, get tips on pumping and going back to work, and learn about other topics. WANT TO GO? 914-922-2240. rocklandgov.com.

ANIMAL LOVERS Tiny Tyke

WHEN: Sunday, March 3, 2-3pm WHERE: Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, 443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood, NJ AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Snuggle up for a story and animal meet-and-greet, then work together on a special craft. WANT TO GO? $10; free for members. 201-567-1265. flatrockbrook.org.

R.E.A.D. to Therapy Dogs FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, March 6, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Pearl River Library, 80 Franklin Ave., Pearl River AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Snuggle up with a soft dog a good book. WANT TO GO? 845-735-4084. pearlriverlibrary.org.

READ to a Dog FREE

WHEN: March 2-20, March 2, 10:30am-12pm; March 17, 1:30pm; March 20, 5pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Sign up for a 15-minute session to read to a dog. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Outragehisss Pets FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 24, 12-1pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Learn, see up close, and even touch or hold chinchillas, fennec foxes, armadillos, snakes, and hedgehogs. WANT TO GO? 845-356-1234. thenatureplace.com.

Birds of Prey FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 24, 2-3pm WHERE: Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, 443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Meet Flat Rock Brook’s feathered ambassadors and learn all about their behavior, physiology, adaptations, and natural history. WANT TO GO? 201-567-1265. flatrockbrook.org.

SHOW TIME!

National Dance Institute in ‘At the River’s Edge’

WHEN: Sunday, March 10, 3pm WHERE: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark, NJ AGES: All WHAT: This original production celebrates the cultures, creatures, and cities that thrive “at the river’s edge.” WANT TO GO? $5. 800-466-5722. njpac.org.

Dr. Seuss’s ‘The Cat in the Hat’

WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 2pm WHERE: South Orange Performing Arts Center, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Everyone’s favorite cat comes to mischievous life in this theatrical adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic The Cat in the Hat. WANT TO GO? $18. 973-313-2787.

An Evening of Mystery with Agatha Christie FREE

WHEN: Friday, March 29, 6:30-8pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Join actress and writer Prudence Wright for her interpretation of this event in her one-woman, interactive play. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS Turtle Dance Music: Sensory Friendly Kidz Cabaret Series

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Turtle Dance Music aims to spark children’s curiosity and imaginations through interactive, inclusive musical performances that use a wide range of instruments, stuffed animals, games, and technology. WANT TO GO? $19. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.

Sensory Tuesdays

WHEN: March 5-26, Tuesdays, 6-7pm WHERE: Bounce! Trampoline Sports, 612 Corporate Way, Valley Cottage AGES: All WHAT: These special programs include decreased auditory and visual stimuli in a less crowded environment, and fun structured group indoor activities with limited class size. WANT TO GO? $12. 845-268-4000. bounceonit.com. ››

‘Beauty and the Beast’

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 2pm WHERE: South Orange Performing Arts Center, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange AGES: 3-12 WHAT: This show is filled with lots of laughter, stunning costumes, music, and plenty of magic. WANT TO GO? $20. 973-313-2787. sopacnow.org.

Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion in Concert

WHEN: Saturday, March 9, 7:30-9:30pm WHERE: Rockland Center for the Arts, 27 S. Greenbush Road, West Nyack AGES: Adult WHAT: Guthrie’s Waggaloo family album won a Golden Medallion from The Parents’ Choice Foundation. WANT TO GO? $20; $25 at the door. 845-358-0877. rocklandartcenter.org.

RocklandParent 29

2019 Rockland St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 17, 1:30pm WHERE: Rockland County Ancient Order of Hiberians, Crooked Hill Road, Pearl River AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the 57th Annual Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians St. Patrick’s Parade. WANT TO GO? rocklandcountyaoh.com.

JCC Rockland Purim Palooza FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 24, 10am-12pm WHERE: JCC of Rockland, 450 W. Nyack Road, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: A fun morning for families to celebrate Purim with their friends. WANT TO GO? 845-362-4400. jccrockland.org.

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS Sugarloaf Craft Festival

WHEN: March 1-3, Friday-Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: New Jersey Expo and Convention Center at Raritan Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison, NJ AGES: All WHAT: There’s something for everyone to love at Sugarloaf Crafts Festival including demonstrations, live music, and specialty food providers. WANT TO GO? $8 online; $10 at the door; free for kids 12 and younger. 732-417-1400. sugarloafcrafts.com.

Progressivee Insurance World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition

WHEN: Through March 3: Thursday, 2-9pm; Friday, 1-9pm; Saturday, 9:30am-7pm; Sunday, 9:30am-5pm WHERE: Rockland Community College, 145 College Road, Suffern AGES: All WHAT: This exposition celebrates 42 years as the region’s biggest fishing, hunting, and travel event with fun for the whole family. WANT TO GO? $13; $3 children ages 6-11; free for children 5 and younger. 603-431-4315. sportshows.com/suffern.

Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show

WHEN: March 9-10, Tuesday-Wednesday, 10am-4pm WHERE: New Jersey Expo and Convention Center at Raritan Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Greenberg’s Great Train & Toy Show features hundreds of tables of trains and accessories for sale, huge operating exhibits, activities for kids, and more. WANT TO GO? $10 Saturday; $9 Sunday; free for children 11 and under. 732-417-1400. trainshow.com/edison03.

Rubach Family Purim Celebration

WHEN: Sunday, March 17, 1-4pm WHERE: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Bring your children in their favorite Purim costumes to enjoy junior bounce and moon bounce, slides, games, prizes, life-size cartoon characters, snacks, and more. WANT TO GO? $1 per person suggested entrance donation; $25 for 30 ride and game tickets. 201-408-1435. jccotp.org. 30

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

ONCE UPON A TIME Read Across America: Bring Your Favorite Book and Teddy Bear Day

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 10am-3pm WHERE: Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, 75 N. Water St., Poughkeepsie AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Celebrate National Read Across America Day with special story times and teddy bear sing-alongs throughout the day! WANT TO GO? $10; free for children younger than 1 and members. 845-471-0589. mhcm.org.

Teen Lock-In: The Worlds of Rick Riordan FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 4-8pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Celebrate the works of Rick Riordan in this after-hours lock-in for teens. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Stories, Songs, and Silliness FREE

WHEN: Monday, March 4, 11-11:30am WHERE: Pearl River Library, 80 Franklin Ave., Pearl River AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy songs, rhymes, felt boards, and a book or two. Go for the stickers, stay for the bubbles! WANT TO GO? 845-735-4084. pearlriverlibrary.org.

WOW Women! FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, March 5, 7-8:15pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kick off Women’s History Month with a special story time and activity. Learn about amazing women from American history. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Story Time FREE

WHEN: March 4-25, Mondays, 10:15-10:45am and 11:15-11:45am WHERE: Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Public Library, 25 Flywheel Park W., Piermont AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Enjoy stories, songs, and play. WANT TO GO? 845-359-4595. piermontlibrary.org.

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Pajama Storytime FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, March 26, 7-7:30pm WHERE: Pearl River Library, 80 Franklin Ave., Pearl River AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Wear your PJs, bring a stuffed pal and your favorite grownup, and join for cozy bedtime stories. WANT TO GO? 845-735-4084. pearlriverlibrary.org.

Storytime for the Little Ones FREE

WHEN: March 6-27, 11am WHERE: Barnes & Noble Nanuet, 140 Rockland Plaza, Nanuet AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Listen to a variety of selections from the Children’s Department. WANT TO GO? 845-624-2920. bn.com.

Weekly Wednesday Storytime FREE

WHEN: March 6-27, Wednesdays, 11am WHERE: Barnes & Noble Paramus, 765 Route 17 S., Paramus, NJ AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join for a special story time with a fun-filled activity or craft. WANT TO GO? 201-445-4589. bn.com.

Exploration Station FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, March 27, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Explore science and the world around you with hands-on stations, along with a discussion and a story. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Story & Craft with Miss Nancy FREE

WHEN: March 7-28, Thursdays, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Public Library, 25 Flywheel Park W., Piermont AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Listen to some themed picture books and make a simple craft based on that seasonal theme. WANT TO GO? 845-359-4595. piermontlibrary.org.

Hogwarts Book Club FREE

WHEN: Through March 28: Thursdays, 7-8pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Discuss the stories and adventure of Harry Potter WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

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GYMNASTICS & FITNESS 10 months to 12 years

Ask about payment plan options!

PRE SCHOOL CLASSES (PARENT PARTICIPATION) TODDLER GYM:

(WITHOUT PARENTS) BUSY BEE/TUMBLE BEE

(10 months - 24 months)

(3-1/2 yrs. - 5 yrs. Old)

ROMP & ROLL:

SPECIAL CLASSES

(2 yrs. - 3 yrs. Old)

(4 yrs. - 10 yrs. Old)

FUN & FIT GYMNASTICS KINDERGYM (5-6 YRS.)

SCHOOL AGE GYMNASTICS

Tales & Tunes FREE

WHEN: Through May 21: Mondays, 11-11:30am and 7-7:30pm; Tuesdays, 11:30am-12pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Check out fun stories, finger plays, songs, and more. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org. ››

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(6-12 YRS.)

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(845) 623-2553

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LITTLE FOODIES

Teen Cooking FREE

WHEN: March 5-19, select Tuesdays, 6-7pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Cook delicious things with Miss Morgan. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370. nyacklibrary.org.

Child & Adult Book Club FREE

MOVERS & SHAKERS Parent’s Night Out

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 5:30-9:30pm WHERE: JTS Community Center, 115 Torne Valley Road, Hillburn AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Enjoy a night out while your kids have fun with gaga ball and basketball, music, dancing, arts and crafts, pizza, and a snack, plus a movie at 8pm. WANT TO GO? $10 first child and $5 per sibling for members; $20 first child and $10 per sibling for non-members. 845-753-2324. ramapoparks.org.

WHEN: Thursday, March 28, 7-8pm WHERE: Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Public Library, 25 Flywheel Park W., Piermont AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Bring your favorite adult to discuss a book and eat dessert! WANT TO GO? 845-359-4595. piermontlibrary.org.

Winter Farmers Market FREE

WHEN: Through March 29: Thursdays, 8am-2pm WHERE: Nyack Farmers Market, 58 Depew Ave., Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Join some of the greatest vendors in the region. WANT TO GO? 845-642-0859. nyackchamber.org/winter-farmers-market.

Ramsey Farmers Market FREE

WHEN: Through March 31: Sundays, 10am-2pm WHERE: Eric Smith School, 2 Monroe St., Ramsey, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Shop local farmers and vendors. WANT TO GO? 201-675-6866. ramseyfarmersmarket.org.

Teen Yoga FREE

WHEN: Monday, March 11, 4:15-5pm WHERE: Pearl River Library, 80 Franklin Ave., Pearl River AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Yoga increases focus, confidence, self-esteem, physical strength, and flexibility. WANT TO GO? 845-735-4084. pearlriverlibrary.org.

Teen Game Night FREE

WHEN: Friday, March 22, 5-6:30pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Play a variety of video games, card games, and board games. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

All Sports Day Camp

WHEN: Friday, March 22, 9am-3pm WHERE: West Rock Indoor Sports and Entertainment Complex, 21 Pralle Lane, Nanuet AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Enjoy a fun-filled day of sports, inflatables, arts and crafts, and activities. Plus compete in relay races, kickball, dodge ball, basketball, soccer, and more. WANT TO GO? $50 per child full day; $30 per child half day; $5 lunch. 845-623-3636. westrockindoor.com.

DreamWorks Trolls The Experience

WHEN: Through May 31: Monday-Friday, 10am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-8pm WHERE: 218 W. 57th St., 218 W. 57th St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Guided by a rainbow path, visitors will sing, dance, hug, and celebrate alongside DreamWorks Trolls. WANT TO GO? $40. 800-844-3545. trollstheexperience.com.

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

ON SCREEN Marvel Comics Night FREE

WHEN: Friday, March 1, 7-10pm WHERE: Pearl River Library, 80 Franklin Ave., Pearl River AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Watch Ant Man and the Wasp during Marvel Comics Night. WANT TO GO? 845-735-4084. pearlriverlibrary.org.

Dr. Seuss Drive In Movie FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 3, 1:30-4:30pm WHERE: Bergenfield Public Library, 50 W. Clinton Ave., Bergenfield, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Decorate a “car” to sit in and snack in and watch Horton Hears A Who. WANT TO GO? 201-387-4040. bergenfieldlibrary.org.

After School New Movie: ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet’ FREE WHEN: Thursday, March 21, 3:30-5pm WHERE: Emerson Public Library, 20 Palisade Ave, Emerson, NJ AGES: 5-12 WHAT: See Ralph Breaks the Internet after school. WANT TO GO? 201-261-5604. emersonlibrary.org/wp.

Play the PS4 FREE

WHEN: March 5-26, Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 85 Main St., Haverstraw AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Play the PS4 on the library’s big screen! WANT TO GO? 845-429-3445. hkdpl.org.

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things to do

where-to guide

Spring into Action ✿ Compiled by Anja Webb

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With the first day of spring swiftly approaching and the chills of winter almost behind us, now is the perfect time to get out of the house and have a little family fun. Enjoy the last bits of winter by making some fresh maple syrup with your loved ones. Welcome spring with a whimsical ride on a carousel and some seasonal produce from a local farmers market. Or, if another unseasonable snowstorm hits, skate the day away at a roller rink. Whatever the weather, here’s to a happy season of new beginnings and growth with your family!

FARMERS’ MARKETS

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Palisades Indoor Farmers Market Palisades Community Center, 675 Oak Tree Road, Palisades palisadesfm.org Hours: Through March 30: Saturdays, 9am-2pm Rockland’s first-ever indoor farmers market carries on the tradition of selling locally grown and artisanal goods. The market not only offers traditional farmers market items, but also caters to vegan and gluten-sensitive guests with offerings from vendors Freakin’ Vegan and Wild & Free. Find more>> farmers’ markets at nymetroparents.com/farmers-markets

ROLLER RINKS The Castle Fun Center 109 Brookside Ave., Chester 845-469-2116; thecastlefuncenter.com Hours: Thursday, 3-7:30pm; Friday, 3-7pm and 7:30-10pm; Saturday, 1-5pm and 6-10pm; Sunday, 1-5pm Price: $8 daytime admission, $9 nighttime admission, $6 kids ages 6 and younger, $3.50 roller skate rental, $4.50 roller blade rental The Castle Fun Center is the perfect destination for roller skating recreation for all ages, plus go-karts, a multi-level laser tag arena, mini golf, arcade, and a rock-climbing wall.

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Find more>> roller rinks at nymetroparents.com/roller-rinks

✿ MAPLE SUGARING

CAROUSELS Bear Mountain State Park Carousel Route 9W North, Bear Mountain 845-786-2731; parks.ny.gov Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm Price: $2 per ride Built in 2001, the carousel is located on the southwest side of the baseball field. The 42-seat ride features detailed portrayals of local animals such as turkeys, deer, bobcats, rabbits, and black bears.

Greenburgh Nature Center 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale 914-723-3470; greenburghnaturecenter.org Maple Sugaring Party: Sunday, March 3, 11am-3pm Featured events include sap collection demonstrations, depictions of Native American- and Colonial-style sugaring sites, porridge making, maple crafts, and treats. Register and pre-pay online by March 2 for special rates: $5 for members, $10 for non-members; $8 for members day of, $15 for non-members day of.

Find more>> carousels at nymetroparents.com/carousels.

Find more>> events at nymetroparents.com/maple-sugaring

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family life insurance

While Fido is part of the family, some insurance companies may cite having a pet as the reason they canceled your coverage.

Could You Lose Your Coverage?

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There are a handful of reasons an insurance company could decide to drop you—but many of them are avoidable. By Barbara Russo

wning a home can be a lot of work. And part of that work is making sure you have the appropriate insurance in case any accidents, natural disasters, or other devastating issues arise. You might think once you buy your home and take out a policy, you’re set for life. But that’s not necessarily the case. It’s a good idea to look at your coverage every so often and see what’s changed, because the reality is an insurance company can drop a client at any time for any number reasons they see fit. Usually, a company needs a legitimate business reason to cancel your insurance. Some surprising factors that play a role in an insurer’s decision to end or refuse to renew a policy include geography and roof issues. Even owning a pet can result in loss of coverage. With the homeownership rate on the rise nationally, jumping to 63.9 percent in 2017 after the last annual increase in 2004, it’s important for homeowners to know their policies, what’s covered, and what may cause that coverage to be canceled. Below are some of the most common reasons insurance companies may drop a client.

Multiple Claims Filed

Don’t take advantage of your own policy. Filing too many claims through your insurance company may cause them to flag you, putting your coverage at risk. 34

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

“If you file multiple claims on the same issue over and over, that may create a problem,” says Anthony Marino, a licensed real estate broker in New York City. Car claims are considered part of this excess, too, if your auto and home insurance are bundled under the same carrier. “Frequent auto claims may affect the home insurance you have connected with it,” Marino adds.

Your Roof is Not Properly Maintained

Look up if you want to keep insurance costs down and minimize the chances of your policy being canceled. The roof of your house is judged by insurance companies when they approve a home owner for a new policy or renewal. Generally, a roof is considered secure for up to 30 years, but after that, it’s more susceptible to water leaks in the home. For this reason, it’s important to know the age of your roof, and keep all documentation and paperwork about repairs and replacements in case your insurance company asks for it. Tip: Increase the lifespan of your roof by cleaning out the gutters once in a while. If they’re clogged or broken, water can back up into pipes, seep into eaves, and result in a rotting roof. This is especially important if your house is surrounded by trees that shed twigs and leaves onto the roof.

Pet Ownership

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Sparky is part of the family, but make sure your insurance carrier feels the same way. Many companies cover pets in a policy’s liability coverage in case the animal injures a human or damages another person’s property. But some animals may be excluded because they are considered “exotics,” such as rabbits and snakes. “Make sure there is no fine print in your home insurance that prohibits pets or certain breeds of pets,” Marino advises. “Many animals are not covered or will be considered a risk. Make sure to give your policy a glance if you are planning on owning one.” Tip: Curious about what animals are illegal to keep as pets in NYC? Check with the Veterinary Medical Association of New York City. You’ll be surprised to see which cuddly (and not-so-cuddly) creatures made the list!

The Company No Longer Covers Your Area

Insurance companies frequently review their coverage areas. There is always a chance they may decide to drop coverage in certain areas. “This may be because there is an abundance of claims in the area, and it’s too expensive for the company to continue to do business there,” Marino says. “Remember your rates are affected by other people in your area.”

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Death of the Resident(s)

If a house is no longer occupied, it would no longer be insured. Some families don’t want to take on the work of owning or insuring the house, especially if they live out of state, so the insurance lapses. To prevent this type of cancellation, State Farm encourages their clients to make sure wills are in order, especially if there is little or no family left.

How to Avoid Losing Your Coverage

There are steps a home owner can take to help avoid being dropped by their insurance carrier. For starters, revisit your policy annually to make sure you’re fully covered, especially if your house has gone through some wear and tear, or if you’ve expanded or renovated. There are some quick and easy home improvements you can make to not only stay on good terms with your insurance company, but possibly result in premium discounts, according to Consumer Reports. These include installing a security system and smoke detectors, and adding a generator to help ensure your electrical systems work in the event of a power outage. Another tip is to comparison shop every few years for new insurance carriers. Businesses, deals, and discounts change, so you don’t want to miss out on opportunities to save money. Barbara Russo is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the City University of New York. She enjoys playing guitar, following current events, and hanging out with her pet rabbits.

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Failure to Pay

This one is the simplest way to avoid your policy being canceled. If you don’t keep up with your payments and pay your premiums, you can be dropped. Nonpayment is one of the most common reasons a policy is dropped, according to agents at State Farm Insurance. They recommend avoiding nonpayment issues by setting up auto payments. Tip: Many mortgage companies allow—and even encourage you—to roll your insurance and tax dues into your monthly payments, greatly reducing your chance of failing to pay.

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family life home

Decorate on a Dime

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Rethinking your home’s décor can often get costly, but our experts’ tips are here to keep you on budget. By Lambeth Hochwald

croll through Pinterest or flip through the pages of your favorite home décor magazine and it might seem like it will cost a fortune to redecorate your home. We’re here to say it’s time to rethink that notion. In fact, these days it’s absolutely possible to spend very little to spruce up every room in your house. Read on for our nine expert-driven tips.

Look at your rooms with a new eye.

Before you start shopping, consider this: Your rooms may just need a little rearranging using your existing furniture. After all, a mere shuffling around of your pieces, including furniture, wall art, and even those photographs that seem dull and tired, may work wonders to brighten your space exponentially. Tip: If you have a friend with a great eye, invite her over and ask her for some quick suggestions.

Use mementos and heirlooms to decorate inexpensively.

Whether it’s a vintage collection of blue glass or a set of framed photos of your grandma’s farmhouse, these items are not only inexpensive additions to your home décor, they’re fun, too. “These tell stories and make for great conversation starters,” says Alix Greenberg, founder and CEO of ArtSugar, a contemporary art e-commerce company in New York City. “Best of all they add a warm and personal touch to your space.” 36

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Cherry-pick your favorites.

If you’re a collector of certain items, whether vintage milk bottles or antique advertising signs, displaying them can add a truly personal touch to your space. However, you want to be careful to avoid veering into a space that looks overly cluttered. Tip: To avoid the feeling that your rooms are packed with stuff and attain a more streamlined feel to your home, cherry-pick your favorite items and display them. Put the rest in storage until you’re ready to switch them out.

Consider a DIY craft project.

Whether you believe you’re crafty—or not—there are a few easy craft projects you might want to consider doing next time you have a free weekend. Why not paint an ugly, chipped bookshelf in a bright new color? Or maybe sew a set of slipcovers to replace a faded sofa set or recover tired or ripped dining cushions with a bright, new fabric.

Browse your local thrift shop.

Shopping secondhand is a no-brainer when it comes to home decor and furniture since these stores are the best places to find gently used, quality pieces for less. Plus, you won’t skimp on style as you’re trying to save money, says Andrea Woroch, a nationally recognized consumer and money-saving expert.

Tip: Scout your local thrift shop on the regular to pick up furniture that will be far less expensive than shopping for brandnew items.

Learn what each store specializes in.

Some stores are best for furniture bargains while others are notable for high-quality accessories sold at inexpensive prices. Take World Market as an example: “What I love best about this store is [its] unique selection of home décor pieces,” says Jeanine Boiko, a real estate salesperson in Wantagh.“No matter what your style is, World Market has something for everyone. My favorite pieces are the black villa stripe dishtowels and blue bistro stripe placemats. Both styles work well for [different] kitchen and dining room types, including modern, farmhouse, or country.”

Shop discount stores.

Retailers such as HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls are known for their quality pieces that are sold at a major discount. These are great places to shop if you’re looking to perk up your decorative accessories, Boiko says. “For example, I love the throw pillows at HomeGoods,” she says. “Some retailers make you purchase the pillow cover and cushion separately, which can add up quickly whereas HomeGoods typically offers several options of throw pillows that are stylish and budget-friendly.” Tip: Save more by scoping out the clearance section and consider this: “Speak with a sales associate to find out when new shipments arrive,” Woroch says. “These deliveries are usually on the same days each week. This way you can be among the first to check out the new arrivals before they sell out (since inventory is often limited.”)

Scope out end-of-season sales.

Timing is everything, and this is especially true when it comes to shopping for home décor items at a discount. For example, you can pick up patio furniture at a huge savings toward the end of summer, Woroch says. Or pick up holiday items at deep discounts once those holiday seasons are done. “It’s always a great idea to time your shopping right to save big,” she says

Browse garage sales.

Whether your town is known for its garage sales, tag sales, or stoop sales, you’re bound to find bargains if you make it a goal to stop and take a look whenever you happen upon one. “You never know what you can find at a garage sale, and furniture is easy to repurpose, refinish, or recover,” Woroch says. “I always suggest giving garage sale hunting a try, especially if you’re on a tight budget.”

Tip: Sites like Facebook Marketplace make it easy to shop used home decor locally. You can adjust your search based on your city and the distance you’re willing to travel to pick up whatever you’re looking for, Woroch says. “You can easily chat with the seller via Messenger to discuss details, see pictures, and negotiate the price. Plus, the social [media] aspect makes you feel safe since you can see who you are dealing with and possibly even have mutual friends,” she adds. Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist covering trends, relationships, and life in New York City.

5 Apps That Make Decorating Easy Still stuck on how to place furniture in an odd-shaped room or how to unify a color scheme? It’s never been easier to update the look of your home—without even leaving your house. Here are five apps to get you started in the path to updating your home décor, purchasing new furniture, or just drawing a floor plan to make sure you’re maximizing your space. Benjamin Moore Color Capture: Take a photo of a color you love, and the app will match it to more than 3,300 colors on file. Just think: Your walls can instantly match your favorite color. Havenly: This app pairs users with expert interior designers to offer advice on your space no matter your budget. Houzz: On this app, there’s a sketch function that enables you to annotate and draw on your images. Or just save your ideas by style and room and take them with you next time you’re shopping. Ikea Place: If you love shopping at Ikea but have no idea where to put that shelving unit you’ve just put together, this free app comes with augmented-reality so you can actually zero in on where your new furniture will fit in your space—before you even leave your home to head to the Swedish megastore. Magic Plan: With this app, you won’t need to measure or draw. Instead, you simply send a photo of your space to create a floor plan that works.

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raising kids baby

Rooming with Baby

›› While it may seem like it’s more for convenience, sharing your room with your infant has more benefits than easy nighttime feedings. By Anja Webb

ne of the aspects of living in the New York area can mean limited space for many families. Between negotiating who gets what part of the one-bedroom and figuring out how you’re going to squeeze yet another toy in your apartment, living in close quarters can be a struggle. This limited space often causes parents and their babies to share a room. However, even for those who live in suburbs or who have more spacious living situations, many families feel more comfortable sharing a sleeping space with their infant. Regardless of where you live, it’s likely you’ll end up room sharing in the early months. Luckily, there’s a silver lining to sleeping in the same room as your infant. Sharing a room with your newborn can actually have many benefits, and it’s recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for at least the first three months, if not the first year, of your little one’s life in order to reduce the risk of sleep-related death and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Keeping your baby within arm’s reach of your bed can actually lower the risk of SIDS by up to 50 percent, according to the AAP. Here’s what you need to know when preparing to room share with the newest member of your family.

What is SIDS?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “the sudden and unexpected 38

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

death of a baby less than 1 year old in which the cause was not obvious before investigation.” Most cases of SIDS occur during sleep or in the child’s sleep area, according to the CDC, which is one of the reasons why it’s so important to keep your baby close at nighttime or during naps. So how does room sharing help prevent SIDS? This could be because it allows parents to respond to their infant’s needs in a timelier fashion, according to Leslie Solomonian, B.S., a doctor of naturopathic medicine with an emphasis on pediatric care and professor at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Newborns are still learning how to regulate their autonomic functions—the ability to normalize their body temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, sleep cycles, and more—and quick responsiveness can help prevent issues related to the autonomic functions that could be potential causes for SIDS, Solomonian says.

How to Room Share Properly

As previously mentioned, when sharing a room with an infant it’s important to keep your child within arm’s reach, ideally in a bassinet or crib next to your bed. Your newborn’s sleep space should follow basic safety guidelines, including ensuring her sleep space is devoid of all soft or fluffy materials such as blankets or stuffed animals, her mattress is firm, and she’s dressed lightly for sleep, according to the AAP, in order to avoid suffocation or overheating.

Additionally, babies should not share a room with parents who are smokers, says Leigh Anne O’Connor, media liaison for Le Leche League of New York, lactation consultation, and mother of three. “If you have one cigarette, it takes twenty-four hours for you to not be exhaling the carcinogens,” O’Connor says. These chemicals are especially dangerous for babies and should be strictly avoided. It’s important to note that the AAP recommendation is not co-sleeping. “There’s tons of evidence on the benefits of room sharing and sometimes it’s extrapolated to co-sleeping or bed sharing,” Solomonian says. “And that’s a little bit controversial because if a parent is co-sleeping with a child or bed sharing, there’s a risk that they could roll over on the child or they could suffocate the infant.” Additionally, most parents sleep with pillows, blankets, and/or soft mattresses that make their bed an unsafe sleep surface for babies.

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Other Benefits of Room Sharing

Aside from the safety benefits of room sharing, there are myriad emotional and social benefits of being physically close with your newborn. “It allows breast-feeding to be more effective,” Solomonian says. “So, when baby’s in another room and mom doesn’t hear the baby fussing, there’s a bit of a delay in terms of responding to the baby’s needs to nurse.” By being able to feed the infant sooner, parents can teach their child his needs can be met in a timely fashion without needing to scream at the top of his lungs or wail for prolonged periods of time. This can help minimize fussiness and excessive crying. Aside from breast-feeding benefits, room sharing also helps with “reducing stress because parents are probably getting more sleep, they’re more connected to their babies, and that promotes a lot of those healthy neurotransmitters and hormones in the body as opposed to the stress hormones,” according to Solomonian. In other words, being with your baby can help make you feel closer.

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Drawbacks of Room Sharing

Room sharing may seem like the perfect sleeping arrangement, but, Saving money a NewwillYork realistically, caring foron a newborn forceCity you to adjust certain family day is easy! aspects of your life, and room sharing is no different. Your baby will have different sleeping patterns and bedtime needs than you or your partner. Most newborns sleep between 16 and 17 hours a day, but usually only in 1- to 2-hour increments, according to the AAP. This inevitably makes for an irregular sleeping schedule for parents. This difference in sleep patterns can result in displacement of popular pre-bedtime activities for parents like reading or watching TV in bed. The light and sound produced can keep the baby awake and disrupt her sleeping pattern, O’Connor says. However, this doesn’t mean your nighttime hobbies are gone for good. “If the parents want to do something that involves lights and noise, they can go somewhere else,” O’Connor says. For couples who are worried that sharing a room with their baby will impact their relationship in terms of physical intimacy, O’Connor recommends going to another room or dropping your little one off with a babysitter for an evening. Additionally, it’s important to Cityguideny.com has remember that part ofcoupons parental and intimacy is “being kind to each other discounts forthe NYC sightseeing attractions, throughout day, and offering help, and not being stressed,” restaurants, stores and more.happens in all sorts of ways besides sex.” Solomonian says. “Intimacy Great New York deals, savings, special Ultimately, therediscounts—for are a lot of ways which families can manage offers and deep youin and their bedtime routines andjust sleeping arrangements, whether that’s your family—are yours with a moving themouse. baby into the parents’ room or vice versa. “There’s click of the not one way to do it and there’s not one way that must be done (besides being safe),” O’Connor says. “Each family has to do what works best for them.”

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raising kids teen

Conversations to Have with Your Teen About Dating ››

Nervous? Uncomfortable? Shy? Imagine how they must feel. By Karen Lo

f the thought of talking to your kids about dating or having “the talk” makes you wince, you wouldn’t be the first. And maybe you’ve picked up on a mutual feeling of “anything but that” from the young adults in your family. Good thing you’re not alone! For both parents and kids, it’s just part of growing up. Being able to have frank and informative conversations with your children as they take on more responsibilities in the world is the job of every parent. At some point, you might talk to them about filing taxes or applying for scholarships—but probably even sooner than that, you’ll have to talk to them about dating. So then, where and when should you start? In fact, it’s much easier for parents and teens to have “the talk” when it’s broken down into a bunch of smaller discussions. “Talking with teens about dating and sex shouldn’t be one big conversation,” says Jill Whitney, a licensed marriage and family therapist, workshop leader, and author based in Connecticut. “It’s much easier on everyone to have many talks over many years. Dating and sex are complex, multifaceted topics, and each topic merits its own conversation. Keeping them brief is also less overwhelming.” As for all the ground you’ll want to cover, it’s helpful to have some guidance on what to bring up. Read on for some of the topics to check off your list.

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Learn what dating means to your teen.

Readiness to date depends on your child’s level of maturity and also what “dating” means in your community and your child’s peer group, according to Whitney. Sometimes dating means daily text exchanges and little or no time together in real life. Dating might mean going to the movies with a group of friends or spending a lot of 1-on-1 time together. A young teen might be ready for one version of dating and not for the other.

Find out what’s going on at your teen’s school.

Ask teens what they think about situations at school, Whitney recommends. What happened when those two students broke up? Did they treat each other well? What does your teen think about the sexual language or situations in music or movies? Does it fit real life? Does it reflect the kind of relationship they’d like to have? What do they think about gender roles and expectations at their school? What’s different for guys and girls? Do they think that’s fair? The important thing, Whitney says, is “even if your teen doesn’t answer your questions, it’ll get their gears turning. It also shows that you’re willing to talk when they’re ready.”

Ask about what’s happening online.

Parents’ level of involvement with kids’ use of technology depends partly on their ages. Though you should limit your pre-teen’s Internet and technology access as well as know their passwords, as they get older and demonstrate the ability to make good decisions, they can have more autonomy. You want to transition kids to greater independence as they get closer to college or the working world. That being said, of course, we can’t ignore that kids, especially young adults, tend to be more tech-savvy than parents. All you can do about this is realize you can’t control everything they do online. That’s why it’s essential to talk regularly about online risks and choices, Whitney counsels. Explain that while sexting may feel fun and flirty, it carries real risks. Make sure kids know that anything they post online is forever, and encourage them to imagine how embarrassing that could be. Emphasize that you expect them to treat others kindly both online and in real life. Moreover, talk with your kids about the unhealthy tendency for all of us to be tied to devices, ask for their input, then announce limitations that work for your family. The best solution is regular device-free times in the day, where everyone, parents included, is away from their phones—especially if texting non-stop is your teen’s idea of dating.

Remind your teens that friendships are important, too. Although the idea of their kids dating can be scary to parents, dating is important for young people for many reasons. “Dating helps young people develop relationship skills and learn about themselves and what matters to them,” Whitney says. “Especially in a time where so much interaction is online, there’s real value in learning to connect offline with another person.” To that end, remind your teenager that their friendships still deserve care and attention. As they navigate their love lives, their friendships are likely to change and go through growing pains. As they grow up, you’ll also get to know your children’s best friends. Talk to your kids about dividing their social time wisely, between their partners, friends, and whatever after-school activities they’re involved in.

Ensure your teen knows about safe sex.

It was Kylie Jenner’s pregnancy video on YouTube, “To Our Daughter,” that led to an impromptu check-in between Eirene Heidelberger and her now 14-year-old son about safe sex. The video, uploaded on Feb. 4, 2018, announced the birth of Jenner’s daughter with her boyfriend, Travis Scott, when they were 20 and 25, respectively. “He was like, ‘I can’t believe they had a baby. They’re so young!’” “I was like, ‘No kidding—you know how to use condoms, right?’” “He was like, ‘Yeah mom, I know.’” Heidelberger, a certified parenting coaching specialist who founded GIT Mom (Get It Together, Mom), is a mother of three sons. Her oldest, the 14-year-old, keeps his parents relatively in the loop about his weekly movie dates with his girlfriend. When it comes to talking to her son about sensitive subjects, Heidelberger has a simple approach that works for her. “Ask one basic question, and just stop talking.” Her advice is to let them structure the conversation, and that means encouraging both their questions for you and the information they already know. Finally, Heidelberger says, have an exit strategy! Think about the way you’d like to end the conversation, then be ready to gracefully leave the room and move on with your day.

Keep in mind the differences between sons and daughters. Most of the messages you’ll convey about sex and dating should be the same for kids of any gender: Treat others with respect, be kind, “no” means “no,” relationships should be balanced. But given the cultural messages kids get, you’ll want to emphasize different things to boys than to girls. For girls, stress that they have every right to say “no” to anything sexual or romantic that doesn’t feel right to them. They can also say “yes” when the time comes, but they shouldn’t feel pressured to move faster than they want to. For boys, do what you can to offset cultural pressures to prove their masculinity by having sex and being tough. Boys have tender feelings just like everyone else—make sure your son knows it’s normal to care about romantic partners, and to be kind and gentle.

Talk about how to treat romantic partners.

It’s important for parents to talk with teens about how you expect them to treat other people, especially romantic partners. Whitney says she found that teens really want guidance from their parents about this in her research with young adults. Don’t lecture, but do tell them what you believe and why, she advises.

Reiterate consent is everything and more.

The #MeToo movement has made teens much more aware of consent as an issue, but many of them are confused about what consent looks like in practice, Whitney says. Be sure your teen, of any gender, knows that when a partner says “no” or expresses reluctance about any sexual activity, they need to stop. Pressuring someone is not okay. Kids need to know that they have every right to say “no” and be taken seriously. Boys, especially, need to know that failing to respect someone’s “no” can have legal ramifications and does serious emotional harm to the other person, Whitney advises. If he wants to be a good guy, he needs to believe his partner when she says “no.” The time is right only when both people say an enthusiastic “yes.”

Explain dating and financial responsibility.

Okay, so now that you’ve talked to your kids about all those other difficult and thought-provoking topics, don’t forget to talk about money. Financial responsibility and dating go hand-inhand. So whether your teenager has a job or an allowance, now’s a good time to touch base about their finances. In Heidelberger’s words, “if you want to have this social life, you need to pay for part of it.” When you start to have these important talks within your family, you will, undoubtedly, feel awkward at first. But as with everything, it gets easier with practice. One way to start these conversations, Whitney offers, is to say, “I just want to be on the record that…” or “You probably already know this, but I want to make sure…” However you start, it’s much more important to talk openly than to say everything perfectly. Growing up means something different to every new generation of young adults. As your children come of age, make your home a place where they can experience those differences without judgement—like, for example, the way they might prefer to text you rather than answer your calls. Preparing for this stretch of parenting can be stressful—but at least you don’t have to be a teenager again. Karen Lo is a writer living in Brooklyn.

RocklandParent 41

Meet the

Health Care Professional

Bobby Crohn, D.D.S. Monroe Dental Office 400 State Route 17M, Suite 2, Monroe 845-782-0189 monroedentaloffice.com monroedental@optonline.net

Dr. Crohn graduated from SUNY Stony Brook with a degree in biology. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University at Buffalo in 1992, and he completed his general practice residency at Danbury Hospital in 1993. Dr. Crohn has done extensive additional training in implant dentistry including training with Dr. Nick Elian at Vistara Institute, DentalXP Symposiums, and training at Zimmerman Institute. Dr. Crohn is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He offers state-of-the art treatment including on-site cone beam 3-D imaging.

Marita Smith, D.D.S. Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 5C Medical Park Drive, Pomona 845-414-9626 smithslittlesmiles.com drsmith@smithslittlesmiles.com

Dr. Marita Smith is a board-certified pediatric dentist dedicated to providing excellent dental care for children from infancy through adolescence in a warm and friendly environment. As a mother of two, Dr. Smith knows how important it is for a child to be comfortable and stress-free during their dental visits. Dr. Smith places great focus on prevention and her goal is to keep your child’s smile healthy! Most insurances accepted. Evening and Saturday hours and 24-hour emergency service available. Se Habla Español.

Kastin Orthodontics 6 Medical Park Drive, Pomona 845-354-7233 kastinorthodontics.com drkastin09@yahoo.com

With 17 years of orthodontic experience, Dr. Brett Kastin prides his practice on conservative early treatment and cost-free childhood dental monitoring, enabling the most effective treatment possible, as well as being a knowledgeable, compassionate clinician and friend. He utilizes state-of-the-art materials and customized treatment. Dr. Kastin is a certified Invisalign® provider, has been president of the Rockland County Dental Society since 2006, and was voted Rockland’s “Top Orthodontist” by the dentists of Rockland County for the past 10 years. Initial exams are complimentary, as are children’s recall appointments.

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Smile More Kidz Meet Your Smile Team 140 Oak Tree Road, Tappan 845-367–4866 smilemorekidz.com

At Smile More Kidz, we are part of a local tradition of providing your children with the very best that dentistry has to offer in a friendly, comfortable setting. Our entire team understands how children develop and learn and makes sure nervous kids feel comfortable and respected. We offer 8am–7pm and Saturday appointments so our patients don’t have to miss school for their care. We believe in building a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles by making every visit to our office a fun and informative experience.

Tenafly Pediatrics 74 Pascack Road, Park Ridge, NJ 201-326-7120 Offices also in Tenafly, Fort Lee, Clifton, Paramus, and Oakland, NJ tenaflypediatrics.com

Dr. David Schaumberger is one of the pediatricians working out of our newly expanded Park Ridge office. As someone who lives nearby, he enjoys working in Northern Bergen and Rockland counties. Dr. Schaumberger completed his pediatric residency from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and has been working at Tenafly Pediatrics since 2001. On a personal note, he enjoys ethnic cuisine and spending time with his three children. Tenafly Pediatrics is a recent Angie’s List Winner with offices conveniently located throughout Bergen County.

A & R Advanced Dental Group, Anna Alekseyeva, D.D.S., Roman Izmailov, D.D.S. 5C Medical Park Drive, Pomona 845-364-9400 aradvanceddental.com

At A&R Advanced Dental Group, patient satisfaction and comfort is our No. 1 priority. We are a cutting edge practice that delivers state-of-the-art dental care to our patients. Dr. Roman Izmailov and Dr. Anna Alekseyeva have more than 30 years of experience in all phases of dentistry, including high quality and affordable dental implants, zirconia crowns, porcelain veneers, fixed bridges, root canal treatments, teeth whitening, and composite fillings. Evening appointments are available and we accept most insurances.

Sachdev Family Orthodontics 124 E. Ramapo Road, Suite 2, Garnerville 845-786-7736 sfojustsmile.com sfojustsmile@gmail.com Facebook.com/sachdevfamilyorthodontics Instagram: @sachdevfamilyorthodontics

At Sachdev Family Orthodontics, we provide individualized braces and Invisalign treatment to kids and adults. Dr. Ameeta Sachdev has been in the dental field for two decades with dual dental degrees, from India and U.S. She teaches orthodontics at St. Barnabas Hospital, Bronx. She pays attention to detail, whether it is designing the state-of-the-art office herself or perfecting your smile. Being committed to service, she is an active supporter of community events and local art. Free consults, most insurance accepted, evening and Saturday hours, and 24-hour emergency service available.

Bear Brook Dental Care Dr. Kiwon Lee, D.D.S. Adult Dentistry & Dental Medicine for Sleep Apnea 305 W. Grand Ave., Suite 100, Montvale, NJ 201-746-9474 bearbrookdentalcare.com; info@bearbrookdentalcare.com

Bear Brook Children’s Dental Specialists Dr. Tommy Lee, D.M.D., Pediatric Dentist 305 W. Grand Ave., Suite 100, Montvale, NJ 201-746-9474 bearbrookdentalcare.com info@bearbrookdentalcare.com

Crystal Run 2 Centerock Road, West Nyack 845-348-1100

Dental Wellness of Suffern Sherri Alpert, D.D.S. 2 Executive Blvd., Suite 307, Suffern 845-918-1801 dentalwellnessofsuffern.com dentalwellness@optonline.net

Dr. Kiwon Lee received his D.D.S. degree from Columbia University and completed his residency at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Lee is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is also a diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Kiwon Lee is well-recognized in the industry as one of the most experienced dental sleep medicine providers, having successfully managed more than 500 obstructive sleep apnea patients during his career and being featured as an expert on “American Health Front” on WCBS-TV, CBS, Channel 2.

Dr. Tommy Lee specializes in pediatric dentistry. He treats patients from infancy to adolescence, including children with special needs children. Understanding that many dental phobias develop in early childhood, Dr. Lee will take great care to ensure your kids grow up with a positive outlook on oral health. Even the most nervous child will leave with a healthier smile under Dr. Lee’s care. Dr. Lee earned his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree at Boston University and completed his pediatric dental specialty training at Yale School of Medicine. Most major insurance accepted.

crystalrunhealthcare.com Crystal Run Healthcare is a premier multispecialty group medical practice with more than 400 providers, offering the convenience of primary care and nearly 50 medical specialties. Our state-of-the-art West Nyack facility offers patients easy access to quality health care with more than 20 medical and surgical specialties, including adolescent medicine, pediatrics, maternal-fetal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, including urogynecology. Our innovative facility boasts an infusion center, urgent care, diagnostic testing services, on-site laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, and women’s imaging. Crystal Run also has offices in Haverstraw, Stony Point, and Suffern.

Dr. Alpert is excited to offer drill-free, needle-free dentistry with the Solea CO2 Laser. Her practice offers comfortable cosmetic dentistry for the entire family including implants and full mouth reconstruction if necessary. Dental Wellness of Suffern provides natural, effective, quality dental care to make your visit as enjoyable, comfortable, and relaxing as possible. A parent herself, Dr. Alpert enjoys working with children who are apprehensive about the dentist, creating a fun environment with magic tricks, a wall mural, and a Find the Dental Helpers game.

Nanny Boards Find a Nanny or Help Your Nanny Find a Job

mommybites.com/nannies RocklandParent 43

PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT FUDGIE THE CLOWN AND MYSTIQUE THE MAGICIAN Serving Rockland and Bergen counties 201-825-7481 fudgietheclown.com

Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.

PARTY PLACES ABRAKADOODLE ART STUDIO FOR KIDS 53 Prospect Place, Hillsdale, NJ 201-383-0027 abrakadoodle.com kroberts@abrakadoodle.com

Invite Fudgie or Mystique to your next party, picnic, or event! A professional family entertainer specializing in magic, face painting, and balloon animals. Ask about midweek special rates. Fully insured.

Paint, slime, clay, and glitter are all the cool things we use at our studio! Abrakadoodle has been serving the community for more than 13 years offering Artie Parties and “no school workshops” for ages 3 and older.

INFLATABLE PARTY ADVENTURES Serving Rockland, Northern New Jersey, and Westchester, Nanuet 845-267-2022 inflatablepartyadventures.com

THE ACADEMY FOR MARTIAL ARTS 8 Orangetown Shopping Center, Orangeburg 845-359-4500 rocklandkarate.com 7-11 Suffern Place, Suffern 845-368-3209 martialartssuffern.com

Premier state-of-the-art inflatables and entertainment equipment at a price that can’t be beat. Every rental includes our risk-free rain policy. We specialize in delivering the type of fun guaranteed to make your next event one to be remembered and talked about for years to come.

K & A HOUSE OF BOUNCE PARTY RENTALS 845-825-6617 kahouseofbounce.com

“We bring the party to you.” We have one of the largest selections of themed bounce houses along with dry and wet slides, obstacle courses, dunk tanks, and other interactive inflatables, as well as cotton candy, popcorn, and additional fun concession foods.

PARTY PACK CREW 917-882-6660 partypackcrew.com

Our fabulous birthday and themed parties include more than just your favorite characters. We also decorate, and entertain your party guests to make your moments of celebration unforgettable!

BIRTHDAY GIFTS ‘TILLY...A DEER’S TALE’ 914-764-5564 tillyadeerstale.com Tilly...A Deer’s Tale is about a real deer that lives in upstate

New York and faces challenges after an accident. This powerful story is meant to inspire children living with physical challenges or limitations. The book makes a great birthday gift!

TOYRIFFIC2 TOY STORE 1581 Route 202, Pomona 845-362-6053 toyriffic2.com toyriffic2@aol.com

Looking for the perfect birthday gift? Come visit our unique toy store in Pomona. We offer a great selection of Melissa & Doug crafts and many other quality, affordable, educational toys, crafts, games, and puzzles for kids of all ages, both boys and girls.

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

A karate party is a great way to enter the world of martial arts. It’s also a great way for experienced students to share the martial arts with friends and family. Spacious, fully equipped facility, an energetic, cheerful, and professional staff, and martial arts-themed fun and games.

BACH TO ROCK - NANUET 150 E. Route 59, Nanuet 845-215-9536 nanuet.b2rmusic.com nanuet@bachtorock.com

Bach to Rock offers birthday parties for kids of all ages and adults. Call to find out more about The Rock Birthday Party, Karaoke Birthday Party, and The Rock City Birthday Party!

CHOCOLATIER MATISSE 32 Orangetown Shopping Center, Orangeburg 845-365-0285 chocolatiermatisse.com chocolatiermatisse@gmail.com

Chocolatier Birthday Parties for girls and boys ages 3 and older. Children learn how chocolate is made, and make and decorate a chocolate pizza, balloon bowl filled with dipped items, candy apples, and other hand-dipped goodies to take home. You pick what your guests create.

JILL’S CERAMICS 180 Germonds Road, West Nyack 845-623-4975 jillceramics.com jillsceramics@aol.com

We offer a fully equipped ceramics and plaster studio where children and adults let their creativity run wild. Parties for kids include paper goods, a painter’s hat for the birthday child signed by their friends, and an item for each child to paint.

PALISADES CLIMB ADVENTURE 4590 Palisades Center Drive, Level 4 of the Palisades Center, West Nyack 845-727-3500 palisadesclimb.com

Palisades Climb Adventure offers the world’s tallest indoor ropes

challenge course with 75 unique challenge elements. Our Sky Tykes kids’ ropes course is designed for ages 2-7. Both courses are available for birthday parties. Book your party today!

ROCKLAND FENCERS CLUB 40 Lydecker St., Nyack 718-697-1440 rocklandfencersclub.com info@rocklandfencersclub.com

Rockland Fencers Club (RFC) is excited to announce their new Private Fencing Party Package for ages 8-16. No experience required and all necessary equipment included.

ROMP N’ ROLL 28-29 Orangetown Shopping Center, Orangeburg 845-580-9065 rompnroll.com orangeburg@rompnroll.com

Our awesome parties for kids ages 1-6 include exclusive use of gym and party room, moon bounce, rock wall, monkey bars, and a bubble party. Plus games, music, and activities!

SURGE STUDIO 285 N. Route 303 (in Colonial Plaza), Congers 845-589-0990 surgestudioarts.com info@surgestudioarts.com

Let us host a fun and customizable birthday party for your child and their friends at Surge Dance Studio. Parties consist of games, activities, pictures, choreography to the birthday guest’s favorite song, and, of course, pizza and cake!

TUMBLE-BEE GYMNASTICS AND FITNESS 401 Market St., Nanuet Mall South, Nanuet 845-623-2553 tumble-beegymnastics.com

Our bright, colorful facility is the perfect place for your child’s private birthday party (ages 1-12). We’ll provide two wonderful, exciting, and energetic party instructors. Also, free invitations, paper products, and utensils. The birthday child receives a free gift and balloons. Reserve in advance. They book quickly!

VICKI’S DANCE STUDIO AND KREATIVE KIDS 61 Maple Ave., New City 845-634-2202 vickistudio.com

We offer a variety of birthday parties for boys and girls of all ages. Great party theme options include Hip-Hop Dance Party & Games Mix, Jumping Gymnastics, Disney Dance Mix, and Dress-Up Princess Party!

WEST ROCK INDOOR SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX 21 Pralle Lane, Nanuet 845-623-3636 westrockindoor.com

West Rock offers the ultimate place to hold your birthday party. Our unique and versatile facility boasts 40-foot ceilings, 26,000-square-feet of turf, two regulation-size basketball courts, six Har-Tru tennis courts, indoor bouncers, and a private party room.

PARTY PLANNER

To advertise: 845-848-8021 or nympads@davlermedia.com

PARTY & CREATIVE FUN SPECIALISTS!

Invite Fudgie or Mystique to your next party!

FUDGIE Custom, themed parties & events for Kids & Adults! � Character Rentals � Craft Workshops � Balloon Décor • Fundraisers � Party Decorations • Face Painting

Party Pack Crew | 917-882-6660 PARTYPACKCREW.COM

Looking for the perfect birthday gift? Come visit our Unique Toy Boutique!

Mention this ad for 15% OFF!

We offer over 7,000 games, toys, crafts, puzzles, gadgets and NEW specialty balloons.

MYSTIQUE

Magic - Face Balloon Animals Magic - FacePainting Painting –– Balloon Animals Birthdays Picnics Birthdays–– Camps Camps ––Picnics

Special Reduced Rates Mon – Thurs! 201-825-7481 www.fudgietheclown.com

1581 Route 202 • Pomona, NY

Fully Insured

845-362-6053

raising kids ad index NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! acrobatics / gymnastics

classes

Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry ..................31, 42

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics ...............................................31

Jill’s Ceramics ...............................................................35 Rockland Center for the Arts ........................................19 Romp n’ Roll - Orangeburg ...........................................39 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics ...............................................31

Spots OT .......................................................................39

dance

Clarkstown Theatre Company ......................................15

birthday / party services Jill’s Ceramics ...............................................................35 Palisades Climb Adventure .............................................2 Rockland Parent Party Planner .....................................45 Romp n’ Roll - Orangeburg ...........................................39 Surge Studio .................................................................19 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics ...............................................31 West Rock Indoor ..........................................................13

camps Alpine Scout Camp .......................................................13 Bright Beginnings Preschool & Childcare ......................19 Camp Huntington ..........................................................15 Camp Ramaquois .........................................................17 Campus Kids Summer Camp .......................................17 Children’s Shakespeare Theatre ..................................17 Clarkstown Theatre Company ......................................15 Coupe Theatre Studio ....................................................2 Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Dance Studio ...........................19 Lindgren School & Camp...............................................13 Mosholu Monteﬁore Community Center .........................7 Palisades Country Day School & Camp .........................3 Rockland Center for the Arts ........................................19 St. Anne Stages ............................................................19 Surge Studio .................................................................19 West Rock Indoor ..........................................................13 Young World Day Camp ................................................13

child care / day care Bright Beginnings Preschool & Childcare ......................19

Coupe Theatre Studio ....................................................2 Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Dance Studio ...........................19 Surge Studio .................................................................19

Tenaﬂy Pediatrics .........................................................42

performing arts / acting Children’s Shakespeare Theatre ..................................17 Coupe Theatre Studio ....................................................2 St. Anne Stages ............................................................19

education

play spaces

Bright Beginnings Preschool & Childcare ......................19 Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Dance Studio ...........................19 Lindgren School & Camp...............................................13 Palisades Country Day School & Camp .........................3

retail

family entertainment / events / outings Jill’s Ceramics ...............................................................35 Palisades Climb Adventure .............................................2 Rockland Youth Bureau ..................................................5

ﬁnancial planning / insurance Edward Jones .................................................................7

ﬁtness Tumble-Bee Gymnastics ...............................................31

health Bear Brook Dental Care ...........................................7, 43 Clemente Orthodontics .................................................39 Crystal Run Healthcare ...........................................43, 48 Dental Wellness of Suffern ................................23, 42, 43 Kastin & Newman Orthodontics.....................................42 Sachdev Family Orthodontics..................................35, 42 Smile More Dentistry ..............................................25, 42

Romp n’ Roll - Orangeburg ...........................................39 Lindgren School & Camp...............................................13 Tilly...A Deer’s Tale.........................................................35

special events Haverstraw Caboose - Easter Event ............................23 Jewish Week (The) .........................................................5 Lindgren School & Camp...............................................13 Rockland Youth Bureau ..................................................5

special needs Camp Huntington ..........................................................15 Spots OT .......................................................................39 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics ...............................................31

sports Palisades Climb Adventure .............................................2 West Rock Indoor ..........................................................13

theater Children’s Shakespeare Theatre ..................................17

RocklandParent 45

things to do

diy corner

Reversible Cape

Is your little one obsessed with Superman? Are you raising the next Wonder Woman? We’ve got just the craft for you! Kids can design their ideal costumes, perfect for a day of dramatic play. Can’t decide on just one design? Well, like any good hero disguise, this cape has two sides. Inspire creativity, choose a super hero identity, and spend a day saving the day! This super-easy cape features star and lightning bolt emblems, but you could make it to resemble your favorite superheroes or villains, or create two new characters with personalized emblems featuring your initials. The project requires a sewing machine— you could make it without one but it will take you a while to stitch around the edges! You will need • 1-yard square each of green and blue cotton • 4-inch square each of red and black cotton • 8-inch square of yellow cotton • Scissors

• Sewing needle and pins • 15-by-35-inch piece of fusible webbing • Sewing machine and matching thread • 1½-by ½-inch piece of Velcro or hook-and-loop tape • Iron and ironing board

Instructions 1. Print the cape template and cut it out (find it at nymetroparents.com/cape). Fold your green fabric in half and pin the template on top. Cut out one cape then repeat with the blue fabric. Use a small plate (about 8 inches) to draw and cut out a circle from yellow and black cotton. If you want to use the emblems featured here, cut out a yellow lightning bolt and a red star shape—draw your own or use a template and increase the size. Also cut the circles, lightning, and star shapes out of fusible webbing. 2. Iron the fusible webbing onto the back of each shape. Line up the yellow circle centrally on the front of the blue cape 8 inches from the neckline. Iron in place, and then iron the star on top of the center of the yellow circle. Repeat with the green cape, the black circle, and the lightning bolt. 3. Pin the two capes right sides together. Machine sew around the edge with a ½-inch seam allowance. Leave a 6-inch gap along the bottom to allow you to turn the cape right sides out. Trim the edges around the neckline of the cape then make snips in the seam allowance around the curved edges, about 1 inch apart. This will prevent puckering. 4. Turn the cape right sides out and push out all the corners and neckline. Press the cape and sew the turning gap closed by hand. 5. Pin and sew one piece of the Velcro onto the end of the neckline on the blue fabric. Sew the other piece on the green fabric (at the other side) so that the two pieces line up when the neckline is joined. Extract reprinted here with permission from GMC Publications, The Superhero Craft Book by Laura Minter and Tia Williams, RRP $9.95.

We've got everything for a…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! NYMetroParents.com is parents' Party Central—one-stop shopping for the best in: H Party Places (for the trendiest, newest, or most classic locale) H Entertainers (clowns, balloon twisting, magicians, spa parties & so much more!) H Gift-Giving (from charitable ideas to the best presents for every age) H At-Home Party Themes (think pirates, princesses, superheroes, Harry Potter…) H Planning Help H Tips & Tricks from the Pros (…and parents who’ve been there!) Bergen•RocklandParent NORTH

HILLSDALE • MONTVALE

SEPTEMBER 2012

NORTHVALE • NORWOOD • OLD TAPPAN • PARK RIDGE • RAMSEY • RIDGEWOOD • SADDLE RIVER/UPPER SADDLE RIVER • WALDWICK • WESTWOOD • WYCKOFF

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

LongIslandParent Parent SPETEMBER 2012

Class Is In!

After-School Activities

✓ ❑ ✓ ❑

Resource Guide

✓ ❑ ✓ ❑

SLOW DOWN!

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

Back-to-School Resource Guide Pack a Smarter Lunch Ease the Morning Rush Advocate for Your Twins

How to Manage Kids’ Schedules

What Makes a Good Mentor?

+ 174 Family

+ 130 Family

(see our calendar, p. 26)

(see our calendar, p. 32)

Events

Plus: Learning to Let Go

Vaccines at Every Age Plus: Journaling for Your Child

Where-To Guide: Berry Picking

•

Dinosaur Fun

Where-To Guide: Apple Picking • Outing: New York Hall of Science

NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

RocklandParent 47

ď&#x192;Ž

COMPREHENSIVE ALLERGY, EAR, NOSE & THROAT CARE AVAILABLE IN WEST NYACK!

Ratika Gupta, MD

Allergy & Immunology Board Certified: Internal Medicine, Allergy & Immunology

Opeyemi Daramola, MD

Otolaryngology Board Certified: Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery

Ontario D. Lau, MD

Otolaryngology Board Certified: Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery

SPRING IS HERE...

and so are your allergies. When families in Rockland County need high-quality care close to home, they turn to the doctors at Crystal Run Healthcare. Our comprehensive Allergy and Otolaryngology (ENT) team in West Nyack provides a full range of medical and surgical care for children and adults suffering from everything from allergies and asthma to hearing loss and nasal polyps.

West Nyack | 845.348.1100 BOOK AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE! CrystalRunHealthcare.com #AskForCrystalRun

Ratika Gupta, MD, Fellowship-trained in Allergy & Immunology provides comprehensive treatment for a variety of allergic disorders, asthma, allergy-related conditions, and immunological disorders. Expert Otolaryngologists, Opeyemi Daramola, MD and Ontario D. Lau MD, are board-certified in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and provide care for a full range of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Our experienced team at Crystal Run is ready to help manage your condition and create a treatment plan specifically tailored to meet your needs.

Extended Primary Care Hours | Onsite Labs & Diagnostic Imaging | Urgent Care Open 7/365 Medicaid Managed Care & most commercial insurance plans accepted. Se habla EspaĂąol. Easy access via public transportation.

CRH_We Are Color_WN_ALLERGY-ENT TEAM_73x96-Rockland Parent.indd 1

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