Rockland Parent April 2019

Rockland Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM APRIL 2019

A Birthday Bashfor Less

Plus, party entertainment, places, and more!

10 Easy Tips to Go Zero Waste

SpecialParent • Planning for Your Child’s Future • Sensory-Friendly Fun • Resources for Children with Special Needs

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

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contents table of

Original photo by ›› Big Apple Portraits (bigappleportraits.com) Clothing provided

by Land’s End (landsend.com)

april 2019

18 21

birthday parties 14 A Birthday Bash for Less

Zero Waste, Zero Fuss

Learn how to make the green movement work for your family—it’s not as hard as you think!

Family Activities Calendar

Find something fun to do with your family every day of the month!

16 Birthday Party Directory

38

special needs 30 32 34 36

Protecting Your Child’s Future Special Needs Directory Special Education Resources at-a-Glance Special Education Resources

Potty Training 101

Here’s how to make the frustrating task of getting your kids out of diapers as smooth as possible.

raising kids

things to do

6 Editor’s Note 10 New Places, New Programs 12 Advocating for Peri 13 Helping Teens Through Mental Health Struggles 38 Potty Training 101 40 Awkward Talks 42 Meet the Health Care Professional 43 Camps for Older Kids 44 Camps at-a-Glance Chart 45 Party Planner and Advertisers’ Index 46 I Will Not Fail This Child

20 Family Fun in Manhattan 21 Family Activities Calendar 29 Spring has Sprung

family life 18 Zero Waste, Zero Fuss

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 14 A Birthday Bash for Less 18 10 Easy Tips to Go Zero Waste 30 Planning for Your Child’s Future 27 Sensory-Friendly Fun facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

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

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raising kids editor’s note APRIL 2019 • Vol.12 • No.8

A Season to Celebrate

W

e have a little spring in our step, and the change in seasons has (almost) nothing to do with it. In early March, we attended the annual Parenting Media Association conference, and NYMetroParents was honored with five awards for digital and editorial excellence—including a silver award for our Weekend Scoop newsletter! Sign up at nymetroparents.com/register if you don’t already get it!

Children always seem to have a little spring in their step when their birthdays roll around. So, to help you plan the ultimate birthday bash without breaking the bank, check out Madeleine Burry’s article on pg. 14. It’s full of ideas to earn you double-taps on Instagram without tapping into your savings.

Spring is also a time when we think of how we can help Mother Earth and do good for our environment (who else is excited to visit baby animals at the zoo?). Check out “Zero Waste, Zero Fuss” for 10 easy things you can do to limit the amount of trash your family creates (pg. 18).

April is Autism Awareness Month, and in honor of it, you’ll want to read Stella L. Spanakos’ heart-wrenching essay about how she turned a tragedy into a way to help her son and others on the spectrum (pg. 46). And in keeping with our goal to help you make better decisions for your kids, we’re bringing back Special Parent in digital editions full of advice, resources, and inspiring stories—all for parents of children with special needs. It’s launching Monday, April 8, so check it out then!

We’re also continuing to help you make better decisions for your kids when it comes to summer camp. If you haven’t already, make sure you read our 2019 Summer Camp Guide at nymetroparents.com/campguide/rockland. Whether you’ve already chosen a camp or are still looking, the Camp Guide is full of advice for working with camp staff, ensuring your child has an amazing summer, and local camp descriptions. It’s a mustread for every parent of a camper.

Wishing you a prosperous and productive spring!

Katelin Walling Editorial Director

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Keep in Touch: @nymetroparents nymetroparents.com editor@nymetroparents.com

Have You Seen the 2019 Summer Camp Guide? nymetroparents.com/campguide/rockland

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

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

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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, Colleen Kearney, 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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Looking for a camp for this summer? Have you chosen a camp for your child this summer? Either way, you’ll want to read this guide!

Rockland Parent’s 2019 Camp Guide is chock full of great advice every parent of a camper should know. Learn from experts about working well with camp staff, supporting your child, or choosing the right camp for your child. Plus, if you are shopping for a camp, check out local camps’ descriptions and open houses.

Read it now on your phone, desktop or tablet.

CEO: David L. Miller GENERAL MANAGER: Thomas K. Hanlon 213 W. 35th St., Suite 12W, New York, NY 10001 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239

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 © 2019, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.

Workshop • Gymnastics Galore • Strength & Conditioning Workshops

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Courtesy Smile More Dentistry

raising kids new places, new programs

Dental Practice in Tappan Hires Dentist Who: Smile More Dentistry What’s New: Jonathan Gellis, D.D.S., joined the practice December 2018.

Dr. Gellis attended New York University College of Dentistry to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery. He attributes his becoming part of the team to his gentle manner and skills—he says he prides himself in staying up to date with the latest in dental technology and practices to continually learn and provide the best care possible for his patients. Dr. Gellis chose to work at Smile More because if its reputation of treating each patient with courtesy and because it is a patient-focused office with state-of-the-art technology, according to Dr. Gellis.

Want More Info: 140 Oak Tree Road, Tappan; dentist-tappan.com; 845-675-1512 Jonathan Gellis, D.D.S. says he joined Smile More Dentistry because the patient is at the heart of every thing they do.

Who: The Jewish Education Project and Music Together LLC What’s New: Sing Shalom, which is slated to begin April 15 through Moon River Mother and Child Music Together.

The Jewish Education Project is partnering with local Music Together locations to offer a Judaism-focused version of the high-quality, renowned music education program. The new class incorporates Jewish music and songs into the regular Music Together class to provide a unique cultural experience for families.

Classes are designed for children ages newborn to 4 and occur once a week on Mondays at 10:30am, starting with a demo class on April 8 for anyone interested in meeting the teacher and learning more. Classes are being offered by various Music Together centers throughout the New York metro area.

Want More Info: Congregation Sons of Israel, 300 N. Broadway, Nyack; 201-247-0052; moonrivermotherandchild.com

10

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy The Jewish Education Projec t

Nyack Music Center Launches Parent-Child Program with Jewish Influence

Families will bond through music and unique cultural experiences in a Music Together Sing Shalom class.

Dental Wellness of Suffern Now Offers:

ANESTHESIA-FREE & VIRTUALLY PAIN-FREE PROCEDURES

We are proud to announce that we have added the Solea dental laser to our practice: 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

A SUMMER CAMP FOR KIDS WHO ARE FUNNY. Why can’t we just spend our summers writing jokes, getting on stage, and making each other laugh? Wait, we can!!

At Kids ‘N Comedy, you child will: • Learn to write and perform stand-up • Meet new people, • Hear from successful comics, • Play improv games, • Act out your favorite comedy sketches.

Cap it all off with your own stand-up show at Gotham Comedy Club.

No poison ivy, no canoeing.

For kids & teens ages 10–18.

Monday–Friday Noon–4 PM Campers can take 1, 2, or 3 sessions!

SUMMER CAMP 2019 Session 1 July 8–19 Session 2 July 22–August 2 Session 3 August 5–16

A Jewish cultural experience in your regular Music Together class!

Photo

by Nancy Adler

kidsncomedy.com 212-877-6115

In Music Together Sing Shalom you’ll learn lots of ways to interact musically with your child! Classes combine your Music Together favorites with an all new collection of Jewish songs!

– Register today!

Semester begins

-2 -

.com

10: am with Ms. Catherine Congregation Sons of Israel 300 North Broadway Nyack, NY

Music Together Sing Shalom is offered in collaboration with The Jewish Education Project with funding by UJA-Federation of New York

RocklandParent 11

SpecialParent Courtesy Lori Finkelstein

raising kids voices

Advocating for Peri ››

Although the past 18 years have been full of challenges, I’ve always believed my daughter could do anything she put her mind to. By Lori Finkelstein, as told to David Paone

I

’ll start at the beginning: I was born in Queens in 1965 and moved to West Hempstead about two years later.

I met Paul while we both attended Queens College, but he repulsed me, in true romantic comedy fashion. Eventually we became best friends, but when I set him up on a blind date, I knew I had made a mistake and wanted him for myself.

We were married on Dec. 31, 1989. I had told him if we didn’t get married in 1989, we were never getting married. Beginning a marriage with an ultimatum is always a good idea.

Our first child is Katy, born in 1990. Our second is Joel, born in 1995. We weren’t planning on a third child, at least Paul wasn’t, but in 1999 I heard on the radio that if we were to conceive a child within the next few days, we would most likely have a millennial, born by Dec. 31. We got on that right away. Peri was born on our 10th anniversary.

Much of Peri’s young life has included medical emergencies and hospital stays that last for months. By the time she was 2, she had both CPR and the Heimlich maneuver performed on her twice, including by Paul.

Sometimes I have flashbacks of them cutting her dress open in the ER and pounding on her.

Many children born with nemaline rod myopathy, a form of muscular dystrophy, don’t survive past the age of 7. Peri has survived one muscle biopsy (at 9 months old), nearly 25 sets of ear tubes, more than a dozen bronchoscopies, a tracheotomy, the removal of her tonsils and adenoids, a broken femur, two broken tibiae, and eight scoliosis surgeries.

Physically and medically, Peri’s obstacles were immense. But one early piece of advice we took heed to was to “maximize her potential.” We’ve always been very positive with Peri. We haven’t said, “she’s never going to do this.” We always assume she can do it.

That approach has worked. Peri made honor roll every quarter in sixth grade. The year before, she won the excellence award for her class at graduation. More recently she was salutatorian at her graduation from Henry Viscardi School in Albertson.

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April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Lori Finkelstein with her daughter Peri, who was born with nemaline rod myopathy, a form of muscular dystrophy

I didn’t know it at the time, but all during my young life I was learning the skills that enabled me to care for such a child.

My sister was book smart. It was her job to study all the time and I took care of the house. I cooked and cleaned while my parents were at work. But I also learned how to call companies on the phone if I had a problem with their products. I learned what to say to get them to send me a replacement at no charge.

All of this repeated itself when I had to deal with insurance company appeals and the uncooperating public school system.

My knowing how to finagle has gotten Peri services she wouldn’t otherwise have had.

In 2013, we had the opportunity to meet David Wright of the New York Mets at Citi Field. I love David Wright; he’s a mensch.

David walked over to his locker, produced an All-Star game jersey, signed it, and gave it to Peri. I would have been happy with a sock.

This past September he actually called Peri on the phone to talk about a gift she had sent him. Then he mailed her a signed baseball bat. Gotta love David Wright. He didn’t have to do any of that.

Currently, Peri is a freshman at Adelphi University in Garden City, as a business marketing major. I attend class with her some days and a nurse we hired on other days.

It’s like I’m going to college again. At first, I paid attention to the lessons and even asked questions, which really bothered Peri. So now I sit in class, next to Peri, watching Netflix on my phone. I watched all of Orange Is the New Black and now I’m up to Mad Men. Sometimes the teachers will talk about something from 1912 and give me a nod and I’ll give them one back. The worst part, however, is while Peri is on a feeding tube and losing weight, I think I’m gaining the freshman 20.

The plan is for Peri, and probably me, to go all the way to an MBA. I’ve been helping her with her papers, but I can see her getting stronger and stronger and soon she won’t need any help.

One day Peri will rule the world.

raising kids in the know

SUMMER CAMP? Helping Teens through Mental Health Struggles ›› By Melissa Wickes

N

early 20 percent of teenagers have a diagnosed mental health disorder, according to Robin Seymour, LCSW, clinical director of Newport Academy, a series of evidence-based healing centers for adolescents struggling with mental health issues. She says teens often exhibit internal mental health struggles by acting out and partaking in risky behaviors. So, to help your teen through these difficulties and limit risky behaviors, Seymour shares five effective ways to navigate your child’s mental health crisis.

Make communication a priority. Many teens say their No. 1 issue with their parents is a lack of communication, according to Seymour.

Stay present in your child’s life, ask questions without being interrogative, and, most importantly, listen to what she has to say. When approaching these conversations, recognize your child may be struggling and acknowledge that her outlandish behaviors may be a result of a deeper struggle. Approach the situation with love and understanding and ask yourself, ‘why is my child doing this?’

Let your teen know he is not alone. Teens in general struggle a lot because they often feel as though they are the only one dealing with certain things, whether it’s anxiety or depression—or just the feeling of receiving a bad grade on an exam. And with the stigma of mental health disorders, your child may feel very alone in his fight. Reassure your teen that he is not alone by discussing struggles you may have had as a teenager.

Don’t overreact to the situation. Blowing small problems out of proportion will only make the situation worse. In order to help your teen through what may or may not be a mental health crisis, be patient and find your own middle ground. If you overreact, your teen will be less likely to come to you for help in any situation.

Reach out to other adults in your child’s life. While you know your child better than anyone else, it can always help to get the perspective of other adults that spend a lot of time with her. If you have a concern, ask her teachers, coaches, and any other adults she may be spending a good chunk of time with if they have noticed an abnormality in your daughter’s life.

Access professional help. Mental health is a delicate and serious topic that needs to be treated with empathy and often professional help. Seymour suggests looking into mental health treatment options that use evidence-based practices and those that are specific to helping adolescents.

WE’RE THE NATURAL CHOICE. Wander down the Lindgren drive and you know you’ve entered into a very special place. From our extensive arts and crafts program, to sports and swim lessons, the farm animals and gardens, and the adjacent Closter Nature Center, we’re a unique country atmosphere that engages and inspires campers—and lets children be children.

FIND OUT MORE! Visit lindgrenschool.com or call 201.768.3550 today.

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A Birthday Bash for Less

››

You don’t have to break the bank to throw a memorable party for your child. Party planners and parents who’ve been there share their top tips for keeping costs down. By Madeleine Burry

A

birthday and the accompanying party are a big deal for kids.

That’s no surprise—after all, what’s not to love about cake and presents? Thanks to the Internet (and especially Instagram and Pinterest), you can find plenty of inspiration when it’s time to plan your child’s annual celebration.

But some of those stunning decor, activity, and food options you’ll spot online require hours of painstaking work—and often, hefty price tags, too. It can be easy to DIY yourself to exhaustion or exceed your budget, but that’s not necessary. “Children will have fun no matter what,” points out Rehaab Zohny, director of operations at Gymtime Rhythm and Glues in Manhattan.

If you’re on a budget (of time or money…or both), you can still throw a blowout party—we spoke with moms, dads, and party planning pros, to get their very best tips for hosting a birthday party that’ll deliver Instagram double-taps without breaking the bank.

Take advantage of your location.

If your child was born in a temperate month, you’ve hit the jackpot living in the New York metro area. “For twenty-five dollars, plus a processing fee, you can get a permit for various locations across NYC parks and dress the party to any theme you like,” says Manhattan mom Noelle Pileggi.

That’s just one of many outdoor options. You can do a carousel party in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park (with wristbands that get kids unlimited rides), suggests Louise Simon, a Brooklyn mom of two.

For years, Paul Lyren checked the calendar for Brooklyn street fairs scheduled near his son’s birthday—especially ones with bouncy 14

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

castles. “For a smoking ten-dollar bill you buy your kid a wristband that lets them bounce all day. So, a ten-kid party costs a hundred dollars, plus a cake and pizza, and you are out for under a hundred and fifty dollars!” Lyren says. You can also petition the city to close down your street, then rent a bouncy castle yourself, he adds.

There are still plenty of options for kids born in colder months: try the skating rink, a bowling alley, or hand out a roll of quarters to each attendee at an arcade. Or, go DIY-free and head to a party destination. This can offer some real perks. For one, you don’t need to worry about setup—or cleanup, Zohny notes.

Another option is to host at home. An indoor, at-home party means you won’t need to have a weather back-up plan.

Figure out a theme.

A theme really ties the party together, says Julie Ontaneda of My Classic Party, an event planning and styling company in Rye. That’s true even if it’s very simple, such as a color or your kid’s favorite things (think: unicorns, trucks, dinosaurs, or “favorites” for older kids), she says. “A theme allows for simple touches, like theme-named food items, that are Pinterest-worthy and memorable without breaking the bank,” Ontaneda says.

Save more by going all out in only a few select areas, she recommends.

You can also encourage guests to get involved, suggests Amy Spielholtz, a Manhattan mom. For her daughter’s birthday, the theme was The Enchantment Under the Sea Dance, and guests were encouraged to dress as their favorite Back to the Future character or sea creature. “We were surprised by how many people got into it and it made things so much more festive as a result,” Spielholz says.

Choose an activity.

An activity is often the priciest aspect of a party, Ontaneda says, so start there, then see what’s left in your budget. If you’re doing the event at a destination, this step may already be taken care of.

If not, you can hire someone, or figure out a fun, age-appropriate activity. “When it comes to entertainment, do a treasure hunt. It can last a long time, the treasure can be things on the less expensive side, and the children will have a ball. Play musical chairs or musical statues—fun doesn’t have to be expensive,” says Lucy Harris, mom and CEO of Hello Baby Bump, which is based in Queens.

In fact, doing too many activities, and overly complicated ones, can lead to a party that feels rushed and chaotic, Zohny says.

“Keep it basic and simple for the best outcome,” she recommends.

And remember: An activity can sometimes outlast the big event.

“I wanted some type of activity, but I wasn’t looking to pay for an entertainer or rent equipment,” Spielholtz says—so for around a hundred dollars, she bought a ball pit holder and hundreds of balls online. She says she sees it as an investment—the ball pit is stashed at her daughter’s grandparents’ house for occasional play, and it will be available to use again at birthday parties for several years to come.

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Trim your guest list.

It’s tempting to invite all your friends, along with your kid’s whole class. Resist! Keeping the guest list trimmed down means fewer decorations, fewer cupcakes, and fewer supplies, Harris says.

“Keep the guest list small, figure out the maximum number you want, and talk with your child about who they want,” Harris says.

But if you really crave a big bash (or if your kid’s school or day care requires that every kid get invited), “consider a joint party with a friend,” Ontaneda suggests. It’s “half the cost and double the fun!”

Consider skipping paper invites, too, Harris urges, and opt for text messages and Facebook invites instead.

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Benefit from other parents’ parties.

Party supplies await on Facebook marketplace and local Facebook groups, says Kristin Fuerst, mom of two. “You can often find someone unloading their used (but perfectly fine) party stuff at a big discount, and you might be able to score some cool things you might not otherwise have been able or willing to spring for,” Fuerst says. “Lots of moms just want to help out another mom— or just get stuff out of the house and not in a landfill.”

Let your friends lend a hand, too. Nearly any parent will understand that you don’t always have the space to stash endless chairs and other big items. Borrow items from friends and family, Harris recommends.

And “when people offer to help out, there is nothing wrong accepting it. You will more than likely offer it back in return,” Harris says.

Create a keepsake item for memories down the road.

Photos are a big path to a memorable party for guests. But Harris suggests having guests craft and sign a keepsake item, too. It can be simple, like a canvas board with attendees’ handprints with their names below.

Don’t forget to enjoy yourself!

If you’re stressed, it’ll show. Same goes if you’re enjoying yourself. “If you’re having a good time, your guests will have a good time,” Zohny says.

Bottom line: few people will remember the decor and cake.

What’ll stick is if the event is fun. “Remember, it’s for the children! Make sure they are having fun and you are there every step of the party enjoying just as much as they are. They only turn this age once!” Zohny says.

Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents. com, Scholastic, and About.com. Burry lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their cat.

RocklandParent 15

Birthday Party Directory Birthday Party Entertainment Fudgie the Clown and Mystique the Magician

Serving Rockland and Bergen counties 201-825-7481 fudgietheclown.com Clowning and magic for any occasion! Invite Fudgie or Mystique to your next party, picnic, or event.

Fudgie is an award-winning clown and professional family entertainer specializing in magic, face painting, and balloon animals. Ask about midweek special rates. Fully insured.

Inflatable Party Adventures

Serving Rockland, Northern New Jersey, Westchester 845-267-2022 inflatablepartyadventures.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. Fully licensed and insured, with a no-risk cancellation.

Party Pack Crew

917-882-6660 partypackcrew.com Our fabulous birthday and themed parties include more than just your favorite characters, we also decorate, entertain your party guests, and make your moments of celebration unforgettable! Party options include both boy and girl character themes, arts and crafts, and jewelry making. Check our website for details.

Birthday Party Gifts ‘Tilly...A Deer’s Tale’

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This powerful story is meant to inspire children living with physical challenges or limitations. The book makes a great birthday gift!

16

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.

Birthday Party Places Abrakadoodle Art Studio for Kids

53 Prospect Place, Hillsdale 201-383-0027 abrakadoodle.com kroberts@abrakadoodle.com Paint, slime, clay, and glitter are just some of 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. We love mess and watching your children have fun while creating.

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 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 and adults. The Rock Birthday Party consists of a two-hour jam and recording session. Karaoke Birthday Party is for kids eager to become a superstar singer for a day. The Rock City Birthday Party allows children to explore rock ‘n’ roll instruments.

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.

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

New City Bowl and Batting Cages

90 N. Main St., New City 845-634-4977 newcitybowlandbattingcages.com We are well known for our great birthday party packages and offer Glow Bowling for Sunday parties. All parties include bowling, shoe rental, food, paper goods, invitations, setup, and cleanup. You bring the cake, and we do the rest. Upgraded packages include custom invitations, French fries, and goodie bags.

Orangetown Classic Diner

512 Route 303, Orangeburg 845-359-3592 orangetownclassicdiner.com The perfect place to celebrate! Offering Crazy Shakes, creative pancakes, delicious appetizers, burgers, salads, and comfort food favorites with gluten free options and vegetarian choices. Full bar with draft beer and all natural “no antibiotics ever” chicken and USDA Prime burgers.

Be our guest for breakfast, lunch, or dinner seven days a week.

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 to explore, climb, and conquer.

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

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 bubble machine.

Energetic party hosts customize and lead games, songs, and activities that you get to select! We set it up and we clean it up.

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, free invitations, paper products, and utensils.

The birthday child receives a free gift and balloons. Reserve in advance.

They book quickly!

Venture Equestrian Center

15 Fernald Road, Stony Point 845-786-3926 venturerockland.org /programs/equestrian-center horseprogram@campventure.org Venture Equestrian Center is the perfect spot for your child’s riding birthday party! We offer a yearround, indoor/outdoor arena, with a private party room overlooking the ring. Included is a free, framed riding photo of each party guest, and a visit to our on-site small animal farm. Open to the public.

Vicki’s Dance Studio and Kreative Kids 61 Maple Ave., New City 845-634-2202 vickistudio.com We offer great birthday parties for boys and girls of all ages with a variety of themed options such as Hip-Hop Dance Party and Games Mix, Jumping Gymnastics, Disney Dance Mix, and Dress-up Princess Party! Party packages include decorations, paper products, entertainment, and a party coordinator.

Call for details.

Vision Sports Club Youth Fit Zone

37 W. Jefferson Ave., Pearl River 845-517-1427 parties visionsportsclub.com Our fun-filled parties are one and a half hours, with one hour of games and activities of your choice in our 7000-square-foot Sports Zone, private party room, pizza, and drinks.

Upgrade options include more time, Bubble Ball, or party favors. We do the work and you show up for the fun!

West Rock Indoor Sports and Entertainment Complex

21 Pralle Lane, Nanuet 845-623-3636 westrockindoor.com With 26,000-square-feet of turf, two regulation-size basketball courts, six Har-Tru tennis courts, indoor bouncers, and private party room, we are the ultimate place for your birthday party.

Choose one of our specialty or sports parties or customize your own. Packages include dedicated party host(s). Check website for party options.

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, make and decorate a chocolate pizza, balloon bowl filled with dipped items, candy apples, and other hand dipped goodies. You pick what your guests create. Fun for all ages.

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180 Germonds Rd. West Nyack, NY • 845-623-4975 • www.jillsceramics.com RocklandParent 17

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Zero Waste, Zero Fuss

››

Cutting the amount of landfill trash your family creates isn’t as difficult as it sounds.

Here’s how to make this green movement work for your family. By Emma Steven

Z

ero-waste living has become a lifestyle movement. There are now hundreds of books, blogs, and videos about it, and even a number of zero-waste stores opening in New York City. For a beginner, becoming a zero-waste household looks time consuming and difficult. So just how do you do it, and is it even possible for a busy, urban family?

Bea Johnson is a mother of two, blogger, author of the best-selling book Zero Waste Home, and the founder of the zero-waste lifestyle movement. Her family of four famously collects less than a glass jar’s worth of waste a year, and she travels the world talking about it. Her passion and conviction for zero waste is the driving force behind the lifestyle’s growing popularity. “To me it’s a life hack,” she sums it up. “It’s a way of saving time and money in so many different areas, so that all you regret is not having started earlier.”

But before you panic about having to throw away your trash can, it’s important to remember the world is not currently set up for us to be 100-percent zero waste. “Pretty much no one is completely zero waste,” says Celia Ristow, a zero-waste writer, organizer, founder of the blog Litterless. “You can still make

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April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

some trash and that’s perfectly fine,” she reassures. “It’s less about making zero waste and more about zero-waste principles.”

Why Go Zero Waste?

Though it may seem like a massive undertaking, there are seven big reasons to live a zero-waste lifestyle.

• It reduces your landfill. New Yorkers create an average of 12,000 tons of waste each day (not including commercial waste), and the majority of it ends up in landfill, according to the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability.

• It reduces greenhouse gases. Landfill is the third biggest source of methane gas, which is more potent than carbon dioxide and contributes significantly to climate change, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

• It reduces plastic waste, a global problem that is poisoning our oceans and waterways. By 2025 we will be dumping 16 million metric tons of plastic waste into the sea, per year, according to a 2015 study by the UC Santa Barbara’s National Center for Ecological Analysis.

• It conserves natural resources. Creating single-use items

uses precious resources (e.g. plastic forks), and those items can’t be re-used or recycled.

• Recycling isn’t enough. Although the EPA estimates that Americans recycle more than 87 million tons of waste a year, plastic is usually recycled into something that can’t be recycled, so it eventually ends up in landfill. Recycling also takes up a huge amount of resources, including shipping overseas.

• It can improve your health. It reduces your exposure to plastics and chemicals in conventional consumer products and forces you to eat fewer processed foods.

• It can save you time and money. “When you eliminate over consumption and buying disposables, then all of a sudden it’s more time and money in your life to do what’s important to you,” Johnson says. You’ll spend less time and money on cleaning, buying, repairing, and disposing of things.

Getting Started

“When people get started, they think, ‘Oh boy, this sounds so complicated. It’s so different from what we’re doing,’” Johnson says. “But it actually isn’t. We’re talking about things that your grandparents used to do, really quite simple.” She gives the example of replacing tissues with handkerchiefs. Instead of spending time and money going to the store to buy tissues and disposing of them once used, you carry a handkerchief (like Grandma) that you wash and reuse.

Johnson also wants to dispel the myth that you need to spend all of your time making zero-waste replacements for things. While some people may enjoy it, this isn’t necessary.

Instead of making your own toothpaste, breakfast cereal, or five different types of homemade kitchen cleaner, make lowwaste swaps instead.

“If you can find the ingredients zero waste and you have the time and the curiosity then great,” Ristow says. “If not, someone probably already makes it and so you can save yourself time.”

For example, if your grocery store only stocks packaged bread, you don’t need to make it yourself; look around for a local bakery and bring your own bag. Ristow’s blog has a great shopping directory (litterless.com/wheretoshop) to help you find lowwaste alternatives.

“Zero waste becomes a lifestyle—not a short-term project— when you let it simplify your life, not complicate it,” Johnson says. “It’s all about finding super-simple solutions that you can see yourself sticking to for life.”

In her book, Johnson introduces five zero-waste rules: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot. Read on to discover how to implement them, as well as further tips to get you started.

Refuse what you do not need, especially single-use items. Say no to the plastic bag, coffee cup, plastic fork, freebie pen, hotel shampoo, and toy at the dentist. This simple step will drastically reduce the waste you are bringing into your home. Then you can start working on what is already there.

Reduce your belongings to make you more aware of what you are bringing into your home. Do you need three different types of moisturizer? Do you have a full closet but keep buying clothes? Do your kids play with all of their toys or could you donate some? Go slow and start with easy areas. You can then see where you need to make zero-waste swaps.

Switch to reusables. Bring a reusable coffee cup to the coffee shop, a lunch box to work, a handkerchief in your bag, and reusable bags to the grocery store. You don’t have to spend a

lot of money to do this, just use what you have at home. Make produce bags and handkerchiefs out of old sheets and use glass jars to transport your lunch or wet food like meat and cheese from the store. Need to buy something? Reuse by buying second hand items.

Go slow to avoid burn out and overwhelm. Ristow recommends replacing items one at a time, for a more sustainable change. “Start small, and start where you can make a big impact,” she says. “You don’t have to change everything at once.

You’ll feel really good when you notice your small changes making a difference, which will motivate you to keep going.”

Recycle correctly. Don’t just put it all in and hope for the best.

Approximately 77 percent of New Yorker’s trash could be recycled, donated, or composted instead, according to the New York City Department of Sanitation. Read your borough’s recycling rules carefully to avoid contaminating your collection (causing it to end up in landfill). NYC has an excellent program in place.

With a little research you can find a home for most things, even if they can’t be left at the curb.

Rot what you can’t recycle, reuse, or refuse. The simple act of composting will reduce your trash by 34 percent and you don’t need a garden to do it. Visit grownyc.org for more information about local collection and drop-off locations.

Shop at a farmer’s market, which is a great way of reducing waste. You’ll buy more fresh produce, support local farms, and you can bring your own bags and containers. There are more than 50 farmer’s markets in NYC, visit grownyc.org or downtoearthmarkets.com to find one near you.

Buy unpackaged foods. Once you get started, you’ll realize there are lots of options you aren’t using. Check out the bulk aisle of your local health food or grocery store, go to the bakery for your bread and cookies, get meats and cheeses from the deli counter, and stock up on lunch items at the salad bar. In some cases, you’ll even save money doing this. Find a bulk store near you with the Bulk Finder tool zerowastehome.com.

Switch cleaning and beauty products. You don’t need five different cleaners and rolls of paper towels for a clean house. All you need is baking soda, vinegar, some soap, and old rags. In the bathroom you can switch to soap bars and refillable shampoo.

There are now many companies offering refillable, package free products such as Brooklyn’s own Package Free Shop, set up by zero-waste blogger Lauren Singer of trashisfortossers.com.

Focus on what’s important. “People think [zero waste] is about reducing your trash, but ultimately it actually translates into a simpler life: a life that is based on experiences instead of things and a life focused on being rather than having,” Johnson says. “For us, that’s what makes life richer.”

The zero-waste lifestyle movement began in one woman’s kitchen in California and has grown into something with the power to influence corporations. In May 2019, eight of the biggest plastic polluting companies in the world, including Procter & Gamble and Unilever, will start trialing a new venture called LOOP, in which their products are shipped to consumers in refillable packaging that they then return. The future, we hope, is zero waste.

Emma Steven is a British freelance writer living in Manhattan with her husband, two small kids, and two cats.

RocklandParent 19

things to do

city bound

N Y C

Family Fun in Manhattan

This year’s Earth Day Bazaar will be Grand Bazaar NYC’s second annual event with more vendors creatively using recycled materials.

Sustainable Shopping

Courtesy Zeal Images

Support local artists and businesses while showing the Earth a little love at the NYC Earth Day Bazaar. Shop from a variety of independent dealers who use recycled materials to make jewelry, fashion, furniture, art, and home goods, as well as beauty and skincare products, clothing, and children’s toys and accessories made with sustainable, fair-trade materials. Plus, take time to learn how to reduce your footprint and about environmental programs available in the area. Sunday, April 21, 10am-5:30pm. Ages: All. Free. Grand Bazaar NYC, 100 W. 77th St., Upper West Side. grandbazaarnyc.org.

The Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra was founded to bring children from all backgrounds into New York’s famous club for a unique, live jazz experience.

Jam Out to Jazz

What better way to establish an appreciation for music than by starting at a young age? Inspire your little ones to learn to play an instrument by watching peers play at Jazz for Kids. The Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra, a group of musicians ages 11-18, take the stage and jam out while you and your family dance and enjoy a Blue Smoke barbecue brunch. Often, band members will be joined by guest artists from the New York City jazz scene.

Sundays, 2pm. Ages: All. Suggested donation: $5. Jazz Standard, 116 E. 27th St., Flatiron; jazzstandard.com.

Courtesy The Jewish Museum

W he hile y re ou , v ’r isit e …

The Jewish Museum will host a Passover extravaganza with art, music, and dancing featuring the sounds of ShirLaLa.

The Jewish Museum

Deemed one of the oldest Jewish museums in the world, this institution connects Jewish culture and art for people of all religions and backgrounds with more than 30,000 works of art, objects, and media. Take the kids to the Archaeology Zone where they can learn about artifacts and take on the role of archaeologists to search for clues about objects from ancient times to the present day.

Visit it: 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side; thejewishmuseum.org Can’t-miss event: Freedom Art Jam (for Passover): Sunday, April 7, 11am-4pm Directions: Approximately a 50-minute drive from New City

Courtesy Pip’s Island

Courtesy Grand Bazaar NYC

By Melissa Wickes

Pip’s Island combines stimulating audiovisual content with original narrative and various exploratory spaces.

Pip’s Island

This one-of-a-kind, immersive experience for kids of all ages combines gaming, animation, and fantasy with actors, puppets, interactive set pieces, and animated characters. Follow the cast of Pip’s Island as they save the island from darkness using various aspects of STEAM. Kids can ride Pebble’s Cloud Rover, travel underground to outwit moles, or indulge in a treat from Grumble Plum’s Bakery.

Visit it: 400 W. 42nd St., Times Square Can’t-miss event: Grand re-opening on April 12; see website for tickets and more Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive from New City

Ideas When You Need Them:

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

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Turn the page for details on the Earth Day Celebration and Hike-A-Thon (No. 6 on our list)

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WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

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CALENDAR 22

Editor’s Hot Tickets

23

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

24

The Great Outdoors

25

Smarty Pants

26

Show Time!, Kindness Crusaders

27

Special Needs, Fun Fairs & Festivals

28

Holiday Fun, Movers & Shakers

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

1

Northeast Astronomy Forum: World’s Largest Astronomy & Space Expo

WHEN: April 6-7, Saturday, 8:30am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Rockland Community College, 145 College Road, Suffern AGES: All WHAT: Learn all about the universe at this weekend packed with planetarium shows, presentations, solar viewings, and other programs.

The Children’s Corner provides a place for kids to learn about space and astronomy, build models and crafts, and play with hands-on exhibits designed to capture their imaginations.

WHY WE LOVE IT: There will be free telescope giveaways throughout the weekend!

WANT TO GO? $27 one-day pass; $49 two-day pass; $10 students ages 13 and older (college students: ID required); free 12 and younger (with parent). 845-357-4800. rocklandastronomy.com/neaf.html.

SpringFest Street Fair

WHEN: Sunday, April 7, 10am WHERE: Nyack Chamber of Commerce, Main Street and Broadway, Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Join thousands of visitors in Nyack to celebrate SpringFest with live bands, great food, kid rides, and hundreds of vendors offering unique crafts, jewelry, and more.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A chance to check out Nyack’s one-of-a-kind shops, pubs, and fabulous restaurants.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 845-353-2221. nyackchamber.org.

2

‘Peg + Cat Live!’

WHEN: Sunday, April 7, 1:30pm and 4:30pm WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown, NJ AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This totally awesome musical features wild comedy, countless favorite songs from the show, and Peg’s super coolest pal, Ramone!

WANT TO GO? $12-$25. 973-539-8008. mayoarts.org.

3

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April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

3

4

2019 Easter Egg Hunt FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 10-11:30am and 1:30-3pm WHERE: Mama Johnson Field, 4th and Jackson streets, Hoboken, NJ AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Be a part of Hudson County’s largest Easter egg hunt featuring 33,000 eggs, pictures with the Easter Bunny, face painting, crafts, and carnival games.

WHY WE LOVE IT: There are separate morning and afternoon hunts, so you can plan around nap time!

WANT TO GO? 201-795-5485. hobokengrace.com/egghunt.

Spring Birding

WHEN: Sunday, April 14, 9:30am WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Explore the gardens and woodlands on a quest to spot both resident and rare birds.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A once-a-year opportunity to welcome migratory birds back for the spring.

WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $10; $6 students and seniors ages 65 and older; $4 children ages 6 and older; free for members and children younger than 6. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

5

6

Earth Day Celebration and Hike-A-Thon FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 27, 9am-3pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, across from 174 Angola Road, Cornwall AGES: All

WHAT: The Earth Day Celebration will immediately follow the Hike-A-Thon. Meet live farm animals and enjoy Nature Play in Grasshopper Grove, crafts, hay rides, storytelling and puppetry, live music by local artists, and the Museum’s Young Naturalist Preschool will perform an original play.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Bring a few dollars to enter the raffle with amazing prizes donated by wonderful local businesses.

WANT TO GO? 845-534-5506. hhnm.org.

New Jersey Ballet’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’

WHEN: Saturday, April 27, 8pm WHERE: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Sleeping Beauty delivers high drama, tender romance, and spectacular dancing.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The production is set to some glorious Tchaikovsky music.

WANT TO GO? $23-$53. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.

7

Sheep Shearing Fest 2019

WHEN: Saturday, April 27, 10am-3pm WHERE: Stone Barns Center, 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the arrival of spring with farm activities, crafts, live music, and seasonal fare from local vendors.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Children dance around the Maypole and, when the shearing is done, can help herd the sheep out to pasture for the season.

WANT TO GO? $60 adult (tax-deductible amount: $48); $25 children ages 2-15 (tax-deductible amount: $13). 914-366-7905. stonebarnescenter.org.

8

Hudson Valley KidVenture

WHEN: April 27-28, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm WHERE: Dutchess Community College, 91 Cottage Road, Poughkeepsie AGES: 3-12 WHAT: KidVenture is an interactive and educational event featuring activities, live performances, demonstrations, technology exhibits, career exploration experiences, and more.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This year’s fun includes the Bossy Frog Band, Jurassic Encounters, and tons of touch-a-truck exhibitors.

WANT TO GO? $8 in advance; $10 at the door; $12 two-day pass (online only); free for children younger than 3. hvkidventure.org.

9

Weekly Drop-In at Rockland Baby Café FREE

WHEN: March 25- Jan. 31, Tuesdays, 10:30am-12:30pm 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 breast-feeding 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.

10

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 six no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome.

Crystal Run Healthcare Prenatal Class FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, April 3, 5-6pm WHERE: West Nyack Office, 2 Centerock Road, West Nyack AGES: Adult WHAT: The program 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.

Minecraft Challengers FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 3-4pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Talk and play everything Minecraft!

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Earth Day in Newark: Volunteer with One Tree Planted FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, April 16, 9:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Luis Munoz Marin Middle School, 663 Broadway, Newark, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Give back to your community by increasing the urban canopy with New Jersey Tree Foundation and One Tree Planted. Grab some gloves and help plant some trees!

WANT TO GO? 800-408-7850. eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-in-newarkvolunteer-with-one-tree-planted-tickets-57721867660?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

Spring Fun FREE

WHEN: April 22-26, Monday, 12:30pm-7:30pm; Tuesday and Friday, 10am-3pm; Wednesday-Thursday, 10am-5:30pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Village Branch, 85 Main St., Haverstraw AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Watch movie marathons, participate in Coloring Club, play on the PS4, and more!

WANT TO GO? 845-429-3445. hkdpl.org.

Builders Club FREE

WHEN: April 1-29, Mondays, 5-6pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Have fun with Legos, marble runs, Magic Nuudles, littleBits, K’nex, and more.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Teen Cooking FREE

WHEN: Saturdays, April 2, 16, and 30, 6-7pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 South Broadway, Nyack AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Teens will learn to cook with Miss Morgan. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370. nyacklibrary.org. ››

RocklandParent 23

Camouflage Egg Hunt

WHEN: Sunday, April 14, 11:30am-12:30pm, 1-2pm, and 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Children will search the forest for naturally dyed eggs in camouflage colors and lucky hunters who find the special eggs get a special surprise.

WANT TO GO? $15; $10 member. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Full Moon Hike

WHEN: Friday, April 19, 7-9pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Experience a guided 2-hour walk (1 mile) along the trails by the light of the full moon.

WANT TO GO? $5 member; $10 non-member. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Primitive Tool Making (Tool Knapping)

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Gardener’s Day 2019

WHEN: Wednesday, April 3, 9am-2pm WHERE: Cornell Cooperative Extension Rockland County, 10 Patriot Hills Lane, Stony Point AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Admission includes breakfast or light lunch, workshops, one entry for the door prize raffle, and access to the Garden Market vendor expo.

WANT TO GO? $30; $40 after March 15. 845-429-7085. rocklandcce.org.

Primitive Living Skills for Children: Heightening Awareness in the Outdoors

WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 11am WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Learn to shape rocks into beautiful and functional tools. Become acquainted with the basic techniques of Pressure Flaking, which is the shaping and sharpening of stones into useful tools or points. All participants will leave with their own tool kit to continue experimenting at home. Ages 14 and older.

WANT TO GO? $70; $60 members. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Earth Day Hike: Protect Our Species FREE

WHEN: Monday, April 22, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, 443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood, NJ AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Enjoy a nature hike on the trails of Flat Rock Brook’s preserve and learn about New Jersey’s endangered species and what we can do to help them.

WANT TO GO? 201-567-1265. flatrockbrook.org.

Wild Edibles Foraging FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 7, 10am-12:30pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 285 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Awareness is everything in the wilderness. Gain new skills, feel comfortable in nature, and make new friends at this program.

WANT TO GO? $45. 845-356-1234. thenatureplace.com.

WHEN: Sunday, April 28, 12-1pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Learn plant names, properties, tastes, uses in cooking, and have an investigative feast.

WANT TO GO? 845-356-1234. thenatureplace.com.

Dirt Matters! Soil & Seed Exploration with Strawtown Studio FREE

Primitive Living Skills for Children: Natural Camouflage, Tracking, and Stalking

WHEN: Thursday, April 11, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 6-10 WHAT: Get your hands dirty and create a soil ball filled with springtime seeds.

WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

Opening Day of Grasshopper Grove 2019

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 10am-4pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center, 120 Muser Drive, Muser Drive (across from 174 Angola Road), Cornwall-on-Hudson AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy the opening day of Grasshopper Grove Nature Play Space! Children can use their imaginations to build in the ‘loose parts’ area, and combine a slab of slate, rainwater, and a paint brush to create an artistic masterpiece.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for members. 845-534-5506. hhnm.org.

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April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, April 28, 10am-12:30pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 285 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Explore tracking, stalking, and natural camouflage as they pertain to survival in the wilderness world. Ages 10-14.

WANT TO GO? $45. 845-356-1234. thenatureplace.com/programs/ primitive-living-skills.

Party for the Planet FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 28, 10am-4pm WHERE: Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Earth Day at the Bergen County Zoo. WANT TO GO? 201-262-3771. co.bergen.nj.us.

CRAZYShakes! check out our

SMARTY PANTS ‘Shanks Legacy’ Grand Opening FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 2-4pm WHERE: Orangetown Historical Museum and Archives, 196 Chief Bill Harris Way (formerly Blaisdell Road), Orangeburg AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the secret camp that processed 1.3 million troops en route to Europe and North Africa during WWII and how it changed Orangetown.

WANT TO GO? 845-398-1302. orangetownmuseum.com.

Fire & Ice Show with Mad Science FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 14, 2-3pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn about the amazing properties of fire and combustion.

Then, cool off with spectacular demonstrations involving dry ice.

Children will be amazed as they learn about chemical reactions and the states of matter with the Mad Scientists.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Baby Signs with Miss Fran FREE

WHEN: April 4-25, Thursdays, 10:30-11am WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Be a part of this unique hands-on class where you and your child will learn signs, so they can communicate before they can talk.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Friday Fun FREE

WHEN: Fridays, April 5, 12, and 26, 4-5pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Village Branch, 85 Main St., Haverstraw AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Join the library for different programs each week, including Builder’s Club, games, 3-D fun with 3-D pens, PS4, Code Club, Science Squad.

WANT TO GO? 845-429-3445. hkdpl.org.

Bugs Workshop with Mad Science FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 28, 2-3pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Children are introduced to the world of entomology (insects) with Mad Science.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

‘Elemental Forces’ Exhibit FREE

WHEN: Through April 30: Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm; SaturdaySunday, 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 utilizing solar, wind, and geothermal to the potential of alternative energy.

WANT TO GO? 845-358-0877. rocklandartcenter.org.

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RocklandParent 25

KINDNESS CRUSADERS Handbag Bingo Event to Benefit Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble

SHOW TIME!

Jersey Moves! Festival of Dance: Carolyn Dorfman Dance

WHEN: April 6-7, Saturday, 7pm; Sunday, 3pm WHERE: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark, NJ AGES: 5 and older WHAT: The stunning dancers of Carolyn Dorfman Dance present Love Life Dance, more than three decades of work by their prolific and versatile choreographer/director.

WANT TO GO? Saturday: $15-$45; Sunday: $15-$34. 800-466-5722. njpac.org.

WHEN: Saturday, April 6, 6:30-9:30pm WHERE: Nyack Center, 58 Depew Ave., Nyack AGES: Adult WHAT: Play BINGO for a chance to win new designer handbags and help raise money for the Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble (RYDE).

WANT TO GO? $45. 845-358-2600. rocklandyouthdanceensemble.org/bingo.

Stick Up for a Cause FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, April 10, 6-7pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Create vinyl stickers with a socially conscious slogan of your choice.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

‘The Rainbow Fish’

Nanuet Community Cleanup Event FREE

Derek Hough: Live!

Tappan Community Cleanup Event FREE

‘The Sound of Music’

Broadway Stars for Autism New Jersey

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 11am WHERE: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark, NJ AGES: All WHAT: This one-of-a-kind, puppet-filled adaptation of the popular book is sure to generate a few useful life lessons for young audiences, as well as a genuine enthusiasm for the art of reading.

WANT TO GO? $20. 800-466-5722. njpac.org.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 24, 8pm WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown, NJ AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Fans will journey through a fusion of dance and music as Hough explores styles ranging from ballroom and tap to salsa and hop-hop.

WANT TO GO? $59-$85. 973-539-8008. mayoarts.org.

WHEN: April 26-27, Friday, 7:30pm; Saturday, 1pm and 7pm WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown, NJ AGES: 5 and older WHAT: The spirited, romantic, and beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences.

WANT TO GO? $49-$89. 973-539-8008. mayoarts.org.

New Jersey Ballet’s ‘Cinderella’

WHEN: Sunday, April 28, 1pm and 4pm WHERE: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: 3 and older WHAT: The classic fairy tale comes to life with lavish sets and costumes, performed with New Jersey Ballet’s original “storyteller” narration so little children can follow the story.

WANT TO GO? $23-$53. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.

Shen Yun

WHEN: April 26-May 4, see website for schedule WHERE: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark, NJ AGES: All WHAT: The world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company returns to NJPAC with its latest epic production.

WANT TO GO? $85 and up. 800-466-5722. njpac.org.

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April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 10am-12pm WHERE: Raymour & Flanigan Furniture and Mattress Store, 43 Hutton Ave., Nanuet AGES: All WHAT: Clean up with Keep Rockland Beautiful & the Nanuet Chamber of Commerce. Free coffee and refreshments will be available.

WANT TO GO? 845-708-9164. keeprocklandbeautiful.org.

WHEN: Sunday, April 14, 8:30-11am WHERE: Tappan Fire Department, 123 Washington St., Tappan AGES: All WHAT: Participate in the Great American Cleanup and Keep Rockland Beautiful to clean up Tappan. Free refreshments available for volunteers.

WANT TO GO? 845-708-9164. keeprocklandbeautiful.org.

WHEN: Monday, April 22, 7-9pm WHERE: Montclair State University Memorial Auditorium, 1 E. Normal Ave., Montclair, NJ AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Big Broadway stars will sing to benefit Autism New Jersey. The Freshman Revue will also perform. There will be raffles for Samsung smart watches, an HDTV, Broadway show tickets, and many other surprises.

WANT TO GO? $20. eventbrite.com.

Suffern Community Cleanup Event FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 27, 9am-12pm WHERE: Suffern Village Community Center, 41 Washington Ave., Suffern AGES: All WHAT: Participate in the Great American Cleanup and Keep Rockland Beautiful to clean up Suffern. Free refreshments available for volunteers.

WANT TO GO? 845-708-9164. keeprocklandbeautiful.org.

Airmont Community Cleanup Event FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 28, 9am-12pm WHERE: Airmont Village Hall, 251 Cherry Lane, Airmont AGES: All WHAT: Participate in the Great American Cleanup and Keep Rockland Beautiful to clean up Airmont. Free refreshments available for volunteers.

WANT TO GO? 845-708-9164. keeprocklandbeautiful.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS

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Bunny Cares

WHEN: Sunday, April 7, 9-11am WHERE: Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: People within every spectrum of special needs and their families are invited to a private photo session with the Easter Bunny.

WANT TO GO? Free to visit Easter Bunny, fee for photos. 845-348-1000. palisadescenter.com.

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS

‘Pirate School!’

Bergen County Multicultural Family Fun Fest

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: All WHAT: A madcap, swashbuckling solo variety show for all ages promoting everyday polite behavior and social courage. Part of the Sensory Friendly Kidz Cabaret Series.

WANT TO GO? $19. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.

WHEN: Saturday, April 6, 12-4pm WHERE: Van Saun County Park, 216 Forrest Ave., Paramus, NJ AGES: All WHAT: There will be something for everyone at the Bergen County Multicultural Family Fun Fest with music, dance, arts and crafts, storytelling, science show, animals, and more.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 201-336-7463.

‘Dragons Love Tacos and Other Stories’: Relaxed Performance

Daffodil Festival and Earth Day Fair

WHEN: Monday, April 15, 4pm WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown, NJ AGES: All WHAT: A musical revue of beloved contemporary children’s books. This relaxed performance will have lights up, modified sound, a quiet room, and the ability to get out of your seat, so children with special needs may share in this family experience.

WANT TO GO? $12-$15. 973-539-8008. mayoarts.org.

Sensory Story Time FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 11-11:30am WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 3-5, 5-8, Adult WHAT: This program is specifically designed for children who are on the autism spectrum and/or have sensory integration issues. Call to register.

WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

Autism Awareness Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 27, 10am-4pm WHERE: Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus AGES: All WHAT: Commemorate World Autism Awareness Day at the Bergen County Zoo. WANT TO GO? 201-262-3771. co.bergen.nj.us.

WHEN: Sunday, April 14, 11am-2pm WHERE: The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Learn about local parklands and enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, educational displays, children’s activities, musical entertainment, and the Daffy Dog Parade.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 201-670-5560. ridgewoodchamber.com.

Earth Day Celebration & Music Fest

WHEN: Sunday, April 21, 12-4pm WHERE: Nyack Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Gazebo, Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Nyack will honor Mother Earth with kids’ activities, live music, and vendors selling everything from jewelry to plants to smoothies powered by a bicycle.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 845-3532221. nyackchamber.org.

The Great Palisades Clean-Up & Tag Sale

WHEN: April 27-28, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-3pm WHERE: Palisades Community Center, 675 Oak Tree Road, Palisades AGES: All WHAT: Grab your friends and family to help clean up the streets of this beautiful hamlet.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 845-359-3988. palisadescc.org.

Castle Point Anime Convention 2019

WHEN: April 27-28, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-8pm WHERE: Meadowlands Exposition Center, 355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a variety of exciting events such as anime showings, game tournaments, artist alley, and informative panels.

WANT TO GO? $20 one-day; $35 two-day; after April 1: $35 oneday; $50 two-day. eventbrite.com/e/castle-point-anime-convention2019-tickets-49776659328. ››

RocklandParent 27

Chicks and Bunnies 2019

WHEN: Saturdays, April 13 and 20, and Friday, April 19: 30-minute sessions from 9am-3:30pm (excludes 12pm slot) WHERE: Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Road, Wyckoff, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Visit and interact with baby chicks and bunnies, take pictures, and meet the Easter Bunny!

WANT TO GO? $5.30. 201-891-0278. abmasfarm.com.

Easter Open Play

WHEN: April 20-21, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-6pm WHERE: Urban Jungle Play, 1140 Maxwell Lane, Hoboken, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Play all day and enjoy Easter activities.

WANT TO GO? $20 for open play; $5 additional for Easter activity.

201-653-4212. urbanjungleplay.com.

Zoo Storytime with the Easter Bunny

HOLIDAY FUN Breakfast with the Easter Bunny!

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 9-11am WHERE: Dave & Buster’s, 4661 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a hot breakfast, $10 power card with unlimited video game play, an Easter egg hunt, and a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny.

WANT TO GO? $28.95. 845-353-1555. eventbrite.com.

Easter Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 2pm WHERE: Demarest Nature Center, 324 County Road, Demarest AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Bring the kids for yummy fun and photo ops with the Easter Bunny.

WANT TO GO? demarestnaturecenter.org.

K’tanim: Preschool Program: Passover & Chocolate Seder!

WHEN: Sunday, April 14, 9-11am WHERE: The Reform Temple of Rockland, 330 N. Highland Ave., Upper Nyack AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Check out Passover & Chocolate Seder full of music, crafts, and Judaism.

WANT TO GO? Call for information. 845-358-2248. rtrny.wufoo.com/forms/w1dn77pt0x2s8ys.

2019 Bunny Express

WHEN: April 6-20, Saturdays, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm, and 4:30pm WHERE: Westbrook Lane Station, 149 Aaron Court, Kingston AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy the sights and sounds of classic railroading and take part in an Easter egg hunt. Then visit with the Easter Bunny and his pal the mischievous Fernando The Fox. WANT TO GO? $18; $16 seniors, military, and veterans; $12 children ages 2-12. 845-332-4854. catskillmountainrailroad.com.

Second Night Seder

WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 4:30-8pm WHERE: Congregation Emanuel, 243 Albany Ave., Kingston AGES: All WHAT: This special night features a unique theme each year and live musicians.

WANT TO GO? See website. 845-338-4271 x101. cehv.org.

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April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: April 13-21, Saturday-Sunday, 10am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm WHERE: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy story time, photos with the Easter Bunny, and an animal presentation.

WANT TO GO? $8; $12 children; free for children younger than 2. 973731-5800. turtlebackzoo.com/events-calendar.

MOVERS & SHAKERS All Sports Open Play

WHEN: Friday, April 19, full day: 9am-3pm; half day: 9am-12pm WHERE: West Rock Indoor Sports and Entertainment Complex, 21 Pralle Lane, Nanuet AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Enjoy a day of sports, inflatables, arts and crafts, and activities.

WANT TO GO? $50 full day; $30 half day; $5 additional for lunch.

845-623-3636. westrockindoor.com.

Gathering the Magic with Master Ben FREE

WHEN: April 3-24, Wednesdays, 4-6pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Learn the basics of Magic the Gathering.

WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

Parent’s Night Out

WHEN: Friday, April 26, 5:30-9:30pm WHERE: JTS Community, Health & Sports Center at Torne Valley, 115 Torne Valley Road, Hillburn AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Parents take the night off while your kids have a blast with gaga, basketball, music, dancing, arts and crafts, and pizza, plus a movie at 8pm.

WANT TO GO? $20 first child and $10 per sibling; members: $10 first child and $5 per sibling. 845-753-2324. ramapoparks.org.

Master Ben’s Boardgames FREE

WHEN: April 1-29, Mondays, 4-6pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Play some awesome new board games and meet fellow gamers.

WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

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Spring things to do where-to guide

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Compiled by Anja Webb

Has Sprung

Now that it’s finally warming up you can take this time to enjoy all the best parts of the season: the blooming flowers and the not-toohot and not-too-cold weather. While the kids are out of school you can take a family trip to a botanical garden to revel in the newly sprouted greenery, or a take a ride on the wild side with a carousel.

On a sunny day, you can “putt” each other to the test with a friendly game of mini golf! And if the April showers seem unending you can try for a strike at a bowling alley!

CAROUSELS Palisades Center Mall Carousel

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Exit 12 off Route 303, West Nyack 845-353-2595; palisadescenter.com Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-9:30pm; Sunday, 11am-7pm Price: $2.50 per ride; $11 for five tickets; $20 for 10 tickets.

Palisades Mall is the 10th largest mall in the United States. The carousel, a double-decker Venetian model by Bertazzon, is located in the food court next to the Ferris wheel.

Tappan Golf Closter

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MINI GOLF

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Find more>> nymetroparents.com/carousels

116 Route 303, Tappan 845-359-0642; clostergolfcenter.com Hours: daily, 9am-9pm (weather permitting) Price: $7; $6 for children 10 and younger. Putters, balls, and scorecards are provided at no charge.

Putt 18 holes at this outdoor course. The center has a driving range and batting cages as well. Birthday parties are also available.

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/mini-golf

ZOOS, NATURE CENTERS, AND BOTANICAL GARDENS Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland Education Center

10 Patriot Hills Drive, Stony Point 845-429-7085; rocklandcce.org Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm Admission: Free tour of the gardens on the last Sunday of each month (April–October) at 1pm; prices vary for other educational programs.

The Master Gardener Volunteers of Rockland County design and maintain eight demonstration gardens at the CCE Rockland Education Center, including ferns, herbs, ornamental grasses, native plants, a cutting garden, and a container garden. Educational programs for children include 4-H youth development, gardening classes and workshops, and a horticulture lab

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Find more>> nymetroparents.com/zoos

BOWLING ALLEYS Montvale Lanes

14 W. Grand Ave., Montvale, NJ 201-391-3400; montvalelanes.com Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9-12am; Sunday, 9am-11pm Price: Varies Features 38 lanes, an Internet jukebox, fully stocked snack bar, bowling instruction, bumper bowling, darts, and league bowling.

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/bowling

SpecialParent

Protecting Your Child’s Future

››

Parents of children with special needs must plan for the years ahead in important ways.

Here’s where to begin. By Christina Vercelletto

P

arenting is challenging no matter what. But as Nicole Johnson of Port Washington in Nassau County puts it, “parenting a severely disabled child is just very different. Our concerns are not ordinary.”

Johnson’s daughter, Josie, 7, has FOXG1 syndrome, a neurological disorder caused by a mutation in the FOXG1 gene.

“I worry about lifting her as she gets older,” Johnson continues.

“She’s 50 pounds, and it’s getting very hard.” Josie could have a life-threatening seizure at any time, and so “it’s critical she is always with someone. I worry about her care,” shares Johnson, who is a co-founder of the FOXG1 Research Foundation.

Johnson’s worries about how her child will be taken care of when she’s no longer able to do it are likely familiar to many parents of children with special needs. Exactly what legal and financial steps need to be taken to ensure your child’s care and well-being down the road will be dictated by the specifics of your family’s situation and your child’s diagnosis.

A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t exist, but consulting with an attorney who specializes in estate and guardianship law to discuss your unique situation is an essential step. Seeking the guidance of a financial planner with expertise in family matters could also be necessary. When selecting these professionals to work with, 30

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

consider their rapport. Given the personal, emotional nature of the topics you’ll be discussing, it’s important you feel very much at ease with him or her. If you enlist a large firm, make sure that the person you first met with and liked is actually the one who will be working with you through the conclusion of the process.

When you’ve selected your planning “team,” prepare to discuss these key points, and go to your initial meetings with a list of specific questions in hand.

Government Services

Is Social Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, or any other state or federal benefit available to your child, and what are the respective qualifications to receive them? This is the first thing to look into, and ask your attorney about, says Wendy Gildin, a special education lawyer in Garden City.

Income and Asset Limitations

Is there a limit to how much money your child can have in his or her name in order to receive the maximum amount of available benefits and services? “The answer is yes for many. For example, to qualify for SSI, your child must have less than $2,000 in

assets,” Gilden explains. And it’s about more than financial concerns. You will likely want to make sure there would be the least upset to your child’s current arrangements as possible, adds Naomi Becker Collier, Esq., of Pashman Stein in Purchase.

Losing benefits can necessitate switching caregivers and disrupt your child’s routine.

respective parties’ temperaments and perspectives on such practical matters align. You may love and trust both your sister and your childhood best friend, but if the two don’t usually see eye-to-eye, it may not be wise to pair them in these important roles.

Special Needs (or Supplemental Need) Trusts

Your will is where you name your child’s trustee(s) and guardian. Once you decide on them, it is crucial to consult your attorney to make sure your will is executed properly, and any and all beneficiary designations are spelled out as they should be, Collier says.

A durable power of attorney appoints the individuals who can act on your behalf while you are still alive. “This is a very powerful tool to ensure that your child is taken care of should you become incapacitated,” says Nadine Gordon Lee, a certified financial planner with the Colony Group Family Offices in Manhattan and Armonk. For much the same reason, it’s smart to have health care proxies and related directives in place, she adds.

Setting up a SNT for the benefit of the child with special needs is vital, says Michelle Peretz, counsel to Rivkin Radler’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group, with offices in Manhattan and Uniondale.

“By utilizing a special needs trust, you can protect the assets from claims and creditors, while retaining the disabled child’s eligibility for government services. Then the funds are used to pay expenses,” Peretz says. “Note, though, that the money in the trust cannot be given outright to the beneficiary, but [only] be used to pay expenses on their behalf.”

Try to set up a budget for your dependent’s needs, so you can get a rough estimate of what those expenses would be. “Once you have an idea of how much money will be needed for him or her, then you can evaluate how you are going to fund that need in a trust,” Collier says.

Guardians and Trustees

Consider carefully who will be the people to provide support for your child, Gildin urges. “Some adults with disabilities will require a guardian who has the legal ability to make decisions for him or her, while someone [else] may need to act as a trustee to oversee the special needs trust,” Gildin says.

She encourages parents to involve their child in this planning process as much as is practical.

Trustees have complete control of the finances and assets in the SNT. Parents do not need to give this control over to one relative or close friend; they can choose co-trustees instead. Peretz recommends three: “This will avoid the autonomy associated with having one trustee appointed, and the potential for deadlocks between an even number of trustees,” she explains.

Guardians, rather than controlling the financial side of your child’s life, will make decisions such as living arrangements, doctor selection, and transportation arrangements. Although it can be helpful if a trustee is also the guardian, Peretz notes, it’s quite possible that a person perfectly suited to making financial decisions isn’t necessarily the ideal caretaker. If you do decide to split up those responsibilities, make sure the

Preschool & Childcare Open Enrollment

Your Will, Power of Attorney, and Health Care Proxy

Properly Executed Life Insurance

Parents should make sure life insurance will be payable to the special needs trust, not directly paid out to the child, which could negate any government benefits for him or her. Lou Cannataro, partner at Cannataro Park Avenue Financial in Manhattan, advises purchasing separate life insurance policies for the spouse and any other children in the family. He points to “second to die” coverage as the most efficient life insurance for this type of situation. “Second to die is one policy that covers both parents.

There is no payout until the second parent dies, for typically this is when the child is truly on their own.”

Planning for a child’s future is important for all parents, but for parents of a child with special needs, the conversation is taken to another level. “We all nurture and plan for our child with the hope that our responsibility wanes once they begin to build their own lives,” Cannataro observes. “For parents with a [child with special needs], this role never ends.” So, while thinking ahead to a time when you won’t be able to care for your child as you do now is unsettling, even overwhelming, the best thing you can do for your child, and your own peace of mind, is to get started now.

Christina Vercelletto is a former editor at NYMetroParents, Parenting, Scholastic Parent & Child, and Woman’s Day. She lives on Long Island with her kids, a chiweenie, Pickles, and a 20-pound calico, Chub-Chub.

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RocklandParent 31

Special Needs Directory Bear Brook Children’s Dental Specialists

305 W. Grand Ave., Suite 100, Montvale 201-746-9474 bearbrookdentalcare.com info@bearbrookdentalcare.com Dr. Tommy Lee specializes in pediatric dentistry and in treating children with special health needs. He completed his pediatric dental specialty training at Yale Hospital and has experience treating patients with, but not limited to, autism, ADHD, other other mental or physical disabilities. He provides customized treatments for all patients.

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, 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.

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.

Children’s Dentistry of the Palisades Dr. Varsha Reddy, Dr. Alexandra Delfiner, Dr. Michael Ayoub, Dr. Keerthi Vittal

99 Dutch Hill Road, Suite 1100, Orangeburg 845-359-8080 cdofpalisades.com As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Varsha Reddy and her team of specialists are experts in pediatric oral health care. Dr. Reddy has worked closely with special needs children and has helped them have positive experiences at her office through her individualized desensitization program.

Dental Wellness of Suffern Sherri Alpert, D.D.S.

2 Executive Blvd., Suite 307, Suffern 845-918-1801 dentalwellnessofsuffern.com dentalwellness@optonline.net Dr. Alpert is excited to offer drill-free,

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needle-free dentistry with the Solea CO2 Laser. A parent herself, Dr. Alpert enjoys working with children who are apprehensive about the dentist, as well as those with special needs, creating a fun environment with magic tricks, a wall mural, and a lot of patience.

General and Special Needs Private Tutoring by Howard Gorman

Serving Rockland, Bergen, Westchester, and CT 845-304 –7074 hbgorman@aol.com Using research based methods, your child will not only improve academically, but her sense of self will get stronger. It starts with getting to know your child as a unique person, identifying those areas that need enhancement, and then following a structured strategy that is achievable and closely monitored.

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 infancy-adolescence in a warm and friendly environment. Dr. Smith completed her pediatrics specialty at a Level 1 Trauma center, with extensive training at the Rose F. Kennedy Center in caring for children with special needs.

Nyack Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Angela Boudounis-Hatzis

265 N. Highland Ave., Route 9W, Nyack 845-512-8434 nyackpediatricdentistry.com drb@nyackpediatricdentistry.com Nyack Pediatric Dentistry is a cutting-edge practice that delivers state-of-the-art oral health care to the pediatric population, from birth through their teenage years.

We believe that good oral health begins with prevention. Using age-appropriate techniques, we accomplish this through education and motivation. We welcome special needs patients.

Otto Specht School

260 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge 845-352-5020 x130 ottospechtschool.org info@ottospecht.org At the Otto Specht School, we work to discover each child’s path to lifelong learning, offering a variety of educational programs designed to meet needs of students with

developmental delays, social and sensory sensitivities, and learning challenges. We offer kindergarten-high school, High School Practical Life Skills, and Transitional Life Skills programs.

Sachdev Family Orthodontics

124 E. Ramapo Road, Suite 2, Garnerville 845-786-7736 sfojustsmile.com sfojustsmile@gmail.com We provide individualized braces and Invisalign treatment to kids–adults (including patients with special needs). Dr. Ameeta Sachdev has been in the dental field for two decades with dual dental degrees, from India and the U.S. Free consults, most insurances accepted, evening and Saturday hours and 24-hour emergency service available.

Smile More Kidz Dr. Darren Tong

140 Oak Tree Road, Tappan 845-367-7782 smilemorekidz.com Dr. Tong is a certified pediatric dentist and has been voted Favorite Kid’s Doc by NJ Family Magazine for five consecutive years. He specializes in treating children with special needs. Dr. Tong is patient, friendly, and has a kind personality that connects with children and helps them relax and be comfortable.

SPOTS Special Programs in Occupational Therapy Services

30 Ramland Road, Orangeburg 845-848-2228 spotsot.com SPOTS is a pediatric occupational therapy practice that provides services for toddlers-teens. We are committed to fostering a child’s self-esteem and confidence while utilizing their strengths to improve areas of difficulty, such as sensory processing skills, fine and gross motor skills, handwriting skills, social skills, attention and self-regulation skills.

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics and Fitness

401 Market St., Nanuet Mall South, Nanuet 845-623-2553 tumble-beegymnastics.com Tumble-Bee Gymnastics, celebrating more than 30 years of serving families in Rockland, offers gymnastics programs for children. On Tuesdays, we offer a class for children with mild to moderate physical disabilities or developmental delays.

Safety is our first priority, so class size is limited. Children must be evaluated prior to joining.

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Get ALL of your dental needs covered in one office with our team of specialists: Dr. Varsha Reddy – Pediatric Dentist Dr. Alexandra Delfiner – Pediatric Dentist Dr. Michael Ayoub - Orthodontist Dr. Keerthi Vittal – General and Cosmetic Dentist RocklandParent 33

Huntington Learning Center huntingtonhelps.com

Otto Specht School ottospechtschool.org

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RocklandParent 35

Every Family’s Must-Have 2019 Camp Guide nymetroparents.com/campguide/rockland

Special Education Resources General and Special Needs Private Tutoring

by Howard Gorman

Serving Rockland, Bergen, Westchester, and CT 845-304-7074 hbgorman@aol.com Using research based methods, your child will not only improve academically, but her sense of self will get stronger. It starts with ACTIVITIES EVENTS MORE getting to know your child as a unique person, identifying those areas that need enhancement, and then following a structured strategy that is achievable and closely monitored.

Huntington Learning Center

58 East Route 59, Nanuet 845-624-6800 23 Jefferson Ave., Westwood, NJ 201-664-2000 75 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 201-447-1200 huntingtonhelps.com Huntington is the leader in kindergarten-12th tutoring and test prep. Our certified tutors provide individualized instruction in all areas including executive functioning, ADHD, Dyslexia, and learning disabilities. We help students prep for the SAT, ACT, and state exams. Huntington also testifies on student’s behalf and attends IEP/504 meetings.

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Otto Specht School

NYMetroParents

Rockland Parent’s 2019 Camp Guide is chock full of advice every parent of a camper should know. Learn from experts about working well with camp staff, supporting your child, or choosing the right camp for your child. Plus, if you are camp shopping check out local camps and open houses.

Read it on your phone, desktop or tablet, anytime and anywhere.

NOW 36

260 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge 845-352-5020 x130 ottospechtschool.org info@ottospecht.org At the Otto Specht School, we work to discover each child’s path to lifelong learning, offering a variety of educational programs designed to meet needs of students with developmental delays, social and sensory sensitivities, and learning challenges. We offer kindergarten-high school, High School Practical Life Skills, and Transitional Life Skills programs.

Get advance notice on activities, participate in group discussions and receive special notices.

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents ACTIVITIES

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NYMetroParents Get advance notice on activities, participate in group discussions and receive special notices. www.facebook.com/nymetroparents

April 2019 | nymetroparents.com ACTIVITIES

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RocklandParent 37

raising kids baby

Potty Training 101

››

Getting your kids out of diapers can be a frustrating—but ultimately rewarding—task.

Here’s how to make the experience as smooth as possible. By Barbara Russo

P

otty training is a big step in your child’s development. It’s a very important milestone for both you and your toddler. But how do you know it’s time for your little one to make the transition from diapers to toilet?

We spoke to some potty-training experts, and they agree that watching for the signs is key.

“The biggest factor contributing to the success of potty training is the readiness of the child. The average age of readiness varies between twenty-two and thirty months,” says Devan Van Lanen-Wanek, M.D., of Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park.

“Some subtle signs that your kid wants to learn how to use the toilet are showing interest in other people’s bathroom habits and expressing disgust at their dirty diapers.”

Additionally, your child needs to be able to hold her bodily functions, communicate her need to go, undress and redress, and wash her hands on her own, Dr. Van Lanen-Wanek says.

So now that you’ve established a solid foundation of readiness, here are some tips to keep in mind for making the potty-training experience a smooth one for both you and your child.

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Don’t Force It

Pressuring your child to begin potty training before he’s ready can be disastrous.

“One study found that initiation of toilet training before twentyseven months was not associated with earlier completion of toilet training success,” Dr. Van Lanen-Wanek says. “This suggests there is little benefit to starting before this age.” But if your child shows signs of readiness before, there’s no harm in starting then.

Don’t Get Frustrated

Keep in mind that the process of potty training can take a long time and have many ups and downs.

“The average length of toilet training is six to seven months, tends to be longer for boys than girls, and also longer in first-born children than subsequent children,” Dr. Van Lanen-Wanek says. “Remember that every kid is unique and develops at their own pace.”

Be Consistent

Once you move out of diapers, it’s important not to go back, says Wendy Goldstein, a teacher at the 92Y Parenting Center in Manhattan.

“Know that there will be accidents, and it’s not a big deal,” Goldstein says. “When a child does have an accident, it helps her understand what it’s like to be wet. The goal is to try to get her to understand what’s happening. Children don’t generally like the feeling of being wet, so this trains them for what their bodies need.”

Jody Bernstein, another teacher at the 92Y Parenting Center, adds that when accidents do happen, encourage your child to help you clean up.

“You may need to set aside some time to focus on toilet training for a weekend or holiday break,” Bernstein suggests. “Stay close to home as you work on this. Let your child be naked or wear just underpants.”

Make a Tool Kit

One of the biggest challenges of potty training is figuring out how to prevent accidents. They’re messy, time-consuming situations that no parent is thrilled to deal with.

“To alleviate this, parents need to make sure they have all the supplies needed to be successful, as well as a clear plan of action before they begin, rather than the ‘let’s just wing it’ approach,” says Kaylee Sallak, founder of Parenting Made Joyful Lifestyle, and teacher of parenting classes at Buy Buy Baby.

Sallak recommends the following supplies for your tool kit: • A small potty chair • An insert for the big potty • A squatty potty stool to go under a big potty • Thick cloth underwear • Lose pants that have no zippers or buttons • A timer • Potty books • Potty songs • Tangible rewards (like candy) • Cleaning supplies ready for messes • Plastic bags with you always • Spare clothes with you always And as for the plan of action? “It needs to be decided upon ahead of time and agreed upon by both parents and any caregiver so there is consistency across the board,” Sallak says. “Whatever approach is selected, it should be a solid three days of no plans whatsoever to focus completely on getting a strong start to potty training.”

Bedtime Considerations

Nighttime should have special considerations, according to the experts. Craig Hammond, founder and CEO of Peejamas, functional pajamas designed to eliminate the need for nighttime diapers, recommends establishing a routine at night that includes going to the bathroom before bed and limiting fluid intake in the evening.

“Parents don’t need to force their child to completely fast from water or fluids at night, but definitely start winding it down after dinner,” Hammond says. “This helps to limit fluid building in the bladder, potentially leading to a release during the night. Coupled with the routine of going potty prior to bed, this will help your child learn.”

Hammond also recommends—if possible—not using a diaper at night, just as your child wouldn’t in the day time during potty training.

“Putting a child back in a diaper during the night, is inconsistent and contrary to the daytime training recommendations,” Hammond says. “Of course, this can lead to potential messes, which there are solutions to avoid that, and may not be realistic for children with individual needs. But if you can do it, it is a much better way to help them really nail the nighttime phase of potty training.”

Potty training your child can be fun and rewarding, but as with all things, should you have any concerns or questions, call your child’s doctor or health-care provider.

Barbara Russo is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor’s degree in communications

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RocklandParent 39

raising kids teen

Experts suggest taking cues from your environment to broach uncomfortable topics with your teens. For example, if characters in a show or movie you’re both watching are smoking or drinking, it’s an opportune time to talk to your teen about drugs and alcohol use.

Awkward Talks

››

As our kids get older, it’s time to have conversations that make us uncomfortable.

Here’s how to approach those topics—and get your teens to open up. By Lambeth Hochwald

I

f it feels like your heart-to-hearts with your teen have ground to a halt, take solace in the fact that this is very much par for the course at this age and stage.

Blame it on the teenage brain that’s going through incredibly important changes that ultimately help prepare kids to function in the adult world, says Teodora Pavkovic, a psychologist and parenting coach in New York City. “Not only does this have a psychological impact, but a physical one, too, which can be really scary for kids,” she says.

Get ready for these developmental changes to take several years to shake out.

“The brain won’t stop going through this rollercoaster of a ride until kids are about twenty-five and brain change stabilizes,” Pavkovic says.

To help us navigate through this awkward time, we asked top

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experts to sketch out what kids are going through at this age and then offer some key tips for getting your child to actually open up and talk about even the most uncomfortable of topics.

Keep in Mind, It’s a Phase

The teenage years are the time when kids are developing their own unique identity, says Stephanie Nilva, executive director of Day One New York, an organization in New York City that counsels survivors of intimate partner violence. “At the same time, their personalities haven’t been fully formed. Remember: It’s their role and responsibility to be testing boundaries, to be exploring, to be figuring out what their identity is.” Given this, you want to try to be as open as possible to talking to your teen about even the most awkward of topics.

Start Young

If your kids haven’t hit the teen stage quite yet, here’s some good news: Now’s the time to build trust with them. “Make sure the children in your household feel comfortable talking to you,” Nilva says. Then, when they’re older, make sure when you’re thinking about discipline or accountability, what comes first is your overall concern with their health and safety. “In other words, urge them to talk to you even if you’re upset that your teen violated an understanding you had whether it’s about violating a curfew or anything else—that trust is what’s most important.”

It’s Okay if Your Teen Prefers to Talk to Peers

Another change that comes with parenting teens—and it’s one that can be quite shocking after all the years of closeness—is that your kids may prefer to talk to their peers instead of you, suggests Amy Alamar, a parenting expert in Avon, CT, and author of The Parenting Project: Build Extraordinary Relationships with Your Child Through Daily Conversation.

“It can be awkward to talk to your teen if the conversation feels forced or inauthentic,” she says. “It’s natural for teens to prefer to talk to their peers and keep some things private. That’s okay and healthy for your teen but don’t give up. You always want to keep working on better ways to communicate one-on-one with your teen.”

Be Direct About Hygiene

The best way to talk about just about anything with your teen is to be open and direct, Alamar says, and this comes into play, especially, when it comes to an awkward topic such as personal hygiene. “Don’t beat around the bush,” Alamar says. “Of course, with hygiene and other touchy topics you’ll make the most impact if you broach it in a positive or lighthearted way and avoid sarcasm. You can say things like, ‘This is normal,’ ‘Everyone has body odor,’ or ‘Have you thought about using deodorant?’ Help your teen to see that this is a state of humanity and not a reflection on who they are as a person.

Another thing you can do at a time like this is to talk about your own experience and share when things have been awkward and how you dealt with them.”

Speak Up About Vaping and Drugs

When it comes to the topic of alcohol, smoking cigarettes, vaping, or drug use of any kind, you have two goals: Be clear about why you’re concerned and don’t shelter your child from the subject. “It’s better your child learns about risky behavior from you as it offers you the ability to share your values and expectations,” Alamar says. “It also shows your child that you are a trusted adult they can come to and they shouldn’t be afraid to. It’s very possible that your teen has experimented with vaping, drugs, or alcohol or at least been exposed to it. Rather than judge them and come down hard with punishment, open up the conversation.”

While this doesn’t mean you should avoid consequences, Alamar suggests the conversation should be more about the experience than punishment. “Your goal is to help your child to understand the real dangers and your concerns,” she says.

“Listen to find out why your child chose to do this or is thinking about it. Ask questions like ‘Why do you like it?’ and help your child to find alternative behaviors and/or help him or her to feel comfortable coming to you.”

‘The Talk’ Looks Different from When We Were Teens When it comes to talking to your kids about sex, the easiest to-do tip is to use the environment around you for these conversations, like a poster you come across, a song you hear, a character from a film, etc., Pavkovic suggests. “Ask your teen very open-ended questions—imagine that you are their university professor and they are your grad student and you want their thoughts on a subject,” she says. “The two most important things here are that one: they feel you are emotionally calm and stable while you speak to them, and two: they feel your respect for their subjective experience.”

In other words, time your talk. “Don’t start these conversations…right after coming back from work exhausted or right after finding inappropriate texts on your child’s phone,” she adds. “You need to be the stabilizing factor for them—remember there’s a storm going on inside of them.”

If You Don’t Like Your Child’s Friends, Be Supportive Anyway

Remember: The core struggle for teens is, again, their immeasurable need to belong to their peer group, Alamar says.

“This means you should try to support friendships as best you can so your child can learn to have intimate relationships and build trust outside of just the immediate family,” she says.

“If you want to raise an independent adult who can sustain meaningful relationships, then you have to offer opportunities for your child to explore relationships—even ones you are suspect of.”

If you judge your teen’s friends, she may take personal offense so tread lightly. “If you’re having trouble accepting your teen’s friends, consider inviting them to your home or see if you can get to know their families,” Alamar suggests. “In the end, your child is going to choose their friends, and the more you judge, the less likely they are to come to you with questions, concerns, or things to celebrate. They should have the opportunity to experience great friendships they’ve cultivated on their own and also experience disappointments and conflicts.”

Remember: You Won’t Have All the Answers

When you’re parenting during this phase, give yourself permission to be vulnerable, Pavkovic says. “Be kind to yourself by going into this phase knowing that you don’t know all the answers,” she says.

“The important thing is to get the conversation going and to be able to say, ‘You know what, this is a tough one and I may not know what to tell you, but let’s talk it out anyway.’”

It’s also key to keep your child’s strengths in mind. “This is your most powerful tool,” she says. “As you try to help them with each challenge they face, if you know their strengths you can coach them through using these strengths to resolve these issues.”

No pressure, but the steps you take now will forever make a difference in your teen’s life. “What you are also doing then is not only helping your child make healthier decisions, but you are hitting the parental bingo by teaching them how to help themselves once they are living out there in the world without you,” Pavkovic says.

Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist covering trends, relationships, and life in New York City.

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.

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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 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 make sure nervous kids feel comfortable and respected. We welcome special needs patients, and offer 8am–7pm and Saturday appointments so 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 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 the U.S. She teaches orthodontics at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx. She pays attention to detail, whether it is designing the state-of-the-art office herself or perfecting your smile. Being committed to serve, 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 201-746-9474 bearbrookdentalcare.com; info@bearbrookdentalcare.com

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 featured as an expert on “American Health Front” on WCBS-TV, CBS, Channel 2.

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

Clemente Orthodontics 603 S. Route 304, New City 845-638-6646 60 W. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 201-447-2888

clementeorthodontics.com

At Clemente Orthodontics, our patients receive the benefit of experience, quality, and energy that comes with a multigenerational team. Dr. Michael Clemente and his daughters, Dr. Nicole Clemente and Dr. Marissa Clemente, work together seamlessly to care for your orthodontic needs. They run a stateof-the-art practice with digital X-rays, private treatment rooms, impression-free Invisalign, and a highly experienced staff. They are an Invisalign Super Elite Premier provider, offering Invisalign and Invisalign Teen as treatment options.

Consultations are complimentary.

S. Ramaswamy, D.D.S. 515 S. Main St., New City 845-634-9603 ramaswamysmile.com info@ramaswamysmile.com

Our state-of-the-art office specializes in helping kids, teens, and adults achieve a beautiful smile with orthodontic solutions tailored to suit each patient’s lifestyle and personal preferences. All work on our patients is expertly provided by Dr. Ramaswamy and not delegated to auxiliaries. Dr. Ramaswamy believes this is the best way to reduce emergencies, decrease treatment time and, ensure the best treatment outcome. We stay on the cutting-edge of orthodontic treatments by attending continuing education courses every year to ensure the best care possible. Invisalign certified. Most insurance plans accepted.

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

Dr. Tommy Lee specializes in pediatric dentistry. He treats patients from infancy to adolescence, including 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.

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

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.

Camps for Older Kids 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!

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SpecialParent Courtesy Stella L. Spanakos

raising kids voices

I Will Not Fail This Child ›› How I turned a tragedy into opportunities for young adults with special needs By Stella L Spanakos

W

hen people ask what it’s like to have a child with special needs, my response is: It’s like dark chocolate, bittersweet. My beautiful, healthy 9-pound baby boy was diagnosed with autism at age 3, from that day forward a revolving door of therapists came to our home every day until 6pm.

To make matters worse, Nicholas never developed speech and started having seizures at age 17.

When Nicholas was young, we wanted to believe he would “outgrow” autism, or science would find a “cure” for the diagnosis. But, as the years passed and reality set in, we started dealing better with the “what is” and “what needs to happen.”

Three years before Nicholas was going to transition from high school to the real world, I started looking toward the next chapter of his life. What were his options? Day-hab, residential, supported employment? I visited many programs but started crying when I returned to my car after the tour. A tsunami of young adults on the autism spectrum would be transitioning in three years, with more going forward every year and New York state was most definitely not prepared.

To discuss Nicholas’ future with my husband was painful. He could not accept that we had to carve out a different future for our son; one without a driver’s license, college, marriage, children, and grandchildren, but one that needed much thought and financial planning. Autism broke my husband’s heart, and then my heart was broken for a second time on June 7, 2010 when my husband boarded a business flight to Vegas, suffered a massive heart attack, and died at the age of 55.

Kobi Yamada wrote a book called What Do You Do with a Chance? The moral of the story is, when given a chance, you always take it “because it just might be the start of something incredible.” And that’s precisely what I did.

I had an opportunity to make the worst day of my life become

Stella L. Spanakos with her son Nicholas, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3

the beginning of something incredible to help Nicholas, his classmates, and many others. I decided to close my husband’s business, sell everything, and use the proceeds from his life insurance to start the Nicholas Center and Spectrum Designs Foundation, both located in Port Washington. The Nicholas Center supports individuals with autism to lead full and productive lives in the community. Spectrum Designs Foundation is an apparel customizing business, specializing in screen printing, DTG (Direct to Garment), and embroidery.

My co-founders, Nicole Sugrue and Patrick Bardsley, and I experimented with our first DTG machine in my barn and never looked back.

The relationship between the Nicholas Center and Spectrum Designs is the perfect example of how business can work with agencies to support employees with intellectual disabilities.

Eighty percent of individuals with disabilities are unemployed but very capable of work.

We started with both organizations in the same building, and one DTG machine printing 75 T-shirts a day. I used to pray that I could pay the bills and support our payroll during our first two years but as the saying goes: “build it and they will come,” and so they did.

At the close of 2018, just eight years after opening our doors, Nicholas Center serves 85 families with vocational and community experiences, and Spectrum Designs’ client list has grown to include Uber, Google, NYU Langone Medical Center, Northwell Health, St. John’s University Law School, Town of North Hempstead, and MTA Metro-North. Spectrum Designs has impacted the lives of 70 individuals and their families and created more than 15,000 paid hours of meaningful work for individuals with autism.

Stella L. Spanakos co-founded The Nicholas Center Ltd., where she is the director of development, and Spectrum Designs Foundation. For more information about the Nicholas Center and Spectrum Designs Foundation, or to help change the world “one t-shirt at a time,” visit nicholascenterusa.org or spectrumdesigns.org.

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April 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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Bunny brunch Saturday, April 6th 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Level Four, within the club Tickets Available for Purchase with levity live comedy club FOR MORE INFORMATION & ADDITIONAL HAPPENINGS, VISIT WWW.PALISADESCENTER.COM