Long Island Parent (Suffolk) December 2016 by City Guide NY

LongIslandParent SUFFOLK EDITION

DECEMBER 2016

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

Staging a Holiday Classic

Behind the scenes at a local Nutcracker production

Weird Behavior Explained Why kids do the strangest things

Staycation Inspiration

Seven fun-filled itineraries for local family fun

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NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Contents

December 2016 ››

Features

14 Upholding a Holiday Tradition A behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to put on a performance of The Nutcracker

16 Minding Their Manners It may seem quaint, but etiquette schools for kids are thriving. 18 Make Your Own Hot Cocoa Four recipes that use favorite flavor combinations 20 Kids Do the Weirdest Things Some of your child’s strangest behaviors and habits, explained by experts 42 A Staycation a Day Ideas for seven fun-filled family days around the New York metro area

Connections

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Quotables 11 Voices: Pride and Fear 13 NYMP Q&A: Risa Klein, a certified nurse midwife, talks midwifery

Fun & Activities

12 Media Matters: Virtual Stocking Stuffers 12 DIY Corner: Christmas Crackers 24 Outing: Vanderbilt Museum 27 Family Activities Calendar 40 Where-To Guide: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

Directories

Family Activities CALENDAR ››

44 Winter Break Activities 46 #SnapShot2016 48 Meet the Health Care Professional 49 Open Houses 49 Party Planner 50 Advertisers’ Index

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

››

ON THE COVER ›› 14 Staging a Holiday Classic 16 Manners & Etiquette Schools 20 Weird Behavior Explained facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

40 Cut Your Own Christmas Tree 42 Staycation Inspiration Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!

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LongIslandParent

DECEMBER 2016 • Vol.8 • No.7

NYMetroParents Publications EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress

EDITOR’S NOTE

MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens

‘No Feet in Soup’

ne of my kids compulsively put her feet on everything, to the point where I had to institute a rule that’s become infamous in our household: “No feet in soup.” Another one can’t go more than a few minutes without her fingers in her belly button. I am sure many of you are nodding knowingly, since my kids are hardly unusual, even if the particulars differ person to person. Let’s face it: Kids do weird stuff, even they can’t explain why they do it. So we turned to the experts and asked them to explain kids’ unusual habits, from putting things up their noses to stripping in public to finding potty humor irresistible (p. 20). Usually, these odd-but-normal behaviors fade as kids get older and move on to the next mysterious habit. But learning to navigate the world can be difficult for many children. Enter manners and etiquette schools. You may have thought these were a thing of the past, but they’re alive and well in our region. And while they still teach kids the basics—sitting and eating properly at the dinner table, making eye contact and conversing with adults, and so on—many also ready their students for a world where so much communication happens via social media, texts, and email. Megan Bailey takes a look at today’s manners and etiquette programs and how participants benefit from them (p. 16). Holidays are, of course, a good time for kids to remember their manners, between the festive dinners and the presents for which they need to say thank you. It’s one of my favorite times of year, as I look forward to Hanukkah lights and my kids’ winter break. I often find, however, that I can’t decide what to do as a family, even when we are all eager for a fun outing. To help out, Bethany Braun-Silva offers seven “staycation” itineraries around the region (p. 42). Even though I don’t celebrate Christmas myself, I’ll admit to loving the lights, decorations, and general vibe the season brings. I’ll also make another admission: I’ve never seen The Nutcracker. Not by design, nor by opposition to it—it’s just never happened. So I was fascinated to read what it takes to mount a local production of this holiday classic in Samantha Neudorf’s behind-the-scenes look (p. 14). Whatever your plans this December, and whatever holiday(s) you celebrate, may the month—and the new year ahead—be filled with joy, peace, and health for all of you. Michael Kress Editorial Director

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

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The NYMetroParents

Caring Kids AWARDS

So many children and teenagers dedicate time to helping in our communities, and plenty of families do volunteer work together. If this describes your kids or your family, enter The NYMetroParents Caring Kids Awards, and be eligible to win a $500 gift card!

Here’s how it works: • Go to nymetroparents.com/caring-kids between Nov. 1-Dec. 16. • Follow the directions there to tell us—in 75 words or less—about your child’s or your family’s community service efforts and the impact this volunteer work has on others. If you’d like, you can upload a photo or link to a video of them volunteering. • Eight Caring Kids will each receive a $500 gift card and a letter of commendation, and many more will be featured in our magazine and/or website. 6

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

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

BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN PARENT, FAIRFIELD PARENT and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2016, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39

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Courtesy Ellen T. Richer Educational & Family Counseling

NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS

Counseling Practice for Children With Special Needs Opens in Melville

Children receive support in groups at Ellen T. Richer Educational & Family Counseling.

Courtesy Suffolk Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Who: Ellen T. Richer Educational & Family Counseling What’s New: A private evening practice located in Melville that focuses on families with children with special needs. Owner Ellen Richer says Long Island schools cater to the middle ground of students. She says children with special needs have a high capacity to learn just like everyone else but are unable to process information as quickly. At Ellen T. Richer, children with special needs will receive the support they need to overcome their learning difficulties. Want More Info: 175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville; 347-668-3676; etrdream@aol.com

Pediatric Dental Practice Opens Office in Riverhead Who: Suffolk Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics What’s New: A location in Riverhead, which will be open full time with extended hours. “The only way get an orthodontist was to go to our Port Jefferson office,” says practice director Lori Diamond. “So now, appointments are available in all offices.” The doctors provide a complete range of preventative services, including fluoride application, examination, X-rays, baby root canals, caps, and fillings. Sedation, anesthesia, and laser surgery are also available for children and infants. Want More Info: 750 Roanoke Ave., Riverhead; 631-727-8585; suffolkpediatricdentistry.com 8

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

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UOTABLES Their quirks are the things that are important to me. Not photos of them looking perfect. … When they were ready to go out that door, I was pretty sure that my heart might literally burst. My girls felt completely comfortable with themselves and completely beautiful. What better gift is there to give them? —Westchester mom Jennifer Garry, in a post entitled “School Picture Day Rebellion,” on her blog cuddlesandchaos.com

in an instagram Writing workshop at school ... I love every minute that I get to spend with my girls. (Posted by @3citygirlsnyc, aka Nilsa K, who blogs at 3citygirlsnyc.wordpress.com)

A SPECIAL MILESTONE “My son has autism and, at age 13, recently saw a movie in a theater for the first time. It is not something I thought would work for him—until now.”

in an instagram It’s so nice here, Mama! Can I take a nap? deitar no chão sujo do parquinho, né?

Tão gostoso

(Posted by @blogmeandthecity, aka NYC mom Fernanda Seelos, who blogs at blogmeandthecity.com)

“Every mother should know she is not alone in this. It is going to take some getting used to. Everyone struggles at first—everyone—even if they don’t admit it.” —Kate Bingham-Smith, in a post on scarymommy.com entitled “What Every Mother Should Know.”

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

—Manhattan mom Dana Greenberg in an article entitled “Taking a Child with Autism to the Movies: 5 Tips From a Mom Who’s Been There.” Read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/autism-movies.

MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: SEE THE WINDOWS: Find department-store holiday displays at nymetroparents.com/windows. CHOO CHOO! See where to find holiday train shows at nymetroparents.com/holiday-trains. COLD & FLU SEASON: Learn how to avoid common childhood illnesses at nymetroparents.com/prevent. HIT THE ICE: Find ice-skating rinks near you at nymetroparents.com/ice-skating.

VOICES

Pride and Fear

››

The intense, mixed emotions of being the wife of a police officer. By Bethany Braun-Silva

uring Spirit Week at my son’s school, students were asked to dress up as what they wanted to be when they grew up. My son chose to be a baseball player, and I figured we would see lots of other ballplayers, along with plenty of doctors and superheroes. But that wasn’t the most popular choice among kids at his school—not even close. As we approached the school, I noticed dozens of kids dressed as police officers, which surprised me. Boys and girls, younger as well as older kids, all decked out in navy blue uniforms and badges. I had a sense of pride, and I smiled at the innocence of these kids’ desires to serve and protect. I also got a rush of anxiety because, should these young children still want to be cops when they actually do grow up, they are in for a rough road. It’s a tough life, and police officers and their families need a lot of support—not to mention, it’s scary as all get out. My husband is a New York City police officer, and he is very dedicated to his job. He takes it seriously; he does it with pride and rarely complains. With two young boys at home and a demanding job with even more demanding hours, the fact that my husband doesn’t complain isn’t just worth mentioning, it’s a feat in itself. As a cop’s wife who also works, it has been tricky managing our schedules. He works nights, and so, between work and parenting duties, I sometimes go several days without interacting with my husband face to face. This is the norm, and the boys and I have grown accustomed to missing him and spending weekends without him. We try to capitalize on any time off my husband has by spending quality time together and doing fun things as a family. However, with the recent bombings and ever-present threats in New York City, we’ve had even less time together than usual, since he has been working tons of overtime. As for me? I am more anxious than ever about his career given the current climate and recent police shootings.

At home, we talk about these things in private. Our sons are 4 and 1 and best left out of conversations about the dangers of their father’s job, at least for now. However, one day in the near future we will have to sit them down and explain the realty of being a police officer. We will have to tell them that police officers sometimes make the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect the people of their community. That sometimes officers make bad decisions. That while it is a noble, selfless profession, many officers misunderstand the responsibility they have to protect and serve. In lieu of those talks, right now we have a strict family rule of saying “I love you” and giving hugs and kisses when Daddy leaves for work. It’s a great tradition that I’m sure many families enjoy, but in our home, as in many law-enforcement families, it is not to be missed, even on the busiest days. That’s the strange reality of living with a police officer. He might not come home after his shift. He might not come home ever again. That truth is something I carry with me always, but am sadly reminded of it more frequently of late. We live in scary times and part of me just wants to run away from it all and move to a more serene environment—somewhere with a backyard and a garden, where I can give my kids a more innocent upbringing. But that’s out of the question given my husband’s job. Plus, the reality is there are dangers everywhere. I support my husband in his career, just as he supports me in mine. Whatever happens, we will get through it as a family. With all that being said, life is otherwise great. Our boys are happy and healthy, and I have pretty much adjusted to the demands of being a police officer’s wife. It’s unfortunate that we live with the ever-present knowledge of potential tragedy in our lives, but that just comes with the territory. On the other side of it, we have our own personal hero who protects and serves us daily. My boys and I couldn’t be prouder.

LongIslandParent 11

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In Theaters Dec. 21: Sing

Our Partner: Common Sense Media An independent nonprof it that helps families make smart media choices. Check out thousands of ratings and reviews at commonsensemedia.org

Parents need to know that Sing is an animated comedy that looks like a mash-up between Zootopia and American Idol. In a world in which animals walk, talk, wear clothes, and— yes—sing, Buster, a koala (voiced by Matthew McConaughey), proposes to host a singing competition in a last-ditch effort to save his theater. Animals from near and far gather to vie for the prize money, including a gorilla trying to get out of his father’s gang (Taron Egerton), a suburban mama pig (Reese Witherspoon), and even a gambling mouse (Seth MacFarlane). Some of the humor might not be appropriate for the littlest kids, but overall Sing looks like a movie that kids and parents will be able to enjoy together.

See more at NYMetroParents.com/media

DIY CORNER HOLIDAY FUN

Christmas Crackers

Making your own crackers is fun and easy, and it means you can put your own choice of novelties and silly handwritten jokes inside. Make the crackers from colorful wrapping paper and trim them with sequins or glitter finished with pretty bows. Or throw in some confetti to add a fun element to your New Year’s Eve party. You will need: • Cardboard toilet rolls • 8-by-8-inch piece of paper per cracker • Pencil • Ruler • Scissors

• Glue or sticky tape • Snaps for crackers (you can find these on Amazon.com) • Gifts, paper hats, and jokes • 8 inches of ribbon (¼-inch wide) per cracker • Sequin trim

Directions: 1. Lay the cardboard roll in the center of the paper and mark the position of each end using a pencil. Set the roll aside. 2. Using the marks made on the paper as a guide, fold the paper, right sides together, and press the folds flat. Using a ruler, mark out lines along the fold approximately ¾ inch apart, stopping approximately 1 inch in from the outside edge of the paper. 3. Use scissors to cut along the marked lines to create slits in the paper. Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the other side.

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

4. Now unfold the paper and lay it flat, wrong side facing up. Place the cardboard roll on top. Apply a dab of glue or use a small piece of double-sided tape to hold the paper on the roll. Wrap the paper around the roll as tightly as you can. Apply glue along the whole edge of the paper and press firmly in place. Allow to dry completely. 5. Push the cracker snap through the open end of the roll. This is also the time to insert any small gifts or trinkets, a paper hat, and a joke or other motto. 6. Cut the ribbon in half and tie a length of ribbon around one end of the cracker. Tie in a knot. Repeat at the other end. Trim the ends of the ribbon on the diagonal with scissors to prevent them fraying. 7. Measure the circumference of the cracker and cut three lengths of sequin trim to fit. Glue the sequin trim in rows around the cracker. Allow glue to dry completely. Crackers Safety: Crackers snaps are a low-risk fire hazard and must always be used with adult supervision. Never pull a snap on its own. Visit nymetroparents.com/crackers for step-by-step photos. Excerpted from My First Christmas Craft Book, Cico Kidz, $14.95; rylandpeters.com. Photography by CICO Books 2016.

NYMP Q&A

What a Midwife Does ›› By Bethany Braun-Silva

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

Risa Klein is a certified nurse midwife with an office on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. She was the “birth consultant” for the feature films Baby Mama and Laze. Are there any misconceptions about midwives you want to set straight? Midwives are very smart. We go through very rigorous academic accredited midwifery schools. Sometimes people think midwives only do home-births for impoverished, poverty-stricken people around the world, and that’s really not true. Midwives serve women of all socio-economic backgrounds and what we do is we pride ourselves on understanding what is normal for each woman we see. We also do GYN-care, conscious conception planning, and contraceptive planning. Basically, midwives have a holistic view of the process of birth and childbirth is just an organic, natural process. Midwives see it as normal, it’s not a disease; it’s nothing to be afraid of. Can any woman see a midwife during her pregnancy? We take care of healthy, low-risk women. We don’t take care of women with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, liver disease, or other metabolic diseases. We could co-manage women, but for the most part we take care of healthy women, but we are educated and experienced to screen for other risk factors. So many women think, “Oh, I’ll be safer with an OB,” but if there’s a true medical issue, then we will refer, consult, and collaborate with an obstetrician, with a perinatologist, or with a genetic counselor. So what I could share is that a lot of people don’t understand the magnitude of experience midwives have in terms of understanding the medical piece of it, and knowing when to and how to recognize if there is a challenge, and when to consult and co-manage. Any tips for woman to help make pregnancy an easier, more enjoyable process? Many women are working very hard, and they’re going up and down stairs and going to the gym, but unbeknownst to them, they’re throwing themselves into pre-term labor and their waters are breaking early because they’re doing too much. So I really encourage women to go slow. My phrase is, “be boring.” Modify work, go in late, work from home, do what you can so you can enjoy the last few weeks and not risk a premature labor. In our country we have very high infant morbidity and mortality, and it’s truly something that I believe could be avoided with positive communication about eating well, having protein in the diet, making sure a woman’s blood volume stays high, and getting enough rest. If a woman is dizzy by exercising and running around and forgetting to eat or drink, those all set up for preterm labor contractions.

Better have a good pediatrician. Make sure your kids are covered.

Contact Affinity Health Plan at 866.247.5678 (TTY 711) to obtain more information about Child Health Plus, a free or low-cost health insurance program sponsored by New York State for kids under the age of 19. To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 855.355.5777.

AffinityPlan.org/CHP LongIslandParent 13

Samantha Neudorf

Julieta Cervantes

The party scene from the Westchester Ballet Company’s 2015 production of The Nutcracker

Logrea Dance Academy students rehearse the finale from The Nutcracker in October.

Upholding a Holiday Tradition

››

A behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to plan, choreograph, and perform The Nutcracker, a beloved holiday show. By Samantha Neudorf

t 1pm on a recent Saturday, Beth Fritz-Logrea ushers all of her ballet students into the studio to begin rehearsing the snow scene from Act I of The Nutcracker. The girls stand in position and Fritz-Logrea walks up to them to go over placement on the stage at Logrea Dance Academy in Ossining. Each girl is given a number, which corresponds to a marker on the stage designating where she should stand. Twenty minutes after first inviting the students in, they’re all in place and Fritz-Logrea walks to the front of the studio, sits in a director’s chair, and cues her husband, Jean Logrea, to start the music from the top of the snow scene. Rehearsal has begun. The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition that kids and adults look forward to each year. First performed at the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1892, the ballet is Alexandre Dumas père’s adaptation of the story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, written by E.T.A. Hoffmann. Despite those roots, it was not until 1964 that The Nutcracker gained popularity. That’s when George Balanchine—considered by many as the “Father of American Ballet”—debuted his rendition of the ballet at New York City Center. In Balanchine’s words, his Nutcracker was to be “full-length and expensive,” according to Vanity Fair. He envisioned a grandiose tree for the background, and somehow managed to get a $40,000 tree commissioned to make the magic of The Nutcracker feel as real as possible. That magic, as well as the tradition of this ballet, are still very much alive and well today—at major venues such as Lincoln Center as well as at regional and local theaters seemingly everywhere. No matter where it is produced, the grace and beauty on display is the result of countless hours of hard work by dedicated dancers, many of them teens at local high schools. 14

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

A Ballet Family

Westchester Ballet Company’s version of this classic has been the responsibility of co-directors Jean Logrea and Beth Fritz-Logrea since they became owners of the dance troupe in 1985. A year later, they founded the Logrea Dance Academy and named it the official school of the Westchester Ballet Company. Though Fritz-Logrea stopped personally performing in the production 25 years ago, she is both the choreographer and director of the show. Her husband has played the role of Uncle Drosselmeyer for the past 31 years, while their son, Nick, will be performing in his 25th Nutcracker show in several different roles: the butler in the party scene, the Mouse King, the Arabian pas de deux, and a soloist for the company’s Ukranian variation—an added scene that is not usually performed in other Nutcracker productions. Nick says the best part about performing each year is being on stage. “There’s something about being on stage and being in front of a large group of people and performing for them then getting the satisfaction of them applauding you at the end,” Nick says. “It’s a big adrenaline rush, something that I’ve loved from the very beginning.”

Balancing High School with Rehearsal

Back at rehearsal, there are nearly 28 girls who have been cast in the snow scene, divided into two groups, each of which will perform at two of the four shows. Fritz-Logrea runs through the scene with the first cast for the first time this season. All of these dancers are wearing pointe shoes and are between ages 11-18, including the dance studio’s three graduating seniors: Charlotte

Chandler, Clare Hammonds, and Molly Powers. These three girls have been dancing for 15 years and have been performing in the Westchester Ballet Company’s Nutcracker for 10-12 years each. Powers and Chandler first started out as mice and Hammonds was a page; this year, they each have three roles—Chandler, a 17-year-old from Cross River, is a snow soloist, Chinese soloist, and the Dew Drop Fairy; Hammonds, a 17-yearold from Ossining, is a snow soloist, in the gigue variation, and is the flower soloist; Powers, a 17-year-old from Hawthorne, is a party scene guest, in the snow scene, and is a flower soloist. The teens dance ballet six days a week, which is how they’ve grown close to one another. “We’re all such good friends and the community surrounding us helps to put on the performance,” Hammonds says. “That plays a huge part in performance week for us.” The most challenging part for these seniors is juggling college applications and extracurricular activities with dance rehearsals six days a week. Saturday rehearsals for The Nutcracker are four hours long. “This teaches you time management because you’re here so often, but you need to focus on your studies, too,” says Powers, a member of the National Honor Society at her school. The end of the snow scene transitions into one in which Clara, the main character, travels to the Land of Sweets with the Nutcracker Prince. Clara is played by 14-year-old Rylee Carpenter of Ossining. She has played Clara for the past three years, and aspires to perform on Broadway when she is older. “I love being able to act, especially doing Clara,” Carpenter says. “I love the feeling of acting and dancing because it just lets me express myself more.” She also takes theater and singing lessons in addition to dance. Tim Bohrman, a 14-year-old from Carmel, is Logrea Dance Studio’s oldest boy, and has been dancing for 10 years. He will play Fritz, the lead soldier, and the Chinese soloist in this year’s performance, and this is his first year as a soloist. “A lot of the guy parts are a lot of fun because there’s usually a lot of cool jumps and turns,” he says. Bohrman started taking ballet after his older sister—who is now 20 and a trainee with the Orlando Ballet Company in Florida— started taking lessons. Though Bohrman also takes modern and tap at the dance studio, he says his favorite dance is ballet and intends to join a ballet company, just like his older sister.

Planning the Production

To mount an ambitious production such as The Nutcracker, the Logreas start thinking about the show as early as late July or early August. Right after their spring season is over in May, they sit down and discuss which dancers are returning and start calling guest dancers to see if they will be available. Auditions for this year’s Nutcracker were held in midSeptember, and are typically open to whoever would like to be a part of it. Students at Logrea Dance Studio are not required to participate in The Nutcracker, and they are also not guaranteed a role just because they are a part of the company. Rehearsals begin a week after auditions and run until performance week—Dec. 16-18 this year. In order to ensure the production is staged as planned, there are also many logistics to be considered. Westchester Ballet Company board members must consult with the performance venue—the Westchester County Center in White Plains—and the county Parks and Recreation department to take care of contracts. They also have to coordinate with the stage crew at Westchester County Center

about technicalities such as lighting and set changes. The Logreas are able to bring in guest dancers from ballet companies around the world because of the connections they have made over the years as ballet dancers themselves. Beth and Jean met when they both danced at the Graz Opera House in Austria. There are usually four to five guest dancers who perform in their show, and the Logreas say it is good experience for their students to see what it is like to dance among a professional. “[To see] how they carry themselves on and off the stage, how they prepare for the production in the warm-up class, how early they arrive to the theater—it’s just good for the kids to witness,” Logrea says.

Keeping the Magic Alive

After the Mouse King is slayed on stage during the performance, a screen comes down, the Nutcracker Prince comes to life, and Drosselmeyer introduces him to Clara. The music crescendos, the lights dim, and dry ice blocks are placed to create the illusion of a dreamlike fog—then the snow scene begins. Nick says that is his favorite scene from the show. “I know dancers that have graduated from us and have come back to watch… they still say to this day that they always cry during the beginning of the snow scene,” Nick says. “I still get chills every time that music comes up.” Logrea recalls a time when a college student visited Westchester and watched the show—particularly the transition into the snow scene. “He said, ‘I’ve never seen anything like that before, and I will never forget that in my life,’” Logrea says. It’s what every Nutcracker performer everywhere hopes for, performance after performance of this holiday-season tradition.

WHERE TO SEE PERFORMANCES OF THE NUTCRACKER IN SUFFOLK COUNTY The Nutcracker Act II Ballet Long Island 1863 Pond Road, Ronkonkoma Nov. 30 and Dec. 21, 11am and 12:15pm; Dec. 3, 1pm $18, $9 children and seniors. balletlongisland.com. Clara’s Dream: The Nutcracker Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts 71 E. Main St., Patchogue Dec. 2-4, times vary $17 and up. patchoguetheatre.com. Ovations Dance Repertory Company’s The Nutcracker Suite with Live Orchestra Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts 71 E. Main St., Patchogue Dec. 10, 1pm and 7pm; Dec. 11, 1pm and 6pm $15 and up. patchoguetheatre.com.

Northport Nutcracker Ballet Northport Middle School 11 Middleville Road, Northport Dec. 10, 4pm; Dec. 11, 2pm $20. tututix.com/poseyschool. Huntington High School 188 Oakwood Road, Huntington Dec. 17, 2pm and 4pm; Dec. 18, 12pm and 4pm $30, $20 children and students. lynchballet.com. Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker Staller Center for the Arts Stony Brook University, Stony Brook Dec. 16-19, times vary $40, $34 children and seniors. nutcrackerballet.com. Noel S. Ruiz Theater at CM Performing Arts Center 931 Montauk Highway, Oakdale Dec. 28-29, 3pm and 7pm $40. balletlongisland.com.

LongIslandParent 15

Courtesy Fleur de Lis Academy

Students at Fleur de Lis Academy in Norwalk, CT, prepare for the day’s lesson.

Minding Their Manners

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It may seem quaint in today’s world, but etiquette schools for kids are thriving nonetheless. By Megan Bailey

t seemed to be that whenever 5-year-old Belle sat down for dinner, most of it would end up on the floor rather than in her mouth. She overlooked the fork and knife and used the tools she was born with—her fingers. As a result, Belle’s parents got tired of crawling under the table to pick up whatever they’d had for dinner that night. But they couldn’t seem to get Belle to stop, so they turned to some outside help. That’s right: We’re talking etiquette school. Belle’s mom, Anne, decided to enroll her in a dining course at Beaumont Etiquette in Manhattan. Not wanting it to feel like a punishment, Anne set out to make sure Belle saw it as a fun and light-hearted activity. When the day came to start, Anne made it a big deal for Belle, dressing her daughter in a cute party dress, letting her put on some makeup, and getting her excited about using fancy tableware. During class time, Beumont’s founder and director, Myka Meier, taught Belle the basics of mealtime etiquette, including where your napkin goes, when to use a fork and a spoon, and how you shouldn’t put your feet up while eating. Today, Anne is happy to report, Belle’s food now reaches her mouth instead of the floor, she utilizes her silverware, and she even stirs her mother’s tea on a regular basis. “Do you think Myka would be proud that I did this?” Belle will ask Anne from time to time. Or she will turn to her little brother and say, “Good, Jack. You’re eating over the plate!” “She picked up some things from it, and I think it was a great thing, and I know she had fun doing it,” Anne says. “It was more of a fun activity than a class.”

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

In our fast-paced world, in which families are eating together less often and informality seems to rule the day, it may seem as if manners and etiquette are a thing of the fabled past. But Belle is far from the only area child who’s learned a thing or two from a program like Beaumont’s. Schools, classes, and private teachers dedicated to spreading the gospel of good manners are still thriving in 2016. “I think we’re all seeing a big increase in business because it’s becoming almost trendy again, it’s becoming cool,” Meier says. “I think the millennial generation and onward have a lot of new challenges in everyday life, and we have to cater to the changes that are happening around us.”

Manners vs. Etiquette

To understand what goes on in these programs, it’s helpful to define some terminology, starting with the fact that manners and etiquette are not, in fact, the same thing. “Good manners never change,” says Michelle Sperry, founder and director of Fleur de Lis Academy in Norwalk, CT. “For example, 100 years ago it wasn’t okay to bonk someone over the head and take their food. And, it still isn’t okay to do that.” Etiquette, on the other hand, is culturally specific, dependent on time and place. “Etiquette is a set of rules,” Sperry continues. “It changes with each era, style, demographic, etc. For example, 100 years ago people used to eat with their hands. Now, we eat with forks and knives, although in some cultures they still eat with their hands. But, nonetheless, these things will change.”

Manners, then, are basic social skills, such as holding the door for someone or sharing toys with friends, while etiquette programs cover modern American norms, which can include making eye contact with others or shaking hands. “All parents want their child to be successful. However, success is not only measured in academia, but through the way we teach our children to show courtesy, respect, honesty, and politeness,” says Dianne Marsch, founder and director of the Etiquette School of Manhattan.

Today’s Needs

Most parents who send their children to these programs have modest goals, seeking attainable improvements in their kids’ behavior. “Most of the time the parents just want the kids to listen a little bit more, to chew their food with their mouths closed—it’s mainly that. If these things are not addressed now, later on they will be harder to learn,” says Arely Mendoza-Cantos, founder and director of Always Gracious, a manners and etiquette school for Long Island youth. “I find that young kids are really eager to please their parents and show their manners.” Many programs today include classes on digital etiquette—how to behave online, and how and when to put the device down and be present in the real world. “We have social media, and children especially are on computers all day and that sometimes is their preferred method of communication,” Meier says. “So, I found that they were losing really basic social skills.” Despite the emphasis on technology and digital media, many of the schools find their more traditional classes, especially those covering mealtime behavior, are the most popular. Educating today’s youth on how to communicate clearly—face-to-face and through their screens—how to conduct themselves in professional settings, and how to act at the dinner table are skills that can have an impact on their future and ultimately give them an advantage over those who have not been brushing up. “It’s interesting, a kid in our very modern world who has great social skills and great manners and great etiquette really stands out, because for most kids the bar is so low when it comes to social skills,” says Faye de Muyshondt, founder and director of the Manhattan etiquette school Socialsklz:-). “Parents are always trying to give our kids the competitive edge, but really the competitive edge in the modern world is an awesome set of social skills and a great foundation of manners and etiquette in life, because most kids don’t have it.” With the introduction of social media and the rise of technology, there is a newfound urgency to etiquette education. “Is it okay to text someone who’s more senior than you and use emojis? Is it okay to still be writing old-fashioned thank you letters? Just going over and making it a bit more relevant to today— that’s the whole point of it—for it to be practical etiquette that they use every day,” Meier says. Despite our digital world’s dizzying pace of change, knowing how to chew your food politely or conduct yourself during an interview are skills that are ultimately timeless. On the other hand, maybe putting our pinkies up and carrying a handkerchief are, indeed, a bit outdated. The key is to find the balance, and today’s schools understand the difference. “The more students we can teach all of these social, communication, and leadership skills to, it can change an entire generation,” Marsch says. “And I love every day that I can teach and make a difference in the life of someone.”

A GLIMPSE INSIDE LOCAL MANNERS AND ETIQUETTE PROGRAMS Alice Austen House 2 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island 718-816-4506 info@aliceausten.org aliceausten.org The Alice Austen House isn’t primarily focused on etiquette, but there is a reason its programs include this topic: Austen, a prolific photographer in the early years of the medium, lived for many years with Gertrude Tate, who taught etiquette and manners. Family courses are offered at the house or programs can be set up in schools and can focus on social etiquette, communication skills, or table manners. Always Gracious: The Academy of Etiquette 516-593-3817 alwaysgracious@optonline.net alwaysgracious.com Long Island’s Always Gracious has no set location, offering its programs—which include social etiquette, table etiquette, and image and style classes—in a family’s home, or for groups of 10 or more participants, on-site at a school or office. Lessons are also offered for the Spanishspeaking community. Beaumont Etiquette 5 Columbus Circle, #1701, Manhattan 212-390-1557 info@beaumontetiquette.com beaumontetiquette.com Beaumont Etiquette offers training one-on-one or in small groups and customizes courses based on a survey parents or guardians fill out about their child when they enroll. Beaumont Etiquette also offers online courses for children. In addition to classes on social skills and American dining manners, among others, its roster covers international dining and travel etiquette.

Etiquette School of Manhattan 101 W. 23rd St., Suite 525, Manhattan 877-506-2663 dianne@etiquetteschool.org nyc.etiquetteschool.org At the Etiquette School of Manhattan, founder and director Dianne Marsch mostly avoids classrooms and teaches her courses at restaurants, in private groups, or in schools. In addition to programs about dining, basic manners, and social skills, the school offers classes that include parents and grandparents as well as a Nanny Educational Etiquette Certification program (also taught in Spanish). Marsch also works with many low-income families and at-risk kids, teaching them the skills they need to transition into adulthood. Fleur de Lis Academy 327 Main Ave., Norwalk, CT 203-210-7155 enrollmanners@gmail.com fleurdelisacademy.com Fleur de Lis Academy runs several programs, one of which is First Impressions, covering manners and etiquette. It offers classes, private and semi-private lessons, workshops, leadership training, in-school sessions, and other programs. Socialsklz:-) 250 W. 85th St., Suite 1B, Manhattan 212-579-5300 info@socialsklz.com socialsklz.com Socialsklz:-) offers many public workshops and caters to our digital age (hence the emoticon and slang in the title). It offers a wide range of courses, from basic workshops to technology courses to CAMPsocialsklz:-).

Megan Bailey is a former NYMetroParents intern.

LongIslandParent 17

FOOD & NUTRITION

Make Your Own Hot Cocoa

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Four hot chocolate recipes that use favorite flavor combinations. By Chelsie Jangord Nothing makes us enjoy winter more than coming in from the cold and enjoying a nice, steamy cup of hot cocoa. While these recipes call for specific vegan ingredients, feel free to use what you have in your cupboard.

Orange Hot Chocolate Makes 2-3 cups

Ingredients 3 cups non-dairy milk 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder 2 Tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1/ 3 cup vegan chocolate chips Zest and juice of 1 orange Instructions In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together milk, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, orange juice, and zest. Once thoroughly combined and heated, pour into mugs and top with Dandies Mini Marshmallows. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Mix

Yields: Approximately 3 cups of dry mix Ingredients Dandies Pumpkin Marshmallows 1 cup cocoa powder 1 bag of vegan chocolate chips, frozen 3 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ½ cup powdered sugar Instructions Add frozen chocolate chips (it is very important that they’ve been thoroughly frozen) to a food processor and blend until chips have turned into a fine powder. In a mixing bowl whisk together chocolate chip powder, cocoa powder, pumpkin pie spice, powdered sugar, and cornstarch. Fill a Mason jar with cocoa mix and top with Pumpkin Dandies to make a great gift that will stay good for up to a month. To make a cup of a hot cocoa, bring 1½ cups of non-dairy milk to a boil, add 3-4 Tbsp. of mix, and stir. Reduce heat and let simmer, stirring often to remove any clumps. Taste as you go: If you like your cocoa on the sweeter side, add an extra tablespoon of mix. Top with Pumpkin Dandies and enjoy!

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Peppermint Hot Cocoa

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Ingredients 1 handful of Dandies Peppermint Marshmallows 4 Tbsp. cocoa powder 2 cups non-dairy milk 4 Tbsp. sugar ½ tsp. peppermint extract Crushed peppermint candies, optional garnish Melted chocolate, optional garnish

Ingredients 3 cups non-dairy milk 1/ 3 cup natural peanut butter ¼ cup sugar 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder ¼ cup chopped dark chocolate or vegan chocolate chips 1 tsp. vanilla Handful of Dandies Mini Marshmallows

Instructions In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and peppermint extract. Whisk until all clumps have dissolved. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Optional: Dip the rim of a mug in melted chocolate, then into the crushed peppermint candies. Fill with hot cocoa, top with Peppermint Dandies Marshmallows, and enjoy!

Instructions In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together all the hot chocolate ingredients. Once thoroughly combined and heated, pour into mugs and top with Dandies. Up your game by drizzling on some additional peanut butter! The longer it sits the thicker it gets. If you prefer a thinner hot chocolate, you can add more non-dairy milk to reach the desired consistency.

Serves 2

Serves 2-3

Chelsie Jangord is the in-house chef at Dandies Marshmallows.

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Kids Do the Weirdest Things

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Some of your child’s strangest behaviors and habits, explained by experts. By Laurie Sue Brockway

hen my son was in kindergarten, the teacher called me in to tell me the staff was taking up a collection so that I could buy him new clothing. He’d been wearing the same clothes every day for two weeks, and the staff assumed it was because I was not able to properly clothe him. It took everything for me not to burst out laughing as I explained that my son decided he would wear only black pants and a favorite black sweatshirt—so I’d bought him five pairs of the same pants and sweatshirts and washed his clothes constantly. But I told him that it was the same outfit every day. When the teacher asked if he had other clothes, he apparently said no. Don’t get me started on the phase in which he insisted on wearing his Superman cape to school. Or the stuffed cat that had to be with us as all times. Kids do weird things. Really weird things. We asked experts to comment on some of the unusual traits we are bound to see as our kids grow.

Toddlers

Touching everything. If you feel like smudgy fingerprints cover every surface in your home, you’re not alone. “Many toddlers learn by touching,” says Mary Ellen Renna, M.D., a pediatrician in practice in Jericho and author of 10 Steps to Almost Perfect Parenting. “They are tactile learners. They need to touch, manipulate, open, tear, and pull items. They need to see what sounds they make, how they feel, what it tastes like.” Eating and licking gross things. Toddlers do not discriminate 20

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

when it comes to putting things in their mouths or up to their lips—dirt and snot included. “Children are inherently curious,” says Deena Blanchard, M.D., a Brooklyn- and Manhattan-based pediatric and postpartum depression expert with Premier Pediatrics and a mom of three boys. “As they grow and explore the world they will explore with all their senses. Early exploration is often oral in nature.” That’s why parents have to make sure there are no small pieces of things on the floor or within grasp. “The good news is that as children get older these habits fade,” Dr. Blanchard says. Flushing stuff down the toilet. Remember that time when you couldn’t find a toy or your sunglasses, and then you heard a splash? “Kids are attracted to the toilet more between ages 18 months and 2½ years, when they are developing their bathroom skills—toilet training,” Dr. Renna says. “Once they develop the aversion to their waste products, they don’t play around the toilet as much.” Taking over cellphones. Phones and other mobile devices are very attractive because they are filled with colors and sounds, Dr. Renna says. “They also have games and songs that are entertaining.” That doesn’t mean they should play with them. “I don’t believe kids should have access to a parent’s phone,” she says. “Too much potential danger there.”

Small Children

Sticking things up their noses—and elsewhere. Kids are usually led by the desire to see how things fit into other things.

“It is rare for children to put things in various places to act out or purposely annoy their parents,” Dr. Blanchard says. “It is much more likely that they are curious about what it would feel like to put a pretzel in their nose, or if a bead could fit inside their ear.” She says to talk to children about how their bodily orifices work and explain, We only put food in our mouths and that it’s not healthy or safe for your body to put things in your nose or ear. Most children grow out of these behaviors by age 5 or 6, or after they have to see a doctor to have something removed from an ear or nose. “It’s not actually a fun experience and that works in our favor as parents,” Dr. Blanchard says. Peeing on, or in, stuff. While dogs do it to mark their territory, kids do it to experiment and explore. “I know a 4-year-old who urinated in a backpack because he wanted to see what it felt like,” Dr. Blanchard says. To make sure it doesn’t happen again, focus on the positive and make it a teachable moment. “For example,” she says, “you can say, ‘I sometimes wonder what things may feel like too. It is important to only go pee in the potty or your pull up so we can keep the house clean.’” Also, tell children to check with you if they aren’t sure about whether they should do something. Clinging to an object of affection. Linus isn’t the only one who likes his security blanket. “The object in some way represents the parent who the child does not want to separate from,” says Gail Saltz, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychiatry at The New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornel School of Medicine and host of “The Power of Different” podcast. “The parent can come and go, so the object provides comfort and permanence in staying with the child and being snuggled or held.” Termed a transitional object, it can be a blanket, a stuffed animal, or toy—something that can be carried around. “Parents know if you leave it at home or it gets lost, there is hell to pay in the form of tantrums or refusal to go anywhere without it,” Dr. Saltz says. Making animal noises and sounds. There are a number of things that inspire kids to roar, purr, or make odd or loud noises. “It may be dramatic play, actually pretending to be an animal,” says Jephtha Tausig-Edwards, Ph.D., a New York City-based clinical psychologist. “It would not be unusual for a 3- or 4-year-old to pretend he or she was an animal until they tired of doing so.” It can also be to gain attention, or to make parents or peers laugh, she adds. Inviting imaginary friends to dinner. Imaginary friends can be helpful to kids who have gone through trauma and can serve as allies to any child. “These friends are sometimes only in the child’s head but can sometimes be seen in great detail by the child,” Dr. Saltz says. “It may be one or multiple people, animals, or fantasy beings and is often viewed in a real friend way, with discussion, shared feelings, and inclusion in family activities.” This is all a reflection of this child’s imagination and creativity, and is more likely to occur for a child who has enough unstructured play time to invent a friend, she says. Stripping in public. “Young children can be unselfconscious about their bodies such that they may spontaneously strip off their clothing because they feel hot, or too restricted, or just like the feel of being naked—but obviously not when it’s cold out,” Dr. Tausig-Edwards says. “Sometimes, they may want to show the world their ‘big boy underpants’ or something they are proud of, which could also include genitalia if they feel this is continued on next page ››

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‹‹ continued from previous page

important.” She says this behavior usually stops due to caregiver reprimands and/or pressure from peers in social situations such as birthday parties or playdates. It should clear up completely during the first year of preschool if not before. Drawing a masterpiece on a freshly painted wall. Remember that time when your kids unleashed their inner Michelangelos in unsolicited wall murals—furniture, upholstery, and other items? “This behavior can be an expression of artistic impulses and/or a method of gaining our attention,” Dr. Tausig-Edwards says. Or kids just think it is a good idea at the time. She suggests hanging large sheets of butcher paper with masking or some other nonmarking tape on all four corners and then invite your children to draw only on the paper. “You will know fairly quickly whether the driver of their behavior is more of an artistic impulse or more of an attention-getting one.” Decorating a sibling’s face with magic markers. They’re not trying to ruin their sister or brother’s good looks out of jealousy. “It’s usually part of fun, curiosity, or an imagination game,” Dr. Blanchard says. “It’s rarely manipulative or purposefully intent on upsetting someone. Kids are fun, curious little beings. They aren’t yet fully aware of the consequences of their actions and likely have not thought it through.” While this may lead to some coloring on your baby, it also leads to a time where your child is super fun to play with and talk to, she says. “Their minds are open and the world is their oyster. Try to embrace this period and guide your child in making good choices.”

Older Kids

Refusing to talk about their day at school. Some kids just need downtime when they get home. “As a mom of three boys, I totally understand the frustration of asking your child how was your day at school and getting back, ‘fine.’” Dr. Blanchard says. “After a long day at school kids may not be in the mood to talk or review their day.” Try asking your child more specific questions instead of broad ones, such as: What did you eat for lunch? Or, What made you smile today? Or wait until bedtime to chat, when kids are more relaxed. Giving the pet a makeover. Some kids like to dress up pets like dolls and put barrettes on long-haired dogs, but Rachel Barrack, a veterinarian with Animal Acupuncture, has also seen cases of kids trying to add color. “Kids love to color with markers and crayons, but keep these away from your pets,” says Barrack, who practices in NYC. She says that body glitter and nail polish are also not safe. Holding pets (or siblings) up like Simba. The sweet scene in the Lion King inspires kids to hold their pets up like a baby lion. However, Barrack says, “this is not only scary for them, but you can drop them.” That goes for little sister or brother, too. “We don’t want to encourage children to do any weird things with pets,” Barrack says, suggesting pet-friendly alternative activities such as cuddling, teaching and learning new tricks, exercise, reading, and “pet-friendly” arts and crafts. Playing with prickly things. Some foods need close parental supervision. Naresh C. Rao, D.O., FAOASM, of Sports Medicine at Chelsea, shares a cautionary tale about a 9-year-old sister and

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

6-year-old brother who saw a prickly pear in a grocery store. “The sister picked it up, and it felt fuzzy. She then told her brother to pick it up,” he says. “After both of them held it, they felt pain and told mom.” As it turned out, he says, “The slivers from the Prickly Pear had to be removed by a pediatric dermatologist because the spikes were so small that the doctor needed specialized equipment to have it removed from their skin.” Creating obstacle courses. Dr. Rao, who lives in Scarsdale and was on Team USA’s sports medicine team for the 2016 Summer Olympics, has treated injuries relating to kids playing around in cars. One 9-year-old boy decided to buckle all the seat belts in the back of Mom’s minivan and swing through them like an obstacle course. “He then convinced his 11-year-old sister to join him,” Dr. Rao says. “She got through one but then got caught up in the next one. It was so tightly wrapped around her body that the latching mechanism would not release.” The seat belt needed to be cut to free her.

Tweens

Girls going gaga over male pop idols. It’s a rite of passage that harkens back beyond Elvis and the Beatles and the Backstreet Boys. “Teen idols are often fantasy romantic partners when tweens and teens first start to have crushes,” Dr. Saltz says. “It is a safe way to express and experience romantic and sexual feelings in an exciting way.” Teens and tweens feel close to the idol by going to concerts and playing their music, which explains why parents find themselves shelling out money for tickets, T-shirts, and posters. Because adolescent brains are more primed for risk taking and emotionality, a teen may go to great lengths to be close to and experience their idol, Dr. Saltz says. Boys using potty humor. “Boys love potty humor—farts and poop jokes never get old— and that’s why they will read a series like Captain Underpants over and over again,” says Hillary Tubin, former literacy educator and author of Boys and Books: What You Need to Know. “Boys also love to read in the weirdest positions: standing, squeezed into a tiny space, in a fort, on their backs with their arms raised and the book high in the air, and while moving around to name a few.” She says boys are the happiest when they get to read a book such as Captain Underpants squeezed into a tiny space made into a fort, with a flashlight in hand and their favorite pet close by. Being tied to electronic devices. The romance begins early on and by the time kids have cellphones and iPads they might as well have been born with the device firmly attached to their hand. Texting is how teens communicate. “We live in a world of constant motion and as such they grab anything to keep constantly busy,” says technology expert Donna Conroy, co-founder of House Monkey. Always monitor use, she says, and get kids to take a time-out from devices as much as possible. Laurie Sue Brockway is a journalist and author who has written extensively on love, romance, marriage, parenting, well-being, and emotional health. Her work has appeared in hundreds of print and online publications, including Woman’s Day, Everyday Health, and The Huffington Post.

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OUTINGS: Vanderbilt Museum

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Mansion, Museum, and Planetarium 1

Courtesy Vanderbilt Museum

William K. Vanderbilt II, who was an ocean and natural world enthusiast, posthumously helped to turn his sprawling estate into a museum for marine-life and natural history. ›› By Melissa A. Kay

1 Winter is a festive time at the mansion. 2 The museum is home to numerous pieces of fine art. 3 The Vanderbilt’s Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium offers fun and educational programs for kids and adults. 4 William K. Vanderbilt II collected tools from expeditions around the world, which can be seen in exhibits in the museum. 5 The mansion is a “living museum,” which can be toured regularly.

Vanderbilt Museum is a wonderful educational experience and an interesting and exciting combination of mansion, marine and natural history museum, planetarium, and park.

Year-Round Fun

The mansion offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a renowned family from the Jazz Age through the end of World War II. Set atop 43 breathtaking acres, see the SpanishRevival style mansion and its distinctive architecture. Check out oceanic expeditions, global journeys, islands, marine life, bird and insect life, and more in the many exhibits at the museum. Specimens in the exhibits show the artisanal talents of Asian, Pacific, and African cultures including their artifacts, clothing, and utensils. The Reichert Planetarium is one of the most advanced in the country. Visitors can see seasonal shows and special features created for families and school audiences under the 60-foot dome. The $4 million makeover has revealed new seating, a renovated lobby, and a gift shop. 24

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

December Highlights

Come to Vanderbilt to hear live Beatles music in the planetarium. On Dec. 11 from 7-8:30pm, The Liverpool Shuffle, a Long Island Beatles tribute band, will play songs beloved by generations under the dome. Tickets are $20 for adults in advance or $25 at the door. Kids ages 5-15 pay $15 and kids ages 5 and younger may attend for free. While the band plays, a montage will be projected into the planetarium’s dome, featuring 1960’s photos, news clippings, pop-culture iconic moments, and more. On various dates in December, see Laser Holidays, an all-ages program featuring laser lights and digital artwork set to holiday music. The kids will enjoy the music in an exquisite venue with family and friends.

Annual Events

Through Jan. 2, 2017, come to the planetarium to see Long Island Skies. Following the program, and weather permitting, the planetarium staff will open

the Observatory. One World, One Sky depicts Sesame Street’s Elmo and Big Bird who discover that they see the same stars at their friend Hu Hu Zhu who lives in China. Night Sky, Live! features lectures by an astronomy educator who will use the planetarium’s Starball to show viewers what the Long Island night sky will look like on the very day they visit the venue.

Details

Address: 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport Directions: Approximately a 15-minute drive from Huntington Hours: Through April 10, 2017: museum: Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday, 124pm (the last mansion tour is at 4pm); planetarium: Tuesday, Friday-Sunday, see website for show times. Admission: $7; $6 students with ID and seniors ages 62 and older; $3 children 12 and younger. Planetarium show and mansion tours: an additional $5 each per person. For more information: 631-854-5579 or vanderbiltmuseum.org

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Ideas When You Need Them:

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Turn the page for details on Ohman’s New York Dance Theatre ‘The Nutcracker’ (No. 3 on our list).

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EDITOR: DEE SAUNDERS nassaucal@davlermedia.com

DECEMBER CALENDAR

Editor’s Hot Tickets

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Show Time!

Smarty Pants, Holiday Fun

The Great Outdoors, Must-Sees in NYC

Animal Lovers, Movers & Shakers

Once Upon a Time

Crafty Kids

Tree & Menorah Lightings

Mini Musicians, Little Foodies

Special Needs

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

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

‘Snowkus Pokus’

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 4, 4pm WHERE: Staller Center, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: 3 and older WHAT: This winter-themed circus is a whimsical Winter Wonderland of derring-do and hosted by award-winning musician Eric Walton. WHY WE LOVE IT: Eye-popping tricks include a snowflake juggling nutcracker and an acrobatic blizzard. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-632-6000. stallercenter.com.

Holidays in the Harbor: Ginger-Ships

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 11, 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Make a version of a Ginger-Ship from graham crackers and other goodies on a milk carton base. Call to register. WHY WE LOVE IT: “Gingerbread work” is the carved, white architectural detail found on many colonial American seaside homes. WANT TO GO? $5 with admission: $6; $5 children ages 4-18; free for children younger than 4. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

3 28

Ohman’s New York Dance Theatre ‘The Nutcracker’

WHEN: Dec. 17-18, Saturday-Sunday, 12pm and 5pm WHERE: Hofstra University, John Cranford Adams Playhouse, Hempstead AGES: All WHAT: This rendition of The Nutcracker is the only one on Long

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Island performed in the tradition of New York City Ballet’s legendary George Balanchine. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s a delightful performance that will appeal to young and old alike. WANT TO GO? $42; $32 seniors and children. 631-462-0964. ohmanballet.org.

Pre-Chanukah Wonderland

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 18, 9:30-11:30am WHERE: The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Hanukkah with activities such as decorating doughnuts, making latkes, finding Judah the Maccabee, and making olive oil. Registration required. WHY WE LOVE IT: A great way to get excited for Hanukkah. WANT TO GO? $10. 631-351-8672. thechaicenter.com.

Kwanzaa Celebration FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 18, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: All WHAT: Norman Daniels, coordinator of Multicultural Affairs at Suffolk Community College, will discuss this unique American holiday that pays tribute to the rich, cultural roots of Americans of African ancestry. WHY WE LOVE IT: There will be songs, music, poetry, and dancing that people enjoy on this cultural holiday. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Star Warz Returns

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 29, 1-4pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Create Jabba slime and other themed crafts. See how sailors used the celestials for navigation and meet Darth Vader. WHY WE LOVE IT: There will also be a special scavenger hunt. WANT TO GO? $10 children; $6 adults. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Crayon Workshop

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 29, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Picasso Kidz, 72 Broadway, Greenlawn AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Learn how to create fun melted crayon art and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: Crayons are great for more than just coloring! WANT TO GO? $35. 631-796-2803. picassokidz.com.

‘The Santa Claus Super Show’

WHEN: Dec. 26-30, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11am WHERE: Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 W. Main St., Bay Shore

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Santa and his bumbling elf, Pepper Mint Stix, are on a mission to gather all of the presents on Mrs. Claus’s special list. WHY WE LOVE IT: After the performance come on stage for a special meet-and-greet and photo session with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Pepper Mint Stix. WANT TO GO? $12. 631-969-1101. boultoncenter.org.

‘Elf Jr.’

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the elf in his quest to find his identity. WHY WE LOVE IT: With heart and humor, this story teaches children about self-esteem. WANT TO GO? $15. 631-724-3700. smithtownpac.org. ››

• CHRISTMAS EVENT: "In the Spirit of Christmas!" Sundays: December 4, 11, 18 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $25/Kids, $10/Adults Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for a fun-filled afternoon of storytelling, tour of the farm, feed our equine reindeer, and much more! • VOLUNTEER DAY! Every Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. • LINE DANCING Every Tuesday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

VENUE RENTAL!

Private parties, weddings, and fundraisers

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SHOW TIME! ‘A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Musical’

WHEN: Dec. 3-4, Saturday-Sunday, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: St. Joseph’s College, 155 W. Roe Blvd., Patchogue AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Musical from the stories by A.A. Milne is ideal for young children and audience participation is encouraged. WANT TO GO? $8. 631-687-5100. sjcny.edu.

‘Willy Wonka’

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE

Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome. ‘The Nutcracker’ Presented by Ballet Long Island FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 4, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: All WHAT: This program visits the enchanted Land of Sweets and the famous well-known music that everyone loves and dances to. The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince also perform solos and a grand pas de deux. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

DIY Snowglobes FREE

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 9, 4-5pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Create a scenic winter wonderland inside a glass jar. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

14th Annual Reenactment of the Flying Santa FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 10, 11:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park parking field 5, Fire Island AGES: All WHAT: Santa arrives at the lighthouse. WANT TO GO? 631-661-4876. fireislandlighthouse.com.

A Family Celebration of ‘Star Wars’ FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 11, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Enjoy a day of everything Star Wars from the books, to learning the Yoda language, to meeting a character from Star Wars. Feel free to come dressed as your favorite character. WANT TO GO? 631-585-9393. mcplibrary.org.

Meet Santa FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 23: Monday-Friday, 1-4pm and 5-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm and 2-6pm WHERE: Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Don’t miss Santa in the store, and remember to bring your camera. WANT TO GO? 516-334-0066. hicksnurseries.com. 30

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Dec. 3-4, Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday 6pm WHERE: Temple Beth El, 660 Park Ave., Huntington AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Children in fourth through 10th grades perform accompanied by great music and beautiful sets and costumes. WANT TO GO? $18; $15 for children younger than 11. 631-5619522. simplegiftsproductions.com.

‘How The Big Duck Saved Christmas’

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 4, 1pm WHERE: Suffolk Theater, 118 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Santa tells the story of how the East End’s own Big Duck saved Christmas from a group of French fry-loving Canadian elves. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 children. 631-727-4343. suffolktheater.com.

‘Sister Act’

WHEN: Through Dec. 11: Saturdays, 8pm; Sundays, 2:30pm WHERE: BayWay Arts Center, 265 E. Main St., East Islip AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Featuring original music by Alan Menken, this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. WANT TO GO? $23; $21 seniors. 631-581-2700. broadhollow.org.

‘Northport Nutcracker Ballet’

WHEN: Dec. 10-11, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm and 4pm WHERE: Northport Middle School, 11 Middleville Road, Northport AGES: All WHAT: Northport Nutcracker Ballet by Posey Dance Repertory Company. There will be a meet and greet with dancers and photo opportunity after performance. WANT TO GO? $20. 1-855-222-2849. tututix.com/poseyschool.

‘Elf the Musical Jr.’

WHEN: Dec. 2-18, Friday-Saturday, 7pm; Sunday, 3pm WHERE: SoLuna Studio, 659 Old Willets Path, Happauge AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts, embarks on a journey to New York City to find his family and discover his true identity. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 for children younger than 11. 631-7616602. solunastudiony.com.

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: Saturdays, 11am WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Barnaby and friends set off on a journey to save Christmas and along the way learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holiday season. WANT TO GO? $10. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com.

CityBound

Must-Sees in N Y C Jayme Thornton

‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’

‘Frosty the Snowman’

WHEN: Dec. 27-30, Tuesday-Friday, 12pm WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre, 265 E. Main St., East Islip AGES: All WHAT: Frosty and his friend, Jenny, must save the town of Chillsville from Ethel Pierpot’s evil plan to melt all the snow. WANT TO GO? $13. 631-581-2700. broadhollow.org.

‘Annie Jr.’

WHEN: Through Dec. 31, Saturdays, 1pm WHERE: Studio Theatre, 141 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst AGES: All WHAT: Join Little Orphan Annie and her friends, Daddy Warbucks, and Miss Hannigan in this fun-filled, 1-hour musical for the entire family. WANT TO GO? $10. 631-226-8400. studiotheatreli.com.

‘The Doubtful Sprout’

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

I’m With The Band The best-selling, award-winning, Laurie Berkner Band rolls into town this month for one morning only! This special holiday concert will celebrate the season with a mix of traditional songs, Berkner classics, and new songs. Berkner is famous for being the queen of kiddie rock and performing shows that little ones love, but don’t send the parents to sleep. Get your tickets early! Dec. 3; 11am. Age: All. $37.50-$100. New York Society for Ethical Culture, 2 W. 64th St., Upper West Side. 212-799-5000. laurieberkner.com

John Minchillo / AP Images for Macy’s Inc

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 31, 11am WHERE: Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Get ready to explore the world beneath your feet in this underground puppet adventure. Tunnel down with Worm and Sprout as they discover the mysterious life found inside soil. WANT TO GO? $15. 631-725-9500. baystreet.org.

Light Keepers Behind the Scenes Tour

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 10, 9am WHERE: Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park parking field 5, Fire Island AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Follow a present day kighthouse keeper on his rounds. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-661-4876. fireislandlighthouse.com.

Evening Tower Tour

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 4pm; sunset: 4:26pm; moon rises: 4:38pm WHERE: Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park parking field 5, Fire Island AGES: All WHAT: View the “Super Moon” from the top of the tower. Bring a flashlight for your walk back to the parking field. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-661-4876. fireislandlighthouse.com. ››

The North Pole On 34th Street Macy’s Santaland starts just after Thanksgiving and sees our hero in a red suit turn the 8th floor of the famous store into a Christmassy North Pole. Complete with cheerful elves, animatronic displays, presents, and most importantly Santa himself! Book early for a shorter wait time; this is one of New York City’s most famous holiday treats. Don’t forget to bring your letter to Santa. For shorter wait times come early in the day and in the season, or book a Santaland Express Pass to skip the line. Nov. 25-Dec. 24. 9am-9pm (with some exceptions, see website). Age: All. Free to visit and photography package purchase is optional. Packages start at $20.99. Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W. 34th St., Midtown. 212-695-4400. macys.com/santaland. LongIslandParent 31

Gift Making Workshop

WHEN: Dec. 4-10, Saturday, 1-4:30pm and Sunday, 2:30-5:45pm WHERE: Picasso Kidz, 72 Broadway, Greenlawn AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Children will make their own art-inspired gifts. WANT TO GO? $35. 631-796-2803. picassokidz.com.

Let’s Celebrate Light!

WHEN: Dec. 10-11, Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Explore patterns while creating a luminary to light your path. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. maritimeexplorium.org.

Kids’ Winter Paint Night

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 11, 5-6:30pm WHERE: Key to My Art, 10 W. Oak St., Amityville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Paint a wintery snowman’s portrait. Reserve your child’s spot by booking online prior to the event. WANT TO GO? $25. 631-608-9048. keytomyart.com.

Sculpture and Upcycled Art

WHEN: Dec. 6-13, Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30pm WHERE: Mini Monet, 64 Railroad Ave., Sayville AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Use found objects in the Upcycled class to create fun animals out of clay, wood, bottle caps, and more. WANT TO GO? $21. 631-218-9797. minimonetny.com.

Let’s Celebrate Snow! FREE

CRAFTY KIDS

Holidays in the Harbor: Sea Glass Ornaments

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 4, 1-2pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: See 19th-century glass artifacts and use sea glass to create your own sparkly Christmas tree ornament. WANT TO GO? $5 with admission: $6; $5 ages 4-18; free for children younger than 4. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Little Cabin in the Woods FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 7, 4-5pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Have fun working on a 12-by-12-inch canvas, as you create a star-filled sky, nestled in a forest of tall trees with a small cabin at the end of the road. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org. 32

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Dec. 17-18, Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Explore the science of snowflakes and make one to take home. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. maritimeexplorium.org.

Drawing and Painting 1 & 2

WHEN: Dec. 2-19, Monday, Friday, and Saturday, see website for times WHERE: Mini Monet, 64 Railroad Ave., Sayville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn to draw animals, people, landscapes, and works by famous artists. Paint with watercolors, oil pastels, chalk pastels, colored pencils, markers, and more. WANT TO GO? $21. 631-218-9797. minimonetny.com.

Craft Mania FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 27, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Drop in and make a variety of crafts and art projects. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Make Your Own Playdough

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 29, 11am-3pm WHERE: Cold Spring Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Let the hatchery’s animals be your inspiration as you create your very own playdough creation to take home. WANT TO GO? $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.

MINI

MUSICIANS The Huntington Men’s Chorus 68th Annual Winter Holiday Concert

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 3, 8pm WHERE: Huntington High School, 188 Oakwood Road, Huntington AGES: All WHAT: The chorus performs a collection of Christmas and Hanukkah songs and the audience will be invited to join a holiday sing-along. WANT TO GO? $14; $12 students. 631-462-7464. huntingtonmenschorus.org.

Northport Chorale’s Holiday Concert

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 9, 8pm WHERE: Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport AGES: All WHAT: Northport Chorale’s Holiday Concert, with selections performed with the Northport Community Band. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 seniors; $10 students. 631-223-3789. northportchorale.org.

Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights Present ‘Holiday Parties’

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 17, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Join Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights as they share a memorable array of original and classic holiday songs. WANT TO GO? $9 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

LITTLE FOODIES Citarella Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 10, 11:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Boots Lamb Education Center at Guild Hal, 158 Main St., East Hampton AGES: All WHAT: All gingerbread houses, edible decorations, and materials provided by Citarella. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-324-0806. guildhall.org.

will give a gift for each child. Bring a non-perishable food donation for a local food pantry. WANT TO GO? $18; $13 children; free for children younger than 3. 631-384-8900. msheritagetrust.org.

Santa Brunch

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 11, 10am, 12pm, and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a buffet brunch in the Sea Star Ballroom, make a special take-home holiday keepsake, and capture a family photo with Santa. Afterward, spend the day in the aquarium. WANT TO GO? $44.95; $26.95 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 631-208-9200. longislandaquarium.com.

Kathleen King’s Cookie Exchange

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 15, 4-5pm WHERE: Rogers Mansion, 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton Village AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Swap dozens of festively decorated, homemade cookies from scratch. Call to register. WANT TO GO? $15. 631-283-2494. southamptonhistoricalmuseum.org.

Gingerbread Houses & Hot Cocoa

WHEN: Dec. 17-18, Saturday-Sunday, 1pm WHERE: Pixie Dust, 125 W. Main St., Bay Shore AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Make a gingerbread house and enjoy some hot cocoa in the enchanted garden. WANT TO GO? $29.99 per child. 631-647-8777. pixiedustbayshore.com.

Winter Holiday Magic

WHEN: Dec. 21-23, Wednesday-Friday, 4:30-6pm WHERE: What’s Cooking?, 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Enjoy a Christmas and Hanukkah menu. Make a gingerbread house, and bake and decorate sugar cookies to take home, along with incredible potato latkes and more. WANT TO GO? $49.95. 516-922-2665. whatscookingny.com.

Gingerbread House Workshop

WHEN: Dec. 13-23, see website for dates and times WHERE: Picasso Kidz, 72 Broadway, Greenlawn AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Use food for art in this gingerbread house decorating workshop. WANT TO GO? $30. 631-796-2803. picassokidz.com. ››

Elf on the Shelf® Gingerbread Building Event

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 10, 11am-1pm WHERE: The Party Place LI, 196 Belle Mead Road, East Setauket AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Children make their own gingerbread house, spend time in a photo booth, dance to holiday songs, and enjoy pizza and cupakes. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $36.95. 631-675-6003. thepartyplaceli.com.

Breakfast With Santa FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 11, 8am, 10am, and 12pm WHERE: Heritage Center, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a buffet breakfast and have a photo taken with Santa who LongIslandParent 33

Fall Open Houses FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6pm WHERE: Long Island Whole Child Academy School for Twice Exceptional Learning, 175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville AGES: All WHAT: Learn about cutting edge and unique educational models for gifted students who learn differently. WANT TO GO? 347-668-3676. liwholechild.org.

Board Game Bonanza FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 27, 3pm WHERE: Northport-East Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make new friends while you play your favorite board game or learn a new one. WANT TO GO? 631-261-6930. nenpl.org.

Family Build It FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 28, 4pm WHERE: Northport-East Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Families are welcome to build together. WANT TO GO? 631-261-6930. nepl.org.

SMARTY PANTS Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Information Sessions FREE

WHEN: Dec. 2-3, Friday, 6:30-7:30pm and Saturday, 10am-3pm WHERE: Village East Gifted of Huntington, 33 Walt Whitman Road, Suite 111, Huntington Station AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A free enrichment class is provided for the children while the parents are attending the 1-hour information session for summer programs, online courses, and family academic programs. WANT TO GO? villageeastgifted.com.

Leadership Development for Children

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 3, 2-5pm WHERE: Modern Warrior, 711 N. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Children gain skills to help them become team leaders. Call to register. WANT TO GO? $17. 631-226-8383. modernwarrior.com.

Dickens Festival

WHEN: Dec. 3-4, Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Enjoy hot cider and freshly popped popcorn, watch as real steam powered ships set sail, and build and decorate your own mini Mag Lev sled and test it on a magnetic track. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. maritimeexplorium.org.

Snack Around the World: Australia FREE

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 12, 3-4pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Enjoy sweet and salty treats from Australia and learn a bit about the land down under. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org. 34

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Christmas Break Fun-Cation

WHEN: Dec. 26-30, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children tour the aquarium, feed the sting rays, check out the sea lion show, visit the arcade, watch a movie, make a craft, and more. WANT TO GO? $50 per day. 631-208-9200. longislandaquarium.com.

HOLIDAY FUN Home for the Holidays

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 3, 10am-12pm WHERE: St. Joseph’s College, 155 W. Roe Blvd., Patchogue AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: This festive celebration includes breakfast with Santa, fun children’s activities and crafts, and live entertainment. Register online. WANT TO GO? $15. 631-687-5100. sjcny.edu.

Yuletide Family Day with Santa and Walt Whitman High School Marching Band Members

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 4, 1pm WHERE: Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy a holiday sing-along, visit with Santa, cookie decorating, face painting, crafts, and old-time, interactive games and toys. WANT TO GO? $9 per child; free for chaperones. 631-427-5240. waltwhitman.org.

Holidays in the Harbor: Menorah Workshop

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 4, 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Learn about whale oil and olive oil, see oil lamps, and create your own menorah. WANT TO GO? $5 with admission: $6; $5 children ages 4-18; free for children younger than 4. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

‘The Nutcracker Suite’

WHEN: Dec. 10-11, Saturday, 1pm and 7pm; Sunday, 1pm and 6pm WHERE: Patchogue Theatre, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: All WHAT: Ovations Dance Repertory Company presents The Nutcracker Suite with a live orchestra by The Atlantic Wind Symphony. WANT TO GO? $15. 631-207-1313. ovationsdance.com.

‘Elf’

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 17, 11am WHERE: Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Buddy the Elf learns of his true identity as a human and goes to New York City to meet his father. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 13. 631-423-7611. cinemaartscentre.org.

Holidays in the Harbor: Yankee Whaler Victorian Holiday Party WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 17, 12-3pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Ring in the holidays with traditional sea shanties sung live by Sampawam’s Creek, scrimshaw carving, candle-dipping, and other festive crafts. WANT TO GO? $10. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

‘In The Nicholas of Time!’

WHEN: Dec. 4-18, Saturdays, 2pm; Sundays, 12pm WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre, 265 E. Main St., East Islip AGES: 3-8 WHAT: It’s up to Santa’s most famous reindeer to save the day when an evil queen conjures up a storm on Christmas. WANT TO GO? $13. 631-581-2700. broadhollow.org.

Christmas is Coming Paint Night

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 18, 5-6:30 pm WHERE: Key to My Art, 10 W. Oak St., Amityville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make a special gift for someone or decorate your own space with a Snoopy-themed Christmas painting. Register online. WANT TO GO? $25. 631-608-9048. keytomyart.com.

Santa Photos

WHEN: Through Dec. 18: Friday-Sunday, 11am-4pm WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Your child (or pet) can take a photo with Santa. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 631-208-9200. longislandaquarium.com.

Draw, Paint, and Sculpt Holiday Workshop

WHEN: Dec. 23-29, Friday and Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-12pm and 1-4pm WHERE: Mini Monet, 64 Railroad Ave., Sayville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Draw, paint, and sculpt gingerbread houses and the nutcracker; sculpt Rudolph, the Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $35 for 2 hours; $45 for 3 hours. 631-218-9797. minimonetny.com.

‘A Christmas Carol’

WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Thursday-Sunday, 7pm; Sunday, 3pm WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas—past, present, and future. WANT TO GO? $35; $28 children ages 13-17; $20 children ages 5-12. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com.

Noon Year’s Eve Party FREE

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 30, 11am WHERE: Northport-East Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a countdown to 12pm. There will be games, crafts, music, snacks, and more to ring in the New Year. WANT TO GO? 631-261-6930. nepl.org.

New Year’s Eve: Rogers Mansion by Candlelight

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 31, 4-5:30pm WHERE: Rogers Mansion, 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton Village AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the end of the year with a candlelight reception and guided tours. WANT TO GO? $20; free for children younger than 18. 631-283-2494. southamptonhistoricalmuseum.org.

New Year’s Bash for Kids

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 31, 11am-12pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 3-8, adult WHAT: Count down to 12pm with festive crafts and hot chocolate. WANT TO GO? $3 with admission: $6; $5 children ages 4-18; free for children younger than 4. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org. ››

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’: A Live Radio Play

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 18, 6pm WHERE: Suffolk Theater, 118 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This program will be performed live in the style of an old time radio show. WANT TO GO? $15; free for children younger than 13. 631-727-4343. suffolktheater.com.

Holiday Card Factory FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 22, 7-8pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make your own holiday cards for your friends and loved ones. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org. LongIslandParent 35

Live Animal Encounter

WHEN: Dec. 3-30, daily, 12-5pm WHERE: Jungle Bob’s Reptile World, 2536 Middle Country Road, Centereach AGES: All WHAT: Spend 15 minutes in a safe and educational environment during your animal encounter. Take pictures and learn all about the animals you choose. By appointment only, RSVP required. WANT TO GO? $35 per family of four. 631-737-6474. junglebobsreptileworld.com.

MOVERS & SHAKERS Ariella’s NY Friendship Circle: Hip Hop FREE

ANIMAL LOVERS Bird Buddies

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 27, 11am-3pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Make a bird feeder or build a wooden birdhouse. WANT TO GO? $5 with admission: $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.

Live Animal Encounter

WHEN: Dec. 26-30, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 2pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the hatchery’s reptiles and amphibians during a live animal presentation. WANT TO GO? $5 with admisson: $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.

Trout Feeding Demonstrations

WHEN: Dec. 26-30, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Watch the trout jump and splash as they devour a special diet of fish food. WANT TO GO? $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.

Hatchery Tours

WHEN: Dec. 26-30, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11am WHERE: Cold Spring Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Learn how the fish are cared for in the hatchery. WANT TO GO? $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org. 36

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Dec. 1-15, Thursdays, 5:30-6:15pm WHERE: The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Ariella’s NY Friendship Circle of Suffolk County unites teen volunteers and children with special needs in a wide range of social and educational innovative programs and activities for hours of fun and friendship. The goal is to create a home base for individuals with special needs where all can feel accepted in a loving and non-judgmental environment. WANT TO GO? 631-351-8672. thechaicenter.com.

Teens Care FREE

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 19, 7-8pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Make special projects for the children at Stony Brook Hospital Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Please Touch FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 20, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy sensory activities to encourage children to play and explore. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Holiday Tours of Decorated Mansion FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 27: see website for days and times WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Volunteer decorators and local garden clubs beautify the Vanderbilt Mansion every holiday season. WANT TO GO? $5 with admission: $7; $6 students; $3 for children younger than 13. 631-854-5579. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Special Twilight Tours

WHEN: Dec. 26-27, Monday-Tuesday, 7-9pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: All WHAT: This highly popular event is the only time of the year the Vanderbilt family’s private living quarters can be seen at night. Hot chocolate and cookies are included. WANT TO GO? $10; $9 students and seniors; $5 for children younger than 13. 631-854-5579. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Parents Night Out

WHEN: Dec. 2-31, Fridays, 6:30-9:30pm; Saturdays, 6-9pm WHERE: Tumbling Tunes, 212 Laurel Road, East Northport AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy a night out while your children enjoy gymnastics equipment, crafts, music instruments, games, parachute, and toys. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $12 per hour; $17 for two siblings; $20 for three siblings. 631-697-0140. tumblingtunes.com.

Soccer Woddlers

WHEN: Dec. 3-Jan. 7, 2017, Sundays, 10:15-11am WHERE: Heritage Center, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: 3-5 WHAT: This program is designed to help introduce and continue the development of basic soccer skills. WANT TO GO? $50 for the five-week session. 631-384-8900. msheritagetrust.org.

SUBSCRIBE NOW! 2017 MAINSTAGE SEASON

The Man in the Ceiling May 30-June 25

A Pulitzer Prize cartoonist joins a Tonynominated composer and the producer of Hamilton in this musical comedy.

Intimate Apparel July 4-30 An African-American seamstress in 1905 learns the meaning of intimacy.

As You Like It Aug 8–Sep 3 A music filled production directed by Tony Award-winner John Doyle.

baystreet.org

631-725-9500

ONCE UPON A TIME

Entertainment subject to change

Author Talk and Storytime FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 8, 11-11:45am WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Local author Laurie Ellen Angus reads her fun and informative book, Octopus Escapes Again. Learn all about octopi and camouflage. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

Read to Roscoe FREE

LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH

SPRING 2017 SATURDAY PROGRAM January 28th, 2017 - April 22nd, 2017 for students entering grades K-8 in 2016

Are You the Parent of a Gifted Child?

WHEN: Dec. 6-20, Tuesdays, 4-4:40pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Reading to a specially trained and certified therapy dog helps struggling readers become more confident. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

Dual Language Storytime FREE

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 26, 11-11:30am WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Join this dual-language storytime in English and Spanish. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

Reading to Leo FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Practice your reading skills with the adorable and hypoallergenic dog, Leo. Register for a 10-minute appointment. WANT TO GO? 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net. ››

LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth announces its 37th annual spring program for gifted children. The spring program runs on Saturdays from January 28-April 22. The program is open to gifted children entering grades K-8 in 2016. The major focus of the program is to expand students’ knowledge and develop creative and critical thinking skills. The program offers children the opportunity to learn in an exciting and accepting environment.

For information call 516-299-2160 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth Now find us on Facebook

Admission Admi miissio sio i n iis h highly ighly s selective and enrollment is limited.

LIU Post • College of Education, Information and Technology • 720 Northern Blvd. • Brookville, NY 11548-1300 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth • Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, Director

LongIslandParent 37

Light Up Your Holidays! LIMITED ENGAGEMENT Nov. 22 - Jan. 8

TREE & MENORAH LIGHTINGS Holiday Tree Lighting FREE

&D USIC E M EW RIENC E NG N IFYI IVE EXP R T C T E C L E RA THE INTE

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 2, 5:30-7:30pm WHERE: Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway, Great River AGES: All WHAT: Santa arrives at 6pm to light the tree. There will be carols, singalongs, and hot chocolate. Bring canned goods or a new unwrapped toy for the less fortunate in the community. WANT TO GO? 631-581-1002. nysparks.com.

E ANC

Tree Lighting FREE

“BEST NEW ACT IN AMERICA! SUPERB, SENSATIONAL!”

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 2, 6:30pm WHERE: Orient Beach State Park, 40000 Main Road, Orient AGES: All WHAT: Santa lights the tree to bring in the holiday season. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Donations will be collected for a winter coat and food drive. WANT TO GO? 631-323-2440. nysparks.state.ny.us/parks.

Telecharge.com • 212-239-6200

Hatchery Tree Lighting

- America’s Got Talent

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 3, 5:30-7pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the season with Santa Claus and watch the hatchery’s tree light up. Hot chocolate and cookies for all. WANT TO GO? $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.

iLuminate.com

New World Stages • 340 W 50th St. FUN FOR ALL AGES! FOLLOW US!

iLuminate.MetroParent.3.55x4.7.4C.indd 1

10/26/16 3:29 PM

Does Your Kid need a haircut?

Holiday Tree Lighting FREE

ResouRces

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 4, 4:15pm WHERE: Belmont Lake State Park, 625 Belmont Road, North Babylon AGES: All WHAT: Welcome Santa with traditional holiday songs. Afterward, the night sky lights up with fireworks. Donations for Toys for Tots appreciated. WANT TO GO? 631-667-5055. nysparks.com.

ARticles

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 4, 5pm WHERE: Heritage Center, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: All WHAT: Come drink hot chocolate, listen to Christmas carols, and hang out with Santa Claus in celebration of the official lighting of the Heritage Trust Christmas Tree. WANT TO GO? 631-384-8900. msheritagetrust.org.

Annual Menorah Lighting FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 24, 4pm WHERE: Temple Beth Emeth, 52 Mount Sinai Ave., Mount Sinai AGES: All WHAT: Join the Heritage Trust to celebrate the start of the Festival of Lights at the annual menorah lighting. WANT TO GO? 631-384-8900. msheritagetrust.org.

2016 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree FREE

Find everything you need, faster at

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Dec. 1-Jan. 7, 2017, daily, 5:30am-12am WHERE: Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: The king of Christmas trees in New York City with more than half a million people passing by the tree every day during the holidays. WANT TO GO? 212-632-3975. rockefellercenter.com.

• Gymnastics & Music Classes • Mommy & Me • Drop & Shop • Birthday Parties • Craft Classes • Parents’ Night Out • Play Dates

SPECIAL NEEDS Ariella’s NY Friendship Circle: Puppy Fun FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 4, 1:15-2pm WHERE: The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Teen volunteers and children with special needs participate together in a wide range of social and educational innovative programs and activities. WANT TO GO? 631-351-8672. thechaicenter.com.

FREE TRIAL

Ages 4 months to 9 years www.tumblingtunes.com 212 Laurel Road East Northport, NY 11731 631-697-0140

Long Island’s Premier Lice Treatment Centers

866-561-0492

Sensory Friendly Film: Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume 2 FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 18, 2pm WHERE: Northport-East Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport AGES: 5-8 WHAT: The lights are up, the sound is down, and kids are free to move around. The series of animated shorts provides the audience the opportunity to move and stretch in between segments. WANT TO GO? 631-261-6930. nenpl.org.

Ariella’s NY Friendship Circle: Zumba

Oceanside

2463 S. Long Beach Rd.

Deer Park

$10 OFF One HeadCheck OR 10% OFF One Treatment

1755 Deer Park Ave.

Glen Head

679 Glen Cove Ave.

www.FairyLiceMothers.com

May Be Covered Under Insurance * Covered under FLEX Health Spending

WHEN: Through Dec. 19: Mondays, 5:45-6:30pm WHERE: The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills AGES: 5-12 WHAT: This Zumba class is for kids of all abilities and is run by a licensed Zumba instructor who is also a speech language pathologist. WANT TO GO? $15 per class. 631-351-8672. thechaicenter.com.

LOOKING FOR

Sky Zone Cares LOOKING FOR WHEN: Monday, Dec. 5 3-6pm

GREAT

GREAT DEALS?

DEALS?

WHERE: Sky Zone Deer Park, 111 Rodeo Drive, Deer Park AGES: All WHAT: Sky Zone dials down the music, increases the staff ratio, and limits capacity. Saving money on a New York City WANT TOday GO? $16 per hour. 631-392-2600. skyzone.com/deerpark. family is easy!

We Accept Competitor’s Coupons—One coupon per visit

Saving money on a New York City family day is easy!

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

Coming up next month: JAN. 7: Disney’s Beauty & the Beast Jr. at John Engeman Theater, Northport JAN. 8: It’s a New Year Paint Night! at Key to My Art, Amityville JAN. 14: Rubber Ducky Party at The Whaling Museum & Education Center, Cold Spring Harbor

Great New York deals, savings, special offers and deep discounts—for you and your family—are yours with just a click of the mouse.

LongIslandParent 39

LOOKING FOR

Saving money on a

WHERE-TO GUIDE

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree ››

Research by Jonathan Perry and Kathryn Sheridan

Bring holiday cheer and family bonding from the farm to your home by cutting your own Christmas tree this winter. Head to your local tree farm and spend a few fun hours seeking out your family’s perfect tree, then cut it yourself. You can also load up on some festive wreaths, garlands, and baked goods to make the holiday merry and bright! As always, call ahead of time to confirm hours and tree availability before planning your adventure.

Carter Christmas Tree Farm 123 N. Country Road, Miller Place 631-331-4699 cartertreefarm.org Through Dec. 18, weekends, 9-4:30pm. Saws are provided or bring your own. Pretagging trees is available starting Nov. 19. Also offers tree-wrapping services. Dart’s Christmas Tree Farm 2355 Main Bayview Road, Southold 631-765-4148; dartstreefarm.com Nov. 25-Dec. 24, daily, 9am-5pm. Offers hayrides, hot chocolate, snacks, handmade wreaths, tree-cutting supplies, and friendly elves to cut and carry your tree. Visits from Santa on weekends in the afternoon. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Elwood Pumpkin Farm 1500 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-368-8626 elwoodpumpkinfarm.com/ elwood-christmas-tree-farm Nov. 25-Dec. 24; weekends, 10am-dusk (to cut your own) or 7pm (to purchase pre-cut); weekdays, 3pm-dark (to cut your own) or 7pm (to purchase pre-cut). Bring your own saw to cut your tree. Staff will help you tie your tree to your car (no charge). Grandpa Tony’s Tree Farm 305 Weeks Ave., Manorville 516-639-3587 Nov. 27-Dec. 24, daily, 8am-4:30pm. Call to schedule an appointment.

Matt’s Christmas Tree Farm 309 Weeks Ave., Manorville 631-874-6260 mattschristmastreefarm.com Nov. 25-Dec. 24, daily, 8am-4:30pm. Bow saws and netting available. Trailer rides back from the field. Loading and tying assistance provided. Candy canes available for kids. Leashed dogs welcome. Potted trees also available. Mike’s Christmas Tree Farm 323 Weeks Ave., Manorville 631-874-3551 mikestreefarm.com Nov. 25-Dec. 24, daily, 8am-4:30pm. Fresh wreaths also available. Tree wrapping and saws provided.

nymetroparents.com/where-to

Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm 30105 Main Road, Cutchogue 631-734-8641 santaschristmastreefarm.com Thanksgiving weekend through December (until inventory sells out), daily, 9am-6pm; call to check availability. Tools and assistance provided. Santa appearances on weekends. Christmas shop on premises. Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm 20685 Main Road, Mattituck 631-298-4619 631-298-4118 shamrockchristmastreefarm.com Nov. 25-Dec. 24, daily, 9am5pm. Tools and assistance provided. Pre-cut trees, handmade wreaths, and crafts also available. Santa appearances on weekends, 12-5pm. Shamrock Express train rides (weather permitting) and a fire pit to enjoy while you’re waiting for your ride. No pets allowed.

Connecticut Fairfield County

Everett’s Corner Tree Farm 136 Sherwood Road, Easton 203-268-2508 everettscorner.com Nov. 25 and Dec. 3-4, 1011: 9am-dusk. Tools and tree transportation provided. Free baling and twine to secure your tree available. Jones Family Farm 606 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Shelton 203-929-8425 jonesfamilyfarms.com Through Dec. 24, daily (except Thanksgiving Day), 9am-5:30pm. Arrive before 4pm if you plan on cutting your own with a provided saw. Twine and tree baling services available. Holiday decorations and traditional crafts and ornaments for sale. Refreshments available.

Leashed dogs welcome during Christmas time, but are not allowed in gift shops or winery. Maple Row Farm 555 N. Park Ave., Easton 203-261-9577 mrfarm.com Nov. 27-Dec. 23, daily, 9am4:30pm. Tree baling and assistance provided. Saws are provided or bring your own (no chainsaws allowed). Wreaths, roping, and tree stands available. Hayrides, crafts, refreshments, and gift store open on weekends. Precut trees also available for sale. Paproski’s Castle Hill Farm 25 Sugar Lane and 5 Hattertown Road, Newtown 203-426-5487 Nov. 28-Dec. 24, weekends, 9am-5pm, and weekdays, 2-5pm. Provides assistance in wrapping and tying your tree to your car. After, enjoy a complementary hot cider and cookies by the farmhouse fire, or take a hike across the 5-acre farm. Also offers pre-cut trees and handmade wreaths. Hartford County

Rose’s Berry Farm, LLC 295 Matson Hill Road, South Glastonbury 860-633-7467 860-633-6001 rosesberryfarm.com Through Dec. 23; FridaySunday, 9am-4pm. Christmas shop with decorations, frozen pies, homemade jams, and hot chocolate. Tree skirts, tree stands, and ornaments available for purchase. Assistance is provided in wrapping and loading the tree onto your car.

Southeast New York Westchester County

914-245-2784 stuartsfarm.com Nov. 25-Dec. 24, Wednesday-Sunday, 9am5pm. Handsaws and baling available. Wreaths, garland, and roping for sale. Bakery is open with hot and cold cider, fruit pies, fresh apple cider doughnuts, jams, and jellies. Leashed dogs welcome. Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights 914-245-5111 wilkensfarm.com Nov. 26 until they run out of trees, 10am-4pm daily. Each family member gets a free cup of hot cider while you choose and cut your own tree. There is a farm market, bakery, and gift shop on-site with roping, wreaths, tree stands, and decorations for sale. Putnam County

Hardwick Tree Farm 213 Wood St., Mahopac 845-528-5814 Nov. 25-Dec. 18, Saturdays and Sundays, and Black Friday. 9am-dusk. Saws and baling provided. Free hot cider and cookies. Orange County

Emmerich Tree Farm 101 Sleepy Valley Road, Warwick 845-986-0151 emmerichtreefarm.com Nov. 25-Dec. 20, weekends, 9am-5pm. Free trimming, drilling, shaking, and baling available. Wagon rides to the fields, hot chocolate and cookies by the bonfire. Hot dogs by Pippy’s Food Truck. Wreaths for sale.

Graney Tree Farm 24 Lang Drive, Pine Bush 845-361-3022 Information not available at press time. Manza Family Farm 730 Route 211, Montgomery 845-692-4364 manzafamilyfarm.net Nov. 25-Dec. 24, daily, 8am-5pm. Roping available. Pre-cut trees and wreaths for sale; gift shop on premises. Sled rides and pony rides on weekends from 11am-3pm (one free with each tree purchase). Santa and his elf on-site during all December weekends from 11am-4pm. Free candy canes and coloring books for kids. Pine View Farm 575 Jackson Ave., New Windsor 845-564-4111 pineviewfarmny.com Dec. 10-18, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-4pm. Five fields from which to choose a tree. Tools, baling, and assistance provided. Homemade wreaths and Christmas decorations for sale starting Dec. 3-4, 9am-4pm. Free candy canes and coloring books for kids. Stone Oak Farm 207 Stony Bar Road, Slate Hill 845-355-4751 845-537-9060 (cell) stoneoaktreefarm.com Nov. 26-Dec. 24, weekends, 10am-dusk, other times by appointment. Barn with fireplace and free hot chocolate and candy canes for children. Fresh wreaths for sale. Three types of trees: white spruce, blue spruce, and Canaan fir. All trees are $52. Dogs are welcome.

Stuart’s Farm 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/xmastrees

Courtesy MSG Entertainment Courtesy Billy Beez

Courtesy Cradle of Aviation Museum

Courtesy Brooklyn Boulders

Celebrate the holidays with the beloved Radio City Rockettes and witness the iconic kickline.

Kids take in the view at Brooklyn Boulders. A Grumman F-11ATiger, one of 75 aircraft at Cradle of Aviation Museum Billy Beez’s play space will keep the kids busy for hours.

A Staycation a Day

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Ideas for seven fun-filled family days around our region. By Bethany Braun-Silva

here’s no better way to create lasting memories as a family than taking a trip together, especially around the holidays. As a mom of two young boys, however, I know how hard—and expensive—it can be to take a trip. The good news is you don’t need to get on an airplane or even stay at a hotel to have a memorable and exciting winter break. The New York metro area offers such a wealth of things to do with kids that there are virtually endless possibilities for a “vacation” right here at home. To help, we’ve created a list of seven great local “staycation” itineraries—a week’s worth of kid-focused fun for you and your family to enjoy this holiday season.

Brooklyn

Courtesy Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Check out Brooklyn Boulders, at which adults and kids can scale mountain-like fixtures in Boerum Hill. You can also experience a bit of history at the New York Transit Museum in Downtown Brooklyn. Got an animal-lover on your hands? Head to Coney Island and visit the New York Aquarium to marvel at the sea turtles, sharks, seals, and more.

Fairfield County, CT

The Stepping Stones Museum for Children offers kids educational fun.

Check out the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, which is home to a special “Animals Without Passports” exhibit through Jan. 2, 2017. The Stepping Stones Museum for Children, also in Norwalk, offers a great variety of activities, including Zumba® classes for kids and an Elf Workshop in which children can create their own Christmas tree ornament. Top off the day by catching a performance of The Nutcracker at The Palace in Stamford.

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Long Island

Garden City’s Cradle of Aviation Museum features more than 75 aircraft and spacecraft, a dozen cockpits, and 30 hands-on exhibits. You can keep the learning going with a trip to Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, Theodore Roosevelt’s home, which offers tours and ranger activities for kids. Kids can also enjoy troutfeeding demonstrations and tours at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium in Cold Spring Harbor and take a trip back in time at Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Old Bethpage, at which they can take part in the junior apprenticeship program, dress in authentic period clothing, and learn historic crafts.

Manhattan

Start at everyone’s favorite, the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side. You can then take a short trip downtown—walk through Central Park if it’s not too cold—to experience the holiday fun

at Rockefeller Center or take in the Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Finish up with some grub at Ellen’s Stardust Diner in Midtown, since you’re sure to be hungry.

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Queens

Courtesy New York Hall of Science

Head to Corona to experience GingerBread Lane at the New York Hall of Science. It won the Guinness World Record—in 2013, 2014, and 2015—for the largest gingerbread village. You can also see a family-friendly show at Flushing Town Hall or check out the annual Holiday Market there. Next, head over to Funtopia USA for some arcade fun in Middle Village.

Kids take in the amazing feat that is GingerBread Lane at the New York Hall of Science.

Rockland County

Head to the Palisades Center in West Nyack for some serious family fun all in one place. Kids and adults can take on the ropes course at Palisades Climb Adventure. Afterward, parents can sit back while their kids jump and play at Billy Beez, an indoor play space. Younger kids will enjoy the Ferris wheel and carousel just off the food court, while older ones can catch a movie or IMAX and go ice-skating.

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Westchester County

Have a museum-filled day at the Katonah Museum of Art in Katonah or the Westchester Children’s Museum in Rye (or both!). Afterward, head over to Ridge Hill in Yonkers for an afternoon at Legoland Discovery Center, to experience the festive creations at Bricktacular. Walk just a block or two within Ridge Hill to find a bite to eat or be truly adventurous and try indoor skydiving at iFly.

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Winter Break Activities @ Play Amusements

229 NY-110, Farmingdale 631-815-5355 atplayamusement.com info@playamusement.com Enjoy breakfast or lunch with Santa! Take photos with Santa and receive a special toy-filled stocking! Princess Elsa and Olaf, as well as Minnie and Mickey, will be there to add to the holiday fun! Stay and play at Long Island’s newest location for family fun! @ Play Amusements is fully remodeled and equipped with exciting rides, such as an indoor roller coaster, laser tag, bumper cars, more than 100 arcade games, and bouncers. Special discount game cards available! Sunday, Dec. 11, breakfast from 9:30-11am, and lunch from 12:30-2pm.

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium

1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfha.org steved@cshfha.org It’s holiday season and we have activities sure to bring forth good cheer! Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, or tea as Santa Claus lights the hatchery’s Christmas tree on Dec. 3 at 5:30pm. Get your Santa photos here! Visit the hatchery Dec. 26, 28, and 30, and learn how we care for the fish in our trout hatchery. Watch the trout jump and splash as they devour special fish food, and learn about the hatchery’s reptiles and amphibians. On Dec. 29, 11am-3pm, make homemade play-dough using the hatchery’s animals as your inspiration!

Fairy LiceMothers

2463 S. Long Beach Road, Oceanside 866-561-0492 1755 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park 679 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Head fairylicemothers.com fairylicemothers@gmail.com Lice is the gift that keeps on giving. Fairy LiceMothers says, “Once a week, take a peek” by doing a quick 10-minute weekly comb-out with the MagicWand and MagicHalo Conditioner. Watch our combout video to learn how to check your children at fairylicemothers.com/lice_treatment. html. Or schedule a headcheck at one of our three Long Island locations. Headchecks are normally $25 but mention this ad and get $10 off. Remember: Advice is always free.

Give It Your All Sports

2127 Lakeland Ave., Ronkonkoma 631-676-4412

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

giveityourallsports.com Give It Your All Sports is an indoor sporting training facility in Ronkonkoma. We believe that participating in sports helps children develop physical skills, provides exercise, and helps children grow socially. We teach young players the fundamentals of their respective sport in a non-threatening atmosphere. They’ll learn the basics and have fun doing it! In addition to the many training sessions we provide, our dedicated staff is the tops when it comes to running birthday parties! Your child and their guests will leave tired and hungry for more fun. Call for holiday break hours.

Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center

431 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-208-9200 xH20 (426) longislandaquarium.com It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays and we’re pleased to present activities sure to bring forth good cheer! Celebrate with our Santa Brunch on Dec. 11. Enjoy a traditional brunch, make a holiday craft, and meet Santa! Price includes aquarium admission! Get your Santa photos here (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only)! Stop by for a quick and easy way to get your child’s photo with Santa! Come to our Fishes & Wishes Family-Style New Year’s Eve Party! Includes cocktail hour, buffet dinner, dancing, crafts, dessert, plus a mock-midnight toast, all within the aquarium!

Northwell Health Ice Center

200 Merrick Ave., East Meadow 516-441-0070 northwellhealthicecenter.com Looking for a way to keep the kids active during the winter break? Check out the Northwell Health Ice Center public skate schedule and hit the ice! Skating is fun and something the whole family can do together. Plus, during the winter months, enjoy the season and skate outside on the outdoor rink. Visit northwellhealthicecenter.com to see the public skate schedule.

Picasso Kidz, Creative Art Studio For Children

72 Broadway, Greenlawn 631-261-5500 picassokidz.com picassokidzart@gmail.com Beat the winter break boredom with fun, educational, and creative workshops at Picasso Kidz! Our workshops are taught by NYS-certified art teachers trained in working with children. We have workshops for all ages! Children ages 2-3 can bring a

special adult to our mommy-and-me classes. Ages 4 and older have a variety of workshops to choose from, including Crayon Melting, Recycled Art, and various painting on canvas workshops. Check our website for the full schedule.

Safari Adventure

1074 Pulaski St., Riverhead 631-727-4386 thesafariadventure.com dan@thesafariadventure.com Safari Adventure is a family fun center with a great mix of attractions such as inflatables, soft play, and arcades. Safari Adventure is holding some fun events this December with Santa, who will be coming to take children’s wishes on Dec. 2 and 16, and a New Year’s Party at the end of the month! Our events are always known to be extremely fun for children and families. It is a great place for kids ages 1-10 to bounce, climb, slide, and explore in our 11,000-square-foot facility. Don’t forget to join our mailing list at thesafariadventure.com and follow Safari Adventure on Facebook for event announcements and details.

Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts

2 E. Main St., Smithtown 631-724-3700 smithtownpac.org boxoffice@smithtownpac.org This holiday season enjoy with your family this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy and follow Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity! Based on the beloved holiday film, Elf Jr. at Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts runs from Nov. 25–Dec. 30. Matinee performances during winter break Dec. 26–31! Coming up in our Children’s Theater: Shrek Jr., Jan. 21-Feb. 26, 2017, and Annie Jr., March 18-April 15, 2017. All shows performed by a cast ages 18 and younger! All tickets $15!

Smugglers’ Notch Resort

4323 Vermont Route 108 S., Jeffersonville, VT 888-393-9097 smuggs.com Find your family’s perfect winter vacation at Smugglers’ Notch Vermont. With 1,000 acres of mountain terrain, you’ll find something for everyone. Three inter-connected mountains offer terrain to meet all types of skiers and riders. Kids at Smugglers’, as well as adults, are treated to the best ski and snowboard programs in the East. With on-hill activities focused on fun, learning has never been so appealing, especially for

the No. 1 Kid Friendly Resort in the Eastern U.S. and Canada as voted by the readers of SKI Magazine. Celebrating 60 years of family fun!

Spirit’s Promise Horse Rescue Program

info@whatscookingny.com Martha Stewart, Newsday, and News 12 boast What’s Cooking? is a No. 1 choice birthday party place and culinary school at which children can explore their creativity in culinary arts. Offer-

ing a wide variety of party themes and classes, we exceed customer’s expectations with superior service, quality, and value. Hottest party theme: Cupcake Wars! Funtastic cookie, cupcake, chocolate, pretzel, or pizza parties can be

customized in our spacious party room with an ice cream candy bar or chocolate fountain, making your party memorable! Don’t miss our amazing Gingerbread Workshop, and Winter MiniCamp at the end of December!

2746 Sound Ave., Riverhead 631-875-0433 spiritspromiserescue.org marisa@spiritspromiserescue.org Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation Program. Spirit’s Promise rescues horses that have been abused or neglected. Located in Riverhead, our horses have found companionship, respect, and love at the rescue center. They get a second chance as teachers and healers through our rehabilitation program, “Through Our Horses.” Spirit’s Promise provides a unique destination for many family events, with birthday parties, Halloween and Christmas events, and more! Join us for a tour of the farm, line dancing, equine education, or the summer day camp. Volunteer every Sunday!

Tumbling Tunes

212 Laurel Road, East Northport 631-697-0140 tumblingtunes.com tumblingtunes@gmail.com Come join us at Tumbling Tunes during our extended winter break hours and get ready to move! Children will be engaged in gymnastics, music, movement, crafts, bubbles, and parachute activities. We will be open Monday-Friday, Dec. 1923, from 9:30am-12:15pm and 3-6pm as well as 6:30-9:30pm on Friday. From Dec. 26-30, we will be open from 8am9pm. On Saturdays, Dec. 24 and 31, we will be open from 9am-1pm. Advance reservations are required. Please call or text 631-697-0140.

What’s Cooking?

30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay 516-922-COOK (2665) whatscookingny.com

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#SnapShot

2016

nymetroparents Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts ›

nymetroparents

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@ Play Amusements ›

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nymetroparents Who says you can’t have fun indoors? @ Play Amusements 229 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale 631-815-5355

nymetroparents Calling all young thespians! Believe it or not, summer camp enrollment is right around the corner! If you’re considering sending your little one to a summer camp for the arts, look no further than @usdanarts! Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts 185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights | 631-643-7900

nymetroparents Kenwal Day Camp ›

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nymetroparents They say camp friendships can last a lifetime and we could not agree more. Who will your child’s new best friend be this summer? Kenwal Day Camp | 100 Drexel Ave., Melville | 631-694-3399

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Give It Your All Sports ›

nymetroparents It’s all or nothing! Give It Your All Sports 2127 Lakeland Ave., Suite 5, Ronkonkoma | 631-676-4412

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nymetroparents Kids Country Day Camp ›

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Kids Country Day Camp | 37B Crystal Brook Hollow Road, Mount Sinai 631-331-5351

Village East Gifted ›

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NYCB Theatre at Westbury ›

nymetroparents Christmas is right around the corner! If you’re a fan of #CharlieBrown, you definitely won’t want to miss this at @theatrewestbury! NYCB Theatre at Westbury | 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury 516-334-0800

nymetroparents Whose kids are already excited for summer camp?!

nymetroparents

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Bakshi Law ›

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nymetroparents If you’ve ever had a question about special needs law, Lara Bakshi has an answer. Bakshi Law Offices in the Financial District, Long Island, and Westchester 917-244-6133

nymetroparents Learning is always more fun with friends! Village East Gifted | 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station | 216 Mineola Ave., Roslyn Heights | 631-549-2313

nymetroparents New York City ›

nymetroparents See the Statue of Liberty and the 49 other things your child should experience in New York City! nymetroparents.com/bucketlist

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NYCB Theatre at Westbury ›

nymetroparents If your child loves Max and Ruby, they’ll this! NYCB Theatre at Westbury | 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury 516-334-0800

LongIslandParent 47

Meet the Health Care

PROFESSIONAL

To be in this section, call 631-472-5437 or email nympads@davlermedia.com Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County Dr. Mike Ioannou 2171 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 145, Commack 631-486-6364 3237 Route 112, Building 6, Suite 7B, Medford 631-320-0880; supermolar.com

Suffolk Pediatric Dentistry 8 Medical Drive, Port Jefferson Station 631-928-8585 suffolkpediatricdentistry.com infoportjeff@suffolkpediatricdentistry.com

Long Island Whole Child Academy School for Twice Exceptional Learning 175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville 347-668-3676 liwholechild.org etrdream@aol.com

Pediatric Immediate Care 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337) 698 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn 718-389-PEDS (7337); pediatricimmediatecare.com

Dr. Michael Ioannou, a native of Suffolk County, received his dental degree at the University of Connecticut - School of Dental Medicine, with a residency in pediatric dentistry from Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center. A friendly, patient dentist, Dr. Ioannou strives to make visiting the dentist a fun experience, all while providing exceptional dental care. He uses excellent behavioral management approaches, a child-friendly environment (TV and cartoons in all treatment rooms), and he sings to the patients! Dr. Ioannou currently participates with most insurance companies and has convenient evening and Saturday office hours.

Dr. Ellen Richer, founder and head of The Long Island Whole Child Academy, the first and only school for Twice Exceptional Learning, earned her doctorate at Teachers College Columbia University, specializing in the psychology of motivation, behavior change, and learning styles of at-risk youth, and creating non-traditional learning environments to reignite motivation and achievement. Also a trained literacy specialist, she has spent her career investigating, observing, and interacting with highly capable learners who are limited by a variety of learning challenges: executive functioning, sensory processing, social cognition, ADHD, extreme anxiety, Asperger’s syndrome, ASD, and dyslexia.

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

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

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

Dr. Serino has been in practice with Suffolk Pediatric Dentistry since 1984. He is a native Long Islander. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from C.W. Post College. He received his D.D.S. degree at the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Serino did his pediatric specialty training at Brookdale Hospital, where he was chief resident. Dr. Serino is a past president of the New York State Pediatric Dental Society. He is a member of the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, is on the attending staff at St. Charles Hospital, and has taught at the School of Dental Medicine at Stony Brook. He is an avid skier and lives in the Port Jefferson area with his family.

Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. State-of-the-art medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit. Kid-friendly; walk-ins welcome; most insurance plans accepted. Complete pediatric and adolescent care, as well as baby, camp, school, and sports physicals. Certified urgent care recommended by Urgent Care Association of America. Thirty years of dedication to our patients. The offices are open seven days a week including holidays, 8am-11pm.

Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com; Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Nassau: 516-216-1791 • Queens: 718-640-6767

Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, is owner and operator of Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. Along with her group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and FEES—Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing—are also offered. There is a total of seven affiliated offices across Long Island, all participating with most major health insurance companies and offering evening and Saturday hours.

OPEN HOUSES 2016

Does Your Kid need a haircut? ResouRces

Long Island Whole Child Academy School for Twice Exceptional Learning

ARticles

175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville 347-668-3676 liwholechild.org etrdream@aol.com Join us for an open house, Dec. 14 at 6pm. RSVP requested. Call 347668-3676.

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 844-824-9790 usdan.com Young artists flourish at Usdan. Be part of a Usdan visit and information session: Dec. 3, Jan. 8, 2017, Feb. 5, 2017, March 5, 2017, April 2, 2017, and May 7, 2017.

Village East Gifted - Enrichment Center for the Gifted Learner Village East Gifted of Huntington

33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com Register your child ages 4-18 for a demo lesson taught by our director. Learn about our gifted kindergarten, after-school enrichment, writing workshops, art workshops, and STEM/STEAM classes. Call 631-549-2313.

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CALL TODAY! 631-727-4386 BOOK ONLINE!

www.TheSafariAdventure.com 1074 Pulaski St. - Riverhead, NY 11901

Enjoy your kid’s next birthday at the funnest and cleanest facility around!

AMAZING ATTRACTIONS! • Gigantic 4 Level Soft Playground • Brand New Arcade Games • 3 Huge Inflatables • Hands On Sensory Area • Quiet Sensory Calming Spa • Interactive Projector Games • Toddler Area • Full Service Cafe Ask about our Character Appearances, Movie Nights, & Memberships!

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Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium

A CULINARY SCHOOL AND PARTY PLACE FOR KIDS

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516 922 COOK(2665)

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2 HR. Workshop: HOLIDAY MAGIC 12/21,12/22&12/23

LIVE ANIMAL ENCOUNTER & FISHING PARTIES AVAILABLE

Decorate your own Gingerbread House! Cooking Classes • Scouts • Special Needs

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE Makes GREAT Holiday Gifts! Visit us at www.whatscookingny.com

Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am | ages 2-5 Join us for an hour of fun-filled nature activities (fish feeding included). Crafts ~ Stories ~ Games

516-692-6768 www.cshfha.org

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ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS

Dr. Ellen T. Richer................................................29

Tumbling Tunes...................................................39

Kids of Mount Sinai / Kids Country Day...............47

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts...................2, 46

LIU Center for Gifted Youth.................................37 BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES

Long Island Whole Child Academy......................48

PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING

@ Play Amusements.......................................5, 46

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Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts...................2, 46

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Spirit’s Promise....................................................29

Adelberg Montalvan - Massapequa Office..........48

CHILD CARE / DAY CARE Kids of Mount Sinai / Kids Country Day...............47

Bakshi Law..........................................................47 FAMILY TRAVEL

Dr. Ellen T. Richer................................................29

Smugglers’ Notch Resort.....................................45

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.......25, 48

CLASSES

Long Island Whole Child Academy......................48

LIU Center for Gifted Youth.................................37

HEALTH

Posey School of Dance.......................................21

Adelberg Montalvan - Massapequa Office..........48

Village East Gifted...........................................7, 47

Affinity Health Plan..............................................13 Fairy LiceMothers................................................39

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Posey School of Dance.......................................21

Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County...............3, 48 Pediatric Immediate Care..............................48, 52

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Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County...............3, 48 Pediatric Immediate Care..............................48, 52 Suffolk Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics...........48

SPORTS Give It Your All Sports..........................................46 Kenwal Day Camp...............................................46

Dr. Ellen T. Richer................................................29 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.......25, 48

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Music Together, LLC............................................25

Village East Gifted...........................................7, 47

December 2016 | nymetroparents.com

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Pediatric Immediate Care, PLLC Pediatric Urgent Care

Where Kids Come First www.pediatricimmediatecare.com • CERTIFIED URGENT CARE CENTER by Urgent Care Association of America

• PEDIATRIC SPECIALTY CARE Hematology • Oncology • Pediatric Psychology

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