Westchester
Parent SEPTEMBER 2017
NYMETROPARENTS.COM
Back to School! After-School Activities • How much is too much? • Find the best programs
10 Tips for Easy Meal Planning Save time, money, and stress
Gifted Kids Is my child a genius or just plain smart?
HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS
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ISG GYMNASTICS GYMNASTICS BENEFITS YOUR CHILD’S • Skills to enhance other sports • Self Esteem • Coordination • Strength • Flexibility & More!
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IT’S SWIM TIME @ Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester
Swim Classes & Adult Lap Swim Our pool has something for everyone – from swim lessons for kids to adult swim. Our fantastic aquatic facility features a beautiful 25 yard pool and brand new state-of-the-art HVAC and U/V systems. Join the Club of over 48,000 who have learned to be water safe at BGCNW!
Swimming lessons and lap swim sessions begin September 18, 2017. Swimming Lessons - Swim classes for kids ages 3 months 18 years. - Renowned coaches with over 200 years combined experience. - Home pool of the BGCA National Champion Marlins: champions for 18 consecutive years!
Adult Lap Swim Hours 7:00am – 9:00am (year-round) 11:00am – 12:30pm (September - June) 11:45am-12:45pm (July - August) Adult Lap Swim Hours for 60+ 9:30am – 10:30am (September - June) 11:45am – 12:45pm (July – August)
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BGCNW· 351 E. Main Street, Mount Kisco, NY 10549· www.bgcnw.com WestchesterParent
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NYMetroParents
Helping Parents Make Better Decisions
Contents
September 2017 ››
34
Features
14 Cover Stars Meet the finalists and winners of our 2017 cover contest.
50
16 Extracurricular vs. Extra Downtime When it comes to scheduling after-school activities, how much is too much? 46 10 Tips to Master Meal Planning Spend time once a week to create a menu, and you’ll save time, money, and stress. 48 Lunch Treats Made Healthier Four recipes for desserts you won’t feel guilty about sending to school. 50 Is My Kid a Genuis? How to tell if your child is gifted, a prodigy, or just plain smart 54 Left Behind Tips to help your younger child cope when an older sibling goes to college
16
Connections
6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Quotables 11 NYMP Q&A: Parenting expert Sarah Ockwell-Smith talks discipline. 62 Voices: The Lesson of the Pizza Bowl Fail
62
Family Activities CALENDAR ››
Fun & Activities 12 13 34 37 44
DIY Corner: Why Is the Sky Blue? Media Matters: Homework Helping Apps Outing: Roosevelt Island Family Activities Calendar Where-To Guide: Pick Your Own Apples
Directories
37
20 56 58 58 59 60 61
Back-to-School Directory Party Central Professional Services Meet the Health Care Professional Open Houses Party Planner and Family Resource Guide Advertisers’ Index
Original photo by PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided by Appaman (appaman.com)
››
ON THE COVER ›› After-School Activities: 16 How Much is too Much? 20 Find the Best Programs 46 10 Tips for Easy Meal Planning facebook.com/nymetroparents
@NYMetroParents
50 Gifted Kids
Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!
This
FALL
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Ages 18 months & Up! Viewing windows into the studios.
Non-Competitive performing companies ages 6 & up
For more information visit www.studiobdance.com
Find us on Facebook & on Instagram @Studio_B_Dance_Center
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277 White Plains Rd, Eastchester, 10709
Make new friends that share your passion!
We don’t teach kids to make great dancers, we teach dance to make great kids. WestchesterParent
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SEPTEMBER 2017 • Vol.17 • No.1
NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com
EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling
EDITOR’S NOTE
DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Manhattan); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERNS: Jamie Bonchick, Julia Hyman, Amanda Marrone
New Beginnings, New Routines
To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents
H
ere we are, another school year upon us! Some of you, I’m sure, are rejoicing at the return to routine, while others are probably misty-eyed at another summer ending. I am somewhere in between, feeling wistful at the speed with which time passes yet excited for the opportunities my kids will face in the coming academic year—not to mention the comforting (for us parents, at least) return to a full and predictable schedule. In our family, however, deciding on the kids’ schedules can be a challenge. There are so many after-school activities to choose from and my kids are excited about exploring multiple interests. There are times when I feel as if they are so busy with extracurricular programs they don’t have enough time for their homework or to study for tests—let alone to relax, play, and socialize. So for this back-to-school issue, we turned to the experts and asked: When it comes to after-school activities, how much is too much? In our seemingly over-programmed culture, the answer may surprise you (p. 16). And if you are looking for great programs in your neighborhood, check out or back-to-school directory (p. 20). For some families, this time of year marks a more dramatic transition: a child leaving for college. It’s a momentous milestone, of course, but for a younger sibling still at home, it can bring challenges and difficult emotions. To help, we look at how parents can help their younger kids navigate the new realities at home (p. 54). Also in this issue, meet our 2017 Kids Cover Contest finalists and winners (p. 14)! We received a record number of submissions this year, and choosing finalists from these amazingly cute kids was a challenge. I’m sure you’ll agree, though, that our finalists and winners are bursting with personality, flashing smiles that will light up our covers during the year ahead (including this month’s cover!). Speaking of our magazine cover, you might have noticed something different: our new logo. We love the sleek, updated look and are excited to show it off. And stay tuned for more changes, as we prepare to relaunch our website in the coming weeks! Lastly, if you’re looking for a great way to spend a Sunday this month, join us for Long Island Parents Day on Sept. 17. See liparentsday.com for more details on this fun, informative event for the whole family.
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Keep in Touch: 7 @nymetroparents nymetroparents.com September 2017 | nymetroparents.com 6editor@nymetroparents.com
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BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN •ROCKLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2017, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39
Learning the right answers will get your child through school. Learning how to learn will get your child through life!
Open House at 9:30 am Weekdays Please call to join one of our tours.
Hudson Country Montessori School Inspiring curious, creative, and gifted minds. Toddlers through 8th grade. 340 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle, NY 10804 • 914-636-6202 • www.hudsoncountry.org WestchesterParent
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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS
nymetroparents.com/np-wp
Who: New England Fashion+Design Association What’s New: The White Plains location, which opened in March and offers classes for adults and children ages 7 and older. New England Fashion+Design Association offers classes in pattern making, fashion illustration, live model drawing, and clothing construction. New classes include knitting and Computers in Fashion. All class materials are provided. No prior experience is needed, you just need to have love for it, says owner Irina Simeonova. New England Fashion+Design Association also has a location in Norwalk, CT. In addition to classes, both locations offer camps, workshops, and after-school sessions. Want More Info: 31 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 512, White Plains; 914-222-5220; 24B Monroe St., Norwalk, CT; 203-345-0030; irina@ sonofashiondesign.com; sonofashiondesign.com
Courtesy New England Fashion+Design Association
Fashion Design School Opens White Plains Location
Students at New England Fashion+Design Association can make any item of clothing they choose.
Who: MacInspires What’s New: Full renovations to the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) enrichment centers in Larchmont and Greenwich, CT, which were completed in early July, plus new classes for the fall. Both MacInspires locations now include larger classrooms. The stores have become Makerspaces with more than seven activity zones including a Microcontroller Zone, Robotics Tables, and an Audio and Visual area. New fall classes include 3-D Printing Junior, Lego Stop Motion, Intro to Robotics, and Intro to Java. MacInspires offers classes, after-school programs, summer camps, and birthday parties for children ages 7-16. Want More Info: 1923 Palmer Ave., Larchmont; 914-630-7338; larchmont@macinspires.com; 37 W. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, CT; 203-531-5720; sayhello@macinspires.com; macinspires.com
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September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Courtesy MacInspires
STEAM Enrichment Centers Undergo Full Renovations
MacInspires STEAM enrichment centers offer programming for children ages 7-16.
WestchesterParent
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UOTABLES Perhaps I shouldn’t be so surprised that the girl who desperately wanted to live in a world of her own—but ultimately chose reality—would become the mother to a child who doesn’t see the difference between the two. —Kathy Radigan, in a post entitled “The Way My Special Daughter Told Me She Loves Me,” on her blog mydishwasherspossessed.com
in an instagram Summer reading is alive & well over here at #CampThirtymommy What are your little ones reading this summer? #AveryRoyce #LaylahJonelle (Posted by @thirtymommy, aka Scherrie D., who blogs at thirtymommy.com)
MOTHER-DAUGHTER WEEKEND
in an instagram after our school’s meet and greet picnic for the new students #iloveny #nyckids #friends #nyc #nycsummer #summer #childhoodunplugged #thisisourclassroom #nycpublicschools (Posted by @familyroadtraveled, aka Estée Pouleris, who blogs at familyroadtraveled.com)
“I once asked a friend who has three young boys, ‘Are you and your wife closer now that you have kiddos?’ He simply said, ‘Of course! It’s us against them.’ Now that I’m a mom, I know what he meant. It’s true.” —Olivia Jeanette, in a post entitled “How Our Marriage Has Changed Since Having a Baby,” on her blog oliviajeanette.com
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September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
“Some days, nothing you do, or offer to do, is right. My 14-year-old daughter, Amelia, a good kid by any definition, jumps out of the car before I’ve even come to a complete stop at the home of her BFF of the week, and doesn’t look back. She stiffens a little when I hug her, remarking, ‘Mom, you’re like really close to my face right now.’ Together time is now largely limited to mani-pedis—if she can bring a friend.” —Christina Verceletto in “I Took a 14-Year-Old YouTube Addict to Niagara Falls.” Read the article at nymetroparents. com/mother-daughter-weekend.
MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: FREE FUN: Visit museums and zoos without paying (nymetroparents.com/free). FAIRS & FESTIVALS: Where to go in the late summer and fall (nymetroparents.com/fairs) GO FOR THE GOLD: Check out our interview with Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas (nymetroparents/gabby-douglas). FALL GUIDE: How to make the most of autumn (nymetroparents.com/fall-guide)
NYMP Q&A
“Where Learning Is Fun!”
›› By Bethany Braun-Silva
Sarah Ockwell-Smith is a parenting expert and founder of gentleparentinginternational. com. She recently published Gentle Discipline: Using Emotional Connection— Not Punishment—to Raise Confident, Capable Kids.
Claire Moir Photography
Be Gentle
Belle School of Music
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What are some misconceptions parents have about disciplining their kids? There are three main misconceptions parents have around child behavior and discipline. One, far too many parents expect children to act like adults. They expect quite sophisticated thought processes and neurological regulation that children just don’t have yet because their brains are not fully developed. A good example is expecting a toddler to not tantrum or to be able to calm down in the middle of a tantrum. Toddlers tantrum because they have really poor emotion regulation skills. They can’t control their emotions like we can as adults—they’re not being naughty, just being toddlers! Two, most mainstream discipline methods work on the presumption that kids need to be motivated to “do better.” In fact, most kids are motivated to do better. They don’t want to get in trouble or upset you. Most misbehave because they can’t do better. The motivation is there already, it’s the ability that is missing. Three, another problem with mainstream discipline is, it focuses strongly on punishing and shaming kids. The thing is, a major cause of poor behavior is a lack of selfesteem in kids. If they feel bad, they’ll act bad. What tips do you have for parents when they feel they are about to lose their temper? I think it’s important that we have realistic expectations of our own behavior. Everybody screws up as a parent and everybody loses their temper sometimes, including myself. Stop trying to be perfect. Accept that anger and losing control are normal parts of life as a parent and it doesn’t mean that you’re not good at it! What is important is keeping a check on your own emotions. Being mindful of how you’re feeling, trying to reduce triggers and taking a break to recharge when you feel frazzled. When you feel that you just can’t take any more, you need an emergency break from your kids. Maybe a day with friends, going for a run—whatever it is that replenishes and relaxes you. What’s your take on “time-outs?” Time-outs work on the idea that separating the child from yourself and their peers punishes them for their wrongdoing and makes them think about what they’ve done wrong. This time in quiet contemplation is meant to make the child behave more appropriately next time. Unfortunately, none of these assumptions are true. Young kids don’t have the brain development for such sophisticated thought, they don’t have a developed sense of empathy, they can’t think about future actions, and they can’t control their behavior anywhere near as much as adults think they can. Another huge problem with time-out is, kids often misbehave because they feel a disconnect with their caregivers. It makes no sense that a child who is desperate for love and attention is further separated—it just makes them feel worse, which in time will make their behavior problems escalate.
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WestchesterParent 11
DIY CORNER SCIENCE EXPERIMENT
Why Is the Sky Blue?
It’s a question all have asked. Let’s find the answer!
Time: 10 minutes Materials 1 clear drinking glass or small glass bowl Water Milk Spoon Eyedropper (optional) Bright flashlight Safety Tips and Setup Hints • A white LED flashlight works well with this lab, such as the flashlight in many camera phones. • It helps to see the blue color in the water if the room is darkened as much as possible. Instructions Step 1: Fill the glass or bowl with water until it is mostly full. Step 2: Put a few drops of milk into the water, and stir the water with the spoon. You can use an eyedropper for this, but, if you do not have one, just carefully and slowly pour a few drops of milk from a spoon into the water. Do not pour the milk directly from the carton, as it will likely come out too quickly. Put a little bit of milk into a small bowl, and scoop a few drops into a spoon, then into the water. Step 3: Shine the flashlight through the water. What color do you see? (The color will be fairly light.)
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September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE FUN Earth’s air is made of several gases. Most of it is nitrogen, about 78 percent, about 21 percent is oxygen, there is a little bit of a gas called argon, a little water vapor, and very small amounts of gases, such as carbon dioxide and others. While our eyes can’t see the individual bits of gases, called atoms or molecules, we can feel them when the wind blows. The amounts of these gases change depending on the seasons, the altitude, the weather, whether there has been a volcanic eruption, or other reasons, but these are generally the amounts we measure. The light from the Sun is made of many colors, and we can see those colors when we split the Sun’s white light using a prism. When white light hits the gas molecules, most of the light—such as the reds, oranges, and yellows—is able to move its way through the molecules and pass to the ground to your eyes. However, the blue light is scattered around by the gases. It is this scattered blue light we see as a blue sky. In this lab, the big particles of milk in the water acted like the particles of air, scattering the blue light from the flashlight. You can try playing with the amount of milk in the water and the type of flashlight until you get the easiest blue color to see.
Photography © 2016 David Miller, Miller Visual; text © 2016 Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc., by Michelle Nichols
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In Theaters Sept. 22: The Lego Ninjago Movie 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 The Lego Ninjago Movie is based on the funny, popular, actionpacked TV show about Lego ninjas. In this adventure, teenage warrior Lloyd (voiced by Dave Franco) must save his beloved land of Ninjago from evil warlord Garmadon (Justin Theroux), who just happens to be his father. With the help of his five friends and fellow ninjas—and under the guidance of Sensei Wu (Jackie Chan)—Lloyd sets out to defeat his bad-guy dad. Expect bloodless action and fighting and possibly some crude humor.
See more at NYMetroParents.com/media
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WestchesterParent 13
Cover Stars!
››
Meet the finalists and winners of our 2017 cover contest.
P
icking finalists from 2,000 cute entries was quite the challenge for the staff here at NYMetroParents. But once we managed to narrow it down, we invited the finalists to meet for a photo shoot at PhotoOp NYC. All the finalists wore their best smiles and some seriously stylish clothes (thanks, Appaman!) and had a blast shooting with PhotoOp’s awesome photographers. (Unfortunately the 10th finalist was unable to participate.) All of the kids did a great job posing for the camera, but at the end of the day it was 4-year-old Olivia from Nassau County and 11-year-old Victoria from Brooklyn who we selected as the grand-prize winners. Olivia and her family will enjoy a twonight stay at Kalahari Resort in the Poconos to celebrate her big win, while Victoria will receive a scholarship to Barbizon Modeling & Acting Studio. Plus, our Fan Favorite, Sydney, received a family pack of tickets to Sesame Place. You’ll get to see more of these adorable kids in the coming months on our magazine covers!
c Sydney
Age: 5 Hometown: Bronx Sydney loves to dance and wants to be a dentist for kids when she grows up.
FAN FAVORITE
c
Olivia
GRAND PRIZE WINNER (YOUNGER THAN 6 CATEGORY)
Age: 4 Hometown: Nassau County Olivia loves to swim and wants to be an ophthalmologist when she grows up.
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Read more about winners and finalists and watch a super-cute video of them at nymetroparents.com/finalists. September 2017 | the nymetroparents.com
c
Hudson
Age: 4 Hometown: Queens Hudson loves his Thomas trains and wants to be a sanitation worker when he grows up.
c
Sean
Age: 5 Hometown: Suffolk County Sean loves swimming and wants to be a firefighter, police officer, lifeguard, or astronaut when he grows up.
Emma
Age: 7 Hometown: Westchester Emma loves art and playing soccer and wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up.
c
Sophie
Age: 9 Hometown: Manhattan Sophie loves to draw comics and play baseball.
c
c Cameron
Age: 6 Hometown: Manhattan Cameron loves learning and playing soccer.
Ian
Age: 10 Hometown: Rockland County Ian loves playing sports with his friends and studying math.
Victoria
Age: 11 Hometown: Brooklyn Victoria loves everything about Brooklyn and wants to be a teacher when she grows up.
GRAND PRIZE WINNER (6 AND OLDER CATEGORY) WestchesterParent 15
FOCUS ON: ME TIME
Experts say there are many benefits to children of participating in after-school activities—but that me time is also essential for kids’ healthy development.
Extracurriculars vs. Extra Downtime ›› When it comes to scheduling your kids’ after-school activities, how much is too much? By Rosalind Muggeridge
F
or most of my childhood, my extracurricular schedule consisted of riding my bike to the local YMCA every Saturday morning for a swimming lesson. I’m pretty sure my mom and dad never asked themselves if they were scheduling too much or too little for me. And yet it’s a question parents these days seem to grapple with constantly. I always thought finding the right balance with my own children would be clear, but I can’t deny the pressure I sometimes feel when I hear about my kids’ friends and their weekly schedules: acting class, guitar, gymnastics, tennis, dance, Mandarin. To shed some light on this issue, I turned to local experts who support parents as they navigate matters like this.
What the Research Says
To discuss the balance between scheduled activities and unscheduled me time for kids, it’s important first to ask: Are today’s kids actually overscheduled—or does it just feel that way? A recent paper in the journal Social Policy Report reviewed the research and found more than 80 percent of American children take part in some extracurricular activity, including sports, lessons, or clubs. Approximately 7 million of those are enrolled in after-school programs and many more participate in clubs and organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Girls Inc., according to the report. Even though those numbers may seem high, the same report shows children and adolescents spend an average of only five hours per week participating in organized activities. So, although extracurricular activities get a lot of attention, other activities— screen time, chores, spending time with friends and family, working, and doing homework—occupy as much (and often more) time than organized activities. In other words, it may make more sense 16
September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
to worry about your child’s screen time than about the hours he spends at after-school programs. There are, however, cases where overscheduling poses problems for kids. The same research suggests there may be a point of diminishing returns for a small number of young people with very high levels of involvement—meaning, some kids who participate in a multitude of extracurricular activities may see fewer advantages as they take on more and more. For instance, the educational benefits of playing sports seem to level off when kids participate in more than two competitive team sports. Danis Copenhaver, M.D., F.A.A.P., a pediatrician at South Slope Pediatrics in Brooklyn, looks for telltale signs to make sure her young patients aren’t overscheduled. “I make a point to ask every patient and family about mealtimes and sleep,” she says. “A huge red flag for me is if meals are always eaten on the go and if bedtime is inconsistent or very late. In pre-teens and teenagers, I try and assess if they are enjoying the activities they are involved in. Sometimes they will answer honestly in the exam room and it’s the first time the parents are hearing about it. That can lead to a discussion about prioritizing time out of school for family, friends, sports, and activities.” Overall, however, concerns about overscheduling seem to be overblown. Despite what we so often hear in the media, the research shows that only a small number of young people (between 3 and 6 percent) are very highly scheduled, spending 20 or more hours a week taking part in these activities. The same research also points to evidence that kids who participate in organized activities do better than those who don’t. These young people are more likely to have higher academic achievement, finish school, do well in college, be well-adjusted, smoke less, use drugs less often, and interact more with parents. There are fewer overbooked young children now than there used
to be, Dr. Copenhaver says. “Parents value and protect the free play time that these younger children need,” she adds, noting, however, that this often depends on the age of the child. “The pre-teen and teenage crowd tends to be more over-scheduled, due to the pressures of school and extracurricular demands.”
The Benefits of Downtime
Even if kids may not, for the most part, be overscheduled, there are many studies emphasizing the pluses of unscheduled free time for children as well as adults. A 2012 report by Mary Helen ImmordinoYang of the University of Southern California showed that when we are resting, our brains are not actually idle and downtime is essential to many of our mental processes. The report examined related research showing this relaxed time is an opportunity for the brain to make sense of what it has recently learned. Kids need to play and explore, says Sharon Peters, who founded the Brooklyn-based marriage and family counseling practice Parents Helping Parents. She is a big proponent of building downtime into a family’s schedule. For more than 20 years, she has been supporting parents as they raise their children. She also draws from her own personal experiences as a mother of five children, several of whom have special needs. “All group settings or one-on-one lessons with a teacher are demanding in ways that individual time isn’t,” she says. Young kids can’t simply roam the streets alone, Peters notes, but it’s essential to fit into their schedules the type of play that encourages exploration and independence. “A great way to incorporate this for younger children is finding a safe space for them to wander and make decisions on their own,” she says. Her comment rings true for me personally, as I’ve noticed my 2-year-old is at his most relaxed and engaged when he is wandering through Prospect Park in Brooklyn with me following a few feet behind him. Downtime benefits kids of all ages, according to Dr. Copenhaver. “In younger children ages 2-5 unstructured play time encourages imagination and cooperation. It can also allow them time to rest and recharge, avoiding becoming overstimulated and cranky,” she says. Me time also has specific benefits for older children. “In schoolaged kids, I find that non-scheduled downtime allows them to more deeply explore their likes and develop their talents,” Dr. Copenhaver says. “Some kids develop a love of reading, others find that they still enjoy playing at the park, while others take the time to participate in preparing meals for their family.” She adds that in teens, stress levels decrease and sleep duration and quality usually benefit first from non-scheduled down time.
Finding the Right Balance
Given what we know about the positives of extracurricular activities and also the benefits of downtime, how do we go about finding what works for us? Here are some tips for ensuring your kids experience the right mix of enriching activities and nourishing downtime. Create a schedule that works for your family. Because many children spend too much time using mobile devices and watching TV, the American Association of Pediatrics recommends maintaining at least one hour of physical activity a day and limiting screen time to two hours a day, according to Melanie Wilson-Taylor, M.D., F.A.A.P., also of South Slope pediatrics. “Oftentimes parents are busy with work or taking care of younger children and there can be pressure to make sure that kids are kept busy,” she says. “Many parents often feel the need to compete and make sure their child has access to every extracurricular activity in order to be a better candidate for the next level of school.” Carefully consider what activities are right for your child. Dr. Wilson-Taylor recommends parents ask their child if she enjoys the continued on next page ››
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activity and to consider whether there are true benefits—academic, social, personal development—in it. She cautions that sometimes the amount of time a child spends in an activity is reasonable but the type of activity may not fit the personality of the child. Parents should consider whether their child prefers group or individual activities, for instance, or whether the child will experience undue anxiety of performing in an end-of-year production or recital. “Parents should also be mindful about how extracurricular activities affect the behavior and self-worth,” Dr. Wilson-Taylor says. “If the child is focused on always winning and values themselves based on their ability to succeed in the activity, caregivers should re-evaluate the importance of that activity.” One good rule of thumb she tells her patients: Due to a limited attention span, structured activities for children younger than 6 should be limited to 30 minutes at a time. Older children can tolerate activities that are an hour or two. Look out for the red flags. According to Dr. Wilson-Taylor, temperament and age play a big part in judging whether a child is overscheduled. Some children like participating in activities outside of school or on the weekends and thrive on constantly doing something. Other children are homebodies or prefer unstructured activities. She cautions that “an overscheduled child has more tantrums prior to the activity, may take a long time to get ready, and may outright say ‘no’ to going. Older children may exhibit poor sleep patterns the night before in anticipation of participating in the event the next day. They also may seem more isolated from friends or family because they are always ‘doing something.’” Parents should be concerned if they notice a child is clingier to caregivers, his grades are dropping, or her homework is getting
squeezed into small gaps of free time—in the car, on the bus, waking up early before school. “If not attended to, young kids communicate discomfort one way or the other and raise the flag. This could be acting out in school or more tantrums at home,” Peters says. Children may also exhibit stress-induced physical symptoms, some of which can mimic actual illness. “When a child’s day is scheduled down to the minute, they can become stressed, and sometimes manifest physical symptoms of that stress,” Dr. Copenhaver says. “Stomach aches, headaches, and fatigue are common symptoms that children present to my office with, and the problem is sometimes an overloaded schedule without enough down time.” In her practice, she also sees teens complaining of fatigue, and often finds out they are sleeping fewer than five hours a night because of their busy school and after-school schedules. Trust your gut. “Like everything connected to parenting,” Peters says “this issue is very individual to each family.” Ultimately, she says, parents know their children—and since each situation and child is different, parents must rely on their instincts to decide when their child needs fewer after-school activities and more me time. The bottom line: You probably don’t need to worry that your child is overscheduled or that the number of activities in which he participates will have a negative impact on him. However, me time remains an essential part of everyone’s life and plays an important role in children’s development—so make sure to schedule some unscheduled time into your child’s life regularly. This is the second in a two-part series about the importance of downtime. To read last month’s article on me time for moms, see nymetroparents.com/mom-time.
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE
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Children learn from our experienced Montessori teachers who provide an individual, hands on learning environment. We offer a variety of toddler and pre-K programs! Extended hours are available. www.alcottschool.org Scarsdale 27 Crane Road 914-472-4404 18
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Dobbs Ferry 535 Broadway 914-693-4443
Scarsdale 46 Fox Meadow Road 914-725-7551
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Interested in your child becoming the next greatest swimmer? Then…… it’s time to sign up with the best swim team in Westchester Swim Training is available all year long Highly accredited and certified swim coaches on staff Participate in USA swim competitions all year round Most affordable year round USA Swim team in Westchester Interested? For sign up and for more information visit fastswimteamny.com Contact us - info@fastswimteamny.com. See you soon!!!!! WestchesterParent 19
Back-to-School
The annual guide to schools, resources, programs, & activities for kids! A Dance Studio
2094 Boston Post Road, Larchmont 914-834-2432 adancestudio.com Instagram: @adancestudiolarchmont missjoanneads@gmail.com With so many studios to choose from, why choose A Dance Studio? We offer tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet, pointe, hip-hop, yoga, and percussive dance, and our instruction levels range from beginner to competition. What makes us unique is at A Dance Studio, you’ll feel like family. Dance is good not only for the body and mind, but for the heart and soul as well! Join us and you’ll see. You will learn to dance, make new friends, and become a part of our A Dance Studio family!
Alcott Montessori School
535 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry 914-693-4443 27 Crane Road, Scarsdale 914-472-4404 46 Fox Meadow Road, Scarsdale 914-595-7551 alcottschool.org Alcott School provides children ages 2-5 a supportive, multicultural, learning environment in which they develop independence, self-confidence, and pride in their abilities. All sites offer a developmentally appropriate curriculum using Montessori materials. We offer special classes including music, movement, yoga, art, Spanish, and nature. Children experience “in-house field trips,” and after-school enrichment programs. We welcome parent participation in bringing their culture and traditions to our classrooms. Kidz Club, a social skills group for ages 3-5 meets from 4-5 pm twice a week at Crane Road. Call for a tour.
Allied Physicians Group
3 Huntington Quadrangle, Melville 866-621-2769 alliedphysiciansgroup.com Allied Physicians Group is a
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partnership of more than 150 dedicated, caring physicians and 650 highly-trained support staff, serving more than 180,000 patients throughout Greater New York City, Long Island, Westchester County, the Hudson Valley, and beyond. When you bring your children to an Allied pediatric practice, you know they are getting the very best care. Our doctors have access to resources, technology, and support that other, stand-alone pediatric practices simply cannot offer. Our doctors have more time for what matters most-you and your child! For more information, visit alliedphysiciansgroup.com or call us at 866-621-2769.
Artistree Performing Arts
114 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-835-2200 artistreearts.com heather@artistreearts.com Artistree Performing Arts is a performing arts studio offering classes for children ages newborn to 18. We strive to foster a community of performers who can build confidence and friendships in a supportive and engaging environment. Artistree offers everything from music classes for babies, preschool performing classes, and after-school classes in acting, film, and musical theater to performance workshops for elementary through high school students. Whether your child is on a pre-professional track or just loves to act, sing, and dance, we have the class or workshop to fit their needs.
Bach To Rock Mamaroneck
130 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck 914-341-1457 mamaroneck.bachtorock.com mamaroneck@bachtorock.com Bach to Rock, the music school for all ages, believes learning to play music should be fun, after all it’s called “play” for a reason! B2R couples individual instruction with dynamic group classes.
September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
We base our unique method on the fact that students learn best when they join together to play the music they like best. We offer voice, piano, and all instruments, plus musical theater, electronic music, and recording arts. Classes for 6 months through adults, plus birthday parties and weekly camps. Unleash your inner rock star today!
Belle School of Music
1088 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 283 Tarrytown Road, White Plains 1537 Central Park Ave., Yonkers 914-961-5511 belleschool.com The Belle School of Music, voted the No. 1 music school in Westchester in 2015 by parents, has a unique, effective, and fun way of teaching music to children (ages 2 and older) and adults. Under the supervision of our highly-qualified and dedicated staff, your child will not only learn to play but will develop an appreciation and love for music that will last a lifetime. Bring out the musical talent in your child! Call 914-961-5511 to schedule a free introductory lesson and consultation.
Blais Orthodontics
2 Overhill Road, Suite 300, Scarsdale 914-472-9595 scarsdaleortho.com/contact Dr. Blais treats her patients how she would treat her own family— with a meticulous eye and a gentle touch, informing the patients and their families of their options and progress throughout treatment. As an Ivy League-trained doctor, Dr. Blais sees everything through from A to Z and enjoys becoming a part of her patients’ lives at the same time. “It is such a wonderful feeling to see progress and the huge smile that accompanies it. So exciting!” This detail-oriented care will produce stellar results that you will show off forever! Visit Dr. Blais for early interceptive orthodontics, braces, and Invisalign.
Chelsea Piers Connecticut
1 Blachley Road, Stamford, CT 203-989-1100 chelseapiersct.com/youth info@chelseapiersct.com Chelsea Piers in Stamford offers Connecticut’s most dynamic curriculum for athletes of all ages in our cutting-edge sports complex. Our expert instructors lead intense yet age-appropriate lessons geared toward the individual development of each athlete in a positive, supportive environment, for preschoolers (“Little Athletes”), elementary school-aged children, and teens. Elite training programs are available to the more serious athlete looking to gain a competitive edge under the tutelage of coaches who collectively boast an impressive resume of athletic accomplishments. Youth sports programming includes basketball, dance, figure skating, gymnastics, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, squash, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.
The Children’s Jewish Education Group SUNY Purchase 914-864-1267 cjeg.org Looking for a Jewish education for your child without joining a synagogue? CJEG is a community-based school that emphasizes Jewish cultural studies, tradition, history, and holidays, for children in kindergarten-seventh grade. We provide a professional teaching staff supported by a parent co-op administration in an open, warm and relaxed, and affordable environment. Bar and bat mitzvah lessons are also available. Classes are held Sunday mornings at the SUNY Purchase campus. For more information, please visit our website, cjeg.org.
Children’s Place at the John A. Coleman School
317 North St., White Plains 914-597-4055 Our inclusive preschool offers a variety of enriching experiences
that stimulate children’s natural curiosity and interests, promote well-being, and encourage pride and mastery in each child. Activities develop creativity, language, reasoning, social competence, and early readiness. Curriculum based on NYS Common Core with iPad and Smart Board technology. Children’s Place is licensed by the Office of Children and Family Services and offers full and half days for ages 3-5. Hours are 8:45am-2:45pm with extended hours from 8am-5pm. We are staffed by experienced teachers and administrators. Parent references available.
Clay Art Center
40 Beech St., Port Chester 914-937-2047 x222 Kelly O’Sullivan, youth director clayartcenter.org mail@clayartcenter.org Spin It! Youth classes for children and teens at the Clay Art Center are offered weekly from September-June. Build your inner artist while creating picture perfect pottery. Work with clay to develop creative problem-solving skills and build confidence
while making new friends and having fun. Hand-building classes are offered for ages 6–9, and wheel-throwing classes are offered for children ages 10–17. Taught by professional ceramic artists who specialize in kindling a passion for creative expression in children.
Curtain Call Inc.
1349 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT 203-329-8207 x16 Administration: 203-329-8207 Box Office: 203-461-6358 curtaincallinc.com brian@curtaincallinc.com Curtain Call Inc. is Stamford’s longest-running, nonprofit theater, providing year-round, live performances and theater arts classes. Ages 5 through adult can enjoy after-school, evening, and weekend workshops in acting for the stage, TV and film, comedy, improv, musical theater, Broadway tap, and Shakespeare. Full-day vacation programs are offered for ages 6-16. Our teaching artists provide a nurturing, creative environment for students of diverse experience and backgrounds. We can also
design a workshop for your before- or after-school program, business, or civic group. Call 203-329-8207 x16 or visit curtaincallinc.com. “Where ‘acting out’ is encouraged!”
Dance & Theater Arts Studios
145 Palisade St., #376, Dobbs Ferry 914-231-9179 danceandtheaterarts.com A process-oriented performing arts school in which students learn how to achieve excellence through self-discipline and the mastery of technique. Experience the joy of achievement through our unique programs of dance, voice, and acting classes at affordable prices. Get prepared for success before you step out on stage at open mic night or in musical shows and plays, with the training and confidence you’ll gain in a positive learning environment. Come nurture and explore your inner artist (ages 3 to adult) and register for a class today!
Dance Cavise Studios
273 Halstead Ave., Mamaroneck
914-381-5222 dancecavise.com joe@dancecavise.com jamie@dancecavise.com fancyd@optonline.net Described in the New York Times as “setting higher standards in dance education,” Dance Cavise offers all dance disciplines, at all levels, for all ages including our new Tiny Tot’s for ages 2-4. Broadway veteran Joe Cavise heads a staff of more than 20 professionals from New York City and Westchester. The studio is known for promoting strong technique in a non-recital-oriented, education-driven program. Summer Performing Arts Camp Program and birthday parties are also a specialty. Dance Cavise is home to Off Center Dance Theatre, a nonprofit organization with dual missions of dance performance and community outreach.
Easter Seals New York Project Explore
70 Columbus Ave., Valhalla 914-328-1578 eastersealsny.org We serve children with and without continued on next page ››
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE
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disabilities in inclusive, integrated, small classrooms. We offer high-quality full- and part-time programs, school year and yearround, for children ages 18 months to 5 years, from 8:30am-2:30pm. Before- and after-school care, vacation clubs during school breaks, and summer camp are available options. We follow the Creative Curriculum™ that is aligned with the NYS Common Core Learning Standards. We have special classes in art, music, and science, including interactive SMART Board activities. Our master teachers are New York state-certified in early childhood and special education. NAEYC accredited.
F.A.S.T. (Fairview Aquatics Swim Team)
fastswimteamny.com info@fastswimteamny.com F.A.S.T. USA is recognized and sanctioned by United States Swimming (USA) as a Level 3 Swim Team. F.A.S.T. is a competitive program for boys and girls ages 6 and older. Each participant is evaluated and categorized by the coaching staff to ensure that each swimmer is placed in the correct group. F.A.S.T., as a member of Metropolitan Swimming, competes against other metro area swim teams. Our mission is to nurture swimmers, challenge, strive for excellence, and push all our swimmers to achieve personal and team goals and to have fun.
First Hebrew Congregation Jewish Learning Experience (JLE) 1821 E. Main St., Route 6 (on the border of Cortlandt and Peekskill) Rabbi Dana: 914-739-0500 firsthebrew.org rabbi@firsthebrew.org First Hebrew’s Jewish Learning Experience is a non-traditional kindergarten-seventh Hebrew School attracting families from many surrounding communities. It offers interactive, differentiated, small group and individualized learning, with flexible schedules possible. Supervised by Matan-certified Rabbi Dana Z. Bogatz, JLE demonstrates the relevance of Jewish values to build Jewish identity. Students will gain pride in their Jewish heritage as they discover how Judaism fits into their lives. All students, including interfaith
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backgrounds, will become comfortable participating in Jewish customs at home, in synagogue, and as they connect with the greater Jewish community.
German International School New York (GIS)
50 Partridge Road, White Plains 914-948-6513 gisny.org admissions@gisny.org German International School New York welcomes families of all nationalities. We are a vibrant, pre-K through 12th grade independent day school. Established in 1980, our German-English bilingual curriculum and our international community of children cultivates students of exceptional character who are open to the world. Graduates earn both a New York high school diploma and the highly acclaimed German International Abitur. Visit us at an open house or contact us to schedule a private tour.
Girl AGain
4 Martine Ave., White Plains 914-358-1460 girlagain.com girlagain@yesshecaninc.org Girl AGain boutique sells gently used American Girl dolls, clothes, furniture, accessories, and books. Operated by Yes She Can Inc., a nonprofit organization that teaches and develops job skills for young women with autism. Join us at Girl AGain for fun doll crafts and doll care workshops for girls ages 7 and older and their American Girl dolls. Register at girlagain.com/events. Shop for AG and Bitty Baby dolls, outfits, accessories; new and used books at great prices! 4 Martine Ave., White Plains. Free parking at The Seasons garage. 914-358-1460; girlagain.com.
GymCats Gymnastics and Birthday Party Center 1 Odell Plaza at Equalize Fitness, Yonkers 914-965-7676 gymcats.net At GymCats Gymnastics, children learn the skills and confidence they need to become better athletes and individuals. Exciting gymnastics classes are offered for boys and girls, ages 20 months to teens, as well as recreational to advanced classes, private lessons, cheer classes,
September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
toddler open gym for crawlers up to walkers, and summer camp. GymCats is home to our own All Star Cheer Team, the GC Xtreme All Stars! We are also famous for our unique private birthday parties. Our enthusiastic interactive staff makes your child’s party memorable.
Hoff-Barthelson Music School
25 School Lane, Scarsdale 914-723-1169 hbms.org hb@hbms.org Westchester’s premiere Community Music School. Early childhood, K-12 and adult programs, jazz, and summer arts program. Comprehensive music education for students of all ages by a world-class faculty in a warm, nurturing environment. Students receive not only weekly private lessons, but also musicianship classes, ensemble instruction, numerous performance and practice opportunities with accompaniment, and regular assessment of student progress. This all-encompassing approach catalyzes learning, enabling students to fulfill their potential. Early childhood classes combine fun with learning, nurturing the development of the whole child. Ongoing enrollment. Tuition pro-rated at time of enrollment.
Hudson Country Montessori School
340 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle 914-636-6202 hudsoncountry.org Children learn to observe, think, judge, and pursue interests at their own pace. Exposed to physical and mental order, and working with materials with a purposeful design in a calm atmosphere fosters concentration, creativity, self-respect, and a solid academic foundation. Hudson’s unique approach allows children to develop their skills while pursuing their interests. Programs are available for children ages 18 months through eighth grade, with extended hours available from 7:30am-6pm.
Huntington Learning Center
Eastchester Shopping Center 721 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-6100 650 Central Ave., Scarsdale 914-946-7800 335 Downing Drive, Yorktown Heights 914-245-8882
58 E. Route 59, Nanuet 845-624-6800 huntingtonhelps.com Huntington Learning Center is an accredited, K-12 tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified teachers provide individualized instruction in phonics, reading, writing, math, science, study skills, and executive functioning skills. Huntington also helps students prepare for the SAT, ACT, High School Entrance Exams, and other state and standardized exams. Huntington students achieve results at all skill levels. According to one parent: “In just four months I have seen incredible improvements in Jessica’s grades and confidence. She actually went up two grade levels!” Huntington offers convenient 1-on-1 tutoring programs. Call today!
ISG Gymnastics
Annie Pipia and Joann Distler, directors 151 Crotona Ave., Harrison 914-835-0010 isggymnastics.com Gymnastics classes, summer camp, cheerleading tumbling, birthday parties—ISG has got it all! From babies-teenagers, beginner-advanced, we have the program that’s right for you! You’ll flip over this professional facility with certified instructors for all levels. And ISG is a fun-filled, unique way to celebrate a birthday complete with trampoline, balance beams, bars, vault, tumbling, and air castle. All ages, 1 through teens. Age-appropriate program and equipment. Fun for all!
Jete Dance Studio
114 Pearl St., Suite 1B, Port Chester 914-305-3331 jetedancestudio.com info@jetedancestudio.com Jete dance studio offers classes specializing in preschool ballet, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, contemporary, salsa, and even Zumba. We are open six days a week and also offer birthday parties and special events throughout the year. Registration fee is waived when you mention Westchester Parent. Visit jetedancestudio.com or call 914-305-3331 for more information.
Jodi’s Gym
25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 244 E. 84th St., Manhattan
212-772-7633 jodisgym.com Jodi’s Gym has been providing New York kids the highest level of fun and fitness since 1982! Its step-by-step, no-fail approach ensures that every child feels a sense of accomplishment. It offers adult-child gym (12-35 months), gymnastics (ages 3-12), Ninja Challenge (ages 4-8), summer and holiday break camps, free play and perks for members, private lessons, and the best birthday ever! Need transportation after school? It also busses from every Chappaqua elementary school. New to Jodi’s? Contact the gym for a free sample class.
Leapin’ Lizards
421 Boston Post Road, 3rd Floor, Port Chester 914-937-5867 Leapin’ Lizards is “the” indoor play and party place for kids in Westchester! Have oodles of fun during the day, after school, anytime! Enjoy our two-for-one Back-to-School Special in this issue. Birthday party packages include playtime in our fun-filled play area (slides, mazes, ball
baths, etc.), private party room for pizza, hot dogs, Carvel ice cream birthday cake, tokens for our game room, themed paper supplies, invitations, and balloons. Party favors, sand art, and T-shirts are available. We do all the work! Visit our website: leaplizards.com.
LinguaKids®, L.L.C.
2005 Palmer Ave., Larchmont 914-525-0328 linguakids.com LinguaKids® offers French and Spanish classes for children starting at 6 months old. LinguaKids®’ teachers are all friendly, energetic, native speakers who completely immerse the children in language and culture. Children are engaged in a multi-sensory approach, combining songs, movement, arts and crafts, games, storytelling, and role-play to make learning fun and enjoyable. We also offer guitar classes in Spanish, which is a good way to combine learning guitar and speaking Spanish.
The Little Gym
777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072
tlgscarsdaleny.com 2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets), Upper West Side, Manhattan 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues), Upper East Side, Manhattan 28 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444 tlgwaldwicknj.com The Little Gym is an exercise and motor development center offering gymnastics classes, sports skills development, dance, cheerleading, and karate classes for children ages 4 months to 12 years in a loving, non-competitive environment. Qualified instructors implement programs designed to build self-esteem and confidence. An emphasis on music and fun encourages both physical and emotional growth. The Little Gym also offers summer camp, holiday camp, Parent Survival Night, and Awesome Birthday Bashes.
MacInspires
1923 Palmer Ave., Larchmont 914-630-7338 larchmont@macinspires.com
37 W Putnam Ave., Greenwich, CT 203-531-5720 sayhello@macinspires.com macinspires.com MacInspires teaches more than 400 students a week various aspects of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). From coding and 3-D printing to robotics, movie making, and aeroponics, MacInspires is here to inspire your child’s curiosity and unlock their potential through technology and the tech arts. MacInspires group classes and workshops have a ratio of no more than six students per instructor. Private instruction is available for students who want to explore STEAM subjects further with an instructor who often becomes a mentor. MacInspires also produces exciting STEAM Birthday Parties!
Main Street Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Penny Resnick-Graulich
115 Main St., Suite 302, Tuckahoe 914-633-4440 mainstreetpediatricdentistry.com drpennydds@aol.com Dr. Penny Resnick-Graulich continued on next page ››
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE
Karate, Yoga & Fitness Programs
Youth & Adult Classes Fitness Center (914) 949-6227 x208
Flip & Tumble
Recreational Gymnastics Competitive Teams Preschool Programs Tumbling & Parkour (914) 949-6227 x 135
Visit us at: www.ywcawpcw.org Email: membership@ywcawpcw.org (914) 949-6227
YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester 515 North Street • White Plains, NY
Swim with Us!
Learn to Swim Classes Competitive Swimming Water Exercise Lap & Family Swim (914) 949-6227 x152 WestchesterParent 23
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has been practicing children’s dentistry in Westchester for more than 20 years. Dr. Penny and her amazing staff pride themselves on making the entire dental experience a positive one for children, infants through teens, and their parents. They help anxious children feel secure during dental treatment and make every patient feel calm, confident, and comfortable, while promoting optimal oral health care. Special attention is given to those children with medical, physical, emotional, and mental disabilities. Their goal is to make your child an expert in preventative dentistry.
Mandarin Discovery Preschool
515 North St., White Plains 914-351-6788 mandarindiscov.org shanshanli@mandarindiscov.org Mandarin Discovery Preschool is an immersive program for children. We will be offering more programs starting in October. Our preschool classes will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturday mornings. Tuesdays students will learn about Chinese food through Playdoh; Wednesdays, they will study math; Fridays, dress-up with ‘QiPao,’ and traditional Chinese dance; Saturdays, Chinese culture classes with ‘MaoBi’ writing. We also offer Mommy-and-Me classes on Thursdays and Chinese culture classes for first-fifth grades on Saturday afternoons.
The Milestone School
70 W. Broad St., Mount Vernon 914-667-3478 themilestoneschool.com Founded in 1979 on the premise that “the first years of a child’s education are the most important,” The Milestone School is an independent, non-sectarian, nursery through fourth-grade school. Celebrating 35 years of excellence, our unique, stimulating academic environment emphasizing “Early Reading” prepares students to continue on to top private schools in Westchester and NYC. Emphasizing the basics, our curriculum allows our children to explore many areas including chess, music, Spanish, yoga, and drama. Milestone provides the enriching, nurturing experience every child needs and deserves to succeed.
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Music Conservatory of Westchester
216 Central Ave., White Plains 914-761-3900 musicconservatory.org The Music Conservatory of Westchester offers a variety of classes for infants, toddlers, and young children. Early childhood instruction includes our new First Notes class for babies and toddlers, Music Skills for pre-K through third grade, our Suzuki Program for instrumental instruction (violin, cello, guitar), and our Piano Program for pre-K to first grade. Introduce your child to the joys of music in the conservatory’s supportive, nurturing environment, with outstanding instructors. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, assuring the highest quality programs for your child.
Musical Munchkins
167 Scarsdale Road, Tuckahoe 914-771-7000 musicalmunchkins.com Musical Munchkins, Westchester’s original early childhood music program is celebrating more than 30 years of makin’ music and memories. We continue delighting our youngest musicians and their families with the wonderful world of mommyn-me music. Our curriculum, filled with awesome activities, is geared to children ages 6 months to 4 years. Instruments, creative movement, inventive props, puppets, books, and games help captivate and enrich children with a love of music. Our nurturing teachers capture everyone’s hearts, while stimulating those developing brains. Visit our website. Schedule a free trial class.
New England Fashion+Design Association
31 Mamaroneck Ave., Studio 512, White Plains 914-222-5220 sonofashiondesign.com irina@sonofashiondesign.com NEF+DA offers fashion courses including design, pattern making, knitting, and live model drawing for all ages. If your child is interested in fashion design, we encourage parents to allow their child to find the fashion course that matches their desired interest. Once we get acquainted with your child, if appropriate, we will encourage them to explore other
September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
related fashion courses. Our Fashion After School is a great head start. Our teachers are professors from the best colleges from NYC.
The Play Group Theatre
1 N. Broadway, Suite 111, White Plains 914-946-4433 playgroup.org info@playgroup.org At The Play Group Theatre®, we challenge the imagination, nurture the creative soul, and inspire children and teens to reach for what they might have thought impossible. We offer professional-quality training in a one-of-a-kind family atmosphere in the spring, summer, and fall. With seven different programs, Summer Theatre is designed for young actors with every level of experience, ages 4-17. Our conservatory-style camp is located in its own air-conditioned performing arts complex, which includes two theaters, rehearsal studios, and scenic and costume shops. Register now!
PlayLand Ice Casino
100 Playland Parkway, Rye 914-481-5941 playlandice.com Kids and families love PlayLand Ice in Rye. Operating year-round, PlayLand Ice offers learn-to-skate and learn-to-play hockey classes, public ice-skating, figure skating, clinics, and camps for all ages and abilities. Birthday parties are always a huge hit at PlayLand Ice and feature private rooms, private ice, party helper, dance and black lights, and music. Visit us online for more information.
Purchase College Aquatics
Christine Klint, director 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-251-6546 purchasecollegeathletics.com/sports/ 2011/6/14/GEN_0614112216.aspx christine.klint@purchase.edu Held in our sparkling six-lane pool, the Purchase College aquatics program runs year-round and features children’s group lessons, parent and child classes, and specialty programs including adult lessons, lifeguarding, SCUBA certification, springboard diving, and private and semi-private lessons. All lessons are taught by certified American Red Cross instructors. During the school year we offer classes on Saturday and Sunday mornings and after school on Wednesday afternoons. Our 45-minute lessons have six classes in each session. There
are four sessions throughout the school year. Register now!
Royal Academy of Dance
917-319-6414 sun@dsvz.us Royal Academy of Dance is a small private ballet studio in Scarsdale inviting young ballet dancers ages 11-14 to prepare for the Royal Academy of Dance classical ballet exam level 4 in spring 2018, with a qualified RAD certified instructor. Convenient training sessions are held one-three times a week.
The Selma Maisel Nursery School of Temple Sholom
300 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, CT 203-622-8121 templesholom.com/smns SMNS has taken hands-on learning to the next level with the addition of a full STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) program! Children will explore woodworking, robotics, magnetism, weights and measures, electronics, wind resistance, sewing, and more in the new STEAM lab. SMNS also offers non-separating programs for parents with children younger than 24 months. While driven by Jewish values, SMNS welcomes families of all faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds. To schedule a personal tour, contact David Cohen, Nursery School director, at 203-622-8121 or david.cohen@ templesholom.com.
Steffi Nossen School of Dance
216 Central Park Ave., White Plains 914-328-1900 Church of St. Mary the Virgin, South Greeley Avenue, Chappaqua steffinossen.org Since 1937, The Steffi Nossen School of Dance has been Westchester’s dance destination! Students from toddler to adult experience the joy and discipline of dance in White Plains and Chappaqua. Classes include Modern, Ballet, Jazz, HipHop, Tap, Toddler/Caregiver, new Boys’ Movement, adult classes-open level, and kids and adult Moving Wheels & Heels adaptive dance. Performance opportunities. Live music in classes. Westchester Magazine “Best Kids Classes 2011 and 2013.”
Studio B Dance Center
277 White Plains Road (entrance on Prospect Avenue), Eastchester 914-793-2799
studiobdance.com Studio B Dance Center is celebrating its 22nd season in a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility. Conveniently scheduled classes are offered in three sunny studios, all with one-way viewing windows. Parents and siblings can enjoy free Wi-Fi in the comfortable waiting rooms. Open seven days a week for classes, birthday parties, and small group or private lessons. Performance opportunities for all ages. Educational and leadership programs available for middle and high-school students. Its award-winning classes, well-designed website, and outstanding customer service make Studio B a parent favorite!
Sugar Mama by Kim Bakeshop
1985 Palmer Ave., Larchmont 914-834-8340 sugarmamabykim.com classes@sugarmamabykim.com At Sugar Mama by Kim Bakeshop, we make it cool in after school! Our after-school baking program is designed to enhance creativity, self-esteem, and peer relationship. During a six-week session kids will enjoy a hands-on experience, learning how to read recipes, follow proper measuring, mixing techniques, and kitchen safety. every child will bake and decorate cookies, cupcakes, cakes, and more. Each week will focus on a different desert and seasonal projects. All done in a fun and safe environment. classes@sugarmamabykim.com.
Sylvan Learning Centers Westchester
Sylvan Learning Center of Bronxville 850 Bronx River Road, Bronxville 914-237-4396 sylvanlearning.com/bronxville bronxville.ny@sylvanlearning.com
Sylvan Learning Center of White Plains 180 S. Broadway, White Plains 914-948-4116 sylvanlearning.com/whiteplains sylvan4202@msn.com Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of personal learning for K-12 students, offers tutoring in reading, writing, math, study skills, and test prep, and STEM classes in robotics and coding. Sylvan’s proven tutoring approach combines certified teachers delivering personalized instruction using curriculum aligned with common core standards and the latest iPad® technology. Sylvan also offers Sylvan Prep SAT® and ACT® courses. Sylvan Learning Centers are conveniently located in Bronxville and White Plains.
Torbank Community Nursery School
108 Pinesbridge Road, Ossining 914-941-1563 torbanknurseryschool.com Your child is a very important person. With your help, we will provide a wide variety of learning opportunities and experiences to encourage self-expression, independence, and group interaction. We will give your child the opportunity to explore, experiment, and reach out into his or her environment. We believe that the way your child will learn and grow will help them have the happiest possible year.
Westchester Jewish Center Early Childhood Center Palmer and Rockland avenues, Mamaroneck (Use 175 Rockland Ave. for GPS purposes.) 914-698-2767 wjcenter.org WJC’s Reggio-inspired Early Childhood Center accepts
preschoolers ages 2-5, and offers a co-teach model pre-kindergarten. Our school supports children’s physical, social-emotional, and cognitive growth—all in the context of a caring environment. Children receive a solid Jewish foundation including holiday celebrations and community and classroom Shabbat experiences. Structured days offered in newly renovated classrooms and nature–inspired playground. Small teacher-to-student ratio assures individualized attention. Extended day with special electives such as Dance and Drum, Art, Taekwondo, Fenom Fitness, and Mad Science.
Westchester Skating Academy (WSA) 91 Fairview Park Drive (Route 9A), Elmsford 914-347-8232 skatewsa.com Westchester Skating Academy is a year-round, twin-rink ice-skating facility offering recreational, hockey, and figure skating for all ages and abilities. WSA programs include public skating, learnto-skate classes, group events, birthday parties, summer and holiday camps and clinics, adult and youth hockey leagues, and instruction. Visit us online for more information.
White Plains Family YMCA
250 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains 914-949-8030 whiteplains.ymca-cnw.org Serving the families of our community has always been at the heart of the Y. With a White Plains Family YMCA membership, more than 20 youth classes (starting at age 3) are now included as well as more than 60 adult classes. We offer family swim five days
a week, free babysitting while you work out, plus summer camp and child care. Family. Fitness. Fun. We have a membership for your family.
Young At Art Workshop Inc.
1088 Central Ave., Scarsdale 914-723-9229 Nurturing creativity without boundaries for more than 35 years. We offer art classes for children ages 2-18. We have mommy-and-me classes for preschool children and toddlers. After-school and Saturday classes include creative art, painting, sketching, drawing, still life, sculpture, mixed media, Anime and Manga, cartooning, graffiti, pop art, portraiture, fashion design, 3-dimensional art, and portfolio development. We offer summer camps, private lessons, holiday workshops, birthday parties, and customized classes. At Young at Art, we take your child’s dreams and bring them to life.
YWCA of White Plains
515 North St., White Plains 914-949-6227 ywcawpcw.org The YWCA’s licensed and NAEYC-accredited children’s programs meet the needs of young families with an array of active programs, including child care, preschool programs, and our before- and after-school programs. Our caring staff creates an environment in which every child is valued and develops activities that support the educational process, social interaction, emotional growth, physical development, and creative expression. The YWCA also offers aquatics, gymnastics, and fitness activities for all ages.
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE
ENROLL NOW FOR FALL CLASSES! AGES 3-18
BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR AGES 1-12
OWNERS – HEATHER AND PETER CAPELLE ARTISTREEARTS.COM • (914) 835-2200 • 114 W. BOSTON POST RD. MAMARONECK WestchesterParent 25
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE
EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC CLASSES
Westchester’s Premier Community Music School
Live Music and Movement Classes Certified Teachers Pre-Suzuki • Recorder Hoff-Barthelson’s early childhood music classes combine fun with learning, nurturing the development of the whole child.
ASK ABOUT OUR OTHER OFFERINGS: • K-12 Program • Adult Program
OPEN HOUSES
3D DESIGN & PRINTING, APP DEVELOPMENT, AREOPONICS, CODING, GAME DESIGN, AUDIO & VIDEO PRODUCTION, STOP MOTION, LEGO EV3, LITTLEBITS & CIRCUITS, MICROCONTROLLERS, MINECRAFT, WEARABLES
September 8th 10:00 am - 12:00 pm September 9th 1:30 - 3:30 pm
25 School Lane, Scarsdale www.hbms.org • hb@hbms.org
914-723-1169
ENRICHING LIVES AND CREATING COMMUNITY THROUGH MUSIC
MACINSPIRES LARCHMONT - 1923 PALMER AVE - 914.630.7338 MACINSPIRES GREENWICH - 37 W PUTNAM AVE - 203.531.5720 A Dance Studio is the friendly place to dance!
We offer tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, lyrical, modern, competition team, percussive dance, and hip hop classes for preschool students to adults, beginners through advanced. We also have Music Together and fitness classes!
Visit us at www.adancestudio.com and view our fall schedule.
We would love to have you join our A Dance Studio family!
Call us at 914-834-2432 2094 Boston Post Rd Larchmont @adancestudiolarchmont 26
September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE
awesome on ice
we put
at Westchester Skating Academy & Playland Ice CLASSES BEGIN SEPT. 5 REGISTER NOW!
LEARN TO SKATE
• 30 minute weekly classes • Rental skates included • Excellent student/teacher ratio
The COOLEST Parties in Westchester!
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Skating, Food, Servers, | Private Party Room, & Paper Goods | Private Ice Times Available
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Available for ALL Ages & Abilities!
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914.347.8232
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Parties@skatewsa.com • skatewsa.com
Parties@playlandice.com • Playlandice.com
91 Fairview Park Dr. • Elmsford, NY
100 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY
Westchester Parent g 1/2 page ad: 7.3 x 4.7: Aug. 2017
tin s a r r leb yea usic e C + g m ies 30 akin mor m e of nd m a s Join u for a l Tria Free s Clas
Music • Movement • Friends • Puppets • Fun Songs • Learning • Instruments • Stories • Props
Ask Abou Spec t Needial s!
Experienced, Nurturing Teachers
Music, Movement & Friends
Fun-Filled Classes
Age-Specific Curriculum
Online Enrollment! Pleasantville | Rye | Scarsdale | White Plains | Bronxville | Dobbs Ferry | New Rochelle | North Castle
914-771-7000 • www.musicalmunchkins.com WestchesterParent 27
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE
DISCOVER Westchester’s Theatre for Children and Teens ct nt a t C o vi s i to ! us las s ac
• Mainstage • Theatre Lab • Dance • Design/Tech • Little Theatre • Special Programs • Private Lessons
Discover the joy of making music together with your family! Chappaqua · Scarsdale · Tarrytown slsbmusic.com · (914) 924-0995
Join A Musical Community Like No Other • Private & Group Lessons • Suzuki and Early Childhood Programs • All New Jazz, Rock & Pop Offerings
www.playgroup.org • 914-946-4433
Children’s Place OPEN ENROLLMENT
An extraordinary environment where children develop a lifelong passion for learning EXTENDED HOURS
• Music Therapy Programs • Scholarships for All Ages
NOW OPEN SUNDAYS!
REGISTER ANYTIME 914.761.3900 info@musiced.org musicconservatory.org 216 Central Ave. White Plains, NY 10606 28
September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Curriculum based on Pre-K Learning Standards with focuses on social skills, literacy, creativity and physical development ● Certified and experienced teaching staff ● Inclusive preschool with flexible full and halfday classes for children ages 3 to 5 Contact Maria Leitenberger, Principal, at: (914) 597-4055 or MLeitenberger@colemanschool.org Located at the John A. Coleman School 317 North Street ● White Plains www.colemanschool.org
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE
• All Dance • All Ages • All Levels Education Oriented and Technique Focused Staff of over 20 NYC Professionals New Tiny Tots Program for 2’s -4’s! Summer Performing Arts Camp Birthday Parties
Bring in this ad and receive
5% OFF tuition!
NEW STUDENTS ONLY
www.dancecavise.com
273 Halstead Avenue • Mamaroneck, NY 10543 • 914-381-5222
Green Chimneys School
Mention Westchester Parent when registering and receive 10% off your first lesson!
&=4Y!==Y=Y=F=G=X=!==I=H=W=V=Y=!==X=W=V=W=!== Private Music Lessons
Group & Ensemble Lessons Rock Band B2R Glee Club Early Childhood Classes Birthday Parties ...and more!
Bach to Rock Mamaroneck
130 Mamaroneck Ave BACHTOROCK.COM Mamaroneck 914.341.1457 a
877-227-8558 BachtoRock.com/Mamaroneck
greenchimneys.org
WestchesterParent 29
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE
Janetta Betz, Director Registering for Classes in Dance, Acting & Singing (toddlers to adults)
State-of-the-Art Dance Floor! Semester I begins Mon.Sept.11,2017
145 Palisade St. Suite 376 Dobbs Ferry, NY 914-231-9179 janettabetz@optimum.net danceandtheaterarts.com
WJC_ECC_NYMetroParent_v2.pdf
The Center of Our Jewish Lives
Westchester Jewish Center
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Learn Experience Grow Connect
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Weekly Classes for Children & Teens Saturday Drop In Class Birthday Parties
Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Tap & Hip-Hop Summer, Fall & Spring Programs Adaptive Dance
White Plains & Chappaqua Locations 914-328-1900; www.steffinossen.org
60 1957 - 2017
www.annandandychildcare.com • 914-592-3027 2170 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford
Saturday Sept. 9th 1 - 5pm
www.clayartcenter.org 914.937.2047
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FALL PROGRAM
Family Owned & Operated Since 1973 Experienced Teachers • Serving Children 2 months–14 years • Field Trips • Stimulating Environment • Flexible Schedules • Beautiful Campus Setting
OPEN HOUSE
40 Beech Street Port Chester, NY 10573
914-347-5990 • www.kidabilities.com 1 Skyline Drive • Suite 298 • Hawthorne, NY
Toddlers to pre-professional
Visit wjcenter.org or contact Sabrina Landau, ECC Director: 914-698-2767 • ecdir@wjcenter.org
Discover the ART of CLAY!
Mention this ad for a Complimentary Consultation
Young Movers Boys Class
A safe, nurturing, exciting preschool environment in which children develop a sense of belonging and a love of learning • Reggio-inspired nursery school program, ages 2-5 • Extended Day with Special Electives • Mommy & Me and Baby Group • Mini-Camps & Summer Day Camp • Shabbat & Holiday Experiences
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Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy SpeechTherapy
school of dance
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
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Sensory Integration(SI) NDT • PROMPT Listening Therapies Eating Therapy Sensory Diets
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September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Friends Memories Art
Visit Us at
NYMetroParents.com
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE
Introducing the Soundview Prep
FLEXIBLE SUPPORT CENTER
...where dance is an art form, not a competition!
Specializing in classes for children! Ballet Hip Hop Jazz Tap Contemporary Pointe Kindergarten Pre-K classes and more!
Classes begin September 11th Accepting Registration Now! 98 Lake Street, White Plains, NY 10604 / 914-328-1881 Artistic Director: Dina Giordano
Services Offered: • Writing Skills • Test Preparation • Note Taking • Test Taking • Organizational Skills • Time Management • Study Skills • Homework
Soundview Preparatory School
370 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 914 962-2780 • soundviewprep.org
Jewish Learning Experience
5
yrs. of Fun, Frien ds, & Fitness !
Grea t Pe rk s Fo r M em be rs
Soundview Prep School prides itself on offering a supportive and personalized educational experience for college bound students. To better meet the needs of students and their families, we are proud to offer the Soundview Prep Flexible Support Center.
Fo r K id s 9 mos to 12 yrs
It’s NOT Your Parents’ Hebrew School! Building Jewish identity through Jewish values. Nothing Else Even Comes Close! Gymnastics • Music • Playtime • Summer Camps School Break Camps • Ninja Challenge Jodi’s To Go • Best Birthdays Ever
www.jodisgym.com 25 Hubbels Dr. Mt. Kisco • 914.244.8811 244 E. 84th St. NYC • 212.772.7633
for all types of learners.
First Hebrew Congregation 1821 Main Street, Route 6
On the border of Cortlandt & Peekskill
Contact Rabbi Dana: 914-739-0500 rabbi@firsthebrew.org Visit www.firsthebrew.org
WestchesterParent 31
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE High Holiday Tickets
“Where Every Student is Special ”
You’re invited!
Available now!
Back to Shul Night! Get to know our welcoming and inclusive synagogue and Hebrew School.
Friday, September 8, at 7:30pm 219 Bedford Road, Pleasantville • (914) 769-2672 info@shalompcs.com • www.shalompcs.com
Nutcracker Audition: September 10th Receive a FREE pair of Ballet, Jazz or Tap shoes with each class registered and paid in full by September 17th.
OVER 200 CLASSES A WEEK!
CHILDREN’S ART CLASSES Painting & Sketching, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Fashion Design, Expressive Art, Toy Making, Mommy & Me, Sensory Art Play 914-723-9229 info@youngatartworkshop.com www.youngatartworkshop.com Scarsdale, NY
Enroll NOW!
We register children all year long! The Children’s Jewish Education Group offers Jewish cultural studies for grades K-7, with emphasis on tradition, history and holidays. A professional teaching staff is supported by a parent co-op. Bar/Bat Mitzvah lessons available. Interfaith families welcome. Classes held Sunday mornings at Purchase College.
Call now to plan a Visit
914-200-1520 or visit our website www.cjeg.org
Children's Swimming Progam Learn to Swim (Levels 1-6) Parent & Child Lessons (6 mos. & up) Adult Lessons (All Levels) Springboard Diving Private Lessons Snorkeling Classes Discover SCUBA Classes SCUBA Certification Lifeguarding Certification
Upcoming Sessions Fall 1: 9/9 - 10/22/17 (No class 9/30 & 10/1)
Fall 2: 10/25 -12/13/17 (No class 11/22 -11/29)
Winter 3: 1/28-3/10/18 (No break in February)
Spring 4: 3/11-5/6/18
(No class 3/31 - 4/8 Spring Break)
All of our instructors are American Red Cross-trained Water Safety Instructors For more information contact: Christine Klint christine.klint@purchase.edu | 914-251-5939 www.purchaseaquatics.weebly.com 32
September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Mandarin Discovery Preschool An immersive, Mandarin language program
Offering More Programs Starting in October! • Preschool Classes: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday • Thursday: Mommy & Me Class • Saturday Afternoon: Chinese Culture Class for Grades 1-5
Classes held in White Plains MandarinDiscov.org • 914-351-6788
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE
300 East Putnam Avenue • Greenwich • Connecticut
SCIENCE | TECHNOLOGY | ENGINEERING | ARTS | MATHEMATICS
Moving Full STEAM Ahead This Fall! To schedule a personal tour contact: David Cohen, Nursery School Director, 203-622-8121, david.cohen@templesholom.com
LET YOUR CHILD ACT OUT!!! in cooperation with The City of Stamford
Dance Studio
At Sterling Farms 1349 Newfield Avenue Stamford, CT 06905
Theatre arts classes for young and old, including full-day vacation programs for ages six thru sixteen! Fall classes begin September 25, 2017!
203-329-8207 x16 www.curtaincallinc.com
NEW FLEXIBLE HOURS!
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION Aug. 26th from 4-6pm Light refreshments • Short performance DJ and great raffle prizes
Birthday parties and special events.
• Preschool Ballet • Tap • Salsa • Ballet • Zumba • Jazz • Contemporary • Hip Hop
Jete Dance Studio 114 Pearl St. Suite 1B, Port Chester • 914-305-3331 Jetedancestudio.com • info@jetedancestudio.com Your director: Stephanie Knox Registration fee waived when you mention Westchester Parent.
French, Spanish & Other Languages For Children Ages 6 Months & Up! We can bring Linguakids to your Elementary School or Nursery – Ask us how!
LARCHMONT Studio NEW
COME PLAY& LEARN WITH US!
2005 Palmer Ave. Fall 2017 September 11 - January 29 Spring 2018 February 5 - June 18 (914) 525-0328
Register now for 1s, 2s, 3s, and 4s!
michele@linguakids.com
bethelnurseryschool.org ~ (914) 235-2700, x250
www.facebook.com/linguakids
www.linguakids.com
WestchesterParent 33
OUTINGS: Roosevelt Island
nymetroparents.com/outings
Get Away Without Leaving NYC Explore historical sites, view art, and take a 4-minute tram to explore the island between Manhattan and Queens. ›› 2 Vanessa Petit
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1 Double rows of trees narrow and frame the triangular courtyard of The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park. 2 The Roosevelt Island Tramway takes visitors from Midtown Manhattan to Roosevelt Island in 4 minutes. 3 The Octagon Gallery serves as a lobby and art gallery inside a luxury apartment building; it originally greeted people entering the New York City Lunatic Asylum. 4 The Lighthouse was designated a New York City landmark in 1975. 5 The Fall for Arts Festival brings together artists and community members to paint large murals.
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oosevelt Island, the 2-mile-long strip of land between Manhattan and Queens, makes for a great family day trip. Governor Nelson Rockefeller and Mayor John Lindsay named the island in 1973 in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Families can walk or bike along both sides of the island or take the Red Bus, free transportation around the island, up and down the middle of the island on Main Street to explore its numerous parks, take in amazing city views, and learn about historical sites.
Where Else Can You Ride a Tram in the City?
The kids will love taking the 4-minute tram ride to this storied island. With one swipe of a Metrocard at East 59th Street and Second Avenue (including a free transfer to the subway or MTA buses) the Roosevelt Island Tramway climbs to 250 feet above the East River and travels along the north side of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge (expect brief wait times due to maintenance work on both sides of the tram through the winter). The F train has a stop at Roosevelt Island as well, and starting Aug. 29 visitors can reach the island via the NYC Ferry on the Astoria Line. At the Roosevelt Island Visitor Center you can buy souvenirs, historical books about the island, and maps. 34
September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
See a Lighthouse and Enjoy Its Park
Completed in 1872 under supervising architect James Renwick Jr., the Lighthouse was built of stone quarried on the island by convict labor from the Penitentiary. It stands 50 feet tall on the northernmost point of the island and is surrounded by the East River. The Lighthouse was designated a New York City landmark in 1975, and its park includes grills and tables perfect for a picnic.
An Art Gallery With a Storied Past
South of the Lighthouse is the Octagon, first built in 1839, which originally served as the administrative center and main entrance to the New York City Lunatic Asylum—both Charles Dickens and Nellie Bly wrote about its stark conditions. After serving as a hospital and then being abandoned, the Octagon Gallery reopened in 2006 as the lobby entrance of a 500-unit residential luxury apartment building and home to a rotating art exhibit curated by the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association. Now residents and visitors can enter the building’s original rotunda, framed by a spiral staircase, to experience the RIVAA exhibits.
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, on the southernmost tip of the island, opened in 2012. It spans 4
Courtesy Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation
By Vanessa Petit
Allied Call Us First-August Ad_Allied Call Us First-August Ad 8/6/15 1:04 PM
acres and celebrates the four freedoms that President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke of in his 1941 State of the Union speech: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Double rows of trees narrow and frame the triangular courtyard, which contains a bust of FDR, sculpted in 1933 by Jo Davidson. The Four Freedoms Park Conservancy offers free public guided tours on the weekends, weather permitting, and events AprilOctober, including yoga in the park and playgroups for toddlers.
Family-Friendly Roosevelt Island Activities
Roosevelt Island’s diverse community is family-friendly and hosts many events. The Fall for Arts Festival on Sept. 23 brings together local and off-island artists to paint large murals tied to a central theme. Kid-friendly activities include art workshops, community mural panels to paint, and live music. Enjoy outdoor movies in the summer, a family Halloween Parade Oct. 28, and a year-round farmers’ market under the Roosevelt Island Bridge every Saturday.
Want to Go?
Address: 591 Main St., Roosevelt Island Directions: Approximately a 1-hour, 5-minute drive from White Plains Hours: The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park is open April 1-Sept. 30, Wednesday-Monday, 9am-7pm, and Oct. 1-March 31, Wednesday-Monday, 9am-5pm Admission: FREE For more information: rioc.ny.gov
Herpes Your Baby Call Your and Pediatrician First
Urgent Care is Not Always Many of you havethe seen or heard about the recent death of an Best Care! 18 day old baby girl following infection with Herpes Simplex
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pediatrician has your child’s complete • Your Fever Allied (100.4 or greater – rectally) • Poor feeding • Irritability history, including allergies, • medical Itching and/or burning around the mouth ormedications, lips (Does your child away andand beginconsults crying during breastfeeding, or when pastpull illnesses from specialists. the lips or mouth come in contact with an object, or when you This information paints a picture of your child touch them?) • Floppiness (of the body) • Redness of the gums allows us lymph to provide bestsores care.(on, inside or • that Swollen, tender glandsthe • Cold around the lips and/or mouth; may also occur on the face)
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Turn the page for details on Dig! Plant! Grow! The Three Sisters (No. 6 on our list).
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nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar EDITOR: JAMIE MCGILLIAN calendared@davlermedia.com
SEPTEMBER CALENDAR
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Editor’s Hot Tickets
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We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Must-Sees in NYC
Crafty Kids, Little Foodies
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Animal Lovers, The Great Outdoors
Show Time!, Smarty Pants
EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the seven 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!
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Flamenco in the Courtyard
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 6, 11am WHERE: Caramoor, 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Experience the characteristic dance and song of Spain, bursting with passion, color, and rhythm. This series includes a 45-minute performance in the Spanish Courtyard, followed by a tour of the historic Mediterranean-style Rosen House, a buffet lunch inspired by Spanish cuisine, and a self-guided garden stroll. WHY WE LOVE IT: This is so beautiful to watch and will leave a lasting impression. WANT TO GO? $25. 914-232-5035. caramoor.org.
‘Annie’
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WHEN: Through Sept. 10: Wednesday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Westchester Broadway Theater, 1 Broadway Plaza, Elmsford AGES: All WHAT: Annie is a spunky, Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. In this funfilled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil plots, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and finds a new family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks. WHY WE LOVE IT: Every young child adores this classic! WANT TO GO? $50 show only. 914-592-2222. broadwaytheatre.com.
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Grandparents Day
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 10, 1pm WHERE: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: Come and celebrate grandparents at the Nature Center. Meet some animal families and make a family craft to take home with you. WHY WE LOVE IT: Here’s a simple, but meaningful way to celebrate the grandparents. WANT TO GO? $8. 914-813-1831. greenburghnaturecenter.org.
‘Sense & Sensibility’
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WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23, 8pm WHERE: Hankin Academic Arts Theater, Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla AGES: All WHAT: This live theatrical production, based on Jane Austen’s popular novel, portrays the plight of women caught up in a male-dominated world. WHY WE LOVE IT: This is something you don’t see every day, and your child will love it! WANT TO GO? $24; $18 children. 914-606-6262. aquilatheatre.com.
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September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
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5
‘Shopkins Live’
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 26, 3:30pm WHERE: Tarrytown Music Hall, 130 Main St., Tarrytown AGES: All WHAT: Join Jessicake, Bubbleisha, Peppa-Mint, Rainbow Kate, Cocolette, and Polli Polish as they perform the coolest dance moves, sing the latest pop songs, and show off the trendiest fashions. WHY WE LOVE IT: Three cheers for Shopkins! WANT TO GO? $29.50 and up. 877-840-0457. tarrytownmusichall.org.
Dig! Plant! Grow! The Three Sisters
WHEN: Sept. 13-Oct. 4, Wednesdays and Saturday-Sunday, 1:30-5:30pm WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: For hundreds of years, the Three Sisters—corn, squash, and beans—have been favorite crops to grow together. Learn more about the life of Lenape who grew them and make your own corn husk doll to take home. WHY WE LOVE IT: Help your child develop an interest in growing her own food. WANT TO GO? Weekdays: $23; $10 children; weekends: $28; $12 children. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.
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‘Annie Get Your Gun’
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WHEN: Sept. 14-Nov. 26, Wednesday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Westchester Broadway Theater, 1 Broadway Plaza, Elmsford AGES: All WHAT: Frank Butler is the sharpest sharpshooter around and the heartthrob of Buffalo Bill’s traveling Wild West show. He’ll take on any challenge and win, until he meets his match: the rough and ready tomboy sharpshooter Annie Oakley. WHY WE LOVE IT: Fun for the whole family and great music, too! WANT TO GO? $50 show only. 914-592-2222. broadwaytheatre.com.
WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE
CityBound Must-Sees in
N Y C Courtesy Summer on the Hudson
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. Back to School Bingo FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 6, 4pm WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 19 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Get back in the school mood with this themed game. WANT TO GO? 914-238-4779. chappaqualibrary.org.
Songs for Seeds FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9, 3pm WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 19 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy live music, dancing, and singing for children with a caregiver. WANT TO GO? 914-238-4779. chappaqualibrary.org.
Experience fair fun without leaving the city.
Holiday Services FREE
A Little Bit Country
38th Annual Wheelchair Games FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23, 9am-2:30pm WHERE: Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, 785 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains AGES: All WHAT: Fun for the whole family, including games, musical entertainment, silent auctions, and chance raffles. Track events are at 1:30pm. WANT TO GO? 914-215-1777. rehab.burke.org.
Fill your Sunday afternoon with county fair fun in a city setting. Summer on the Hudson’s West Side County Fair promises carnival rides and games, sideshow performers, local food and merchandise vendors, cotton candy, and more. See aerialists from the House Of Yes, laugh with host Ambrose Martos, and listen to live music from Mariti Garrett and Bette Smith, among others. Plus, you can bring clean, reusable items such as clothing, housewares, games, books, and toys that you no longer use and take home something that’s new to your family for free at the Stop ‘N’ Swap with GrowNYC. Sept. 10, 1-6pm (rain date: Sept. 17). Age: All. FREE. Pier I in Riverside Park South, West 70th Street, Riverside Park South. nycgovparks.org. Meg Banks
WHEN: Sept. 21-22, Thursday-Friday, 10:30am WHERE: Chabad of the Rivertowns, 303 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry AGES: All WHAT: Warm, friendly, and spirited holiday services include Shofar blowing and a special children’s entertainer. WANT TO GO? 914-693-6100. chabadrt.org.
Fall Carnival FREE
WHEN: Sept. 27-Oct. 1, Wednesday-Friday, 4-10pm; Saturday, 12-11pm; Sunday, 2-10pm WHERE: Sts. Peter & Paul and St. Ursula Church, 129 Birch St., Mount Vernon AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Featuring carnival rides, games and attractions, merchandise vendors, and plenty of food. WANT TO GO? 914-668-9815. stspeterpaulandstursula.org. ››
Pet a horse and have some fun at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show’s free family day.
Horsin’ Around Calling all equestrian fans! The Fourth Annual Rolex Central Park Horse Show will feature five days of diverse programming and daily exhibitions of different breeds and disciplines, concluding with a free family day packed with kid-friendly programming. Participate in hands-on interactions with horses, try your hand at hobby horsing (a competitive sport for children that involves a toy stick with a model horse head), and check out the first-ever dog agility class at Wollman Rink. Sept. 24, 12-3pm. Age: All. FREE. Wollman Rink, 830 Fifth Ave., Central Park. centralparkhorseshow.com. WestchesterParent 39
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Family Garden Walk
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 3, 12pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Visit family-friendly locations in the garden as you walk with a Wave Hill guide. WANT TO GO? $8; $4 children. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.
Family Nature Walk
ANIMAL LOVERS
Wolves of North America
WHEN: Sept. 2-3, Saturday, 11am; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Visit the wolves and learn why this is a special time for packs in North America. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 for children younger than 12. 914-763-2373. nywolf.org.
Feeding Fun
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 3, 1pm WHERE: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: Come be a part of the excitement as the animals are fed. WANT TO GO? $8. 914-725-6599. greenburghnaturecenter.org.
Wolves of North America on Labor Day
WHEN: Monday, Sept. 4, 11am WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: What better day than Labor Day to explore the wolves? Learn about their mythology, biology, and ecology. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 for children younger than 12. 914-763-2373. nywolf.org.
Full Moon Wolf Walk
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 5, 7pm WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the September full moon with the Wolf Conservation Center’s moon-loving wolves. While keeping cozy, guests will enjoy sweet treats and lots of howls. Bring your flashlight. WANT TO GO? $20. 914-763-2373. nywolf.org.
Pack Chat for Kids
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 10, 11am WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Guests will visit the wolves. This is the best introduction to wolves for families with young children. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 for children younger than 12. 914-763-2373. nywolf.org.
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September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 10, 12pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Join a naturalist on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands. WANT TO GO? $8; $4 children. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.
Get Outta Town
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 24, 1pm WHERE: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: It’s the perfect time of year to catch birds during their migration. Join a naturalist and walk the trails and see who’s visiting the Nature Center on their migration south for the winter. WANT TO GO? $7; $6 children. 914-725-6599. greenburghnaturecenter.org.
Getting Grounded FREE
WHEN: Sept. 1-29, Wednesday-Sunday, 1-1:45pm WHERE: Stone Barns, 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Tour the field and engage in a conversation about farming. Learn why soil is key and what being a food citizen is all about. WANT TO GO? 914-366-6200. stonebarnscenter.org.
Insider’s Tour
WHEN: Through Oct. 7: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Stone Barns, 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Enjoy a behind-the-scenes view of the farm. As you stroll through the pastures, learn about farm innovation and how to build a healthy and sustainable food system. WANT TO GO? $20. 914-366-6200. story.stonebarnscenter.org.
Get Fresh Yonkers Farmers Market
WHEN: Through Oct. 27: Fridays, 12-5pm WHERE: Philipse Manor Hall, 29 Warburton Ave., Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: A weekly teen-run market in downtown Yonkers features organic produce from community gardens and partnering farms in the Hudson Valley, as well as local baked goods, honey, and jams. Attracts approximately 300 visitors each week. WANT TO GO? Prices vary. 914-375-2151. groundworkhv.org.
Family Farm Tour
WHEN: Through Nov. 17: Saturday-Sunday, 11:15am-12pm WHERE: Stone Barns, 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills AGES: All WHAT: On this family-friendly tour, explore the farm and some of the seasonal highlights. Then walk around the farm to have a look at the animals and the vegetable gardens. WANT TO GO? $10. 914-366-6200. story.stonebarnscenter.org.
Meet the Farmers, Greet the Season
WHEN: Through Nov. 19: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm WHERE: Stone Barns, 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills AGES: All WHAT: Participate in hands-on activities, and drop-in tours. WANT TO GO? $20; $10 children. 914-366-6200. story.stonebarnscenter.org.
CRAFTY KIDS Borderless Plants and Kavad Boxes
WHEN: Sept. 9-10, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: An artist shares her storytelling and bookmaking techniques. Then, create colored folding boxes that were used in traditional Indian culture to house stories. WANT TO GO? $8; $4 children. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.
Dotted Ladybug Backpack Parade
WHEN: Sept. 16-17, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the beloved beetle by making your own ladybug backpack. WANT TO GO? $8; $4 children. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.
Ladybug Meet-and-Greet
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 17, 10am-4pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn about these colorful creatures and meet a few live ladybugs. WANT TO GO? $8; $4 children. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.
Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst
WHEN: Sept. 15-17, Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Lyndhurst Estate, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown AGES: All WHAT: Featuring 300 modern American artists, designers, and crafts-
people, it is Westchester County’s most beloved arts event and favorite shopping experience at one of its most popular landmarks. WANT TO GO? $12; $11 seniors; $4 children ages 6-16; free for children younger than 6. 845-331-7900. artrider.com.
Mapping the Bronx Green
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 30, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Using recycled maps and printmaking, create individual collages or join in a collaborative map installation highlighting Bronx green spaces. WANT TO GO? $8; $4 children. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.
Geometric Figurative Works: Art Exhibit
WHEN: Through April 14, 2018: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Karl Szilagi creates visual puzzles that use black and white geometric patterns to create figurative images. His art explores how we perceive patterns as both flat and three-dimensional at the same time. WANT TO GO? $16; $13 seniors and children ages 2-17. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.
LITTLE FOODIES
Honey Harvest Party
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 17, 2pm WHERE: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: Come learn all about honey and enjoy a taste of the sweet stuff. WANT TO GO? $7; $6 children. 914-725-6599. greenburghnaturecenter.org.
Cooking 4 Kids FREE
WHEN: Sept. 12-26, Tuesdays, 2pm WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 19 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Hands-on cooking lessons for children with an adult. WANT TO GO? 914-238-4779. chappaqualibrary.org.
Herb Fair FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 28, 11am-2pm WHERE: John Jay Homestead, 400 Route 22, Katonah AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy plant and craft demonstrations, food, and herb-related merchandise. Lunch is available, as well as the traditional lovage soup. WANT TO GO? 914-631-1000. johnjayhomestead.org. ›› WestchesterParent 41
Robert Klein
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 16, 8-10pm WHERE: Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill AGES: All WHAT: Robert Klein has entertained audiences for more than 40 years, and continues to have an acclaimed career. WANT TO GO? $35-$45. 914-739-0039. paramounthudsonvalley.com.
Wassa Pan Afrika Dance Ensemble’s Yedee Ba
SHOW TIME! The Drifters
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 16, 8pm WHERE: Hankin Academic Arts Theater, Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla AGES: All WHAT: This electrifying ensemble takes audiences on a journey through the diverse traditional African heritage by fusing dance, music, stories, and songs. Colorful costuming, elaborate choreography, and pulsating live drumming will have audience members dancing in the aisles. WANT TO GO? $24; $18 for children younger than 13. 914-606-6262. sunywcc.edu.
In Plain Site: Trisha Brown Dance Company FREE
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 8, 8-10pm WHERE: Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill AGES: All WHAT: The Drifters, one of Rock & Roll’s founding vocal groups, is once again touring. From its inception in the early 1950s, The Drifters embarked on a historical journey that included no less than five legendary lead singers, including Clyde McPhater and Ben E. King. WANT TO GO? $36.50 and up. 914-739-0039. paramounthudsonvalley.com.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 16, 3pm and 5:30pm WHERE: Untermyer Park and Gardens, 945 N. Broadway, Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: Specially chosen pieces from Brown’s repertory will be restaged and performed at various locations. The audience will move through the garden to follow the dancers. WANT TO GO? 914-337-1500. riverarts.org.
Andrew Tyson
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23, 2pm WHERE: White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place, White Plains AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Come see this sketch comedy musical based on stories written by kids from around the country, including a segment that’s entirely improvised with suggestions from kids in the audience. WANT TO GO? $23; $19 for children 12 and younger. 914-328-1600. wppac.com.
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 13, 11am WHERE: Caramoor, 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah AGES: 9 and older WHAT: A 45-minute performance by pianist Andrew Tyson in the Music Room, followed by a tour of the historic Mediterranean-style Rosen House, an optional buffet lunch, and freedom to explore the gardens. WANT TO GO? $25. 914-232-5035. caramoor.org.
Story Pirates
Caramoor at the Katonah Museum of Art
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 13, 6pm WHERE: Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah AGES: All WHAT: Caramoor and KMA extend their summer of music into September, co-presenting alto saxophonist Eddie Barbash and his American roots band as a precursor to the museum’s fall exhibition Object Out Loud. WANT TO GO? $20. 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org.
Don McLean
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 15, 8-10pm WHERE: Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill AGES: All WHAT: Don McLean is one of America’s most enduring singersongwriters and forever associated with his classic hits “American Pie,” “Vincent,” “Castles in the Air,” “And I Love You So,” and “Crying.” WANT TO GO? $55 and up. 914-739-0039. paramounthudsonvalley.com.
Pablo Mayor Sextet
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 15, 8pm WHERE: ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains AGES: All WHAT: Versatile Colombian pianist and composer Pablo Mayor blends an exciting mix of traditional and contemporary South American musical styles into the jazz idiom with a core group from his acclaimed orchestra, Folklore Urbano. This concert is part of Jazz Fest 2017. WANT TO GO? $20. 914-428-4220. artsw.org/jazzfest. 42
September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
SMARTY PANTS Barbara Dee Author Visit FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 14, 4pm WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 19 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Celebrate the author’s new releases for kids in fourth grade and older. WANT TO GO? 914-238-4779. chappaqualibrary.org.
All Together Now Storytime FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 16, 11pm WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 19 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Special guest Helen Jansen brings stories from Australia. WANT TO GO? 914-238-4779. chappaqualibrary.org.
Local Author Festival FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 24, 12-4pm WHERE: Barnes & Noble, Vernon Hills Shopping Center, 680 Post Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: A selection of local authors come to the store to sign books, engage in conversation, and read aloud. There will be games and prizes for children. WANT TO GO? 914-472-0689. barnesandnoble.com.
Exciting New Birthday & Event Packages
Story Theater Workshop FREE
WHEN: Sept. 13-27, Wednesdays, 4pm WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 19 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Children can bring stories to life with dramatic play. WANT TO GO? 914-238-4779. chappaqualibrary.org.
FREE party upgrade!
Add an EXTRA activity to your party for FREE! Call for exact details. Restrictions apply. Must present this ad. Exp. 9/30/17
Are You Smarter Than a Squirrel? FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 28, 4pm WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 19 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Squirrely stories, squirrely activities, and squirrely snacks. WANT TO GO? 914-238-4779. chappaqualibrary.org.
50,000 Square Feet of PURE FUN! LASER TAG • 4D Motion Theatre • 200 Video & Prize Games • 30 Foot Rock Wall Himalaya Soft Adventure Zone for Little Tykes Bumper Cars • Pool Tables • Air Hockey Batting Cages • Restaurant
‘Habitat Earth’
WHEN: Sept. 2-30, Saturday-Sunday, 3:30pm WHERE: Hudson River Museum and Planetarium, 511 Warburtone Ave., Yonkers AGES: 9 and older WHAT: From colonies of tiny microbes to massive whales and humans, Habitat Earth shows what it means to live in a world connected by vastly different forms of life. WANT TO GO? $6; $3 children. 914-963-4500. hrm.org.
What in the World is a Herbarium?
WHEN: Through Oct. 31: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm WHERE: NY Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: This special exhibition in Ross Gallery celebrates the Steere Herbarium as the centerpiece of the garden’s botanical research program, and a priceless resource for scholars from around the world. Through this exhibition, learn some of the many ways that garden scientists are working to study and save the plants of the world. WANT TO GO? Weekdays: $20; $8 children ages 2-12; weekends: $25; $10 children ages 2-12. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.
Can You Handle The Thrilling Excitement?
Thrilling SUPER FLY ride
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
Ask about our private parties, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs & Sweet Sixteens 380 North Saw Mill Road, Elmsford
914-592-2111 www.sportimeusa.com Like Us & Receive Special Promotions
Second Saturdays
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9, 9:30-11:30am WHERE: Boscobel House, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Explore the past through hands-on chores, games, and crafts. Take a flashlight tour of the mansion and plant your own mini herb garden. WANT TO GO? $45 for a family of four; $8 per additional person. 845265-3638. boscobel.org.
American Dream Collection: Works by Lynn Mara
WHEN: Sept. 25-Dec. 31, Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Park, Rye AGES: All WHAT: Drawing inspiration from the beauty of her natural surroundings and the wide spectrum of American iconography, artist Lynn Mara captures the vibrancy of the American spirit through her paintings. WANT TO GO? $7. 914-421-5050. discoverwcm.org. Introducing our new Little School Pre-K Academy, a transitional 4’s program for families wanting the “gift of time”
Coming up next month: OCT. 14: 21st Annual Sleepy Hollow Street Fair along Beekman Avenue, Sleepy Hollow OCT. 14: Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival at Robert Bell Middle School, Chappaqua OCT. 22: Alice in Wonderland at Westchester Community College Academic Arts Theatre, Valhalla
WestchesterParent 43
WHERE-TO GUIDE
nymetroparents.com/where-to
Pick Your Own Apples
››
Research by Amanda Marrone and Jaime Bonchick
Bite into crunchy, juicy, just-picked apples this month! A day trip to a local orchard yields fresh fruit to take home by the bucket, sweet pastries and baked goods (apple cider doughnuts, please!), and lots of kid-friendly perks, from hayrides to petting zoos. Grown-ups: Some farms even serve up hard cider and homemade wines! Note: Dates are projected and availability is subject to change. We recommend calling ahead before visiting these locations.
Harvest Moon Farm and Orchards 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-485-1210 harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com Apple picking begins in early September after Labor Day (call for availability). Fresh pies, doughnuts, produce, and local honey, local dairy products, and maple syrup for sale, as well as New York state wines and spirits and the farm’s own hard cider. Open daily, 8am-6pm. Outhouse Orchards 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-277-3188 outhouseorchardsny.com Apple picking Sept. 1-Nov. 1, daily, 9am-5pm while supplies last. Fresh cider for sale, hayrides, 44
and corn maze on-site, and a pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights 914-245-5111; wilkensfarm.com Apple picking through midOctober, daily, 10am-4:30pm. Farm market with apple cider, baked goods, pre-picked produce, and gifts.
Ulster County Dressel Farms 271 State Route 208, New Paltz 845-255-0693; dresselfarms.com U-pick apples (15 varieties) in September and October, weekends only, 10am-4:30pm. Small trees for kids. Homemade apple cider and doughnuts for sale. Ice cream stand on-site. Hayrides, picnic tables, and animals to feed. Farmers’ market
September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
open weekdays, 9am-6pm. Cash or check only; ATM on-site. You can use credit cards at the farm stand. Hurds Family Farm 2185 State Route 32, Modena 845-883-7825; hurdsfamilyfarm.com Pick your own apples from August through early November with more than 20 varieties at the 400-acre farm. Apple cider doughnuts, hot and cold apple cider, applesauce, apple butter, and jams and preserves available for purchase. Visit the café for savory and sweet foods, all made with apples. Open daily, 9am-5pm. Jenkins-Lueken Orchards Route 299 W. and Yankee Folly Road, New Paltz 845-255-0999; jlorchards.com Apple picking Labor Day
weekend through October, daily 9am-6pm and until 7pm on weekends. Gourds, fresh peanut butter, fresh cider, and hard cider also available. Bakery, corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkin picking on-site (in October). Minard Farms 250 Hurds Road, Clintondale 866-632-7753; minardfamilyfarms.com Apple picking through October, weekends, 9am-6pm. Farm market with apple cider, doughnuts, homemade pies, jams, and jellies. Hayrides, farm tours, and picnicking available. Restrooms on-site. Plus haymaze, apple slingshot, and pumpkin picking available. Prospect Hill Orchards 73 Clarks Lane, Milton 845-795-2383
prospecthillorchards.com Apples are available for picking starting in late September. U-pick pears, Asian pears, and pumpkins also available. Low-hanging branches for small children. Two free family festivals: Kids’ Days (Sept. 30-Oct. 1) and Johnny Appleseed Cider Festival (Oct. 15-16) with make-your-own scarecrows, gourd crafts, cider pressing, hayrides, corn maze, and face painting. Tractorpulled hayrides stop at the cider-pressing tent, pumpkin patches, picnic area, and market. Parking available. Tantillo’s Farm Market 730 State Route 208, Gardiner 845-256-9109 tantillosfarm.com Through October, daily, 9am4:30pm for picking. Farm stand and bakery open daily, 9am-6pm. Soft-serve ice cream bar open 11am-10pm on weekends and until 9pm Monday-Thursday.
Wilklow Orchards 341 Pancake Hollow Road, Highland 845-691-2339 wilkloworchards.com Labor Day through Halloween, daily, 9am-6pm. Roadside stand with homemade cider, baked goods, jams, jellies, and apple cider doughnuts. Hayrides, picnicking, pumpkin picking, and farm animals on-site. Wright’s Farm 699 State Highway 208, Gardiner 845-255-5300; eatapples.com September and October, daily, 8am-4:30pm. Pets allowed. Picnic areas and a fruit stand on-site with baked goods and flowers. Farm store open Monday-Thursday, 8am-7pm, and Friday-Saturday, 8am-8pm.
Rockland County Dr. Davies Farm 306 Route 304, Congers 845-268-7020; drdaviesfarm.com Labor Day through mid-Novem-
ber, open daily, 10am-4:30pm, for pick-your-own. Hayrides offered weekends 11am-5pm. Farm market open daily, 8:30am5:30pm. Picnic fields on-site. Cash and checks only. Orchards of Concklin 2 S. Mountain Road (off Route 45), Pomona 845-354-0369 theorchardsofconcklin.com Open the last two Sundays in September and the first two Sundays in October, 10am-5pm. Picking poles available; $5 refundable deposit and $2 rental fee. Farm store with baked goods, apple cider, and doughnuts open 8am-6pm. Pick-your-own group tours available by appointment.
CONNECTICUT Fairfield County Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard, LLC 278 Leavenworth Road (Route
Silverman’s Farm 451 Sport Hill Road, Easton 203-261-3306 silvermansfarm.com Apple picking mid-August through mid-October, daily, 9:30am-4:30pm. Peaches available through midSeptember and pumpkins available mid-September to October. Animal petting park, farm market, greenhouse, and tractor rides through October.
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110), Shelton 203-926-1098 beardsleyscidermill.com Farm opens in September; check website for exact opening date. Apple picking September through October, weekends, 10am-5pm. Cash or check only. Dwarf apple trees for easy picking. Cider press on location. Farm store with apple cider and doughnuts, maple syrup, local honey, pumpkin cheesecake, fruit butter, jams, and jellies.
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FOOD & NUTRITION
10 Tips to Master Meal Planning ››
Spend the time once a week to create a menu, and you’ll save time, money, and stress when it comes to cooking dinner. By Katelin Walling
O
nce a week when I was growing up, my parents would have my brothers and me go through our cookbooks and cooking magazines to each pick out one meal we wanted to try and write down the ingredients we needed to buy at the grocery store for that recipe. We also had to check to see what we had in the cupboards already to avoid purchasing ingredients we had on hand. Now that I’m older and living on my own, I do the same, except I have to plan a meal for every day. So on Sunday mornings, I comb through my cookbooks, recipes torn out of magazines, and my favorite cooking blogs, and plan what I’m going to eat for the week. Why? Meal planning saves me time and money, and it can for you, too. Plus, it will save you a lot of stress, says Ruthy Kirwan, creator of PercolateKitchen.com. “Speaking to other parents who were in my position where they’re tired and they’re stressed, and they’re coming home from a long day, the kitchen and cooking and figuring out what to make for dinner is the last thing they want to do at the end of a long day,” she says. “But if you sit down for maybe five to ten minutes at the start of the week, and you look at how your schedule is, figure out what’s in your kitchen already, and then work that into a plan…[it] can save you a ton of time and stress throughout the next seven days.” Meal planning is a money-saver because “you’re not going to end up ordering in as much or doing takeout or going to whatever the closest store is that may not have the items [you need] on sale,” says Jessica Levinson, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N. It also cuts down on food waste, Levinson adds, whether it’s picking two meals that include fresh parsley so you’re not throwing any away (or composting it) or enjoying leftovers for lunch the next day. Levinson also notes that meal planning helps to ensure you have healthy, balanced meals on the table each night, and that you have all the ingredients in the house to make those balanced meals. 46
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My parents got me and my brothers involved with the mealplanning process as kids—we each had to choose a recipe for the week, and more ofte n than not, I helped ma ke it. Here, my dad and I are making his fam ous biscuits, a recipe I still make today.
I’ve been a practicing meal-planner for almost 20 years and consider myself to be a bit of an expert. Keep these tips in mind when starting out, and you, too, will be an expert in no time.
Tips for Successful Meal Planning
Don’t bite off more than you can chew (pun intended!). Both Levinson and Kirwan recommend starting out by planning meals for two to three days and doing what you typically do (order takeout, cook a frozen pizza, eat leftovers) for the rest of the week. “This way you’re not overdoing it and setting yourself up for something that you can’t stick to,” Levinson says. Once you have those few days down, you can add more and eventually plan out meals for the whole week. In fact, Levinson suggests planning a night of leftovers. “If it’s a family favorite, your kids won’t be upset that they’re having baked ziti two nights in a row because some kids would have that every night if they could,” she adds. Have your schedule for the week handy. Do you have to work late one night, do the kids have after-school activities that will run close to dinnertime, is it date night for you and your partner? These are all things to take into consideration when planning meals for the week. “Be realistic about your abilities and the amount of time you have to cook, and when in doubt, don’t worry about eating leftovers or a frozen pizza,” Kirwan says. Stockpile recipes. Levinson suggests creating a board on Pinterest to pin easy, quick weeknight meals so you have a go-to database of recipes. “Same with any cookbooks you have or recipes you pull out from magazines,” she says. “This way you’re not always having to come up with something new, but you have at your fingertips a group of resources to pull recipes from.”
Chain your meals, as Kirwan says. This is essentially building one meal off of another. For example, if you make chicken enchiladas for dinner one night, cook extra chicken to use in your Alfredo dish for the next night. This way, part of your dinner is already prepped and you save time. “People think it needs to be a brandnew item every evening, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be. In fact, if it is a brand-new item every evening, then it sets you up for failure from the get-go,” Kirwan says. Keep your picky eaters in mind, but don’t make yourself crazy. Meal planning helps cut your time in the kitchen, so planning separate meals for your picky eaters is counterintuitive. Kirwan says she makes sure to have at least one thing her 3-year-old daughter enjoys and will eat on the menu, as well as something new. “She doesn’t have to eat [the new food], but she gets comfortable seeing that it’s there,” she says. And if your child only eats that one familiar thing, that’s okay, Levinson says. “Look at the week in full, and assuming that you have enough meals during the week that your kids do eat more of, if there’s one or two nights during the week that they’re not eating as much, it’s okay because it balances out,” she says. Write it down. While you may be the type of person who prefers mental notes, writing out your meal plan will help it stick with you whether it’s on a special meal planning chart, a simple calendar, or a chalk- or dry-erase board. Plus, your kids (and partner) can look at it and see what’s for dinner rather than bugging you about it (and maybe take initiative to start cooking!). Get the kids involved. Older kids, tweens, and teens can help pick out recipes to set up the weekly meal plan. “Let’s say it’s a family with three kids, so you could say, [Monday] is going to be Joe’s choice, and Tuesday night is James, and Wednesday night is the third child. Everybody can pick what they want as the meal for a night during the week,” Levinson says. A way to get younger kids involved is to let them pick an item from the produce aisle they want to try and integrating it in a meal that’s already planned. “I usually recommend planning your menu and then basing your grocery list on the menu,” Levinson says. But if you take your kids grocery shopping, “I’m a big fan of saying, pick something from the produce aisle that you want to try, and they’ll pull something from the produce aisle,” which then needs to be integrated into one of the planned meals, she adds. Don’t forget to get the kids to help you do the cooking. Kirwan says her daughter is obsessed with pizza, so Kirwan will roll out the dough and her daughter will help with adding the sauce and toppings. “The more active you get kids in the kitchen and feel like they’re a part of the meal planning process, the cooking process, I think you have a better chance of getting them to eat the things you made,” Kirwan says. Take stock of what you already have in the refrigerator and pantry. Before sitting down to plan your meals for the week, check out what you have in your fridge that needs to be used before it goes bad and see what ingredients you already have in your cupboards. “So if I have a bunch of cilantro that I used the week before,” Levinson says, “I’m going to base at least one or two meals on where can I use that cilantro so it’s not going to go bad and I don’t waste my money on throwing out food.”
And, as Jessica Jones, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., and Wendy Lopez, M.S., R.D., say in their FoodHeavenMadeEasy.com blog post, “The Ultimate Meal Planning Guide,” once you have your grocery list (based off your meal plan for the week), check to see if you have any of those ingredients in your cupboards already. This way you’ll avoid buying items you don’t need. Prep ingredients for all of your meals at the same time. “Chop all of your fruits and vegetables, cook your grains, wash your greens, and store in airtight containers,” Jones and Lopez say in their blog post. They also suggest investing in good food storage containers so your pre-prepped foods and meals don’t go bad. Plus, ingredient prep time is also a good way to get older kids involved in the process. Be flexible. Sometimes life gets in the way—whether it’s an unexpected meeting, delays on public transit, or a flat tire—so learning to take things in stride with meal planning will go a long way. “In those instances I try to teach people to learn how to pivot and have things stored in the freezer for those crazy busy days,” Kirwan says, or find a new way to use those ingredients, or just make the meal the following night. As with all things in life: The more you practice, the better you’ll get, Levinson says. So don’t be too hard on yourself if the week’s menu doesn’t go exactly according to plan.
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FOOD & NUTRITION
Clockwise from left: Chocolate Hummus, Grain-Free Chocolate Zucchini Cake, White Bean Thaini Blondies, “Nutella” Bliss Balls
Lunch Treats Made Healthier ››
When the kids beg for sweets in their lunch boxes, here are four recipes for desserts you won’t feel guilty about sending to school. By Pamela Salzman “Nutella” Bliss Balls
Makes 12 • Vegan, DF, GF 1½ cups raw hazelnuts 1½ cups Medjool dates, pitted (about 12 dates) ¼ cup raw cacao powder ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon sea salt 1. Toast the hazelnuts: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pour the nuts onto a pie plate and toast for 10-15 minutes, or until skins blister. Remove from the oven and allow to cool; rub the nuts in kitchen towel to remove the skins. 2. Place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until the nuts are finely chopped and you have a well-combined mass
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that is moist enough to roll into balls. Depending on your food processor, this could take a couple of minutes. 3. Roll the mixture, using your hands, to form 1½ - to 2-inch balls. 4. These can be eaten immediately, or refrigerate to firm them for a few hours. Store them in the fridge in a covered container for up to seven days.
Grain-Free Chocolate Zucchini Cake
Makes 1 8- or 9-inch square pan • Vegetarian, GF, DF This is probably the most popular dessert I have ever taught in a class. My students consistently report back with success stories after serving this cake to their kids, at parties, and to their friends. After telling my son that this cake contained zucchini, he inhaled another piece and, with crumbs falling out of his mouth, declared, “I don’t even
care.” It’s that good. You can also bake the batter in regular muffins tins or mini muffins tins. Just watch the time, because regular muffins will likely take 20-25 minutes; and minis, 7-12 minutes, depending on the size of your tin. These also freeze amazingly well.
¾ cup DF semisweet chocolate chips 6 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut 6 tablespoons chopped pecans
Coconut oil for pan 1 cup creamy, unsweetened, unsalted almond butter, raw or roasted, or sunflower butter 1/ cup pure Grade A maple syrup or honey 3 ¼ cup raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder ¼ teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder, regular or decaffeinated (optional) 1 large egg 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon baking soda 1½ cups shredded zucchini (about 2 small) 1 cup DF dark or semisweet chocolate chips ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square pan with butter or coconut oil and line with unbleached parchment paper. 2. In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine the melted butter, white beans, tahini, eggs, muscovado sugar, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Process until smooth. Stir in ¼ cup of the chocolate chips. 3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. 4. In a medium-size bowl, mix together the remaining ½ cup of chocolate chips and the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Spread evenly on top of the batter and press lightly into the batter. 5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake springs back when pressed in the center. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to five days. Even more delicious cold.
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8- or 9-inch square pan with coconut oil. If you want to remove the cake from the pan in one piece, line it with unbleached parchment paper as well. 2. In a large bowl, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, cacao powder, salt, coffee powder, if using, egg, vanilla, and baking soda until smooth. 3. Stir in the zucchini, chocolate chips, and nuts, if using. 4. Pour into the prepared pan and bake until just set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with dry crumbs. Do not overbake. A 9-inch pan will take about 30 minutes; an 8-inch will take about 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before serving. TIP: Instant coffee powder enhances the chocolate flavor in baked goods. It is completely optional, though. There are coffee alternatives, such as Pero, which is a chicory and barley-based product with no caffeine. Pero is not gluten-free or grain-free, due to the barley. Do not use coffee grounds in place of instant coffee powder.
White Bean Tahini Blondies
Makes an 8-inch square pan • Vegetarian, GF, DF adaptable White bean blondies are the new black bean brownies! I know the ingredients seem a little bizarre, but I promise these bars taste nothing like white beans. They’re dense, lightly sweet, with the perfect amount of chocolate to satisfy my sweet tooth. But these blondies have gone high protein with legumes and sesame tahini pureed into the batter. Tahini is an amazing spread made entirely from sesame seeds. Besides being rich in protein and good fat, sesame seeds boast an impressive amount of calcium, about 88 milligrams in only 1 tablespoon. 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter (not DF) or unrefined virgin coconut oil, melted, plus more for pan 1½ cups cooked white beans, or 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed ½ cup tahini, preferably raw 2 large eggs 2/ cup muscovado sugar or light brown sugar 3 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder ¼ teaspoon sea salt
TIPS: You can turn this into a light and fluffy cake by adding 1 tablespoon of coconut flour. Creamy almond butter can also be substituted for the tahini.
Chocolate Hummus
Makes 2 cups • Vegetarian, GF, DF I know what you’re thinking. Chocolate, yes. Hummus, yes. Chocolate hummus, not so sure. Stay with me. Hummus, which is made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, is, hands-down, my favorite dip. But I didn’t exactly throw chocolate into the pool, too. Instead, this is a blend of chickpeas, raw cacao, and some high-quality sweeteners that transforms into an insanely delicious chocolate dip. It’s creamy, chocolaty, and the perfect snack, since it’s high in protein, fiber, and good fats. I love an extra pinch of flaky salt on mine because chocolate and salt are BFFs! Serve with apple slices, celery sticks, or your favorite GF/DF crackers. 1½ cups cooked chickpeas, or 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed (or sub white beans) 2 Medjool dates, pitted 1/ cup unsweetened, unsalted, raw or roasted almond butter 3 ¼ cup pure Grade A maple syrup ¼ cup raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder ½ teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract ¼ cup warm water 1. Place all the ingredients, except the water, in a food processor or high-speed blender. Process until smooth. 2. With the motor running, add the warm water and process until combined. 3. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Store leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Excerpted from Kitchen Matters: More than 100 Recipes and Tips to Transform the Way You Cook and Eat—Wholesome, Nourishing, Unforgettable by Pamela Salzman. Copyright © 2017. Available from Da Capo Lifelong Books, an imprint of Perseus Books, LLC, a subsidiary of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
WestchesterParent 49
Is My Kid a Genius?
››
How to tell if your child is gifted, a prodigy, or just plain smart—and what to do about it By Amanda Marrone
A
ndi Stix, director of G-tec Kids, a program for gifted and talented students in New Rochelle, was teaching a math class about finding a pattern to discover the square root of any given number. The class eventually came up with a pattern, until one child proclaimed, “The pattern will work up until 10,000 and then fall apart.” Astonished, Stix says she asked how the child knew that, and he answered, “I can just see it.” He turned out to be right—a case of profound giftedness, or some may even say, a prodigy. Every child has her own talents and all children are unique in their own ways. But when it comes to cognitive development and intelligence, how do parents and educators judge whether a child is more than just your average smart kid?
Identifying Giftedness
Giftedness can present itself in early childhood, according to the National Association of Gifted Children, which lists the characteristics of gifted children, such as an excellent memory, an unusually high vocabulary or sentence structure for their age, or a highly developed curiosity. However, there are different ways to classify and identify giftedness, since every child is unique. 50
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There are many smart kids in the world; however gifted students make up only 6-10 percent of the population, according to the NAGC. Clinically, giftedness is defined as anyone with an IQ of 130 or higher. If an IQ exceeds the 145-150 range, a person is considered profoundly gifted. Some children are gifted at just about everything. “There are a small percentage of gifted kids who excel in every subject as well as most extracurricular activities,” says Tobi J. Phillips, president and founder of Village East Gifted, a program for gifted children with locations in Huntington Station and Roslyn Heights. “They are very rare, but I do see them.” More frequently, though, giftedness presents itself in one particular field, such as music, art, or math. Therefore, one important factor in identifying giftedness is determining how a child is gifted. “Our curriculum follows Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, with the premise that students can be intelligent in different ways, such as cognitively, physically, mathematically, or musically,” Phillips says. If your child is gifted in mathematics, for example, she will display extreme excellence and interest in the subject by doing puzzles and games and logic problems in her spare time, according
RP Westchester parent sept.qxp_Layout 1 8/10/17 4:55 PM Page 1
to a Forbes article, “How to Tell If Your Child’s Gifted.” Children who are more profoundly gifted might even begin doing algebra before kindergarten. Although there are tests to prove that a child is gifted rather than just bright, many experts in the field believe giftedness can be discovered without a test. Nevertheless, educators will administer tests to see if a child is gifted, including the Stanford Binet (L-M), Wescher Intelligence Scale for Children, or general standardized tests such as the SAT. There are so many factors that come into play when determining whether a child is gifted, so it is important for educators and parents to see the child as a whole. Many kids can score very high on tests, but IQ is not the only factor when it comes to true giftedness, Stix says. The way a child challenges material and reacts to that material is where people see true gifted potential. Stix, therefore, is not a fan of just using tests to judge giftedness. “I am very uncomfortable with the idea of testing giftedness because you are saying on that date, on that time, and that environment will the child present themselves to meet the standards of the school,” she says. “I think the most important thing I distinguish between a gifted child and a bright child is if the child is inventing, creating, producing, designing within whatever area of expertise or passion that they have.”
Behavior Issues
Although gifted children are intellectually advanced for their age, many face unique social issues. High expectations and the pressure put on gifted children can lead to stress and anxiety, writes Jennifer Murdock-Smith in “Understanding the Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Children,” a 2013 article in Rivier Academic Journal. “Gifted children’s cognitive development also often occurs at a more advanced rate than social/emotional development, which makes fitting in with peers difficult. This cognitive advancement can also have a corresponding high degree of moral development and sense for the need to follow rules, which can result in ‘bossiness’ and rigid behavior furthering affect peer relations,” Murdock-Smith writes in the article. In the classroom, some gifted children choose to be very polite and helpful and become the teacher’s helper, Phillips says. Since these students are usually way ahead of their classmates academically, they become a mini teacher’s assistant, helping the teacher with anything. Others quietly go along with their classmates so they can more easily assimilate with their peers, choosing to keep their giftedness a secret, Phillips says. They remain middle-of-the-road behaviorally—not acting out and not being the teacher’s helper— while getting perfect scores on everything and not bragging about it. These children also tend not answer all the questions, even though they know the answer, because they do not want to draw attention from their peers. However, once gifted children are put into a gifted program where the other students are at their level, their behavior can change. Phillips tells the story of a child who was new to a gifted and talented program. He was accustomed to being the smartest child in the room and impressing everyone around him, including the adults. When he entered the class on the first day, he stood up and said he can count to 20 in Spanish, and asked if he could recite it to the class. “I said I will be happy to listen to him when the class is over,” Phillips says. He was very quiet during the class, which Phillips says can be expected since he was now around other peers who might be more intelligent than him. continued on next page ››
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At the end of class, the student again asked if he could count in Spanish, but before he even began another child blurted out, “Well, I can count to 100 in Mandarin,” followed by another who said, “I can count to 100 in Romanian, Cantonese, and Sanskrit.” The moral: It is important for gifted students to be around others of the same intellectual level, so they have the chance to be challenged in the classroom.
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What if a child’s cognitive level exceeds even giftedness? These children are extremely rare and present themselves with seemingly miraculous capabilities. These kids are generally known as prodigies. “One definition of the term prodigy is a child who has achieved an appreciable measure of adult intellectual understanding in a particular field before he or she is out of the years devoted to secondary school education,” according to the article “Prodigies of Nature” by J.S. Jenkins in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. A prodigy will become of a master of a particular field at a young age. Mozart was considered a music prodigy and was able to identify pitch correctly and quickly without external reference by the age of 7—an extraordinarily rare ability, even for adults, Jenkins writes Stix, who also has worked closely with some prodigies, explains: “I think prodigies, the speed they integrate at is simply much faster. The links they make in terms of integrating material is higher and their productions are most complex. It is a very difficult thing to raise a prodigy because emotionally they want to be their age level but cognitively they can be light years ahead of themselves.” Prodigies often experience a lot of loneliness because other kids cannot connect with them, Stix says. Parents raising a prodigy need to try their best to try to get their child into programs to engage with others like them, she advises.
Raising a Gifted Child
Whether someone is bright, gifted, or even a prodigy, parents need to keep in mind that every child is still an individual and parents and educators must cater to what is in the best interest of that particular person. The most important factor in helping a child is trying to keep her brain stimulated, experts say. “When a parent finds out that his or her child is gifted,” Phillips says, “I always recommend spending as much time as possible visiting science and art museums, reading classic literature and nonfiction books, traveling to historic destinations and arranging play dates with children of similar intellectual abilities and interests. If they are getting enrichment outside the classroom, they will be more patient with the standard curriculum.” For example, she continues, “If they’re in a classroom and they are assigned a book report on Charlotte’s Web, a parent should reach out to the teacher to allow the child to select a more advanced novel after she or he has completed the assignment based on Charlotte’s Web.” Whether it is signing the child up to be in a gifted and talented program or speaking to an educator to ensure the appropriate measures are taken within the regular school environment, it is important that giftedness is not ignored, experts agree. By enriching a child or putting him in a gifted program, a child will be given the tools to thrive.
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New Location in Mt. Kisco & Now Accepting NEW Patients GCPD provides a kid themed office with the most advanced dental procedures including: State-of-the-art-equipment • Advanced sterilization procedures Treatment of toddlers, teenagers and special needs children White tooth fillings & Sealants • Kid friendly environment with gaming stations • Sedation & Hospital Dentistry We accept most insurances • Orthodontic Treatment Available Your child will love going to the dentist! Our office has been designed so that every child will have a fun dental experience. Stop in and see how enjoyable dental care can be!
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WestchesterParent 53
Left Behind
››
In families with two children, an older sibling’s departure for college can spark mixed emotions in the younger child who remains at home. Here’s how to cope. By Bethany Braun-Silva
W
hen Queens resident Sarah Richard is asked if she will miss her little sister when Sarah leaves for college next year, the 17-year-old rolls her eyes and says, “Yeah, I’m going to miss that dork.” Although it is just about a year away, the Richard girls are already contemplating Sarah’s departure. The girls have lived across the hall from one another for the past 14 years, a fact that is on 14-year-old Rebecca’s mind when she says, “I’ll be sad, for sure, but I definitely want to visit.” Even if it seems like your kids spent the past 15 years fighting over everything, this is an all-too-common feeling when one sibling leaves for college—especially for families with two children, where the younger one suddenly finds herself an “only child.” The sibling who remains at home can be left with a number of new emotions to deal with, not to mention a shift in the family dynamics and a much quieter house. These feelings can range from relief to abandonment, and will often fluctuate even after a new routine is put in place. To help with the adjustment, we’re offering tips on how to help your younger child cope when his sibling goes off to college. (Families with more than two children will face their own unique issues when the eldest leaves home, but these tips are applicable to them as well.) 54
September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Inclusion is Key
The college application process can go on for years. With the hustle and bustle of visiting colleges, filling out applications, writing essays, and ultimately choosing a college, your younger son or daughter may end up feeling like a background player in the family. Stephanie Richard, Sarah and Rebecca’s mom, suggests including younger siblings in the process from the very beginning. “Ultimately both kids are going to eventually go to college,” she says. “We had our younger daughter create a list of questions for potential colleges while on tours for her older sister that were based on her specific interests.” This was a great way for her younger daughter to feel included in the process, Richard says, which was especially important since they dedicated quite a few family vacations to touring colleges. Parents can also opt to involve the younger sibling in minor details of the process, suggests Gayle Sturmer, LCSW-R, who practices in Nyack and Tarrytown. “Letting children contribute to brainstorming transition suggestions is empowering for the child and allows them to be part of the launching process,” she says. “The non-college bound child sometimes gets lost in the excitement and/or anxiety about the transition for the collegebound child. Having both children involved in perhaps choosing
things for the dorm room, certainly with the big freshman move into the dorm, is great way to be inclusive.”
Time for a New Routine
With one child out of the house, it is time not only to establish new family dynamics but also a new routine. Your younger child may take the transition in stride, reveling in being an “only child,” but others may struggle with it. “The key to making any transition easier for children and teens is to keep some things consistent and create some things together that are new, different, and tailored to the appeal of the younger sibling,” Sturmer suggests. Have the younger sibling decide what he wants for dinner, or what family movie she chooses to watch one night. He might get excited at the idea that there is no one there with whom he needs to negotiate these choices and that he can have his first choice pick more often now. Sturmer also suggests “creating new rituals” between parents and the child who is home. Pick a day to do something special after school, such as get frozen yogurt or go out to a favorite restaurant. “This is an opportunity to create a new dynamic between the parent and the child at home,” Sturmer says. If your child is really struggling with loneliness, it’s important to recognize the things that have not changed, the appealing things that still exist, and to create new things, Sturmer says. “Often children and teens have a view that can be distorted—an adolescent brain is working from a very different place than an adult brain—so it’s very important to try to gently acknowledge the loneliness and emphasize the things that challenge the negative thinking.” Remind younger children of all the benefits they have now that the older child is out of the house. These may include having the family car or other shared items to themselves, having more room in the house for sleepovers, and receiving more attention from parents.
S M A HERE E R D T R G BI STA
Encourage Communication
If your younger child really misses having face-to-face time with her older sibling, have them schedule a digital date once a week. FaceTime or Skype is a great way to connect with your child who is away. Once a weekly date is established, this will give both siblings something to look forward to each week—after all, the child who is away at college may also be experiencing some level of homesickness, and this is a great way for her to reconnect with home. If video chat doesn’t work, “a quick text, an Instagram, Snapchat, or Facebook message goes a long way for children and adolescents. Regardless of our opinion of social media and technology, we are flooded with it and our children are tied to it. In this case, it can be used as an easy simulated ‘visit,’” Sturmer says. Parents can also help their younger children connect to their older siblings by working on creating a care package together or making plans to visit as a family. When the older one is back from college, parents can arrange for “sibling-only” outings or even nights at home. Having a child go off to college is an exciting time, but can also be fraught with a lot of different emotions for everyone in the family. “If a child (or parent) is feeling very challenged by the change in family dynamic and circumstance, consulting with a psychotherapist who is knowledgeable with this stage of life and the specific challenges the family members are experiencing is important. To wait until things escalate can be problematic and unnecessary. Sometimes just a simple consult can go a long way,” Sturmer says.
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PartyCentral BIRTHDAY GIFTS AFFORDABLES A QUALITY CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT STORE 10 Main St., Dobbs Ferry 914-627-9462 affordablechild.com We are a quality consignment store, offering children’s clothing, maternity clothes, baby equipment, and toys. A great place to shop for a birthday gift! GIRL AGAIN 4 Martine Ave., White Plains 914-358-1460 girlagain.com girlagain@yesshecaninc.org Girl AGain is a resale boutique for gently used American Girl dolls and books, which make great birthday gifts! TILLY...A DEER’S TALE 914-764-5564 tillyadeerstale.com Tilly...A Deer’s Tale is about a real deer that lives in upstate New York and faces challenges after an accident. This powerful story is meant to inspire children living with physical challenges or limitations. The book makes a great birthday gift! PARTY ENTERTAINMENT AMANDABEAR PARTY RENTALS 347-326-5567 amandabearpartyrentals.com AmandaBear Party Rentals provides everything you need for an unforgettable party. AMY ROSEN COOKING BY DESIGN 917-903-1451 amyrosencookingbydesign.com amyrosencookingbydesign@gmail.com Have a cooking party for your child’s next birthday. From Cupcake Wars to Pizza Creations to chocolate melting, molding, and decorating, your kids will enjoy the fully hands-on experience. BUTTERFLY BIRTHDAYS 914-582-7793 butterflybirthdays.com info@butterflybirthdays.com Celebrate your special day with the wonder of butterflies. We bring our pavilion to you! Booking parties MayOctober, events large or small! info@ butterflybirthdays.com. 56
CLOWNS.COM Proudly serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000; 718-971-5862 clowns.com We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals. DAVE’S CAST OF CHARACTERS 914-235-7100 davescast.com Make your party a special one! Dave’s entertainment services include more than 100 costumed characters. From princesses and superheroes to pirates and tea parties, there’s something for everyone.
LONGFORD’S MOBILE SCOOP SHOPPE 197 Lakeview Ave., West Harrison 914-804-6969 Longford’s Ice Cream 4 Elm Place, Rye 914-967-3797 longfordsicecream.com Westchester’s first mobile scoop shoppe serving our award-winning ice cream at all of your parties, celebrations, and private events. Book your event today. Also, visit our retail store in Rye to order one of our custom cakes for your next party celebration. OUTDOOR LASER TAG, USA 914-413-7138 oltusa.com lasertagisfun@gmail.com Tired of the same old party? Outdoor Laser Tag plays like paintball but without pain or mess. We transform your property into an exciting, outdoor mission field. Our mission: create an action-packed, memorable experience for all! PARTY PLACES A-GAME SPORTS 856 Main St., New Rochelle 914-278-9477 agamesports.net; info@agamesports.net A-Game Sports offers a variety of birthday party packages for children of all ages. Each 90-minute party includes supervised playtime with two coaches on a private section of turf.
September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.
ABC CAKES 414 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck 914-630-2858 abccakesny.com info@abccakesny.com ABC Cakes specializes in birthday parties for all ages. Guests decorate cupcakes, cakes, or cookies. Book your party today. ARTISTREE PERFORMING ARTS 114 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-835-2200 artistreearts.com; heather@artistreearts.com Artistree Performing Arts creates amazing birthday parties for children ages 1-10. Have your party in our beautifully renovated studio or let us come to you with just the entertainment. BACH TO ROCK MAMARONECK 130 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck 914-341-1457 mamaroneck.bachtorock.com mamaroneck@bachtorock.com Looking for a fun birthday party at a reasonable price? We have three different parties: Rock Star, Karaoke, or Rock City, for an unforgettable experience! BLUE MOON MEXICAN CAFÉ 7-27 Pondfield Road, Bronxville 914-337-4000 42 Kinderkamack Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 201-782-9500 23 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, NJ 201-541-0600 327 Franklin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 201-891-1331 595 Broadway, Norwood, NJ 201-784-3311 bluemoonmexicancafe.com Looking to spice up your child’s next birthday party without sending your savings south of the border? Your party guests will revel in a fun-filled celebration with a mouth-watering menu. Call today to find out more! CENTRAL PARK DANCE 450 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-723-2940 centralparkdance.com centralparkdance@gmail.com Have the birthday party of your dreams! Choose from Fairytale Ballet, Hip-Hop, and Fun-n-Fit party games. We provide a beautifully decorated studio, a separate space to serve food, paper goods, and an experienced, professional staff.
CHOCOLATIONS 607 E. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-777-3600 chocolations.com maria@chocolations.com Have your child’s next party at Chocolations. Each child will become a chocolatier and create their own chocolate bar, and have a cupcake lesson in which they will transform a plain cupcake into an elaborate one. CREATIVE CORNER OF LARCHMONT 7 Addison St., Larchmont 914-833-2880 creativecornerlarchmont.com creativecornerlarchmont@gmail.com Creative Corner is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday! Art party options include wood toys, treasure boxes, canvas bags, ceramic piggy banks, and canvas paintings. We will help every step of the way. DAVE AND BUSTER’S PELHAM MANOR 881 Pelham Parkway, Pelham Manor 914-380-8506 daveandbusters.com/specialevents beatriz_peneda@daveandbusters.com Dave & Buster’s of Pelham Manor is the best place for birthday parties, with great food and games all in one place, it’s the perfect party space. FUNFUZION AT NEW ROC CITY 29 LeCount Place (Exit 16 off I-95), New Rochelle Party Central: 914-637-7575, option 1 funfuziononline.com Calling all birthday superstars! You and your guests will be dazzled by a unique, interactive party experience! GYMCATS GYMNASTICS AND BIRTHDAY PARTY CENTER 1 Odell Plaza at Equalize Fitness, Yonkers 914-965-7676 gymcats.net We are famous for our unique private birthday parties. Our enthusiastic, interactive staff will have partygoers laughing and yelling as they swing on rings, jump, bounce, climb, and roll through our super obstacle course. HOMMOCKS PARK ICE RINK Boston Post Road and Weaver Street, Larchmont 914-834-1069 hommocksparkicerink.org Have your birthday party on ice! Host your next special party at the coolest
place in town, Mamaroneck’s popular enclosed Hommocks Park ice-skating rink. HOUSE OF SPORTS WESTCHESTER 1 Elm St., Ardsley 914-479-5419 houseofsportsny.com The House of Sports is Westchester’s ultimate birthday party zone for children of all ages! Give your child the party of their dreams by hosting a sports-themed bash at Westchester’s premier athletic facility. THE HUDSON CREAMERY 55 Hudson Ave., Peekskill 914-293-7811 thehudsoncreamery.com Westchester birthday parties with a sweet twist! Let us host your next birthday party. We provide the fun, a whimsical place, and all the ice cream you can eat. ISG GYMNASTICS Annie Pipia and Joann Distler, directors 151 Crotona Ave., Harrison 914-835-0010 isggymnastics.com ISG is a fun-filled, unique way to celebrate a birthday complete with trampoline, balance beams, bars, vault, tumbling, and air castle. All ages, 1 through teens. Age-appropriate program and equipment. Fun for all! JODI’S GYM 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 244 E. 84th St., Manhattan 212-772-7633 jodisgym.com Kids run, jump, climb, tumble, slide, bounce, and giggle to their hearts’ delight at Jodi’s Gym, at which action-packed parties and unmatched experience have won children’s hearts for 35 years. KINETIC SPORTS CLUB 872 Pelham Parkway, Pelham Manor 914-738-4000 kineticsportsclub.com Slide into your next birthday in style and celebrate your special day in our indoor, year-round water park, fun for all ages! Call 914-738-4000 for more information. LIFE THE PLACE TO BE 2 Lawrence St., Ardsley 914-591-4400 lifetheplacetobe.com/kids-parties/ steven@lifetheplacetobe.com
SUGAR MAMA BY KIM BAKESHOP 1985 Palmer Ave., Larchmont 914-834-8340 sugarmamabykim.com party@sugarmamabykim.com Have your next birthday party with us. The children bake and decorate cookies or cupcakes. Party games, decorating chef hats, and pizza or bagels too.
LIFE turns children’s parties into lifelong memories. Choose from a wide array of exciting themes, from laser tag to dance parties, runway glamour to inflatable madness to bowling, karaoke, and create-a-furry-friend parties!
914-242-1626, Dan Gray dan@proswingbaseball.com proswingbaseball.com Our facilities are available for team and individual workouts, special events, and birthday parties for children and adults.
THE LITTLE GYM 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072; tlgscarsdaleny.com 2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets), Upper West Side, Manhattan 212-799-1225; tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues), Upper East Side, Manhattan 212-787-1124; tlguppereastsideny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444; tlgwaldwicknj.com A private party at The Little Gym is a perfect way to celebrate your child’s next birthday. Gymnastics, games, obstacle courses, trampoline, sports, and music are tailored to your child’s interests!
SPORTIME USA 380 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-2111 x2 WESTCHESTER SKATING sportimeusa.com ACADEMY (WSA) Birthday parties? That’s our specialty! 91 Fairview Park Drive (Route 9A), Celebrate your birthday at Sportime USA, the coolestadvance place to have a party in Elmsford Get notice on activities, 914-347-8232; skatewsa.com Westchester. participate in group Westchester discussions Skating Academy: the STUDIO B DANCE CENTER coolest place to have your party! and receive special notices. 277 White Plains Road (entrance on All parties include ice-skating, skate Prospect Avenue), Eastchester rentals, a private party room, a party 914-793-2799 facilitator, pizza, and beverages. studiobdance.com www.facebook.com/nymetroparents Each party at Studio B is uniquely deYOUNG AT ART WORKSHOP INC. signed to give the birthday child an excit- 1088 Central Ave., Scarsdale ing, personalized experience. Boys and 914-723-9229 girls ages 2 and older enjoy dancing and A unique birthday party experience—each ACTIVITIES EVENTS MORE playing games to their favorite music. child brings home a personalized piece of art!
MUSIC CONSERVATORY OF WESTCHESTER 216 Central Ave., White Plains 914-761-3900 musicconservatory.org Celebrate your child’s birthday at the Music Conservatory with an introductory music skills class, or perhaps treat them to a trial lesson in any instrument or voice! MUSICAL MUNCHKINS 167 Scarsdale Road, Tuckahoe 914-771-7000 musicalmunchkins.com Musical Munchkins is the perfect birthday party activity for babies through age 5! Enjoy group drumming, funny favorite sing-along songs, fabulous dancing scarves, and more! PLAYLAND ICE CASINO 100 Playland Parkway, Rye 914-481-5941 playlandice.com Kids and families love PlayLand Ice in Rye. You and your guests can have the ice all to yourself. Visit us online for more information. PROSWING ProSwing of Port Chester 36 Midland Ave., Port Chester 914-937-6700, Sam Colon sam@proswingbaseball.com ProSwing of Mount Kisco 27 Radio Circle Drive, Mount Kisco
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Professional services
Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals CLEANING & HOME IMPROVEMENT MJS CARE SERVICES 914-314-7727 mjscare.com MJS caters to families in Manhattan and Westchester areas. Offering amazing discount packages for our House Care department. We offer housekeeping, pet care, and house-sitting services. EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS COLLEGE ADVICE 101 JANE C. HOFFMAN, M.B.A., C.E.P. Larchmont 914-833-1573 collegeadvice101.com jane@collegeadvice101.com Personalized advice and support to students and parents as they navigate the increasingly complex
college admissions terrain and research, apply, and gain admission to colleges. LAZARSPEECH GLORIA S. LAZAR, M.S., M. PHIL., C.C.C. 30 Birch Way, Tarrytown 914-631-5082 lazarspeech.com; info@lazarspeech.com As a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist and communications coach, Gloria Lazar has an individualized, caring approach. She assists in the improvement of speech, language, writing, and executive function skills for children and adolescents. PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS WESTCHESTER PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING CENTER Dr. Friedmutter, director 1088 Central Park Ave., Suite 224, Scarsdale 914-548-7509
wptcenter.com wptcenter@gmail.com At Westchester Psychological Testing Center we offer psychological, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological evaluations to determine if an individual has a learning disability, autism, or Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and what specific test accommodations or special education services are necessary and appropriate. SPECIAL NEEDS LAZARSPEECH GLORIA S. LAZAR, M.S, M. PHIL., C.C.C. 30 Birch Way, Tarrytown 914-631-5082 lazarspeech.com; info@lazarspeech.com As a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist and communications coach, Gloria Lazar has an individualized, caring approach. She assists in the improvement of speech, language, writing, and executive function skills for children and adolescents.
Meet the Health Care
PROFESSIONAL
To be in this section, call 914-379-0200 or email nympads@davlermedia.com
Caring for Kids Dr. Ivis Getz 140 Lockwood Ave., Suite 315, New Rochelle 914-355-2265; caringpediatricdentistry.com caringpediatricdentistry@gmail.com
Dr. Ivis Getz, a board-certified pediatric dentist, is committed to providing the highest quality dental care to infants, children, adolescents, and those with special needs. Dr. Getz recognizes that each child is a unique individual who deserves compassion and respect, which is evident in her friendly manner and calm demeanor. The dental team truly enjoys working with kids and will treat your child with warmth and compassion. The practice participates in many dental insurance plans and has convenient after-school and Saturday appointments available.
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September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Jamee M. Goldstein, D.O., Monroe Pediatric Associates, Allied Pediatrics 70 Gilbert St., Monroe 845-782-8616 monroepediatrics.org
Jamee M. Goldstein, D.O., received her B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University: College of Human Ecology. She received a Graduate Certificate in Premedical Sciences from Duquesne University, and her D.O. from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Goldstein completed her residency in pediatrics at The Infants and Children’s Hospital of Brooklyn, Maimonides Medical Center. She returned home to join Monroe Pediatrics and to work alongside her mentor, Dr. Alan Harawitz, in 2004. She is board-certified and a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians.
OPEN HOUSES 2017 Clay Art Center
40 Beech St., Port Chester 914-937-2047 x222 Kelly O’Sullivan, youth director clayartcenter.org mail@clayartcenter.org Open House and Studio Tour: Saturday, Sept. 9, 1-5pm. Enjoy free hands-on activities for the whole family, meet our teachers, tour the classrooms, and learn about our classes for all ages.
Hudson Country Montessori School
340 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle 914-636-6202 hudsoncountry.org Tours are available each weekday beginning at 9:30am. Please call to schedule a visit and see how we inspire a love of learning in each child.
Jete Dance Studio
114 Pearl St., Suite 1B, Port Chester 914-305-3331 jetedancestudio.com info@jetedancestudio.com Join us for an open house grand
opening celebration at Jete Dance Studio on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 4-6pm. Light refreshments, short performance, great DJ, and raffle with prizes.
New England Fashion+Design Association
31 Mamaroneck Ave., Studio 512, White Plains 914-222-5220 sonofashiondesign.com irina@sonofashiondesign.com Join us for an open house every Saturday from 12-2pm. Our association offers the best workshops in the field of fashion design offered to teens and adults.
Scarsdale Synagogue Religious School
2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale 914-725-5175 bit.ly/ssttehsopenhouse rabbiglickman@sstte.org Join us for our open houses on Sept. 10 (pre-K to sixth grade) or Sept. 13 (seventh to 12th grades) to discover why our students and parents love our programs!
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DANCE ROYAL ACADEMY OF
DANCE
NURSERY SCHOOL
Nursery School for 2s, 3s, & 4s
• Small private ballet studio in Scarsdale • Inviting several young ballet dancers 11-14 year old to prepare for Royal Academy of Dance classical ballet exam level 4 in spring 2018 with qualified RAD certified instructor. • Convenient training sessions 1-3 times a week.
Please, contact 917-319-6414 or email sun@dsvz.us www.radusa.org 60
• No potty training required • Great student/teacher ratio c Millwood & Yorktown • Spanish instruction twice a week d • Beautiful, Fenced-in Play Area
108 Pinesbridge Road, Ossining torbanknurseryschool.com torbank@verizon.net 914-941-1563
September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
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ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS
Young At Art................................................. 32
DEVELOPMENTAL
MUSIC
Gym Cats Gymnastics................................... 2
YWCA - White Plains................................... 23
Creative Wonders........................................ 53
A Dance Studio............................................ 26
ISGC Gym..................................................... 2
CHILD CARE / DAY CARE
Developmental Steps.................................. 47
Bach to Rock - Westchester........................ 29
Huntington Learning Center........................ 11
Belle School of Music.................................. 11
BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES
Ann & Andy.................................................. 30
Kid Abilities.................................................. 30
Hoff-Barthelson Music School..................... 26
A Dance Studio............................................ 26
Musical Munchkins...................................... 27
EDUCATION
Music Conservatory of Westchester............ 28
Artistree Performing Arts............................. 25
CLASSES
Alcott Montessori......................................... 18
Jodi’s Gym - Westchester............................ 31
Bach to Rock - Westchester........................ 29 Blue Moon .................................................. 53 Chelsea Piers - CT...................................... 55 Clay Art Center............................................ 30 Dance Cavise.............................................. 29 Gym Cats Gymnastics................................... 2 Jete Dance Studio....................................... 33 Jodi’s Gym - Westchester............................ 31 Leapin Lizards............................................. 53 Little Gym - Westchester............................... 9 MacInspires................................................. 26 PlayLand Ice Casino.................................... 27 Sportime USA Inc........................................ 43 Westchester Parent Party Planner.............. 60
All Aboard (Croton/Ossining)....................... 33
A Dance Studio............................................ 26 Alcott Montessori......................................... 18 Artistree Performing Arts............................. 25 Bach to Rock - Westchester........................ 29 Belle School of Music.................................. 11 Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester.......3 Central Park Dance..................................... 32 Chelsea Piers - CT...................................... 55 Clay Art Center............................................ 30 Curtain Call Inc............................................ 33 Dance & Theater Arts Studios..................... 30 Dance Cavise.............................................. 29 Easter Seals Project Explore....................... 29
Starlight Starbright Music............................ 28
All Aboard (Croton/Ossining)....................... 33
YMCA - White Plains................................... 17
Beth El Synagogue Center.......................... 33
PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING
Children’s Jewish Education Group............. 32
Artistree Performing Arts............................. 25
FASNY......................................................... 19
Curtain Call Inc............................................ 33
First Hebrew Congregation.......................... 31
Dance & Theater Arts Studios..................... 30
German School of New York....................... 21
PLAY SPACES
Green Chimneys.......................................... 29 Hudson Country Montessori.......................... 7 Huntington Learning Center........................ 11 John A. Coleman School............................. 28 Kids Base and The Little School ................. 43 LinguaKids, LLC.......................................... 33 Mandarin Discovery Preschool.................... 32
Leapin Lizards............................................. 53 RELIGIOUS Beth El Synagogue Center.......................... 33 Children’s Jewish Education Group............. 32 First Hebrew Congregation.......................... 31 Pleasantville Community Synagogue.......... 32 Temple Sholom............................................ 33
Gym Cats Gymnastics................................... 2
Milestone School (The)................................ 53
Hoff-Barthelson Music School..................... 26
Pleasantville Community Synagogue.......... 32
Jete Dance Studio....................................... 33
Soundview Preparatory School................... 31
John A. Coleman School............................. 28
Sylvan Learning Centers............................. 64
Blue Moon .................................................. 53
CAMPS
LinguaKids, LLC.......................................... 33
Temple Sholom............................................ 33
RETAIL
A Dance Studio............................................ 26
MacInspires................................................. 26
Westchester Community College:
Clarkes Family Farm................................... 53
Mandarin Discovery Preschool.................... 32
Pre-College.................................................... 63
Meadows Farm (The).................................. 57
Musical Munchkins...................................... 27
Westchester Jewish Center......................... 30
Pedigree Ski Shop....................................... 59
New England Fashion+Design.................... 26
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT /
Tilly...A Deer’s Tale...................................... 52
Westchester Skate Academy....................... 27 Yes She Can Inc. / Girl AGain .................... 52 YMCA - White Plains................................... 17
Ann & Andy.................................................. 30 Artistree Performing Arts............................. 25 Bach to Rock - Westchester........................ 29 Clay Art Center............................................ 30 Curtain Call Inc............................................ 33 Dance Cavise.............................................. 29 FASNY......................................................... 19 FAST- Fairview Aquatics Swim Team.......... 19 Hudson Country Montessori.......................... 7 ISGC Gym..................................................... 2 Jete Dance Studio....................................... 33 Jodi’s Gym - Westchester............................ 31 John A. Coleman School............................. 28 Little Gym - Westchester............................... 9 MacInspires................................................. 26
Purchase College / SUNY Aquatic Program....................................................... 32 Soundview Preparatory School................... 31 Starlight Starbright Music............................ 28 Steffi Nossen School of Dance.................... 30 Studio B Dance.............................................. 5 Temple Sholom............................................ 33 Westchester Community College: Pre-College.................................................. 63 Westchester Jewish Center......................... 30 YMCA - White Plains................................... 17 Young At Art................................................. 32
Westchester Jewish Center......................... 30 RESTAURANT / FOOD SERVICES
EVENTS / OUTINGS
Yes She Can Inc. / Girl AGain .................... 52
Dave & Buster’s Pelham Manor.................. 52
SPECIAL EVENTS
Inn at East Hill Farm (The).......................... 47
Dave & Buster’s Pelham Manor.................. 52
Meadows Farm (The).................................. 57
SPECIAL NEEDS
Ridgefield Playhouse (The)......................... 51 Sportime USA Inc........................................ 43
Creative Wonders........................................ 53 Developmental Steps.................................. 47
FAMILY TRAVEL
Easter Seals Project Explore....................... 29
Inn at East Hill Farm (The).......................... 47
Green Chimneys.......................................... 29
FITNESS
Huntington Learning Center........................ 11
A Dance Studio............................................ 26
Kid Abilities.................................................. 30
Jodi’s Gym - Westchester............................ 31
SPORTS Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester.......3 Chelsea Piers - CT...................................... 55
Mandarin Discovery Preschool.................... 32
YWCA - White Plains................................... 23
YMCA - White Plains................................... 17
Milestone School (The)................................ 53
DANCE
HEALTH
Music Conservatory of Westchester............ 28
A Dance Studio............................................ 26
New England Fashion+Design.................... 26
Central Park Dance..................................... 32
Play Group Theatre..................................... 28
City Center Dance....................................... 31
PlayLand Ice Casino.................................... 27
Dance & Theater Arts Studios..................... 30
Purchase College / SUNY Aquatic
Dance Cavise.............................................. 29
Program....................................................... 32
Jete Dance Studio....................................... 33
Studio B Dance.............................................. 5
Allied Physicians Group......................... 35, 58 Blais Orthodontics....................................... 36 Briarcliff Pediatric Dentistry......................... 45
FAST- Fairview Aquatics Swim Team.......... 19 Purchase College / SUNY Aquatic Program....................................................... 32
Caring for Kids Pediatric Dentistry............... 58
YMCA - White Plains................................... 17
Gentle Care Pediatric Dentistry................... 53
THEATER
Pediatric Associates of Southern
Play Group Theatre..................................... 28
Steffi Nossen School of Dance.................... 30
Westchester................................................. 36
Ridgefield Playhouse (The)......................... 51
Westchester Skate Academy....................... 27
Studio B Dance.............................................. 5
HOME SERVICES
TUTORS
YMCA - White Plains................................... 17
YMCA - White Plains................................... 17
Mabel’s Labels Inc....................................... 13
Sylvan Learning Centers............................. 64
WestchesterParent 61
VOICES
The Lesson of the Pizza Bowl Fail ››
Accustomed to doing so much for her son, who has cerebral palsy, a mom realizes he’s old enough to start making some of his own decisions. By Ellen Seidman
M
ax snookered me into getting him pizza the other night. I’d promised him frozen yogurt, but I hadn’t had time to eat dinner after I got home from work and said I wanted to grab a slice first. “I want pizza!” he announced, even though he’d already had dinner. And so he had pizza as an appetizer for his dessert, or something like that. Pizza is not an easy food for Max to eat; because it’s thick and chewy, it can pose a choking hazard. At home, we shred it with Tiny Bites Food Shears. When we’re out, I use a knife and fork then dump the pieces into a bowl for Max to scoop out, with a square of tacky Dycem, a non-slip material, beneath it for stability. And so I asked the guy at the counter for a fork and knife and carved up a slice. Just as I was about to slide the bits into a bowl, Max pointed to the paper plate. “Max, it’s easier to eat from the bowl,” I pointed out. “No!” said Max. He wanted to eat the pizza off the plate. So I slid it over to him, then watched in awe as Max speared the pieces and chewed them well. As I sat there, it occurred to me that I don’t always know what
is best for Max, especially as he’s getting older—both because he is evolving, and because he can now tell me what’s best for him. This is a hard thing to wrap your head around when you have done so much for your child over the years: the therapies, doing exercises at home, the specialist appointments, modeling how to move and talk and play, yet more therapies, pushing to get him into programs. So. Much. Pushing. And while there is only so much you can do to help your child develop, you take heart in knowing that you are doing everything within your powers. And then one day you are in a pizza joint and discover that your boy is reaching the point where you realize he is capable of copiloting his present—and future. Yes, he has been voicing opinions and preferences for years, but he hasn’t had much to say about his physical challenges until now. And he is telling you what he wants and needs, and you should listen. I have no idea what it feels like to have cerebral palsy and fingers that don’t easily bend. If Max is telling me that picking up pieces of pizza is easier done from a plate than a bowl, who am I to disagree? And that, my friends, is the lesson of the pizza bowl fail—and win.
Ellen Seidman blogs at lovethatmax.com, where this essay first appeared. It is reprinted with permission.
62
September 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Westchester Community College OSSINING EXTENSION CENTER UNDERSTANDING THE BRAIN For Middle School Grades 5 - 8 Discover the exciting world of the brain. Explore the anatomy of the brain, the nervous system, and the senses. Students will conduct experiments, and participate in activities and games centered on how the brain works. Mon., Oct. 2-Nov. 20, 3:30-5:30 pm
RN REFRESHER Designed for Registered Nurses who have been away from a practice setting and looking to return to a staff position. Sept. 26-Dec. 14, Tuesday & Thursday, 4:30-9:30 pm
914-606-7400 â–Ş sunywcc.edu/ossining Arcadian Shopping Center, Route 9 Ossining, NY WestchesterParent 63
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