Westchester
Parent OCTOBER 2017
NYMETROPARENTS.COM
7 Hottest
Birthday Trendsof 2017 Emojis, unicorns, Shopkins, and more!
Boo!
Haunted houses, corn mazes, and other Halloween activities
Teaching Kids Life Skills • Emotional intelligence • Financial literacy
HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS
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NYMetroParents
Helping Parents Make Better Decisions
Contents
October 2017 ››
26
Features
16 The 7 Hottest Birthday Party Trends of 2017 This year brought new movies, toys, and fun ideas for your child’s next birthday party.
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26 The Importance of EQ High emotional intelligence translates to success across the board—in children academically and in adults professionally. 44 The Payoff of Teaching Kids Financial Literacy Experts discuss how parents can establish skills from a young age to ensure kids will know how to handle their money. 46 An Unimaginable Tragedy Though local infant mortality rates are lower than the national average, more babies die in their first year than most of us expect. Here’s how parents can reduce the risk. 50 Conquering Bake Sales Surviving the minefield of baking treats for your kid’s class, and tips to make allergy-free baked goods.
Connections
6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Check Out Our New Website! 12 Quotables 13 NYMP Q&A: Laurie Gelman talks about being the class mom and why she was fired. 58 Voices: Stop With the Trophies Already!
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Family Activities CALENDAR ›› Original photo by PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided by Appaman (appaman.com)
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Fun & Activities
14 DIY Corner: Ring Toss Challenge 15 Media Matters: Apps to Teach 21stCentury Skills 30 Outing: Randall’s Island 33 Family Activities Calendar 42 Where-To Guide: Pick Your Own Pumpkins 43 Where-To Guide: Haunted Houses, Corn Mazes, and Pumpkin Activities
Directories 20 54 55 56 56 56 57
Birthday Party Directory Party Central Professional Services Meet the Health Care Professional Open Houses Party Planner Advertisers’ Index
››
ON THE COVER ›› 16 7 Hottest Birthday Trends of 2017 43 Boo! Haunted houses, corn mazes, and other Halloween activities Teaching Life Skills: 26 Emotional intelligence 44 Financial literacy facebook.com/nymetroparents
@NYMetroParents
Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!
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OCTOBER 2017 • Vol.17 • No.2
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
A Season of Celebration
I
n our family, we have a birthday season: From Nov. 5 (my youngest daughter’s birthday) through Jan. 16 (mine), all five of us celebrate our special days. Sprinkle in a gaggle of other close-but-not-immediate family members—a cousin’s daughter, my brother and his son, a sister-in-law, among others—and it is a busy time. Joyful, to be sure, but even joy brings its stresses, especially when you need to plan three kids’ birthday parties over the course of almost six weeks while scheduling around a bevvy of others’ parties, not to mention Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and New Year’s. It’s around the middle of October when my wife and I kick into planning mode, and out come the Google spreadsheets, which we use to plan the parties and coordinate gifts. And, of course, the kids themselves are old enough to be involved and have their own wishes and opinions—which seem to change daily, especially as the event gets close. To help figure out this year’s parties, Bethany Braun-Silva looked into the hottest birthday themes of 2017, and she came back with unicorns, Shopkins, Star Wars, and much more (p. 16). As our kids settle into the new school year, we’re offering articles about how to teach them essential life skills: Samantha Neudorf looks at teaching kids financial literacy (p. 44), while Katelin Walling offers a report on the value of kids’ emotional intelligence (p. 26). You can also find a round-up of apps that help kids learn 21stcentury skills (p. 15). Together, they remind us that not all crucial skills come from classroom learning, and that we parents play such an important role in readying our kids for a successful, independent adult life. October has been designated Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, so we’re offering a special report on a subject none of us wants to contemplate: Why do some babies die before they even turn 1? Stacey Pfeffer looks at local infant mortality rates and offers tips on how we can minimize the risks—and how parents who’ve experienced this horrific tragedy cope with a pain that will never go away (p. 46). This month also, of course, brings Halloween and related fall fun. Find haunted houses and other Halloween venues near you (p. 43), discover where to pick pumpkins in our region (p. 42), or plan your kids’ Halloween activities with our calendar (p. 33). Last but not least, I invite you to jump from page to screen and visit our newly relaunched website! The redesigned NYMetroParents.com makes it easier and quicker to find information and presents our content and resources in a cleaner, more attractive way on any device, all with the goal of helping you make better decisions for your kids. Find out more about the new site (p. 10), and happy clicking! Michael Kress Editorial Director
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 To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents
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Keep in Touch: @nymetroparents nymetroparents.com October 2017 | nymetroparents.com 6editor@nymetroparents.com
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At Sugar Mama by Kim's Bakeshop, we make everything from scratch, using only high-quality ingredients. We offer freshly baked cupcakes, cookies, brownies, cake pops and cakes, available daily and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Our pastry chefs specialize in custom desserts available upon request, designed around your special event. Our desserts not only look beautiful, they taste amazing!
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Courtesy Jeté Dance Studio
NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS
Dance Studio Opens in Port Chester
At Jeté Dance Studio, classes start for children as young as 18 months old.
Courtesy Bach to Rock Mamaroneck
Who: Jeté Dance Studio What’s New: A dance studio in Port Chester, which opened in August and serves children ages 18 months and older and adults. Jeté Dance Studio offers classes in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, contemporary, salsa, and Zumba. Class registration runs on a semester and yearly basis for kids, and class cards and drop-ins are available for adults. Owner and director Stephanie Knox has been teaching in Westchester since 2003 and dancing professionally for 16 years. Birthday party packages include 45 minutes of dance instruction of your choice, followed by cake and games. Want More Info: 114 Pearl St., Suite 1B, Port Chester; 914-305-3331; jetedancestudio.com
Music School Launches Musical Theater Classes Who: Bach to Rock Mamaroneck What’s New: Musical theater classes, which are scheduled to launch in late September for children ages 7 and older. “We get tons of students here, vocalists, who are just superexcited about mixing acting and music together, so we created a class for students to participate in and do that,” says Anne Weycker, site director. Bach to Rock Mamaroneck offers music lessons for children ages 1 and older, including adults. It provides private and group classes, such as rock band and glee club, and contains a recording studio. Want More Info: 130 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck; 914-341-1457; mamaroneck@bachtorock.com; mamaroneck.b2rmusic.com
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October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Bach to Rock Mamaroneck offers rock band group classes as well as rock band or karaoke birthday parties.
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
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Check Out Our New Website!
››
The redesigned NYMetroParents.com helps you make better decisions for your family—faster and easier than ever.
A
s our kids were heading back to school with their new outfits and freshly chosen backpacks and lunch boxes, we here at NYMetroParents decided to get in the spirit and debut a new look of our own with the relaunch of NYMetroParents.com. The website is now cleaner, faster, easier to use, and more attractive—all to help you be a more informed parent. Our goal is to connect you seamlessly to all the relevant, useful local information and resources our site offers: business listings, kid-focused events and activities, and news and tips essential to moms and dads. Here are some of the highlights of our new site:
A cleaner look, softer color scheme, and new logo to match the new feel. We’re excited about our updated logo, which you can also find on the cover of this magazine, while our uncluttered design helps you focus on the content and information for which you’re looking with fewer distractions.
Find your region easier. We know you need to find ballet schools and pediatricians and therapists close to your home, so we’ve made it super easy to find your region’s content, via a pop-up that greets you when you arrive and/or the “My Region” option on the navigation bar. Each region has its own color scheme, adding to the vibrancy of the site and giving each region a bit of its own flavor and personality. The new “megamenu” displaying the breadth and depth of the content the site offers.
Easier, clearer navigation. Across the top of our desktop site—and in the top-right “Topics” menu on mobile—you’ll find the core types of information we provide: business and resource listings, tips about things to do, advice and news about local parenting, and a comprehensive events calendar. For a deeper dive into the site and to find more specific listings, use our new “megamenu,” the “Search Categories” link at the top left of the page (“menu” on mobile). There you will find virtually our entire catalog of listings categories, from specific sports to special needs resources to summer camp options.
You’ll see this tool throughout the site to help you find the resources you need in your area.
New ways to find businesses and resources. Connecting you with the local professionals, businesses, and resources that keep your family healthy, happy, and enriched is central to our mission. In addition to the easier navigation, you’ll find a tool throughout the site that asks you what kind of business you need and in what location—make your choices, click the arrow, and search the results to find what you’re looking for. 10
October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
A better mobile experience. As parents, we’re all on the go (sometimes it seems like we’re in motion 24/7!) and using our phones to access the content and information that helps us make the decisions we need to make. To help, our new site focuses on the mobile experience, ensuring it is just as rich, easy to use, and attractive as it is on desktop. And it’s fast. Because we know you don’t have time to wait! As we all well know, being a parent requires making decisions large and small for our kids every day—no matter how busy we are. We spent the past several months designing a website to help you find what you need to make better decisions faster, easier, and more accurately and fully. We are so proud to invite you to check out the newly relaunched NYMetroParents.com today!
At The Little Gym, we complement the traditional school experience with unique classes that revolve around active play. Our students are encouraged to jump, flip, and swing their way towards increased health, focus, knowledge, and happiness. Big Discoveries at The Little Gym. Find your kid's happy place with an Introductory Experience!
The Little Gym of Scarsdale tlgscarsdaleny.com 914-722-0072 The Little Gym of Upper West Side tlgupperwestsideny.com 212-799-1225
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UOTABLES This was also about the point that they both started begging me to carry their treat bags. ‘I’ll carry your treat bags but that means I’m allowed to eat your candy,’ was my rule. That put a stop to the laziness real quick. —Illana Wiles, a NYC mom, in a post entitled “Halloween in NYC Gets Better Every Year” on her blog mommyshorts.com
in an instagram Morning commute. #nyckids #twins #bestfriends (Posted by @toastncandy, aka Nancy Deane, HeyMamaCo editor and New York mom).
HALLOWEEN FOR THE FRIGHTENED “If you can get kids to realize that Halloween involves fun activities that the whole family can take part in, they’ll feel more at ease about it. You can all carve pumpkins, bake cookies or make other Halloween treats, and decorate the house with items your child picked out. You can even forego trick-or-treating and just spend the evening roasting marshmallows or reading books as a family. ”
in an instagram I can’t wait to see the world with these girls but for right now, our backyard is adventure enough. (Posted by @luckypennyblog, aka Ana Fritsch, a Brooklyn mom who blogs at luckypennyblog.com).
—Samantha Neudorf, in an article entitled “Making Halloween Fun For Kids Who Are Scared.” Read it all at nymetroparents.com/scary-fun
MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: COSTUME PLANNING: What should your child be this Halloween? (nymetroparents.com/costume) GET CRAFTY: Find Spooky Art Projects at nymetroparents.com/halloween-diy. TODDLER FUN: How to trick-or-treat with your little one (nymetroparents.com/toddler-halloween) HALLOWEEN TREATS: Eyeball cake pops, monster ‘toes,’ and more at nymetroparents.com/halloween-treats
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October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
NYMP Q&A
Class Mom Qualms
›› By Bethany Braun-Silva
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Laurie Gelman talks about her novel Class Mom and how she got fired from her class mom position after five years.
Is Jennifer Dixon (the main character) based on anyone in particular? She’s someone I just pieced together. I wish she was me, she’s so cool. The only thing that comes from reality are the emails [in the book] because I sent emails either exactly like that or very similar to my class when I was class mom. The emails in the book are hilarious. What prompted you to get so creative with them during your time as class mom? When I wasn’t class mom I would get these really boring grocery list emails that were just cut and paste from the parent-teacher association, and I thought, “I want to do something interesting, I want people to read these, I want people to actually have fun with it,” so I decided that I would write things that would shock or awe people or make them sit up and go, “Oh my gosh, did she just write that?” It actually worked, because I had more people participating and reading every word of my emails than any other class mom, because they were excited to see what I was going to say next. But I read that this backfired on you and you got fired from the class mom position, is that true? Well to be fair, it was in my fifth year, I’d been doing it for four years and everybody loved it and it’s all good until somebody doesn’t like you. In my fifth year I upset someone or someone didn’t understand my humor, so they complained to the PTA and asked me to step down as class mom, which was very hurtful. Do you have any advice for moms who may be contemplating taking on the class mom role? I think you have to make it your own and make it fun. Make it something the parents can’t resist being a part of. I used to give awards for the quickest response time to one of my emails or the person who embodied the spirit of a class mom the most. I just made it fun for everybody. I wrote one email for the Christmas party that had to be sung to the tune of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”. Everybody loved that because you end up humming it to yourself. I just tried to do things that piqued everybody’s interest and make it more fun for them. I think that’s the best way to be a great class mom. What’s your favorite thing about raising kids in NYC? I love the fact that we get to go to the museums, the fact that it’s a weekly thing, not a once-in-a lifetime adventure. There’s so much opportunity to experience culture and excitement and their backyard is something everyone in the world wants to see at least once. It’s really exciting to raise kids in New York. Something we started to do more of is Broadway—we are in the best place in the world to see a show and my girls love theater.
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WestchesterParent 13
DIY CORNER Birthday Party Game
Ring Toss Challenge
Do you love fairground games but hardly ever get to play them? Why not create your own ring toss game at home? Invite your friends to play, then work on perfecting your aim. The game is very easy to make and will provide hours of fun for you and your friends. Make sure you store the board inside so you can use it again and again!
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
STEP 6
STEP 7
STEP 8
Difficulty Level: Easy What you will need: • Adhesive putty • Ruler • Scissors • Pencil • Paintbrushes • Paints • Large cardboard sheet Directions: 1. To make your target board, draw the outline of the board on a sheet of cardboard and add sloping flaps on either side. These will make the board stand up. 2. Carefully cut out your target board with scissors. Make sure you don’t cut off the sloping flaps! 3. Use a ruler and the tops of your scissors to score both sloping ends of the target board. Fold them back to create flaps to stand your board up. 4. It’s time to decorate the board. Paint the stand one color and each pin a different color, so they stand out. 5. Place your ring template (visit nymetroparents.com/ ring-toss to download) on a piece of cardboard and draw around it. Repeat the process to draw as many rings as you want. 6. Cut the rings out. Cut around the outside first, then place the adhesive putty underneath, pierce the center of the ring with a sharp pencil, and cut it out. 7. Paint the rings and leave them to dry. You can make them any color you like. You could even add patterns like stripes or dots to your set. 8. The ring toss board is ready. Find some friends and try it out. If you want to make things competitive, paint different point values on the pins and see who can reach 100 points first. Images and text of Out of the Box reprinted by permission of DK, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2017 by Jemma Westing.
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October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
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★ This Freemium slideshow tool is better on privacy tha n similar apps. Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Chromeboo k In Theaters Oct. 6: My Little Pony: The Movie Parents need to know that My Little Pony: The Movie is an animated adventure that continues the beloved (if heavily marketed) franchise that began with the original ’80s TV show and is still popular today thanks to shows such as Friendship Is Magic. This movie has an all-star voice cast (Zoe Saldana, Kristin Chenoweth, Emily Blunt) playing the cute, colorful ponies who live in the magical land of Equestria. When their home is threatened, the “Mane 6” set out to save Ponyville, meeting new folks and overcoming obstacles along the way. The My Little Pony franchise is known for being kid-friendly and full of messages about friendship and teamwork, so expect the same here.
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
See more at NYMetroParents.com/media
Join us for the 2017 season!
Have your Child’s Birthday Party at Winter Wonderland! Customizable party options include: • Holiday Circus performance • Visit with Santa or themed characters • Unlimited Skating on RangersTown Rink, skates included • Several party menu options to choose from • Holiday Rides and more! Contact 914-231-4582 or eric@thewpf.org to reserve your party date! WestchesterParent 15
The 7 Hottest Birthday Party Trends of 2017 This year brought new movies, toys, and fun ideas for your child’s birthday party. Here are our favorites. By Bethany Braun-Silva
the Tail on the Donkey. “I found a picture of Princess Leia and my husband printed it out on nine sheets of paper that I taped together. I then covered the bulk of the poster with clear adhesive contact paper. The kids wore a C3PO mask that I made so that they couldn’t see and attempted to ‘Pin the Bun on Princess Leia.’ The bun is brown yarn wrapped and hot glued to cardboard,” she writes on her blog. Courtesy Trisha Haas
Courtesy Amy Friend
We scoured the mom blogs and studied our Instagram feed in search of the trendiest kids’ birthday party themes of the year. And what did we find? Plenty of unicorns, emojis, and Shopkins, among many other fun ideas. Here are our picks for the hottest birthday party themes of 2017:
Unicorn Poop Cupcake Cones, a hilarious and easy-to-make treat for a memorable unicorn-themed birthday party
Unicorns A Star Wars-themed version of Pin the Tail on the Donkey
Star Wars
With the release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Movie late last year and the impending December debut of The Last Jedi, many kids will be wanting a Star Wars-themed party, complete with light sabers, storm troopers, and more. Blogger Amy Friend of DuringQuietTime.com created a Stars Wars spin on the classic Pin 16
October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
These mythical creatures are definitely having a moment this year. With the launch of the Unicorn Frappuccino at Starbucks and a unicorn horn store in Brooklyn, it seems like unicorns are everywhere, including very possibly at your little one’s next birthday party. Think pastel colors and lots of glitter to make this party extra special. You can create personalized horns for each child, or have them decorate their own as a fun activity. Trisha Haas, who blogs at momdot.com, made fun Unicorn Poop Cupcake Cones that are as easy to create as they are hilarious. You just need some cake mix, ice cream cones, and food coloring to create this one-of-a-kind-treat.
Courtesy Nicole Gonzalez
Courtesy Alison Faulkner of thealisonshow.com
Sugar cookies easily become emoji cookies for a fun addition to an emojithemed party.
Emojis
Pokémon cupcakes round out a birthday party of Pokémon-themed activities.
The Emoji Movie was released this summer, and since then my 5-year-old has been running around the house screaming, “We’re number two! We’re number two!” So it’s no surprise we are considering an emoji-themed party for his next birthday. One easy-todo idea is creating emojis out of clementines. It’s a healthy snack option and a creative way to let the kids make their very own emoji. Hand out clementines to each of the children and lay out permanent markers. You can hang some emoji print outs for inspiration. Less healthy but lots of fun, you can also decorate sugar cookies for fun, edible emoji. This party is also great for teens and tweens. Invite guests to play “name that movie” using only emojis. Or if you’ve got an avid texter—is there a teen who isn’t?—an emoji party is a fun way for Mom and Dad to play the “cool card.”
Pokémon
No mobile devices are necessary to have a good time at this party. Manhattan mom blogger Nicole Gonzalez of LilliesandLeon.com threw a Pokémon-themed party for her son’s 5th birthday. “Lucas is Pokémon obsessed, and we wanted his party to be simple but true to the characters and theme,” Gonzalez says. “A highlight for the kids were the Pokéball cupcakes made by Chloe Sackett.” You can also create your very own Pokémon Go hunt right in your own home, sans cellphones. Just take a cue from the game and hide cut outs around the house. You can divide up the kids into teams and award points for each Pokémon found. Nothing like an old-fashioned scavenger hunt to keep the kids entertained. continued on next page ››
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Courtesy Christy Bergerson
Courtesy Victoria Saley
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A fun idea for favors to top off a fun Lego-themed party
Lego
Courtesy Natalie Lesnefsky
For endless options and ways to play, Lego is the go-to toy—and it can also be the go-to option for birthday parties. Create a “bricks station” where partygoers can make an original creation to take home. And baking a Lego cake is fairly easy for the not-so-crafty parent: All you need is a cake pan, cupcake molds, and colorful frosting. Blogger Victoria Saley of www.Obseussed.com created Lego-themed party favors and put a mystery mini figurine in each one!
All ready for a Shopkins-themed birthday party
Shopkins
A colorful, Hawaiian-focused Moana birthday party
Moana
Thanks to Disney’s hit Moana, you can expect to see a lot of Hawaiian-themed parties this year and next. Parents can get creative by using tons of flowers for decoration as well as DIY costumes for the partygoers. Why not set up a designated area where kids can dress up like characters from the movie? Have temporary tattoos and straw skirts ready for your guests to get into the spirit. Christy Bergerson from Isty Belle Studio, a Printable Party Shop in Washington state, used pineapple blow-ups for her daughter’s Moana pool party. “I was hesitant when my daughter first said she wanted a Moana-themed birthday party, but I decided to run with it and it ended up being one of our favorite events to date!,” she says. “Playing with bright colors and tropical touches instead of going strictly character based allowed us to really create a fun, playful event with just enough elements of her favorite movie included.” 18
October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
These delicious little toys are all the rage, and since they’re food-centric, planning sweets and treats for a Shopkins party should be a breeze. Create shopping basket party favors that kids can fill themselves. Fill several bins with toys, treats, and other party favor paraphilia. Give each kid a basket and have her take a treat from each bin—it will be like they are “shopping” for their own favors. Natalie Lesnefsky of AtHomewithNatalie.com created a balloon garland over the must-have dessert table. “We were deep in the Shopkins craze over here so the party theme was a no brainer!,” she says. “It was really fun because both girls were old enough to help a lot with the party details. I had a balloon pump and they worked together to pump up almost all of the balloons... even tying them on their own! Together we created a fun balloon garland for the Dessert Table that immediately made it a party! The secret to the arch is the chicken wire! It’s awesome because it’s lightweight and moldable. All you do is hot glue clusters of balloons together, then make a tape tail and attach it to the chicken wire that you shaped and attached to the wall. (I had two nails holding it up.) Then go in and add more with tape or hot glue.”
we put
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BIRTHDAY PARTIES 2017 Birthday Party Entertainment
AmandaBear Party Rentals
347-326-5567 amandabearpartyrentals.com AmandaBear Party Rentals provides everything you need for an unforgettable party. Tables, chairs, linens, décor, tents, barbecue equipment, awesome DJs, trained servers, grillers, and bartenders. We also supply amazing jumpy houses, slides, popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cone machines, for kids of all ages. Outdoor parties or indoor festivities, we have what you need for a great party bash. Formal or casual, summer or winter, call on AmandaBear Party Rentals to help you create the event of your dreams. Like us on Facebook!
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. Amy Rosen is a fun, enthusiastic cooking coach who has been running parties for the past five years. She comes to your home with everything needed for the party. There is no downtime, and the kids are active from start to finish. You can visit her website at amyrosencookingbydesign. com or call 917-903-1451.
Butterfly Birthdays
914-582-7793 butterflybirthdays.com info@butterflybirthdays.com We provide a unique, exciting learning experience in which children interact with butterflies. Kids observe butterflies’ body parts, see how they drink nectar, and watch the intricate movements they make as they explore the environment. Children go through a story walk to learn facts about the butterfly life cycle. In our pavilion children feed the butterflies by hand. We provide a picture frame they decorate and
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fill with a photo taken during the party. There are packages that can include everything needed for a party. We do all special events!
Clowns.com
Proudly serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000 718-971-5862 clowns.com At Clowns.com, our goal is to create an unforgettable and memorable party experience for you and your family. We provide the highest quality children’s entertainment and rental services in the industry. If you’re looking for a professional, dependable, and enthusiastic team, you’ve come to the right place! 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. We feature DJs, clowns, magicians, face painters, balloon sculptors, photo booths, and food carts. Spectacular inflatable attractions include Wild One and Kong’s Revenge obstacle courses, Cliffhanger Slide, and Mickey Park. Water fun includes the Big Kahuna and the gigantic Polar Plunge slides. New robotic animals. Frozen and Katy Perry parties. Enjoy bouncers, the Spider-Man Velcro wall, gladiator joust, sports inflatables, robots, and racecars.
Longford’s Mobile Scoop Shoppe Longford’s Ice Cream
197 Lakeview Ave., West Harrison 914-804-6969 4 Elm Place, Rye 914-967-3797
October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Your Local Guide to party places, resources and activities for kids!
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.
to nearly new condition. The book shelves are stocked with new and used books about girls from history and advice books such as The Care and Keeping of You, also great birthday gifts. Not sure what the birthday girl wants? Why not treat her with a Girl AGain gift certificate.
Outdoor Laser Tag, USA
Tilly...A Deer’s Tale
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 are 100-percent mobile, so we bring the fun to you! We transform your property into an exciting outdoor mission field and use realistic-looking gear that will wow players. This is good, clean, outdoor fun. Experience Laser Tag in the 21st century! Our mission: create an action-packed, memorable experience for all!
Birthday Party 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! Open Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 10am-5pm, and Thursday, 10am-6pm. We accept all major credit cards.
Girl AGain
4 Martine Ave., White Plains 914-358-1460 girlagain.com girlagain@yesshecaninc.org American Girl fans and collectors now have a Westchester destination to indulge their passion—for less. Girl AGain is a resale boutique for gently used American Girl dolls including historical characters, just-like-you dolls, and Girl of the Year, plus AG furniture, outfits, and accessories that make great birthday gifts. All merchandise is restored
914-764-5564 tillyadeerstale.com josie42812@yahoo.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!
Birthday 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. Choose up to three activities, including soccer, wiffleball, kickball, dodgeball, capture the flag, relay races, tug-o-war, flag football, and tag games. Customized packages, bounce house, gaga, inflatable obstacle course, and baseball HitTrax available at an additional charge. A-Game Sports is located at 856 Main St. in New Rochelle. Visit agamesports.net or call 914-2789477 for more information.
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. For our budding bakers we offer a cupcake war style party. Guests are divided into teams to create
their own specialty cupcakes from scratch. Book your party today. Also, ask about our private classes and custom cakes for all occasions.
Artistree Performing Arts
114 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-835-2200 artistreearts.com heather@artistreearts.com Artistree Performing Arts (formerly Applause Westchester; now owned by Heather and Peter Capelle) creates amazing birthday parties for children ages 1-10. Our interactive and highly entertaining parties are truly a special experience and definitely different from your average birthday party. Performers are all Broadway and professional performers and themes include Rock-n-Roll, Princess, Pirate, Hip-Hop, and Music Video! Have your party in our beautifully renovated studio or let us come to you with just the entertainment. Call 914-835-2200 to let us customize the perfect party for your child today!
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 for an unforgettable experience! Rock Star guests record pop and rock tunes arranged for easy performance in our professional recording studio. No musical training required. Ages 7 and older. Karaoke guests record a song in the studio to pre-recorded backing tracks, and then move into our party room for karaoke, pizza, and cake. Ages 7 and older. Rock City children explore music up close, playing fun music activities led by our best early childhood instructors. Ages 3-7.
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? Then take an unforgettable trip to the moon—the Blue Moon Mexican Café, that is. Five convenient locations in Bergen and Westchester counties allow visitors of all ages to enjoy a bright and airy atmosphere. Our outgoing, child-friendly staff will put together the party of a lifetime. Your party guests will revel in a fun-filled celebration with a mouth-watering menu. Call today to find out more!
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Bounce! Trampoline Sports
612 Corporate Way (off Route 303), Valley Cottage 845-268-4000 facebook.com/bouncetrampolinesports twitter.com/bouncesport bouncevalleycottage.com info@bounceonit.com There is no party place in the tri-state area like Bounce! Trampoline Sports! Guests jump on more than 10,000 square feet of trampolines, including trampoline dodgeball, slam-dunk basketball, and launching into giant foam pits! And now they can enjoy our new Bounce! Xtreme Ninja Obstacle Course. We also have a Bounce! Jr. for ages 5 and younger with a separate trampoline court, foam pit, and giant inflatable castle. Free Wi-Fi, HD television lounge, and snack and coffee bar. At Bounce! “Have Fun–Get Fit!®” Visit our website or call for party details.
Central Park Dance
450 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-723-2940 centralparkdance.com centralparkdance@gmail.com Voted Best of Westchester 2013, Central Park Dance has been offering Westchester’s highest quality programs to dancers at every level for more than 30 years. Have the birthday party of your dreams! Choose from Fairytale Ballet, Hip-hop, and Fun-n-Fit party games. Our dance party team is regarded as one of the finest in the area, for the best parties of your choice. We provide a beautifully decorated studio, a separate space to serve food, paper goods, and an experienced, professional staff. Rentals also available. For more information, call or visit our website.
Chelsea Piers Connecticut
1 Blachley Road, Stamford, CT
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BOOK YOUR DATE TODAY! Chelsea Piers is the area’s top destination for awesome birthday parties, offering fun activities for kids of all ages.
203.989.1004
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203-989-1100 chelseapiersct.com/birthday Birthday parties at Chelsea Piers are action-packed, entertaining, and hassle-free. We help plan the party, supervise the activities, serve the food, and clean up afterward. Pick one of our specially designed parties or create your own based on your child’s favorite activities. Options include gymnastics, dance, basketball, volleyball, soccer, T-ball, ice-skating, ninja warrior, gaga, and water slides! New this fall is an inflatable obstacle course and bounce house party option! All party packages include 75 minutes of the selected activity with 45 minutes of celebrating in a party room.
Chocolations
607 E. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-777-3600 chocolations.com maria@chocolations.com Have your child’s next party at Chocolations. The package includes two fun-filled activities. Each child will become a chocolatier and create their own chocolate bar. Next will be a cupcake lesson in which each child will transform a plain cupcake into an elaborate one. The party will be run by our own party specialists from beginning to end. Lots of add-ons and other options are available. Contact us for more details.
City Center Dance
98 Lake St., White Plains 914-328-1881 citycenterdance.com At City Center Dance, a dance birthday party is the best time you and your friends will ever have! This 1½ hour birthday party can be tailored to your child. She can dance to all her favorite songs with us! Parties are held on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday for children age 5 and older. You supply the cake and paper goods, and we do the rest. Your child will be the star in our room full of decorations and fun! Fees start at $300 for up to 15 children.
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! In our space stocked with awesome
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art projects, the birthday child and friends will have a fun and engaging time led by caring and professional artists. Art party options include wood toys, treasure boxes, canvas bags, ceramic piggy banks, and canvas paintings. We will help every step of the way. You can also add a piñata filled with fun prizes. We have toddler through adult classes. Ask about our daytime drop-in classes and after-school studio art classes.
Dave and Buster’s Pelham Manor
881 Pelham Parkway, Pelham Manor 914-380-8506 daveandbusters.com/specialevents Dave & Buster’s of Pelham Manor is the best place for family fun, including birthday parties, award ceremonies, club get-togethers, graduation parties, and after-prom parties. With great food and games all in one place, it’s the perfect party space for youth events and family outings—and a perfect reward for a job well done. Give them the best birthday, including Sweet 16s, bat and bar mitzvahs, and quinceaneras! We offer delicious food, unlimited drinks, and Power Cards for play in our Million Dollar Midway.
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! Our dedicated emcees and party hosts will provide an unforgettable birthday experience within a theatrical and interactive party room atmosphere. As “The Birthday” leading man or lady, you will be center stage for your spectacular birthday production! Act one begins with a dazzling interactive show where everyone is a star! There will be eating, singing, dancing, and prizes! Act two is filled with your choice of action-packed amusements! It is a standing ovation every time for the birthday star!
GYMBOREE Play & Music of Scarsdale
450 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-472-0192 Route 6 and Hill Blvd., Yorktown 516-507-0329 gymboreeclasses.com/scarsdaleny.site scarsdaleny@gymboreeclasses.com
October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Gymboree Play & Music has been fostering learning, creativity, and confidence in children from ages newborn to 5 for almost 40 years. Gymboree offers classes in play and learn, art, music, sports, preschool, and Preschool Steps, a new separation program for age 2. All classes at Gymboree enjoy unlimited free open gyms five-seven days per week, and Gymboree store discounts with enrollment, as well as special events and birthday parties. Previews are offered in all classes. As Gymboree likes to say, “All of America goes to Gymboree!”
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. Not to mention foam-filled pits, trampolines, an air castle, climbing ropes, and a giant inflatable slide that make your child’s party a memorable one. Call for more information about parties, gymnastics classes, private lessons, cheerleading, camps, or events.
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. Held during public sessions, our two-hour package is guaranteed fun for everyone! The package includes admission, skate rental, and lunch. The guest of honor will receive free admission and skate rental. Additional food items and packages also available. Please provide your own cake and party favors. We also have a community room to rent for private parties. Don’t forget to visit the Slap Shot Café while you are here.
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 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 is the place to have your child’s birthday! There are many different themes to choose from, along with your choice of dance style. We offer two types of birthday packages, the Petite Jete or Grand Jete party. All of our birthday parties provide two rooms. One for food, decorations, and crafts, and the other for dancing and games. Parties last 1½ hours and are sure to be filled with excitement and dancing your child will love. Come and experience a party at Jete!
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, where action-packed parties and unmatched experience have won children’s hearts for 35 years. Our bright, spacious facility is every child’s dream. Teachers guide the children on bars, beams, rings, slides, tunnels, bounce house, and tumble track. Next, it’s off to a separate area for refreshments that we are happy to supply. Teachers set up, serve, and clean up. At Jodi’s, the whole place is yours! You sit back and enjoy.
Kinetic Sports Club
872 Pelham Parkway, Pelham Manor 914-738-4000 kineticsportsclub.com Our state-of-the-art facility hosts some of the best birthday parties in Westchester! Your child will have the ultimate interactive birthday party experience packed continued on p. 24 ››
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Learning the right answers will get your child through school. Learning how to learn will get your child through life!
Open House at 9:30am Weekdays
Please call to join one of our tours.
914-636-6202
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 23
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with more than an hour of your choice of sports and activities, followed by meal time and birthday cake celebration in the party room. Themes include Multi Sports, Pool, Relay Races, Games, Gymnastics, Kids Zumba, Dance, Parachute, and Obstacle Courses, plus the best coaches around! Add-ons include bounce castle, pizza, chocolate fountain, popcorn, and cotton candy. Goodie bag for the birthday child.
LIFE the Place to Be
2 Lawrence St., Ardsley 914-591-4400 lifetheplacetobe.com/kids-parties steven@lifetheplacetobe.com LIFE is for the very young at heart! When it comes to children’s parties, LIFE is the place where almost anything is possible and fun is at your fingertips. LIFE turns children’s parties into lifelong memories. Our creative staff can tailor a party for any age group. 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! At LIFE, you’ve got the chance of a lifetime to create an amazing party.
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 A private party at The Little Gym is a perfect way to celebrate your child’s next birthday. The 1½hour parties are supervised by our trained, professional staff from beginning to end. Gymnastics, games, obstacle courses, trampoline, sports, and music are tailored to your child’s interests. Parties at The Little Gym mean exclusive use of the gym and party room. At The Little Gym, your child’s birthday bash will be the easiest party you’ll ever throw!
Musical Munchkins
167 Scarsdale Road, Tuckahoe
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914-771-7000 musicalmunchkins.com Musical Munchkins is the perfect birthday party activity for babies through age 5! Enjoy group drumming, funny favorite singalong songs, fabulous dancing scarves, and more! When mom, dad, or grandma join and play along, their kids love it, and even the grown-ups are entertained! Maracas, chikitas, bubbles, buddy bands, and sweet, funny puppets—whatever your child would love, we will do. Our experienced, guitar-playing teachers warmly welcome and engage party guests. Free CD for the birthday child. Party favor CDs available. Call for more info.
proswingbaseball.com With two conveniently located facilities in Westchester County (Port Chester and Mount Kisco), ProSwing provides the ideal baseball and softball indoor training center for all ages and skill levels. We take pride in having the best staff and the most programs and services available. We offer organized individual and group lessons, personal training classes, instructional clinics, and multisport day and summer programs for all ages. In addition, our facilities are available for team and individual workouts, special events, and birthday parties for children and adults.
Sportime USA
130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-636-1019 pinebrookfitness.com Pine Brook Fitness, awarded as Westchester’s Best Multi-Sport Family Fitness Facility, provides a fitness experience for you and your family to have fun, improve your skills, and test your limits in a safe, friendly, and rewarding atmosphere. We are home to the New Rochelle Racquet Club, The Rock Club, and The Studios, offering tennis, rock climbing, specialized fitness classes, and personal training. We offer a variety of programs for children and adults, hold annual summer vacation camps, and provide an exciting venue for birthday parties and bar or bat mitzvahs.
380 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-2111 x2 sportimeusa.com Birthday parties? That’s our specialty! Celebrate your birthday at Sportime USA, the coolest place to have a party in Westchester. You can experience tremendous fun in our 50,000-square-foot indoor Fun Center. We have laser tag, a monster 4-D motion theater, rock climbing wall, Superfly Ride, ballocity arena, bumper cars, Himalaya coaster, mini twister, a soft adventure zone for little tykes, batting cages, more than 200 video and redemption games with a large prize counter, plus a restaurant. “Leave absolutely everything to us.” Ask about our private parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, and Sweet 16s.
PlayLand Ice Casino
Studio B Dance Center
Pine Brook Fitness
100 Playland Parkway, Rye 914-481-5941 playlandice.com Kids and families love PlayLand Ice in Rye. Birthday parties are always a huge hit when you celebrate with us. You and your guests can have the ice all to yourself. We feature private party rooms, party helpers, ice cream sundae bar, pizza, black lights, music, custom party favors, and excellent instructors. 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 914-242-1626, Dan Gray dan@proswingbaseball.com
October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
277 White Plains Road (entrance on Prospect Avenue), Eastchester 914-793-2799 studiobdance.com Each party at Studio B is uniquely designed to give the birthday child an exciting, personalized experience. Boys and girls ages 2 and older enjoy dancing and playing games to their favorite music. Parents can entertain their adult guests in the adjacent room with windows into the party room to watch all the fun. The party rooms are filled with colorful Hula-Hoops, wands, scarves, and beanbags to engage children and stimulate their creativity. Older partygoers are wowed by the studio’s talented and enthusiastic hip-hop instructors. Visit their informative website.
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, and we take care of everything else! We offer three 1½-hour birthday-themed parties: “Sweet” Birthday Bash (decorate a freshly baked themed sugar cookie to take home), “Decadent” Birthday Bash (create a cookie from start to finish: roll the dough, choose a cookie cutter, bake, and decorate), and Cupcake Wars (bake cupcakes from scratch in a team “competition”). The children also decorate their own chef hats, play party games, and enjoy pizza or bagels at the party!
Westchester Skating Academy (WSA)
91 Fairview Park Drive (Route 9A), Elmsford 914-347-8232 skatewsa.com Westchester Skating Academy: the coolest place to have your party! We plan your party, provide the space, and supervise the activities. Many packages are available, including karaoke and our new Frozen and knee hockey parties. All parties include ice-skating, skate rentals, a private party room, a party facilitator, pizza, and beverages. You can even make your own ice cream sundae with unlimited toppings. We have many food options to choose from, including kosher items. Learn to skate instruction and custom party favors are available. We do parties the right way!
Young At Art Workshop Inc.
1088 Central Ave., Scarsdale 914-723-9229 A unique birthday party experience where each child brings home a personalized piece of art that can be displayed and in many cases be an interactive toy they will enjoy for years. With a clear theme in mind, our experienced teachers can bring to life anything from the magical world of Frozen to hand-crafted fairy wings or rocket ships with which the children can explore the depths of space, right here in Scarsdale. At Young at Art, we take your child’s dream and bring it to life.
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Concerned about Kindergarten? “Where Every Student is Special ”
At Blue Rock, we give children the time and space to explore the world around them in a warm and nurturing environment. The only progressive school in the Lower Hudson Valley, Blue Rock offers a creative and dynamic learning environment for grades K-8.
CELEBRATING 35 YEARS 200+ CLASSES A WEEK
Kindergarten Information Session and Play Day Saturday, October 21, 10 am to 12pm.
Register by calling 845-535-3353 or at admissions@bluerockschool.org
Where Learning Comes Alive! West Nyack, NY — www.bluerockschool.org
Introducing the Soundview Prep
FLEXIBLE SUPPORT CENTER
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.
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 WestchesterParent 25
Being able to discern others’ feelings and acting based on that information is part of emotional intelligence, so experts suggest parents begin clearly demonstrating empathy around elementary school-aged children to help them learn what it means to be a good friend.
The Importance of EQ
››
High emotional intelligence translates to success across the board—in children academically and in adults professionally. Here’s how you can help your child succeed in all development stages. By Katelin Walling
E
motional intelligence (EQ) is a hot topic these days, from the slew of articles discussing characteristics of those with high emotional intelligence to the business articles revealing the emotional-intelligence job skills everyone needs to be successful. And members of Bachelor Nation will undoubtedly remember the showdown between Corinne Olympios and Taylor Nolan on Nick Viall’s season of ABC’s The Bachelor, when Nolan told Olympios she lacked emotional intelligence. But what exactly is emotional intelligence, and how can parents ensure their children have a high level? We spoke to experts to get a clear picture of EQ, its benefits to children, and how parents can help children build their emotional intelligence skills.
Emotional Intelligence Explained
Psychologists John D. Mayer, Ph.D., and Peter Salovey, Ph.D., first coined the term emotional intelligence in the ’90s. Their 26
October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
definition of EQ is “the ability to monitor one’s own and others’ feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them, and to use this information to guide one’s thinking and action.” This is the definition the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence uses, says Kathryn Lee, M.A., director of RULER for Families at the center. (RULER is an acronym for the building blocks of emotional intelligence: recognizing, understanding, labeling, expressing, and regulating emotions.) Meanwhile, The Center for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning combines social and emotional intelligences and divides those into five skill areas: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making, according to Jennifer Miller, M.Ed., who formerly worked with CASEL and is currently an expert contributor for NBC’s Parent Toolkit and creator and author of the blog Confident Parents, Confident Kids.
Keeping these two definitions in mind, Lee and Miller say a child has a good EQ level if she is able to: name her feelings and moods, respond flexibly to changes in her environment, show empathy toward others, appraise how others are feeling, recover more quickly from upset or disappointment, and manage emotions in a challenging environment (calm herself down, articulate what she’s feeling, and move forward).
Benefits of Emotional Intelligence
While kids will utilize emotional intelligence skills in everyday life and social interactions, building those skills can help children be more successful academically and, later on, professionally. Schools with a focus on social-emotional learning had an 11-percent advantage on high-stakes achievement tests as compared to schools without such a focus, according to a 2011 meta-analysis published in the journal Child Development, which looked at the effectiveness of 213 school-based social and emotional learning programs. “That’s pretty significant when you look at moving the needle on academic performance,” Miller says. A 20-year retrospective study published in the American Journal of Health in 2015 compared the social-emotional competencies in children as kindergarteners and again as 25-year-olds. The study found that for every point increase in the person’s original score, he was 54 percent more likely to graduate from high school, twice as likely to attain a college degree, and 46 percent more likely to have a full-time job at the age of 25. As children become members of the workplace of today and the future, they are required to be critical, creative, and innovative thinkers. Employers require employees that are able to collaborate, work in teams, and understand cross-cultural communications in a global economy, including perspective taking, empathy, and social awareness, Miller says. “You go down the list of social-emotional competencies, and they have become the foundation of what employers are looking for in the workforce, so it is absolutely critical in looking to the future,” she says.
How to Help Kids Build Emotional Intelligence
Since social-emotional intelligence is a set of skills, “they can be learned at any point. You’re not born with it, it’s not static, it’s dynamic,” Miller says. “There is not a kid in the world that doesn’t need support in this area. As they develop, they are working on their skills, so [support] is critical. It’s not a low income issue, it’s not a cultural issue, it’s very much every child needs to understand and relate to each other effectively.” So how can parents help their children build social-emotional skills? Miller and Lee share their tips for various stages of development.
Toddlers and Pre-K
Build your child’s feeling-word vocabulary. Help her learn to identify and name how she is feeling. “Even preschoolers can use words like frustrated, lonely, or surprised—and when they are able to name their feelings, they become more able to understand and work with their feelings,” Lee says. One way parents can help their toddler or pre-K age child is to separate him from the situation to take stock of his feelings. Lead “a young child into a safe space—in other words not in a public forum where a bunch of people are looking at them where they can get even more upset because they’re humiliated by the social context,” Miller says. “Walk them to a safe place where they can calm down, you can model breathing, help them breathe, and then give them words to ask them whether you’re right about
their feelings. It seems like you’re really frustrated, is that right? It seems like you’re angry, like you’re hurt, is that right?” This very brief statement about what he is feeling and experiencing can help him begin to name and label those feelings.
Elementary School
Cultivate friend-making skills. Pre-K to second-grade children are beginning to create genuine friendships, but they’re new to creating friendships, Miller says. “Children need a lot of help in figuring out how to be a good friend and to have friends,” she says. “At the beginning of the school year, you can practice making introductions if they’re nervous about not knowing other kids, and you can do that with stuffed animals or action figures that they play with: Hi, I want to introduce you to Betsy Bear. It’s nice to meet you, this is so-and-so.” Demonstrate empathy. “In elementary school, friends become increasingly important. Elementary school-aged children learn to identify and become attuned to peers’ facial expressions and perspectives. So parents can support their children by helping them learn how to understand others’ feelings, and to empathize with them, creating the basis for becoming a true friend,” Lee says. In the home, where emotions are okay to talk about and explore, Lee recommends parents try to model empathy by saying, I wonder how your friend’s doing. She looked a little sad when she was here the other day—have you noticed that? or Gosh, I remember his parents are separated. I wonder if there is anything we can do to show our love and support for him? “Helping your child learn to develop an empathic frame for their experience can really mean a lot for a child during those elementary school years,” Lee says. Practice self-management techniques. Third- through sixthgraders start to encounter more complicated social problems, such as bullying. So, Miller says, their self-management skills become really important. To help your child become a responsible decision-maker, discern what her values are, and act responsibly in social environments, Miller suggests practicing these scenarios with your child at home: how to deal when she is picked on, help her practice ways to respond to bullies whether she is the one being bullied or witnessing it, what to do when her friend is being bullied, when to disengage and not be an audience giving the bully power. Kids at this age can also become very performance oriented, worried about how teachers and peers are judging them, whether it’s sports or academic. Because of this pressure, Miller says kids need really good coping skills. Talk to your child about dealing with frustration, persisting toward a goal when the outcome isn’t perfect immediately, and dealing with feelings of embarrassment or humiliation in front of peers when he doesn’t first succeed.
Middle School
Explore morals and ethics. In middle school, kids’ moral and ethical development begins, and awareness starts to shift from “me and my accomplishments to an awareness of one’s membership in a larger community and humanity,” Lee says. “So parents exploring those topics with their middle-schoolers helps support their efforts to develop this larger vision and to formulate their own values.” continued on next page ››
WestchesterParent 27
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OPEN HOUSE
‹‹ continued from previous page
Sunday, November 5 at 1:00 pm Register at whitbyschool.org/openhouse
Talk and listen. “I think a critical aspect of being a middleschool parent is keeping the lines of communication open,” Miller says. At this age, kids are in the throes of puberty, and part of it is parental pushback and pushing boundaries. So talk about those boundaries and discuss why they are important, she says. “Kids are learning and caring more about social justice as it relates to the world and as it relates to them, and so they want to know why.” When you are open with your child, she will come to you on her own time. You may not talk about little issues, “but when the big issues come up, they come to you, not somebody else,” Miller adds.
High School
Whitby students are creative, hands-on learners who explore big ideas and ask big questions. Students ‘dig for the why,’ and teachers spark their curiosity along the way. As a result, Whitby graduates are masterfully prepared for high school and beyond.
whitbyschool.org | 18 months—Grade 8 969 Lake Avenue, Greenwich, Connecticut
FALL PROGRAM
Family Owned & Operated Since 1973 Experienced Teachers
• Serving Children 2 months–14 years • Field Trips • Stimulating Environment • Flexible Schedules • Beautiful Campus Setting
www.annandandychildcare.com 914-592-3027 • 2170 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford
Give your teen space to create an identity. “High-schoolers are really working hard at creating their own identity and independence, so sometimes they’re going to need more alone time and time with their friends and away from you. I think it’s a tough time to create independence when you are still dependent in a household,” Miller says; so allow your teen space to develop his self-identity. Miller also suggests telling your teen stories from her childhood when she demonstrated strength and perseverance. “I think it’s really helpful because at the time when social pressure is at it’s height and they’re trying to figure out who they’re going to be in all of it, you want them to feel strong and feel like they can stand their ground if they need to,” she says. While giving your teen space to cultivate independence, stay connected to him and keep the relationship strong. “Parents can support their high-schooler’s development by thoughtfully thinking issues through with them, by encouraging the ability of their teen to think critically in their decision-making. If we can recognize that this is a time when kids naturally begin to differentiate themselves from other adults, often including their parents, then we can avoid taking it personally and arguing,” Lee advises. “This is a healthy development—a necessary part of formulating their own identities.” As with most life skills, parents are their children’s first and main teachers. So to help your child build her emotional and social skills, you have to demonstrate and build these skills yourself. As Miller says, “Every human being can continue to hone their social and emotional competence.”
DROP OFF PROGRAM FOR 2.5 to 4.5 YEAR OLDS
Presented by:
GYM-MINI KICK-IT KICKSTART® Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30 to 11:30am Register for both days and save!
ENHANCE YOUR CHILD’S PRE-SCHOOL OR KINDERGARTEN EXPERIENCE! Playtime • Gross motor development • Fine motor development Story time • Group cooperation • Teamwork skills • Tae Kwon Do Obstacle courses • Creative movement • Basic academics Arts & crafts • Snack time 250 Halstead Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528 • (914) 835-0665 • www.brucechung.com 28
October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
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...where dance is an art form, not a competition!
Come 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.
Specializing in classes for children: Ballet Ë Hip Hop Jazz Ë Tap Contemporary Pointe Kindergarten Pre-K and more!
www.alcottschool.org
Scarsdale
Register for Classes Now!
98 Lake Street Street, White Plains Plains, NY 10604 / 914-328-18 914-328-1881 Artistic Director: Dina Giordano
Join us for a Free Trial Class
Scarsdale
46 Fox Meadow Rd. 914-595-7551
Dobbs Ferry
535 Broadway 914-693-4443
NEW FLEXIBLE HOURS!
Ask About Special Needs!
Online Enrollment!
27 Crane Rd. 914-472-4404
Pleasantville | Scarsdale | White Plains | Bronxville Dobbs Ferry | New Rochelle | North Castle 914-771-7000 • www.musicalmunchkins.com
COME PLAY& LEARN WITH US! Register now for 1s, 2s, 3s, and 4s! bethelnurseryschool.org ~ (914) 235-2700, x250
Dance Studio
NOW OPEN! Taking registrations! 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 Mention Westchester Parent for a FREE trial class. WestchesterParent 29
OUTINGS: Randall’s Island
nymetroparents.com/outings
Explore Nature and Get in the Game on Randall’s Island
Hit a hole-in-one, explore an urban farm, check out bee hotels, and more between the boroughs. ›› By Sabrina Sooknanan
Courtesy Randall’s Island Park Alliance
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Sabrina Sooknanan
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Vincent LaForet
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1 Hit a hole-in-one on the island’s 36-hole miniature-golf course. 2 Decorate pumpkins, enjoy live music, and watch the Randall’s Island Chef Showdown at the Harvest Festival. 3 The Urban Farm is an educational stop at which families can learn about sustainable gardening practices. 4 Randall’s Island is home to more than 60 playing fields, so you can cheer on a local team or play ball. 5 Randall’s Island is home to six bee hotels.
R
andall’s Island Park, a multifaceted public park covering most of a 480-acre island in the East River between East Harlem, the South Bronx, and Astoria, Queens, is home to a variety of facilities, activities, and natural areas for every member of the family to enjoy.
Farm in the City
The Urban Farm gives families the opportunity to plant, harvest, and compost. It offers lessons on sustainable gardening practices such as rainwater capture, soil fertility, pollination, and botany. Your family can catch a glimpse of this year’s flock of chickens, the only known rice paddies in New York, an apple orchard, greenhouses, and a berry patch at this seasonal attraction.
Explore Themed Gardens
Check out five themed gardens created using native species and sustainable practices, including the Rock Garden and the Waters Edge Garden. The White Garden is composed of plants with flowers or foliate in various tones of white. The Hell Gate Wildflower Meadow provides food and shelter for various
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October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
pollinators and other insects, while the Freshwater Wetlands Wildflower Meadow contains unusual native plants. There are also six bee hotels on the island. The park also has a variety of natural areas to explore, including freshwater wetlands, a tidal salt marsh, an urban forest, and nearly 5 miles of coastal upland habitat. Most are accessible via the almost 8 miles of bike and pedestrian pathways that run throughout the park and along the waterfront.
Play Sports (or Cheer on a Local Team)
Randall’s Island is home to more than 60 playing fields. Families and friends can come out to play and enjoy a good game of soccer, softball, lacrosse, rugby, and more. Randall’s Island Park Alliance works with local schools and communitybased organizations to make sure the fields are available for NYC children and adult leagues and teams, so you can cheer on your favorite local team or toss a ball around. The park is also home to Icahn Stadium, a 400-meter running track used to accommodate local, national, and international track and field events.
Become the Next Tennis Star
The Sportime Tennis Center offers many resources for families, such as 20 indoor and outdoor courts: 10 Har-Tru clay and 10 Deco-Turf hard tennis courts, a training and fitness center, locker rooms, a café, a pro shop, and meeting and event facilities. Tennis programs, athletic training, and youth camps are available for all ages and levels.
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ITt’S PARTY TIME! Give your guests an experience to remember with a super fun rock climbing, tennis, or fitness party! Birthday parties, sweet sixteens, Bar/ Bat Mitzvahs, networking events we’ve got you covered! Any event, any age. Let us host your next special event!
Hit a Hole-in-One
The Golf Center includes an indoor-outdoor, two-tier driving range with 80 stalls, a 36-hole miniature golf course, batting cages, golf lessons, and free Wi-Fi. Head to the kid-friendly Liquid Bread Beer Garden and Grill for a bite afterward.
Celebrate the Harvest
In addition to the yoga, tours, birding, workshops, and outdoor movie nights on the island, the Harvest Festival on Oct. 15 promises free fall fun. There will be live music, face painting, and pumpkins for kids to decorate, as well as the Randall’s Island Chef Showdown, during which three chefs will be judged on their creations using the Urban Farm’s harvest. Run the River 5K on Oct. 28 also includes a children’s fun run.
Want to Go?
Address: 20 Randall’s Island Park Directions: Approximately a 30-minute drive from White Plains Hours: Park: daily, 5am-12am; Urban Farm: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm through Oct. 15 For more information: 212-830-7722 or randallsisland.org
130 RHODES ST.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY - 914.636.1019 WWW.PINEBROOKFITNESS.COM
Timeless Vintage Clothing, Costumes, and Accessories
Spectacular vintage clothing and costumes for rent and sale Jewelry ✴ Wigs ✴ Gifts ✴ Venetian Masks
Call Us: 203-869-5990 1 Liberty Way Greenwich, CT 06830 sophiascostumes.com email: shop.sophias@gmail.com
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GREAT DEALS?
Saving money on a New York City family day is easy! Cityguideny.com has coupons and discounts for NYC sightseeing attractions, restaurants, stores and more. Great New York deals, savings, special offers and deep discounts—for you and your family—are yours with just a click of the mouse.
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 WestchesterParent 31
Exciting New Birthday & Event Packages FREE party upgrade!
Add an EXTRA activity for FREE. Call for details. Ad must be presented at time of booking. Exp. 10/31/17
50,000 sq. ft. of PURE FUN! Laser Tag • Super Fly • 150 Arcade games Rock Wall • Kiddie Zone Bumper Cars • Batting Cages and MORE! Can You Handle The Thrilling Excitement?
• Birthday parties for all ages • Private and group baking
Thrilling SUPER FLY ride
ASK ABOUT • Private parties
classes customized to fit your schedule
• B-Mitzvah’s • Sweet Sixteen’s
Cakes, Cupcakes, Parties and Classes
914-592-2111
414 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck, NY 10543 www.abccakesny.com | (914) 630-2858
380 saw mill river rd, Elmsford
www.sportimeusa.com
OPEN ALL WEEK!
ENROLL NOW FOR FALL CLASSES! AGES 3-18
Like Us & Receive Special Promotions
BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR AGES 1-12
OWNERS – HEATHER AND PETER CAPELLE
The Artistree Spooktacular Friday, October 27th at 5:30PM – 7:30PM Pizza, games, hip-hop, dancing, crafts, a haunted house and more. Send them dressed in their favorite costumes! ARTISTREEARTS.COM • (914) 835-2200 • 114 W. BOSTON POST RD. MAMARONECK
Walk-in Hours/Birthday Parties/Art Classes Art studio offering walk-in hours, birthday parties, and classes for all ages and skill levels. Special workshops, adult nights, day classes for preschool and afterschool/summer drop-off programs.
thehudsoncreamery.com • 55 Hudson Avenue, Peekskill HudsonCreamery5@optimum.net • 914-293- 7811 32
October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
7 Addison St Larchmont, NY 914-833-2880 creativecornerlarchmont.com
creativecornerlarchmont@gmail.com
Ideas When You Need Them:
Sign up for our FREE newsletter & never hear “I’m bored!” again. We email the top kids’ events every Thursday—just in time to make weekend plans!
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Turn the page for details on Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (No. 10 on our list).
OCTOBER
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CALENDAR
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Editor’s Hot Tickets
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We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!
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Animal Lovers, The Great Outdoors
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Crafty Kids, Once Upon a Time
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Show Time!, Smarty Pants
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Must-Sees in NYC
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Movers & Shakers, Holiday Fun
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EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS
Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the 10 events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!
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Dig! Plant! Grow! The Three Sisters
WHEN: Through Oct. 4: Wednesday 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.
‘Sleeping Beauty’
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WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 14, 2pm WHERE: Tarrytown Music Hall, 130 Main St., Tarrytown AGES: All WHAT: King Humphrey and Queen Bea are so delighted at the birth of their daughter, Aurora, that they throw the biggest party the kingdom has ever seen. However, when they forget to invite the land’s most powerful sorceress, Vestra, their happiness soon turns sour. WHY WE LOVE IT: A great show, and a lot of material to talk about with your child! WANT TO GO? $28 and up. 877-840-0457. tarrytownmusichall.org.
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Battle of Pell’s Point Encampment FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 21, 10am-4pm WHERE: St. Paul’s Church N.H.S., 897 S. Columbus Ave., Mount Vernon AGES: All WHAT: An encampment that commemorates the nearby 1776 Battle of Pell’s Point with talks on the American 34
October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Revolution, musket firing and militia drill, period music and dancing, dramatizations, crafts and cooking, historic children’s games and toys, and costumed re-enactors representing the armies that fought in the Revolutionary War. WHY WE LOVE IT: Always make room for history in your child’s busy day! WANT TO GO? 914-667-4116. nps.gov/sapa.
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CHIHULY
WHEN: Through Oct. 29: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: CHIHULY spotlights world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s bold innovation and experimentation in a variety of media throughout his celebrated career, with approximately 20 installations, drawings, and early works revealing the evolution and development of his artistic process. WHY WE LOVE IT: Come, be inspired! WANT TO GO? Weekdays: $20; $8 children ages 2-12; weekends: $25; $10 children ages 2-12. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.
Halloween Trick or Treat Brunch with Stew Leonard’s Characters
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WHEN: Oct. 28-29, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-2pm WHERE: Stew Leonard’s, 1 Stew Leonard Drive, Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a Halloween breakfast with beloved Stew Leonard’s characters such as Wow the Cow. There are three seating times and menu items include pancakes, sausage, eggs, home fries, fresh fruit, orange juice, and coffee. WHY WE LOVE IT: Get psyched for a Halloween meal. WANT TO GO? $14.95; $9.95 for children younger than 12. 914-3754700. stewleonards.com.
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Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome.
The Legend Behind the Legend
WHEN: Through Oct. 29: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-3pm WHERE: Sunnyside, 3 West Sunnyside Lane, Irvington AGES: All WHAT: Visitors can enjoy a daytime visit with a shadow puppet performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and experience one of Irving’s spooky tales on a walk through the woods. WHY WE LOVE IT: Get pumped for Halloween! WANT TO GO? $14; $12 seniors; $10 children ages 3-17. 914-6318200. hudsonvalley.org.
Irving’s Legend
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WHEN: Oct. 6-31, Friday, 6:45-8:15pm; SaturdaySunday, 5-8pm WHERE: Old Dutch Church, 430 Broadway, Sleepy Hollow AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk offers a dramatic performance of Washington Irving’s classic tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. WHY WE LOVE IT: This is spooktacular! WANT TO GO? $25; $20. 914-631-8200. hudsonvalley.org.
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Horseman’s Hollow
WHEN: Oct. 6-31, Friday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Philipsburg Manor, 100 Continental St., Sleepy Hollow AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Philipsburg Manor transforms into a terrifying landscape ruled by the undead, the evil, and the insane. Visitors begin walk a haunted trail, stumbling upon scary scenes of a town driven mad by the Headless Horseman. WHY WE LOVE IT: Perfect for those who love a good scare! WANT TO GO? $20; $25 on Saturdays. 914631-8200. hudsonvalley.org.
Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities
WHEN: Oct. 19-31, see website for dates, 6-9pm WHERE: Lyndhurst Mansion, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown AGES: All WHAT: There’s been a murder, and the Gothic mansion is filled with madcap suspects who each hold a clue to the crime. Move through the first floor and basement of the mansion where each character will reveal part of this chilling mystery. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s fun, eerie, and spooky, but not scary. WANT TO GO? $25; $20 children. 914-631-4481. lyndhurst.org.
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WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE
Fall Carnival FREE
WHEN: Through Oct. 1: Wednesday-Friday, 4-10pm; Saturday, 1211pm; 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.
Gan Shabbat Family Service FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 7, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Bet Torah Nursery School, 60 Smith Ave., Mount Kisco AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Join Gan Shabbat, a program of children’s Sabbath services for nursery school students and families with Shabbat songs, stories, and prayers. A kid-friendly Kiddush of refreshments follows each service. WANT TO GO? 914-666-7595. bettorah.org.
Relay for Life Fall Festival FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 14, 10am-4pm WHERE: Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy activities for kids, shopping with local vendors, food from around the county, and live music. WANT TO GO? 914-949-4800. rockforrelay.weebly.com.
‘Annie’ Sing-Along FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 18, 4pm WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 19 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: All WHAT: Broadway comes to the Children’s Room sing-along with the film. WANT TO GO? 914-238-4779. chappaqualibrary.org.
Art Show FREE
WHEN: Oct. 1-29, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4pm WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: All WHAT: Works by a local artist on view in the Main House Gallery. WANT TO GO? 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org. ››
Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
WHEN: Oct. 1-Nov. 25, see website for times WHERE: Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 S. Riverside Ave., Croton-on-Hudson AGES: All WHAT: Meander through a historic, 18th-century riverside landscape and discover a breathtaking display all made of jack-o’-lanterns. WHY WE LOVE IT: A truly spooktacular Halloween event! WANT TO GO? $20; $16 children ages 3-17; Friday-Saturday: $25; $20 children ages 3-17. 914-631-8200. hudsonvalley.org.
WestchesterParent 35
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Insider’s Tour
ANIMAL LOVERS
Full Moon Wolf Walk
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 5, 6pm WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the October full moon with the Wolf Conservation Center’s moon-loving wolves. Enjoy the symphony of howls from the wolves. WANT TO GO? $20. 914-763-2373. nywolf.org.
Wag Your Tale FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 21, 3pm WHERE: Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Road, Scarsdale AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Practice your reading skills with a story-loving dog. WANT TO GO? 914-722-1303. scarsdalelibrary.org.
Pack Chat
WHEN: Oct. 7-22, Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: This is the best intro to wolves for families with young children. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 children. 914-763-2373. nywolf.org.
Hawk Watch FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 10am-12pm WHERE: Lenoir Preserve, 19 Dudley St., Hastings-on-Hudson AGES: All WHAT: Bring binoculars and meet at the mansion to scan the sky for migrating hawks and other raptors heading south along the Hudson River flyway. WANT TO GO? 914-968-5851. parks.westchestergov.com.
Boo at the Zoo
WHEN: Through Oct. 29: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5:30pm WHERE: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Families of all ages will love the costume parades, scary crafts, haunted forests, Halloween hayrides, magic shows, and more. WANT TO GO? $36.95; $26.95 children ages 3-12. 718-220-5100. bronxzoo.com.
Halloween Party with Wolves
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 29, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Wear costumes and party with the wolves. Holiday treats will be offered. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 for children younger than 12. 914-7632373. nywolf.org.
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October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
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, talk about farm innovation and how to build a healthy and sustainable food system. WANT TO GO? $20. 914-366-6200. story.stonebarnscenter.org.
Fall Scavenger Hunt: Leaves and Things FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 14, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Marshlands Conservancy, 220 Boston Post Road, Rye AGES: All WHAT: Kids can observe and search for fun colors and shapes in the wild. WANT TO GO? 914-835-4466. parks.westchestergov.com.
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.
Spooky Stories Hike FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 1pm WHERE: Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Routes 35 and 121, Cross River AGES: All WHAT: What better time of year to learn about the spooky stories of the reservation? Join a naturalist for a hike and tales that will give you goosebumps. WANT TO GO? 914-864-7322. friendsoftrailside.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 all-day, hands-on activities, and drop-in tours. WANT TO GO? $20; $10 children. 914-366-6200. story.stonebarnscenter.org.
Dead or Alive: Special Effects
CRAFTY KIDS Mapping the Bronx Green
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 1, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Explore the language of cartography and abstraction to make multi-layered art. WANT TO GO? $8; $4 children. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.
Arch for Kids FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 3, 4pm WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 19 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make a home for your alien. WANT TO GO? 914-238-4779. chappaqualibrary.org.
Jr. Garden Club FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 4, 4pm WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 19 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Participate in fall garden activities for children. WANT TO GO? 914-238-4779. chappaqualibrary.org.
Raptors in the Autumn Sky
WHEN: Oct. 7-8, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Make your own movable raptor puppet. WANT TO GO? $8; $4 children. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 1-4:30pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Meet special effects artists and technologists while participating in hands-on activities and exploring the science of creepy. WANT TO GO? $16; $13 children, students, and seniors. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.
Halloween Craft FREE
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 30, 4pm WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Children are invited to join us for a special Halloween craft. WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.
ONCE UPON A TIME Parent-Child Book Discussion FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 1, 2pm WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 19 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Great books, lively discussion, and delicious snacks. WANT TO GO? 914-238-4779. chappaqualibrary.org.
Time for Twos FREE
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 2, 4pm WHERE: Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Road, Scarsdale AGES: 2 WHAT: Enjoy stories and fun just for 2-year-olds. WANT TO GO? 914-722-1303. scarsdalelibrary.org.
Campfire Stories and S’mores FREE
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 6, 7-8pm WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy entertaining stories and delicious s’mores with family and friends. WANT TO GO? 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org.
Storyteller Kate DiCamillo
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 14, 9:30am-4:30pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Using basic woodworking tools, assemble a one-of-a-kind sculptural bird feeder for your garden’s avian friends with master woodworker Frank Perrone. WANT TO GO? $60; $50 children. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 12, 7pm WHERE: Roger Ludlowe Middle School Auditorium, 689 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT AGES: All WHAT: Kate DiCamillo—award-winning author of Because of WinnDixie, The Tiger Rising, and The Tale of Despereaux—will discuss her newest book La La La: A Story of Hope, featuring enchanting illustrations by Jaime Kim. WANT TO GO? $20 per family. 203-255-7756. fairfield.edu/dicamillo.
Lego My Library FREE
Story Garden with Miss Alexia
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 21, 11am WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Kids who love to build can join the Lego My Library club. WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 13, 11-11:30am WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Avenue, Peekskill AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Join Miss Alexia for stories, songs, and her magic ukulele. WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.
Lego Club FREE
Storydancing FREE
Bird Feeder Workshop
WHEN: Oct. 12-26, Thursdays, 4pm WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 19 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: 3-8 WHAT: The library provides the Legos, you supply the ideas. WANT TO GO? 914-238-4779. chappaqualibrary.org.
WHEN: Oct. 10-24, Tuesdays, 10am WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 19 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: 3-5 WHAT: See your favorite picture books in motion. WANT TO GO? 914-238-4779. chappaqualibrary.org. ›› WestchesterParent 37
National Players: ‘Alice in Wonderland’
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 22, 3pm WHERE: Academic Arts Theatre, Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla AGES: All WHAT: Lewis Carroll’s classic is adapted in this world premiere live theatrical production. WANT TO GO? $24; $22 seniors and students; $18 for children younger than 13. 914-606-6567. sunywcc.edu/smartarts.
‘Revolting Rhymes’
SHOW TIME! ‘Amazon Adventure 3D’
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 7, 12pm WHERE: Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Road, Pleasantville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Based on the remarkable true story of Henry Bates, this docudrama will inspire young scientists and impress everyone with its magnificent views of the extraordinary world of nature. WANT TO GO? $20; $12 children. 914-773-7663. burnsfilmcenter.org.
FIESTA! With Flor FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 7, 11-11:30am WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Flor Bromley teaches Spanish through music, movement, puppetry, and theater-based games in this fun, bilingual (EnglishSpanish) music program for children. WANT TO GO? 9147370847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.
‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 13, 4pm WHERE: Palace Theatre Stamford, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, CT AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Daniel Tiger, along with “O” the Owl, Katerina Kittycat, Prince Wednesday, Mom and Dad Tiger, and more take audiences on an interactive musical adventure to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe in this live theatrical production filled with singing, dancing, and laughter. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 203-325-4466. palacestamford.org.
Catapult
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 15, 3pm WHERE: Academic Arts Theatre, Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla AGES: All WHAT: As a finalist on season 8 of America’s Got Talent, this must-see show features a magical theatrical art form, shadow dancing, which combines dance, storytelling, and sculpture. WANT TO GO? $24; $22 seniors and students; $18 for children younger than 13. 914-606-6567. sunywcc.edu/smartarts.
Disney’s ‘Choo-Choo Soul With Genevieve!’
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 15, 1pm and 4pm WHERE: Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Genevieve, who stars as the train conductor, and Constantine “DC” Abramson, her beat-boxing, break-dancing engineer, know how to rock the stage for the whole family. WANT TO GO? $21. 914-739-0039. paramounthudsonvalley.com. 38
October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Oct. 21-22, Saturday-Sunday, 12pm WHERE: Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Road, Pleasantville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Based on the much-loved children’s book written by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake, Revolting Rhymes combines the classic fairytales of Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, The Three Little Pigs, Jack & the Beanstalk, and Cinderella, and serves them with a mischievous twist. WANT TO GO? $13; $7.50 for children age 13 and younger. 914-7737663. burnsfilmcenter.org.
‘In Bocca al Lupo’
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 22, 2-4:45pm WHERE: Yorktown Stage, 1974 Commerce St., Yorktown Heights AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Taconic Opera opens its 20th season with the premiere of In bocca al lupo. Loosely translated as the opera equivalent of Break A Leg, it is the amusing story of a buffoon trying to run an opera company. WANT TO GO? $27 and up. 1-855-886-7372. taconicopera.org.
‘Ghost the Musical’
WHEN: Oct. 13-29, see website for dates, 2pm and 8pm WHERE: White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place, White Plains AGES: 13 and older WHAT: The Oscar-winning film comes alive on stage in a smart, funny, suspenseful, and romantic musical for the whole family. WANT TO GO? $33 and up. 914-328-1600. wppac.com.
‘Annie Get Your Gun’
WHEN: Through 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 heart-throb 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. WANT TO GO? $50 show only. 914-592-2222. broadwaytheatre.com.
SMARTY PANTS Making Math Magical with Rebecca Zook FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 4, 7pm WHERE: Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Road, Scarsdale AGES: Adult WHAT: How to end the math freakout and raise a math-confident child. WANT TO GO? 914-722-1303. scarsdalelibrary.org.
Art & Science Sundays
WHEN: Through Oct. 29: Sundays, 2-4pm WHERE: The Science Barge, 99 Dock St., Yonkers AGES: 3-12 WHAT: The Science Barge on Yonkers’ waterfront invites children for
CityBound Must-Sees in
N Y C
What in the World is a Herbarium?
Courtesy Summer on the Hudson
WHEN: Through Oct. 31: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm WHERE: New York 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 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.
Barry Ritter
hands-on art and science workshops. Children and adults can cross the gangplank and come aboard the barge to do planting activities, arts and crafts, and get up close and personal with baby eels, oysters, and blue claw crabs. WANT TO GO? $5 suggested donation. 914-375-2151. groundworkhv.org.
Second Saturdays
Gulliver’s Gate
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: daily, 9am-10pm WHERE: 216 W. 44th St., Times Square, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Artists from eight countries took part in building this miniature world, featuring cities from across the globe, all built to scale. You can even pay to have your body scanned and become part of the exhibit. WANT TO GO? $36; $27 seniors and for children 12 and younger. gulliversgate.com.
Get swept up by the playful spirit of medieval times.
Hither and Yon!
Let your kids go medieval for the day at the Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park. Aside from costumes, bountiful cuisine, and courtly gestures (jesters, too!), the child-friendly offerings include magic and puppet shows, juggling lessons, and arts and crafts. There will even be a joust between four knights on horseback to conclude the afternoon. Oct. 1, 11:30am-6pm. Age: All. FREE. Fort Tryon Park, 741 Fort Washington Ave., Washington Heights. 212-795-1600. whidc.org.
American Dream Collection: Works by Lynn Mara
Meg Banks
WHEN: Through 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. ››
Courtesy the Laurie Berkner Band/Jayme Thornton
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 14, 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 Boscobel 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.
New York kids will rock out at Laurie’s only NYC concert stop this fall!
Monster Boogie
Catch award-winning and best-selling children’s music star Laurie Berkner in concert at the New York Society for Ethical Culture on the Upper West Side. The Laurie Berkner Band’s Monster Boogie Halloween Concert promises 90 minutes of your favorite Laurie Berkner Band songs. Little kids and the young elementary set will love spending a Saturday afternoon rocking to “Rocketship Run,” “The Airplane Song,” and “We Are The Dinosaurs.” Oct. 28, 2pm doors, 3pm show. Age: 4-8. $39 and up; free for children younger than 1 on adult’s lap. 2 W. 64th St., Upper West Side. nysec.org. WestchesterParent 39
Run the Farm FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 22, 8am-12pm WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: All WHAT: Have fun with the annual farm race. WANT TO GO? 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org.
Musical Tots FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 25, 11:15-11:45am WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Join Lori Cohen for an interactive program of music and movement. WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.
Lights On Afterschool FREE
MOVERS & SHAKERS Annual Support-A-Walk for Breast and Ovarian Cancer FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 1, 9am WHERE: FDR State Park, 2957 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Proceeds for this 3-mile walkathon benefit Support Connection’s free support services for people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. WANT TO GO? 914-962-6402. supportconnection.org.
Simcha Torah Tot Parade and Hora with the Torah FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 12, 4pm WHERE: Chabad of the Rivertowns, 303 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Hora with the Torah including crafts, games, and dancing at the Simchat Torah Tot parade. WANT TO GO? 914-693-6100. chabadrt.org.
Westchester Out of the Darkness Community Walk FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 14, 10am WHERE: Harbor Island Park, 123 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck AGES: All WHAT: Join the effort to raise awareness and funds that allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. WANT TO GO? 914-610-9156. afsp.org/westchesterwalk.
Parachute Playtime FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 14, 10:30am WHERE: Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Road, Scarsdale AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Have fun at parachute playtime. WANT TO GO? 914-722-1303. scarsdalelibrary.org.
6th Annual Stamford Health, Health Wellness & Sports Expo 2017 FREE WHEN: Oct. 21-22, Saturday, 10am-4pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Chelsea Piers Connecticut, 1 Blachley Road, Stamford, CT AGES: All WHAT: The premier health, wellness, and sports expo will feature health education provided by Stamford Health, fun activities for children, the latest information, products, services, and demos from more than 100 exhibitors, and more. WANT TO GO? 203-531-3047. hws-expos.com.
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October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 26, 5:30-6:30pm WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: All WHAT: Children and parents are invited to a special celebration in honor of the annual Lights On Afterschool Day. Enjoy family yoga, games, and a free book. WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.
HOLIDAY FUN Friday the 13th FREE
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 13, 4pm WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 19 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children know that it is bad luck not to sign up for this fun event. WANT TO GO? 914-238-4779. chappaqualibrary.org.
Halloween Fun FREE
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 27, 4pm WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 19 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: 6 and younger WHAT: Stories, songs, and trick-or-treating. WANT TO GO? 914-238-4779. chappaqualibrary.org.
Halloween Party for Tiny Ghouls & Ghosts FREE
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 27, 11am WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Young children are invited to come in costume for crafts, snacks, and a free book. WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.
‘The Real Wicked Witches of Halloween Hills’
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 12pm and 2pm WHERE: White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place, White Plains AGES: 5-12 WHAT: A funny and lively hour with lovable witches and Halloween goblins. Come dressed in your Halloween costumes and meet the performers after the show. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 children. 914-328-1600. wppac.com.
Diwali Celebration FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 2pm WHERE: Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Road, Scarsdale AGES: All
CUSTOMIZED ORTHODONTIC CARE WHAT: Come for a celebration of the Hindu festival of Diwali with music and dance. WANT TO GO? 914-722-1303. scarsdalelibrary.org.
Halloween Hoopla
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 1-3pm WHERE: Cranberry Lake Preserve, 1609 Old Orchard St., West Harrison AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy some Halloween fun with a candy scavenger hunt, craft, and Halloween goodies. Wear your costume. WANT TO GO? $4. 914-995-2000. parks.westchestergov.com.
FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS
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Grace Pumpkin Parade FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 29, 11am-3pm WHERE: Grace Smith House, Pulaski Park, Poughkeepsie AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the spookiest of seasons, enjoy local hot cider, and raise funds to support Grace Smith House in empowering survivors of domestic violence and their families to live free from fear. WANT TO GO? 845-452-7155. gshpumpkinparade.org.
YMCA Halloween Parade & Fall Fun FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 29, 12pm WHERE: Reis Park, 82 Primrose St., Somers AGES: All WHAT: Children and adults from all Northern Westchester communities are welcome to participate in this fun, family event. After the parade, there will be free trick-or-treating, games, and prizes for best costumes, along with events from the Somers Lions Club and Somers Education Foundation. WANT TO GO? 914-276-2398. community.ymca-cnw.org.
www.blaisortho.com | 914-472-9595
2 Overhill Rd Suite 300, Scarsdale, NY #Lovethewayyousmile
Halloween Horror FREE
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 30, 7pm WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 19 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: All WHAT: Wear your costume to a traditional storytelling and mummywrapping extravaganza. WANT TO GO? 914-238-4779. chappaqualibrary.org.
Puppet Playtime FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 10:30am WHERE: Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Road, Scarsdale AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Join Miss Nicola for a fun-filled Halloween. WANT TO GO? 914-722-1303. scarsdalelibrary.org.
Coming up next month: NOV. 11: Who Gives A Hoot? at Cranberry Lake Preserve, West Harrison NOV. 15-DEC. 8: Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle at Lyndhurst Mansion, Tarrytown NOV. 19: Biscuit at Emelin Theatre, Mamaroneck
WestchesterParent 41
WHERE-TO GUIDE
nymetroparents.com/where-to
Pick Your Own Pumpkins ››
Research by Lindsay Roussin
You can paint them, carve them, bake with them, and decorate with them! This fall, get out and pick your own pumpkins, then playfully master them into crafts or treats! Many pumpkin patches offer fun autumn activities, such as hayrides, corn mazes, and farm stands with fresh fruits, vegetables, and delicious pastries. Spooky or silly, picking your own pumpkin is definitely one thing: fun for the whole family. As always, confirm details ahead of time. appointment); $5 per person. Farmers market with homegrown and local produce open daily. Large field with picnic areas.
Orange County
Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center 1271 Hanover St., Yorktown Heights 914-962-2368; hilltophanoverfarm.org U-pick pumpkins and vegetables through the fall, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am4pm. Organic practice. Three hiking trails on-site. Guided tours available. Free parking. Farm stand with farm-grown produce, seasonal vegetables, herbs, cut flowers, honey, grains, and maple syrup; open Fridays, 1-6pm, and Saturdays, 10am-4pm. Bring your own bags. Outhouse Orchards 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-277-3188; outhouseorchardsny.com Pick your own pumpkins and apples through mid-October, daily, 9am-5pm. Stuart’s Fruit Farm 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs 914-245-2784; stuartsfarm.com Pick your own pumpkins and apples through November, daily, 10am-5pm. School tours available weekdays in October. 42
Group tours available through the barn, cider mill, and cold storage, ending with a chance to pick apples or pumpkins. Cash and check only. Bakery open daily with pies, apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, muffins, scones, and other treats for sale. Corn maze open daily, 10am-5pm. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm 1335 Whitehill Road, Yorktown Heights 914-245-5111; wilkensfarm.com Pick your own pumpkins in October, Friday-Sunday, 10am-4:30pm. Bakery and Appleseed Gift Shop on-site, plus a Farm Market with pre-picked farm produce, snacks, apple cider, and more.
Rockland County
Dr. Davies Farm 306 Route 304, Congers 845-268-7020; drdaviesfarm.com Pick your own pumpkins and apples through the first weekend in November, daily, 10am-4pm. Hayrides to the pumpkin fields offered on weekends (weekdays by
October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Apple Ridge Orchards 101 Jessup Road, Warwick 845-987-7717; appleridgeorchards.com Pick your own pumpkins from midSeptember through October, MondayWednesday for school groups only, 9am5pm; Thursday-Sunday and all holidays, 9am-6pm. Hay wagon rides, corn maze, fresh-pressed cider, apple cider doughnuts, apple butter, friendly farm animals for petting, glass observation honey beehive, farm store, and bouncy house. Bellvale Farms Iron Forge Road, Warwick 845-988-5414 info@bellvalefarms.com; bellvalefarms.com Pick your own pumpkins and hayrides through October, weekends and on Columbus Day, 12-5pm. Call for availability of pumpkins. Creamery on-site featuring homemade ice cream, shakes, sundaes, and more. Lawrence Farms Orchards 306 Frozen Ridge Road, Newburgh 845-562-4268 lawrencefarmsorchards.com Pick your own pumpkins, apples, grapes, peppers, pears, plums, other fruits, corn, eggplant, squash, tomatoes, beans, and other vegetables through October, daily, 9am4pm. Little Play Village, animal visiting, and indoor hay bale maze on-site. Country store and bakery with fruits and vegetables, homemade doughnuts, honey, preserves, old-fashioned candy, refreshments, and local dairy farm ice cream. Picnic area available; train rides on weekends. Admission fee: $3 per person. Seasonal pick-your-own passes available for $10. Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/pumpkins
WHERE-TO GUIDE
nymetroparents.com/where-to
Haunted Houses, Corn Mazes, and Pumpkin Activities ›› Research by Melissa Wickes
Tom Nycz/Historic Hudson Valley
Whether you’re looking for something spooky or just outdoor fall fun this Halloween season, these haunted houses, corn mazes, pumpkin blazes, and autumn activities in Westchester County are sure to make this Halloween one to remember.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze features more than 7,000 illuminated jack-o’-lanterns at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze 525 S. Riverside Ave., Croton-On-Hudson 914-366-6900 hudsonvalley.org/events/blaze Thousands travel to Van Cortlandt Manor each year for this massively popular event, which features more than 7,000 illuminated jack-o’-lanterns, plus themed areas such as Jurassic Park and the Undersea Aquarium. Sound effects and synchronized lighting make it even more impressive; parents who are Howard Stern fans will love that the original soundtrack is provided by the show’s own Richard Christy, a self-described Halloween fanatic. The Haunt at Rocky Ledge 1446 Old Orchard St., West Harrison hauntatrockyledge.com Started in the mid-1980s (and known in the 2000s as Haunted Dead End on Gainsborg Avenue), the original haunted house has grown into two houses on 5 acres of land, complete with a haunted trail, woods, and a corn maze. The scares
you’ll experience come from humans, not machines: The event employs actors to create them, and some have been with the event for more than 20 years. Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown 914-631-4481; visitsleepyhollow.com Fans of classic monster movies will love touring this gothic Lyndhurst mansion, which pays homage to The Mummy, The Phantom of the Opera, and Bride of Frankenstein through actor performances and decorations. Designed for adults and teens, it is also suitable for younger children. Outhouse Orchards 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-277-3188; outhouseorchardsny.com After visiting this family-owned farm (lovingly called ‘home of the happy apple’) for your munching and baking needs, learn about them as you help your kids navigate through the corn maze. The map provides interesting facts about apples, as well as hidden puzzle clues.
Scared by the Sound, Rye Playland 1 Playland Parkway, Rye 914-813-7010; ryeplayland.org The park closes down its rides for this event, back for its 18th year. More than 100 actors help to make the crypt walk, morgue, and haunted wine cellar creepy without lots of gore; don’t miss the giant outdoor graveyard behind the haunted house. No matinee shows this year. Schuyler Farms 1124 Route 29, Schuylerville 518-695-5308; schuylerfarms.com Corn maze enthusiasts will love this 7-acre version, which is open during the day as a ‘regular’ maze for $8 and at night as the ‘Field of Screams’ for $14, which features masked men and ghouls around every turn. This year’s maze theme is Charlotte’s Web. Remember to bring a flashlight! Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/haunted-houses
The Payoff of Teaching Kids Financial Literacy ››
Experts discuss how parents can establish skills from a young age to ensure kids will know how to handle their money. By Samantha Neudorf
T
hough teenagers may be successfully juggling AP classes, extracurricular activities, and standardized tests, they are failing at a vital subject necessary for life: financial literacy. A study released by the Program for International Student Assessment in May found that 1 in 5 teenagers in the U.S. lacks basic financial literacy skills, which is approximately 22 percent of the country’s teenage population. PISA surveyed 15-year-olds from 15 countries to test how well they understand financial concepts, products, and risks, and the U.S. ranked seventh overall, while China secured first place, followed by Belgium and Canada. Unfortunately, financial literacy skills are often not taught at school, so it is up to parents to equip their children with the knowledge and tools to be able to manage their money wisely. These conversations should not just take place during high school either. Experts say financial literacy skills should be instilled from a young age—even as young as 3. Here, financial experts share their strategies for teaching kids money skills for life.
Ages 3-6
Learn your 1, 2, 3s. Your child may learn how to count by the time she is 3 years old and start to grasp the idea that you need 44
October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
money to pay for items while shopping. Jean Chatzky, financial editor of NBC’s Today Show, says she had discussions about money with her kids when they were young. For example, she explained that one particular brand of orange juice was cheaper than another, so that’s why she bought it. “It’s just a running dialogue where you talk about money,” Chatzky says. In learning that you need money to buy goods, this might also be the age your child understands how to count coins and dollars and may even begin to receive an allowance for doing chores.
Elementary School
Give cash rewards for chores. When your child reaches elementary school, he may begin to take on more chores, such as folding laundry and putting it away or feeding a pet, and receive an allowance in cash to be able to see money as a tangible asset. This is a fundamental way to teach him how to earn and save money, and he will be able to physically see and count his cash. Chatzky recommends having two different jars: one for saving and one for spending money. (Some experts recommend adding a third jar, for money to be given to charity.) “So much of our money these days is invisible with Venmo and direct deposit,”
Chatzky says. “It’s important that kids actually see and use money before transitioning into electronic spending.” Differentiate between credit and debit cards. Though it may seem kids are too young to learn this, it is an opportune time to teach them the difference between credit and debit cards. Gregg Murset is the founder of BusyKid.com—an app to keep track of your child’s chores and allowance—and a certified financial planner based in Arizona. He says parents can create a teachable moment while waiting in line at a grocery store to compare the two types of cards. “That’s an easy way to teach them, and your cards are right there in your wallet,” Murset says. Open a savings account for your child, and have her go with you to learn how to deposit money into the account. Roy Paul, executive director of Cents Ability—a New York City-based nonprofit dedicated to teaching students from low-income families financial literacy—expressed the importance of teaching kids how to save allowance. “It really helps them understand how to take that money and put it into an institution that will protect it,” Paul says. “That’s also a good time to explain how interest works, and that when you put this money into an account, it will grow over a period of time.”
Middle School
Get them involved. Middle school is the time when your child can learn about the value of real world items, such as the property value of your house and how much bills cost. This is also the age when he might receive his first debit card and learn how to deposit and withdraw money. Discuss needs vs. wants. Have a conversation about discerning the difference between needs versus wants. Do you absolutely need a new pair of shoes or do you just want it? Asking questions like this establishes a foundation to be able to analyze whether spending hard-earned money on an item (especially material) is truly worth it. Talk about saving for college. If your child wants to go to college, it is important for her to understand how expensive tuition will be and that saving for it should start now. “A lot of kids, poor and wealthy, do not really have an understanding of how you pay for college, from the savings that happens on the parents’ ends to taking out loans and borrowing money,” Paul says. This is also a good opportunity to talk to your child about loans—that they’re not free money and they have to be paid back with an interest rate.
High School
Have them start “adulting.” High school students will soon enough become full-fledged adults and should begin taking on more responsibilities. Many high school-aged kids may get their licenses, so this can be an opportunity to send them out to run errands at the grocery store, or even have them pay for gas or oil changes to get the experience of making everyday transactions independently. Think about the big picture. Paul shared that Cents Ability teaches kids a 50-30-20 rule to manage their money. From each paycheck, 50 percent of it should go to absolute needs such as bills, rent, car insurance, etc.; 30 percent can go to miscellaneous items such as a vacation or clothes; and 20 percent should be saved in a bank account. Make an investment. Stocks are an equity investment, and when you invest in one, there is a chance that it will yield a higher return over time. Murset advises teens buy stocks as a first step
in learning how to invest money, even if it is just $20. “The best learning is done by doing,” Murset says, “Just jump in and buy some [stocks] and start watching them grow.” Speak with a professional together. It’s okay to ask for help when you do not know the answer to your child’s question. Paul recalls a time when his mother set up an appointment for the two of them to speak with her tax accountant to learn about interest rates for college. “If parents do not know the answers to these questions, they should not feel embarrassed about it,” Paul says. “If you have someone who does your taxes every year, ask them to take a few extra minutes to explain these concepts to your kids. Most of them are happy to do it.”
THE ALLOWANCE DEBATE While whether kids should receive an allowance at all is a debate in itself, parents who are pro-allowance typically fall between two sides of the spectrum. Some believe allowance should be earned by doing chores and others say it should just be given and it is up to the child to manage his own money. There is even debate on whether kids should receive money electronically or as cold hard cash. Gregg Murset, founder of BusyKid.com, is a proponent of the idea you have to do something in order to earn your money. “You need to challenge them by providing different opportunities for them to make money, and challenge them with these concepts we’ve been talking about: saving, sharing, and spending,” Murset says. Murset’s app BusyKid allows parents to assign chores to their kids, and the kids can see how close they are to “payday” and decide how to budget their money. “It doesn’t make sense to give kids $20 at the end of the week when they just sit around and watch Netflix,” Murset says. “We need to teach kids what we do every day: We work, earn some money, save some, share some with charity or people we care about, and then spend the rest.” Rather than using cash, Murset says kids should learn how to use debit cards or phones to pay because most forms of payment have shifted over to technology. “One thing that drives me nuts is when people say, ‘Kids don’t know how to balance a checkbook these days.’ Well, no one really uses checkbooks anymore,” Murset says. “We have to change our mindset and teach kids in a way that makes sense.” Roy Paul, executive director of Cents Ability, agrees that kids should earn money through work, but should receive cash to be able to see their money in their hands. “We really want young people to turn into responsible adults to understand the concept of hard work and what they should get in return because those trickle down into fundamental beliefs about the workplace and to work hard for money,” Paul says. However, Jean Chatzky, financial editor of the NBC’s Today Show, has a viewpoint that is more in the middle of these two ideologies and favors giving kids cash. She believes kids should not be paid for doing chores because she says they are tasks that should just get done without a monetary incentive. Instead, kids should be given money to buy things that parents no longer want to pay for, which will teach kids how to save and budget within reason. “You shouldn’t give them so much that they can buy as much as they want,” Chatzky says. As with all things when it comes to raising kids, ultimately it is up to you whether your child receives allowance, for what, and how. Where do you stand on this debate? WestchesterParent 45
Courtesy Stacey Follman
PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS AWARENESS MONTH
Photos of Aaron Follman and his mom, Stacey Follman, from his too-short life. Aaron died from a genetic disorder days shy of his 8-month birthday.
An Unimaginable Tragedy
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Though local infant mortality rates are lower than the national average, more babies die in their first year than most of us expect. Here’s a look at this tragedy and what parents can do to reduce the risk. By Stacey Pfeffer
S
tacey Follman, a Westchester mom, had a healthy pregnancy, with everything progressing normally and as she and her doctors expected. But when her son Aaron Ross Follman was born on May 21, 2002, and taken to the neonatal intensive care unit immediately, she knew something obviously was wrong. Aaron had a seizure shortly after delivery and hardly moved or cried. It took the doctors 10 days to figure out he suffered from a rare congenital disorder called Zellweger’s Syndrome. The doctors expected Aaron to have a life expectancy of about 12 months. He died just a few days short of his 8-month birthday on Jan. 16, 2003. Nothing can prepare parents for losing a baby. Follman believed Aaron would live longer despite being told he probably would die within a year. “We were buying him new pajamas because he was growing,” she says. “We had faith that he was going to live until the day he died.” It’s a heartbreak that will never go away. Most parents thankfully do not have to face the horrors of losing a baby, and it’s difficult to imagine the pain endured by that small minority of parents who, like Follman, never see their babies make it to their 1st birthday. Despite its advanced health care system, America still lags behind other industrialized nations in its infant mortality rate (IMR), 46
October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
which is defined as “the death of a child under the age of 1— from birth through 364 days,” explains Deborah E. Campbell, M.D., the director of neonatology at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in the Bronx. The reasons for this are complicated and varied, and with October designated as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, it’s a moment to try to understand why some babies die in the first year, how our area compares to the nation as a whole, and what parents can do to minimize the risk.
Understanding the Statistics
Experts break down the IMR into two categories: neonatal mortality, which occurs the first 28 days after birth, and post-neonatal mortality (29-364 days). “Most infant deaths take place in the neonatal period,” says Dr. Campbell, who lost a baby herself many years ago. The IMR does not include miscarriages or stillbirths. Although the U.S. is a developed nation, 25 other industrialized nations do a better job at keeping babies alive in the first year of life. While these statistics are startling for expectant parents, the relatively good news for New Yorkers is the IMR in New York City and the surrounding areas is at a historic low. In 2013, the most recent year IMR statistics are available, our area’s IMR averaged
nearly 30 percent lower than the overall U.S. rate of 6 deaths per 1,000 live births (see sidebar on p. 48 for details). The three leading causes of infant death in our region were prematurity, birth defects or congenital diseases—such as Aaron’s Zellweger’s Syndrome—and cardiovascular disease. Other infant death causes include babies born to a mother with an underlying medical condition and babies who die from sudden infant death syndrome or accidental suffocation while sleeping, usually with other family members, Dr. Campbell explains.
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Disparities in Infant Death Rates
Infant death rates vary greatly depending on the mother’s race and ethnicity. The infant mortality rate for African-American infants in the metropolitan area was 8.3 per 1,000 births versus a rate of 3.0 among white infants in 2013. Infant mortality rates were also higher for Puerto Ricans (4.8) and other Hispanics and Latinas (4.3). Infant mortality rates likewise differ by socioeconomic status, with high-poverty areas such as the South Bronx reporting 1.9 times greater rates—5.2 per 1,000 live births compared to 2.8 in higher-income places such as the Upper East Side or Scarsdale. Dr. Campbell notes that years ago certain areas of Brooklyn had a much higher IMR but with gentrification those numbers have been dropping significantly. David Bateman, M.D., an attending neonatologist and professor of pediatrics at Columbia University Medical Center, has been treating newborns for more than four decades. In the 1980s, he practiced at Harlem Hospital and witnessed firsthand how the trifecta of AIDS, crack, and syphilis in Harlem was wreaking havoc on the IMR rates in that neighborhood. “In the past 30 years, IMR in New York City has had a threefold drop,” Dr. Bateman says. “You can look at changes in medical care, you can look at access to medical care, but it is all about poverty and the changing demographics of NYC. Our IMR has been dropping because you don’t have the same concentration of desperately poor people in NYC that you used to.” IMR tends to drop as doctors discover new ways to save infants’ lives, such as the increased availability of clean water in the first half of the 20th century and the advent of neonatal intensive care units in the 1960s and early ’70s. However, Dr. Bateman cautions, “until the social and economic problems are taken care of, the problem of high IMR is not going to go away.” There have been many studies looking at the inequity of health care delivery and how that correlates with infant mortality. “There are still women who get late or no prenatal care or have trouble accessing prenatal care, particularly minority women,” Dr. Campbell says. While the teen pregnancy rate has dropped almost 50 percent in recent years, babies born to women younger than 20 have higher infant mortality rates and their mothers are less likely to have had prenatal care. On the flip side, many studies have shown that women with advanced maternal age (defined by doctors as older than 35) also have babies who are at a higher risk of infant mortality. Other factors also play a role. Babies born to obese mothers, for instance, face higher infant mortality rates, as obesity can lead to health problems in the mother such as hypertensive disorders or preeclampsia, putting her baby at a higher risk of complications for pre-term or low birth weight. And some experts believe assisted reproductive technology may play a role in infant mortality, especially when several embryos have been implanted, Dr. Campbell says.
Minimizing the Risk of Infant Mortality
While there is no way to eliminate the risk of infant death, pregnant women can take steps to minimize the danger, starting continued on next page ››
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‹‹ continued from previous page
with getting prenatal care; moms who do not receive prenatal care have babies that are at a higher risk of infant mortality. Doctors prescribe prenatal vitamins, recommend exercises and offer instruction on healthy pregnancy diets, and monitor the mom and baby to help ensure a successful pregnancy, delivery, and infancy. In addition, tests during the prenatal period can pinpoint a fetus’ growth and show if there are any genetic defects or other problems in utero. Doctors are regularly developing more advanced tests that can screen for a multitude of genetic disorders. When Aaron Follman was born 15 years ago, there were no genetic tests for his disease, but today, with the help of genetic counseling, expectant parents can now test for that and many other congenital diseases. Armed with this information, doctors can sometimes perform interventions in utero or soon after birth to help the baby, while parents can make informed decisions about whether to continue the pregnancy or how to care for the baby after birth. As terrifying as it is to prepare for the worst, expectant parents should learn about the differences in NICUs and what types of services are offered at different hospitals in the area. NICUs are rated on levels from 1-4, with Level 1 offering basic newborn care for healthy infants and Level 2 offering advanced newborn care for babies born at 32 weeks or more or those recovering from more serious conditions. Levels 3 and 4 are for the most complex cases, with Level 3 providing care for babies born at less than 32 weeks who may require access to pediatric sub-specialists or babies who are born with critical illnesses. Level 4 NICUs provide the most acute care. These nurseries are located in hospitals that can provide surgical repair of complex congenital or acquired conditions. If the delivery is expected to be complicated or the baby is determined to be high-risk, having access to a level 3 or 4 NICU is key. Once a baby is born, doctors obviously do everything they can to keep her healthy, and a lot of medical research focuses on keeping babies alive in this neonatal period. Parents can also take steps to maintain their baby’s overall health, including getting children immunized on schedule, experts say. Ensuring a safe sleep environment is also essential, as many babies die during their first year because of SIDS or suffocation while sleeping. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents follow the ABCs of safe sleep: Alone, On Back, In a Crib. That translates to having babies share a room with their parents if possible, but not in the same bed. And babies should always be put to sleep on their backs.
‘I Don’t Want Aaron to be Forgotten’
For those who have endured the loss of a baby, the grieving process varies from individual to individual. Family, friends, and community members are left to try to offer some comfort to those parents; however, even the best-intentioned efforts can sometimes cause the mourning parents pain and leave them feeling lonely. “Our society is very uncomfortable with baby loss, so people express their sympathy with platitudes such as, ‘You are young, you can have another kid,’ which really minimizes the loss,” says Marianne Walsh, a grief counselor at the Maggie Rose Perinatal Bereavement Program at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco. Dr. Campbell echoes that sentiment, saying she often hears people say to the parents, “At least the baby didn’t live long—you didn’t have time to get too attached.” Current research on grief shows there are four stages bereaved parents generally face, Walsh says: (1) Accepting the death, (2) working through the feelings of pain and grief, (3) adjusting to life without their beloved child, and (4) continuing a bond with their 48
October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
baby, which often happens by memorializing their lost loved one, whether it be through a ritual or by joining or starting a group. Follman decided to take that last route after Aaron died. To raise awareness of the disease that killed him, she created a nonprofit called the Aaron Ross Foundation (zellweger-syndrome.org). “I want people to know about Zellweger’s Syndrome and I want Aaron’s name to live on and for our nonprofit to outlive me,” Follman says. “I don’t want Aaron to be forgotten.” The process of memorializing or honoring a deceased baby has changed dramatically during recent years with the help of social media and groups such as Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, a nonprofit that provides professional-quality photographers free of charge to grieving parents to take photos of their child prior to the funeral. This remembrance photography can be a very powerful part of the healing process for grieving parents. The grieving process is not a linear progression, Walsh says, and the needs of the bereaved parents will fluctuate over time. “I often use the analogy of a roller coaster. After a while it [the grief] becomes like a kiddie roller coaster; the highs aren’t so high and the lows aren’t so low.” It is impossible to predict the duration of grieving from person to person. “Bereavement groups provide wrap-around support because when a baby dies the world stops for these families,” Walsh says. Follman says she found it very difficult to be in a bereavement group with other parents who had lost older children. For her and her husband, individual counseling was a better option, and the doctors at Mount Sinai Hospital, where she delivered, were able to put them in touch with other couples who had babies with ZS. “They were the only ones who truly understood us,” she says. After Aaron died, Follman says she felt very selfish for a long time. Despite knowing that Aaron had no quality of life, she wondered if she did the right thing by signing a “do not resuscitate” order. “In hindsight, I know I gave everything to my child. His whole life he knew people loved him,” she now says. Dr. Campbell says many parents drift in and out of support groups, often showing an elevated need for help around birthdays, the anniversary of their due dates, or family holidays. “After the funeral, everyone is around but then the world wants everything to go back to normal,” she says. “People are worried to talk to the mother about it because they don’t want her to dwell on the death. But as a mother, you are going to think about that loss every single day. And then there comes a day that you don’t think about it and then you realize you are more upset, so you beat yourself up that you forgot about your baby.” No matter how short a life the child lived, that time was still important and marks the life of a human being. “Having lost a child, even if it was a newborn or baby, still means you are a parent,” Dr. Campbell says. “You may not have that child with you physically in your arms anymore but you are still a parent and that child will always be in your head and in your heart.” Stacey Pfeffer is a writer based in Chappaqua.
Local Infant Mortality Rates The following are IMR expressed per 1,000 live births in 2013, the most recent year statistics are available: Bronx: 5.1 Brooklyn: 3.6 Manhattan: 3.7 Nassau: 4.0 Queens: 4.2
Rockland County: 4.4 Staten Island: 3.8 Suffolk: 4.8 Westchester County: 4.7 United States overall: 6.0
Sources: NYC Department of Health; March of Dimes Perinatal Stats; health.ny.gov
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FOOD & NUTRITION
Conquering Bake Sales
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Gluten-free, nut-free, vegan—with variety of dietary needs becoming more common, baking treats for your kid’s class can be a minefield. Here’s how to win the battle. By April Peveteaux
I
t’s hard enough to prepare food for your own family with all of their “I can’t eat anything with green stuff on it,” and “Oh, I didn’t tell you? I’m a ‘porkaterian’ now” bulls**t. Add in a few other kids to the mix, and it’s downright terrifying. So, it makes sense to just forget about this whole baking for others thing and move on. I get it. If you’re like me, you mostly ignore any and all emails that come from your child’s school for this reason, and many other good ones. You can only read about the latest pinkeye breakout so many times before you embrace the philosophy of, “Let Go and Let God.” And this is how I have mostly avoided providing baked goods for five-plus years of elementary school events! Apparently, God doesn’t want me baking for kindergarteners. Understood. But I did reconsider my no-baking policy once I learned about a newly diagnosed celiac in our community. I realized that if I
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didn’t provide some gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, no one would. Except for his parents, of course, but they were probably too busy freaking out about letting their little dude eat in public, much less trying to find a great gluten-free, nut-free, kosher recipe for shortbread. As I began to hear about more and more kids with food allergies and intolerances, I knew that a bake sale without options would be a very sad bake sale, indeed. All of a sudden, I wasn’t the only one walking by the rows of bento box-shaped cookies and luscious pieces of chocolate cake, crying because I would never know the feel of a pecan tart pie crust crunching all around my mouth ever again. The exclusive bake sale treats were no longer only upsetting to me—an adult who, in theory, can tolerate the pain of flaky pastry denial. I knew at that point that I must think about the children. THE CHILDREN!!!! Of course, I also wanted to eat a lemon bar that wouldn’t make
me poop my pants, but if I lost control of my bowels, at least it wouldn’t be in front of a group of 8-year-old boys during gym class. Probably. From that point on, I vowed to re-create allergyfriendly treats to offer up whenever I was called upon to do so. This, my friends, is easier said than done. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do it, though.
A much more exhaustive list of allergy-friendly products lives in the resource section of [Bake Sales are My B*tch], but if you want to get started baking right away, here are a few items to consider stocking in your pantry before you put on your allergen-free apron. (Okay, that’s not a real thing, so don’t panic. Any old apron without clumps of food on it will do.)
How to Not Screw Up
Butter Substitutes
There are many ways to screw up in the kitchen, and, believe me, I’ve done most of them. We’re still trying to get that chocolatebarbecue sauce off my kitchen ceiling. It becomes very crucial to avoid screwing up, however, when you’re handling food for kids who could react badly to an allergen. Crucial. While you’re preparing these allergy-free recipes, please keep the following in mind. Wrap It for Safety You must prepare allergy-free food on clean surfaces and in clean pots, pans, and baking sheets. You absolutely cannot boil some gluten-free pasta for your mac and cheese in the same pot you just used to boil up your gluten-filled pasta. You cannot bake an egg- and dairy-free cookie on a sheet that has been habitually used to bake cookies chock-full of eggs and dairy without covering it with parchment or scrubbing it so hard you probably scrub off the nonstick surface. You can scrub pots and pans within an inch of their lives, but if they have even a crumb of allergen left over, it’s possible it will stick on your nice, allergy-free dough. You also cannot bake nut-filled cookies on the same sheet as their nutless brothers and sisters. This may sound like a pain, so I have two words that will make it much easier to keep things clean and separate: aluminum foil. Oh, and two more: parchment paper. Before you bake, cover your bakeware with aluminum foil, or parchment paper for the cookies that stick. Before you grill, place aluminum foil down on the grill that will hold your allergy-free options. If you don’t have a cutting board, or very clean surface to prepare your safe food, put down aluminum foil or parchment paper. Your new best friend is aluminum foil. Get to know him, along with his BFF, parchment paper. No Holding Hands or PDA When you’re preparing food, keep the allergens far away from the allergen-free ingredients. If they get mixed up, your allergen-free dish is toast. Don’t use the same cutting board for fish that you do for chicken, if you have a fish-allergic guest. Also, don’t think fish is a great ingredient for a school bake sale or a 6-year-old birthday party. That’s a mistake you’ll only make once. Additionally, don’t let all this hard work keeping surfaces bleached and ingredients separate go to waste by serving up all of your safe food on a platter alongside the dangerous food. Continue to keep these foods separate, using separate cooking pots, pans, and sheets, as well as separate utensils. Consciously uncouple the allergy-laden from the allergy-free foods to make sure that the end result is safe for all. Whew! That’s a lot, but if you remember to keep your allergysafe treats safe from the first time you pick up the ingredients until they are safely delivered to the sale, you’ll make a heck of a lot of kiddos happy, as well as their very anxious parents. It’s like farm to table, but without the hipster element.
Earth Balance: This vegan butter alternative comes in many forms, but you’ll most likely be picking up the baking sticks. If you’re making a soy-free treat, do not buy the buttery baking sticks, but instead pick up the soy-free version. Nutiva Organic Vegan Superfood Shortening: This soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, GMO (genetically modified organism)-free, fair-trade product is a combination of red palm oil and virgin coconut oil. You can find a million different coconut oils on the market, but Nutiva’s combination with palm oil makes it a better option for baking when you’re avoiding the eight main allergens. Crisco Vegetable Shortening, Butter Flavor: I grew up using Crisco butter flavor in so many family recipes that I naturally tried it first when I went about experimenting with dairy-free baked goods. While my family probably used Crisco as a butter substitute for completely different, now-defunct reasons (it was the 1980s, and butter was the enemy), it does hold up in recipes pretty well. Crisco contains soy, along with artificial flavors, so if you’re not on board with either of those, you should probably try Spectrum organic all-vegetable shortening. The main ingredient in both vegetable shortening brands is also palm oil.
Egg Substitutes
Ener-G Egg Replacer: The OG of egg replacement, Ener-G has been helping out egg-free bakers for a very long time. If you’re going to be baking egg-free a lot, I would suggest grabbing a box and going to town. Since it’s also eight main allergen-free, it’s a good substitute for the kids. Golden Flax Meal: Flax meal has become my go-to for baking without eggs. You combine 1 tablespoon of flax meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg called for in the recipe. The key is in letting it sit for a little while before you use it. (I say at least 10 minutes, but if you have a half-hour to wait, do that for optimum egglike properties.) You can either buy the golden flaxseeds and grind them in a coffee grinder when you’re ready to use them, or buy the meal and keep it sealed up tight so it will retain its freshness. Chia Seeds: Chia seeds work in the same manner as flaxseeds, and are truly gelatinous. My only issue is if you’re creating something light in color, you can get a little black spot action in the final product. Both work well, so go with what you like. Follow Your Heart VeganEgg: What’s great about this all allergen-free product is that you can even cook this up and make an omelet if you’ve been craving one since you had to go egg-free. Baking Soda and Vinegar: I’ve used the baking-soda-andvinegar combo in a pinch and, while it didn’t seem to work as well as the magic flax meal, it’s definitely serviceable in your baked goods. Combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of vinegar (watch, as it will bubble up), allow to dissolve, and you have a substitute for 1 egg. continued on next page ››
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‹‹ continued from previous page
Gluten Substitutes
FRI. OCT. 13, 4PM
SAT. NOV. 25 1PM & 4PM
Cup4Cup: For baking, I’ve always loved Cup4Cup multipurpose gluten-free flour, but it will not work as a flour in the dairy-free recipes, as one of the ingredients is milk powder. I also like to use all-purpose flours so I don’t have to experiment with xanthan gum or add anything else to the mix. It makes it easier, and that makes me happier. Better Batter: Luckily, my other favorite gluten-free, allpurpose flour is dairy-free (and every other allergen-free, plus kosher), and it also gives fantastic results. It’s become one of my go-tos now that I’m experimenting with gluten- and dairy-free recipes, but it is sadly harder to find than many other popular brands. I recommend ordering online and stocking up if you’re going to be the bake-sale queen. King Arthur Gluten-Free All-Purpose: Another great gluten- and dairy-free option, I also love to use King Arthur’s recipes. It’s a solid choice, and I almost always have a box in my cupboard. Almond Meal: Only if you know there are no nut allergies around, almond meal makes for some delicious cakes. The texture is lovely and moist, and the slight nutty flavor can enhance any cake recipe. You do have to experiment with it, unlike the all-purpose flours above, but if you’re 100-percent sure that you don’t need to keep it tree nut-free, have some fun with the almond flour family.
Milk Substitutes
a quality children’s consignment store • children’s clothing: (sizes 0-14) • maternity clothes: casual, business & dressy • baby equipment: cribs, strollers, high chairs, bouncers Lots of Toys, Books & Games
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Birthday Parties at Chocolations Each child will create their own Chocolate Bar and transform a plain cupcake into an edible work of art.
The trouble with milk substitutes in baking is the lack of eight main allergen-free options if (and this is a pretty big if) you have a coconut problem. While rice milk fits the bill, it is not as rich and appropriate for baking as coconut milk cream and coconut milk are. Soy milk and nut milks are also great substitutes, but have the obvious problem of being in the eight main allergen family. I generally recommend coconut cream and coconut milk regardless, as a coconut allergy as part of a tree-nut allergy is so incredibly rare. And when it comes to baked goods, coconut milk does have the best result in a recipe. Still, be sure you know the specifics of any allergies kids may have before you start to mix up your eight main allergen-free brownies. One more note for the bake-sale bakers: If you’re preparing food for a party, bake sale, or anywhere that you will be dropping off and not sticking around to explain what’s up with your cookies, label your treats. Let the dairy-free know if something is safe to eat by being very clear with your packaging. After all, what’s the point of making allergy-friendly treats if no one knows about it? (Note to parents of the severely allergic: You still don’t want to risk homemade treats from someone’s kitchen unless you’ve had a very detailed convo and know without a doubt that they’re safe for your kiddo. But you knew that already, I’m sure.) Now, stock up on your cellophane and decorative twine...it’s bake sale time!
Reprinted from Bake Sales are My B*tch by April Peveteaux. Copyright (c) 2016 by April Peveteaux. By permission of Rodale Books. Available wherever books are sold.
Lots of add-ons and other options. Contact us for more details. Chocolations | 607 E Boston Post Rd Mamaroneck, NY 10543 914-777-3600 | Party@chocolations.com
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Find three of April Peveteaux’s eight main allergen-free recipes at ›› nymetroparents.com/allergen-free.
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WestchesterParent 53
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. 54
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. ABC CAKES 414 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck 914-630-2858
October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.
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. CHELSEA PIERS CONNECTICUT 1 Blachley Road, Stamford 203-989-1100 chelseapiersct.com/birthday
Birthday parties at Chelsea Piers are action-packed! Options include gymnastics, dance, basketball, volleyball, soccer, T-ball, ice-skating, ninja warrior, gaga, and water slides! New this fall is an inflatable obstacle course and bounce house party option! 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. 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 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! 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! 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 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. SPORTIME USA 380 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-2111 x2 sportimeusa.com Birthday parties? That’s our specialty! Celebrate your birthday at Sportime USA, the coolest place to have a party in Westchester.
STUDIO B DANCE CENTER 277 White Plains Road (entrance on Prospect Avenue), Eastchester 914-793-2799 studiobdance.com Each party at Studio B is uniquely designed to give the birthday child an exciting, personalized experience. Boys and girls ages 2 and older enjoy dancing and playing games to their favorite music. 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. WESTCHESTER SKATING ACADEMY (WSA) 91 Fairview Park Drive (Route 9A), Elmsford 914-347-8232 skatewsa.com Westchester Skating Academy: the coolest place to have your party! All parties include ice-skating, skate rentals, a private party room, a party facilitator, pizza, and beverages. YOUNG AT ART WORKSHOP INC. 1088 Central Ave., Scarsdale 914-723-9229 A unique birthday party experience—each child brings home a personalized piece of art!
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 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 AttentionDeficit / Hyperactivity Disorder 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.
WestchesterParent 55
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
Jamee M. Goldstein, D.O., Monroe Pediatric Associates, Allied Pediatrics 70 Gilbert St., Monroe 845-782-8616 monroepediatrics.org
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.
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 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.
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.
Whitby School
969 Lake Ave., Greenwich, CT 203-869-8464 x176 whitbyschool.org/openhouse Attend Whitby School’s open house on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 1pm, and experience how our student-driven program masterfully prepares students ages 18 months through eighth grade to excel in high school and beyond. Register at whitbyschool.org/openhouse.
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ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS
CLASSES
FITNESS
Gym Cats Gymnastics.............................................................2
ABC Cakes............................................................................32
Bruce Chung’s Tae Kwon Do Martial Arts..............................28
ISGC Gym...............................................................................2
Alcott Montessori...................................................................29
Jodi’s Gym - Westchester......................................................49
Jodi’s Gym - Westchester......................................................49
Amy Rosen Cooking by Design.............................................47
Pinebrook Fitness..................................................................31
Artistree Performing Arts ......................................................32 BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES ABC Cakes............................................................................32 Amy Rosen Cooking by Design.............................................47 Artistree Performing Arts ......................................................32 Blue Moon Mexican Café......................................................53 Bruce Chung’s Tae Kwon Do Martial Arts..............................28 Chelsea Piers - CT................................................................21 Chocolations LLC..................................................................52 Creative Corner of Larchmont...............................................32 FunFuzion..............................................................................41 Gym Cats Gymnastics.............................................................2 Hommocks Ice Rink...............................................................47 Hudson Creamery.................................................................32 Jete Dance Studio.................................................................29 Jodi’s Gym - Westchester......................................................49 Life The Place To Be.............................................................49 Little Gym - Westchester....................................................... 11 Pinebrook Fitness..................................................................31 PlayLand Ice Casino..............................................................19 Pro Swing..............................................................................29 Saw Mill Club.........................................................................49 Sportime USA Inc..................................................................32 Sugar Mama by Kim Bakeshop...............................................7 Westchester Parent Party Planner........................................56 Westchester Parks Foundation.............................................15 Westchester Skate Academy.................................................19 CAMPS Ann & Andy............................................................................28 Artistree Performing Arts ......................................................32 Bruce Chung’s Tae Kwon Do Martial Arts..............................28 Creative Corner of Larchmont...............................................32 FASNY...................................................................................17 Hudson Country Montessori..................................................23 ISGC Gym...............................................................................2 Jete Dance Studio.................................................................29 Jodi’s Gym - Westchester......................................................49 Little Gym - Westchester....................................................... 11 PlayLand Ice Casino..............................................................19 Pro Swing..............................................................................29 Purchase College / SUNY Aquatic Program..........................31
Bruce Chung’s Tae Kwon Do Martial Arts..............................28
HEALTH
Central Park Dance...............................................................25
Allied Physicians Group.........................................................56
Chelsea Piers - CT................................................................21
Blais Orthodontics.................................................................41
Creative Corner of Larchmont...............................................32
Caring for Kids Pediatric Dentistry.........................................56
Easter Seals Project Explore.................................................25
Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital (The)...................................59
Gym Cats Gymnastics.............................................................2 Hommocks Ice Rink...............................................................47
PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING
Jete Dance Studio.................................................................29
Artistree Performing Arts ......................................................32
Musical Munchkins................................................................29 Pinebrook Fitness..................................................................31
RELIGIOUS
Pro Swing..............................................................................29
Beth El Synagogue Center....................................................29
Purchase College / SUNY Aquatic Program..........................31 Soundview Preparatory School.............................................25
RESTAURANT / FOOD SERVICES
Steffi Nossen School of Dance .............................................53
Blue Moon Mexican Café......................................................53
Studio B Dance......................................................................23 Sugar Mama by Kim Bakeshop...............................................7
RETAIL
Westchester Community College: Pre-College.......................9
ABC Cakes............................................................................32
Whitby School........................................................................28
Affordables............................................................................52 Chocolations LLC..................................................................52
DANCE
Clarkes Family Farm.............................................................53
Central Park Dance...............................................................25
Emelin Theatre......................................................................53
City Center Dance.................................................................29
Pedigree Ski Shop.................................................................13
Jete Dance Studio.................................................................29
Sophia’s.................................................................................31
Studio B Dance......................................................................23
Sugar Mama by Kim Bakeshop...............................................7 Tilly...A Deer’s Tale.................................................................53
EDUCATION Alcott Montessori...................................................................29
SPECIAL EVENTS
Beth El Synagogue Center....................................................29
Artistree Performing Arts ......................................................32
Blue Rock School..................................................................25
Dave & Buster’s Pelham Manor............................................53
Dicker Reading Method...........................................................5 FASNY...................................................................................17
SPECIAL NEEDS
German School of New York.................................................19
Easter Seals Project Explore.................................................25
Green Meadow Waldorf School...............................................3 Hudson Country Montessori..................................................23
SPORTS
Soundview Preparatory School.............................................25
Bruce Chung’s Tae Kwon Do Martial Arts..............................28
Sylvan Learning Centers.......................................................60
Chelsea Piers - CT................................................................21
Westchester Community College: Pre-College.......................9
Hommocks Ice Rink...............................................................47
Whitby School........................................................................28
Pro Swing..............................................................................29 Purchase College / SUNY Aquatic Program..........................31
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS
THEATER
Dave & Buster’s Pelham Manor............................................53
Artistree Performing Arts ......................................................32
Westchester Skate Academy.................................................19
Emelin Theatre......................................................................53
Palace Stamford Center for the Arts (The)............................52
CHILD CARE / DAY CARE
Life The Place To Be.............................................................49
TUTORS
Ann & Andy............................................................................28
Palace Stamford Center for the Arts (The)............................52
Dicker Reading Method...........................................................5
Musical Munchkins................................................................29
Sportime USA Inc..................................................................32
Sylvan Learning Centers.......................................................60
Studio B Dance......................................................................23 Sugar Mama by Kim Bakeshop...............................................7
FunFuzion..............................................................................41
WestchesterParent 57
VOICES
Stop With the Trophies Already! ››
One mom offers a plea for kids to be awarded trophies only when they’ve accomplished something that deserves the recognition. By Karen J. Bannan
M
y kids are 12 and 8. They have been playing sports since they were little. They aren’t superstars, and yet we have more than 20 trophies sitting in our home. Trophies that take up room, gather dust, and are pretty much meaningless. We’ve got trophies for kindergarten Catholic Youth Organization basketball, our beach club’s swim team, the National PTA Reflections contest, a first-grade soccer tournament, and cheerleading. Last month the girls and I cleaned their rooms. All those trophies ended up sitting in the hallway of our upstairs. The girls didn’t want them cluttering up their shelves. “Mommy,” they said, “we don’t need them.” No kidding, I thought. No kidding. I have been against giving out trophies since we got the first shiny plastic and stone monstrosity complete with a little soccer ball. (That one was for participating in a local peewee soccer program that didn’t even have games!) My biggest complaint has always been that trophies should be for real accomplishments. Big wins. Amazing feats of prowess, academic or athletic. You don’t need a trophy to commemorate 10 weeks of kindergarten sports skills classes! I’m not the only one who feels this way. Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison created a firestorm when he posted on Instagram about taking away trophies his little ones got. The photo was accompanied by this post: “I came home to find out that my boys received two trophies for nothing, participation trophies! While I am very proud of my boys for everything they do and will encourage them till the day I die, these
trophies will be given back until they EARN a real trophy. I’m sorry I’m not sorry for believing that everything in life should be earned and I’m not about to raise two boys to be men by making them believe that they are entitled to something just because they tried their best… cause sometimes your best is not enough, and that should drive you to want to do better…not cry and whine until somebody gives you something to shut u up and keep you happy. #harrisonfamilyvalues” I totally agree and wish others did, but alas, I am in the minority. For example, a few years ago I ran our elementary school’s Reflections program and I championed phasing out the trophies. We could give out ribbons and medals, I said. It would be cheaper, I said. It didn’t fly. The trophies were ordered, and I silently cursed the fact that I would have another four of them in my house. (My kids tend to do well at those types of contests.) But I digress, as usual. When my kids handed over their shiny loot I took to the Internet to find out if I could recycle them. Yes, I discovered, there are companies that will recycle trophies, but I couldn’t find any close by. Today I posted on Facebook and a friend sent me a link about a place way out east that takes them and refurbishes them for charities. It’s about an hour away from my home, but it may be worth the trip just to get them out of my sight. In the meantime, I know I am blessed that my kids are able to be involved with sports and contests to earn trophies at all. There are many children who don’t have the same opportunities. Does that earn me a medal?
Karen J. Bannan is a Long Island writer who blogs at naturalaspossiblemom.com, where this post first appeared.
58
October 2017 | nymetroparents.com
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WestchesterParent 59
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