Westchester Family by Schneps Media

October 2017

Special Section:

Healthy

Family Growing Great Families for 27 Years

Where to Pick

The Perfect Pumpkin The 4 Top Benefits of

Tutoring Meet the

Program Directors

Halloween Happenings + 196 October Activities WestchesterFamily.com

SHAHRAM RAZMAN, MD

LILLIAN BERDICHEVSKY, MD

DMITRY GERBER, MD

Suzanne Greenidge, MD with new mom Liliana Silva-Maldonado and her son

ROSALIE ALVARADO, MD

COMFORT

IN KNOWING I MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE CARRIE HIPPLE, DO

5 STAR MATERNITY AWARD Large Private Riverview Suites Award-Winning Obstetrical Care LAURE LAURISTON, MD

Nationally Recognized Safety Program Peaceful Post-Partum Recovery Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery

Visit RiversideHealth.org for a Virtual Tour of our Maternity Suites

914.964.4DOC

Thornton-Donovan will embark on an

Albanian Renaissance in 2017-18

October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

CONTENTS October 2017

Volume twenty-seven • number 10

6 Editor’s Note 8 Bits & Pieces 10 FYI

features 14

Why a Healthy Food Supply Means a Healthy Body

You are, quite literally, what you eat! When the food we eat becomes toxic – due to chemicals used in the growing process, animal overcrowding or mishandling, cross-contamination from nearby factories or general industrial processing – we pay the price in our health. Learn what you can do to protect your family.

Throughout October, many farms let you scour the fields for your ideal pumpkin, and pick it right off the vine. Some offer more than just a pumpkin patch, with fall festivals featuring live music, natural and delicious food, hayrides, spooky haunted houses and more. Picking your own pumpkin is the perfect fall activity that the whole family will enjoy.

24 ASK THE SPECIALIST

32 I’ll Be the Cancer Mom 34 Music and Children with Special Needs

36 Do Away with Diaper Rash 37 Gluten Free: Not Just a Fad Diet October 2017

54 Last Bite

Family Activities for October

special needs

physical therapy for special kids One Mother’s Experience

I’ll Be the Cancer Mom

Do Away with Diaper rash

FAMILY The Perfect Pumpkin The 4 Top Benefits of

TUTORING Meet the

Program Directors

Halloween Happenings + 196 OCTOBER ACTIVITIES WestchesterFamily.com

Going Gluten Free is not a Fad

Healthy Family

The Perfect Pumpkin

Benefits of Tutoring

Meet the Program Directors

216 Fun October Events

Cover Photo Photo by Donna Mueller Photograhy, greatkeepsakes.com

Westchester Family | October 2017

20 Meet the Program Directors

what you need to Know: Lice

on the cover

39 Top Pick: Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival 42 Editor’s Pick: Flying Raptors 44 Editor’s Pick: Third Saturdays 46 Spooky Season 47 City Picks 48 Connecticut Corner

advertising

PLUS

Growing Great Families for 27 Years

Where to Pick

Wild Blueberry Whole-Grain Scones

calendar

Special Section:

HEALTHY

Stuttering

Mohonk Mountain House

Fall/Winter 2017

Going Crazy

4 Benefits of Tutoring

38 LET’S GO TO ...

The Perfect Pumpkin

28 Pediatric Physical Therapy 30 How to Get Rid of Lice Without

Central Park Dance

12 Fab 4

Special Section

departments

WestchesterFamily.com

23 Tutoring Listings

Coming Next Month Captiva Island Dreaming already of a nice warm holiday get away? Learn about the beauties of Captiva Island and why this destination spot is perfect for your family.. Our Bar/ Bat Mitzvah Guide Planning a bar or bat mitzvah? We have tips to help you get organized and plan the best celebration ever. Plus … Westchester Family’s award-winning searchable calendar for families and much more! Look for it starting October 26!

HELP YOUR CHILD STAY IN THE GAME THERE ARE MORE WAYS TO PLAY THAN EVER BEFORE – AND YOU CAN GET INVOLVED!

Junior Team Tennis

Junior Tournaments

Kids can get active, have fun and make friends

Advance your game by getting on the court, learning from the best and connecting with your friends. Competing in Junior Tournaments will help take your game as far as you want to go – high school, college or the pros.

by playing tennis on a team. Junior Team Tennis allows kids to enjoy the sport for a lifetime from the very first day of play. Parents, why don’t you help manage a team? No tennis experience is required and it’s a great way to share a positive experience with your child.

Need Help Managing Your Team? Think Outside The Court

When your child is ready to compete, there is PARENTS

AFTER-SCHOOL PROVIDERS

no better way to start than with USTA Junior Tournaments. Junior Tournaments are great for kids who want to test their games, get out on the court and make new friends along the way. There is local competition for kids of all levels—entry-level, intermediate and advanced —and as age and ability advance, there are

PE TEACHERS

HIGH SCHOOL COACHES

Contact Samantha Chin to learn more today at schin@eastern.usta.com or at 914-697-2389

also national level tournaments.

Contact Rob Festa at festa@eastern.usta.com or at 914-697-2398 to learn more today! October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

Editor’s Note //

Published by Community News Group CEO Les Goodstein President & Publisher Jennifer Goodstein Westchester Family WestchesterFamily.com Publisher Clifford Luster cluster@cnglocal.com co-Publisher/ Editor Jean Sheff edit@westchesterfamily.com Managing Editor Vince DiMiceli Calendar Editor Susan Goldberg calendar@westchesterfamily.com ADVERTISING SALES Account Managers LynnMarie Hanley lynnmarie.hanley@westchesterfamily.com Nina Spiegelman nina.spiegelman@westchesterfamily.com

I’m Scared!

e are officially entering the scariest month of the year. Halloween offers spine-tingling drama no matter what your age – from tiny tots who like to dress-up and older kids that love the candy, to teens who relish any excuse to party and adults looking to recapture their youth – there’s a way to celebrate for everyone. Susan Goldberg, our calendar editor has combed the county and more to gather all the best-of-the-best Halloween events for you and your family. There’s a good selection of Halloween happenings in our Calendar of Events – from slightly spooky to frightfully terrifying – so take your pick. And be sure to read our Halloween safety tips in Bits & Pieces. It’s only fun when it’s safe. For other scary news read Elisa Bremner’s article “Why a Healthy Food Supply Means a Healthy Body.” Bremner takes on the rising concern that we should be critically aware of where the food we eat, and feed our children, comes from. Food toxicity – whether it comes from chemicals used in the growing process, cross-contamination from factories

Feedback Share your feedback and ideas! 6

Westchester Family | October 2017

or general industrial processing – affects our health and well-being every day. Learn more about what some local experts say you can do to protect your family. That’s just the start of our health coverage this month. Our bi-annual section, Healthy Family, offers perspective on everything from diaper rash and lice treatments to a mom’s personal experience as her daughter is diagnosed with cancer to physical therapy and music lessons for children with special needs. When you are making plans for fun this month be sure to take the family on a pick-your-own pumpkin adventure. We tell you where you can find these orange beauties and give you carving tips too! And come October 31st, whatever you do, save me the Butterfingers! Have a Safe and Happy Halloween, Jean Sheff Co-Publisher, Editor

Email us at edit@WestchesterFamily.com.

PRODUctION Art Director Leah Mitch production@cnglocal.com Production Staff Arthur Arutyunov Daria Avvento Gardy Charles Earl Ferrer John Napoli Mark Ramos DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION Rare Sales Inc. Bob Engelman 914-661-3605 circulation@westchesterfamily.com Please recycle this magazine.

Westchester Family (ISSN 1043-6774) is published monthly by Community News Group, LLC. Please note that the advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the Publisher. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis. Editorial submissions are welcome.

Contests //

Our October Contests MIOS: The New CYBEX Compact Stroller

A Charlie Brown Christmas Enter to win a Family Four-Pack of tickets to a 1 or 4 p.m. Nov. 25th performance of A Charlie Brown Christmas, the Emmy® and Peabody award-winning story by Charles M. Schulz. It’s a story that has warmed the hearts of millions of fans since it first aired on television over fifty years ago. Now the classic animated television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation featuring all your favorite characters and classic Vince Guaraldi score. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they mount a play, save a tree and uncover the true meaning of Christmas. Retail value $148. Contest ends October 26, 2017. The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, Conn. palacestamford.org. Enter at WestchesterFamily.com now.

One lucky family can win a MIOS, the new compact stroller from CYBEX. Engineered and designed in Germany, the MIOS stroller weighs only 19.2 pounds and measures 19.7 inches in width, redefining urban mobility. The MIOS features a reversible stroller seat, as well as removable padding, which reveals a highly breathable mesh seat back. Compact. Flexible, functional and stylish – ideally suited to the needs of modern parents. Color of prize stroller may not be as shown. Available at Buy Buy Baby, Inc. or cybex-online. com. Retail value $549.99. Contest ends October 26, 2017. Enter at WestchesterFamily.com now.

It’s Not Too Late to Register FREE $55 Registration Fee for Fall Music Lessons – SEE BELOW! Register Now! You or Your Child Can Learn How to Play Music at Harrison’s Largest and Most Award Winning Music School, the Harrison School of Music! As winner of “Best Music Lessons for Kids” 2017 by readers of Westchester Family Magazine, and with over 500 students enrolled in our schools, we provide lessons for Guitar, Piano, Drums, Voice, Uklele, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet and more! Take the next step and contact us online OR stop by 6 days a week for a tour!

$ WINNER 2017

55 OFF

FREE Registration Fee When you register by 10/31/2017

914-575-2288

www.HarrisonMusicSchool.com

253 Halstead Ave., Harrison, NY 10528 (near the Harrison Train station) October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

Bits & Pieces // Fast Facts and Timely Tips

Breast Cancer Facts October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: • Each year in the United States, more than 200,000 women get breast cancer and more than 40,000 women die from the disease. • Men also get breast cancer, but it is not very common. Less than 1 percent of breast cancers occur in men. • Not counting some kinds of skin cancer, breast cancer in the United States is the most common cancer in women, no matter race or ethnicity. • Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women. • About 10 percent of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age. It’s time to get involved. Participate in Making Strides of Westchester, a noncompetitive walk at Manhattanville College, 2900 Purchase St., Purchase, N.Y., on Oct. 15, 2017. Walk starts at 9:30 a.m. For more information and to register see makingstrides.acsevents.org.

Tomato & Co. Opens at The Westchester Just in time for holiday shopping the Neapolitan Pizza eatery, Tomato & Co., has opened in White Plains at The Westchester, becoming the latest casual dining hot spot at the mall’s newly renovated food space called Savor Westchester. Inspired by the traditional Naples pizzerias, Tomato & Co.’s fast-fired pizza offers old world taste with a modern twist. Patrons can create their own personalized pizza from a selection of 40 fresh, gourmet ingredients. Tomato & Co. also serves salads, ovenfired veggies and house-made meatballs. Those looking to cut carbs will love the pizza bowl options with all the toppings and none of the crust.

Westchester Family | October 2017

Tips from the Dentist The kids are back in school and you’re packing lunches and offering snacks, so it’s time to review some good dental habits for your kids. Melissa Levine, DDS, Associate Professor of Dental Medicine and Director of Pediatric Dentistry at Touro College of Dental Medicine, offers these important tips. 1. When packing your children’s lunch, avoid anything sticky. While raisins and “fruit snacks” might seem like a healthy option, these sugary foods stay stuck to the teeth for long periods of time and can lead to cavities. 2. When drinking fruit juice or soda, encourage the use of a straw. This minimizes the amount of sugary or acidic liquid that contacts their teeth.

3. When it comes to snacking, it’s not just about the kind of snack, but the frequency. One large snack is preferable to multiple small snacks because it limits instances of acidic erosion. 4. If your kids are on a baseball or soccer team, make sure you invest in a mouth guard to help prevent oral injuries. 5. Brushing twice a day, morning and night, is always recommended. Parents of children under the age of 7 should help their children brush as they cannot adequately brush themselves. 6. And always remember to see a dentist for check-ups and cleanings every six months so problems can be dealt with when they’re small or, better yet, avoided all together!

Halloween Safety Help ensure your children’s Halloween is enjoyable and injury-free. • Visibility. Children should be dressed in highly visible costumes so drivers can easily see them. Parents and chaperones should also wear bright colors. Consider using reflective tape and carry flashlights. • Walk, don’t run. Trick-or-treaters should stick to sidewalks and only cross the street at intersection crosswalks. Make sure kids know to avoid darting out between cars or cutting across lawns and driveways. • Visit only lit houses. Residents who don’t want to answer the door typically leave their homes’ exterior lights off. Only visit homes that welcome trick-or-treaters. • Go in groups. Children should go out in groups and always be accompanied by an adult chaperone. • Costume safety. Everyone should wear

well-fitted costumes that do not drag on the floor or impede mobility. Choose face paint over masks so that vision is not obscured. • Beware of fire hazards. Tell children to keep clear of jack-o-lanterns that are lit by real flames. • Do a candy check. Carefully sort through the treat bag when you get home and remove anything unsafe. Some candy such as small hard candy can present a choking hazard for toddlers. Discard any homemade items unless they were received from a trusted source. Also discard any item that has tiny holes or tears in wrappers, is unwrapped or appears old. When in doubt, throw it out.

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Family FYI //

Central Park Dance Celebrates 35 Years of Dance Education! Under the direction of husband and wife Mario LaStrada and Maria Bai, Central Park Dance opened its original doors in 1982 with just one teacher and a few dozen students. Co-founder and Artistic Director Maria Bai offered classes in ballet, tap, jazz and creative movement in the basement of Dobbs Ferry’s Zion Episcopal Church. Over the next five years, seeing a steady incline in registration and attendance, Central Park Dance moved to its current home in Scarsdale, with one studio, a modest boutique, and big plans. In the years to follow, the studio expanded to a vast 10,000 sq. ft., with four state-of-the-art studios, and a student body of nearly 2,000 dancers who can train seven days a week in more than 15 dance disciplines including ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, tap, hip hop, break dancing, lyrical, acro jazz, Latin jazz and belly dancing. In addition to dance, a comprehensive fitness schedule offers a full menu of other classes. The studio offers training for young dancers (ages 2 and up), has founded performing companies, intensive and immersive workshops for the serious dancer, an extensive adult training program and offers students training from celebrated and trusted dance faculty. “When I think about why Mario and I started 35 years ago, the mission has stayed the same,” says Bai. “It was and still is about sharing a love and knowledge of dance with the community. I never take my

The Capitol Theater/Scott Harris

Central Park Dance performs The Nutcracker at the Capitol Theatre on Dec. 17. success for granted. We have been lucky to expand and grow, and I’ve had many generations come through our doors over the years, but at the root, it must always be about love. It is the only thing that can sustain something for so long.” This 35th anniversary year offers alumni events and special scholarship opportunities. This year also welcomes dancers of all ages from the community to participate in their second annual Nutcracker performances, to take place at The Capitol Theatre on Dec. 17, 2017. Central Park Dance, 450 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale, N.Y. 723-2940. centralparkdance.com. – Jean Sheff

Westchester’s Highest Quality Programs for Over 30 Years

Over 200 Classes a Week! ONGOING REGISTRATION 450 Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale 723-2940 | www.centralparkdance.com 10

Westchester Family | October 2017

Nutcracker Peformance December 17, 2017 5pm Capitol Theater for tickets; capitol.theatreportchester.com capitol.theatreportchester.com

Appetizers & Salads

Tomato Gazpacho..............................$7 Basil Oil Devilled Eggs....................................$6 Crispy Prosciutto Mushroom Paté.................................$9 Toast Points Grown Up Grilled Cheese.................$12 Aged Cheddar, Humbolt Fog, Beefsteak Tomato, Hand Cut Fries, 8-Grain Pullman Chicken Wings..................................$9 Bleu Cheese Fried Chicken Sliders.......................$9 Cilantro Aioli, Jicima & Mango Slaw Croquettes.........................................$9 Bacon & Cheddar Pork Carnitas Tacos..........................$9 Red Cabbage & Avocado Lime Crème Crab Cake........................................$12 Apple & White Cabbage Slaw, Green Goddess Dressing Beet & Buratta Salad.......................$11 Pistacchio Pesto Watermelon Salad.............................$9 Watermelon Radish, Feta Vinaigrette Arugula and Frisee Salad.................$8 Cherry Tomato, Red Wine Vinaigrette Add Steak..$6 Chicken..$5 Salmon..$6

Beer Battered Fish & Chips.............$16 Tartar Sauce Black Angus NY Strip Steak...........$25 Rosemary Mash, Sautéed Broccolini, Roasted Garlic Compound Butter Murrays Roasted Chicken..............$23 Roasted Fingerling Potato, Brussels Sprouts, Lemon Butter Pan Sauce Pistachio Tarragon Crusted Salmon..$22 Creamy Polenta, Asparagus, Frisee

Sides

Parmesan Garlic Fries......................$6 Brussels Sprouts & Bacon.................$7 Rosemary Roasted Fingerlings........$7 Sautéed Brocolini & Asparagus........$7 Creamy Polenta.................................$6

Kids Menu

Chicken Thigh Bites & Fries.............$7 Cheddar Mac & Cheese......................$7 Mac & Butter.....................................$6 Fish & Chips......................................$7

Entrees & Sandwiches

Grass Fed Beef Burger.....................$14 Butter Lettuce, Crispy Onion, Tomato, Cornichon Remoulade, Brioche, Fries (Cheddar, Swiss, Avocado................$1, Bacon..........$1.50, Bleu Cheese.......$2) Flatiron Steak Sandwich................$16 Roasted Shitake Mushrooms, Frisée, Whole-Grain Horseradish Crème Fraiche on Onion Focaccia Free Range Chicken Sandwich........$14 Gruyere Cheese, Peppernada, Basil Aioli, Baby Arugula, Ciabatta Fettuccine Carbonara......................$14 Bacon Lardon, Parmesan Crab Spaghetti.................................$16 Burst Cherry Tomato, Toasted Garlic

Brunch Menu

10.30am-3.30pm, Sat. & Sun.

Fruit Medley...................................$10 Fresh Fruit, Mint, Honey Lime, Greek Yogurt Veggie Omelette...............................$13 Three Eggs, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Baby Spinach, Goat Cheese, Herb Roasted Country Potatoes, Arugula & Frisée (White egg option available) Chorizo Omelette.............................$14 Three Eggs, Chorizo, Mushrooms, Cotija Cheese, Herb Roasted Country Potatoes, Arugula & Frisée Huevos Rancheros Skillet...............$13 Black Beans, Salsa Verde, Crispy Tortilla, Guacamole, Pickled Onions & Jalapeno, Sour Cream & 2 Fried Eggs

Country Breakfast...........................$14 Two Eggs Any Style, Bacon, Chicken Sausage, Herb Roasted Country Potatoes, Arugula & Frisée Pork Belly Benedict.........................$15 Crispy Pork Belly, Poached Egg, Hollandaise Sauce, Herb Roasted Country Potatoes, Arugula & Frisée Crab Benedict..................................$17 Jumbo lump Crab, Poached Egg, Cajun Hollandaise Sauce, Polenta Cake, Herb Roasted Country Potatoes, Arugula & Frisée Almond French Toast......................$12 Vanilla Bean Infused Strawberries, Honey & Vanilla Mascarpone Cheese Breakfast Burger.............................$14 Creekstone Farms Beef, English Muﬃn, Bacon, Fried Egg, Swiss Cheese, Roasted Sweet Onion Sriracha Sauce, Herb Roasted Country Potatoes, Arugula & Frisée Chicken & Biscuits..........................$15 Fried Chicken, & Biscuits with Espresso Infused Chicken Sausage Gravy Flat-Iron Steak & Eggs....................$17 Cedar River 7oz Flat-Iron, 2 Eggs Any Style, Herb Roasted Country Potatoes, Arugula & Frisée Buttermilk Pancake........................$10 Blueberry Compote, Cinnamon Mascarpone

Sides

Chicken Sausage................................$5 Biscuit..............................................$4 Thick Cut Slab Bacon........................$5 Herb Roasted Country Potato...........$5

One Complimentary Bloody Mary, Mimosa or Bellini Served with a Brunch Entrée.

October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

Fab 4 //

4 Benefits of Tutoring Now that school is well under way, many parents are asking themselves if their child needs some additional educational assistance. There are many situations when tutoring can be extremely beneficial.

Individual Attention By providing individualized attention a tutor can help your child overcome learning obstacles that are preventing him from moving forward in his studies. They may also help diagnose a learning disability. Tutors can emphasize the learning style – visual, auditory, verbal, physical or combination – that best suits your child. Tutors don’t provide answers, they help the child learn to learn.

Academic Performance Tutors help children understand academic material thoroughly, which increases a child’s comprehension, retention and mastery of the subject matter. By helping your child prepare for tests and exams your child’s academic performance will improve. Tutors can also be helpful for those students who need an academic challenge to reach their full potential.

Westchester Family | October 2017

Study Habits Tutors help children learn positive work and study habits that can be applied in education and life. The individual learning environment that the tutor provides removes classroom distractions and helps your child learn what it means to truly focus on the material at hand. Children will learn how to successfully concentrate.

Self-Confidence Tutors provide students the tools that help them overcome their learning obstacles. They create an atmosphere where questions are welcome. Feeling comfortable in the learning environment can remove any self-conscious behavior the child may have. This directly increases the student’s self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as academic performance. – Jean Sheff

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Why a Healthy Food Supply Means a Healthy Body By Elisa Bremner

ou are, quite literally, what you eat! Every food and drink we ingest either becomes synthesized into our cells or “filtered” through our natural detoxification system – the liver, kidneys, intestines, respiratory tract, skin and lymphatic system. Toxic Food When the food we eat becomes toxic – due to chemicals used in the growing process, animal overcrowding or mishandling, cross-contamination from nearby factories or general industrial processing – we pay the price in our health. Our increased reliance on convenience food and commodity crops has resulted in a debilitating rise in health care costs from obesity-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. According to Mike Fedison, Hilltop Hanover farming professional and full-time new dad, “labor (human jobs required for organic food production) is more expensive than chemicals, whose true costs are externalized to society.” Fedison explains that these hidden costs include things like tax burden for pesticide monitoring/ oversight, poisoned honey bees, contaminated fish, antibiotic resistant bacteria and higher utility bills to filter farm chemicals from tap water. The health

Westchester Family | October 2017

Resources • August West Foundation – augustwestfoundation.com – Created in 2013 by John Ubaldo to promote traditional farming methods, knowledge of these methods and their importance to mainstream America. • Cancer.org – Healthy eating and cancer prevention information – cancer.org/healthy/eat-healthyget-active/acs-guidelines-nutritionphysical-activity-cancer-prevention/ common-questions.html. • Food Bank for Westchester – foodbankforwestchester.org/ programs/food-growing-program. • Hilltop Hanover Farm – hilltophanoverfarm.org.

impact of toxins in our food supply is apparent. Pesticides that target an insect’s central nervous system, as many do, can have a neurotoxic effect on humans too. Some research has indicated that pesticides influence the development of ADHD and the expression of autism genes. Just living near a farm that uses pesticides has been associated with a lower IQ in developing children. Exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of developing asthma or exacerbating asthmatic conditions. Some studies indicate that glyphosate, a widely-used herbicide, has carcinogenic potential. Evidence is mounting, linking the widespread organophosphate exposure to the Type 2

diabetes and obesity epidemics. Compared to adults, young children are at increased danger from pesticides, due to their greater food-to-body-size ratio, and their propensity to insert their hands in their mouth nine times per hour. While the EPA approves new pesticides and acceptable tolerance levels in foods, their clearance of these chemicals is based primarily on a lack of negative data; without decades of research, it would be impossible to prove them safe. The Search for Good Food Good food remains elusive, or at least inconvenient, and often more expensive. It is much easier to access Doritos or McDonalds than steamed vegetables. According to Douglass DeCandia, Food Growing Project Coordinator for the Food Bank for Westchester (farms located in Bedford Hills, Valhalla, White Plains and Yonkers), the problem is partly one of mindlessness. “Food is so easy to get that we don’t think about the quality of it until we become sick.” By connecting people to their food, DeCandia helps to create a greater appreciation for the resources that go into it. Often, our culture emphasizes quantity over quality. John Ubaldo, AKA “John Boy”, a Pound Ridge local and owner of The Outpost in Bedford, has his own take on that: “People should pay a fortune for a chicken so they don’t waste it!” Ubaldo knows a thing or two about food supply inputs. When he left Wall Street to buy a farm in upstate New York, he found that the commercially available feed was full of toxins. He now grinds his own animal feed weekly,

October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

using only non-GMO and locally sourced ingredients. John Boy understands the power of wholesome food; his grateful customers regularly share how the right food supply has helped their families. Ubaldo can legitimately claim, “We actually heal people with food.” Through his August West Foundation, named for his young son, he is working toward a complete restructuring of the farm system, with a focus on sustainability. When we tackle the debate for healthcare, we may be missing the elephant in the room. Skyrocketing levels of chronic disease make medical coverage a losing proposition. We need to consider the prevention end, and current research gives us all the tools we need to do that. “Chemicals and sprays have just replaced knowledge,” gripes Ubaldo. A constant stream of “information” from social media and “news” outlets only adds to the confusion. Meanwhile, chemical manufacturers and Big Ag profit from our ignorance. Act Now What can you do to reduce your family’s exposure to harmful toxins? Think big picture! One hot dog may not cause cancer, but a general diet of mostly “junk food” sure puts you at greater risk. A whole foods plantbased diet (organic or not) is still superior to one focused on processed foods (even if they’re organic!). Pesticide-free produce may be the healthiest choice for both people and planet, but it’s not always accessible or affordable. Five simple things you can do: 1. Whenever possible, buy food from the farmer you know. Eat locally produced food. Farmers markets are sprouting up all over Westchester, where farmers will be happy to speak with you about their growing methods and ideology. Know your food’s origin. 2. Eat a variety of foods from every food group, especially fruits and vegetables. Making half your plate (or more) vegetables is the single best way to protect yourself and your children from chronic diseases. Too much of any one food could lead to high levels of a toxin or overdose of a nutrient. Rotating seasonal foods helps with this.

Westchester Family | October 2017

The New Language of Food Acquaint yourself with these terms as the language we use to talk about food is changing. Big Ag is a term often ascribed to corporate farming, where companies own or influence farming on a large scale, either through mass production of major mono-crops, government lobbying, or (often misleading) media campaigns. Certified Organic (USDA Organic) means a product is required to meet specific standards, including no use of synthetic fertilizers, synthetic pesticides or sewage sludge; it cannot be genetically engineered or irradiated; animals must eat only organically grown feed and can’t be treated with synthetic hormones or antibiotics; animals must have access to the outdoors and cannot be cloned. Commodity Crops (in food policy) refers to those that are regulated by federal programs in the U.S. Farm Bill. The five biggest are cotton, wheat, corn, soybeans and rice. They were originally designated due to their fairly non-perishable nature, i.e. they could be stored if there is a surplus. GMO (genetically modified organism) means any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. GMOs are

3. Grow your own food. Even apartment dwellers can grow a window sill herb garden. Homegrown food provides full understanding of the inputs. It doesn’t get any fresher than spinach picked from a planter on your deck! 4. Compost, if possible. Start a bin for your wholesome food scraps. It saves on pollution (garbage hauling), and you can use the resulting “black gold” to feed your organic garden or lawn, eliminating the need for synthetic fertilizers.

created in a laboratory by extracting genes from the DNA of one species and forcing them into an unrelated plant or animal. The foreign genes may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans. Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide and crop desiccant. It is used to kill weeds and/or to dry out crops for easier harvesting. Monsanto brought it to market in 1974 under the trade name Roundup. Pesticides are substances used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or to animals. These can be synthetic or organic/ naturally derived (some may be toxic). Sustainable Agriculture means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term satisfy human food and fiber needs; enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends; make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls; sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.

5. Buy organic. The more consumer demand for organics increases, the greater pressure on farmers to make sustainable choices for the planet. Buying organic foods helps bring down the cost for everyone. As John Boy says, “We have more power than any corporation in America.” Vote with your fork! Elisa Bremner, RDN CDN, is a Practical Dietitian with a passion for food justice. She has two teenage sons and believes that children everywhere should have the same access to healthy, wholesome food that they do.

Concerned about Kindergarten?

FREE

First lesson & Consultation

Belle School of Music

“Where Learning is Fun!”

SPECIALIZING IN PIANO, KEYBOARDS KEYBOARDS AND ANDVOICE VOICE Ages 2-4 with parent participation. Plant the seed of music in your child! MUSIC LAND Ages 4-5 with parent participation. A delightful experience for Mozarts of the future MUSIC FOR LITTLE PEOPLE Ages 5-7 with parent participation. Unique Russian-Japanese method. Experience the Magic of Music. ADVENTURES IN KEYBOARD Ages 8-12. Tradition on a new note. Piano instruction for the child of the new millennium.

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.

Kindergarten Information Session and Play Day

Bring out the musical talent in your child!

Saturday, October 21, 10 am to 12pm. Register by calling 845-535-3353 or at admissions@bluerockschool.org

TOP 5 2017

TOP 5 2016

Where Learning Comes Alive!

Scarsdale: 1088 Central Park Ave White Plains: 283 Tarrytown Rd Yonkers: 1537 Central Park Ave

WINNER 2015

914-961-5511 www.belleschool.com

West Nyack, NY — www.bluerockschool.org

Oct. 14, 2017 • Bell School • Chappaqua • 10-4 pm 90 renowned authors and illustrators. Book signings and readings. Expanded food court. Fun family activities. Entertainment. Free admission. Rain or shine.

Don’t miss one of Westchester’s biggest events!

CCBFESTIVAL.ORG Art by Sujean Rim

October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

The Perfect

Pumpkin

hroughout October, many farms let you scour the fields for your ideal pumpkin, and pick it right off the vine. Some offer more than just a pumpkin patch, with fall festivals featuring live music, natural and delicious food, hayrides, spooky haunted houses and more. Picking your own pumpkin is the perfect fall activity that the whole family will enjoy! Before making the trip, call ahead to check crop availability, activities and times of operation.

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Tips Transforming pumpkins into cleverly carved creations is a Halloween tradition. Each October, glowing pumpkins take up residence near doorsteps and porches, adding to the magical ambiance of the season. Many people carve jack-o’-lanterns, with some featuring just smiling or grimacing faces while others are far more artistic creations. These tips can help anyone carve a pumpkin. • Begin with a fresh pumpkin. Look for a pumpkin with a green stem. If the pumpkin has been sitting around for too long or has been handled too much, the stem can get brittle and fall off. A thick, fresh pumpkin is best for carving. • Plan your ideas. Draw a plan for your pumpkin before you make your first cut. Then trans-

Westchester Family | October 2017

fer that design to the pumpkin with pen or a thin marker. Pumpkin-carving kits come with designs that can be “traced” by poking small holes to create the outline of the design. • Don’t cut all the way through. Many professional pumpkin artists do not actually cut clear through the flesh of the pumpkin. They carve and shave off layers of the outer rind until it becomes more translucent. The level of transparency can be adjusted based on how much skin is removed and can add texture and shadowing. The more air that penetrates the pumpkin, the faster the pumpkin will start to degrade. • Delay carving until the last minute. Wait until the day before Halloween to begin carving. Pumpkins are a perishable item, and they’ll begin to rot as soon as you begin carving. Spritzing them with water can help them stay fresh, but there’s no turning back the clock once the first cut is made. • Cut a hole in the back. According to Brooklyn-based Maniac Pumpkin Carvers, cutting off the top of the pumpkin can affect its structural integrity and cause it to rot faster. Instead, cut a hole in the back of the pumpkin and use an electric light to illuminate it. LEDs are advisable because they don’t generate much heat, which can cook and rot the pumpkin from the inside out.

Westchester County, N.Y. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard Country store, educational visits, produce program 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-485-1210. harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com Hilltop Hanover 1271 Hilltop Hanover St., Yorktown Heights 914-962-2368. hilltophanoverfarm.org Outhouse Orchards 139 Hardscrabble Road, Croton Falls 914-277-3188. outhouseorchardsny.com Stuart’s Fruit Farm 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs 914-245-2784. stuartsfarm.com Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm Hayrides 1313 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights 914-245-5111. wilkensfarm.com

Dutchess County, N.Y. Barton Orchards 63 Apple Tree Lane, Poughquag 845-227-2306. bartonorchards.com Dykeman’s Farm Pumpkin Patch open weekends in Oct. 823 West Dover Road, Pawling 845-832-6068. dykemanfarm.com Greig Farm 223 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook 845-758-1234. greigfarm.com Fishkill Farms 9 Fishkill Farms Road, Hopewell Junction 845-897-4377. fishkillfarms.com Hahn Farm Corn maze, pony rides, hay rides. 1697 Salt Point Turnpike, Salt Point 845-266-5042. hahnfarm.com Fraleigh’s Rose Hill Farms 19 Rose Hill Farm, off Rte. 9, Red Hook 845-758-4215. pickrosehillfarm.com Secor Pick-A-Pumpkin 63 Robinson Lane, Wappingers Falls 845-452-6883. pumpkinnook.com

Fairfield County, Conn. Blue Jay Orchards 125 Plumtrees Road, Bethel 203-748-0119. bluejayorchardsct.com Jones Family Farm Hayrides, farm animals, corn maze. 606 Walnut Tree Road, Shelton 203-929-8425. jonesfamilyfarms.com Silverman’s Farm Hayrides, farm animals 451 Sport Hill Road, Easton 203-261-3306. silvermansfarm.com

Warrup’s Farm Hayrides, farm animals 51 John Read Road, Redding 203-938-9403. warrupsfarm.com

Putnam County, NY Salingers Orchard 230 Guinea Road, Brewster 845-277-3521. salingersorchard.com

Orange County, N.Y. Apple Ridge Orchards 101 Jessup Road, Warwick 845-987-7717. info@appleridgeorchards.com Hodgson’s Farm & Garden Center 2290 Albany Post Road, Walden 845-778-1432. Lawrence Farms Orchard 39 Colandrea Road, Newburgh 845-562-4268. lawrencefarmsorchards.com Masker Orchards 45 Ball Road, off Rte. 17A, Warwick 845-986-1058. maskers.com Ochs Orchard 4 Ochs Lane, off Rte. 94, Warwick 845-986-1591. ochsorchard.net Pierson’s Farm Hayrides, corn maze, haunted barn 1448 Rte. 211 West, Middletown 845-386-1882. piersonsfarm.com

Rockland County, N.Y. Dr. Davies Farm 306 Rte. 304, Congers 845-268-7020. drdaviesfarm.com Duryea Farms 101 Ackertown Road, Chestnut Ridge 845-356-1988 The Orchards of Concklin Corn maze, haunted house Rte. 45 and South Mountain Road, Pomona 845-354-0369. theorchardsofconcklin.com

Ulster County, N.Y.

Photo by Donna Mueller Photography, greatkeepsakes.com

Spending a day in the pumpkin patch with your kids provides fresh air and seasonal fun.

Apple Hill Farm Hay rides and fire truck rides 124 Rte. 32 S, New Paltz 845-255-1605. applehillfarm.com Dressel Farms Pick your own on weekends only, hayrides 271 Rte. 208, New Paltz 845-255-0693. dresselfarms.com Jenkins-Lueken Orchard 69 Yankee Folly Road, New Paltz 845-255-0999. jlorchards.com Wilklow Orchards 341 Pancake Hollow Road, Highland 845-691-2339. wilkloworchards.com — Sarah Niss

October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

Meet the Program Director // Special Advertising Supplement

Meet the Program Directors Special Advertising Supplement Are you considering a new school, program or activity for your child? If so, it’s important that you learn more about the director. The director sets the tone of the entire organization, shapes the curricula and teaching process and is responsible for the actions of the staff. Let us introduce you to some local directors.

Jason Brantman and Fiona Santos BROADWAY TRAINING 10 Washington Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson 478-5825 BroadwayTraining.com Jason Brantman and Fiona Santos are celebrating their 14th season as BTC’s Artistic Directors. As theater educators, they have directed at NYU Steinhardt, Long Lake Camp for the Arts, and French Woods. They’ve worked across the globe as a team, including 17 years directing the US Open Ceremonies as well as five years directing Alliance Connection All Access: cutting edge music events in paradise settings. Mario LaStrada & Maria Bai CENTRAL PARK DANCE STUDIO 450 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 723-2940 centralparkdance.com. For over 30 Years, Central Park Dance has attracted world-renowned teachers and choreographers. Maria Bai, artistic director and Mario LaStrada, director of operations, continually introduce new and exciting classes. With more than 200 weekly classes, you are sure to find a class that’s right for you. Dr. Gines-Dider Cano CRESTWOOD MUSIC EDUCATION CENTER 453 White Plains Road, Eastchester 961-3497 crestwoodmusic.com Offering world-class, private instrument instruction for children and adults from a distinguished faculty led by Director Dr. Gines-Didier Cano. Dr. Cano received his doctorate from the Manhattan School of Music, Masters of Music from The Juilliard School, and Premier Prix from Quebec Conservatoire. He has taught at universities and conservatories all over the world. For more information on Dr. Cano and his faculty, please visit the school’s website. Al Dicker DICKER READING METHOD 75 Brook St., Scarsdale 472-0600. dickerreading.com. The Dicker Reading Method can teach any child to read, even if diagnosed as learning disabled, ADD, ADHD or dyslexic. Whether your child is reading below, at or above grade level, they can accomplish three to six years of reading improvement in one year. Parents see an immediate improvement in reading achievement, comprehension and vocabulary development.

Westchester Family | October 2017

Jodi Rosenwasser JODI’S GYM 25 Hubbles Dr., Mt. Kisco, 244-8811 244 East 84 St., NYC, 212-772-7633 jodisgym.com This year Jodi’s Gym celebrates its 35th year! Jodi Rosenwasser Levine, director and founder competed as a national level gymnast and was a member of Indiana State University’s nationally ranked gymnastics team. She holds a master’s degree in Psychology from NYU. Jodi says that gymnastics is the best foundation we can give children for all sports and movement education – it’s both enjoyable and beneficial to all children. She is a leader and innovator in the children’s fitness industry. Beth And Jean Logrea LOGREA DANCE ACADEMY 2 Dale Ave., Ossining 941-2939. logreadance.com. Beth and Jean Logrea have provided quality dance training as directors of the Logrea Dance Academy and Westchester Ballet Company for 31 years. Besides annual scholarship auditions, a boys initiative and a special pre-ballet program ages 3-5, there are extensive performing opportunities including the Westchester Ballet Company’s production of The Nutcracker and annual spring performances. Fall classes enrolling now! Eileen Oddo MUSICAL MUNCHKINS 40 Archer Ave, White Plains 771-7000 Eileen Oddo is happy to be in her 32nd year as director of Musical Munchkins in Westchester County. With degrees in piano performance and piano pedagogy from Loyola University and the Conservatoire de Cachan in France, she is qualified to understand the steps from early childhood to success on an instrument. With the creation of Musical Munchkins and her Early Childhood Piano program, she has honed her approach to each stage from 6 months-4 years for Munchkins and 5-9 years for piano. Nancy Solomon Rothenberg STUDIO B DANCE CENTER 281 White Plains Road, Eastchester 793-2799. studiobdance.com. Nancy Solomon Rothenberg has been involved with every aspect of running a studio. She has spoken at various dance conferences throughout the country, written articles for Dance Teacher Magazine, and consults with several costume and dancewear companies. Studio B is celebrating its 22nd dance season and 4th year in a row as one of Westchester’s Best Studios. COME SEE THEIR NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART STUDIO!

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Your online resource for all things parenting

Come and

Join us Call 914-941-2939 or visit our website: LogreaDance.com

WestchesterFamily.com provides a rich array of local resources, useful content, directories and interactive tools to help families meet and celebrate the challenges of parenting. Visit us online today!

Logrea Dance Academy WestchesterFamily.com

2 Dale Ave. â&#x20AC;¢ Ossining, NY October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

Exciting Changes Happening at Soundview Prep! • Flexible Support Center

Helping Soundview Prep students with organizational skills, writing, note taking, homework, and test preparation. • Music Production and Recording Courses • Senior Internship Program • STEAM Makerspace • Science Research Program • Expanded AP Course Offerings • Campus Renovation and Construction • Shuttle Service from Metro-North Stations

Soundview Preparatory School

370 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, NY • 914.962.2780 • soundviewprep.org

Independent, co-ed day school for grades 6–12 • Picturesque campus 4-to-1 student-faculty ratio • Excellent college placement • Rolling admissions

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Westchester Family | October 2017

Bright from the Start! Bright from the Bright from the Start! Start!

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Dicker Reading Method 75 Brook St., Scarsdale 472-0600 dickerreading.com The Dicker Reading Method can teach any child to read, even children diagnosed as learning disabled, ADD, ADHD or dyslexic. Children reading below, at or above grade level, can achieve three to six years of reading improvement in one year. Parents will see an immediate improvement in reading achievement, comprehension and vocabulary development. Kumon Kumon.com 800-abc-math Kumon is an after-school math and reading enrichment program that unlocks children’s potential so they can achieve more on their own. The method uses an individualized approach that helps children in preschool through high school develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration and develop better study skills. Pre-School Reading Method 75 Brook St., Scarsdale 472-0600 mommyicanread.com This revolutionary preschool/ kindergarten reading program will enable your 3, 4 or 5-year-old

to learn 15-30 words in their first session. Then they learn to read sentences and ultimately enjoy reading their book! Your child’s confidence and self-esteem will soar as they develop a love for reading. It’s fun, easy and a game.

Sylvan Learning Center Bronxville and White Plains 237-4396 948-4116 tutoring.sylvanlearning.com Sylvan is the leading provider of tutoring to students in grades K-12 in Reading, Math, Writing, Study Skills and SAT Prep. Sylvan’s trained and certified teachers provide personalized instruction to each student. At Sylvan, students develop the skills to do better in school and the confidence to do better in everything else. Where I Can Be Me Social Skills®. The place where great kids make good friends. 127 Woodside Ave. Suite 201 Briarcliff Manor 488-5282 whereicanbeme.com Where I Can Be Me® Social Skills program is where great kids make good friends. It is a place without worry or judgment. Their approach is designed to allow children to be themselves while learning to develop and maintain friendships. Their website also provides lots of tips and strategies for helping your child.

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YOUR PRE-SCHOOLER CAN LEARN TO READ Your child will learn 15-30 words in their first session! A Miracle In The Making!” - CBS TV • Your child will learn to read their first book fluently • It’s fun, easy and life’s most exciting game. • One-on-One Instruction in a caring and nurturing environment • Ages 3 and older • 35 years certified experience • FREE Consultation Your pre-schooler or kindergartener will develop a love for reading & school!

Dicker Reading Method 75 Brook Street, Scarsdale

914.472.0600 • www.MommyICanRead.com October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

Ask the Specialist //

Stuttering Top 5 Questions Teachers Have About Stuttering By Jane Fraser

chool is back in session and teachers have become acquainted with their students. Most children have some sort of challenge in the classroom and for some that can be stuttering. Being knowledgeable on how to help the child who stutters is critical for their educational and social development. Here are the answers from the experts at the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation to the top five questions teachers often ask about stuttering. 1. What should I do when a child stutters in my class? Be a good communicator yourself: • Keep eye contact and give the child enough time to finish speaking. • Try not to fill in words or sentences. • Let the child know by your manner and actions that you are listening to what she says – not how she says it. • Model wait time. Take two seconds before you answer a child’s questions and insert more pauses into your own speech to help reduce speech pressure. • Do not make remarks like “slow down,” “take a deep breath,” “relax” or “think about what you’re going to say, then say it.” This kind of advice is simply not helpful. 2. Should I call on the student? It’s always best to check with the child about what he would like you to do. Children vary greatly in how they want their teachers and peers to respond. One child may want his teacher to reduce her expectations for his participation, calling on him only if his hand is raised or allowing him to take a pass during activities such as round-robin reading. Another may want to participate fully. 3. How should I handle teasing by other students? Deal with teasing of a child who stutters just as you would with any other child who is being teased. • Listen to the child and provide support right away. Don’t dismiss it with a remark such as “Everybody teases.”

Westchester Family | October 2017

• Discuss problem solving and coping strategies for teasing and bullying with the child. These strategies may also have been a part of speech therapy. • Educate others. Talk with the class about teasing and bullying in general. The child who stutters is probably not the only one being bullied. 4. What should I do about oral reports and reading aloud in class? Help make oral reports and reading aloud a positive experience for the child who stutters. Together, you and the child can develop a plan, considering: • Order. Consider whether she wants to be one of the first to present, in the middle, or one of the last to present. • Practice opportunities. Find ways he can practice that will help him feel more comfortable, such as at home, with you, with a friend, or at a speech therapy session. • Audience size. Consider whether the child should give the oral report in private,

in a small group, or in front of the entire class. • Other issues. Also consider whether she should be timed, or whether grading criteria should be modified because of her stuttering. 5. Where can I find out more information about stuttering? Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation is known internationally for the quality of its resource materials available to the public. You can find free streaming videos, downloadable books, brochures, newsletters and referrals through its website StutteringHelp.org as well as its toll-free helpline, 800-992-9392. There is a section on the website dedicated just to teachers and other sections for parents and students. Jane Fraser is president of the Stuttering Foundation and co-author of If Your Child Stutters: A Guide for Parents, which is available through Amazon.com.

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Our goal is to build a physical and mental foundation for ALL sports and to promote athleticism and good health through participation in gymnastics.

GymCats Gymnastics

914-965-7676 www.GymCats.net

At Equalize Fitness One Odell Plaza, Yonkers (Exit 9 off Saw Mill River Pkwy)

Nearly 90 years of Exceptional Catholic Education

Pre-K 3 & 4 to Grade 8 After School Program Available OPEN HOUSE

October 25, 2017 & January 31, 2018 from 9-11am Please contact us for information or to schedule a tour

Visit us at www.ihmscarsdale.org Mrs. Teresa Sopot, Principal

If only the signs were so easy to see when your child needs help. Know the Signs of Bullying: WhereICanBeMe.com

201 Boulevard, Scarsdale, NY 10583 â&#x20AC;˘ 914-723-5608

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,QVSLULQJ FXULRXV FUHDWLYH DQG JLIWHG PLQGV 7RGGOHUV WKURXJK WK JUDGH www.hudsoncountry.org ďż˝ email: info@hudsoncountry.org 340 Quaker Ridge Road ďż˝ New Rochelle, NY 10804 ďż˝ 914-636-6202 October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

CHILDREN’S ART CLASSES Painting & Sketching, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Fashion Design, Expressive Art, Toy Making, Mommy & Me, Sensory Art Play 914-723-9229 info@youngatartworkshop.com www.youngatartworkshop.com Scarsdale, NY

Children are growing up. Parents are getting older. You want to help both. We’ll help you plan for the people you love. Today, many families face more financial challenges than ever before, juggling decisions about saving for retirement, education, expenses, life and health insurance, and providing care for aging loved ones all at the same time. At Morgan Stanley, we can help you define what’s important to you and create a financial plan that assists you in achieving your goals. To see how, please call us at the number provided.

Judith Frost

Volunteers Needed

Making a Difference... One Ride at a Time! RideConnect provides free volunteer transportation to older adults age 60+ in Westchester County. These rides enable clients to remain active and continue to lead fulfilling lives. Please consider giving the gift of mobility and independence! For more information on volunteering or to request a ride, contact us at 914-242-7433

Financial Advisor Morgan Stanley 860-313-7129 Judith.Frost@morganstanley.com www.morganstanleyfa.com/judith.frost Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP(with flame design) in the U.S. ©2017 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 1818308 06/17

www.RideConnectWestchester.org

Schedule Your Annual Physical • Comprehensive care from birth to age 21 • State of the art pediatric oﬃce • Convenient on-site parking

• Spacious child-friendly waiting area • Extended evening & weekend oﬃce hours • Most insurances accepted

Susan Meisler, M.D. • Hilary Smith, M.D. Lisa Mandelker, D.O. • Debra Etelson, M.D. 145 Huguenot Street, Suite 200 • New Rochelle, NY www.pasw4kids.com • 914.235.1400 26

Westchester Family | October 2017

Special Section

Fall/Winter 2017

Special Needs

Physical Therapy for Special Kids One Mother’s Experience

I’ll Be the Cancer Mom PLus

Do Away with Diaper Rash What You Need to Know: Lice Going Gluten Free is Not a Fad WestchesterFamily.com

Healthy Family //

Pediatric Physical Therapy Help for Your Child’s Sensory System By Rachael Sanderson Benz

sk 5-year-old Ethan Pimentel who his favorite doctor is and he’s sure to shout – Dr. Smith! Ethan, who has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, began seeing pediatric physical therapist Dana Smith a year and a half ago when he wasn’t meeting some crucial developmental milestones. Children in Ethan’s age range are generally able to kick a ball, go down a slide, climb up and down stairs one step at a time, and lie on their backs. Ethan was not able to perform any of these physical milestones, that is, until now. “We have noticed many improvements in Ethan in the time he has been seeing Dr. Smith,” says mom Taisha Pimentel. “Physically, Ethan is getting closer to where he should be at for his age; now he can kick a ball, alternate his feet when going up and down the stairs, he enjoys all playground activities that he once feared including swings and slides, he tolerates lying on his back, and he continues to gain strength with every physical therapy session,” adds Pimentel. Inspired by a Child Smith began her career at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC), a teaching hospital in New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area. There, she gained valuable experience as a bedside physical therapist working with critically ill patients. While at HUMC, Smith decided to transition her energies from working with adults to children after she met a young boy fighting a rare form of leukemia. “He had to be kept in isolation pending a bone marrow transplant,” says Smith. “I spent countless hours with him and his mother during his lengthy hospital stay. I don’t think I will ever forget him – he helped shape my career goals.” In 2013, Smith opened her private pediatric physical therapy practice, Westchester Physical Therapy (home of Sensory Jim & Friends), in Riverdale. A second location located at 495 Central Park Avenue in Scarsdale opened in May of this year. With more than 22 years of experience, Smith is determined to do the very best for each family that she sees at her practice. “I feel incredibly honored that a parent would

Westchester Family | October 2017

entrust me with the care of their child,” she says. The range of patients Smith treats is wide and includes those recovering from bone fractures or overuse injuries due to sports, children with scoliosis, infants and toddlers who need help meeting physical developmental milestones, and children with autism spectrum disorders. “I work with children that are born with disorders that impact their ability to move, have developmental delays, born prematurely, develop various diagnoses such as torticollis and spectrum disorders, have poor posture or orthopedic impairments such as bone fractures that need rehabilitation,” says Smith. A Sensory Specialist Smith, who has a certification in Sensory Integration and advanced training, says this specialization makes all the difference in the care she can offer her patients. Sensory information is received via the senses – hearing, touching, smelling, tasting, seeing and the vestibular system located in the inner ear (the vestibular system is amok, say, when you have vertigo). Children whose sensory systems are not working for them may find themselves in harm’s way or suffer in social settings. Those experiencing difficulties with vestibular

processing may appear clumsy, anxious, feel dizzy, have motion sickness, or may have combined visual tracking problems. “With Ethan, I knew right away he was having a problem with his vestibular system,” says Smith. “He disliked when his feet left contact with the ground leading him to have gravitational insecurity and feared lying on his back, both aren’t typical.” For children with sensory issues concerning the vestibular system, Smith says she can work on balance and coordination, eye tracking, postural control as well as strengthening exercises. “We need to diminish their fear,” she says. In combination with physical therapy, Smith urges families to play a primary role in a child’s development. “We love that we are able to talk to Dr. Smith about Ethan’s sensory challenges and she always provides us with good recommendations and techniques on how to work with Ethan so that we can help him at home,” says Pimentel. Smith is happy to report that Ethan is doing exceptionally well. And how does Ethan feel about his therapy sessions? “We can’t get him to leave when his hour is up,” says Pimentel with a smile. For additional information see westchesterpediatricpt.com. Rachael Sanderson Benz is a Westchester-based freelance writer.

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PROBLEM? Most kids go through a phase of picky eating around the age of two.

The way you handle this phase is one thing that can determine if your child becomes a true picky eater. However, there are other more serious reasons for picky eating to become a problem.

Get Answers: SpeechLanguageFeeding.com

Helping Special Families Plan for the Future

Your online resource for all things parenting WestchesterFamily.com provides a rich array of local resources, useful content, directories and interactive tools to help families meet and celebrate the challenges of parenting. Visit us online today!

Special Education Advocacy Special Needs Trusts Guardianship Transition Planning Special Needs Planning

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October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

Healthy Family //

How to Get Rid of Lice Without Going Crazy By Rachael Moshman

ne of my most vivid childhood memories is of sitting in a chair in the middle of my backyard in the heat of a Florida summer with a towel wrapped around my head. Under the towel my hair was coated in mayonnaise. And, of course, the kids next door came over to see what I was doing. I had head lice. Again. I have extremely thick hair and once the nasty critters moved in, it was extremely difficult to get them out. My mom tried everything including every over the counter lice product on the market at the time; prescription shampoo; tons of laundry and vacuuming; cutting my hair short; washing it every day; not washing it for days at a time; old wives’ tales including putting olive oil, vinegar, Vaseline, and of course, mayonnaise on my hair. The problem was the eggs, which are called “nits.” Shampoos at that time didn’t kill them. They stick to the strands of hair and each one had to be removed before it hatched. Missing just a couple of nits would start the cycle all over again. I think my battle with the buggers as a child prepared me for my job in childcare. I once supervised nine preschools. Lice outbreaks were very common. I kept teachers and parents calm and cool by offering the following suggestions. Know what to look for. I discovered the lice myself. I was itching my head in class and one got stuck under my fingernail. I knew what it had to be, but I was ashamed. I kept it a secret until the day the nurse came to my classroom to routinely check everyone’s head. By that time, the infestation was massive. Catching the infestation early makes it much easier to treat. Check your child’s head frequently. Lice are dark brown. The nits are a yellow or beige color. Once they hatch, they remain on the hair and are a translucent white. The hatched eggs are the easiest to spot on dark hair and may look like dandruff, but they won’t move when you try to shake them off or wash them out. And if your child’s head itches, check for lice. Do lots of laundry. Wash all bedding, clothing, pillows, hats, stuffed animals, towels and any other fabric that may be contaminated in extremely hot water. Then dry at high heat. Think twice about cutting hair. Short hair can make it harder to grip on to the eggs. Cutting a child’s hair may also increase their shame.

Westchester Family | October 2017

Read reviews about products. The products on the market today are much better than when most of us were kids. There are even nontoxic options available if you don’t want to douse your child in insecticide. Invest in a good quality fine tooth comb. Getting the nits out is crucial. A good quality comb designed for nit removal is important. Section the hair off with clips and work one section at a time. Don’t forget the car. Cleaning your whole house won’t do any good if there are still lice living in your child’s car seat so vacuum the car thoroughly. Make sure everyone (school, babysitter, daycare) has been treated. One of the preschools I worked with had a lice outbreak that went on for months. Parents were becoming irate. They did everything they needed to do at home, but their child kept getting the critters again. After doing some investigation, I discovered that the preschool’s dramatic play area was the problem. They were neglecting to wash the hats and dress up clothes. All places where your child spends large amounts of time need to be treated. Communicate with your child’s playmates. If your child has lice, it’s likely that at least one of their friends does, too. Touch base with the other parents to prevent your kids from passing it back and forth. If all else fails, call in a professional. Teach your children that lice are common and happen to everyone. Contrary to popular belief, lice prefer clean conditions. Lice have

nothing to do with your parenting, family or housekeeping skills. You and your child have nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, lice are so common that there are whole businesses built around them. You can hire a professional to come into your home to do the cleaning and laundry. There are also boutiques to take your child to where they will pick the nits for you. Lice are annoying, but they aren’t the end of the world. Remember, it’s something almost every child goes through at some point. You’ll get through it – and hopefully laugh about it one day, though thinking about it may always make your head itch a bit! Rachael Moshman is a mom, freelance writer and blogger. Her head has been free of lice for decades. Find her at rachaelmoshman.com.

If You Need a Professional … When it’s time to seek the help of a professional these local lice professionals can help. • The Hair Genies LLC, Greenwich, Conn., 203-822-7400, thehairgenies.com. • The Lice Chicks, Inc. Makes home visits. Jefferson Valley, 302-2927, thelicechicks. com. • Lice Lady of Westchester. Elmsford, 4975465, theliceladyofwestchester.com. • LiceOut911. Bedford Hills, 689-3655, liceout911.com. • LiceXchange. Makes home visits. 917-6570249, licexchange.com.

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Healthy Family //

I’ll Be the Cancer Mom By Corinne Zola

’m lying next to my beautiful, sweet daughter trying to comfort her as she flips and turns in a fitful, uncomfortable sleep after a day of chemotherapy. She tries hard not to fully wake up because that will bring on the debilitating nausea. I will her to stay asleep because she is just too sad to be awake tonight. I’m a cancer mom. Our world changed unexpectedly and immediately six months ago with her diagnosis. We entered a frightening and shocking world of hospitals, infusions centers, chemotherapy, side effects – a world of cancer and all its insult and pain made all the worse because it was happening to our 16-year-old daughter. I never thought this would happen in a million years. I buy organic food, supply her with sulfate and paraben free shampoo, make her wear sunscreen. I do the right things. To me, yes, sure it could happen. Between mammograms, Pap smears and skin checks, cancer is always something I feel might be lurking. But to our daughter? No, never. A Persistent Cough I thought she had pneumonia. That surely was what was causing her persistent cough and miserable demeanor. I insisted on a chest X-ray to prove me right, but the pediatrician heard nothing in her lungs and saw no clinical symptoms to convince her to expose my daughter to the radiation of an X-ray. It was her allergist that saw the swollen lymph node and sent us straight to the radiologist. I didn’t know at the time that the lymph node was a signal to him, I was just grateful that someone was seeing things my way. Two hours later as I’m going to pick up the umpteenth supply of cough and allergy medicine as well as inhalers to open her

Resources These organizations have been extremely helpful in our family’s journey with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – lls.org – the national organization has an active Westchester chapter providing a wide range of information and support for patients and caregivers, including one-on-one counseling; peer-to-peer online chats with young adults living with Leukemia, Lymphoma or Myeloma.

Westchester Family | October 2017

airways, I get a call from the pediatrician. “I don’t want you to freak out while you are driving, but you need to pick her up right now from school and go straight to the ER. It looks like she might have lymphoma.” She had a mass in her chest pressing on her trachea causing the cough. It was never pneumonia. Our New Reality Five days of tests, biopsies and doctor after doctor marked the most frightening and

• SOUL RYEDERS® – soulryeders.org – a volunteer-driven charitable organization based in Westchester County, offering compassion, emotional support, as well as fitness, nutrition, and educational programs for people affected by all types of cancer in our community. Soul Ryeders will be available to you from diagnosis through treatment, and recovery through survivorship. Their kindness and generosity with their expertise and time was indispensable.

uncertain time of our lives. The doctors knew it was lymphoma, they just didn’t know yet how bad or how far along it had spread in her body. Days and nights blended with nursing shift changes, trading places with my husband as we each drove home quickly to shower and see our son who was home on college break, and then rush back. Uncontrollable sobbing in my car on the trips back and forth is mostly what I remember of those first days. We didn’t know if this was curable. We didn’t know what it would mean

• The Wig Exchange – thewigexchange. org/ny/ – The primary mission of the organization is to provide women, including teens, undergoing chemotherapy with high quality wigs and hair pieces, as well as practical tips and emotional support for managing the issues related to medically-induced hair loss. You will be assigned a Wig Exchange advisor, a cancer survivor herself, who will help you choose a hair piece and is generous with hugs and warm advice.

for this little girl who innocently lay in the hospital worrying that she wasn’t studying for midterms and couldn’t go to play practice. Finally, the results came back. The doctors explained that it was good news. Hodgkin’s lymphoma stage 2. The disease was only located in her neck and chest and had not progressed throughout her lymph system into her marrow or her brain. This is good. She would be cured. She will live. She will thrive. She started chemotherapy the next day and has received treatment since then every other week for six months. The first treatment of chemotherapy cured the cough. It was a huge relief to have that gone, but after that, the chemo has brought on so much insult to the original injury. Now I understand what people mean when they say that “she battled cancer,” or she is a “warrior.” It’s a fight. It’s a fight to stay positive, to keep living, to stay strong, to keep being yourself. For a teenager, it’s an unfair fight. She’s already battling high school pressure, friend drama, college board exams, relentless homework. Now she battles nausea, hair loss, exhaustion, weight loss, loss of appetite, immunity suppression, nightly

injections to stimulate white blood cell production, trips to the ER if her temperature goes above 100.4, fear, anxiety. We have worked hard to try and help her just be a 16-year-old and a junior in high school. She sees friends when she’s well, she performed in her school production of The Tempest, she goes to Broadway shows (we get her an aisle seat so she doesn’t have to be next to a stranger and their germs). We move forward, to do anything otherwise is not an option. We make sure she gets in one activity a day, maybe a play rehearsal, a driving lesson, a meeting with one of her teachers; we watch 30 Rock and laugh; we homeschool; we visit colleges; we go to the movies. We constantly wash our hands and wipe down public surfaces with sanitizing cloths, and we keep going. Gratitude I am grateful to everyone who has been here for us with homemade dinners, daily calls and texts from family, spontaneous walks and visits from friends, teachers who tutor after their own school days are over, hugs and advice from our cancer support group Soul Ryeders, doctors who act with decisive care,

and warmth from our chemo nurse Katie who is unfailingly sweet and understanding and gossips with our daughter about the TV shows and characters they both love. My daughter grimaces as she shifts again in bed to try and find a position that’s comfortable and staves off the nausea. I stroke her forehead and whisper that she’ll feel better in a few hours. She’ll be laughing with her brother by tonight when the medications wear off. She gives me a little smile, pulls the blanket over her head and turns over. I believe that with time this will just be a blip for her, a bad memory. I can’t wait for that. I can’t wait until she is healthy and doing things she loves and enjoying every bit of her wonderful life. She is a warrior. I’ll be the cancer mom but there is no way that I will let her be defined by this. She has too much life to live. Corinne Zola is a founder of the Westchester Children’s Museum and a former President and current member of the Board of Directors of the Museum. She lives in Westchester with her husband, her daughter, her son (when he’s home on break from college) and Penny, their dog.

BRING LIGHT to the darkness of cancer Kingsland Point Park November 4 • 5:00 PM Sleepy Hollow, NY

Followed by Fireworks!

JORDYN lymphoma survivor

Healthy Family //

Music and Children with Special Needs Local Musician Makes the Connection By Andrea White

or 25 years, music has been a passion for guitarist and songwriter Dave Meyers who lives near Carmel, N.Y. But more recently, Meyers has been sharing that passion with autistic and other special needs children, and it has made a big impact on their lives – and his own. The First Student It was a friend’s son, 12-year-old Eric, who became his first student who had autism, and now Meyers works with many students of varying ages, traveling to their homes in Putnam and Westchester Counties for music and guitar lessons once a week. Following their lessons, Meyers says he’s noticed a looseness in the way Eric responds. “I’ve seen when he’s involved in music, and sometimes when he’s not, he’s able to connect with thoughtful responses. Sometimes those thoughtful responses are funny and silly, but for Eric, that’s a big step, he’s communicating as opposed to being just reclusive. We’ve really made accomplishments.” Meyers has written dozens of original, fun songs that are easy to play, some inspired by his students. He shared one song entitled “What to Do (Play Guitar)” with lyrics such as, “I want to shout/The power is out/But there’s no one here to shout to. It feels so strange/No lights no games/Oh what am I going to do?/ Play my guitar, I can play my guitar.” Meyers says Eric relates to the feelings and the words of the song, but it’s also a composition that he only needs one finger to play. “That’s how my songs are designed. You don’t have to have complicated fingering or a lot of changes,” he explains. “They’re made so that kids can get confident.” Making the Connection How does Meyers elicit these types of responses? By letting his students guide him. While Meyers is not a licensed music therapist or special needs teacher (his day job is in real estate), he has done a lot of research on music therapy and its benefits. Meyers’ lessons consist of different types of songs and various instruments, including guitar, piano and drums. “I’ve found that special needs children can benefit from music lessons because there

Westchester Family | October 2017

are aspects of music that seem to be innate in a person,” Meyers says. “There’s something about the musical patterns that these children are able to connect to and once they’re connected, we can use that connection to provide other social and physical benefits.” Other Success Stories Anthony, a 5-year-old from Armonk with cerebral palsy with global delays, started lessons with Meyers in the spring. Anthony’s mom, Sara, feels her son’s sessions are certainly making a difference. “Dave provides positive reinforcement, reward systems and a calming experience for my son – three important things that children with special needs must have,” Sara says. “Because of this, my son is receptive, focused and really learning the guitar! Most importantly, of all the limitations and challenges that my son faces, he has a hobby that he can enjoy independently.” Same goes for 9-year-old Lindsay of Patterson. Her mom, Sandi, says her daughter couldn’t sit still when she began the music lessons six months ago, but now she can sit the entire time. “The lessons with Dave have benefited my daughter by promoting

increased eye contact, joint attention, active participation and creativity,” she says. “These benefits mean more to me than if she ever learns to play an instrument or not.” Sandi adds that the silly songs keep things fun. And if Lindsay isn’t focusing, Meyers will take a break and march around the kitchen with her, instruments in hand, singing songs. “You start playing and in that musical space, each time we make up a word or we make up something, they’re able to sense that, because music certainly reaches across cultures, time and language,” Meyers explains. Meyers says he is looking forward to helping more special needs students, crafting more songs and watching these children grow and blossom. “I’m here to get them enthused, get them interested in music and try to connect with them,” he says. “I’m really inspired by the things that we are accomplishing using music. Hopefully they can take it with them as they grow up.” For more information visit, rockonmusic.com Andrea White is a freelance writer based in Edgemont.

October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

Healthy Family //

Do Away with Diaper Rash By Sarah Lyons

s parents we do everything in our power to avoid an uncomfortable and painful rash for our little ones, but realistically, even the most diligent parent may have to deal with diaper rash in the first few years of parenthood. Knowing the common culprits of diaper rash and how to treat it will help keep baby happy and rash free. Common Culprits of Diaper Rash Culprit # 1: Infrequent Diaper Changes We have the best intentions when it comes to changing our babies but sometimes things happen and that wet diaper stays on a little too long causing red, sore, irritated skin. Even the most absorbent diaper can allow wetness to touch the skin, which can leave baby’s bottom red and irritated. Culprit # 2: Yeast Infection The diaper area is warm and moist, making it easy for bacterial infections, like yeast, to grow and flourish. Yeast passes through the child’s digestive system and eventually lands in the diaper next to the warm damp skin. This can result in a rash in the folds of the skin. Regular diaper creams won’t improve this type of rash. It’s best to speak to your doctor about treatment, which may include an antifungal cream. Culprit # 3: Allergies or Sensitivities It is possible your baby is sensitive to the brand of diapers or wipes you are using. Your child could also have an allergy to a new food that is causing loose stools, which in turn cause added irritation and wetness in the diaper area. With some trial and error you may be able to narrow down the cause of the rash and help your child’s rash improve greatly with a few small changes. Treat and Prevent Diaper Rash Change Diapers Often. Change baby’s diaper at least every two to three hours. If you notice a bowel movement change the diaper immediately though you do not need to wake a sleeping baby to change their diaper. Clean and Dry. Make sure baby is clean and dry before putting on a new diaper. Remember to pat baby dry rather than rub which further irritates skin.

Westchester Family | October 2017

Air Dry. Let baby go diaper free. When weather allows, spend some time outside sans diaper. The fresh air will help baby heal faster. A Gentler Clean. Use mild, alcohol free wipes or try using a squirt bottle of water to gently clean baby. Read the Label. Use a diaper cream with zinc oide or petroleum jelly on the ingredient list. Apply a protective layer of cream to help prevent future rash. Go Green. Cloth diapers made with natural fabrics are gentler than disposable diapers which may contain chemicals that can irritate baby. Try Homemade. Making homemade wipes or diaper cream allows you to decide what ingredients touch your baby’s skin and therefore avoid any harsh ingredients store bought products may contain. Healthy Belly. Probiotics can help

prevent yeast infections. Check with your pediatrician to see if he can recommend a probiotic that is safe for your child. Some research has shown that consuming probiotics can positively affect your child’s balance of bacteria. Try Something New. Experiment with a new brand of diaper or wipes, change your cloth diaper detergent, make sure your baby has a proper fitting diaper, take note of any reactions to new foods, and remember every baby is different so what works for one child may not be a good fit for another child. Chances are your baby will develop a diaper rash at least once before toilet training is complete but with these tips, baby should be comfortable and rash free in no time. Sarah Lyons is a mother of six who has a lot of experience in changing diapers.

Healthy Family //

Why Going Gluten-Free Isn’t a Fad Diet By Jessica McCoy

luten-free food is popping up everywhere, and it’s about time. For years, people diagnosed with celiac disease, or those given a more obscure diagnosis of non-celiac gluten sensitivity, have spent time and money restructuring their meal plans to ensure that the food they eat only includes gluten-free ingredients. But Why? It’s easier for some people to understand the terminology “food allergy” than it is for them to understand avoiding certain foods because of a disease such as celiac. Unlike those with a wheat allergy, those with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity can have many other symptoms – including the inability to properly digest gluten, skin rashes, brain fog, anxiety, pain in the abdomen and joints, and many others. Just like those with food allergies, most people who decide to go on a gluten-free diet do it for health reasons and have no other choice. For many, ingesting even a crumb due to cross-contamination can cause excruciating pain and a debilitating recurrence of symptoms. The only way to avoid these complications is to remain on an entirely gluten-free diet. There’s an App for That Reading (and understanding) labels on food packaging is paramount to maintaining a 100 percent gluten-free diet; however, there are ways to assist beginners in identifying what food is gluten-free. Remember, it is a good idea to always read the label, even if you have purchased an item before, because ingredients and ingredient sourcing can change. Just because an item is gluten-free today doesn’t mean it will be gluten-free next year. Here’s how to shop for gluten-free food anywhere. Shopping Tips • Download an app like The Gluten-Free Scanner and scan the barcodes of products to see if they are gluten-free. This is helpful because other gluten-free consumers are sharing information and adding new products to the app. • Do an Internet search to research foods that you normally purchase. • Look for labels that say Gluten-Free, Naturally Gluten-Free and Certified Gluten-Free.

• Buy whole foods. Shop around the outside perimeters of the store, sticking to produce, protein and dairy. • Shop at a store that identifies products throughout the store that are gluten-free. • Buy products online at gluten-free stores. • Identify local retailers that consistently offer a quality gluten-free product line. Finding Gluten-Free-Friendly Restaurants Breathe easy. You can eat out at a huge number of restaurants on a gluten-free diet, and that doesn’t mean ordering a salad – unless that is what you want to order. The key to a worry-free meal out is research. This is as simple as doing a quick search online of “restaurant name glutenfree menu.” Alternatively, you could browse around on a restaurant’s website or call the restaurant directly. Trial and error is not something that you want to play around with when it comes to dining out on a gluten-free diet. Know before you go and enjoy a stress-free dinner out. Going on a Trip? If you plan on travelling research gluten-free restaurants in that location. For example, Wheat’s End Café in Chicago is a completely gluten-free restaurant. The chef has celiac disease herself

and truly understands the importance of offering gluten-free fare. While restaurants that are entirely glutenfree are few and far between, once you know how to find gluten-free friendly restaurants, dining out can be easier than you think. Gluten-Free Playdates Just like parents of children with a food allergy, parents of children with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity should take care to educate the parents of their children’s friends about their child’s diet. Don’t forget to mention cross-contamination. And when in doubt, ask what food is being served and send along something similar for your child to eat. Parents should adjust their involvement depending on the child’s age. When a child reaches the teen years and fully understands the importance of adhering to a glutenfree diet, parents can relax a little bit. However, until that point it is a good idea to communicate with the friend’s parents. At any age, it is always a good idea to send a gluten-free snack that can be shared. Jessica McCoy is a freelance writer as well as being the blogger behind All She Cooks. As the mother of a teenage daughter with nonceliac gluten sensitivity, Jessica is constantly researching gluten-free products and offerings. October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

Let's Go To ... //

When You Go …

Mohonk Mountain House The All-Seasons Family Escape

Mohonk Mountain House 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, N.Y. 855-883-3798 mohonk.com Rates: $660 in the summer and up, double occupancy (meals and activities are included).

away to indulge in a bit of pampering at the award-winning spa or quietly enjoy the great outdoors by scrambling up the rocks at Sky Top Tower or laying low in one of the many gazebos called “summer houses” and seeing the view from Huntington Look Out.

Mohonk Mountain House offers magnificent views of fall foliage and a variety of outdoor family activities in October. By Elina Furman

or the last 140 years Mohonk Mountain House has become a legendary family travel institution. Originally, Albert K. Smiley acquired a 10-room inn along with 280 surrounding acres of exquisite grounds. Since then, Mohonk Mountain House has become a National Historic Landmark. The resort has been owned by the same family all these years, which is what’s at the core of Mohonk’s emphasis on embracing family closeness and unity. When to Visit Deciding when to visit? Any season you choose to spend here comes with its own perks. In the winter, one can skate in majestic outdoor pavilion, snow tube or enjoy the indoor pool and award-winning spa. Summer visitors love the lake activities, private beach, fishing, rock climbing and lawn fun. Still, the fall season seems to be the most heavily booked period, when guests descend on this location in droves to view the stunning explosion of fall foliage. No matter when you come, families can enjoy a variety of year-round activities including nighttime entertainment. The Stay Choosing a room here can be a little over-

Westchester Family | October 2017

whelming. There are more spacious suites that run in the high $1,000s, as well as standard rooms and tower rooms which will cost you a little less. It is best, however, to call reservations direct to let them know about your specific needs as rooms vary greatly, even within the same category. While nightly rates are high starting at $660 in the summer and many rooms going well above that, the cost includes the room, three meals, afternoon tea, kids club, entertainment and most resort activities. There are a few extras requiring additional fees, including snacks and carriage rides. When planning your stay, there is no shortage of activities, so families would do well to pace themselves when setting up a schedule. The daily list starts with an early morning bird-watching hike and includes a variety of exercise and yoga classes, hikes (two a day) and many organized kids’ activities, such as a visit to the barn museum, archery or a guided mountain bike tour, as well as arts and craft programs. No surprise that the resort was named as one of the “Best Hotel Kids’ Programs in the U.S.” by Travel + Leisure magazine. The Kid’s Club offers a Junior Naturalist camp, horseback riding, an outdoor tennis program, an art exploration session and organized hikes for teens. There will not be a minute of boredom for the kids, which means parents can sneak

Dining With such an emphasis on togetherness, dining here is also a family affair. The historic dining room is quite loud due to the many children, but it offers amazing views of the Catskill Mountains in a dramatic wood-paneled setting that helps to drown out the din. Guests can choose to enjoy the family buffet for lunch, breakfast and dinner or order a la carte for the evening meal in a separate, more formal room for an experience that’s a little more elegant. The resort menu emphasizes farm to table cooking and partners with more than 20 local Hudson Valley farms that supply them with fresh produce. Kids love the old-fashioned ice cream parlor, while adults needing some privacy can enjoy a drink and light snack with a spectacular sunset view at Spirits on the Sunset or a private chef tasting menu at the famous Chef’s Dinner Table (no kids allowed). Day Trip Fortunately, there are many packages available for families who can’t swing the high cost of an overnight stay. For rates starting $70 and up per person, one can book a day at the resort for horseback riding or tennis, lunch at the carriage house and access to the Mountain House. These packages include free reign of the hiking trails, the house history tour, afternoon tea and cookies, the greenhouse and Victorian Gardens, and even the nightly entertainment. Of course, most just come for the day to gape at the stunning scenery. Part mountain lodge, part luxury resort, part active sleepaway camp for families, the Mohonk Mountain House never disappoints and continues to draw visitors, offering something for everyone more than 100 years after its inception. Elina Furman is a frequent contributor to Westchester Family.

Calendar

October

By Susan Goldberg

Young book lovers and their families enjoy a full day of book-themed fun at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, Oct. 14.

Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival More than 90 renowned children’s book authors are convening in Chappaqua for this annual celebration of literacy and community! Kids and families get to meet their favorite authors. Books for the entire family are available, for everyone from toddlers to teens and books can be signed by the authors and illustrators. The festival also features arts and crafts activities and delicious food from local restaurants and food trucks. Families won’t want to miss this special day for book lovers. 10am–4pm Oct. 14. For all ages. FREE. Reservations not required.

Illustration by Suejean Rim

Calendar What’s Inside Editor’s Pick: Flying Raptors

Editor’s Pick: Third Saturdays

Spooky Season

City Picks

Connecticut Corner

Bell Middle School, 50 Senter Street, Chappaqua. ccbfestival.org.

October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

Calendar October // Rd., Mount Kisco. 914–666–8448. westmorelandsanctuary.org.

1 Sunday

Chihuly Exhibit. Artwork created by the world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly is on view at the New York Botanical Garden, in a show that features 20 installations and includes the artists’ drawings and early works. The Garden’s dramatic landscape becomes the living canvas for works showcasing Chihuly’s signature shapes in brilliant colors. Tuesdays – Sundays, 10am–6pm, until Oct. 29. For all ages. $25 adults, $20 children. Reservations not required. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. 718–817–8779. nybg.org.

The Friend Strong Musical, It’s Easy. This outstanding new musical addresses the power of friendship to fight bullying. The story of a middle school boy who is being bullied, this powerful performance shows how words and actions can affect people’s lives, and was developed in conjunction with the Be-A-Friend Project. 2 and 7pm today; 7:30pm Oct. 7; 2pm Oct. 8. For children ages 8-14. $15. Reservations required. Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main St., Irvington. 845–797–9183. seethewish.com. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46.

Classic Tours with a Twist. The classic mansion tour of Lyndhurst takes a holiday twist, with the majestic home decorated for Halloween. Special seasonal decorations and Gothic Revival furniture are on display only in October. 10am-4pm. Thursdays – Sundays, today-Oct. 29. For all ages. $18. Reservations required. Lyndhurst Mansion, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown. 914–631– 4481. lyndhurst.org. Fall Foliage at Westmoreland. In addition to the nature museum, Westmoreland Sanctuary is surrounded by 640 acres of wooded countryside; it’s a chance to see the brilliant colors of autumn in a beautiful wooded setting. 9am–5pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Westmoreland Sanctuary, 260 Chestnut Ridge

Journeys with Jellies. The Aquarium has a newly expanded exhibit space for its jellyfish - some of the moststrangely beautiful and painfully dangerous creatures of the sea. This new exhibit educates and fascinates visitors in a bigger space, offering a better look at moon jellies and brown sea nettles, as well as the giant Pacific octopus. Daily, 10am–6pm; Oct. 1 –31. For all ages. $22.95 adults, $15.95 children. Reservations not required. Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203–852–0700. maritimeaquarium. org. Nick Cave Soundsuit 2016. ©Nick Cave. Photo by James Prinz Photography. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York

An exhibit at the Katonah Art Museum features bold works, like this one by Nick Cave.

Muscoot Farmer’s Market. The farm is the perfect place to purchase fresh produce and local food products from

Look for our complete calendar of events and activities online at WestchesterFamily.com.

Submissions Send all calendar submissions via: • Email: calendar@westchesterfamily.com. Fax: 914-462-3311. Include: Dates, times, location with address, age recommendation, cost, public telephone number and Web site address. • Information to be considered for the December, 2017 calendar must reach us by October 31, 2017. • If you miss our print deadline, submit your event directly to our online calendar at WestchesterFamily.com. Click the “Post Your Own Event” link beneath the calendar on our home page. Online postings appear on the Web in approximately 48 hours after submission. Please call ahead to confirm dates, times and locations of all events.

Westchester Family | October 2017

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more than 20 vendors, every Sunday through October. 9:30am– 2:30pm until Oct. 29. For all ages. Reservations not required. Muscoot Farm, Rte. 100, Somers. 914–864–7282. muscootfarm.org.

Flying Raptors

2 Monday

Journeys with Jellies. See Oct. 1.

PepsiCo Sculpture Gardens. The creatively landscaped and meticulously maintained gardens on the grounds of the PepsiCo campus are the site of a wonderful collection of the works of major twentieth century artists. After being closed for renovations, this beautiful Sculpture Garden is once again open to the public! Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–4pm, until Oct. 29. For all ages. Reservations not required. PepsiCo Sculpture Garden, 700 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase. 914–253–3150. pepsico.com. Scarecrows and Pumpkins. Add fun to the spooky season by visiting the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. Eye popping pumpkins, spooky scarecrows and plenty of family fun make this a superior seasonal outdoor outing! There are guided activities for kids including a puppet playhouse. And on weekends there are live animal demonstrations of the season’s creepy critters, including bats, reptiles and more. Tuesdays – Fridays, 1:30–5:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–5:30pm, through Oct. 31. For all ages. $28 adults, $12 children. Reservations not required. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. 718–817–8779. nybg.org. Stone Barns Weekend. Through November, Stone Barns requires the purchase of a one-day admission ticket on weekends. This allows visitors to participate in seasonal, hands-on activities, and drop in tours. Admission is free during the week, although there is a charge for certain weekday events. Check website for full schedule. Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–5pm, until Nov. 19. For all ages. $20 adults $10 youth.

Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, 3 Sunnyside Lane, Irvington. 914–631–8200. hudsonvalley.org.

Photo by Joshua Bright

Join in an aerial puppet parade at Wave Hill on Oct. 7-8. Enjoy a fun fall craft at this Family Art Project event. Make a movable raptor puppet to resemble the hawks migrating above the Hudson River. If the wind cooperates, watch the puppets fly overhead in a beautiful outdoor group soar. Enjoy a creative crafts project perfect for an autumn day. 10am–1pm Oct. 7-8. For all ages. Free with admission to grounds: $8 adults, $4 students. Reservations not required. Wave Hill Garden and Cultural Center, 675 West 252nd St., Bronx. 718–549–3200. wavehill.org.

Weekend tickets sell out; it’s recommended to purchase in advance. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, 630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills. 914–366–6200. stonebarnscenter.org. Treetop Adventures. There are two new exciting experiences to be had at the Bronx Zoo, and both are part of the Treetop Adventure Program. “Climb” is an aerial adventure course consisting of rope bridges, rope walks, ladders and swinging elements. There are various levels of difficulty. “Zipline” allows guests to zip across the Bronx River 50 feet up in the air. Both adventures require a ticket in addition to an All Experience Ticket and there are participation requirements (some of which are: weighing between 50 and 75 pounds, and being able to reach 5’6” from flat feet). Check website

Westchester Family | October 2017

for more information. Tickets are sold by time and appointment. Daily, appointments between 10am–5pm. Ages 7 and up. Climb: $64.95; Zip: $34.95 (plus admission). Reservations required. Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd. at Boston Road, University Heights. 718–220–5103. bronxzoo.com. Washington Irving’s Sunnyside. Guides authentically dressed in 1800s garb lead tours around this elegant estate, which was the home of noted author Washington Irving. The mansion, as well as the beautiful grounds featuring a view of the Hudson River, make for a wonderful afternoon of exploring and history. Wednesdays – Fridays, 10:30am–3:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–3:30pm, until Nov. 13. For all ages. $12 adults, $6 children. Reservation required.

Nature Strollers. Families with babies, toddlers and young children can enjoy nature by hiking together in this weekly walk. Join in for a one hour hike with tykes, led by a Museum Educator. Mondays, 9:30am, until Nov. 6. For families. $5 per family. Reservations not required. Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Muser Drive across from 174 Angola Rd., Cromwell, Cornwall. 845–534–5506, ext. 204. hhnaturemuseum.org.

3 Tuesday

Chihuly Exhibit. See Oct. 1. Scarecrows and Pumpkins. See Oct. 1.

4 Wednesday

Fish Tales. Toddlers enjoy fishy stories, songs and other activities every Wednesday morning at the Aquarium. Play time follows stories and games that encourage children’s emerging language skills. Children must be able to sit quietly with their grown-up. Wednesdays, 10:15am, Oct. 4 – 25. For children up to age 5. Free with admission $22.95 adults, $15.95 children. Reservations not required, first come first served. Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203–852–0700. maritimeaquarium.org. Museum and Garden Stroll. The Hammond Museum’s Japanese Stroll Garden is a beautiful and peaceful piece of nature, perfect for an afternoon walk. And now the Museum has partnered with noted sculptors to display works of art in a beautiful and natural setting. Wednesdays – Saturdays, noon–4pm, until Nov. 12. For all ages. $5 adults, free for children under 12. Reservations

not required. Hammond Museum Japanese Stroll Garden, 28 Deveau Rd., North Salem. 914–669–5033. hammondmuseum.org.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46.

5 Thursday

The Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted House. See Spooky Season page 46.

Classic Tours with a Twist. See Oct. 1.

Play Days at Jay. On Fridays through October, families can pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at the John Jay Homestead. Kids can explore the Discovery Centers and help volunteers collect eggs from the chicken coop. Starting at 1pm, the Education staff leads a short hands-on activity. It’s a fun afternoon in a beautiful setting. Fridays, noon–2pm, until Oct. 27. For all ages. Reservations not required. John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah. 914–666–7004. johnjayhomestead.org.

Circle Line Cruises. See City Picks page 47.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46. Scarecrows and Pumpkins. See Oct. 1.

6 Friday

Campfire Stories and S’Mores. Sit around a roaring campfire on a fall evening; listen to stories and make s’mores. 8pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Mjuscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Somers. 914–864–7282. parks. westchestergov.com. Fall Classic Baseball Card Show. A full day of fun for baseball card enthusiasts! Come see and collect thousands of new and vintage sports cards. There is also on-site autograph verification. 2–8pm today; 10am–5pm Oct. 7; 10am–4pm Oct. 8. For all ages. $10 Adults, free for children under age 5. Reservations not required. Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains. 914–995–4050. countycenter.biz. Family Farm Tour. Take a guided tour around the farm to check out the animals, grounds and greenhouses. Enjoy the seasonal wonders of Stone Barns. 11:15-noon today and every Friday through Nov. 17. Children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. For families with children ages 2 and up. $10. Reservations not required. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, 630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills. 914–366–6200. stonebarnscenter.org.

Stroller Tour. Parents can connect with other new parents, while enjoying a side of art appreciation, when they tour the galleries with kids in tow. Refresh your mind and spirit while checking out the galleries. Enjoy an artistic discussion in the galleries followed by coffee and snacks in the lounge. Strollers and crying babies are welcome! 9:30am. For babies and toddlers. Free with admission: $10 adults, free for children under 12. Reservations not required. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah. 914–232–9555. katonahmuseum.org.

7 Saturday

Around the World Creative Kids. This month’s Creative Kids program explores the culture of Mexico. Children create their own toys inspired by tablitas (small pieces of wood). 2–3pm. For ages 2 and over. Free with admission: $15. Reservations not required. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203–899–0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

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Calendar October // E d ito r ’s Pi ck Duwaii: A Celebration of Light. This program celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and features stories, traditional Indian dances and other activities. 2 and 4pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. White Plains Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plains. 914–422–1476. whiteplainslibrary. org.

Third Saturdays

Scarecrows and Pumpkins. See Oct. 1. Story Pirates. See City Picks page 47.

Fall Classic Baseball Card Show. See Oct. 6.

Wave Hill Raptors. See Editor’s Pick page 42.

Fall Foliage Hike. Enjoy the natural beauty of the fall season during a hike to some of the best foliage views at the reservation. 1pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Routes 35 and 121, Cross River. 914–864–8322. parkswestchestergov.com.

8 Sunday

Classic Tours with a Twist. See Oct. 1.

Photo by Christopher E. Manning

Kids make seasonal art projects at the Aldrich museum on Oct. 21. On the third Saturday of every month, the Aldrich offers a free family workshop. This month, kids use a variety of materials to create art inspired by the works in the galleries. A teaching artist helps children use household objects (yarn, paper, fabric etc.) to create seasonal sculptures and festive decorations for Fall and Halloween. After an age appropriate workshop, there is a gallery tour for all ages at 3pm. 10am–noon for children ages 2–5; 1–3pm for children ages 6–10. Oct. 21. FREE. Reservations not required. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, Conn. 203–438–4519. aldrichart.org.

The Friend Strong Musical, It’s Easy. See Oct. 1. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46. Harvest Fest. Everyone’s favorite fall activities make this a special day outdoors. Enjoy hayrides, cooking activities, crafts for kids, educational tours, live music, and farm demonstrations. When you work up a hunger, check out the seasonal fare from local vendors. 10am–3pm. For all ages. $40 adults, $20 chidren. Reservations required – this event sells out! Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, 630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills. 914–366–6200. stonebarnscenter.org. The Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted House. See Spooky Season page 46. The Legend Behind the Legend. During October, Washington Irving’s home showcases many objects related to his classic Halloween story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Visitors

through nature-themed programs that feature arts and crafts. 11am–noon. For ages 5-12. Registration required. Center for the Urban River at Beczak, 35 Alexander St., Yonkers. 914–377– 1900. centerfortheurbanriver.org.

Family Bonfire Night. Gather round a blazing bonfire for some good old fashioned fun. Listen to live music, toast some marshmallows and gaze at the stars. Rain date is Oct. 15. 6–8:30pm. For all ages. $15 adults, $3 children. Reservations not required. Boscoboel House and Garden, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison. 914–265–3638. boscobel.org. Fall Classic Baseball Card Show. See Oct. 6. The Friend Strong Musical, It’s Easy. See Oct. 1.

can enjoy a shadow puppet performance of this famous story, and experience one of Irving’s spooky stories on a walk through the woods. 10:30am–3:30pm today and Oct. 8, 14-15,21-22,2829. For all ages. $12 adults, $6 children. Reservation required. Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, 3 Sunnyside Lane, Irvington. 914–631–8200. hudsonvalley.org. Pack Chat. This is the best introduction to wolves for families with young children. Kids learn about wolf mythology and their important role in the natural world. Bring your camera because guests can visit with Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa, Zephyr and more. For all ages. 2pm today; 11am Oct. 21. For all ages. $14

Westchester Family | October 2017

adults, $11 children. Reservations required. Wolf Conservation Center. 914–753–2373. nywolf.org. Pumpkin Pickin’ Weekend. Take a hayride before picking your own Halloween pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. There are also games and glitter (for the pumpkins). Admission is free but there are charges for the hayrides and pumpkins. 11am and 3pm. For all ages. Free admission. Reservations not required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Somers. 914–864–7282. parks. westchestergov.com. River Explorers. Curious kids have an opportunity to become river explorers

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page XX. The Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted House. See Spooky Season page 46. The Legend Behind the Legend. See Oct. 7. Pumpkin Pickin’ Weekend. See Oct. 7. Scarecrow Making. Families work together to create life-sized scarecrows. Every creation is exhibited and entered in the scarecrow contest at the Harvest Festival (Oct. 14-15). After

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the contest, scarecrows can be taken home as Halloween lawn decorations. Some materials are provided, but families are encouraged to bring clothing and accessories to help with their creation. One scarecrow per family, to be picked up after the Festival. 1–4:30pm. For all ages. $5 per family plus admission: $10 adults, $5 children. Reservations not required. Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, Conn. 203–322–1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Intuitive Painting. Open yourself up to the creative process in this workshop, which focuses on Intuitive Painting. Novices and experienced artists alike learn how to adopt a bold and fearless approach to painting. Discover how to use paint, ink and collage to express yourself. 9:30am– 12:30pm. For adults and children in grades 6-12. $75. Reservations required. Katonah Art Center, 65 Old Bedford Rd., Goldens Bridge. 914–232–4843. katonahartcenter. com.

Stone Barns Weekend. See Oct. 1.

12 Thursday

Wave Hill Raptors. See Editor’s Pick page 42.

9 Monday

Classic Tours with a Twist. See Oct. 1. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46.

Journeys with Jellies. See Oct. 1.

Scarecrows and Pumpkins. See Oct. 1.

10 Tuesday

13 Friday

Scarecrow Display and Leaf Peeping. Over 300 scarecrows are decorated and arrayed along the entry to Lyndhurst as part of the Mansion’s annual celebration of Halloween season. There are other spooky decorations as well as the natural beauty of the changing leaves on the grounds. Daily, 10am–5pm; today– Oct. 31. For all ages. $5 per person grounds charge. Reservations not required. Lyndhurst Mansion, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown. 914–631– 4481. lyndhurst.org.

Classic Tours with a Twist. See Oct. 1.

Chihuly Exhibit. See Oct. 1.

Zoo Tots. See Connecticut Corner page 48. Fish Tales. See Oct. 4.

Family Farm Tour. See Oct. 6.

11 Wednesday

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Chihuly Exhibit. See Oct. 1.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live: King for a Day! This all new show, based on the PBS Kids series, has delighted audiences all over the country. Daniel has an eye-opening adventure in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, where he learns what it takes to be king. All the beloved characters spring to life, treating audiences to new songs, magical moments and surprise guests. Along with the fun, there are gently taught lessons about kindness, helping others and being a friend. 4pm. For all ages. $25-$75. Reservations required. The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, Conn. 203–325–4466. palacestamford.org.

Zoo Tots. See Connecticut Corner page 48.

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October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

Calendar October //

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46.

Spooky Season

Rhyme Time by the Hudson. Joyful learning for kids through nursery rhymes, songs, parachute play and storytelling. A museum educator leads this interactive program on select Fridays for children accompanied by a parent or caregiver. 9:30am today and Oct. 20 and 27. For children ages 1-4. $15 for adult and child. Reservations not required. Boscoboel House and Garden, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison. 914–265–3638. boscobel.org. Scarecrow Display and Leaf Peeping. See Oct. 10.

Photo by Jennifer Mitchell

Pumpkins are spookily ablaze this month at Van Cortlandt Manor.

14 Saturday

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. A bright and blazing display of over 7,000 handcarved illuminated jack-o’-lanterns set the Halloween season on fire! These artfully carved pumpkins portray flying ghosts, spider webs, snakes and monsters. Plus, see a Pumpkin Promenade and a Pumpkin Zee Bridge! It’s a fabulous display to view while strolling through this historic riverside landscape. Timed entry varies by date; check website for times. Oct. 1, 5-9, 12-31. For all ages. $20 adults, $17 children. Reservations required. Van Cortlandt Manor, 535 South Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson. 914–631–8200. hudsonvalley.org.

Accessibility Day. Special needs visitors and their families enjoy a more sensoryfriendly experience at the Museum, as well as free admission on the second Saturday of every month. Enjoy the museum’s exhibits and mingle with other families in a safe and welcoming environment. 10am–5pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203–899–0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Around the World: Performance Series. This month’s performance explores the dance and culture of Mexico - beyond the familiar Mariachi! In a richly textured performance, Mexican culture is presented in a diverse display of music and dance. 2–3pm. For ages 5 and over. Free with admission: $15. Reservations not required but space is limited. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203–899– 0606. steppingstonesmuseum. org. Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. See page 39.

The Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted House. This is an attraction that has been rated one of the top haunted experiences in the country. The attraction includes professionally created haunted houses, a labyrinth-style corn maze and a one-mile hayride. The theatrical experience begins with the Witching Hour Hayride that drops visitors at several creepy sites including a slaughterhouse and an eerie root cellar – all with horrifying realism! Children under age 15 must be accompanied by an adult; children 8 and younger are not allowed on evening hayrides, in haunted houses or the corn maze. Check website for schedule. Timed

Drop in Art Class. This is a one-time-only opportunity for artists to drop in and try their hand at clay. It’s a fun and messy introduction to ceramics, guided by a professional. Materials are

Westchester Family | October 2017

tours Oct. 6- 29. Recommended for ages 13 and over. $49.95. Reservations recommended. The Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses, 778 Broadway, Ulster Park. 845–339–2666. headlesshorseman.com. Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities. Spooky decorations and eerie lighting are part of the Halloween fun at Lyndhurst this month. A creepy cast of characters guide visitors through a theatrical seasonal experience at the Mansion. The performance, set against the moody mansion, is spooky but not scary, and this event is appropriate for most children. Check website for timed tours, Oct. 19-22 and Oct. 25-31. For all ages with adult. $25 adults, $20 children. Reservations required. Lyndhurst Mansion, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown. 914–631–4481. lyndhurst.org. Spooky Tales. Kids enjoy a riveting holiday experience when they listen to spooky stories celebrating Halloween. Following the stories, hot cider and ghostly cookies are served. Everyone goes home with a prize and children are welcome to come in costume. 3:30pm, Oct. 30. For children ages 3-8. $15 adults, $10 children. Reservations not required. Caramoor Center for Music and Art, 149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah. 914–232–5035. caramoor.org.

included and projects can be picked up 2-3 weeks after class. 2–4pm. For ages 5 and up. $30 adult, $20 children. Reservations required. Clay Art Center, 40 Beech St., Port Chester. 914–937–2047.

clayartcenter.org. Fall Scavenger Hunt: Leaves and Things. Use the vibrant leaves of fall as inspiration to search for fun colors and

shapes in the wild. 2 and 3pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Marshlands Conservancy, Route 1, Rye. 914–835–4466. parks. westchestergov.com. Children’s Day: A Tiny Taste of Terror. The Headless Horseman Hayrides tones down the scare level for two days this month. A Tiny Taste of Terror offers little ones a daylight hayride with friendly monsters, face painting, a stroll through the corn maze and Halloween stories. 11:30am–3pm today and Oct. 28. Recommended for families with young children. $16.90. Reservations recommended. The Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses, 778 Broadway, Ulster Park. 845–339–2666. headlesshorseman.com. Harvest Festival Weekend. See Connecticut Corner page 48. The Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted House. See Spooky Season page 46. Howl-O-Ween. These Halloween-themed evenings feature haunted attractions, including a haunted hayride, a ghastly greenhouse and ghosts and goblins galore! For younger or more timid guests there are magic shows, face painting, fire dancers and more. 6:30–10pm today and Oct. 21, 27 and 28. Haunted events for ages 8-15. Check website for price. Reservations not required. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, Conn. 203–394–6565. wwwbeardsleyzoo. com. The Legend Behind the Legend. See Oct. 7. Peter and the Wolf. See City Picks page 48. Pound Ridge Harvest Festival. Come celebrate local food and culture with great music and activities for the whole family. There are rides andsinflatables for

the kids, along with games, crafts, and a scarecrow competition. For adults, there are bands and offerings from craft breweries. 1–6pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Pound Ridge Town Park, 179 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge. 914–764–3987. poundridgeharvestfestival.com.

City Picks

Scarecrows and Pumpkins. See Oct. 1.

Photo by Jayne Thornton

Boogie down with the Laurie Berkner Band on Oct. 28. Circle Line Cruises. Enjoy the end of New York’s warm weather season and let the wind hit your face as you see the sights of the city. There are a variety of Circle Line cruise choices but the most comprehensive is the two and-a-half hour “Best of NY Cruise.” Tour around the island of Manhattan, getting a look at all five boroughs, three rivers and a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty. Cruises run most days; check website for schedule and availability and times in October. For all ages. $42 adults, $35 children. Reservations required. Circle Line Pier 83, West 42nd Street and 12th Ave. New York. 212–563–3200. circleline42.com. Laurie Berkner Monster Boogie Halloween Concert. Laurie Berkner’s Band is going to boogie in full Halloween mode, at this Concert featuring songs for the Halloween season, including “Monster Boogie” and “The Cat Came Back.” The Band is also playing the hits that made them famous - the songs that kids and parents have come to love. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume, ready to dance. 3pm Oct. 28. For all ages. $39. Reservations required. New York Society for Ethical Culture, 2 West 64th St. New York. 877–987–6487. laurieberkner.com. Peter and the Wolf. The Orchestra of St. Luke’s returns to the Carnegie Hall stage to perform the timeless children’s favorite Peter and the Wolf, along with two new compositions. This special family concert is narrated by beloved actor John Lithgow. 2pm Oct. 14. For all ages. $10-$22. Reservations required. Carnegie Hall, 154 West 57th St. New York. 212–247–7800. carnegiehall.org. Story Pirates. Using stories submitted by children, the group called Story Pirates creates funny sketches and mini-musicals to the delight of audiences. Kids’ ideas are performed by talented professionals and the result is hilariously entertaining and creative. 11am and 2pm Oct. 7. For all ages. $17. Reservations required. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, New York. 212–864–5400. symphonyspace.org.

Sleeping Beauty. The Panto Company partners with Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital to stage a magical performance of Sleeping Beauty. It’s the timeless story of a lovely princess who is put under a sleeping spell by a wicked sorceress. And what would a fairy tale be without a handsome prince? Performed by talented actors in sparkly costumes, this is an afternoon of theatrical family fun! 2pm. For all ages. $28. Reservations required. Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown. 914–631–3390. tarrytownmusichall. org.

15 Sunday

Animal Superstitions. Halloween lore is filled with spooky animals: creepy spiders, black cats, mysterious owls and vampire bats. Learn how some of the most popular superstitions about scary animals came to be and meet some of these animals associated with Halloween stories. 10am. For all ages. $8 adults $5 children. Reservations not required. Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Muser Dr. across from 174 Angola Rd., Cromwell, Cornwall. 845–534–5506, ext. 204. hhnaturemuseum.org. Carol and Paula from Magic Garden. Carol and Paula are the co-creators of TVs much loved “Magic Garden” show, and they’re bringing the fun and spirit of that show live to the Emelin stage. Enjoy the stories, songs and games that Carol and Paula infuse with their own off-beat brand of fun. 11am and 1:30pm. For children ages 2 and

October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

Calendar October // Legend. See Oct. 7.

over. $15. Reservations required. Emelin Theater, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck. 914–698–3045. emelin.org.

Connecticut Corner

Classic Tours with a Twist. See Oct. 1. Disney’s Choo Choo Soul with Genevieve. Choo Choo Soul is a live performance that features Genevieve, a singing train conductor and DC, a breakdancing engineer. Together they lead kids in sing-alongs, dance routines and lots of audience participation as they perform favorites from Disney. 1 and 4pm. For all ages. $21. Reservations required. Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill. 914–739–0039. paramounthudsonvalley.com. Family Day. Celebrate the current exhibition with activities for the whole family. Kids can enjoy face painting, tours and art projects throughout the day. There is a sketching workshop from noon-2pm and a performance by Bash the Trash at 4pm. Noon–5pm. For all ages. $6 adults, $3 children. Reservations not required. Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 914–963–4550. hrm.org. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46. Halloween Stories. Halloween stories and a seasonal craft provide a fun, holiday-themed afternoon for kids. 1 and 3pm. For children ages 5 and over. Reservations not required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Somers. 914–864–7282. parks. westchestergov.com. Harvest Festival Weekend. See Connecticut Corner page 48. The Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted House. See Spooky Season page 46.

Courtesy Photo

Kids make furry friends at the SMNC Harvest Festival, Oct. 14-15. Halloween Spooktakular. Come in costume for a Halloween celebration featuring creepy critters (bats, snakes, spiders and more). There’s icky fun when you make your own slime. Cap the evening off with a spooky stroll past jack-olanterns entered in the Nature Center’s carving contest - then vote for your favorites. This family event is held rain or shine. 6:30–8pm Oct. 27. For all ages. $15. Reservations required; space limited. New Canaan Nature Center, 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, Conn. 203–966–9577. newcanaannature.org. Harvest Festival Weekend. Celebrate the wonders of the fall season by bringing your family and friends to Harvest Festival Weekend. There are apple cider demonstrations, a scarecrow contest, pumpkin carving and other family activities. There’s a costume parade each day, so come in costume if you like. Don’t miss the face painting, children’s craft activities, live music and storytelling - plus farm and animal demonstrations. When all the fun makes you hungry, head over to the food trucks. 11am–3pm Oct. 14-15. For all ages. $10 per person. Reservations not required. Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, Conn. 203–322–1646. stamfordmuseum.org. Snow White. A musical adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs comes to life with a talented ensemble of actors and wonderful puppets. Come watch everyone live happily ever after! 11am and 2pm, Oct. 28. For all ages. $15.99. Reservations not required. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, Conn. 203–438–5795. Zoo Tots. A monthly zoo program for kids accompanied by an adult, Zoo Tots is a chance for kids to sing songs, play games, meet live animals and enjoy a simple craft project. This month the focus is on animals who are “Not So Scary.” 10:30am Oct. 10 and 11. For children ages 22 months to 4 years old. $15 for one adult and child. Reservations required. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, Conn. 203–394–6565. wwwbeardsleyzoo.com.

The Legend Behind the

Westchester Family | October 2017

New Exhibit at KMA. “Objects Out Loud,” is a stunning new exhibit at the Museum, combining the works of two contemporary artists, Nick Cave and Arman. This exhibition includes 20 works of sculpture, film and photography. Both artists’ works are bold and full of symbolic meaning and social commentary. Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10am–5pm, Sundays, noon–5pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah. 914–232–9555. katonahmuseum.org. Scarecrows and Pumpkins. See Oct. 1.

16 Monday

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46. Journeys with Jellies. See Oct. 1.

17 Tuesday

Chihuly Exhibit. See Oct. 1. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46. Scarecrows and Pumpkins. See Oct. 1.

18 Wednesday Fish Tales. See Oct. 4.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46. Journeys with Jellies. See Oct. 1. Scarecrows and Pumpkins. See Oct. 1.

19 Thursday

Classic Tours with a Twist. See Oct. 1.

Presents

Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities. See Spooky Season page 46. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46. Spooky Paper Pumpkins. This afternoon workshop teaches you how to fold paper into a spooky pumpkin to decorate your home for the holiday. 4:30–5:30pm. For children from grade 3 to teens; younger children welcome with an adult. Reservations not required. Mount Kisco Library, 100 East Main Street, Mount Kisco. 914–666–8041. mountkiscolibrary.org. Scarecrow Display and Leaf Peeping. See Oct. 10.

20 Friday

Family Farm Tour. See Oct. 6. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46. The Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted House. See Spooky Season page 46. Rhyme Time by the Hudson. See Oct. 13. Scarecrows and Pumpkins. See Oct. 1. Stroller Tours at KMA. Stroller tours at the KMA are a unique opportunity to connect with other new parents and caregivers seeking culturally enriching activities to share with their babies. These once-a-month conversational tours will refresh your spirit and expand your mind. Enjoy a new topic each month followed by coffee and snacks! Crying babies welcome! For adults with children under 18 months. Fridays, 9:30-10:30 am through Jan. 2018. Free with admission: $10 adults, $5 students. Children under 18 Months. Reservations

not required. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay Street, Katonah. 914–232–9555. katonahmuseum. org.

21 Saturday

Aqua-Scarium Halloween Prowl. Kids in costume are admitted free on the two weekends leading up to Halloween (when accompanied by a paying adult). These days feature special Halloween activities throughout the Aquarium, including face painting, roaming entertainers and ghoulish decorations. 10am– 6pm today, Oct. 22, 28 and 29. For all ages. $22.95 adults, children in costume free. Reservations not required. Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203–852–0700. maritimeaquarium. org.

Circle Line Cruises. See City Picks page 47. Classic Tours with a Twist. See Oct. 1.

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Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities. See Spooky Season page 46. Kids Art and Pizza Night. Parents can enjoy a night to themselves, knowing that their kids are having a terrific time, creating art and eating pizza. Materials are provided for the evening of creative fun. 9:30pm. For children ages 6-11. $35. Reservations required. Katonah Art Center, 65 Old Bedford Rd., Goldens Bridge. 914–232–4843. katonahartcenter.com.

/WestchesterFamilyMagazine October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

Calendar October //

The Legend Behind the Legend. See Oct. 7. Pack Chat. See Oct. 7. Scarecrows and Pumpkins. See Oct. 1. Sea Turtle Nursery. The Aquarium is opening a new exhibit featuring a rescued baby loggerhead sea turtle, who will be followed through its first year of life, before being released into the ocean next fall. Daily, 10am–6pm. For all ages. $22.95 adults, $15.95 children. Reservations not required. Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203–852–0700. maritimeaquarium. org. Third Saturdays. See Editor’s Pick page 44.

22 Sunday

Alice in Wonderland. This is the world premiere of a live theatrical production of Alice in Wonderland. The story is about Alice, a precocious girl who wants to stay a child. Celebrate this special Halloween season performance by coming in costume! 3 and 5pm. For all ages. $24 adults, $18 children. Reservations not required. Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands, Valhalla. 914–606– 6600. sunywcc.edu.

Aqua-Scarium Halloween Prowl. See Oct. 21. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46. The Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted House. See Spooky Season page 46. Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities. See Spooky Season page 46. JDRF One Walk. There is only one goal for this event: to create

Photo by John McShane

Learn to identify the trees in the Rockefeller Preserve on Oct. 28. a world without Type 1 diabetes. Participants raise money and set fundraising goals - in teams or on their own -then take a 3-mile hike along with a committed community of walkers. Help turn Type One into Type None! 9am. For all ages. Free admission, but participants are encouraged to raise funds. Registration required. Empire City Casino/Yonkers Raceway, 810 Yonkers Ave., Yonkers. 212–785–9595. jdrf.org.

666–8041. mountkiscolibrary.org. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46. Sea Turtle Nursery. See Oct. 21.

24 Tuesday

Chihuly Exhibit. See Oct. 1.

The Legend Behind the Legend. See Oct. 7.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46.

Stone Barns Weekend. See Oct. 1.

Scarecrows and Pumpkins. See Oct. 1.

23 Monday

Scarecrow Display and Leaf Peeping. See Oct. 10.

Creepy Crawly Spiders. Creepy spiders are a symbol of Halloween. Celebrate the season by making a spider web for creepy crawling creatures. 4–5pm. For children from preschool to age 10. Reservations not required. Mount Kisco Library, 100 East Main St., Mount Kisco. 914–

Westchester Family | October 2017

25 Wednesday Fish Tales. See Oct. 4.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46.

Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities. See Spooky Season page 46. Journeys with Jellies. See Oct. 1. Scarecrows and Pumpkins. See Oct. 1.

26 Thursday

Classic Tours with a Twist. See Oct. 1. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46.

Halloween Fun at the Library. Wear your costume to the library, which has been transformed into a spooky good time for all. There’s a haunted maze with a Halloween goodie bag at the end. 6–7pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Rye Free Reading Room, 1061 Boston Post Rd., Rye. 914–957–0480. ryelibrary.org.

The Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted House. See Spooky Season page 46. Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities. See Spooky Season page 46. Scarecrows and Pumpkins. See Oct. 1.

27 Friday

Classic Tours with a Twist. See Oct. 1. Family Farm Tour. See Oct. 6. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46. Halloween Spooktakular. See Conn. Corner page 48.

The Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted House. See Spooky Season page 46. Howl-O-Ween. See Oct. 14. Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities. See Spooky Season page 46. Rhyme Time by the Hudson. See Oct. 13. Sea Turtle Nursery. See Oct. 21.

28 Saturday

Aqua-Scarium Halloween Prowl. See Oct. 21. Children’s Day: A Tiny Taste of Terror. See Oct. 14. Classic Tours with a Twist. See Oct. 1.

Costume Parade and Pumpkin Painting. Come in costume and line up for the annual parade in New Rochelle. Treats and pumpkin

painting at the Library Green follow the parade. Strut your Halloween stuff! 10am–noon. For all ages. Reservations not required. New Roc City, New St., New Rochelle. 914–632–7878. nrpl. org. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46. Halloweekend. Celebrate the spookiest weekend of the year with activities for the whole family. Make your own monster masks, go on haunted tours of the galleries and trick or treat in your costume! Noon–5pm todayOct. 29. For all ages. $6 adults, $3 children. Reservations not required. Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 914–963–4550. hrm.org. Halloween Hoopla. Have some Halloween fun when you search for candy on a holiday scavenger hunt. There is also a craft activity for kids and Halloween goodies. Come in costume for extra holiday fun! 1 and 3pm. For all ages. $4 per child. Registration required. Cranberry Lake Preserve, 1609 Old Orchard St., North White Plains. 914–428–1005. parks. westchestergov.com. Halloween Pumpkin Workshop. It’s an artsy, spooky afternoon of fun when kids use polymer clay to create creepy pumpkin faces out of simple balls of clay. Then dress your pumpkin up in a clay costume for a festive Halloween decoration. All materials are supplied. 2-3pm for ages 6-8; 3-4pm for ages 9-12. $15. Reservations required. Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Rd. Rye. 914967-0700. http://ryeartscenter.org. Halloween Nature Trail. Have some spooktacular nature-themed family fun. Kids sharpen their observational skills as they search for scary artifacts on the Halloween trail. A prize is given to those who find all the bones and skulls on the lists.

October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

Calendar October // Then visitors go to the Creepy Crawly room for Halloween crafts. 11am–3pm today and Oct. 29. For children ages 3 and over. $8 adults $6 children. Reservations not required. Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Muser Drive across from 174 Angola Rd., Cromwell, Cornwall. 845–534–5506, ext. 204. hhnaturemuseum.org. Halloween Party with Wolves. Trick or Treat with the Wolves! Come in costume for a special Halloween Howl with the residents of the Wolf Conservation Center. There are holiday appropriate goodies for visitors and wolves alike. 2pm today and Oct. 29. For all ages. $14 adults, $11 children. Reservations required. Wolf Conservation Center. 914–753–2373. nywolf.org. The Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted House. See Spooky Season page 46. Howl-O-Ween. See Oct. 14. Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities. See Spooky Season page 46. Laurie Berkner Monster Boogie Halloween Concert. See City Picks page 47. The Legend Behind the Legend. See Oct. 7. Native Trees in the Preserve. Take a walk with naturalist John McShane and learn how to identify trees found in the Preserve. Visitors also learn how and why leaves change color in the fall. 10am. For adults and children ages 10 and over. Reservations not required. Rockefeller State Park Preserve, 125 Phelps Way, Pleasantville. 914–631–1470. parks.ny.gov. The Real Wicked Witches of Halloween Hills. This is a funny and lively family musical filled with loveable witches and Halloween goblins.

Courtesy Photo

Scarecrows and pumpkins add spooky fun to the New York Botanical Gardens this month. Come dressed in your costume and meet the performers after the show. Noon and 2pm. For children ages 5 and up. $21 adults, $16 children. Reservations required. White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place, White Plains. 914–328–1600. wpac. Scarecrows and Pumpkins. See Oct. 1. Snow White. See Connecticut Corner page 48. Spooky Stories Hike. Join a naturalist for a Halloween hike that combines nature and spooky stories. Get goosebumps along with your walk! 1pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Routes 35 and 121, Cross River. 914–864–8322. parkswestchestergov.com.

Westchester Family | October 2017

29 Sunday

Aqua-Scarium Halloween Prowl. See Oct. 21. Boo at the Zoo. A spooktacular afternoon including harvest hayrides, crafts, story time, cool critters and candy. Come in costume for a fun Halloween experience. Kids under 12 who come in costume are free (accompanied by a paying adult). Noon–3pm. For all ages. $15 adults, $12 children. $2 for hayrides. Reservations not required. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, Conn. 203–394–6565. wwwbeardsleyzoo.com.

Boo Walk. Join in for a kid-friendly scavenger hunt to celebrate Halloween. Come in costume for extra fun! 1 and 3pm. For all ages. Free admission. Reservations not required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte.

100, Somers. 914–864–7282. parks. westchestergov.com. Chihuly Exhibit. See Oct. 1. Classic Tours with a Twist. See Oct. 1. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46. Halloweekend. See Oct. 28. Halloween Nature Trail. See Oct. 28. Halloween Party with Wolves. See Oct. 28. The Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted House. See Spooky Season page 46. Ick Fest. Celebrate all things creepy and crawly at this

fun, annual Ick Fest. After the squeaky clean trick-or-treating on Heckscher Farm, the Center’s Halloween celebration takes a slimy turn when kids visit with snakes, tarantulas and lizards. Play at the slime table, making crafts featuring bats and spiders and take an icky Scavenger Hunt. 1–4pm. For all ages. Free with museum admission: $10 adults, $5 children. Reservations not required. Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, Conn. 203–322–1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Halloween Horror. Come in costume to the library’s traditional storytelling and mummywrapping extravaganza. It’s a fun Halloween celebration for kids and their mummies. Or daddies. 7–8pm. For ages 5 and up with an adult. Registration required. Chappaqua Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua. 914–238–4779. chappaqualibrary.org.

Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities. See Spooky Season page 46.

The Legend Behind the Legend. See Oct. 7.

Sea Turtle Nursery. See Oct. 21.

Scarecrow Display and Leaf Peeping. See Oct. 10.

Spooky Tales. See Spooky Season page 46.

Trick or Treating on Heckscher Farm. Put on your Halloween costume and head to the farm to trick or treat with your favorite animals. Follow the paths to specially marked stations to find toys and candy - including nut free options. Bring your own bag or bucket for all the spooky treats. 1–3pm. For all ages. Free with museum admission: $10 adults, $5 children. Reservations not required. Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, Conn. 203–322–1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

31 Tuesday

30 Monday

The Extreme Magic of Eric Wilzig. One of the most amazing rising stars in the magic world performs his explosive mix of cutting edge illusions, daring escapes and outrageous stunts. Come see this intensely entertaining and totally different show. 6:15pm. For all ages. $84. Reservations required. Westchester Broadway Theatre, One Broadway Plaza, Elmsford. 914–592–2222. broadwaytheatre. com.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46.

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The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Spooky Season page 46.

Halloween Stories and Stuff. This program features storytime, a craft project, songs and finger plays focused on Halloween. A fun way to celebrate the holiday through creative play. 4:30–5pm. For children ages 4 and 5 without adult. Reservations not required; arrive early, first come first served. White Plains Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plains. 914–422–1400. whiteplainslibrary. org. Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities. See Spooky Season page 46. Journeys with Jellies. See Oct. 1.

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October 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

Last Bite //

Wild Blueberry Whole-Grain Scones

Courtesy image

Master the art of meal prep and serve up nutritious, ready-to-go meals every day of the week. By Jean Sheff

chool has started and parents are back to the hustle and bustle. As a working mom and nutritionist, Scarsdale resident and mother of three, Toby Amidor knows how difficult it can be to carve out the time for healthy home cooking. In her book, The Healthy Meal Prep Cookbook: Easy and Wholesome Meals to Cook, Prep, Grab, and Go, (Rockridge Press, 2017) Amidor shares her tricks and tips to efficient and enjoyable meal preparation. Following her instruction makes it possible to enjoy fresh and flavorful meals on even the most hectic days.

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a blogger, author and regular contributor to online publications such as FoodNetwork.com and U.S. News & World Report Eat + Run. As a leading dietitian and recipe developer, Toby is a firm believer that wholesome food should also be delicious. Her book, The Healthy Meal Prep Cookbook, can help families enjoy a happier and healthier breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Westchester Family | October 2017

Wild Blueberry Whole-Grain Scones Makes: 12 scones Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Ingredients Cooking spray 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 3 tablespoons canola or safflower oil 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt 1/2 cup low-fat milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup frozen wild blueberries, thawed Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 400-degrees. Coat two baking sheets with the cooking spray. 2. In a medium bowl, sift together the allpurpose flour, whole-wheat pastry flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. 3. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, oil, yogurt, milk and vanilla extract. 4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet

ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Gently fold in the blueberries, making sure to evenly distribute them throughout the batter. 5. Drop generous 1/3 cups of batter onto the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of room all around each scone. 6. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of one or two scones comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling for 10 minutes more. Storage: Keep the scones in a resealable glass or plastic container at room temperature for up to three days. Freeze: Individually package each scone in resealable plastic bags or wrap in plastic wrap, and store for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature. The scones can be eaten at room temperature, warmed in a toaster oven, or heated in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Allow two minutes for the scone to rest after heating in the microwave. Calories: Per serving (1 scone): Calories: 160; Fat: 4g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Protein: 5g; Total Carbs: 26g; Fiber: 2g; Sodium: 293mg.

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D.Jâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S D.J D.Jâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S & MUSIC

TENTS CHAIRS CASINOS RACE CAR RIDES

TOTAL PARTY PLANNING

Wrecking Ball Hamster Balls

Treasure Hunt Island

Ice Queen & Princess Show

914-235-7100 www.davescast.com

Soccer Dart

www.davescast.com

UFO Alien Invasion Pony Rides

Halloween Show

Pirate Show

OVER 20 ANIMALS TO CHOOSE FROM! Island Princess

Troll Party!

Super Heros!

HEALTHCARE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES Reaching throughout our region with 10 hospitals, 3,000 physicians and one single mission: Valley. Improving the health of the Hudson Vall

Advancing Care. Here. wmchealth.org

Westchester Medical Center Health Network includes: WESTCHESTER MEDICAL CENTER I MARIA FARERI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL I BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER I MIDHUDSON REGIONAL HOSPITAL GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL I BON SECOURS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL I ST. ANTHONY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL HEALTHALLIANCE HOSPITAL: BROADWAY CAMPUS I HEALTHALLIANCE HOSPITAL: MARY’S AVENUE CAMPUS I MARGARETVILLE HOSPITAL