Westchester Family - April 2018 by Schneps Media

April 2018

Growing Great Families for 27 Years

The Best-Ever

Birthday Bash! Special Needs

Technology Tips for Kids

Get Outdoors Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Go Fly a Kite!

12 7

Fun April

events

+ Our Bar/Bat Mitzvah Section 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 School’s Summer Challenge

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100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle, NY • 914.632.8836 • www.td.edu April 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

CONTENTS April 2018

departments

Volume twenty-eight • number 4

6 Editor’s Note 8 Bits & Pieces 10 FAMILY F.Y.I. 12 Fab 4

features 26

Let’s Go Fly a Kite!

In April, National Kite Month beckons. The weather in Westchester is great for flying kites, plus you’ll enjoy the outdoors and children can learn about aerodynamic forces. After all – remember the Wright Brothers? They were avid kite fliers who tested out many of their ideas with kites they built themselves.

4 Technology Tips for Children with Autism

38 ASK THE SPECIALIST

Supplemental Needs Trusts

40 LET’S GO TO ...

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center

54 Last Word

10 Quick Tips for the Best-Ever Birthday Bash

Birthdays are milestones that mark another year of growing, another year of change. But for many parents, these milestones are more like millstones when faced with the daunting task of putting together their child’s birthday party. That’s unless you use these 10 tips.

I Think I Saw a Good Movie, But I Can’t Quite Remember

calendar Family Activities for April

43 Top Pick: Sheep Shearing Fest 46 Editor’s Pick: LEGO® NINJAGO® 4D 48 Editor’s Pick: Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival 50 Everything Earth Day 51 City Picks 52 Connecticut Corner

Room With A View

16 Room with a view 18 Get Your A-Game On! 20 Holocaust Stories Infuse

Get Your A-Game On Ultra Violet Reigns Twin With A Survivor Program

Ceremonies with Meaning

22 Ultra, Ultra Violet!

Photo by Sarah Merians Photograpy & Video Company, sarahmerians.com

WestchesterFamily.com

Cover Photo: Photo by Sarah Merians Photograpy & Video Company, sarahmerians.com

advertising 24 Bar/Bat Mitzvah Listings 32 Party Directory

Coming Next Month April 2018

Growing Great Families for 27 Years

The Best-Ever

Birthday Bash!

Bar/ Bat Mitzvah Guide

Let’s Go Fly a Kite!

Birthday Bash

Special Needs

Special Needs Technology Tips

Get Outdoors

43 April Activities

Technology Tips for Kids

Let’s Go Fly a Kite!

FUN APRIL

EVENTS

Healthy Family Read the latest news in a variety of heath topics: the difference between prenatal vitamins, what makes quality pet food and tips for dealing with the practical and emotional aspects of childhood cancer. Broadway Review Frozen has made it to the Great White Way. Before you book your tickets read our Broadway review of this amazingly popular story. Plus … Westchester Family’s award-winning searchable calendar for families and much more!

12 7

+ OUR BAR/BAT MITZVAH SECTION WestchesterFamily.com

on the cover

Westchester Family | April 2018

Look for it starting March 22!

GIVE YOUR CHI

LD AN

TAGE N A V D A C I M E D ACA ! THIS SUMMER

Enroll them in Kumon today! • Summer is the perfect time to accelerate your child’s math and reading skills. • Many Kumon Students are studying above grade level. • For 60 years, Kumon has benefited millions of kids around the world.

Start giving your kids all the advantages of Kumon. To learn more, we invite you to meet with a Kumon Instructor at a Kumon Center near you. CROTON-ON-HUDSON 2065 Albany Post Rd. 914.734.9356

HARTSDALE 96 North Central Ave. 914.328.6284

MOHEGAN LAKE 1950 East Main Street 914.528.0118

PLEASANTVILLE 8 Paulding St. 914.661.6372

TARRYTOWN 61 North Broadway 914.829.5288

YONKERS - SOUTHEAST 819 Yonkers Ave. 914.237.4977

DOBBS FERRY 123 Main St. 914.231.7040

MT. KISCO 337 Main St. 914.864.0577

NEW ROCHELLE 555 North Ave. 914.380.8600

SCARSDALE-EAST 1477 Weaver St. 914.980.7916

WAPPINGERS FALLS 265 New Hackensack Rd. 845.463.2790

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS 2025 Crompond Rd. 914.432.3202

EASTCHESTER 15 John R. Albanese PL 914.661.6372

MAMARONECK 1214 E. Boston Post Rd. 914.873.8338

OSSINING 2 Todd Place 914.923.0900

SOMERS 325 Route 100 914.772.8521

WHITE PLAINS - NORTH 600 North Broadway 914.461.9191

FOR FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES IN NORTH AMERICA  VISIT KUMONFRANCHISE.COM

Editor’s Note //

Win a Free Vacation! Vote to Enter Now

he Westchester Family 2018 Family Favorite Awards is open for voting – and our ballot is easier and quicker to usethan ever before. Take five minutes to give a shout out to your favorite family-friendly places to thank them for their excellence and to let others know just how good they are. We will publish the results in our July 2018 issue. We’d like to thank you for participating so just complete the form and you’ll be entered for a chance to win the Grand Prize – a four-night/four-day summer vacation for a family of four at Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Vermont – the #1 Kid-Friendly Resort in the Eastern U.S. and Canada! Your family will experience mountain side resort village living, in your own private two-bedroom condominium vacation home, 8 pools and 4 waterslides – more water playgrounds than any resort in New England! Award-winning, day-long children’s programs for ages 6 weeks to 17 years, offer fun for kids, freedom for parents, not to mention plenty of daily activities for families to enjoy together … daily guided hikes and walks, evening entertainment, Vermont Country Fair and more! Plus, there’s the all new $4.2 million, FunZone 2.0 – 26,000 square foot Family Fun complex with Warrior Course, Laser Tag, Giant Slide, Bouncy House, Climbing Wall, Slot Car Racing – don’t take our word for it, check out everything Smugglers’ Notch has to offer at smuggs.com! Ready to vote? Enter now at Westchester

New Easy : Quic and k Ba Form llot !

Westchester Family WestchesterFamily.com Publisher Clifford Luster cluster@cnglocal.com co-Publisher/ Editor Jean Sheff edit@westchesterfamily.com Managing Editor Vince DiMiceli Calendar Editor Andrea White calendar@westchesterfamily.com

Family/FamilyFavorites2018. Once you have voted, enjoy all the great articles we have for you this month including 10 quick tips for the best ever birthday party, the thrill of kite flying, a visit to Stamford Museum & Nature Center and our spring Bar/Bat Mitzvah Guide. Don’t forget – check our calendar of events for a great collection of family fun every day of the year. Happy spring, Jean Sheff Co-Publisher, Editor

Westchester Family is the proud winner of a 2018 Parenting Media Association gold award in the Personal Essay category. The article published in our October 2017 issue, “I’ll Be the Cancer Mom,” was written by Corrine Zola, who is a Westchester mother, a founder of the Westchester Children’s Museum and a former President and current member of the Board of Directors of the Museum. Our thanks to her for sharing her personal story, which the judges deemed a “completely absorbing” and “blunt, heart-breaking tribute.” You can read the article on our website WestchesterFamily.com. We are also proud to report that our sister magazines Manhattan Family and Brooklyn Family were also winners.

Westchester Family | April 2018

CEO Les Goodstein President & Publisher Jennifer Goodstein

Another Year, Another Win!

Feedback Share your feedback and ideas!

Published by Community News Group

Email us at edit@WestchesterFamily.com.

ADVERTISING SALES Account Managers LynnMarie Hanley lynnmarie.hanley@westchesterfamily.com Nina Spiegelman nina.spiegelman@westchesterfamily.com PRODUctION Art Director Leah Mitch production@cnglocal.com Production Staff Arthur Arutyunov Daria Avvento Gardy Charles Earl Ferrer John Napoli Mark Ramos Connie Sulsenti DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION Roberto Palacios 718-260-4531

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 April Contests

Grand Prix Fun Card

Saxon Woods Mini Golf

Enter to win two (2) Family-Four Packs of Grand Prix Fun Cards! Entertain the kids for hours at the arcade and see what other fun activities Grand Prix has to offer including inflatables, bowling and car racing. Retail value, $40. Contest ends April 19, 2018. Enter now at WestchesterFamily.com/GrandPrix

Enter to win a Family Four-Pack of passes to play two rounds of mini golf at Saxon Woods Mini Golf in White Plains. Get outside and celebrate spring with this popular family activity! Retail value, $64. Contest ends April 19, 2018. Enter now at WestchesterFamily.com/ MiniGolf

SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2018

SAXON WOODS POOL SIGN UP AT MARCHFORBABIES.ORG National Sponsors

Media Sponsors

ÂŠ 2018 March of Dimes

April 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

Bits & Pieces // Fast Facts and Timely Tips

courtesy photo

Toy Story tops the Classic Movies Families Can Watch Together list.

Films for Families Common Sense Media and Parents magazine have teamed up to announce a list of Classic Movies Families Can Watch Together (parents.com). For the purpose of this list, classics are defined as movies that debuted before 1999. The films that made the list have been deemed appropriate for kids and have received 4 or 5 stars from Common Sense Media. Insider opinions from entertainers and media experts support the picks across a variety of genres. “Not only have these movies stood the test of time, but their messages – including friendship, love, perseverance and courage – are still relevant today,” says Betsy Bozdech, executive editor of Common Sense Media. “Kids of all ages, and parents, too, will enjoy these films.” The 20 films, in ranking order, are: 1. Toy Story (1996) 2. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1992) 3. The Lion King (1994) 4. Babe (1995) 5. The Princess Bride (1987) 6. The Wizard of Oz (1939) 7. My Neighbor Totoro (1988) 8. The Muppet Movie (1979) 9. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) 10. Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977) 11. Mulan (1998) 12. A League of Their Own (1992) 13. Mary Poppins (1964) 14. Bambi (1942) 15. Anne of Green Gables (1986) 16. Labyrinth (1986) 17. The Aristocats (1970) 18. Beauty and the Beast (1991) 19. Jurassic Park (1993) 20. The Sound of Music (1965)

Westchester Family | April 2018

courtesy photo

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester’s newest play space, LEGO® City Builder, is an interactive city that allows visitors to add their own elements and designs right into the display.

Bob, Ava, Michael, Chloe (and every kid) the Builder Now your child can lend a hand and help build a city at the new play space in Legoland Discovery Center Westchester. Called LEGO® City Builder, this latest addition to the popular venue allows aspiring architects, construction workers and all visitors to add their own elements and

designs right into the display. Let your child put their mark on the site that includes skyscrapers, police and fire stations, cafes, suburban streets and beaches. Legoland Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. 866-243-0770. legolanddiscoverycenter.com/Westchester

Helping Others: March for Babies Interested in instilling empathy in your children? Modeling this behavior goes a long way in teaching the skill. To do that, volunteer as a family in activities that are kid-friendly. This month, as the weather breaks and we all clamor to be outside, consider participating in March for Babies, a walk that is perfect for family involvement. This year’s fun-filled family event also celebrates the March of Dimes’ 80th anniversary. The walk is to be held on April

29 at 10 a.m. Sign up on the website to raise funds for this event. Saxon Woods Pool, 1800 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. marchforbabies.org.

RYE YMCA

RYE YMCA Join the Rye Y on April 29 and we’ll waive the $100 joiner’s fee!

Sunday, April 29 9am-12:30pm 5 Mile/5K Road Races: 9:15am Start 1 Mile Healthy Fun Run/Walk: 11:00am Start REGISTER FOR THE RACES at www.ryeymca.org

30 (1988-2018) The Rye YMCA & Eamonn Coghlan present the

RYE DERBY HEALTHY KIDS DAY

HEALTHY KIDS DAY ACTIVITIES ARE FREE AND OPEN TO ALL! Carnival games, climbing wall, sports samplers, live music, face painting, free food and much more!

RYE YMCA

21 Locust Avenue, Rye 914-967-6363 www.ryeymca.org

For a Better UsTM April 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

Family FYI //

See You at the WHUD Kids’ Fair! It’s Westchester’s largest kids event so make sure you don’t to miss it! The 23rd annual WHUD Kids’ Fair is held April 7th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase. Kids admission is FREE courtesy of Fidelis Care. The Kids’ Fair features kid-friendly activities and games the entire family can enjoy. There are hands-on educational activities,

science experiments, sports, children’s theater and other live entertainment, inflatables, giveaways, raffles and more. Check out the Two by Two Zoo, an educational travelling zoo! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the H.O.P.E for Youth Foundation and Children’s Charities in the Hudson Valley. Stop by the Westchester Family booth and say hello, we’d love to meet you in person! For additional information see whud.com.

What’s YOUR Favorite? Vote to Win! Enter to Win a Trip to Smugglers’ Notch! It’s quick, it’s easy and it could win you a family vacation for a family of four! It’s Westchester Family’s 2018 Family Favorite Awards. So this month be sure vote in the Westchester Family 2018 Family Favorites Awards. Share your opinion and vote for your personal family-favorites. We will publish the results in our July 2018 issue. This is the time to give a shout out to your favorite family-friendly places to thank them for their excellence and to let others know just how good they are. We’d like to thank you for participating so just complete the form and you’ll be entered for a chance to win the Grand Prize – your choice of a four night/four day summer vacation for a family of four at Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Vermont – the #1 Kid-Friendly Resort in the Eastern U.S. and Canada! Your family will experience mountainside resort village living, in your own private twobedroom condominium vacation home, 8 pools and 4 waterslides – more water playgrounds than resort in New England!

2018

Westchester Family | April 2018

Imagine your family enjoying a vacation at Smugglers’ Notch Vermont. Enter the contest now for your chance to win! Award-winning daylong children’s programs for kids ages 6 weeks to 17 years, offer fun for kids, freedom for parents, not to mention plenty of daily activities for families to enjoy together … guided hikes and walks, evening entertainment, the Vermont Country Fair and more! Plus, there’s the FunZone 2.0, a 26,000 square foot family fun complex with Warrior

Course, Laser Tag, Giant Slide, Bouncy House, Climbing Wall, Slot Car Racing, – just to name a few! Smugglers’ Notch Vermont. 855-240-9392. smuggs.com DON’T WAIT – VOTE NOW! WestchesterFamily.com/FamilyFavorites2018

SOLVE YOUR CHILD’S READING PROBLEM ACHIEVE 3 TO 6 YEARS OF READING IMPROVEMENT IN ONE YEAR!!! “A Miracle In The Making!” - CBS TV

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75 Brook Street, Scarsdale | 914.472.0600 | www.DickerReading.com April 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

Fab 4 //

4 Technology Tips for Children with Autism Technology is changing the way we live our lives, and many don’t realize the positive effects it can have on children with autism. Many electronic devices and apps can help improve communication, assist in the development of social skills and enhance their ability to learn. Every child is different and the technology that best serves them should be based on their individual needs.

Do Your Research The sheer amount of technology available can be overwhelming. Take the time to research what devices, apps and offerings may benefit your child and slowly introduce them to see what fits. There are plenty of resources available, including information on The Arc Westchester’s website on how everyday technology can benefit people of all ages with cognitive disabilities, such as autism.

Safety First When introducing a new technology or device, especially when it can connect to the internet/social media, start by letting your child know they can always come to you with questions about confusing things they may experience online. Go over what is “private” and “public” to help them understand what they can safely share on social media platforms, if applicable. An open communication line is the best protection against online dangers.

Avoid Excessive Screen Time When a child finds a device or app that helps them, it can be extremely motivating. Some young people can become so focused on a tablet or computer that they “get stuck” engaging with the device and refrain from interacting with their environment and those in it. Apps such as OurPact (ourpact.com) can be helpful in managing screen time, and helping to reduce this obsessive behavior.

Explore Apps Using apps for children with autism can be useful for learning and social development, and there are numerous apps available that can assist your child based on their specific needs. For example, several apps have been developed to help with anxiety, such as Calm Counter from TouchAutism. In addition, SoarTherapy offers an app called StepByStep, which helps children practice the vital skill of sequencing, knowing the order of the steps needed to accomplish something. — Jordan Jankus Coordinator of Person-Centered & Cognitive Supports The Arc Westchester

Westchester Family | April 2018

Celebrating 26 Years of Excellence in Perform

hops s k or sW t r A g 2

ce xperien E 8 01

Broadway Training Center of Westchester ®

• Training All Levels! • Specialized 1 week Summer Training Sessions All Levels! 24 Years of Excellence • Musical Theatre Program

• K-12th & Adult • Acting Technique K-12th Grades Technique • VocalActing Studies Spring Musical Theatre Program Vocal Studies …AUDITIONING NOW! ...AUDITIONING NOW! • DanceDance Disciplines Disciplines

WINNER 2017

TOP 5 2017

914-478-7065 | BroadwayTraining.com 914-478-7065 | BroadwayTraining.com

Children of Eden Tickets on Sale Now!

April 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

2018

VOTE

Family Favorites 2018 Each year we honor the best family-friendly businesses, services and attractions.

Museums for Kids Birthday Party Places Gymnastics Class

Family Resort Indoor Playspace Nature Center

STEM Program Water Parks and more fun categories!

Vote at WestchesterFamily.com and be entered to win the Grand Prize, a four-night/four-day vacation for four to Smugglers’ Notch Resort! Experience America’s Family Resort in your own private two-bedroom condominium vacation home! Enjoy mountainside living at Smugglers’ Notch, with 8 pools and 4 waterslides – more water playgrounds than any other resort in New England! Smugglers’ Notch delivers an authentic Vermont experience for the whole family. Award-winning children’s programs for ages 6 weeks to 17 years, deliver fun for kids, freedom for parents, and plenty of daily activities for families to enjoy together. The FunZone 2.0 – a new 26,000 square foot indoor Family Fun Complex, is great for the entire family, with a Warrior Course, Laser Frenzy, Giant Slide, Bouncy House, Climbing Wall, 30+ Arcade Games – just to name a few! smuggs.com/wf.

Westchester Family | April 2018

Room With A View Get Your A-Game On Ultra Violet Reigns Twin With A Survivor Program Photo by Sarah Merians Photograpy & Video Company, sarahmerians.com

WestchesterFamily.com

Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Celebrations

Room with a View Hold Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah at a Waterfront Location By Connie Jeske Crane

our child’s coming of age is a truly momentous occasion. And if you’ve got a bar or bat mitzvah coming up in your family, understandably, you may be feeling some pressure around finding the perfect venue. Where’s the best place to celebrate after the ceremony? And how can you make this day something your family and friends are going to talk about for years to come? When you’re marking a special milestone like this, waterfront venues can be a compelling option. Besides all the usual party amenities you’re looking for, a waterside setting provides a stunning backdrop for your guests, encourages wonder and reflection, and just generally underlines the sense of occasion. In Westchester County, flanked as we are by the Hudson River and Long Island Sound, we’re fortunate to have an abundance of premier waterfront venues to choose from. Whether you want a happening downtown vibe or postcard pretty spot outside of town – and whether you want to invite everyone you know or prefer a more intimate celebration – there are plenty of breathtaking spots in and around the county that have that extra-special feel. So as your son or daughter reaches this significant stage, why not hit the waterfront for your celebration and create gorgeous memories that will last a lifetime! Chelsea Piers chelseapiers.com, 212-336-6666 23rd St. and Hudson River Park, New York, N.Y.

The view – A stunning panorama of the Hudson River. Take in the New Jersey skyline, see the Statue of Liberty and ocean liners and luxury yachts drifting by. The vibe – Modern, loft-like spaces coupled with expansive sports venues and acclaimed catering. The space – Chelsea Piers offers several spectacular event locations depending on the size of your group. Sunset Terrace, a 3,400-square-foot riverside space, is popular for bar and bat mitzvahs, and offers magnificent urban views for parties of 50 to 300. Unique features – “Experiences here are highly customizable depending on what you’re envisioning,” says Sherwin Johnson,

Westchester Family | April 2018

Let your guests enjoy magnificent urban views at Chelsea Piers in New York City.

vice president of Chelsea Piers. He adds that the venue can supply experienced staff and expert planning advice to bring your vision to life. Options here include formal sit-down dinners, and casual stand-up receptions with dancing. It’s also easy to keep the kids happy with the mind-boggling assortment of activities onsite – from ice skating to baseball, rock climbing and sand volleyball. Johnson says staff can create custom activities for you as well, like a mini-Olympics or pedestal jousting tournament. “No two parties are the same and we try not to put anyone in a box,” he says. Factoria at Charles Point factoriacp.com, 914-788-4555 5 John Walsh Blvd., Peekskill, N.Y.

The view – “We have a gorgeous view of the Hudson river,” says venue representative John Sharp, adding that features such as plentiful floor-to-ceiling windows and glass railings all help to bring the outdoors in. The vibe – Industrial chic in historic Peekskill. The space – This 34,000 sq. ft. multievent space accommodates groups of up to 300, and includes a well-equipped dance floor plus an outdoor balcony deck, one of the largest in Westchester. Sharp says, “The

beauty of the space is there’s one large dining area but there’s also private party rooms that connect to it, so we can easily accommodate adults in one area and the kids in another – then everybody gets together in the big dining hall for dinner and dancing.” Unique features – For the adults, there’s chef-driven seasonal cuisine and a craft brewery onsite. To help kids shake off extra energy, the lower level features activities such as laser tag, shuffleboard, rock climbing, ropes courses and a full arcade. Staff can also set up a pretty cool kids’ lounge complete with mocktail bar featuring lots of fun juice concoctions. “There’s lots of activities that people can add to the event here to give kids a full experience,” says Sharp. Delamar Greenwich Harbor delamar.com/Greenwich, 203-661-9800 500 Steamboat Road, Greenwich, Conn.

The view – The Delamar offers frontand-center breathtaking views of Greenwich Harbor, the marina, as well as passing yachts and sailboats. The vibe – Elegant luxury with touches of Southern France. The space – If quintessential luxury is what you’re after, this Delamar property is it. Named one of the top New England hotels in

(Clockwise from top) At the Factoria at Charles Point you can Invite your crowd onto the outdoor balcony deck to marvel at the stunning views of the Hudson River. Hudson Loft located just south of the Tappan Zee Bridge features spectacular unobstructed sightlines of the Hudson River. The Delamar offers views of Greenwich Harbor, the marina, and passing boats.

the 2016 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, this venue is ideal for a more formal mitzvah celebration. The 2,000 sq. ft. Antibes Ballroom can accommodate large parties or be divided to accommodate smaller ones. Tall glass doors reveal a waterfront terrace that runs the length of the building, as well as the Delamar’s private 500-ft. dock. Unique features – Celebrated executive chef Frederic Kieffer kicks things up a notch with world-class cuisine. To entertain guests young and old, choose from a private yacht cruise (up to 100 people can be accommodated) departing right from the Delamar’s private dock. Or book facial massages and mani-pedi’s in the hotel’s fullservice day spa to delight your beautiful bat mitzvah crew.

Hudson Loft hudsonloftny.com, 914-231-9221 2 South Astor St., 3rd Floor, Irvington, N.Y.

The view – From this spot just south of the Tappan Zee Bridge, enjoy spectacular unobstructed sightlines of the Hudson River. The vibe – Industrial chic in the heart of the Hudson Valley. The space – A converted warehouse, this venue features 9,000 sq. ft. of raw space, a handy freight elevator and onsite parking. The interior offers hardwood floors, exposed ductwork, raw steel beams and exposed original concrete walls. And to help you realize the event of your dreams, the venue has a list of handpicked vendors, including caterers, event designers and photographers at your disposal.

Unique features – “We’re a unique space because we’re actually a raw space,” says Tracey Vitale, marketing events advisor. “I like to say we’re a clean palette, and tell clients to let their imaginations run wild in terms of color scheme, theme, whatever hoopla it is they want to bring in,” she says, adding that the flexibility can also make a raw space a more cost-effective option than traditional venues with set package pricing. “I think a lot of parents and kids really enjoy it because they just go to so many bar and bat mitzvahs and they get jaded pretty quickly in spaces they’ve been to time and time again.” Connie Jeske Crane is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to Westchester Family. April 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Celebrations

Get Your A-Game On! With A Color War Theme By Rachael Sanderson Benz

hink outside the box and consider throwing a bar/bat mitzvah party with the spirit of summer camp in mind. A-Game Sports in New Rochelle provides the setting for an event with a sports theme reminiscent of camp that keeps young guests enthusiastically entertained. The Venue Founded in 2013 by Darin Feldman and Kevin Plein, A-Game Sports is a recreational and instructional sports facility offering a variety of sports programs, strength and conditioning sessions and camps. A-Game Sports also has private party rooms, lounge areas, a lacrosse wall ball, multi-sport turfed fields plus batting cages and tunnels, which are available for rent. When it comes to parties, activity options include gaga, flag football, soccer, dodgeball, baseball, potato sack races, obstacle courses, tug-o-war and capture the flag. Summer camp enthusiasts would recognize most of these beloved games. A-Game Sports offers yet another game that stands out as the ultimate summer camp sport – color war! And it’s ideal for a bar/bat celebration. Color War Anyone? “A color war is where participants are divided into groups to compete against one another in a series of activities that involve teamwork,” says Feldman. “The activities can be wide ranging and conventional such as dodgeball, spoon races, obstacle courses or more creative like Eskimo baseball (think along the lines of kickball but a lot more fun and unusual). Winners of each competition are assigned points and aggregated at the end to determine the winning team,” he says. One Family’s Experience Lisa and Rob Patchen of New Rochelle turned to A-Game Sports when planning their son Daniel’s bar mitzvah party. “We had a sit down lunch after the synagogue service for close friends and family and later that evening a party at A-Game Sports so Daniel could celebrate with his friends in a less formal setting,” says Lisa Patchen. The couple rented the entire facility and met with owners Feldman and Plein to plan the event. “We brainstormed for a theme that would keep

Westchester Family | April 2018

Daniel Patchen (red T-shirt) and a Leo Gold are all smiles at his A-Game Spots color-war themed bar mitzvah.

kids engaged and give some structure to the evening,” she says. The Patchens decided on a color war theme for Daniel’s party. With approximately 100 of Daniel’s friends in attendance, teams were divided into four groups. The Patchens provided each team with a different colored T-shirt and each team was assigned an A-Game coach to assist in the color war. “We had four teams, so we had four different colors – red, yellow, blue and green,” says Lisa Patchen. “We also provided face painting, bandannas and sports cups to try to promote ‘team spirit’,” she says. The A-Game staff set up five stations, each approximately 20 minutes long, for the color war. Teams competed against each other in dodgeball, tug-o-war, spoon races, Eskimo baseball and both an inflatable and man-made obstacle course. Two teams won the color war, and then there was a trivia contest to determine the ultimate color war winner. The Patchens provided gift cards to a local ice cream shop for all the kids on the winning team. And the Adults … While the teens competed in the color war, adults who attended gathered in the facility’s lounge area for food and drinks. A-Game

Sports allows alcoholic beverages to be served by a licensed caterer for private events such as the Patchens. “The party at A-Game Sports gave us an opportunity to provide an evening activity for our out-of-town guests,” says Lisa Patchen. A kosher caterer provided hot dogs, pasta, sliders, salads and more for both the teens and adults to enjoy. The party was a huge success. They credit A-Game Sports for suggesting the color war theme. “The owners put a lot of thought and effort into helping the kids have a great time,” says Lisa Patchen. “The many staff members that were provided to run the color war were very enthusiastic and organized,” she says. The Patchens gave a resounding “Yes” when asked if they would host another party at A-Game Sports. “Kevin and I opened A-Game Sports because we both have a strong passion for youth sports,” says Feldman. According to the Patchens, that passion also includes helping families celebrate special occasions such as a bar/bat mitzvah. A-Game Sports, 866 Main St., New Rochelle. 914-278-9477, agamesports.net. Rachael Sanderson Benz is a Westchester-based freelance writer.

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Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Consider This

Holocaust Stories Infuse B’nai Mitzvah Ceremonies with Meaning The Twin with a Survivor Program May Be Ideal for Your Child By Stacey Pfeffer

his past month I filled out a form to choose a date for my son’s bar mitzvah. He is just shy of 10 years old, but truth be told I’ve already been thinking about how to infuse this right of passage with meaning. This past fall my parents took a trip to Israel. My father is ailing and with the ceremony three years away, I can only hope he’ll be around to receive an aliyah on the bimah and wish his grandson a heartfelt mazel tov. But no one knows what the future holds and that’s precisely why I asked my parents to purchase him a tallit (prayer shawl) on their trip. I wanted to ensure that there is some way for my father to partake in the bar mitzvah ceremony even if he physically can’t be there. Besides having this tallit used in the ceremony, I am also thinking of other ways to make this ancient ceremony more relevant to our family. A large part of our family’s history is connected to the Holocaust. Both of my son’s maternal great-grandparents were Holocaust survivors. The Twin with a Survivor program courtesy of the White Plains-based Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) offers a profoundly meaningful option for children to learn about the Holocaust and have a personal connection to Holocaust survivors in their community. Twin with a Survivor Program The Twin with a Survivor program has only been in existence in Westchester for a year according to Millie Jasper, the executive director of the HHREC. As part of the program, students must have some prior knowledge of the Holocaust because the program is not intended to be an introduction to the Holocaust. The students meet with the survivor for a minimum of three times to interview them and learn about their personal story. Then they incorporate the survivor’s story into their D’var Torah speech. “When a child participates in this program, they become witness to history. There is an urgency of time because this is the last generation that will meet the survivors,” explains Jasper. “The survivors

Westchester Family | April 2018

A bat mitzvah girl and her mother in The Hall of Names read information on the twin she received at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.

impart important messages to the children such as not being a bystander, having tolerance and acceptance of others and not holding hate in your heart.” Many of the program participants invite the survivor to the ceremony to get an aliyah and/or to the reception for a candle lighting ceremony. An Unforgettable Experience Molly Reinmann, 13, of Chappaqua was a Twin with a Survivor program participant who met with 93-year-old survivor Betty Knoop of Armonk. Knoop was a hidden child in Amsterdam. She was a contemporary of Anne Frank, lived in the same neighborhood

and was deported to the same concentration camp, Bergen-Belsen. Molly’s mother, Jessica Reinmann notes that “this was an experience that Molly will never forget.” Knoop participated in Molly’s bat mitzvah ceremony last fall at Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford Corners and it was very emotional for both of them. The Reinmanns feel like they have forged a bond with Knoop and plan on having a long-term friendship with her. Twinning Program in Israel For families looking to traveling to Israel for a bar/bat mitzvah, Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center

in Jerusalem, offers a Twinning Program. The popular program created in 2007 has approximately 500 participants annually. The bar/bat mitzvah child is given a special tour of the Center with their family and is given the name of a boy or girl who perished during the Holocaust. The Center offers on-site ceremonies and they often try to link the bar/bat mitzvah child with a child who had the same birthday or Hebrew name. “The program was created to give a meaningful responsibility to a child entering the Jewish nation as an adult. That responsibility is to make sure the memory of a child murdered in the Holocaust, remains alive,” notes Marisa Fine, a press representative for Yad Vashem. Right now, our family is unsure of which route we will take to celebrate my son’s bar mitzvah. I’m leaning more toward a trip to Israel while my husband is more inclined to an elegant party, but no matter which option we ultimately choose, it is reassuring to know that we have options that honor our family’s heritage and keep the stories and memories of the Holocaust alive. Molly Reinmann of Chappaqua with Holocaust survivor and Armonk resident Betty Knoop at Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford Corners.

Stacey Pfeffer is a writer and editor based in Chappaqua.

April 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Consider This

Ultra, Ultra Violet!

By Jean Sheff

hen you are planning a special event little details can be huge. Being knowledgeable about the latest trends in entertaining can help you make the right decisions. And to that end there is nothing more basic than color. Color can have a huge impact on your celebration and is often a large part of the planning – from the celebrant’s fashion, to the tablecloths and centerpieces. A thematic color can set the mood and tie together the overall style of the event. Color of the Year The textile analysts and strategists at the Pantone Color Institute™ have announced the Color of the Year, which serves as a color snapshot of what is taking place in the global culture. “The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today,” says Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute. The color for 2018 is Ultra Violet (PANTONE 18-3838). According to the Institute, this shade is

Westchester Family | April 2018

inventive, imaginative and contemplative. It communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking that points us toward the future. Executive Director of the Institute, Leatrice Eiseman, says,” We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination. It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to PANTONE 18-3838, Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level. From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.” Several women attending The Oscars this year wore gowns in shades of this hue. A quick look through the Shop Ultra Violet tab on pantone.com gives you a peek at the variety of products that are donning this color from nail polish and furniture to neckties and luggage. So consider this inspirational shade as you make your plans for your bar/bat celebration as a way to stay in tune with the world. No doubt you will see it everywhere. Jean Sheff is editor of Westchester Family.

April 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

Party Directory // Special Advertising Supplement

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Listings Special Advertising Supplement

Amanda Bear Party Rentals 347-326-5567 amandabearpartyrentals.com “For All Your Party Needs.” Tents, tables and chairs, cotton candy machines, popcorn machines, teddy bear stuffing, balloon store, supplies and much more. All rentals are delivered to party site and set up by qualified staff. Their number one goal is to give the best service at the best price! Donna Mueller Photography 914-980-2267 DonnaMueller@optonline.net DonnaMuellerPhotography.com Donna Mueller is a mom of three boys, lives in Pleasantville and specializes in family photography. Voted Westchester magazine’s ’Best Family Photographer’ in 2016 and Westchester Family magazine’s ‘Best Family Photographer’ in 2016 and 2017. Most recently, voted Hulafrog’s ‘2018 Most Loved’ Photographer. Available for Indoor / Outdoor Sessions and events such as Sweet 16’s, Mitzvah’s and Weddings.

Westchester Family | April 2018

Funtime Amusements 914-773-1320 funtimeamusements.net One of the most highly referred event companies in Westchester, Funtime is a one-stop-shop for your event needs. Wedding, company picnic or house party, 40 years of experience ensures it will be a great event. They own, operate and maintain their rides, games and equipment for the highest safety. That is why they can say, “Don’t worry, be very happy.” Grand Prix New York 333 North Bedford Road, Mt. Kisco 914-358-3616 gpny.com GPNY is a massive recreational entertainment facility offering indoor go kart racing, arcade/ redemption center and its newest immersive experience; virtual reality gaming! If you want to add more to your part reserve lanes at our state of the art bowling center with private party rooms.

Pine Brook Fitness 130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-636-1019 pinebrookfitness.com Book your bar/bat mitzvah at Pine Brook fitness and celebrate by climbing the walls at The Rock Club or hitting the courts at The New Rochelle Racquet Club and have a celebration to remember. They can accommodate up to 200 guests. Large or small, formal or informal, join them for your next event!

Sayings For You, Inc. Party Favors! 845-639-9700 sayingsforyou.com For more than 30 years, Sayings For You has been servicing thousands of satisfied customers nationally. They’ve provided custom imprinted party favors and promotional items without ever having missed a deadline. Their award-winning art department can imprint “anything on anything.”

Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company 118 East 28th St., Suite 1001 NYC, NY 212-633-0502 sarahmerians.com With more than 25 years of experience, they have a reputation and a track record for excellence. What makes them unique is the combination of impeccable customer service, follow through, and care before, during and after your event. They understand how important your once-in-a-lifetime day is!

The Tallis Lady 201-321-4995 thetallislady.com info@thetallislady.com Find beautiful, handmade and exquisite tallitot and other religious pieces from Lisa Prawer, the Tallis Lady. Whether you are looking for a tallit for a bar or bat mitzvah, tallit clips or a one of a kind kippah, the Tallis Lady has it all. Each piece displays incredible artistry and will be cherished for years.

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Let’s Go Fly A

Kite!

In April, National Kite Month Beckons By Amy Kelley

ast summer, on a lovely beach, as the day sauntered toward sunset, we finally made it happen. Three of my kids had kites, which survived the trip to the beach, and the wind was insanely good, although somewhat gusty. After a struggle, each kite took flight and the beauty of it was staggering. We took photos, but they can’t fully capture the loveliness of it. So we’ll take to the open air again this month, when kite flyers across the nation, novice and experienced, celebrate National Kite Month. Timing April’s a great time to fly a kite in Westchester. The wind is good: according to weatherspark.com, the six months between late October and late April are the windiest in our area – great for getting kites aloft. “A tradition in the U.S. has long been established of flying kites in the spring because the weather is good and there’s some wind,” Daniel Prentice, executive director of the American Kitefliers Association, says, although traditions vary internationally. In Germany, there’s a major kite flying festival in the autumn, and Prentice himself flies year-round. Benefits and Beyond Enjoyment of the outdoors is one of the best reasons to fly kites, Prentice says. “It’s an activity where you’re in nature. You’re dealing

Westchester Family | April 2018

with the wind and the weather and looking at your surroundings.” But the beauty of nature isn’t all there is. According to NASA, kite flying is a great way for kids to learn about aerodynamic forces. After all – remember the Wright Brothers? They were avid kite fliers who tested out many of their ideas with kites they built themselves. Before Wilbur and Orville, Ben Franklin famously flew a kite and proved the connection between lightning and electricity. And Alexander Graham Bell invented a kite strong enough to carry a person. Kites have been used throughout history to learn about flight and other sciences, to simply enjoy and even for military purposes. The thing about kite flying, though – which on the face of it is a deceptively simple activity – is that many factors have to come together well in order for it to take place. You need time, wind, an open space and patience. Types of Kites Beaches are great for kite flying, and Taka Andrews, owner of Miller’s Toys in Mamaroneck, says they sell a lot of kites because of the nearby harbor. Andrews sells kites in different categories, such as longtailed kites, stunt kites, box kites and parafoil kites. Prentice says all kites can be broken down into two simple categories. “In modern terms, there are single-line kites and kites with multiple lines,” he says. “You can start with either one.” The one most of us used as

kids were single-line kites. Kites with two or four lines, Prentice says, can be pulled to the right or the left – their flight can be directed. “Within those two categories we can keep breaking it down and breaking it down,” he explains. Beginners generally buy “something with a long tail because it makes it more stable in the air,” Andrews says. Stunt kites, on the other hand, are for “teenagers, or someone who wants a more dynamic kite.” Parafoil kites are easy to transport because they don’t have frames, Andrews says, so they take up less space – that of a small bag. That can make parafoil kites a good choice for vacationers who are short on packing space. Besides for vacations, people buy kites as gifts, of course, and just for themselves if the weather’s good. People tend to purchase kites “as the weather breaks, number one, and number two, in advance of every holiday weekend,” Andrews says. But some kite aficionados prefer to make their own. Online resources abound for those who’d like to try their hand at crafting kites. “You take this homemade thing and throw it up into the sky and experience the outside world that way,” Prentice says, but he adds that most kite flyers buy their kites. Quick Tip Once a kite has been purchased or made, parents may want to consider also purchasing a two-handed string winder, Andrews says. “This way, little kids have a chance to hang

on to it – you can give a 5-year-old one on a windy day and say ‘hold on for dear life’ and they can sit right down with it.” These helpful devices run about $10. Where to Fly When planning to fly a kite in Westchester, check to make sure the activity is permitted. Kite flying is not permitted in Westchester

County parks, nor is it allowed at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown. At press time, park representatives were not sure why kite flying was banned, but speculated it might be a safety or wildlife issue. Many local area parks do allow kite flying, however, such as Leonard Park in Mount Kisco, and parks in the towns of Bedford, Rye and White Plains, among others; parks

department employees caution people to watch for tall lights or athletic fields in use. Interested residents of Rye should keep an eye on the web page of Rye Town Park, because there’s a kite flying community program in the planning stages. Amy Kelley is a Westchester-based freelance writer and the mother of kite flying kids. April 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

10 Quick Tips for the Best-Ever

Birthday Bash

By Denise Yearian

irthdays are milestones that mark another year of growing, another year of change. But for many parents, these milestones are more like millstones when faced with the daunting task of putting together their child’s birthday party. The following 10 tips can help. 1. Get your child’s input. Several weeks before your child’s birthday, ask him how he would like to celebrate. Give him parameters based on your time, budget and preferences. Discuss his interests and determine if one is appropriate for the party theme. 2. Consider the options. One way to host a party with your child’s interest is to have the event at home. Should you decide to choose this route, you’ll have two options: do it yourself or hire outside help. If you have time and desire to give the party yourself, the possibilities are unlimited.

Westchester Family | April 2018

3. Make a manageable guest list. The recommended number of children depends on whether the party is held inside or outdoors. If the weather is nice and you’d like to have it outside, you can easily invite 15 guests. However, if the party is indoors, limit it to no more than 10 children. Some experts suggest using a formula of 1 to 1 1/2 children per your child’s age. For example, if your child is 4 years old, invite 4 to 6 friends; if she is 8 years old, have 8 to 12 guests. 4. Time it right. Unless the party is a sleepover, keep it to two or three hours (1 1/2 hours for children 4 years and younger). Make a list of activities you are planning and the approximate length of time each one takes. Guests should be given time to warm up to the setting, release energy during the party and calm down before heading home. Expect a slightly staggered arrival. Plan a simple but flexible activity to keep kids busy at the beginning of the party so you can be free to welcome other arriving guests.

5. Decide on activities. When selecting games, consider the number of children, their ages, and whether the games will be held inside or outdoors. Choose ones that are easy to explain, fun to play, and involve all the children. Cooperative games are best because they take the spotlight off any one child and focus on the team as a whole. What’s most important is to be flexible. If the children aren’t enjoying themselves, stop and move on to something else. And always plan more activities than you need. 6. Go for kid-fun grub. When serving food, stick with kid-friendly basics – sandwiches, pizza, veggie strips and pretzels. If you want to make it festive, cut the sandwiches into interesting shapes, or turn the pizza into a clown face with pepperoni eyes, a cherry tomato nose and a strip of green pepper for the mouth. The cake can be special, too, by allowing the children to ice and decorate their own cupcake.

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7. Ease up on decorations. Simple decorations can go a long way. A few helium balloons and crepe paper can make any room look festive. Choose party favors that are fun, but inexpensive such as a toy related to the party theme or a bag filled with a blend of fun-to-eat but healthy treats. For those wishing to spend a bit more, an activity, such as painting T-shirts or planting flowers in pots, is fun. Most important, be flexible, creative and stay within your budget. 8. Ask for helping hands. If you are giving the party by yourself, get help on the big day. An extra pair of hands (or two or three!) is essential no matter what age the children are. As you prepare a guest list, ask a few close friends or relatives to come and help. If there are no willing volunteers, hire a teen. Chances are she needs the money and would enjoy the event. 9. Pick a party entertainer. If you want to hire a party entertainer, get references from family and friends. Also, check local resources or contact a party retail center and ask for referrals. Once you have a

few names, call the entertainer and ask the following: • What services do you offer? • What ages do you typically cater to? • Can the party be tailored to a particular theme? • What exactly do you take care of (games, activities, refreshments, cake, invitations, decorations, party favors)? • How long do the parties run? • How much do you charge? • What am I expected to do? • Can I get references? • Do you have an upcoming public event where we can see you in action?

of children? • Does a staff member host the party (or do you)? • What is the cost? • Is a deposit required?

10. Find a facility. If you would prefer to have the party at a local business, call to see if they offer packaged events based on your child’s interest. Because every establishment’s offering is a bit different, get specifics: • How long do parties run? • What activities are included? • Do you provide food and refreshments? • Are there free refills on drinks? • Is a cake provided? • What is the minimum/maximum number

Before making the final decision, stop by the facility and watch a party underway. How smoothly is it run? Is the facility safe? Is it clean? Are the bathrooms easily accessible? Are the guests enjoying themselves? Is the host or hostess friendly and good with kids? Do the guests have plenty of time to enjoy the activities, or are they rushed from one event to another? Does the food look appealing? By taking the time to stop by, you’ll learn a lot more about this place than if you just make a phone call. Above all, remember that because your child’s birthday comes only once a year, it deserves recognition. You are, celebrating a milestone – another year of growth, another year of change. Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

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April 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

Party Directory // Special Advertising Supplement

Party Directory Special Advertising Supplement Amadeus Conservatory of Music 201 King St., Chappaqua 914-238-0388 Amadeusconservatoryofmusic@ gmail.com Amadeusconservatory.com Have your toddler birthday party at Amadeus! Children have a ball learning to play 1/8-size violins, ukuleles, bongo drums, shakers, sand blocks, jingle bells, accordions, xylophones, and do fun music and movement games. Parties conclude with dancing to bubbles and bouncing a baby Mozart on a colorful parachute. Cupcakes, drinks and pizza are included. Amanda Bear Party Rentals 347-326-5567 amandabearpartyrentals.com “For All Your Party Needs.” Jumpy houses, slides, tents, tables and chairs, cotton candy machines, popcorn machines, teddy bear stuffing, balloon store, supplies and much more. All rentals are delivered to party site and set up

Westchester Family | April 2018

by qualified staff. Their number one goal is to give the best service at the best price! Amy Rosen Cooking By Design 917-903-1451 amyrosencookingbydesign@ gmail.com amyrosencookingbydesign.com Have a cooking party for your child’s next birthday. From Cupcake Wars, to Pizza Creations, to chocolate melting, molding, and decorating, your kids can enjoy the fully hands-on experience. Amy is an experienced, fun, enthusiastic cooking coach. She’ll come to your home with everything needed. The kids are active from start to finish! Dave’s Cast Of Characters 914-235-7100 davescast.com Featuring characters, DJs, clowns, magicians, face painters, balloon sculptors, and fun food carts. New: Photo Booths. Featured inflatable rides include:

Cliffhanger Slide, Wild One, Kong’s Revenge & Batman Challenge obstacle courses, Big Kahuna & Wild Rapids water slides, Spiderman Velcro Wall, Castles, 5-in-1’s, Toddler Units, Carnival Games and much, much more. Dave’s Cast Of Characters 914-235-7100 davescast.com Dave’s has a wide range of entertainment services, including costumed characters, rides and games designed to turn your party into a memorable event. 100+ current and classic characters look and sound authentic. From ice princesses to superheroes, pirates to tea parties and everything in between, there’s something to delight every child! Donna Mueller Photography Pleasantville 914-980-2267 DonnaMueller@optonline.net DonnaMuellerPhotography.com

Donna Mueller is a mom of three boys, lives in Pleasantville and specializes in family photography. Voted Westchester magazine’s ’Best Family Photographer’ in 2016 and Westchester Family magazine’s ‘Best Family Photographer’ in 2016 and 2017. Most recently, voted Hulafrog’s ‘2018 Most Loved’ Photographer. Available for Indoor / Outdoor Sessions and events such as Sweet 16’s, Mitzvah’s and Weddings. Frankie’s Carnival Time & Frank Bee Costume Center 718-823-3033; 877-937-2652 frankiescarnival.com Making parties and events magical since 1957! They offer bounce rides, carnival games and booths, dunk tanks, photo booths, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cone, ice cream carts, hot dog carts, tents, tables, chairs, clowns, magicians and more. Excellent service and prices make them the best choice for every party.

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Funtime Amusements 914-773-1320 funtimeamusements.net One of the most highly referred event companies in Westchester, Funtime is a one-stop-shop for your event needs. Whether it’s a wedding, company picnic or house party, 40 years of experience ensures it will be a great event. They own, operate and maintain their rides, games and equipment for the highest safety. That is why they can say, “Don’t worry, be very happy. Grand Prix New York 333 North Bedford Road, Mt. Kisco 914-358-3616 gpny.com GPNY is a massive recreational entertainment facility offering indoor go kart racing, arcade/ redemption center and its newest immersive experience; virtual reality gaming! If you want to add more to your party reserve lanes at our state of the art bowling center with private party rooms.

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Westchester Family | April 2018

Homefield Bowl 938 Saw Mill River Road, Yonkers 914-969-5592 homefieldbowl.com Homefield Bowl is a full-service bowling alley featuring open bowl, league bowl for juniors, adults and mixed leagues. Great party packages for kids and adults! Senior programs also available. Call them today to plan your bowling party and more. Jodi’s Gym 25 Hubbels Dr., Mt. Kisco 914-244-8811 jodisgym.com Since 1982, Jodi’s Gym has been THE place for kids ages 1-12 to run, jump, climb, swing, bounce and tumble to their heart’s delight! You won’t find a more enthusiastic, attentive, or bettertrained staff anywhere. Teachers set up, serve and clean up for you and do everything in between … you sit back and enjoy!

Katonah Art Center 65 Old Bedford Road, Golden’s Bridge 914-232-4843 katonahartcenter.com Parties for ALL AGES! Choose from a variety of projects and themes. Painting, Crafts, Pottery, Fused Glass and more! Whether you are holding a children’s party, grownup birthday party, bachelorette party, ladies’ night out, corporate team building event, holiday or business party, KAC is ready to meet your party needs! Make-A-Movie Parties 914-533-7294; 212-645-9487 perryproductions.net Make-A-Movie Parties for children ages 7-12. Katherine Perry, videographer of children’s parties for more than 15 years, supplies costumes, props, improvisational direction and videotaping – you supply the talented actors! Themes include Action Adventure, Rock Video, Talk Show, Wacky News and more! Call or email today! kperryennis@yahoo.com Musical Munchkins 914-771-7000 musicalmunchkins.com Engaging live music makes the best parties! Their fun performers strum and drum with kids aged 6 months to 6 years, including gathering drums, chikitas, realistic puppets, story-songs, buddy bands, plus dancing scarves, circle and partner games. CD of Munchkin Favorites for birthday child! Favor CDs available at $1 each. Pine Brook Fitness 130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-636-1019 pinebrookfitness.com Book your next party or event at Pine Brook Fitness and have a celebration to remember. Your party can be hosted at one or a combination of our three facilities (The Rock Club, New Rochelle Racquet Club, The Studios). Large or small, formal or informal, join us for your next party!

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Party Directory // Special Advertising Supplement

Play Connection 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights 914-214-4278 localpartyvenue.com Play Connection has an event venue for every age and any kind of celebration. They leave no detail incomplete because they know that you have a busy schedule. All you have to do is show up and have fun with your guests. Parties options: free play arcade room, personalized video signs, inflatables, pinatas, games, interactive party hosts! Saxon Woods Mini Golf 1800 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains 914-381-4843 SaxonWoodsMiniGolf.com Have a mini golf birthday party! Course is closed to the public giving you one hour of exclusivity for up to 25 kids. Picnic tables, ample parking and bathrooms are available. No prepayment necessary. Don’t need exclusivity? Regular fee is just $8/ pp to play with the public.

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!

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Westchester Family | April 2018

Rigo Music Entertainment 845-228-2928 rigomusic.com Welcome to Robbie’s Ranch, where they bring the ranch to you! There are several Petting Zoo packages for you to choose from. Each package includes: 2 rabbits, 2 guinea pigs, 2 bearded dragons, 2 ferrets, 2 chickens, 2 Indian Runner ducks, 1 tortoise and one1 piglet. Petting Zoos make wonderful birthday parties Stepping Stones Museum for Children 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203-899-0606, ext. 208 steppingstonesmuseum.org/ rentals This unique and whimsical venue offers indoor/outdoor options, colorful hands-on exhibits, a 35’x12’ projection screen, interactive floor display, state-ofthe-art sound and light displays. Their talented Events and Audio/ Visual Team can create amazing customized multimedia graphics to make your event extra special. A party at Stepping Stones isn’t just exciting – it’s unforgettable.

Westchester Children’s Museum 100 Playland Parkway, Rye, 914-421-5050 discoverWCM.org/birthdayparties Westchester’s newest and most creative place for birthday parties! Featuring 6,500 square feet of interactive, hands on exhibits and MakerSpaces, birthday parties have access to all that the Museum offers while it is closed to the general public. Party package includes a T-shirt for the birthday child and free guest passes for each guest for a return visit. World Cup Gymnastics 160 Hunts Lane, Chappaqua 914-238-9267 worldcupschools.com Kids flip for World Cup Gymnastics parties. Jump on trampolines and air castles, flip on the Tumble Trak and swing into their foam and ball pits, then settle down in a party room to enjoy more fun. Parents can relax while they do the work! Ask about their new themed parties and special gym for children 3 and under. A Unique Art Birthday Experience Young at Art Studio Inc. 1088 Central Park Ave., Room 216, Scarsdale 914-723-9229 youngatartworkshop.com They offer parties for all ages where each child brings home their own bright, playful work of art. Their teachers bring to life any theme you have in mind, from the magical world of Frozen to jewelry making, from superhero puppets to rocket ships. They make dreams come true.

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Ask the Specialist //

Supplemental Needs Trusts How They Can Help Your Child with Special Needs By Amy C. O’Hara, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP

f your child has a disability and is expected to need government benefits to help support her during her lifetime, then a supplemental needs trust may be appropriate. For Starters A supplemental needs trust (SNT) or special needs trust, is a trust which preserves your child’s eligibility for needs-based government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Your child is considered the trust’s beneficiary for whose benefit the trust is established. Because your child does not own the assets in the trust, she can remain eligible for government benefit programs that have asset limits. A few examples of what can be paid from the trust include medical expenses not covered by Medicaid, special therapies, recreational and cultural experiences, vehicles, clothing, sometimes food and shelter, and, for the most part, any services or items that enrich your child’s life. Types of Trusts Generally, there are two types of supplemental needs trusts: first party and third party. A first-party supplemental needs trust is funded with assets or income that belong to your child. In order for the assets of this type of trust not to count for Medicaid or SSI purposes, federal law requires that your child must be under the age of 65 when the trust is created and funded; the trust must be irrevocable and provide that Medicaid will be reimbursed upon your child’s death or upon termination of the trust, whichever occurs first. Also, your child must be classified as disabled by the Social Security Administration and the trust must be administered for your child’s primary benefit. Typical funding comes from child support, a personal injury settlement, or an outright inheritance from a well-meaning family member who did not understand that such a gift could disqualify your child from benefits. A third-party supplemental needs trust is funded with assets belonging to a person other than your child. In fact, no assets belonging to your child may ever be used to fund the trust. Third party SNTs are an ideal estate planning vehicle for you as a parent or other family members and friends to leave an inheritance to your child.

Westchester Family | April 2018

One of the greatest worries for parents is how their child with disabilities will fare after they pass away. Not only will a third party SNT shelter an intended inheritance, it can provide for your child’s lifelong needs if funded with sufficient assets and managed properly. With third party SNTs, there is no Medicaid payback required upon your child’s death; rather, the person creating the trust decides how the remaining assets are distributed. Other Considerations With any supplemental needs trust, the trustee must be given absolute control over the distribution of the trust assets. Your child cannot demand distributions from the trust. Nor can your child have the authority to revoke or amend the trust; otherwise, the assets are counted as an available resource to your child and she would lose her government benefits. Further, the trustee should never give cash outright to your child because this also would cause a reduction or loss of benefits. Thoughtful consideration should also be given to the choice of trustee. In choosing a trustee, consider the potential trustee’s ability to be sensitive to your child’s disabilities; actively monitor any services provided; aggressively advocate for all benefits; and

prudently invest trust assets. A trustee can be your child’s guardian, if your child requires a guardian, family member, close friend, and/ or a professional corporate trustee. More than one trustee can serve at any given time. It is common to have both a professional and an individual serving as trustees together. Supplemental needs trusts are complex. The language used in supplemental needs trusts can vary greatly from one trust agreement to another and from state to state. It is essential for trustees to understand the terms in the written trust agreement. A legal professional experienced in special needs planning can ensure that the trust document meets the needs of your child, the person who is funding the trust, and the trustee who is administering the trust. Amy C. O’Hara, Esq., is a partner with the White Plains law firm of Littman Krooks and focuses her practice on special needs planning, guardianship, benefits advocacy, elder law and estate planning. Amy is certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation. She is also a member of the Special Needs Alliance, a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting families with special needs planning. For more information on Amy please visit littmankrooks.com .

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April 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

Let's Go To ... //

When You Go …

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center

Stamford Museum & Nature Center 39 Scofieldtown Road Stamford, CT 06903 stamfordmuseum.org 203-322-1646 Hours Stamford Museum Galleries & Bendel Mansion Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Heckscher Farm Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April-October Daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., November-March Nature’s Playground & Hiking Trails Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weather permitting) Admission $10 adults, $5 children ages 4-17, under 3 free.

Meet the animals on the grounds of the 10-acre Heckscher Farm, which is part of the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. By Stacey Pfeffer

ess than a mile away from the Merritt Parkway, the Stamford Museum and Nature Center (SM&NC) offers an oasis of nature in one of Connecticut’s largest cities. It is certainly worth a short trip this spring as the Center goes into high gear with a bevy of activities to choose from that’s sure to please the whole family from your animal-loving toddler to adventure-seeking ’tweens. Upon entering the Center be sure to check out the river otter pond and see how many playful otters you can spot. SM&NC is abutted by more than 80 acres of nature trails and offers perfect hands-on learning opportunities for kids. The April Adventures program features activities every Sunday afternoon ranging from nature hikes to slime-making time. Celebrate take-a-hike week mid-April with SM&NC’s special themed days offering kids scavenger hunts, stream hikes and mud pie making. We visited during the Maple Sugar Festival Weekend and my kids loved learning how sap is turned into maple syrup and getting a chance to tap a tree. The free samples of maple syrup plus a special treerelated craft kept these little ones busy. It’s programming like the Maple Sugar Festival Weekend that exemplifies exactly what the Center’s exploratory nature is all about. “Here at the SM&NC, nature, science

Westchester Family | April 2018

and agriculture are all linked, especially when we talk about how food gets to the plate,” explains Lisa Monachelli, the director of education. A Hands-On Hit with Families The Edible Science program began last year and is a popular series that is held in conjunction with the SM&NC’s Sunday Farm Market. Each week children learn a scientific principle that correlates with a food project and allows families to discover the science behind cooking. “Last year, participants discussed the Maillard reaction (why cooked foods turn brown and taste yummy!) by roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, elasticity by making pizza dough, and non-Newtonian fluids by making edible slime. This year, participants will once again cover the Maillard reaction (SM&NC always celebrates National S’mores Day!), as well as viscosity through maple syrup and honey, acidic foods through citrus and plant parts through salad making. The Center also has an organic garden where little ones can help harvest plants. Heckscher Farm My kids liked ambling around the grounds of the 10-acre Heckscher Farm. They saw goats, ponies, sheep and their personal favorite – the cows. They were surprised to see teens caring for the animals. My 5-year-old wondered if she could get a job on the farm.

While she can’t get one anytime soon, when she turns 10, she can partake in the Junior Curator or Junior WILD Keeper program that teaches kids how to clean and feed the animals. The WILD program focuses on the exotic teaching animals such as reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates used at the SM&NC for animal meet and greets that the environmental educators give to kids. Other Outdoor Adventures If you’ve got more of an active bunch and are blessed with warm weather, be sure to check out the onsite Nature’s Playground before you leave. Nestled into a rocky hillside, here kids can climb up to a tree house, walk across a moving bridge or dig for fossils in a sand pit. For little ones still in strollers or those with mobility issues, the Wheels in the Woods Trail offers a universally accessible nature trail through a mature hardwood forest. Before we left the SM&NC, we decided to check out the “Birds in Art” exhibition located in the historic 1920s Bendel (as in Henri Bendel of department store fame) Mansion, which runs through May 28. The traveling exhibit features 60 artistic interpretations of birds and is considered the gold standard for avian art. We played a quick game of “I Spy” with the bird art on display and then got ready to leave. The SM&NC offers many programs from ongoing drop-in classes for the preschool set to after-school programs. Summertime brings day camp options and planetarium shows. And if you have an animal loving or trail-trekking kid, they offer birthday parties year-round. Happy Exploring! Stacey Pfeffer is a writer and editor based in Chappaqua.

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Westchester Family | April 2018

Calendar

April

By Andrea White

It’s sheep shearing time at Stone Barns during a day of family-friendly fun on April 28.

Sheep Shearing Fest Gather your flock for a baa-utiful celebration of spring. Watch farmers shear sheep and then help herd them out to pasture for the season. Revel in springtime with a dance around the Maypole. Enjoy crafts, live music and seasonal fare from local vendors, all while supporting the Center’s mission to create a healthy, sustainable food system for all. 10am–3pm April 28. For all ages. $60 adults, $25 children 2-15, children under 2 free. Reservations required. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, 630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills. 914–366–6200. stonebarnscenter.org.

Ben Hider/ Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture

Calendar What’s Inside Editor’s Pick: LEGO® NINJAGO® 4D

Editor’s Pick: Japanese Festival

Everything Earh Day

City Picks

Connecticut Corner

April 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

Calendar April //

1 Sunday

April Fools’ Scavenger Hunt. What has happened on the farm? Come do this self-guided scavenger hunt and see what funny things have happened at Muscoot. 10am–4pm. For all ages. Registration not required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914–864–7286. muscootfarm.org. Egg Hunt with Wolves! Make your holiday the wildest one yet! Learn about the wolves of North America and then join in an egg hunt with a twist! Instead of looking for eggs, help hide them for Ambassador wolves Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr to find. 11am. For all ages. $14 adults, $11 children under 12. Pre-registration required. Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem. 914–753–2373. nywolf.org Family Art Project: Pastel Eggs in Watercolors. Not all eggs are created alike. Notice the difference between a speckled turkey egg and the cool, blue eggshell of the American robin. Listen to the story An Egg is Quiet, by Dianna Hutts Aston. Then make your own poetic painting with wax-resists in colors of pastel, speckled eggs. 10am–1pm. For all ages. Free with admission, $8 adults, $2 children 6-18, children under 6 free. Registration not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Bronx.718–549–3200. wavehill.org. Margret Steele Magic Show. Catch Margret Steele’s colorful magic and music - before she disappears! 1–2pm and 3–4pm. For all ages. $5. Pre-registration required.

IMAX Entertainment

It’s Panda-monium at The Maritime Aquarium with the new IMAX film Pandas, opening April 6. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914–864–7286. muscootfarm.org Spring Fun. Watch the Garden’s plants and animals wake up from winter with buds bursting, birds nesting and seeds sprouting. Investigate the ways that nature signals spring and help feathered friends build their nests with special nesting bags to take back to your neighborhood. Activities in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. Tuesdays – Sundays, 1:30–5:30pm, until May 18. For all ages. Included in All-Garden Pass. Weekdays: $23 adults, $10 children 2-12; Weekends: $28 adults, $12 children 2-12;

children under 2 free. Reservations not required. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at Fordham Rd., Bronx. 718–817–8700. nybg.org.

2 Monday

Mommy Meet Up. Get out and meet other moms! Socialize, have a snack and let your little one play as the cafe and activity room are closed off for your exclusive use. Mondays, 10:30am–noon, today – April 30. Ages 5 and under. $5 per family. Advance reservations recommended. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148.

lilchameleon.com. Monday Opening. The New York Botanical Garden is open to visitors on this holiday Monday. Explore all that the world-famous 250-acre landscape has to offer, including The Orchid Show and kid-friendly activities of Spring Fun in the Children’s Adventure Garden. 10am–6pm. For all ages. All-Garden Pass: $28 adults, $12 children 2-12, children under 2 free. Reservations not required. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at Fordham Rd., Bronx. 718–817–8700. nybg.org.

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 June 2018 calendar must reach us by April 30, 2018. • 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 | April 2018

Special Holiday Hours. Spring into break week at the Westchester Children’s Museum. Explore exhibits such as “Wind Tunnel Design Challenge” and “Build Your Own Rollercoaster,” plus check out Toddler Beach, the Book Nook and more. Noon–5pm today and April 3. For all ages. $7 per person. Free for children 12 months and under. Reservations not required. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–421–5050. discoverwcm.org. Spring Nature Experience Camp. Explore the wonders of nature in spring! Each day of camp includes fun crafts, games and outdoor adventures. Dress to go outside and get messy. Children take their own lunches each day; nutritious snacks provided. Daily, 9:30am–1:30pm; today – April 6. For children in grades K–3. $350 for the week. Registration required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914–723–3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org. Yankees Home Opener. See City Picks page 51.

3 Tuesday

Create a Frame. Kids customize and create their own unique picture frame to hold a personal Polaroid photo. A keepsake that lasts a lifetime! 4–4:45pm. Ages 4-8. $10. Reservations required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com. School’s Out/Art’s In. Spring break doesn’t have to mean brain drain. Each day, kids travel across the world by exploring arts and crafts traditions of South Asia and the Middle East including mosaics, weaving, miniature painting and calligraphy. Drop-in. 10am–3pm today through April 6. For all ages. $10 adults, $8 children. Registration not required. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah. 914–232– 9555. katonahmuseum.org. Special Holiday Hours. See April 2.

4 Wednesday

Storm King Season Opening. It’s time to get back outside and enjoy both nature and art at the Storm King Art Center. Explore the center’s 500 acres of rolling hills, woodlands and fields and its collection of more than 100 carefully sited sculptures created by some of the most acclaimed artists of our time. 10am–5:30pm. For all ages. $18 adults, $8 children 5-18, children under 4 free. Reservations not required. Storm King Art Center, 1 Museum Rd., Mountainville. 845–534–3115. stormking.org. Storytime and Open Play. Hear stories, play together and meet new friends on Wednesday mornings at Lil Chameleon. Each family pays for a voucher that can be used for storytime and open play or put toward items in the resale boutique. Wednesdays, 10–11:30am, today – April 25. For newborns-5 years. $5 per family. Reservations recommended. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com. Young Discoverers. Stimulate curious minds at this weekly science-based “drop-in” program. Simple experiments and craft projects add to the excitement of learning something new. This month’s theme is planet earth. Wednesdays, 11–11:30am, today – April 25. For ages 2-5. Free with $7 admission. Reservations not required. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–421–5050. discoverwcm.org.

5 Thursday

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site: The Musical. See Connecticut Corner page 52. Museum Musicians. Get moving at The Bruce Museum during this new music program for toddlers designed to nurture creativity and self-expression. Toddlers sing, dance and play music inspired by the museum’s exhibitions and collections. 9:45–10:45am. Ages 10–24 months. Free with general

April 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

Calendar April // admission. $10 adults, children under 5 free. Space is limited. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Greenwich, Conn. 203–869–0376. brucemuseum. org.

E d ito r ’s Pi ck

Lego Ninjago 4D ®

Sensory Bottle Craft. Come create a sensory bottle for your child. Sensory bottles provide a way for all children to engage in safe sensory play. Customize your bottle to fit your child’s needs. 10–10:45am. Ages 2-5. $10. Reservations required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com. Sister Act. A disco diva trades her shiny costumes for a nun’s habit in this hilarious musical based on the hit 1992 film Sister Act. After Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put under protective custody and hidden in a convent! While there, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. Wednesdays – Sundays, today – July 1. Check website for specific times. For all ages. $53-$89. Reservations required. Westchester Broadway Theatre, One Broadway Plaza, Elmsford. 914–592–2222. broadwaytheatre.com.

6 Friday

Graham Clarke. Rock out with popular children’s musician Graham Clarke. Kids love Graham’s silly humor and fun songs and enjoy moving and grooving to the beat. Fridays, 10–10:30am, today – April 27. Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers. Reservations not required. While weather permits, performances are outside on the Village Green to accommodate a larger audience. Rye Free Reading Room, 1061 Boston Post Rd., Rye. 914–967–0480. ryelibrary. org. IMAX Movie Pandas. See Connecticut Corner page 52. Museum After Dark. The Westchester Children’s Museum stays open late on the first Friday of each month. Extra time to play and explore! 10am–8pm. For all ages.

Westchester Family | April 2018

Courtesy photo

Experience the supercharged world of LEGO® NINJAGO® like you’ve never seen, smelt or felt it before in an all-new 4D movie at LEGOLAND. Launch into LEGO® NINJAGO® 4D Movie! It’s the premiere of LEGO® NINJAGO®: Master of the 4th Dimension. Join the ninjas as they show off their moves in a super-cool and explosive 4D adventure. Unravel the teachings of the Scroll to master the 4th Dimension and harness the power of the elements in this exclusively awesome cinematic experience! 3-9pm. April 13. For all ages. Included with admission. $16.95 in advance, $22.95 at the door, children under 2 free. Reservations not required. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. 866–243–0770. westchester.legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

$7 admission per person. Reservations not required. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–421–5050. discoverwcm.org.

tine Ave., White Plains. 914–422–1476. whiteplainslibrary.org.

New Mommies First Fridays. Meet other friendly first (and second and even third time!) moms at this Babyganicssponsored Mommy Meet-up. Share the good, bad and ugly and make new friends. Swag bags provided by Babyganics for each family. 10–11am. Recommended for parents of babies up to 1 year. $5 per family. Advance reservations required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com.

Addy & Uno. See City Picks page 51.

Disney/Pixar’s Coco. See the Academy Award-winning animated film that celebrates family and the Mexican tradition Day of the Dead. Rated PG. 3–4:45pm today; 2–3:45pm April 22. For all ages. Reservations not required. White Plains Public Library, 100 Mar-

7 Saturday

Art Workshop: Earth Day. See Everything Earth Day page 50. Baby Sign Language. Get communicating with your little one with sign language! This musical class uses songs, stories, games and activities to teach signs from American Sign Language in a way that is fun and easy. Come sign, play and find out what’s on your baby’s mind! Class is taught by certified instructor Chloe from Chloe’s Kids. 9:45–10:30am today and April 21. Ages 3 and under. $20 per family. Advance registration recommended. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com.

Free Family Saturdays @ the Lab. Drop-in for three brand new, hands-on activities for April. With the help of faculty and staff, young media makers can explore, discover and create amazing projects. Activities range from animation and sound editing to live green-screening and group storytelling projects! 1–3pm. Ages 3-13. Reservations not required. Jacob Burns Film Center Media Arts Lab, 405 Manville Rd., Pleasantville. 914–773–7663. burnsfilmcenter.org/ visit/media-arts-lab. Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site: The Musical. Build up some family fun at this musical based upon the bestselling book Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. Excavator and Bulldozer find that preparing for bed is a job in itself! Will the construction vehicles ever get some shut-eye before tomorrow’s day of work? 2pm. For all ages. $28. Reservations required. Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown. 914–631–3390. tarrytownmusichall. com. Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival. See Editor’s Pick page 48. Muscoot Hike. Take a walk out back and see some of Muscoot’s hiking trails! Dress warmly. 7–8am. For all ages. Reservations not required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914–864–7286. muscootfarm.org. Photograms Workshop. Join in a fun, free workshop in Photograms – photographic images made without a camera. 10am–noon. Ages 6-12. Preregistration requested. Class sizes limited. Blue Door Art Center, 13 Riverdale Ave., Yonkers. 914–375–5100. bluedoorartcenter.org. WHUD Kids Fair. It’s a day of education and fun at Westchester’s largest kids event! There are hands-on activities, games, inflatables, live entertainment and the Two By Two Zoo, the

educational traveling zoo. Portions of the proceeds benefit The H.O.P.E. for Youth Foundation and Children’s Charities in the Hudson Valley. 11am–4pm. For all ages. $5 adults, children free. Reservations not required. Performing Arts Center at Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase. whud.com/kidsfair.

8 Sunday

Family Art Project: Rock with the Rock Pigeons. Learn how rock pigeons have made urban centers home and helped humans by carrying secret messages. Costume yourself in handmade, fabric feathers to make silvery wings. Then join your flock for a rockin’ pigeon sing-along with special guest guitarist Todd Falberg and storyteller Rama Mandel. 10am–1pm. For all ages. Free with admission. $8 adults, $2 children 6-18, children under 6 free. Registration not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Bronx. 718–549–3200. wavehill.org. Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers: The Legend of the Banana Kid. Saddle up for this cowboy adventure in the Wild West from the puppetry troupe Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers. With a fistful of bananas, Little Chucky rides into town on his trusty goat for a showdown with Big Bad Bart and his gang of bandits. Show features 20 hand-crafted glove, mouth and rod puppets, and a slew of flying and twirling styrofoam bananas. 3pm. Ages 4 and up. $12.50. Reservations required. The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, Conn. 203–325–4466. palacestamford.org. Hastings Flea. A new season of the Hastings Flea begins with great shopping for parents and fun for the kids. Meet over 40 local artists and merchants who offer one-of-a-kind items such as hand-made jewelry, collectibles and antiques. Kids enjoy live music, a puppet show, face painting and crafts. Plus, find animals for adoption, food trucks and more

surprises. 10am–4pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Hastings Metro-North Commuter Lot, 131 Southside Ave., Hastings. hastingsflea.com.

9 Monday

BROADWAY’S BIGGEST SELLING

MAGIC SPECTACULAR “MAGIC’S CIRQUE DU SOLEIL” —THE TIMES OF LONDON

Author Talk: Angela Santomero. The award-winning co-creator of Blue’s Clues, and creator of Super Why and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, talks about her new book, Preschool Clues: Raising Smart, Inspired and Engaged Kids in a Screen-Filled World. Ms. Santomero explains how to evaluate children’s media content and use it to help kids flourish. 7pm. For adults. Reservations not required. Chappaqua Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua. 914–238–4779. chappaqualibrary.org. Mommy Meet Up. See April 2.

10 Tuesday

Flor’s Music, Stories & Open Play. Get in the groove with songs, music and stories from bilingual recording artist, singer and storyteller Flor Bromley! Then enjoy an hour of open play with other children and their caretakers. 10–11:30am today and April 24. Ages 5 and under. $20 per family. Advance registration recommended. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com.

11 Wednesday

Itsy Bitsy Playgroup. Time to get social - for parents and little ones! Connect with other parents over the joys and bumps of parenthood while engaging your infant/toddler in a group setting through music, motor play and story time. Weekly discussions are held on topics relevant to Jewish or Interfaith. 10:30–11:30am today and April 18, 25. For children under 2. Registration not required. Temple Sholom, 300 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, Conn. 203–869–7191. templesholom.com.

MAY 3 THE PALACE THEATRE STAMFORD, CT

PALACESTAMFORD.ORG • 203-325-4466

April 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com Illusionists3_35x9_5 copy.indd 1

47 3/6/18 4:24 PM

Calendar April //

12 Thursday

Feeding Time! This is a family breakfast to remember! After a light buffet in the Cascade Café, make the rounds and help as Aquarium staff feed the turtles, horseshoe crabs and rays. Enjoy a close connection with a trainer during a private feeding of the harbor seals. Best of all, go behindthe-scenes as an aquarist feeds the big sharks – with your own chance to toss in some fish to see who’s hungry. 8–10am. Ages 5 and up. $50 adults, $25 children 12 and under. Reservations required. The Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203–852–0700 x2206. maritimeaquarium.org.

13 Friday

Button Mural. Create sun murals out of buttons to celebrate the arrival of spring. A fun way to engage your child’s fine motor skills! 10–10:45am. For all ages. $10. Registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com. Launch into LEGO® NINJAGO® 4D Movie! See Editor’s Pick page 46. Mom’s Night Out. Join other moms to share your story about what you currently do, what your career used to be, where you are in life now or where you want to be. Share information about how to help one another, grow business and social contacts and have some fun. Night starts at Lil Chameleon then continues down the street for a two-hour open bar. 8–11pm. For adults. $40. Registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com. Thematic Tour: John Jay and Thomas Jefferson. John Jay and Thomas Jefferson were constant adversaries during their political careers but became friends and corresponded often during retirement. To mark Jefferson’s birthday, take a docent-led tour of John Jay’s Bedford House highlighting the relationship

Westchester Family | April 2018

E d ito r ’s Pi ck

Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival

Photo by George Hirose

A Japanese Taiko drum performance is just part of the Pelham Art Center’s festival celebrating spring and cherry blossoms on April 7. Welcome spring and the beautiful cherry blossoms during this fun-filled festival. Enjoy a Japanese Taiko drum performance, a demonstration of Japanese flower arranging and learn how to transform flat origami paper into wonderful three-dimensional works. The drums are loud, so use judgment for sensory-sensitive children. 1:30–3:30pm April 7. For all ages. FREE. Reservations not required. Pelham Art Center, 155 Fifth Ave., Pelham. 914–738–2525. pelhamartcenter.org.

between the two men. 1pm, 2pm, 3pm today. For all ages. Regular admission fees apply. $10 adults, children 12 and under free. Reservations not required. John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah. 914–666–7004. johnjayhomestead. org.

14 Saturday

Birthday Howl for Zephyr, Alawa and Nikai. It’s birthday time for three of the WCC’s most popular wolves! Assemble “wolfy” gifts for the Ambassador wolves and then enjoy watching as they tear them open! 11am today and 11am and 2pm April 15. For all ages. $14 adults, $11 children under 12. Pre-registration required. Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem. 914–753–2373. nywolf.org. Bubble Guppies Live!: Ready to Rock. See City Picks page XX. Family Art Project: Bud-

ding Birdwatchers. Learn to compare size and shape — the first step in bird identification. Make binoculars out of cardboard tubes to help spot avian species at Wave Hill, with drawings and cutouts of various species to help ID them. And use colored pencils in multiple thin layers to create rich, feathery effects and exciting likenesses of birdy qualities. 10am–1pm today and April 15. For all ages. Free with admission. $8 adults, $2 children 6-18, children under 6 free. Admission free until noon today. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Riverdale. 718–549–3200. wavehill.org. First Notes/Primeras Notas. It’s never too early to introduce your child to music! The Music Conservatory of Westchester is giving local families a taste of their bilingual early childhood music education program with free sessions at Westchester libraries.

The classes are an introduction to music through songs, sound exploration, rhythm and movement in an upbeat, nurturing environment. 1pm (2 months–2 years) and 2pm (2–4 years) today and April 21. Reservations not required. White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plains. 914–422–1476. musicconservatory.org. Love You a Brunch Cooking Class: Mini-Vegetable Fritattas. Fun is definitely on the menu as your lil chef learns to roll, mix, form, season and taste a variety of sweet and savory brunch foods in this hands-on cooking class. Caretakers are invited to relax in the café/lounge or shop while the kids build their new skills. 9:45–10:30am. Ages 4-6. $35. Reservations required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com. Morning Farm Chores. Do you have what it takes to be a farmer? Find out during a morning at Muscoot. 8–11am. For all ages. $6 per person or $20 family of four. Pre-registration required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914–864–7286. muscootfarm.org Ninja-Kick Your Way into LEGO® NINJAGO® Event Days! Master Wu is waiting for mini-ninjas at the Dojo with some totally awesome LEGO® NINJAGO® 4D-themed activities! Kids can sharpen their ninja skills, learn the LEGO® NINJAGO® alphabet and master the elements of the 4th Dimension! 10am–7pm today and April 21; 10am–5pm April 15 and 22. For all ages. Included with admission. $16.95 in advance, $22.95 at the door, children under 2 free. Reservations not required. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. 866–243– 0770. westchester.legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

15 Sunday

Boscobel House and Gardens. This historic estate in the heart of the Hudson Valley is once again open to visitors! The

Buy Online at yorktownstage.org house, built in the early 1800s, is considered to be one of the finest examples of Federal-style architecture in the country. Take a docent-led tour of the mansion and spend time wandering the 60-acre property, including rose and herb gardens. Wednesdays – Mondays, 9:30am–5pm. For all ages. $17 adults, $8 children 6-14, children under 6 free. Reservations not required. Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Rte. 9D, Garrison. 914–265–3638. boscobel.org. Community Piano Concert Series. Celebrate the piano with the talented young students of the Music Conservatory of Westchester! In this free, educational concert series, learn how the piano was invented and how it became the most popular instrument of all time. 2pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Ossining Public Library, 53 Croton Ave., Ossining. 914–941–2416. musicconservatory.org. First Notes/Primeras Notas. It’s never too early to introduce your child to music! The Music Conservatory of Westchester is giving local families a taste of their bilingual early childhood music education program with free sessions at Westchester libraries. The classes are an introduction to music through songs, sound exploration, rhythm and movement in an upbeat, nurturing environment. 2:30pm today and April 22, 29. Ages 3-5. Reservations not required. Ossining Public Library, 53 Croton Ave., Ossining. 914–941–2416. musicconservatory.org. How I Became a Pirate. See Connecticut Corner page 52. Jay and Ray: Jams for Fams. This music show by two parents is sure to entertain parents and kids of all ages. Professional musicians Jay and Ray explore rhythm, melody and movement with an energetic, silly and fun show rooted in play-based learning. 3pm. For all ages. $12.50. Reservations required. The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, Conn. 203–325–4466.

palacestamford.org.

Sat, Apr 28

Watch, Do and Make Dance! Get moving in this creative dance workshop from Second Story Dance Project. Students warm up with professional dancers, watch the artists perform their latest works, learn portions of the dances and then create their own piece! 2:30–3:30pm. For elementary school children. Free with admission. $7 adults, children 12 months and under free. Reservations not required. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–421–5050. discoverwcm.org. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Like the delightful comic strip on which it is based, this beloved musical is happiness for everyone! Enjoy a fun-filled day in the life of all of your favorite Peanuts characters as they sing, dance and step right out of the funny pages onto the PGT stage. 2pm and 7pm today and April 22. For all ages. $18 adults, $15 children under 12. Reservations not required. The Play Group Theatre, One North Broadway, White Plains. 914–946–4433. playgroup.org.

12:00, 3:30 pm, 7:00 pm TICKETS: $12$18

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16 Monday

All Together Now. Stories and songs for little ones with an adult. Just drop in! Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:30am–noon, Saturdays, 11–11:30am, through April 30. Ages 5 and under. Reservations not required. Chappaqua Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua. 914–238–4779. chappaqualibrary. org. Mommy Meet Up. See April 2.

17 Tuesday

Little Playtimes. The littlest LEGO® fans can enjoy big fun at LEGOLAND during “Little Playtimes” featuring discounted admission on Tuesday mornings. Scheduled activities include DUPLO Animal Bingo and story time. Stay to play as long as you like! 10am–2pm today and April 24.

Saturday, April 21, 2018 9 am to 4 pm

Briarcliff Congregational Church South State Road at Pleasantville Road Briarcliff Manor, New York, 914-941-4368

Donations accepted: Sun, 4/15, 11–3; Mon–Thu 9-4; Tues 9–9

CLOTHES ✾ JEWELRY ✾ FURNITURE APPLIANCES ✾ CHILDREN’S BOOKS ✾ TOYS COLLECTIBLES & MORE! Lunch will be available along with a Bake Sale!

April 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

Calendar April // Ages 5 and under. $24 admission for one adult and one child, children 2 and under free. Reservations not required. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. 866–243–0770. westchester. legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

18 Wednesday

Itsy Bitsy Playgroup. See April 11. Storytime and Open Play. See April 4. Young Discoverers. See April 4.

19 Thursday

My Ability. This sensory-friendly workshop is designed to be a safe and welcoming experience for visitors with special needs and their caregivers. The workshop includes sensory activities, gross and fine motor play, self-guided projects, directed constructs and socialization with others. Parents and caregivers can also explore and share resources. Part of the museum’s Accessibility Afternoon. 3–5pm. For all ages. Free admission for families of children with special needs. Reservations not required. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203–899–0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org. Shen Yun. Take an enlightening journey through 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms — classical Chinese dance — along with patented scenographical eﬀects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun’s epic production opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom. 7:30pm today and April 20; 2pm and 7:30pm April 21; 1pm and 6pm April 22; 7:30pm April 24; 2pm April 25. For all ages. $80-$180. Reservations required. The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase. 914–251–6200. artscenter. org.

Westchester Family | April 2018

Everything Earth Day Art Workshop: Earth Day. Get ready to celebrate Mother Earth and all her creatures by learning to draw animals with wildlife artist Alison Nicholls. 9:30–11:30am April 7. For all ages. Children under 5 should be accompanied by an adult. Donation: $15. Registration not required. Mamaroneck Artists Guild, 126 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont. 914–834–1117. mamaroneckartistsguild. org. Earth Art Club. A Friends of Rye Nature Center naturalist leads a short hike to collect a few natural artifacts including forsythia and daffodil flowers. The naturalist then guides young artists to create a piece of natural art. 1pm April 21. Recommended for ages 4 and up. $8 per person. Registration not required. Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Rd., Rye. 914–967–5150. ryenaturecenter.org. Earth Day Celebration. Celebrate Earth Day at this family-friendly event featuring the Stillman Family Green Zone, filled with fun and informative games and activities. Plus, enjoy live music, hayrides, nature play in Grasshopper Grove, live animals and more! This year’s theme is “Reducing the Use of Plastics.” 11am–3pm April 21. For all ages. $5 per car suggested donation at entrance. Reservations not required. Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Dr. across from 174 Angola Rd., Cornwall. 845–534–5506. hhnm.org.

Wild Kratts Live! From the hit TV show, animated Kratt Brothers Martin and Chris “come to real life” in this classically Wild Kratts story. The brothers activate their Creature Power Suits and, through hilarious pratfalls and amazing animal “wow facts,” confront a comic villain to keep animals safe. 7pm. For all ages. $22.50-$100. Reservations required. The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, Conn. 203–325–4466. palacestamford.org.

20 Friday

Exploring Play. Every month features a new theme brought to life through creative and fun movement activities, song, story and a take home project for all. Parents

Show your appreciation this month for the wonder of our Earth with a variety of activities from art projects to plantings. Earth Day Celebration. Dig in and make a difference on the 48th Earth Day! Get your hands dirty planting GNC’s gardens, turning the compost, removing invasives, clearing trails and mulching footpaths. Learn about beekeeping, backyard composting and other ways to care for the Earth, plus be an environmental steward in a tree planting ceremony. Noon–4pm April 22. For all ages. FREE. Reservations not required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914–723–3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

and caregivers are provided with information on the latest developments in Play research for young children. Fridays, 11–11:30am. Ages 2-4. Free with $7 admission. Reservations not required. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–421–5050. discoverwcm.org. Special Story: The Dragon Who Stole Spring. Step into whimsical dragon adventure stories courtesy of master story teller Jonathan Kruk! Meet the dragon who stole spring, another who makes kids share and one more who breathes rainbows! A walk and talk in the woods to happen upon a dragon lair! Live music by Steve Kelman and food served. Part of Westmoreland’s “Native American

Story Telling Series.” 4:30–6:30pm. For ages 5-11. $10. Reservations required. Westmoreland Sanctuary, 260 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Mount Kisco. 914–666–8448. westmorelandsanctuary.org. 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 refresh your spirit and expand your mind. Enjoy a new topic each month followed by coffee and snacks. Crying babies welcome! 9:30–10:30am. Children under 18 months. Free with admission. $10 adults. Reservations not required. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St.,

Katonah. 914–232–9555. katonahmuseum.org.

21 Saturday

Addy & Uno. See City Picks page 51. Annual Pitch-In for Parks Day. Volunteers “spring” into action for spring cleanup time at the sanctuary. A great way to have fun, get some exercise and be out in nature! 10am. For all ages. Registration not required. Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Playland Park, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. friendsofreadwildlifesanctuary.org.

City Picks Addy & Uno. As Uno, a child with autism, faces the challenge of competing in his school’s math competition, his friends with varying disabilities - ADHD, visual, hearing and physical impairment - rally in support. Through puppets and soaring music, Addy & Uno is a heartfelt and hilarious journey celebrating hope, big dreams and the beauty of differences. Saturdays, Noon, until May 5. For all ages. $42.25. Reservations required. Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St. New York. 212–239–6200. addyanduno. com.

Earth Day Celebration. See Everything Earth Day page 50.

The Alice-in-Wonderland Follies. Follow Alice’s adventures through Wonderland as she meets some of the most beloved characters in children’s literature. Presented by the New York Theatre Ballet in a vaudeville style. The ballet draws on a range of cultural dance forms - from Irish Step Dancing to African Juba to classical ballet. 1pm April 28; 11am, 1pm, 3:30pm April 29. Ages 3 and up. $34 adults, $24 children 12 and under. Reservations required. Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th St., Midtown, New York. 212–355–6160. nytb.org.

Earth Day Handprint Keepsake. When Earth Day comes around every year, we have to celebrate our great Mother Earth! Come to craft with your lil one and create your very own Earth handprint keepsake. 11am–noon. For all ages. $20. Advance registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com.

Bubble Guppies Live!: Ready to Rock. What time is it? It’s time for Bubble Guppies! Dive in to this interactive musical underwater adventure! The Bubble Guppies are getting ready to rock n’ roll with everyone’s favorite tunes, but when a special band member goes missing, the show can’t go on! The whole gang embark on a musical expedition as they search for their friend. 2pm and 5:30pm April 14; 11am and 2:30pm April 15. For all ages. $25$125. Reservations required. The Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway, Upper West Side, New York. msg.com.

Explorations: Milkweed for Monarchs. To celebrate Earth Day, help monarch butterfly conservation by planting milkweed seeds! 2:15–2:45pm today and April 22. For all ages. $15 adults and children, children under 1 free. Reservations not required. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203–899– 0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Fall under the spell of Harry Potter on Broadway! While everyone’s favorite wizard grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family

Day Out with Thomas: Big Adventures Tour 2018. See Connecticut Corner page 52. Earth Art Club. See Everything Earth Day page 50.

Family Art Project: Earth Day Gratitude Garden. Reflect upon the abundance of this Earth. What are your favorite things that grow? Sculpt a miniature garden using oil clay in bright colors. Then share what you are thankful

for on a paper flag, and plant it in Wave Hill’s outdoor, communal “gratitude garden.” 10am–1pm today and April 22. For all ages. Free with admission. $8 adults, $2 children 6-18, children under 6 free. Admission free until noon today. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Riverdale. 718–549–3200. wavehill.org.

Photo by Manuel Harlan

Muggles can witness the magic of Harry Potter on Broadway in the two-part play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. legacy he never wanted. Past and present collide in a thrilling, original story with old favorites and new characters. Play presented in two parts. Wednesdays – Sundays. See website for times. Previews through April 21. Opening Night April 22. Ages 10 and up. $20-$199 per part. Reservations required. Lyric Theatre, 214 W. 43rd St., Theater District, New York. 212–556–4765. harrypottertheplay.com/us. Yankees Home Opener. Hit one out of the park at the Yankees’ 2018 home opener! The Pinstripes, with new slugger Giancarlo Stanton and new manager Aaron Boone, take on the Tampa Bay Rays as they look to start the season off strong. 1:05pm April 2. For all ages. Reservations required. Yankee Stadium, 1 E. 161st St., Concourse, Bronx . mlb. com/yankees.

Kids in the Kitchen: Orecchiette (Little Ears Pasta). Orecchiette is a simple, satisfying pasta recipe typical of the region of Puglia. Literally translating to “little ears,” orecchiette are easily formed by the small hands of “piccolo cuochi” (little chefs)! The young chefs take home their pasta and have the opportunity to sample pasta with various sauces. 2pm. For all ages. $40 children; $65 parent

and child; $40 each additional person. Reservations required. Westchester Italian Cultural Center, One Generoso Pope Pl., Tuckahoe. 914–771–8700. wiccny.org.

22 Sunday

Art Adventures: Earth Day Art. Drop-in to craft some fun and creative works of art for Earth Day inspired by the museum’s collec-

April 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

Calendar April // tions and exhibitions. 1–3pm. Ages 4 and up. Free with admission. $10 adults, children under 5 free. Registration not required. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Greenwich, Conn. 203–869–0376. brucemuseum. org.

Connecticut Corner

Birds of Prey. Fly on over to Muscoot to see naturalist James Eyring and his birds for this special Earth Day program. 1–2pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914–864–7286. muscootfarm.org Earth Day Celebration. See Everything Earth Day page 50. Family Sunday: Rocket Ships and Outer Space. Paint an outer space mural with stars and planets. Create shiny rocket ships to play with. Class begins with a demonstration of the art project, which is designed to be done with an adult. 3–4:30pm. Ages 2 and up. $20 per child. Pre-registration highly recommended. Young at Art, 1088 Central Park Ave., Room 216, Scarsdale. 914–723–9229. youngatartworkshop.com. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. See City Picks page 51. Disney/Pixar’s Coco. See April 6. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. See April 15.

23 Monday

Mother Goose Time. Engage with classic rhymes, songs and stories that encourage early literacy skills for the littlest library-goer. 11–11:30am today and April 28. For ages 2 and under with caregiver. Tickets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis 30 minutes before the start of program. White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plains. 914–422–1476. whiteplainslibrary.org.

24 Tuesday

Flor’s Music, Stories & Open Play. See April 10.

Westchester Family | April 2018

Music & Movement. A fun-filled introduction to songs, finger plays and movement. Led by professional musician and educator Norah Maher. In the Children’s Room of the Main Library. 10–10:30am. Ages 1-3. Registration not required. New Rochelle Public Library, 1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle. 914–632–7878. nrpl.org. Shen Yun. See April 19.

25 Wednesday Courtesy photo

Dig in for some family fun at Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site: The Musical at The Palace Theatre April 5. Day Out with Thomas: Big Adventures Tour 2018. All aboard for a special ride with Thomas the Tank Engine! Take a 20-minute journey on this special train, then meet Sir Topham Hatt and Percy the Small Green Engine, too! Carnival rides, face painting, storytelling, a magic show, music, a petting zoo and more also included. Departure times every 45 minutes. 9am–5:15pm April 21, 28, 29, May 5 and 6. For all ages. $25 per person ages 2 and up. Children under 2 free, but must sit on a lap. Reservations required. Essex Steam Train, 15 Plains Rd., Essex, Conn. 860–767–0103. essexsteamtrain.com. Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site: The Musical. You’ll dig this musical based on the best-selling book Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. Bedtime is approaching, but Crane Truck is getting cranky, Cement Mixer takes too long with bath time, and Dump Truck just isn’t sleepy! Will these construction vehicles ever get some shut-eye before tomorrow’s day of work? 4pm April 5. Ages 3 and up. $15-$50. Reservations required. The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, Conn. 203–325–4466. palacestamford.org. How I Became a Pirate. Sail away in this swashbuckling musical adventure about young Jeremy Jacob who joins Captain Braid Beard’s band of comical pirates on a quest for the perfect spot to bury their treasure. While Jeremy finds fun and adventure on the high seas, he soon learns that home and family are treasures that can’t be found on any map. Based on the book by Melinda Long. 1pm and 4pm April 15. Recommended for ages 4–10. $20. Reservations required. Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Ct., Westport, Conn. 203–227–4177. westportplayhouse.org. IMAX Movie Pandas. It’s cuteness overload in the inspiring and endearing new IMAX movie, Pandas. Follow young panda cub Qian Qian as she takes her first steps in the wild – and the biologists in China teaching her to survive on her own. Daily, Noon, 2pm, 4pm; April 6 – June 30. For all ages. Admission tickets include one standard IMAX movie. $24.95 adults, $17.95 children 3-12, children under 3 free. Reservations not required. The Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203–852–0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

Sister Act. See April 5.

Spring Fun. See April 1.

26 Thursday

Museum Minis. A half an hour of songs, moving and plenty of fun! Meet up in Toddler Beach for social play, muscle and brain builders, tumbling and jumping, music and instruments, dancing and stories. 10:30–11am. Ages 18-24 months. Free with $7 admission. Group size is limited. First come, first served. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–421–5050. discoverwcm.org.

27 Friday

Rainbow Craft. Rainbows may be the best thing about Spring. They are beautiful, vibrant and a perfect way to teach, explore and play with colors. Create a beautiful rainbow and cotton ball cloud wall hanging. 10–10:45am. Ages 2-5. $10. Registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com. Storybook Yoga. Little ones stretch and move as they act out familiar stories from favorite authors through creative movement and yoga. Classes cultivate an exploration of movement, breath and sound in a supportive space. Lead by certified instructor Kristy Cohen. 10:15–10:45am. Ages 6 months and up. Registration not required. Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Dr., Croton. 914–271–6612. crotonfreelibrary.org

28 Saturday

Family Art Project: Barking up a Wave Hill Tree. With wax crayons and paper in hand, visit some of Wave Hill’s treasured trees and have a tactile experience making simple, but rich, bark rubbings. Using these inspired rubbings, work with burlap, cheesecloth, bits of leather, craft paper and yarn to create a collection of rich textures and bark-inspired designs. 10am– 1pm. For all ages. Free with admission. $8 adults, $2 children 6-18, children under 6 free. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Riverdale. 718–549–3200. wavehill.org.

The Alice-in-Wonderland Follies. See City Picks page 51. Junior Arborist Station. Here’s an invitation to climb trees with permission! Kids don treeclimbing harnesses and hard hats and ascend into the canopy of the old sugar maple tree at Wave Hill to get a bird’s-eye view of the garden. Arborists are on hand to assist as well as answer questions about the big, old trees at Wave Hill. 11am– 3pm. Ages 5 and up welcome with an adult. Free with admission. $8 adults, $2 children 6-18, children under 6 free. Admission is free until noon. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Riverdale. 718–549–3200. wavehill.org. Mother’s Day Artisan Market. Find the perfect gift for mom. Choose from colorful jewelry, pottery, all-natural skincare products, fine art prints, cards, journals and much more from the artisans of the Northeast Etsy Artists Association. Kids can create a special card for mom at the Make ‘n Take art activity table, plus enjoy yummy treats and music! 10am– 4pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Ossining Public Library, 53 Croton Ave., Ossining. 914–941–2416. ossininglibrary.org. Rockin’ Rave & Family Fun Night. It’s a get your boogie on, dance the night away glow-fest at this benefit for the Westchester Children’s Museum. Enjoy music under the strobes, interactive sound and light activities and experiments, and special after-hours access to the Museum’s exhibits and MakerSpace programs. Mocktails and munchies also available. 5–8:30pm. Recommended for ages 5-12. All children must be accompanied by an adult and all adults accompanied by a child. $35. Reservations required. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–421–5050. discoverwcm.org. Saturday Drop-In: Mother’s

Courtesy Photo

The musical Addy & Uno at Theatre Row in New York City explores disability, friendship, and kindness. Day Projects. Make a handcrafted gift for mom in time for Mother’s Day at this fun and messy introduction to clay. 1:30–3:30pm and 4–6pm. Ages 5 and up. $30 adults, $20 children 12 and under (includes material and firing). Space is limited. Spaces go on sale at the front desk at 10am the day of class. Clay Art Center, 40 Beech St., Port Chester. 914–937–2047. clayartcenter. org.

Stone Age. Kids contribute their own ideas in the Story Pirates’ newest interactive musical comedy! After a wild adventure in the Stone Age, two scientists need the help and creativity of kids in the audience to get back to their own time. 11am. For all ages. $19-$23. Reservations required. White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Pl., White Plains. 914–328–1600. wppac. com.

Sheep Shearing Fest. See page 43.

Tree Planting. In honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day, help plant some trees at the farm. 1–2pm. For all ages. Registration not required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914–864–7286. muscootfarm.org.

Sleeping Beauty. Don’t sleep on this quirky adaptation of the classic fairy tale! An evil fairy casts a spell on a young princess after being snubbed by the Royal Family. 16 years later, the princess falls into a deep sleep, but more than one spell is about to be broken thanks to the kiss an amnestic, enchanted Faun. The Prince Street Players version of Sleeping Beauty is performed by an adult cast. Noon, 3:30pm, 7pm. For all ages. $12-$18. Reservations required. Yorktown Stage, 1974 Commerce St., Yorktown Heights. 914–952–0606. yorktownstage.org.

29 Sunday

Cinderella. New York Dance presents Hudson Valley Youth Ballet’s Cinderella. This retelling of the classic tale is filled with laughter, drama and new choreography set to Prokofiev’s beautiful score. 1pm and 5pm. For all ages. $20-$25. Reservations not required. Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, 480 Bedford Rd., Chappaqua. 914–458–5143. chappaquapac.org.

First Signs of Spring. Hibernation is over and spring is here. Explore the Center’s trails with a naturalist and identify the different signs of the new season. See who is awake after a long winter’s nap and how they welcome spring. 1–2pm. For all ages. $8. Reservations not required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914–723–3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org. March For Babies. Get your walking shoes to help the littlest among us – and their moms – thanks to the March of Dimes. Join the thousands who walk in support of moms at every stage from preconception to post-delivery with research, programs and education. This year’s fun-filled family event also celebrates the March of Dimes’ 80th anniversary. 10am. For all ages. Sign up on the website to raise funds for this event. Reservations not required. Saxon Woods Pool, 1800 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. marchforbabies.org.

30 Monday

All Together Now. See April 16. Boscobel House and Gardens. See April 15. IMAX Movie Pandas. See Connecticut Corner page 52. Mommy Meet Up. See April 2.

Story Pirates: Stuck In The

April 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

Last Word //

I Think I Saw a Good Movie, but I Can’t Quite Remember By Janine Annett

arlier today, I heard a sentence I’ve heard my mother say hundreds of times. “What was the name of that movie again?” Except this time, she wasn’t the one who’d said it. It was me! When did I turn into my mother? Gradually, I suppose. First, I became a mother myself. Next I’ll be saying, “You know the movie, the one with what’s-hisname in it. The actor?” Recently, I can’t remember for the life of me the names of any movies. I mean, in my defense, I so rarely watch “grown up” movies these days; Pixar takes all my movie money. But somehow, I watched a film recently with my husband about the CIA and the war on drugs; I really couldn’t tell you what it was called or who was in it. I found the plot difficult to follow, and I was concerned when I realized I was one step away from whisperyelling, “What’s going on?” (Just like my mother!) My husband later concurred that the plot did get a little loopy at times during this film. In the end, it all resolved nicely. Just don’t ask me how. We watched another movie that I do remember starred Brad Pitt. It was based on a true story; he played a U.S. general involved in the war in Afghanistan. Not only can I not remember the name of the movie, I can’t remember the fictionalized name or the real-life name of the general. The movie was based on a magazine article that later became a book, but I couldn’t tell you the name of the article, the book, or the author of the article/ book. A colleague of mine recently recommended a movie to me, but I forgot the name of it. Something about money? I asked her to tell me again a few days later, then I promptly forgot it (I was going to write it down, but I forgot to do that). I tried to tell my husband about the movie, but all I could come up with was, “She said it’s really good – it’s about, well, I forget exactly.” Who was in it? I couldn’t remember. To quote the

Westchester Family | April 2018

late, great Nora Ephron (who wrote a bunch of movies, but don’t ask me to tell you the names of all of them), “I remember nothing.” In her book Bird by Bird, the writer Anne Lamott made the observation that if your mind is “perhaps the merest bit disorganized … it may be that you’ve had children.” She also famously says, “When a child comes out of your body, it arrives with about a fifth of your brain clenched in its little hand.” I tried to repeat this quote to my husband, except I didn’t get it quite right. I told him, “Anne Lamott says when you give birth to a child, you lose 30 percent of your brain automatically.” He responded, “Well, we only use about 10 percent of our brains anyway.” Great, there goes 30 percent of 10 percent, and I can’t tell you what 30 percent of 10 percent is, because I can barely remember

how to do math to begin with – and now I have to learn math all over again anyway. Thanks, Common Core and first grade math homework. So the next time you see a movie – whether it’s a kids’ movie or a grown-up one, whether you go to the nearest cinema or rent a movie at home – if you don’t like it, console yourself with this: You might not remember very much of it. You might not even remember the name of it, or who starred in it, or what it was about. I feel a bit like that fish with no memory. You know, what’s-her-name. In that movie. What was it called again? Janine Annett is a mom and writer and film enthusiast. She would recommend the last good film she saw if only she could remember which one it was.

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