100 Reasons To Love Growing Up In The City FEBRUARY
2011
February 2011 Established 1986
Superfoods
KIDS LIKE
Top Hospitals For Families
WWW.NEWYORKFAMILY.COM
Portraits of
YOUNG ARTISTS Lela Rose at home with son Grey and daughter Rosey.
In Full Bloom NEW YORK FAMILY
Fashion Designer Lela Rose On Clothing, Crafting, Cycling And Of Course, Kids!
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DEPARTMENTS
16
INSIDE
News from New York Family, including contests and giveaways and great events for families this month
February 2011
18
FEATURES
40
A TEXAS ROSE IN NEW YORK Fashion designer and Lone Star State transplant Lela Rose talks about her love of cooking, crafting and cycling around the city with the kids—all in stilettos, of course
51
WHEN CUTTING EDGE MEETS CARING From holistic family wellness to the latest advancements in neonatology, the city’s hospitals take comprehensive health care to the next level
44
100 REASONS TO LOVE RAISING KIDS IN NEW YORK From Yankee Stadium to an amazing PTA, let us count the ways
46
MY MASTERPIECE In a city full of great programs nurturing children with artistic impulses, we asked a few young artists to talk about their favorite creations
38
THE MARRIAGE PRESCRIPTION In a new book, health writer and Times “Well” blogger Tara Parker-Pope translates the science behind marriage into practical advice for couples
40 COLUMNS
14
60
EDITOR’S NOTE The more to love
20
EDUCATION TIPSHEET
62
HEALTH & WELLNESS Local nutrition experts share their favorite superfoods for families
30
A GOOD IDEA Local kids’ hair guru Cozy Friedman (of Cozy’s Cuts) shares her best styling secrets for girls in a new book
34
A SPECIAL PLACE In the category of kid-friendly craft spaces, the new Make Meaning may be a true gamechanger
22
JOY OF SHOPPING Sweet Valentine’s Day gifts that will dazzle moms and kids alike
82
66
ON SECOND THOUGHT A mom remembers the moment she (finally) fell for her children
Lela wears a sunset tweed sleeveless dress with wrapped skirt in magneta multi from her Spring 2010 collection; shoes by Lela Rose for Payless. Hair by Xavier Silva for mizu New York Salon. Makeup by Kim Baker for Kim Baker Beauty. Cookies from William Greenberg Desserts, 1100 Madison Avenue. Photography by Michael Jurick (jurick.net). Shot on location at Lela’s Tribeca home. New York Family | February 2011
OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! A New York party of five takes on the slopes at Smuggler’s Notch; plus, seven families share highlights and snapshots from their favorite getaways
If you’re about to decide on an independent nursery school or ongoing school for your child, here’s what to hone in on
28
BUZZWORTHY A magazine for foodie kids, a book that teaches kids green values, toothpaste to keep toddlers’ teeth healthy and bright and more great ideas for February
CAMP COUNTDOWN Not ready to send your child to sleepaway camp yet? Why day camp is the perfect first step
72
TEN IDEAS Our monthly round-up of family fun in the city
THE COVER: Fashion designer Lela Rose with son Grey and daughter Rosey.
10
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
74
CULTURE FOR KIDS February’s best exhibits and performances for families www.newyorkfamily.com
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editor And co-publisher eric Messinger emessinger @ manhattanmedia.com Art director Mitchell Hoffman mhoffman @ manhattanmedia.com deputY editor Katie Main kmain @ manhattanmedia.com stYle director Joy Sherwood jsherwood @ manhattanmedia.com deputY Art director Jessica Balaschak jbalaschak@ manhattanmedia.com production MAnAGer Mark Stinson mstinson @ manhattanmedia.com deputY production MAnAGer Heather Mulcahey hmulcahey @ manhattanmedia.com photo editor Andrew Schwartz aschwartz@ manhattanmedia.com senior editor darcy newell dnewell@manhattanmedia.com contributinG photoGrAphers daniel S. Burnstein, Suzanne Cohen, Heidi Green, thaddeus Harden, Michael Jurick Jennifer Lee, Josh Lehrer, Sarah Merians contributinG Writers Janet Allon, Leah Black, Cristina dimen, Amanda Ferris, Katie Garton, tiffanie Green, Alessandra Hickson, Jean Halloran, Rachael Horowitz, Megan Maxson, Molly O’Meara Sheehan, Jessica Shyba, Amy Spiro, erika thormahlen, Jill Valente, Lauren Wetzel
0 Dyslexia & ADD programs 0 Home tutoring available in NYC, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester and New Jersey 0 We accept Department of Education funding at the enhanced rate for special education students
Group publisher Alex Schweitzer 212-284-9735, aschweitzer @ manhattanmedia.com publisher John Hurley 212-268-3086, jhurley @ manhattanmedia.com AssociAte publisher Mary Ann Oklesson maoklesson @ manhattanmedia.com senior Account MAnAGer Gina Waldman gwaldman @ manhattanmedia.com AssistAnt to the publisher Marissa Broxmeyer mbroxmeyer @ manhattanmedia.com circulAtion Joe Bendik jbendik@ manhattanmedia.com AdvertisinG coordinAtor Jennie Valenti jvalenti @ manhattanmedia.com business MAnAGer Shawn Scott sscott@ manhattanmedia.com Accounts MAnAGer Kathy Pollyea kpollyea @ manhattanmedia.com MAnHAttAn MediA president/ceo tom Allon tallon @ manhattanmedia.com cFo/coo Joanne Harras jharras @ manhattanmedia.com FoundinG publisher Barbara Witt MArketinG director tom Kelly tkelly @ manhattanmedia.com events MAnAGer Stephanie Musso smusso @ manhattanmedia.com
EBL Coaching • 212-249-0147 Dr. Emily Levy, Director www.eblcoaching.com 12
New York Family | February 2011
new York Family is a division of Manhattan Media, publishers of Avenue magazine, our town, West side spirit, new York press, Mitzvah Magazine, the capitol, city hall, city Arts, chelsea clinton news, the Westsider and the blackboard Awards. © 2011 Manhattan Media, llc | 79 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor, new York, nY 10016 | t: 212.268.8600 | f: 212.268.0577 www.manhattanmedia.com
www.newyorkfamily.com
Not every kid wants the same kind of camp, and we want happy campers! That’s why Summer St.ofBart’s offers optionscampers! that include Not every kid wants the sameatkind camp, and we three want happy That’s swim why St. every Bart’s is day: offering three options that include swim every day: Tiny Tot’s at St. Bart’s June 6th-August 19th August 21st St. Bart’s Day CampAge• 3-4.5 Juneyears 8th –9am to 12:30pm 1 Perfect for 3and⁄2 toCrafts 8 year olds: swimming day, sports, art or science, dance,playplus a whole • Arts • Sports in our gymevery • Dance and Movement • Rooftop lot more on our rooftop playground! St Bart’s Day Camp 6th- August 19th – August 21st Island Sports Camp • June 22ndJune 4.5-7 years 9ammore to 3pm For 7 – 13 year olds who likeAgesomething a little sporty. Start the day with science, art, yoga drama, then• jet off for a daygymof •softball, and tennis.• Rooftop The day play concludes back at • Artsor and Crafts Sports in our Dance soccer, and Movement St. Bart’s •with instruction indoor• pool. Funswimming with Science • Karatein •ourDrama Extended day options st Adventure Camp • June 22nd –June August 21– Island Sports Camp 27th August 19th This camp is great for 8 – 13 year olds who aren’t crazy about sports but are into art, science Age 7-13 years • Special trips once a week/private bus and a little adventure. This camp offers two (2) educational/recreation trips per week in and •Field Sports at Roosevelt Tennisdrama lessons outside of Manhattan. Also includes some Island sports,•yoga, and• aSoccer weekly art/science showcase. • Softball • Kickball • Ultimate Frisbee • Relay Races • Touch Football • and more… Summer at St. Bart’s also offers flexible scheduling, the Breakfast Club, Lunch and After Camp program. To Adventure June 20th-August 19th register, schedule a family tour at yourCamp convenience, or receive more information, contact Eileen Reddy at (212) 378-0203, reddy@stbarts.org website: www.stbarts.org.trips/week Age 7-13 yearsor •visit TWOoureducational/recreational • Arts and Crafts • Sports in our gym • Dance and Movement • Yoga St. Bartholomew’s Church • Drama • Karate • Science Park Street • www.stbarts.org 212.378.0203 Summer atAvenue St. Bart’sat also51st offers flexible scheduling, the Breakfast Club, Lunch• and After Camp programs. Contact Eileen Reddy at 212-378-0203, reddy@stbarts.org or Janette Coleman at coleman@stbarts.org. www.stbarts.org.
edit ’s
100 Reasons To Love Growing Up In The City
NOTE
The More To Love
I
f you’re not already familiar with the New York Times “Well” blog, I recommend it. A thoughtful grab bag of stories and reflections on physical and mental wellbeing (which often veers into family territory), “Well” is written by Tara Parker-Pope, a health journalist and mom who this past year also published the book, “For Better: The Science Of A Good Marriage.” Just yesterday I found a “Sustainable Marriage Quiz” on her blog, and though I can’t entice you with something as juicy as that—I’m sure it’ll be on the blog in perpetuity—I can, however, offer a good interview with her, full of choice bits on love and marriage (page 36). In a way that only makes sense in my editor brain, I’ve traditionally used the presence of Valentine’s Day as an excuse to make love and family one of the big themes of our February
Cuts, Cozy Friedman, brings to her work Top Hospitals Superfoods and new book (page For Families KIDS LIKE issues. This year 30). It’s in the eyes the most overt Portraits of of the child artists YOUNG examples of that ARTISTS we feature in our are our ValenActivity of the Month tine’s Day gift (page 46). And it’s in suggestions for our special Valenmoms and kids tine—“100 Reasons Fashion Designer Lela Rose (page 22), and We Love Growing Up On Clothing, Crafting, Cycling And Of Course, Kids! the interview In The City”—which with Parkerseems like the right Pope. But in way to project the more subtle though no less meaningful spirit of this magazine on its 5th anways, there’s a lot of love in this issue. niversary. Where? It’s in the wonderful way “100 Reasons” is full of inspiration. fashion designer Lela Rose embraces But if I’m doing my job right, the real city life as a parent, an entrepreneur affirmation of family life in the city is and a concerned citizen (page 40). It’s on every page of every issue. in the inspiring ways our top hospitals I’m trying. I hope you’re enjoying. serve families (page 51). It’s in the passion and perfectionism of the owner of Wishing Everyone the marvelous new crafting emporium Sustainable Love, Make Meaning (page 34). It’s in the joy ERIC MESSINGER emessinger@manhattanmedia.com that the city’s First Lady of Kid’s Hair February 2011 Established 1986
Lela Rose at home with son Grey and daughter Rosey.
In Full Bloom
three little birds music music education & exploration for children Music Classes, Playroom Birthday Parties and More
266 east 78th street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue
schedule your free trial today! www.tlbmusic.com 212 744 0404 14
New York Family | February 2011
www.newyorkfamily.com
Inspiring Learning, Exceeding Expectations.
At World Class Learning Academy, New York, children take an active role in their learning, supported and mentored by exceptionally well-qualified teachers trained in the UK. As a result, they perform well beyond expectations for their age – most of our students are learning to read and discovering foreign languages by the age of three. Being the only school in New York to offer the International Primary Curriculum, our school is unique in many other ways as well. We instill a love of learning and encourage independent enquiry, WCLA personalizes learning for each child to help them attain their goals, and we are a truly international school that promotes a culture of international awareness and celebration, just to name a few. Contact us today for more information. You’ll not only see the difference in our school, but more importantly, your child. 44 East 2nd Street • New York, New York 10003 • 212.600.2010 www.wclacademy.org • info@wclacademy.org
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Welcome to the Family Prizes
UPCOMING EVENTS
GIVEAWAYS
A Feast of Family Travel!
No one knows how to throw a better party for families than the travel companies, resorts, and cruises who cater to them, which is why we’re really excited to be the media sponsor for a big fun Family Party & Travel Expo featuring Adventures by Disney, Club Med, Royal Caribbean International and Valerie Wilson Travel. Not only will it be a fun-filled day, it will also be a great way to discover some very special spring and summer family travel opportunities. See page 63 for more details, and check out newyorkfamily.com in February to register for the free event.
Be Brave Adventures
Be Brave For A Cause
We’re happy to support the latest project from the Max Cure Foundation (a wonderful non-profit organization that benefits pediatric cancer), Be Brave Adventures, which are interactive storytelling and movement sessions that will take place in upcoming months at various Kidville locations. Created in conjunction with the play experts Unplugged On A Rug, Be Brave Adventures provides an opportunity for families to connect through fitness, art, music and dance, with activities like a physical play zone, tons of art projects with studio-quality materials and musical jam sessions from artists like the Z Brothers and Tom Rossi. Best of all, all of the proceeds of the event (family tickets are $60, individual tickets are $20) benefit pediatric cancer research through the foundation. Be Brave Adventures will take place on February 12th and May 14th at Kidville on the Upper West Side and on March 19th at Kidville’s Upper East Side location. For more information and to register, visit maxcurefoundation.org.
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New York Family | February 2011
AND
Win A Family Four-Pack To See ‘Madagascar LIVE’ at Radio City Music Hall
They’ve conquered Central Park, now see them take the stage! Everyone’s favorite comedic quartet of Safari animals (Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo) are back in a brand new adventure “Madagascar LIVE” at Radio City Music Hall, opening this April. The show, which will follow the gang on an unexpected trip to Africa from their home in Central Park, will feature imaginative sets and costumes, original music and of course, the film’s famous and hilarious plotting penguins! We’re giving away two family four-packs to see this show this spring. TO WIN, write to us at newyorkfamily@ manhattanmedia.com putting “Madagascar” in the subject line and including your contact information. Deadline: February 21st.
Win A Diamond-Encrusted Heart Necklace From Love Rocks NY!
We love the contemporary and elegant jewelry designs from Limor Ratzabi Senker of Love Rocks NY, a New York City-based design house that specializes in ethicallysourced micro-pave diamonds set in 14kt gold and platinum pendants, rings, earrings and bracelets. The “cut out: heart” necklace (shown), which features a .50 inch 14k gold disc, micro-pave diamonds and a diamond brushed finish, is a gorgeous and sleek design that would make a great gift for any mom. And because February is the month of romance, we’re giving away one heart necklace pendant and chain (a total retail value of $770) to one lucky reader. For contest details and to enter, visit newyorkfamily.com/giveaways. Contest deadline is February 24.
www.newyorkfamily.com
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1520 York Avenue, New York, NY 10028 • 212.861.7732
For more information or to register for camp please call 212.861.7732
BIG the
tip
ADmISSIONS Sheet
S
everal thousand city families are now entering the final lap of admissions to the city’s private schools (both nursery schools and ongoing schools), when families applying to “ongoing” school (K and up) find out this month, and families applying to private nursery schools find out the results in March. Choosing to attend a private (or independent) school is a big commitment. Families are expected to be active members of the school community, the schools are expensive, and in the case of ongoing schools, children could end up spending most of their childhood at a particular school. To help parents choose wisely, we asked some well-regarded local educators and admission consultants for some of their best nuggets of advice.
Roxana Reid Director, Smart City Kids (smartcitykids.org) Nursery School: When parents first engage in the admissions process, they consider schools based on a wide range of factors. As decision time nears, parents get practical and location becomes really important. I would say that if parents find themselves choosing between location and philosophy/ program/community, it’s okay for location to beat out the others. There are real stressors to commuting with a very young child, and it is okay to consider the quality of life that you envision for the next few years. Ongoing School: With schools that go up through 12th grade, parents put a lot of pressure on themselves regarding this almost-13-year decision. Take a deep breath. While schools would like you to be committed for the 13 years, many students end up applying out for 6th and 9th grade as their academic interests and needs evolve. For now, your commitment is through the lower school.
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New York Family | February 2011
DecisioN
the Applications, the School Visits, the Interviews—that Part Is Over. Now Families Applying to Private Schools Learn the Results And have Some Reckoning to Do John taylor Founding Head, World Class Learning Academy (wclacademy.org) At the very least, parents should expect certain “givens”: *School should be a welcoming and pleasant place where health and safety is important. *Focus is on learning and achievement. *Well-qualified and experienced teachers maximize the learning potential of children and instill confidence. *Parents are involved in their child’s learning and development. *Smart Boards and other advanced IT equipment are available to children. *Children learn to read and study foreign languages through immersion programs. *Exciting physical activities and attractive cultural programs offer a rounded education program. *Future success in this very uncertain world will require the acquisition of other key skills as well: creativity, imagination, adaptability and confidence through visual and performing arts programs and activities. *International-mindedness through a culture of global awareness and celebration.
Gabriella Rowe Head of School, Mandell (mandellschool.org) When the letters start to arrive, open them with your partner or a supportive friend. A school rejection is not a judgment on you as a parent; it is just a necessary part of a sometimes arbitrary admissions process. Also, be realistic. You might not get into every school
you wanted, or even into your top choice school. There are many wonderful schools in New York City, and while you may have to change your expectations, you will most likely end up with a school that will turn out to be the perfect fit for your child and your family. If you are put on a wait list at a school that you are interested in, let them know immediately that you would like to be on their active wait list. Politely double check with them that they have all the correct contact information so that they can reach you at a moment’s notice.
Wendy Levey Director, Epiphany Community Nursery School (ecns.org) Nursery School: Make a list of priorities, including location, educational style, reputation/ability to help with kindergarten placement, chemistry with people at school encountered throughout the process, convenience of hours and days offered, tuition and safety. Pick the school that meets most if not all of your needs, but keep in mind that there are many wonderful schools out there. Ongoing School: Hopefully you have applied widely to maximize your chances. Communicate honestly with the director of your nursery school or whoever does the placement. They are your best advocate. Again, the private schools are all superior and in most cases your child will thrive at many schools, not just one. Tuitions are pretty much the same, so choices should be
more based on educational style and curriculum opportunities, parent body and a shared moral compass.
Connie Coulianos Head of School, Speyer-Legacy School (speyerlegacy.org) It’s about FIT. Of the options available, which school struck you as a natural fit for your child? In which classrooms did you most readily see your child lighting up and engaging in learning? Which teachers, staff and parents made you feel most comfortable? Don’t put a jet-propelled, academic child in a place that is too slow to kick “In which classin with substantial challenge or rooms did you a dreamy, reflective child in a setting that will discourage the most readily nurturance of an ongoing insee your child ner life of imagination. It is your lighting up and decision. You certainly want to engaging in take your child’s reactions into account and consider the feed- learning? Which back of educators and others teachers, staff who know your child well. Uland parents made timately, it is you who calls this you feel most one. Just as you have selected the home, the food, the experiences comfortable?” that have nurtured your child to this point, you are in the best position to choose the school that will be the best match.
Gina Malin, Director of School Advisory Services, Parents League (parentsleague.org) When choosing an Independent School for your child, you want to find a place where he or she will thrive. Look for a school with values that you share and with an approach to education that suits your child. When choosing a nursery school, you want to find a school that is convenient to your home or place of work. Look for a facility that is clean, bright and organized with an engaged and competent staff, and happy and busy children. At the end of process, if you do not have a place for your child, don’t despair. Call the Parents League of New York. The Parents League (parentsleague.org) maintains an ongoing list of school openings and can help you find a school for your child.
Robin Aronow School Search NYC (schoolsearchnyc.com) If parents have choices, go back and visit the schools and sit in on a class if possible. Get a feel for the parent body. Are you comfortable with what is being taught, how it is being taught and with the school community? Can you see your child and selves there now as well as further down the line? Stay away from anonymous parent blogs and park benches where parents voice uninformed and often malicious opinions. Base your decision on your own school visits, research, consultations with nursery school directors and other knowledgeable people, and even your gut feeling. In almost all situations, you will be thrilled with your school choice once your child starts. v
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Media Sponsor
February 2011 | New York Family
21
THE
JOY OF
SHOPPING
Celebration Rings in Platinum
Tiffany Choose from pink sapphire and diamond ring, bead-set pink sapphire and diamond band, jazz pink sapphire and diamond, round brilliant diamond band Starting at $2,175; tiffany.com
Heart Shaped Coin Purse
Comes in red or vanilla quilted leather with silver color hardware Michael Kors $68; michaelkors.com
WITH LOVE [ B Y
[FOR MOMS]
Dazzle Moms And Kids With Something Special This Valentine’s Day
JOY
SHE R WOOD ]
Zburga
Manolo Blahnik Open-toe perforated pump in hot pink $895; barneysny.com
Candy Bag
Furla A special type of PVC makes this bag soft and resistant. Comes in fun colors, like Dragon Fruit! $195; furla.com
Potholder
For more shopping tips & trends, visit newyorkfamily.com.
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New York Family | February 2011
Sur La Table 100% cotton washable heart oven mitt quilted with polka dot trim $7.95; surlatable.com
www.newyorkfamily.com
THE
JOY OF
SHOPPING
Heart Blankie
Heart-shaped baby blanket; comes in three sizes Starts at $32; happyblankie.com
Frog Prince Cookie with Heart
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T-Strap Glitter in Pink Naturino Available in sizes 19-32 $65; naturino.com
For more shopping tips & trends, visit newyorkfamily.com.
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New York Family | February 2011
www.newyorkfamily.com
Superfoods*
H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
To The Rescue! Local Nutrition Experts Share Their Favorite Health-Enhancing Foods For Families In an effort to combat childhood obesity and provide children with all of the nutrients they need to grow up healthy and strong, it seems like “superfoods”—foods with high phytonutrient content that have added health benefits—are popping up everywhere in the news, on food blogs, and of course, in recipes. To help you find a few new delicious (and very nutritious) ingredients for your family’s repertoire, we asked some of the city’s leading family food and nutrition experts for their favorite picks for kids. Bonus—they’re all delicious, versatile and easy to prepare.
Sweet Potatoes
A longtime favorite of babies, sweet potatoes are a vitamin-packed vegetable that are readily available in the winter.
Prepare it:
Cut sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch strips, toss with olive oil and a touch of salt. Bake at 400ºF until the outsides are crispy. — Kelsey Banfield, the blogger behind The Naptime Chef
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse that provide sustained energy throughout the day. This nutty-tasting seed contains more omega-3 fatty acid in a serving than salmon, making it important for heart health. Unlike flax seeds, chia seeds are easily digestible, don’t need to be ground up and have a much longer shelf life.
Prepare it:
Add Chia seeds and berries to yogurt for a nutty crunch. — Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD and the creator of the F Factor Diet
Berries
Berries pack an incredible amount of nutritional goodness into a small package. One cup of raspberries contains 8 grams of fiber and is loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients. Berries also have fiber, which helps control blood sugar, keeping kids more focused and alert during class and full between meals.
Prepare it: Buying frozen berries is a great, economical option in the winter months. Try defrosting berries and pureeing for either a sauce to go over angel food cake or as an alternative to syrup for pancakes and waffles. —T.Z.
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New York Family | February 2011
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Farro
This Italian whole grain is gaining in popularity for good reason—it’s easy-to-prepare, nutty and delicious. Pick up the semi-pearled variety (available at Fairway, among other city spots) for a fresh, healthy side dish. Prepare it: Boil and drain to fold farro into salads (it’s delicious with roasted veggies in vinaigrette) or toss it into soups. Or, for a more refined dish, prepare it a la risotto with some porcini mushrooms. —Jenna Helwig, culinary instructor and founder of Rosaberry.com
Avocado
Quinoa
The avocado’s rich, creamy texture and mild taste make it the perfect complement to smoothies or even dairy-free chocolate mousse. The healthy fat in avocados is also great for picky eaters who need a little more bulk, and they also contain protein, vitamin E and potassium.
Prepare it:
Blend a fourth of an avocado with banana, strawberry, kale and a few pitted dates for a delicious breakfast smoothie. —Tracy Gary, founder, Intuition Nutrition
Walnuts
It’s easy to remember the super power of this heroic food by sight—they resemble little brains, and they happen to be great for our own brains, due to their high omega-3 content. Walnuts are also a great source of calcium, protein, zinc and potassium.
Prepare it: Crack and toast walnuts. Then grind toasted walnuts to a fine powder and blend into pancake batter to create a protein-rich breakfast. —T.G.
Parsnips Parsnips are high in fiber and potassium, and also provide vitamin C (which is very important this time of year), vitamin K (important for helping blood to clot, especially with all the falls kids can take), folate and manganese.
Prepare it:
Add to a vegetable soup (cut as you would a carrot) or make a mix of mashed potatoes and mashed parsnips. — Jodi Greebel, MS, RD and co-founder of DinDins Food
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New York Family | February 2011
This ancient grain is quick and easy to prepare and has as much protein and more calcium than milk. It also contains iron, phosphorus, B-vitamins and vitamin E. Prepare It: Eat it warm with butter and salt or as a warm porridge with berries, dried fruit, maple syrup and almond milk. Or top it with a sunny side up egg and toasted pumpkin seeds. —T.G.
Kale
Kale is an undeniable superfood, and it’s packed with calcium, vitamin C and everything you want from a leafy green. It’s beyond tasty, too. Prepare It: Rip kale into pieces, douse with olive oil and sea salt and put in the oven until it crisps into chips, about five minutes or so. It’s also great sautéed, in soups with whole wheat noodles and white beans, or even raw—slice it into thin ribbons, dress with olive oil and lemon juice, grated pecorino, breadcrumbs and sea salt. —Alexandra Zissu, green lifestyle expert, eco-consultant and author of “The Conscious Kitchen”
Buffalo/Bison
Buffalo or bison meat is a great source of protein for kids. It’s lower in fat than beef and has a great concentration of iron and omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential for children’s brain development. Prepare It: Try sautéing it with garlic and olive oil. After the meat has browned, add some tomato sauce and throw it over some whole grain pasta. –Dawn Lerman, MA, CHHC, AADP, founder of Magnificent Mommies and holistic health expert
Jicama
Jicama looks like a potato—and is frequently referred to as a Mexican potato—but it isn’t very starchy, doesn’t get discolored and has a great crunch. It provides fiber, vitamin C, potassium, iron, folic acid and calcium—all of which are very important for kids. Prepare It: Try tossing it on a salad, or serving jicama sticks with different types of dressings and dips like hummus or tzatiki. Or, add to a stir fry as you would water chestnuts. —J.G. For more inspired ideas for family nutrition, visit New York Family’s food blog, Yummy Delicious, at newyorkfamily.com. www.newyorkfamily.com
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a g d
IDEA
BY RACHAEL HOROWITZ
Local Kids’ Hair Guru Cozy Friedman (of Cozy’s Cuts) Shares Her Best Styling Secrets For Girls In A New Book
AFTER ALMOST 20 YEARS IN the business, Cozy Friedman, the CEO and founder of the salon Cozy’s Cuts for Kids and the product line So Cozy Hair Care for Children, is passing along decades’ worth of styling and hair care tips for girls in her new book, “Cozy’s Complete Guide to Girls’ Hair,” available this month. We recently caught up with the stylist and mother of two about her book, the Justin Bieber-do and just what to do with all of those tangles.
At what age is it important to start paying attention to kids’ hair? How do you do that without making them self-conscious? From when they’re born, good grooming should always be a part of your child’s regimen. So then it’s just a natural thing—not an obsession. If kids feel good about their hair, it’s really a boost to their self-esteem, and that’s what the
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New York Family | February 2011
Cozy Friedman at Cozy’s Cuts.
Hair’s
The Thing
book is all about. We want girls to feel good about themselves, and hair is a key part of that. Tell me about tangles, because I still have nightmares about my mother yanking at my head trying to get the knots out. There’s a lot of information in the book about tangles. One tip is to put hair in a loose braid or ponytail when kids go to sleep, when they’re going to be active or even in a www.newyorkfamily.com
Emily Anne Epstein
What made you decide to write a book? People have asked me for years to write a book because they have so many questions about girls’ hair. People always come into our salon and ask, “What can I do about my daughter’s tangles?” and a million other questions, so finally I just decided to put pen to paper and go for it.
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car seat, because the hair can get tangled easily [in those instances]. It’s also important to keep up with detangling the hair, because if you comb out your child’s hair every day it will be in much better condition than if you wait a week to try get the tangles out. In the book, you give tips about cutting hair at home. How long do you think parents can get away with this? When is it time to go to a salon? I think it has more to do with the type of hair your child has than how old they are. If you have an 8-year-old daughter who has one-length, straight hair, there’s no reason you can’t cut it until she wants a style you can’t do. It also depends on your child’s personality. If you can’t get them to sit still, it’s going to be difficult to cut their hair at home. Can you share some tips for at-home cuts? The most important thing is to be organized and decide beforehand how you’re going to approach the cut. I recommend doing the front first, because your child has the most patience in the beginning, and if they run out of patience and you have to end the haircut, you don’t want it to be lopsided in the front. Another big thing is distraction—you have to be prepared with a few things, like a book or a video or a snack, to keep them sitting in the chair. What about boys? You yourself have two sons. Do they have a lot of opinions when it comes to their hair? One of my boys has a buzz cut and the other wears it long like Justin Bieber. This year has been a really big year for boys’ hair. It’s all about the Justin Bieber haircut. I’ve seen trends come and go, but I’ve never seen anything like this. My son wears his like that, though he would never say it’s a Justin Bieber haircut. No boy ever comes in and says, “I want the Justin Bieber haircut.” They describe it: “I want my hair to be long in the front.” One boy actually came in and had a picture of Justin Bieber on his phone and he showed it to the stylist and said, “This is how I want my hair but don’t tell my mom.” Where should parents take their kids to get a haircut if they don’t have a kids’ salon in their neighborhood? If there isn’t a kids’ salon nearby, I recommend taking your child to a salon that you feel comfortable with. Call the salon in advance. Don’t just walk in and say, “Hi, I’d like a haircut,” because you don’t know who you’re going to get. Also, if you see a child on the street who has hair that you like, ask the parent [what salon they went to]. A lot of information is passed along the park bench. Cozy’s Cuts for Kids is located at 1125 Madison Avenue (at 84th Street), 448 Amsterdam Avenue (at 81st Street) and at 1416 Second Avenue (at 74th Street). For more information, visit cozyscutsforkids.com. G F o r m o r e o f C o z y ’s h a i r c a r e a n d s t y l i n g t i p s , v i s i t n e w y o r k f a m i l y. c o m .
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New York Family | February 2011
HOW-TO’S
“Cozy’s Complete Guide to Girls’ Hair” has easy-to-follow guides for dozens of popular hairstyles for girls. Each “hair recipe” includes a key that tells what type and length hair the style is for, how long it will take and what tools you’ll need. In honor of Valentine’s Day, Friedman suggests this adorable style: the heart braid.
THE HEART BRAID This is a gorgeous, unique style that requires an experienced braider! What You’ll Need Wide-tooth comb Fine-tooth comb Hair clip Ponytail holders Time: 15 minutes
1. Starting with damp hair (either towel-dried or misted), use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the hair. Then, using a finetooth comb, part the hair down the middle of the head. Clip one side up right above the ear. 2. On the other side of the part, use the fine comb to gather a thin section of hair from the crown. This section should measure about two inches from the hairline to the top of the head. 3. Divide this section into three, and begin a french braid starting at the crown and curving toward the temple, then toward the back of the head, like the top lobe of a heart. You will be lifting hair into the braid only
from this side of the part. Leave no loose hair in front of the ear.
4. When you reach the center part at the back of the head, secure the braid with a ponytail holder. If the hair is very long, end the braid about midear; the ends will hang down the back. 5. Unclip the hair on the other side of the part and repeat the process. Secure with a ponytail holder. 6. Join the two ends of the braids together in the back with a ponytail holder to form the bottom point of the heart. Excerpted from “Cozy’s Complete Guide to Girls’ Hair” by Cozy Friedman (Artisan Books). Copyright 2011.
www.newyorkfamily.com
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PLACE
BY JESSICA SHYBA
In The Category Of KidFriendly Craft Spaces, The New Make Meaning May Be A True Game-Changer
Jessica Shyba
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New York Family | February 2011
Make It A
And Mean It
s a mother of toddlers in a city chock full of experiences to be had and places to go, I still find that it really has to be something special to blow me away. Perhaps it’s the New York cynic in me, but I just don’t get that excited any more. But this attitude changed effectively when I walked into Make Meaning, the city’s new DIY craft emporium that tugs at and inspires every last one of your artistic impulses. As creator and owner Dan Nissanoff aptly puts it, Make Meaning “delivers the ‘wow’ factor.” Located on the Upper West Side,
the vibrant and colorful three-story space is expected to be the first of several in New York City, and there is even a planned national rollout. The store is an endless treasure trove of creative baubles. “This is a candy shop for creativity—Make Meaning comes from the notion of spending meaningful time with family and friends and making meaningful things,” says Nissanoff, an NYC dad of two and self-described “idea guy.” The main floor, which is dedicated to walk-in “creative experiences” for craft lovers of all ages, houses glass, ceramics, beads, candles, soaps and paper. In addition to being impeccably organized, all materials are high-quality and fashion-forward, and www.newyorkfamily.com
Jessica Shyba
When my typically shy, observant kids walked in to Make Meaning, they were instantly intrigued by the colors, the low counters full of objects to paint and create, and the seats that were just their size. In no time at all, they dove right into their projects. They knew they were being given something very special to make, and that feeling of independence enabled them to let go and use their imaginations. Three-year-old Jack painted a ceramic horse and carefully chose the wax for a candle, while two-yearold Zoe hand-picked and strung every bead on a necklace for me. Their pride in their finished products was extraordinary, and the time that we shared together and the creativity invested in each project made the experience truly amazing. The staff was both helpful and warm—they made us feel at home. I’ll cherish each piece we made and the time spent with each other forever. I even wear my necklace almost every day, shocking people when I tell them it was created by my twoyear-old! —J.S.
Make Meaning founder Dan Nissanoff with wife, Amy, daughter Phoebe (4) and son Asher (5).
Daniel S. Burnstein
LET’S MAKE SOME MEANING: OUR WRITER’S CREATIVE EXPERIENCE
5 Must-try Creative experienCes at Make Meaning CeraMiCs: Popular with little ones, who love painting their pieces and creating handprint and footprint keepsakes for mom and dad. Candles: A pouring station allows kids to be involved in every step of the process, making the candlemaking experience extra special. soaps: With a fragrance to please even the choosiest nose and an array of fun shapes, colors and add-ins, the soap-making option remains a favorite of gradeschoolers—not to mention their parents, who no longer have to remind them to wash up before dinner! Jewelry: All the rage with the store’s teen and tween visitors, who choose from a wide assortment of beads and baubles to create necklaces, bracelets and more. glass: Adults particularly love the glass-making option—choose from creative glass accessories like rings, bracelets and belt buckles, or go big and create a plate or platter!
Jessica Shyba
continuously change with the seasons and trends. The lower level, or “Rec Room,” houses community classes (including Mommy & Me, after school, and even a “Make It After Dark” option for adults); the upper level, which overlooks the entire store, serves as a party space. Adding to the uniqueness of the experience are “ACE’s” (Associate Creativity Enthusiasts), or staff members who go out of their way to assist anyone—young or old, “crafty” or not so much—in creating something truly special. “The way we work is similar to the Apple stores; they have ‘geniuses,’ we have ‘ACE’s,’” Nissanoff says. “Our ACE will show you in two minutes how to create something amazing, without any artistic skill.” After opening just three months ago, Make Meaning has already amassed over 1200 “members,” whose monthly membership fees give them special benefits like exemption from www.newyorkfamily.com
sitting fees, free and discounted classes and invitations to members-only events throughout the year. Visitors include both adults and children (and a significant number of adults sans children), and the store has become a popular destination for families looking to create gifts for loved ones, host birthday parties, or occupy cold winter days with kid-pleasing indoor activities. Local schools are starting to get in on the action as well, with some bringing upwards of 75 students for an organized, hands-on “creative experience.” And crafts aren’t all you’ll find at Make Meaning. At the in-store café and sweet shop, visitors can choose from a variety of delectable-looking options, including cakes, cookies and candy as well as an assortment of beverages. Soon the store will boast a wine offering for adults, making it a great option for date nights, girls’ nights out and the like. An in-store retail boutique offers art supplies, creativity kits,
craft kits for grown-ups (think D-I-Y wallets and shopping totes), luxury gifts and more. Our day at Make Meaning left my children with a sense of pride and accomplishment, and left me with some of the most beautiful mementos of their childhood I have received to date. What’s more, although they are only toddlers, their focus and concentration never waned during the two hours we spent there—a remarkable feat in itself. “Parents of young children are constantly looking for things to do with them—things that are stimulating, educational, unique and experiential,” Nissanoff says. “Here you’re going to spend quality time with them as opposed to being a passive bystander.” G Make Meaning, 329 Columbus Av e n u e ( b e t w e e n 7 5 t h a n d 7 6 t h Streets), 212-362-0350, makemeaning.com. February 2011 | New York Family
35
LOVE and RELATIONSHIPS BY KATIE MAIN
book “For Better: The Science of a Good Marriage.” In the book, Parker-Pope shatters widespread myths, describes a surprisingly hopeful future for today’s couples and offers practical, evidence-based advice—“a prescription for marital health”—for improving your relationship. Even though you wrote this book as a science journalist, your tone is personal, and you’re open about the fact that your own marriage ended in divorce. What was it like writing this book as someone whose marriage ultimately did not work? It was a bit cathartic. I can’t say that if I’d
The Marriage Prescription
read this book, I wouldn’t be divorced; marriage and life are so much more complicated than that. I think, though, that I would have made more informed choices along the way. When your marriage is falling apart, it’s a very isolating experience. Delving into the research made me realize that these are issues that people have always struggled with; I really wasn’t so alone. Once you’ve been through marriage and a divorce, there’s a lot of insight and wisdom that comes from that. I was happy to use that difficult experience towards something better.
In A New Book, NY Times ‘Well’ Blogger Tara Parker-Pope Translates The Science Behind Marriage Into Practical Advice For Couples
W
hen Tara Parker-Pope, mom, health writer and author of the New York Times’ “Well” blog, saw her 17-year marriage beginning to crumble, she found herself “at a loss.” “If the crisis in my life had been cancer or diabetes, I would have known exactly where to get answers, but I was facing this life crisis in my marriage and I really didn’t know what to do,” says Parker-Pope, who is now divorced. To try to make some sense out of her situation, she turned to the field she knew best—science. What she found was a “fascinating world” of research devoted to this most profound human relationship, and what began as a personal quest became the basis of the
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New York Family | February 2011
One of the most persistent myths you debunk is the idea that the U.S. has a divorce rate of at or near 50 percent. What does the marriage landscape in America today really look like? I think this was probably
my biggest surprise in reporting this book. I remember the moment when I said to myself, “You know, half of marriages end in divorce,” and I just accepted that this is something that was a coin toss and I had just gotten on the unlucky side. But I realized that this is really not a true number. I realized it personally because when I got divorced I thought, where are all these people that are supposed to be divorced like me? I was married in the 80’s, and marriages in the 80’s are stronger than marriages in the 70’s, and marriages in the 90’s are stronger than marriages in the 80’s. What we know is that people who got married in the 70’s really struggled with marriage and that generation of couples are not at a 50 percent divorce rate yet, but they’re
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close to it. That generation was dealing with a lot of change. But what happened to that generation really doesn’t have anything to do with couples today. The data show that when couples wait a little longer to be married, when they finish college before they get married, those couples have stronger, more stable relationships. That’s more typical of many of the couples who got married in the 90’s, and the divorce rate is dropping. Couples who choose to get married today, their chance of succeeding in marriage is greater than their chance of failing. People are so cynical and skeptical about marriage and the fact is, most of us are doing a pretty good job with it. You say that couples today are asking far more from our marriages than ever before. What do you mean by that? One hundred years ago, marriage was a social contract
and an economic contract. Even in the 50’s, the model of marriage was very different in that the women typically stayed home and took care of the house and the man typically went to work and earned the money, and that’s a very separate kind of existence. With the current model of marriage, couples really are partners; they are both working in the home and they are both working outside the home. Even when you have one partner that does stay home and doesn’t earn money, you still have a lot more sharing—if it’s the woman who is staying home, she is more involved in her husband’s work life, and the man is involved in the home life. So the new model of marriage is that we’re spending a lot more time with the person that we marry, so we have
kid dressed, so let it go. And I think men need to step up and say, “I need to contribute more.” What, in your mind, are the most compelling lessons from the research on how couples handle conflict?
I think re-thinking the value of conflict in a relationship is a pretty important lesson. For me personally, the idea that conflict can be healthy in a marriage was a very hard thing to accept. But it makes sense that couples who have a lot of conflict early in their marriage are moving towards something better, they’re trying to work things out. Recognizing the power of conflict to clean house and to move yourself forward is a good thing. But I hear and see so much negativity when couples talk to each other, and I think “Gosh, just a slightly different word would change the whole tone of that discussion.” Instead of saying, “Ya think you Tara Parker-Pope could help me with this?” why not just say, “Honey, can you help me with this?” I think we miss opportunities to be kind to our partners. Couples that are successful get angry with each other, but they don’t rip each other to shreds during conflict. They know how to love their partner even when they’re angry with their partner.
“Couples who choose to get married today, their chance of succeeding in marriage is greater than their chance of failing. People are so cynical and skeptical about marriage and the fact is, most of us are doing a pretty good job with it.” higher expectations for the relationship. We want to be with somebody we like to be with; men and women are both looking for a partner to make life more interesting. There’s been a lot of talk recently about how kids affect the marriage dynamic. What are some ways parents can care for both their children and their marriages? I
think it’s hard to talk about because we love our children so much, but [having children] does take a toll on marriage. With the issue of sharing chores, I talk about how housework and childcare tend to fall disproportionately on the woman. I think that women need to learn to ask for help more, and they need to stop trying to micromanage the way their partner does things. He may pick the wrong pair of shoes or the wrong dress, but you know what? He got the
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New York Family | February 2011
You report that good marriages are good for overall health, whereas bad marriage relationships take a negative toll on well-being—even causing changes to the heart similar to those caused by smoking.
I found this data to be so compelling. Some of the research is so interesting, where they would literally create wounds on people’s arms and watch how quickly or slowly the wounds healed, depending on if they’d had a fight or if they’d had a positive exchange with their partner. For people in negative relationships, the wounds would take twice as long to heal. We know stress is bad for you, and marital stress is particularly bad for you because it’s so personal. Your marriage and your home is a place of refuge, and when that’s not going well, you’re going to internalize all that and it’s going to create a lot of problems. Knowing that taking care of your marriage is also taking care of your health is important. And if you love your partner, and yet there’s a lot of anger and hostility in your house, you have to know the toll that’s taking on your partner’s health.v
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A TEXAS ROSE IN NEW YORK BY ERIKA THORMAHLEN
“I’ll be right back,” Lela Rose tells me apologetically upon my arrival for our interview. “I just have to bike Rosey to school.” But before I can warn the fashion designer known for her ladylike looks that the ultra-chic, suede, stiletto booties she’s sporting may be unadvisable for a winter bike ride, the svelte blonde and her flaxen-haired little girl are off on an oversized tricycle complete with wagon and basket. Lucky for me, Lela’s commitment to do-it-herself drop-off affords a grand tour of the 6,000 square foot Tribeca home she shares with her husband, hedge fund manager Brandon Jones, and their two children, Grey (9) and Rosey (4). A recent renovation showcases Lela’s signature penchant for fabric and embellishment, not to mention quirky design (think hidden “tequila nook”—a modern twist on the wine cellar—or the Monopoly hotel-shaped elevator for her beloved Stitch, a ten-year old Norwich terrier). Despite her walk-in, red-carpeted closet and a
Fashion Designer And Lone Star State Transplant Lela Rose Talks About Her Love Of Cooking, Crafting And Cycling Around The City With The Kids—All In Stilettos, Of Course PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL JURICK
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New York Family | February 2011
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the oven on. She helps me get things to a certain step, which is really lovely. Did you always know that you wanted to be a mom? I did. For me, though, I was always pushing it five years off. I remember when I got pregnant with Grey, I was traumatized. When it’s the first time you’re pregnant, there’s a certain group of people who love to tell you how you will never sleep again, how life as you know it is over. And really, life as you did know it is over, but in a good way. It’s such a joy and it always has been, it’s always been a ton of fun peppered with some tough stuff. It’s not that bad!
wardrobe to rival any “Sex and the City” episode, this Texas transplant is a self-described “Beverly Hillbilly.” And while one is reluctant to believe her—after all, her ready-to-wear designs and bridal collection are favored by well-heeled girly-girls like Zoe Saldana and Zooey Deschanel—it’s Lela’s DIY attitude toward work and parenting that give you the sense she is as down-to-earth as she can be in those 4” heels. And in case you were wondering, they’re Lela Rose for Payless, at the very down-to-earth price of $37.99. As a fashion designer, did becoming a mom change your approach to designing clothes or getting dressed? I don’t think becoming a mother really changed the way I either dress or the way that I design, but I think I’m a little unusual that way; it’s always been important to me. People make fun of me sometimes because you hardly ever see me in jeans. I’m usually in a dress. I grew up in Texas, and I feel like women there for the most part do dress. May I ask how you met your husband, hedge fund manager Brandon Jones? Yes, we met here in New York and we are both Texans. Sometimes Texans seem to somehow only marry Texans. How do you and your husband manage the duties in the household with your busy schedules? How do you juggle it all? I would say we do not manage well, nor juggle well. We have our routine that works for us. Brandon and I will wash the dishes and Grey dries them; Rosey loves to put things away and help me cook in the kitchen. You love to cook for your family—where did that come from? I grew up with a mother who cooked every night. It is a pleasure for me to get home from work and have that outlet. We pretty much eat at home Monday through Thursday. I have a great nanny, Agnes, who I can ask to chop this, pull this out of the refrigerator at this time, turn www.newyorkfamily.com
What do you enjoy most about parenting your children at the ages they are right now? One thing I love about Rosey is she remembers every single thing you tell her, and she remembers everyone she meets. And Grey is a voracious reader; he just loves it. It’s fun to see their minds and how they work. Do they take after you or your husband in their personalities? I think Rosey is going to be more creative. Grey is more mathematical, which is (like) my husband, but he’s also very creative, too. Are your kids interested in your work, or in the fashion world? Rosey definitely is. She loves to come to the office. I make her clothes all the time, so I’ll come home from work and she’ll say, “Do I need new dresses today?” People are always complimenting her on her clothes, and I feel like she’s kind of like, “Uh-huh, I do look pretty good.” I don’t know how long this will last. I assume she takes after her mom when it comes to dressing up versus a more casual look? It was too funny, Rosey had a soccer class and Agnes sends me a picture of her in class. She’s got this giant flower in her hair, she’s in a Peter Pan collared shirt, suspendered Bu and the Duck shorts and flats. And I was like, “Agnes, is this proper soccer attire?” She goes, “Well, Lela, Rosey owns no tennis shoes, no jeans, no athletic shorts and no t-shirts.” We don’t buy her that stuff! She is literally in a dress or skirt and tights every day—even the weekend. How about Grey—do you still have influence over his choice in clothing? I have lost that battle. I used to make him stuff when February 2011 | New York Family
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he was really young, but he is well beyond that stage. If he could be in camo all day long, that’s what he wants to wear.
health nut. He’s training for a triathlon. But Mr. Stitch here [Rose’s Norwich terrier] is pure lazy. He doesn’t even walk. He’s kind of my old man.
How do you enjoy the city with your children? Do you have any specific places you like to go with them? We do galleries more than we do museums. Although, we just went up to MoMA on Christmas Eve. No one was there; it was the perfect day. We bike everywhere. That is one of my greatest joys of living in New York City. I think it gives you such a sense of adventure.
That’s right—he has his own elevator! Yes, the “Stitchevator.”
Have you always biked everywhere? I never commuted by bike until about seven years ago, and I’ve lived here for 19 years. When I started I was like, “What have I been doing?” I have missed so many great parts of living in New York City by not biking! Biking in the city with a family of four sounds a bit intimidating. How do you make it work? What are the advantages? The kids go everywhere on our bikes with us. We’ll bike over to somewhere like Brooklyn and just explore. We’ll go to the Lower East Side to the galleries, stop by a street fair or a performance that’s happening. That’s the thing about a bike: it makes it so easy for you to just stop and do something.
Well, let’s talk about the house renovation quickly. How did you go about designing such a unique interior—including a system of interlocking dining room tables? This was a complete undertaking that took six years. We worked with an architecture firm called Work AC and really designed something that fit our family and lifestyle. I love to entertain and use different parts of the apartment to do that. My husband, Brandon, hates to move furniture so I said this is what he got: a table that comes down from the ceiling and one that comes out of the floor.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs? The thing that is great about New York City is there is so much [inspiration] available to you just out on the street—the buildings here, the architecture, the people, the food. New York is a constant barrage of creativity if you’re open to looking for it. Was there any kind of turning point in your career that took your company to the next level? A lot of people started becoming more aware of us when we dressed the Bush girls for their father’s inauguration (in 2000), but honestly I feel like we’ve just been plodding along over the years, doing what we do and doing a good job of it. It hasn’t been all about this one sky-rocketing moment. It’s been a lot of hard work and learning from your customer about what they’re looking for on a seasonal basis. With all the cooking, sewing and crafting around here, you seem to be continuing in the traditions of the domestic arts—is that something that’s important to you? I don’t want to sound like a happy homemaker, but a part of that is just realizing that you can do so many things yourself. It’s about a level of confidence in yourself and realizing that, yes, you can do these things. It’s not that I’m this extraordinary cook, it’s that I cook a lot so I learned a lot about it. There’s a real creative part of doing things for yourself. The more we move away from that, the more disconnected we feel.
Rosey loves to come to the office. I make her clothes all the time; I’ll come home from work and she’ll say,
“Do I need new dresses today?”
How did you get involved with Transportation Alternatives, the New York advocacy group for biking, walking and public transit? I’ve known their executive director, Paul Steely White, for a while and they asked me to join the board. It’s funny; I know most of the messengers in the city! Honestly, the biking community is not that large. We’re kind of a fervent crew. There hasn’t been that many people who I’ve converted, but the ones that I have without fail say, “It’s changed my life.” With all that biking, you seem like a pretty on-the-go family. We get out and do a lot. My husband is kind of a
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New York Family | February 2011
You’ve incorporated a lot of quirky touches into the house, like the feltcovered walls, Grey’s secondhand Eames chair covered in rubberbands and Rosey’s bedroom window, with its honeycomb of drinking straws. It’s really about taking materials that aren’t expensive and using them in beautiful ways. Like the mesquite wood chips in the floors downstairs; that’s a little nod to Texas. We really aren’t fancy people; we are a little down-home. Let’s talk clothes—did you always know you wanted to be a fashion designer? I always knew I wanted to work with my hands. The part that I really love is working with fabrics and color and texture. I feel like at work we get to do arts and crafts on a daily basis, which is really enjoyable.
That can-do sentiment feels so downright Texan! A friend of mind was like, “You’re like a cross between Sarah Jessica Parker and someone pulling an oxen or something. A down-home country thing mixed with this glamour part.” Maybe it does seem Texan. I think it kinda seems a little bit like “Beverly Hillbillies.” I think it keeps you more connected to community and tradition and family, and you’re a more independent person the more that you can do your own things. Frankly, I also think it’s just fun. G www.newyorkfamily.com
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44 New New York Family | February 2011 44 York Family | February 2011
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1. The Diversity 2. All Of The Wonderful Neighborhood Playgrounds 3. Walking Over The Brooklyn Bridge 4. The Great (Often Free) Programs from the Parks Department and The City Parks Foundation 5. Symphony Space 6. We’re Becoming A Greener City Every Day 7. Madison Square Garden (The Knicks, Plus All The Shows For Kids) 8. Snug Harbor (Including The Children’s Museum of Staten Island) 9. Flushing Meadows Corona Park 10. New York Botanical Garden and Brooklyn Botanical Garden 11. Holiday Windows and Oversized Christmas Trees 12. Free Activities! There Are Lots Of Them, Including Our Favorite: Movies Under The Stars 13. Central Park 14. Ellis Island
T GUTTER
here are the transcendent reasons and there are the tangible ones. And sometimes they are both. The city’s diversity is a transcendent gift to a child even if it’s hard to measure. Easy access to the American Museum of Natural History is more tangible, but how incredibly lucky are our kids to have it? It too is a transcendent gift. I wouldn’t say that all our neighborhood pizza shops are a transcendent gift, but you know what? They’re always there when you need them—and they almost always make kids happy. To celebrate our 5th anniversary as a magazine devoted to helping parents raise their kids and enjoy life in the city and beyond, we tasked ourselves with coming up with 100 reasons to love growing up here. Our criteria was simple: we looked for things that have a meaningful impact on the lives of children, for serious reasons (like health and education) or fun ones. Of course, there are many more things we could have listed—and I look forward to hearing from you about what we blindly and foolishly left out. But at the least, I hope you’ll look this over and be inspired to embark on a city adventure you haven’t yet shared with your child—or see something else and think it’s time to do that again. (One final note: These are not rankings! Everything is #1.)
by Eric Messinger
WHAT BETTER WAY TO CELEBRATE NEW YORK FAMILY’S FIFTH ANNIVERSARY?
REASONS TO LOVE GROWING UP IN THE CITY
D. Finnin
www.newyorkfamily.com www.newyorkfamily.com
February 2011 | New York Family February 2011 | New York Family
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15. Diners! 16. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan, The Children’s Museum of the Arts And The Brooklyn Children’s Museum 17. The United Nations 18. All Of The (Other) Amazing Parks We Don’t Have Room To Mention! 19. MoMA 20. The New York Public Library (“Main Branch”) 21. Wave Hill 22. Incredible Ethnic Eats (Whether Ordered In Or Sought Out) 23. Asphalt Green 24. The American Museum of Natural History 25. Big Apple Circus (And The Other Small Circuses We Don’t Have Room To Mention) 26. South Street Seaport And The Imagination Playground 27. The Park Slope Effect: Yuppie Family Gentrification 28. The Williamsburg Effect: Hipster Family Gentrification 29. The Harlem Effect: Diverse Family Gentrification 30. All The (Other) Great Museums We Don’t Have Room To Mention 31. All the Wonderful Y’s (And The JCC) 32. So Many Dog Parks 33. The Queens County Farm Museum 34. Pelham Bay Park/Orchard Beach 35. Prospect Park 36. The New Victory Theater 37. From FAO Schwarz To West Side Kids… Great Toy Stores Large And Small 38. The Professional Sports Teams 39. Awesome Ice Skating Rinks 40. The Greenbelt Recreation Center 41. The Wonderful Neighborhood Libraries Around The City 42. Amazing Birthday Venues And Entertainers, And All Sorts Of Birthday Cakes 43. Name A Sport or Hobby: There’s A League Or Program For It 44. Firefighters, Teachers, Writers—Whatever Your Dream, There’s A Role Model
45. The Statue of Liberty 46. The Wonderful Children’s Activity And Enrichment Programs In Every Neighborhood 47. A Pizza Place Or Bagel Store Every Three Blocks 48. Dave & Busters, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, wMadame Tussauds 49. The New York Hall of Science and Liberty Science Center 50. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 51. The Riches Of Everyday Street Life (Plus, City Kids Walk!) 52. City Island 53. The New York Aquarium 54. Bike Riding For Kids (especially along Hudson River Park and Riverside Park) 55. Coney Island (All Of It: Beach, Fishing Pier, Rides, Nathans And The Ball Park) 56. The Public Pools Around The City 57. Compared To Most Big Cities, It’s Safe Here 58. Lots of Great Neighborhood Pediatricians and Pediatric Dentists 60. It’s Not Uniformly So, But There Are Lots of Great Neighborhood Public Schools 61. And Lots Of Great Private Schools (Including For Families Favoring Single-Sex Education) 62. The Hordes Of Parent Volunteers Running PTAs And Sports Leagues 64. The Bronx Zoo 65. Broadway Shows 66. Historic Richmond Town 67. An Abundance Of World Class Hospitals (See Page 57) 68. Two Chinatowns (Chinatown And Main Street) 69. Yankee Stadium or Citi Field: Take Your Pick 70. Grand Public Beaches Like Riis Park And Brighton Beach 71. Lincoln Center (With A Special Nod To The Kids Programming At Jazz at Lincoln Center) 72. The Empire State Building 73. All The Nutcrackers At Christmastime 74. Radio City Music Hall 75. Robust Neighborhood Parent Groups like Park Slope Parents And Hudson River Park Mamas
GUTTER
76. College Kids + Underemployed Actresses + Underpaid Young Professionals = Lots of Great Babysitters 77. Big Fun Bowling Alleys 78. It’s A “No Smoking” City 79. If You Have A Child With Special Needs, There Are Social Service Organizations To Turn To 80. Ground Zero—Like Ellis Island, It’s History That Needs To Be Shared 81. Carnegie Hall And All Other High Culture Venues With Programming For Kids 82. Big Box” Event Shopping Like The American Girl Store and Nintendo World Store 83. From Kayaking In The Hudson To Fishing In Van Cortlandt Lake…Water Recreation! 84. The Safety Net Of Incredible Charities And Social Service Organizations 85. The Other Attractions And Stores In Times Square And Midtown We Didn’t Have Space To Mention 86. Being From The City, Chances Are Kids Will Grow Up With A Good Sense Of Humor 87. People Like Living Here. (They Usually Don’t Wish They Were Somewhere Else) 88. A City Rich With Churches, Synagogues, Mosques And Other Religious Centers 89. All The Wonderful Little Children’s Theaters 90. It’s A City That Applauds Hard Work And Big Dreams (And Kids Get That) 91. Laurie Berkner And Dan Zanes 92. Kids Love Trains, Buses, Cabs, And Airports 93. Neighborhood Green Markets 94. Grand Central Station 95. Chelsea Piers 96. The Metropolitan Museum of Art 97. We’re Close To Many Wonderful Destinations: From Green Oases like The Hudson Valley To Other Special Cities Like Washington, D.C. 98. From Grand Candy Emporiums To Ice Cream Shops… It’s A Yummy City 99. Driving Adults Crazy By Zipping Around Sidewalks On Your Scooters! 100. If You Can Make It Here, You Can Make It Anywhere.
Activity of the Month
In A City Full Of Great Programs Nurturing Children With Artistic Impulses, We Asked A Few Young Artists To Talk About Their Favorite Creations
A
ny parent with a fridge covered in finger paintings can tell you that one of the first ways kids express their creativity is through visual art. Whether your little one prefers drawing, painting, sculpting, bookmaking or basket-weaving, experts say that exposure to art from an early age can improve motor skills, coordination, concentration, and of course, creative abilities. In fact, when we asked the following child artists from venues across the city to tell us about an art project they’re particularly proud of, we found both their chosen pieces and their answers to be, well, pretty creative.
ANNIKA LUDWIG, 6 Moomah
How did you come up with the idea for this piece? The
music at Moomah reminded me of monsters. DAH, dah, DAH…very low. That part was kind of scary.
What did you use to create it? How long did it take to complete? Feathers, the black letter R, two spoons, tissue
paper, all on regular paper with pencil and cardboard. It took about, um, twenty minutes? No, eighteen minutes. It took eighteen minutes.
Does the piece have a name? The monster’s name is Todd. What do you like about taking art classes at Moomah?
They’re fun. And they have so many cool materials to use. (And they have good chocolate chip cookies!)
MY MASTERPIECE TEO DENCH GARCIA, 6 HiArt!
What did you use to create this piece? I used white paint, black paint, gold and green glitter. And I stuck stuff from a magazine, and leaves from the street and see-through stuff. How long did it take to complete the piece? I don’t know, really. Like 100 Courtesy of 92nd Street Y
minutes?
Does the piece have a name? “Wasting Money.” Do you have a favorite artist? Sarah Sze. What do you want to be when you grow up? A chef. 46
New York Family | February 2011
www.newyorkfamily.com
NATE COHEN, 12 art@home
How did you come up with the idea for this piece? Throughout my years of creat-
ing artwork, I have been told from every single teacher that inspiration is always all around you. While wondering what to illustrate, [my teacher] Donna and I just looked out the window and thought that the tree right next to my window was a great thing to draw.
PIA MILEAF-PATEL, 12 Children’s Museum of the Arts
How did you come up with the idea for this piece? This painting is of my
room when I had a sleepover with my friend, Sofia. We were trying on clothes that were all goofy and ridiculous. In the class, we were asked to capture elements of life in 2010. By painting my room, I could include lots of aspects of my daily life and also what my friends and I do for fun.
Does the piece have a name? Right now, I would just call it “My Bed-
room” because that’s where the scene takes place, but it could also be called “Sleepover.”
Why are you proud of this particular piece? It really looks like my bed-
room. My closet shows the clothes bulging out of it, just like in real life.
Do you have a favorite artist? My favorite artist is Tim Burton. I love his movies and art. I spent hours in his exhibit at MoMA.
What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a fashion designer. When I sit down to draw, 95 percent of the time I end up drawing shoes or clothes. In this painting, there are clothes all over the room.
Does the piece have a name? When I look at this image it reminds me of the time of day when it becomes dark and mysterious. That is how I came up with the name of this piece: “The Tree of Dusk.” Do you have a favorite artist? James De La
Vega. He walks the streets of New York City and writes “Become Your Dream” on thrown away objects or sidewalk blocks.
What do you want to be when grow up?
When I grow up I would like to become a successful architect. I want to design unique and amazing buildings like the one you would see in a movie and think to yourself, “Isn’t that the building right across from the .....?”
JULIA HELLER, 6 Kids at Art
How did you come up with the idea for this piece of art? It came from a
family photo.
Does the piece have a name? “My Family Portrait.” Why are you proud of this particular piece? Because it’s my family. What do you like about taking art classes at Kids at Art? I like to draw and
I like [my teacher] Wendy a lot.
Do you have a favorite painting? Oh yes—the Degas dancers! www.newyorkfamily.com
February 2011| New York Family
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Where To Take Art In NYC 74th St. MaGiC, 510 East 74th Street, 212-737-2989, 74magic.com.
92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue, 212-415-
5500, 92Y.org. apple seeds, 10 West 25th Street, 212-792-7590, appleseedsnyc.com. artKids, 646-678-4497, artmuseny.com. ArtsCetera, 212 Smith Street, Brooklyn, 718-643-6817, artscetera.com. The art Farm in The City, 419 East 91st Street, 212410-3117, theartfarms.org. art@home, contact Donna Levinstone at 917-4593617. Blue School, 432 Lafayette, Mezzanine, 646-6027066, theblueschool.org.
anzia anDerSon, 13 Young Artists Program, Educational Alliance
How did you come up with the idea for this piece? I had never painted a portrait
before, and I thought that it would be an interesting challenge. Instead of painting objects, I would be painting something with a personality.
Does the piece have a name? The name is “Andrew,” which is the name of the person
that I painted.
Why are you proud of this particular piece? I think that I did the shadows really well, and also it looks a lot like the person I painted.
What do you like about the classes at the educational alliance’s Young artists Program? I have been taking art classes here for almost two years, and in that time I
learned how to paint in oils. I like how in the painting classes, the focus is on learning how to paint rather than completing paintings.
Julien Sella, 5 The Art Farm In The City
How did you come up with the idea for this piece of art? Playing Star Wars games.
Does the piece have a name? “Man Falling
From Spaceship.”
What do you like about taking art classes at The art Farm? I like painting
different subjects and I like the teachers.
What do you want to be when you grow up? A warrior.
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New York Family | February 2011
Body and Spirit Program, Rutgers Presbyterian Church, 236 West 73rd Street, 212-877-8227, rutgerschurch.com. Brooklyn arts exchange, 421 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-832-0018, bax.org. Children’s Museum of the arts, 182 Lafayette Street, 212-274-0986, cmany.org. Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street, 212-721-1223, cmom.org. Church Street School for Music and art, 74 Warren Street, 212-571-7294, churchstreetschool.org. Citibabes, 52 Mercer Street, 3rd Floor, 212-334-5440, citibabes.com. The Craft Studio, 1657 Third Avenue, 212-831-6626, craftstudionyc.com. Discovery Programs, 251 West 100th Street, 212749-8717, discoveryprograms.com. Gymboree Play & Music, Various locations in Manhattan, 877-496-5327, gymboreeclasses.com. Gymtime rhythm & Glues, 1520 York Avenue, 212861-7732, gymtime.net. Hiart!, 227 West 29 Street Studio 4R, 212-209-1552, hiartkids.com. The JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Avenue, 646505-4444, jccmanhattan.org. Kids at art, 431 East 73rd Street, 212-410,9780, kidsatartnyc.com Kids at Work, 242 West 27th Street, Suite 4A, 347933-8293, kidsatworknyc.com. Kidville, Various locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, 212-772-8435, kidville.com. little Shop of Crafts, 711 Amsterdam Avenue, 212-531-2723; 431 East 73rd Street, 212-717-6636, littleshopny.com. loop of the loom, 227 East 87th Street, 212-7222686, loopoftheloom.com. Make Meaning, 329 Columbus Avenue, 212-3620350, makemeaning.com. Metropolitan Moms, 212-206-7272, metropolitanmoms.com. Moomah, 161 Hudson Street, 212-226-0345, moomah.com. new York Kids Club, Various locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, 212-721-4400, nykidsclub.com. Private Picassos, 179 Dahlgren Place, Brooklyn, 917463-8609, privatepicassos.com. School of Visual arts, 209 East 23rd Street, 212592-2445, schoolofvisualarts.edu. Scribble Press, 1624 First Avenue, 212-288-2928; 217 West 84th Street, 212-362-2555, scribblepress.com. Wet Paint art Studio, 118 Chambers Street, 2nd Basement, 212-227-6848, wetpaintartstudio.com. The Y’s, ymcanyc.org. Young artists Program, Educational Alliance, 197 East Broadway, 646-395-4237, edalliance.org. Young artist Studio, 400 East 89th Street, 212-8611650, youngartistudio.com. www.newyorkfamily.com
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Winter - Spring MAGIC Classes Classes just began January 31st. Registration is ongoing. Fees will be prorated based on start date...
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Mondays at MAGIC Join us after school for a dizzying array of special events! Under the red canopy at 510 East 74th Street (off York Avenue) New York 212.737.2989 www.74magic.com
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TOP OSPITALS
New York Eye and Ear Infirmary
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February 2011 | New York Family
51
TOP OSPITALS ew York is known for having the best of everything, and our medical centers are no exception. The city’s hospitals combine the latest advancements in technology and world class health professionals with an inspiring commitment to improving the lives of others. And yet, each of the city’s hospitals maintains its own identity and boasts its own amenities, special services or departments that distinguish it from the rest. To help families get to know some of the city’s hospitals and their respective areas of expertise—from adolescent health centers to pediatric oncology to special surgery—we spoke with leading doctors, nurses and administrators at 12 medical centers about what makes their facility a uniquely valuable city resource for families.
Beth Israel Medical Center; The Continuum Center for Health and Healing
DR. BENJAMIN KLIGLER, Vice Chair of the Department of Integrative Medicine What brought you to the Continuum Center?
I wanted to practice integrative medicine, meaning bringing together all the good parts of conventional medicine with some of the useful strategies from other healing arts, like herbal medicine and other alternate therapies. I wanted a place that would support that kind of approach to practice. How do you balance holistic medicine with conventional medicine? I try to save conven-
tional medicine for situations where it’s really needed. For example, if a child has pneumonia, he should have an antibiotic. But if a kid has an ear infection, for example, up to 80% of those will clear up by themselves in a few days. So we might suggest some herbal medicines or show the parents massage techniques to use to help the kids feel better, and save stronger medications for the situations that demand them. What should families look for when choosing a holistic family practitioner? I think you
want a doctor that is knowledgeable in both mainstream medicine and the alternative cares. You need a doctor who is going to know when something serious is going on that may require emergency care—we don’t treat an appendicitis with herbs, we take [patients] to the hospital to get their appendix out. So you want to find a doctor who has [his or her] feet in both worlds. What’s the one thing that you would like parents to know about the Continuum Center?
I think the most important thing is we see ourselves as supporting families in becoming healthier, rather than treating diseases. We put a lot of value on our preventative work and supporting families in making decisions [and developing habits] that will keep them healthy. —Katie Garton 245 Fifth Avenue, 646-935-2220; healthandhealingny.org.
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New York Family | February 2011
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center New York Downtown Hospital; Wellness and Prevention Center
DR. ROBBI KEMPNER Chief of the Division of Breast Surgery What brought you to the Wellness And Prevention Center? Many different things. First of all,
we are essentially the only hospital now south of 14th Street, which is very much an underserved community. Not only do we now have a business community, but we have an enlarging residential community in the lower Manhattan area. Also, the Wellness and Prevention Center was a very attractive opportunity because there is an emphasis on women’s health, and it’s the only women’s center in Manhattan that offers comprehensive services—it’s not just for breast surgery and gynecology, we also have internal medicine and cardiology. What do you enjoy about working for this hospital in particular? The collegiality of the en-
vironment; it’s a small institution, and we all know each other. I also like the patient population. We’re local and we’re helping people who live locally, so it’s having a small neighborhood within New York City. What should families look for when choosing a wellness center? Families want to look for
multi-disciplinary care—they want to find somewhere where they can get “one-stop shopping” under one roof, where everyone in their family can be taken care of. You also want to make sure that the proper diagnostics are available—X-ray, CAT Scans, and things of that nature. What makes the Wellness and Prevention center unique? What sets us apart from other
centers is the fact that we are affiliated with the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System, and we are dedicated to providing the best clinical and technical services to our patients—we provide both screening and treatment. Also, our women’s health [department] provides gynecologic and breast health services, including medical screening, diabetic and cardiology screening, as well as gynecologic services and menopause management. State
of the art breast imaging is available, as well as breast surgeons, who coordinate care across the services. —Katie Garton 170 William Street, 212-312-5000; downtownhospital.org.
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center; Phyllis and David Komansky Center for Children’s Health
DR. LAURA FORESE Chief Operating Officer What are the key components of a great pediatric center? What makes a great pediatric center
is the focus on the patient and his or her family. With any child, it’s never just a single patient; it’s at least one other [person] or an entire family. The doctors are focused on that, the housekeeper’s focused on that—the person who is drawing blood, the anesthesiologist who is going to put a child to sleep for a procedure. To me, that’s the most important thing, bar none. What other amenities do you offer that others perhaps don’t have? We believe that we are re-
ally equipped to care for the whole child. We’re not focused just on illness. It’s more about, who is this child and what’s our best opportunity for getting them back to their real lives? Whether it’s an acute episode or a chronic episode, whether it’s an emergency department visit for an injury or it’s a child who’s been newly diagnosed with cancer and everything in between, we believe we can provide that service in a way that is what people would want for their loved ones. What makes NewYork-Presbyterian unique?
Between the Komansky Center for Children’s Health and the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, there’s nothing that we don’t excel in. Our ability to have two world-class medical centers and two medicals schools, for our physicians to have the ability to connect all the way from basic science and research to the bedside is amazing. There’s nothing we haven’t seen. It is an opportunity that we’re so fortunate to have here in New York City. —Rachael Horowitz 525 East 68th Street, 1-877-NYP-WELL; nyp.org. www.newyorkfamily.com
Mount Sinai Medical Center; Adolescent Health Center
DR. ANGELA DIAZ Director What makes Mount Sinai’s adolescent center unique? We have tremendous expertise and we
love working with teenagers. Also, everything is free, which is great and easy for young people. And we’re the largest [in the city] because of this—we see over 10,000 people every year. What should parents look for when choosing an adolescent health care provider? Teenag-
ers need to have a doctor who is comfortable talking to them about specific questions, who is comfortable speaking with parents, and who can maintain relationships between the parents and the teenagers. It’s important for doctors to spend some time alone with the adolescent, because that’s when we have the time to do anticipatory prevention and wellness, and talk to them about wearing seatbelts, nutrition, exercise—all that kind of stuff. What specific services distinguish you from other hospitals? We have a program for kids
who are overweight, who then work with a nutritionist and exercise three times a week. We have programs for teenagers who have children; we have a parenting program where we see them as a family unit and see the mother, father and the baby at once. We also have programs for teens that have been involved in sexual abuse or incest, programs for teens that have eating disorders, programs to prevent substance abuse. We have a full range of family planning available here. And we treat mental health, too—if a teenager is depressed or suicidal, they can come here with their parents and friends and we’ll work with them. How do you connect with teens specifically?
We have a program called TEXT in the City, which we text the kids health information like wellness, physical fitness and how to protect themselves. So through texting, we’re trying to keep them engaged and informed. —Katie Garton One Gustave L. Levy Place, 212-241-6500; mountsinai.org.
Beth Israel Medical Center NYU Langone Medical Center; Division of Pediatric Cardiology and Critical Care
DR. RALPH MOSCA Chief What brought you to NYU Langone? I’ve been here since June of 2009, about 18 months, but I’ve been doing congenital cardiac surgery since 1992. I was very impressed by [the hospital’s] desire to bring together the people necessary to build a world class, premiere congenital cardiac program, in an area that has really been under-served for a long time. NYU hasn’t yet had the opportunity to build a specialty program in neonatal and infant pediatric cardiac surgery. That’s one of my specialties and I wanted to take that challenge. What is a typical day like for you? During the day or evening before surgery, I’ll meet with the parents of the patients, and explain what’s going on with the kid’s heart and what we need to do to fix it. I’ll discuss why the surgery needs to be done now, and what the potential risks of the operation are. They’ll also get a tour of the unit, and see what other babies look like after surgery. The next morning the babies are prepped and brought to the operation room. Each operation takes about four hours or so, and we do two surgeries a day, two or three times a week. At the end of the day is rounds, where we go and see the patients from the day and the preceding days. What should parents look for when looking for a pediatric cardio center?
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Cornell Medical Center www.newyorkfamily.com
The way of the world now in taking care of all kids is family-centered care. Although it’s going to be scary because your kid
has heart disease, we want it to be very family friendly—somewhere where parents can be in the room virtually at all times, in an area that’s kid-friendly. We’ve put together a brand new unit with social workers, child life experts, psychiatrists, and of course the experts in cardiology, intensive care, nursing and anesthesia. —Amy Spiro 550 First Avenue, 212-263-7300; med.nyu.edu
St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center; The Child and Family Institute
DR. DANIEL M. MEDEIROS Director What makes a great children’s mental health institute? I think integrated care is the most
important component. We try to treat the child and the family with whatever issues they have. We don’t rule out kids with substance issues, or kids who may have mental retardation if they also have a pediatric disorder. If we feel that we can appropriately treat them, we do so here. We don’t say, “This is really not our responsibility,” and send them somewhere else. What makes The Child and Family Institute special amongst other facilities in the city?
Comprehensive care. One of our models is our Day Program. We work in collaboration with the Department of Education [in] a school program [in which] teens see themselves as being in a specialized school, but they receive individual and group therapy every day. Half of the kids have just a mental health disorder, the other half also have a comorbid substance disorder. They are all treated intensively in this unit, which means the teens with mental health disorders are getting prevention and early intervention, because they’re at risk for substance disorders. Studies show that 80% of adolescents with substance disorders have a mental health disorder, but if they are treated in a substance service, they often don’t have their mental health issues addressed. The state is now moving in the direction [of providing integrated services], but we’re ahead of the curve. February 2011 | New York Family
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TOP OSPITALS What other specific services do you offer that other institutes in the city perhaps don’t have?
It’s not easy to find treatment for a child who has a history of emotional dysregulation and cutting and burning and suicidal attempts. A lot of places don’t feel they can handle that level of care, but because we provide DBT [Dialectical Behavioral Therapy], we are able to do so. —Tiffanie Green St. Luke’s Division: 1111 Amsterdam Avenue, Roosevelt Division: 10000 10th Avenue, 212-523-4000;wehealny.org.
and it’s one of our responsibilities to ensure that those siblings are receiving appropriate attention and counseling. What should parents look for when choosing a children’s cancer center? They should look
for the experience of the staff. How many publications have the professionals put into peer reviewed medical literature? Do they belong to appropriate professional societies, and do they hold leadership positions? Are there appropriate numbers of nurses, Child Life therapists, social workers, occupational therapists and physical therapists to care for the kids? What makes Memorial Sloan-Kettering special? What makes us special is the long tradi-
tion of focus exclusively on cancer, the enormous accomplishments that have been made by our research scientists and clinical physician scientists, and the dedication of all the staff to one goal: the conquest of cancer. —Elisabeth Frankel Reed 444 East 68th Street; 212-639-2000; mskcc.org.
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/ Columbia University Medical Center; Neonatology
DR. RICHARD POLIN Director
Vice Chair
What makes a great neonatal unit? A high quality neonatal intensive care unit requires a considerable investment in people and technology. A great neonatal unit has physicians and nurses who are trained in all aspects of neonatal intensive care. However, the truly exceptional units also have full-time respiratory therapists, nutritionists, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, nurse educators and social workers. You need all those components, plus an investment by the hospital to provide the most advanced care and technology available.
What do you enjoy about working for Memorial Sloan-Kettering? I like that there’s an enor-
What should parents look for if they come to need to put their child in a neonatal unit? Most
mous “esprit de corps” among the staff. Everyone is always willing to go the extra mile and make things happen for the kids here.
families do not get to choose a NICU before their child is born, but it is worthwhile to make sure the hospital has a well-equipped and fully staffed NICU. The NICU should be able to provide the majority of life-saving technologies, so their infant will not need transfer to another institution. The NICU ought to be “family friendly” and welcoming to parents’ involvement in their infant’s care.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Pediatrics Department
DR. PAUL MEYERS
How is a pediatric cancer unit different from an adult cancer unit? It’s brighter, there is more
color, there are more activities. In most hospital units, when visiting hours are over, there’s an expectation that family members will go home. Our expectation is that they’ll stay. What makes pediatric oncology special is that you’re dealing with a life threatening illness, but you’re also developing a lifetime relationship with a young person and their family. What services do you offer that make a difference for children? We have teachers that assist
children with their schoolwork. We have Child Life therapists who work with kids, helping them to adapt and understand what’s happening to them. When a child has a serious illness there can be a tremendous impact on siblings,
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New York Family | February 2011
committed to the advancement of research to improve the care and outcomes of critically ill newborn infants. We have a family-centered intensive care unit, which prides itself on the care we provide both to infants and their families. How do you foster the family-oriented atmosphere in the ICU? We invite parents to partici-
pate on rounds. We also try to have the family participate in the care of their infant. As soon as an infant is beyond the critical phase we try to have the parents get involved with care, whether it’s encouraging skin-to-skin contact, bathing their infant, changing a diaper or recording music or stories [for the baby to listen to]. —Tiffanie Green 622 West 168th Street, 1-877-NYP-WELL; nyp.org.
New York Eye and Ear Infirmary; The Pediatric Hearing and Learning Center
DR. RONALD HOFFMAN Medical Director And Director of the Ear Institute What makes the Pediatric Hearing and Learning Center unique? The Pediatric Hearing and
Learning Center is the only facility of its kind in the tri-state area, because all of the services are provided at one site by clinicians who are second to none in their expertise. A parent might come through the door and say, “I think my baby has hearing loss.” So our pediatric audiologists test the child. If the child is diagnosed with hearing loss, we have a social worker that meets with the family to discuss what services are available. We then fit the child with a hearing aid before sending the child to our speech and learning therapist, the early intervention advisor and an education specialist, all of which are [on site]. And that’s what makes the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary so special.
What makes Columbia University’s NICU unique? The NICU at Morgan Stanley Chil-
dren’s Hospital (Columbia University) is a “state of the art” intensive care nursery. We can provide every conceivable technology or service to care for a critically ill newborn infant. We have extraordinary depth in every medical and surgical subspecialty. We are the leading neonatal cardiac surgical program in New York State, and receive referrals from the region and throughout the world. We are one of the leading academic centers in the nation and we are
Hospital for Special Surgery www.newyorkfamily.com
D
r. Douglas M. Monasebian is the Medical Director of Park Avenue Plastic Surgery in New York City. He practices the full scope of Plastic Surgery with an emphasis on Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery for the entire family. He is Board-Certified and a Diplomate of both The American Board of Plastic Surgery and The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Monasebian has authored many clinical and research articles and has lectured nationally on both Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is on staff at many of New York City’s most prestigious hospitals including the Mt. Sinai Medical Center, the St. Luke’s - Roosevelt Hospital and New York University’s Downtown Hospital. Dr. Monasebian has treated hundreds of children over the years with emergency injuries including lacerations, burns, animal bites and fractures. He also treats birth defects such as cleft lip and palate and prominent ears. His office is well equipped to handle all these emergencies and his team is dedicated to making the unfortunate emergency experience as easy and relaxing as possible for the both the child and the parents. Many of Manhattan’s premier Pediatric Medical practices refer to Dr. Monasebian on a daily basis because of the quality care that is afforded there. The care provided to the child also extends to the family. Very often the parent and family of an injured child remain with Dr. Monasebian because of the care and concern he and his office provide. When he or she is seeking a Plastic Surgeon they will come back to Dr. Monasebian because of the relationship and trust that was built. Dr. Monasebian also provides all cosmetic and reconstructive procedures to the face, breast and body for his adult patients. The “mommy-makeover” is one such procedure offered on site with no hospital admission required in most cases. Non-surgical procedures such as Botox, Juvederm and skin care services are provided right in the office. Microdermabrasion with the Dermasweep System is offered as are chemical peeling and laser services for hair removal and skin treatments. Most surgical procedures can be performed in his on site, fully accredited office based surgical facility. Please call Dr. Monasebian to schedule a consultation or in the event of an emergency, simply call our office and arrangements will be made for you.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for the entire family... Surgical Procedures performed in our accredited facility include:
Aesthetic And ReconstRuctive FAciAl suRgeRy Facelift – Necklift – Browlifts – Eyelid lifts Rhinoplasty (cosmetic and revisional) Facial implants (chin, cheek, lip and jaw) Dimple creation and cheek fat pad removal Emergency treatment for lacerations, burns, dog bites and fractures.
Aesthetic BReAst suRgeRy Breast Reduction and Breast Lifting Silicone and Saline Breast Augmentation
Aesthetic Body contouRing Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck: Full and Mini) Liposuction and Liposculpture Labiaplasty and vaginal rejuvenation
PediAtRic suRgeRy
Emergency treatment for lacerations, burns and dog bites Scar revisions and removal of skin lesions Congenital conditions; Cleft Lip and Palate Otoplasty (ear tucks and split earlobes)
sPA And FAciAl seRvices
Botox® – Juvederm® – Fat transfer Dermasweep® Microdermabrasion - Chemical Peeling Laser skin care and hair removal Exclusive Vivete skin product line
douglAs M. MonAseBiAn, Md, FAcs
Park Avenue Plastic Surgery | 784 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10021 212-472-8700 | info@ParkAvenuePlasticSurgery.com | www.ParkAvenuePlasticsurgery.com
TOP OSPITALS What do you enjoy about working there? I love kids, I love the science that surrounds deafness and hearing loss, and I love being a part of a team that makes peoples’ lives better. That’s why you go into medicine, right? These kids are a special sub-population that needs a lot of support. What’s the one thing that you would like parents to know about New York Eye and Ear Infirmary?
I’d like parents to know that we’re committed to maximizing their child’s success in the hearing world. We have a commitment to making their child auditory, oral, hearing and speaking while not using sign language, and we have a commitment to maximizing their child’s educational success, which is the best single predictor for life success. So in other words, if children get through regular school and can communicate on their own, they have a much better likelihood of being successful in life. —Katie Garton 310 East 14th Street; 212-979-4000; nyee.edu.
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian
KEVIN HAMMERAN Senior Vice President And Chief Operating Officer What are the key components of a children’s hospital that make it truly excellent? The first
b Be ra C an y U st H nk ons d .S. o ed is n a te N s fo ow ew pita m nt r n a s ls on ly ur M & in g t si ag W A he ng n or m ex et® ld eri ce h Re ca lle os po nc pi rt e tal
New York Downtown Hospital
thing is the strength and caliber of its clinical staff. All of our physicians are Columbia fac-
ulty, which is a great strength here. The second thing is the nursing cognate. Nurses are really the glue; they are the ones that hold the hospital together. Doctors are in and out of cases, but the nurse is always there. The third thing is what I call strength of program. It’s not just whether you have pediatric cardiology or pediatric orthopedics; it’s the level of specialization below that. So, if you come to our Digestive Diseases service, we have an expert in celiac disease, an expert in hepatology, and so on. What other specific services do you offer that other hospitals in the city perhaps don’t have?
We have a Family Advisory Council here, [which is comprised of] parents who had a child admitted and spent significant time with us. We use them extensively in designing our spaces and in program development, which infuses all of our thinking and programs with the parent perspective. What makes NewYork-Presbyterian special amongst children’s hospitals? Clinical vol-
ume and experience. If a mechanic fixes your car, for instance, do you want someone who dabbles in cars every once in a while, or do you want someone whose entire focus is on, not only cars, but that particular model? In a sense, that’s what we are. We are all about kids. We have the depth to take care of just about anything that the child needs. When you come here, you don’t find one cardiologist, you find
Because There’s So Much to See and Do in New York…
T
he New York Eye and Ear Infirmary is one of the recognized leaders in eye, ear, nose and throat care. Serving New York since 1820, we have more than 500 affiliated physicians throughout the tri-state area and we are part of all major health plans, HMOs and PPOs. America’s first specialty hospital, with ● Board certified specialists in: I Ophthalmology I Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery I Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery ● Related areas such as the Ear Institute and its pediatric Hearing & Learning Center, Hearing Aid Dispensary, Orthoptics, Sleep Lab, Facial Paralysis & Rehabilitation, Institute for Voice and Swallowing, Allergy and Pain Management ● All forms of Laser Vision Correction ● Beautiful Ambulatory “Same Day” Surgery Center ● Specialized Services for Children/Adults/Senior Citizens ● For extra convenience if you live or work downtown, satellite offices for Ear-Nose-Throat care in: I Wall Street area: 65 Broadway, Phone: 212-514-6933 I Chinatown: 128-138 Mott Street, Phone: 212-343-8399 I And new Tribeca location opening soon ● Visit our Web Site at www.nyee.edu
For information call 1-800-449-HOPE (4673) The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary 310 East 14th Street, New York, NY 10003 56
New York Family | February 2011
www.newyorkfamily.com
New York Downtown Hospital Wellness & Prevention Center A Vital Resource for a Vital Community
Access to primary care is essential to long-term health. New York Downtown Hospital’s new Wellness & Prevention Center will be the right answer for you when early detection and intervention are desired. FEATURES Health Screening Program Women’s Health Center Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Center In one, convenient Downtown location
Outstanding Physicians. Exceptional Care.
170 William Street, New York, NY 10038 Telephone: (646) 588-2538 www.downtownhospital.org
TOP OSPITALS 25 of them with separate specializations in cardiology. —Tiffanie Green 3959 Broadway, 1-800-245-KIDS; childrensnyp.org
Lenox Hill Hospital; Labor And Delivery Ward
MIA RUBIN Nurse Manager What makes the labor and delivery unit at Lenox Hill Hospital great? We have excellent
physicians who are predominantly private practitioners and very good at what they do, and we have great nurses. We have an excellent Maternal-Fetal Medicine group that supports and diagnoses high-risk patients, and many of the nurses and staff are trained and certified in fetal monitoring and high-risk obstetrics. We also do a lot to promote patient safety, like post-partum hemorrhage drills, which is a leading cause of maternal death, so that the staff can work as a team and everyone is trained in the same practice. What should expectant parents look for when choosing a hospital to give birth? They should
look for a hospital that supports their birth choice, but also look for a family-focused, friendly atmosphere where the staff is supportive of their choices. They should also look for anesthesia coverage—we have 24-hour anesthesia coverage. We also have a level 3 NICU, so that we don’t have to transfer the newborns
out. [Families should look for] a place that can respond to any level of emergency that they may have during pregnancy or labor.
pital in particular? [I enjoy] the unique combination of high-tech medical care with a caring staff of nurses, physical therapists and pediatricians. We provide state-of-the-art surgical intervention and rehabilitation, and we have all the things that an excellent children’s hospital provides, such as pediatric sub-specialists and a large physical therapy department. So we can do all these high-tech things, but we also have a personal approach, and it’s nice to combine both of those things in one setting.
What would you like people to know about your labor and delivery unit? We’re a very patient-
focused unit. We try very hard to be respectful of the patient’s choices, and we offer a great deal of services to make them comfortable. The staff is very knowledgeable and supportive during the actual experience—no matter how they did it, epidural or not, [we want the patient to feel] well taken care of. —Megan Maxson 100 East 77th Street, 212-434-2000; lenoxhillhospital.org.
What should families look for when choosing a pediatric orthopedics center? They should
Chief
look for sub-specialization within the field. Twenty to 30 years ago pediatric orthopedists did everything from the neck to the tips of the toes, and over the last 20 years there has been significant sub-specialization. Everyone has a specific focus in terms of their clinical and surgical interest.
What brought you to the Hospital for Special Surgery? Sixteen years ago I was looking for a
What other amenities do you offer that other hospitals in the city perhaps don’t have? Our
job, and the Hospital for Special Surgery was looking for a pediatric orthopedist. HSS has a long held reputation as an adult orthopedic hospital, and this [position] was an opportunity to develop the pediatric orthopedic service, which is what we have done in terms of branching out, increasing our sub-specializations and bringing in experts in different areas of care.
staff; our operating room nurses and our therapists are all geared specifically and entirely towards musculoskeletal problems and orthopedic surgery. When you have surgery at HSS you are getting pediatric sub-specialty orthopedic nurses, which are a rarity, but that’s the standard here. Everyone from the top down is completely focused on orthopedics. —Jill Valente 535 East 70th Street, 212-606-1000; hss.edu.
Hospital For Special Surgery; Department of Pediartric Orthopedics
DR. ROGER WIDMANN
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OH, THE PLACES
you’ll go!
Next Stop, A New York Party Of Five Takes On The Slopes At Smuggler’s Notch BY JEAN HALLORAN-MONACO
The author's daughters (from left, Francesca, Anna and Audrey) enjoy the slopes.
A
s a family of five novice skiers (and three daughters under the age of 10), the idea of going on a ski trip to Vermont seemed a bit daunting—but then again, so did the idea of staying inside a cramped city apartment for MLK weekend, so we embarked on a getaway to Vermont’s Smuggler’s Notch Resort. Before we left, we turned to the resort’s website (smuggs.com), which is a great resource, especially for beginners like us; it provided detailed driving directions and helped us identify our skiing level, pack for our trip and layer appropriately for the conditions. Now if they could only move Vermont a little closer to the city, it would be perfect! When we arrived at Smuggler’s at 3:30 a.m., we were greeted with a
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New York Family | February 2011
smile—before we found our rooms and promptly fell asleep. But in the morning, we realized why families travel to Smuggler’s; the grounds looked just like a winter wonderland, with tons of activities for kids like tubing, ice skating and a zip-line course, in addition to skiing and snowboarding. And for Smuggler’s smallest visitors, there is Treasures, the skiing-infused day care program for children six weeks to three years, which boasts separate rooms and activities for different age groups and a highly-trained staff. Smuggler’s offers skiing and snowboarding camps for children 2 ½ and up which are broken down by age and skill level, and it just so happened that my three children were in three different camps. Audrey, who is almost 5, was in the Discovery Dynamos camp
(when we left her, she cried and said she only wanted to stay for a half day, but later decided to stay longer). Francesca, who is almost 7, finished two levels in Adventure Rangers, and I was surprised at how she remembered her lessons when she demonstrated her new techniques after camp. And Anna, who is a week shy of turning 9, loved her instructor, going fast and skiing backwards—her instructor even suggested she try some beginner freestyle classes. My husband Frank and I loved hearing how much the girls enjoyed their time on the mountain and catching glimpses of them skiing—all three of them already better than me, I might add. Frank and I were in an adult group lesson with instructor Bud Conger, who has been teaching at Smugglers’ for 47 years. It showed—in only an hour and a half, he helped us dramatically improve our skiing by teaching us to how turn correctly. At the end of our lesson, Bud shocked me when he said he was turning 80 the following week! The girls also loved going tubing, especially “when the tube went really fast and was spinning.” But another highlight of the trip was definitely the supervised indoor Fun Zone; while Frank and I relaxed and watched the Jets game at the Morse Mountain Grille, the girls were able to explore the Fun Zone with a great sitter and play ping pong and mini golf, run through an obstacle course and jump on bouncies. Audrey returned shouting, “There was this rope thing that turns around when you climb on it!” to which Anna added, “It was so fun, especially if you fell off!” It was impossible for us to do everything Smuggs has to offer, but next time we visit we definitely want to go snow-shoeing or cross country skiing, which came highly recommended to us by other guests. All in all, the weekend was a great success—we tried tons of new activities, improved our skiing skills and had a wonderful time with our children—well worth the hours of travel to get there. v For more information about Smuggler’s Notch, visit smuggs.com.
• Follows NY State Educational Standards
• Special Ed program for students with average to above average cognitive ability • Small, structured classrooms with a multi-sensory and multi-disciplinary approach to learning
• Students have challenges in the areas of language, auditory processing, attention, sensory integration, learning disabilities and executive functioning. For applications and to schedule a tour, please contact Linda Gardner at 212-867-9594 or lgardner@aaronschool.org
LA ScuoLA D’ItALIA GuGLIELMo MARcoNI 12 East 96th Street, New York, NY 10128
Pre K-12th Grade
La Scuola d’Italia is a private unique Italian/English bilingual and bicultural school reflecting the best features of the Italian and American education. Knowledge of the Italian/English language is not a pre-requisite for admission to Pre-K through 9th grade. La Scuola d’Italia is chartered by the Board of Regents of the State of New York and by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Italy. The School is a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools.
www.lascuoladitalia.org tel. 212-369-3290 email: secretary@lascuoladitalia.org
oh, the places
you’ll go!
How Was
Your Trip? NYC Families Share Highlights—And Snapshots —From Their Favorite Getaways
Taking a family trip to a faraway island with a young child seemed daunting at first, but Hawaii was the perfect destination. We arrived at our hotel along Waikiki Beach in O’ahu and immediately headed out to the warm ocean. Island hopping was literally a breeze; we took a 20-minute plane ride to Maui and experienced the cool touch of the clouds as we ascended 10,000 feet to the summit of Haleakala National Park. Back in O’ahu, we snorkeled in Hanahuma Bay, hiked to the top of Diamond Head Crater and topped it off with a luau—all with a three-year-old! —Angely Hahm
Aurelijus Varna
While we love scouting great vacation destinations, sometimes the best advice comes from other families. So we asked seven travel-savvy parents to tell us about their favorite family vacations—from local getaways to cross-Atlantic adventures!
Hawaii
England Aruba We had a great family vacation in Aruba last April. We stayed at the very familyfriendly Marriott Surf Club. We love all Aruba has to offer—great sunsets, warm water, fabulous food, friendly people and near-perfect 82-degree weather. A great spot to visit is Baby Beach, with shallow water and great snorkeling, and Palm Island is a must! —Carla Hunt
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New York Family | February 2011
Our daughter was almost three when we went to England, and our son was 16 months. They loved running around Cambridge University. They seemed thrilled with the London Eye and the Changing of the Guard. But what we relished most was following our ordinary routines in a new locale: going to playgrounds, taking strolls, buying food and looking for the night’s first star—letting them notice how it was all different in this foreign place, and how it was all the same. —Andrew Solomon
SPECIAL INVITATION:
Caribbean Cruise We did a lot of research before going on our Royal Caribbean Cruise, and it paid off. It was so convenient to simply drive to New Jersey and board the ship. We were at sea for two days, in Bermuda for two days, then returned to New Jersey. It was the perfect amount of time for our first vacation with our 11-month-old. Ian sat through a show in the ice skating rink, we played Ms. PacMan in the arcade and there was a fantastic baby pool where he got to splash around. During our two days in Bermuda, we played on the beach and took the ferry into town to see the sights and do some shopping. We highly recommend this trip to families with young children. —Lainie Gutterman
This past summer my family and I hit the road to discover the South. Of the many places we visited, one of the most memorable was New Orleans. From the French Quarter, where we stayed, you can walk to places like The Aquarium and The Insectarium. A short trolley ride takes you to “The Cities of the Dead”—the local cemeteries where the centuries-old, above-ground tombs can be found. Live jazz performances can be found in many kid-friendly establishments, and often on street corners. You can take the kids to enjoy some great food as well, like beignets at Cafe du Monde, crawfish pizza at Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, or a great big bowl of gumbo at Deanie’s Seafood. —Carol Cain, blogger, The Adventures of a NY City Mama (nycitymama.com)
Family Fun Day & Travel Expo! Family travel guru Kimberly Wilson Wetty has been contributing her expert destination tips to our pages for several months. Now we’re teaming up with her to throw an amazing Family Party & Travel Expo, featuring three of the most family-friendly travel excursions in the world in conjunction with Valerie Wilson Travel: the large and well-regarded travel consulting firm, which will be on hand to help inspire you with ideas about family travel for spring and summer. * Adventures by Disney, offering the Disney vacation magic in a whole new form. * Club Med, with its famously affordable but luxurious all-inclusive family deals at stunning newlyrenovated properties. * Royal Caribbean International, which packs every conceivable family desire and need into its amazing cruises. As of press time, the final details were still unfolding. But plan on a great party and a helpful expo, and check in at NewYorkFamily.com for more info, or email us at newyorkfamily@manhattanmedia.com.
New Orleans, LA Last February, our family went to Bear Mountain. Only an hour away from the city by car, the Mountain served as a welcome retreat from the bustling city. We stayed at the Overlook Lodge, which is very affordable, especially if you go during the week. Our family went on a scenic family hike that was really relaxing— until the snowball fight! We also rode on the indoor merry-go-round, played hotel football, had pillow fights, made snow-angels and went sledding. We highly recommend a trip to Bear Mountain, where city kids can experience a bit of nature and unobstructed sky! —Kimberly Coleman, Mom in the City (mominthecity.com)
Bear Mountain, NY
The Dakotas We took our first major family road trip a few summers ago. On the way, we visited Laura Ingalls Wilder’s hometown of Walnut Grove, took a scenic drive through the Badlands, watched a family-style shootout at the Circle B Ranch outside Rapid City, gawked at Mount Rushmore, encountered a herd of buffalo at Custer State Park, panned for gold in Deadwood, and even participated in a paleontology dig. We celebrated with a special dinner at Bonanza Steak House in Dickinson, North Dakota—where the salad bar costs $2.99 and if you want a burger it’s an extra 40 cents. To this day it remains my kids’ number one favorite restaurant. —Andrea Fisher February 2011 | New York Family
63
IN THE
Blue Skies
Azure Offers Luxury Family Living At Great Value On The Upper East Side AZURE Finding luxurious, family-sized apartments at great values on the Upper East Side can be a daunting task. Yet that’s exactly what families will find at Azure, a 34-story amenity-rich high-rise cooperative with condo-type bylaws located at 333 East 91st Street on the corner of First Avenue. “Azure is at the vanguard of a new way of family living in Manhattan,” says Douglas MacLaury, senior vice president of The Mattone Group, one of the building’s joint developers along with The DeMatteis Organizations. “It’s a property that offers so much at such exceptional value.” Azure was developed as a public-private partnership with the Educational Construction Fund (a public purpose entity controlled by the city of New York). In exchange for building a new public school at no cost
to the Educational Construction Fund and the city of New York, Azure received bonus air rights allowing for a taller building and an enhanced value that is passed on to purchasers of homes at Azure. This resulted in the ability to offer lower prices than other comparable luxury high-rise residential buildings on the Upper East Side, as well as a new location for MS 114 (a.k.a. East Side Middle), one of the best middle schools in the city. Residences at Azure feature floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the East River and downtown Manhattan; Brazilian Afromosia flooring; Viking appliances and Bosch washers and dryers. The building also includes over 6,300 square feet of amenity space, including a children’s playroom, a teen lounge with pool and foosball tables and Internet access, a fully-equipped athletic facility, a 24-hour concierge and valet service, a Fresh Direct cold storage facility and more. From the seventh floor up, each unit boasts a corner location. The spacious layouts feature eat-in kitchens, bedrooms tucked into quiet corners, and plenty of closets. “The location is in a quieter residential neighborhood; it does not have the congestion of commercial traffic at your front door,” MacLaury says. “The unit sizes are generous throughout the building—we have the largest four bedrooms in a new construction building available on the Upper East Side.” The Azure has also become known for customizing units to best fit the needs of its families; often, larger spaces are created by combining units. And families are responding favorably. “From the cozy lobby entrance to the efficient and helpful staff, we have everything the most luxurious buildings offer,” says Esty Abadi, a recent buyer at Azure. Just steps outside Azure, the family-friendly Upper East Side doesn’t skip a beat. Home to some of the best public and private schools in the city, the neighborhood also boasts stellar recreational spaces like Carl Schurz Park and Asphalt Green, not to mention great restaurants and shopping as well as close proximity to Museum Mile. —Leah Black and Tiffanie Green
Address: 333 East 91st Street at First Avenue | Prices: 2 bedrooms from $1,165,000; 3 bedrooms from $1,981,000; 4 bedrooms from $2,500,000 Developer: The DeMatteis Organizations and The Mattone Group | Architect: SLCE Architects| Sales Office: 212-828-4848 | Website: azureny.com
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New York Family | February 2011
www.newyorkfamily.com
AZURE
ALSO ON THE MARKET...
170 East 77th Street Located in one of the Upper East Side’s luxury fullservice condominium buildings, this triple mint corner four-bedroom, four-bathroom home boasts open city views and a stunning loft-like layout. An enormous formal entertaining space presents a large formal dining area, an open double living room, and a stunning open eat-in kitchen designed by Bulthaup. Two separate living wings border the major rooms, each wing offers two large bedrooms and two full baths. Gorgeous features include dark solid oak stripped hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, state-of-the-art sound, independently controlled AC/ heating units, Bosch washer/dryer and high-end quality finishes. Asking Price: $4.45M | Maint/CC: $2,232 Agent: Deanna E. Kory, 212-937-7011 or DEK@corcoran.com, The Corcoran Group 4 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms
2112 Broadway
401 East 84th Street, 25BC
This grand home in the landmarked Apple Bank Building boasts soaring 11-foot ceilings, huge windows and approximately 3,000 sq. feet of space. The enormous living room/dining room is as ideal for entertaining as it is for home life. The eat-in chef’s kitchen has a 36” sub zero, 6 burner Viking stove as well as lots of counter and storage space. Off the kitchen is a large office/den. Three huge bedrooms each have their own beautiful ensuite bathroom. The master bedroom has three large closets, including one enormous walk-in. The master bath has a double vanity, shower and soaking tub. This amazing home has fabulous closets and storage space, central air conditioning and new sound-proof windows. The Apple Bank Building is a full service condominium with bike room and fitness facility.
This spacious Upper East Side condo boasts incredible south and west-facing skyline and views. Perched atop the 25th floor of The Dunhill Condominium, the 2,455 sq. foot home has three bedrooms (and is easily convertible to four bedrooms), three balconies, a windowed dining area, a renovated windowed kitchen with stainless steel appliances and tons of counter space. The huge master bedroom has its own balcony plus a massive walk-in closet. The other bedrooms each have their own marble bath and open views to the west. The Dunhill’s amenities include a 24-hour doorman and daytime concierge, children’s playroom, bike room, terraced party room, windowed health club and windowed laundry room. Pets are welcome.
Asking Price: $5, 799,000| Maint/CC: $3,857 Agent: Lisa Lippman, 212-588-5606, Brown Harris Stevens | 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms
Asking Price: $2,895,000 | Maint/CC: $2,723 Agent: Jacky Teplitsky, 212-891-7263, Prudential Douglas Elliman | 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
These were the prices as of February 21 www.newyorkfamily.com
February 2011 | New York Family
65
camp
countdown
BIG STep the first
YMCA of Greater New York
Day camp Gives children a Taste Of Independence By Marla ColeMan
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New York Family | February 2011
I
t’s tough to be a kid these days. It’s tough to be a parent. In a society where the nature of the family, the workplace, and the community have changed dramatically, we can no longer assume that the natural process of growing up will provide children the experiences and the resources they need to become successful, contributing adults. We are in a climate where it is harder to know what we need to survive, so drawing on experiences that give children healthy alternatives and opportunities to instill capabilities, the hallmarks of thriving, is the greatest gift you can give a young child. Does it really matter if my child doesn’t go to day camp, especially since she will go to overnight camp in a few years? She is only 4 years old—why does she need day camp? Camp provides one of the very few links with a world larger than the consumer culture we inhabit—and day camp is one important choice in a quiver of options. The camp experience helps children and youth develop an appreciation of their place and their responsibility in a much larger universe. A preschooler—or even an older child who might be reluctant to go to overnight camp—can join a community that is created especially for her to practice growing up. Why wait, when the benefits of feeling connected and being able to contribute to and navigate society can be reaped at an earlier age? Under the supervision of inspiring guides and passionate coaches, children can feel successful and make new friends while having the time of their lives; they can experience belonging and contribution; they can have a sense of consistency and predictability in times of turbulence and change. Day camp can begin as early as age 3, and children get to experience camp and still return home each evening! They have the best of both worlds— the camp community, which is built exclusively for kids, and their own home, which provides the security they need at a tender age. One day camp parent said, “While my children and I are constantly bombarded by the news, which is focused www.newyorkfamily.com
Temple Israel of the City of New York
My “Special Person” and Me Summer Camp Program DRAMA SPORTS SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ART MUSIC DAY CAMPS FOR BOYS & GIRLS AGES 3.5 - 13 IN THE HEART OF NEW YORK CITY
DATES: June 6th - July 27th Monday/Wednesday 9:00 to 10:30 AGES: 1.8 - 2.2 years of age by June 1, 2011
Art Sensory Play Free Play Music And Movement Snack Waterplay On The Playground And More….
JUNE 20 - JULY 22 ALL CAMPS INCLUDE OUTDOOR SPORTS, SWIMMING INSTRUCTION AND WEEKLY FIELD TRIPS. FUN AND FITNESS EXTENDED AFTERNOON SPORTS PROGRAM AVAILABLE.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CALL 212-744-4486 X8040 OR VISIT US ONLINE: MARYMOUNTSUMMER.ORG
REGISTER NOW! For more information contact: Lindsay Bennett at 212-249-5001 or lbennett@templeisraelnyc.org 112 East 75th Street, New York, NY 10021
Berlitz Kids® Summer Camp — have fun and LEARN a new language! • Small groups for children ages 4-7 and 8-11 • Multiple languages available • Native-fluent specially trained instructors
• Age-appropriate curriculum and cultural activities • 3-week programs scheduled Monday – Thursday • Multiple sessions available
SAVE $50 whEN you REgiSTER By mARCh 15, 2011 Space is limited, so call today or visit www.Berlitz.us Rockefeller Center, 40 West 51st St., New York, NY
1.800.492.9984 Also ask about our TEEN PRogRAmS! ©2011 Berlitz Languages, Inc. All rights reserved.
6.925x4.7_NYF_BerlitzKids_02_11.indd 1
1/14/11 2:46 PM
The Second Big Step
on what is wrong with the world, camp is a living example of what is right.” Day camp is a terrific first experience. Reminiscent of less complicated days when people connected with nature, thrived on intergenerational relationships, and made new discoveries, everything is designed and scaled to ensure that children feel included, cared about, and capable. Beginning camp at an early age provides important advantages. Camp is the best demonstration of moral and spiritual order—democracy is the core purpose. Children learn life skills and behaviors that become habits of the heart. While many then move on to overnight camp, others will be content to continue the day camp experience: after all, there is a camp for everyone—and that might well be day camp! G Marla Coleman is a co-owner of Coleman Family Camps. Originally printed in CAMP Magazine, reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association (campparents.org) © 2005 American Camp Association, Inc.
Is Your Child Ready for Sleepaway Camp? Important Questions to Ask Before Summer Starts Summer’s just around the corner: do you know what camp you’re sending your kid to? Experts say it’s never too early to start looking. But before you do there are a few key issues to address to ensure you have a happy camper on your hands. After all, every camp is different and it’s important to make sure the one your child attends is a good fit. Whether it’s day or sleepaway camp you’re considering, here are some tips for choosing a summer camp that’s right for your family:
Discovery Camp
• First decide iF the whole Family is ready For the separation, which can be as short as one week or as long as eight weeks. “Our suggestion is you always send the child to camp when the child— and the parents—are ready,” said Joanne
continued on page 70
Attention. That’s what kids with ADHD want. And that’s exactly what they’ll get at NYU Summer Program for Kids, the only seven-week therapeutic summer program in New York, specifically tailored to meet the needs of children between the ages of 7 and 11 with ADHD. • • • • •
Behavioral techniques used to promote positive behavior Development of social and academic competence Nurturing and fun atmosphere Swimming and group sports daily Highly qualified staff of psychologists, teachers, and psychology undergraduate and graduate students
• Excellent staff/child ratio of 1 to 1-2
NYU Summer Program for Kids prepares children to start the school year as better adjusted and more socially skilled students. Parents also receive specialized training to make the most of their child’s summer experience.
For more information, please call 212 263 0760.
AboutOurKids.org
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New York Family | February 2011
www.newyorkfamily.com
CF_FP_NYF_Jan_2011
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What are your kids doing this summer? e h t d n i F perfect camp!
New York Family and the ACA-NY are hosting fairs through January to help parents meet over 50 different camp directors. DAY CAMPS and SLEEPAWAY CAMPS from all over will be represented, great for children ages 3 to 17!
FOR WOULD-BE CAMPERS AND THEIR PARENTS, THE FAIR IS AN UNBEATABLE WAY TO PREPARE FOR SUMMER. ALL FAIRS ARE FROM NOON TO 3 PM:
Sunday, February 5: Morningside Heights The Bank Street School 610 West 112th Street
Saturday, March 5: Upper East Side St. Jean Baptiste High School 173 East 75th Street
(btwn Broadway and Riverside Drive)
(btwn Lexington and Third Avenues)
FREE ON! ISSI ADM
Sunday, March 6: Upper West Side Congregation Rodeph Sholom 7 West 83rd Street
Saturday, March 12: Downtown Friends Seminary School 222 East 16th Street
Sunday, March 13: Park Slope, Brooklyn Congregation Beth Elohim 274 Garfield Place
(btwn CPW and Columbus Ave)
(btwn 3rd Ave and Rutherford Place)
(btwn 8th Avenue and Prospect Park West)
PRE-REGISTER grand raffle prize:
to receive a gift bag and be entered to
win our
newyorkfamilycamps.com
The Second Big Step continued from page 68
Paltrowitz, director of the camp referral service Camp Experts. “You never push a child.” If everyone’s not on board, families can always wait another year. • Another thing to consider is whether your child might be too young or too old for cAmp. Paltrowitz suggested the best time to look for summer camps is the year before children enter fourth, fifth and sixth grades. In the older years, friendships have already been formed and “socially, it’s harder” to break in, she said. “It’s really important to get your child in on the ground floor,” she said. • decide whether you’re looking for dAy or overnight cAmps. “It can look very, very overwhelming— there are thousands of camps out there,” said Renee Flax, Program Services Director for the American Camp AssociationNew York. Visit acacamps.org or campwizard.org for extensive lists of accredited camps. • choosing A cAmp is A little bit like mAtchmAking, so zero in on cAmps thAt mAtch your child’s interests. “The parents’ homework assignment is to think objectively about who their child really is,” Flax said. Is your child artsy or athletic? Will they swim in a lake or must there be a swimming pool? Circus camp or riding camp? “It’s not one size fits all,” she said. • tAke locAtion into Account. “Some parents are not comfortable with a six-hour distance from their home,” Paltrowitz said. Fortunately, plenty of overnight camps exist within a few hours’ drive of New York City.
SUMMER CAMPS
FEBRUARY 6th OPEN HOUSE! at SUNY Purchase College Sunday, FEBRUARY 6, 10-2pm Sign-up for WEEKLY Specialty Programs at fscampswestchester.info Tenniscamp Baseballcamp Basketballcamp Circus Artscamp Cheerleadingcamp Soccercamp Multi-Sportscamp Magiccamp
Footballcamp Divingcamp Lacrossecamp Academiccamp Softballcamp Field Hockeycamp Little Starscamp Volleyballcamp
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• find out how cAmps recruit their stAff. Jem Sollinger, director of Camp Laurel in Readfield, Maine, performs background checks and asks for two letters of recommendation— and that’s before the initial interview with camp counselors. • Ask cAmp directors whAt their return rAte is. “If a return rate is very low, that might signal a problem to you,” Flax said. A return rate of over 80 percent probably means happy parents—and happy campers. • unleAsh detAiled questions on cAmp directors. How do they deal with home-sickness? How do children and their parents keep in touch? Can the camp accommodate special diets? How do they dispense medication? • Ask for A pArent referrAl. If you’re the parent of a 10-year-old girl in Manhattan, ask to speak to the parent of another 10-year-old girl in Manhattan. Camp directors should be more than happy to oblige. —Jessica Wakeman
UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SUMMER DAY CAMP June 27th to July 29th, 2011 www.UNIS.ORG For children 4 to 14 years old Swimming, Basketball, Soccer, Tennis, Chess, Computer, Arts & Crafts, Hip Hop & Tap Dances, Robotics, Math, English & ESL…
* per week! * per child!
fscampswestchester.info
New York Family | February 2011
• meet with cAmp directors—And trust your first impression. If they don’t impress you as being knowledgeable, positive and responsible, heed the warning. “That’s important to the nth degree,” said Sam Borek, owner and director of the Woodmont Day Camp in New City, N.Y.
Enroll Early SAVE $50-$100
Lunch and Transportation options available * Door - Door Transportation for Manhattan Residents!
914.295.2381
• the gAmut of prices is wide, so figure out how much your fAmily expects to pAy. Prices range from free YMCA camps to private camps that cost $9,000 per summer, Flax said.
Office of Special Programs 1-212-584-3083 Email: ljalilvand@unis.org 24-50 FDR Drive (at 25th Street), New York, NY 10010 www.newyorkfamily.com
40” 39” -
• Swimming, Sports, Music, Art and more!
38” -
• Make friends in the neighborhood
37” —
• Free rooftop playground
36”-
s • For children, birth—4 year
35” -
over • Visit jccmanhattan.org for ! 1200 programs of all kinds
34” —
alue n • Best V
ructio Expert Inst • s e ti li ci c Fa
Authenti
33” 32” -
MOEY’S MUSIC PARTY FAMILY CONCERT
31” -
Every day’s a party at Moey’s Music Party! With her rocking songs, hot pink boa, and pompoms for the kids, “Moey turns any under–5 shindig into a mini-American Bandstand” according to Cookie Magazine. Grownups are guaranteed to have as much fun as the kids! Children under 1 are FREE! Sun, Feb 6, 10-11 am, $12/$14 in advance, $14/$16 at door
30” — 29”28” 27” — 26” 25” 24” 23” — 22”-
The Best Place To Skate. Sky Rink has been New York’s favorite place to skate since 1969. Bring friends & family to Chelsea Piers for: GENERAL SKATING
Weekends, 1:00pm – 3:50pm Visit chelseapiers.com for extended holiday hours.
SKATING SCHOOL
New classes begin every week. Purchase 11 classes and GET 1 FREE!
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
New York’s coolest party place.
Sky Rink at
DAM AVE AT 76TH
334 AMSTER 646.505.5708 |
ST
tion of UJA-Federa a beneficiary
Pier 61 • 23rd Street & Hudson River Park 212.336.6100 • www.chelseapiers.com/sr Visit chelseapiers.com for a complete listing of sports classes available for both kids and adults.
10
February 5
WE’RE JAMMIN’ [All Ages]
No time for a wintry getaway this season? No problem, just head to Prospect Park’s Winter Jam NYC—a free, annual sports festival that encourages New Yorkers to bundle up, get out and have some fun in the colder weather. The festival, which will boast tons of fresh snow courtesy of the Olympic Regional Development Authority, will feature skiing and snow shoeing, the annual Red Bull Butter Cup snowboarding tournament and lessons for kids of all ages. Plus, after showing off their skills, families can warm up with free snacks and samples from local vendors at the event’s Winter Market. The festival will take place rain or shine from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prospect Park’s Nethermead Meadow, 95 Prospect Park West, 718-965-8951; nycparks.gov.
February 5
SHAKE IT UP [All Ages]
On February 5th, Grammy nominated and momrun kiddie rock group Milkshake, who plays tunes inspired by everyone from Rodgers and Hammerstein to The White Stripes, will hit the stage at Symphony Space’s Just Kidding Series. Fronted by singer Lisa Mathews and guitarist Mikel Gehl—whose music for adults has been featured in movies and primetime television— will charm adults and kids alike with their endearing lyrics and authentic rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Tickets range from $13-$27; the show begins at 11 a.m. Peter J. Sharp Theatre, 2537 Broadway, 212-864-5400; symphonyspace.org.
GREAT IDEAS FOR FEBRUARY
February 5-6
PRETTY POTS [All Ages]
Kids can channel their inner artist and cultivate their green thumbs at the same time with the “Patterned Pots” family workshop at Wave Hill. Led by Mexican artist Leticia Luevanos, guests will be able to decorate their own plant pots with festive designs and patterns inspired by Salsa dance and multicultural ceramics. After the workshop, kids can take home their own pots to house a plant that will surely brighten up their family’s winter season. The workshop takes place on Saturday and Sunday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; free with admission to the grounds (which is also free until noon.) The Ecology Building; 675 West 252nd Street; 718-5493200; wavehill.org.
FEBRUARY 5th
WAVE HILL
FEBRUARY 5th-6th
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New York Family | February 2011
By parentsconnect.com and newyorkfamily.com
www.newyorkfamily.com
the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, where kids will be able to experience first-hand what it’s like to be part of the choir. Before the event, families can check out Carnegie Hall’s website for sheet music and audience clips to help them learn the songs. The performance itself, which will be led by the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, will include pre-concert activities and warm-ups led by members of the ensemble. Performance begins at 1 p.m.; tickets range from $9-$15. Zankel Hall, 881 Seventh Avenue, 212-903-9600; carnegiehall.org.
February 23
CIRCUS SCIENCE [All Ages]
Let your kids join the circus—for a day, that is—at the New York Hall of Science’s fun-filled and informative performance, “Science and the Circus.” Guests will watch clowns and performers from the renowned Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus take on their various awe-inspiring tasks and tricks while learning about the different scientific principles behind them, like the physics of balance. Tickets are limited and are available on the day of the performance on a first-come, first-serve basis. Performances will take place at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Free with general admission. 47-01 111th Street, Queens, 718-699-0005; nysci.org.
FEBRUARY 20th February 5-6
February 20
FEBRUARY IS FOR FILMS
STAR TREK SOCIAL
This month, cinephile kids will rejoice for the 13th annual BAM Kids Film Festival at the BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) Rose Cinemas. The festival will show a total of 66 films hailing from 23 countries—many of which will be making their New York, U.S. or even world premiere! Highlights from the weekend-long festival include “Awesome Animation,” an all-animation program for children ages 7-9, Jenny Slate’s (formerly of “Saturday Night Live”) internet animation sensation “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” and the film based on Mo Willem’s popular book “The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog.” Tickets are available online, by phone (718-777-FILM) or at the BAM Rose Cinemas Box Office; tickets are $9 per screening for kids, $12 for adults. Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn; bam.org.
Parents can introduce their children to the classic science fiction tale when NYU’s Skirball Center hosts “Star Trek Live,” an action-packed, hour-long production based on the hit movie and television franchise. During the performance—which features tons of special effects, audience participation and on-screen appearances by Captain Kirk and Spock—Starfleet Commander Sean Christopher and his band of rookie cadets will fight to save planet Earth by combating Romulan forces. Your kids just might be little “Trekkies” by the show’s end! Tickets range from $15-25. 566 LaGuardia Place, 212- 992-8484; skirballcenter.nyu.edu
[Ages 2-11]
February 12
A DOG’S LIFE [All Ages]
Dog lovers of all ages will love the special presentation “Wild, Wild World: A Dog’s Mind” at the American Museum of Natural History. Presented in conjunction with the museum’s fascinating and interactive exhibit “Brain: The Inside Story,” the presentation will feature Alexandra Horowitz, a cognitive scientist at Barnard College and author of the new book “Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know,” who will lead kids in a fascinating discussion about what goes on in a dog’s mind. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Linder Theater; 79th Street and Central Park West, 212-769-5100; amnh.org.
[Ages 6+]
February 26
FEBRUARY 27th
SOCK ROCK [All Ages]
Beginning on February 26, families can experience the newest musical journey from Gustafer Yellowgold—the curious yellow sun creature that has captured the hearts of adults and kids alike— when he takes the stage at the DR2 Theatre. Gustafer’s “Infinity Sock” is a multi-media show that is part pop rock concert, part animated movie that tells the story of Gustafer’s search for the longest sock in the universe. The show runs through April 2nd on Saturdays and Sundays and takes place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. DR2 Theatre, 103 East 15th Street; gustaferyellowgold.com.
February 27
ROCK WITH RANDY [All Ages]
Kids and adults alike will love singing along to rocker Randy Kaplan when he takes the stage at 92Y Tribeca’s family music program BYOK (Bring Your Own Kid). From Broadway hits to Delta blues and original songs, Kaplan’s songs are unpredictable and infectiously funny, thus promising to be a hit with the kiddie crowd. But with covers of songs from greats like Bob Dylan and Leadbelly, the performance is also sure to have parents tapping their toes and singing along, too! Tickets are $15; Kids under two are free. 200 Hudson Street, 212-601-1000; 92y.org.
February 27
THE FAMILY THAT SINGS [Ages 5-12]
On Sunday, February 27th, make musical memories at Carnegie Hall’s Family Sing with
To submit an event listing, please email newyorkfamily@manhattanmedia.com.
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STEPHANIE BERGER
newyorkfamily.com. For more great listings,
see parentsconnect.com,
the online city guide for parents. February 2011 | New York Family
73
MUSEUMS AmericAn museum of nAturAl History
The AMNH’s exhaustive collections span human culture, the natural world and the universe. On February 19th, families can celebrate African American History Month with the program “Global Weekends: Saluting Our Jazz Elders,” which will honor legendary artists and their impact on their respective musical genres. Central Park West and 79th Street, 212-769-5100, amnh.org.
Brooklyn cHildren’s museum
The first Saturday of each month, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum hosts the World Passport Workshop Series, where kids can learn about an exciting new concept that lends itself to great thematic study. On February 5th, kids can check out the “Chinese New Year Block Prints” workshop, where they can create a work of art that will bring good fortune in the coming year. 145 Brooklyn Avenue (at St. Marks Avenue), Brooklyn, 718-735-4402, brooklynkids.org.
cHildren’s museum of tHe Arts
The Children’s Museum of the Arts strives to extend the benefits of the arts to all children and their communities. Kids can get crafty this Valentine’s Day with CMANY’s special day-long celebration, where kids can decorate cookies, make greeting cards and more. 182 Lafayette Street, 212-274-0986; cmany.org.
cHildren’s museum of mAnHAttAn
This museum offers art-based educational exhibits and programs in a variety of subjects, as well as extensive offsite outreach. From February 21st through the 25th, families can celebrate President’s Day with a president-themed scavenger hunt, art projects and educational workshops as part of the museum’s “Raising Citizens” drop-in series. 212 West 83rd Street, 212-721-1234; cmom.org.
el museo del BArrio
One of the city’s leading Latino cultural institutions, the museum offers wide-ranging exhibitions that are complemented by film, literary, visual and performing arts series, cultural celebrations, and educational programs. On February 19th, families can celebrate Super Sabado! (the museum’s monthly free day of programming) which will feature concerts, exhibits, gallery tours, art-making workshops and more. 1230 Fifth Avenue, 212-831-7272, elmuseo.org.
GuGGenHeim museum
The second Sunday of every month, the Guggenheim museum offers family tours of its exhibits and galleries, which incorporate conversation and creative hands-on activities for kids ages 5 to 10. On February 12th, families can head to the museum for “Art Zoo,” where they can examine how artists portray animals (both real and fantastic) in their artwork. 1071 Fifth Avenue, 212-423-3500; guggenheim.org.
intrepid seA, Air & spAce museum
Escape the late winter blues with a week of hands-on fun at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum’s Kids Week. From February 19th through the 27th, the Intrepid invites families to enjoy a host of special, kid-focused programming, including interactive exhibits in the Exploreum Hall, different hands-on activities every day of the week (like the Intrepid’s spectacular flight simulators), special guest performances and more. Pier 86, 12th Avenue and 46th Street, 877-957-SHIP; intrepidmuseum.org.
JewisH museum
The Jewish Museum features a permanent collection of more than 28,000 objects— paintings, sculpture, photographs, archaeological artifacts, coins, ceremonial objects and more—relating to Jewish heritage and history. On February 27th, families can see professional magician Ryan Oakes (a Houdini-inspired magician who has even performed magic at the White House!) perform sleight of hand. Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street, 212-423-3337; thejewishmuseum.org.
tHe metropolitAn museum of Art
The Met’s friendly, interactive programs help children grow an appreciation for the treasures inside this world-renowned museum. Throughout the month of February, kids can join the museum’s “A Midwinter Recess’s Dream,” where they can learn about various art collections through discussions and sketching. 1000 Fifth Avenue, 212535-7710, metmuseum.org.
tHe morGAn liBrAry And museum
The Morgan Library and Museum is one of the world’s greatest collections of literary and musical works from all time periods. On February 26th, kids can learn basic bookbinding techniques and make their own journals to bring home. 225 Madison Avenue, 212-685-0008, themorgan.org.
museum of modern Art
The foremost modern art museum in the world, MoMA aims to make its collections
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New York Family | February 2011
CloCkwise From top: The New York Police Museum; Children’s Museum of the Arts; The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. www.newyorkfamily.com
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“The most entertaining hour of acrobatics, juggling, magic and comedy” —The Herald Tribune
Feb 11 – 27 Great for the Whole Family Recommended for everyone over the of age 4
THE NEW VICTORY® THEATER 209 W 42nd Street, just west of Broadway
®
®
A NEW 42ND STREET PROJECT
NewVictory.org 646-223-3010
EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO accessible to scholars and young children alike. Throughout the month of February, families are invited to a new workshop “Putting It Together: Collage and Assemblage,” which is inspired by paintings, collages and sculptures by Pablo Picasso. West 53rd Street, 212-708-9400, moma.org.
MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
Jazz classes for families with children ages eight months to five years.
Explores the history, present and future of the five boroughs. On February 8th, the museum will debut a new exhibit, “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing: How the Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment,” which traces the history and evolution of the Apollo Theater and its great impact on American pop culture. 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street, 212-5341672, mcny.org.
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE
The Hall features the largest collection of hands-on science exhibits in New York City, and holds a variety of family programs every weekend. On February 21st, kids can put their building skills to the test at Engineering Day, where they can experiment with tabletop activities sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers. 47-01 111th Street, Queens, 718699-0005, nyscience.org.
SPRING TERM People of Jazz March 8–May 8 Sing with Louis Armstrong, play the blues with Charles Mingus, bebop with Dizzy Gillespie, and meet many more new jazz friends.
NEW YORK POLICE MUSEUM
Dedicated to preserving the history of the New York City Police Department, the New York Police Museum boasts tons of hands-on educational exhibits for kids. From February 21st through the 25, kids can check out the museum’s Jr. Police Academy drop-off program, where they can participate in new police force-inspired activities each day. 100 Old Slip between Walter Street and South Street, 212-480-3100, nycpm.org.
NEW YORK TRANSIT MUSEUM
Dedicated to the history of urban transportation, this museum caters to children. On February 6th, kids can partake in the hands-on workshop “Junior Engineer: Bridge City: Cliff Bridges,” where they can learn about the city’s cliff bridges and construct their own. Corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, 718-694-1600, mta.info/museum.
RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!
Kids will be amazed at the eccentricities inside this famous “odditorium,” which features 25 themed galleries displaying everything from a six-legged cow to books made from spider webs. 234 West 42nd Street, 212-3983133, ripleysnewyork.com.
E N R O L L T O D AY
jalc.org/webop 212-258-9835
RUBIN MUSEUM OF ART
Home to an extensive collection of art from the Himalayas and surrounding regions, the Rubin offers programs and events for families throughout the year. Saturdays in February, kids can partake in the weekly workshop “Sculpting the Himalayas,” where they can work together to craft snow-capped mountains, rivers, shrines, prayer flags and more through clay, fabric and mixed media. 150 West 17th Street, 212-620-5000, rmanyc.org.
Official Media Partner
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New York Family | February 2011
Say cheese! On select Saturdays in February, families can take part in the Whitney Museum’s “Picturing People” workshop, in which museum guests will explore pictures of individuals in various media and learn the fundamentals behind portraits, posing and profiles. 945 Madison Avenue, 212-570-3600; whitney.org.
www.newyorkfamily.com
Carucha Meuse
WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
Tonight belongs to...
Broadway’s most haunting love story.
Telecharge.com or (212) 239-6200 MAJESTIC THEATRE, 247 West 44TH Street
www.ThePhantomOfTheOpera.com
THEATERS 92YTRIBECA
The community center’s BYOK (Bring Your Own Kid) Sunday music series invites families to enjoy some of the coolest kid-friendly music around. On February 6th, folk crooner Elizabeth Mitchell will enchant parents and kids alike with her heartfelt renditions of favorites from Woody Guthrie, Bob Marley and Gillian Welch. 200 Hudson Street, 212-601-1000, 92ytribeca.com.
BMCC TRIBECA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
On Sunday, February 13th, the BMCC Tribecca Performing Arts Center and Theatreworks USA invites families to its hilarious production “Click, Clack, Moo,” based on the awardwinning book by Doreen Cronin and Betsey Lewin. 199 Chambers Street, 212-220-1460, tribecapac.org.
CARNEGIE HALL
The McGraw-Hill Companies CarnegieKids concert series will host performances happening all over the city. Families can enjoy rockers “The Itty Biddies,” whose energetic shows take kids on a music journey around the country, at the Abrons Arts Center (on the Lower East Side) on February 6th and at the Brooklyn Central Library on February 12th. Carnegie Hall, 154 West 57th Street, 212-247-7800, carnegiehall.org.
COBBLE HILL CINEMAS
Every other Monday, Cobble Hill Cinemas hosts the children’s film series “Big Movies For Little Kids.” This month, parents can make Valentine’s Day a family affair by introducing kids to the classic love story in “I Love Lucy” on February 14th. 265 Court Street, Brooklyn, 718-5969113, cobblehilltheatre.com.
LITERALLY ALIVE CHILDREN’S THEATER
Literally Alive is a NYC-based children’s theater company that produces original musicals based on classic children’s literature. This month, families can check out the theater’s ensemble musical production of “The Little Mermaid,” starting on February 5th. The Player’s Theater, 115 MacDougal Street, 212-866-5170, literallyalive.com.
LINCOLN CENTER
Lincoln Center’s “Meet the Artist Saturdays” let kids get up close and personal with some of their favorite artists or explore new musical genres. On February 5th, families can groove to a performance from Nashville’s break-out kids jazz band, “Coal Train Railroad.” The David Rubenstein Atrium, Broadway between 62nd and 63rd streets, 212-8755456, Lincolncenter.org.
MANHATTAN CHILDREN’S THEATRE
Through February 27th, Manhattan Children’s Theatre invites families to its hilarious musical production of “Little Red Riding Hood,” in which a pair of bungling wolves try to outwit a smart and sassy heroine on her way to her grandmother’s house. 52 White Street, 212-226-4085; manhattanchildrenstheatre.org.
NEW VICTORY THEATER
From February 11th through the 27th, the New Victory Theater will host circus star Jamie Adkins and his latest production “Circus INcognitus,” which will feature Jamie teetering on ladders, somersaulting on slack wire and more hilarious, awe-inspiring stunts. 209 West 42nd Street; 646-223-3010, newvictory.org.
NEW YORK THEATER BALLET
Introduce your child to the magic of dance with the New York Theatre Ballet’s “Once Upon A Ballet” spring performances. On February 12th and 13th, the NYTB will present the classic tale of “Cinderella,” complete with a dancing clock, wacky stepsisters and a charming prince. 55 East 59th Street, 212-679-0401; nytb.org.
PUPPETWORKS
In true Puppetworks fashion, Lewis Carroll’s classic tale of “Alice in Wonderland” is told with the help of intricately crafted marionettes and accompanied with an original score. “Alice in Wonderland” will run throughout through April 17th. 338 Sixth Avenue at 4th Street, Brooklyn; 718-965-3391, puppetworks.org.
SKIRBALL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Mo Willems fans will love the Skirball Center’s special production of “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical,” based on the author’s beloved picture book. The show will only have
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New York Family | February 2011
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Cobble Hill Cinemas; New Victory Theater, photo by Amanda Russell; BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center; New York Theatre Ballet, photo by Richard Termine.
www.newyorkfamily.com
five performances between February 26th and 27th, so be sure to mark your calendars now. 566 LaGuardia Place, 212-352-3101, skirballcenter.nyu.edu.
Love her to death?
Vital theatre Company
Everyone’s favorite mouse ballerina Angelina and all of her friends make the big jump from the television screen to the stage in this musical production “Angelina Ballerina.” Angelina and the gang will hip-hop, modern dance, Irish jig and of course, ballet across the stage, and have audience members dancing in their seats. Recommended for children ages 3 to 12. The Union Square Theatre; 100 East 17th Street; angelinaballerinathemusical.com.
Celebrate with us.
ShowStopperS for KidS FOR ALL AGES
Gazillion BuBBle Show
This high-impact show features light effects, lasers and, of course, millions of bubbles, large and small, to create a dazzling production. For tickets, call 212-239-6200. New World Stages Theatre, 340 West 50th Street, gazillionbubbleshow.com.
John tartaGlia’S imaGinoCean
A live black light puppet show chronicles the undersea adventures of aquatic friends Tank, Bubbles and Dorsel. For tickets, call 212-239-6200 or visit telecharge.com. New World Stages Theatre, 340 West 50th Street.
the lion KinG
Photo: Phot PPho Ph hot ho h oottoo:: M Matt att tttt Hoyle Hoy H Ho oyl ooy yylle
Disney’s blockbuster movie on Broadway is a combination of puppetry, actors, and special effects–a truly magical experience. For tickets, call 212-307-4747 or visit ticketmaster.com. Minskoff Theatre, 200 West 45th Street.
mary poppinS
The Supernanny takes to the stage in this hit musical by Disney. For tickets, call 212-307-4747 or visit ticketmaster.com. New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 West 42nd Street.
FOR AGES 8 AND UP
wiCKed
The Wicked Witch of the West finally commands the spotlight. For tickets, call 212-307-4100 or visit ticketmaster.com. Gershwin Theatre, 222 West 51st Street.
mamma mia!
There’s not much to the simple plot about a woman finding her real father as she prepares to wed, but ABBA’s tunes keep the feet tapping. For tickets, call 212-239-6200 or visit telecharge.com. Winter Garden Theatre, 1634 Broadway.
FOR TWEENS
in the heiGhtS
This salsa- and Latin pop-infused musical is a portrait of life in Washington Heights. For tickets, call 212-307-4100 or visit ticketmaster.com. Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 West 46th Street.
the 39 StepS
A fast-paced, high-energy murder mystery blending elements of Alfred Hitchcock, a spy novel, and even Monty Python. For tickets, call 212-239-6200 or visit telecharge.com. Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 West 44th Street.
Billy elliot
Photo: Joan Marcus Pho
A funny and heart-warming musical about a boy with a dream and a talent for dance. Based on the film, with a musical score written by Elton John. For tickets, call 212-239-6200, or visit telecharge.com. Imperial Theatre, 249 West 45th Street.
Visit AddamsBroadway.com/events for a list of our upcoming Valentine’s events! Ticketmaster.com (877) 250 -2929 Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 W. 46 St. • AddamsBroadway.com
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New York Family | February 2011
the phantom of the opera
The longest-running show in Broadway history delivers mystery, love and heartbreak. For tickets, call 212-239-6200 or visit telecharge.com. Majestic Theatre, 247 West 44th Street.
wintuK
Experience the magic of “Wintuk” by Cirque Du Soleil at Madison Square Garden. The show weaves together thrilling acrobatics, breathtaking theatrical effects and memorable songs into an extraordinary journey to an imaginary land called Wintuk. 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, 212-307-7171, thegarden.com www.newyorkfamily.com
McMaid
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on second
ought
When Love
A Mom Remembers The Moment She (Finally) Fell For Her Children
Comes Later
M
eat. Meat-Meat-MeatMeat-Meat. MEAT! I am chewing on 12-monthold Henry’s plump thigh as we lie on the sofa, and Henry is guffawing. His twin brother Gus is chortling too, as he pulls my hair. Being undignified never came easily to me—until I had children. I always knew I wanted an audience, but I never realized I was willing to burp on command to get one. Two years into motherhood, I was boasting about Henry’s fascinating ability to pick “Goodnight Moon” out of a pile of books or Gus’ deadon impersonation of an ambulance siren—sounding, in other words, like every other delusional, besotted mother. But it wasn’t always so. Far from it. If ever there was anyone who should have been swept away by that tsunami of baby-love, it should have been me. God knows my husband and I went to enough trouble to get them. It took seven years and $70,000 worth of infertility treatments. Not to mention the eight months of nausea: The month after their birth was the only time in my life I’ve been fashionably thin. So presumably as soon as they were born I would have had The Moment—the violins, the Cupid’s arrows, that Broadwaymusical swell of emotion new mothers always talk about. I waited. The Moment did not come. The truth is, babies—all babies—scared me, and mine were no exception. My children were born premature and shriveled; at three pounds each, they barely added up to one
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New York Family | February 2011
BY Judith NewmaN
regulation-size baby. In the neonatal intensive care unit, I hovered over their incubators, watching them glow under the sinister ultraviolet lights, waiting to be smitten. Not only did these small people not look related to me or my husband, they didn’t look related to each other. Henry was entirely bald and pale as a grub, with skin that immediately flushed crimson with the slightest exertion. His head was the size of a cantaloupe, and he was constantly ravenous. Augustus, who was so mellow he had to be jostled to keep him from lapsing into a coma while eating, had a thicket of black hair that stood up like a bottlebrush, and an olive complexion like no one in either of our families (my husband would not shut up about how much he looked like our fertility doctor). “You’ll be taking them home as soon as they reach four pounds,” the NICU nurse told me cheerfully. Four pounds? The roast chicken I had last night for dinner was bigger than that. And I’m supposed to do what with them? After two weeks, my sons came home and friends would ask constantly, “So, are you in love?” I think I offended them by being honest. Love them? Not by any definition of love I had at 40. I could only love someone I knew, and I didn’t know them. It took months, many months, for them to become particular—not generic babies, but My Babies. So when did I know I was in love?
It didn’t happen immediately, and it didn’t even happen all that quickly. But it happened. We may tell our friends we loved from the beginning, but we all have that moment of realization when we know for sure. For
“You’ll be taking them home as soon as they reach four pounds,” the NICU nurse told me cheerfully. Four pounds? The roast chicken I had last night for dinner was bigger than that. me, it was this: Henry and Gus were sitting, transfixed by one of those videos that claim to boost your child’s IQ while cheesy hand puppets cavort to classical music. One of the puppets took a watering can and watered a limp flower-puppet, which then stood at attention. Henry guffawed, in his startling baby basso; Gus tee-hee’d. If they could have slapped their knees, they would have. I have no idea why this was so hilarious. And it was hilarious not once, but every single time they watched that damn tape. And that’s when I knew: My children have their own minds, their own little thoughts. One of the great journeys of life is getting to know those closest to you. Normally I hate to travel. But this is one journey I love. G Ju d i t h Ne w m a n i s t h e a u t h o r o f “ Yo u M a k e M e F e e l L i k e An Un n a t u r a l Wo m a n : D i a r y o f a Ne w ( O l d e r ) M o t h e r.” www.newyorkfamily.com
Spe Kids cial W Pricineek g!
at The Coolest Way to Spend Winter Break!
INTREPID Presented by TM
Come in from the cold and get in on some unforgettable, educational family fun! Dynamic, interactive exhibits in our Exploreum hall and a host of fun-filled, hands-on activities from our partners offer something for every member of your family – every day of the week – inside Intrepid during Kids Week 2011.
FEBRUARY 19–27, 2011 – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Giveaways all week long! 19 20
SAT/SUNDAY
CIRCUS WEEKEND
Be mesmerized . . . and enjoy our Circus Fun Zone and a special Magic Show!
21 MONDAY
22 TUESDAY
23 WEDNESDAY
24 THURSDAY
25 FRIDAY
PUPPET DAY
BROADWAY DAY
PBS KIDS DAY
SPORTS & RECREATION DAY
FASHION & FUN DAY
Use your imagination and creativity during fun-filled activities, including face painting and visits from Roscoe Orman “Gordon” from Sesame Street and Star Wars characters!
Enjoy special performances and activities all day!
Visit with characters from your favorite PBS Kids programs and enjoy interactive displays.
Meet Mr. Met, participate in exciting games and interactives and check out our Camp Fair!
The world of kids fashion comes aboard Intrepid, with special performances and a “celebrity” from Madame Tussauds.
26 27
SAT/SUNDAY
SCIENCE WEEKEND
Enjoy demonstrations, learn about physics and the environment and meet some live creatures!
NYRP Animal Road Show
Are You IN?
Don’t just experience Intrepid during Kids Week 2011 – bring this ad in during Kids Week and receive a 10% discount off of a Family Membership. Proudly supported by
For the latest schedule of activities and to purchase facebook.com/IntrepidMuseum tickets or a membership, visit www.intrepidmuseum.org Follow us:
facebook.com/IntrepidMuseum
buzz
WORTHY
Q DRESSED TO PLAY Every child loves to play dress up, so it’s no surprise that the children’s play and party space Let’s Dress Up, located on East 85th Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenues) is such a beloved city destination for kids and parents alike. Perfect
Q FOOD FOR
for children ages 3 to 8, Let’s Dress Up has magical birthday parties (in themes like Princess, Cupcake, Red Carpet, and
THOUGHT
the new Doll Tea Party) and themed play dates that allow
If you’re hoping to raise a family of
children to use their fullest imaginations and bring their
foodies, check out the new children’s
dreams to life. Of course, sparkly princess dresses and tea
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Kids to Cook LLC,
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the magazine is
ca call 212-879-0956.
geared towards children ages 6 to 12
Q EASY GREENING
and takes a multi-
IIt can be as simple as turning the lights off when you leave a room, or
dimensional approach
a significant as starting your own backyard (or balcony) garden. In as
to food, and includes
his new book “E is for the Environment: Stories to Help Children Care
everything from a his-
for Their World—at Home, at School and at Play,” author Ian James
tory of different foods
Corlett urges kids and parents to become educated on the issues that
to trivia to kid-friendly
impact the world around them. “E is for the Environment” follows the
recipes. Kids will also
characters of Elliott and Lucy through 26 original stories that teach
be able to take a thing or two they read
them how to make the world a little “greener,” from conserving water while brushing
back to the classroom, as the maga-
your teeth to bringing lunch in a reusable bag. The book
zine delves into topics like what foods
is suitable for all ages and is $18.99 at amazon.com.
Christopher Columbus discovered in America and how juice boxes are made. INGREDIENT comes out six times a year and can be ordered online for $35 for a year’s subscription. For more information, visit ingredientmag.com.
Q TO OT H PA S T E F O R TOT S Keep your children’s pearl whites bright with Colgate’s great new product, My First Colgate Infant and Toddler Toothpaste. The toothpaste, which comes in a bright package with a safari-themed design, has a kid-approved taste, easy-to-use dispensing system, and best of all, is low-foaming and free of artificial colors, preservatives and fluoride—meaning that it’s safe if
THE CHECKLIST FOR
February
kids happen to swallow it once in a while. My First Colgate Infant and Toddler Toothpaste is recommended for children up to two years old. It retails for $3.99 and is available at retailers nationwide and online at drugstore.com.
Q S E A R C H I N G F O R Y O U R S O U L M AT E ? If you’re a single parent seeking real love and companionship, we recommend checking out boutique matchmaking service Project Soulmate. Founded by two sophisticated Manhattan moms, the service helps successful, educated singles find committed, lasting relationships. What’s more, as moms themselves, founders Lori Zaslow and Jenn Zucher have a special affinity for helping single parents looking for love. For more info, visit projectsoulmate.com.
QF O R 18
New York Family | February 2011
M O R E T I P S A N D I D E A S V I S I T N Y FA M I LY.C O M
www.newyorkfamily.com