CRAFTY COSTUMES, CULINARY KIDS, FALL REAL ESTATE OCTOBER
2010
October 2010 Established 1986
Nigel Barker with wife Cristen and children Jack and Jasmine.
BEST PRACTICE
WWW.NEWYORKFAMILY.COM
The City’s Top Docs For Kids Style School for MOMS
NEW YORK FAMILY
MODEL BEHAVIOR
‘AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL’ JUDGE AND NOTED PHOTOGRAPHER NIGEL BARKER ON FAMILY, FASHION AND FINDING INNER BEAUTY
RIVERSIDE SOUTH UPPER WEST SIDE
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*Up to $10,000 is deductible from New York State taxable income for married couples filing jointly; single residents can deduct up to $5,000 annually. May be subject to recapture in certain circumstances—rollovers to another state’s plan or non-qualified withdrawals. **Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. Tax and other benefits are contingent on meeting other requirements and certain withdrawals are subject to federal, state and local taxes. Before you invest, consider whether your or the designated beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state’s qualified tuition program.
He promises to work hard. Promise to do your part. Through all the homework, projects, and hours of practice, your child gives you his best. All this hard work will pay off when it’s time for college. Do your part to help pay for his education by opening a New York 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan. With as little as $25, you, family and friends can open and contribute to an account for your child. Contributions can qualify for a generous deduction from New York State taxable income.* Earnings grow tax deferred, and you pay no state or federal taxes on qualified withdrawals, making a 529 plan one of the most tax-efficient ways to save.** Plus, a free rewards service from Upromise® can add to your account. It’s so easy— just visit ny529directplan.com, and in about ten minutes, you’ve kept your promise.
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The Comptroller of the State of New York and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation are the Program Administrators and are responsible for implementing and administering the Direct Plan. Upromise Investments, Inc. and Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC serve as Program Manager and Recordkeeping and Servicing Agent, respectively, and are responsible for day-to-day operations, including effecting transactions. The Vanguard Group, Inc. serves as the Investment Manager. Vanguard Marketing Corporation markets, distributes and underwrites the Direct Plan. No guarantee: None of the State of New York, its agencies, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), The Vanguard Group, Inc., Upromise Investments, Inc., nor any of their applicable affiliates insures accounts or guarantees the principal deposited therein or any investment returns on any account or investment portfolio. New York’s 529 College Savings Program currently includes two separate 529 plans. The Direct Plan is sold directly by the Program. You may also participate in the Advisor Plan, which is sold exclusively through financial advisors and has different investment options and higher fees and expenses as well as financial advisor compensation. Upromise is a registered service mark of Upromise, Inc.
For more information about New York’s 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan, obtain a Program Brochure and Tuition Savings Agreement at ny529directplan.com or by calling 1-800-608-8617. This includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other information. You should read and consider them carefully before investing. © 2010 State of New York
©2010 RockCenter Orthodontics. Photography: evanylee.com
Braces have cosmetic Benefits anD a whole lot more It’s hard to believe big sister Siena and mom Debbie are pictured wearing their braces. Callie is in preliminary stages optimizing her anticipated Invisalign treatment. Robert couldn’t be happier with the entire experience.
Moving your teeth affects the underlying bone and alters your bite. You owe it to yourself to make sure your orthodontist is highly qualified and experienced. That is why you can choose Dr. Joseph Hung at RockCenter Orthodontics.
Orthodontic services are typically approved in Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) because straightening your teeth is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Trained at Harvard University School of Dental Medicine with a specialty in bone healing, Dr. Hung has become one of the most trusted and respected orthodontists in New York. Dr. Hung is an Invisalign Elite Provider and has been recognized as a top Invisalign provider every year since 2003.
There is a growing body of medical evidence linking poor oral health with a variety of health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and pregnancy complications.* It’s really not surprising because your teeth provide a direct path for infection to enter your bloodstream and bone marrow. *Harvard Medical School Special Health Report. “Your Oral Health and Overall Health.” Dental Health for Adults (2009): 6-11.
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DEPARTMENTS
20
News from New York Family, including contests and giveaways and our big new family shopping blog
October 2010
INSIDE
FEATURES
48
MODEL BEHAVIOR Fashion photographer, “America’s Next Top Model” judge, husband and father of two Nigel Barker shares some snapshots of his life at work and at home
64
WHERE TO LIVE NOW a A Moving Memoir: One mom’s story of buying, selling, renting and making a home in the city. (Plus, tips from real estate experts on making a move) a State-Of-The-Market: Straight talk from StreetEasy.com founder Michael Smith a Towers In The Sky: Our biannual guide to the city’s best new family-friendly buildings (along with a few classic stalwarts)
22
48 16 30
HALLOWEEN TIPSHEET Tips for creating crafty costumes; a scrumptious, spooky snack and a trick-or-treat tote bag from Disney
34
A GOOD IDEA An overscheduled mom with no time to shop finds her inner fashionista with the help of “restylists” beckiemartina
A SPECIAL PLACE With their new state-of-theart kitchen and fun, accessible classes, Taste Buds (formerly known as Cupcake Kids!) imparts the joy of cooking to toddlers and tweens alike
64 40 BEST PRACTICE a Physician Intuition: Our annual guide to the city’s top pediatricians and pediatric specialists a Dental Essentials: From when to start brushing to the basics of braces, everything you need to know about caring for the little smiles you love
56
EDITOR’S NOTE Fashion forward
OFF TO THE RACES A conversation with beloved actress and NYC native Diane Lane, now starring in Disney’s new family film “Secretariat”
ACTIVITY OF THE MONTH Whether ballet, modern, tap or jazz, dance classes do more than teach children new moves: they develop important life skills
44
TREATS For breast cancer awareness month, fabulous pink products that support the cause
106 ON SECOND THOUGHT To overcome breast cancer, a New York mom challenges herself to become a true athlete
THE COVER: Nigel Barker with his wife, Cristen Chin Barker, and children, Jack and Jasmine. Children’s clothes by Ralph Lauren. Makeup by Kim Baker for KABArtistry.com using ELF. Shot on location at Chelsea Enclave’s Penthouse A, 177 Ninth Avenue. Photographed by Josh Lehrer (joshlehrer.com).
10
New York Family | October 2010
BUZZWORTHY Where to go apple picking; an innovative infant nasal aspirator; how to fight the flu; and more ideas for October
98
TEN IDEAS Our monthly round-up of family fun in the city
COLUMNS
38
81
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
32
IT’S MY PARTY Birthday fun with Let’s Dress Up, 74th St. MAGIC and Reebok Sports Club
94
OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! An NYC dad and his ten-yearold son discover the wonders of Atlantis; plus, warm-weather destinations and kid-friendly cruises to inspire winter vacation planning
100 CULTURE GUIDE FOR KIDS October’s best exhibits and performances for kids
CORRECTIONS: Plan For Fall With Our Can’t-Miss Culture Picks And Cool Kids’ Classes
*In last month’s credits for the cover shoot with Betsey Johnson, her daughter Lulu and her GRAM granddaughters Layla WITH THE GLAM and Ella, the hair and Betsey Johnson On Family, makeup credits were Fashion And Having The Most inadvertently left out. Fun Of Her Life Hair was by Ashley Hanna for mizu new york salon; makeup was by Kim Baker for KABArtistry.com using ELF. September 2010 Established 1986
BABY PLANNER
Designing A Dream Nursery
Betsey Johnson with her daughter, Lulu, and granddaughter, Ella, in the Eloise Suite at The Plaza Hotel.
*In the story “Fit For A Kid” (page 32, Sep. ‘10), the phone number for Dasha Wellness was listed incorrectly. The correct phone number is 212-755-5500. *In the story “Lunches To Love” (page 30, Sep. ‘10), Weelicious.com founder Catherine McCord’s name was listed incorrectly. *In the story “The Cat Knows Best” (page 104, Sep. ‘10), producer Julie Stalls is incorrectly referred to as animation director. www.newyorkfamily.com
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New York Family’s
Child Modeling Contest
Does your child have modeling potential? Grand Prize: One lucky winner will be featured on the April Cover of NYF Magazine and receive exclusive representation from Generation Model Management.
Runners Up: One winner from each age category will be part of a fashion spread within the April Issue and receive a consulting interview with Generation Model Management. Finalists will be chosen by our panel of judges including: Patti Fleischer, President of Generation Model Management Melissa O’Neal, Head Photographer, Classic Kids Photography Cozy Friedman, Founder & CEO Cozy’s Cuts for Kids and So Cozy Hair Care Perry and Sheri Schorr, & Barry Cohen, Owners of LESTER’S Clothing . Shoes . Accessories Joy Sherwood, New York Family Magazine, Style Director New York Family Magazine will host a Children’s Modeling Contest from Oct ’10 – Dec ’10. Complete the online registration & post your child’s recent photo. There will be four age groups being judged: Infant, 1-3, 4-7, and 8-10. Photographs will only be accepted from non-professional children living in the five boroughs with adult approval. Employees or relatives of Manhattan Media are not elligible. There is a $20 processing fee for the contest. Photos are property of Manhattan Media.
Visit
www.newyorkfamily.com to enter and win!
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, Jennifer Lee, Josh Lehrer, Sarah Merians CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Janet Allon, Leah Black, Heather Chaet, Jonathan Davis, Cristina Dimen, Amanda Ferris, Shaina Gopen, Jean Halloran-Monaco, Lora Heller, Alessandra Hickson, Rachael Horowitz, Margo Kornfeld, Jennifer Maslowski, Tanisia Morris, Elisabeth Frankel Reed, Jillian Rosen, Molly O’Meara Sheehan, Erika Thormahlen, Linda Tolkin, Ashley Troost, Kate Willard 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 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. © 2008 Manhattan Media, LLC | 79 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10016 | t: 212.268.8600 | f: 212.268.0577 www.manhattanmedia.com
14
New York Family | October 2010
www.newyorkfamily.com
The Best of Everything at The East Side’s Best Address Heated Rooftop Pool
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Resident’s Lounge with Fireplace • Dining Room with Catering Kitchen Media Lounge & Card Room • Children’s Playroom • Teen Game Room On-Site Valet Parking • Fitness Center with Terrace • 24-Hour Full-Service Concierge • Many Homes with Private Terraces Overlooking Central Park Interiors Designed by Andre Kikoski Exquisite Model Homes Furnished by Ligne Roset Studios with Home Offices from $724,000 One-Bedrooms from $829,000 Designed by world-renowned architect, ROBERT A.M. STERN ARCHITECTS, LLP
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With a world of art & culture at your door, THE MUSEUM FOR AFRICAN ART
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BRK10-1707_NYFam_Oct.indd 1
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editor’s
CRAFTY COSTUMES, CULINARY KIDS, FALL REAL ESTATE
NOTE
Fashion Forward As much as I wish I could say that it was my idea to feature fashion photographer and “America’s Next Top Model” judge Nigel Barker on our cover, the credit belongs to our newish senior editor, Darcy Newell, for suggesting that Barker and his beautiful family would be a great fit for us. But I’m glad she did. Barker is a man of grace, wit, and charity, a devoted father and transplanted New Yorker, and a VIP in the world of beauty and fashion whose big personal message, shared in his new book, is about the elements of inner beauty. We didn’t consciously plan it this way, but fashion and beauty is a recurring theme in this issue. After sending in fashion-models-turned-businessowners Beckie Klein and Martina Gordon to “re-style” one of our writers—i.e. invade her closet and create brand-new outfits from the clothes she
already owned—we couldn’t wait to see the results, which you can check out on page 34. Incidentally, Beckie and Martina, whose work can be seen at beckiemartina.com, are now regular contributors to NewYorkFamily.com’s Joy of Shopping blog. For readers thinking about a very different kind of makeover—as in where they live—we present our fall/ winter real estate guide (page 64)— which, in addition to its parade of family-friendly buildings and an informative state-of-the-market interview, features a personal story about calling the city home. The issue’s other big package is our annual celebration of the city’s top pediatricians and pediatric specialists (page 81). The honorees include a leader in advanced therapeutic cardio-catheterization technologies; a pioneer in the study of early puberty
October 2010 Established 1986
Nigel Barker with his wife, Cristen Chin Barker, and children, Jack and Jasmine.
BEST PRACTICE
The City’s Top Docs For Kids
in NYC kids; and an expert in pediatric sleep disorders. It’s a BEHAVIOR good list to keep NIGEL BARKER around in case you ever need it, but don’t wait for that to read it. Lastly, a few nods of appreciation to Jessi Walter of Taste Buds (formerly Cupcake Kids!) for doing such a good job of teaching NYC kids the joy of cooking at her new kitchen (the only one in Manhattan dedicated to children); to breast cancer survivor Margo Kornfeld for sharing her story, and to her sister-in-law Jillian Rosen for recording it (page 106); and to our resident family travel expert, the jetsetting Jonathan Davis, who recently became a dad again. We wish him and his family much love and happiness. Makeovers for Moms
MODEL
‘AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL’ JUDGE AND NOTED PHOTOGRAPHER ON FAMILY, FASHION AND FINDING INNER BEAUTY
Have A Happy October,
Eric MEssiNgEr emessinger@manhattanmedia.com
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16
New York Family | October 2010
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www.newyorkfamily.com 9/9/10 6:37:42 PM
COME TO THE FIFTEENTH ANNUAL
Sunday, Octobe Octoberr 331,1, 2– 5 pm 2–5pm
Com Comee iinn your Hallowee Halloweenn costume! Join us for loads of Halloween fun throughout the Museum’s halls, with trick-or-treating, live performances by David Grover and the Big Bear Band, craft activities, and roaming characters—including Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Maisy, and more!
GO GREEN THIS HALLOWEEN
Please bring your own bag for trick-or-treating.
Admission is $10 per person ($9 for Museum Members). Special Monster Meal packages, which include admission, are available for $19 ($18 for Museum Members).
Orderr you yourr ticket ticketss today! Orde
Call 212-769-5200 or visit amnh.org. Tickets also available at the door. CENTRAL PARK WEST AT 79TH STREET • AMNH.ORG With special thanks to Colgate-Palmolive Company and Kraft Foods, Inc.
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Welcome to the Family Prizes
UPCOMING EVENTS
GIVEAWAYS
A Spooktacular Soiree! New York Family is happy to invite our readers to what is sure to be a spooky and special free family event, “The Best Halloween Party Ever!” at The Ashley building on October 24th. Kids can come in their costumes to pick pumpkins from the pumpkin patch, jam to rockin’ performances from kid-favorite musicians Moey’s Music Party, Mr. Ray and the Brett Band, partake in festive arts and crafts by Kidville, see a magician in action and much more. The party will also boast goodie bags, tasty cupcakes from Baked By Melissa and photography by Heidi Green. The event will take place at The Ashley building (400 West 63rd Street, at West End Avenue) from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and is sure to be a “trick or treat” for all! To register and assure spots for your family, visit newyorkfamily.com.
ON THE
W E
B
A New Shopping Guide For NYC Parents! This month, we are happy and proud to unveil a fantastic new addition to our website, Joy of Shopping—a savvy and stylish guide to shopping in New York City and beyond. Filled with shopping finds for the entire family, plus inside information on wonderful city stores, special sales and fun events like trunk shows, Joy of Shopping is a great resource for busy parents and parents-to-be interested in fashion, beauty, home design, toys, consumer electronics, baby essentials, sporting goods and just about anything else that parents want or need as consumers. There will be lots of great tips for frugal shoppers and in-depth neighborhood shopping reports, and we promise to keep children of all ages in mind, from infant and toddlers through tweens and teens—along with their tired but deserving parents! Headed by New York Family’s Style Director Joy Sherwood (whose past Jo gigs g in the style world include i being a general manager m at Hirshleifer’s and a a buyer for Chanel and Hermes), Joy of Shopping has an amazing cast of contributing shoppers and experts. Check it all out at the Joy of Shopping page on NewYorkFamily.com, and don‘t forget to sign up for the blog’s weekly newsletter, which will n k keep you in the loop on ev everything.
20
New York Family | October 2010
AND
WIN AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF NIGEL BARKER’S NEW BOOK: In addition to being a celebrated fashion photographer and TV personality, Nigel Barker can add author to his resume with the recent release of “Nigel Barker’s Beauty Equ Equation.” qu uat ati tio ion.”” ion While the book is packed with gorgeous glossy photographs (“America’s Next Top Model,” fans will recognize a few familiar faces) its main focus is inner beauty, and it’s a thoughtful, inspiring feel-good read for teens and moms alike. We’re giving away an autographed copy of the book to one lucky reader. To win the book, write to us at newyorkfamily@ manhattanmedia.com , putting “Beauty Equation” in the subject line, and include your contact information. Deadline: Mon Monday, October 22. THE JOY OF SHOPPING’S MONTH OF GIVEAWAYS: To celebrate the Joy of Shopping’s debut, we w will be giving away w wonderful prizes th throughout the month of October, ranging ffrom consumer e electronics like ssmart phones and d digital cameras, to rom romantic weekend stays ffor parents in chic NYC boutiq boutique hotels, to special baby gear like the innovative new Maclaren Yellow Submarine Stroller (shown above)! The list so far includes a decadent Godiva Baking With Children Gift Basket, a valuable grab bag of goodies from Skip Hop and a basket of chic babywear from Papa D’Anjo! To qualify for these giveaways and any others we raffle away in October, head to the Joy of Shopping page on NewYorkFamily.com and sign up to follow the blog’s weekly newsletter.
www.newyorkfamily.com
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Q APPLES TO APPLES (AND PUMPKINS, TOO) What better way to usher in the fall season than
WORTHY
Q FLU FIGHTERS Flu season is upon us once again! To better prepare for the sneezy season, we spoke to Sandi Delack, president of the National Association of School Nurses and Charles Toubochirani, owner
a trip to the country for some old-fashioned apple and pumpkin picking? New York and its surrounding states boast some great locations to pick a peck of perfect produce while enjoying the crisp autumn air. Cut pumpkins off the vine at Stuart’s Farm (stuartsfarm.com); indulge in apple cider doughnuts at Soons Orchards (soonsorchards. com); or enjoy a pony or wagon ride at Masker Orchards (maskers.com). For more festive fall fun, see our orchard round-up at newyorkfamily.com.
of Cherry's Pharmacy, an NYC institution that specializes in children's health.
Q BABES IN GYMLAND
Sandi shared great tips to treat the flu,
Busy parents know the importance of multi-tasking, which is why we think
such as when you can expect to see
the partnership between Citibabes (a Soho family club that offers an indoor
symptoms, (they generally appear in
playground, kids education, sports and more) and Equinox fitness clubs is a
3-6 hours) and the biggest mistakes
great idea. Starting this fall, Citibabes will provide childcare and signature kids’
parents make with sick kids (not having
classes at select Equinox locations, allowing parents to dedicate themselves
a plan in place, while Charles shared
to their fitness regimes while their children socialize with their peers and play.
some recommended products (Oscil-
What’s more, Citibabes has designed a unique Equinox program for children
loccinum for older kids, and Tamiflu for
ages three months to nine years, and all of Citibabes’ staff members are trained
treating symptoms) and how to stay
childminding specialists with CPR and other child safety certifications. For more
safe in public transport and beyond. To
information, visit citibabes.com or equinox.com.
read our complete interviews with Sandi and Charles, visit newyorkfamily.com.
Q A HERO IN HAITI “Eight Days: A Story of Haiti,” a new children’s book from award-winning Haitian novelist Edwidge Danticat, tells the heroic tale of
THE CHECKLIST FOR
Junior, a seven-year-old boy who gets trapped beneath his house after the Port-au-Prince earthquake
October
and survives due to his imagination and courage. Beautifully illustrated by Alix Delinois, a fellow native of Haiti and longtime New Yorker, the book pays tribute to Haiti and its children, and will surely move readers of all ages. What’s more, in connection with
the publication of this book, Scholastic will donate $10,000 to the International Rescue Committee, an organization that provides aid for children in Haiti and other crisis zones around the world. Available now, Scholastic.com
RE FOR MO EAS ID & S TIP VISIT
ily.com newyorkfam
Q BABY BRAND WE LOVE: ZOLI! We love the baby and toddler care products from ZoLi, a chic, eco-friendly and mom-founded company that boasts tons of useful items that are stylish, simple, and best of all, safe. We especially like the Buzz B Infant Nail Trimmer (a batteryoperated, cushioned trimmer that files babies’ nails with a gentle oscillating motion) the Breathe Battery Operated Nasal Aspirator shown above (cordless and compact, it comes with three different sized tips to ensure a good fit) and Gummy Sticks (innovative BPA and phthalate-free teething tools that soothe and massage babies’ gums). For more information about ZoLi’s products and to find a retailer near you, visit zo-li.com.
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New York Family | October 2010
www.newyorkfamily.com
See Your Kids "Beam"
Gymtime_Icon_RegSpring.qxd:Gymtime
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Gymtime is the savvy parent's resource for GYMNASTICS SPORTS AND TAE KWON DO recreational and educational activities for children ages CLASSES FITNESS 6 months to 18 years old. We offer:
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Register for Spring 2010 For more information and a full list of classes for your child visit: www.gymtime.net. 1520 York Avenue, New York, NY 10028 • 212.861.7732
For more information and a full list of classes for your child visit: www.gymtime.net.
New York Family Partner Profile
With A Customized Academic Program, Plenty Of Individual Attention And A State-Of-The-Art Space, Tribeca Learning Center Offers Preschoolers An Ideal Place To Grow And Learn
Everyone Needs
A Little TLC BY JEAN HALLORAN-MONACO
W
alking into Tribeca Learning Center (TLC), one can’t help but notice the cheery, sun-drenched rooms with their large, uptown-facing windows. “This atmosphere is wonderful for the teachers because they can talk about weather, transportation, community or buildings—really all of their themes they can see right outside the windows,” says Elizabeth Grant, educational director of TLC. Even on a rainy day, the classrooms’ bright walls and stateof-the-art equipment, including Lilliputian wooden easels, cubbies, center bin tables and kid-friendly keyboards, invite preschoolers to look, touch, play and create. Now enrolling children ages 2-6, TLC is a new preschool situated in the increasingly family-friendly neighborhood of Tribeca. Grant plans to use the vibrant neighborhood as a classroom in itself. “When the children are not
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New York Family | October October2010 2010
using the indoor playground (which is complete with mats, bikes and little seesaws), the children will take community walks and get to go to galleries and explore the area,” she says. When not exploring Tribeca, students will learn and grow in a spacious and well-equipped center, led by highly qualified teachers. “We will have three rooms with at least three teachers per room, and lead teachers will have Masters degrees as well as certification in specialized workshops,” Grant explains. Parent involvement will also be an important part of daily life at TLC. “We have such a diversity of families,” Grant says. “Next year among the parents we have a poet, a musician, a police officer—we have a great mix.” In fact, TLC is set to become a multicultural melting pot, where groups of people from many different places will come together for the education and nurture of their children. Grant plans to make communication between teachers and parents a priority. “There will be monthly newsletters, weekly parent letters and even a daily note from the teacher about what the child ate, how they napped or maybe just a positive comment on the day,” she says. The school will use a High Scope curriculum, which is oriented around center time and integrates science, math, social studies and English into themes like “Seasons” and “My Family And Me.” TLC will also follow a Montessori methodology, which is workshop-based and tactile. Most importantly, lessons and activities will be customized according to the needs of each child. “Everything is going to be done in small groups so the teachers can plan lessons based on the needs of the children,” Grant says. “We’re interested in focusing on the child’s developmental needs and using an age-appropriate curriculum that we’ll modify depending on the child’s capabilities, learning experiences and culture.” On this day at the beginning of the school year, six-year-old Kim Won Ji sings a song in Korean as she molds a mound of Play Doh into different shapes. “My favorite color is pink and I like Play Doh best!” she announces. Clearly, TLC is a place where diversity, creativity and the excitement of learning all come together. Tribeca Learning Center, 212-925-3150, tribecalearningcenter.org. www.newyorkfamily.com
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ONE AND
All BY ERIC MESSINGER
Can An NYC Private School Have Outstanding Academics, A Great College Placement Record, And Still Be A Welcoming Oasis of Learning And Compassion For All Students? Why Not?
YORK PREP Has Been Doing It For More Than 40 Years
O
ne of the staples of private school education—arguably the attribute that most distinguishes it from public school—is the quality of attention given to each student. With smaller classes and smaller student populations, the faculty of a private school has the opportunity to really get to know their students and help them grow intellectually and emotionally as they guide them through childhood and on to college.
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But that theory of education doesn’t really apply to a lot of New York City private schools, where struggling students are often encouraged to find a spot at another school, and students with average grades can be written off as not that smart. Need help keeping up? Go find a private tutor or two. So here’s an important question for parents considering a private school education for their children: in a climate where the most competitive schools are commonly seen as the most desirable, what would you think of a school that has outstanding academics—and an excellent college placement record—but is also truly committed to (and very successful at) nurturing, challenging, and guiding all of their students, whatever their specific strengths and weaknesses as learners and as individuals? If a school like that sounds appealing, you owe it to yourself and your child to get to know York Prep. “Marrying academic rigor in a compassionate, family-like environment is just something the school does really well, maybe uniquely well,” says Chris Durnford, York Prep’s principal. “You should see the student art plastered all over my office. My office looks like a giant refrigerator door.” York Prep has been educating New York City children for over 40 years, the last 13 of which have been in its wonderful Upper West Side school building on West 68th Street. The school runs from 6th to 12th grades, with the common entry years being 6th and 9th grades. There are presently about 360 students, and about 15 students in most classes. Its co-founder and headmaster is Ronald Stewart, a British expat who gave up a career as a high-profile barrister because “the idea of educating children sounded much more satisfying.” The school’s other co-founder and Director of College Guidance, Stewart’s wife Jayme, is a pioneer in college admissions, having written one of the first popular guidebooks on the subject. Naturally, the character and feel of York Prep reflect the Stewarts’ educational ideals. “We have a wonderful college preparatory curriculum, but there’s also a kind of hidden curriculum that’s about character, ethics, behavior and personal responsibility. Character development is very important to us, and in a small school like ours you can have a big impact on a student’s character,” explains Ronald Stewart, citing, for example, how the school puts a premium on “self-advocacy.”
New York Family | October October2010 2010
www.newyorkfamily.com
New York Family Partner Profile
Students are encouraged to speak for themselves if they have a school-related request or problem, and at the same time parents are discouraged from speaking for them. “I’m fairly adamant about it when it comes to anything to do with college admissions,” Jayme adds. “I view the student as the client. I want them to take responsibility.” The other side of encouraging students to be their own advocates is that York Prep’s distinguished and dedicated teachers know that a very important part of their job is being accessible to students in the classroom and beyond. It’s the reason why the school has such an interesting and extensive menu of after-school clubs: beloved teachers and interested students sharing passions for indie film, Model U.N., ballroom dancing, weaving, candle-making, you name it. “This may sound heretical in this day but I believe school York Prep co-founders Ronald and Jayme Stewart, should be fun,” says Ronald Stewart. “Students like being here. with principal Chris Durnford. Teachers like working here. They rarely leave. They’re the aunts and uncles. You can’t do what we do without great teachers.” The family metaphor is particularly apt for York Prep’s principal, Chris Durn- them,” adds Jayme Stewart. “Then you ford, who is not only one of the school leaders, he’s also the Stewarts’ son-in-law. watch them here grow and thrive. It’s Durnford has worked at York Prep for 12 years, most of them as a math and quite amazing.” science teacher. He shares the Stewarts’ priorities: he likes that the school takes Ronald Stewart likes to describe character-building seriously, and like them, he believes that to have motivated the school’s academic approach as students, it’s not enough to foster a compassionate environment. “They have to “traditional” but with “many untradibe challenged and pushed. Otherwise they won’t feel like they’re accomplishing tional aspects.” The same might be said anything, and they’d be bored,” he says. of York Prep’s home, an august By any academic standard, York Prep’s grey-brick building outfitted “Students like being college preparatory curriculum is rich and with computer labs, science here. Teachers like challenging, but its most impressive aspect is rooms, an art studio, a perforworking here. They that it’s flexible enough to address the needs mance area, a great gymnararely leave. They’re of each student. Here’s how it works: in core sium and other sleek, modern subjects like math or science or language, spaces. It feels like the right the aunts and uncles. there are classes taught at different levels, but for such a vibrant oasis of You can’t do what we do place they all happen at the same day and time. So traditional and untraditional if a student belongs in a more advanced math without great teachers.” learning. class, or less advanced language class, they can And if you think that be switched without throwing off the rest of their schedule. students instinctively prefer what’s In addition to “tracking” students, another appealing aspect of the curricuuntraditional about the school, think lum is the delicious array of classes they can choose from, especially at the upper again. Though York Prep’s dress code is levels. You like Social Studies? How about taking a class in Asian Studies, or relaxed by common prep school stanConstitutional Law? dards—they basically require a loose Most subjects offer honors classes, too, but for students looking for a deeper fitting polo with the school’s name on academic challenge the school offers a “Scholars Program.” Starting in 8th grade, it—last year a student desiring a more formal look offered to design a school interested students will participate and write papers in four special seminars a year beyond their normal studies. Then as seniors they do a thesis on a particular tie. Ronald Stewart agreed. “It wasn’t required wearing, but what happened subject of interest. Last year a student wrote about why American soccer teams have inherently flawed business models. was lots of kids wanted them, includAs impressive as the Scholars Program is, the school’s leadership is just as ing a lot of the girls. We had to reproud of its Jump Start program for children who need extra help. order them, and even then sold out,” “Sometimes it’s simply a matter of helping a kid be organized. Sometimes Stewart recounts. “I merely smiled. there are deeper learning issues. But whatever the challenge, we have great teach- I’m still not sure what the message is, ers certified in special education and we help kids do better,” says Ronald Stewart. except that it’s always good to listen to In fact, one of the school’s great innovations grew out of working with your students.” students with language-based challenges. To help them, York Prep introduced Here’s the message: students love American Sign Language into the curriculum as a language subject alongside York Prep! choices like Spanish or French. Now colleges are accepting it. “Sometimes students come to us and you can see the cracks. They don’t think To learn more about York Prep, visit they’re smart or capable. It feels like their previous school really did a number on yorkprep.org. www.newyorkfamily.com
October 2010 | New York Family
New York Family Partner Profile
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RIVER PARK NURSERY SCHOOL Living, Learning. Today & for Tomorrow. Teaching West Side kids for over 40 years 1/2 day & full-day program for ages 2.8-5 years • Large class room space •Truly diverse student body •Large outdoor play space •Active parent cooperative •All teachers have a minimum of 25 years teaching experience and a Masters in Early childhood Education
Our Program:
•emphasizes cooperative socialization •teaches love and respect for all people •balances academic and creative experiences •challenges young minds through investigative and open-ended activities
711 Amsterdam Ave. (corner of 94th Street) (212) 663-1205 www.riverparknurseryschool.com riverparkns@verizon.net
Come Play Yoga at Karma Kids Yoga! Yoga for Babies Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Families NEW CircusYoga Prenatal Yoga Free Story Time Yoga Yoga Birthday Parties Special Events Teacher Training Taming the Lions. Bring the zen home with our new CD, Come Play Yoga!, Mom’s Choice Awards Winner, available at CDbaby.com, Amazon, selected tracks on iTunes and now playing on Pandora. Winner of The Gold Mom’s Choice Award for Children’s Music Visit our website to learn about the benefits of yoga for children, our Class Descriptions, Special Events, other locations around NYC and Brooklyn, Children’s Yoga Teacher Training, and Yoga Birthday Party information. KARMA KIDS YOGA 104 West 14th Street, NYC (646)638-1444 downdog@karmakidsyoga.com karmakidsyoga.com
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Voted “Best Kids Yoga” by TimeOut NY Kids and New York Magazine.
9/16/10 4:51 PM
M
Y
Y
Y
Halloween
tip
SHEET
BY DARCY NEWELL
s d u D Y D-I , 2010. Copyright CICO Books
king Costumes For Kids, Ma To e id Gu t ea Gr A Of or th Au d Seasoned Stylist, Mom Of Two An Emma Hardy Shares Her Expert Tips For Creative Outfits ressing up for Halloween is such a treat for kids, it’s no wonder they talk about their costumes all-year ‘round! And if your little ones are dreaming of costumes you can’t find in stores, Emma Hardy’s new book “Cute And Easy Costumes For Kids,” is an adorable and accessible resource for DIY costuming. With ideas for 35 inventive costumes from cupcakes to robots and all the patterns you need included, the book is a must-read for any parent hoping to tap into their creative side this season. We chatted with Emma to glean some of her crafty wisdom and to hear what her two daughters are hoping to be this Halloween.
D
You’re a stylist and designer with a background in home interiors by trade—how how did you start sewing children’s costumes? I started making costumes for my own children. I remember going shopping for a last minute witch costume when my eldest daughter was little and just walking out of the shop and heading straight for the fabric store;
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New York Family | October 2010
I couldn’t bear to pay for such a poor quality costume. I ended up staying up late sewing but the finished outfit was so much nicer.
een, school plays and more. We have amassed quite a collection now! Lots of the ideas in the book are based on costumes that I have made for my two.
Where do you find inspiration for your costumes? Are many of these outfits that your own children have requested? When you have children there are so many costumes that are needed over the years, for parties, Hallow-
What has been your favorite or most special costume you’ve made so far? My girls have worn and worn the princess and fairy costumes that I have made, so they are definitely the favorites.
Mummy Pizza Magic Impress Your Little Ghouls And Goblins With These Scarily Easy Halloween Treats! INGREDIENTS: Bagels or English mu muffi uffins Shredded Mozzarella la a Cheese Black Olives Scallions Pizza Sauce Spread tomato sauce ce e on the bagels or English glish muffins. Place medium-sized d shreds of mozzarella on the sa sauce auce for the mummy’s wrappings. gs. s.
Slice black olives into thin rounds the to resemble th h eye; cut a of scallion to ssmall sm all piece o place p lace inside tthe olive for the pupil. Bake in the oven on broill for 5-10 broi minutes or mi m until the u ccheese has ffully u melted.
Enjoy! En n
What advice do you have for parents who may be new to the idea of DIY costumes but want to make something unique for their kids? Don’t feel too pressurized to make a perfect outfit! Kids love whatever you make for them, especially if they can choose the fabrics and materials themselves. If you are pushed for time, team a few home made bits with store bought clothes—don’t feel like you have to make the whole thing. What’s one costume in your book that you particularly recommend to an amateur sewer? The reindeer outfit is so quick and easy to make and is suitable for any age. Grab a pair of gloves, fill them with stuffing and sew them onto a hooded top—what could be easier?
halloween headquarters
What is a good, unexpected resource for picking up costume-making materials? What materials or items are great basics for making costumes? Table top sales, garage or stoop sales are great places to find low cost materials. Look for old clothes that can be cut up and recycled. As for store bought fabrics, you can never have enough felt! It’s really easy to use and comes in a great range of colors. What costumes do you have in the works for your own family this year? My eldest has ideas for an owl costume involving lots of paper feathers and a cardboard beak, and my youngest is planning to dress as a cat and has requested that it be to super furry with a very long tail! E Emma Hardy is also the author of “Green Crafts For Kids” and “Sewing For Kids.” She lives in London with her husband and two daughters. For more information, visit www. cicobooks.com.
For more tips, treats and ideas for a spooky and spectacular Halloween (like this reusable, ecofriendly Mickey Mouse and Friends tote bag, $2.50 at disneystore.com), visit newyorkfamily.com.
STATIONERY
& SCHOOL SUPPLIES
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1243 Third Ave. New York, NY 10021 Tel: 212-879-8076
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October 2010 | New York Family
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IT’S MY
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Lolly Taylor hosts an afternoon play date for special friends (a manicure and dress-up party) at Let’s Dress Up! 1. Lolly and guests share a sweet treat—cupcakes! 2. The hostess takes a break for a pretty pose. 3. The girls gather together in their princess-perfect outfits. 4. Two of Lolly’s guests share a smile.
Photos by Heidi Green (heidigreen.com)
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Deven Chitkara hosts his 4th birthday party at Reebok Sports Club/ NY. 1. The birthday boy touches his toes! 2. Deven and a friend show off their skills. 3. Deven blows out his candles with help from sister Sarina.
Photos by Heidi Green (heidigreen.com)
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New York Family | October 2010
Wyatt Oser hosts a party at 74th Street Magic to celebrate his 3rd birthday. 1. Wyatt blows out the candles on his red truck birthday cake. 2. The birthday boy gets a lift (and a hug) from Mom. 3. Wyatt and guests have a ball in the sun.
Photos by Suzanne Cohen (suzannecohenphotography.com) www.newyorkfamily.com
a g d
IDEA
BY HEATHER CHAET
REDUCE, REUSE, RE-STYLE!
Before
T
here are some things in life you never expect to happen—the chance to walk on the moon, winning the lottery. Also on the list? Having two really tall former fashion models come into your home and transform your old clothes into fabulous new outfits. I admit, I was nervous at the beginning. It went like this:
Tuesday 4:19: My editor emails me with an assignment. Former models Beckie Klein and Martina Gordon, known together as beckiemartina, are coming to my apartment to re-style me. Tuesday 4:26: I open my closet door. A small shudder inches down my back. I shut the closet door. Tuesday 4:28: I glance at my dresser and cringe at the thought of what’s inside. Tuesday 4:31: I head to the kitchen, shove my ratty underwear in the trash and pour myself a large glass of wine.
In the past decade, I’ve had four different bodies (pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, post-pregnancy, postpost-pregnancy) and now have three different jobs (writer, mother, wife). Between preschool drop-off, work, housework and play dates, I don’t have
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New York Family | October 2010
Af ter the time or energy to spend shopping. The clothes I have don’t really fit and are blah with th a capital B. How are these fashion prorelatives l i in i Florida l id and d Martina’s i ’ in i fessionals going to re-style non-fitting, Europe, the duo have become family. Blah clothes? Little did I know, this They’ve shared weddings, the births of common state-of-closet is exactly what their children, and now, a business. inspired Beckie and Martina to start “When we had children we left the their business. fashion world, Beckie says. “Now, a lot Beckie and Martina’s friendship of our clients are new moms who maybegan 20 years ago on a modeling job be know how to put clothes together on a remote island. Now, with Beckie’s but don’t have the time.” Beckie and Martina created their re-styling business with the mission to save women time and money. “For a half-day session in your closet, for basically the price of one high-end top, we create 12-20 new outfits out of clothes you already own,” Beckie says. “You’re actually saving money and you don’t have to go out and shop.” The minute Beckie and Martina entered my apartment, they were enthusiastic, warm and refreshingly honest. Before answering any of my interview questions, they kicked off their shoes and asked to see my clothes. Could it have been nerve-wracking, Re-Stylists Martina Gordon (left) and having these basic strangers rummagBeckie Klein ing through my drawers? Sure, but it www.newyorkfamily.com
Photos by Daniel S. Burnstein
An Over-Scheduled Mom With No Time To Shop Finds Her Inner Fashionista With The Help Of Two “Fairygodmodels”
wasn’t. It was like having two fantastic “fairygodmodels” come and work their magic on me and my wardrobe. After four hours, a few glasses of champagne and a lot of laughs, they not only put together amazing outfits for me, they imparted the wisdom that they’ve gathered from years in the fashion universe. I now reverently refer to these truths as “beckiemartinaa mantras.” #1: Understand your body. “Many women don’t understand their body type,” Martina tells me. They explain that, whether because of weight gain (or loss) or because we are tired or overworked, we lose sight of how our clothes work on our bodies. For me, it was weight loss. Yeah, that’s great, but the few times I did shop this year, I still felt the need to cover up my bum and thighs and was shrouding my body in too-big clothes. “We all have to fight dressing that old body in our minds and dress the body we have now,” Beckie says. Which is precisely where the duo’s years of experience come in; Beckie and Martina see you in your clothes and can see what works and what doesn’t. With a keen professional eye, they “establish what your body looks best in and the type of clothes you should be wearing.” Part of the service is helping women identify items that are missing from their wardrobe. “We’ve been to your closet, we’ve seen what’s needed and we make a list,” Martina explains. “We do the pre-shop. We go to 15 stores where we look for, say, the best pair of black pants. Then we meet you at the store and show them to you.” #2: Get rid of what doesn’t work. I kept telling them I had no clothes. But they found stuff that worked and created some terrific outfits. How? They cleared out what didn’t work. “It’s a big misconception that you aren’t dressing like the current you because you don’t have the new stuff. You aren’t dressing like the current you because you still have the old stuff,” Beckie says. www.newyorkfamily.com
After clearing out the old, we mixed and matched more tops and bottoms (they even got a pair of scissors to make a skirt out of a dress). The main elements of my wardrobe foundation were clear: some fitted jeans, two pairs of work pants and a pencil skirt. The problem? I don’t own anyy of these.
They remind me it doesn’t have to cost a lot to build the foundation. Take jeans, for example. “There are n many jeans you can buy for $300, but wee ng found some amazing jeans for $40 that we !” love. We own them!” says Martina. #3: It’s all about fit and proportion. As the day progresses, we must have said 33 times, “This is too big.” My clothes just didn’t fit. “We don’t want to be too tired or too classic or too old or too young, we all want to feel like a grown-up,” Beckie says. “The key to that is fit and how you put it together.” For an example, consider the pencil skirt. “It should hit at the knee, or a tiny bit above if you have good knees,” Martina instructs. “If you are wearing boots with it, there needs to be some separation between the skirt hem and the boot or it will look dowdy.”
#4: Remember the surprise. Like a lot of women, I buy the same thing over and over again— black and gray shirts and sweaters. “You buy them again thinking you’ll find the perfect black and gray, but you have the perfect black and gray,” Beckie says. “The key to an outfit is the surprise. p Pair a thick sweater with something sheer, or a classic outfit som with a rock-n-roll accessory.” Of course, the duo knows that most women won’t be able to mo make all these wardrobe adma ditions at once. “We leave our di clients with photos of the new cl outfits along with the list of o what’s missing,” Beckie says. “If w you can fill in these gaps over the next 12 months, you’re good to t go.” What’s more, Beckie and Wh Martina’s services aren’t Marti complete after the half-day comp consultation. “We’re always cons thinking about our clients. thin When Wh we’re out shopping, we’ll we’ text a client, ‘Hey, we found fou that striped turtleneck you need!’ and tell ne them where to go.” th ##5: Have fun. Aside from finding the proper prope fit, I was missing color. l A green th throw blanket almost became a dress, they were so desperate to see color on me. “Enjoy fashion, don’t think about it too much,” Martina says. “But take your style very seriously.” As you look over the beckiemartina mantras, you’ll find that they not only apply to your closet, but also to your life. My day with Beckie and Martina was a little like therapy, a bit like going to style school, and a lot like being with girlfriends you always want to hang out with—the ones that bring out your best you. b For more information about Beckie and Martina, visit beckiemartina.com.
To see more of Heather’s transformation, plus outfit ideas and more from beckiemartina, visit newyorkfamily.com October 2010 | New York Family
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On-the-Go-Nannies
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SINGPlay-along laugh
TODDLERS
BABIES
preschoolers
kinder gar tener s
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BY SHAINA GOPEN
Jessi Walter, founder of Taste Buds.
eaching children about nutrition at a young age is a hot topic nowadays, with advice on getting kids to eat right cropping up everywhere from cookbooks to the nightly news. But in a colorful kitchen nestled in the city’s wholesale “flour” district—the home of the children’s cooking program Taste Buds— the challenge seems simpler, and more fun. Taste Buds has discovered a simple yet successful recipe for inspiring a love of good food in children: mix one part cooking, one part education, and as much hands-on fun as possible, and voila! The joy of cooking (and eating!), perfectly digestible for young chefs. Taste Buds debuted three and a half years ago under the name Cupcake Kids!, when owner Jessie Walter turned her weekend hobby of teaching children how to cook into her career. A former Bear Stearns vice president and
T
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New York Family | October 2010
Culinary
Two students enjoy a cooking class at Taste Buds.
lifelong culinary enthusiast, Walter often spent her weekends teaching her boyfriend’s two young nieces how to cook—an activity she enjoyed so much that she decided to offer classes to other city kids. She welcomed eight students to her first class to make turkey-shaped sugar cookies for Thanksgiving; the class was a hit and Walter began to dedicate one weekend a month to her burgeoning project. Then in 2008, Walter watched her day job disintegrate due to Bear Stearns’ widespread layoffs. Yet losing her job allowed her to realize that her weekend hobby—and her true passion—could become her career. Recently Walter decided the change the company’s name to “Taste Buds” to better reflect the range of cooking classes offered. “As the company has grown beyond my initial days of baking with kids, Taste Buds is a much truer reflection of who we really are and the depth of events that we offer for kids of all ages,” she says. One crucial step to fully realizing Walter’s dream was the completion of Taste Buds’ very own kitchen, which opened this past spring. Previously, classes were run out of various restaurants in the city. “Every space we rented, they were fantastic to have us, but it wasn’t what I envisioned the space looking like,” Walter says. “I wanted something I could make kid-friendly, but not like a play space. I wanted a
KIDS
real kitchen that would also work for adults, because we go up to age 14, and I didn’t want [the tweens] to feel like they were in a kids’ kitchen.” A “real kitchen” is exactly what Walter created. The space is filled with baskets of cookie cutters, sprinkles, spice jars and stewed tomatoes, and combines kid-centric amenities (like low-level shelves for plastic spoons and a table and chairs that adjust in height) with professional functionality. While there, kids touch, smell and taste ingredients as they learn where their food comes from, how it all comes together and what it means to eat balanced, healthful meals. During her classes, Walter strives to make learning feel like play. At Mommy And Me classes, she encourages the children’s development of fine motor skills: “When we teach them how to pinch, like for a pinch of salt, we say, ‘Stick out your thumb. Now point your index finger, and close them.’” There’s also frequent story time; “The Big Hungry Bear” is read before whipping up strawberry jam, and the kids gather around to listen to “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” while waiting for granola bars to set. In the www.newyorkfamily.com
Photos by Andrew Schwartz
With A State-Of-The-Art Kitchen And Fun, Accessible Instruction, Taste Buds (formerly Cupcake Kids!) Imparts The Joy Of Cooking To Toddlers and Tweens Alike
Jessi Walter, founder of Taste Buds, shares her tips on cooking at home with kids: Keep it fun. Food is amazing, so let the ingredients speak for themselves as you embark on your culinary adventure. Cooking is also a great time to catch up with your child and talk about your day. Taste everything. We don’t use “yummy” or “yucky” in our kitchen. We taste everything and then talk about what we like and don’t like. A “no thank you bite” is certainly allowed if you don’t care for the ingredients or dish, but it’s great to try everything when you cook, as tastes change over time. Don’t mind the mess. Messes will happen, so don’t worry about keeping everything neat when you are cooking. It will only take a few minutes to clean up and a relaxed attitude will make your kids feel more free and excited to cook with you. semester-long classes children learn colors (“Who’s ready to cook? Raise your red spoon!”) and food facts (“a blueberry used to be called a star fruit”). As children grow, their skills advance from counting to measuring ingredients. When students reach the Tween Group (10-14), they take on more sophisticated skills, like working with knives. Taste Buds hosts semester-long classes inspired by the seasons. In the winter, there’s a Warm and Cozy Treats class, where kids create biscotti cookies and hot chocolate from scratch, while in summertime students whip up corn and black bean salsa and blueberry crumble. There’s also a culinary workshop for almost every holiday: creepy crawly spider pretzels for Halloween, gingerbread houses for Christmas and sweetheart cookies for Valentine’s Day. Kids also learn about other cultures by exploring their cuisine; in Around The World classes, kids make Chinese noodle salad and write their own fortunes for fortune cookies; craft a spanakopita and locate Greece on a map; and learn the names of different pastas while shaping Italian meatballs. Walter also offers full-service birthday parties that can be tailored to a child’s interest (she recently created edible spaceships for a Star Wars fan). What’s more, Walter is still expanding her roster of classes. She recently debuted classes for parents like Organic Baby Food 101, and is teaming up with Moore Brothers Wine Company for a night of wine tasting, where parents can unwind while their children learn to make applesauce muffins in the wine company’s kitchen. And while Taste Buds may sound like a program that Michelle Obama would endorse, Walter doesn’t consider herself a messenger for public service. “We don’t associate ourselves with any kind of anti-obesity organization or anything, it’s just fun,” she says—and in a way, that’s the magic of Taste Buds. While kids reap the benefits of healthy eating and improved self-esteem, they keep coming back for one reason: because it’s fun. b
is presented by
®
Ta s t e B u d s , 1 0 9 We s t 2 7 t h S t r e e t , 1 0 t h F l o o r, 212-242-2248, tastebudscook.com. www.newyorkfamily.com
October 2010 | New York Family
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Activity
of Month
BY CRISTINA DIMEN
IT’S A BOY THING, TOO! Many boys show an interest in dance from an early age, but too often they write off taking dance classes as a “girl thing.” To dispel this perception, remind boys that superheroes move in dance-like steps, suggests Virginie Mecene of the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance. Yvette Campbell of the Ailey Extension adds that little sports fans may be interested to know that many pro football players take dance classes to improve their speed and agility. Hanne Larsen and Melanie Zrihen, co-founders of Downtown Dance Factory (DDF) in Tribeca, report that boys make up 11 percent of their students, in part because of musicals like “Billy Elliot” and hit shows like “So You Think You Can Dance.” Once your boy is ready to give dance a try, start by enrolling him in an all-male class—the ones at DDF are taught by male instructors trained in dance, sports and martial arts. “Boys have no sense of reticence in attending classes since they’re with their guy friends, and not an ‘oddity’ in a girls’ class,” Larsen says. —C.D.
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New York Family | October 2010
92nd Street Y Harkness Dance Center
So You Think You’ll
Take Dance?
ittle ones often showcase their first dance moves—swaying, bouncing and clapping their hands—before they take their first steps. As they grow, many kids show an interest in further exploring dance, whether classical ballet, modern dance, tap, jazz, hip hop or ballroom. Yet with so many worthwhile extracurricular activities available, why choose dance?
L
WHY DANCE? Dancing positively impacts children’s lives in multiple ways. In addition to gaining self-confidence and learning to express themselves through creative movement, kids develop proper posture along with strength and flexibility, cultivate a sense of musicality and more. In fact, says Virginie Mecene, director of the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance and artistic director of Graham II, dance classes even prepare children for school, as one of the first things small dancers learn is to “focus and pay attention to the teacher.” “Dancers are organized individuals who can juggle their academic and dance classes,” adds Kate Thomas, director of the School at Steps. Through dance, “kids develop patience as they wait for
their turn and improve their memory as the sequence of steps gets longer,” says Hanne Larsen, artistic director of Downtown Dance Factory (DDF).
WHAT TO LOOK FOR When considering dance classes, “Parents should look for a school with experienced teachers who have a warm and positive approach to teaching, a well-equipped facility and, if possible, live accompaniment,” says Julia Dubno, director of Ballet Academy East (BAE). Consider the teaching method as well; Renata Celichowska, director of 92nd Street Y’s Harkness Dance Center, recommends a lyrical and storytelling approach for teaching creative ballet. Most of all, says Jo Matos, director of children’s programming at Joffrey Ballet School, look for a great teacher. “The teacher’s background is more important than state-of-the-art facilities,” Matos says. “The teacher should be in control of the class, while being caring and loving.” Most schools offer a range of programs for different age groups, from Mommy & Me classes for 2- and 3-year-olds to pre-ballet classes for 3to 6-year-olds to more intensive classes for kids 7 and up. www.newyorkfamily.com
Courtesy of 92nd Street Y
Whether Ballet, Modern, Tap or Jazz, Dance Classes Do More Than Teach Children How To Move: They Develop Important Life Skills
DANCE STUDIOS Miss Kristin’s Shooting Stars
WEE CARE CHILD CARE, LLC Dept. of Health licensed daycare for children 6 weeks - 5 years of age.
74th Street Magic, 212-737-2989, 74MAGIC.com
JCC of Manhattan, 646-505-5700, jccmanhattan.org
92nd Street Y’s School of the Arts, 212-415-5500, 92y.org
Joffrey Ballet School, 212-254-8520, joffreyballetschool.com
Albee School of Dance, 718-852-7025, albeedance.com
Lower East Side Dance Academy, 212-343-1620, lesdanceacademy.com
The Ailey Extension, 212-405-9000, alvinailey.org
Lucy Moses School, 212-501-3360, kaufman-center.org
American Youth Dance Theater, 212-717-5419, americanyouthdancetheater.com
Manhattan Movement and Arts Center, 212-787-1178, manhattanmovement.com
Applause New York City, 212-717-0703, applauseny.com Ballet Hispanico, 212-362-6710, ballethispanico.org Broadway Dance Center, 212-5829304, broadwaydancecenter.com
Manhattan Youth Ballet, 212-787-1178, manhattanyouthballet.org Mark Morris Dance Group, 718-624-8400, markmorrisdancegroup.org Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, 212-838-5886, marthagraham.org
Brooklyn Arts Exchange, 718-832-0018, bax.org
Miss Kristin’s Shooting Stars Performing Arts Company, 212-987-2203, kristinsstars.com
Church Street School for Music and Art, 212-571-7290, churchstreetschool.org
New York Theatre Ballet, 212-679-0401 nytb.org
Creative Arts Studio, 718-797-5600, creativeartsstudio.com
Peridance Center, 212-505-0886, peridance.com
Creative Play For Kids, 212-729-1667, creativeplayforkids.com
School at Steps, 212-874-3678, stepsnyc.com/school
Dancing Divas and Dudes, 917-2794351, dancingdivasanddudes.com
Steps on Broadway, 212-874-2410, stepsnyc.com
Downtown Dance Factory, 917-5876386, downtowndancefactory.com
GETTING SERIOUS
YEAR ROUND SERVICES OFFERED AT WEE CARE CHILD CARE:
• Music • Dance and Movement • Yoga Celebrating our 15th ! • Art anniversary • Sports • Field Trips 50% OFF after the sixth month of enrollment.
As a child’s casual interest in dancing transitions into a more serious pursuit, parents should expect an increase in commitment in terms of time. “By 11 or 12 years old, students committed to dancing take classes four to five days a week, plus rehearsals for performances,” says Matos. Yvette Campbell, director of the Ailey Extension, notes, “Serious 13-year-old dancers take one to two classes a day. At this point, dancing could be their only activity outside of school.”
Openings available in all age groups
SUPPORTING YOUR DANCER
Please call for additional information or a tour of our facility (212) 472-4481 | weecarellc.com
Parents can nurture their child’s interest in dance by watching their latest moves, attending student performances and taking them to live productions. Finally, “parents should dance—if kids see their parents dancing, it will encourage them,” Celichowska says. So go ahead, boogie down with your kids, and revel in the joy of creative expression together. P www.newyorkfamily.com
Come visit our new Infant & Toddler suite 451 East 83rd Street | New York, NY 10028 | Hours: 8am-6pm, M-F October 2010 | New York Family
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Twinkle Party
Ballet Birthday Parties & Playdates Ages 3-12 Twinklepartyfun.com Twinklepartyfun@gmail.com
Poppyseed Pre-Nursery Enrich your child’s day with Music, Art, Gym and Play! •Mommy And Me • Pre-school Alternative •Age Appropriate Classes For Babies, Toddlers & 2’s 424 West End Ave. @ 81st | 212.877.7614
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9/16/10 4:57 PM
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A portion of the proceeds from each product will go towards supporting breast cancer research.
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New York Family | October 2010
www.newyorkfamily.com
Enchanted
Wave Hill
SATURDAY, OCT 23 & SUNDAY, OCT 24
Wave Hill is enchanted with elves, fairies and other fantastic creatures! Fashion a gnome home and a fairy wand, walk and talk about garden myths and legends and delight in a special family-friendly brunch.
Wave Hill is magical in every season! Discover the winter garden on snowy walks, cozy Family Art Projects and much more.
Wave Hill A public garden & cultural center
www.wavehill.org W. 249th St. & Independence Ave. Bronx, NY • 718.549.3200
Getting here is easy! Purchase a Metro-North Getaway package and receive discounts on round-trip rail fare and admission to Wave Hill. Free shuttle; go to www.wavehill.org for schedule.
Target Free Days
Target sponsors free Tuesday and Saturday morning admission to Wave Hill, providing public access to the arts in our community.
In It To End It
If you’re looking for a way to get involved in the fight against breast cancer, consider participating in the New York Avon Walk For Breast Cancer on October 16-17. One of the largest fundraising programs in the country, the Avon Walk aims to increase access to treatment and find a cure. Covering 39 miles over two days and passing by New York landmarks like City Hall, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Chrysler Building, Lincoln Center and more, the event is a perfect way to get out and enjoy the city for a great cause. For more info, visit avonwalk.org.
Smart Power Portable Blending/Chopping System by Cuisinart $69.95 cuisinart.com
Muff by Ralph Lauren Pink Pony
Lip Trio Key Ring by Clinique
$150 ralphlauren.com
$16 clinique.com
Little Pink Bag from Bloomingdales $20 bloomingdales.com
Customized Sneaker by New Balance $150 newbalance.com
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New York Family | October 2010
www.newyorkfamily.com
MODEL
BEHAVIOR
Serving As A Judge On ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Has Made NIGEL BARKER A Celebrity. But This Big-Hearted New York Dad And Acclaimed Fashion Photographer Wrote The Book On Inner Beauty (No, Really, It’s In Stores Now!)
Photography by JOSH LEHRER 48
New York Family | October 2010
BY DARCY NEWELL www.newyorkfamily.com
I
n the words of Nigel Barker, former model, acclaimed fashion photographer and longtime judge of the reality competition “America’s Next Top Model,” a beautiful model is “just a façade if she doesn’t have that special something that makes you warm to her”—a quote that not only speaks to his concept of beauty, but also serves as a fitting introduction to the man himself. For fans of “Top Model,” Barker is the picture of an English gentleman—unfailingly well-spoken, dignified, handsome, kind. And yet it’s what lies beneath his charming television persona that makes him most likeable and knowable. A committed philanthropist, the author of a new book about inner beauty, a loving husband and a father to two young children, Barker speaks about his charitable involvements with passion, his fame with humility, his family with unquestionable devotion, his adopted hometown of New York City with enthusiasm and pride. As it turns out, it’s not so difficult to warm to Nigel Barker. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and you recently collaborated with Nine West for the Runway Relief initiative. Can you tell me about that project, and why it was important for you to get involved? Last year I shot an ad campaign for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, which is the CFDA’s (The Council of Fashion Designers in America) charity of choice. And they approached me again this year, and Nine West, who is collaborating with Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, also approached me, and I said, ‘Absolutely, I’d love to keep this going.’ My wife’s grandmother died of breast cancer, so the issue hits home hard for us as a family. And I was asked to shoot the campaign, but also to lend my celebrity to it to give it more exposure. So we decided to also shoot a commercial, and in the ad campaign we shot three advertising pictures and streamed the photo shoot live on the Internet. I think it’s important to make a difference whenever you can, even in small ways, and I want my children to see that actions speak louder than words. It’s all well and good to say you’re going www.newyorkfamily.com
to do something or teach them that it’s the right way to do it, but they have to actually see you doing it, too. You’re also known to be a committed animal rights activist and a spokesperson for the Humane Society. I’m the spokesperson for the Protect Seals Campaign and the Protect Sharks Campaign for the Humane Society. For me, it’s not about being an activist— I feel like I’m an activist of life. I’ve always felt that you only have one life, but if you live it well, one should be enough. And I have delightful young children and I want them to have a great life, so I do it for myself and for them, and because I think it’s the right thing to do. These issues come up, and I apply myself to them not because I have this huge thing for animals, but because if I see an injustice, I’m not going to ignore it, I’m going to approach it head-on. And as a photographer in the fashion industry, things like the anti-fur campaign are serious to me, so it’s all the more poignant to me to be involved. Do you find that this is a difficult stance to take in the fashion industry? It’s definitely difficult, and for me it’s not so much that I’m anti-leather or any of those things, it’s really the methods we use. We have rules and regulations about how we kill livestock and the way we do things in our lives. The ways that seals are killed on the icebergs in Canada are horrific. So I went up to the ice, stayed there for three weeks in subzero conditions with my team to film the documentary “A Sealed Fate,” purely to say, “Let’s just see.” It was a labor of love; we were up on the ice watching the migration of the seals down to the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to give birth, to 12 days later when the hunt begins. The seals are like puppies; they have no fear of humans and they come right up to you. And it’s a real tragedy to see it happen. It’s been banned in the U.S. since the ‘70s so it’s kind of preaching to the choir here, but in Canada unfortunately they trade with Europe, China and Russia. However, last year we managed to get a total ban of imported seal products in the European Union, which is huge. How did you meet your wife [model and Cover Girl spokesperson Cristen Chin Barker]? I was staying in Italy and I photographed my wife the day I met her, and afterwards I called my mother and said, “Mom, I’ve met this young girl and I want to marry her.” And my mother was like, “Oh, come on. You just met her.” I said, “She’s half Chinese, she’s from Alabama, she’s lovely, and she’s a kind girl.” My mother thought I was crazy. She was like, “There are cultural differences—she’s from Alabama and you’re from London and half Sri Lankan, can’t you see it’s not going to work?” But I was determined. I was in Italy for a week, and I left and came straight back, because that’s where she was staying. And we ended up being in Italy for a year together. And then she decided that she wanted to go to Paris, so I followed her to Paris, and then October 2010 | New York Family
49
sure that no one else has taken it.” I didn’t even know that he knew that that was something that can happen. So we got Animal King, we have to build it now. He’s also very into film. He’s started looking at some of my cameras, and no matter where we are in the world, he has started directing the photographs and placing people in positions. So he’s quite a little man already. So you see him gravitating towards being behind the camera as opposed to in front of it? I think he’d be happiest behind the camera; he’s certainly a photogenic little boy; he takes after his mother, he has her beautiful eyes. But my daughter is more the ham for the camera. For some Barker and models at the Runway Relief event she wanted to go to New reason when she looks benefitting Fashion Targets Breast Cancer. The models York, so I went to New at the camera she says, are wearing Nine West boots outfitted with an Omron York. I was following ng her “Cheese!” Which is not Pedometer—for each step taken, a dollar amount was around the world, so o she something I’ve trained, donated by the Jones Apparel Group. Readers can ness; knew I meant business; you will not find me contribute to the cause at modelina.com. o there was no way to telling anyone to say shake me off. And afterr “cheese” in my book. about seven years we gott But she says “cheese,” married, and this is our and it’s adorable when 11th year of marriage on October she does it. As much as I’d like to the 16th. take credit for how my children are, they come out their own Tell me about your kids. ways; they just are born, innately What do you love about them different and wonderful. What at the ages they are now? I try to do is to impart good It’s one of those things where values to them, but how they you love every moment of your translate that or how they react children growing up. Jack will be 5 to that, or whether they’re going November the 28th, and Jasmine to be quiet or loud or whether will be 2 December 7th. Jasmine is they’re going to laugh or not just learning to speak, learning to laugh, it’s just who they are. communicate, slightly frustrated that she doesn’t know how to get You’ve lived all over the it all out at once and how to say world, so you have some certain things. But it’s a precious amazing cities to which to moment when she goes, “mahhhh!” compare New York. What and you know what she means. Jack do you love about the city will translate for us; they already as your hometown? have this slightly secret language that only siblings share. I love New York. I became an American citizen a few years ago and I joke that had I had the opportunity to be a Does your son have an understanding of what citizen of New York, I would have, because as much as I love you do? America, and I do, New York is very special to me. It’s a total He does; he’s very aware of what I do. He in fact just remelting pot of people and cultures and types, and it’s such cently said he wanted to save the animals. And I haven’t said a cultural city, with great intellectual conversation, and of too much about it, but he’s aware that I care about animals. course it’s a great fashion capital too. He said he wants to save the chickens—he came up with that himself. So I said, “Okay, you can save the chickens.” He How do you feel about raising your children came up with a website called AnimalKing.com; he picked here? out the name, and he’s like, “Dad, can we go on the Internet I actually thought it would be difficult to bring up to make sure that Animal King is available? I want to make children here, but we have not found it that way at all.
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New York Family | October 2010
www.newyorkfamily.com
Obviously, the living situation is harder. It would be lovely to have a big house and a garden, and we don’t have that, but we have things that are equally as amazing. Here, my kids are members of the Museum of Natural History. They love the science and space exhibits, they can go to theatre and the ballet. It’s a very family-friendly place to be. If you live in the suburbs, yes, you’ve got a great at garden, but if you need a diaper at 1 a.m. and you haven’t got any, that’s it! America’s Next Top Model began its 15th season this year, making it one of the longest running reality shows of its kind. How do you think the show stays fresh? It’s a great recipe. When you go to your favorite Italian restaurant and always order the Bolognese, you don’t want them to change it. It’s become something you love. And with TV, it’s about getting it right. It’s like “The Price Is Right,” or any show that’s been on forever, it’s kind of a perfect idea. And of course the ingredients change, with the girls every season, they bring their own originality and uniqueness to the set. And we raise the bar and shake it up. One of the things about the show is that we’re looking ing for a diamond in the rough. And as a result, young girls all over the country see themselves in the show. It’s become an international phenomenon; it’s in 146 countries around the world—that’s more than “Sesame Street!” I remember the episode in Cycle 5 in which your mother came to speak to the contestants, and it seemed like a proud moment for you. Having my mom on the show was great. It was fun for people to get to know me better and who I am and where I’m from. My mother has always been an integral part of my life. I’m one of six children, so we had to share—you only got so much of your mother’s time. But with that being said, I never felt that. My mother was a model and a beauty queen, and she won a Miss Sri Lanka competition in the early ‘60s. And when she got a modeling contract, she brought her family to England and worked very hard as a model and as a singer and actress in the ‘60s and early ‘70s to look after them. So it’s an important message—even when my mother was doing something as frivolous as being a model, she was doing it to benefit her whole world. What was the inspiration behind your new book, “Beauty Equation?” The idea of the book is that I wanted to clear up that what I consider to be beautiful isn’t being a model—it’s the person you are, and the book is all about that. I broke
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it into 10 chapters, like Spontaneity, Confidence, Honesty, Charm—things that you might not think are photographic things, but they are. They translate—you could have a beautiful façade, a model walks in with a perfect shape and look, but if the person inside hasn’t got that special there s nothing to make you wa something, there’s warm to them. At th end of every the ch chapter I challenge th reader to phothe to tograph themselves to see themselves tr transform as they go through the bo We created book. a website called Be BeautyEquation. co where you com can ca upload the photos, videos and ph the th written challenges and make le an online portfolio wh you can then which sh with other share pe people doing the bo And there’s book. an another part of the calle Be One, which website called is a global community. We’re trying to start a global discussion on beauty from all over tthe world, and to inspire people to feel better about themselves, and to realize that they may not look like a model but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t equally as beautiful, equally as valuable and should feel great about who they are. I get emails every day from young girls who want to be a model, who think that being a model is being beautiful, and they’re so wrapped up in this concept, they don’t look to see what they do have to offer, which is who they are. Many of our readers are busy city moms. Can you give one piece of wisdom from your book that speaks to moms in general? One of the chapters in this book is Compassion. And the reason that it’s in there is that through the humanitarian things that I’ve done in my life, I’ve grown in confidence, grown in strength, grown in direction. And I think that for any mom, if you can do anything outside your home that’s charitable, whether it’s working at a soup kitchen once a week for two hours or helping in the community, you feel good about that, and it’s an incredible sign for their children to see their mothers working in the community, and knowing their mother is a beautiful woman, as I do mine. It was through my mother’s behavior that I grew to be the man I am today. And that’s something to feel beautiful about, something to feel strong about, and something to feel proud about. It’s about realizing who we are and what we have. v www.newyorkfamily.com
“Absolutely Magical!” - Time Out New York Kids
Photos: Aaron Epstein
A LIVE glow-in-the-dark musical adventure!
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A magical, musical, one-of-a-kind, interactive, undersea adventure for kids of all ages! It’s jam-packed with original music ranging from swing to R&B to Big Band and it’s a blast from the first big splash to the last wave goodbye.
Perf. Schedule: Wed. @ 11am & 2pm
Sat. @ 11am, 2 & 4:30pm | Sun. @ 12 & 3pm
Telecharge.c o m or 212.239.6200 340 West 50th Street, NYC ImaginOceanTheMusical.com
9/16/10 5:00 PM
! t n ve E e e r F
&
Invite you to the
Best Halloween Party Ever! Picking Pumpkins in the Pumpkin Patch! Rockin’ (Kid) Bands! enjoy:Wear your costume! Children’s Photography by Heidi Green! Pumpkin Carver! Arts and crafts by Kidville! Face Art By Melissa! Where’s Waldo? Pops up at the party! Ballooniac! Magician! Cupcakes from Baked by Melissa! Goodie Bags!*
PRE-REGISTER at
NEWYORKFAMILY.COM Raffle Prizes Include: Jason Wu Ge Digital Camera, Paul Frank Gift Basket, Disney Costumes, Radio Flyer tricycle
DETAILS: Sunday, October 24th Noon - 3 PM The Ashley 400 West 63rd Street (and West End Avenue)
* Goodie bags are first come first serve for families who pre-register only. One bag per family.
SOCCER CLASSES FOR KIDS ENROLL NOW FOR THE FALL Ages 2 and up Beginner and Advanced classes Private groups Birthday parties
Fitness
SOCCER
www.jcsocroc.com
Partials_1010.indd 12
Fun
call 917.703.0409
9/16/10 5:00 PM
OFF TO THE
RACES Photos by John Bramley, © Disney Enterprises, Inc.
A Conversation With Beloved Actress And NYC Native Diane Lane, Now Starring In Disney’s New Family Film ‘Secretariat’ BY ERIKA THORMALEN
A
fter 30 years in the business, countless acclaimed films (“The Outsiders,” “Under The Tuscan Sun” and “Unfaithful” to name just a few) and plentiful awards and nominations to her name, Diane Lane is commonly considered to be one of the movie industry’s most talented and beloved actresses. These days, Lane finds herself in a different kind of winner’s circle with the upcoming release of Disney’s new family film, “Secretariat,” in which she stars as Penny Chenery, a real-life housewife turned “grand dame” of horseracing, who, in 1973, saved her family’s Virginia farm (and legacy) when she bred
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and cultivated a Triple Crown winner, a horse named Secretariat. Lane took the time to chat with New York Family about the film, balancing her career with motherhood, and what she misses most about New York. Were you a horserace fan before you received the script for “Secretariat”? I loved the horses themselves, but I wasn’t as aware and savvy of the horserace world in particular. I grew up watching them as a child in my living room with the adults all around. I was completely enchanted. What about the character of Penny Chenery spoke to you most? I think the fact that she really lived this
life and this is her story. She did things out of her comfort zone for the honor of her father’s lifetime of work. She followed her gut that Secretariat had what it took to fulfill his destiny and save the family farm and business. How do you approach playing a character that is not only from real life, but is also still living, as in the case of Penny Chenery, now 88 years old? We met beforehand and it was lovely. I got to benefit from feeling as though I had her blessing. As exhilarating as it is, it must be a tad bittersweet to have such a full and rich life condensed into an hour and a half movie. I can only imagine! She is truly a grand dame and she lives up to her reputation, which has many adjectives in it, among them “regal.” She came to the set and graced us with her presence; she even has a cameo in the film. Penny sounds both fearless and practical. Being a mother yourself, did you find similar connections? Well there’s knowing your child and what they’re capable of and nurturing them to their fullest capacity. If you have to hire a tutor or study the books yourself to teach them, you do what you have to do. And that’s what she did by hiring Lucien Laurin as Secretariat’s trainer and by diverting all the attention away from the horse by facing the media and keeping them out of the paddocks. Secretariat became the Elvis of horses, and she had to keep the focus on the actual racing and not on the training process so they could do their work. You mentioned the character of Lucien Laurin, Secretariat’s colorful horse trainer, played by John Malkovich. What was it like working with John? John is a tremendous sparkling heart of creative energy. He’s one of those extremely gifted people who just has an appetite for life. I marvel at him; he’s got so much talent, humor and insight. I want to work with him again because he’s incredibly generous and smart and he brings out the best in every film he’s in. www.newyorkfamily.com
standards are higher for women and I’m proud to be one.
At one point in the film, Penny says she gave up her career to have a family, which is a common dilemma for moms. How have you navigated career and motherhood in your own life? I think it’s important to keep priorities in order and if there are apologies to be made, make them. It’s wonderful to have success but it’s more important to me to be loved. I feel very blessed to be female because, believe it or not, we’re still the underdogs and we still have people noticing what we choose to do. It’s a wonderful position to be in to be a trailblazer. The
As a mother, why do you think this character and story are important for young women to see? I think it illuminates what it is to make sacrifices and to be willing to be unpopular to pursue your dreams. There’s a wonderful relationship between Penny and her oldest daughter, Kate, played by Amanda Michalka, that brings to light that confusion teenagers have when they look at their mother and don’t understand what her motives are. Later, the scales fall from the kids’ eyes and they understand their mother’s perspective. It’s a lovely experience to see that transition within a movie. What makes this movie a great flick for families? It covers every family relationship, and the dynamic of people learning to open up their hearts through adversity and doing it with dignity. I think that’s what fami-
lies are best at—sharing the burden and empowering each other. Many of our readers might not know you’re natively from New York City. What do you miss most about your former hometown? I miss that I can walk wherever and whenever I want in the city and pretty much find what I’m looking for at any hour of the day or night on foot. I love the independence that I felt growing up in the city and knowing for a fact that if you could make it there you could make it anywhere. When you visit New York City, what are your must-see spots or things to do? I gravitate towards the rivers when I come into the city. I can smell the iron in the water—I love that metallic smell. Recently I was craving our street hot dogs—there are things about New York that are quintessential and I do miss them. n “Secretariat� opens October 8 and is rated PG. (disney.com/secretariat)
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October 2010 | New York Family
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YOU DON’T HAVE TO MOVE TO THE SUBURBS TO HAVE A KILLER BACKYARD
WHEN YOU LIVE AT THE VIEW, YOU’RE PART OF A THRIVING AND GROWING COMMUNITY Not only will you be just steps away from the waterfront, you’ll also find top notch restaurants, convenient shopping, a gourmet grocer and attended garage just outside your door. Families will love the huge playground and the new K-8 elementary school and library being built just down the block.
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IN THE
L LONG ISLAND CITY IS FOR
This easy-going, gentrifying waterfront oasis—right across the river from midtown Manhattan—is becoming one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city for families. (Pssst! It even has a beach!) Photography by Daniel S. Burnstein www.newyorkfamily.com
October 2010 | New York Family SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
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IN THE
Why Long Island City? For families, the answer is the blend: Long Island City (or LIC) offers the convenience of being close to Manhattan and the satisfaction of living in a neighborhood with a special mix of parks, schools, cultural centers, new housing, and ample shopping, services, and programs for kids. All this and a glorious waterfront view. Living in LIC is like having the best seats in the house! There and Back Again
A Cultural Mini-Mecca
A brief subway hop over the East River takes you from Long Island City to the Upper East Side, Grand Central, or Times Square, making it easy for LIC families to work and play in Manhattan. That is, when they’re not enjoying the charms of LIC and the rest of Queens, including highlights like the New York Hall of Science, the Queens County Farm Museum, and Alley Pond Environmental Center. The other nice part of being near Manhattan is, of course, the view. There isn’t a better perch than LIC to take in the city’s famed skyline.
LIC’s roots as an affordable artists’ haven have made it one of the most vibrant cultural oases in the city. The especially nice perk for families is that artistic centers like MoMA PS 1, the Noguchi Museum, Socrates Sculpture Park, the Museum for African Art and the Chocolate Factory all have programming to share with children. (And you didn’t hear it from us, but LIC is also home to the 5Pointz Aerosol Art Center, a 200,000 square foot factory building whose outside walls have been turned into a legendary site of graffiti art. Kids love it.)
Park City
Shop The Hood
More so than in most city neighborhoods, parks, playgrounds, and beaches are abundant in LIC. Queensbridge Park is stocked with baseball fields, playgrounds, handball courts and dog runs. Gantry State Park features superior waterfront views, a playground, tennis courts, ball fields and plenty of space to roam. Socrates Sculpture Park is a surreal treat for kids, and often hosts family events like its Halloween Harvest Fest. And Water Taxi Beach is like The Little Beach That Could, a sandy oasis in a part of the city where there’s nothing else like it.
LIC has a distinct neighborhood vibe and a key reason is its variety of local shops and eateries, most of which are family-friendly. Want one of the best hot chocolates in NYC? Go to Sweetleaf Café. Weekend brunch? Check out the Sage General Store. One local mom described The Food Cellar as “our Whole Foods.” Subdivision is a wonderful artisan shop and gallery with original and handmade clothing for infants through adults. The list of appealing shops is long, though much of the action is on Vernon, Jackson, and Center Boulevards.
Education & Enrichment The neighborhood has a number of good public and parochial schools, including P.S. 78 Robert Wagner Jr. and P.S. Jacob Blackwell School, and there are new ones being built to accommodate the influx of families. Same for libraries: they have one, and another’s on the way. For toddlers to tweens there’s also many enrichment and activity programs in the neighborhood offered at places like LIC Kids, the City Ice Pavillion, the LIC School of Ballet, the Yoga Room and the Brickhouse Ceramic Art Center.
Home Sweet Home These days LIC is imbued with the positive vibe of a neighborhood whose time has come. As much as people like living near Manhattan, they also really like their neighborhood—a neighborhood whose gentrifying trends have brought more varied goods and services, and a superstar stock of new luxury buildings at prices more affordable than equivalent buildings only 10 minutes away in Manhattan. People like to refer to the area as “the next Williamsburg.” But really it’s the new LIC.
MAP BY MARC ANDERSON/MARCANDERSONILLUSTRATION.BLOGSPOT.COM
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www.newyorkfamily.com
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LONG ISLAND CITY
THE T HE V VIEW IEW
Jon Ortner
The View 4630 Center Boulevard, Long Island City, NY
A DREAM BUILDING Discover The Charms of LIC’s Newest Family-Friendly Condominium
T Living Room at The View
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New York Family | October 2010
owering near the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign in Long Island City, The View is an 18-story, 184-unit condominium wonderland for New York parents looking for a stunning new building to call home. Designed by award-winning Handel architects, every one, two, and three bedroom apartment in the building has been laid out to maximize outside light and the spectacular vistas of Manhattan just across the East River. But as appealing as it is to look out at the passing river and grand skyline, families will equally appreciate the close-up view of this amenity-rich building and its special surroundings. “One of the most unique features of the building is that it is actually within Gantry State Park,” says Scott Walsh, The View’s Director of Sales and Market Research. “Children can go to a play area without even crossing the street!” And beyond the gorgeous stretch of green immediately in front of the building lies Gantry’s playgrounds, ball fields, organized sports leagues, tennis courts, and riverfront benches and walkways. www.newyorkfamily.com
Gourmet Kitchen at The View In keeping with the wide-open feel of the neighborhood, The View features roomy apartments designed for comfort, with soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and balconies, terraces and a private garden. Kitchens are gourmetready, with Viking stoves and Subzero refrigerators. Bathrooms are designed to be “spa chic” with elegant fixtures. And every unit has a washer/dryer and plenty of closet space. There’s also a small fitness center and bicycle storage, and condo owners have guaranteed access to the large fitness center, indoor rooftop swimming pool, party rooms, and the parking garage in an adjacent building. The View is also about convenience. It’s a five-minute walk from the 7 train’s Vernon-Jackson station, where you can be whisked off to Grand Central in four minutes, or Times Square in seven. The 23rd St-Ely station is also just a ten-minute walk away for commuters needing the E or F. For parents who work in the city, or enjoy exploring the city with their children, the importance of Long Island City’s location can’t be overstated. But what typically happens with LIC families is that they end up feeling like there’s no need to rush off to Manhattan all the time. Why bother when you can enjoy Gantry and the area’s other great parks, along with its splendid mix of neighborhood eateries, shops, and
services; a vibrant, surprisingly kid-friendly cultural scene; children’s activity centers like LIC Kids and the Long Island City School of Ballet; and even the small but delightful sandy shore known as Water Taxi beach? The neighborhood is also full of good schools and libraries, and there are more on the way. In the area near The View, PS 78 serves grades K-5, and plans are in the works for a 600 seat K-8 school to be built nearby, a library next door and a high school within walking distance. For all these reasons, The View is attracting both new families with small children, who see the building as a great first home in an upcoming neighborhood, and established families, with older kids, who can tell that LIC is an area that works for them. What they all have in common, according to Walsh, is they see the building as “a great lifestyle move and a long-term value.” —Kate Willard
Spa Bathroom at The View Address: 4630 Center Boulevard, Long Island City Prices: 2 BRs start at $870,000; 3 BRs start at $1,230,000 Developer: TF Cornerstone
www.newyorkfamily.com
Architect: Handel Architects Sales office: 877-LIC-7778 Website: Livingtheview.com October 2010 | New York Family
special promotional section
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A MOVING The Monaco family in
their new home.
MEMOIR What One NYC Mom Learned About Buying, Selling, Renting And Feeling At Home In The City BY JEAN HALLORAN-MONACO
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A
fter the headache of moving to my first studio apartment in Manhattan, I remember proclaiming to my mother that I hoped my husband (whomever he would be) and my five kids (who also did not exist) would like it because I was never moving again. Yet here I am on my sixth NYC move—this time with a husband and three kids, and absolutely no plans to expand to the brood of five I imagined all those years ago. I am also making the switch from buyer to renter. The last time I made that switch was in 2005, back when selling a place you had bought three years before left you feeling like Donald Trump. Our most recent sale—not so much. But we did get our asking price, and as one kind friend said, “Well, breaking even is the new making money.” But making a move isn’t always about numbers. It’s about your family. My
SMOOTH husband, Frank, wanted a house in the suburbs and I broke out in hives just at the mention of Westchester or Long Island (where I grew up). It had happened; I was now a die-hard New Yorker. We loved our kids’ school and all of our friends in Manhattan. Even Frank couldn’t imagine a commute added on to his already ridiculously late hours. So it seemed that maybe renting an apartment and buying a country house would be the right move for us. I was worried about our three girls, who are 4, 6 and 8, adjusting to the move because we had met a lot of great friends at our current apartment. But they were excited that their new apartment would have stairs and outdoor space, and even the fact that they would now be bunking together was “fun.” “Mom, we will still see our friends here and get to meet new friends in our new building,” they said. I forget that, unlike adults, children are pretty easy going: “Hey, you like paper and crayons, dress up, spilling Cheerios, jumping on furniture—what a coincidence, so do I!” Of course, the rental will not have
the tiles, the doorknobs, or the appliances that I spent too many hours agonizing over. As a renter, I seem to rent the air between the walls. Cosmetic changes are not up to me. But I should look on the bright side: renovating your own space is only fun when it is over. I will be spared many headaches. Also, the apartment has a new kitchen and baths, and is being painted colors of my choice as I write this. We are going to be able to buy outdoor furniture and have a fireplace. So even though we are downsizing, we are getting a lot of things we did not have in our last apartment. And let’s face it, even when you’re a renter, when the radio is blaring yet another Jonas Brothers song and your little one is calling “Mommy!” 100 times in a row and you are making sure the homework is not on the floor, but in the backpack—that special, organized chaos—well, I think that’s what makes a home. There was a lot of good karma with our new building, too. When I saw the apartment on Streeteasy.com and told Frank to call the broker, Frank called him and said “Are you the same Brad I went to elementary school with on
BUYING, SELLING, OR RENTING? NYC Real Estate Experts Offer Their Advice
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO BUY… “I have been guiding my customers to go back to the basics: 1. Location, location, location; 2. Focus on spaces with good light instead of good views, and 3. Be prepared and comfortable to pay more for an apartment that has an excellent maintenance fee rather than paying less money for one with a higher maintenance. Finally, be prepared to stretch yourself spatially and financially in order to secure long-term debt, as rates will definitely go up in the next 24 months.” —Louise Phillips Forbes, Executive Vice President, Halstead Property
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO SELL… “Interview several brokers and ask lots of questions about marketing strategies, work ethic, weekend availability, open houses, pricing, etc. Make sure you feel comfortable with the broker’s philosophy and that it matches yours. Once you trust your broker, try to trust their advice!” —Lisa Lippman, Senior VP/Director, Brown Harris Stevens
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO RENT… “The busiest rental season is spring and ends with the summer. It picks up again a bit at the beginning of the calendar year. So in the fall, there is less competition but also the inventory is not quite as large. It is a good time of year to find a rental, but remember that the market has gotten stronger for rentals as inventory has shrunk. Best advice: if you see an apartment you like, go for it!” —Deanna Kory, Senior Vice President, The Corcoran Group Real Estate
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MOVE
After six relocations (all in Manhattan), mom Jean Halloran-Monaco offers the following tips for families making a move: Familiarize yourself with your building’s moving policies—times, fees, etc. Consider having your movers pack for you—it costs more, but can be worth it, especially if you have young children. Make sure your movers label your boxes well (i.e. not just “kitchen” but “kitchen utensils”). Otherwise, you will open the waffle maker, blender and 15 boxes just like it until you finally get to your everyday dishes. Consider whether you will need storage space in your building or elsewhere. Friends and family are amazing. When they offer to help, accept it! Have the following information with you at all times: Your management companies’ information (for both your old and new apartments) The mover’s contact info Your telephone, Internet and/or cable company’s contact info Any new furniture delivery dates and corresponding contact info A few things to bring on moving day: A suitcase with everything you will need for a few days (clothes, toothbrushes, contacts, your laptop, clean sheets and pillows). That way, you will have what you need until you are fully unpacked. A knapsack with important kids’ school items (books, homework, projects) A special kids’ box with their favorite board game, stuffed animals, dolls, blankets, and anything else they can’t live without A sense of humor!
Long Island?” He was, and he even remembered Frank getting in trouble for passing notes in French class. Luckily that was the worst skeleton in our closet; since we are subletting for two years, we had to go through a board interview. So now my friends ask, “What are your plans, when your two years are up?” Well, I guess I will be on my seventh Manhattan move and I’ve gotten pretty good at it.
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The CEO Of NYC’s Hottest Real Estate Website Talks About The State Of The Market
S t rSeMeA tR T BY JENNIFER MASLOWSKI
ince 2006, real estate website Streeteasy. com has provided NYC families access to market information that matters to them— even allowing users to search virtually all of the city’s listings according to criteria such as zoned public school or specific building amenity. We spoke with Streeteasy’s founder and CEO Michael Smith, a downtown father of four, to get the scoop on the city’s current sales and rental market.
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In recent years, there’s been a trend toward families staying in the city, rather than having their 2.5 kids and heading for the suburbs. Has the recession affected that trend at all? Private schools on the New York side versus property taxes elsewhere make the costs a wash. It’s all about the personal choice of lifestyle and the value one places on interior space. There are now many more options for expanding families in the city, and developers have specifically targeted families as a growth area. The arguments for staying in the city get stronger every year. I can’t imagine why you would want to leave... What would you say are the city’s hottest neighborhoods right now— particularly for families? The Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Tribeca have always been the first neighborhoods families consider when looking for a place to live. However, there are lots of other neighborhoods that have good value and are rich in resources that are great for families. I would consider Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Morningside Heights, as well as Battery Park City and the Financial District. Have you seen the recession affect the decision to rent versus buy? Absolutely. For those considering staying long-term—a minimum of www.newyorkfamily.com
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five years—it’s definitely worth buying. However, with the recession and so many who are uncertain of what their future might hold, many have put off buying and have continued to rent. Renting allows consumers to stay more liquid in a time of uncertainty.
The arguments for staying in the city get stronger every year. I can’t imagine why you would want to leave...
How would you describe the rental market in NYC right now? In late 2008 and 2009, we saw median rents dropping by 10 percent year over year across the board, and landlords were offering potential renters all kinds of incentives, like three months free rent. Now we are seeing median rents holding steady, and in some areas, they are slowly creeping back. Rents are not as negotiable as they were a year ago. There are still incentives, but ultimately, rental prices are still low, and incentives are typically a small portion of the total cost. Focus on the real cost. For families who are ready to buy, how would you describe the sales market right now? The sales market is steadily recovering from the financial crisis of late 2008. The first half of 2009 was poignantly painful—the number of closings dropped by 50 percent, and median prices dropped by almost 20 percent compared to 2008. But the market started to show signs of life toward the latter half of 2009. Prices have been stabilizing this first half of the year, and the number of closings has been increasing steadily. However, prices and volume of closings are about 20 percent below 2008 levels. Certainly in NYC, there is always strong demand for real estate. Where prices are headed will depend on buyers’ confidence and whether or not they can obtain financing. Financing seems to be a key issue. How should potential buyers approach financing? Before you start looking for an apartment, check your credit report and make sure there aren’t any errors on the report that might lower your score. The next thing you should do is get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will determine how much apartment you can afford.
What about potential sellers? How can they make the most of the current situation? As a seller, it is really important to make sure your apartment is priced correctly when it hits the market. If it’s priced too high, your place will stagnate on the market. There have also been situations where apartments are under contract and the banks do not appraise the apartment to match the contracted value. This may result in renegotiation of pricing mid-contract.
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Once buyers know what they can afford, what key information should they look for on StreetEasy.com? On our site, users can see the history of a listing, like how long a property has been on the market, what kind of price cuts it’s had, and even how much the current owner paid for the property. This information can help you make an educated offer to the seller. And when considering a property, make sure to look into the financial health of a building and if there are any planned assessments in the future that might affect your affordability.
What advice do you have for families considering buying into a new development? Definitely do your research. Who is the developer? What other projects have they done in the city? Who is the builder? Have they completed projects on time? What percentage of the building is sold out? Depending on whether or not the building is new construction or a conversion, they will need a minimum number of contracts signed for the offering plan to be declared effective. And, the building will need to be at least 51 percent sold-out if banks will approve a mortgage for a buyer. Once they establish the financial health of the building, what else should they look at? On our site, users can look for listings a number of different ways. For example, you can just enter a school, such as PS 41, into our search bar and this will pull up all the sales and rental listings zoned for that school. You can also search by amenity. For many parents, an elevator, doorman or in-unit laundry will be a requirement. When considering an apartment, find out about the management company and try to meet the super. You want to make sure that they will repair things in a timely way. And I would suggest walking by the apartment at night to see what the neighborhood is like and what the building is like, since that’s when most people are home. Searching by zoned school might be tricky right now. Are you following the NYC public school rezoning/overcrowding issues? We have been following this closely and have worked with various people to look at the changes in the housing mix that are having a very real impact on overcrowding. The situation in Lower Manhattan has improved because of the pressure and solutions, which came largely from parents. Hopefully the city will eventually do a better job of being proactive and will use better data to predict enrollments, particularly in neighborhoods which have significant residential development. G www.newyorkfamily.com
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SKY For Families Looking for New City Digs, The Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Is Still On Top
BY CELENE MCDERMOTT
The Ashley
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The View
hether they are looking to rent or buy their next home, many city parents prefer new, amenityrich buildings. And as the city’s most exciting new residences in recent years fill up, new ones are debuting in a variety of neighborhoods. Developers know the score: These days proximity to the city’s best public and private schools, beloved parks and cultural institutions are still priorities, but parents have begun to expect more from the buildings themselves. In the following pages, you’ll discover city properties offering lifestyles that are close to suburban with rooftop terraces with movie screens, private green outdoor spaces, heated swimming pools, catering kitchens, a bowling alley, children’s playroom, and adult fitness centers, all with the convenience of concierge services and the joy of amazing views. What’s not to like?
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UPPER WEST SIDE AIRE (200 West 67th Street) This 45-story rental building is a favorite among local performing artists and music aficionados, with its proximity to Lincoln Center. With families in mind, the building has more three-bedroom apartments than most rental properties, and plenty of amenities, including two sound-proofed music studios, a landscaped garden with a reflecting pool, gym and yoga room, and an outdoor pavilion with a chef ’s kitchen for private events. The interiors are also impressive, with floor-to-ceiling windows. “It’s the first time a developer has gone to this level of finishes for a rental property. It exceeds many condos in the city,” says Bob Scaglion, senior managing director of Residential Marketing of Rose Associates. There’s also a children’s playroom with protected outdoor space.
THE ASHLEY (400 West 63rd Street) The 209-unit Ashley is one of those buildings that make it possible to have the best of both worlds—city living with space to breathe and rental apartments that feel like home. “The layouts are unique and the size of the residences is exceptional,” says Clifford Finn, managing director of New Developments, Citi-Habitats, referring to units that go up to three bedrooms and 1,900 square feet. “Each space has fantastic light and presents a connection to one of the parks that surround the building.” Plus, The Ashley sits atop an amenity base that is “not to be rivaled,” says Finn. A 40,000square-foot La Palestra Athletic Club and Spa features a 75-foot indoor pool, a two-lane bowling alley, a two-level rock climbing wall, basketball and squash courts, yoga and Pilates studios, and spa treatment rooms. There’s concierge service by Abigail Michaels, and renters receive complimentary move-in service to coordinate relocation, telephone and cable service and more.
THE CORNER AT 200 WEST (200 West 72nd Street) Located on the Southwest corner of 72nd Street and Broadway, The Corner at 200 West “stands apart from other rental buildings because we’ve paid so much attention to every detail,” says Jeffrey Kaye, vice president of
Emerald Green
Gotham Developers, the building’s developer in a joint venture with Philips International and Rhodes NY. The 196 luxury homes include spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments, each with its own washer/dryer and gourmet kitchen, and in the three-bedrooms, families enjoy recessed personal safes, custom powder rooms, and 36” Liebherr refrigerators. The eco-friendly property features Energy Star appliances, low-e perimeter glass, and plumbing features that promote water conservation. Families will also enjoy the children’s playroom, and a 10,000-square-foot landscaped roof terrace with a misting wall, sundeck, barbeque area and movie projection screen.
845 WEST END AVENUE (at 101st Street) This classic, pre-war corner building was recently renovated into the ultimate Upper West Side condominium residence. It features spacious apartments in six different layouts, as well as a playroom, fitness center and bike storage. Located at 101st Street, it is equidistant from Central Park and Riverside Park. “This building is really special,” says Iva Spitzer, executive vice president at The Corcoran Group. “It’s a big, big building, a very grand building. The room dimensions are spectacular; the windows are large. Everything about it is big and bold.” 845 West End’s original architects, Schwartz and Gross, were prolific in the 1920s, with a noted eye for detail. “Every single thing—every crown molding, every herringbone oak floor, every thermopane window—is brand new, but in keeping with the tradition of the building,” says Spitzer. Modern updates include central air conditioning, heated marble bathroom floors with Kohler undermount tubs and sinks, in-unit washers and dryers, and Bosch and Liebherr kitchen appliances.
808 COLUMBUS (808 Columbus Avenue between
Georgica
97th and 100th Streets) This rental building is one of five residential developments comprising Columbus Square, a new residential community located between 97th and 100th streets and Columbus and Amsterdam avenues. “808 Columbus Avenue offers high-end services that are usually seen in luxury condominiums, not rentals,” said a leasing spokesperson at Columbus Square. “The property features valet parking, an oversized children’s play area, a resident’s lounge with private dining room and a 70-foot salt water swimming pool.” Families October 2010 | New York Family
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can also enjoy two acres of elevated landscaped lawns, a fitness center, and a bicycle/stroller storage room.
905 WEST END AVENUE (at 104th Street) Situated one block from Riverside Park, this pre-war building features 1280 Fifth Ave two- to four-bedroom units. Families can choose to have their units renovated or un-renovated, and can also choose a renovation package. The renovated units feature interiors with European elegance combined with modern design touches. The lobby offers a striking first impression, boasting a turn-of-the-century staircase accented by a stained-glass window. Residences have kitchens with granite countertops, white crackle mosaic tile backsplash, and Tuscan Botticino floors, and bathrooms with Zuma bathtubs and Waterworks fixtures. The building comes complete with a roof deck for the owners, as well as bike storage, onsite resident managers, a live-in superintendant, laundry room and a 24-hour doorman.
live-in super. In addition to sprawling full floor apartments with six-plus bedrooms, enormous eat-in kitchens and two family rooms/libraries, there is a ground floor duplex with a 1,200-square foot garden, and a ninth-floor full floor apartment with a huge landscaped terrace. “This is a unique building with only large apartments and not many apartments—thus providing very high attention to owners’ needs,” says Lisa Lippman, senior vice president and director of Brown Harris Stevens.
UPPER EAST SIDE AZURE (333 East 91st Street)
208 WEST 96TH STREET Families in search of a modern, design-forward building will delight in 208 West 96th Street. Comprised of nine fullfloor three-bedroom homes, this boutique condominium redefines spacious and luxurious living. “When you come in, it feels spacious, airy, and light,” says Simon Shamilzadeh, vice president of Marketing and Sales for Manor Properties Group. In addition to each apartment’s high-end touches like SubZero refrigerators and a central vacuum system, environmentally-conscious families will appreciate the building’s use of recycled materials, and numerous energy-efficient amenities like its motorless elevator. And it’s safe to say that everyone will appreciate a building that’s near one of the Upper West Side’s main commercial and commuter hubs but stills manages to be a special oasis, with a communal rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of Central Park, Upper Manhattan, and the Hudson River.
235 WEST 71ST STREET This boutique building is small and intimate, yet features an abundance of services, including a full-time doorman, playroom, gym, storage room, bike room and
This 34-story UES building performs the timely trick of offering luxury at good prices, with apartments that go up to four bedrooms and a wealth of amenities. “Azure is at the vanguard of a new way of family living in Manhattan,” says Douglas MacLaury 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.” Families will appreciate the building’s residents’ lounge, fitness center, private dining room with catering kitchen, and a landscaped roof terrace. There’s also a children’s playroom, as well as a teen game room equipped with video games, billiards and foosball. Potential buyers have the flexibility of combination homes and customizing their living space.
GEORGICA (305 East 85th Street) Befitting the East Hampton pond it’s named after, this 20-story 58-unit building is just gorgeous. “Georgica’s furnished model residences showcase the luxury of space, the flexibility of floor plans and unlimited decorating potential,” noted Rob Kaliner, principal of Ascend Group, developer of Georgica. “These homes highlight the versatility of the building, which suits many preferences and lifestyles.” The glass-skinned building was designed by Cetra/Ruddy in bronze, champagne and white, and the elegant aesthetic extends to the interiors as well. Building amenities include a children’s playroom, landscaped roof deck with playground, concierge service, a private fitness center and more.
MANHATTAN HOUSE (200 East 66th Street) “Between the building’s amenities and its great location, many residents who grew up in the building have chosen Manhattan House as the place to raise families of their own,” says Brian Fallon, partner of O’Connor The Corner Capital Partners and president of Manhattan House. This
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luxury, Gordon Bunshaft-designed and landmarked building is full of inspired amenities, including five-star concierge services, one of Manhattan’s largest private residential gardens and a Roto Studio-designed children’s playroom. Another notable feature is the rooftop Manhattan Club, with panoramic view, expansive terrace, indoor library, and—get this—a spa/yoga studio run by Exhale. The spacious apartments are just as dandy, many featuring expansive closets, fireplaces and private balconies.
MIRAVAL LIVING (515 East 72nd Street) This luxury condo, in collaboration with the high-end destination spa, Miraval Spa and Resort, is a unique and luxurious addition to the Upper East Side. Perhaps its biggest draw for families is its close-knit community: The building features a children’s activity center with art and education classes, and a private park with lawn chairs and tables. There’s also a swimming pool, a basketball court, and a gym with an indoor and outdoor yoga studio, and spa—among other features. “It’s one place in the city where you have the best of both worlds in perfect balance,” sums up Elaine Diratz, managing director at Corcoran Sunshine.
BATTERY PARK CITY RIVERHOUSE (2 River Terrace) Think green. This 32-story residential building located on the Battery Park waterfront boasts amazing views of the Hudson River, downtown Manhattan, and Rockefeller Park, and was recently awarded a LEED Gold rating. “There are solar panels around the roof that reduce the amount of electricity the building needs to buy. And fresh air is piped into your apartment 24 hours a day,” says Dan Tubb, director of sales at Corcoran Sunshine Market Group. The eco-friendly units are designed in an open-plan layout, ranging to up to four bedrooms—or more if you want to combine apartments. The Riverhouse features a wide array of amenities, including a 50-foot lap pool, a fitness center with yoga studio, a children’s playroom, a resident lounge, a 3800-square foot terrace, and even a private pet grooming area. There’s also the Media Café, a wet bar with three wall mounted flat screen televisions and a view of Teardrop Park.
a sky-lit indoor lap pool and a children’s playroom with a vibrant reef aquarium as well as a social lounge with billiards.
FINANCIAL DISTRICT LIBERTY PLAZA (10 Liberty Street) This new rental offers 287 apartments with up to three bedrooms. Designed to facilitate comfortable living, each apartment features high ceilings, good natural lighting and plenty of space. Amenities include a 24-hour doorman, fitness center 2280 FDB with saunas and a lap pool, a roof deck, a lounge with a kitchen, a laundry facility and a children’s playroom. Located in the increasingly family-friendly Financial District, Liberty Plaza is situated on a block surrounded by Wall Street, Broadway and the East River.
KIPS BAY WATERSIDE PLAZA (10-40 Waterside Plaza) A group of four residential towers nestled against the East River at 25th Street, this special waterside community boasts spacious two- and three-bedroom luxury rentals as well as furnished units. “Families love the fact that Waterside Plaza is ready-made for children—the plaza is secure and spacious, making it a safe area for children to play. In addition, families can enjoy concerts, movies, and holiday celebrations,” says Peter Davis, managing director of Waterside Plaza. Residents of the Plaza also have access to its amenities, including a playroom and outdoor playground, the Waterside Swim & Health Club, an onsite garage, and Creative Dream parties, a facility that hosts themed birthday parties for kids. A concierge desk helps families plan everything from vacations to music lessons.
MIDTOWN WEST THE DILLON (425 West 53rd Street) This luxury condo and townhouse building offers four distinct residence types: flats, duplexes, penthouse duplexes and three-story townhouses, and about 40 percent of The Dillon’s spaces are larger apartments with three or more bedrooms, including three- to five-bedroom duplexes and penthouse duplexes with private rooftop gardens. Indi-
THE VISIONAIRE (70 Little West Street) The striking 35-story Visionaire condominium is a LEED Platinum-certified green building featuring natural materials, an advanced fresh air supply system, integrated photo-voltaic solar panels, and sophisticated energy-saving technology. “It uses 67 percent less power on peak demand and 50 percent less water than a typical building of its size,” says Michael Gubbins, vice president and director of residential management at Albanese Development Corporation, the building’s developer. The building boasts a wellequipped fitness center and spa, landscaped roof gardens, Waterside Plaza October 2010 | New York Family
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vidual triplex townhouses are also available, each with street entry, parking and a private backyard. For families, The Dillon boasts a children’s playroom and a bike and stroller storage room; plus, “a lounge that can be used for birthday parties and other family events, with a catering kitchen that opens to its own backyard,” says Elaine Diratz, managing director at Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group, which oversees the marketing and sales of the building. Lush gardens, a cutting edge fitness center, a 24-hour doorman and onsite resident manager complete the amenities.
Miraval Living
son Square Park. There’s also a private roof lounge with a children’s play area and a sundeck with a built-in grill. Plus, a tennis court and daycare center operated by the seminary are available to Chelsea Enclave residents.
EAST VILLAGE 311 E. 11: VILLAGE GREEN (311 E. 11th Street)
EMERALD GREEN (320 West 38th Street) Consisting of two 24-story towers and 568 apartments with spacious layouts and impressive city views, Emerald Green is a luxury rental building that lives up to its name. The building is designed to qualify for LEED certification, and features recycled-content construction materials, water-efficient plumbing, and a parking garage outfitted with electric car charging stations. “Enhancing the quality of life for not only our residents, but also future generations is a top priority,” says Gary Jacob, executive vice president of Glenwood, the building’s developer. There’s no shortage of onsite activities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga room and swimming pool, a circular stone whirlpool spa, a children’s playroom with hand-painted murals, and a screening room with theater-style seating.
It’s “green living” all around at this boutique condo. The 36 spacious apartments, most of which feature outdoor space, are “shaded by trees, and surrounded by organic stores, eateries, and farmers markets,” says Michael Namer of Alfa Development. And 311 E. 11: Village Green itself is targeted to be the first LEED Gold certified building in the East Village, according to Namer. The features include builtin recycling centers in the kitchen to make recycling easy, bicycle storage, and discount parking for hybrid vehicles at a nearby parking garage. A green roof provides rainwater recovery and natural insulation, and the building utilizes both wind-generated and geothermal energy. Families can also take advantage of a state-of-the-art wellness center.
HARLEM 1280 FIFTH AVENUE (near 110th Street)
CHELSEA CHELSEA ENCLAVE (177 Ninth Avenue) This new luxury condo really is an enclave: It overlooks the grounds of The General Theological Seminary—a serene stretch of lawns, gardens and trees that residents have access to. “This is such a unique location in the city; I really don’t think there is any place like it,” says Daniel Brodsky, managing partner with The Brodsky Organization, the building’s developer. The 53 residences at the Chelsea Enclave feature everything up to four-bedroom penthouses. A big draw for families is an onsite play space created by apple seeds, the popular children’s activity center near Madi-
At the intersection of art, nature, and residential living, this Robert A.M. Stern-designed, 116-unit condominium faces Central Park, and houses the city’s newest museum construction, the Museum of African Art. With close proximity to many private schools, the Fifth Avenue bus line, and an express subway stop, the location is a major draw for families. But what sets 1280 Fifth Avenue apart is its design, amenities, and green features. (Notably, over 20 percent of its building materials are made from recycled items.) “The sponsor of 1280 did not ask Stern to stick within the same traditional vocabulary,” says Nancy Packes, president of Brown Harris Stevens, Project Marketing, referring to the playful aspects of 1280’s design. In addition to large apartments, the building offers a garage, heated pool, children’s room, and a teen game room. What’s more? “We have a beautiful lounge, private dining room and catering kitchen; and next to it is a card and game area. It’s like having another home,” says Packes.
2280 FDB
Chelsea Enclave
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New York Family | October 2010
(at Frederick Douglass Boulevard and W. 123rd Street) This luxurious building nestled in the heart of Harlem, just two blocks from Morningside Park and down the hill from Columbia University, offers 89 residences with up to three-bedroom apartments and top-notch amenities like customized furniture, Aster Cucine cabinetry, and super-
BUILDING DIRECTORY
Riverhouse
capacity washers and dryers. And in a stunning feat of architectural flexibility, almost every home has a unique layout—after all, “some people like to have their bedroom next to their kids, while others would rather have their bedroom away from their kids,” says Hans Futterman, president of RGS Holdings, the building’s developer. But what really makes the building stand out, he says, is the quality of the finishes. Residents of 2280 FDB will also enjoy 24hour concierge, a massive outdoor recreation space, onsite parking, a lovely rooftop terrace complete with an outdoor fireplace and, by the way, a 25-year tax abatement.
QUEENS THE VIEW (4630 Center Boulevard, Long Island City) With every apartment in this new LIC condo designed to maximize outside light and the spectacular vista of Manhattan across the East River, it’s no surprise that the its developer, TF Cornerstone, called it The View. But for families looking for a truly nice lifestyle within the city, the close-up view of the building and the surrounding area is even more appealing. For one thing, the building is literally situated in Gantry Plaza State Park, which means “children can go to a play area without even crossing the street,” as Scott Walsh, The View’s director of sales and market research, puts it. And inside, the amenities abound with spacious apartments, ranging to up to three bedrooms, featuring kitchens with Subzero refrigerators, spa chic bathrooms, and a sophisticated cooling and heating system. Plus, residents have access to a small fitness center within the building along with automatic access to a large fitness center, indoor rooftop swimming pool, party room, and fully-attended garage in an adjacent building.
BROOKLYN ONE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK (360 Furman Street, Brooklyn Heights) This 14-story, 438-unit building, housing everything from spacious loft apartments to townhouses to penthouses, overlooks the East River and is situated within Brooklyn Bridge Park. And then there’s the hood: “Lovely Brooklyn Heights is already well known for being a great family neighbor-
The Corner at 200 West 200 West 72nd Street; 212-721-1200 200west72.com 235 West 71st Street 235 West 71st Street; 212-588-5606 235w71.com 311 E. 11: Village Green: 311 East 11th Street 212-675-5311 311e11.com 5th On The Park 1485 5th Avenue at 120th Street; 212-348-5353 5thonthepark.com 808 Columbus 808 Columbus Avenue; 866-644-8813 columbussq.com 845 West End Avenue 845 West End Avenue 212-784-9845 845wea.com 905 West End Avenue corner of 104th St. 905 West End Avenue; 212-486-4905 905wea.com 1280 Fifth Avenue: 212-996-1280 1280fifth.com 2280 FDB 2280 Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 123rd Street 212-521-5742 2280fdb.com Aire, 200 West 67th Street 212-721-4700 aireny.com The Ashley 400 West 63rd Street 888-554-0133 theashleynyc.com The Azure 333 East 91st Street; 212-828-4848 azureny.com Chelsea Enclave 177 Ninth Avenue; 212-647-0077
chelseaenclave.com The Dillon 425 West 53rd Street 212-586-5300 dillon53.com Emerald Green 320 West 38th Street; 212-695-3838 glenwoodnyc.com Georgica 305 East 85th Street; 212-988-8511 GeorgicaLife.com Liberty Plaza 10 Liberty Street; 212-430-5900 glenwoodnyc.com Manhattan House 200 East 66th Street; 877-394-6492 manhattanhouse.com The Mercury Lofts at the Beacon 4 Beacon Way, Jersey City; 201-7163000 thebeaconjc.com Miraval Living 515 East 72nd Street, 1-877-932-5862 515e72.com One Brooklyn Bridge Park 360 Furman Street, Brooklyn; 718330-0030 onebrooklyn.com The Riverhouse 2 River Terrace 212-587-1200 the-riverhouse.com The Visionaire 70 Little West Street 212-425-2550 thevisionaire.com The View 4630 Center Boulevard (Queens) 877-LIC-7778 lvingtheview.com 208 West 96th Street 208 West 96th Street 212-381-2557 208w96.com
hood,” says Highlyann Krasnow, executive vice president at The Developers Group. Amenities include a large children’s playroom, a music room, and art room. There also are 550 parking spaces available for sale or lease.
NEW JERSEY THE MERCURY LOFTS AT THE BEACON (4 Beacon Way, Jersey City) This historic art deco building offers spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and surrounding cityscape, and space galore. The building’s half- and full-floor lofts feature 13-foot ceilings, gourmet kitchens and 2,994 to 6,665 square feet of space. “The size of the residences in the Mercury is particularly appealing,” says George Filopoulos, developer of The Beacon and president of Metrovest Equities, Inc. “What was originally designed for 104 families will now be home to only 25.” What makes this building especially family-friendly is BeKids at the Beacon, a 66,000-square foot children’s destination that will include an early childhood education center, gymnastics and sports camps, a restaurant and much more. v 845 West End Ave October 2010 | New York Family
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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
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TOP DOCS 2010
Dr. Maria Vogiatzi
Physician
INTUITION www.newyorkfamily.com
ll parents hope their kids are healthy enough never to need more than an annual checkup, but it’s still great to know that our city is home to some of the world’s finest doctors. New York Family worked with consumer health research firm Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. to present our fourth annual list of Manhattan’s top-ranked pediatricians and pediatric specialists. We also spoke with seven of these doctors, who represent a range of pediatric specialties and medical centers, and graciously agreed to share with us the joys and challenges of their profession. What follows is a celebration of all the work they do to keep our city kids healthy and strong.
October 2010 | New York Family
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ANDREW SCHWARTZ
Our Annual Celebration Of The City’s Top Pediatricians And Pediatric Specialists
DR. MARIA VOGIATZI
PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGIST, NEWYORK-PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL/WEILL CORNELL
How did you choose your specialty? I decided about my specialty when I was in the United States doing my training as a pediatrician. Very early in my training I came across a child with diabetes who I took care of during his hospital stay. I saw the challenges with the disease so I started learning a little bit more about endocrinology. I found the area very fascinating, so I decided to pursue it. What challenges ahead do you see for your field? Many pediatric endocrinologists have the opportunity to do research, and I think this is very important because this is the only way that the doctors will learn what new therapy is coming along. I would like to see young doctors who are committed to pediatric endocrinology continue doing research, but this is becoming harder with time.
Dr. Max April
The doctors are busier, seeing a larger number of patients because of changes in health care. Also, the funding that goes towards research is getting harder to get. So many physicians are missing this component.
they are upset and how to be proactive in many other things. They also help me in talking to the families because I was always putting myself in their shoes. —Linda Tolkin
Do you have kids of your own? If so, how have they impacted your career as a pediatrician? I have two children who are both in college. I had my children very young during my residency and fellowship training, and I think they make me a better pediatrician because they taught me how to handle children when they are stressed, how to recognize when
DR. MAX APRIL
DOCTORS
THE
I
n a city known for its outstanding physicians, choosing the right doctor for your child is, in a fortunate way, no easy task. To help, New York Family, working with Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a consumer health research and information company and publisher of “America’s Top Doctors” and “Top Doctors: New York Metro Area,” has assembled a list of the city’s top pediatricians and pediatric specialists. Every family should have a physician it loves and trusts. We hope this guide helps you find yours.
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New York Family | October 2010
ANDREW SCHWARTZ
TOP DOCS 2010
When did you know you wanted to be a doctor? I knew at the end of my high school career. I am originally from Greece, and in Greece you go to medical school directly from high school, so it was a big decision for me at that point. I had my mother to guide me because she was also a physician, so I had some kind of idea about the profession. I think medicine is an extremely stimulating and challenging field which also gives you the opportunity to have social interaction, which sometimes you miss in other strictly scientific areas. And I enjoy having a positive impact on people’s lives.
PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGIST, NEWYORK-PRESBYTERIAN/WEILL CORNELL How did you choose your specialty? It was definitely fate. I was in a program at Boston University where the last two years of undergrad are part of the beginning of medical school. We were given a clinical internship our first
CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY Hector Bird 300 W 72nd Street, Ste 1F; 212-874-5311 ADD/ADHD, Anxiety & Depression, Personality Disorders, Conduct Disorder New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia Glenn S. Hirsch NYU Child Study Center 577 First Avenue, 212263-8704 Anxiety & Mood Disorders, Tourette’s Syndrome, Bipolar/Mood Disorders, ADD/ADHD NYU Langone Medical Center Donna L. Moreau 110 East End Avenue, 212-772-9205
Psychotherapy & Psychopharmacology, Anxiety & Mood Disorders New York Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital Stanley K. Turecki 136 E 64th Street, Ste 1B; 212-355-2535 Temperamentally Difficult Child, ADD/ADHD, Parenting Issues Lenox Hill Hospital
CHILD NEUROLOGY Darryl DeVivo 710 W 168th Street, Rm 201; 212-305-5244 Metabolic Disorders, Neuromuscular Disorders,
www.newyorkfamily.com
year to get involved early in clinical medicine. I loved sports, so I was set up with the chief of orthopedic surgery, which was what I thought I wanted to do. I was going to follow him around all semester. The Friday before Labor Day there was a message on my answering machine from his secretary saying the doctor couldn’t do it, he was the Olympic and Celtics doctor and didn’t have time for a first-year med student. I was devastated. The day after Labor Day, I went to the dean and was told they had a great guy in ENT for me. My reaction was, “What’s ENT?” I was set up with the otolaryngologist, the ear-nose-throat doc. I didn’t know what it was, but I got so lucky. Dr. Stewart Strong was a great mentor and a fabulous docDr. William Hellenbrand tor—the kind of doc you want to be like. I loved ENT—I realized it was exactly what I wanted to do. I have three children, ages 21, 19 and 14. They have impacted my career as a What do you love about pediatric pediatrician tremendously. Our third otolaryngology? In other specialchild was born very prematurely, and ties, parts of the body are shared by was in the hospital for a long time. He a doctor and a surgeon. There is not has taught us so much about how to a medical/surgical separation in my live our lives. specialty; we get to do both. I spend half my week in the operating room Do you have any advice for and half my week in the office. We aspiring doctors? I’d certainly say have very special instruments that are that with all the challenges of educarequired in the ear, nose and throat tion and training, if you do not have that other doctors are not trained to your spouse’s support it’s not posuse—for example, we need the special sible. Medical school is difficult, endoscope for certain procedures. It’s residency is impossible. You’re in the really unique. hospital all the time. You really need your partner’s support; you can’t do Do you have kids of your own? it alone. You need your family, need If so, how have they impacted your to remember that they are there for career as a pediatrician? My wife and you and that they need you as well. It’s
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Disorders, Cough-Tic Syndrome Mount Sinai Medical Center William E. Hellenbrand 3959 Broadway Fl 2N Rm 255; 212-342-0610 Interventional Cardiology New York Presbyterian Hospital/ Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital Ira A. Parness 1 Gustave Levy Pl, Box 1201, 212-241-6640 Echocardiography, Congenital Heart Disease, Fetal Echocardiography Mount Sinai Medical Center Laurel Steinherz 1275 York Avenue, 212-639-8103 Cardiac Effects of Cancer/Cancer Therapy Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY Bonita H Franklin 109 Reade Street, 212-732-2401 Diabetes, Growth Disorders, Thyroid Disorders
DR. WILLIAM HELLENBRAND
PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGIST, MORGAN STANLEY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL When did you know you wanted to be a doctor? When I was in high school I was sitting at the kitchen table and my mother told me, “You should be a doctor.” Then when I went to college I did all pre-med courses because I pretty much knew I wanted to go to medical school.
NYU Langone Medical Center Sharon E. Oberfield 630 W 168th Street PH East Bldg - Ste 522; 212-305-6559 Adrenal Disorders, Neuroendocrine Growth Disorders New York Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital Charles A. Sklar 1275 York Avenue, 800-525-2225 Cancer Survivors-Late Effects of Therapy, Growth Disorders in Childhood Cancer, Pituitary Disorders Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Maria G. Vogiatzi 525 E 68th Street, Box 103, 212-746-3462 Growth Disorders, Osteoporosis, Pubertal Disorders, Adrenal Disorders New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY Keith J. Benkov
5 E 98th Street Fl 10; 212-241-5415 Inflammatory Bowel Disease/Crohn’s, Liver Disease, Celiac Disease, Pediatric Endoscopy Mount Sinai Medical Center Joseph Levy 160 E 32nd Street Fl 2, 212-263-5407 Celiac Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Nutrition in Autism NYU Langone Medical Center Philip Kazlow 3959 Broadway, Rm 702N; 212-305-5903 Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Celiac Disease, Nutrition NewYork-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital William Spivak 177 E 87th Street, Ste 305, 212-369-7700 Inflammatory Bowel Disease/Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Feeding Disorders
October 2010 | New York Family
83
ANDREW SCHWARTZ
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia Ruth Nass 400 E 34th Street, Rm 311; 212-263-7753 Autism, ADD/ADHD, Learning Disorders, Migraine NYU Langone Medical Center Steven M. Wolf 10 Union Square East, Ste 5J; 212-844-6944 Epilepsy, Headache, Migraine Beth Israel Medical Center - Milton & Caroll Petrie Division Pediatric Allergy & Immunology Paul M. Ehrlich 35 E 35th Street, Ste 202; 212-685-4225 Asthma, Food Allergy New York Eye & Ear Infirmary PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY Bruce D. Gelb 1 Gustave Levy Pl, Box 1201, 212-725-6300 Growth/Development Disorders, Behavioral
hard to accomplish what you want without that support, and fortunately, I’ve had tremendous support from my wife and family. —Lora Heller
TOP DOCS 2010
seen changes that I think have markedly improved the outcome for these kids who are born with serious heart problems. My major aim for the last 10 years besides developing these new technologies is to train people to do what I do after I’m retired. How many kids do you have? How have they impacted your work? I have three daughters and one granddaughter. They have impacted my career in many ways. When I went home I treasured my kids more because of some of the tragedies that I saw at work. I remember a time early in my career when I would have real serious problems at work, patients wouldn’t survive, and on the way home I would buy special presents for my kids because I was so lucky to have healthy kids. —Linda Tolkin
DR. PAULA PREZIOSO
GENERAL PEDIATRICIAN, NYU LANGONE MEDICAL CENTER
Dr. Paula Prezioso What do you love about working with children? It’s extremely satisfying to watch kids come in with very serious problems and find a way to make them a lot better. I’ve watched so much change and so much improvement in the care we give kids who are
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Brain Tumors, Pediatric Cancers Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center James H. Garvin 161 Fort Washington Avenue Fl 7 Rm 708; 212-305-8685 Brain Tumors, Pediatric Cancers, Bone Marrow Transplant NewYork-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital Patricia J.V. Giardina 525 E 68th Street Payson Pavilion 695, 212746-3400 Thalassemia New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Paul A. Meyers 1275 York Avenue, 800-525-2225 Pediatric Cancers, Bone Tumors, Sarcoma Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Richard O’Reilly 630 W 168th Street PH East Bldg - Ste 522, 212-305-6559
What are the challenges of your particular specialty? The hard thing is that you don’t just take care of one patient, you take care of an entire family when dealing with a child. Family
Bone Marrow Transplant Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Michael Weiner 161 Fort Washington Avenue Irving Pavilion-FL 7, 212-305-9770 Hodgkin’s Disease, Lymphoma, Leukemia NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE John Larsen 1245 Park Avenue, 212-427-0540 Mount Sinai Medical Center Keith M. Krasinski 550 First Avenue, 212-263-6427 AIDS/HIV, Infections-CNS Bellevue Hospital Center Lisa Saiman 650 W 168th Street Fl 4 PH4 W Rm 470; 212305-0635 Cystic Fibrosis Infection, Fungal Infections, Tickborne Diseases, Tuberculosis
New York-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
PEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY Martin Nash 3959 Broadway, Rm 701; 212-305-5825 Nephrotic Syndrome, Kidney Failure, Urinary Abnormalities, Kidney Disease NewYork-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital Lisa M. Satlin One Gustave L Levy Pl, Box 1198, 212-241-6187 Kidney Disease-Hereditary, Hypertension, Polycystic Kidney Disease, Electrolyte Disorders Mount Sinai Medical Center PEDIATRICS Bruce J. Brovender 1559 York Avenue, 212-585-3329 New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Judith Goldstein 186 E 76th Street, Ground Floor, 212-585-3329 www.newyorkfamily.com
ANDREW SCHWARTZ
New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Frederick J. Suchy 1 Gustave Levy Pl, Box 1198, 212-241-6933 Hepatitis, Liver Disease, Neonatal Cholestasis Mount Sinai Medical Center PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY-ONCOLOGY Francine Blei 126 W 60th Street, 212-523-8931 Hemangiomas, Vascular Anomalies, Vascular Malformations, Lymphedema NYU Langone Medical Center James Bussel 525 E 68th Street, Rm M-622; 212-746-4111 Sleep Disorders/Apnea, Swallowing Disorders, Asthma & Chronic Lung Disease, Breathing Disorders NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Ira J. Dunkel 1275 York Avenue, 800-525-2225 Retinoblastoma, Brain & Spinal Cord Tumors,
born with heart disease. My major area of focus has been therapeutic cardiocatheterization, or interventional cardio-catheterization—I’ve been involved for many years in developing brand-new technologies to treat kids with heart disease. In my lifespan I’ve
When did know you wanted to be a doctor? How did you choose your specialty? Probably when I was in high school. I liked science and was a camp counselor so I loved working with kids. I always tell my students they should do something they love. I thought I’d become a teacher since my mom was one, but as a doctor I have the opportunity to teach all the time.
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TOP DOCS 2010
dynamics are key—you can see 10 newborns in a day and have a different experience with each due to the family dynamics. I love to become part of the family, not just be the person you bring your child to once a year for a check-up or when there’s an illness. I’ve been in practice for nearly 20 years and some of my patients are starting college, others going on to medical school, even others bringing their babies to me. I take some credit for their success! Now it’s not always happy—we work with children who have complex medical issues and find ourselves in the position where we can’t always “fix” everything. But that’s why we work with a strong team at NYU. Dr. Richard O’Reilly Do you have kids of your own? If so, how have they impacted your career as a pediatrineed to have an emotional conneccian? Yes, I have two teenagers, a boy tion. The relationship with your doc and a girl. So I feel I can provide my is more important than the reputation patients with real life experiences of the hospital or if there are Saturday and real life advice. Raising kids has office hours. I try to help my students helped me to be sympathetic and em- become the kind of doctors I’d want to pathetic, as I’ve gone through some of send my children and my patients to the same rough times as my patients for medical care. and their parents. My daughter has —Lora Heller diabetes, so I’ve dealt first-hand with a child who has chronic medical DR. RICHARD issues. I diagnosed her at age 7 and O’REILLY have been able to help her through it PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGIST/ all daily. I know I was meant to be a ONCOLOGIST, MEMORIAL SLOANpediatrician. KETTERING What advice do you have for parents looking for a pediatrician? You
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Infectious Disease Mount Sinai Medical Center Ramon J.C. Murphy Uptown Pediatrics 1245 Park Avenue, 212-4270540 Community Medicine Mount Sinai Medical Center Laura Popper 116 E 66th Street, Ste 1C, 212-794-2136 Mount Sinai Medical Center Eric Sim-Kam Poon 170 William Street Fl 3; 212-312-5350 Asthma, Pediatric Cardiology, Developmental Disorders New York Downtown Hospital Paula J. Prezioso 317 E 34th Street Fl 3, 212-725-6300 Behavioral Disorders NYU Langone Medical Center Harold S. Raucher
What are the challenges of pediatric hematology/oncology? The challenge right now is two-fold. One is to understand these tumors at a molecular level. Number two would be to develop more targeted therapies that affect bad cells and leave the good cells alone. And then we’re going to have to introduce these new therapies
1125 Park Avenue, 212-289-1400 Infectious Disease Mount Sinai Medical Center Suzanne Rosenfeld 450 West End Avenue, 800-525-2225 Cancer Survivors-Late Effects of Therapy, Growth Disorders in Childhood Cancer, Pituitary Disorders New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Barney Softness 450 West End Avenue, 212-369-7700 Inflammatory Bowel Disease/Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Feeding Disorders New York-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital Barry Stein 1125 Park Avenue, 212-289-1400 Developmental & Behavioral Disorders Mount Sinai Medical Center Sol Zimmerman 317 E 34th Street, 212-725-6300
Growth/Development Disorders, Behavioral Disorders, Cough-Tic Syndrome NYU Langone Medical Center
PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY Carin Lamm 3959 Broadway, CHC 7-701, 212-305-5122 Sleep Disorders, Asthma NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia Gerald M. Loughlin 525 E 68th Street, Rm M-622; 212-746-4111 Sleep Disorders/Apnea, Swallowing Disorders, Asthma & Chronic Lung Disease, Breathing Disorders New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Meyer Kattan 3959 Broadway, CHC 7-701, 212-263-6427 AIDS/HIV, Infections-CNS NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia Lynne Quittell 3959 Broadway Fl 7, 212-305-5122 www.newyorkfamily.com
ANDREW SCHWARTZ
Newborn Care, Infectious Disease New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Max Kahn 390 West End Avenue, Ste 1E, 212-787-1444 NYU Langone Medical Center Danielle Laraque Gustave L Levy Pl Fl 17 Rm 11; 212-241-5866 Child Abuse, Mental Health-Child Mount Sinai Medical Center One Signe Larson Uptown Pediatrics 1245 Park Avenue, 212-4270540 Pediatric Endocrinology Mount Sinai Medical Center George Lazarus 106 E 78th Street, 212-744-0840 New York Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital Louis G. Monti 55 E 87th Street, Ste 1G, 212-722-0707
What do you love about working with children? Children are extraor-
dinary. They are much, much smarter than most adults give them credit for. I see tremendous courage on a dayto-day basis and kids who will suffer through pain because they don’t want to worry their parents. That sensitivity often binds families together in ways that are quite profound.
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of what parents who have kids with life-threatening diseases must be going through, and it helps you avoid being arrogant and unfeeling. Ultimately in those quiet evenings in the summertime when you’re sitting around with the family and people are laughing, you just sit back and say, “God, I am so lucky.” —Elisabeth Frankel Reed
DR. CARIN LAMM
TOP DOCS 2010
PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGIST, NEWYORK-PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL/COLUMBIA
Tell me about your specialties. First I did general pediatrics, then I did pediatric pulmonary, which is chest diseases. And I’m the director at the Pediatric Sleep Disorders Center. What do you love about working with children? I like the continuity— seeing them as they grow and develop. I like working with the families. I have patients who I’ve known for 30 years; I saw them as newborns and now they have their own children. Dr. Carin Lamm into a field where there has already been enormous progress made using standard anti-cancer agents. What challenges do you see ahead for medicine? You have to be sure that families get into prevention. Vaccine technologies have radically changed the likelihood that a child will live into adulthood. Lung cancer remains the Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma New York Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY Max M. April 428 E 72nd Street, Ste 100, 646-962-2225 Sinus Disorders, Neck Masses, Laryngeal Disorders, Sleep Apnea New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Jay Dolitsky 404 Park Avenue S Fl 12, 212-679-3499 Ear Infections, Neck Masses, Choanal Atresia, Tonsil/Adenoid Disorders
major devastating cancer among adults and yet you still see kids smoking. These are challenges about education, but it has to be at the family level. How many children do you have? How has being a parent impacted your career? I’ve got two boys and now three grandkids. I think when you are a parent you get at least a smidgen
New York Eye & Ear Infirmary Joseph Haddad Jr. 3959 Broadway, Ste 501N, 212-305-8933 Ear Infections, Sinus Disorders, Cleft Palate/Lip New York Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital Jacqueline Jones 1175 Park Avenue, Ste 1A, 212-996-2559 Sinus Disorders/Surgery, Ear Infections New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Michael A. Rothschild 1175 Park Avenue, Ste 1A, 212-996-2995 Choanal Atresia, Neck Masses, Sinusitis, Ear
What challenges do you see ahead for sleep medicine? Three years ago we started our own pediatric sleep lab at Columbia, so the challenge was to start a sleep lab from scratch that was completely devoted to children. Also, not that many people are familiar with sleep medicine—it’s a relatively new field, particularly in pediatrics. When I first became certified in sleep medicine I was one of eight
Disorders Mount Sinai Medical Center Robert Ward 1305 York Avenue Fl 5, 646-962-2224 Airway Disorders, Sinus Disorders/Surgery, Choanal Artesia New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell
PEDIATRIC SURGERY Howard B. Ginsburg 530 First Avenue, Ste 10W, 212-263-7391 Neonatal Surgery, Tumor Surgery, Pediatric Urology, Gastrointestinal Surgery
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New York Family | October 2010
www.newyorkfamily.com
DANIEL S. BURNSTEIN
Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. is a healthcare research and information company founded in 1991 by a former medical college board chairman and president to help guide consumers to America’s top doctors and top hospitals. Castle Connolly’s established survey and research process, under the direction of an MD, involves tens of thousands of top doctors and the medical leadership of leading hospitals. Castle Connolly’s physician-led team of researchers follows a rigorous screening process to select top doctors on both the national and regional levels. Using mail and telephone surveys, and electronic ballots, they ask physicians and the medical leadership of leading hospitals to identify highly skilled, exceptional doctors. Careful screening of doctors’ educational and professional experience is essential before final selection is made among those physicians most highly regarded by their peers. The result—they identify the top doctors in America and provide consumers with detailed information about their education, training and special expertise in paperback guides, national and regional magazine “Top Doctors” features and online directories. Doctors do not and cannot pay to be selected and profiled as Castle Connolly Top Doctors. Physicians selected for inclusion in this magazine’s “Top Doctors” feature may also appear in Castle Connolly’s “Top Doctors: New York Metro Area” and/or other Castle Connolly Top Doctors guides, such as “America’s Top Doctors”® or “America’s Top Doctors® for Cancer.” “Top Doctors: New York Metro Area” 13th ed. is available online at CastleConnolly.com, via toll-free #1-800-399-D*O*C*S (3627) and at all major bookstores.
NYU Langone Medical Center Michael La Quaglia 1275 York Avenue, Ste H1315, 212-639-7002 Cancer Surgery, Neuroblastoma, Liver Tumors, Colon & Rectal Cancer Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Jan M. Quaegebeur 3959 Broadway, Ste 276, 212-305-5975 Arterial Switch, Heart Valve Surgery, Congenital Heart Surgery, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery New York Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital Charles J. H. Stolar 3959 Broadway, Fl 2; Rm 215 North; 212-3428586 Neonatal Surgery, Diaphragmatic Hernia, Pediatric Cancers New York Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital Francisca T. Velcek 965 Fifth Avenue, 212-744-9396 Anorectal Malformations, Pediatric Gynecology, Neonatal Surgery, Hernia Lenox Hill Hospital
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cated trying to get near normal blood glucose levels in the kids. It was an interesting time in diabetes treatment because the idea of keeping blood sugars as close to normal was kind of a controversial subject then. So it was exciting for me. We ended up with some challenging cases.
TOP DOCS 2010
Could you talk about the study you co-authored in the journal “Environmental Research” a few years ago that looked at early puberty in girls in New York City? The research group was at Mount Sinai. They wanted a large private practice that would be able to examine a group of 9-yearold girls. We found that half of them were already in puberty at 9 years old. The researchers were also looking for environmental disruptors. They were looking for the breakdown products of PCBs and DDT, and then trying to tie that into a study of the onset of breast cancer in women who had early puberty. That study is ongoing. They just published an article that has received a lot of press about early puberty and urban kids. The cause of early puberty is really unknown, but it’s a definite fact that sexual characteristics are showing up earlier in children.
Dr. Signe Larson people in the country, and now there are many more people who are board certified in sleep medicine.
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New York Family | October 2010
DR. SIGNE LARSON
What other information should be included in a profile of you? I play the viola in an orchestra, the New York Symphonic Arts Ensemble. It’s a passion of mine. I’ve been playing for about 20 years with this group. We perform about five concerts a year at Julia Richman High School.
What drew you to endocrinology as a specialty? I did a fellowship from 1982 to ‘84. At that time, I didn’t know much about endocrinology. I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Fredda Ginsberg at Mount Sinai, who was one of the early pioneers in diabetes care. She was among the first to believe in tight glucose control for kids with diabetes. She was a terrific teacher and mentor. We had an enormous diabetes group. We were one of the first to do blood glucose testing, and advo-
Do you recommend music for your patients? I don’t push the music, but I always ask the kids if they play an instrument. I remember I took my son to LaGuardia High School many years ago because he was auditioning for entrance there. One of my patients who was a violist was there, and she was crying because she couldn’t tune her instrument. I felt it was a lucky moment because I could tune her instrument for her. We bonded over that. I just think music is good for everybody. —Molly O’Meara Sheehan
PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGIST, MOUNT SINAI MEDICAL CENTER
www.newyorkfamily.com
ANDREW SCHWARTZ
How has being a parent impacted your work? There are many issues in sleep, it’s not just breathing problems. It’s how much sleep you need, different sleep patterns in childhood and how our sleep patterns change as you get older. Having my own children, I was really able to observe different sleep patterns in childhood and how our sleep patterns change as you get older. For example, during adolescent years, teens go to sleep later. There are lots of reasons they go to sleep later: There’s lots to do—Internet and text messaging and lots of stimulation—but also their biological clock in their brain is set so they are not really tired until later. That’s also why they sleep later. So just observing these things in my own children helped me understand
the field a little bit better. And I see my granddaughter, I see her sleep patterns and how you get her to sleep and the waking—it’s very interesting how it develops through the ages. —Shaina Gopen
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FAMILY
HEALTH
Dental ESSENTIALS From When To Start Brushing To Choosing A Dentist, Tips For Ensuring Your Child’s Healthy Smile BY KATE WILLARD
F
ew things are as contagious as a child’s smile, but it’s easy to forget how much work it takes to maintain it. In fact, caring for a child’s dental hygiene is something that starts in infancy, when parents are advised to clean their child’s mouth with cotton gauze mouth wipes to remove plaque and residue. At one year old, a child is ready for their first visit to the dentist. “The most important appointment in a child’s life is the one-year appointment,” says Dr. Mario Vilardi, a periodontist and publisher of “Dear Doctor: Dentistry and Oral Health” magazine. But it’s a visit many parents overlook. “A lot of times, unfortunately,
parents don’t bring their child in until around 3 years of age,” says Mark Hochberg, a pediatric dentist on the Upper East Side. “But the first visit is so important because the child gets a full examination and we counsel parents on important steps about bottle feeding, diet, and home care instruction.” Starting when the first tooth erupts, children should use a child size toothbrush and non-fluoridated toothpaste. Once they can spit it out, which usually happens between 2 and 3 years of age, they can use fluoridated toothpaste. “Flouridated toothpaste is the best defense against cavities,” Hochberg says. Until a child is 6 or 7, parents
The who, what, when, where, and how of orthodontic treatment can be a daunting pile of questions regardless of whether your first or your seventh child is due for some wires. And while it may seem early, the American Association of Orthodontics actually recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. “Early intervention is great prevention,” explains orthodontist and Invisalign specialist Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling. Though a child is hardly an adult at age 12, their mouth is actually full-grown around that age. By evaluating a child’s mouth by around age 7, dentists can use the malleability of a growing mouth to correct jaw discrepancies and crowding issues with growth modification appliances like an arch or palate expander even before starting a treatment with braces. There are many options in the field today, from wire braces that allow for less frequent and less painful visits, to clear braces that remain a popular cosmetic choice, and from bonded retainers that fit on the backside of the front teeth to the clear Invisalign trays. But it is important for treatment options to be individualized to your child’s needs as diagnosed by your child’s orthodontist. Orthodontist Dr. Mark Bronsky, who has a practice on the Upper East Side, says that while many people consider orthodontic work to be a mainly cosmetic issue, “the goal is for long-term health. If the teeth fit together in a way that is close to the way they should, they tend to be more stable and healthy in the long term.” And with the right treatment, Dr. Bronsky adds, “kids gain some serious self-esteem benefits” in the process. —K.W.
BRACES
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New York Family | October 2010
should help them brush, as it’s unlikely a child can do so correctly unsupervised. At age 7, a child is often ready to start flossing on their own (before which parents can help them, starting when their first molars appear). This is also a good time to introduce fluoridebased rinses like ACT. But perhaps the most important step to take in maintaining your child’s healthy smile is finding a pediatric dentist you love. When you’re looking for a dentist, look for features that indicate their office is kidfriendly. Toys, games, and videos can be helpful in easing children’s fears about visiting the dentist. Finding a dentist who explains what is happening in terms a child can understand is also key. t
Tooth Fairies A list of recommended local dentists and orthodontists. For a full list of board-certified dentists and orthodontists, visit aapd.org and braces.org. Dr. Mark J. Bronsky Orthodontist 530 Park Avenue; 212-758-0040 bronskyorthodontics.com Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling Orthodontist and Invisalign Specialist 30 East 40th Street; 212-972-3522 drjackiesmiles.com Dr. Mark S. Hochberg Pediatric Dentist Manhattan Pediatric Dental Group 192 East 75th Street; 212-570-2221 smiles4kids.com Dr. Joseph T. Hung RockCenter Orthodontics 630 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1812 212-265-3577 manhattanortho.com Dr. Jack L. Mitchell Pediatric Dentist Dr. Rita V. Taliwal Orthodontist Pediatric Dentistry 305 East 55th Street; 212-755-3355 pediatricdentistNYC.com Tribeca Smiles Family and Esthetic Dentistry 44 Lispenard Street; 212-473-4444 tribecasmiles.com
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october 14 at 6:15 pm october 28 at 10 am Call for tours Financial Aid is available 319 East 74th Street, New York, NY 10021 212-249-2840 Fax 212-249-2847 info@cathedralschoolny.org
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OH, THE PLACES
you’ll go!
Discovering
An NYC Dad And His 10-Year-Old Son Explore The Wonders Of The Famed Caribbean Resort
Atlantis BY JONATHAN DAVIS
Was it inevitable that we would end up in Atlantis? If anyone has ever doubted the efficacy of advertising, just ask a ten-year-old boy who’s watched the Atlantis promotions in the back of a New York taxi all year. He already knew that if you buy three nights, you get the fourth free; that you can play with dolphins; that you can take a true leap of faith and end up swimming with sharks. He knew all this long before we boarded the American Airlines flight to Nassau to visit the Promised Land. Atlantis is where Disney meets Las Vegas, but with the best of both (by and large). Like Vegas, it has excellent hotel accommodations, a good range of restaurants, the clinging and rolling of a terrific casino. Like Disney, Atlantis is made for kids and their parents— although it strikes a finer balance between the two. Unlike Vegas, you don’t need a taxi to get around between hotels and attractions, and then a compass and oxygen tank to get to the part of the hotel casino you want to visit. Unlike Disney, which is an awful lot of work (come on, be honest!), Atlantis is like a ride on the lazy river around its well-named “Acquaventure”: a couple of rapids, a typhoon wave and some coasting on the rubber ring and you’re back where you started. Atlantis comprises five hotels, condominiums, lots of swimming pools, a dolphin center (where you can swim with these smart beasts–who, incredibly, are rather like your children in mannerisms and intelligence), water slides, a casino and plenty of restaurants. But you can walk the greater part of it within 15-20 minutes if you don’t want to use a shuttle bus. Family holidays are all about activities, but here they’re also about mixing kid fun with parent flexibility. In the center of the complex within the iconic Royal Towers hotel (that’s the one you see in the ads with the two towers connected via a bridge), lies AKA, or Atlantis Kids Adventures—“the coolest kids club ever.” Designed for children ages three through 12, AKA’s state-of-the-art facility is better than anything that we had seen in New York. Modern, inventive, welcoming, AKA is a multi-room center with everything from a working kitchen and a theater-like performance center to the inevitable computers and game room. As assistant manager Dana Fer-
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The author's son enjoys a smoothie in the Atlantis Kids Adventures kitchen. guson pointed out to us, “No parents are allowed,” and each of the staff in the facility is highly trained. The activities are playful, educational, well supervised and extremely well executed. The bouncy ten-year-old who accompanied me on the trip—and who had poo-poo’ed the notion of entering a kitchen—found himself happily chopping up strawberries and blueberries to make a healthy smoothie. For parents wanting either down time or together time, AKA offers a terrific resource with morning, afternoon and evening sessions. You can purchase by the session or even by the hour. Ferguson told us that the most kids that she’d had in the center was around 160, for the evening shift on New Year’s Eve! Currently, Atlantis is developing something similarly creative for the teen set. Slated to open this winter for 13 to 17 year olds, the teen club “Crush” will include an Internet lounge, a gaming room with a 32 monitor high gaming tower, the first teen-inspired Starbucks and a dance club with VIP sections, doormen and paparazzi. The downside? While promotions do exist, this is not a cheap package holiday destination. Yet although the Caribbean tends to be deserted in summer, when we went to Atlantis in early August the hotels were virtually booked. Expensive, yes, but overall, it’s absolutely worth it. The ten-year-old’s verdict? Four and a half stars out of five. After all, “Nothing’s ever completely perfect, Dad…” G For more info about Atlant is, v isit atlant is.com. www.newyorkfamily.com
OH, THE PLACES
you’ll go!
It’s Always Sunny,
Somewhere! If The October Breezes Have You Dreaming Of Your Next Warm Weather Getaway, Jump Into Winter Vacation Planning With These Fun-In-The-Sun Destinations BY ASHLEY TROOST
Nickelodeon Suites Resorts
Kona Village Resort, Hawaii Once an ancient fishing village, this 82-acre oasis is now composed of Polynesian-style bungalows surrounded by gorgeous gardens, lagoons, black lava, palm trees and black and white sand beaches. This tropical paradise also offers activities for kids of all ages; its complimentary daily program for children ages 5 to 12 includes Hawaiian net throwing, crab catching and coconut painting, while teens will love the three-day Alaka‘i nalu program, where they can enjoy activities like standup paddleboards, windsurfing, free diving, sailing, scooter snorkeling and scuba diving. (konavillage.com)
Rancho Valencia, San Diego, California Set in the heart of Southern California, the 49-bedroom Rancho Valencia boasts an award-winning restaurant, full-service spa and plentiful outdoor activities like croquet, bocce ball, volleyball and badminton, in addition to its renowned tennis program. And as if the resort itself didn’t have enough amenities, it’s also conveniently located to the Del Mar Race Track, Rancho Santa Fe Polo Club and numerous championship golf courses and local beaches. (ranchovalencia.com)
Nickelodeon Suites Resorts, Orlando, Florida Heading to Florida for some theme-park fun? Consider checking into the Nick Hotel, an extraordinary getaway featuring Nickelodeonthemed rooms, heated pools, 13 slides
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and flumes, interactive water towers, private cabanas and daily poolside shows with Nick’s signature green slime! There’s even a kid’s only spa, mall, 4-D movie theater and tons of Nick Studio Shows. Plus, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando are just a short shuttle ride away. (nickhotel.com)
Club Med Punta Cana, The Dominican Republic Club Med Punta Cana is situated on the largest beach on the island and features 75 acres of breathtaking tropical gardens. This all-inclusive resort offers programs for children of all ages: Petite Club Med offers stimulating activities, walks, and outside play and balanced lunches, while Club Med Passworld gives tweens and teens an exclusive area to meet up and enjoy sports and artistic activities like dance lessons, video editing, DJ lessons and more. For parents, the resort also boasts an open-air nightclub, two bars, trapeze and windsurfing lessons, aqua fitness classes and much more. (clubmed.us)
Tortuga Lodge, Costa Rica Nestled in Costa Rica’s northeast Caribbean coast, Tortuga Lodge is a great destination for families who want to explore Costa Rica’s lush rainforest and exotic wild life. The resort’s 146 acres of private bliss include 26 deluxe rooms, an eco-friendly pool and acclaimed restaurant and bar, plus tons of adventure-filled amenities, like boat tours, bird-watching and kayaking on rainforest creeks. (tortugalodge.com) G
COOL CRUISES FOR KIDS By Alessandra Hickson Planning to spend your next family vacation sailing the seven seas? These cruise lines are known for their especially kid-pleasing cruise options: DISNEY CRUISES: All the magic of Disney World—on deck! A Disney Cruise includes Broadway-style musicals, deck parties, fireworks displays, movie theaters, arcades, swimming pools, an Internet café and themed restaurants. (disneycruise.com) PRINCESS CRUISES: Rather than forcing all age groups into one activity, Princess Cruises provides tons of funfilled activities for every age! Young children can have fun with t-shirt printing, scavenger hunts, the 10,000 square-foot Fun Zone and “kids only” dinners. Teens can sing karaoke, go to dance parties and enjoy mocktails! (princess.com) ROYAL CARIBBEAN: A 22,000 squarefoot children’s area, a teen nightclub called Fuel, mini-golf, ice skating, rock climbing and roller blading sound like perfect cruise activities for any kid. But Royal Caribbean doesn’t stop there. They also have baby classes designed by Fischer-Price, a Nickelodeon-themed ship, parades and the Flowrider surf park. (royalcaribbean.com) CRYSTAL CRUISES: They may not have a “kids’ zone” or teen nightclub, but they have luxury to spare and several activities geared towards children, like diving for pennies, water-polo, pizza parties and cooking and baking. Sony Playstations and Xbox 360 kiosks are available, as well as a video arcade and library. (crystalcruises.com) www.newyorkfamily.com
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2nd
Throughout October
BOO AT THE ZOO [All Ages] Throughout the month of October, families can head to the Bronx Zoo for a spooky, animalthemed celebration of everyone’s favorite fall holiday—Halloween! Kids can take in a giant carved pumpkin display (a master carver will take on a 400-pound pumpkin at the beginning of October, and then carve another 150-pound pumpkin every subsequent Saturday!) explore the endangered species “graveyard” to learn more about protecting endangered wildlife, go for a ride on a spooky hayride or haunted safari adventure and trick or treat for some tasty snacks. Events are on weekends and open to kids of all ages. 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx; bronxzoo.com.
October 2
PIRATE PARTY [All Ages] Symphony Space kicks off this season’s “Just Kidding” series (a series of weekly, family-friendly performances) with a high-energy production from the Story Pirates, a zany sketch comedy group that enacts hilarious, musical performances based entirely on stories written by kids! Founded by a group of recent Northwestern graduates, the Story Pirates goal is to bring out kids’ vibrant imaginations and creativity through stories. Described as “Monty Python meets Schoolhouse Rock,” and garnering acclaim from comedians like Jon Stewart and John Olivier, the Story Pirates will have parents and kids alike laughing in their seats. Performance begins at 11a.m. Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street; symphonyspace.org.
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10 Great Ideas for October By parentsconnect.com and newyorkfamily.com
www.newyorkfamily.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STORY PIRATES
for Kids Culture Guide
OCTOBER
October 2
PEACE SIGNS [All Ages]
October 3
NEW PARTY ON THE BLOCK [All Ages] On October 3, families are invited to take part in the Ultimate Block Party (UBP) a social movement devised in NYC designed to change attitudes, beliefs and practices about the power of playful learning. Created in response to kids’ diminishing play times, the UBP will debut in New York before expanding nationally and internationally, catering to the needs and identity of each city. At the first ever UPB in Central Park, kids can participate in over 30 interactive and specially-designed activities, such as “The World’s Largest Simon Says,” building and designing, story writing, role playing and more. Naumburg Bandshell, (72nd Street and Dead Road), Central Park; ultimateblockparty.com.
October 8-11
CARNIVAL IN THE CITY [All Ages] This Columbus Day Weekend, the Park Avenue Armory will transform its 55,000 square foot hall into a spectacular 4-day indoor carnival event, complete with tons of live performances (from stilt-walkers, jugglers, magicians, contortionists and more) rides and activities. Parents can take a ride on the 50-foot Ferris wheel while kids get a lesson in circus arts and learn to juggle, make balloon sculptures and pantomime. Admission is free for children 13 and under; for adults (14 and up) tickets are $5. Tickets for rides and games are sold individually, or purchase unlimited rides for $20. October 8, 3 p.m.- 9 p.m; October 9-11, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 643 Park Avenue, between 66th and 67th, 212-616-3930, www.armoryonpark.org
JENNIFR TAYLOR
On October 2, the Rubin Museum will celOCTOBER ebrate International Day of Non-Violence with 9th-11th its very own (and first-ever!) peace laboratory. Families will be able to take part in sensory experiments (testing the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, feelings, and actions that make us peaceful or angry) as well as listen to live musical performances and story times and participate in peace-themed craft projects, like making their own peace flags to hang in the wind. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. 150 W. 17th Street; rmanyc.org.
October 9-11
October 19th
PHARAOHS OF FUN
IT’S ALIVE!
[Ages 4 +] Celebrate Columbus Day holiday weekend in style—Egyptian style, to be precise—at the Discovery Times Square Exposition’s Pharaohs Family Weekend celebration in conjunction with the King Tut exhibition. In addition to touring the exhibit’s numerous artifacts, kids are also invited to partake in free, family-friendly activities, like Egyptian-themed face painting, mummy wrapping, hieroglyphic writing and more. In addition, a Discovery Explorer’s Pass (for $25) gives kids and their accompanying adults access to premium family-centric activities, like “Pharoah’s Family Feud,” “Chariot” Races and other specialized and interactive workshops. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Discovery Times Square Exposition, 226 West 44th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues); kingtutnyc.org
October 16
FALL INTO FALL [All Ages] Kick off an awesome autumn with the Madison Square Park Conservancy’s annual (and free!) Fall Kids Fest! Kids can partake in fall-themed arts and craft activities, take in live music and theater performances, listen to animated story times, decorate pumpkins and snack on tasty treats. The event will take place rain or shine, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Madison Square Park, Madison Avenue at 23rd Street; Madisonsquarepark. org.
October 17
MORE PEAS, PLEASE!
[All Ages] Mark your calendars for the 17th Annual Family Party at the American Museum of Natural History, a beloved tradition of the museum and a great opportunity for kids to touch, explore, learn, dance and of course, play! Kids can interact with live animals, measure skulls, examine an ivory tusk with a microscope, walk with a giant tortoise and much more. Plus, scientists will be on hand to walk through the various exhibits with kids and explain how everything works. Tickets are $75 for kids, $175 for adults; festivities take place from 5-7:30 p.m. Central Park West at 79th Street. To purchase tickets, call 212-769-5166; amnh.org
October 30 & 31
A GHOULISH GOOD TIME [All Ages] Celebrate Halloween and the descent of the fall season at the Queens Farm Museum’s weekend of old-fashioned, outdoor fun. On Saturday, October 30th, families can take a spooky tour of the farm’s Haunted House, enjoy hayrides and indulge in tasty fall treats like candy apples and mulled cider. On Sunday, head back to the farm (in costume!) for the Children’s Fall Festival; kids will love the potato sack races, pony rides and a petting zoo and can even groove to the sounds of Country Western music. Haunted House: 4p.m.-7p.m., recommended for kids ages 4-12. Fall Festival: 11a.m.-4p.m. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, 718-347-3276; queensfarm.org.
[Ages 3 +]
OCTOBER 16th
www.newyorkfamily.com
Your kids may not enjoy eating their vegetables, but they will love the quirky style of the children’s musical group Hot Peas N’ Butter when they take the stage at the Jewish Museum on October 17th. Winners of the 2006, 2008 and 2009 Parents’ Choice Awards, this unique group combines traditional Latin music, Afro-Caribbean rhythms and elements of jazz, folk, and rock. The result? Inspiring, creative tunes that both kids and parents can jam to. At this intimate performance, the rockers will play songs from their latest album, “Best of the bowl, Ingles y Espanol,” along with some of your family’s old favorites. 2 p.m.; prices vary. 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street; thejewishmuseum.org.
To submit an event listing, please email newyorkfamily@manhattanmedia.com.
Sign up for New York Family’s popular weekly e-newsletter with tips on activities, shopping, and parenting at
newyorkfamily.com. For more great listings,
see parentsconnect.com, the online city guide for parents. October 2010 | New York Family
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Culture Guide for Kids
y THEATER & PERFORMANCE
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 October 10, 92YTribeca hosts Brooklyn-based favorites the Deedle Deedle Dees. 200 Hudson Street, 212-601-1000, 92ytribeca.com.
BMCC TRIBECA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Starting October 3, the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center will debut its production of the classic C.S. Lewis adventure, “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.” Kids will love the magic world of Narnia and watching the Pevensie children dodge the white witch. 199 Chambers Street, 212-2201460, tribecapac.org.
BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC The BAMfamily programs include literary/music brunches, dance productions, after-school programs and more. Join BAM for the spooky, marine-themed “BAMboo! BAM Under The Sea” on October 31! 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-636-4100, bam.org.
BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN Join the BBG for their celebrated annual Chile Pepper Fiesta, happening October 2 and featuring live music, cooking demos, tastings and more. 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-623-7200, bbg.org.
CARNEGIE HALL Designed for children ages 3-6, the McGraw-Hill Companies CarnegieKids concerts feature songs, movement and instrument demonstrations. This year, CarnegieKids concerts will be free and take place in NYC neighborhood venues. In October, families can check out a performance by Polygraph Lounge on October 16th at the Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education in the Bronx or on October 17th at Flushing Town Hall in Queens. 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, the theater will show “The Great Muppet Caper” on October 4th and “Wallace And Gromit: Curse Of The Were Rabbit” on October 18th. 265 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231, 718-596-9113, cobblehilltheatre.com.
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER Founded by legendary trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, JALC exists to inspire and grow audiences for jazz through performance, education and preservation. Get your tickets now for the Jazz For Young People concert “What Is Jazz?” on November 20, an exploration of the true meaning of the art form hosted by Marsalis himself. Frederick P. Rose Hall, Broadway at 60th Street, 5th Floor, 212-258-9800, jalc.org.
LINCOLN CENTER This fall, Lincoln Center hosts the second annual “Meet The Artist Saturdays” series, where kids can get up close and personal with some of their favorite performing artists. On October 2nd, families can groove to a performance by acclaimed bluegrass band Astrograss and chat with the musicians after the show. The David Rubenstein Atrium, Broadway between 62nd and 63rd streets, 212-875-5456, Lincolncenter.org.
LITERALLY ALIVE CHILDREN’S THEATER The first Sunday of each month, the Literally Alive Children’s Theater hosts Percussion People, an interactive family concert and instrument building workshop, in which audiences members not only enjoy live music, but help create it, too. The Player’s Theater, 115 MacDougal Street, 212-8665170, literallyalive.com.
LITTLE ORCHESTRA SOCIETY The Society’s popular Lolli-Pops series for kids ages 3-5 presents “The Orchestra—A Happy Family” on October 16-17. Meet orchestra members Bang, Buzz, Toot and Bow, and hear classic works like Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy” and Debussy’s “Cakewalk.” The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues), 212-971-9500, littleorchestra.org.
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www.newyorkfamily.com
Freckleface Strawberry
MANHATTAN CHILDREN’S THEATRE This theatre produces fun plays for kids of all ages, most of which are adapted from children’s books and other literature. Now playing is “Rapunzel,” a musical adaptation of the classic long-haired tale, with a surprise twist at the end! 52 White Street, 212-226-4085, manhattanchildrenstheatre.org.
NEW VICTORY THEATER From October 2-10th, the New Victory Theater hosts the U.S. premiere of an operatic version of the classic children’s story, “Puss In Boots,” (or “El Gato Con Botas”) in either English or Spanish, in which a conniving cat promises a poor miller everlasting love and fortune. 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org.
PUPPETWORKS
Free
James O’Mara
This month marks the return of the feelgood family musical “Freckleface Strawberry!” Determined to rid herself of her many freckles, spunky redhead Freckleface Strawberry tries everything from scrubbing them off to wearing a ski mask to school! Based on the children’s book by Julianne Moore and featuring a super-fun cast of lovable characters, the show is a fun way to remind kids that differences are to be celebrated—after all, they’re what make us special! New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, 212-239-6200, frecklefacethemusical.com. —Katie Main
(for ages 3–6)
The McGraw-Hill Companies
CarnegieKids Bring your little ones to these 45-minute interactive concerts, which feature songs, movement, and instrument demonstrations.
Polygraph Lounge “Mad genius should always be this fun!” —The New York Times Saturday, October 16 at 2 PM Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education | Bronx info@casita.us | RSVP required
Sunday, October 17 at 2 PM
In true Puppetworks fashion, the classic tale of “Beauty & the Beast” is told with the help of intricately crafted marionettes, and accompanied by music from French composer Jules Massenet. Running from September 4 to December 19, the show is a charming adaptation of Madame Leprince De Beaumont’s 1756 French fairy tale. Recommended for ages 4 and up. 338 Sixth Avenue at 4th Street, Brooklyn; puppetworks.org.
Flushing Town Hall | Queens 718-463-7700 ext. 222 | RSVP required
SKIRBALL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
“A fantastic singer who carries on the traditions” —Pete Seeger Thursday, October 21 at 4 PM
On October 16th, this NYU-based cultural center presents a lively musical performance from PROJECT Trio, a high-energy chamber music ensemble comprised of three composers/ performers from Brooklyn. 566 LaGuardia Place, 212-352-3101, skirballcenter.nyu.edu.
VITAL THEATRE COMPANY Starting October 2nd, the Vital Theatre Company will show a new production of “Angelina Ballerina The Musical.” 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. 2162 Broadway at 76th Street, 4th Floor, 212-787-8302. vitaltheatre.org.
SHOWSTOPPERS FOR KIDS FOR ALL AGES
Joe Jencks
Coney Island Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library Brooklyn | 718-265-3220
$ & . 1 Saturday, October 30 at 3 PM The Performance Project @ University Settlement Manhattan | 212-453-4532
& * $ -
Visit carnegiehall.org/carnegiekids for more information.
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
www.newyorkfamily.com
The McGraw-Hill Companies is proud to sponsor CarnegieKids. CarnegieKids is supported, in part, by a generous endowment gift from Linda and Earle S. Altman.
October 2010 | New York Family
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tickets, call 212-239-6200. New World Stages Theatre, 340 West 50th Street, gazillionbubbleshow.com.
JOHN TARTAGLIA’S IMAGINOCEAN
Symphony Space
A live black light puppet show chronicles the undersea adventures of aquatic friends Tank, Bubbles and Dorsel. For tickets, call 212239-6200 or visit telecharge.com. New World Stages Theatre, 340 West 50th Street.
THE LION KING 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 212307-4747 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 212307-4100 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 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 212239-6200, or visit telecharge.com. Imperial Theatre, 249 West 45th Street.
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.
WEST SIDE STORY The timeless story of star-crossed lovers, Tony and Maria, caught in the rivalry between teenage gangs in 1950s New York returns to Broadway. For tickets, call 212-307-4100 or visit ticketmaster.com. Palace Theatre, 1564 Broadway.
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On October 23, families can witness a magnificent display of talent, athleticism and beauty when “Circurious” takes the stage at Symphony Space. “Circurious” features not only standard circus performances, including acrobats, illusionists and singers, but also performances from Broadway recording artists and beauty pageant winners. This is a oneday event, so make sure to purchase tickets in advance! 2537 Broadway; 212-864-5400, symphonyspace.org. —Matthew Thaler www.newyorkfamily.com
TRIM: 6.925”
where the wild things really are!
TRIM: 4.7”
Come to Boo at the Zoo! With a haunted Safari, LoSt hayride, magiC ShoWS and more, you’re in for a SeriouS CaSe of the CreepS! kidS in CoStume get in free!* WeekendS in oCtoBer
Hold bat marker up to a webcam at bronxzoo.com/boo to reveal a thrilling 3-D interactive game.
BronxZoo.Com Presenting Sponsor:
*One child (ages 3-12; children under 3 are free) in costume will receive a free child’s general admission with the purchase of one full-priced adult general admission ticket. Valid for Boo at the Zoo 2010 dates only. May not be combined with any other offer. ©2010 Wildlife Conservation Society
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6.925” X 4.7”
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MUSEUMS
Culture Guide for Kids
y
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY The AMNH’s exhaustive collections span human culture, the natural world and the universe. A longtime favorite of museum goers, “The Butterfly Conservatory: Tropical Butterflies Alive in Winter” returns to the museum on October 16. At the exhibit, families can discover over 500 tropical butterflies as they soar around the 60-foot long vivarium. 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 all about an exciting concept that lends itself to great thematic study. On October 2, the workshop is all about quinoa; little chefs can listen to the story behind this ancient crop the Incas dubbed the “mother grain,” and whip up a batch of their own. 145 Brooklyn Avenue (at St. Marks Avenue), Brooklyn, 718-735-4402, brooklynkids.org.
Liberty Science Center
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF MANHATTAN This museum offers arts-based educational exhibits and programs in a variety of subjects, as well as extensive offsite outreach. In October, kids will love CMOM’s new Wizard of Oz exhibit, where they can create a tornado in Dorothy’s bedroom, climb a mountain to the Wicked Witch’s Castle and more. 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. The exhibit “Nueva York” highlights the strong role that Spanish and Latina culture has played in shaping New York City, and will feature art works, artifacts, printed books, an installation by Antonio Martorell and a documentary by Ric Burns. 1230 Fifth Avenue (at 104th Street), 212-831-7272, elmuseo.org.
THE GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM The museum offers family-oriented tours and drop-in workshops every Sunday, and families can drop by anytime and explore the museum’s exhibitions with a free activity pack. This museum’s latest exhibit, “Chaos And Classicism: Art In France, Italy, And Germany, 1918–1936” will feature work from artists Fernand Léger, Pablo Picasso, Giorgio de Chirico, Mario Sironi and more. 1071 Fifth Avenue at 89th Street, 212-423-3500, guggenheim.org.
INTREPID SEA, AIR, AND SPACE MUSEUM Centered on the World War II aircraft carrier Intrepid, the museum features a range of interactive exhibits. Visit the Intrepid Museum Complex’s “spooktacular” Halloween festival, featuring a variety of seasonal fun from Oct. 16th to the 31st. Pier 86, 12th Avenue and 46th Street, 877-957-SHIP, intrepidmuseum.org.
JEWISH MUSEUM
Science enthusiasts of all ages will revel in “Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age,” a one-of-a-kind exhibit at the Liberty Science Center that opens on October 16th. The exhibit, which explores the lives of these incredible animals and their environments, includes more than 100 rare fossils and specimens from around the world and full-sized animal models. What’s more, from October 16th to November 10th, the exhibit will also house Baby Lyuba, a perfectly preserved infant mammoth found in Siberia two years ago who has been touring the world ever since. At the exhibit, kids will be able to track mammoth’s footprints, crawl beneath a saber-toothed tiger’s perch and much more. And don’t let the word “baby” fool you. Lyuba is a very big baby! 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ, 201-200-1000, lsc.org. —Darcy Newell
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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. Join the museum on October 17th for the creative workshop and gallery tour “Sculptural Creatures for Frank Gehry,” where kids can sculpt their own works of art inspired by architect Frank Gehry’s radiant fish lamps. 109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street, 212-423-3337; thejewishmuseum.org.
MAGIC BOX PRODUCTIONS, INC. Magic Box Productions, Inc, presents “Point of View,” its third annual exhibition of student photography, video documentary and animation. The only full-time, free exhibition of photography and video created by children in New York City, the exhibit features over 35 photographs from students, ages 7 through high school. “Point of View” opens on October 21st and is appropriate for all ages. 180 Maiden Lane (Between Front and South Streets) 914-630-0256, magicboxproductions.org.
www.newyorkfamily.com
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART The Met’s friendly, interactive programs help children grow an appreciation for the treasures inside this world-renowned museum. One of the museum’s latest exhibits, “The World of Khubilai Khan: Chinese Art in the Yuan Dynasty” covers the period from 1215, the year of Khubilai’s birth, to 1368, the year of the fall of the Yuan Dynasty, and will feature paintings, sculpture, gold and silver, textiles and ceramics. 1000 Fifth Avenue, 212535-7710, metmuseum.org.
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THE MORGAN LIBRARY AND MUSEUM On October 2nd, families are invited to a special workshop centered on the new exhibit, “Roy Lichtenstein: The Black-and-White Drawings, 1961– 1968.” Kids can take a short tour of the exhibit with educator and artist Sarah Mostow, discuss the work with their peers and use stencils to make their own pieces inspired by of the artist’s work. 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 accessible to scholars and young children alike. The museum’s popular ongoing family programs include “Tours For Fours,” “A Closer Look For Kids,” and “Tours for Tweens.” Kids ages 5-12 can also listen to the free audio program “MoMA Audio: Modern Kids” as they explore the exhibitions. 11 West 53rd Street, 212-708-9400, moma.org.
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MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
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Explores the history, present and future of the five boroughs. This month families can check out the museum’s new exhibit, “Notorious & Notable: 20th Century Women of Style,” which highlights the style and public persona of 80 prominent New York women. 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street, 212-534-1672, mcny.org.
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NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE
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The Hall features the largest collection of hands-on science exhibits in New York City, and holds a variety of family programs every weekend. October is Catapult Month, and families can come see NYSCI’s 19-foot outdoor catapult in action during weekend demonstrations or special family workshops. 47-01 111th Street, Queens, 718-699-0005, nyscience.org.
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. This month the museum will unveil the new, interactive Junior Officers Discovery Zone exhibit, where kids can partake in activities like crime scene observations and operating a police car. 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. At the event, “Subway Nodes and Neighborhoods, Three Case Studies” on October 23rd, families can join historian Jack Eichenbaum for a look at three different subway stations and how their neighborhoods have evolved in unique ways. Corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, 718-694-1600, mta.info/museum.
RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!
Oct 15 − 24 Great for the Whole Family
Art: Tom Slaughter, Photos: Fritz Liedtke
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.
The New Victory Theater presents Imago Theatre
Recommended for everyone over the age of 4.
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. Kids ages 5 and up and their families are invited to Family Workshops every Saturday. October’s workshop theme is “Himalayan Masks and Costumes!” 150 West 17th Street, 212-620-5000, rmanyc.org.
WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART The world-renowned Whitney houses a spectacular collection of 20th century American art. Through the fall, the museum offers familyfriendly programs, like “Stroller Tours,” “Whitney Wees,” “Family Fun” art workshops, “Tours at Two,” for families with kids ages 6-10 and “Artist’s Choice, Artist’s Voice” for families with kids ages 8-12. 945 Madison Avenue, 1-800-WHITNEY, whitney.org.
www.newyorkfamily.com
NewVictory.org ®
646-223-3010 October 2010 | New York Family
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The Strength To Survive To Overcome Breast Cancer, A New York Mom Challenges Herself To Become A True Athlete BY MARGO KORNFELD (AS TOLD TO JILLIAN ROSEN)
One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The disease is insidious, does not discriminate and leaves physical, psychological and emotional scars in its wake. My sister-in-law Margo Kornfeld was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She was young, in good shape and blindsided by the diagnosis. Yet she handled what lay ahead with grace and aplomb, never once asking “why me?” She considers herself a survivor; I consider her awe-inspiring. This is her story.
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n May of 2006, at the age of 46, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer after a routine mammogram. Luckily, there was no lymph node involvement. I had a simple lumpectomy and thought it ended there. However, the pathology report revealed an aggressive cancer, and after genetic testing, I learned I had the BRCA 1 gene. This gene forecasted an 80% likelihood of breast cancer, a 60% likelihood of ovarian cancer and a 40% chance of a recurrence of breast cancer. Not great statistics. I had a mission to trace the origin of this gene and help other family members. I implored my relatives to get genetically tested. Some refused, admitting they would rather not know. Two of my cousins took the blood test and discovered they were BRCA positive. After an MRI, they learned they were harboring early stage breast cancer. I saved two lives. For myself, I chose to have a double mastectomy, an oophorectomy, and reconstructive surgery. Being post child-bearing years, I felt like I was getting rid of body parts I no longer needed, and cutting my chances of a recurrence. Chemotherapy was optional, although after hearing the statistics, I believed I had no choice.
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I had chemotherapy every two weeks from August 2006 through November 2006. I lost my hair, my eyebrows, my eyelashes, and felt tired and physically sick. I stopped working. For the past four years, every six months I get blood tests, and CT-Scans of my breasts, pelvis, abdomen and bones. After chemotherapy, I did not feel well for a year. I was considered a “survivor,” yet I did not feel like one. One day I attended a lecture at the 92nd Street Y where a world-renowned oncologist was speaking about breast cancer. I asked him what I can do to increase my chances of not having a recurrence. He told me I was not going to like the answer. He said, “It’s not just diet, it’s not just exercise, it’s athleticism. It’s about getting the endorphins going.” He had no study to prove it as it was too hard to get enough people for a control group, but he maintained that his most successful patients had
been those that had changed their lives and became athletic. Great, I thought. I have never been an athlete—I had severe asthma as a child. Of course I went through the motions of moderate exercise and tried to eat healthy. However, being an athlete was a huge leap, and frankly, intimidating. I told myself that somehow I had to become an athlete to make my body work for me, not against me. So I took up cycling. I joined a cycling club in my neighborhood with a friend and, before I knew it, I was cycling 30 and 35 miles. I registered for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training “Century Ride,” a 100-mile ride in Arizona. Training was brutal in the beginning; I had poor lung capacity, no strength, and I could barely make it up hills. Yet I told myself that compared to chemotherapy, this was nothing. To continue my quest of becoming an athlete, I took up running, and challenged myself by registering for the Berkshires half-marathon. Again, training was really hard. I developed shin splints. I was even told my feet are not “structurally right for running.” But on Memorial Day weekend, I completed my first half-marathon, running 13.1 miles! I felt proud and powerful. I had never been in such good shape, and I realized I was stronger at 50 years old than most people half my age. No matter what is in my future, my body is now my friend. If my cancer returns, I know I have done everything I can do to take care of myself, to be there for my husband and my two remarkable children. I am a total athlete—and a survivor. v (Margo Kornfeld and Jillian Rosen, New York moms and sister-in-laws, are presently training to run a half-marathon together.) www.newyorkfamily.com
Ryan Wenke loved playing tennis. But she had been experiencing a painful swelling in her knee. Her local orthopedist diagnosed her with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that could potentially require leg amputation. Thankfully, she was brought to Mount Sinai Hospital.
There, Dr. James Wittig replaced the affected part of her tibia with a prosthetic. Her leg was saved. Now, the toughest thing Ryan has to go through is high school. 1-800-MD-SINAI • www.mountsinai.org
at 14, ryan wenke faced losing a leg to bone cancer. At 15, her biggest problem
was which boy to go to the dance with.