MOMMY BLOGGING | HOME DESIGN & REAL ESTATE | BEST LOCAL PEDIATRICIANS OCTOBER 2011
October 2011 Established 1986 newyorkfamily.com
WWW.NEWYORKFAMILY.COM
NEW
PARENTS REGISTER
NOW
EXPO
OCTOBER15 AND 16
DETAILS: PAGES 20 AND 21 VISIT: NEWPARENTSEXPO.COM
*MEET DR. KARP NEW YORK FAMILY
AT THE EXPO
Cover_1011.indd 1
HARVEY
KARP
*
AMERICA’S FAVORITE PEDIATRICIAN ON RAISING HAPPY BABIES AND TODDLERS
9/19/11 2:15 PM
NewVictory.indd 1
9/15/11 4:35 PM
Dasha.indd 1
9/15/11 1:13 PM
Improve Up to TWO GRADE LEVELS!
One-On-One Tutoring Grades Pre-K to 12 0 Reading comprehension & writing 0 Multi-sensory math
SKILLS WATCH OUR EOS BUILDING VID ONLINE AT m ching.co www.eblcoa
0 Phonics instruction & reading fluency 0 State test preparation 0 Study & organizational skills 0 Orton Gillingham instruction 0 Specialized programs for students with dyslexia, ADD and learning disabilities 0 Home tutoring available in NYC, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester and New Jersey
EBL Coaching
212-249-0147 Dr. Emily Levy, Director www.eblcoaching.com
Responsibly Green, Elegantly Glenwood
The finest Manhattan rentals in the neighborhood of your choice. Near the Best NYC Public Schools • Unparalleled Service • Fitness Center • Children’s Playroom & Swimming Pool • 24-Hour Doorman • Magnificent Lobbies • Landscaped Gardens • Exciting City Views • Spacious Layouts • Building-Wide Water Filtration Systems • On-Site Parking Garage UPPER EAST SIDE
1 Bedrooms from $2,595
2 Bedrooms from $4,395
3 Bedrooms from $6,095
MIDTOWN & UPPER WEST SIDE
1 Bedrooms from $3,250
2 Bedrooms from $4,595
Convertible 3 Bedrooms from $5,595
TRIBECA & FINANCIAL DISTRICT
1 Bedrooms from $3,095
2 Bedrooms from $4,895
3 Bedrooms from $7,595
GLENWOOD BUILDER OWNER MANAGER
212-535-0500 DOWNTOWN LUXURY LEASING OFFICE 212-430-5900 UPTOWN LUXURY LEASING OFFICE
Open 7 days, 10AM-6PM • NO FEE Free parking while viewing apartments
glenwoodnyc.com Glenwood.indd 1
Equal Housing Opportunity
9/14/11 12:16 PM
October 28th & 29th
Slumber Fest
© Ripley Entertainment Inc.
A unique twist on our traditional Extreme Sleepovers! The perfect family bonding experience! Ripley’s entertainers, trick or treating, costume contest, exclusive souvenir t-shirt and more! is an independent school for grades K-8 devoted to excellence and equity. Columbia affiliated families and families living in Public School Districts 3 or 5 are invited to fill out inquiry/ lottery forms available from September 1 – October 31, 2011, at theschool.columbia.edu and at The School, 556 West 110th Street. To find out more, visit our website or contact the Admissions Office at 212-851-4216 or admissions@theschool.columbia.edu
Call our Group Services team at 212.398.3133 Mon-Fri from 9am to 5pm to reserve your spot!
234 West 42nd Street, NYC | www.RipleysNewYork.com *Availability may be limited. Cannot be combined with any other offer. All Slumber Fest spots must be booked and paid in advance.
Sofa from $1,395. Chair from $1,395. Coffee table $795.
Marie in Paris
Urban Danish Design since 1952 With over 250 stores located in the biggest cities around the world, we’ve come a long way since 1952 when two Danish craftsmen founded BoConcept. But our vision remains the same. Based on the Danish traditions of simplicity and functionality, we create furniture that is not only beautiful, but practical too. That’s where it all started. And that’s how we continue to create designs today.
Partials_1011.indd 1
9/16/11 11:53 AM
JoffreyBallet.indd 1
9/12/11 6:24 PM
MakeMeaning_0911.indd 1
8/15/11 5:31 PM
ER NT CE N OL NC LI AT ZZ JA
CARES - THE SIMPLE WAY TO FLY SAFE WITH KIDS!
CO
RT
T NG
ON
• FAA CERTIFIED FROM Take off to landing
?
• Weighs 1 pound – ďŹ ts in a pocket
a tr LI es EL ch E r o K D U / 3 ter I S 1 cen alis n rs ol HO W V 5 l i nc n m a N O z at y n to
M FA duke ellington ¡ frank driggs collection
I LY
E NC
ja z t h w wi
• Takes 1 minute to install • For kids 22-44 lbs sitting in their own seats
JALC.ORG centercharge 212-721-6500
• No more lugging car seats to keep kids safe in planes
b ox o f fi c e Broadway at 60th
Preferred Card of Jazz at Lincoln Center
For more information Call 800-299-6249
Media Partner
Visit www.kidsflysafe.com for online order or NY store locations
JAZZ FOR YOUNG PEOPLEÂŽ
2011 -2012 Chess Tournament Location PS 116 , 210 East 33rd Street, New York City 2011: Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 6, Dec. 18 2012: Jan. 15, Feb. 19, March 18, April 22, June 3 Schedule Opening Ceremony - 9:45 AM Round 1 - 10:00 AM o Rounds 2- will start at the completion of the previous round.hies t ! Location PS 77 Lower Lab School, 1700 3rd Avenue, New York
s p Tro team p to
2011: December 4 2012: February 5, March 25, May 20
Med trop als or fo hies Following is the approximate time for each section finished: p r all artic ipan No Score - 12:00 PM ts Reserve - 3:30 PM Novice 1 - 1:00 PM Classic - 4:00 PM es: Novice 2 - 1:30 PM Open - 4:30 PM d Fe ay r i B d y K-1 - 2:30 PM Championship - 5:00 PM Earl y Mon b Primary - 3:00 PM $35 PM 9 t Entry Fee: $45 until 11:59 , $55 on site before 11:5 re even befo
For Information, call 646-807-9236 or email at NYCHESSKIDS@GMAIL.COM visit us at www.NYCHESSKIDS.com
9:00 AM (Cash or Check)
Partials_1011.indd 2
9/16/11 11:54 AM
Partials_1011.indd 7
9/20/11 5:47 PM
October 2011
inside
46
26 FEATURES
46 | The “happiesT” docTor Dr. Harvey Karp Has Helped Countless Parents Calm Their Babies And Understand Their Toddlers— Not To Mention Get A Lot More Sleep 50 | The UlTimaTe Girlfriend With Her Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy, Vicki Iovine Gave Birth To One Of The Most Relatable (And Hilarious) Parenting Books Ever—And An Empire Of Advice For Moms Followed Suit 52 | The New pediaTrics Dr. Bob Sears Of The Legendary Sears Parenting Group On How To Combine Mainstream And Natural Medicine To Raise Healthy Children
Top Docs 2011-2012 57 | The physicians prescipTion Our Annual Celebration Of The City’s Top Pediatricians And Pediatric Specialists
Real Estate & Home Design Fall 2011 70 | livinG for The ciTy New Residential Developments In The City Offer Lots Of Can-YouTop-This Inspiration
57
78 | WhaT a concepT The NYC Husband And Wife Team Who Brought Us BoConcept Carries Their Design Aesthetic Home
32 | parenT in profile Safe And Sound: Child Safety Innovator James Hirtenstein Masters The Art Of Baby-Proofing And Beyond
80 | room for flexibiliTy When A Table, A Bed And A Closet Are More Than They Seem
36 | The Joy of shoppinG Shop For The Cure
Winter Travel
38 | a Good idea Two Prominent Mommy Bloggers Show Other Moms (And Dads) How To Achieve A Successful Career On The Web In The Digital Mom Handbook
82 | The many faces of florida Three Separate Looks At Family Vacations In The Sunshine State From Our Travel Correspondents COLUMNS 16 | ediTor’s noTe The Happiest Editor On The Block 20 | The neW parenTs expo For Expectant And New Parents From The NYC-Metropolitan Area, The Baby Expo Of All Baby Expos Will Feature Harvey Karp, Liz Lange, Vicki Iovine, Rosie Pope, Dr. Bob Sears And An Amazing Array Of Goods And Services For Starting Out 24 | halloWeen Tip sheeT Pumpkins On Parade 26 | acTiviTy of The monTh You’ve Got To Move It: Dance Instruction Can Teach Children How To Move While Fostering Confidence And Important Life Skills
42 | GroWinG Up The Truth About Bullying
22 | bUzzWorThy Nostalgia-inducing toys, “super” candy, a book about brains and more 34 | iT’s my parTy Birthday celebrations at Central Park’s Turtle Pond, City Treehouse and apple seeds 84 | Ten ideas Our monthly round-up of family fun in the city 88 | cUlTUre for Kids October’s best exhibits, performances and attractions for families
44 | a special place Mathnasium—A Learning Center Where Numbers Rule—Bolsters Math Skills, Confidence And Enthusiasm Whether You’re A Struggling Student Or A Natural 90 | The lasT Word Advice From One Modern Dad On How To Be Loud, Proud And Involved DEpARTMENTS 18 | Welcome To The family The New Parents Expo, a Cinderella ballet giveaway and our just launched New York Family Deals discounts
The Cover: Hair & Makeup by Nina Montée Karp; Photography by Katie Davies, Claire Alyse Photography; Shot on location in Los Angeles, California Corrections: In the September issue on page 86, the children’s yoga program Yogi Beans was incorrectly identified as having locations in Brooklyn and with an incorrect phone number. For more about Yogi Beans, visit yogibeans.com.
12
New York Family | October 2011
TOC-EDNOTE_Masthead_1011.indd 12
www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 6:00 PM
Live happy.
Raise Your Expectations Dramatic River and City Views | Floor-to-Ceiling Windows | Full Service Luxury Property Full-time Concierge Services | Fully Outfitted Fitness Center Children’s Playroom Rooftop Terraces | Lounge with Private Dining Room | Wired for FiOS and Cable
Open House Sat & Sun 11am - 4pm Immediate Occupancy | 20 Year Tax Benefits | Preferred Lenders HSBC, Chase & Wells Fargo 1,198 SF 2 Bedroom from $1,195,000 to 3,005 SF 4 Bedroom from $3,600,000 to 6,000 SF Full Floor Available. SCan ME
(888) 347-1883 | AzureNY.com
333 East 91st Street (At First Avenue) ON-SITE Sales & Design Center | Mon - Fri By Appointment 10am - 6pm The complete offering terms are available in an offering plan available from Sponsor. File No. CD070002. Sponsor: 1765 First Associates, LLC, 820 Elmont Rd., Elmont, NY 11003. We are pledged to the letter and the spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation.
Azure.indd 1
ANOTHER FINE DEVELOPMENT BY
The DeMatteis Organizations
9/15/11 10:48 AM
toll free 866 Falc USA
www.naturino.com
EdiTOr ANd CO-PUBLiSHEr Eric Messinger emessinger @ manhattanmedia.com SENiOr EdiTOr Whitney Casser wcasser @ manhattanmedia.com ASSOCiATE EdiTOr Kat Harrison kharrison @manhattanmedia.com ArT dirECTOr George W. Widmer gwidmer @manhattanmedia.com PrOdUCTiON MANAgEr Ed Johnson ejohnson @ manhattanmedia.com ASSiSTANT PrOdUCTiON MANAgEr Quarn Corley qcorley @ manhattanmedia.com PHOTO EdiTOr Andrew Schwartz aschwartz@ manhattanmedia.com CONTriBUTiNg PHOTOgrAPHErS Heidi Green, Thaddeus Harden, Michael Jurick CONTriBUTiNg WriTErS Melanie Dostis, Kelly Farrell, Sandy Krulwich, Ariel Nagi, Maria Riley, Nancy Ryerson, Joy Sherwood, Elora Tocci, Veronica Torok, Briehn Trumbauer, Mia Weber, Christine Wei, Ashley Welch
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 NEW PArENTS ExPO Rebecca Martin 212-284-9732, rmartin @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 dirECTOr OF iNTErACTiVE MArkETiNg ANd digiTAL STrATEgY Jay Gissen jgissen @ manhattanmedia.com WEB PrOdUCTiON dirECTOr Lesley Seigel lseigel @ manhattanmedia.com EVENTS MANAgEr Jasmin Freeman jfreeman @ manhattanmedia.com
Naturino Stores: Madison Ave, 2nd Ave, Columbus Ave, Houston, Dallas
14
New York Family | October 2011
TOC-EDNOTE_Masthead_1011.indd 14
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. Š 2011 Manhattan Media, LLC | 79 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10016 | t: 212.268.8600 | f: 212.268.0577 www.manhattanmedia.com
www.newyorkfamily.com
9/20/11 11:41 AM
ILLUSTRATION BY ANDREA DEZSÖ
October 1 – 3 0 | Tickets and Info at NYBG.org
Quick and easy to reach by Bronx River Parkway or on Metro-North to Botanical Garden Station.
NYBotanical.indd 1
9/14/11 5:09 PM
editors
notE
The Happiest Editor On The Block As if this month’s cover doesn’t do this already, I’d like to show my cards and encourage any and all expectant and new parents who live in the New York/Tri-State Area and beyond to join us for the New Parents Expo taking place on Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16, at Pier 92 in Manhattan. With Dr. Harvey Karp as our keynote speaker on both days, along with other great speakers like Liz Lange, Rosie Pope, Vicki Iovine and Dr. Bob Sears—plus a veritable cavalcade of goods and services for families—you will be treated to an expo that is helpful, fun and encouraging! We recommend the New Parents Expo for parents-to-be and parents with children up through toddler age. (Karp and others will be talking about the infant and toddler years, and we’ll have lots of fun stuff for little kids.) For more information about the event
and to register, visit NewParentsExpo.com. Since there’s already so much info about the Expo in this issue (pages 20 and 21), and at NewParentsExpo.com, I’m not going to elaborate much more about the event here except to dwell on this month’s cover subject. We don’t usually put folks from L.A. on our cover, but we happily made an exception for Dr. Karp, who is arguably the preeminent pediatrician of our time. Originally from Queens (so he’s really one of us), Karp has helped innumerable new parents adjust to life with baby with his now classic book and DVD, The Happiest Baby on the Block, and has also helped them understand and raise their growing child with his companion work, The Happiest Toddler on the Block. Parents follow Karp because his techniques are effective, but his broad appeal has as much to do with the kind of person he is. Karp no longer runs a day-to-day practice, but he’s still the caring, wise, kid-loving pediatrician you want to turn to TRIM: 6.925” as a parent. Check out our cover interview with Karp (on page 46) and you’ll see
what I mean. Whether he’s talking about postpartum depression or the antiquated idea that kids “need to be intimidated” to be disciplined, there’s a palpable kindness underpinning his wise ideas. One last card to reveal: Parents with older children need only take one long glance at the Table of Contents (page 12) to know that this is an issue full of info and inspiration for them as well. Happy October,
Eric MEssingEr Editor emessinger@manhattanmedia.com
TRIM: 4.70”
Presented by:
bronxzoo.com/boo
16
New York Family | October 2011
www.newyorkfamily.com
1:1 TOC-EDNOTE_Masthead_1011.indd 16
09/12/11
100 9/16/11 5:09 PM
Baseball | Basketball | Flag Football | Gymnastics | Martial Arts | Soccer
| Swimming | Camps | Leagues and Teams | Expert Instructors
Register today for Fall Classes! asphaltgreen.org 212.369.8890 ext. 2080 • 555 East 90th Street, New York, NY 10128
ASgreen.indd 1
9/20/11 6:03 PM
W co
TO T H E FA M I LY
October 15 and 16 at Pier 92 in New York City
We welcome and encourage expectant and new parents from the New York/Tri-State Area to join us at this once-ayear mega show and celebration of family. It brings together for your convenience, support and inspiration an incredible mix of goods and services for pregnancy, birth, baby and toddler! Plus, an all-star line-up of parenting and pregnancy
Liz Lange Maternity Designer Extraordinaire
Keyfit® Infant Car Seat by Chicco
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FROM PRE-NATAL TO PRESCHOOL
speakers, with a keynote by America’s Favorite Pediatrician, Dr. Harvey Karp, author of The Happiest Baby on the Block! Little children are especially welcome, too!
LEARN MORE AND PURCHASE TICKETS AT NEWPARENTSEXPO.COM.
Dr. Harvey Karp Author of The Happiest Baby on the Block
Avio Stroller by Inglesina
Rosie Pope Star of Bravo TV’s “Pregnant in Heels”
CONTESTS & GIVEAWAYS
Win A Halloween Costume Make this Halloween magical with a costume from Wishcraft® by Chasing Fireflies® (chasing-fireflies.com). Parents and kids can have a “whale of a time” choosing their favorite sea-themed gear: a scary shark, glittery tropical fish, magical mermaid and more. Whether you’re attending a haunted house or trick-or-treating all night long, a Wishcraft costume is sure to get you in the spooky spirit. And we have a $100 Wish Certificate® to give away! To enter, send us an email explaining why you’d like to win to familygiveaways@manhattanmedia.com and put “Wishcraft” in the subject line. Deadline to enter is Friday, October 7. Win Tickets To The Cinderella Ballet New York Theatre Ballet’s new season opens with Donald Mahler’s classic fairytale, Cinderella. Danced to music by Prokofiev, the show brings the popular story of one temporarily unlucky girl to the stage. Matinees will be held on November 12 and 13 at 11am, 1pm and 3:30pm—perfect for children ages 3-10. And we have three family four-packs of tickets to give away! To enter, send us an email explaining why you’d like to win to familygiveaways@manhattanmedia.com and put “Cinderella” in the subject line. Deadline to enter is Friday, October 28.
ON THE
W E
B
Let’s Make A Deal Attention all frugal families: we have just launched New York Family Deals! Sign up and be the first to receive special offers on great family fun, including camps, classes, shows, travel, restaurants, after-school activities, cultural events and more. Go to newyorkfamily.com/deals and register today!
18
New York Family | October 2011
NYF_1011.indd 18
www.newyorkfamily.com
9/19/11 1:47 PM
BUNK BED, REINVENTED.
lollISoFT BUNK BED - 12” DEEP WHEN CloSED
See our amazing systems in action — visit us at The New Parents Expo October 15 & 16 @ Pier 92! SEE oUR WEBSITE FoR 40 moRE TRANSFoRmING SYSTEmS mADE IN ITAlY BY ClEI.
969 Third Avenue, 4 TH Fl. @ 58 TH St. New York, NY 10022 n 212.753.2039 www.resourcefurniture.com
Partials_1011.indd 3
9/16/11 11:54 AM
OCTOBER 15 AND 16 AT PIER 92 IN
NEW PARENTS EXPO
NEW YORK CITY
Everything You Need From Pre-Natal To Preschool PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS AT NEWPARENTSEXPO.COM
THE EVENT OF THE YEAR FOR EXPECTANT AND NEW PARENTS
in the New York/Tri-State Area And Beyond! Bringing Together An Incredible Mix Of Goods And Services For Pregnancy, Birth, Baby and Toddler! Plus An All-Star Line-Up Of Parenting And Pregnancy Speakers! America’s #1 pediatrician, Dr. Harvey Karp, will anchor the speakers area both days with a big talk on calming your baby and connecting with your toddler!
everything from getting the support you need as a new parent to discovering the best “green” products and practices for new families.
But that’s just the beginning of it! The remarkable group of speakers will cover
Check out the full menu of speakers and exhibitors at NEWPARENTSEXPO.COM!
DR. HARVEY KARP
Creator of The Happiest Baby on the Block, & The Happiest Toddler on the Block books and DVDs
LIZ LANGE
Designer of Liz Lange for Target and Co-Founder of Shopafrolic.com
DR. BOB SEARS
Co-Author of The Baby Book and The Portable Pediatrician
ROSIE POPE
Star of Bravo TV’s “Pregnant in Heels” & Rosie Pope Maternity
VICKI IOVINE
The Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy, and The Girlfriends’ Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood
Also speaking: Ali Wing of giggle, Susan Hunt Stevens of Practically Green, Liz Gumbinner of Cool Mom Picks
20
New York Family | October 2011
NEWPARENTEXPO_SPREAD2_1011.indd 20
www.newyorkfamily.com
9/19/11 4:59 PM
A ONCE-A-YEAR MEGA SHOW!
A GRAND CELEBRATION OF FAMILY!
SPECIAL FEATURES AND ATTRACTIONS!
SHOPPING CENTRAL! With brands ranging from Skip Hop to Britax, and wonderful stores like giggle and buy buy BABY in the mix, there’s much to discover—and plenty of experts to assist you.
The Stroller Test Drive Track!
Avio Stroller by Inglesina
Take today’s leading strollers for a spin on a special course designed to mimic both urban and suburban challenges!
Free Buggy Tune-Ups!
If you have a stroller, the folks at Buggy Bubbles will provide free tune-ups, checking handles, brakes, wheeling— they’ll even steam clean it for you!
Rest and Relaxation Lounges! Big Apple Circus Performers!
Little ones are very welcome at the Expo. The face painters, balloon makers and performers from the Big Apple Circus await them! So does the special play area full of Tegu’s amazing wooden toys and blocks!
Official Charity Partner
There will be special lounge areas where you can rest your feet, feed and change your baby, enjoy a cold drink and just relax.
An Expo For Dads Too!
The incredible dads from the NYC Dads Group are running the dads lounge, making it a space where dads can find info and support on issues like worklife balance, the changing role of the father and adjusting to fatherhood.
Tickets and Information
Gold Sponsor
Details: October 15 and 16, at Pier 92 in New York City Tickets are $35 in advance; $45 at the show Contact Rebecca Martin, at rmartin@manhattanmedia.com, for info, or call 212-284-9732.
Purchase tickets at NEWPARENTSEXPO.COM
www.newyorkfamily.com
NEWPARENTEXPO_SPREAD2_1011.indd 21
October 2011 | New York Family
21
9/19/11 3:25 PM
buz
worthy The CheCklisT for
Octob
N o s ta l g i c P l a y
In today’s tech-driven toy world, you’d be hard-pressed to find a new plaything that doesn’t need batteries, come with a thousand different pieces or require Wi-Fi access. If you’re like us and love retro toys, Channel Craft’s line of Authentic American Toys, Games and Puzzles can take you and your children back to a simpler time. Teach your kids the art of the yo-yo, the intricacies of knottying or the joy of hopscotch. Something as simple as a jump rope or a game of jacks can keep a kid busy for hours. These toys are built to last and are as wholesome as games get. For more information, visit channelcraft.com.
NoggiN KNowledge Have you ever read Nietzsche aloud to help your infant go to sleep? Is your three-year-old already enrolled in SAT prep classes? Fear not, parents of future Einsteins! Welcome to Your Child’s Brain by Sandra Aamodt, Ph.D. and Sam Wang, Ph.D. answers parents’ questions about juvenile mental development and offers tips on raising a hard-working, brainy tot without losing your mind. Plus, the book includes resources on gender differences, language learning and sleeping problems. It even reveals a brain-based approach on getting kids to chow down on veggies while debunking child development myths, like the one about not eating sushi while pregnant (it might actually help growing brains!). Knowing how noggins work will help parents worry less and relax more as their kids learn and grow. For more information, visit welcometoyourbrain.com.
tuNe iN The Tuneables isn’t your average sing-along. In addition to featuring fun songs that kids can sing and dance to, this innovative CD/ DVD set actually teaches introductory music skills to three- to eight-year-olds. Mini musicians learn basic rhythm, tonal and voice development with likeable characters shaped like musical instruments, engaging storylines and catchy, original music. Your little learners will be having so much fun they won’t even notice they’re following a carefully created curriculum based on years of research to maximize their music education. Learning the basics of music is great for growing brains and gives little ones a leg up for spots in future orchestras, choruses or rock bands! For more information, visit thetuneables.com.
KicKs with a cause Instead of recycling what you wear, what if you could wear what you recycle? Listen up moms and dads. New Balance has created a line of environmentally responsible shoes for adults. Each pair of newSKY™ kicks is made with about 20 recycled plastic bottles! Designed with less material than other sneakers, they’ll make your feet—and your environmental footprint—much lighter. As comfy as they are earth-friendly, these shoes mimic the ease of walking barefoot. Their lightweight material and flexible shape make them a perfect pick for a jog around the neighborhood or a game of Frisbee in the park. Plus, the soles and laces come in eyepopping colors like hot pink and fluorescent orange, making them a bold choice for stylish parents. For more information, visit newbalance.com.
suPer sweets With candy season upon us, parents may start to panic that the ultimate sugar rush is unavoidable. But there’s a new sweet treat in town that just might be the superhero of the candy world— SUPERCANDY™! Made with all natural ingredients, colors and flavors, SUPERCANDY gives kids energy without letting them get out of control. This alternative treat makes healthy eating as fun and tasty as munching on a handful of Skittles, minus the bad stuff. Each package of candy contains vitamin B and antioxidant protecting power, plus electrolytes to help little ones and parents stay hydrated. It even comes in familiar, kid-friendly forms like chewy caramel, citrus gum, fruity tarts and berry gummies. For more information, visit eatplaysnap.com.
22
New York Family | October 2011
BUZZWORTHY_1011.indd 22
www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 12:39 PM
It takes work to fill these shoes. You work hard making your home a place of elegance and relaxation — raising the children, preparing gourmet meals, practically becoming a contractor during renovation. There comes a time you need assistance. Whether a Housekeeper, Personal Assistant, Private Chef, Nanny or Elder Care Expert, LifeWorx® will provide fully screened, skilled, reliable staff to improve the lifestyle you’ve built… all with superior customer service. Call us…
Nannies Housekeepers Estate Managers Personal Chefs Child Care/Mother’s Helpers Personal Assistants www.LifeWorx.com Elder Care 21 Post Road West Westport, CT 203.966.3400
145 East 62nd Street New York, NY 212.257.6706
400 King Street Chappaqua, NY 914.458.9933 Insured and Bonded
LW_LegsAd_ManMedia_Full.indd 1 LifeWorx_0811.indd 1
7/22/11 PM 7/22/11 12:28 2:53 PM
Halloween
Tip sHeeT
PUMPKINSon
PARADE
By Kelly Farrell
CooK WITh YoUR LITTLE PUMPKINS Breakfast gets spooky with a batch of Catherine McCord’s pumpkin pancakes. For more great fall recipes from McCord, check out her food blog at weelicious.com.
How To Celebrate With The Month’s Most Festive Fruit
READ To YoUR LITTLE PUMPKINS
For the kid who’s a little beyond Casper The Friendly Ghost but not yet ready for Frankenstein, there is Michael J.Rosen’s Night of the Pumpkinheads. This 32-page illustrated hardcover brings to life the story of a group of “pumpkinheads” (read: feisty jack-o’-lanterns) who are sick of spending Halloween outside like bumps on a log while kids get to put on costumes and trick-or-treat. This year, the pumpkinheads decide they will leave their stoops and join in the festivities by transforming into frighteningly fun creatures like dinosaurs, zombies and killer bees. But things backfire when the pumpkins find out that kids are more afraid of turgid turnips than creatively-carved pumpkins. The plot is complemented by pictures spotlighting master carver Hugh McMahon’s real-life work, and a step-by-step guide for families to carve them, too!
DRESS UP YoUR LITTLE PUMPKINS
If your kid is just itching to hop into his costume weeks before October 31 rolls around (a Monday this year), a peace offering in the form of these jack-o’-lantern pajamas from Chasing Fireflies® may be in order. These long-sleeved pjs will keep your whole family in the Halloween spirit throughout fall and keep the kids warm and cozy with its snug-fitting cotton. Also check out Chasing Fireflies for the perfect Trick-or-Treating costume. For a local option, try State News for a variety of costumes, make-up, wigs, accessories, decorations, candy, crafts and party supplies that will be in store by mid-September. State News has two locations on the Upper East Side (212-879-8076).
Pumpkin Pancakes With Chocolate Filling 1 cup white flour 1/2 cup whole wheat 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp salt 1 large egg 1 1/4 cup whole milk 1 tbs honey 1 tbs vegetable oil, plus extra for greasing the pan 1 cup pumpkin puree, canned Chocolate Filling: 1 cup cream cheese 2 tbs cocoa powder 2 tbs honey 1. Sift the first six ingredients in a bowl. 2. In a separate bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients.
3. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet until combined; it is ok if there are some lumps. 4. Heat a large sauté pan or griddle over medium heat and grease with oil. 5. Drop about 2 tbs of the pancake mixture onto the griddle and cook for 2 minutes on each side until golden. 6. Set aside and allow to cool. 7. In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the filling until smooth. 8. Place 1 tbs of the filling between two pancakes to make a sammie. 9. Continue to make the rest of the sammies. 10. Serve.
PICK WITh YoUR LITTLE PUMPKINS
For a true pumpkin-picking experience you may have to leave Manhattan, but you won’t have to go very far. Here are three quick-trip pumpkin patches, just a train ride away. Queens County Farm, Queens The sprawling 47-acre farmland is a destination for any family looking for a classic pumpkin patch. Look out for their Fall Festival in late October. For more information, visit queensfarm.org.
24
New York Family | October 2011
TIPSHEET_1011.indd 24
Decker Farm in Historic Richmond Town, Staten Island Visit the 200-year-old Decker Farm for the usual fall festivities: hayrides, pumpkin-picking and, best of all, eating. For more information, visit historicrichmondtown.org.
Demarest Farms, New Jersey In its 125th season, Demarest Farms is a festive favorite, featuring pumpkin and apple picking and face painting throughout the season. For more information, visit demarestfarms.com.
www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:39 PM
Two MoRe ReaSoNs to ShOP with US!
5
$
SaVe
on ANY BaBY PurChaSe of $25 or More
5 Only at
$
SaVe
on ANY PurChaSe of $25 or More
ToyRUs.indd 1
Valid through 10/31/11 In-store purchase only. Excludes ALL toys, baby food, diapers, formula, CPN ITEM # 947756 wipes, Ameda, Baby Brezza, Baby Jogger, BOB, Britax, Bugaboo, Cybex, ERGObaby, Mamas & Papas, Motherhood Maternity, Nap Nanny, Pediped, Peg Pérego, Phil & Teds, Robeez, Tommee Tippee, Under Armour, electronic learning toys, netbooks, tablets, video game hardware, video games, Apple products, FAO products, RobotGalaxy, Buyer Protection Plan, gift cards, photo studios, phone orders, Special Orders, assembly fee, breast-pump rental fee, delivery fee, and shipping & handling.One coupon per guest. Not valid with any other “R”Us total transaction offer or on prior purchases. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase and value is forfeited if item is returned. Coupon prorated among eligible items purchased. Only original coupons accepted. Void where prohibited. Valid Union Square store only. Cash value 1/100 of 1¢.
24-30 Union Square East • (212) 798-9905 • Babiesrus.com/unionsquare
Valid through 10/31/11 In-store purchase only. Excludes baby food, diapers, formula, wipes, CPN ITEM # 943647 Ameda, Baby Brezza, Baby Jogger, BOB, Britax, Bugaboo, Cybex, ERGObaby, Mamas & Papas, Motherhood Maternity, Nap Nanny, Pediped, Peg Pérego, Phil & Teds, Robeez, Tommee Tippee, Under Armour, electronic learning toys, netbooks, tablets, video game hardware, video games, Apple products, FAO products, RobotGalaxy, Buyer Protection Plan, gift cards, photo studios, phone orders, Special Orders, assembly fee, breast-pump rental fee, delivery fee, and shipping & handling.One coupon per guest. Not valid with any other “R”Us total transaction offer or on prior purchases. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase and value is forfeited if item is returned. Coupon prorated among eligible items purchased. Only original coupons accepted. Void where prohibited. Valid Times Square store only. Cash value 1/100 of 1¢.
1514 Broadway at 44th St. • (646) 366-8800 • ToysrusTimesSquare.com
©2011 Geoffrewy, LLC. All rights reserved
Only at
9/2/11 1:00 PM
Activity
of the month
You’ve Got to Move It
from Ballet And Ballroom to tap And Jazz, Class Instruction Can teach Children how to Dance While fostering Confidence And Important Life Skills By Cristina Dimen Little 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 a further interest in exploring dance, whether it be classical ballet, modern dance, tap, jazz, hip hop or ballroom. But with so many worthwhile extracurricular activities available, why choose dance?
What To Look For After deciding to enroll in dance, finding the right class that suits your child is the next hurdle to clear. “When I’m talking to parents, I always ask for a little bit of feedback on the child: what do they do at home, are they really active, do they sit quietly and color for a while, do they bounce off the walls?” says Grantham. “I try to get some
26
new york Family | October 2011
ACTIVITYoftheMONTH_1011.indd 26
the School at Steps Ballet Academy east
Photo by rosalie O’Connor
Why Dance? Dancing positively influences children’s lives in many ways. In addition to gaining self-confidence and learning to express themselves through creative movement, kids develop proper posture along with strength and flexibility, they learn to work well with others and cultivate a sense of musicality. In fact, dancing even prepares children for the classroom, as one of the first things small dancers learn is to “focus and pay attention to the teacher,” says Virginie Mécène, Director of the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance and Artistic Director of Graham II. Grooving also does greatness for multitasking. “Dancers are organized individuals who can juggle their academic and dance classes,” says 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). In terms of creativity, “dance fills your spirit,” Diana Byer, Founder and Artistic Director of New York Theatre Ballet and Ballet School NY, says. “Young children studying dance acquire learning skills, observe how their behavior affects others in the room, and develop concentration and a healthy body awareness. They learn to recognize music styles.” Moreover, Shelley Grantham, the School Coordinator and Peridance Youth Ensemble Director at Peridance Capezio Center notes that children’s dance class is also about “learning how to use their bodies as a form of expression. Whether it’s through modern or ballet or hip hop or jazz, it’s a way to get their artist voice out through movement.”
personality traits to help to try to place their child into the appropriate class, the appropriate style and the appropriate level.” When considering 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 adds. “Observe a class—see how teachers relate to their students. Ensure that they’re in control of the class, while being caring and loving.” “The instructors from the school should teach the class rather than give the class,” Diana Byer recommends. “Since each child is www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 11:35 AM
on • Best
tructi Expert Ins • s ie it il c ss Fa World-Cla
Value
Throw The Best Sports Birthday Party Ever! When planning a birthday party, the most important thing
Birthday Parties at
to consider is fun. Chelsea Piers offers a variety of exciting activities for kids of all ages. Planning is a breeze with our expert party planners and all-inclusive packages. The Field House • 212.336.6518 Soccer | Gymnastics | Rock Climbing Ultimate Challenge | Glamour/Dance
23rd Street & Hudson River Park www.chelseapiers.com/birthday ADULT BIRTHDAY PARTIES ALSO AVAILABLE! Please call 212.336.6777 for more information.
Sky Rink • 212.336.6100 • Ice Skating The Golf Club • 212.336.6400 • Golf 300 New York • 212.835.2695 • Bowling
Sign up for Holiday Camps December 19-23 • December 26-30 Gymnastics, Multi-Sport, Little Athletes, Junior Golf and Ice Hockey.
Visit www.chelseapiers.com/camps ChealseaPier.indd 1
9/15/11 1:41 PM
Ballet School NY
Photo by Richard Termine
Where To Take Dance In NYC
Joffrey Ballet School
constructed differently both physically and temperamentally, the instructor should correct each child as an individual and not only give general instruction to the class as a whole.” Most schools offer a range of programs for different age groups, from Mommy & Me classes for 2- and 3-year-olds to preballet classes for 3- to 6-year-olds to more intensive pre-professional classes for kids 7 and up, many of which require auditions for admittance and placement. Enrichment classes are available for non-vocational students of all ages. Getting Serious Dance can begin as soon as a child is able to move, but formal instruction for some genres may not be appropriate until a later age. “Children should not study serious ballet before the age of 7 or 8,” says Byer. “[But] they can begin learning simple folk dances as young as 3.” As a child’s casual interest in dancing transitions into a more serious pursuit, parents should expect an age-appropriate increase in commitment in terms of time and focus. “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.” Supporting Your Dancer “Dance is a great thing to teach your child whether they’re going to be a dancer or not,” Grantham insists. “If you think about it, in the 1400s, 1500s and 1600s, dance was a part of society and everyday life. Whether it was tribal dance or folk dance, it was something that everyone in the community did to celebrate… It was something that was used as a form of expression and as a form of storytelling.” While young dancers today immerse themselves in a world of pirouettes, snazzy jazz steps or the enticing beat of West African drums, parents can nurture their interest by asking children to demonstrate 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.
28
New York Family | October 2011
ACTIVITYoftheMONTH_1011.indd 28
74th St. MAGIC, 212-737-2989, 74MAGIC.com 92nd Street Y’s School of the Arts, 212-415-5500, 92y.org Albee School of Dance, 718-852-7025, albeedance.com The Ailey Extension, 212-405-9500, aileyextension.org American Youth Dance Theater, 212-717-5419 americanyouthdancetheater.com apple seeds, 212-792-7590, appleseedsnyc.com Applause NYC, 212-717-0703, applauseny.com Ballet Academy East, 212-410-9140, baenyc.com The Ballet Club, 212-204-6348, theballetclub.com Ballet Hispanico, 212-362-6710, ballethispanico.org Broadway Dance Center, 212-582-9304 broadwaydancecenter.com Brooklyn Arts Exchange, 718-832-0018, bax.org Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212-721-1223, cmom.org Church Street School for Music and Art, 212-571-7290 churchstreetschool.org Creative Arts Studio, 718-797-5600, creativeartsstudio.com Creative Play For Kids, 212-729-1667, creativeplayforkids.com Dancing Divas and Dudes, 917-279-4351 dancingdivasanddudes.com Discovery Programs, 212-749-8717, discoveryprograms.com Downtown Dance Factory, 212-962-1800 downtowndancefactory.com The Early Ear, 212-877-7125, theearlyear.com Eastside Westside Music Together, 212-496-1242 eswsmusictogether.com Gymboree Play and Music, 877-496-5327 gymboreeclasses.com Gymtime Rhythm & Glues, 212-861-7732, gymtime.net JCC of Manhattan, 646-505-4444, jccmanhattan.org Jodi’s Gym, 212-772-7633, jodisgym.com Joffrey Ballet School, 212-254-8520, joffreyballetschool.com Kidville, 212-772-8435, kidville.com Lower East Side Dance Academy, 212-343-1620 lesdanceacademy.com Lucy Moses School, 212-501-3360, kaufman-center.org/lms Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, 212-787-1178 manhattanmovement.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 Miss Kristin’s Shooting Stars Performing Arts Company 212-987-2203, shootingstarsnyc.com New York Theatre Ballet and Ballet School NY 212-679-0401, nytb.org Peridance Capezio Center, 212-505-0886, peridance.com Reebok Sports Club/NY, 212-362-6800, thesportsclubla.com The School at Steps, 212-874-3678 stepsnyc.com/the-school-at-steps The Sports Club/LA, 212-355-5100, thesportsclubla.com Steps on Broadway, 212-874-2410, stepsnyc.com www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 11:38 AM
come to the sixteenth annual
Monday October 31, 2011 4-7 pm
come in your halloween 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!
go green this halloween! Please bring your own bag for trick-or-treating.
Order yOur tickets tOday! call 212-769-5200 Or visit aMnh.Org Admission: $10 ($9 for Museum Members). Special Monster Meal + admission: $19 ($18 for Museum Members). Tickets also available at the door • Central Park West at 79th St With special thanks to Colgate-Palmolive Company. AMNH.indd 1
9/14/11 1:21 PM
LA ScuoLA D’ItALIA GuGLIELMo MARcoNI 12 East 96th Street, New York, NY 10128
Pre K-12th Grade
La Scuola d’Italia is a private unique Italian/English bilingual and bicultural school reflecting the best features of the Italian and American education. Knowledge of the Italian/English language is not a pre-requisite for admission to Pre-K through 9th grade. La Scuola d’Italia is chartered by the Board of Regents of the State of New York and by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Italy. The School is a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools.
www.lascuoladitalia.org tel. 212-369-3290 email: secretary@lascuoladitalia.org
“is the best kept secret on the Upper East Side of Manhattan”
• Grades Nursery-Eighth • Co-educational • Small classes studentteacher ratio 10/1 • International student body • Exceptional teachers • Placement in the city’s best high schools
AdmiSSioNS opEN HouSES
RSVp to AttENd
Thursday, october 6 6:15pm Thursday, october 13 10:00am Thursday, october 27 6:15pm Wednesday, November 16 6:15pm
Call for toursScholarships are available 319 East 74th Street, New York, NY 10021 212-249-2840 Fax 212-249-2847 info@cathedralschoolny.org
Come Play Yoga at Karma Kids Yoga!
Warriors can do anything.
Yoga for Babies Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Families Community Yoga CircusYoga Prenatal Yoga Free Story Time Yoga Yoga Birthday Parties Special Events Teacher Training
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. 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
Partials_1011.indd 4
Voted “Best Kids Yoga” by TimeOut NY Kids and New York Magazine.
9/16/11 11:55 AM
30
yrs. of Fun, Frien ds, & Fitness !
fo r k i d s 9 mos to 12 yrs
teeny tumblers • mighty muscle movers • rockin' rollers jodi's jumpstart • tumbling tots • creative cartwheeling kids funtastic gymnastics • totally tumbling • motion evolution mad science • songs for seeds • creation station • open play jodis to go • best birthdays ever! 244 E. 84th St. NYC • 212.772.7633
• www.jodisgym.com • 25 Hubbels Dr. Mt. Kisco • 914.244.8811
www.preschoolofamerica.us
A Year-Round Program Mon-Fri 8:00am-6:00pm General Programs Infant program 3mos-1yr Toddler program 1-2yrs Nursery program 2-3yrs Preschool program 3-4yrs Pre-kindergarten 4-5yrs After school program 5yrs-up
Special Programs Piano class Art class Dance class Karate class Yoga class Soccer class Foreign language class
Two New Brooklyn Locations Bay Ridge • 863 60th Street 11220 Cobble Hill: 382 Baltic St. 11201 Please Call (212) 767-0606
Locations Serving 3 mos - 6 years
2109 Broadway @ 73rd St. 345 W 42nd St. @ 8th Ave. 25 Tudor City Place @ 41st St. (Ages 2 and up) 212-262-4545 212-681-4671 212-877-1388 1190 Park Ave. @ 93rd St. 1501 Lexington Ave. @ 97th St.
212-410-1100
212-987-3700
101 West End Ave. @ 64th St. 600 6th Ave. @ 17th St.
212-362-0135
212-255-6911
39 Eldridge St. @ Canal St.
212-925-0998 46 Market St. @ Madison St.
212-346-9868
Please check this proof carefully for errors and omissions. Your approval constitutes acceptance of full responsibility for all errors, omissions, legal and ethical compliance in this document. NYMETROPARENTS will not accept liability for errors overlooked on proof. Colors shown are representative and may vary in individual copies of the magazine. AD IS NOT TO SCALE. We appreciate your prompt attention and approval. Created 05/04/2011 12:26 PM 25
Partials_1011.indd 5
9/16/11 11:55 AM
SAFE&
SOUND
Child Safety Innovator James Hirtenstein Masters The Art Of Baby-Proofing And Beyond
By Maria Riley The Friday before Hurricane Irene hit the Northeast this summer, James Hirtenstein could be found running around Manhattan, climbing up balconies like a caped crusader, securing shatter-resistant Plexiglas and ensuring that gates could weather the storm. As Founder and Owner of Baby-SAFE Inc. and a founding member of the International Association for Child Safety (IACS), Hirtenstein, a native New Yorker, has been keeping NYC families out of harm’s way for 15 years. After years in the corporate world, Hirtenstein made the welcome move to entrepreneurship, like most members of his family. After an aunt shared information with him about new child safety services popping up in California, Hirtenstein conducted his own research and found that this part of the country had few, if any, child safety experts. “I knew that there was a growing population of babies being born—a major baby boom,” says Hirtenstein. “And…there were very few companies geared towards babies.” Hirtenstein trained in California with a company he admired and trusted. The owner was a retired police officer who took him under his wing and showed him the ropes. “You know when you walk into a place and you feel almost like you’re at home?” asks Hirtenstein. “That’s how it was.” Baby-SAFE “took off” the moment Hirtenstein returned to the East Coast. At the time, a constant barrage of stories on child abductions, abused children and nannies harming infants under their care saturated the news. In true entrepreneurial spirit, Hirtenstein created a business plan not simply based on baby-proofing but also with more comprehensive child safety, including nanny surveillance, background checks and even outdoor pool fencing. “Instead of just being child safety experts who install products, we’re more like child safety innovators,” notes Hirtenstein. Since its inception, Baby-SAFE has become a trusted name and valued leader with child safety organizations. And Hirtenstein
32
New York Family | October 2011
PARENTPROFILE_1011.indd 32
relishes his role on the front lines. “What I find rewarding about doing Baby-SAFE is the fact that I’ve been able to combine a fabulous career, garner the respect of my peers, as well as give parents the peace of mind of knowing they can turn their heads for one second and their children aren’t going to be in dire straits.” Generally satisfied with the products available today, the main area of concern for Hirtenstein is helping parents practice ongoing vigilance. Because children are hurt in household accidents that are preventable every day, education holds precedence. Hirtenstein’s own safety list includes anchoring furniture—TVs, bookshelves, chests of drawers—securing loose wires and blind cords, gating stairs, and latching up cabinets with dangerous or caustic materials inside. Even small things like loose medication at the bottom of a purse become a potential hazard with children around. “It’s the little things like that…that I try to educate parents on,” Hirtenstein says. What’s next for this safety-on-the-brain father? Incorporating four-legged clients into his business. “You’d be surprised by how many people ask me to come in and puppy-proof their homes,” says Hirtenstein. “It’s been a natural progression because, to some people, their dogs are their babies, and they want those animals protected just as much as small children.” Hirtenstein’s biggest fan, his son Jesse, who turns ten this month, also considers the company’s future. “He often talks about taking over Baby-SAFE one day,” Hirtenstein says proudly. “I told him I’m more than happy for him to have it as long as he finishes college and there’s a place for me in the company.” Although the two oftentimes find themselves on opposite sides of the aisle during Yankees-Red Sox games, father and son spend quality time at baseball games, bowling and at the dog park. “I spend as much time as I can with him,” Hirtenstein says, “He’s my best friend.” To learn more about Baby-SAFE, visit babysafeamerica.com. www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:28 PM
Nowhere Else in Manhattan 515 East 72 Condominium has it all under one roof
Expansive layouts with balconies
Magnificent views
Private half-acre park
Fitness center
Elements spa
56’ Indoor pool
Lifestyle wellness programs
Introducing kids’ programs by
ONE TO FOUR BEDROOM RESIDENCES PRICED FROM $724,500 TOWER RESIDENCES ON FLOORS 32 TO 40 PRICED FROM $1,620,000
IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY | FINANCING AVAILABLE Exclusive marketing and sales agent: Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group | ON-SITE SALES CENTER OPEN DAILY The complete offering terms are in an offering plan from the sponsor: River Terrace Apartments LLC. File No. CD05-0596.
RiverTerrace.indd 1
888.703.2810 www.515E72.com 9/14/11 4:59 PM
it’s my
1
2
3
Olivia mandelblatt celebrated her 1st birthday at Central Park’s turtle Pond.
1. The birthday girl gets some lung power from Mom and Dad to help blow out her cupcake’s candle. 2. Olivia makes a drum circle with friends. 3. Olivia is all smiles while catching sunbeams on her father’s shoulders. Photos by Heidi Green (heidigreen.com)
1
2
3
marc Cohen celebrates his 3rd birthday, Elmo-style, at City treehouse.
1. Marc gets crafty with some Elmo stickers and crayons. 2. Party guests get wet and wild in Treehouse’s ultra-fun water table. 3. The birthday boy is over-the-moon about his birthday cake…and is ready to dig in. Photos by Suzanne Cohen (suzannecohenphotography.com)
3
1
2
4
matias Lopez celebrates his 2nd birthday at apple seeds.
1. Matias steadies his crown as he prepares to blow out his Paul Frank-inspired party treats. 2. Brother and sister Alexa hug it out. 3. Nothing better than a little crayon fun! 4. The whole party lines up for a beauty shot beneath Matias’ larger-than-life name balloons. Photos by Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company (sarahmerians.com)
34
New York Family | October 2011
ITSMYPARTY_1011.indd 34
www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 12:38 PM
halloween headquarters
KIDS & ADULT COSTUMES, PARTY SUPPLIES, DECORATIONS, PROPS AND CANDY
1243 Third Ave. New York, NY 10021 Tel: 212-879-8076
STATIONERY ARTS & CRAFTS
112 East 86th St. New York, NY 10028 Tel: 212-831-8010
New Location Opening Soon at 63rd & 2nd
StateNews.indd 1
9/16/11 10:22 AM
the
of shopping
SHOP FOR THE CURE
Estée Lauder, Evelyn Lauder
emerginC Red Carpet Primer
Limited Edition Donna Karan
Republic of Tea Sip for the Cure Tea Bags
Avon Walk Playing Cards
Nothing makes a woman feel confident and feminine quite like a vibrant shade of lipstick. Throw in a sassy pink case and she’s set. For this fabulous Pink Ribbon Collection, Evelyn Lauder personally selected the “Wildly Pink” shade and Estée Lauder will donate 20% of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Pure Color lipstick will pretty-ify your pout, while the contribution to the fight against breast cancer will leave you smiling.
What could be more red carpet-worthy (or “pink” carpet-worthy!) than a plant-based anti-aging primer with 20% of its proceeds going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure? With its scientificallydeveloped moisturizing formula bursting with vitamin C, emerginC’s Red Carpet Primer will have you looking younger, feeling fresher and glowing with the urge to join women everywhere in finding a cure for breast cancer.
Help shine a light on the search for a cure with this luxurious limited edition candle from Donna Karan. This candle, nestled in understated frosted glass, radiates a luxurious, misty scent inspired by the decadence of cashmere. Calm your senses with its subtle aroma, and set your mind at ease knowing that Donna Karan will donate $5 per candle sold to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
The soothing powers of herbal tea have long been common knowledge, however with the Republic of Tea’s Sip for the Cure collection, the healing properties of the beverage extend to a donation of a dollar from every tin of tea sold. Take comfort in the delicious variety of natural pink flavors, including grapefruit, pink lady apple, lemonade, cherry and pomegranate vanilla—and in knowing that you’re doing your part.
Bright, cheerful playing cards from Avon pack endless hours of fun into a sleek and convenient package sporting the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer logo on frosted plastic. These handy cards can be easily toted along to busy fundraisers and events—like the Avon Walk in New York City on October 15 and 16—or keep a couple of decks around the house and use game time as an opportunity to talk to your kids about the fight for a cure!
$24, esteelauder.com
$42, emerginc.com
$25, donnakaranbeauty.com
Starting at $10, republicoftea.com
Pink Ribbon Collection
Cashmere Mist Candle
$5, shop.avon.com
Race For The Cure, Too!
Since its inaugural race in Dallas in 1983, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure has set the standard for Breast Cancer Awareness fundraisers. Not only has the event raised over $1.9 billion to help find a cure, but it is also famous for its unique energy (think pink feather boas!) and sense of camaraderie amongst racers. This year, check out one of the 146 races happening globally and show your support for breast cancer awareness while sharing stories of survival, love, loss and perseverance with others. Visit komen.org to find a race in your local community and learn more about this exciting event!
36
New York Family | October 2011
JOYofSHOPPING_1011.indd 36
www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:27 PM
Jack L. Mitchell, DDS Orthodontics: Rita V. Taliwal, DMD, MS
www.pediatricdentistNYC.com 305 East 55th St. New York, NY 10022
between 1st & 2nd Avenues 212-755-3355
YoU CAN’T PIcK HIS FRIENDs.
YoU cAN’T PIcK HIS wIFE.
PIcK HIs FIRsT DoG.
Pets are for life. At Bideawee we offer people and pets the services they need to build lasting relationships. Our adoption centers, skilled matchmakers and trainers work hard to make sure you make the right match. Get to know our adoption centers, and all we offer at bideawee.org or call 1.866.262.8133. animal people for people who love animals™
Partials_1011.indd 6
9/16/11 11:57 AM
a good
idea
Two Prominent Mommy Bloggers Show Other Moms (and dads) How To achieve a Successful Career On The Web in The Digital Mom Handbook
Colleen Padilla and audrey McClelland
BY WhitNEY CaSSEr With six children under six-years-old and degrees in Public Speaking, Anthropology and an Ivy League MBA between the two of them, Audrey McClelland and Colleen Padilla are a true dynamic duo. The two stay-at-home career-moms successfully launched their personal blogs—Mom Generations and Classy Mommy, respectively—over five years ago. Recently, they teamed up to write a book on the experience of working for themselves and building their own brands as working mothers. The result? The Digital Mom Handbook: How to Blog, Vlog, Tweet, and Facebook Your Way to a Dream Career at Home—an entrepreneurial quick-read that defies the traditional categorization of a “how-to.” It’s part autobiography, part social anthropology, and a whole lot of inspiration. What inspired you to write The Digital Mom Handbook? Audrey McClelland: We started blogging in 2006…and everybody kind of felt like there was a secret to making money.
38
New York Family | October 2011
GOODIDEA_1011.indd 38
We got questions from other bloggers and women who wanted to start blogs. And no one had written a book about it. So we were like, would you ever want to join forces and create a roadmap for moms who want to start blogging, and how they can potentially turn it into a business? Colleen Padilla: It was really important to get the word out so other moms knew how to do it, and how to define their own success, whether it be money, gaining recognition…whatever it is that would allow them to still meet those needs but also be able to spend time with their children… We interviewed 200 moms, and 65 moms ended up being featured, which we both feel is just so crucial because not everyone’s experience is going to be the same as [ours]. What is the most challenging part of being a mommy blogger? AM: We all went into this for the same reason, and that is to be at home with our families. So the most difficult thing has been seeing these blogs grow and then having to be on the road for
Photo: Stephanie Ellie
A Blog of Her own Five Tips On How To Get Started With Blogging By Audrey McClelland and Colleen Padilla 1. Know your passion. This will help you immensely from the get-go. You need to make sure you love what you are blogging about. 2. Log on and keep posting. Try to blog daily. This will make it a habit, improve your writing and help you find your voice. Your audience will grow as you continue to write more and more. Try not to take more than three days off. 3. Grab the reader. Title your posts so they sound engaging. Think of when you read a magazine or newspaper and how the headline captures your attention. 4. Check out other bloggers. Leave comments on their blogs. Link to them in your own blog posts. Start to find some blogging friends you can rely on and grow with. Be part of the community! 5. Make it visual. If you have a day where you have nothing to write about, photos and videos go a LONG way on a post. Branch out and add lots of dimensions to your blog! www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:38 PM
opportunities to fulfill this business. For me, I’m the only one in my family who’s making an income. My husband was laid off, and so the blog has truly become a family business. CP: You have to decide what’s most important to you. So I think the challenging thing for me has been that there are a lot of really neat opportunities, but my number one goal is to always say that I’m doing this so I can spend time with my kids and not to work full time… But there’s mom guilt either way! What do your husbands and children think of what you do? AM: It always cracks me up when my five-year-old is like, “Mom, are you on Twitter?” So I’m trying to teach them the best way that I can that I’m sharing my life online. CP: They love testing out all the new products and toys. And my husband’s really supportive. He was the one who originally encouraged me to start a blog. What has been your most rewarding experience so far? AM: I run Mom Generations with my mom and my sister, and Estée Lauder reached out to us to do a breast cancer awareness ad. It was an extremely emotional opportunity because we were doing it in honor of our cousin Cathy. For me it was a true full-circle moment because I worked in the fashion industry in New York for five years, and the photo was actually picked up by Women’s Wear Daily. I still kind of get goosebumps because it was the first thing that we’ve ever been able to do together where we actually [made] an impact. CP: The most rewarding thing for me is any event where I’m able to include my kids… We’ve gotten to work multiple times with Jennifer Garner and the Save the Children campaign. We helped her pack 900 snack boxes for kids. What is the best piece of parenting advice you’ve ever received? AM: It’s from my mother: just enjoy the regular moments. We become so crazy in our lives as parents, and especially being a work-at-home mom…that it’s the moments that are regular in life that I’m trying to savor. CP: “The days are long, but the years are short.” I feel like I say it to myself 20 times a day any time I make a decision… It’s like a mantra! For more information, visit digitalmomhandbook.com. And for more from Audrey and Colleen, visit momgenerations.com and classymommy.com. www.newyorkfamily.com
GOODIDEA_1011.indd 39
Soccer Classes for Kids Enroll Now for Fall
Fi tnes s ● SO CCER ● F u n
Ages 2 and up Beginner & Advanced Classes Private Groups Mini Camps Birthday Parties
www.jcsocroc.com P. (917) 703-0409 with Locations in Manhattan & Queens
October 2011 | New York Family
39
9/16/11 4:38 PM
NEW YORK CITY Music in Early Childhood Makes a Difference
B RO ADWAY BABI E S
R OCK ‘N ’ ROLL B ABI E S 184 East 76th St. New York, NY 10021
(212) 717-0703 applauseny.com
Morningside Montessori School 251 West 100th Street
Accepting Applications for Fall 2012 Ages 2-5 year olds Programs include: • Toddler 3 & 5 day • Full day, Morning & Afternoon • Yoga, Movement and Music Classes
For more information call (212) 155-1555
www.morningsidemontessori.org
Partials_1011.indd 8
9/16/11 11:59 AM
a division of
Steps on Broadway
Training the dancers of tomorrow.
Dance Programs for ages 2–18 Free Trial Classes during the month of October (Terms & Conditions Apply)
NYFamilyad1_11.pdf
1
12/15/10
11:49 AM
2121 Broadway @ 74th St, NYC 10023 • 212-874-3678 • StepsNYC.com
SAS_NYFamilyOct_QtrPgAd.indd 1
C
M
Y
9/12/11 10:21:24 AM
three little birds music music education & exploration for children
CM
Music Classes, Playroom Birthday Parties and More
MY
CY
CMY
K
266 east 78th street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue
schedule your free trial today! www.tlbmusic.com 212 744 0404
Partials_1011.indd 9
9/16/11 12:00 PM
Up
GROWING
The TruTh
AbouT
bullying
For All The AntiBullying Initiatives In Recent Years, It’s Still A Fact Of School Life— Here’s What Parents Can Do About It BY ElOra TOcci By some accounts, more than half of kids report getting picked on at the beginning of each school year, says Dr. Mirjam Quinn, an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at Argosy University in Chicago. That statistic, coupled with periodic news reports on children committing suicide because of bullying, paints an upsetting picture for parents. Being bullied may be the common thread that unites the largest number of kids from different cultures, belief systems and parts of the country. But Dr. Quinn says that when parents work with their children to address the issue, it can actually help them grow up to be more resilient people later in life.
42
New York Family | October 2011
GROWINGUP_1011.indd 42
www.newyorkfamily.com
9/19/11 5:37 PM
Of course, that isn’t to say that bullying can’t be destructive. also teach their kids to stand tall, speak loudly and clearly and “Research shows that exclusion and bullying activate pain centers look a bully straight in the eye. in the brain,” Quinn says. “We shouldn’t underestimate the effects “What you say is as important as how you say it,” she insists. of bullying, but if a child has a good support system of adults who But when bullying isn’t happening face-to-face, things get are willing to listen and help, the experience of getting bullied can even more complicated. Cyberbullying poses a unique threat bego from damaging to an opportunity for growth.” cause it can be anonymous and relentless. Kids who use Facebook, Parents can create such an opportunity by staying tuned into their Twitter, email or other electronic means to bully their peers don’t children’s lives, especially with regard to what’s going on at school. have to deal with the guilt of hurting someone’s feelings in person. Emmy Award-winning actress, anti-bullying activist and author of They can post a mean comment and never realize that the victim Free To Be You And Me, Marlo Thomas says that when kids become spent the rest of the night crying. bullying victims, their behavior will usually change. They often wake Quinn says the solution remains the involvement of parents. up complaining of stomachaches or other physical ailments, and try They should monitor their kids’ online activity and talk to them to avoid going to school or riding the bus. They may stop spending about the consequences of social networking and posting content time with friends. Kids may also start acting moodier, change their online, whether it’s potentially malicious material or not. eating or sleeping habits, or lose interest in activities they once en“Once something’s on the Internet, it’s there forever,” she joyed. If parents notice these warning signs, they should talk to their warns. “Kids have to know that they’re always responsible for child and try to get him to open up about what’s going on. anything they put out there.” “Children are often ashamed when they’re bullied because Despite the prevalence of bullying, Quinn says that children they’re afraid they’ll look weak,” Thomas says. “Parents should who learn the value of treating others respectfully and standing up turn the table and explain that the bully is the one who should be for what’s right can transcend the teasing and pass those positive ashamed.” values on to future generations. Quinn says adults have to be an active part of the solution to Kids can also take comfort knowing that whatever harassbullying, and they should talk to school administrators and work ment they are enduring, they are not alone. One local young rock together to change the culture of intimidation. group, Radio Silence NYC, sends just that message with its song “You can’t leave a child alone in a world where he feels com“Renegade.” With lyrics like “hatred is the enemy,” band members pletely helpless,” she says. Zach Allen, Wyatt Offit, Dylan Brenner and Tim Holmes help to Quinn notes that bullying is most prevalent during the middle spread a far-reaching message that bullying is intolerable. school years, when teens begin to identify strongly with their peer Audiences have been responsive to their music and message, groups and fight for social acceptance. At that age, kids commonly and many fans have thanked them for taking a stand. After the think that the clearest way to get themselves to the top of the group’s drummer, Offit, shared a personal story at a recent concert social hierarchy is to push down other people. Boys tend to bully about his own struggles with being bullied, tons of kids came with physical pushing and jostling while girls tend to use relational forward and told him they too had similar experiences. The band is aggression, gossiping about and excluding certain classmates. partnering with dosomething.org for a school tour this fall, getting Kids who take it to the extreme and systematically or continuously involved in assemblies and outreach. torture those whom they see as weaker usually have mental health “We do this to inspire people, to tell the bullies that what issues, unstable home lives or grapple with other problems that they’re doing isn’t cool and the victims that they aren’t alone and spark their cruel behavior. there are things they can do to stop bullying,” Offit says. “We do But whoever the bully may be, Quinn says parents should this to look at a fan and realize they genuinely appreciate our mesencourage their children to stand up for themselves. Kids who can sage. We want to help make their lives better.” laugh off bullying or remain unruffled by it don’t make entertaining victims for their abusers. Bullies want their victims to react projectbully.com: This by students-for students non-profit org and social network and get upset, and they will usually move aims to raise awareness of bullying around the globe. Students can share their on if their targets are unfazed. Bullies are stories and ask for advice. also much less likely to target kids who radiosilencenyc.com: This New York City-based rock band aims to affect change have allies, so Quinn suggests encouragthrough their music. Their first single, “Renegade” helps spread awareness of the ing kids to travel in pairs and seek out one growing problem. good friend they can count on for support. respectu.com: Run by anti-bullying expert Dr. Joel Haber, this site offers concrete Parents or caregivers who suspect their kids are being bullied can help them advice for parents with children dealing with bullying, including a quick five-step plan. safeyouth.org: Led by the Centers for Disease Control, STRYVE (Striving to Reduce practice responding to taunts. Without Youth Violence Everywhere) takes a public health approach to stopping youth viofurther ostracizing the child, parents should consider which attributes their son lence before it starts. or daughter might be getting teased about stompoutbullying.org: This organization started Annual Blue Shirt Day, held on the first Monday of October, where kids and adults are encouraged to don blue and think of quick, snappy comebacks shirts to bring awareness to bullying and cyberbullying. that can be used to deflect bullies. If parstopbullying.gov: This organization provides info from various government agenents start off the conversation with things cies on how kids, teens, parents and educators can help prevent and stop bullying. they personally feel vulnerable about, it relaxes the child and helps him think more stopbullyingnow.com: This site provides training materials for children, parents and teachers, as well as helpful hints on how to identify a bully and techniques that clearly. When kids practice responding at work (and don’t work) when confronting one. home, they feel less pressure to think on westophate.org: Founded by seventeen-year-old activist, Emily-Anne Rigal, their feet and can feel confident in their westophate is a call to action to stop hate and raise “teen esteem.” Encourages ability to stand up for themselves when individuality through social media. needed. Quinn says that parents should
Where To Find Help
www.newyorkfamily.com
GROWINGUP_1011.indd 43
October 2011 | New York Family
43
9/16/11 4:35 PM
a
special
place
Got
Photos by andrew schwartz
Math?
Mathnasium—a learning center Where Numbers Rule—Bolsters Math Skills, confidence and enthusiasm Whether You’re a Struggling Student Or a Natural BY NaNcY RYeRsON It’s break time at summer math camp. Five fifth grade girls squeal over a game of UNO, closely clutching their cards to their faces. A competition brews in the foreground. Posters dot the walls behind them, one especially funny, which quotes David, age 10, “When aliens come to Earth they’ll speak math, not English.” A tutoring spot on the Upper West Side, Mathnasium helps kids get personal help with everything from adding and subtracting to fractions and fractals. But this small yet open space, which sports a wall of exposed brick, doesn’t look like an ordinary math classroom—a chess set and Rubik’s cube sit on one table near some big, bright windows, and a jar of Smarties candy rests temptingly on another. Mathnasium, part of a national chain of math learning centers, has two locations in Manhattan both owned by married couple Tammy and Marc Goldberg. During the school year, the center offers tutoring via individual lessons and small groups for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. It’s focus is two-fold: bringing students up to snuff in their grade level as well as giving extra challenges to number-crunching pros. All the while, the center strives to remove the negative stigma that math learning can have for youngsters, especially those who struggle with numbers. “Why do kids hate math? Because it doesn’t make sense [at first],” says Marc Goldberg. “But we haven’t had a kid come in here who couldn’t become great at math—they [just] need the right tools. As math starts to make sense, it becomes fun.” To get started, each student who comes in—there are about 200 students between the Upper East and Upper West Side loca-
44
New York Family | October 2011
SPECIALPLACE_1011.indd 44
tions—takes an assessment test to figure out his or her individualized plan. Generally, highly-trained tutors help kids get away from memorizing answers and start building “number sense,” a deeper understanding of how math works. To do this, tutors help connect math with the real world by using tools like dice, money and math games. And the tutors aren’t just math whizzes—they also love working with kids, which is important for making Mathnasium a fun and welcoming hub, Tammy Goldberg says. Tammy, who studied math education in college, started out teaching high school in New Jersey for two years. Dissatisfied with the classroom atmosphere, she decided to pursue acting and tutored math on the side. She soon discovered that she got more out of tutoring than performing, and sought a way to help kids more than just once a week when worried parents called about a tricky homework assignment. But the dissatisfaction didn’t stop there. “I felt like when I was doing my own private instruction, I was really just putting BandAids on,” explains Tammy. “I wanted to be able to go back and really help the underlying issues.” After falling in love with Mathnasium’s overall philosophy, Tammy opened a location on the Upper East Side and followed it with an Upper West Side center a little over two years later. And though her husband, Marc, doesn’t come from a strict mathematics background, he soon fell numerator-over-denominator with the project, too. After going through business school, Marc pursued a rock music career and started a music company with his brother. When Tammy needed help with the business side of Mathnasium, Marc jumped in, and soon he was hooked on helping kids. www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:36 PM
Make
M ath Fun (An d Relev ant)
At Home
By Tammy and marc GoldBerG of maThnasium Buy several large, soft cookies (or pieces of pita, for us health nuts!) to have some fun with fractions. Cutting up food is a great way to teach your child about “parts of a whole.” Ask your child to show you how to:
Share 3 cookies equally between the two of you. Then try it with 5 cookies. Share 1 cookie so that 3 people will get a fair or equal share. Share 2 cookies evenly among 3 people. Share 3 cookies evenly among 4 people. mathnasium owners, marc and Tammy Goldberg
“I fell in love with teaching math,” says Marc. “It ended up coming very naturally to me.” When you combine Tammy’s education experience with Marc’s business sense and fold in the couple’s passion for teaching kids math, it’s no wonder the center grew quickly. At about the same time as the second location opened, the duo started another new endeavor—they became parents. Their son Teddy is 19 months old now and can already count to 14. But his parents say they’re not pushing a super early math education—he’s just naturally inclined. “He’s very studious,” says Tammy with a laugh. But Mathnasium stresses that even if a child isn’t born counting her fingers and toes, any kid can gain the math skills she needs to succeed in school and feel confident. Marc talks about one girl who he’s been working with for two years. When she started, her parents were ready to pull her out of her www.newyorkfamily.com
SPECIALPLACE_1011.indd 45
competitive elementary school because her math struggles were causing such insecurity. A rock music fan herself, the young girl was paired with Marc and with practice, she made her way to grade level math and beyond. “One of the beautiful things about this business is that we make such an impact in the lives of not only the students but also their parents,” says Marc. “This was a very difficult thing in her household and the parents just couldn’t solve the problem.” Tammy says parents often gush, “What are you doing? Why does my kid not want to leave?” and ask when they’re going to open a “Readingnasium.” While that’s not in the works, the couple does plan to open a third Mathnasium location in Tribeca in about two years. “I don’t know what I would do without Mathnasium,” Tammy reflects, “It just fits me like a perfect glove.” To learn more, visit mathnasium.com.
Help your children set up their room like a store by placing prices on different items. Let them be the store owner and you be the customer. Have them ring up your purchases, which requires them to add up the prices of the items and subtract to make change for you. Children should learn how to make change from all denominations of coins and bills. Ask questions like: If I want to buy a book that costs 50 cents, and all I have is 39 cents, how much more do I need? If I buy a pencil that costs 18 cents, how much change will I get from a quarter? If I buy a box of crayons that costs $1.46, how much change will I get from $5.00? October 2011 | New York Family
45
9/16/11 4:36 PM
"HAPPIEST" DOCTOR DR. HARVEY KARP HAS HELPED COUNTLESS PARENTS CALM THEIR BABIES AND UNDERSTAND THEIR TODDLERS窶年OT TO MENTION GET A LOT MORE SLEEP BY WHITNEY CASSER PHOTOS BY KATIE DAVIES, CLAIRE ALYSE PHOTOGRAPHY 46
New York Family | October 2011
CoverStory_1011.indd 46
www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:26 PM
A
“I always joke that you have to take classes to get a driver’s license. But there’s no education needed to have a child.”
HOUSEHOLD NAME FOR OVER A DECADE,
Dr. Harvey Karp has helped millions of parents navigate the demanding and often difficult aspects of the baby years. For new moms and dads, Karp’s now classic books and DVDs—The Happiest Baby on the Block and The Happiest Toddler on the Block—have taught them how to successfully swaddle, shush and swing their babies into relaxed bliss, and communicate with their toddlers in a way that actually works. For some families, Karp’s techniques have been the key to achieving domestic tranquility—those elusive moments of peace. For others, it has brought them back from the brink of exhaustion and misjudgment, allowing them to function as the parents they want to be. Married for 14 years to his wife, Nina, Karp was raised in Queens and attended Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx. Now, with nearly 30 years of pediatric experience under his belt, a pair of books that have been translated into more than 20 different languages and a “Super-Soothing” Sleep Sounds CD (soon to be released on iTunes), Karp continues to spread his words of wisdom to parents across the globe through lectures and education outreach programs. With his enormous and enduring influence, some have compared Karp to a latter day Dr. Spock. Karp himself however, still seems like the hardworking and humble pediatrician he’s always been, only now he has a platform to help spread the word on important issues like shaken baby syndrome and postpartum depression, while teaching parents everywhere to “shush” with the skill of a Jewish grandmother. When did you first realize that your methods for quieting babies and communicating with toddlers were working? Did you have an “aha” moment? I was studying childhood development at UCLA and I learned about a tribe in Southern Africa where the parents could calm their crying babies in under a minute. I had been taught that some babies could cry two, three or four hours a day… So when I learned that there were people in Africa who were so much more successful than we were in our culture, that was an “aha” moment for me. I realized either those children are different from our children or those parents know something that we had forgotten in our culture. And that really set me off with understanding how babies work, which led to another “aha” moment, which was that babies have a reflex—a calming reflex that no one knew about before—that is a virtual “off ” switch for crying and “on” switch for sleep. And that’s really the basis of my Happiest Baby work, the key concept of which is that babies are born three months too soon. Tell us more. You don’t need to make your baby independent right away. You don’t need to make them feel like they’re not the center of attention. They need to be the
www.newyorkfamily.com
CoverStory_1011.indd 47
October 2011 | New York Family
47
9/16/11 4:26 PM
center of attention! Because we evict them from the uterus three months before they’re ready, the least we can do is hold them and rock them and feed them a lot. What inspired you to create The Happiest Baby on the Block and The Happiest Toddler on the Block books and DVDs and to spread the knowledge of your techniques? As a pediatrician, I saw that I was giving parents tools that were helpful—so it was a natural desire to reach even more parents. I also came to realize that through teaching my own patients, just telling people what to do as one might through a book, isn’t enough. You have to demonstrate it. I also wanted to get dads more involved, and dads were much more likely to watch a half-hour video than to read a 300-page parenting book. All parents struggle to find the time. It’s hard to find time to get through that type of reading, and we’re a TV generation! Have you ever encountered a baby you couldn’t calm? What I’ve found is that if these techniques don’t work for babies, 95% of the time it’s because they’re not being done correctly. But if everything is done correctly and it’s still not working, then the child needs a medical evaluation, because the likely reason for crying is that there is something physical. But the biggest reason the Happiest Baby work is popular with parents actually has nothing to do with crying babies. It has to do with sleep! Parents can get an extra hour or two of sleep at night. Tell us about your work with toddlers. When a toddler is happy, your voice gets happy, too. With young children though, when they’re upset, we actually do the opposite. Most parents become more calm and quiet and reserved, like we’re trying to convince them into being more calm, which makes children actually feel worse. It makes them scream louder. Or they listen to us and they calm down but they keep those feelings inside and they grow up thinking that nobody wants to hear how angry they are or how they feel. And that’s a very unhealthy way to grow up. When kids are very happy we naturally use “toddlerese.” We say, “Oh that’s great! You did it! Good job!” But when they’re unhappy we develop an unhealthy way of interacting with them… What’s important is nonverbal communication and speaking to a young child with more emotion in your voice when they’re upset. You mirror about 30% of their emotion. What do you like most about working with children? It’s just so much fun. I’m not in practice anymore though. I stopped that six years ago because my travel and writing schedules were so demanding. But seeing 20 little kids every day, who I can build confidence with and build relationships with, is just great. As a doctor, it’s such a privileged position because people invite you into the deepest part of their family, and so that was the most gratifying part of being a doctor and the hardest part for me not to have anymore.
48
New York Family | October 2011
CoverStory_1011.indd 48
What is a typical day like for you? A typical day for me is eight hours of writing. But I’ll usually spend a couple of hours speaking to medical and educational professionals across the country. Actually, one of the interesting things about my Happiest Baby work is finding out about the very high incidences of postpartum depression. It’s about 15% of all new mothers (and 25-50% of their partners), half a million women a year. The main triggers for postpartum depression are crying babies, exhaustion and unsupportive partners. All three of those are directly improved through the Happiest Baby work. That’s one of the main reasons we started the Happiest Baby Educator Program about six years ago. We now have 2,600 educators across the country and in other nations, and we’re training another 2,000 right now to work in hospitals and clinics and military bases all across the country. What future challenges do you see for pediatric medicine? I always joke that you have to take classes to get a driver’s license. But there’s no education needed to have a child. Well, now there is the education. We have Happiest Baby classes. While most of the training we get is to do well in school and to do well in the workplace, that has nothing to do with young children. That skill set of reasonableness, of logic, of compromise is great for using with little kids when they’re calm and happy, but when they’re upset and there’s conflict, it actually becomes counterproductive. Tell me about your family. Has your step-daughter Lexi been involved in your work? I think it influenced her quite a bit. She’s studying psychology and neuroscience at Columbia. And she wants to write The Happiest Teenager on the Block with me! I think it’s influenced her to have good communication skills and she has great talents that she gets from her mother in being a real people person. What is the best piece of parenting advice you’ve ever received? What about the worst advice? The best is: don’t go to bed mad. Work things out. Even if you agree to disagree, do it in such a way that you don’t have to go to sleep with hostility. And the worst has to do with discipline; it’s that kids need to be intimidated… With each generation we learn new things. Spanking is an old, ancient way of disciplining through intimidation, but ultimately it’s a dead-end street… I mean, nobody wants to hit their kid. If they had a simple way that would work, I don’t think anyone would hit their kids. And so my job now is letting people know the ways that exist.
Meet Dr. Harvey Karp At tHe New PAreNts exPo want to meet the happiest doctor on the block? You can catch Dr. Karp at our New Parents expo on october 15 and 16 at Pier 92, where the famous doc will be a special keynote speaker. For tickets, visit newparentsexpo.com. see page 20 for more info. www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:26 PM
has multiplied!
X 506 Amsterdam Avenue (b/t 84th and 85th)
1597 York Avenue (b/t 84th and 85th)
212-828-MATH (6284) Call Now to schedule a Fun, Informative, and Risk-free Assessment!
Partials_1011.indd 10
9/16/11 12:01 PM
new parents expo
The UlTimaTe
Girlfriend with Her Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy, Vicki Iovine Gave Birth to one of the Most relatable (and Hilarious) parenting Books ever—and PHOtOGraPHY: aNDrEW sCHWartZ
an empire of advice For Moms Followed suit BY Kat HarrisON Vicki Iovine believes in being the capital G kind of Girlfriend: a woman who strives for greatness but in the end, recognizes that we’re only human. And she is just as honest with her Girlfriends, too—whether they want to hear it or not. And apparently they do. For the past 17 years, Iovine has devoted herself to penning the wildly popular Girlfriends’ Guide series, covering everything from baby bumps to baby gear, in witty advice-laden favorites like The Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy and The Girlfriends’ Guide to Getting Your Groove Back. A mother of four—Jade, Jamie, Jessica and Jeremy—now ages 17 to 23, it was pregnancy and then childbirth that originally inspired Iovine to write. And it’s her just-go-with-it wisdom that has proven to have universal and lasting appeal for moms at every stage of their adventure. Tell me about your kids. They are grown-ups now. But they will always be my babies. And of course because I am with my last one at home, and she’s graduating this year, I am really being sentimental and doing much more than they ask of me. I’m even going to a rave…The Identity Festival, with electronic music DJs. And my son, Jamie, is one of them. My oldest daughter, Jessica, is a media student at USC. She’s a senior and very gifted in the arts, particularly in photography. My youngest daughter, Jade, is Co-Student Body President.
50
New York Family | October 2011
NEWPARENTEXPO_1011.indd 50
She is interested in politics. My other son, Jeremy, is a sophomore at NYU, at the Stern School of Business. I am proud! You have an entire family full of rock stars! It’s colorful, like a circus act. When you have four kids that close in age, they all have to find a very distinct and different way to express themselves because it is too much competition. It’s fun to watch—now I just wander around and witness what they are doing. Let’s get to the books. What led you to start the series? What happened first was pregnancy. It took me three years to get pregnant and I wanted to so badly. I used to make bargains with God and say, “I’ll never complain. I don’t care if you give me morning sickness every day.” And then I got pregnant. I was nauseous and tired and fat and complaining constantly… And I finally reached out to other pregnant women, even if I knew that a Girlfriend of a Girlfriend was pregnant. And I found out that everything that I was going through were things experienced by www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 12:13 PM
a million other pregnant women—but no one talked about it. Because we all learned about pregnancy more through books than we did from our mothers and our aunts. So you wouldn’t say your series is a substitute for going to the doctors. Oh gosh no. If anything, it is a remedy for what doctors tell you and don’t tell you. It gives you a little more breathing space and a little more permission to just go with it. You don’t have to control a pregnancy. The pregnancy has already got you by the tail so you should just follow it.
“You are growing an entire human being from scratch! That’s better than making homemade macaroni and cheese.” Tell me about your Girlfriends. I come from a long line of them. In fact, in my office I have a picture of my mother-in-law and all her Girlfriends—the most recent friend in the bunch, she has known for 45 years. And then my mother was always surrounded by Girlfriends because my Dad was an L.A. Police Officer and they had a club for the wives of the LAPD. That was her sanity. So I was always raised with Girlfriends, thinking they’re there, they understand. What is the best advice that a Girlfriend has given you about motherhood? Live your life as if your children don’t hear a thing you say, but watch everything you do. The worst? That you only put on zero to three pounds in your first trimester! I couldn’t enjoy a good pregnancy until I was at least 35 to 40 pounds overweight. I mean, if you can’t go for it then…when can you? White bread, tuna sandwich—oh my gosh, it was great! Do you have any tips to share with women going back to work after their maternity leave? There is one great worry—that you are going to miss something. And let me tell you, that is true. But the good news is, [the moments] tend to repeat themselves. You may not see the first step, but you’ll see the second or third. Why do you feel it’s so important for a mother to maintain her sense of self? I think that sometimes when we are new mothers, we often think “this is all that was specified for me. I have achieved what I have to achieve.” What is most interesting is that we will probably all live to be 85 or 90 and we’ll have only spent 20 of those years parenting. Some of us do our most productive work after this time. What’s one stage of motherhood that you would do all over again? I liked delivery—does that make me sound crazy? It was Christmas morning to me. I loved being part of a process, not www.newyorkfamily.com
NEWPARENTEXPO_1011.indd 51
to say I wasn’t scared. But I loved that I was going to meet this person. And it was sort of an athletic challenge—so fraught with anticipation. What would you tell a pregnant woman who is feeling not-soconfident in her new skin? First of all, I think that society is already telling her something different than what they told me. I remember when I was working as a lawyer and as a television producer, I would have to put a Band-Aid on my popped out belly button and then put control top pantyhose on top of that. Now women wear bikinis and have their Butterball turkey popped out. But I think we do get a little down about it. So then I have to tell people—look at what you are achieving. You are growing an entire human being from scratch! That’s better than making homemade macaroni and cheese. You’ve had such an involved career. Can you speak to work-life balance at all? Babysitters, nannies and housekeepers. And anybody who tells you that it is different is pathological! Or just martyrs. My mother has always told me that. Absolutely! If I am on an airplane and [see] a poor mother who has two kids and one of them is a baby who won’t stop crying—I will always offer to help. That’s the village! What’s been your most surprising discovery about parenting your children? That I can trust their choices. My expectations came down to: as long as you are alive, not bleeding and not threatening suicide, we can probably deal with the rest even if you make a mistake. And most times they didn’t. And if they did, they remedied it themselves. I stopped saying, “You’ve got to get into a good college.” I’m going for the bigger: stay alive, stay healthy and stay happy. The rest are just incidentals. What do you have in the works right now? A television series on The Girlfriends’ Guide To Getting Divorced—just hired our writer yesterday. I was divorced three years ago from the father of my kids, very amicably I must say— he and I are very close. I even have a boyfriend!
Meet Vicki ioVine
At the new PArents exPo Love Vicki? We couldn’t agree with you more! You can catch her at our New Parents Expo on October 15 and 16 at Pier 92, where the Girlfriend expert will be a special Keynote Speaker. For tickets, visit newparentsexpo.com. See page 20 for more info. October 2011 | New York Family
51
9/16/11 3:04 PM
new parents expo
The New
PediaTrics
How to Combine Mainstream and natural Medicine to raise Healthy Children BY Dr. BOB SearS My favorite part about being a pediatrician is getting newborn babies into my practice. There’s nothing like those tiny, squirming, grunting, eight-pound bundles of joy to brighten my day. I know that I play an integral role in a young family’s life, and the decisions I make as a baby’s doctor help ensure life-long health. So I want to be certain I am making the right decisions and helping each family to make wise health care choices. This includes being open-minded to new ideas and being humble enough to admit that I didn’t learn everything I needed to in medical school. To this end, I have shifted my approach to include more holistic and natural treatments. That’s not to say that I’ve thrown my medical textbooks out the window—far from it! Instead, I am learning to evaluate natural treatment options that are scientifically valid, testing them to determine their efficacy, and incorporating what works into my practice for the betterment of my patients. And I am finding that more and more parents are looking for pediatricians who do just that. Here are five ways in which I have found that a more natural approach may be better than writing a quick prescription. 1. Limit Antibiotics I think that many pediatricians and family doctors have gotten the message that antibiotic overuse is a problem. Here’s a common story I experience when I see a new two-year-old in my office: first ear infection at 4 months (antibi-
52
New York Family | October 2011
NEWPARENTEXPO_1011.indd 52
otic #1), sinus infection at 7 months (antibiotic #2), ear infection at 12 months (antibiotic #3), persistent ear infection at 13 months (antibiotic #4, stronger this time), and bronchitis and sinus infection at 18 months (antibiotic #5, strong again). Now there’s nothing wrong with giving antibiotics…when they are needed. But, many ear, sinus and cough infections don’t need antibiotics. They will either resolve over time without treatment or can improve with some natural remedies. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ policy on antibiotics states they should only be used for ear infections that are severe at the onset or are moderate with fever and don’t improve after two days. Of course, every illness requires good judgment on the part of the parent and doctor. But antibiotics don’t always have to be the answer. Bacteria are everywhere, and our immune system can handle them most of the time. A doctor can help parents decide when it’s time to take an antibiotic, but in my practice I’ve stopped prescribing them unless I think a child really needs them. There are some effective natural remedies that I routinely use. Mullein garlic oil ear drops help an ear feel better. The herbal remedies Sinupret and Bronchipret can help with sinus and respiratory issues (respectively). Taking Echinacea, Vitamin C and Zinc can help boost the immune system during an illness. 2. Identify Food Allergies Early I’ve seen undiagnosed food allergies wreak havoc on kids. Any child who has chronic loose stools, skin rashes
(continued on p.54)
www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 12:34 PM
We're thrilled to announce our newly renovated site and blog!
www.heidigreen.com
M
Y
Oh no... it's family portrait time again.
Y
Y
Don't worry! Heidi makes it fun and always captures the moment!
Become a fan; facebook.com/heidigreenphotography
unique family portraits • custom holiday cards • fab birthday parties • special celebrations beautiful music montages • designer coffee table books • gift certificates to honor any occasion
Mention New York Family when booking your portrait session or party to receive a complimentary, custom 8x10 print. ad design by doubleagentdesign.com
HeidiGreen.indd 1
9/15/11 12:57 PM
new parents expo
(continued from p.52)
(like eczema), a runny nose, or recurrent ear or sinus infections, may have food allergies and deserves an evaluation. The two most common food allergens are cow’s milk products and gluten. I can’t tell you how many chronically infected kids I’ve seen get better simply by taking them off cow’s milk. Milk may do a body good, but not when someone is allergic to it. Gluten is more difficult to eliminate (it’s the protein in wheat, oat, barley and rye), but it’s next on the list of possible culprits. In my experience, it’s less common than cow’s milk as a cause of chronic allergies. Allergy testing can be useful, but it can also miss these food allergies. I usually advise parents to take their kids off cow’s milk products first, then, if no changes occur within a month, go gluten-free as well and see how a child does. If no better at that point, do allergy testing. 3. Keep The Colon Healthy You’ve heard the saying, “If Mom isn’t happy, then nobody’s happy.” The same holds true for the intestinal system. The gut contains much of the body’s immune system. So if the gut isn’t happy, a child’s behavior and intellectual functioning can be affected, and he can be more susceptible to illnesses and allergic problems. One of the first questions I ask a parent when evaluating a child’s development, behavior, allergies or frequent illnesses is “What does your child’s poop look like?” Children should have soft, formed stools one to three times daily after they are weaned from breastfeeding. If the stools are loose and messy, then I consider antibiotic overuse or food allergies as potential problems. Probiotics and omega-3 supplements can help heal the gut and keep it healthy.
54
New York Family | October 2011
NEWPARENTEXPO_1011.indd 54
Intestinal problems are so common among toddlers that pediatricians have made up a term to describe it: “toddler diarrhea.” It’s a label that doctors have made up to reassure parents that nothing’s really wrong with the child. I disagree. Why should we ignore diarrhea just because it is common? That’s like ignoring cavities because they are so prevalent. Many of these kids can benefit from a trial off cow’s milk and taking probiotics. In my opinion, ignoring this issue can increase a child’s risk of contracting more illnesses and allergic problems down the road, not to mention behavioral challenges. 4. Fever Isn’t Always Bad Fever is dangerous, right? It must be treated before it causes a seizure or sends a child into a coma, right? Wrong. Fever is just one of the many ways that the body fights infection. It means the immune system is doing its job. The brain purposely raises the body temperature to help activate the immune system and to stun viruses or bacteria that have invaded. In my practice, I advise parents to only treat a fever when a child is fairly miserable from it. If a child has a temperature of 103, but is content to just lay low and sleep it off, then I say let it ride. If a child has a fever of 101, but is crying and miserable, then maybe some fever relief is warranted. I prefer using ibuprofen over acetaminophen; it has a better safety profile. 5. Go Organic Going green seems to be all the rage. But is it really worth it? Yes. A baby’s brain is very susceptible to the negative effects of chemicals, heavy metals and pesticides during the first three years of life, as well as the first nine months in the womb. Eating organic foods during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and giving a baby and young child organic foods in the early years, helps grow healthier nervous, immune and hormonal systems. Going green can cost more up front but the lifelong savings are worth it. For families who are on a budget (which is virtually all of us), paying attention to the “dirty dozen” rule can be a good way to save money. These 12 foods contain the highest level of pesticides and should always be purchased organically: apples, celery, strawberries, peaches, spinach, nectarines (imported), grapes (imported), sweet bell peppers, potatoes, blueberries (domestic), lettuce, and kale/collard greens. The “clean fifteen” foods have the lowest pesticide levels and buying non-organic is fine: onions, sweet corn, pineapples, avocado, asparagus, sweet peas, mangoes, eggplant, cantaloupe (domestic), kiwi, cabbage, watermelon, sweet potatoes, grapefruit, and mushrooms. Visit happybabyfood.com for more information on organic eating. Dr. Bob Sears is part of the Sears Family of Pediatricians and an author in the Sears Parenting Library. Check out The Portable Pediatrician: Everything You Need to Know About Your Child’s Health for more information on mainstream and natural treatment and prevention of childhood illnesses, along with a complete guide to your child’s pediatric checkups from birth through the teen years.
Meet Dr. SearS!
at the New PareNtS exPo Want to learn more from Dr. Sears? You can catch him at our New Parents Expo on October 15 and 16 at Pier 92, where the eminent doc will be a special Keynote Speaker.
For tickets, visit newparentsexpo.com. See page 20 for more info.
www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 12:36 PM
Fall er t s e m e S is in ! g n i w S l l Fu Energy-packed classes in music, art, gymnastics, cooking, science and preschool alternatives Registration is ongoing and fees will be prorated based on start date
Call us today at 212.737.2989 or visit us at www.74magic.com
Join us on Facebook Follow us. on Twitter Under the red canopy at 510 East 74th Street (off York Avenue) New York 212.737.2989 www.74magic.com
Partials_1011.indd 11
9/12/2011 8:35:39 PM 9/16/11 12:02 PM
THE WELLNESS & PREVENTION CENTER A VITAL RESOURCE FOR A VITAL COMMUNITY WOMEN’S HEALTH CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH PREVENTIVE MEDICINE BREAST HEALTH The Wellness & Prevention Center’s objective is disease prevention and the maintenance of optimum health for all in the community. The most advanced diagnostic and screening tools will follow evidence-based protocols which result in individual assessments and treatment plans to prevent or reduce the severity of disease. Access to excellent primary care is essential to long-term health, and New York Downtown Hospital’s unique facility and programs will be the right answer for patients when early detection and intervention can affect outcome.
170 William St. New York, NY 10038 | (212) 238-0180 | www.downtownwellness.org NYDwntwnHos0911.indd 1
8/26/11 11:06 AM
The
Physician PrescriPtion A
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 fifth 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 keep our kids healthy and strong.
Doctor photos by Andrew Schwartz www.newyorkfamily.com
TOPDOCS_1011.indd 57
October 2011 | New York Family
57
9/19/11 4:32 PM
Top Docs 2011-2012 Dr. Francine Blei, Vascular Birthmark institute oF new York BY VerONica TOrOk Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist Dr. Francine Blei graduated from college uncertain about her career plans—but an aptitude test soon confirmed her early childhood ambitions. “I would like to be a pediatrician or a family doctor,” she wrote in an elementary school assignment. Over 40 years later, now Medical Director at the Vascular Birthmark Institute of New York, Blei has achieved her goals of becoming a wife, mother and worldrenowned pediatrician. What do you like about working with children? Working with children spans from newborns through teenagers, so there is great variety in the skills one needs to be engaging and effective. It is gratifying following patients and seeing them develop as young, and then older children. What is the most challenging part of your day-to-day job? Finding the needle in the haystack, being thorough in assessing a patient, and frank with families without making them panic. Effective time management and organization are key. One has to be very focused and multitask at the same time. Remaining calm, effective and unruffled if an emergency arises. What is the most gratifying part of your job? Seeing a self-assured child with a confident smile after they have been through an ordeal of treatments is heartwarming. What do you like about practicing in this city? The ethnic, socioeconomic and medical diversity of the patient population as well as the availability of services. What’s the best advice you’ve been given as a doctor? Do what you love and never give up. Treat everyone equally, independent of background. Take the time to learn about the patient and family beyond the medical issue. Do you have children? Yes, two teenagers, one in college and one in high school. They love science, likely due to the exposure they have had from both parents, who are physicians. If you weren’t a doctor, what would you want to do as a career? Be a photographer for National Geographic! Are there any career highlights that stand out in your mind? Getting my MBA in 2010. My kids loved watching me struggle with studying for exams, writing papers and sometimes learning similar material as them. I met incredible people too— professors, classmates and staff who will be lifelong friends. I matured personally and professionally. I subsequently made the giant leap to leave a tenured professorship to devote my profession to the field of vascular anomalies. Curious about Dr. Blei’s work? Check out her book, 100 Questions & Answers About Vascular Anomalies.
58
New York Family | October 2011
TOPDOCS_1011.indd 58
Dr. ilene FennoY, newYork-PresBYterian morgan stanleY chilDren’s hosPital BY MelaNie DOsTis An established clinician in Pediatric Endocrinology, Dr. Ilene Fennoy’s professional interests lie in osteoporosis, growth disorder and obesity. As the Medical Director of the Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program, Fennoy has worked with a group of morbidly obese adolescents whose average weight loss at six months was over 20 pounds! And her personal interests? A voracious appetite for historical novels. What drew you to medicine, and what do you like about working with children? My father was a veterinarian. I was always helping him and assisting in surgeries. As for children, it is wonderful to watch them grow. You get to see the world through their eyes. Do you have children? Yes! My daughter is an anesthesiologist. How did you choose pediatric endocrinology as your specialty? I was interested in what regulated growth. I wanted to evaluate that and pursue issues hormonally related. What do you like about practicing in this city? I like the academic institutions and the range of complex cases. For pediatricians, in part, you are not going to see so many complex cases unless it is in a pediatric hospital. What’s the best advice you would give to parents? Choose your battles with your children. Make sure that [what you’re arguing about] is really important. There is no point in fighting over nonsense; some things are more important than others. Also, you want to have them engaged. Let them see the world and come up with their own ideas. Keep them challenged! What is the most gratifying part of your job? Seeing patients succeed. I like seeing their growth and to watch them achieve their physical and health-related goals. What is next for you in terms of your career? I hope to do more research in child obesity. It is an ongoing effort. What challenges ahead do you see for medicine? I think the biggest challenge ahead is to not destroy the relation between clinical research and basic scientific research. It is hard to have huge efforts in both for any one person if people are forced to just see millions of patients. They will not have time to think through and develop new ways of dealing with them. There needs to be a new balancing act to support both. What’s the best advice you can give for those planning to pursue the health field? Medicine is a changing field. So you really have to be interested in lifelong learning. You must be dedicated to it. What do you like to do in your free time? I read mystery novels. Lots and lots of mystery novels! www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:46 PM
Top Docs 2011-2012
The Doctors
Dr. Jacqueline Jones, newYork PresbYterian HosPital/ weill cornell MeDical center BY ChristiNe Wei While screaming kids occasionally have the best of us covering our ears—Ear, Nose and Throat extraordinaire Dr. Jacqueline Jones loves listening to children and playing detective to uncover what’s wrong. In her 21st year of practice, she is as comfortable in the office as she is in both the operating room and the classroom as Associate Professor of Clinical Otolarngology. What drew you to medicine? My mother was a marine biologist, so she was a great role model for me. Seeing her do something she was passionate about, helped me to say “I want to do this.” What do you love most about working with little kids? Kids are just such interesting people. They understand so much, and if you just take the time to establish a relationship with them, you can talk a screaming two-year-old down to cooperate with you. What do you most enjoy about your job? There was a study that looked at children’s recovery after surgery, and one of the things that affected recovery was parental anxiety. So that’s one thing I really do enjoy: getting families to work well together and helping parents how to cope with their emotions. How has having kids affected your career? Having children yourself gives you such a perspective on what parents are going through. I can be so objective and calm when I deal with other people’s children, but when I deal with my own, I’m just as crazy as every other parent. What do you like about practicing in the city? It’s such a diverse environment. This morning I had a patient with two mothers, and I have a family who flew in from the Dominican Republic because they wanted to have the surgery here in New York. I have families from Brooklyn, Queens, the Upper West Side [and] Staten Island. What are some challenges ahead for medicine? One of the biggest challenges is continuing to attract really smart, motivated, bright people to medicine. It costs $175,000 to go to medical school now, and the reimbursement for being a physician continues to fall while malpractice premiums continue to rise. Someone will have gone through four years of college, four years of medical school, and, in some cases, seven years of post-graduate training, and come out and make a very small salary and have a huge debt. Really smart people are going to say, “I’m going to go work for a hedge fund.” And that’s really unfortunate because our health is the most important thing we have. In addition to her Manhattan office, Dr. Jones practices in both Greenwich, CT and Brooklyn, NY.
(continued on p.61)
www.newyorkfamily.com
TOPDOCS_1011.indd 59
In a city known for its outstanding physicians, choosing the right doctor for your child is 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 Manhattan’s top pediatricians and pediatric specialists. Every family should have a physician it loves and trusts. We hope this guide helps you find yours. cHILD & ADoLEscENt
Glenn s. Hirsch
PsYcHoLoGY
577 First Ave, 212-263-8704 Anxiety & Mood Disorders,
A. reese Abright
Tourette’s Syndrome, Bipolar/Mood
140 E 40th St, Ste 1B, 212-867-3131
Disorders, ADD/ADHD
Mood Disorders, ADD/ADHD,
NYU Child Study Center at Langone
Anxiety Disorders
Medical Center
Elmhurst Hospital Center Leo L. Kron Hector Bird
30 E 76th St, Ste 3A, 212-861-7001
300 W 72nd St, Ste 1F
Psychopharmacology, Psychotherapy
212-874-5311
St. Luke’s - Roosevelt Hospital Center
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety & Depression, Personality Disorders
Bennett Leventhal
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
577 First Ave, 212-263-8696
Columbia University Medical Center
Autism, ADD/ADHD, Psychopharmacology
Lynn Burkes
NYU Langone Medical Center
185 West End Ave, 212-362-5920 Diagnostic Problems, ADD/ADHD,
owen Lewis
Divorce/Family Issues,
11 E 87th St, 212-996-8196
Developmental Disorders
Psychotherapy, Psychopharmacology
NYU Langone Medical Center
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/ Columbia University Medical Center
Barbara J. coffey 577 1st Ave, 212-263-3926
Donna L. Moreau
Tourette’s Syndrome, ADD/ADHD,
110 East End Ave, 212-772-9205
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders,
Psychotherapy & Psychopharmacol-
Psychopharmacology
ogy, Anxiety & Mood Disorders
NYU Child Study Center at NYU
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Langone Medical Center
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Vilma Gabbay
Jeffrey H. Newcorn,
577 First Ave, 212-263-3654
One Gustave Levy Pl, Box 1230
Depression
212-659-8705
NYU Child Study Center at NYU
Psychopharmacology, ADD/ADHD,
Langone Medical Center
Developmental Disorders, Behavioral Disorders
Jennifer Havens
Mount Sinai Medical Center
577 First Ave, 212-562-2156 Anxiety Disorders, Bereavement/
richard Perry
Traumatic Grief
55 W 74th St, 212-595-0116
NYU Child Study Center at NYU
Pervasive Development Disorders,
Langone Medical Center
Behavioral Disorders, Psychopharmacology
Margaret Hertzig
Bellevue Hospital Center
525 E 68th St, Box 140 212-746-5712
Jess P. shatkin
Developmental Disorders,
577 First Ave, 212-263-4769
ADD/ADHD
Autism, Anxiety & Mood Disorders,
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
ADD/ADHD
Weill Cornell Medical Center
NYU Langone Medical Center October 2011 | New York Family
59
9/16/11 4:46 PM
“The perfect book for parents seeking accurate and detailed vaccine information.”
N
PA EW NI REN : GH T’ S EN T oU RI PL CH T AY E CA D RE !
— Ari Brown, M.D., pediatrician, author of Baby 411
Vaccines and Your Child Separating Fact from Fiction
Paul A. Offit, M.D., and Charlotte A. Moser · How do we know vaccines work?
FRENCH • SPANISH ITALIAN • CHINESE Ages
· Are vaccines safe? · Do too many vaccines overwhelm the immune system? · Do vaccines cause allergies and asthma? · Do vaccines cause autism? Finally, a concise, trustworthy guide that cuts through the confusion and misinformation about vaccines.
6M -
9Y
Full Immersion • Native Teachers
CLASSES PRESCHooLS & CAmPS
Featuring the Thibaut Technique®, perfected almost 40 years, and recognized by The New York Times, PBS, People, Parents, Wall St. Journal, Fox, BBC, NBC, CBS, ABC, and CNN.
FREE mATERIALS MANhATTAN (Eastside, Westside, Soho) • LI • NJ
212.396.0830
www.LanguageWorkshopForChildren.com
www.cup.columbia.edu · cupblog.org
Because There’s So Much to See and Do in New York… FAMILY_NY_2011May.indd 1
T
5/23/11 10:49:55 AM
he New York Eye and Ear Infirmary is one of the recognized leaders in eye, ear, nose and throat care. Serving New York since 1820, we have more than 500 affiliated physicians throughout the tri-state area and we are part of all major health plans, HMOs and PPOs. America’s first specialty hospital, with
● Board certified specialists in: n Ophthalmology n Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery n Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
● Related areas such as the Ear Institute and its pediatric Hearing & Learning Center,
Hearing Aid Dispensary, Orthoptics, Sleep Lab, Facial Paralysis & Rehabilitation, Institute for Voice and Swallowing, Allergy and Pain Management ● Beautiful Ambulatory “Same Day” Surgery Center ● For extra convenience wherever you live or work, satellite offices for
Ear-Nose-Throat care in:
n Chinatown: 128-138 Mott St., 212-343-8399
n Wall St. area: 65 Broadway, 212-514-6933 n Upper East Side: 1430 Second Ave., 212-535-2298
For information call 1-800-449-HOPE (4673) The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary 310 East 14th Street, New York, NY 10003
Partials_1011.indd 12
Co ns i t st A he ent m B l e es y r & rica t H an o k W or by spi ed ld U. ta am ls Re S. o po Ne in ng rt ws
n For both Eye & Ear-Nose-Throat Care: n Tribeca: 77 Worth St., 212-966-3901 ● Visit our Web Site at www.nyee.edu
9/16/11 12:03 PM
Top Docs 2011-2012
(continued from p.59)
Dr. Walter J. Molofsky, Beth Israel MeDIcal center BY BriehN TrumBauer Dr. Walter J. Molofsky, a pediatric neurologist who at one point was seeing patients in 18 different hospitals, has had an impressive career. But most notable is his dedication to helping children with neurological illnesses. Tell us about your patients. I see patients with headaches and various types of neurobehavioral and pain syndromes. We see them prenatal, up until 21 years old. We’re often asked to consult on the potential genetic or structural abnormalities that get picked up on an ultrasound. Also, we see vascular abnormalities now prenatally, and we get mothers that are transported in from all over the world with a prenatal diagnosis of a condition that we will then treat after the babies are born. I’ve [also] been privileged to keep patients for over 30 years… A lot of us hold onto the families and the children that we see. How has your family impacted your career? My older daughter is going into medicine, and so is her husband, carrying on a large family tradition… I always joke that we give CME (Continuing Medical Education) credit for our Passover Seders. There are so many physicians in the family… I’m proud of both of my daughters and my whole family. What’s the best advice you’ve received as a parent? We had a rule in our house when my girls were growing up... It was a very simple rule: No toys with batteries. We had Scrabble and Monopoly and chess. What challenges do you see ahead for your field? The rigor of going through neurology training is not something that appeals to everybody. As a consequence, there’s actually a shortage of pediatric neurologists around the country, even though in New York there are many. But if you look statistically, there’s a waiting list even in our own clinics to see children and their families. One of the challenges is to try to introduce the field to medical students and residents, and I do that; I host students from all over the world. Is there one career highlight that stands out in your mind or one family with which you’ve grown close? I had a family whose child just passed away last week. He was significantly ill with seizures and developmental problems, and we managed him over four years. I went to the funeral, and it was gratifying to see that what I had thought challenged me actually met the family’s needs because they were very grateful. They knew this child was not going to walk or talk normally, but the support that myself and my colleagues were able to provide was really warm and deeply felt. In lieu of flowers, they suggested that people donate to a fund that we set up to help families here at the hospital, and I was very moved by that.
The Doctors
Elizabeth Kay spencer
steven M. Wolf
121 E 31st St, Ste 1B, 212-684-3810
10 Union Square East, Ste 5J
NYU Langone Medical Center
212-844-6944 Epilepsy, Headache, Migraine
stanley K. turecki
Beth Israel Medical Center - Milton
136 E 64th St, Ste 1B, 212-355-2535
& Carroll Petrie Division
Temperamentally Difficult Child, ADD/ADHD, Parenting Issues
PEDIAtrIc ALLErGY
Lenox Hill Hospital
AND IMMUNoLoGY
cHILD NEUroLoGY
Paul M. Ehrlich 35 E 35th St, Ste 202, 212-685-4225
Jeffrey Allen
Asthma, Food Allergy
160 E 32nd St Fl 2nd, Ste L3
New York Eye & Ear Infirmary
212-263-9907 Neuro-Oncology, Brain Tumors
Irwin rappaport
Hassenfeld Childrens Center at NYU
9 E 68th St, Ste 1A, 212-777-8407
Langone Medical Center
Asthma, Food Allergy, Allergic Rhinitis
Darryl c. De Vivo
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
710 W 168th St - rm 201, 212-305-5244
Weill Cornell Medical Center
Metabolic Disorders, Neuromuscular Disorders, Spinal
scott H. sicherer
Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
1 Gustave Levy Pl, Box 1198
Neurological Institute at NewYork-
212-241-5548
Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia
Food Allergy, Drug Sensitivity,
University Medical Center
Eczema Mount Sinai Medical Center
David M. Kaufman 3 E 83rd St, 212-737-4911
PEDIAtrIc cArDIoLoGY
Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders, Headache, Learning Disorders, Autism
Linda J. Addonizio
Mount Sinai Medical Center
3959 Broadway, Ste 229 N 212-305-6575
Barry Kosofsky
Transplant Medicine-Heart,
525 E 68th St, Box 91, 212-746-3278
Heart Failure, Hypertrophic
Developmental Disorders, Autism,
Cardiomyopathy
Stroke
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Weill Cornell Medical Center rica G. Arnon Daniel K. Miles
1 Gustave Levy Pl, Box 1201
403 E 34th St Fl 4, 212-263-8318
212-241-7578
Pediatric Neurology,
Congenital Heart Disease,
Tuberous Sclerosis, Epilepsy
Exercise Physiology
NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center
Mount Sinai Medical Center
TOPDOCS_1011.indd 61
,
at NYU Langone Medical Center Morton D. Borg Walter Molofsky
10 Union Square E, Ste 2J
10 Union Square E, Ste 5J, 212-844-6910
212-844-8300
Seizure Disorders, Headache,
Fetal Echocardiography
ADD/ADHD
Phillips Amb Care Center at Beth
Phillips Ambulatory Care Center at
Israel Medical Center - Milton &
Stroke Beth Israel Medical Center -
Carroll Petrie Division
Milton & Carroll Petrie Division David H. Brick ruth Nass
154 W 14th St, Fl 4, 212-604-7880
400 E 34th St, rm 311, 212-263-7753
Fetal Echocardiography, Congenital
Autism, ADD/ADHD,
Heart Disease
Learning Disorders, Migraine
Village Pediatric Cardiology/ NYU
NYU Langone Medical Center
Langone Medical Center
(continued on p.63)
www.newyorkfamily.com
,
October 2011 | New York Family
61
9/16/11 4:47 PM
40” 39” -
• Swimming, Sports, Music, Art and more! • Make friends in the neighborhood • Free rooftop playground
38” 37” —
rs • For children, birth—4 yea over • Visit jccmanhattan.org for 1200 programs of all kinds!
36”35” 34” —
y moey’s music Part FAMily ConCert hot pink boa, and
33” -
s, With her rocking song ig rns any under 5 shind pompoms, “Moey tu n Bandstand!” into a mini-America Grownups are (Cookie Magazine). as much fun as guaranteed to have der 1 are FREE! the kids! Children un am Sun, Oct 23, 10—11 ember nm No 14 /$ er $12 Memb ults and all children $14/$16 at door for ad over the age of 1 attan.org Register at jccmanh or call 646.505.5708
32” 31” 30” — 29”28” 27” — 26” 25” 24” 23” — 22”-
sterdam ave at
334 am 646.505.5708 |
Partials_1011.indd 13
a beneficiary
76th st
tion of UJA-Federa
9/16/11 12:04 PM
Top Docs 2011-2012
(continued from p.61)
The Doctors
Patrick Flynn
L. Gary steinberg
525 E 68th St, Ste F695B
525 East 68th Street F677
212-746-3561
212-746-3561
Congenital Heart Disease,
Echocardiography, Congenital Heart
Echocardiography, Marfan’s
Disease
BY NaNcY RYeRsON Dr. Scott Sicherer is a busy guy—not only is he Professor of Pediatrics and a Food Allergy Researcher at Mount Sinai, but he’s also a father of five, including two sets of twins! What keeps him going? His passion for helping the city’s youth.
Syndrome, Cardiac Catheterization
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
Weill Cornell Medical Center
Dr. Scott Sicherer, Mount Sinai MeDical center
Weill Cornell Medical Center Laurel steinherz Bruce D. Gelb
1275 York Avenue, 212-639-8103
1 Gustave Levy Pl, Box 1201
Cardiac Effects of Cancer/Cancer
What drew you to medicine, and what do you like about working with children? I was the child who knew he wanted to be a pediatrician since nursery school. I have always enjoyed educating and entertaining children as they are so receptive—seeing the positive influence is gratifying. How did you choose food allergies as your specialty? My interest in the immune system and asthma lead me to train in pediatric allergy and immunology. During training, I fielded a call from the FDA where an official asked me a series of allergy questions about peanuts and tree nuts. I learned how common and impactful these allergies are and set [out] on a career to try to understand and hopefully cure them. What is a typical day like for you? Most of my time is devoted to research, teaching and clinical care. The Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at Mount Sinai is a world leader in food allergy research and so my colleagues and I are seeing patients sent from all over the U.S. and even internationally. Do you have children? If so, what effect have they had on your career? We have five wonderful children including two sets of twins and they, especially my wife, help to keep me grounded. If you could change anything about your job, what would it be? I would like to see improved treatments, or better, a cure, for food allergy. The two obstacles that take up too much of my time are trying to obtain funding for these studies and, once funded, finding families that will participate so that the study can be completed. Our studies are very safe—I would never run a study that I would not let my own children participate in—but it is often challenging to find families who are willing to devote the time needed given our busy lives. Are there any career highlights that stand out in your mind? I performed a series of studies evaluating the impact and problems of food labeling with regard to allergies. These studies were the only scientific evidence that changes needed to be made, and were crucial in improving the labeling laws in the U.S. There are still more improvements to make, but I know that the safety of the food supply for people with food allergies is significantly improved thanks to this work.
212-241-8592
Therapy
Transplant Medicine-Heart, Marfan’s
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Syndrome, Noonan Syndrome
Cancer Center
Curious about Dr. Sicherer’s work? Check out his book, Understanding and Managing Your Child’s Food Allergies.
Mount Sinai Medical Center PEDIAtrIc crItIcAL William E. Hellenbrand
cArE MEDIcINE
3959 Broadway Fl 2N, rm 255 212-342-0610
Edward E. conway Jr.
Interventional Cardiology
16th St at 1st Ave, 212-844-1824
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Neurologic Critical Care,
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Respiratory Failure, Head Injury Beth Israel Medical Center - Milton
Allan J. Hordof
& Carroll Petrie Division
Broadway, Ste 255 N, 212-305-4432 Arrhythmias
Bruce M. Greenwald
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
525 E 68th St # M508, 212-746-3056
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Respiratory Failure, Sepsis & Septic Shock, Asthma, Diabetes Ketoacidosis
Barry A. Love
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
1 Gustave Levy Pl, Box 1201
Weill Cornell Medical Center
212-241-3616 Cardiac Catheterization,
PEDIAtrIc ENDocrINoLoGY
Interventional Cardiology, Atrial Septal Defect, Arrhythmias
Ilene Fennoy
Mount Sinai Medical Center
622 W 168 St PH East Bldg Fl 5E, rm 522, 212-305-6559
Ira A. Parness
Growth/Development Disorders,
1 Gustave Levy Pl, Box 1201
Diabetes, Klinefelter’s Syndrome,
212-241-6640
Obesity
Echocardiography, Congenital Heart
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Disease, Fetal Echocardiography
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Mount Sinai Medical Center Bonita H. Franklin robert J. sommer
109 Reade St, 212-732-2401
173 Fort Washington Ave, Fl 4
Diabetes, Growth Disorders, Thyroid
212-342-0886
Disorders
Congenital Heart Disease,
NYU Langone Medical Center
Atrial Septal Defect, Cardiac Catheterization
Mary Pat Gallagher
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
1150 St Nicholas Ave, 212-851-5494
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Diabetes Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
thomas J. starc
of NewYork-Presbyterian
3959 Broadway, Ste 255 N 212-305-4432
Brenda Kohn
Cholesterol/Lipid Disorders
530 1st Ave, Ste 3A, 212-263-7455
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Growth Disorders, Pituitary
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Disorders, Thyroid Disorders, Adrenal Disorders NYU Langone Medical Center
www.newyorkfamily.com
TOPDOCS_1011.indd 63
October 2011 | New York Family
63
9/16/11 4:47 PM
Top Docs 2011-2012 Dr. Ileana Vargas-roDrIguez, newYork PresbYterIan HosPItal/ ColumbIa unIVersItY meDICal Center – naomI berrIe DIabetes Center BY BriehN TrumBauer Dr. Ileana Vargas-Rodriguez, who specializes in Pediatric Endocrinology, says the most rewarding part of her job is when families “get it.” Although juvenile diabetes is on the rise, it’s when parents successfully learn how to help their child with insulin intakes and carbohydrate counts that this Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics knows she has done her job. Why did you choose pediatric endocrinology as your specialty? I originally wanted to become a surgeon, but after doing my last clinical rotation in pediatrics, I changed my mind. Taking care of all the sick children, seeing them get better and their parents being so grateful—I was hooked. This was in 1986 during the epidemic of “border babies” in New York City, where mothers addicted to crack cocaine abandoned their babies in the hospital. We all took turns coddling and playing with them, even buying them clothes. I have a strong family history of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and that was my attraction to the specialty of endocrinology, especially working with children with diabetes. What effect have your children had on your career? My first son, Nicolas, is now 23, and I had him while I was a resident in pediatrics. I don’t recommend that to anyone; you are working for long hours and are exhausted all the time. I had my daughter, Raquel, 20 now, while doing my fellowship in pediatric endocrinology. It was easier then as the hours were not as long. Early in my career, I realized that I could not be a great mom, wife, clinician and also a researcher. It takes maturity to understand that you can’t do it all, so you have to make choices. As a doctor, what’s the best advice you’ve been given? Your family comes first. Having a stable, happy home gives you the strength, courage and motivation to help others. Are there any career highlights that stand out in your mind? I recently saw a patient who is now 21. She had just graduated college and gotten her first job. Her diabetes was in excellent control. She had spent a semester abroad, had worked in a diabetes camp in Quito and has such great self-esteem. Having Type 1 diabetes since age 7 didn’t stop her. Those are the moments that matter and that is why I work so hard, so that patients can achieve self-care and do everything that they desire to do just like someone who does not have diabetes.
64
(continued on p.66)
New York Family | October 2011
TOPDOCS_1011.indd 64
The Doctors
Noel K. Maclaren
PEDIAtrIc
200 W 57th St, Ste 610
GAstroENtEroLoGY
212-371-0658 Diabetes, Obesity,
Babu s. Bangaru
Metabolic Syndrome
530 First Ave, Ste 3A
Bioseek Endocrine Clinic/Lenox Hill
212-263-7868
Hospital
Ulcerative Colitis/Crohn’s, Liver Disease, Nutrition, Endoscopy
Maria I. New
NYU Langone Medical Center
1 Gustave L Levy Pl, Box 1198 212-241-8210
Keith J. Benkov,
Adrenal Disorders, Growth/
5 E 98th St Fl 10, 212-241-5415
Development Disorders
Inflammatory Bowel Disease/
Mount Sinai Medical Center
Crohn’s, Liver Disease, Celiac Disease
sharon E. oberfield
Mount Sinai Medical Center
630 W 168th St PH East Bldg, Ste 522, 212-305-6559
Philip Kazlow
Adrenal Disorders, Neuroendocrine
3959 Broadway, CHN 702
Growth Disorders, Growth Disorders
212-305-5903
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Inflammatory Bowel Disease,
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Celiac Disease, Nutrition Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
robert rapaport
of NewYork-Presbyterian
1 Gustave L Levy Pl, Box 1616 212-241-8487
Joseph Levy
Diabetes, Thyroid Disorders, Growth
160 E 32nd St Fl 2, 212-263-5407
Disorders
Celiac Disease, Irritable Bowel
Mount Sinai Medical Center
Syndrome, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Nutrition in Autism
charles A. sklar
NYU Langone Medical Center
1275 York Avenue, 800-525-2225 Cancer Survivors-Late Effects of
robbyn sockolow
Therapy, Growth Disorders in Child-
525 E 68th St, 646-962-3869
hood Cancer, Pituitary Disorders
Constipation, Gastroesophageal
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
Reflux Disease (GERD),
Center
Inflammatory Bowel Disease/ Crohn’s, Capsule Endoscopy
Alfred E. slonim
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
622 W 168th St, rm 517, 212-305-5717
Weill Cornell Medical Center
Muscular Disorders-Metabolic, Inflammatory Bowel Disease/
William spivak
Crohn’s, Glycogen Storage Diseases,
177 E 87th St, Ste 305
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
212-369-7700
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Inflammatory Bowel Disease/
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Ileana Vargas
(GERD), Feeding Disorders
1150 St Nicholas Ave, Fl 2
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
212-851-5494
Weill Cornell Medical Center
Diabetes NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
PEDIAtrIc
Columbia University Medical Center
HEMAtoLoGY-oNcoLoGY
Maria G. Vogiatzi
Alexander Aledo
525 E 68th St, Box 103, 212-746-3462
E 68th St, rm P695
Growth Disorders, Osteoporosis,
212-746-3447
Pubertal Disorders,
Leukemia, Lymphoma, Bone Tumors
Adrenal Disorders
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
Weill Cornell Medical Center
Weill Cornell Medical Center www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:47 PM
The summer is over and now is the perfect time to pamper yourself and do all the things you have wanted to do... Skin care including Botox®, Juvederm® and Dermasweep® Microdermabrasion Breast enhancement and Mommy Makeovers, Liposuction and Liposculpture
New York Family readers will receive a complimentary consultation. Plastic Surgery for the entire family. For the Parents … • Aesthetic & Reconstructive Facial Surgery • Aesthetic Breast Surgery & Body Contouring • Spa and Facial Services For the children… • Emergency care of lacerations, burns and fractures • Treatment of congenital conditions and birthmarks • Excisions of lesions and scar revisions • Torn earlobes and prominent ears Douglas M. Monasebian, MD, FACS 784 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10021
212-472-8700
info@ParkAvenuePlasticSurgery.com www.ParkAvenuePlasticSurgery.com ParkAvePlasticSur.indd 1
9/16/11 2:59 PM
Top Docs 2011-2012
(continued from p.64)
Dr. Steven Wolf, Beth ISrael MeDIcal center BY ChristiNe Wei Dynamic duo Dr. Steven Wolf—Director of Pediatric Epilepsy at Beth Israel Medical Center—and Nurse Practitioner Patty McGoldrick tackle epilepsy, headaches and developmental delays with boldness and a bright-yellow attitude. Believing that two brains are better than one, the twosome teamed up to provide greater perspective for all their patients. Here's what Dr. Wolf had to say. How did you choose your specialty? When I was a kid, my mom, sister and I all got headaches, so I always wondered why people got them. When I went into medicine, some of my mentors who were pediatric neurologists were just so optimistic, and I loved the positive outlook that they had. Not only did I get sucked into neurology and epilepsy, headaches also became an important part because I’ve been there and suffered as well. What does a typical day look like for you? We’re taking care of kids from all over the country and even all over the world, from as far as Russia, South America and Pakistan. In NYC we’re at Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Lukes Roosevelt. A typical day is showing up in our epilepsy unit at Beth Israel…where we round on the patients, read their brainwaves, meet with families and make decisions on treatment plans. Then we run off to one of our offices and start seeing patients there. At the end of the day we run back to see how the patients at the hospital are doing, then go home and answer calls and emails that the patients sent during the day. How has having kids of your own affected your practice? My oldest son was knocked unconscious off a cliff and had a major concussion while skiing. [Unlike] my smart wife who took off her skis and slid down on her butt to him, I jumped in with my skis on, fell, and broke my back. Here I am, a trained professional…and common sense went out the window. I injured myself so badly that I had to have surgery and make a huge recovery, and I realized that when it’s your kid, no matter how smart you are, whether you’re a doctor or not, you lose perspective. What would you do for a career if you weren’t a doctor? I would probably still do something in science or engineering. I’m a nuts and bolts kind of guy. I’m the kind of guy who if there’s something broken in the house, I’ll take it apart—probably break it more—but I like to think that I can fix things. It’s being that inquisitor, being that doubter, and not accepting that you can’t fix something. There are times I can’t fix things, but Patty and I always tell our patients that we’re not giving up.
66
New York Family | October 2011
TOPDOCS_1011.indd 66
The Doctors
Francine Blei
Brian H. Kushner
126 W 60th St, 212-523-8931
1275 York Avenue, 800-525-2225
Hemangiomas, Vascular Anomalies,
Neuroblastoma, Bone Marrow
Vascular Malformations,
Transplant, Immunotherapy
Lymphedema
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Vascular Birthmark Inst of New
Cancer Center
York /St. Luke’s - Roosevelt Hospital Center - Roosevelt Division
Judith r. Marcus 161 Ft Wasthington Ave, Ste 7I
James Bussel
914-684-0220
525 E 68th St, rm P-695
Leukemia, Lymphoma, Bleeding/
212-746-3474
Coagulation Disorders,
Autoimmune Disease, Bleeding/
Solid Tumors-Pediatric
Coagulation Disorders, Platelet Dis-
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
orders, Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome
of NewYork-Presbyterian
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Cornell Medical Center
Paul A. Meyers 1275 York Ave, 800-525-2225
William L. carroll
Pediatric Cancers, Bone
160 E 32nd St, Fl 2, 212-263-8400
Tumors, Sarcoma
Leukemia
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
NYU Langone Medical Center
Cancer Center
Donna DiMichele
richard o’reilly
525 E 68th St, rm P695
1275 York Avenue
212-746-3421
800-525-2225
Hemophilia
Bone Marrow Transplant
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Weill Cornell Medical Center
Cancer Center
Ira J. Dunkel
Aaron r. rausen
1275 York Ave, Box 185
160 E 32nd St, Fl 2, 212-263-7144
212-639-2153
Leukemia & Lymphoma, Bone
Retinoblastoma, Brain & Spinal Cord
Tumors, Retinoblastoma
Tumors, Brain Tumors, Pediatric
NYU Langone Medical Center
Cancers Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Peter G. steinherz
Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue, 212-639-7951 Leukemia & Lymphoma, Pediatric
James H. Garvin
Cancers, Wilms’ Tumor
161 Fort Washington Ave Fl 7
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
rm 708, 212-305-8685
Center
Brain Tumors, Pediatric Cancers, Bone Marrow Transplant
Michael Weiner
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
161 Fort Washington Ave, Irving
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Pavilion-FL 7, 212-305-9770 Hodgkin’s Disease, Lymphoma,
Patricia Giardina
Leukemia
525 E 68th St, Payson Pavilion 695
NewYork-Presbyterian
212-746-3400
Hospital/Columbia University
Thalassemia
Medical Center
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Cornell Medical Center
Leonard Wexler 1275 York Avenue
Nancy A. Kernan
800-525-2225
1275 York Avenue, 212-639-7250
Rhabdomyosarcoma, Bone Cancer,
Leukemia, Immune Deficiency, Bone
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors,
Marrow Transplant,
Sarcoma-Soft Tissue
Stem Cell Transplant
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center
Cancer Center www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:48 PM
The Doctors
Robert Seigle
Mary Dimaio
Thomas Lehman
3959 Broadway, rm 701B
1440 York Ave, Ste P5, 212-988-5008
535 E 70th St
William Borkowsky
212-305-5825
Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, Allergy
212-606-1151
550 1st Ave
Glomerulonephritis, Kidney Failure,
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
Arthritis, Scleroderma, Lupus/SLE,
212-263-6513
Kidney Disease
Weill Cornell Medical Center
Rheumatoid Arthritis
AIDS/HIV
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
NYU Langone Medical Center
of NewYork-Presbyterian
John Larsen
PEDIATRIC OTALARYNGOLOGY
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Hospital for Special Surgery Meyer Kattan 3959 Broadway, CHC 7-701
PEDIATRIC SURGERY
212-305-5122
Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, Chronic
Lawrence Bodenstein
Max M. April
Lung Disease
3959 Broadway, CHN-215 Fl 2 North
428 E 72nd St, Ste 100, 646-962-2225
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
212-305-2648
Natalie M. Neu
Sinus Disorders, Neck Masses,
Columbia University Medical Center
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
622 W 168th Street, 212-305-9683
Laryngeal Disorders, Sleep Apnea
AIDS/HIV, Sexually Transmitted
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
Carin Lamm
Diseases
Weill Cornell Medical Center
3959 Broadway Fl 7 Central,
Arthur Cooper
212-305-5122
506 Lenox Ave,
Jay Dolitsky
Sleep Disorders, Asthma
212-939-4003
404 Park Ave S, Fl 12, 212-679-3499
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Endoscopy, Trauma,
Lisa Saiman
Ear Infections, Neck Masses, Tonsil/
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Disaster Preparedness, Child Abuse
622 W 168th St Fl 4 PH4 W, rm 470
Adenoid Disorders, Sleep Disorders
212-305-0635
New York Eye & Ear Infirmary
1245 Park Ave, 212-427-0540 Mount Sinai Medical Center
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/ Columbia University Medical Center
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Harlem Hospital Center Gerald M. Loughlin, 525 E 68th St, rm M-622
Howard B. Ginsburg
Infections, Tick-borne Diseases,
Joseph Haddad Jr.
212-746-4111
530 First Ave, Ste 10W,
Tuberculosis
3959 Broadway, Ste 501N
Sleep Disorders/Apnea, Swallowing
212-263-7391
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
212-305-8933
Disorders, Asthma & Chronic Lung
Neonatal Surgery, Tumor Surgery,
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Ear Infections, Sinus Disorders,
Disease, Breathing Disorders
Pediatric Urology,
Cleft Palate/Lip
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
Gastrointestinal Surgery
PEDIATRIC NEPHROLOGY
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Weill Cornell Medical Center
NYU Langone Medical Center
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Cystic Fibrosis Infection, Fungal
Lynne Quittell
Michael La Quaglia
525 E 68th St, Box 176
Jacqueline Jones
3959 Broadway, CHS Fl 7
1275 York Ave, Ste H1315
646-962-4344
1175 Park Ave, Ste 1A, 212-996-2559
212-305-5122
212-639-7002
Nephrotic Syndrome, Glomerulo-
Sinus Disorders/Surgery,
Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma
Cancer Surgery, Neuroblastoma,
nephritis, Hypertension, Transplant
Ear Infections
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Liver Cancer, Colon & Rectal
Medicine-Kidney
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Cancer Memorial Sloan-Kettering
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
Weill Cornell Medical Center
Valerie Johnson
Cancer Center Andrew S. Ting
Weill Cornell Medical Center Michael A. Rothschild
5 E 98th St, Fl 8, 212-241-7788
William Middlesworth
Eduardo Perelstein
1175 Park Ave, Ste 1A, 212-996-2995
Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis,
3959 Broadway, # 206
505 E 70th St Fl 3, 646-962-4324
Choanal Atresia, Neck Masses,
Bronchoscopy, Cough
212-342-8585
Kidney Failure, Glomerulonephritis,
Sinusitis, Ear Disorders
Mount Sinai Medical Center
Cancer Surgery
Hypertension
Mount Sinai Medical Center
Weill Cornell Medical Center
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/ Robert Ward
of NewYork-Presbyterian
428 E 72nd St, Ste 100
Andrew H. Eichenfield
Jan M. Quaegebeur
Jeffrey M. Saland
646-962-2224
3959 Broadway, CHN-106
3959 Broadway, Ste 276
E 98th St, Fl 10, 212-241-6187
Airway Disorders, Sinus Disorders/
Ped Rheumatology,
212-305-5975
Transplant Medicine-Kidney, Kidney
Surgery, Choanal Atresia
212-305-9304
Arterial Switch, Heart Valve Surgery,
Disease, Hypertension in Children,
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
Juvenile Arthritis, Lyme Disease,
Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Weill Cornell Medical Center
Lupus/SLE
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Mount Sinai Medical Center PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY
of NewYork-Presbyterian Charles J. H. Stolar
Lisa M. Satlin
One Gustave L Levy Pl, Box 1198
Michael R. Bye
Herbert Lazarus
Broadway, Fl 2, rm 215 North
212-241-6187
3959 Broadway Bldg CH Fl 7S
390 West End Ave, rm 1E
212-342-8586
Kidney Disease-Hereditary, Hyper-
212-305-5122
212-787-1444
Neonatal Surgery, Hernia,
tension, Polycystic Kidney Disease,
Asthma, Pneumonia, Breathing
Juvenile Arthritis, Lyme Disease,
Pediatric Cancers
Electrolyte Disorders
Disorders
Pain-Musculoskeletal
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Mount Sinai Medical Center
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
NYU Langone Medical Center
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Columbia University Medical Center www.newyorkfamily.com
TOPDOCS_1011.indd 67
October 2011 | New York Family
67
9/16/11 4:48 PM
The Doctors
Francisca t. Velcek
Judith Goldstein
Margaret t. McHugh
Michael rosenbaum
965 5th Ave, 212-744-9396
1559 York Ave, 212-585-3329
First Ave, rm GC65, 212-562-6073
450 West End Ave, 212-769-3070
Anorectal Malformations, Pediatric
Newborn Care, Infectious Disease
Child Abuse, Adolescent Medicine
Nutrition, Growth Disorders, Obesity
Gynecology, Neonatal Surgery,
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
Bellevue Hospital Center
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Hernia
Weill Cornell Medical Center
PEDIAtrIcs
of NewYork-Presbyterian Louis G. Monti
Lenox Hill Hospital Dyan Hes
55 E 87th St, Ste 1G, 212-722-0707
suzanne rosenfeld
67 Irving Pl, Fl 3 South
Infectious Disease
450 West End Ave, 212-769-3070
212-473-4200
Mount Sinai Medical Center
Developmental Disorders, Asthma NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
Dennis Allendorf
Obesity, Weight Management
W 118th St, Ste 2, 212-666-4610
Gramercy Pediatrics/
ramon J. c. Murphy
Congenital Anomalies
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
1245 Park Ave, 212-427-0540
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Weill Cornell Medical Center
Uptown Pediatrics /
Ira sacker
Community Medicine Mount Sinai
19 W 34th St, Penthouse Fl
Medical Center
212-268-4440
of NewYork-Presbyterian sarla Inamdar
Weill Cornell Medical Center
Eating Disorders, Obesity
stephen Arpadi
1901 1st Ave, rm 523
1111 Amsterdam Ave at 114th St
212-423-6228
Meryl Newman-cedar
212-523-3847
Pediatric Rheumatology
215 E 79th St, Ste 1C
AIDS/HIV
Metropolitan Hospital Center – NY
212-737-7800
Marie sanford
Child Development
620 Columbus Ave, Ste 1
Max Kahn
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
212-874-4500
390 West End Ave, Ste 1E
Weill Cornell Medical Center
Westside Pediatrics/Mount Sinai
St. Luke’s - Roosevelt Hospital Center - St. Luke’s Hospital Felicia B. Axelrod
212-787-1444
530 1St Av, Ste 9Q, 212-263-7225
NYU Langone Medical Center
Bruce J. Brovender
Medical Center Kevin oeffinger 300 E 66th St, 800-525-2225
Barney softness
Marie B. Keith
Cancer Survivors-Late
450 West End Ave,
552 Broadway, Fl 5, 212-334-3366
Effects of Therapy
212-769-3070
NYU Langone Medical Center
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Diabetes
Cancer Center
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Dysautonomia NYU Langone Medical Center
NYU Langone Medical Center
1559 York Ave, 212-585-3329
of NewYork-Presbyterian
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
Neal M. Kotin
Weill Cornell Medical Center
1125 Park Ave, 212-289-1400
Eric sin-Kam Poon
Asthma, Bronchitis, Sleep Disorders,
170 William St, Fl 3, 212-312-5350
Barry B. stein
Harris E. Burstin
Pulmonary Disease
Asthma, Pediatric Cardiology,
1125 Park Ave, 212-289-1400
317 E 34th St Fl 3, 212-725-6300
Carnegie Hill Pediatrics /Mount
Developmental Disorders
Developmental & Behavioral
Asthma, Allergy, Critical Care
Sinai Medical Center
NewYork Downtown Hospital
Disorders
signe s. Larson
Laura Popper
Michel A. cohen
1245 Park Ave, 212-427-0540
116 E 66th St, Ste 1C
46 Warren St, 212-226-7666
Pediatric Endocrinology
212-794-2136
Michael r. traister
Child Development, Sleep Disorders
Uptown Pediatrics /Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai Medical Center
390 West End Ave, Ste 1E
Tribeca Pediatrics/NYU Langone
Medical Center
Carnegie Hill Pediatrics/Mount Sinai
NYU Langone Medical Center
Medical Center
212-787-1444 Paula J. Prezioso
Adoption & Foster Care
George M. Lazarus
317 E 34th St, Fl 3, 212-725-6300
NYU Langone Medical Center
Jennifer cross
106 E 78th Street, 212-744-0840
Behavioral Disorders
525 E 68th St, 646-962-4303
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
NYU Langone Medical Center
Learning Disorders, Child
of NewYork-Presbyterian
Medical Center
Development, Behavioral Disorders
sylvain M. Weinberger 51 E 25th St Fl 3, 212-598-0331
Alice Prince
Prematurity/Low Birth Weight
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
susan L. Levitzky
650 W 168th St, 212-305-4193
Infants
Weill Cornell Medical Center
161 Madison Ave, Ste 6W
Pediatric Infectious Disease
NYU Langone Medical Center
212-213-1960
Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Gary s. Edelstein
Asthma, Child Development,
of NewYork-Presbyterian
16 E 60th St, Ste 410, 212-326-3351
Adoption & Foster Care
Manhattan Pediatrics/Morgan
NYU Langone Medical Center
sol Zimmerman 317 E 34th St,
Harold s. raucher
212-725-6300
1125 Park Ave, 212-289-1400
Growth/Development Disorders,
cecelia Mccarton
Infectious Disease, Travel Medicine
Behavioral Disorders, Cough-Tic
350 E 82nd St, 212-996-9019
Uptown Pediatrics/Mount Sinai
Syndrome
Genevieve Ferrier
Autism, Learning Disorders, ADD/
Medical Center
NYU Langone Medical Center
46 W 11th St, 212-529-4330
ADHD, Developmental Disorders
Developmental & Behavioral
McCarton Ctr for Developmental
Lori J. rosello
Disorders
Pediatrics/Montefiore Medical
46 W 11th St, 212-529-4330
New York Downtown Hospital
Center - Jack D. Weiler Division
NYU Langone Medical Center
Stanley Children’s Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian
68
New York Family | October 2011
TOPDOCS_1011.indd 68
www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:48 PM
Trying to have another baby?
We can help. You want a larger family but can’t seem to get pregnant again. It’s called secondary infertility and it affects thousands of couples each year. At the Weill Cornell Center for Reproductive Medicine, we offer you the most advanced and effective treatments for infertility — whether you’re hoping for another child or just trying to have your first.
We accept United Healthcare and Oxford Health insurance plans for most fertility treatments. For over two decades we have made your desire to have a family our main priority. If you or someone you know is experiencing infertility, contact us at (646) 962-CRMI or visit us on the web at www.ivf.org
T h e R o n a l d O. P e r e l m a n a n d C l a u d i a C o h e n
CENTER
FOR
REPRODUCTIVE
MEDICINE
o f We i l l C o r n e l l M e d i c a l C o l l e g e
New York 646 • 962 • 2764 | Garden City 516 • 742 • 4100 | Flushing 646 • 962 • 5626 | Westchester 914 • 242 • 3700
Turning Patients into Parents www.ivf.org
CenterforReproductiveCare.indd 1 56474_NYFamily_full pg.indd 1
9/7/11 5:02 PM 9/6/11 11:19 AM
Real estate & home Design – Fall 2011
Living For
The CiTy
In A Market Where Parents Expect Buildings With Exciting Family-Minded Amenities, The Newest Developments Offer Lots of Can-You-Top-This Inspiration. Who’s Ready For A Museum In Their Building?
BY CeleNe MCDerMOtt Like all parents, city moms and dads care about the quality of their children’s education, the safety of their neighborhoods, and their family’s access to parks, playgrounds and cultural fun. In recent years, the city’s high-end residential market has established another priority for parents who can afford it: buildings with fun and helpful amenities like children’s playrooms, full-service gyms, catering kitchens, business centers and swimming pools. In the spirit of capturing a suburb-inthe-city feel, some also offer backyard areas, landscaped gardens, rooftop terraces and lots of storage space. What’s next? In this season’s line-up of new residential properties—which includes some established classics as well—some families won’t even have to leave the building to access a school, a bowling alley…even a museum! So whether you’re actively looking to rent or buy—or just curiously browsing about the market—the following pages will help you discover a big variety of tempting options around the city.
70
New York Family | October 2011
REALESTATE_1011.indd 70
20 Pine The Terrace Lounge located on the 25th floor features a tranquil reflecting pool surrounded by the building’s original stone cornices and Egyptian motifs. Photo Mark Cahill.
www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:17 PM
UPPER EAST SIDE Azure (333 East 91st Street)
landscaped roof decks, its own shopping arcade (including a hair and nail salon), a grocery store, laundry facility, and even a personal training facility. The circular driveway leads to an elegant lobby with two doormen. There’s also an attended parking garage and shuttle service to transit and other shopping areas in the city.
per floor, or even one in some cases, it’s quite private,” she adds. The building also has the capacity to do renovations, and many families
The Touraine (132A East 65th Street)
Kitchen of a three-bedroom home
This 34-story luxury building features studios up to four-bedroom apartments with expansive windows offering views of the East River and Manhattan. “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.” Azure also offers combination homes that allow families to customize their living space. Families will appreciate the building’s amenities, which include a residents’ lounge, a fitness center, a 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. The Pavilion (500 East 77th Street)
Just steps from John Jay Park and some of the city’s finest schools, this historic rental building offers one, two and three-bedroom residences, designed with growing families in mind. “Because of our wide-ranging selection of spacious homes at The Pavilion, we often find residents moving within the building as their lives evolve,” explains Steve Maschi, Vice President of Glenwood Management, the building’s developer and management company. “It is not uncommon to see a family grow up within one of our properties, resulting in a very tight-knit community.” 500 East 77th Street remains one of the most recognized addresses in New York. The building offers a variety of amenities and services, including maid service, concierge service,
www.newyorkfamily.com
REALESTATE_1011.indd 71
This new 15-story building, located in the desirable Lenox Hill neighborhood, was designed in a classical French style, featuring a stone façade and mansard roof. “What’s unique is that it’s new construction on the Upper East Side – there’s not a lot of that,” says David Von Spreckelsen, Division President of Toll Brothers City Living, the building’s developer. “It’s a boutique building, about 22 units, so it has that small feeling, yet all the amenities are [characteristic] of new construction and a bigger building.” This includes a 24-hour concierge, a wine cellar, lounge, fitness center, massage and yoga room, library, refrigerated storage and bike storage, as well as a rooftop deck with a working fireplace. The units also offer lots of space for families – with high ceilings and some full-floor units, says Von Spreckelsen, for which keyed-off elevators open right into the home. Families can choose from two, three or four-bedroom residences, or a five-bedroom penthouse, all of which feature ornate molding and detailed floor work.
UPPER WEST SIDE 220 West 93rd Street In the heart of the Upper West Side, families will find classic pre-war elegance in this 16-story, 52-unit, pet-friendly building, which was converted to a condominium in 2006. The apartments are particularly spacious – comprising four to seven rooms totaling up to 2,126 square feet. Families can choose between two, three and four-bedroom homes. “These apartments also have the ability to be combined,” says Louise Phillips Forbes, Executive Vice President of Halstead Property Development Marketing. This can bring the total up to 2,900 square feet and five bedrooms, she says. “With two apartments
who don’t want to do it themselves can choose an upgrade package that includes granite countertops, ceramic and subway tiles, Subzero refrigerators, as well as Viking, Bosch and Miele appliances. The building’s amenities also include a 24-hour doorman, live-in super, and laundry room. What particularly stands out, says Forbes, and is that the building’s management calls upon its residents for feedback in its decision-making. For example, Samson Management had asked homeowners to lobby for amenities they wished to have, and as a result, they were able to get approval for bike storage sheds. Forbes says, “To me, that echoes that a community has been built.” The Aldyn (60 Riveside Boulevard)
Located on Riverside Boulevard, The Aldyn offers spacious apartments with one, two, three and four-bedroom homes (many of which offer spectacular river views) as well as duplex residences that offer their own pools and elevators. The building also offers over 40,000 square feet of amenities. “The sort of guiding principle of the building is that it is housed around big areas where people can interact,” says Beth Fisher, Senior Managing Director of Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group. She notes the numerous cafes and lounges, a Kidvilledesigned playroom under construction, and the spectacular Aldyn Athletic Club and Spa, managed by LA PALESTRA. “When you first enter, there’s a 38-foot rock climbing wall…there’s a full circuit of weight training, a bowling alley with a café next to it, and a basketball court.” For even more recreation, the neighborhood also offers Hudson River Park and Riverside Park. October 2011 | New York Family
71
9/16/11 4:17 PM
BATTERY PARK CITY 1 Rector Park (333 Rector Place)
Walk out the front door of this building and you’ll literally be standing in Rector Park. “It feels like somebody’s front lawn,” says Tricia Hayes Cole, Executive Managing Director of Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group. In this downtown neighborhood, she points out, it’s an urban environment, but surrounded by 36 acres of open space, 13 parks, basketball courts, and the Esplanade along the riverfront. This, coupled with the size of the homes at 1 Rector Park, makes it easy to see why families would want to live here. The building offers up to four bedrooms in seven or eight different layouts and a broad array of sizes, up to approximately 2,600 square feet. “There is flexibility in the way that the space can be used,” says Cole, and many offer water or park views. The building also offers a great amenity package, including a children’s playroom, Bar and Books lounge, as well as a fully equipped fitness center, business and homework center and adjacent parking garage.
FINANCIAL DISTRICT 20 Pine The Collection (20 Pine Street) This landmark building in the heart of the Financial District was the former home of the Chase Manhattan Bank headquarters. What has made the building unique in its conversion is its calming design, with interior furnishings by Armani/Casa. “The building is very classic; Deco in style,” says Lori Ordover, President the Ordover Group, a consultant to the building’s developer, Africa Israel. “Armani/Casa wanted to continue in that classic feel, but contemporize it.” The resulting decor features an inviting color palette, mostly in beige with black and brown accents. The 409 loft-like condominium homes are also elegant, featuring kitchen with cabinetry-concealed appliances and bathrooms complete with rain showers, Turkish steam baths and soaking tubs. And, no two floors are alike. “The building sort of ‘wedding cakes.’ As it goes up, the floor plate changes,” Ordover explains. That results in 67 different floor plans for families to
72
New York Family | October 2011
REALESTATE_1011.indd 72
choose from, offering up to three bedrooms and with oversized windows that let in plenty of light and unobstructed views that face south toward the New York Stock Exchange. Another selling point for families is that the building offers plenty of amenities space. “All of the kids meet at the swimming pool, and at the 25th terrace they [can be found] playing outside,” says Ordover. There is also a billiards room, a lounge area with two flatscreen TVs, a winter lounge, golf simulation room, and a spa and fitness center with full locker room and private showers. Residents can also take advantage of concierge service, in-house valet, bike room and storage, a Bright Horizons childcare center right in the building, and private subway access. 25 Broad Street This recently renovated rental building in the heart of downtown offers one and two-bedroom residences in a variety of layouts, with all the finishings and amenities one could expect from a condominium building. This includes poliform cabinetry with under cabinet lighting, waterworks fixtures, and marble double sinks in the bathrooms. David Sigman, Executive Vice President and Principal of LCOR, the building’s developer, says that 25 Broad Street is all about the space and amenities. The
apartments are larger than most because of its original conversion from an office building (and three-bedroom units are planned for next summer). And, there are amenities for all ages. Kids will love the children’s playroom, complete with computer stations, flat screen TV, stereo, Nintendo Wii station, and golf simulator, in addition to toys, puzzles and plush toys for the little ones. Parents can take advantage of the yoga studio, fitness center and catering kitchen. Valet and concierge service is also available, and an outdoor terrace will be a welcoming spot on the rooftop next summer. New York by Gehry (8 Spruce Street) Situated right on City Hall Park, and right on the border of the Financial District and Tribeca, is the 76-story New York by Gehry. The tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere offers great views of the island of Manhattan and the
(continued on p.74)
Building
1 Rector Park 333 Rector Place 888-810-1638 1rectorpark.com
The Aldyn 60 Riverside Blvd 212-579-6006 thealdyn.com
5th on the Park 1485 Fifth Avenue 888-355-3802 5thonthepark.com
Azure 333 East 91st Street 212-828-4848 azureny.com
The Pavilion 500 East 77th Street 212-535- 0500 glenwoodnyc.com
Barclay Tower 10 Barclay Street 212-430-5900 glenwoodnyc.com
Peter Cooper Village 252 First Avenue 888-814-9049 petercoopernyc.com
The Dillon 425 West 53rd Street 212-586-5300 dillon53.com
Stuyvesant Town 252 First Avenue 888-466-1619 stuytown.com
The Gateway Tower 2098 Frederick Douglass Blvd. 212-381-4215 thegatewaytower.com
The Touraine 132A East 65th Street 212-576-1030 thetouraine.com
20 Pine The Collection 212-920-2020 20pine.com 25 Broad Street 888-562-9802 25broadnyc.com 77 Reade 212-77-Reade 77reade.com 205 Water Street 718-246-4205 205Water.com 220 West 93rd Street 212-381-2685 220west93.com 1280 Fifth Avenue 212-996-1280 1280fifth.com
New York by Gehry 8 Spruce Street 212-877-2220 newyorkbygehry.com
directory
The View 4630 Center Boulevard Long Island City 877-LIC-7778 livingtheview.com
www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:18 PM
special promotional section
“Hey MoM, I want to do My HoMework In My rooM” California Closets…life…style…lifestyle. We bring the multi-purpose room home for you and your family. This state-of-the-art room includes a bed that effortlessly doubles as a couch. The addition of funky pillows calls for comfortable lounging while watching TV, playing a video game, or indulging in some good reading. A cool, curved desk with drawer storage can elevate the typical homework drudge and deep drawer storage for clothes and linens provides
a neat space for all your things. We have highlighted the cabinets with bright high gloss doors to make the space youth-friendly and inviting, and feature a new addition to our premium Italian finishes in Bianca White that offers some hidden spots for your child’s special treasures. California Closets combines unique and functional elements to deliver a one-of-a-kind room to your growing home.
1625 York Avenue, New York, NY | 26 Varick Street, New York, NY | 646-486-3905
californiaclosets.com
ADVERTORIAL_CClosets.indd 73
9/19/11 3:29 PM
(continued from p.72)
ant Town and Peter Cooper Village offer a great sense of community. Set in a private 80-acre park complete with a host of athletic facilities, playgrounds, walking and jogging paths, the grounds also serve as the site of outdoor concerts, movies, holiday celebrations and social events. The buildings at Stuyvesant Town offer one, two, three and five-bedroom apartments for rent, featuring windowed-chef kitchens with separate dining areas, ample closet space and custom bathrooms. Its sister property, Peter Cooper Village, offers one, two and three-bedroom
dbox
outer boroughs. “This building has over 200 unique apartments,” says Cliff Finn, President of New Development Marketing at Citi Habitats. “The facade has a movement to it, so that each apartment is different in that the interiors reflect the way the facade moves.” Families have plenty of two- and three-bedroom homes to choose from. The
amenities space takes up three floors of the building, totaling 22,000 square feet. There’s a children’s room for younger kids as well as a “Tween Den” outfitted with plasma TVs, movies and Xbox, a 50-foot indoor swimming pool, a screening room, catering kitchen, private dining room and a salon. There’s also a gaming room with golf simulators, billiards and ping pong tables. And soon kids won’t even have to leave the building to go to school—an expansion of the PS 234 School will be housed on the lower floors.
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 readymade 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, outdoor playground, and Creative Dream parties, a facility that hosts themed birthday parties for kids. A Waterside Swim & Health Club and onsite-parking garage is also available for an additional fee. A concierge desk helps families plan everything from vacations to music lessons.
EasT ViLLaGE stuyvesant Town and peter Cooper Village For families looking for a downtown luxury rental that’s close to Gramercy Park, the Flatiron District and Union Square, Stuyves-
74
New York Family | October 2011
REALESTATE_1011.indd 74
rentals with city or park views, large windows and expansive dining areas. Both have the option of choosing modern or classic appointments. A host of amenities and services are available at both properties, including a seasonal greenmarket, concierge service by Abigail Michaels, 24-hour security, a children’s playroom, state-of-the-art fitness center, lounge, screening room and study, as well as on-site parking and an onsite Zipcar rental service.
boast top-of-the-line appliances, including full-size washers and dryers, and afford residents some stellar views of the city. 1280 Fifth avenue At the intersection of art, nature and residential living, this Robert A.M. Sterndesigned, 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 set 1280 Fifth Avenue apart are 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. The Gateway Tower (2098 Frederick Douglass Blvd)
HaRLEM 5th on the park (1485 Fifth avenue) Families can find plenty to love about 5th on the Park, a high-rise located on Upper Fifth Avenue. The building contains a children’s playroom, community room, two common outdoor terraces (including one equipped with grills), a 24-hour attended lobby, an underground parking garage, fitness center and a 55-foot indoor heated lap pool. “For most of our buyers with families, the indoor heated swimming pool and kids playroom will be big factors,” said Stephen G. Kliegerman, Executive Director of Sales. “They also like the fact that they can get the space of an actual home, while having all the amenities that you can only get in a luxury condominium.” The building’s 158 units
Parents looking to live in West Harlem will discover that The Gateway Tower seems particularly designed with families in mind. Besides a full gym, sauna, patio, community room, and bike storage, there’s also a large daycare center downstairs. And most of the 88 residences offer private outdoor space from 500 square feet and up with spectacular skyline views. Families can choose from one- to five-bedroom homes, totaling up to 2,600 square feet. “We have the ability to combine the apartments either laterally or vertically,” adds Norman Horowitz, Executive Vice President of Halstead Property, LLC. The units also offer “practical, working kitchens,” says Horowitz, with stainless steel appliances and maple cabinets. And the neighborhood is particularly family-friendly. “Morningside Park is a block and a half away, and Central Park is three blocks away.” He adds that retail options are also fantastic, with plenty of restaurants along FDB, and four subway lines nearby. www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:19 PM
77 Reade
Families in search of spacious lofts in family-friendly Tribeca will find something special in 77 Reade. “This conversion project combines a pre-historic building with a ground-up new construction,” explains Barrie Mandel, Senior Vice President with Corcoran Sunshine. An 1852 cast iron warehouse was combined with a brand new limestone structure, offering 29 two, three and four-bedroom lofts and duplex and triplex penthouses. “The buildings have that personality of being a bit unusual,” says Mandel, adding that the character is different from each side. “It’s not like you go to the sixth, seventh or eighth floor and it’s all the same. The two buildings are not level.” All lofts offer 4-foot, hardwood ash floors and 10- to 14-foot ceilings, along with expansive, seven-foot windows that let in lots of light. Some lofts also offer exposed brick, private terraces and fireplaces. The building also qualifies for 421a Tax Abatement, one of the last available in the city. Amenities include a courtyard, a 2,000-square foot fitness center, two locker rooms, a full-time concierge and part-time super. Private parking will also become available. Barclay Tower (10 Barclay Street)
three-bedroom homes feature oversized bay or corner windows and offer nine-foot ceilings, as well as spacious eat-in kitchens with granite countertops and plenty of closet space. They are also arranged so there are no more than nine homes per floor, providing an intimate living environment. “We put a lot of attention to detail in this building,” says Steve Maschi, Vice President of Glenwood Management, Barclay Tower’s developer and management company. The elegant lobby features a grand colonnade, three-story entrance, French chiseled limestone walls and tranquil seating areas of Japanese Tamo and Teak. And there’s no shortage of amenities. Families can take advantage of a 50-foot indoor lap swimming pool, a whirlpool and outdoor terrace, a spa, full-service gym and yoga room, party room with a kitchen, dining room and outdoor space, as well as a children’s playroom featuring hand-painted murals. The neighborhood also has plenty of attractions, including Battery Park City’s 36 acres of open space.
MIDTOWN WEST The Dillon (425 West 53rd Street)
This luxury condo offers four distinct residence types: flats, duplexes, penthouse duplexes and nine three-story townhouses. The three- to five-bedroom penthouse duplexes feature private rooftop gardens, while each individual triplex townhouse has a street entry, parking space and a private backyard. For families, The Dillon boasts a children’s playroom and a bike storage room; plus, “a lounge with a catering kitchen that opens to a Garden Plaza, which can be used for birthday parties and other events,” says Elaine Diratz, Managing Director at Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group, which oversees the marketing and sales of the building. A cutting-edge fitness center, residents’ lounge, private dining room, and 24-hour attended lobby complete the amenities.
BROOKLYN This luxury, 58-story building offers a great option for families looking for loft-like apartments but want to rent. The one, two and www.newyorkfamily.com
REALESTATE_1011.indd 75
DUMBO Landmark Historic District and 19th and early 20th-Century architecture, the building features a post-industrial aesthetic, with a cobblestone pavement entrance, a cantilevered penthouse balcony that was inspired by the Manhattan Bridge, and black frame windows. But the interiors have a modern, European feel, with nice clean lines, says David Von Spreckelsen, Division President of
Toll Brothers City Living, the developer. He adds, “Some [residences] have duplexes, with high ceilings and great views of Manhattan and the bridges.” There are washers and dryers in every unit, and the building also offers amenities like a fitness center, indoor parking and bike storage. But what also stands out is the outdoor space. There are adjoining exterior courtyards, a landscaped reflecting garden, and some homes have backyards or private rooftop terraces. If families want even more outdoor space, they can take advantage of Brooklyn Bridge Park along the waterfront.
QUEEENS dbox
TRIBECA
205 Water Street This new condominium building features 65 loft-like two- and three-bedroom homes. Designed to preserve the character of the
The View (4630 Center Boulevard)
With every apartment in this new Long Island City condo designed to maximize outside light and the spectacular vista of Manhattan across the East River, it’s no surprise that its developer, TF Cornerstone, called it The View. 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. Inside, 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 fitness centers, an indoor rooftop swimming pool, party room, and fully attended garage in an adjacent building. October 2011 | New York Family
75
9/16/11 4:20 PM
McMaid
For all your cleaning needs 212-371-5555 www.mcmaidnyc.com Manhattan Cleaning Corp. The Name You KNow & TrusT iN maNhaTTaN move-iN/ouT, PosT CoNsTruCTioN, GeNeral,TurNover, CorP. aPTs, eTC. FullY iNs/BoNded BankStreetBookstore1110:BankStreetBookstore
9/15/11
10
Tomie dePaola at the Bank Street Auditorium Wednesday, November 2 at 4:30 The beloved author reads and autographs. Ages 4-8 • Call for reservations Bank Street Bookstore corner of 112th St. & Broadway
(212) 678-1654 www.BankStreetBooks.com
Nancy Paulsen Books
• Knowledgeable Staff • Gift Cards • Phone Order • Gift Wrapping • Shipping Worldwide
Small Classes... Big Difference
Registratio starts now n ! Seats availa ble in grades Pr e K-5.
Free After School Program 121 E 3rd Street between 1st Ave & Ave A
Partials_1011.indd 14
9/16/11 12:05 PM
NINTH ANNUAL
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Cecelia McCarton, MD Executive Director
The McCarton Foundation McCarton School
Harold S. Koplewicz, MD President of the Child Mind Institute
John Archambault Author of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Bob McGrath
Original Cast member & music teacher of Sesame Street Author, Recording Artist, Concert Performer
Maria Hinojosa
President of the Futuro Media Group, Managing editor and Anchor of NPR’s Latino USA, and host of Maria Hinojosa: One-on-One Also featuring Dr. Sheila Evans-Tranumn Former Associate Commissioner of Education in NYS and National and International Consultant
APRIL 18-20, 2012 NEW YORK’S HOTEL PENNSYLVANIA
(ACROSS FROM MADISON SQUARE GARDEN)
GREAT SPEAKERS. GREAT LEARNING. HELPING YOUNG CHILDREN LEARN & GROW
OVERVIEW More than 25 Conference sessions Full and Half-day Workshops 30 Exhibitors & Over 1,000 Attendees expected
TOPICS ADHD Advocacy Autism Essentials Behavior Management Developmental Discipline Early Literacy
Educational Choices/Programs Music and Learning Positive Parenting Social Skills Development Resources/Special Needs Speech Language Issues
The Young Child Expo & Conference will provide early childhood professionals and parents the latest information about early childhood development, services, resources, and products to help all children reach their full potential. In one unique event, this conference integrates learning about a wide variety of important topics affecting typically developing children as well as those with special needs, including autism. TO REGISTER GO TO WWW.YOUNGCHILDEXPO.COM OR CALL 212-787-9700 EXT 333 GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
REGISTER BEFORE MARCH 21, 2012 FOR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS
YoungChild.indd 1
9/15/11 12:18 PM
Real estate & home Design – Fall 2011
What a ConCept The NYC Husband And Wife Team Who Brought Us BoConcept Carries Their Design Aesthetic Home To Create An Environment That’s Utterly Urban, Totally Chic And Vibrantly Splashed With Color
Photos by heidi green BY Paula Balzer Niki Cheng loves color. At home, at work, in life. “If I didn’t plan ahead, this place would look like a kindergarten [classroom],” she jokes. But there is nothing kiddish about Cheng’s elegant Flatiron loft—other than the presence of her two children, four-year-old daughter Cienna, 20-month-old son Edin, with husband Shaokao. Shaokao and Niki Cheng are the owners of eight BoConcept franchises in New York City, Long Island and New Jersey. BoConcept, the urban furniture company founded in Denmark in 1952 is known for offering modern, smart and sleek styles at affordable prices. How two bright, young 28-year-olds opened up the first franchise of the revered European brand is the kind of story New Yorkers never tire of hearing. “I moved here from China to be with my parents. I was studying at Parsons and working as a coat check girl at Vong,” Niki smiles, adding that 1998 was a good year to be a coat check girl— Vong is where she met Shaokao. Though it was Shaokao who originally spotted a “Help Wanted” sign in a furniture store window on 32nd and Madison, it was Niki who took the job. “I immediately learned that I was very good at selling furniture. If the store didn’t have what I wanted for
78
New York Family | October 2011
REALESTATE_1011.indd 78
a customer, I sold from catalogs. I developed a sixth sense about what people were looking for.” But it was when they were renovating their one-bedroom on Madison Avenue that opportunity was born from frustration. “There was a hole in the market. There was no quality, modern, European furniture available at a reasonable price. But when we saw an ad for a coffee table in Metropolitan Home, it was exactly what we wanted. . .$299. It was perfect,” Niki explains. Even better? The words written below the ad—“franchise opportunity available.” The Chengs approached BoConcept about opening a New York store, but were initially turned down. “We were told rents were too high, the margins too slim.” Undeterred, Niki managed to negotiate a reasonable price on rent at an old carpet store on 30th and Madison—mere steps from where she first sold furniture for another design house. Surprisingly, BoConcept said yes! Shaokao quit his job at McKinsey Consulting, and six weeks later BoConcept opened its first Manhattan store. “When I think back on that time I can’t imagine what I was thinking. Now we plan for months just to change wall colors!” Niki adds, with a whim of nostalgia. www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 2:40 PM
The Chengs twobedroom, two-bath home provides a perfect backdrop for the modern and spare aesthetic that has inspired Niki’s design sense. “I think Richard Meier is a genius. His designs are so clean and simple—never too much. Even I also admire Karim Rashid…the color!” While the apartment’s overall effect is chic, cool and utterly urban—with its BoConcept Amari dining table in black-stained oak veneer that seats eight, the polished walnut floors and striking views of Manhattan, it’s the personal touches Niki has added that create a sense of warmth and family. An oversized black and white crystal chandelier is hanging above the dining table—it’s polished yet playful, and adds a dash of unexpected sparkle. When asked where it came from, Cheng lights up. “Chinatown! Right on the Bowery. So affordable.” Niki’s philosophy of using flashes of color to make a space unique—a decorating essential to her—is seen in every room. An orange chair is nestled in the corner of the dining area, and the living space features a BoConcept sectional with a smattering of turquoise, cream and orange pillows. The family’s sofa, the Nova—known as “the ultimate lounging sofa”—highlights the multi-function signature of so many of BoConcept’s pieces. “I always tell clients you can do magic with our designs. We have sofas that can turn into lounges, chairs that turn into beds, and even
Niki CheNg’s
Available in white lacquer or blackstained oak veneer, the sleek and sturdy Occa 2900 Folding Table provides a stylish extra surface for dinners, craft projects or homework. www.newyorkfamily.com
REALESTATE_1011.indd 79
an ottoman that turns into a single bed.” The streamlined styling continues even in the kids’ room. Cienna and Edin’s back bedroom wall pops with Osborne & Little’s Grove Garden wallpaper featuring exotically colored hummingbirds. The rest of their room is painted a gentle yellow-green, perfectly balanced by all-white furniture—Edin’s classic Oeuf crib, built-in cabinets along the window, and always forward-thinking, Niki has hung a set of kitchen cabinets along the wall for further storage. The master bedroom is peaceful but remains practical for a busy family. “With these colors—white, cream, grey—I can use any color linens and they’ll work.” Niki’s signature burst of color isn’t to be missed. A Patrick McMullan photograph hangs right above the bed in an explosion of bright purple. And another Bowery bargain hangs down on each side of the bed—two all-white chandeliers. The kitchen—centered on a large island—was designed with entertaining in mind. Cool, white surfaces and cabinets from the Danish company HTH, grey tiles from Artistic, and Bosch appliances are perfect for chopping and chatting with friends and family. “We love to have friends over. . . Sometimes we have theme nights, like Fashion Night.” Big fans of style, Niki and Shaokao draw inspiration from New York Fashion Week. “If I wasn’t in design—I’d be in fashion,” Niki says. The Chengs even hosted a show at their Madison Avenue store for New York-based designer Asher Levine, who has dressed the likes of Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. And when they aren’t creating a runway in their store: “I still love to interact with customers,” Niki gushes. “In New York I have to learn to think smarter. How can we use the space? How can we use the wall? I love how the city inspires people to mix old and new pieces.” When they manage to break away from the hectic life of retail, the Cheng family can be found a few blocks away in Madison Square Park. But they love Brooklyn, too. “We have a store in Dumbo, and the kids love the playground there. We also love Jacques Torres ice cream, getting pizza…and Almondine [Bakery]!” As for that coffee table? The one that started everything? Niki laughs. “Oh yes, we still have it.”
3 Must-have ProduCts For FaMilies For more information, visit boconcept.us.
With a reclining and a sleeping function, the Melo Sofa Bed flexes to meet families’ needs. Practical enough to sleep overnight guests of all ages.
The Imola Chair lets parents play with their kids in comfort. This low-slung piece comes in a variety of differentcolored fabrics and leathers—perfect for the ever-evolving home. October 2011 | New York Family
79
9/16/11 2:40 PM
Real estate & home Design – Fall 2011
Room FoR Flexibility
When A Table, A Bed And A Closet Are More Than They Seem For families in apartments, the best design solutions are often classic elements re-imagined to serve more than one purpose. Here are three stylish examples:
It’S A BeD AnD A DeSk! From Resource Furniture (resourcefurniture.com, 212-753-2039) A chic and sensible answer for a child’s room, the Cabrio Space Saving System has a spacious seven-foot desk that easily lifts up and sets (without removing a single desktop object) to reveal a twin bed. Presto!
the new FAmIly tABle From Glickman Schlesinger Design Office (gs-designoffice.com, 718-775-3270) With discrete openings at each end of the table for laptop cords and other electronic accessories, this stylish but versatile table, gives families a single surface on which to work, eat and play together. (We like its origins, too: It’s created by an NYC architecture and design team who are also husband and wife, and parents.)
the ADjuStABle ClOSet From California Closets (californiaclosets.com, 646-486-3905) The wonder of a custom-designed California Closet for kids is it easily adjusts to a growing child’s changing needs—but still always seems just right in the moment, like this reach-in and fully-adjustable closet, which makes use of pull-out baskets and lots of compartments to keep a child’s toys in order.
80
New York Family | October 2011
REALESTATE_1011.indd 80
www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:21 PM
Win r
TRAVEL 2011
THE MANY FACES
of FLORIDA
Three Separate Looks From Our Travel Correspondents
OFF TO SEE THE WIZARDS BY MARISA COHEN
“Mom, look! You can go to Florida and actually fly a broom with Harry Potter!” My 7-year-old daughter Molly had just seen a commercial for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the new park-within-a-park at Universal Orlando. After I gently explained that commercials can be deceiving, I raced to the computer and booked the trip. Molly, her 9-year-old sister, Bellamy, and I are all crazy about those wizards, and my husband Jeremy is an awfully good sport. When we arrived at Universal, we merged with the massive crowd of families walking toward the Harry Potter section of the park, which opened just last year. As the towers of Hogwarts Castle came into view, we felt as if we had just apparated into the village of Hogsmeade. Vendors were selling pumpkin juice and butterbeer. Shop windows were filled with clever nods to the books and movies—a shaking box of Quaffles and Bludgers in the Quidditch supply store, a replica of Hermione’s Yule Ball gown in the Wizardwear store. But the real magic happened inside the castle walls. While waiting on a line that can be as long as an entire Harry Potter movie, we wound through the halls of Hogwarts, visiting Professor Dumbledore’s office, checking out the Gryffindor common room, and listening to the chattering portraits on the walls. Finally, we
Unofficial Disney Most growing families have already taken a trip (or two) to Disney during their kids’ youngest years. Once to be cast under the spell of the Magic Kingdom. And again to experience Epcot. If this is the year for the famed Disney vacation for your family, check out The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2012 by Bob Sehlinger and Len Testa. To complement it, bring along a copy of Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World’s Best Kept Secrets by Steven Barrett so your clan can uncover all the clandestine images of their favorite mouse.
82
New York Family | October 2011
REALESTATE_1011.indd 82
4
The Cohen family at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
reached the main event: the high-tech, virtual ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. And this is where I apologized to Molly for not believing her. Because once we were on that ride, we truly felt like we were flying, following Harry on a heart-stopping chase through the Chamber of Secrets, into Aragog’s lair, smack dab in the middle of a Quidditch match. The major downside: Molly could not experience the magic herself, since children have to be 48 inches tall to ride, but the experience was so insanely wonderful that Bellamy and I went on a second time. Luckily, Molly’s disappointment was easily eradicated with the purchase of a stuffed owl and several rides on Flight of the Hippogriff, a traditional roller coaster. Now that we’re back home, Molly measures herself every day. I have a feeling that as soon as she hits that magical 48, we’ll be flying right back. For more information, visit universalorlando.com/harrypotter.
More Florida Tips
Discovery Cove
Orlando-goers who check out Disney or Universal should also plan a day at Discovery Cove. Swim with dolphins, experience colorful birds at the Explorer’s Aviary, take an underwater walking tour of The Grand Reef, snorkel with tropical fish and rays, or simply float down the Wind-away River. If water play is your favorite pastime, you don’t want to miss this attraction. (discoverycove.com)
South Beach
If you like South Beach but worry it’s too young and hip for funloving families, keep the Loews Hotel in mind. The Loews Loves Kids program offers special “kids” clubs, camps and menus, as well as on-call gear, Fisher-Price toys and entertainment. With its wonderfully serene pool, next to which you can nosh on smoothies and frozen grape kabobs, Loews is a great balance to the frenzy of Disney. (loewshotels.com)
Panhandle Looking for something entirely serene? Go north to the Panhandle. Stay at the WaterColor Inn & Resort at Santa Rosa Beach for the ultimate relaxation experience. Think sugar-sand beaches and picturesque parks and gardens. Also in the area is beautiful Pensacola with history, arts and culture for the entire family. And a short drive west is Gulf Shores, Alabama—a hidden gem with water parks, zoos and kid-friendly restaurants like The Hangout and LuLu’s. It’s worth the trip! (watercolorresort.com, thehangoutal.com, lulubuffett.com) www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:22 PM
Megan's daughter on Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise.
Where The WaTer Is Clear BY MegaN MaxsON
Whenever I think of a beach getaway, it’s always to an island or somewhere south of the border because I assume that the beaches in the U.S. just can’t compare. Clearwater, Florida proved me wrong. Its beaches have the softest, whitest sand around and there’s just so much of it. I could lure my 4-year-old daughter from the pool to the ocean just by asking her to pick up the pretty shells in the shallow water.
Where to stay? Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater, is an eco-friendly hub that’s just 30 minutes south of Tampa Airport, and gives you access to the beach as well as nearby family attractions. A walk down the shore will take you to Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, where kids get to be one of the crew, have water gun fights, search for treasure, and sail around Clearwater. You can also take a trolley from the resort to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium—home to Winter the dolphin who uses a prosthetic tail after he lost his own in a crab trap. The Aquarium, which acts like a hospital and rehabilitation center for rescued animals, is also home to turtles, otters, stingrays and nurse sharks. The resort itself has impressive amenities— poolside cabanas, a full spa, modern gym and lobby café. You can also feel good about staying at Sandpearl because it’s one of the few LEED Certified resorts based on its energy-efficient and environmentally conscious elements in design and construction, like a chilled-water air condi-
tioning system. But Sandpearl is especially nice for fams because it’s got something for everyone—cooking classes and boating activities for the adults, and a kids club for little ones ages 5-11. My own kiddos had to be dragged away after making Camp Ridley shirts and building sand castles all day! For more information, visit sandpearl.com.
Naples, Our Way
BY CliNt White Marilou and I love to bring our two-and-ahalf-year-old son Liam to visit my mom in her adopted home in Naples, Florida. It’s a beautiful area on the Gulf Coast, directly west of Fort Lauderdale, across “Alligator Alley,” with gorgeous beaches, ample sunshine, friendly people and great restaurants. What we admittedly don’t love is her place of residence—a 55+ retirement community a bit too far off the beaten path. The solution, however, is an easy one: we make our trips to Florida into a retreat to the family-friendly (albeit elegantly casual) Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort. Sure, we make a day of hanging out at Grammy’s house and at Grammy’s pool with Grammy’s friends, but we still get to stay at the Ritz, where service, luxury and convenience reign supreme. During our most recent trip, Grammy courageously volunteered to spend time on the beach with her grandson building sand castles, destroying them and repeating the process—giving me and Marilou a chance to retire to the spa. We both marveled at how sublime it was to languidly skim through magazines in the calm of the spa’s expansive relaxation area, with nothing to worry about except whether or not to sneak off for the tennis clinic or perhaps take Liam to the Nature Center, which is of regional museum quality experience for kids over five. As for meals, we loved the family atmosphere while overlookwww.newyorkfamily.com
REALESTATE_1011.indd 83
Clint and liam enjoying the beach.
ing the impossibly blue Gulf of Mexico at Gumbo Limbo. We also enjoyed Bites—a tapas-style restaurant in the main lobby of the hotel that gave Liam a chance to try international food like hummus, black olive tapenade (a hilarious addition to Liam’s vocabulary), and lamb gyros. Marilou and I—now with a second child in tow—agree that strategic compromise is the key to happy family travels. If RitzCarlton Beach Resort in Naples is the compromise, count us in! For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com. October 2011 | New York Family
83
9/16/11 4:23 PM
October 1-2
GRAND ART GALA
10
GREAT IDEAS
OCTOBER
[Ages 10 months-15 years] From 12-5pm, visit the Children’s Museum of the Arts at its beautiful, brand new (and much larger!) facility on Charlton Street in the heart of Hudson Square for their grand opening weekend. Check out special workshops, performances and tours—held on the hour. Families can view displays from the 2,000-piece collection of international children’s art, dating back to the 1930s, and learn about film by experimenting with puppets and stop-motion animation. And don’t miss the sound station in the new media lab! While you’re there, be the first to see CMA’s opening exhibit, “Make Art (In) Public,” which displays how artists use a variety of methods to build communities and showcase the beauty of daily life. 103 Charlton Street, 212-274-0986, cmany.org.
Opens October 7
A CARNIVAL BY NUMBERS [All Ages]
Step right up, girls and boys, and ride a tricycle with square wheels! Liberty Science Center has declared the 2011-2012 school year the Year
October Weekends
BOO WHO?
Julie Larsen
[All Ages]
Boo at the Zoo, the Bronx Zoo’s favorite October event, offers all sorts of spooktacular fun (read: hay rides and a haunted safari!) for festive families. Catch The Lehman College Players’ So You Think That’s Scary? musical revue—an entertaining exploration of why some misunderstood animals aren’t so scary after all. Dare to dress up and join puppets for a costume parade around the zoo! And listen to Gigi and the Lend Me a Hand Band perform catchy, creature-themed tunes. Get creative with pumpkin carving and craft projects, and be sure to sweeten your trip by visiting the treat stations at various locations throughout the park. Costumed children under 12 get in for free. 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, 718-220-5100, bronxzoo.com.
Opens October 2
RUN THROUGH THE MUD [Ages 4-13]
It’s time to roll up your sleeves—the Merrell National Mud Run this month is a dream come true for pint-sized dirt lovers. Little adventurers can brave age-appropriate obstacles before belly-crawling through a giant mud pit to the finish line in one of two kids races. Fill up after the furious dash with burgers, chips and drinks at the Burger Bash—just don’t forget to show your racer bib at the Registration Tent for $5 off your meal tickets. Each racer will also receive a finisher medal and T-shirt. Parents are welcome to join (and are required to accompany their kids in the Ages 4-6 run) for a day of slimy family fun. Orchard Beach Road, Pelham Bay Park, Long Island Sound, Bronx, 818-707-8866 ext. 32, downanddirtymudrun.com.
84
New York Family | October 2011
10GoodIdeas_1011.indd 84
of Math, and to celebrate, it will debut the exhibit “Math Midway.” Starting on Sunday, October 7, visitors can participate in 21 exciting, carnivalthemed math activities. Between lasers, puzzles and a giant Wheel of Chance game, kids will have so much fun that they won’t even realize they’re acquiring new quantitative skills. Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, 201-200-1000, lsc.org.
October 9
CRAZY COSTUME CONCERT [All Ages]
Don your strangest garb for BYOK: Princess Katie and Racer Steve’s Dress Up Jam! at 92Y Tribeca. Prepare for plenty of audience participation at this one-of-a-kind show, as the distinctive duo, along with Crash the Drummer and Space on Bass, performs past hits as well as songs from “Tiny Cool,” their most recent children’s album. Kids and adults will have a blast as they groove to funk, pop, rock and Latin samba tunes and explore the wide, weird world of music at this high-energy event. 200 Hudson Street, 212-601-1000, 92ytribeca.com.
www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:33 PM
October 18
Mandel. To the sounds of Jim Keyes’ whimsical accordion and mandolin music, adults and children will learn the mystical properties of plants from lands near and far. Discover how to arrange a fanciful garden that magical creatures will love, and stop by for an enchanted brunch on Sunday. West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx, 718549-3200, wavehill.org.
A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM [Ages 2-12]
©AMNH/R.Mickens
October 28-29
Treat your entire family to a special night out at the American Museum of Natural History. From 5-7:30pm, the museum comes alive for The 18th Annual Family Party. This beloved tradition lets children transform into zookeepers and archaeologists as they make friends with live animals, like a giant tortoise. Special guests abound, including Cozy’s Cuts for Kids, Wacky Wendy and the Hat Factory and Jerry Zelenka with “A Touch of Nature.” Young artists will revel in craft projects, and Laughing Pizza! and Magic-Al Garber will perform. Central Park West and 79th Street, 212313-7161, amnh.org/familyparty, familyparty@amnh.org.
SPOOKY SLEEPOVER [Ages 6+]
The eccentricities inside this famous “odditorium” make Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! the perfect place to hold a Halloween slumber party that kids will remember for years to come. The Boo-lieve It or Not! Slumber Fest will feature acrobatic and stunt performances, trick-or-treating, a costume contest and a spooky scavenger hunt, as well as many other Halloween-themed activities. Kids can also participate in a late-night haunted house and will have access to Ripley’s Impossible LaseRace™. Dinner, breakfast, snacks and a souvenir goody bag will be provided, and guests should bring a sleeping bag, pillow, pajamas, flashlight, costume and remember to pack their curiosity! Slumber Fest starts at 7pm on October 28 and ends at 8am the following morning. 234 West 42nd Street, 212-398-3133, ripleysnewyork.com.
October 29
GHOULS IN THE GARDEN [All Ages]
SING ME A STORY
Caroline Voagen Nelson
[All Ages]
Come on, cute costumes! Get dressed to impressed and head to Ghouls and Gourds at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden from 12-6pm. Visitors can meet celebrated children’s book authors and illustrators, marvel at giant puppets and participate in workshops and craft projects. Turn recycled
Jason Gardener, Courtesy of Brooklyn Botanic Garden
October 19
Fly out of your seats and swing into the soaring vocals, melodious tunes and groovy beats courtesy of the The Itty Biddies (shows at 10am and 11:30am). Help this all-girl trio bring a magic suitcase to life and journey with them on an African safari and an imaginary boat trip beneath the stars. The McGraw-Hill Companies CarnegieKids program invites you to this free cabaret-pop concert where the songs tell stories. Imagination required! The LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City, Queens, 718-482-5151, carnegiehall.org.
October 23-24
WONDERLAND WHIMSY [All Ages]
During Enchanted Wave Hill Weekend, kids all of ages can experience the magic of nature from 10am-4:30pm. With the help of a little pixie dust, kids can build fairy houses out of sticks and leaves, and then hear about Wave Hill’s own woodland fairies in the lore of guest storyteller Rama www.newyorkfamily.com
10GoodIdeas_1011.indd 85
treasures into artistic masterpieces, make masks and even become a puppeteer. A multitude of musical performances and entertainers add to the festivities, which caps off with a drum circle and costume parade. 900 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-623-7200, bbg.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.
October 2011 | New York Family
85
9/16/11 4:30 PM
Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park III
The award-winning cinematic franchise features groundbreaking visual effects that changed the art of movie-making forever. This collectible three-movie set also features hours of bonus features, including an all-new, six-part documentary and digital copies of all three films, digitally restored and remastered in flawless high definition for the ultimate viewing experience.
Š LITTLESTAR
debut as a trilogy set on Blu-ray(tm) October 25, 2011 from Universal Studios. TM
Telecharge.com or (212) 239-6200
Groups (10+) call: (212) 239-6262 or (800) 432-7780
facebook.com/MammaMiaNorthAmerica , Broadway & 50th Street
MammaMiaNorthAmerica.com
CAST RECORDING ON DECCA BROADWAY
available:
Partials_1011.indd 15
9/16/11 12:06 PM
Broadway’s Longest-Running Musical...EVER.
Telecharge.com or (212) 239-6200 MAJESTIC THEATRE, 247 West 44TH St. www.PhantomBroadway.com
MuseuMs And AttrActions
the Jewish MuseuM
From 1-4pm on Sunday, October 16, stop by The Jewish Museum for a special holiday art workshop—make your own luminous collage out of colorful, translucent materials. Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street, 212-423-3337, thejewishmuseum.org.
the MorGAn liBrAry And MuseuM On Saturday, October 15, award-winning children’s performer Morgan Taylor will blend live music and animated illustrations for a fascinating multimedia experience. Catchy story-songs describe the life of character Gustafer Yellowgold as he explores Earth with Slim the Eel and Forrest Applecrumbie, the fashion-conscious Pterodactyl. Performances at 1pm and 2pm. 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-735-4402, brooklynkids.org.
el Museo del BArrio
On Saturday, October 15, El Museo will celebrate Mexico’s 3,000-year-old tradition of observing el día de los muertos, a day for remembering loved ones who have passed away. Kids will celebrate life with a procession through Central Park, face painting and arty activities. 1230 Fifth Avenue, 212-831-7272, elmuseo.org.
MuseuM of Modern Art
On Saturdays and Sundays in October, kids ages 5-10 can take a closer look at the MoMA’s masterpieces as they participate in free Artful Objects tours. 11 West 53rd Street, 212-708-9400, moma.org.
MuseuM of the city of new york
On Saturday, October 15 at 1pm, families will learn how skyscrapers are constructed as they explore the exhibition “Kevin Roche: Architecture as Environment.” Kids can then put their new knowledge to work as they build their own 3-D skyscraper inspired by Roche’s architectural designs. Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street, 212-534-1672, mcny.org.
whitney MuseuM of AMericAn Art
During the Whitney Wees: Where Am I? Places tour, parents with children ages 4-5 will explore the Whitney’s extensive collection of 20thCentury American art, discovering real and imaginary places through paintings and sculpture. October 1 and 15, 10:30–11:30am. 945 Madison Avenue, 212-570-3600, whitney.org.
Family Fun, 2011. Photograph by Desi Gonzalez
Brooklyn children’s MuseuM
On Saturday, October 29, from 2-4pm, calligrapher Elinor Aishah Holland will teach the workshop, Qalam for Kids: Penning the Arabic Script. After a tour of the exhibition “Treasures of Islamic Manuscript Painting from the Morgan,” kids ages 6-12 will use traditional tools to pen a word in Arabic. 225 Madison Avenue, 212685-0008, themorgan.org.
new york BotAnicAl GArden
children’s MuseuM of MAnhAttAn
See bats up close and personal with Live Bats with Rob Mies on Sunday, October 30 at 3pm and 4pm. Conservationist Rob Mies will teach budding bat experts all about this not-so-scary mammal. 212 West 83rd Street, 212-721-1234, cmom.org.
From October 1-30, families can marvel at the New York Botanical Garden’s intricately-carved pumpkins, some of which might be the largest you’ve ever seen. 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, 718-817-8700, nybg.org.
new york hAll of science
Don’t miss Chemistry Day on Saturday, October 22, when kids will have the opportunity to complete experiments at hands-on activity tables with experts from local colleges. 47-01 111th Street, Queens, 718-699-0005, nyscience.org.
GuGGenheiM MuseuM
Visit the Guggenheim on Sunday, October 9 for The Extraordinary Everyday tour, which will teach kids to look at the strange and beautiful objects that surround them in everyday life in a new way. 1071 Fifth Avenue, 212-423-3500, guggenheim.org.
88
New York Family | October 2011
CULTURE_Performance_Museums_1011.indd 88
ruBin MuseuM of Art
On Saturday, October 1, from 12-5pm, the Rubin will host an activity-packed Family Day. Kids can use a map to find hidden secrets sprinkled throughout the museum, play instruments from all over the world, mold their own incense and dress up at a fabric stall. Global stories and music complete this day of adventure. 150 West 17th Street, 212-620-5000, rmanyc.org. www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 4:31 PM
TheaTer and Performances
Hungry Caterpillar. 566 LaGuardia Place, 212-352-3101, skirballcenter.nyu.edu.
for aGes 8 and UP
sYmPhonY sPace
You’ll laugh and cheer as Disco queen Deloris transforms a convent’s drab choir into a glamorous singing sensation. For tickets, call 212-2396200 or visit telecharge.com. The Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway.
Bmcc TrIBeca PerformInG arTs cenTer
The magic of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble will come to life on Saturday, October 15. Based on the book by William Steig, who also penned Shrek, an endearing donkey named Sylvester finds a shiny red pebble that is no ordinary stone, as he soon finds out. For kids ages 3-9. 199 Chambers Street, 212-220-1460, tribecapac.org.
sPIder-man: TUrn off The darK
The Marvel comic superhero is brought to daredevil heights in this high-flying hoopla—backed by the tunes of Bono & The Edge. For tickets, call 877-250-2929 or visit ticketmaster.com. Foxwoods Theater, 213 West 42nd Street.
LITeraLLY aLIVe chILdren’s TheaTer
Stone Soup tells the story of two lost Revolutionary War soldiers who wearily come across the “perfect” village while desperate for food and shelter. Audience members are asked to bring canned goods for a local soup kitchen. Runs through October. The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street, 212-866-5170, literallyalive.com.
The neW VIcTorY TheaTre
The comedic group, The Story Pirates, takes stories submitted by kids and turns them into gut-busting sketches and mini-musicals. Join the actors on Saturday, October 1 for a funfilled performance of creative stories by kids and for kids. 2537 Broadway, 212-864-5400, symphonyspace.org.
Watch and laugh as this kooky, beloved clan sings and dances its way around confusion. For tickets, call 212-575-9200 or visit ticketmaster.com. Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 West 46th Street.
WIcKed
PUPPeTWorKs The Vital Theatre Company will run Uncle Pirate on Saturdays and Sundays throughout October. The play centers around a kid named Wilson who discovers that his uncle is a true-to-life pirate. With a real pirate and a talking penguin on his side, Wilson should be able to make it through fourth grade. The Union Square Theatre, 100 East 17th Street, 212-579-0528, vitaltheatre.org.
sKIrBaLL cenTer for The PerformInG arTs
Eric Carle’s beloved storybooks will be personified onstage to kick off the Skirball Center’s Big Red Chair Series during the weekend of October 14-16. Catch characters from favorite bedtime stories like Brown Bear and The Very www.newyorkfamily.com
CULTURE_Performance_Museums_1011.indd 89
The addams famILY
VITaL TheaTre comPanY
Looking for some sporty humor? The Complete World of Sports (Abridged) will make its way to The New Victory Theater beginning on Friday, October 21. Prepare yourselves for a witty spoof on all-things athletic (even Quidditch!) at this show, which is recommended for ages 10 and older. 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org.
In a small English town, a young boy befriends a poetry-loving dragon who isn’t accepted by the townspeople. Based on Kenneth Grahame’s 1898 children’s story, The Reluctant Dragon has been adapted for marionettes by Michael Leach. Runs through October. 338 Sixth Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-965-3391, puppetworks.org.
sIsTer acT
shoWsToPPers for KIds for aLL aGes
marY PoPPIns
The Wicked Witch of the West finally commands the spotlight. For tickets, call 212-307-4100 or visit ticketmaster.com. Gershwin Theatre, 222 West 51st Street.
for TWeens
BILLY eLLIoT
A funny and heart-warming musical about a boy with a dream and a talent for dance, with a musical score written by Elton John. For tickets, call 212-239-6200, or visit telecharge.com. Imperial Theatre, 249 West 45th Street.
The BooK of mormon
The Supernanny takes to the stage in this hit musical by Disney. For tickets, call 212-3074747 or visit ticketmaster.com. New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 West 42nd Street.
This religious musical satire tells the story of two young Mormons who travel to Northern Uganda to spread the gospel. For tickets, call 212-239-6200 or visit telecharge.com. Eugene O’Neill Theatre, 230 West 49th Street.
The LIon KInG
The PhanTom of The oPera
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.
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.
October 2011 | New York Family
89
9/16/11 4:32 PM
the
L ast w o r d
I Am Dad Advice From One Modern Father On How To Be Loud, Proud And Involved By Josh Kross The word is getting out about the “new” father. He’s more involved, sharing the workload equally and even taking on a larger role than the mother in the raising of kids. The NYC Dads Group, an organization I’m a part of, is filled with men like this; they’re competent with their kids, competent at their jobs, and competent with running the house. Dads across the country, employed or not, are making parenting a more important part of their life.
“Except perhaps around Father’s Day, we are presented as bumbling, laundry-forgetting idiots who can’t manage as well as our wives.” That said, we still get the stereotype of being Mr. Mom— trying and failing at replacing a mother. Except perhaps around Father’s Day, we are presented as bumbling, laundry-forgetting idiots who can’t manage as well as our wives. While the media coverage of modern dads is rarely deep or accurate, we have to be careful not to be our own worst enemies. When we’re given the opportunity to portray a more accurate representation of ourselves, we have to make the most of it. Adam Cohen, the creator of the resource- and perk-filled website dadarocks.com, had a chance to change the narrative at a recent iVillage video segment, The Conversation Thread. It didn’t go so well. Cohen’s interview reinforced negative stereotypes, and the two mom-blogger guests piled on. To help, I’ve put together a list of three things to think about when being an involved dad, and especially to consider while discussing fatherhood, whether it’s on TV or at the playground.
90
New York Family | October 2011
THELASTWORD_1011.indd 90
1) Don’t be the boob. Just because expectations are low, it doesn’t mean you have to live up to them. People will joke about burning the ironing, burning dinner, and burning your kids up because you forgot the sunscreen. Don’t let this be true, and don’t let other people get away with saying it. Joking that being bad at laundry means you don’t have to do it anymore might get a laugh, but it makes all men look like idiots. Most of the dads we know are excellent at managing their households and their kids. 2) Be involved in everything—not just major discipline. Don’t just be there to back Mom up. Being involved with your children is your responsibility. You want your kids to respect you? Be there from the beginning. To kick this reputation, we can’t be the Don Drapers of the world, or even the Ward Cleavers. We need to make sure that we are there for the school events, scraped knees and the time outs. We are not just the nuclear option for our wives. 3) Be on top of your stuff. The low point of the iVillage segment is when Amy Oztan, of selfishmom.com, says “Men just suck at logistics.” Unfortunately, Cohen does not even challenge her. When we allow negative reinforcement from our partners without trying to address it, we are part of the problem. Handling logistics is not a trait unique to one sex. I know plenty of men who run their households. Part of being involved is being on top of the things your kids need. Help to change the false impressions people have of fathers. Set an example, live that example and correct people when they are wrong. Josh Kross is an at-home father to three kids under the age of seven. He has an MBA in Operations Management. When not parenting, he records music which can be heard at shimodaairforce.com. www.newyorkfamily.com
9/16/11 2:49 PM
SSS(fp).indd 1
9/14/11 12:33 PM
DVDS • BOOKS • CDS
Winner Parents‛ Choice Recommended Award
Winner Parents‛ Choice Recommended Award
From America‛s #1 Pediatrician
THT_DVD_Wrap_Karp_V2.indd 1
5/19/11 11:42 AM
5/19/11 11:52 AM
DrKarp.indd 1
9/15/11 1:43 PM