New York Family December 2013 by New York Family

WINTER CLASSES PREVIEW

SKI THE EAST DECEMBER 2013

established 1986

DECEMBER 2013

NEWYORKFAMILY.COM

WIN A

BETSY WWW.NEWYORKFAMILY.COM

BRANDT

74TH ST.

MAGIC

SEMESTER CLASS page 8

On Motherhood, Michael J. Fox Life After “Breaking Bad”

GIFTS For The Whole Family

Season’s Greetings NEW YORK FAMILY

BEST SANTAS, SHOPPING, “NUTCRACKERS,” and HOLIDAY WINDOWS

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FAMILY MATTERS Local Do-Gooders

We Love

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Y U CAN TEACH HIM THE TRUE Yo MEANING oF THE HoLIDAYS.

Y U CAN SHoW HIM. Yo

Some lessons they learn in school, others from their friends, but the most important ones, they will learn by watching you. This holiday season, show them that they can make a difference. When you make a gift to Bideawee, you provide homeless animals with the care, comfort and love they need to become lifelong companions. Donate today by visiting Bideawee.org/donate or calling 866-262-8133 and make the holidays a little brighter for pets while teaching your children a lesson that will last a lifetime.

animal people for people who love animals 庐 Manhattan 路 Westhampton 路 866.262.8133 路 bideawee.org

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contents

DECEMBER newyorkfamily.com

pg.30 pg.10

pg.42 pg.24

FEATURES 42 | Breaking Fab Rising star, mother of two, and New York newcomer Betsy Brandt makes an elegant transition from “Breaking Bad” to sitcom sweetheart on “The Michael J. Fox Show” 48 | The Gift Of Giving Back Celebrate both the true spirit of the holiday season as well as the core of New York City’s sense of community with some of our favorite local, familycentric charities 53 | Got Class? A sneak peek into the varied enrichment offerings coming this winter, from arts and music to sports and dance

FAMILY FUN GUIDE 10 | 10 Great Events For December Pirate School, “A Christmas Story,” “Peter & the Wolf,” and more 14 | The Ultimate Checklist For A Classic NYC Holiday A guide to the best trees, Santas, lights, “Nutcracker” shows, window displays, and seasonal shopping locales

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18 | The Center Of It All New York City’s premier hub for the performing arts, Lincoln Center, is many children’s first introduction to opera, ballet, jazz, and—of course—the circus

HOME & AWAY 58 | Travel Sweet ski escapes near NYC, plus our editor’s picks for fab family winter break resorts 62 | Quality Time Add creative flair to a holiday crafting staple—paper snowflakes—with our step-by-step tips

COLUMNS 6 | Editor’s Note Hands off, hands on 8 | Events & Offers A 74th St. MAGIC giveaway, New York Family’s upcoming Camp Fairs, and the scoop on the ultimate moms’ night out 24 | Scoop Cute clothes from Cabbages & Kings NY, the latest in LEGO news, a memorykeeping app for parents, and more

26 | Lysst Great gifts—both luxurious and understated—for grownups (because the holidays aren’t only about the kids) 30 | Treats The most fun and festive toys of the year for all the little sugar plums on your nice list 38 | Parent In Profile After years of supporting parents of multiples in both local and national organizations, NYC mom Natalie Diaz has written a book about everything she’s learned 40 | Activity Of The Month Young NYC gymnasts from a variety of gyms and programs give us their tips on sticking it 64 | The Last Word A local mom remembers her twins’ first Christmas in the NICU Cover Photo by Michael Jurick Photography Location: The JCC in Manhattan On Betsy Brandt: Shoshanna dress; Stephanie Kantis gold cuff bracelet

www.newyorkfamily.com

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DECEMBER 2013

Editor and co-publishEr Eric Messinger emessinger@ manhattanmedia.com sEnior Editor Christine Wei cwei @ manhattanmedia.com associatE Editor Mia Weber mweber@ manhattanmedia.com art dirEctor George W. Widmer gwidmer@ manhattanmedia.com

contributing photographErs Heidi Green, Thaddeus Harden, Michael Jurick, Andrew Schwartz contributing WritErs Leah Black, Emanuelle Block, Anna Boisseau, Stacey Gawronski, Danielle Kraese, Gavriella Mahpour, Lorraine Duffy Merkl, Samantha Varner

publishEr John Hurley For inFormation on thE baby shoW 212.268.3086, jhurley@ manhattanmedia.com associatE publishEr Mary Ann Oklesson maoklesson @ manhattanmedia.com spEcial projEcts dirEctor Alex Schweitzer aschweitzer@ manhattanmedia.com salEs assistant Erik Bliss ebliss@ manhattanmedia.com circulation Aaron Pollard apollard @ manhattanmedia.com businEss managEr Shawn Scott sscott@ manhattanmedia.com accounts managEr Kathy Pollyea kpollyea @ manhattanmedia.com

manhattan media chairman oF thE board Richard Burns chiEF ExEcutivE oFFicEr Joanne Harras dirEcEtor oF digital Dennis Rodriguez

New York Family is a division of Manhattan Media, publishers of AVENUE magazine, Mitzvah magazine, and The Blackboard Awards. ÂŠ 2013 manhattan media, llc | 72 madison avenue, 11th Floor new york, ny 10016 | t: 212.268.8600 | f: 212.268.0577 www.manhattanmedia.com

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www.newyorkfamily.com

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Hands Off, Hands On My children are now 9 and 13. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about when to be a hands-on, proactive parent and when to hang back and let the kids sort through their lives without my overt input. With my 9-year-old-son in particular, I’ve gone from being a regular homework supervisor to rarely checking or pestering him about it. He’s lucky, I’m lucky—we can afford a tutor who meets with him once a week, and that seems to be enough to motivate him and steer him in the right direction. At the same time, lately, following a report that Adam wasn’t being a kindly friend, I have been taking a more hands-on approach to issues of personal behavior—having regular chats with him about character, responsibility, empathy, and the like. The best way to do this, I find, is to be brief and selective,— raising the topic at moments when he and I are enjoying each other’s company. I never really know what sinks in or what he really makes of my chatter, but I will say this: Just the other night, Adam came to me with a proposal to help a friend that was, I thought, very generous and self-sacrificing. I didn’t explore motivation, I just told him how proud I was—and that

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resonated. Twice that night, he asked me if I was proud of him, as if he wanted to make sure he heard it right. Maybe I don’t tell him that enough? Or maybe it has more currency when I only tell him when I really mean it? As we enter December, this will have to serve as my contribution to literature of parenting and the holiday spirit. On set with Betsy Brandt The rest of the issue does a really good job of covering the holidays in many other ways—from all the fun things to do around the city (page 10-22) to toy guides (page 26) and gift guides (page 30), from a touching story about how a toy cow saved Christmas (page 64) to this month’s cover mom, Betsy Brandt, whose enthusiasm and wonderment for a city that’s new to her and her family seems just right for this time of year.

Photo by Michael Jurick Photography

editor’s note

Have a Happy december, Eric Messinger Editor, emessinger@manhattanmedia.com

www.newyorkfamily.com

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events & offers

Win A FUll-seMester gyMnAstics clAss At 74tH st. MAgic 74th St. MAGIC, a spacious and modern space on the Upper East Side, is one of the city’s premier spots for gymnastics classes with a focus on safety and personalized instruction that a low student-to-instructor ensures—and we’re giving away a $600 winter semester gymnastics class to one lucky family! Choose from Tumblin’ Tots, for 18 months to 3 years, and Tumblin’ Kids, for ages 3-5. Both classes teach age-appropriate gymnastics skills through sequences on all apparatus and tumbling circuits, on Olympic-quality equipment like bars, balance beams, vaulting horses, rings, and in-ground trampolines. The winter semester runs from January 6 to April 11. To enter, visit newyorkfamily.com and click on the Contests and Giveaways link. Deadline to enter is Friday, december 27. Good luck!

A-cAMping We Will go

Justin Winslow

Finding the right summer camp for your child is one of the most special gifts that you as a parent can give them. With all the options out there—day or sleepaway, city or countryside, single sex or coed, specialty or general, four weeks or eight—a great way to begin your search and better understand your options is by visiting one of our upcoming Camp Fairs, which we sponsor with the American Camp Association of New York & New Jersey. In December, we’ll have one fair on the Upper East Side (12/7) and the Upper West Side (12/8), then in January we’ll have one in Tribeca (1/25) and the Upper West Side again (1/26). At each fair, parents can connect with more than 40 camps from 12pm to 3pm. To learn more and to secure your spot, register at newyorkfamilycamps.com.

Join Us For An indUlgent HolidAy BAsH For MoMs! This month, New York Family is pleased to be the media partner for Mommybites’ Ultimate Moms Night Out: Annual Holiday Bash—a night of learning, socializing, and shopping. The event will be held from 6pm and 9:30pm on December 10 at The New Yorker Hotel, where moms can enjoy cocktails (or mocktails) and delicious treats, mingle with other moms, win incredible prizes, check out parenting products and services, and take home fabulous goody bags! Bonus for New York Family readers: Get an exclusive $20 off by entering promo code nyFAMily at checkout. To learn more and to buy tickets, visit mommybites.com.

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family fun

Talisman Brolin

MUSEUMS

MUSIC

THEATER

ATTRACTIONS

FOOD

great events for november clockwise from left: “pirate School!” (Symphony Space), holiday Train Show (nYBg), Kwanzaa celebration (aMnh)

By Samantha Varner

Sour Scrooge

Through December 30 [All Ages] Let the holiday spirit prevail! Come see Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future in Literally Alive’s musical adaptation of the classic Dickens tale, “A Christmas Carol.” Literally Alive has been bringing—you guessed it—literature to life for children for 14 years, and this engaging performance, like many before it, will inspire plenty of creativity and expression. $25-45; show times from 11am to 7pm. 115 Macdougal Street, 212-475-1237, literallyalive.com

a Big apple advenTure Through January 4 [Ages 5 & Up]

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Friends Always Creating Theatre is putting a modern day spin on a fairytale classic in “A Hansel & Gretel Christmas” at the Roy Arias Stage II. Join Hansel and Gretel on their adventure in the big city after being separated from their evil stepmother. A Macy’s elf, a gingerbread lady, and a policeman befriend the siblings as they navigate the crowds of holiday shoppers. children $24, adults $32; Saturdays at 1pm. 300 west 43rd Street, 866-811-4111. acttheatre.org

liTTle orphan annie Through January 5 [Ages 4 & Up] Last chance to see New York’s favorite orphan belt out unforgettable classics like “It’s a Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow!” Annie has been stealing the

hearts of audience members for more than 30 years, and the musical is now in its final weeks on Broadway at the Palace Theatre. For the most immersive experience, check out the student enrichment guide on the show’s site for hands-on activities. From $57.75; show times from 1pm to 8pm. 1564 Broadway, 877-250-2929, anniethemusical.com

Train Show TradiTion Through January 12 [All Ages] The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Gardens is one of the city’s biggest holiday traditions. Model trains wind through thick forests and alongside flowing creeks. More than continued on page 12

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Dec 6 – Jan 5 Friday at 7pm Saturday at 2pm / 7pm Sunday at 12 noon / 5pm with additional performances to fit your holiday schedule! Age Recommendation: EVERYONE 5+ The New Victory Theater recognizes the generous support of American Express, corporate sponsor of Mother Africa.

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209 W 42nd Street, just west of Broadway

ART: TOM SLAUGHTER

THE NEW VICTORY THEATER NewVictory.org • 646.223.3010 ®

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10 Great events

family fun continued from page 10

140 landmark replicas line the quartermile track, including the original Penn Station and Radio City Music Hall. Check the website for special related events like hands-on activities in the Children’s Garden, train-themed poetry readings, and “Thomas & Train” performances. Children $10, adults $20; 10am-6pm (7pm weekends). 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, 718-817-8700, nybg.org

UnderStAnding the OrCheStrA December 7, 8, 13, 14 & 15 [All Ages] Works & Process presents a rendition of “Peter & the Wolf,” a symphony for youngsters, which was originally composed to help children cultivate an understanding of the orchestra at an early age. In addition to the music, this 30-minute performance at the Guggenheim is narrated and choreographed to provide a comprehensive sensory experience for the audience. $35; 2:30pm & 4pm. 1071 fifth Avenue, 212-423-3597. guggenheim.org

ChriStmAS CUlt ClASSiC December 11 through December 29 [Ages 8 & Up] Every kid can relate to that pre-holiday anticipation for the perfect present. Bring your kids to join Ralphie on his mission to ensure that he finds what he wants under his tree this year: a Red Ryder BB Gun. “A Christmas Story: The

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Musical” is returning to Broadway for its second year at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. $49-$199; various show times from 11am to 7:30pm. 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, 212-465-6741, theateratmsg.com

Joan Marcus

December 6 through January 5 [Ages 5 & Up] Feel the infectious energy of the Tanzania-based dance company Circus Der Shine in “Mother Africa.” Afro-beats, rhythmic dancing, and traditional masks and fabrics blend with acrobatic circus art to create an exuberant performance that embodies African culture at The New Victory Theater. As if that weren’t enough, the show will feature stilt walkers, jugglers, and a contortionist. from $17; various show times from 12pm to 7pm. 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org

A fAirytAle fAvOrite December 14, 15 & 22 [Ages 2 & Up] Experience the magic of “The Nutcracker” brought to you by the New York Theatre Ballet, a special company dedicated to producing a full season of ballet shows for young audience (in addition to adult performances).This enchanting adaptation of the holiday classic at Florence Gould Hall is part of the group’s signature family series, which features kid-friendly, hour-long shows with the same quality and pizzazz as original ballets. $39; 11am, 1pm & 3:30pm. 55 east 59th Street, 212-355-6160, nytb.org

AhOy, mAtey! December 28 [Ages 2 & Up] Clown around with comedian and actor David Engel at his energetic one-man show full of magic, slapstick, puppetry, and madcap music. “Pirate School!” is part of the weekly Just Kidding series hosted by Symphony Space. This

events

AfriCAn ArtiStry

l-r: “mother Africa” (new victory), “Annie” on Broadway

interactive performance has been providing lively family fun for almost two decades, so don’t miss out! Children $15, adults $20; 11am. 2537 Broadway Avenue, 212-864-5400, symphonyspace.org

A KWAnzAA CeleBrAtiOn December 28 [All Ages] For an extra dose of culture this holiday season, celebrate Kwanzaa at the American Museum of Natural History. Beyond perusing an international marketplace for special gifts and participating in activities just for kids, families will also get to enjoy a variety of energetic performances by New York-based groups. Be it a funky mix of African and jazz dances or a film narrated by Maya Angelou, all will present the African American experience in the most celebratory and accessible ways. free with museum admission; 12-5pm. Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, amnh.org

For more event picks for families, check out our Family Calendar at newyorkfamily.com/events www.newyorkfamily.com

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Weill Music Institute Peanuts Worldwide, LLC.

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Fam ily C once rt The New York Pops Saturday, December 21 at 2 PM Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS Holiday cheer fills Carnegie Hall when Steven Reineke conducts The New York Pops in a concert version of the iconic TV special created by Charles M. Schulz. Traditional favorites, a sing-along, and special surprises will make your family very merry.

Limited Availability Tickets: $10, $16, $22 Lead funding for Carnegie Hall Family Concerts has been provided by The Irene Diamond Fund. Carnegie Hall Family Concerts are also made possible, in part, by endowment gifts from The Irene Diamond Fund, Mr. and Mrs. Lester S. Morse Jr., and the Henry and Lucy Moses Fund. Thanks to New York City Department of Homeless Services for supporting young fathers and their families at the concert.

carnegiehall.org/FamilyConcerts | 212-247-7800 | Box Office at 57th and Seventh Artists, programs, dates, and ticket prices subject to change. ÂŠ 2013 CHC.

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family fun

ather than hitting you over the head with the same old details, we’ve created an ultimate checklist with the most important highlights so that you don’t miss the frenzy of fun that descends upon the city every December. We dare you to cross everything off before the New Year.

TREES Some of the city’s most impressive and storied arbors that make holiday nights sparkle.

Metropolitan Museum of Art: Angels and cherubs transport visitors back to 18th Century Neapolitan times. On display.

American Museum of Natural History: 500+ origami creations adorn a 13-foot tree, this year with a Wicked, Wild, and Wonderful theme. On display.

Park Avenue: Glittering trees along this high-traffic avenue honor those who lost their lives defending our country. Lighting 12/8.

Bryant Park: A cheery 50-plus-foot spruce illuminates the freeadmission 170’ x 100’ rink. On display. Dante Park at Lincoln Square: A stately, towering tree greets visitors from just beyond the famed Lincoln Center fountain. On display. Madison Square Park: Dating back to 1912, this is one of the oldest spots in the city to dress holiday trees. 12/10 lighting.

Rockefeller Center: The iconic spruce boasts 30,000 LED lights and a Swarovski star. On display. St. John the Divine: The Peace Tree stands as a symbol of longevity and happiness with 1,000 paper cranes. Ceremony 12/20. Washington Square Park: Washington Square Association doesn’t skimp; it’s importing the perfect 45-foot tree from Vermont. Lighting 12/11. LIGHTS It’s not just the big boys who

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string together amazing lights. These neighborhood gems dazzle in their own right with additional DIY charm. Dyker Heights, Brooklyn: The region on 86th Streets between 11th and 13th Avenues is known for brilliant displays; best viewed by car or via tours like A Slice of Brooklyn. Garabediam Family’s Christmas House in Baychester, Bronx: Full-size mannequins take over a family porch in a one-ofa-kind Hollywood-themed nativity scene.

DEPARMENT STORE WINDOWS Every November, the city’s major department stores dress their windows up with detailed dioramas, pulling in exquisite miniatures, bedazzled accents, and the latest technology to wow passersby. We’ve got the scoop just in time for press. Barneys: An uber hightech interactive installation involves video mapping, LED magic, and stunning projections, in collaboration with rapper and business mogul Jay Z.

Holiday Light Spectacular in South Slope: This 20-minute show, rigged to a two-floor home, runs from 5pm to 11pm daily.

Bergdorf Goodman: “Holidays on Ice” means frosty, glittering odes to all holidays throughout the year, from Valentine’s Day to the Fourth of July.

Santa’s Corner in Bayside, Queens: An elaborate intersection at 166th Street and 23rd Avenue lives up to its nickname.

Bloomingdale’s: This global take on holiday shopping features scenes from Italy, France, China, the UK, and, of course, NYC.

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!W !

The Ultimate Checklist For A Classic NYC Holiday By Christine Wei

Henri Bendel: Inspired by Al Hirschfeld’s drawings, scenes include a dinner party featuring Audrey Hepburn, Sarah Jessica Parker, Woody Allen, and more.

Lord & Taylor: In honor of the store’s upcoming 100th anniversary, vintage windows harken back to gift exchanges, Santa visits, and loving embraces past. Macy’s: Embark on an enchanted forest adventure with crystal trees and magical fairies to boot

Saks Fifth Avenue: All about the Saks Yeti, a “snowflake artist” much hipper than his urban legend namesake. SANTAS A sampling of where you can snap a photo, enjoy a yummy breakfast, or even go on a cruise with the jolly St. Nick. ABC Carpet and Home: A photo op with the “most authentically snugable” Santa of them all? Yes, please! Weekends. Macy’s Santaland: The department store’s 8th floor has transformed into a 13,000-square-foot village www.newyorkfamily.com

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filled with photos, puppet shows, and more. Ongoing. The Plaza Hotel: Meet Santa at a Rawther Fancy Tea in the Eloise tea room, where decadent snacks go hand in hand with sharing holiday wishes. 12/6, 12/13, 12/20. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: Everything’s backward at this Times Square attraction, where a Little Santa will sit in your lap. Ongoing. Rockefeller Center Cafe: A hearty breakfast feast starring Santa and his gift-bearing elves is followed by VIP access to the rink. Through 12/24. Staten Island Zoo: Enjoy a Beastly Breakfast and a special tour of the zoo followed by photos with a very special guest. ZEPHYR Cruise Circle Line: All aboard for a breakfast buffet, dance party, and games at sea with a wayfaring Kris Kringle! 12/14. “NUTCRACKER” SHOWS Many family-friendly renditions of Tchaikovsky’s ballet allow all ages to experience the magical tale of after-hours adventures and good vs. evil battles.

American Ballet Theatre: A cast of more than 100, not to mention sets by a Tony Award winner, makes this Alexei Ratmansky production an extraordinary one. 12/13-15, 12/18-22. Ballet for Young Audiences: A narrator helps the under-12 set follow along a performance specifically tailored for little ones, with a simple but engaging format and small cast. 12/10-12/20. Dances Patrelle (Yorkville Nutcracker): The annual “Yorkville Nutcracker” situates the classic dance right here in NYC, as characters dance at landmarks like Gracie Mansion and Central Park. Through 12/8. Ailey CitiGroup Theater: Clara and the Nutcracker are launched into modern times as they encounter a gingerbread toy and flyswatting candy canes in contemporary choreography. 12/14 & 12/15. New York City Ballet: A tree that triples in height? An onstage snowstorm? Sounds like magic indeed. Through 1/4/14. New York Theater Ballet: Keith Michael’s

! condensed ballet impresses parents and kids alike with Met Opera-grade costumes and energetic choreography in one manageable hour. 12/14, 12/15, 12/22. Peridance Capezio Center: Tchaikovsky’s original score meets new age music for a show like you’ve never seen before. Perfect for veteran families who are looking for something new. 12/14 & 12/15. HOLIDAY MARKETS Clothing, toys, gourmet snacks, and knick knacks aside, many of the bustling holiday markets are a sight to behold in themselves. More to the point, they’re always fun to browse, with or without a shopping list. Grand Central Terminal: This indoor marketplace is a comfortable (warm) and convenient stop for daily commuters hosting 76 venders. Through 12/24. Brooklyn Flea: 70-foot vaulted ceilings, a customer service desk-turned coffee bar, and vintage gifts galore at the famed flea market’s “Gifted” market beckons to hipster fams. Through 12/23. Bryant Park’s Holiday continued on page 16

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continued from page 15

Shops: It’s as much fun to marvel at the set-up of these gorgeous glass-walled stores as it is to shop the clothing and accessories in them. Through 1/5/14. Columbus Avenue Holiday Market: Not to be confused with the midtown tents, 45-plus vendors bring vintage crafts to a 9,000-square-foot bazaar at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle.12/15. Columbus Circle: Twinkling trees line the tents along the Southwest entrance of Central Park, where more than 100 local vendors show off homemade jams, handmade jewelry, and more. Through 12/24. Holiday Handmade Cavalcade (Brooklyn): This two-day craft fair hosted by Etsy New York is the ultimate DIY haven. Shop here to support local artisans, designers, and crafters. 12/14 & 12/15. Union Square: Perhaps most iconic of the pack, the 150-booth Union Square holiday market is perfect

for foodie gifts and crafty goods. Through 12/24. ICE SKATING RINKS New and lesser-known spots where you can glide and twirl after you’ve skated the Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and Trump (formerly known as Wollman) classics. Chelsea Piers: This family attraction offers not one but two full-sized indoor rinks with panoramic views of the Hudson River. Helmet rentals are available if you plan on doing serious jumps or playing some hockey. Lakeside Rinks (Prospect Park): Slated to open mid-month in Prospect Park, this 26-acre venue will comprise one outdoor and one indoor rink, so no fickle New York weather can stand in your way. McCarren Rink (Brooklyn): Williamsburg is now home to Brooklyn’s first outdoor rink, nestled next to the McCarren Park pool and bathhouse. We hear plans for food carts and pop-up shops could be in the works.

The Rink at Brookfield Place: The city’s newest premiere skating destination is a 7,350-square-foot rink in Battery Park City. Classes are offered for novices, alongside skate sharpening for the pros.

(Queens): Escape the crowds at this rink in Flushing Meadows Park, where you’ll have plenty of space to skate up a storm to live music before cozying up with a cup of hot chocolate from its café.

Riverbank State Park: One of our favorite affordable rinks, this weekend-only outdoor venue in Upper Manhattan is covered to protect skaters from snow or rain at just $3 for children and $5 for adults.

THEATER Of course, world-famous productions like “The Radio City Christmas Spectacular” always top the list, but intimate holiday shows at local theater companies— like the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater (“The Three Bears Holiday Bash”) and Puppetworks (“The Steadfast Tin Soldier & Nutcracker Sweets”), for example—are worth carving out the time for, too.

See/Change Rink at the South Street Seaport: A free rink is hitting Lower Manhattan. Hopefully weekend carolers, pop-up shops, and more will bring holiday cheer to an area still affected by Hurricane Sandy. The Standard Ice Rink: In the winter, The Standard Hotel transforms 3,000 square feet of its plaza into a splendid rink by the High Line, complete with a rinkside café with spiced cider and other faves. World Ice Arena

GINGERBREAD WORKSHOPS Gingerbread is one of the yummiest parts of the holidays! If you’re not up to baking at home yourself, check out the city’s various crafts and venues for family workshops. Some ideas to get you started: Make Meaning, the James Beard Foundation, American Girl Place, and The Craft Studio.

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family fun

THE

CENTER

Dwayne Bent

OF IT ALL Lincoln Center

New York City’s Premier Hub For The Performing Arts, Lincoln Center, Is Many Children’s First Introduction To Opera, Ballet, Jazz, And—Of Course—The Circus By Lorraine Duffy Merkl This season, grab your little sugar plum fairies and head to the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, a magical hub for music, ballet, opera, circus, film…and all that jazz. Not only is the Center a national leader in arts and education, but it also hosts an extensive and engaging menu of kid-friendly offerings that make Broadway and 63rd Street—as well as its Jazz at Lincoln Center outpost near Columbus Circle—a place for cultural family entertainment as unique as a snowflake. Below is a survey of its main components for the littlest of dancers and music-makers.

CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER Chamber music may have a dull and somber reputation, but that’s an impression that the Chamber Music Society is attempting to change with their children’s series: “Meet the Music!” According to Bruce Adolphe, host and creator of the program for ages 6 and up, the goal is to draw upon humor

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and storytelling to fire up kids’ musical imaginations as they play the works of musicians like Beethoven and also of original characters like Inspector Pulse. chambermusicsociety.org UPCOMING EVENTS: Meet the Music! “Leave it to Ludwig” (March 16, 2014) Drama makes everything more fun. A special appearance from “Beethoven” helps a young pianist play with emotion and excitement in this whimsical concert. “Inspector Pulse’s Mother” (May 11, 2014) In this Mother’s Day special concert, a fun plot gives the music of Schumann, Brahms, and other greats a lively spark: Inspector Pulse wants to give his mother a beautiful piece of music he composed himself as the perfect present.

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER Celebrating individuality, inspiring optimism, and enriching lives—this is the power of jazz. Housed in the Time Warner Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center taps into these wonderful qualities of the genre through an early childhood education program, WeBop, and a Jazz For Young People concert series. “Jazz is used as a teaching tool, a way of being that encourages inquiry, freedom, and community,” says Asata Viteri, manager of WeBop’s early childhood and elementary programs. In WeBop’s 45-minute classes, ages 8 months through 5 years awaken their creativity through singing, playing instruments, and hearing continued on page 20

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stories about jazz greats. With the interactive Jazz for Young People series (great for ages 6-12), Wynton Marsalis introduces students to the basic principles of swing, blues, and improvisation in themed hourlong performances. In addition, JALC also offers other family concerts, workshops, online videos, and orchestra opportunities for all ages. jalc.org Upcoming EvEnts: WeBop Family Jazz party: “Holiday Jazz Jam” (December 7) Kids 8 months to 7 years can jazz up the season by jamming along at this interactive family concert of popular holiday tunes—and a few new ones to learn. Choose between two show times. Big Band Holidays (December 14) As a part of a decades-long tradition, this Jazz at Lincoln Center orchestra holiday performance stars renowned musician (and local dad) Wynton Marsalis. This merry affair puts a self-dubbed New Orleans feel to the usual holiday classics for a festive beat even the youngest listeners will appreciate.

nEW YoRK pHiLHARmonic Who knew the city’s famed orchestra regularly hosts age-appropriate concerts to engage budding music lovers as young as 3? These performances just for families foster a love of repertory standards and contemporary compositions through games, stories, and hands-on activities. “Here, kids build skills for a lifetime of listening and concert going,” says Ted Wiprud, the vice president of education, about how this organization plays a leading role in the musical life if America’s youngsters. nyphil.org Upcoming EvEnts: Young people’s concert: Wolfgang Amadeus mozart’s “Jupiter” (December 7) This concert for ages 6 and up focuses on the finale of Mozart’s last symphony. very Young people’s concerts: “At HomE with philharmonic Families” (January 5 & 6; April 27 & 28, 2014) Each these concerts for children 3-6 and their families features three acts: musical games with musicians; a half-hour performance interweaved with stories and audience participation; and an opportunity for children to play an instrument themselves.

nEW YoRK citY BALLEt The New York City Ballet is dedicated to the development of new work that draws on creative, contemporary talents, as well as to the preservation of the ballets, aesthetics, and excellence created by its founders. To make ballet more accessible for kids, the organization offers Family Saturdays, with

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special Events Every year, Lincoln Center plays host to a number of annual special festivals and events, some of them organized by Lincoln Center directly and some by other prominent NYC performance arts groups. On December 7, for example, the 2013 Lincoln center Family Festival means games, activities, buffets, and a world-class matinee performance, while Lincoln center out of Doors brings three weekends of performances out during the summer. There are also independent festivals like the American craft Fair. But, of course, one of the biggest events to attract families to Lincoln Center is the annual Big Apple circus show. The classical circus has celebrated imagination and fanfare for the past 36 years with tricks and stunts. And new this year is a dazzling city theme in their “Luminostiy” show, which features spectacles like trapezing businesswomen, juggling food cart vendors, and super-strong construction workers. As fans know, no seat is more than 50 feet from all the ringside action under the intimate big top, so families always get a thrill no matter where they end up. Through January 12, 2014; bigapplecircus.com

one-hour presentations featuring short works and excerpts. Executive Director Katherine Brown notes another big way NYCB celebrates families: “The holiday season in New York wouldn’t be complete without George Balanchine’s ‘The Nutcracker!’” nycballet.com cURREnt EvEnt: george Balanchine’s “the nutcracker” (Through January 4, 2014) This annual world-renowned production includes a one-ton Christmas tree that grows from 12 to 40 feet, an onstage snowstorm, and a grand finale with one million watts of lighting. Taking part are the Company’s entire roster of 150-plus dancers and musicians, as well as more than 125 children from their School of American Ballet. more than meets the Eye (February 22, 2014) In this Family Saturday show, explore a wide range of repertoire featuring excerpts from classical dances to contemporary tangos.

AmERicAn BALLEt tHEAtRE This company has performed around the world, delighting longtime ballet lovers with a tradition of passion, innovation, and athleticism while also appealing to young enthusiasts with their renditions of “Cinderella” and “Sleeping Beauty.” They also sponsor special events like the ABTKids Performance and corresponding workshops, which aim to introduce children to a variety of captivating dances from the classics to the contemporary. abt.org continued on page 22

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Upcoming EvEnts: ABtKids performance (May 17, 2014) Children ages 4-12 and their families can share the wonder of dance with this special one-hour performance featuring brief, child-friendly highlights from the company’s vast repertoire. Get there early for an hour of fun and hands-on activities—think ballet warm-up and a short piece of choreography— that create excitement for the live performances they’re about to see onstage.

mEtRopoLitAn opERA Each season, the Met stages more than 200 performances. During the holidays, the organization strives to give even the youngest music lovers an opportunity to enjoy the dramatic art form of opera with their family-friendly version of “The Magic Flute”, which combines libretto, a musical score and elaborate costumes. General Manager Peter Gelb, who made this annual holiday presentation his personal project when he began his tenure with the Met seven years ago, describes the affair as “an entertaining production of a classic work, performed in English, with reduced ticket prices, weekday matinees, and a child-friendly running time.” metopera.org Upcoming EvEnt: “the magic Flute” (December 16-January 4, 2014) Abridged to just 100 minutes, this fantastical opera includes dancing bears and giant flamingos that sing in English, a battle between good and evil forces, and, of course, a magical flute.

tHE nEW YoRK pUBLic LiBRARY FoR tHE pERFoRming ARts Housing one of the world’s most extensive combinations of circulating, reference, and rare archival collections in its field, this library is considered the ultimate resource for delving into the arts. Though the research focus may not appeal to very young children, seasonal exhibits (like the one listed below) can enrich and inspire the creative passions of older kids. nypl.org cURREnt EvEnt: the Line King’s Library: Al Hirschfeld at the new York public Library (Through January 4, 2014) Families with artistically inclined teens will want

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L to R: WeBop (Jazz at Lincoln center), Jazz for Young people (Jazz at Lincoln center), “the magic Flute”(the metropolitan opera)

to see Al Hirschfeld’s signature black and white drawings and prints, rare examples of his stunning works in color, and an array of his Broadway posters showing why he has been called “the logo of the American Theatre.”

FiLm sociEtY oF LincoLn cEntER In celebration of American and international cinema, the Society works to recognize established and emerging filmmakers. The weekly Family Films series is a perfectly affordable way to bring accessible culture to children’s weekends. “We select an eclectic mix of American, foreign, silent, and contemporary films, believing that exposure to different types of cinema gives kids an appreciation for film as both art and as entertainment,” programmer Isa Cucinotta says. filmlinc.com Upcoming EvEnts: “chang: A Drama of the Wilderness” (December 14, 15) For a glimpse into a very different kind of life—and different kind of entertainment—this silent film with music soundtrack tells the tales of a Thai family struggling to survive alongside the wild animals of the Siamese jungle. “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” (December 21-23) Disney and magic fans alike will love this musical film frequently compared to “Mary Poppins.” An enchanted plot unfolds as a witch-in-training gives three English children a magic bedknob that allows them to travel anywhere they wish on a flying bed.

Clockwise from Top L: Photos by Ayano Hisa, Frank Stewart, & Ken Howard/ Metropolitan Opera

pre-performance Workshop: “coppelia” (May 31, 2014) In this one-hour workshop complementing “Coppelia,” a classic story about lifelike toys and fantastical inventions, children learn a simple, fun move from the ballet.

www.newyorkfamily.com

11/22/13 4:49 PM

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KEEPING PARENTS IN THE KNOW STylE cabbages & Kings Ny Alexandra Gizela, a local mom and former model, was inspired by her educational background in anthropology while creating her unique children’s clothing line Cabbages & Kings NY. Interested in the look of Andean knitwear, Gizela designs her Peruvian-made pieces with a whimsical flair but never compromises on practicality. This winter, bundle your tots in some of the line’s cozy patterned legwarmers and snuggly infinity scarves—and with five new product colors released this season, there are plenty of ways to mix and match. Additionally, the New Yorkbased brand features goods that are both fair trade and environmentally conscious. cabbagesandkingsny.com

APP Tweekaboo Manage your family’s memories with Tweekaboo, a free private social networking app that allows users to create online photo and video albums. Whether you want to document delivery day or archive your child’s art projects, Tweekaboo offers a secure environment to store your most precious moments. You decide who has access to the content you upload to your Tweekaboo Diary, and, for the especially momentous moments, the app is integrated with Facebook and Twitter. Ready to share the magic of the upcoming holiday festivities? Use the exclusive code BooNY and get $10 off, plus free shipping, on a 24-page photo album. tweekaboo.com

GEAR Osbe Powder shredders, get ready—Italian sportswear brand Osbe is releasing a super-safe (and super-fun) ski and snowboarding helmet to help families enjoy the slopes this year. The Majic model is the only one in the market that features a visor that can be folded up into the helmet. The Majic allows for goggle-free skiing as well as Bluetooth communication, which enables wearers to listen to music and talk on the phone on the go—and, most importantly, allows parents to keep in touch with their little adventurers from the first run to the last hot chocolate break. Though Osbe was started 30 years ago in Milan, the family-friendly brand only recently came to the United States in 2011 when brothers Gregg and Gerry Alessi, two avid skiiers and local New Yorkers, fell in love with the sleek design and top-tier technology and brought the brand state-side. Helmets are available in both adult and kid’s sizes. osbeusa.com

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READING Downtown Bookworks Downtown Bookworks is proof that books can be just as exciting for kids as onscreen entertainments. Founder Julie Merberg, a publishing industry veteran and local mom of four, wanted to start a publishing company that focused on educating a new generation of literature lovers. With her sons as inspiration, Merberg publishes (and often authors) kidfriendly titles like The Official DC Super Hero Cookbook (a nod to her husband’s love of comics) and My Favorite Shoes, which serve to educate as well as entertain young readers—not to mention that they’ve garnered awards from sites like toyportfolio.com. Psst—unique new titles such as these are sure to make great gifts (available at local book stores and online through sites like amazon.com and indiebound.org)! downtownbookworks.com

TOy Pleygo my lEGOs If you have a LEGO lover in the family, Pleygo—a Netflix-like LEGO rental service that lets families borrow or trade different pieces of everyone’s favorite building toy—is the perfect way to keep them satisfied without having to keep running to the toy store. Founded earlier this year by Elina Furman Landaur, a local mom and publisher of the A-List Mom blog, Pleygo seeks to keep play fresh for kiddos while keeping wallets happy. Plus, Pleygo donates 10 percent of their proceeds to Save Our Children, a nonprofit organization that promotes creativity through play. Pleygo memberships start at $15 per month with free shipping. pleygo.com

FOR mORE TIPS ON lOcAl RESOuRcES FOR FAmIlIES, cHEcK OuT NEWyORKFAmIly.cOm

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Calling all kids ages 4 and up… We’ve got your game, so start playing now! Announcing junior tennis at Hunter College, Avenues School and Columbia Prep. Advantage offers expert instruction, individual attention and plenty of fun! Players ages 4 to 10 love QuickStart (QS) – our customized tennis program with smaller-sized courts and racquets plus slower-bouncing balls. Boys and girls learn age- and stage-appropriate skills, advancing as they’re ready. Players 11 and older benefit from our Junior Programs (JP) – improving their game and working on competitive play.

First class is FREE for new students! Select your programs and locations! Location

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Both QS & JP are also available at: Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club Roosevelt Island Racquet Club New York Tennis Club

Sign up today! QuickStart – contact Gabe Slotnick at 212-594-0554 or gslotnick@advantagetennisclubs.com. Or visit www.quickstartny.com Junior Programs – for more information – contact Xavier Luna at xluna@advantagetennisclubs.com

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Find us at Hunter! Use the Hunter West entrance at 68th and Lexington. Take the escalators on your left down to level B2. Turn right by the locker room, then take the first available left. Take the elevator to level B4 (or take the stairs down 2 flights), go left, and follow the stairwell to lower gym B4.

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lysst

GIFTS for

GROWN-UPS By Lyss Stern

While shopping for the little ones in your life may take priority during the holiday season, moms and dads everywhere shouldn’t forget to treat each other (or even themselves) as they prepare to celebrate.

1. Simply scent-sational: If the mom in your life is a fan of Tory Burch’s signature ballet flats, sophisticated clothes, and chic handbags (and let’s face it—who isn’t?), she’ll absolutely love the NYC designer’s self-titled debut fragrance. Packaged in a beautiful bottle, this eau de parfum is a memorable blend of feminine and tomboy scents, with floral peony and tuberose mixing with crisp grapefruit and neroli. Vetiver and sandalwood add an earthy touch. $62-110, toryburch.com

Diptyque—long regarded as the gold standard in candle chic—goes the extra mile with its stunning limited edition holiday candle collection, which includes three scents: Encens des Indes, a rich fragrance marked by myrrh and incense; Orange Chaya, a spicy blend that includes orange, cinnamon and ginger; and Écorce de Pin, a woodsy scent of pine and Japanese cypress. In addition to their intoxicating aromas, the candles themselves are works of art, adding a bright accent to any room. $32 each, diptyqueparis.com

2. Gorgeous glow: There’s nothing like the perfect candle to give any home an infusion of holiday warmth.

3. Chic clutch: An oversized carryall is a must-have for daytime while running around with the kids or

FOR MOMS:

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heading to work. But for any winter evening, a haute new clutch should be on every mom’s wish list, especially once the holiday party invites start rolling in. Henri Bendel’s satin Debutante slim assymetrical clutch comes in a variety of terrific shades, from fiery chili to sunny topaz to versatile navy blue, so you’ll surely find a bag to suit any mama’s style. $150, henrinendel.com 4. Pretty and personalized: Give mom something truly personal to match her unique personality. The preppy-chic tote by iomoi.com can be completely customized, from the size (it comes in three) to the design—we love this sweet chevron look, though there are hundreds to

6 choose from—to the colors to the monogramming. $108-210, iomoi.com 5. Serious sparkle: Every mom needs a little sparkle in her wardrobe this season, and that’s why this striking bracelet by Carolee is the perfect stocking stuffer. Featuring gorgeous blue crystals, the California Girls chain bracelet will add something special to any outfit this winter, jazzing up jeans and a sweater on the weekend, giving some oomph to a lunch-withgirlfriends look or adding sizzle to a date night ensemble. $125, carolee.com 6. Eye on beauty: Diamonds are a girl’s best friend—and continued on page 28

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7 8

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11 so is Chantecaille’s Diamond eye shadow trio! Inspired by the rare elegance of colored diamonds, this limited edition palette includes three shades (Champagne Diamond, Onyx Diamond, and Cognac Diamond). Beauty mavens will love the palette’s hues as well as the shadows’ silky feel and non-creasing formula. $60, chantecaille.com

FOR DADS: 7. Rainy daze: Love we do! Any fan of the Fab Four will sing burst into song for one of London Undercover’s Beatles-themed large umbrellas. Available in “Help!” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” graphics, one of these polyester and beechwood styles is sure to brighten up

any dad’s rainy day. $200 each, bloomingdales.com 8. In the bag: There’s no better gift for dads who travel than GANT’s great canvas weekend bag. Whether it’s for work or play, a weekend getaway is pleasantly packable with this handsome bag, which is lightweight, roomy and, easy to carry with an adjustable leather strap. It’s also eyecatching, of course, with its neutral green color, classic shape, and tan leather accents. $375, gant.com 9. Sock it to me: Keep his tootsies toasty this winter with PACT’s holiday gift set, which includes three pairs of crew socks in standout prints in shades of blue, orange, gray, and blue. Not only are these socks cozy,

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they’re also eco-friendly, made with organic cotton and vegetable-based ink in processes powered by wind energy. $24.99, wearpact. com 10. Cycle in style: Just because the temps are low doesn’t mean some brisk biking with the family can’t be in order. The dad in your life will ride easy—and stand out from the pack— with Martone Cycling Co.’s fashionable red Gramercy Bike. The 31-lb bicycle features a steel alloy frame with a built-in basket, 28inch tires, stainless steel spokes, and Road Caliper brakes, making it the perfect choice for both city and country cycling. $999, saks.com 11. Tartan tidings: Get into

the holiday spirit with a jaunty plaid bow tie from Beau Ties Ltd. of Vermont. The classy Kit bow tie is handcrafted in the Green Mountain State and made from the finest woven silk. Talk about a distinguished stocking stuffer to put a final flourish on the season of festivity. $49, beautiesltd.com 12. Tied up: Whether he wears a tie on a daily basis or just for special occasions, a new tie from Jonathan Adler is the perfect gift for any dapper dad. Available in a variety of bold prints—including classic stripes and cheeky yet modern prints and patterns—each silk and cotton tie is 3 inches wide and 57 inches long. $95 each, jonathanadler.com www.newyorkfamily.com

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Fun And Festive Toys For All The Little Sugar Plums On Your Nice List By Chrissy Makris The holidays are right around the corner, and that means little ones will have visions of shiny new playthings dancing in their eyes. To help harried parents shop, we’ve rounded up the hottest educational, developmental, and just-plain-fun toys—from old-school wooden gems to the newest techie trinkets—of the 2013 holiday season.

For Newborns 1. Animals Twist & Fold Playgym: Great for on-thego playtime, this portable activity mat by Infantino will keep your little one comfortable and entertained (so you can relax a little). The Twist & Fold features playful dangling animal characters, a teether, a soft, cushioned mattress, and an unbreakable baby mirror for developmental learning through reflection. $39.99, target.com 2. Riley the Teddy: Nothing compares to baby’s first teddy. This adorable handmade knit bear is made of soft, baby blue acrylic wool and felt and is super cuddly and huggable. Perfect for babes to snuggle all the way through toddlerhood. $12.50, etsy.com/ shop/MakeStitchKnit 3. Mozart Magic Cube: This award-winning toy will transform your kiddo into a

musical maven! Featuring five instruments and the classic works of Munchkin’s Mozart, the Magic Cube allows kids to create compositions with the touch of a button. Fun, creative, and inspirational, this toy is sure to provide hours of interactive play. $27.99, munchkin.com 4. Nemo Activity Toy: This cute little Nemo toy, by Kids Preferred for Disney Baby, brings the magic of Disney to life. Hang this colorful plush fish from your baby’s stroller or crib and watch as they marvel in sensory discovery. Including a teether tail, clear bead rattle, textured ring, crinkle texture, and chime, this little guy helps encourage growth during playtime. $18, amazon.com 5. Bird Stuf Plush Toys: Looking to add some hipster flair to your newborn’s crib? Why not “put a bird on it?” Stuf’s plush birdies—

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which come in owl, robin, greenback, and bluebird designs—feature artistic ornithological cartoon illustrations silkscreened onto organic cotton. $9.50 each, mysweetmuffin.com

For 0-3 Years 6. Sleep Sheep: Counting sheep takes on a new meaning with this cozy companion. Cloud B’s Sleep Sheep has a sound box that plays three gentle nature sounds, as well as the soothing sound of a mother’s heartbeat, helpful for those fussy nights. This cuddly audio pacifier is ideal for at-home use and travel. $30.95, cloudb.com 7. Wooden Stacking Tower Boat: With bold, beautiful colors and an appealing minimalist design, Land of Nod’s wooden boat stacker is not only a building toy, but also a work of art. Children will have tons of fun as they develop spatial aptitude and

improve their construction skills. $79, landofnod.com 8. Stack & Scare Blocks: Say goodbye to boring blocks! With Stack & Scare blocks by Uncle Goose, kids can let their imaginations run wild while they create comic book-style monsters. These four sets of monster blocks boast a fun, modern aesthetic and will provide hours of playtime fun. $48, unclegoose.com 9. Cup Stacker: Bath, beach, and play time just got a little cuter! The adorable duck that sits on top of Piyo Piyo’s brightly colored and BPA-free stacking cups will surely keep baby interested while also teaching hand and vision development from 9 months through 2 years. $14.95, piyopiyo.com 10. Sångtrast Soft Toy: Add a little magic to the holidays—and celebrate the true spirit of the season— www.newyorkfamily.com

11/22/13 12:58 PM

Holidays are magic at the Met!

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The family favorite returns in a brisk 100-minute version to delight the entire family! Celebrate the holidays with Mozart’s enchanting classic in the Met’s beloved English-language production by Julie Taymor, director of The Lion King.

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PhOtO: Ken hOward/metrOPOlitan OPera

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with IKEA’s huggable plush fairy (recommended for age 1 and up), part of the iconic retailer’s Soft Toy line. This toy is extra special because, for every IKEA Soft Toy sold, one euro (or about $1.34) is donated to UNICEF and Save the Children to support quality education programs across the globe. $4.99, ikea.com

For 3-5 Years 11. Wheely Bug: This award-winning activity toy from Prince Lionheart promises to be “wheely, wheely fun” while also encouraging motor skills. The brand new hedgehog design appeals to both boys and girls, and, at only 4-5 lbs, provides great mobility without being cumbersome. The Wheely Bug is padded with a layer of soft sponge and is made of 100 percent non-toxic material. $64.99, princelionheart.com 12. Wooden Hamburger &

Fries: While we don’t suggest doing so, these hand-painted wooden hamburger and fries look almost good enough to eat. Made in Japan from sustainable materials, this adorable play set also doubles as a musical instrument. $34, asize2small.com 13. Plush Jamboree Acoustic Guitar: Get in tune with your inner rock star with this plush guitar from Land of Nod. Parents and kids alike will love this funky, soft, and silent instrument that leaves playtime (or band practice) up to the imagination. Equipped with adjustable shoulder straps so you can customize the fit as kids grow. $39, landofnod.com 14. Build-A-Robot: Your preschooler will learn about human emotions and improve their fine motor skills with this modern art robot toy from the MoMA Design Store—complete with interchangeable heads. Each head offers a different tactile

New York Family | December 2013

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and auditory experience, as well as different “emotions” for children to relate to. $30, momastore.org 15. Crocodile Xylophone: Combine the delight of the animal kingdom with the joy of music with this musical croc from Skip Hop. Kiddos can play eight unique notes on the croc’s back and also have a great time tugging him around the house on the handy rope pull. $25, skiphop.com 16. FirstBIKE Balance Bike: A Balance bike can help little ones ages 22 months to 4 years learn how to balance and steer. FirstBIKE’s version—described as the “limo” of balance bikes— prepares them for their first regular bicycle, while giving them the thrill of feeling like they’re riding their own big-kid bike already. $159.99, firstbike.us

For 5-8 Years

17. InnoTab 3S Wi-Fi Learning Tablet: The newest addition to VTech’s innovative line of children’s WiFi-enabled learning tablets features VTech Kid Connect—a communication app through which kids can connect with their parents and friends. In addition to its communication options, the toy includes a kid-safe browser, a rechargeable battery pack, and 20 free apps. $99.99, vtechkids.com 18. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shellraiser RC Car: Cowabunga, dude! Your little ninja will have a blast playing with this awesome remote controlled car complete with a spring-loaded and fire-able sewer cover cannon. The Shellraiser is compatible with all basic action figures. $49.99, toysrus.com 19. Grizzly Bear Puppet: Have no fear, this fiercelooking grizzly is actually continued on page 34

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26 a big softy! The furry grizzly bear hand puppet by Folkmanis is made of top-quality fabrics and has a moveable mouth for plenty of imaginative puppet show fun. $39.99, folkmanis.com 20. Playfully Delicious Coffee Maker Play Set: Perk up your child’s playtime with this caffeine-free version of the real deal. The wooden, play coffee maker by Hape comes with all of the accessories needed to brew the perfect, imaginary cup of joe. $24.99, hape.com 21. SpongeBob SquarePants’ Bikini Bottom Bus: Fisher-Price’s playful take on Bikini Bottom transportation is a splash of fun during the cold winter months. Play along with SpongeBob and his friends with their rolling bus that even has a mechanism to eject crabby passengers. $17, fisher-price.com 22. Global Glowball: Take a journey around the world without ever leaving

your living room! Young geographers will delight in the 39 cultural songs that play when corresponding continents are pushed. Turn on the “lights only” mode and the B. toys learning tool turns into a multicultural nightlight. $24.99, target.com

For 8-12 Years 23. Melt ‘N Mold Crayon Factory: Finally, a solution to all those pesky broken crayon pieces floating around in your child’s art supplies. Crayola’s Melt ‘N Mold Crayon Factory allows kids to safely melt down broken crayon fragments into re-purposed marbleized crayons shaped like rings, animals, cars, and more. $54.99, crayolastore.com 24. Robot Swedish Nesting Dolls: Traditional matryoshka nesting dolls get a modern twist with a futuristic robot design from Molly Meg, perfect for both general playtime as well as for storing precious trinkets. Children will love the funky,

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fresh look of these timeless toys. $21.99, molly-meg.co.uk 25. Flying Clown Fish: Air Swimmers allow kids to bring the ocean right into their living room. These extra-large helium balloons by Vat19 feature remotecontrolled fins that allow kids to guide them through the air. Each balloon is made with durable nylon and can be re-filled with ease. $39.99, vat19.com 26. Ugly Dolls Shhhhhhhh Comic Book: As longtime fans of the Ugly Dolls get older and become avid readers, delight their playful side with the newest cartoon installment from everyone’s favorite quirkily cute gang of creatures. Join Ice Bat, Jeero, and their friends as they get into artfully rendered mischief. $7.99, uglydolls.com 27. Furby BOOM: Ah, Furbys—who could forget when they took the toy world by storm back in the late ‘90s? Well, whip out your Furbish dictionary, because they’re

back and cooler than ever with Hasbro’s Furby BOOM line. The BOOM allows kids to interact with their toy virtually through an accompanying app, so activity options, like the opportunity to hatch and raise digital Furblings, are boundless! $64.99, hasbro.com 28. Little Passports Global Adventure: Global Passports’ subscription kits— available in USA (for ages 7-12) and World (for ages 5-10) editions—ensure that the joy of exploration can take place right at home. The kits include maps, souvenirs, activities, and more, themed to a different locale each month. The first month’s shipment includes a cool suitcase for storing goodies. $10.95-13.95 per month, littlepassports.com

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On November 12th, West Side Soccer League held its annual event saluting the hundreds of volunteers who help run the club. It’s a chance to talk and laugh with friends, recount exciting games from the season and thank the coaches & trainers, referees, managers, photographers and others who dedicate their time and energy to WSSL. We are extremely grateful so many smart, enthusiastic and funny people have chosen WSSL as a place to apply their passions. Whether a child is new to soccer and interested in our Core program or one of the best players in New York who’s joining one of our Travel teams, we pride ourselves on having a safe and challenging place for him or her to play. In the same way, I’m happy we have such a wide range of talents among our volunteers -- including elite soccer players, gifted sportswriters, Fortune 500 team managers, financial analysts who run Photo Day, bilingual parents, teen referees, and moms and dads from all walks of life – all with one thing in common: a dedication to supporting an organization where 4,000 kids can learn the beautiful game of soccer and develop themselves as teammates, good sports and citizens of a wonderful community. Nothing is more satisfying than to see the club grow in depth year after year. WSSL has never been stronger. This Fall, a team of 11- and 12-yearold boys who dedicate themselves to elite training and high-pressure games via our Travel program also volunteered their free time to support soccer players with special needs in our VIP unit. Their generosity, dedication and maturity as citizens of WSSL and NYC is inspiring to us all and highlights how our club is knit together with good values at the center. Thank you WSSL volunteers! Yours in soccer, Dana DiPrima, Commissioner

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Congratulations to the WSSL Volunteers of the Year for 2013 Commissioner’s Award Sara Fischer Golden Division Head of the Year WINNER Meredith Berkowitz Golden Division Head of the Year NOMINEES Erik Hartog Matt Ledger Michael Mahrer Greg Manabat Marcia Osborne COACH OF THE YEAR Erin McQuade Kennedy & Steve Kolleeny, Core Coach Team Barbara Denham, Tournament Coach Ron Rubin, Travel Coach COACH OF THE YEAR NOMINEES Gary Barton Elissa Bernporad Andy Borinstein Stewart Bowling Charles Caldarola Doug Campbell Steven Charest Chuck Croney Dana DiPrima Ray Franks Carlos Galvez Danny Green Mitchell Harwood Rob Herzog Gerard Hoban Ames Hodges Dien Huynh Andrew Jacobs Jim Karpe Yariv Katz Dan Kramer David Kranich Sandor Lehoczky Dale Leonard Howard Levinson Rob Licopoli Mike Madnick Karen Martinez Ellen Masseur Robert Mastellone Katie Miller

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Colin Nuckolls Mukesh Prasad Jeff Reich Cesar Rivera Jordan Rosen Andre Rozier Stephanie Rupp Jeffrey Schackner Caleb Scharf Mitch Shamroth Jeff Sklar Scott Speaker Kenny Unger David Warren Referees of the Year WINNERS Matt Ledger Terry McClenahan Referees of the Year NOMINEES Gary Barton Alice Smothers Bisgrove Lance Carrel John Drayton Jodi Ganz Jacob Hill Elijah Vernon Kramer Adam Kramer Jeff Kvaal Rich LaFauci David Lender Team Manager of the Year WINNERS Brett Hill, Tournament Team Manager Kimberly Many, Travel Team Manager Team Manager of the Year NOMINEES Charlotte Dooling Binney Jannetta Jerome Kramer Julia Luongo Keyur Majmudar Reinhold Martin Liz Mitchell Anna Ryan Denise Sharpe Sportswriter of the Year WINNERS Bruce Sabados, Tournament Team Sportswriter Jeff Reich, Travel Team Sportswriter

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR WINNER Michael Goldstein PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES Gary Cohen Danny Green IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS WINNER Amy Freeze IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS NOMINEES Bob Hong Anne O’Brien Don Wilson Unsung Hero of the Year WINNERS April Darrow, Registrar The Gaydos Family Norbert Porlein, Treasurer Greg Shufro, Assistant Commissioner Matthew Alarcon-Gonzalez, B12 West Buddy to VIP Pau Brugal, B12 West Buddy to VIP Cyrus Ekland, B12 West Buddy to VIP Jordan Gere, B12 West Buddy to VIP Jimmy Steven Gutierrez, B12 West Buddy to VIP Gabriel Llosa, B12 West Buddy to VIP Owen Nuckolls, B12 West Buddy to VIP Kyle Darrow Ontra, B12 West Buddy to VIP Henry Pearl, B12 West Buddy to VIP Zachary Rosenblum, B12 West Buddy to VIP Theodore Servedio, B12 West Buddy to VIP Koray Williams, B12 West Buddy to VIP Unsung Hero of the Year NOMINEES Gabe Boyar Molly Byrnes Guido Caroti Gina DeMetruis Nickie Gill Nicole Lawrence Mukesh Prasad Salma Shickh Sherri Sklar Delphine Taylor Angela Winchenbaugh

Sportswriter of the Year nominees Luis Fernando Llosa Kimberly Many

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parent in profile

The

Book of Twins After Years Of Supporting Parents Of Multiples In Both Local And National Organizations, NYC Mom Natalie Diaz Has Written A Book About Everything She’s Learned By Danielle Kraese At a restaurant in Little Italy, a back room fills with pregnant New York women of various ages, sporting full bellies beneath stylish maternity wear. Some arrive alone while others are accompanied by spouses and partners, but all are on the verge of becoming first-time parents of twins. And all are here for a Twiniversity crash course on raising multiples. At the helm of this intimate and unconventional classroom stands Natalie Diaz—Twiniversity founder and instructor, Manhattan Twins Club director, and newly minted author of an ultimate What To Do When You’re Having Two handbook. Today, this trendy mom of twins is styled in a turquoise top with funky gold earrings peeking out from her dark hair, and she’s leading a class for those who have already taken her introductory course. Along three long rows of tables at the restaurant, there’s a set of silverware at each seat in anticipation of the hot meal that will be served and an oversized bag of parenting goodies. Some students have yet to arrive, so a handful of gift bags remain unclaimed. “Pray that the other people don’t show up,” Diaz jokes. “Because that’s more poaching that you can do.” Diaz comes across as a wise older sister who can be counted on for support and the occasional wisecrack. She speaks to the group of expectant moms before her in her signature relaxed style, with a tongue-in-cheek habit of referring to their future children as “monkeys.” Turning the conversation to bathing new babies, she assures that the often exhausting task is not necessary to do daily.

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Twiniversity founder natalie Diaz with her twins

“They aren’t working in the coal mine,” she says. “They aren’t getting that dirty.” Over the course of three and a half hours, Diaz runs through the gamut of twin-centered topics, like tandem breastfeeding, diaper changing, hired help— even the logistics of travelling by air with two. Her advice for hitting the tarmac is similar to her take on much else of family life: “Don’t be afraid to do things just because you have twins,” she says. Then it’s show time. Diaz dresses, undresses, changes, feeds, and burps two plush bunnies in onesies. Throughout the demonstrations, the night is filled with countless bits of insight that, as a parent of 8-year-old boy and girl twins, Diaz once learned the hard way. She informs the class, for example, that the disposable “dog poop” bags sold at Home Depot are exactly the same www.newyorkfamily.com

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as the disposable “dirty diaper” bags sold at high-end baby stores—only much less expensive. At the end of the night, Diaz urges students to contact her if they ever run into trouble or find themselves in the midst of a meltdown—a rare but very welcome invitation from any instructor, let alone one for a single session class. “You have me ‘til they go to college,” she reassures. A week later, at a cozy café on Broome Street, Diaz tells us more about her journey of motherhood, her impact on the Manhattan Twin Club, the conception of Twiniversity, and how What To Do When You’re Having Two came to the fore. As witty and effervescent in casual conversation as she is in class, Diaz is hard not to love. Diaz never planned to be a writer, a teacher, or a prominent voice of the twin community. But everything changed when, after years of struggling to conceive, a visit to the doctor brought the news that she was pregnant with two. “Since we’d been trying to conceive for five years, I had this very detailed vision of what I wanted my parenting life to be,” the native New Yorker says. “And then, when we found out there were two, it was like a train crash.” She worried how she and her husband would handle the added strain on everything, from their wallets to their tiny apartment. Diaz searched for resources online and discovered the Manhattan Twins Club, a city-centered support group for twin parents (which also has many resources and listings on its website), and attended a meeting where she heard a volunteer mom speak about her twins’ smooth delivery. So when Diaz went on to endure a difficult premature labor and subsequent battle with postpartum depression, she found herself ill-prepared—her own experience was nothing like the one she heard about in that meeting. Diaz decided that there needed to be a change in the Manhattan Twins Club meetings—expectant moms should hear a range of viewpoints and be ready for whatever could be thrown their way. She began volunteering there and restructured the meetings, about nine months after she gave birth, so that the panels were comprised of diverse voices. Diaz’s course as a twin community leader changed again one cold, miserable night in 2009, when no panelists showed up to speak at a meeting. Diaz stepped up and ran the entire session, and a woman approached her after with praise—and the suggestion that she put all her knowledge into her own book. That was the ultimate “Aha!” moment. That night, she went home and got to work, knocking out the first chapter and the index of topics, covering everything from strollers and car seats to sleep schedules and maintaining a healthy marriage. “I wanted to put a spin on twin parenting and twin births that was hopeful and joyful,” she says. “When you’re reading most books about twins, they’re very medically heavy, and they don’t always have a very positive nature to them.” Diaz dove into the world of working with literary agents and pitching her book, all the while focusing www.newyorkfamily.com

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biggest mistakes made by twin Parents not napping: “Don’t just soldier on,” Diaz says. “Sleep deprivation is an actual form of torture.” buying the wrong stroller: “I had six strollers before my kids turned 2,” Diaz says. Keep your specific needs in mind—for example, you’ll want wheels that won’t break on Manhattan streets. confusing the babies: “At three o’clock in the morning, they all look the same,” she notes. But you want to avoid feeding or changing the wrong child, so do your best to double check. refusing offered help: Always say “yes” to help. Don’t be stopped by trivial concerns like messiness. not getting any “me” time: “I don’t mean going to the bathroom with the door closed,” Diaz says. Make time for yourself, even if it’s walking the dog alone. isolating yourself from the outside world: Something as simple as running to the grocery store helps with cabin fever. Losing perspective: “They do grow up,” Diaz assures. “Just regroup, pull it together, and tell yourself you can do a few more nights of this.” The crazy times won’t last forever.

on gathering more research from the frontlines of twin parenthood. It was in this time that Twiniversity was born—a supportive community with two arms: a national online platform for parents of multiples across the country and a local series of classes for those here in NYC. Through building the community and teaching her own classes, she gleaned the questions and concerns that expectant parents truly grapple with. Today, Twiniversity has become a much-needed voice in the twin community, reaching a wide range of more than 80,000 people in 130 countries. As for Diaz, she’s travelled the nation to speak about twin-related issues, launched a dedicated parenting magazine called Multiplicity, and even made an appearance on Bravo’s hit series “Pregnant in Heels.” Diaz now finds it impossible to imagine life without her twins, but she can still remember those initial moments of fear and how fortunate she was to find a community of parents that made her realize she wasn’t alone. And, she says, “that’s why Twiniversity has been so successful around the globe—because we all have the same problems, and we all have the same successes, and we have the same joys and the same sadness.”

For more inFormation on twiniversity or to order diaz’s new book, visit twiniversity.com December 2013 | New York Family

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Karen Haberberg Photography

Daniel S. Burnstein

activity of the month

FANTASTIC GYMNASTICS Young NYC Gymnasts Give Us Their Tips On Sticking It! Daniel S. Burnstein

Edited by Mia Weber; photography by Daniel S. Burnstein, Karen Haberberg Photography, and Andrew Schwartz

Andrew Schwartz

5 From teaching kids their first summersaults to fostering serious and sophisticated young competitors, NYC’s wealth of gymnastics programs offer top-notch training to growing gymnasts. We asked some enthusiastic young tumblers from a variety of the city’s facilities to tell us what they love most about their sport and to offer a few tips for fellow city kids thinking of giving it a whirl. 1. 74TH STREET MAGIC “I can be active and do whatever I want…I like the beauty of it. I want to go to the Olympics some day— that’s my dream.” Kim Wei, 8 (right in photo) “You get to do a lot of things in gymnastics just like on the playground. You learn how to jump, balance, and do cartwheels.” Juliet Wei, 5 (left in photo) 2. 92Y “I like gymnastics because it’s fun

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and challenging, and I’ve made a lot of friends on the team… And the new studio [at 92Y] has equipment that is good, fresh, and new!” Hana Prokop, 7 3. ASPHALT GREEN Emmanuelle, 11, has been with Asphalt Green since 2008, when she started in the girls’ recreational program. In 2011 she joined the team program where she became one of the top competitors. Now, she is working on becoming a Level-8 gymnast.

4. CHELSEA PIERS “What I love most about gymnastics is having fun with my teammates and learning new things.” Jacob Altman, 9 5. COLUMBUS GYM “If you miss, don’t be mad—just keep practicing and you’ll get it. I especially encourage boys to do gymnastics, because mostly it’s girls. And we learn to do really cool tricks!” Ava Johnston, 8 www.newyorkfamily.com

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3 7

Daniel S. Burnstein

Karen Haberberg Photography

Daniel S. Burnstein

6. DISCOVERY PROGRAMS “The thing that I love most about gymnastics is the rush you get when you land…everyone is clapping and you are smiling. I mean, it’s a great feeling.” Lilu Goren, 8 7. GYMTIME RHYTHM & GLUES “[The coaches at Gymtime] take you in as a family member right when you step into the gym. I’ve learned so much more than I ever expected to.” Olivia Donofrio, 10 www.newyorkfamily.com

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WHERE TO FLIP OUT IN NYC STARTING OUT Many of these venues also have classes for older kids, but not competitive teams: 74th Street MAGIC, 74magic.com Columbus Gym, columbusgymnyc.com Gymboree, gymboreeclasses.com The Little Gym, thelittlegym.com My Gym Harlem, mygymisfun.com GETTING SERIOUS Many of these venues also have offerings for younger kids who are just beginning gymnastics and movement: 92Y, 92y.org Asphalt Green, asphaltgreen.org Chelsea Piers, chelseapiers.com Discovery Programs, discoveryprograms.com Gymtime Rhythm & Glues, gymtime.net Jodi’s Gym, jodisgym.com NYC Elite Gymnastics, nycelite.com Sokol, sokolnewyork.org

Andrew Schwartz

Daniel S. Burnstein

Karen Haberberg Photography

8. JODI’S GYM “I just love the feeling of getting a new trick and being able to do it on my own. It feels so cool.” Casey Fogelman, 10 9. MY GYM HARLEM “[Gymnastics] is learning and fun wrapped together. You’ll feel proud of the things you will be able to do!” Maya Silver, 9 (left in photo)

“I like doing tricks on the bars, climbing, and swinging. And the best thing is: It’s super fun!” Zoe Silver, 7 (right in photo) 10. NYC ELITE GYMNASTICS “[I love] being able to flip, land, and do things that other people can’t do—it makes me feel free.” Natalie Scibetta (who is nationally ranked as one of the top 100 gymnasts in her age group), 10 December 2013 | New York Family

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Rising Star, Mother Of Two, And New York Newcomer Betsy Brandt Makes An Elegant Transition From “Breaking Bad” To Sitcom Sweetheart On “The Michael J. Fox Show” By Mia Weber

f—like much of the television-owning adult population—you were glued to your screen watching “Breaking Bad” for the past five years, chances are the question of why Marie Schrader always wears purple has crossed your mind. According to Betsy Brandt, the actress behind television’s smuggest meddling in-law, it certainly wasn’t due to her own color preferences. In fact, she politely mentioned once that the color really wasn’t her favorite. “After I said that, I feel like they brought me even more purple,” she jokes. In person, the 40-year-old Michigan native and mom of two looks as if she could pull off just about any color. Though Brandt is a recent NYC transplant via California and New Mexico, she carries herself with the casual sophistication befitting a long-time city dweller. Yet she shows no hint of pretentious airs or ego. Sure, she enjoys a daily decaf cappuccino with some dark chocolate to get her day going—“It’s good for my skin…and my memory…and my feet”— but she’s also quick to commiserate with her hair and

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makeup team about the pitfalls of early morning call times (like the one she had for our cover shoot and interview) and spill cute anecdotes about her kiddos. Brandt now plays the wife of the ever-dreamy Michael J. Fox on “The Michael J. Fox Show,” but her rise to primetime success didn’t happen over night. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign alum had a solid resume of theater, television, and film work behind her when she first read for “Breaking Bad”—and since has consciously challenged herself to take on parts totally distinct from her previous ones. It’s with this same sense of thoughtful determination that she’s relishing her favorite role yet: raising two growing youngsters—an 8-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son—and easing her family into the pace of city life. But that’s just scratching (or “breaking,” if you will) the surface, as Brandt proves to be just as reflective on topics like modern motherhood and work-life balance, as she is genuinely warm and down-to-earth. continued on page 44

www.newyorkfamily.com

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On Betsy Brandt (this page and page 46): DKNY Jeans sweater jacket; Ann Taylor v-neck sweater; Dittos leggings; Masonharlie ring trio; Sam Edelman suede boots.

Photos by Michael Jurick Photography. Styled by by Monica Cotto. Hair by Nancy Nieves, Celebrity Colorist & Hairstylist. Make-up by Tricia Heine. Location: The JCC in Manhattan www.newyorkfamily.com

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December 2013 | New York Family

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You and your family moved to New York just last June—how has the transition been? [It was] a lot easier than I thought it would be. I thought New York would be so much harder to navigate with kids. But in some ways, because the city’s so huge, it’s easier. You just have access to everything. When we first moved out in June, I didn’t know if my family would be out for the summer, and I didn’t know if I was going to go back and forth—it all depended on school because I didn’t know how quickly I’d be able to figure out the school thing. That is a whole other thing, which I’d never experienced. I saw that scary documentary [“Nursery University”] about getting your kids into preschool in New York, but it still couldn’t prepare me. My husband and I have been together a long time and he said: “I’ve never seen you more stressed out in all the years that I’ve known you.” I didn’t know what I would do if I couldn’t get my kids into school… It worked out, but it took a village. I talked to a lot of moms who had kids my kids’ ages, and that was so helpful to me. So, would you say the education landscape here is very different than what you faced out West? Oh god, it’s definitely different than New Mexico! In New Mexico, I just heard about a school and it [turned out to be] amazing—here there are so many great options, just stellar schools, but then you have to get into the one that’s good for you, and find the right match for your family. To me, a big part of a school is the community you’re in; it’s not just about what they’re learning. What grades are your children in right now? Do they enjoy school? [My son] is in preschool and my daughter’s a third grader… And they love it! My daughter, [who has] been in three schools over the last few years, said that “all the schools are 10s,” but her New York school is her favorite—and you know what? It’s probably my favorite too. Was your role on “The Michael J. Fox Show” the primary factor in moving? I always thought I’d live in New York, especially because I do theater too. Once I moved to L.A. and started doing TV, I thought I’d stay there because there’s always plenty of work in L.A. Then I thought I’d come out here and do a play and just be out here for a few months. So it thrilled me that [this role and this move] worked out. You live on the Upper West Side. How did you choose the neighborhood? Did you consider the suburbs? When I found out we were coming to New York, I would just talk to moms and say “Where are the kids living?” Sometimes, I swear, it’s all parents and kids in this neighborhood… It makes it easier for playdates. I thought [the suburbs] might make it easier for

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my husband and my kids to have the space, but with the hours I work, being able to get home quickly from the studios makes a difference in whether I can put the kids to bed at night or not. What do your kids really enjoy doing in the city? My kids have scooters—they dig that and it is just goin’ on in style! They scoot to school and just love scooting around town… The other day we were walking to school and [my son] was so cute. He saw this boy scooting with the same scooter my kids have…but the boy didn’t have a helmet on. And my son says: “You need to have a helmet on when you scoot!” I was proud. Also, my kids love Central Park. We had parks in L.A. and New Mexico, but nothing like Central Park. Whenever I drive through it going to work, it just blows me away that it exists… We’re also doing all the touristy stuff. We did the Empire State Building—they think that’s fantastic. Any favorite ways that you and your husband, Grady Olsen, like to spend kid-free time? There are great restaurants in L.A., and I’d honestly gain 5 lbs every time we’d shoot in New Mexico because I dig Mexican food, but the restaurants here? It’s just a whole other thing… The last time we had a date we went to Del Posto, which was just a phenomenal meal—I can’t even say “meal” because it was an experience. Are you excited for your first holiday season in NYC? Yes! We’re going to do all the holiday stuff, which I’m excited about. We’re going to—I hope I can still get tickets—the Radio City Music Hall show, and I’m going to take my kids ice skating. Does your family have any fun holiday traditions? On Christmas Day we’ll be at our house in L.A. We go to our neighbors’ on Christmas Eve… And on Christmas Day, we either have people over or go somewhere. [This year] we’re going to have people over for dinner. At least half of our friends and family who celebrate Christmas with us are Jewish, so we always serve matzo ball soup—we like to be allinclusive. And presents for everybody! Tell us about transitioning between “Breaking Bad,” which was such an intense show, and “The Michael J. Fox Show,” which is much lighter. I always think about that old saying that actors say: “Dying is easy, but comedy is hard.” When I was tired on “Breaking Bad,” I loved it, because you can use that… But with comedy, you have to get your energy up, even if you’re underplaying something. I find [my character Annie Henry] very straightforward. She’s funny and she’s very real. I love her and I’ve learned a lot from her as a mother… I love that Annie’s not perfect and she’s okay with that. I really like moms who support each other, continued on page 46

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not just working moms who support other working moms—we all need to be behind each other, because it’s hard. I say to my husband: “We’re going to make mistakes, so let’s just try not to make the big doozies.” And my kids are really good kids. I’m so proud of them. They come to work, they hang out on set, and they love it. Do you channel your own motherhood experiences as you play Annie? I’m definitely more like her than any other character I’ve played on TV… I have moments all the time when I feel like this is such an Annie moment. [Recently] I was getting ready to go to work but I had to get my kids ready, and our babysitter was going to take them [to the bus]. My son was having a hard time…so I said I’d walk him—and I had on my pajamas, I hadn’t put my contacts in, and I had total bed-head. It was not a flattering moment, so thank god the paparazzi don’t follow me. And my daughter says: “Mama, don’t do it! People are gonna laugh at you!” I told her: “Honey, this is New York City. People are going to see much stranger things than a lady in her jammies.” But I thought it was such an Annie moment, because Annie wouldn’t flinch at that. Though your character on “Breaking Bad” had no children, she was often very motherly toward her niece and nephew. Did you relate to Marie in that way? She loved them. She definitely loved them. I was just so different from her—not in every way, but in a lot of ways. It felt very foreign to who I was…like when she tried to take baby Holly home, I thought Marie saw that as rescuing. When you were filming “Breaking Bad,” what did you say to your kids about your work? With my daughter, I could explain that it’s a really good show, because I was really proud of it, so she was proud of it too. She’s aware of the response.

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She went to this day camp in L.A. and one of her counselors said: “Your mom is on the best show on television.” And my daughter would say: “I told soand-so’s mom about ‘Breaking Bad’ and how we live in New Mexico and your character wears purple!” Do you let them watch “The Michael J. Fox Show”? I have, but there are certain parts I don’t let my son see because he’s much younger. I don’t think he would understand why I’m kissing [Michael J. Fox] and why we lay in bed together. You and Michael J. Fox seem to have a great chemistry on the show. What’s it like on set? The set is pretty fantastic, and I didn’t honestly know if I would be that lucky twice. “Breaking Bad” was so special, and then this—it’s such a good group. I love shooting scenes between Mike and Annie. I don’t know what it is but I feel like I’ve been working with [Michael J. Fox] for years. It’s really easy. The show’s shooting schedule is very rigorous. How do you balance work and family? I wish I had the answer! I feel like you do the best you can, and that changes. You have to be open because what works for your family changes… What I’m working on is to not do the guilt. Because then I’m putting out energy that I could be putting toward my family. I also try to give [my kids] a concept of work and money…I tell them that my job feeds my soul— not every day, but most days. Do you have any exciting projects coming up? I’m slated to do a movie called “Red River.” It stars Jason Isaacs, Patricia Arquette, Peter Facinelli, and myself. It’s a great script. I started talking to them about it while I was still doing “Breaking Bad” and [at the time] I always tried to do roles that weren’t Marie—“A nun? Great, I’ll do that!”—so when this came up I thought: “This is so not Marie!” www.newyorkfamily.com

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11/25/13 10:27 AM

features

The Gift Of GivinG Back West side soccer’s viP division

Celebrate Both The True Spirit Of The Holiday Season, As Well As The Core Of New York City’s Sense Of Community, With Some Of Our Favorite Local Charities There are countless scores of people helping others daily with gestures both big and small all over the city. In the spirit of the season, we’re proud to present a sampler of charitable organizations in NYC dedicated to bettering the lives of children and families in need. We hope these editor’s picks—and a roundup of additional notables—will jumpstart a call to philanthropy within your family. Editors’ Pick: the Pajama Program Drops in temperature don’t just mark the beginning of the holiday season; they’re also a warning sign for our community’s most vulnerable. During the “danger season,” from October to March, children living below the poverty line face severe health risks without proper care. Genevieve Piturro, founder of

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the Pajama Program (pajamaprogram.org), has been working since 2001 to help combat this problem. Her organization aims to provide for children new, warm pajamas—as well as books that they can call their own. Why pajamas? When Piturro was in her late 30s, she decided to volunteer to read at an emergency shelter, where she saw children going to bed in their day clothes. “It just broke my heart, and I thought, they need pajamas, at least,” she says. So on her next visit, Piturro brought along PJs to give out, and one little girl asked her: “What are they?” And so the nonprofit was born, almost out of its own will. “Everything flashed in my mind and I didn’t know what to do except tell people about these kids, about their stories,” Piturro explains. Today, the Pajama Program aims to help children who don’t have the security of comfortable, routine bedtimes. “We try to give them a hug this way…with clean, cozy pajamas and a book to ease their fears before they close their eyes,” Piturro says. With the help of corporate sponsors Scholastic, Sprout, and Carter’s, the Pajama Program is already responsible for the distribution of 2 million pairs of pajamas and books to children in need in 32 states. This past October, they launched a new initiative, 1 Million Good Nights, through which the nonprofit—along with its sponsors—vowed to collect a million books and a million pajamas to distribute by the end of 2015. Though children need extra help during the colder months, providing bedtime comfort is a yearcontinued on page 50

www.newyorkfamily.com

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10 Charities To Check Out This Season

By Emanuelle Block

Pay it forward through any one of these local organizations improving the lives of New Yorkers of all ages. Association to Benefit Children (ABC): With a focus on comprehensive support, ABC offers programs for disadvantaged children and their families including early childhood education (for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers), education advocacy, housing assistance, mental health services, family support, crisis intervention, and more. a-b-c.org Educational Alliance: The Educational Alliance aids 50,000 New Yorkers annually via 39 programs, including preschools, camps, afterschool programs, health and wellness programs, arts and cultural classes, and addiction recovery programs. Their programs also feature intergenerational and cross-cultural activities. edalliance.org Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS): Serving girls who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and/or domestic trafficking, GEMS helps young women 12-24 to exit the commercial sex industry by aiding them to develop skills to help them reach their emotional and professional potential. gems-girls.org

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp: This Connecticut-based organization is dedicated to providing a “different kind of healing” to gravely ill children and their families free of charge. Their goal? To ensure that even children with serious medical conditions have the chance to experience camp. holeinthewallgang.org Inwood House: Dedicated to comprehensively serving the needs of pregnant and parenting teens, Inwood House’s services and programs include mental health counseling, developing employment skills, strengthening family relationships, and baby health. inwoodhouse.com Literacy Partners: With the belief that the ability to read is an essential element of an enriched and fulfilling life, these community-based literacy programs in NYC seek to empower adults to reach their full potential as individuals, parents, and citizens. literacypartners.org Phoenix House: Committed to protecting and supporting individuals, families, and communities affected by substance abuse and dependency, Phoenix House’s programs address

mental, physical, and social health. Their services include prevention, treatment, and recovery programs. phoenixhouse.org Randall’s Island Park Alliance: RIPA sponsors a range of free youth programs at Randall’s Island Park lets children play, exercise, and learn about healthy living. Afterschool and summer programs include track and field, summer camp, dance fitness classes, tennis, and golf. randallsisland.org Robin Hood Foundation: Focused on finding, funding, and creating programs and schools that serve families in New York’s poorest neighborhoods, Robin Hood Foundation distributes funding to NYC-based soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and schools to give New York’s neediest citizens the tools they need to build better lives. robinhood.org The Sylvia Center: With the goal of teaching needy children about healthy eating habits and the value of consuming local and seasonal produce, the Sylvia Center educates through NYC cooking classes and farm programs at Katchkie Farm in Kinderhook, NY. sylviacenter.org

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round necessity. There are many ways New York families can get involved with the Pajama Program, including donating, volunteering at reading centers, or hosting an event to raise money or supplies for the organization. – Anna Boisseau EDITORS’ PICK: The West Side Soccer League Giving back through sporty fun—what better way to get your kids interested in charity at a young age? Since 1987, the West Side Soccer League (WSSL) has been all-volunteer and part of the American Youth Soccer Organization (wssl.org). WSSL has more than 4,000 players ages 5-18, with teams for both boys and girls. But what really sets WSSL apart is that their VIP division, a network of teams for children of all ages, has a singular focus of including kids with physical and developmental challenges—including autism, Down syndrome, and Asperger’s syndrome—who want to play soccer but require extra attention and care. Like all WSSL programs, the VIP division is coached by parents and volunteers—great for families looking to donate their time in hands-on ways. VIP seeks both team members and “buddies,” who are more experienced soccer players (generally age 10 and up), to work as peer coaches and helpers, making the program as enriching for volunteers (of all ages)

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as it is for participants. “This program has always been a priority for us at West Side Soccer. These kids play on the premiere fields in Central Park, and we want them to feel very much a part of the league,” says Dana DiPrima, commissioner of WSSL since 2005. The proof of the VIP division’s success lies in the resulting bonds between participants and their mentors, which comes across clearly to coaches and parents alike. “[Our son’s buddy] is absolutely awesome. If we could only clone that kid,” one parent writes. “He was so attentive and really engaged with our son, it was a perfect scenario. A child our son’s age actually cared enough to really stand by him and genuinely wanted him to do well.” “From being involved in this program, I don’t think anybody comes away unchanged, both the children and their parents,” adds DiPrima. “It’s a nexus of bigheartedness and commitment to community through soccer…this program is very unique.” – Emanuelle Block EDITORS’ PICK: Getting Out And Staying Out A big believer of second chances, Getting Out and Staying Out (gosonyc.org) reaches out to young men while they’re either awaiting sentencing or serving time at Rikers Island. Its staff builds an attachment, www.newyorkfamily.com

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Is your child aged 13 - 17 diagnosed with ADHD? You may be eligible to participate in a research study of an investigational medication. Symptoms of ADHD include difficulty remembering information, difficulty concentrating, trouble organizing or completing tasks, and procrastination. Qualified participants may receive studyrelated psychological evaluation(s) and may also receive compensation for time

The Pajama Program

and travel.

so upon a young man’s release he can head to the GOSO offices immediately to choose “another way to go about living.” And the effects on participants are abundantly clear—the program has proven to drastically reduce the recidivism rate for justice involved men ages 16-24. “We give young men hope that very good things can happen if they work hard,” says Paul Gutkowski LCSW, associate executive director of GOSO. And, with statistics that show 80 percent of GOSO participants succeeding in staying out of prison, it looks like Gutkowski’s faith in hope and hard work is right on point. The roots of this remarkable re-entry program— which is completely volunteer-based—date back to 2003, when a retired business executive named Mark L. Goldsmith was invited to Horizon Academy, one of two high schools operating at Rikers Island, as a volunteer principal for a day. His inspiring discussions with young inmates were overwhelmingly well-received, and he went on to develop a lasting partnership with the Departments of Education and Corrections, subsequently spearheading a formal mentoring program at the prison. Goldsmith continued to maintain connections with the men he’d mentored in prison once they were released. In 2005, he took his passions of giving young men a second life even further by securing private funding and helping to open GOSO in East Harlem. Since then, GOSO has established itself as one of the most effective reentry programs in the New York City area by ensuring economic independence through purposeful education and directed employment. GOSO’s model promotes education and vocational training, provides job readiness classes and employment assistance, and offers counseling and social services. “[The participants] all have a core belief that they’re not good enough to get there,” Gutkowski says. “But we believe every young man has an untapped strength.” – Lorraine Duffy Merkl www.newyorkfamily.com

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For more information, please call Dr. Jeffrey Newcorn at 212-241-8012 Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1230 New York, New York 10029

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11/22/13 1:17 PM

74th St. MAGIC

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ClASS? A Sneak Peek Into The Varied Enrichment Offerings Coming This Winter, From Arts And Music To Sports And Dance Many winter/spring classes will be gearing up in the weeks to come. This preview, which highlights some of the many children’s enrichment venues that we love, serves as an opening act for the ultimate roundup of 2014’s coolest classes coming in our next issue. Use the below to start thinking about where to enroll, then check back in January for the specifics! 74th St. MAGIC 74th St. MAGIC offers one of NYC’s most comprehensive enrichment programs, with a wide array of classes in its Mini MAP program (early preschool enrichment), MAP program (preschool alternative classes), and MAGIC program (music, art, gymnastics, and cooking classes). Sharing a building with Epiphany Community Nursery School, children will find state-of-the-art classrooms, a baby- and a fully-equipped gym, as well as an outdoor rooftop playground. 74magic.com 92Y This special gem on the Upper East Side offers so much for families and kids of all ages, including a nursery school, Wonderplay early childhood programs, and a parenting center. Afterschool classes in dance, art, music, aquatics, and sports are offered for all ages. There are also a variety of family performances and holiday celebrations throughout the year, as well as a rooftop playground and an indoor GymMaze. 92Y.org www.newyorkfamily.com

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The Art Farm In The City Come enjoy the award-winning petting zoo and a variety of classes and programs. Rocks, Smocks & Animals (adult and me): Meet a new animal each week, sing and dance to the guitar, and do arts and crafts. Animal Care: Spend quality time with live animals while gaining science skills. Farm Foodies Cooking: New and yummy seasonal recipes every time with a new fruit or vegetable each class. M-F drop-ins: Playroom, art, cooking, and animals. Birthday parties: Nine themes ranging from farm animals to Pirate and Princess to Mad Science. theartfarms.org Asphalt Green Active kids can head to this sports center with locations on the Upper East Side and in Battery Park City for all their swimming, fitness, and sports needs. All ages can sign up for gymnastics, flag football, martial arts, soccer, baseball, circus arts, cultural arts, cooking classes, and more. There’s also a Speed, Agility, Quickness (SAQ) Academy for ages 7-14 for improving fitness and core strengthening. asphaltgreen.org; asphaltgreenbpc.org Basketball Stars of NY Basketball Stars is a full-service youth basketball organization made up of former NBA and Division I college basketball players and coaches that work with children continued on page 54

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ages 3-17 through afterschool programs, private training, travel basketball teams (BSNY TITANS!), position-specific mini-camps, summer camps, and birthday parties. Certified coaches assist in helping to build self-confidence, character, and discipline through practice and teaching the game they love. basketballstarsofny.com BookNook Within their comfortable and welcoming ambiance, this early childhood enrichment program on the Upper West Side offers classes in everything related to literacy, from reading and phonics to handwriting and kindergarten readiness. The 90-minute classes are capped at six students each and divided into five different age-appropriate levels for ages 1.5-7. booknooknyc.com Broadway Dance Center Young dancers receive elite training from leading dance teachers and choreographers in state-of-the-art studios located in the Theater District. The Children’s and Teen Program (ages 3-18) offers 32 weeks of instruction in creative movement, ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, musical theater, Latin jazz, contemporary, jumps and turns, and lyrical. Shorter workshops in a variety of styles and levels are also offered. broadwaydancecenter.com Chelsea Piers Sports enthusiasts of all ages love this Chelsea complex, which features classes in every sport imaginable, including golf, baseball, basketball, bowling, boxing, dance, and gymnastics. Also on the menu: ice hockey and ice skating at the Sky Rink, fitness classes, running, soccer, rock climbing, yoga, swimming, and volleyball. chelseapiers.com Columbus Gym Active tots and school-aged children can sign up for classes at Columbus Gym, the largest gym on the Upper West Side. Classes feature age-appropriate activities for ages 6-12 months up to 12 years old. The 3,000-squarefoot gymnasium features tumbling mats, a trampoline, beams, rings, and bars, where kids can test their gymnastics, movement, motor, balance, and coordination skills. columbusgymnyc.com

Clockwise from top left: Swim Jim, Jodi’s Gym, Karma Kids Yoga, TLB Music

Fastbreak Kids Fastbreak opened a brand new state-of-the-art sports facility this past November. Offerings include developmental sports programming for ages 2-5, along with basketball and multi-sports programs for all levels for kids 5-18. The 7,000-square-foot indoor facility on the Upper East Side includes a top-tier basketball court, private training area, parent viewing area, and party room. With basketball, baseball, flag football, soccer, and more, there’s something for every active city kid. fastbreakkids.com Jazz at Lincoln Center Jazz at Lincoln Center boasts a diverse range of educational offerings for all ages. WeBop is an early childhood jazz education program that teaches families the core concepts of jazz. Classes are grouped by age, from 8 months to 5 years old. The Jazz for Young People Family Concert series teaches key musical concepts via interactive concerts that illuminate the subject at hand based on a major performance of the season. Concerts are suggested for kids 6-12 years in age. jalc.org

The Craft Studio In The Craft Studio’s crafting classes, let your kids create uninhibitedly with the most fun, creative, and trendy art supplies. Supportive and caring instructors, not to mention fun philosophies, help kids ages 3 and up make neon wrap bracelets, wallets and pocketbooks, multimedia self portraits, and so much more. There’s something for everyone, available in studio, your school, and other spaces. craftstudionyc.com

The JCC in Manhattan This 14-story UWS community center serves families with a variety of classes and programs for all ages and abilities. The Marti Ann Meyerson Center for Health & Wellness offers swimming lessons as well as pre- and post-natal fitness classes. Programs through the Wassserman Center for Family Life include art, science, cooking, gymnastics, martial arts, and multiple sports classes including tennis, lacrosse, and basketball. The center’s new Birthday Party program offers many unique options for celebrating your child’s special day. jccmanhattan.org

The Diller-Quaile School of Music Founded in 1920, Diller-Quaile is comprised of early childhood (ages 4 months to 6 years), instrumental and vocal, adult, teacher training, and outreach departments. Rug Concerts, master classes, and faculty concerts occur throughout the year. New early childhood classes begin in January 2014. diller-quaile.org

Jodi’s Gym Jodi’s Gym has been providing NYC kids ages 9 months to 12 years with the highest level of fun and fitness for 32 years. Their step-by-step, no-fail approach ensures that every child feels a sense of accomplishment in the most positive continued on page 56

New York Family | December 2013

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www.newyorkfamily.com

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and caring environment. There’s something for everyone, from the tiniest tumblers to advanced gymnasts. Classes include gymnastics, music, science, fitness, yoga, holiday and summer camps, free open play for members (50 per semester!), member perks, playgroups, private lessons, and the best birthday parties ever. jodisgym.com Joffrey Ballet School Kids who sign up for ballet at Joffrey Ballet School in the West Village receive training that builds creativity and physicality in classical and contemporary ballet as well as other forms of dance, including modern, jazz, hip hop, and character dance. A Children’s Program (for ages 2-9) also offers Dance with Me (where parents or caregivers are the dance partner). A Young Dancer’s Program is offered for ages 10 and up. joffreyballetschool.com Karma Kids Yoga Karma Kids Yoga offers a fun and creative approach for infants through teenagers. Magical yoga adventures with puppets, songs, and games keep young kids engaged; classes for older kids include simple and challenging poses for increasing strength, coordination, focus, confidence, and more. Included are kid-friendly music, fun yoga games and activities, and calming relaxation time with yummy-smelling foot rubs. Look for special events such as Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga, Pajama Yoga, CircusYoga, Superhero Yoga, American Girl Doll Yoga, and more. Unique birthday parties are also available. karmakidsyoga.com

A variety of age appropriate programming—including gym, yoga, and martial arts classes—are offered in a clean, safe, and fun environment for children 6 weeks to 13 years (programs vary by location). Member benefits include unlimited summer classes and savings on parents’ night out, summer camp, and birthday parties. Locations on the Upper West Side and Harlem: mygymisfun.com; locations on the Upper East Side: mygym.com. NY Kids Club Sign your child up for classes at one of these nine children’s enrichment centers, located throughout Manhattan, Williamsburg (coming in January), other parts of Brooklyn, and Long Island City (coming in September). There are baby fitness and music classes for infants 2-5 months old, plus classes for preschoolers and school-age children. Choose from art, music, dance, gymnastics, fitness, cooking, or combo classes. Day camps, parties, and events also available. nykidsclub.com Playgarden Offering classes in ballet, hip hop, sports, music, and an early education Montessori-based program (Playgarden Prep), Playgarden enriches growing minds and bodies in the early years. This indoor playground and activity center located in Tribeca is geared toward children ages 0-5. playgardennyc.com

Kids at Art Kids at Art is the premiere Art Studio for Children in NYC. They focus on the basics of visual arts, with age-appropriate projects for each group from ages 2-12 in painting, drawing, collage, and much more, all in a nurturing environment. Also offering fashion/sewing classes and musical theater classes led by TADA! Youth Theater, Arty and Karaoke birthday parties! kidsatartnyc.com

The School at Steps The School at Steps is a training ground for students ages 2-18, offering academic and summer programs with classes in ballet, modern, tap, jazz, theater dance, hip hop, and Pilates. Beginning with the Young Dancers program and continuing through technique classes and the PreProfessional program, children are provided with an opportunity to explore the world of dance and enrich their appreciation for the various forms of the art. stepsnyc.com/school

Kids In Sports Children can sign up for this specialized sports program located throughout Manhattan for ages 12 months through 12 years. Learn the fundamentals of baseball, basketball, flag football, floor hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and volleyball through multi-sport or sport-specific classes. Kids In Sports offers camps for two different age groups, for 2.5-3 years and 4-6 years. kisnyc.com

SwimJim SwimJim classes are a fun way to learn swimming and water safety year-round. They believe children learn best in a friendly, loving environment where they feel safe and at ease, which enables young swimmers to learn basic and advanced skills while helping parents feel reassured. With five NYC locations and classes ranging from infants to adult, SwimJim has a class for everyone. swimjim.com

Let’s Gogh Art NYC Let’s Gogh Art NYC is a mobile, creative arts entertainment and enrichment company delivering exciting art-based programs for ages 2-12. Get your groove on and learn some fun dance moves while creating rock star-worthy projects with combo classes like Let’s Gogh Dance—or focus on making some cool creatures in Where the Wild Things Art. For the younger set, teacher can read favorite books in an entertaining way and lead students in creating amazing, related art projects. nyletsgoghart.com

TADA! Youth Theater Sing, dance, and act with TADA! Youth Theater. They run weekly musical theater classes—and whenever school is out, TADA! is in with one-day and week-long camps. Toddlers through 8th graders build performing skills with original TADA! music. tadatheater.com

My Gym My Gym has spent 30 years building children’s self-esteem and nurturing a love of fitness and activity through fun.

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TLB Music TLB Music is a music studio and play space located on the Upper East Side. Group classes for ages 4 months to 6 years are designed to enhance development while introducing children to all genres of music and classical and folk instruments. Its eco-friendly playroom is also perfect for playdates and birthday parties. tlbmusic.com www.newyorkfamily.com

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TRAVEL

POWDER POWER: Sweet Ski Escapes Near NYC For The Family By Danielle Kraese Killington Resort

As the temperatures creep below freezing, it’s tempting to crawl under the warmth of the covers and hide out until spring. But we encourage you to embrace the cold with a weekend excursion to one of the Northeast’s top ski resorts, where you can take in the fresh mountain air, gorgeous summit views that stretch for miles, and the kind of quiet serenity that just can’t be found in a big city. With plenty of locations geared toward little ones—some a mere 47 miles from New York City—there’s a suitable adventure for every family. Thunder Ridge Ski Resort (Patterson, NY) This icy escape is a short, 75-minute drive from New York City, close enough to ensure that cranky complaints and requests for bathroom stops will be at a minimum. Thunder Ridge boasts 30 different trails with three chairlifts and four kid-friendly magic carpet lifts, making it suitable for skiers and boarders of every age and skill level. For an alternative to driving, you can take the Metro-North Ski Train to the Patterson station and enjoy free shuttle service right to the resort. About 1.5 hours from NYC, thunderridgeski.com Hunter Mountain (Hunter, NY) Tucked away in the Catskills, this is the perfect destination for novice skiers. The vast mountain is nationally recognized as a prime resort for those who are learning to ski, and it has 14 distinct trails made specifically for beginners and families. After a grueling day on the snow-coated slopes, parents can kick back and give those muscles a break at the resort’s luxury spa center, while the kids enjoy one of the mountain’s newest offerings: heavenly waffles made fresh to order with your choice of topping! About 2.5 hours from NYC, huntermtn.com

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Whiteface Mountain (Wilmington, NY) The tallest ski mountain in the Northeast with the most substantial vertical drop, Whiteface Mountain has a rich history along with a stunning 360-degree view of the Adirondacks. Follow in the ski tracks of Olympic greats like Phil Mahre, who earned a silver metal on this same mountain in 1980, or Andrew Weibrecht, who took home the bronze medal in 2010. But if your family has first-time skiers, don’t let this scare you off! Lessons are available for both kids and adults, led by some of the best instructors around. About 5 hours from NYC, whiteface.com Mountain Creek Mountain House (Vernon, NJ) This excursion is a quick and painless journey from the city, clocking in at just 47 miles from the George Washington Bridge. At Mountain Creek, you’ll find that the offerings go way beyond exhilarating trails and top-notch learning programs for skiers and boarders—it’s also home to one of the largest snow tubing parks in the nation, not to mention guided zipline tours and a new Alpine Mountain Coaster. Best of all: The mountain stays open late, so the fun doesn’t have to end once the sun goes down! About 1.5 hours from NYC, mountaincreek.com Jiminy Peak (Hancock, MA) The largest ski resort in southern New England, Jiminy Peak is the only mountain-based resort in North America that uses alternative wind power to create its own energy. It strives to reduce carbon footprints—leaving behind only snow boot footprints. The mountain is carved with 45 trails, nearly half of which remain lit at night to allow for skiing beneath continued on page 60

www.newyorkfamily.com

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the stars. For beginners or those who have yet to master the slopes, learning programs are available for adults and children as young as 3. About 3 hours from NYC, jiminypeak.com Stratton (Stratton Mountain, VT) Breathe in the brisk Vermont air while exploring Stratton’s 94 different trails, ranging from the meandering and scenic to the steep and adrenalinepumping. The mountain operates 11 lifts and one high-speed gondola to transport you to the top of the mountain, as well as a magic carpet lift for those who prefer not to stray from the bunny slopes. After the last run of the day, retire to the cozy, rustic lodge or venture into the quaint village at the mountain’s base for an evening of shopping and dining. About 4 hours from NYC, stratton.com Killington Resort (Killington, VT) Located at the heart of Vermont, Killington offers 140 trails spread across seven different mountain peaks with ample lifts to get you where you need to be. While the mountain may hold the record for the greatest vertical drop in the New England region, the excitement doesn’t end once you kick off your skis. Off-mountain attractions include a tubing park, sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, snowshoeing, spa treatments, live bands, festivals, and more than 100 restaurant and bars to explore—certainly enough to make the drive worth your time! About 4.5 hours from NYC, killington.com Okemo Mountain Resort (Ludlow, VT) Find 119 thrill-inducing trails—the longest of which spans 4.5 miles—woven throughout Okemo Mountain. Rated Top U.S. Family Snow Resort by Parents Magazine, the resort offers a range of lesson programs to ensure your little one will be gliding down the slopes with confidence in no time. If you’re feeling adventurous, test your skills at one of ten terrain parks. With chilly weather challenges, like rails, jumps, and pumps, these parks range in difficulty from beginner-friendly to daredevils-only. When night falls, take a tour of the mountain with a tranquil Snowcat Ride. About 4.5 hours from NYC, okemo.com Waterville Valley Resort (Waterville Valley, NH) Nestled in the vast expanse of the White Mountain National Forest, the trails comprising Waterville Valley Resort suit every level of skier, from the slow learner to the speed demon. The resort’s Adaptive Snowsports program offers children and adults with physical and mental challenges to experience the mountain with the assistance of dedicated volunteers. After the lifts have been put to rest for the day, you’ll find another way to traverse the snowy terrain with a Twilight Dogsled Excursion, in which a team of friendly sled dogs will lead single riders through the breathtaking valley. About 5.5 hours from NYC, waterville.com

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EDITOR’S PICKS:

FAB FAMILY RESORTS By Eric Messinger

The Ritz-Carlton in Montreal

RITZ-CARLTON MONTREAL A few years ago the owners of the Ritz-Carlton Montreal (ritzmontreal.com) placed a very big bet on their property and their city. They undertook a stateof-the-art $200 million transformation to give luxury travelers the kind of experience they could readily find in most major cities but not so much in Montreal. My family and I had the pleasure of being guests at the hotel last summer during the first leg of a family vacation that led on to Quebec City and continued north into the rustic Charlevoix region of Canada. Most of our activities were warm-weather minded, but a visit to our friendly neighbor to the north is equally compelling in the winter, where the mix of foodie dining, first-rate culture, and all sorts of fun and attractions for kids is buttressed by heaps of snow and a great ski mountain in nearby Mont-Tremblant. For all its tasteful opulence, the Ritz-Carlton has a welcoming vibe (there were lots of families) and prices that are commensurate with the hotel group’s quality but that aren’t for zillionaires only. Notably, the hotel abounds in smart techie advances, allowing guests a lot of control over the climate and lighting in their rooms. (At the risk of sharing too much, I’ll tell you that my family’s favorite electronic accoutrement was none other than the high-tech toilet, which upon first discovery my 9-year-old son rapturously described as “sick!”) But if the digital stuff is new and necessary, it is seamlessly folded into what the Ritz does best: Being an oasis of comfort and luxury, a big hotel that feels boutique. Whether enjoying their penthouse infinity pool with my son, stealing some quiet time to myself in their trademark grand court, enjoying a sumptuous breakfast at Maison Boulud (as in that Boulud), or chatting with one of their five-star helpful concierges, I loved our time at the Ritz-Carlton—as I did in Montreal. www.newyorkfamily.com

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Boca raton resort & club

Boca raton resort & cluB There is a time for the Magic Kingdom. There is a time for the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter. But if you’re visiting Florida and the big amusement parks aren’t on the itinerary, it’s hard to imagine a better place for family-friendly luxury travel than the Boca Raton Resort & Club (bocaresort.com). As its name suggests, it’s a kind of two-for-one destination—a resort and a club—both operating at the highest levels of comfort, relaxation, and fun. There is the sprawling inland property that was originally founded in 1926 by the legendary Florida tycoon Addison Mizner and still radiates a distinctly old-school Floridian grandeur, with a mix of SpanishMediterranean architecture and pink facades. Its lush environs include great tennis and golf, a wondrous spa, several outdoor pool options, and a number of notable eateries. I’d be remiss if I didn’t hone in on one of them: the legendary Serendipity, with its glorious ice cream concoctions, has an outpost in the resort’s main building, and it’s every scoop as good as the original on East 60th Street. And that’s only half the story. There’s also the Boca Beach Club, a swanky contemporary beachside property that the resort reopened in 2009 after a $120 million renovation. Here’s what I found: It feels as good as it looks, a perfect spot for families like mine who want to spend as much time as possible alternating between the pool and the beach. Given that goal, it won’t surprise you to learn that we opted to stay at the beach property, where we’d get up every morning and enjoy a wonderful breakfast on a veranda looking out on the ocean. In addition to tennis and golf, the Boca Raton Resort & Club’s menu of amenities includes boating, surf school, a kids’ camp, volleyball, croquet, and an outdoor oversized chess board. We dabbled in this and that, and also enjoyed meandering walks on both properties, though mostly stayed true to our deepest pleasures: pool and beach. Just imagine all these options—both inland and beachside—and imagine a place where kids are as common as the palm trees. It was family heaven. For more winter Family getaways, visit newyorkFamily.com/ liFestyle/Family-travel

www.newyorkfamily.com

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December 2013 | New York Family

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home&away

quality time

s ow i let it

Add Creative Flair To A Holiday Crafting Staple With Our Step-By-Step Tips By Mia Weber, photos by Christine Wei

Required Materials

Step 3

Step 1

Step 2

Step 4

Step 5

l Nothing quite finishes up a holiday decorating job-well-done like homemade paper snowflakes. Whether you and your brood are experienced snowflake snippers or are making your first apprehensive folds and cuts, our handy guide is your key to keeping each flake festive and fun. Required Materials: Plain white paper cut into squares (any size will do, but 4-6 inches per side is a good size to start), scissors, pencil. Optional: Pinking shears, one-hole punch.

Step 1: Fold the square diagonally into a triangle. For younger kids (up to about age 5), proceed to Step 2. For older kids, keep folding the triangle in half two or three more times. The more folds in the triangle, the more repetitious and prettier the design—but the harder it will be to cut the paper.

Step 2: Use the pencil to lightly outline the design you want to cut. Keep in mind that anytime you cut into a folded edge in the paper, the shape you cut will be mirrored across the fold—so if you cut

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a semi-circle right over the fold, you’ll end up with a whole circle. Cuts made to the middle of the paper— where two folded edges come together—will replicate several times within the final design. Step 3: Use scissors and, if you wish, pinking shears and a one-hole punch to cut out your design. Remember: Never cut all the way along a folded edge, otherwise the snowflake will be cut in half (or in thirds or fourths) and fall apart when unfolded.

Step 4: Unfold your triangle once and inspect your design. Feel free to add a few more cuts at this stage as you see fit, then continue unfolding to reveal the flat, finished snowflake. Step 5: Smooth out the creases (you can even lightly use a clothing iron for ultimate flatness) and use your flakes to adorn window panes, Christmas trees, tabletops, wrapped gifts, and more! Bonus craft: Got leftover scraps? Use them to make mini-snowflakes—the varied sizes look artsy and fun. www.newyorkfamily.com

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Presented by

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the last word

The Cow who SaveD ChriStmaS A local Mom remembers Her twins’ first Days in the niCu

We spent our first noel in the niCu at Mt. sinai surrounded by life-saving machines beeping to the beat of “the little Drummer Boy” playing on the radio. At the time, my twins were less than 10 days old, and they’d unexpectedly arrived six weeks early because of preeclampsia. i was discharged days before and was tortured with the fact that my babies had to spend this holiday in a hospital instead of my belly where they belonged. i spent as much time as i could holding my twins in my arms. i couldn’t decide if this event was a blessing or a curse—it was a blessing since i was finally lucky enough to be a mother, but a curse because my body had failed me. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, we nevertheless dressed the twins up in newborn Baby’s first Christmas outfits on Christmas eve, celebrating and singing along to every song on that radio. i held them and rocked them past midnight, into the first hours of Christmas Day, then my husband and i eventually had to go home and get some rest ourselves. the moment i opened my eyes in the morning, i listened to the eerie silence—no gentle stirrings or even hungry cries—and was saddened by the fact my twins were 7.8 miles from our apartment. When we trekked back to the hospital, the day started like any other. We spoke to doctors and nurses and resumed our routine of learning how to care for our preemies. Hours went by, and the holiday tunes played. Doctors laughed in the background, nurses toasted with sparkling cider—but my section of the niCu, understandably, wasn’t so merry. At around 3pm, a man came into the room and was greeted with cheers, hugs, and kisses from the staff. this man, someone told us, was a father of a “niCu graduate” and was making his annual visit to the place that his family had called home for sometime. We watched as the gentleman went around placing a tiny stuffed animal near every baby in the

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niCu that day. When he got to my family, he handed me a blue and red cow that played “Jingle Bells” when one pressed his belly. He looked me in the eyes and said, “i know how you feel.” He didn’t say anything else, but for a moment, i connected with this man. this man was no longer a stranger but my beacon of hope and strength. He had made it through. His son had “graduated.” He had endured the same sadness, the same confusion, and he had made it out. that cow changed my outlook on my life as a parent. i stopped focusing on the fact that my twins’ tiny bodies were only 4 lbs each and started seeing the ounces that they gained from the day before. i stopped looking at the monitors and started looking at the babies themselves to check their status. i started smelling the box of chocolates at the desk for all parents to share rather than the clinical smell of the room. i started hearing the words to the holiday songs and noticing the small details, like all the decorations that the nurses had put around the room that had probably been there for days. this Christmas my children will have just turned 9. i look at them now: my son, so generous and kind, an A student with a passionate love of trains and science; my daughter, “little red” with a personality to light up a room and the gift of gab like me. they each represent the finest attributes my husband and i have to offer. neVer, could i imagine back then, the joy and fulfillment they would bring to our lives. that little cow had done all that. to this day, i cherish it. it’s been my symbol of hope since that one Christmas in the niCu. it’s one of my most prized possessions—besides my twins, of course. Natalie Diaz is the founder of twiniversity, director of the Manhattan twins Club, and author of What to Do When You’re Having Two. to learn more, see her profile on page 38 and visit twiniveristy.com.

Illustration by Justin Winslow

By Natalie Diaz

www.newyorkfamily.com

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