TALKING TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT RACE: AN AGE-BY-AGE GUIDE
SUMMER 2020 | NJFAMILY.COM |
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Summer Enrichment
14 FREE WAYS TO MAXIMIZE ONLINE LEARNING
HEALTHCARE Face Masks
Heroes
MEET THE NJ NURSES ON THE FRONT LINE OF THE PANDEMIC
KNOW THE DOs AND DON’Ts
Family Getaway HOW TO PLAN A SAFE, SOCIALLY-DISTANCED TRIP
YOUR GUIDE TO PET ADOPTION DURING COVID-19
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NJFAMILY.COM | SUMMER 2020
Contents Raising Smarties
Stuff We Love
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COVER UP Cute and comfy masks for the whole family
Healthy + Happy FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME 15 ONLINE Help stop summer slide with these educational (and free!) virtual experiences.
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HEALTHCARE HEROES Meet the nurses on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic.
101 9 MASKS Are you wearing them properly?
OUT 12 BUG How to prevent pesky bites.
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THIS MOTHER’S HEART A Black mom of four shares her hope for the future during this time of unrest.
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MUST LOVE DOGS (AND CATS)! Expert tips on adopting the right furry friend for your family.
On the Cover
CHRIS GAHLER / MANAGER OF AUDIO AND VIDEO SERVICES AT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH
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TALKING TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT RACE Our age-by-age guide will help you navigate this crucial conversation.
SUMMER 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY
Explore
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HIT THE ROAD How to travel safely with your crew this summer.
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Editor’s Letter
SUMMER 2020 | NJFAMILY.COM VOLUME 30, ISSUE 5
PUBLISHER | CINDY MIRONOVICH EDITORIAL DIRECTOR | DINA EL NABLI EDITOR@NJFAMILY.COM ART DIRECTOR | LEEZA HERNANDEZ MANAGING EDITOR | ANGEL MADISON ASSOCIATE EDITOR MEGAN MUESSEN CONTRIBUTORS REGINA CASH-CLARK, RONNIE KOENIG, ARRICCA ELIN SANSONE
PRODUCTION DESIGNER ROSA M. JOSEPH PRODUCTION/BUSINESS MANAGER MARY LUCID PROJECT & CIRCULATION MANAGER DIANE ERDENBERGER PROJECT MANAGER ERICA BARTON
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING MARCY HOLETON ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES ANN CUSACK, RANDI EPSTEIN, DEBBIE LUBRANSKI, BARBARA NASTRO, PAMELA PETERSON, ERIN SALMAN, ANDREA THORNE
A Grateful Summer
©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / SIMARIK
From hugging a friend to spending a carefree day at the Jersey Shore, the pandemic we’re living through has taught us to never take anything for granted. That starts with our health and the health of the people we love. That’s why we’re so proud to shine a spotlight on the medical heroes who’ve risked their own health to care for others during the COVID-19 crisis. We’re eternally grateful to them and all first responders and essential workers. Turn to page 19 to read their stories. As we deal with the reality of living with COVID-19, we’ve also been grappling with another deep-rooted pandemic—the systemic racism that plagues our country. It’s not enough to teach our children that there’s endless beauty in our diversity. We must go further and teach them to be actively anti-racist. That means speaking out against racism and proactively educating our children about history and the ugly reality of racism today, even when it’s uncomfortable. Turn to page 31 for guidance on how to talk with your kids about race at every age. As the state opens up, we’re faced with a lot of stressful decision making about what is and isn’t safe. If you want to get away, we’ve listed some drivable spots (and the safety measures each has in place) on page 38. And if you’re looking for free ways to educate the kids during a socially-distanced summer, you’ll find some amazing online ideas on page 15. Stay healthy and safely distanced and have a great summer!
The acceptance of advertising by New Jersey Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information being advertised. We do not knowingly present any products or services that are fraudulent or misleading in nature. Editorial inquiries, calendar information, ad vertising rates and schedules, and subscrip tion requests may be addressed to Kids Monthly Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 669, New Providence, NJ 07974-0669. New Jersey Family can be reached by emailing editor@njfamily.com, or by visiting our website, njfamily.com. New Jersey Family is a woman-owned business and has been recognized for editorial and design excellence by the Parenting Media Association.
New Jersey Family is published monthly by Kids Monthly Pub lications, Inc., P.O. Box 669, New Providence, NJ 07974-0669. Send address changes to us here. Subscription rate is $28 annually. Reproduction of New Jersey Family in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2020 by Kids Monthly Publications, Inc. Readership: 345,000. 2016 circulation audit by CVC, Circulation Verification Council.
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NJFAMILY.COM | SUMMER 2020
Editor’s Letter
SUMMER 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY
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Connect With the Best Local Resouces Looking for a summer camp that’s a great fit for the kids?
njfamily.com/directories ESSEX YOUTH THEATER In Residence at The Studio Playhouse, U. Montclair
“Essex Youth Theater—Where Every Child is a Star!”
SUMMER THEATER CAMP! ACTING CLASSES FOR KIDS! • Fall, Spring & Summer Sessions • For kids age 6-13 • Lots of individual attention in a friendly atmosphere • Every child gets a starring role! Come see why we’ve been Montclair’s premier Acting School for Kids for over 25 years!
973-746-3303
www.EssexYouthTheater.com
HIGH-QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION The F.M. Kirby Children’s Center of the Madison Area YMCA is one of the largest highquality, early childhood education centers in Morris County. The Kirby Center provides individual learning plans for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, as well as enriching beforeand after-school programs. Talking Tots, Preschool Readiness and Kindergarten Readiness are specialty programs also offered by the Kirby Center. The Kirby Center is a Grow NJ Kids rated childhood education center and recent recipient of the Golden Acorn Award. Tuition assistance may be available.
F.M. KIRBY CHILDREN’S CENTER OF THE MADISON AREA YMCA 54 East Street, Madison, NJ • 973-377-4945 • madisonareaymca.org
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Our Center is operating in accordance with the Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing, and with CDC guidelines and our local health department to ensure your children learn, grow and thrive.
NJFAMILY.COM | SUMMER 2020
Stuff We Love
Face (Mask)Time
Don’t leave home without a safe and stylish face covering for you and the kids. By Megan Muessen
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5 1. CAMO-FACE Kids can choose from patterns like camo, mermaid and Minnie Mouse. $10-18, bellethreads.com 2. ONE FOR ALL Stitched with 100 percent organic cotton canvas, these white, machine-washable masks come in adult and kid sizes. $30 for four, avocadogreenmattress.com 3. AU NATURALE These hypoallergenic, non-toxic masks can be worn and washed up to 30 times by all ages. $7.40-9.40, boomernaturals.com 4. PRETTY IN PINK Made from cotton and polyester, adults can choose from pink, grey and teal. For every mask purchased, one will be donated to Feeding America. $9.99, shutterfly.com 5. HEAR ME ROAR Find cute prints in masks designed to fit kid, teen and adult faces. $15.95-19.95 for three, vitalfacemask.com 6. SWEET CHEEKS This organic, three-layer cotton mask comes in eight styles designed for ages 4-7. $8, etsy.com/shop/ilandistyle
SUMMER 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY
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PLAN NOW FOR SUMMER 2021!
Your Child’s Summer Memories Start at Camp Veritans Day Camp! Serving Pre-K to 10th Grade
Go to njfamily.com/camps for more programs.
Heated Pool and Air Conditioned Multi-Purpose Building CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE A PRIVATE TOUR OF OUR FACILITIES carla@campveritans.com
973-956-1220
225 Pompton Road Haledon CampVeritans.com
Varsity Summer Academy Virtual Camp Science, Math, Coding, and Escape Rooms Work in teams with LIVE Instructors Earn clues to a map to WIN real prizes! Use Code NJFAMILY at checkout for 5% OFF
www.varsitysummeracademy.com
Join us at YCA Marlboro this summer, beginning July 6th, for our
KIDS COOKING CAMP!
Monday - Thursday from 9am-12pm Children will learn the art of cooking and science of baking while being encouraged to be creative and make their own culinary discoveries.
Bringing the art of cooking & the science of baking to life in a FUN, interactive setting.
Sign up on-line and email any questions! marlboronj@youngchefsacademy.com
Real Cooking...Real FUN!™
marlboronj.youngchefsacademy.com
732-536-7777
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NJFAMILY.COM | SUMMER 2020
Healthy + Happy
Cover Up
Expert advice on when to wear a mask and whether you and the kids are wearing them correctly.
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hen it comes to wearing a mask, there are so many rules to follow—and many of them keep changing, making it hard to know if you’re following the correct protocol to keep your family safe. Parents have plenty of questions, so we asked Timothy Yeh, MD, who specializes in pediatric care at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, to give us the lowdown on when it’s appropriate to wear a mask.
WHAT KIND OF MASK SHOULD I BE WEARING? Yeh says the general public should be wearing cotton masks they’ve purchased or made. A bandana works, too. “The primary intent of wearing the mask is to decrease the risk of spreading disease,” he says. “Since so many people tested positive without symptoms, if you go out you should consider that anybody could
SUMMER 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY
By Ronnie Koenig
be a carrier of the virus. By wearing a mask, it effectively reduces the amount of virus you could transmit to others, especially if you aren’t able to social distance, like in a supermarket.” Yeh says to save the N95 high filtration masks or surgical masks for healthcare providers.
WHAT AGES SHOULD WEAR A MASK? The CDC recommends children ages 2 and older wear masks when out in public. Of course, your toddler may not cooperate with your attempts to get them into PPE (personal protective equipment) but Yeh says there are ways to turn the situation around and make it less scary for kids. “There are masks with character faces on them,” he says. “Also, kids like to emulate adults. If they see adults wearing masks in a nonthreatening way, they may be more likely to keep them on.”
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the world always looks brighter from behind a smile!
Bloomfield Institute of Therapy Pediatric Center Physical/Occupational/Speech
rockaway orthodontics
• Handwriting/Play & Social Skills/Make Some Sounds & Move Around Camps • Evaluation & Treatment of Speech & Language Disorders • Auditory Processing • PROMPT Trained • Comprehensive Assessment • Neuromuscular Status • Fine & Gross Motor Skills • Sensory Processing • Visual Motor/Visual Perceptual Skills • Sensory Integration & Praxis Test • Galt Analysis • All Standardized Evaluation Instruments
“where great smiles begin” It is our mission to provide the highest quality orthodontic treatment in a warm, nurturing environment. We strive to create beautiful smiles through individualized treatment, in which our patient’s comfort is our highest priority.
Newton-Sparta Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for infants, children, adolescents & special needs patients
It is orthodontics with a mom’s touch! • Complimentary Consultation • Most Insurances Accepted • No Down Payment and Interest Free Financing • Oral B Power Brush with Braces (optional)
Carissa L. Jannicelli, MS OTR/L
Diplomate American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Mike Lateiner, DMD Bernadette Lapena, DDS Ami Dhaduk, DMD Ga Suh (Chloe), DMD Diplomate American Board of Orthodontics
Deanna M. Jannicelli, MS CCC-SLP
Kevin Lehnes, DMD Blair Sittmann, DMD
912 Pompton Ave., Ste. B1 Canfield Park Cedar Grove • 973-239-1176 230 Broad St. Bloomfield • 973-680-1971
www.bipot.com Most insurances accepted Saturday hours available
Call us to help assess your child’s special needs!
Melissa Roberto, DMD (NJ Specialty #5529) 141 US Hwy 46 West #101, Rockaway 973-627-2229 – www.rockawayortho.com
11 Lawrence Road, Newton
973.300.0002 • drmikedmd.com
GET YOUR BEST SMILE EVER IN UP TO 35% LESS TIME Unmatched Expertise. Unrivaled Technology. Unprecedented Service. Platinum Plus Invisalign Provider | NJ Top Doc 2009-2020 New Jersey Family’s Favorite Kids’ Docs™ 2009-2019 | Best of Essex/Morris Magazine
Every smile is backed by our
WE’VE M OVED! 100% CAGGIANO SMILE WARRANTY Visit us at o ur new office Dr. David Caggiano location
973.887.8780
272 Parsippany Road, Parsippany Most Insurance Plans Accepted Author of “A PARENT’S GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING ORTHODONTICS”
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NJFAMILY.COM | SUMMER 2020
Happy + Healthy
DO I NEED A MASK WHILE TAKING A WALK? Whether or not to wear a mask when taking a walk really depends on whether you can maintain social distancing, Yeh says. If you can stay six feet or more away from other people, there’s no reason you can’t keep your mask off outside. “Theoretically, the droplets don’t go much further than six feet,” says Yeh. “If you’re able to social distance outdoors or there’s no one around, you’re not going to pick up coronavirus from another person.”
©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / IMGORTHAND
WHAT ABOUT WHEN GOING OUT FOR A RUN? When you’re exercising outdoors, wearing a mask can make it hard to breathe. Yeh says to use common sense when it comes to wearing a mask during vigorous exercise. “If you’re not around other individuals, you don’t need to wear it,” he says, specifying that it’s still important to move six feet or more out of the way if you see someone coming toward you. Yeh suggests that even if you’re not planning to wear your mask, it’s still a good idea to keep it with you in case you bump into someone you want to talk to.
DO I NEED TO WEAR A MASK WHILE DRIVING? Most of us have seen drivers wearing face coverings and wondered if that’s necessary. If you finish up a grocery store run, is
SUMMER 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY
there a reason to keep it on for the car ride home? “I can’t think of a reason for continuing to wear it unless you’re concerned about your mask being contaminated,” says Yeh, explaining that a person might want to wait until they get home and are able to wash their hands and mask before removing it. But in general, there’s no upside to driving while wearing a mask.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY MASK? While Yeh says there are no hard and fast recommendations, washing your cotton mask once a day is sufficient. “Porous surfaces such as cotton fabric are the best in terms of having the shortest amount of time that virus could live on them,” he explains. He says that disposable paper masks can be reused if you take them off and leave them in an area where no one is going to touch them for a day before wearing them again. “Remember, the point of the mask is to prevent you from spreading secretions,” he says. So, anything that’s on the mask will be your own secretions. “Hand wash or machine wash with detergent,” Yeh says. “You don’t need to run a whole wash cycle just for your mask.” And remember, the safest and most effective way to wear a mask is to make sure it covers the nose and goes under the chin. Limit the amount of gapping around the circumference, and you’ll be good to go.
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Healthy + Happy
It’s bug season!
Here’s what the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends to prevent bites: Read the label. DEET (in 10 to 30 percent concentration) is the best defense against biting insects, but picaridin in concentrations of 5 to 10 percent can work as an alternative. D on’t use combination products with both DEET and sunscreen. DEET may make the sun protection
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factor (SPF) less effective and because sunscreen must be reapplied, you may overexpose your child to DEET. Dress your child in long, lightweight pants, a longsleeved shirt, closed shoes and a hat for activities such as nature hikes (we know it’s hot, but this offers the best protection). Do a skin check at the end of the day (ticks can be as tiny as poppy seeds!) in areas such as armpits, ears, the belly button and scalp.
©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / ZURAISHAM SALLEH
Bug Off!
By Arricca Elin SanSone
NJFAMILY.COM | SUMMER 2020
Creating Beautiful Smiles Since 1983 ■ Specializing in orthodontics for adults and children ■ Consultations are always complimentary ■ Flexible financing options available ■ Most insurances are accommodated
Pediatric Dentists: Mike Lateiner, DMD,MS Ami Dhaduk, DMD
Orthodontist: Denise Kitay DDS, MMSc
218 Ridgedale Ave., Suite 203 Cedar Knolls
973-585-6756 kidzworld218@gmail.com
NJ Monthly Top Orthodontist
Howard B. Bobrow, DMD, PA NJ Specialty #3831
18 Madison Ave., Madison • 973-377-6879 35 West Main St. #207, Denville • 973-627-5902
kidzworlddental.com
bobroworthodontics.com
Gallery of little SmileS
Celebrating
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Years!
Big Enough to Cure, Small Enough to Care New Jersey Family’s Favorite Kids’ Docs™ 2009–2019
Pediatrics: Patrick A. Caruso, M.D., Melissa Libert, D.O., Radhika Patel, FNP
Internal Medicine: Jim C. Chang, M.D., Lillian Theune, D.O., Unnati Tailor, D.O.
Gastroenterology: Jim C. Chang, M.D.
Specialized Dental Care For Children and Adolescents
“Best PEDIATRIC DENTIST Around” - Gina F. Dennis W. Lam, DDS, MS, FRCD(C) Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Jeannette G. Glass, DMD, MS Cosmetic Dentistry
Appointments available evenings, Saturdays, Sundays, & Holidays Williamson Building 245 Main St., Ste. 300 & 302 Chester
West Wing Medical Plaza 657 Willow Grove St., Ste. 401 Hackettstown
908.850.7800 • www.pfcmd.com SUMMER 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY
www.GalleryofLittleSmiles.com • (973) 295-6700 220 Ridgedale Avenue, Suite B1 • Florham Park, NJ 07932 13
Parenting in the New Normal How can you keep the kids safe at the beach, pool and elsewhere this summer during the pandemic? Head to njfamily.com/newnormal for expert answers to your most pressing questions.
SPONSORED BY
Raising Smarties
VIRTUAL
(Summer)
REALITY
We’ve rounded up some free ways to educate and entertain kids during this socially-distanced summer.
©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / KATE_SEPT2004
By Megan Muessen
ou’ve probably spent a lot of time figuring out how to keep the kids busy and entertained this summer while making sure they’re safe during the pandemic. If you’re worried the summer slide will be even worse than usual, we’ve found fun ways to help the kids learn new skills, volunteer and stay entertained—all while respecting social distancing guidelines, and without spending a dime.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW With Varsity Tutors, kids and teens ages 5-18 can enroll in weeklong, interactive sessions through August. Classes range from
SUMMER 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY
making a LEGO movie and playing chess to coding and learning human anatomy to creating a hands-on science lab and learning about dinosaurs—and some even have celebrity teachers. Each session starts on Monday and ends on Friday. New classes are added daily—you just need to reserve a spot at varsitytutors.com. At School on Wheels, older kids can volunteer tutoring services to others. After applying online, kids will do some training before they’re matched with a student. Ages 12-15 may tutor with an adult family member or guardian and ages 16-18 can become peer tutors. Volunteers are typically asked to dedicate one hour per
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Is Your Child Struggling?
A success-driven, individualized education for students with language-based learning The Winston Center for Learning differences grades 1-8 Summer Programs Academic / EnrichmentTOUR Classes TAKE ASupport VIRTUAL for Children in Grades 2-8 winstonschool.org 6 weeks • Monday - Thursday June 11th – July 26thor Call 973.379.4114 Email: info@winstonschool.org For more information, please contact Terri Cerritto at 973.379.4114
The Winston School of Short Hills
Recognizing difference. Enabling success. 30 East Lane, Short Hills NJ www.winstonschool.org
30 East Lane, Short Hills, NJ
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NJFAMILY.COM | SUMMER 2020
Raising Smarties
week between 3-7 pm. Sign up at schoolonwheels.org.
GET MOVING Thanks to UNICEF Kid Power, kids can spend their extra energy with free dance, yoga and activity videos. They can play UNICEF Kid Power Ups to unlock food that’ll be delivered to malnourished children—that way, your kids can be empowered to help others in a time when they might feel out of control. They can also try the Kid Power Exchange to plant trees, give meals and gift supplies to local doctors. Try it at unicefkidpower.org.
©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / JOVANMANDIC
GAME AND LEARN PBS Kids offers online games on topics like feelings, math, coloring, adventures, teamwork and more for ages 3-9. These programs offer entertainment and education on things like problem solving, measurement, healthy habits and vocabulary. The website, pbskids.org, has a daily newsletter with activities and tips for kids to play and learn at home. Camp Wonderopolis uses Maker experiments to explore interactive STEM and literacy-building foundations. Kids of all ages will learn science and reading comprehension, plus build vocabulary and literacy skills. They’ll select an avatar and visit six different tracks of exploration, plus use Wonder Cards to test their memory and share experiences on the Wonder Wall with other campers. Camp topics can Go to be found at camp.wonderopolis.org, including topics like space rangers, river rangers, literacy njfamily.com/ music, construction and engineering, health and in the sciences and DIY space camp (with fitness and more. categories like archaeology, flight, bees and virtualcamps Ages 2-7 can hop on the Khan Academy more). Download an adventure tracker and for more options Kids app (it doesn’t have ads or require a reading log at startwithabook.org. the kids will subscription), which uses animal characters If you have a library card, you can download love. to encourage drawing, storytelling, coloring the Libby app and access your local library’s and other activities that teach reading, language, e-books and e-audiobooks from your devices. Once writing, math and stimulate skills like social-emotional you download the app and enter your barcode, see which development, problem-solving and motor development. perks and resources your library has available, like magazines, movies or music. If you’re looking for more resources, like GET CRAFTY animated books or educational shows, your library code will also Combine music, science and color theory with this experiment, grant you access to them on the Kanopy app. inspired by The Sound of Music. With a few glass bottles and food coloring, your kids can fill the bottles and create colors, then use CODE ALL SUMMER utensils to gently tap the glass and perform their own version of Using Google’s Made with Code, tweens and teens can work on “Do-Re-Mi.” Full instructions can be found at sayyes.com. projects like animating GIFs, composing music and making emojis. With CS First, students can collaborate and learn about core computer TURN ON THE RADIO science concepts while creating their own projects. Beginners SiriusXM will host Camp KPL throughout the summer, each can download the Grasshopper app and learn fundamentals and weekday from noon to 3 pm, with shows available on demand for JavaScript through lessons and visual puzzles. Projects are free at two weeks after. The series will host outdoor activities, creative madewithcode.com. projects, play family-friendly music and more. There’ll also be a daily storytime, a kid’s comedy club, Guinness World Record challenges TAKE A TOUR and daily missions. While SiriusXM is typically a paid service, you Programs like Google Arts & Culture provide virtual tours of can access four months for free at siriusxm.com/homefree. museums, parks and natural icons. Your family can visit Yellowstone National Park or the Champs-Élysées without leaving home. Disney OPEN A BOOK World is also serving up 360-degree street views on the Disney Parks Using Start with a Book’s summer science programs, download website and virtual theme park rides on the Virtual Disney World toolkits that include fiction and nonfiction books, hands-on YouTube channel. Check out live streams from aquariums or zoos, activities, vocabulary and writing prompts. Programs include too, like the New England Aquarium or the Bronx Zoo.
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EDUCATE E N G AG E INSPIRE Supporting students ages 3 - 21 with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities.
Enrollment Opportunities Available
Contact admissions for information. New Beginnings • New Beginnings Annex The Gramon School • Glenview Academy Admissions: 28 Dwight Pl., Fairfield NJ (p) 973-882-8822 (f) 973-882-4572 admissions@gramon.org • gramonfamily.org
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HEALTHCARE
Meet the New Jersey nurses who risk their own health every day to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SUMMER 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY
Heroes By Ronnie Koenig
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Feature
Julianne Palardy, BSN, RN, CCRN
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ulianne Palardy has been a nurse for 17 years, following in her mother Joanne Anscher’s footsteps, who was also a nurse at Saint Barnabas Medical Center until she retired. “Nursing has been part of my life since childhood with my mom practicing as a labor and delivery nurse for most of her life,” she says. Palardy says her mother risked her own health to take care of her granddaughters during the pandemic so Palardy could go to work. “Our Cardiothoracic (open-heart) ICU was converted into a COVID ICU,” she says. “We all worked hard as a collaborative team to provide the greatest evidence-based care to each patient.” Palardy says the hardest part of work during COVID-19 was holding the hands of sick patients when their families couldn’t be with them. “As a team, we said prayers to initiate each shift,” she says. “We needed that uplifting start because at the end of the day you were so emotionally exhausted from the amount of tragedy you had witnessed that you were unable to grieve. We were strong when our coworkers needed us, holding them as they cried, and they were there when we were the person needing to be consoled. However, we all pushed through it facing each day at a
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time and on most days, each moment at a time. Although most of us were filled with fear, we put on brave faces for each other, our patients and ourselves.” Palardy, who suffers from Lupus, said she didn’t realize the big impact she made on her own daughters until her eldest, Gabby, gave her a letter. “Until my daughter wrote me a beautiful letter about how much I meant to her, I remained stoic,” she says. I hope you stay healthy and never get sick. I hope you know that I really appreciate you and your hard work. I know it’s hard to go to work for 13 hours straight and not to see your family. You’re the best Mom I could ever have in the world. Even though she’s her daughters’ hero, Palardy still thinks healthcare workers share the credit with everyday citizens, like her own mother. “Healthcare workers have been seen as being heroes in this pandemic, and rightfully so, but it’s also taken a whole village of people to keep us going through these times,” she says. “The unseen heroes of this pandemic are our children and families that have also risked their lives for us to do our job each and every day.”
YVETTE HECKSTALL
Cardiothoracic ICU RN, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston Hometown: Essex Fells
NJFAMILY.COM | SUMMER 2020
Theresa Dobbin, RN, WCC, CCRN
Critical Care Nurse, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway Hometown: Clark
THERESA DOBBIN
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heresa Dobbin has been a nurse for more than 30 years. She was born at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she now works, and as a 5-year-old, was treated for pneumonia there. “I wanted to be a nurse from then on,” she says. Dobbin says that she’s seen so much support from the community throughout the coronavirus crisis. “Everyone keeps calling us heroes,” she says. “In my eyes, this is doing my job.” And although she misses having her big Sunday dinners with her family, she’s made some incredible connections with strangers during the crisis, including a woman she saw standing alone in the hospital parking lot. “One evening, after a long day, I was walking out of work. As I was heading to my car in the parking lot, I noticed a young woman standing still, silently staring up at the hospital. I asked if I could help. I found out that her dad was in the hospital as a patient and she was not able to visit with him.” When the woman told Dobbin her father’s room number,
SUMMER 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY
Dobbin told her she was in the wrong place and directed her to the other side of the building. The next day, she reached out to staff to tell them about the woman standing vigil outside the hospital and asked them to put a sign in the window so the woman would know where her father was. “Within five minutes, a friend of mine and fellow nurse responded. ‘I’m here,’ she says. ‘I’m going to do it right now.’ She taped a heart to the window and let the woman know. That was now many weeks ago. But just watching that woman look up at that hospital window made me realize that we are all in this together and that could be any one of us.” Dobbin wants people to know that the place she goes to for work is so much more than a building. “Over this pandemic, we have come together as a team to care for those affected with this horrible virus,” she says. “We have seen death, but we have also celebrated those that have survived. We have seen many new faces that have come to help us during this pandemic. Many are shocked when they hear how many years some of us have been here. But we are family. We are Rahway strong!”
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Feature
Jeanne Horsey, MSN, APN
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orsey has been a registered nurse for 26 years and a nurse practitioner for 20 and says it’s been amazing to be a part of the team at Madison Pediatrics as the practice has quickly adapted to these unprecedented circumstances. “The hardest part has been limiting physical contact with patients, but through telemedicine we have been able to connect with patients right in their own living rooms,” she says. “It has been fun to see the kids in their SpiderMan PJs or amongst their toys and pets.” COVID-19 has been tough on the Horsey family—with four children, one a graduating high school senior and one moving up to high school, both needed to have virtual graduations. “They have missed out on numerous events that had been looked forward to, but we are making the best of it,” she says. “The silver lining has been new-found family time with all four kids at home before our second teen heads off to college!” Horsey shares a strong connection with her patients and was surprised when one family reached out to help during
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COVID-19. “As soon as it became clear that PPE (personal protective equipment) was going to be a critical piece to keeping health care workers and patents safe, one of our own families, the Fitzpatricks, reached out to me to ask if they could help,” she says. “This amazing family had relatives from across the country making cloth masks while sourcing and donating much-needed N95 masks. It was so heartwarming to know our own patients were stepping up to help make sure we had what we needed to stay safe.” Horsey wants patients to know that she is looking forward to seeing them in person again soon. “Throughout this event, everyone throughout Atlantic Health System, including our team at Madison Pediatrics, never missed a beat,” she says. “There has been a constant effort to adjust workflow to keep staff and patients safe while providing care to the community. Our patients should know that we miss them! Each week new developments have allowed us to slowly and safely reconnect with our patients.”
ATLANTIC HEALTH SYSTEM
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Madison Pediatrics Hometown: Madison
NJFAMILY.COM | SUMMER 2020
Craig Davis, RN
Nurse, inpatient unit at Children’s Specialized Hospital, New Brunswick Hometown: Plainfield
COURTESY OF CRAIG DAVIS
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avis is a pediatric nurse in a rehab facility and says that he can’t picture himself doing anything else, even with the added stress and restrictions brought on by coronavirus. “I’ve worked here a little over three years and it’s one of the most rewarding and fulfilling jobs,” he says. Davis has been a nurse for four years and is motivated each day when he sees young patients get better—and knows he’s a part of that. “Some days are tougher than others,” he says. “When coronavirus happened, we saw more of the after-effects of kids who have been in the hospital and needed that extra strengthening and conditioning. Some of the stories of resilience that kids have—you talk to them and listen to things they have overcome. They might not understand the magnitude of what they’re going through and they talk with childlike innocence. It pushes you further.” Davis says he treats all of his patients like they’re “my little brothers and sisters.” He says there’s a lot more to nursing than just the medical needs of patients. “The kids look up to me and they ask [if I’m] going to be their nurse. I try to make their stay as normal as possible by playing a game, listening to a song with them, whatever they need.”
SUMMER 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY
“One thing that made it more difficult during coronavirus was the visiting restrictions,” he says. “Family members and siblings couldn’t really visit.” Instead, in-person visits were replaced by video chats. He tried to do everything he could for kids recovering from brain and spinal injuries and relearning to move their limbs or walk again. He remembers a young girl who came from another country where she experienced hardship, and was inspired by her strength. “Just hearing her story and what she went through and to come here in the middle of all this,” he says. Davis takes a lot of “mental health breaks” and vitamins, eats healthy, stays active and tries to get enough sleep. His friends and family, and in particular, his girlfriend, lent their support which made all the difference. “She’s the one that sees me every day and is always giving that constant encouragement,” he says. “She knows that it’s healthcare and sometimes things happen, and you have to do the best to protect yourself. But she is worried. We’ve never seen something like this.” Davis says that when he sees a child walk or move again when experts said they wouldn’t, it makes his job worth it. He says the kids are “truly inspiring. Words can’t describe it.”
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Linda Carroll, Chief Nursing Officer, pictured, center, with Saint Peter’s Healthcare System President and CEO Leslie D. Hirsch, pictured at right, along with nurses from the hospital’s pediatrics unit.
Linda Carroll, MSN, RN-BC
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e’re starting to get back to normal,” says Carroll, who has worked at Saint Peter’s for 36 years. She started as a nurse and now oversees all clinical staff, making sure the hospital is upto-date on all the PPE it needs. “My mission is to keep staff safe,” she says. “The worst thing is if you don’t have the tools to do your job.” During the coronavirus outbreak, the majority of hospital patients were those who tested positive for the virus. All areas of the hospital were mobilized to deal with the influx and staff from other areas stepped in where needed. Carroll says procedures such as proning, where patients are placed on their stomachs, lessened the need for many to be on ventilators. “We would prone them with the hope that it would prolong or eliminate need for a respirator. Our clinical nurses came from all over the hospital. Anyone with critical care background pitched in,” she says. Carroll says the way she and her staff got through the tough times were by finding little things to celebrate. “At 6:30 in the morning and then again at 6:30 at night, all admin staff greeted our staff as they came into the hospital,” she says. There were treats handed out such as energy bars,
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compression stockings and meal cards for McDonald’s. “It was emotionally stressful,” she says. “Any time a patient was discharged who was COVID-positive we would play a song,” she says. Recently, ‘Here Comes the Sun’ was played as a patient left the hospital healthy. “We set up a Zen room where we had massage chairs donated, aromatherapy [and] we would have TVs with ocean sounds playing, lounge chairs for staff to take a break,” she says. A staff-driven support group, Masks Off, where staff could get together and support each other, was particularly important. One of the most difficult things were the restrictions on visitors for sick patients. “We purchased iPads so families could stay connected and communicate through technology,” she says. “Our staff put their fears aside and were bedside with dying patients who didn’t have anyone.” Carroll, who has a husband and three children, ages 24, 19 and 17, says that although it was a scary time, she liked having all of her children home during the quarantine. “One day, my youngest started crying at the table and we got up and took a hike at Cheesequake Park. That’s something we would normally never do. We did more things as a family,” she says.
COURTESY OF SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President for Patient Care Services, Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick Hometown: Colonia
NJFAMILY.COM | SUMMER 2020
Kathy Armstrong, BSN, RN-BC
CHRIS GAHLER / MANAGER OF AUDIO AND VIDEO SERVICES AT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH
Wound Care Specialist, Bayshore Medical Center, Holmdel Hometown: Neptune
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athy Armstrong retired from nursing in December only to return a few months later in April to help with COVID-19. “My decision to assist with the COVID pandemic was not a difficult decision as I watched the crisis unfold rapidly in March,” she says. “I was aware [that] the risk to contract the virus was high. I decided there was no reason not to return to nursing.” Armstrong was placed in a per diem position doing wound care and soon returned to her old job. “I was welcomed back by my colleagues with open arms, a wonderful feeling amidst the severe illness I was about to be a part of,” she says. Her family had mixed feelings about her going back to nursing but in the end, they were supportive. “I reassured them I would do everything I could to be safe, taking every precaution, making decisions with careful thought and be the nurse I am helping others to help those in need,” she says. “Nurses have a way of making the best of a bad situation. My extended family and friends offered support and concern for my safety as well. Today, my family and friends are proud of my decision as I update them regularly of the progress I see, the support of my colleagues and that I have patients recover and be discharged.”
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Armstrong says she saw many patients she’d treated in the past and that they were happy to see she had returned. “Many gave me extra emotional support to get through those toughest days,” she says. “Sadly, there were patients who did not survive COVID, for which I am deeply affected. I gained more spiritual insight within myself from this experience.” “At Bayshore, when a COVID-19 patient is discharged, overhead speakers throughout the hospital play, ‘Here Comes the Sun’ by George Harrison. That song has an effect on everyone, including the patient. We stop for a few minutes, smile, talk to each other who are near or just sing the song to have some relief. Special moments are when the song is played several times a day.” Armstrong went back into retirement in July, but she won’t ever forget the experience of working during the pandemic. “I will always remember the true commitment of teamwork, support, gratitude, humanity, sacrifices, grief, despair, frustration, love, hope and endurance that nurses and doctors have experienced together,” she says. “Nursing is a strong and resilient profession that will move forward, being more prepared if COVID returns. Whether I return, I will have to assess at that time. I know my decision will be from my heart.”
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Pamela Grosso, RN, OCN
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rosso chose nursing “because it brings together my love of science and desire to make an impact and a difference in people’s lives.” After being an oncology nurse for 38 years, Grosso was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly before the novel coronavirus outbreak. But that didn’t stop her from caring for patients—after chemotherapy and a lumpectomy, she was back at work. “The COVID-19 pandemic made it that much more important to protect the vulnerable oncology patient population,” she says. “At Summit Medical Group, we were taking proactive actions at the beginning of the pandemic to ensure the safety of our patients, care teams and employees, including masking policies, screening anyone entering the cancer center, and testing our chemotherapy patients before their treatments to avoid giving chemotherapy to asymptomatic COVID-19 positive patients which could cause them to become very ill.”
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As for how she found the strength to help others while going through her own cancer ordeal, Grosso says it actually helped her. “After the surgery, I felt good enough to be back to work eight days later. The truth is that I found refuge in my work, where I have an amazing tribe who helped me through my own cancer journey. Getting back to work helped me to focus on something other than myself and concentrate on the greater good of our patients. I’ve had the unique opportunity to battle cancer both as a nurse and as a patient during this unusual time.” Grosso says that when it comes to helping patients, science is the starting point, but that there’s an “art” to caring for patients. “Some people think it’s emotionally difficult to be a cancer nurse,” she says. “While it can be emotional at times, I focus on the opportunity to provide support to those when they are perhaps at their most vulnerable and I do what I can to spread positivity and hope to help people.”
PAMELA GROSSO
Regional Director Oncology Clinical Operations, Summit Medical Group Cancer Center, Florham Park Hometown: Florham Park
NJFAMILY.COM | SUMMER 2020
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Feature
A Mother’s Heart During a Time of Unrest
A mom of four shares her hope for the future as we grapple with the racism that plagues our country.
ur children can be such a reflection of who we are and what we’ve been through in life. I’m not sure whether that’s always a good thing. I don’t want mine to carry any of my baggage, as heavy or light as it may be for them. When I look at my four children, ranging in age from 10 to 14, I see promise and light and love. I hope that others can see that, too, in spite of their differences. And despite the way the world looks today in the midst of a pandemic and a fiery identity crisis, I know there’s hope. My children, like all our children, are our hope for the future. The question is what do we, the ones who are creating their present, want that future to look like?
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I see the promise of our children in the natural curiosity they have about the world around them, and their ability to adapt so quickly to change. I find so often that the things I struggle with, like explaining world events and crises, they’re able to quickly digest and deconstruct. The complicated and painful history of racism can be whittled down to a simple question: “So why don’t they like Black people?” A simple matter of like and dislike that’s not so simple to explain. As I answer their questions and allow them to see the good and bad in the world around them, it changes my thinking. Maybe I can’t shield them from everything, and maybe I shouldn’t. Maybe
NJFAMILY.COM | SUMMER 2020
REGINA CASH-CLARK
By Regina Cash-Clark
“My three sons need to know that the world isn’t always so welcoming and that they could find themselves in danger just because of their brown hue.” they can handle more than I think they can and are just waiting for me to show up, to share more truth and insight than they can find in a search engine.
faculty member at Ramapo College of New Jersey.
A HEARTBREAKING REALITY My three sons need to know that the world isn’t always so welcoming and that they could find themselves in danger just because of their brown hue. That’s a heartbreaking reality to face, but it’s one I must face if I want them to be safe, to be prepared for whatever life may throw their way. It’s terrifying to think that the simple pleasures of life could cost them theirs if they’re not careful—whether they’re shopping or jogging or just buying a pack of Skittles. My daughter needs to understand that in other ways. She needs to know that some are waging a war against her self-esteem, and that she needs to love herself first and with her whole heart. It’s the love that frees us. Still, I see light at the end of this dark tunnel of despair. I see it in the wide-eyed way that our children view the world, laced with the innocence of youth and the exuberance that follows. I won’t squelch that. There’s enough bitterness in the world already. And I see love in the way they look out for one another, the way they nurture the sweet puppy and kitty under their charge at home. That love will take them far, way beyond the borders of despair and hate that threaten to tear our world apart.
A PATH TOWARD RECONCILIATION The one thing I think all of us have in common as parents is this: Our children are our hearts. That’s one thing that we’ll always have in common, and we can begin there, with the love that motivates us to want to build a better world for them. So, where do we go from here? We chart a path toward reconciliation, a path where we reconcile our fears with our compassion. It takes way too much energy to hate or fear because of difference. We may assume that our children know that, but we can’t take that chance. Let’s teach them it’s okay to be unsure of the unknown, but they don’t have to fear it. It’s important to talk about race. There are so many valuable resources out there to help, from the new Talking About Race web portal created by the National Museum of African American History and Culture, to the Child Mind Institute’s special feature Racism and Violence: How to Help Kids Handle the News. Let’s give them the resources they need in order to succeed and avoid the mistakes that still haunt us today. It’ll make for a better tomorrow for all of us.
From top (L-R): Regina’s husband, Charles; Regina; daughter Kayla, 12; sons William, 12; Tre, 14, and Jayden, 10 / Kayla and Regina
—Regina Cash-Clark is a wife and mother of four (twins plus two) who lives in Somerset, Franklin Twp. She teaches writing as a full-time
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Talking to Your Kids About Race
We asked the experts how to initiate important conversations with children of every age.
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uring this time of racial unrest, parents are giving serious thought to how they should respond to kids’ questions—or whether or not to discuss topics such as race, inequality and white privilege at all. We consulted with a variety of experts who all agreed that parents shouldn’t shy away from discussing race. All confirmed that as parents, the behaviors we model for our children will have the biggest impact on our kids and the type of people they will become. When discussing race, the goal isn’t to tell children to ignore the differences they see.
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By Ronnie Koenig “In general, a goal for white parents should be to raise a child in a racially-conscious way,” says Devin English, PhD, an assistant professor at Rutgers School of Public Health. “That is, noticing and celebrating racial diversity, while educating on racial injustice in the US and how children can be a part of working against that injustice.” For non-Black parents, teaching kids to notice, understand, respect and appreciate differences is the best approach. “A racially-conscious approach is in direct contrast to colorblind parenting,” he says. “That is, messages communicating that children should not see race, or that race does not matter. It does matter. This
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“ The best approach is to discuss race and racism frequently with white children early in their lives.” is really important for white children to understand because they will be growing up in a society that pushes them to be colorblind.” English says it’s never too early for parents to start talking about race and racism with their kids. “The best approach is to discuss race and racism frequently with white children early in their lives,” he says. “One aspect of this can be exposing children to lots of different voices and experiences of people of color through books, music, art and through participation in racially diverse spaces, as long as participation is welcome.” But the way you broach the subject with kids will depend on their age. Amna Husain, MD, a pediatrician and founder of Pure Direct Pediatrics in Marlboro, says that from a young age, children will have questions about racial differences and parents should be prepared to answer them. “It’s important to understand that talking about race is not racist,” she says. “However, keep your child’s developmental readiness in mind.” Toddler/Preschoolers: “At this age, your child may begin to notice and point out differences in the people around you. For example, while you are running errands or in the store,” says Husain. “If your child makes a comment about someone’s skin color, you can acknowledge it and state how we are all so different yet share so many similarities.” Elementary School: “This is the age that is important to have open talks with your child about race, diversity and racism,” she says. “Discussing these topics will help your child see you as a trusted source of information on the topic, and your child can come to you with any questions. Point out stereotypes and racial bias in media and in books such as villains or ‘bad guys’ in movies.” Tween/Teen: At this age, kids will have more thoughtful, serious questions regarding race. “Further the discussion with questions such as, ‘How do you feel about that?’ and ‘Why do you think that?’” suggests Husain. “This is also helpful if your child heard something insensitive or if your child experienced racial bias themselves. Before responding to his or her statement or question, figure out where it came from and what it means from his or her perspective.” Husain says these conversations will lay the groundwork for your child to accept and respect everyone’s differences and similarities. “As children mature, the answers to questions will become more complex,” she says. “These are moments to learn what your child understands or is struggling to understand about racial bias.” Deena Campbell, a senior lifestyle editor of Motherly, is a West Orange mom of two children, ages 3 and 1 (pictured on the previous page), who knows firsthand why it’s so important to have these conversations.
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RESOURCES FOR FURTHER READING: ocial Justice Books provides lists and S reviews of racial justice books from Teaching for Change at socialjusticebooks.org. Downtown Bookworks (dtbwpub.com) is a small children’s publisher with books that have themes of equality, diversity and activism. Current popular titles include: A Black Woman Did That, No! My First Book of Protest and Girl Activist. Black-owned book stores in NJ include Source of Knowledge in Newark (sourceofknowledgebooks.com) and La Unique African American Books & Cultural Center in Camden (launiquebooks.net). Go to njfamily.com/diversereads for more books that’ll inspire honest conversations about race with your kids.
“There’s a notion in the Black community called, ‘the talk’ and it alludes to the moment you tell your Black child that they are different from their white friends,” she says. “You explain that systemic racism is their reality and society, in general, has a disregard for their Black life. It is a painful discussion. And it is unfortunate, but it is an important conversation that’s necessary for survival.” Campbell says she doesn’t know exactly when she and her husband will give “the talk” to their son, who’ll turn four this summer. “We celebrate him, we embrace his differences and above all, teach him that he is loved and accepted by us and God,” she says. “We don’t have an exact date or a specific occurrence that will trigger the talk, but it will mainly surround his maturity.” “When discussing race to older Black kids, it’s important to tell them that they are important, they matter and are valued,” she says. “Help them understand that some people may not like them, but you are doing everything in your power to keep them safe and protected. When discussing race to older white children, it’s important to tell and show them how to be an ally. Discuss similarities that your family has with other races. The point is to normalize various races and debunk stereotypes.” One thing all parents can do is enable their children to see people of color in a positive light. “[Those examples] can range from dolls to cartoons, action figures and biblical characters,” she says. “Ultimately, we want them to be proud of who they are as Black people and identify with the success of their ancestors, so that as they mature, they expect themselves to be valuable contributors to society as a whole.”
NJFAMILY.COM | SUMMER 2020
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Feature
Adopt a Pet A puppy or kitten can be a welcome distraction during the pandemic, but there’s a lot to consider before bringing home a furry friend.
CAN YOU STILL ADOPT? While many typically overcrowded shelters are actually running out of animals to meet the public’s demand, it’s still possible to adopt a pet from St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison. “Animals that are available for adoption, both those in foster homes and the few that are still at the shelter, are listed on our website,” says Michelle Thevenin, Chief Operating Officer at St. Hubert’s. In early March, St. Hubert’s put out a call to send its animals to as many foster homes as possible and had more willing families than they did pets! And while St. Hubert’s is not open to the public for general browsing right now, many foster pet parents are willing to be contacted directly by those looking to adopt. “All of our adoptable pets are on our website, so I’d encourage someone to start there,” Thevenin says. “We are trying to enhance the information we share on our adoption site, so people have more information about the pet before they make that first visit. For pets in foster homes, people can use videoconferencing to virtually meet the pets and then set up an in-person meeting, practicing social distancing guidelines, of course. We have ample outdoor space at St. Hubert’s so we can host these meetings if a potential adopter and foster don’t want to meet in their home, or a random park or parking lot.” Jill Van Tuyl, director of shelter operations at SAVE in Skillman, says the demand for pets is exceeding supply at the moment, yet it’s still possible to adopt. “Our shelter is open by approved application only,” she says. “We’re asking potential adopters to complete an online application— applications will get more attention if a specific animal is indicated. Once approved, we will contact you to schedule an appointment. Interested parties may also call the shelter to ask for an appointment.” In order to serve New Jersey first, SAVE is not currently doing out-of-state adoptions. “We are working hard with our various transfer partners, both in state and out of state, to bring in as many animals as we can to meet the need,” she says. “We also ask potential adopters to please be patient as we are receiving hundreds of applications at a time and are doing our best to keep up.”
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FINDING THE RIGHT FIT If you do get lucky enough to find a pet available for adoption, Thevenin has some tips. “We want families to consider their lifestyles and the pet that would work best from them,” she says. “We generally have a pet for everyone—from quiet, snuggly lap dogs to highly social rabbits.” Thevenin says the shelter also has plenty of “smallies.” “One of our guinea pigs just gave birth in her foster home, so we even have baby guinea pigs,” she says. “And we always have a great selection of house rabbits.” “Do your research,” advises Van Tuyl. “There are plenty of resources to tap into that can provide information such as: How much does an animal cost annually to care for, traits of specific breeds, plans for after COVID-19 and a return to ‘normalcy’ and potential trainers. Those with no dog (especially puppy) or cat experience are encouraged to find ways to spend time with canine and feline friends (pets of friends, neighbors, family members) before considering bringing one home permanently.” “One of my favorite resources for families adopting dogs is Love Has No Age Limit—Welcoming an Adopted Dog into Your Home by Patricia B. McConnell, PhD, and Karen B. London, PhD, says Thevenin. “I think adopting families should also know that your new family member can take some time to get settled into your home— sometimes as much as a year or more, depending on their past experience and age.”
WHAT ABOUT FOSTERING? Fostering is a great way to see what it’s like to welcome a pet into your family. Thevenin says they get new pets in every day and “you can start the process by filling out the foster application on our website.” At SAVE, foster care serves a different purpose. “Fostering is reserved for animals whose needs cannot be met in a shelter environment, whether it’s a terrified dog or a kitten too young for adoption,” says Van Tuyl. “We currently have established fosters that are assisting in that capacity. All of the animals within the shelter are highly adoptable and we are working hard to keep our facility full (every empty cage means an animal is at risk somewhere else), so there is no need presently.” Whether you’re just starting your research or your family is ready to bring home a cat, dog or other friend, their presence can be a wonderful source of cheer during the pandemic, not to mention a great reason to get out of the house, play in the yard or just get in some serious snuggle time. “Families are home and it’s a great time to integrate a new pet into your life,” says Thevenin.
NJFAMILY.COM | SUMMER 2020
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f you’ve been thinking about adopting a furry friend (or if your child has been begging for a dog for years), now might be the perfect time to find a pet. With parents and kids spending a lot more time at home, many families’ thoughts turn to adding a four-legged friend to their brood. After all, working from home does allow for ample time to care for a dog, cat or other small critter. We spoke with two shelters to find out what the situation is for adoptions and the best way to go about welcoming a new pet into your household.
By Ronnie Koenig
Explore
AWAYFROMHOME
How to safely plan a road trip this summer in the era of COVID-19.
acations aren’t canceled but they’ll look very different this summer. A long weekend at the Jersey Shore will require lots of advance planning. Restaurants are open for outdoor dining and limited capacity indoor dining; there are restrictions on when and how you can shop; local amusement and water parks are open with limited capacity and new safety rules, and you’ll have to pack plenty of hand sanitizer.
BEFORE YOU GO Mega destinations like Disney and Universal plan to reopen, but the prospect of traveling that far seems frightening to many,
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especially with COVID-19 cases growing in Florida. If you do opt to hit the road, make sure you check the state’s guidelines first. Florida is among the list of high-risk states that will require a 14-day selfquarantine for you and your whole family when you return to NJ. Additionally, some states, including Maine, Vermont and Florida, have self-quarantine restrictions that may require you to socially distance for two weeks upon entering. So if you’re planning a short stay, you might want to consider other options. The CDC recommends you don’t travel if you’re sick, have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days, or if a member of your party is sick.
NJFAMILY.COM | SUMMER 2020
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By Angel Madison
New Jersey rest stops are requiring face masks, and while you’ll need to make some pit stops for bathroom breaks, be aware that you may not be able to eat inside. If you’re using public restrooms, make sure everyone washes their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. The CDC also recommends you avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, follow social distancing rules and wear a face mask. If possible, pick up food at drive-throughs or curbside.
Where to Stay
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RV GETAWAYS RVs are a popular travel alternative. While you’ll have to interact on a limited-basis with people at RV parks, you’ll also be more in control of your space. RV rental companies are adhering to stringent CDC guidelines for cleaning between rentals. “The nice thing about RVing is that you can use your RV as your personal base camp for your outdoor adventures,” says Jeff Crider, a campground expert for Go RVing. “Social distancing is easier when you visit some of the lesser known national and state parks or stay in a campground. You choose where you want to go and who travels with you. You can be quite self-contained with your own kitchen filled with your favorite foods and snacks along with your own bed and bath. You’ll bring all your own bedding and towels, and can include your favorite pillow!” To rent an RV, you’ll need to make sure it fits your family, you have proper insurance and get a lesson on how to use its features. Some rental companies will even deliver the RV directly to a campsite or RV park for you. For more info on renting, visit gorving.com.
HOTELS AND RESORTS Most major resorts in the tri-state area are open. Pocono water park resorts Kalahari, Camelback Mountain Resort and Great Wolf Lodge are open. All are operating under the advice of the CDC that states proper operation, maintenance and disinfection of pools, hot tubs and water playgrounds should inactivate the COVID-19 virus. Spa resorts like Crystal Springs in Hamburg and Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY are also open, but some spa services and steam rooms remain closed. Set on 1,200 acres, Mohonk has 85 miles of hiking trails for all ability levels so it’s easy to be socially distant while
SUMMER 2020 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY
enjoying the outdoors. Crystal Springs is one of the state’s premier golf destinations so you can bring your clubs and then hit the pool. Each destination has requirements about wearing masks, temperature checks and social distancing in public areas. Call ahead to check each resort’s policies for common areas, room cleanings and more.
PRIVATE RENTALS Airbnb, VRBO or local realtors can also hook you up with private rentals so you can stay in a house with your group. You can pick the beach, woods or lake and bring your own food. You’ll also have control over who comes into your space during the duration of your stay. Many of these private rentals have required 24-hour vacancy between clients and have deep cleaning rules in place, and some are only renting for longer stays, like a week or two, to minimize the number of guests in spaces. Others may only be available to local guests, so make sure to check listings before booking.
CAMPING Whether you’re all about roughing it in tents or prefer more of a glamping cabin experience, the privacy afforded by having your own space surrounded by nature holds a lot of appeal. Many campsites also have spots for RVs, if you’ve chosen to travel that way. “[Families] feel more comfortable staying in cabins and RVs compared to hotels, and campgrounds have plenty of space for social distancing,” says Trent Hershenson, vice president of marketing for Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resorts. “With concerns about flying, road trips will be more popular.” Parks like Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts (with locations in DE, NY and PA) have amenities like pools and sports and hikes, all revamped to comply with social distancing requirements. You might like Dingmans Campground in Dingmans Ferry, along the Delaware Water Gap, for a quieter experience. Hershenson recommends booking your campsite reservations ASAP, or planning a mid-week stay. Wherever you travel this summer, expect the unexpected. Rules are changing every day, and every state and town has its own guidelines. You might get there and find that an amusement park or mini-golf course you were planning to visit has reached full capacity and won’t let you in. Manage expectations for yourself and the kids, and be patient with staff who are also adjusting to a steady stream of changes.
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Exceptional care and safety for exceptional times.
At Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, the health and safety of our patients, visitors, employees, physicians and volunteers is our top priority. From our emergency rooms to our hospital patient care areas and physician offices, we’ve put stringent safety and patient care protocols in place to prevent and reduce the spread of coronavirus. So, if you need medical treatment, we’re ready to care for you safely.
For more information, please visit saintpetershcs.com/coronavirus
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