OCTOBER 2014
Party if You Want to with our Birthday Directory
Homework
How to get focused
Special Needs
CUTE DIY COSTUMES
IEP Meetings & Lawyers
Health Section
Childhood Obesity www.parentguidenews.com Over 1,000 Exciting Family Events CWA
Wondering Where to have your kid’s next party??? For over 25 years iMagine that!!! has designed parties for every budget.
party specials $209.99 • SUPERHEROES – October 11 • SPOOKTACULAR – October 31 • SAnTA – November 28 December 6, 20 & 21
I parentguide News I October 2014
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contents contents
table of
table of
October 2014 Volume 31 • Number 10
October 2014 Volume 31 • Number 10 Orchard Hours • 9-5 Pick your own Hotline:
Birthday Coverage
Contests
Birthday Blowout.......................................................... 23
Kiddies’ Corn Fall into Autumn Photo Contest.................................. 33 Pit Play Area
Slumber Party Success...... 22 Host an unforgettable birthday sleepover.
(ages 2-6)
Birthday Directory................ 24 Party places and entertainers for the happiest of occasions.
P. 22
Health............................................................................ 34
Should you bring a lawyer?
Honesty and LDs......... 16
Why it’s important to speak openly about learning disabilities.
Special Needs and Health & Fitness Directory.......... 31
Experts and services catering to family wellness and special needs.
Wightman’s Farms
Insight and items for your family’s care.
Store open daily 8am to 6pm Travel............................................................................. 36 973-425-9819 Destinations, product and getaway tips. Visit our websitepicks, @ www.wightmansfarms.com Rt. 202 (5 miles south of Morristown)
Bonus
Calendar of Events....................................................... 37
Bullying Hurts.
A comprehensive listing of your neighborhood’s classes, events, and performances.
Health & Fitness
Cover Credit: Sara
Publisher Steve Elgort
Childhood Obesity.......... 10
Editor-in-Chief Rachel Kalina
Prevention and treatment options.
Features
Managing Editor Donald McDermott
P. 10
Homework Help........................................ 8 Tips to improve focus.
Associate Editor Samantha Chan Art Directors Margaret Baldauf, Susanne Kimball, Ilana Rispoli Director of Web Development Kristen Jankowski Lake Hopatcong Accounting Teresa Pinargote 862-244-4994
Costume Craft........................................... 12
Jefferson Village Square Contributing Writers Dr. Jane Frederick, Felicia Harris, 725Keith Route 15 South Dr. Kantor, Dr. Stephanie Kirschbaum, Abby Larson,
Create a couple of easy but inspired Halloween outfits.
P. 8
promartialarts.comEllyn Levy, Louise Weadock
PCOS and Pregnancy............................ 18
Advertising Managers Deirdre Antoniello, Karen Gibofsky, Join the Movement Bill Scalzitti #my ARMORis Advertising Sales Representatives
What you need to know about polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Woman oman mom
Protect Your Peepers............................................................... 20
*Restrictions apply. Independently and Rose, Susan Rush, Julie Leonoff,owned Jacalyn operated. ©2014 PRO Martial Arts Franchise Corp. JenniferFranchises Serpi, Available. Amy Smith, Rena Spangler, Felicia Stafford,
PGTV Producer Beth Elgort *
Eye care tips for every age.
Feeling Good, Looking Good................................................ 21 Products and accessories to make your life extra fabulous. your needs, your neighborhood
Hayrides & Mazeland Try the Pumpkin Slingshot
This month’s entertainment and activities. Hayrides & Pick-Your-Own-Pumpkin
The IEP Meeting.......... 14 P. 16
Columns
A Farm Forever Don’t Miss........................................................................ 6
Special Needs
P. 14
973-425-0840
2 FREE Karate Classes
Submission of articles, photographs and artwork is welcome. All material must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. PARENTGUIDE News assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of submitted material. PARENTGUIDE News reserves the unrestricted right to edit or otherwise alter submitted material for publication. PARENTGUIDE ® News, ISSN08961468, is published monthly by PG Media Network Corp., 101 E. Park Ave., #358, Long Beach, NY 11561; 212-213-8840. Copyright 2013 PGMNC. All rights reserved.
Build Your
CWA
Against Bullying at PRO Martial Arts.
October 2014 I parentguide News I 3
contents contents
table of
table of
October 2014 Volume 31 • Number 10
October 2014 Volume 31 • Number 10
Birthday Coverage
Contests
Birthday Blowout.......................................................... 23
Slumber Party Success...... 22 Host an unforgettable birthday sleepover.
Fall into Autumn Photo Contest.................................. 33
Birthday Directory................ 24 Party places and entertainers for the happiest of occasions.
P. 14
P. 22
Special Needs
Don’t Miss........................................................................ 6
Should you bring a lawyer?
Travel............................................................................. 36
This month’s entertainment and activities.
Health............................................................................ 34
The IEP Meeting.......... 14 P. 16
Columns
Honesty and LDs......... 16
Why it’s important to speak openly about learning disabilities.
Special Needs and Health & Fitness Directory.......... 31
Experts and services catering to family wellness and special needs.
Insight and items for your family’s care.
Destinations, product picks, and getaway tips.
Bonus
Calendar of Events....................................................... 37 A comprehensive listing of your neighborhood’s classes, events, and performances.
Health & Fitness
Cover Credit: Sara Publisher Steve Elgort
Childhood Obesity.......... 10
Editor-in-Chief Rachel Kalina
Prevention and treatment options.
Features
Managing Editor Donald McDermott
P. 10
Homework Help........................................ 8
Associate Editor Samantha Chan Art Directors Margaret Baldauf, Susanne Kimball, Ilana Rispoli Director of Web Development Kristen Jankowski
Tips to improve focus.
Accounting Teresa Pinargote
Costume Craft........................................... 12
Contributing Writers Dr. Jane Frederick, Felicia Harris, Dr. Keith Kantor, Dr. Stephanie Kirschbaum, Abby Larson, Ellyn Levy, Louise Weadock
Create a couple of easy but inspired Halloween outfits.
P. 8
PCOS and Pregnancy............................ 18
Advertising Managers Deirdre Antoniello, Karen Gibofsky, Bill Scalzitti
What you need to know about polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Woman oman mom
Advertising Sales Representatives Julie Leonoff, Jacalyn Rose, Susan Rush, Jennifer Serpi, Amy Smith, Rena Spangler, Felicia Stafford,
Protect Your Peepers............................................................... 20
PGTV Producer Beth Elgort
Eye care tips for every age.
Feeling Good, Looking Good................................................ 21 Products and accessories to make your life extra fabulous. I parentguide News I October 2014
Submission of articles, photographs and artwork is welcome. All material must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. PARENTGUIDE News assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of submitted material. PARENTGUIDE News reserves the unrestricted right to edit or otherwise alter submitted material for publication. PARENTGUIDE News, ISSN08961468, is published monthly by PG Media Network Corp., 101 E. Park Ave., #358, Long Beach, NY 11561; 212-213-8840. Copyright 2013 PGMNC. All rights reserved.
CWA
parentguidenews.com
Letter from the Editor Oh, how I adore October! Leaves take on a new, vibrant spectrum of color, creating a splendid autumnal backdrop. There are all sorts of fall fairs and festivals (found in our print and Web calendars) filled with cider, pumpkin picking, and hayrides. The best part, though? Halloween and the opportunities it presents to make crafts, decorations, and costumes! I’ve enjoyed the spooky celebration for as long as I can remember. My husband and I often host parties where dress up is mandatory (yes, I’m that person), and it’s such great fun. To help your family get into the spirit of the season, we’re excited to share “Costume Craft” by wedding and lifestyle blogger, as well as D.I.Y. expert, Abby Larson. Larson’s thousands of followers regularly check her Style Me Pretty blogs for inspired living tips, and this month, she instructs PARENTGUIDE News readers how to create two easy but adorable outfits for little ones. And there’s even more reason to get into fiesta preparation this month with our Birthday Directory. In it, you’ll find tons of party venues, entertainers, and services to make your child’s day a special one. Perhaps, you’d rather host a special birthday night? Then turn to “Slumber Party Success”
Proof
U
by Rachel Kalina
by Felicia Harris, which details how to host a memorable sleepover with snacks, games, and fun activities. Of course, when the parties are over, it’s time to get back to the grind. With help from Louise Weadock, your after-school routine can be a lot more pleasant from now on. Read “Homework Help” for tips on how to get kids focused for study sessions. And for parents stressing about upcoming Individualized Education Program (IEP) developments for their child with special needs, Ellyn Levy has penned “The IEP Meeting.” Levy outlines the pros and cons of hiring a lawyer to help with IEPs, and gives us a firsthand account of her personal experiences in this area. Additional support, resources, and programs for your child may also be found in our Special Needs Directory. Don’t forget all of the virtual goodies available at www.parentguidenews.com: The Sandbox Social mommy blog, contests with prizes, and even more articles to help you be the best parent you can be.
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
Have a great October and a happy Halloween!
• Weekend family hayrides with pick-your-own-pumpkin beginning the weekend after Labor Day • Group hayrides by appointment (Monday-Friday only) • All varieties of apples, fruits and vegetables try th • Fresh baked pies, donuts
Down on the farm at
WiGhtMAn’s FArMs
125 acres Since 1922
pumpk e slingsh in ot
A Farm Forever
rt. 202 (5 miles south of Morristown) Open daily 8am to 6pm
973-425-9819 Visit our website @
www.wightmansfarms.com
your needs, your neighborhood
October 2014 I parentguide News I 5
DON’T MISS What a Day
A popular children’s book comes to the big screen in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. The entertaining flick follows 11-year-old Alexander as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day of his young life. Check it out in theaters beginning October 10.
Living Life
The journey of Manolo, a young man torn between his family and following his heart, is the focus of The Book of Life. The animated feature encourages audiences to celebrate the past while looking to the future. Look for it in a theater near you beginning October 17.
October by Donald McDermott
Halloween Ponies
Ring in Halloween with the new My Little Pony – Friendship Is Magic: Spooktacular Pony Tales! Presented by Shout! Factory Kids and Hasbro Studios, the DVD release features six episodes and a sing-along, as well as additional spooky-themed fun. Copies are available in stores and online now.
All Shapes and Sizes
Nickelodeon expands its line of acclaimed Let’s Learn DVDs with Let’s Learn: Patterns and Shapes. Kids can play along with five new episodes from Team Umizoomi, Dora the Explorer, and Blue’s Clues as they explore circles, squares, triangles, and more. Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment, the new DVD is available now.
Monster Challenges
A Movie Mystery
The Hallmark Movies & Mysteries series presents Garage Sale Mysteries. Lori Laughlin stars as Jennifer Shannon, a veteran garage sale shopper with a knack for finding hidden treasures.The original film premieres on The Hallmark Channel October 26. Check you local listings for times.
Happy Halloween
An annual tradition continues this month when ABC Family presents a 13-night programming tribute to Halloween. Aside from holiday-themed episodes of the most popular shows, viewers can also enjoy movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Addams Family, Casper, ParaNorman, and many more. The special event runs October 19-31. Check your local listings.
To Infinity
Play as some of your favorite heroes with the Infinity 2.0 Marvel Value Pack. The specially priced set comes with a starter pack, Spider-Man play set, Captain America, and a disc pack. The pack is available now for the XBox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4,WiiU, and XBox One game systems.
Join Cookie Monster and head back to school with a new app from PBS Kids and Sesame Street. Cookie Monster’s Challenge offers a mix of whimsy and education designed to help kids ages 3-5 adapt to the new school year. Featuring ten mini games, nine levels, and more, the app is available for the iPad.
Under the Spell
Just in time for Halloween, Sabrina — Secrets of a Teenage Witch: A Witch and a Werewolf The Movie comes to DVD and Digital HD. The animated release from Lionsgate Home Entertainment follows the charming Sabrina Spellman as she leads a double life as both a klutzy high schooler and superhero sorceress. Pick up your copy today.
Just for Kicks
Soccer comes to life in stunning detail in FIFA 15. The amazing game from EA Sports comes complete with more than 600 new emotional reactions. FIFA 15 is available in stores and online now for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, and Nintendo 3DS. Donald McDermott is the managing editor.
I parentguide News I October 2014
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October
Transform Your World
The Big Apple Circus is back under the Big Top at Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center in Manhattan starting October 17. The magic continues for 135 performances and concludes January 11, 2015. The 37th season brings about Metamorphosis, which is both mesmerizing and astonishing. Bring your brood to the circus where every audience member is entertained and never more than 50-feet from the stage. Visit www.bigapplecircus.org or call (888)541-3750 for information on tickets and showtimes.
Imagine That!
The Imagine That! Museum makes it an October to remember with events for all to enjoy. The fun begins with a fully interactive Superheroes program on October 11, and it ends with the Spooktacular holiday celebration on October 31. Families are also welcome to visit the museum’s amazing outdoor maze throughout the month. Located at 4 Vreeland Road in Florham Park, Imagine That! can be reached at (973)9668000 or via www.imaginethatmuseum.com for more information.
CWA
Fright Fest
by Donald McDermott
Live on Stage
The State Theatre keeps audience members of all ages entertained with The Wiggles on October 4. Other shows this month include children’s entertainer Spook Handy on October 11 and Masters of Illusion on October 17. The State Theatre is located at 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. For times, tickets, and more, call the box office at (732)246-7469 or visit www.statetheatrenj.org.
Fun for Families
There is sure to be plenty of fun for everyone when New Jersey’s Biggest Oktoberfest makes its longawaited return! The event includes singing, dancing, delicious foods, vendors, and an amazing kids’ pavillion with everything from inflatables and rides to face painters and more! The festivities are held on October 11 at Forest Lodge, 11 Reinman Road, Warren. Find out more at www.forestlodge.com.
Enjoy family-friendly thrills by day and spine-tingling frights by night when Fright Fest returns to Six Flags Great Adventure! Presented by Snickers every Friday to Sunday (and Columbus Day Monday) through November 2, the amazing event features a Trick-orTreat Trail, Monster Mash Bash, Haunted Trail Rides, and more Halloween-themed smiles and screams than ever before. Six Flags Great Adventure is located off of Exit 7A of the New Jersey Turnpike, Jackson. Questions? Call (732)928-2000 or visit www.sixflags.com. Donald McDermott is the managing editor.
Providing an Exceptional Preparation for Higher Learning and for Life
Open House Middle School Sunday October 19, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.
Upper School Sunday November 2, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. For more information please visit our website, www.mbs.net
70 Whippany Road î…? Morristown, NJ 07960 î…? 973.539.3032 î…? www.mbs.net
your needs, your neighborhood
Where Girls Learn to Lead 34)2 ,397) 7',)(90) 4VMQEV] 7GLSSP +VEHIW / ;IHRIWHE] 3GXSFIV ˆ E Q Preschool & Kindergarten 7EXYVHE] 3GXSFIV ˆ E Q 1MHHPI 9TTIV 7GLSSP +VEHIW 7YRHE] 3GXSFIV ˆ T Q %PP 7GLSSP 4VIWGLSSP +VEHI 7YRHE] 2SZIQFIV ˆ T Q
Kent Place School is an all-girls K through 12 independent college-preparatory day school with a coeducational preschool program.
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October 2014 I parentguide News I 7
Homework Help Tips to improve focus. by Louise Weadock
The beginning of the school year can be such an exciting time. There are thrilling bus rides and lunches with novel faces, hallway hugs with old friends, and of course, new teachers and subjects to explore. Although once the sense of adventure wears off and the assignments pile up, the nightly fight to wrangle a successful homework session begins. Homework time is commonly identified as one of the biggest causes of anxiety for both children and parents during the school year. As head coaches, parents are challenged to find ways to get kids “fit” for academic exercises. They help with strategies to optimize learning potential. A child’s mind develops with sensory challenges from different smells, tastes, sounds, colors, lights, physical feelings, and other forms of input. Spending the day sitting in a classroom can fail to fulfill a child’s need for various types of stimulation, and the short time slots allotted to recess and gym don’t compensate for this sensory deficiency. Parents must find ways to fill in the sensory gap. Luckily, there are proven methods that help to engage a child’s senses and mind right from the moment he steps off the bus at the end of the school day through homework time that evening. With practice, these methods just may change otherwise stressful routines into positive experiences.
Begin with muscle movement. Nothing can fulfill a child’s need to burn energy and take in sensory stimulation quite like a workout of the muscles. Whether through outdoor play or an indoor fitness program, engaging in activities that involve climbing, swinging, running, or biking can help to fire up sensoryprocessing to the brain and decrease anxiety. Such activities loosen joints and enhance overall awareness. A good workout can also enhance relationships between children and their surroundings. It can improve the child’s overall sense of self by stimulating the vestibular system, located within the inner ear, which increases athletic coordination and spatial awareness. Just 45 minutes of movement and hands-on physical activity before school or homework time loosens muscle tension, oxygenates the brain, promotes healthy circulation, builds focus, and fulfills sensory needs. Muscle activity supports the comprehension of big thoughts and persistence to complete complex projects. Additionally, information learned while performing motorplanning exercises (trampolining, jump roping, hiking, and biking) is more quickly absorbed and stays in memory for a longer period of time than facts learned while merely sitting. Help children prepare sensory snacks. If there is one thing that every parent understands, it is that a hungry child is an antsy child. So, start your homework routine with a snack. Food can be calming and fulfilling. The hands-on nature of preparing food has the additional benefit of keeping children active as they get ready to work. Smells and tastes experienced while learning create memory pegs for the child. Measurements, fractions, mixtures, and nutritional facts all present learning opportunities that the child will remember. While preparing snacks, discuss the upcoming homework topics. Strategize a plan of attack. Identify areas where help is needed. Children are calmed through the input of different smells, tastes, and textures that abound.
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Develop a quiet, calm, and consistent homework space. Smells, colors, lights, and sounds are great when we are trying to fulfill our sensory needs, but homework time requires a calm, clean, clutter-free, and consistent space to prevent children from being distracted by their surroundings. Use putty on pencils to make them easier to hold. If the child can tolerate it, turn on soothing background music (preferably classical) to set a calm mood. Turn off the TV, and minimize other sources of distracting sounds and flashing lights. Homework should be the sole focus of the moment. Experiment a little bit to find out exactly what sources of sensory input optimize your child’s homework productivity, and understand that these will be different for every child. Offer minor sensory input to improve focus and concentration. Kitchen smells from dinner or dessert that waft into the homework area can provide minor sensory input without being distracting. Some children respond well to textured toys that keep one hand fidgeting, while others prefer the feel and taste of chewing gum. Still others like visual patterns to keep the mind occupied. Homework should be the focus of homework time, but it is unrealistic to expect any child to be able to attune 100 percent of his brainpower to a worksheet. Minor sensory distractions can go a long way toward curbing restlessness without costing productivity. Experiment and listen to your child to find what works. Segment homework time into different blocks. Any child will dread the idea of having to sit down for an hour of homework, but most children are more willing to sit through several 10- to 20-minute blocks of it. After a set amount of time, offer your child a 5- to 10-minute break. If a short break is chosen, provide more sensory-pleasing activities like cooking or an art project to lessen restlessness before it’s time to get back to work. Stay away from the computer or tablet screens during sensory time. Don’t “helicopter,” but do keep homework sessions lighthearted. Homework shouldn’t be stressful. Be mindful of the signals that you put out, even if you feel frustrated, and be attuned to your child’s moods. Children respond to the moods and mindsets of their parents. If you are anxiously hovering over your child’s paper, your child may sense and mime your attitude. Instead, keep calm, collected, and on target. Treat homework as an adventure, and your child will positively respond.
Avoid phone, tablet, and computer games in the hours leading up to homework time. Playing a video game employs the short muscle group, which is reactive and counteracts the brain activity required for homework completion.
Louise Weadock MPH, RN, is the founder of WeeZee – The Science of Play, an 18,000-square-foot play and learning facility for children all ages and abilities at 480 Bedford Road, Chappaqua, New York. The mom of two is also a registered child psychiatric nurse with 30 years of ASD/ SID research experience, including research at Johns Hopkins University. Weadock is a known sensory stimulation expert and has written articles for a variety of parenting publications. For more information, call (914)752-2100 or visit www.weezeeworld.com. your needs, your neighborhood
October 2014 I parentguide News I
by Dr. Keith Kantor
D O O H D L I CH
Y T I S BE ns.
t optio n e m t a e r t d n ntion a
Preve
Childhood obesity rates remain high in the United States of America. Obesity is defined as an accumulation of body fat to the extent of which it may have a negative impact on health and increase the risk for chronic diseases. The varying causes of childhood obesity include a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, genetics, and socioeconomic status. Two main treatments for obesity involve changes in exercise and diet.
A
n exercise plan for a child should be fun and match his personality. It is not wise to force a child into the same fitness regimen an adult would follow. If your child is not competitive, then don’t force him to participate in competitive sports. Instead, find other active programs he can do outside of organized sports. Children should daily engage in leisure play that requires movement for at least one hour or more. Taking your child to the park, playing catch, shooting hoops, going for a walk, etc., all provide economical ways to encourage fitness. Also, limit television, computer, and tablet time to only one hour per day. This will not only encourage more healthy activity in general, but also increase creativity during playtime. One important thing to remember is that the best guidance is through example. Children are great observers, and they can spot a hypocrite. “Do as I say, not as I do” is no way to inspire a child to be active and eat healthy foods. Make small lifestyle changes with your children. Regular park trips or walks for exercise and daily eating five servings of fruit and vegetables present simple ways to get started. Limit sodas and sugary, salty, or processed treats to specific times. First, educate your children about the downfalls of eat-
In the United States,
17% of children
ages 2-19
are classified as obese and have a body mass index higher than 30. BMI is a representation of height compared to weight. An optimal BMI range is
18.5-24.99.
ing and drinking too much sugar. Talk about tooth and tummy aches and gaining excessive body fat. Then, move on to limiting intake to particular times like after practice or Saturdays at lunch. If you do away with soda and sugar altogether, chances are your children will be unhappy. This compromise keeps their consumption special and creates realistic boundaries. Plan and cook healthy meals and snacks together as a family. Children love hands-on activities. If they help prepare a nutritious meal, it is more likely they will eat it. Depending on the age of your children, the level of help they can offer will vary. Start by getting them to contribute to your shopping list and excursions, as well as having them set the table and mix ingredients. There are many different ways to involve kids of all ages in the process of making a healthy meal. And spending time together as a family is priceless. Studies have shown that families who eat meals together are much closer than those who don’t. Always include healthy fats in each meal and snack. Fat is not what makes us gain weight; sugar and processed foods are what pack on the pounds. Incorporating healthy fats from nuts, seeds, nut butters, avocados, hummus, and healthy oils will keep your child feeling full for a longer period of time. This reduces food cravings for processed snacks that are rich in sodium and sugar. Have raw vegetables with guacamole or hummus as snack; make a healthy trail mix with nuts, cereal, and dried fruit; or make homemade nutrition bars with almond butter.
Dr. Keith Kantor is a leading nutritionist and co-author of The Green Box League of Nutritious Justice (Effective Press), which provides exercises, tips, and recipes to help prevent childhood obesity. The book recently won a Mom’s Choice Award. For more facts about childhood obesity, visit www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/.
SK 10/14
10 I parentguide News I October 2014
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HowFarYouGo_KENNA_3.5x9.135ParentGuide 9/15/14 11:40 AM Page 1
Developing the Foundation for a Lifetime of School Success! Family Owned and Operated Since 1972
Toddlers, Pre-School and Kindergarten, Ages 18 month to 6 years
Visit our school and find
A Truly Unique out how many consecutive years Montessori School over 90% of our children scored Unique phonics reading program Hands on math materials Computers Music Foreign language FasTracKids Open 7 am - 6:30 pm 3 & 5 half days or full day Character Education Parenting Seminars Afterschool Clubs
in the top 10% nationally... and they are having the MOST FUN in their lives
Call, visit and compare the advantages gained for your child...
Summer Camp Daily swimming lessons in a pool designed for the safety of young children Organized Games/Sports Arts & Crafts Field Trips/Themed Fundays Music/Dance In house events Nature & Science Computers/Cooking Afterschool Clubs Montessori Enrichment Jr. Counselors in Training Program (6th-9th grade)
How far you go depends on where you start A great foundation begins at Ranney School
PROOF PROOF
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 MorriS PlAinS 973-538-1276
Kinnelon 973-838-2122
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1876 roUTe 27
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REGISTER TODAY! Call 732.542.4777 ext. 1109 or visit our website at: www.ranneyschool.org/admissions
www.applemontessorischools.com r tfh oirstLhois Lo ok k fo go go Loo Lo Th Th e! sue! rou rou u s s g ghouht othuet tI he Is your opportunity win some very exciting This isThis youris opportunity to wintosome very exciting products and/or services featured this issue’s products and/or services featured in thisinissue’s Update, and Health columns. Update, Travel,Travel, and Health columns. Logwww.parentguidenews.com, onto www.parentguidenews.com, theThis “WinProduct” This Product” Log onto find thefind “Win our homepage, some simple directions, andluck. good luck. logo onlogo ouron homepage, follow follow some simple directions, and good
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KENNA CONLEY Class of 2014 BOSTON UNIVERSITY Ranney School Lifer (11 years) Varsity Soccer Team Captain, Lacrosse Team, National Honor Society
RANNEY SCHOOL
Beginners (age 3) to Grade 12 Every child is known and valued. 235 Hope Road Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
October 2014 I parentguide News I 11
Costume
CRAFT
Create a couple of easy but inspired Halloween outfits.
by Abby Larson
It’s easy enough to visit a pop-up Halloween store and let the kids pick outfits they’ll likely wear only once. But with a little planning and lots of creativity, you can create some truly memorable costumes. If your family participates in making them, too, please note there should be adult supervision at all times. Below are two concepts that will help your imagination take flight.
Hot Air Balloon Costume Whimsical and adorable, the Hot Air Balloon costume is sure to garner compliments from your child’s peers, and your friends, too!
Supplies:
• 30-inch red latex balloon • Helium tank (party stores can likely blow up the balloon for you without having to rent a tank) • 36-inch balloon netting • Gold spray paint • 10-inch foam floral hoop • Red parachute cord • Red woven cotton straps • Red duct tape • Red felt • Brown lunch bags • Rubber bands (½ yard) • ½-inch foam sheet • Basket large enough to fit around your child • Utility knife • Scissors • Hot glue gun and glue sticks • Pilot’s cap • Pilot’s jacket
Instructions: 1) Use the utility knife to cut out the bottom of the basket. Line the inside edge
with duct tape so there are no sharp points. 2) Crumple a lunch bag into a ball, and stuff it inside another lunch bag; tie with a rubber band. Repeat to make three other “sandbags.” 3) Use the gold spray paint to coat the sandbags, floral hoop, and balloon netting. Let the pieces dry for 30 minutes. 4) Cut the red felt into small triangles. Thread the red parachute cord through the spokes of the basket, leaving an arc on each side, and knot at the ends on the inside of the basket. Glue the triangles to the cord to make pennant flags. 5) Thread the red straps through both sides of the basket, as far apart as your child’s shoulders. Glue the ends to the straps on one side, then place the basket on your child to measure where to cut the ends on the other sides. Glue remaining ends in place. 6) Tie red parachute cord from the basket corners to the floral hoop. Hold the hoop level and at a height tall enough to leave room for your child. Tie the sandbags onto each corner of the basket with red parachute cord. 7) Cut the foam into 2-inch strips as long as the sides of the basket. Hot glue to the top of each basket side. Completely cover each piece of foam with red duct tape to form a cushioned rim to the basket. 8) Cut 4-inch strips of red felt, and glue them end-to-end to form a scarf. Cut the ends with scissors to form a fringe. 9) Inflate the red balloon, and place it in the gold netting. Have another person hold the balloon while you tie the netting to the floral hoop, keeping the length even on all sides. 10) Dress your little one in the hat, jacket, and scarf. Place the basket over his head, and help him pull his arms through the straps. Your child is now ready to fly! 12 I parentguide News I October 2014
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Bubble Bath Costume
Photo credit: Ruth Eileen Photography
Supplies:
• 9-inch clear latex balloons • 5-inch clear latex balloons • 5-inch pearl white latex balloons • White shirt and pants • White elastic • Hot glue gun and sticks • Rubber cement • Rubber ducks • Blowing bubbles • Safety pins • Wagon • White fabric (enough to cover the wagon) • Packing tape
Instructions: 1) Wrap the wagon in the white fabric, securing it to the
underside of the wagon with packing tape. 2) Blow up a whole bunch of each size of balloon (no helium needed). Blow each balloon to close to full size, then slowly leak out the air until it reaches its roundest shape. Tie it off. 3) Use the rubber cement to attach balloons to the fabriccovered wagon and to each other. Start with a ring of the largest size balloon around the edge of the wagon. Build up the “bubbles,” varying size and color as you go. Leave a gap in the balloons on one side so a child can easily get in and out of the “bath.” 4) Cut a piece of white elastic slightly shorter than the circumference of your child’s head, and hot glue its ends to form a headband. Hot glue the tied ends of 3-4 balloons to the elastic loop to complete the bubble headband. 5) Glue or safety pin several clusters of balloons to your child’s shirt (have him put the shirt on first). 6) Use rubber cement to adhere rubber ducks to a few of the bubbles. You can also add bathtime props like scrubs, washcloths, and soap. Give your child blowing bubbles to add to the fun!
Abby Larson is editor and founder of the wildly popular wedding blog Style Me Pretty and its offshoot Style Me Pretty Living. Larson has devoted the past six years to Style Me Pretty, seeking out quality content, cultivating her editorial eye, building an expert team, and raising the wedding bar. SMP Living is home to party ideas, DIYs, recipes, travel tips, home tours, and resources for inspired living. Discover Larson’s dreamy, fabulous world at www.stylemepretty.com and in her book Style Me Pretty Weddings: Inspiration & Ideas for an Unforgettable Celebration (Potter Style). your needs, your neighborhood
October 2014 I parentguide News I 13
L
by Ellyn Levy
The
IEP Meeting Should you bring a lawyer?
W
hen I started the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process — necessary for public school students in special education and related services — for my daughter, I got the shock of a lifetime. I initially had no legal representation and was essentially told that I didn’t know what would be best for my daughter. I felt harassed, and even worse, I discovered that the school district could make decisions with which I might not agree. All of this could and would happen even though I had documentation from a neuropsychologist outlining exactly what educational accommodations my daughter needed to succeed in school. I thought it would have been fairly easy to get these accommodations in place. Well, it turned out I was very naïve. I learned quickly and painfully that I could trust no one within the school district to have the same level of dedication to supporting my daughter that I did as her parent. I realized that I needed the support of an attorney versed in education law. I needed a strong, dynamic, no-nonsense attorney who could teach me how to listen, know what was possible and reasonable to expect, and calm me down when I could not get everything for my daughter that I had hoped to obtain. Having legal counsel gave me the chance to review all documents the school might provide before a meeting (although rarely was anything offered in advance). The attorney and I also reviewed what my daughter’s doctor recommended so I knew what we were requesting. The lawyer sat between my husband and me. She quite literally had to be there for me to lean on and to explain what the pupil personnel director was offering in the way of accommodations. When you make the decision to bring counsel, you must inform the school district ahead of time because it will then supply legal counsel to rebut yours. In my experience, the atmosphere does seem a lot more caustic and frightening when there are attorneys in the room. But that does not mean you shouldn’t bring one. It’s no picnic without one, either! For me, there really was no question that I was going to live with the anxiety of an unpleasant experience for my daughter’s sake. 14 I parentguide News I October 2014
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egal representation: Just thinking about it seems so overwhelming and off-putting for many parents. How bad does it really have to be before you decide that you need the help of an attorney who can hold your hand (both literally and figuratively) through the IEP process? Well, I can tell you from experience that it has to be pretty awful to go to that extreme. I don’t think any parents really want to believe they can’t get what their child actually needs from the school district without legal representation, but it’s sometimes the case.
During an IEP meeting with legal representation, the attorneys joust legal points — your child is or is not entitled to certain educational accommodations. It’s not set in stone, there is no recipe, and the lawyers definitely battle. I found that the words they used were often jargon that my attorney needed to explain in terms I could understand. After many such meetings, I got used to the language and the tenor of the atmosphere in the room and learned to expect it. I watched the discomfort on the teachers faces as they watched this scene unfold. I found the strongest reason to have legal representation was that I was able to get more IEP benefits than I would have if I went it alone. Education lawyers are experts on what your child is entitled to because it is their job to know and understand the law. As parents, we can (and should!) become highly informed advocates for our children, but we just cannot have the same level of expertise as education lawyers. I also found that I learned how to advocate for my daughter through my attorney. After a while, I was able to go to these meetings with only my daughter, and she and I could advocate quite well. If we were unsure about something, we
Resources
Additional copaa.org b.org/ parentcenterhu er find-your-cent
ncld.org
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didn’t sign any paperwork and scheduled a follow-up meeting. We were in control, mostly. We gained confidence and a better understanding of our rights. We had the strength and knowledge to walk out and consult our attorney by phone by the time my daughter was in 10th grade. Of course, bringing legal counsel to an IEP meeting had some negative connotations, too. As I described previously, it made the meeting even more contentious than it already was. Having lawyers in the room escalated the meeting to a whole other level of importance, and the tension rose for everyone; it was truly palpable when you walked through the door. Another major con to considering legal representation is the financial aspect of this process. It is expensive from the very beginning, when the attorney accepts your child’s case and you sign a retainer fee, to each time you speak on the phone and go to a meeting. There are education attorneys
who are willing to work on a pro-bono or sliding scale fee basis. Contact your local Parent Training Information Center, bar association, or the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates for more information. If you have a school district with a proven track record that will listen to what you believe are your child’s needs, then I would go without an attorney. Remember, though, if the district does something with which you don’t agree, you always have the right to bring legal representation. The old adage “You get more with honey than you get with vinegar” may be true in this situation. Avoiding the contentious situation of using an attorney may allow you to have better overall relationships with administrators and teachers, and this can definitely benefit your child. I think my daughter would have likely felt more supported by the district if there had been less or no fighting for the accommodations she needed. I believe each family must decide what is best for its child. There is no easy way to walk into an IEP meeting. Whether or not you bring representation, you must know your legal rights. If you feel having legal representation is necessary, don’t hesitate. It may be difficult, but it will help you get your child what she needs, and that’s what really matters. Ellyn Levy is a speech-language pathologist who has worked with children and adults in private schools, universities, hospitals, and private practice for 35 years. She currently has a private practice in New York City and may be reached via ellynlevy1@gmail.com. This article has been reprinted with the permission of the National Center for Learning Disabilities.
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October 2014 I parentguide News I 15
by Ellyn Levy
Honesty & LDs A Why it’s important to speak
openly about learning disabilities.
dvocating for your child around relatives and friends who don’t understand learning disabilities (LDs) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a skill you can master. It takes some personal insight and the desire to be supportive of your most precious gift: your child.
I have a hard time understanding why adults hide certain personal information about themselves. I find that it leads to a loss of authenticity in relationships and lack of true connection. That could easily be due to limited self-confidence and perhaps poor self-esteem. After all, if you show your true colors, then someone might not like the “real” you. As human beings, we all want to be liked and have our families and friends support us. If we expose ourselves too much, it leaves us open to criticism and makes us vulnerable. When we become parents, we are keenly aware of our children’s vulnerabilities and have a strong desire to protect them from anyone who might not understand them. When our children are diagnosed with learning challenges of any sort, we want to protect them even more. The question is: How do we do that? The answer is straightforward and daunting to many parents and caregivers: We must teach children to be honest about their learning challenges and not shy away from using the correct terminology to describe their diagnoses. If we don’t, we’re teaching the child there’s something to be ashamed of. Hiding implies there’s something wrong. If you hide the fact that a child has a LD or ADHD, the child may think, I can’t be myself. Being forthcoming and advocating for your child can do just
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the opposite; it boosts a child’s self-confidence. Speaking openly about your child’s challenges does a world of good for the entire family. It fosters honest communication about the specific learning disability. It enables you to provide information for those who may not know about the disability. And if you are faced with skepticism, you can address it head on. One time, a close friend told me that my daughter had “an unfair advantage” because she could take a state exam with extended test time and in a separate location due to her dyslexia and ADHD. These accommodations were legitimate and mandated for my daughter, and I was mortified to hear such an opinion from a friend. I knew I had to educate this person and called her to tell her I was upset about her comment. I felt she didn’t truly understand the nature of my daughter’s learning disability and how it academically impacted her. After I explained my feelings and enlightened my friend about the situation, she no longer harbored the ridiculous notion that somehow my daughter had an unfair advantage. It took patience on my part to advocate and openly communicate for my daughter. In the end, though, it was key to my friend’s understanding and maintaining our relationship. Ellyn Levy is a speech-language pathologist who has worked with children and adults in private schools, universities, hospitals, and private practice for 35 years. She currently has a private practice in New York City and may be reached via ellynlevy1@gmail. com. This article has been reprinted with the permission of the National Center for Learning Disabilities.
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Can PCOS cause infertility or difficulty conceiving?
P
olycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is PCOS is considered a leading cause of female infertility. It a condition that affects a woman’s reduces the ability of the ovaries to mature and release eggs into menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, the uterus. Other reproductive symptoms of PCOS include the creation of polycystic ovaries, characterized by multiple cysts and insulin production, circulatory system, small follicles; chronic anovulation, or an inability to ovulate; and imbalance. and appearance. Women have both male hormonal Women with PCOS frequently suffer from chronic anovulation, a condition that can cause them to go through fewer than eight and female hormones, but women who menstrual cycles each year. Frequently, they skip their periods have PCOS have higher levels of male altogether. Furthermore, the hormonal imbalance associated with can result in symptoms ranging from an excess of estrogen hormones. They experience irregular or PCOS or androgen to decreased levels of progesterone (the hormone important to the menstrual cycle) and resistance to insulin. absent menstrual cycles and small cysts on their ovaries. It is estimated that 5-10 What happens with PCOS during pregnancy? percent of women who are of childbear- What are the dangers involved? ing age have PCOS. Women with PCOS may experience more health problems than 18 I parentguide News I October 2014
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the average pregnant person. Factors of which to be aware include: • High blood sugar levels, which can lead to diabetes • Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure • Premature delivery • Preeclampsia (high blood pressure, protein traces in the urine) • Macrosomia (a newborn with an excessive birth weight) These serious problems mean it’s extremely important to address PCOS and make the lifestyle changes necessary to reverse it, as well as the underlying cause of insulin resistance. This is vital to prevent the health issues that can compromise long-term wellness for both mother and child during and after pregnancy. Insulin resistance reduces the insulin sensitivity of a person’s cell walls. Glucose has to pass through the cell walls to be converted to energy. Insulin assists this process. When the cell walls have become de-sensitized to insulin by insulin resistance, the process can break down. Glucose cannot get into the cell and remains in the bloodstream, causing elevated blood sugar levels. This process can lead to weight gain and obesity, key factors in creating PCOS.
Proof
response to insulin, and it helps to move glucose into the cell. As a result, the body will not be required to make as much insulin, which helps to balance the hormones in PCOS. Weight loss through exercise and changes in diet can also be effective in treatment for PCOS during pregnancy. Women should seek out a specialist who can provide nutritional and fitness guidelines to enhance their weight loss success. This is critical for the health of mom and baby. Infertility specialists typically treat hormonal symptoms, in particular the excessive level of androgen, by prescribing low-dose oral contraceptives. This approach should reduce acne and unwanted hair growth; however, the latter symptom may require electrolysis, waxing, or another removal method performed in conjunction with medical treatment.
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What should PCOS patients do about the condition before, during, and after pregnancy? Metformin (Glucophage) is a drug often prescribed for women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant and in the early stages of pregnancy. Metformin improves the cell’s
internationally noted specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. She is the medical director of HRC Fertility in Orange County, California, where she has a diverse practice in reproductive surgery, IVF, and the genetic screening of embryos. Dr. Frederick has received a variety of honors for her work with infertility, including being honored as one of the top 10 percent of specialist in her field by U.S. News and World Report. She provides state-of-the-art treatment with personal attention and has helped thousands of individuals achieve their dream of having children. Learn more at www. orangecountyfertilitydr.com.
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Woman oman mom
For the Woman behind the Mom
According to the Prevent Blindness organization, women are more likely than men to face vision problems. A recent survey by the same eye health and safety organization also found that only 9 percent of women knew that they were at significantly greater risk of suffering permanent vision loss. While exercising, eating right, and regularly visiting your eye doctor are some of the most effective ways to help ward off vision issues, there are age-specific recommendations that may help, too. Peruse the guidelines for positive eye health below.
20s — Get in the habit of having annual comprehensive eye exams.
This helps establish baseline measures and enables you to form a relationship with your eye care professional. Computer and smartphone usage are particularly high at this age, so remember the 20-20-20 rule. Look at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes while using digital devices. This helps minimize eye strain, visual fatigue, and headaches. It can also potentially reduce the effects caused by dangerous blue light emitted from digital devices.
30s — This age group should also follow the 20-20-20 rule and take
frequent breaks with computer use. Even if you have good vision and don’t require prescription glasses, consider getting eyeglass lenses made just for computer use or those that help block blue light to reduce eye strain. Also, pregnant women may want to increase water intake and use lubricating drops to keep eyes hydrated.
40s — At this time, many women (and men!) begin to experience
farsightedness, which is when focusing on objects close up becomes increasingly difficult. This means you’ll need glasses that magnify objects, also known as “readers.” In addition to readers, lubricating drops can help comfort the eyes. Long-lasting hydration is key in order to replace diminishing tear film mucus.
50s — Women in their 50s typically experience hormonal shifts that
may affect their eyesight. Getting your ocular surface examined and evaluated for dry eyes is recommended. And for those of you who have put off getting readers in your 40s, you’ll need to procure a pair as your arm most likely won’t be long enough to now accommodate reading. This is also the age range when women may begin seeing floaters and flashing lights, and they usually continue to experience diminished vision. Make sure you are visiting your eye doctor every year and keeping your prescription up to date. 20 I parentguide News I October 2014
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While I regularly see many of the above conditions in my patients, there are some more serious issues of which women should especially be aware.
Eye Trauma
A common injury from cosmetics is accidentally poking a mascara wand into the eye. While this scenario, along with getting other kinds of makeup in the eye, is uncomfortable and irritating, it may not necessarily result in serious injury. It’s important to use common sense when judging if you should receive urgent care. The best step is to check with your eye doctor, especially if you are experiencing persistent discomfort.
Cataracts
As the world’s leading cause of blindness, cataracts — or cloudy areas in the eyes’ lenses — typically appear in people older than 40. To help protect your vision, it’s important to wear sunglasses, eat healthy foods, and control your blood sugar. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Glaucoma
This condition causes damage to the optic nerve, resulting in the buildup of pressure behind the eye. It generally shows up after age 40 and worsens over time. While there are treatments to help symptoms and early detection can help slow the progression, there is no cure for glaucoma. Men and women alike can get it, and it tends to be an inherited disease.
Diabetes
Women are more at risk for certain health conditions that impact their vision, including diabetes. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 12 million women age 20 or older have diabetes. This condition increases the risk for developing eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy. People with diabetes also frequently experience light sensitivity, difficulty distinguishing colors in low lighting, and trouble driving at night. Routine visits to the eye doctor play a vital role in your overall health care. When you make them a priority, your peepers will be pleased. Dr. Stephanie Kirschbaum is a VSP Vision Care optometrist located in California. VSP Vision Care is one of the largest nonprofit vision benefits and services company in the United States. parentguidenews.com
Woman oman mom
For the Woman behind the Mom
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Samantha Chan is the associate editor.
IR 10/14
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October 2014 I parentguide News I 21
Celebrating a birthday is one of the most exciting times in a child’s life. Since there is nothing more fun for a child than to spend an entire day and night with friends, a slumber party presents the perfect way to make the birthday girl or boy feel special. However, the idea of hosting a slumber party may give you thoughts of children running amok at your home as food is strewn everywhere. Really, though, it doesn’t have to be that complicated! The following tips instruct how to host a successful slumber party.
Invitations
party area. For dinner, allow the children to prepare their own meal to encourage interaction and creativity. Tacos are kid friendly and simple to make. Place taco shells, meat or vegetarian bean fillings, tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, and spices in separate bowls on the kitchen table. Distribute paper plates, and have each child put together a taco. Just add drinks to complete the meal.
Dessert
To simplify the cake and ice cream presentation, prepare the Cake Cone recipe in the sidebar ahead of time. It only requires three ingredients: ice cream cones, cake mix, and ice cream.
Allow your child to create invitations. Purchase blank invitation cards, stickers, and colored pencils to enable creative designs. Don’t forget to include party details, such as asking guests to bring a blanket and pillow. Try to invite an even number of children so that no one is left out when a game or activity calls for partners.
Decorations
Since a slumber party is an all-night event, hang balloons from the ceiling by crepe paper. This decor will maintain the party atmosphere throughout the night, and your decorations will last longer being out of reach.
Games
Play a few simple games once all of the children have arrived to build cohesion and relationships. Some suggestions: The Paper Clip Game. Attach 10 paper clips together for each child. Have the children sit in a circle and detach each paper clip as fast as they can without changing the shape of the paperclips. The first person to complete the task wins a small prize. To enhance the excitement, play upbeat music during the game. The Mummy. Partners are chosen by drawing names (so no one feels bad for being the last person picked). Then, one child from each pair uses an entire roll of toilet paper to wrap his partner like a mummy. The first pair to finish the roll wins a prize.
Food
Provide snacks like a bowls of chips, a healthy veggie tray, and fruit around the 22 I parentguide News I October 2014
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Activity
After the meal, everyone should be ready to wind down with a fun but low-key activity. Spread an old bed sheet or a drop cloth in the middle of the floor. In its center, place stickers, glue, foam shapes, markers, glitter, and similar items. Give each child a plain white T-shirt to decorate with these supplies. Once the shirts are complete, hang them up to dry. Return them to the children at the end of the party.
Bedtime
Cake Cone recipe Enjoy cake and ice cream in the convenience of a cone. Ingredients
When it’s time for bed, allow the children to sleep in the TV room on the floor watching an age-appropriate and engaging movie they’ve chosen. Before long, they’ll likely relax and fall asleep.
• Ice cream cones (yellow wafers) • Ice cream • Cake mix made from the box • Food coloring (optional)
Morning after
Instructions
Once the party is over, provide tortillas, cooked eggs, and cheese on the breakfast table so guests can make breakfast burritos and heat them in the microwave. As they watch a little television and talk, their parents will soon arrive to pick them up. Your child and little guests will have memories that will last for a lifetime.
1 Fill each ice cream cone with 1 tablespoon of cake
mixture. Don’t use too much mixture because it will rise, and you don’t want it to overflow.
2 Place mixture-filled cones on a cookie sheet. Bake them for about 10 minutes.
Felicia Harris is an instructor of Chef’s Delights cooking class in Mesquite, Texas, where children ages 4 to 6 years prepare easy-to-make, healthy meals. She is the author of children’s cookbook Slumber Party Recipes (CreateSpace), which can be found at Amazon.com.
3 Remove the cones from the oven, and cool them for about 15 minutes. Put candles in each cake cone and sing “Happy Birthday.”
4 Remove the candles. Add a scoop of ice cream in the additional space left at the top of the cone and serve.
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October 2014 I parentguide News I 23
BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY
LET’S CELEBRATE! Entertainers, Party Places and More...
The Art of Magic (973)736-2825 artietheartofmagic.com artofmagic@msn.com Throwing the perfect birthday party for your child can be a bit tricky, es1 2 3 Tumblebus pecially if you hire Magician Artie Miller. With more than 30 years of (973)335-5411 magical experience, this charming, tuxedo-clad entertainer is sure to bring (973)800-3348 some great surprises to the celebration. Calling for plenty of audience parwww.123tumblebus.com ticipation, his interactive performances keep children and adults tuned in If you are looking for a fun-tastic way to celebrate your child’s next to 45-minutes of non-stop magic. Not only does he do tricks, but he tells birthday, then why not be among the first to climb aboard the excitstories too! The engaging combination of storytelling and magic making ing new Tumblebus! This fully equipped “gym on wheels” will drive leaves kids thoroughly amused and entertained. His creative stories revolve right up to your home, neighborhood park, community center or party around popular things children can relate to like movies, birthday parties, place. As many as fifteen partygoers will enjoy a delightful celebration the circus and favorite holidays. Every show is as unique as the audience packed with plenty of tumbling, laughs and smiles. Each birthday party members attending. It’s never the same old thing and special surprises are package includes invitations, a T-shirt for the birthday child and plenty guaranteed to delight everyone. Extra attention is always given to the birthof interactive fun. All games and tumbling occur right in the safe and day child and Artie can also supply magic coloring books to all the party supervised atmosphere of the Tumblebus. And to make the party even guests. Half serious, half silly, 100 percent fun, his show features colorful more special, they can provide great party favors such as a Gymnastics scarves, flowers, magical wands and realistic animal puppets that kids go Medal, Candy/Toy Party Goody Bags and a Keepsake Photo for each wild over! His performances can be tailored to accommodate any size party child. In addition to birthday parties, Tumblebus is also available to liven and all age groups. Having studied under the famous magician Slydini, up your next carnival, company picnic, day care center, family reunion Artie has performed for celebrity kids and the children of numerous famous or any other special occasion. athletes and entertainers, including Whitney Houston & Bobby Brown’s daughter Bobbi Christina, rap mogul Russell Simmons’ daughter Ming, former NY Mets and Yankees pitcher Dwight Gooden, and Donald Trump. From resorts in Atlantic City to children’s Artie magically 419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NYbackyard 10016 •parties, 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7 entertains his way throughout the state of NJ.
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1 23 T u m b l e b u s
www.123tumblebus.com | 973-800-3384 parentguidenews.com
BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY Hand and finger puppets, along with marionettes entertain the children with songs, dancing and stories. Bobi’s staged stories are performed in a professional theater with lights suitable for a home or auditorium. All her stories are completely original or delightful adaptations of favorite children’s stories; making for funny, gentle shows where even the villains are amusing. Bobi makes sure that violence is strictly for the TV. For the perfect memory for children of all ages, book a Bobi Puppet Show! Circus Fun Productions featuring Peter T. Clown & Amusements Galore! (201)791-2829 http://circusfun.net Wow! This company has got it all! From an exciting array of variety performance artists including clowns, magicians, puppeteers, stiltwalkers, characters, caricature artists, balloon sculptors, facepainters, party hosts and characters to other circus fun such as amusements, fun foods, balloon decore, ponies and rides. A wide variety of games are also available, including virtual reality, surf action simulators, fooseball, pop-a-shot basketball and video arcades, just to name a few. Talk about exciting! The featured entertainer is, of course, Peter T Clown. Peter is a circus-quality multitalent who has been delighting children at birthdays and corporate events for over 17 years with his special brand of physical comedy, audience participation, and an array of amazing circus skills such as magic, balloon sculpting, platespinning, juggling, face-painting, puppet friends and much more. Want something visual? Ask Peter T Clown about the “Giant Balloon Sculpting Act” he’s taken on 3 tours of Japan, as well as at the “`96 Meadowlands Fair” where he was the featured clown performer. Peter has even performed for the Clyde Beatty Circus and was selected to perform at the International Street Performers Competition in Shizouka, Japan. So whether you’re looking for entertainment on a grand or intimate setting... corporate carnival fun or something to make that birthday an extra special day, this company is the way to go. Just give a call and you’ll see what they mean! This company is truly Circus Fun!
your needs, your neighborhood
Dot Your Face (201)303-6227 www.dotyourface.com Turn your child’s next birthday into an event to remember by inviting Dot Your Face to the party! As a former Magical Moments teacher and mother with nearly 20 years of teaching and performing experience, Dot knows just what makes a child’s birthday fun and special. Party guests will have fun dancing with props, playing musical parachute time, receiving balloon art and even be face or hand painted as an animal, Spiderman, princess or butterfly! A Dot Your Face show will liven your next party, grand opening, school assembly, fundraiser or other special occasion with developmentally appropriate activities such as face painting, parachute play, balloon art, art projects, educational programs, dancing with all types of props and more! Dot can also come dressed as a boy or girl character from your favorite movie, television show or storybook. Characters that Dot has played in the past range from a clown, a pirate and a train conductor to a race car driver, Mother Goose and all of the Disney movie princesses. Seasonal characters such as Mrs. Claus, witch and pumpkin lady are also available. And if there is a special character or costume that you have in mind, just ask and Dot will always do her best to accommodate. In addition to her fabulous birthday party appearances, Dot has performed on TV, worked for Johnson & Johnson, Nabisco, the New Jersey Nets and is currently the in-house face painter for the Newark Bears Baseball Team. She was even seen on the Dr. Oz Show and interviewed by Sesame Street Magazine’s parent magazine for their “Birthday Parties for Toddlers” issue. When Dot comes to your party, it’s always totally fun and memorable! High Touch - High Tech Sizzlin Science Birthday Parties (201)847-0199 www.sciencemadefunnnj.net Make that ordinary birthday party something to remember this year by
October 2014 I parentguide News I 25
BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY adding a high tech touch! High Touch - High Tech’s unique brand of totally hands-on sizzling science birthday parties offer partygoers ages 5 and up a fun, exciting and even a bit of an educational look at the world of science. Decked out in his trusty white lab coat, Mitch Cooperman will travel to your home, hall or party place to guide as many as 25 youngsters through an energetic 75 or 90 minute show of games and activities where the emphasis is on fun! At each of High Touch - High Tech’s exciting birthday celebrations there is always plenty to keep kids smiling, whether it’s making gummy drops, trying their hands at ice fishing, stretching the imagination with some silly putty or literally having a blast as they learn to create a real exploding volcano! Also on the list of great hands-on activities that kids will love is High Touch - High Tech’s gemstone party where kids can actually pan for riches and discover everything from sharks’ teeth to fools’ gold. In another fun and exciting party, dinosaur lovers can step back in time and become a paleontologist to create a replica of a T-Rex tooth! When the party winds to a close the fun doesn’t end, as everyone receives a certificate for participating. So for the perfect day of fun and excitement with a touch of science, make High Touch - High Tech a part of your next party.
mals range from five different categories, including lizards, snakes, turtles, frogs, and bugs. To make the day even more memorable, The Lizard Guys always have a pocketful of plastic frogs and lizards to hand out as prizes and souvenirs. In addition to their birthday party programs, The Lizard Guys are available to appear at schools, grand openings, scout meetings, dinners, libraries, nature centers and all other occasions. Goodie bags are also available. Visit them at www.thelizardguys.com. Mr. Giggles (973)379-6622 horizongiggles@aol.com www.horizongiggles.com Parents will find anything and everything they need to turn their little boy or girl’s next birthday party into a huge success by inviting Mr. Giggles to the party! The perfect place to call for birthdays, anniversaries, bar/bat mitzvahs or any other special occasion, this fully licensed and insured company has been your full entertainment & music source since 1975. Mr. Giggles is home to an impressive line-up of entertainers and attractions that will satisfy even the pickiest party planner. Parents are welcome to choose from a wide variety of talented live entertainers including magicians, comedians, clowns, costumed characters, puppeteers, Santas and more. If you’re looking to add a musical touch to your party, Mr. Giggles can provide an array of bands, DJs and musicians. Mr. Giggles can also help parents put together an assortment of fun and exciting theme parties from carnivals to a casino night! Don’t worry about waiting too long, because last minute calls are always welcome. Add some smiles, laughs and plenty of giggles to your next birthday party or special event by calling Mr. Giggles at (973)379-6622.
The Lizard Guys (908)722-1519 www.thelizardguys.com thelizardguys@aol.com Fully certified and insured by the state of New Jersey, The Lizard Guys will spice up your next birthday party or special event with an educational show and tell that is perfect for kids ages 5 and up! Your Lizard Guys party host will show up to your home or party place dressed in an authentic jungle outfit, from boots to hat. Each fun and informative show entertains partygoers with approximately one-hour of interaction with nearly 10 varRizzo’s Reptile Discovery 419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 ious animals and a brief history about your child’s new friends that covers (201)230-2415 everything from what they eat to how they protect themselves. The ani(973)586-0444 www.rizzosreptilediscovery.com to: FAx Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery is fully insured and#possesses all necessary state permits. Allow them to educate while they entertain you and your family at your next birthday party. The program can also be tailored to the child’s From: iSSuecards DAte:for all the children to favorite reptiles. They also provide animal remember the party. Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery will gladly be available for scout meetings, schools, nature centers, libraries and all occasions. Take Please or faxto touch yourlive comments and/or this unique call opportunity snakes, turtles, lizards, oK. and frogs. Meet Butterscotch the 15-foot python, Tiny the turtle and Spike the Bearded Dragon or Junior the alligator! With their energetic style and passion SigNAture oF for APProvAl: reptiles, children and families can laugh and learn together. Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery uses humor to occupy the children for a whole hour! A break for all you parents out there! They bring nature to you and hope to inspire others to take an appreciation for the environment and nature’s creatures. Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery will donate a portion of the profits to the Endangered Species Program in NJ. For more information visit their website at www.rizzosreptilediscovery.com or call (201)230-2415.
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The coolest parTies s k at i n g a r e n a
BIRTHDAY PARTIES 2 hours of fun filled acTiviTies 1 hour skaTing - privaTe parTy room skaTe renTal - arcade Tokens 10 NEvINS RD, WAYNE, NJ 07470
973-628-1500 www.icevault.com
26 I parentguide News I October 2014
parentguidenews.com
BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY Wings of Magic is considered “America’s Favorite Boat Ride,â€? also brings you fun-filled Your First Stop for Laughter, Fun & Magic! Kid’s Cruises for unforgettable birthday parties on selected dates. Boys (908)803-5179 and girls are sure to love their cruise featuring live entertainment, a strollwww.wingsofmagic.com ing magician, face-painter or balloon artist, photo opportunities with the Wings of Magic is the creation of Magician and Variety Entertainer Mark Statue of Liberty, giveaways for all attending children, and much more A.S. Dolson, who has helped make events unforgettable for Six Flags, fun. Boarding begins at 9:30, setting sail at 10am. Group rates are availRadio Disney, Caesar’s Resorts, IBM, Etc. and hundreds of private events. able for parties, play groups and gathering with 15 or more people. In adMagic Shows are Mark’s specialty. All of Mark’s shows are full of laughter dition to exciting birthday parties, don’t forget Circle Line’s five different with lots of audience participation, along with your choice of theme charleisurely tours including the famous Best of NYC Cruise, the Landmark acters ranging from Traditional Magic, to Princes, to Pirates, to Clowns, Cruise, the quick and easy Liberty Cruise or the sunset Harbor Lights to the popular Wizard, and many others. The guest of honor is always the cruise. All cruises include all-new tour content created in partnership with star of the Grande Finale. In most shows Mark will levitate the child of the New-York Historical Society, creating an enthralling narrative of the 419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York,ofNYmany 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 honor! Wings of Magic offers shows sizes, from simple shows history, culture and landscape that make New York Iconic. Visit www. for smaller groups to larger shows, transforming a magic show into a more circleline42.com or find Circle Line on Facebook for more information on theatrical experience, with lighting, special effects, music, etc. Mark can this exciting and fun way to see celebrate a birthday against the world’s to: provide you with both sit down and strollingFAx # entertainment. Every show most famous skyline. is custom made to make your event truly special. Wings of Magic offers Magic Shows, Balloon Sculpture, Goodie Bags, Stilt Walking, Temporary Funtime America From: Tattoos, Sand Art, Spin Art, Games & Prizes, iSSue DAte: Slime Lab, Face Painting 269 Route 35 North, Eatontown, NJ 07724 and more. Check out www.wingsofmagic.com or call (908)803-5179 to (732)460-0700 make the magic happen! www.funtimeamerica.com Please call or fax your comments and/or oK. Funtime America is a huge 30,000 sq.ft. indoor amusement park and arcade center. Kids of all ages will enjoy hours of endless fun. Funtime America is now home to its greatest attraction, Grand Theft City Laser At Their Place SigNAture oF APProvAl: Blast. The arena hosts up to 25 players per game, with the coolest state of the art lighting and sound effects, along with fog and bubble machine. Be sure to climb and reach the summit of their 22ft. Rock-Wall Climbing AdCircle Line Sightseeing Cruises venture, then take a whirl on the Bumper Cars. Maybe your child will like Pier 83, West 42nd Street, NYC 10036 to soar high in the sky in Funtime America’s Apache Helicopter Ride, or (212)563-3200 spin round and round on their Monkey May-hem Ride. They also offer an info@circleline42.com Animal Kingdom Bounce Arena for very young guests. Funtime America www.circleline42.com is also home to the best birthday party celebrations in New Jersey. From The company that has hosted more than 60 million guests since 1945, and
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The CoolesT Place in Union County! To have your child’s Birthday Party
HAVE A KICK’N KARATE BIRTHDAY
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Want to have a great birthday party for your child and their friends? They’ll have a blast, learn some cool moves, and get some exercise! One and a half hours of karate fun that includes: r " ,BSBUF -FTTPO r ,BSBUF HJGU DFSJUà DBUF GPS FBDI HVFTU r 'PPE BOE %SJOLT r "MM 1BQFS 1SPEVDUT r $MFBO 6Q (Restrictions may apply)
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your needs, your neighborhood
October 2014 I parentguide News I 27
BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY
soup to nuts, they do it all for you!! Funtime offers girls and boys themed parties as well as carnival fun parties. Let their party experts show you and your child what you’ve been missing. They offer private party rooms for you and your guests, no sharing space with others at Funtime America. Their rooms can seat 20 to 75 of your closest friends. Let your child bounce and climb in the new Bounce and Play Area, with a 5 in 1 bounce course and a Ninja Bounce house. It’s sure to please. Funtime America’s newly opened U.S.A. Café offers a variety of food and snacks for every palate. Enjoy the fresh made pizza station. All Items are made fresh on site daily. Bring the entire family down for a fun-filled day of games, rides, and so enue South,playing 13th Floor, Newmuch York,more. NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734
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new facility directly serves the Northern and North Central New Jersey area but also offers programs such as Euro Hockey, customized clinics and tournaments to accommodate all New Jersey residents. So find out more about some of the “coolest” programs and parties around by paying a visit to Ice Vault Skating Arena today!
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Imagine That! Children’s Museum 4 Vreeland Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932 (973)966-8000 www.imaginethatmuseum.com A children’s museum located five minutes off Rt.10 and Livingston 419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 Mall, Imagine That! offers over 50 hands-on exhibits including an Ice Vault Skating Arena authentic fire truck, real plane, dance area, science room, Dr./Dentist 10 Nevins Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470 and multicultural area. With more than 16,000 square feet, the muFAx # to: (973)628-1500 FAx # seum lets children take a voyage on the high seas on the deck of the www.icevault.com pirate ship or visit a two-story playscape. All exhibits stress learning Ice Vault Skating Arena is theiSSue tri-state area’s newest multi-rink facility! Feausing children’s imagination and hands-on participation. Touching is DAte: From: DAte: turing two impressive NHL-sized ice rinks thisiSSue 76,000-square-foot, stateencouraged at Imagine That! Visitors will also enjoy the new threeof-the-art family recreational facility is home to Ice Rentals, Recreation tiered train layout. They offer pirate, fire fighter, princess, dance and Public Skating,comments Figure Skating, Open Hockey, Youth and Adult other themed birthday parties. Imagine That!!! specializes in private Please Leagues, call or fax your and/or oK. Leagues, aPlease fully stocked Skatingcomments Camps and anand/or abundance oK. of parties too! The appeal to children is obvious. Imagine That! provides call Pro or Shop, fax your programs to keep you or your family occupied for year round ice fun! And children with a myriad of activities in a wonderful setting. Imagine if you are looking to provide your child with a “cool” celebration on his or That!!! is proud to say they have been orchestrating children’s birthday oF APProvAl: her nextoF birthday, then Trustcompany Bank Ice Vault is the place to be! Their parties for over 24 years. Customizing parties is “matter of fact.” From SigNAture APProvAl: fun-filled, two-hour party packages provide your young guests with an hour Kosher to Indian cuisine to anything in between, it’s all possible. They of skating fun, time in the decorated private party room, skate rentals, their provide a birthday experience that will never be forgotten and your very own office party attendant, delicious food, favors and candy, tokens to children will feel the same way. Private parties are an option as well. the Ice Vault’s arcade, and a free skating pass for future use! The birthday Drop in and party with Imagine That! 419 Park South, 13thtoFloor, York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 child will receive a freeAvenue Ice Vault T-shirt make New the celebration even more The Little Gym memorable. And to make the festivities as enjoyable for mom and dad as it Park Avenue New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-44 is for the kids, Ice Vault lets you sit back and relax while they handle every- 419Caldwell, NJSouth, 13th Floor, (973)228-1787 FAX # thing, fromTO: invitations to the personalized ice cream cake! This breathtaking Englewood South, NJ (201)567-8880 Hasbrouck Heights, NJ (201)288-5556 TO: Montclair, NJ FAX # uth, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 (973)744-1002 FROM: ISSUE DATE: Waldwick, NJ (201)445-4444 Wayne, NJ (973)305-0600 FROM: ISSUE DATE: www.thelittlegym.com FAx # FitnessOK. is fun! As a complete kids’ fitness center, The Little Gym offers Presentations Please call orLive faxAnimAL your comments and/or for All Ages! loads of fantastic physical activities for infants to 12-year-olds. BirthSnakeS • LizardS iSSue DAte: Please call ortofax comments and/or OK. day parties are guaranteed be ayour high-impact celebration. Children • FrogS • SIGNATURE OF APPROVAL: of all ages and abilities enjoy participating in a variety of fitness fun BugS • TurTLeS and games. There’s even an obstacle course! The Little Gym offers Birthday Parties,Schools, meetings, SIGNATURE OF APPROVAL: Gymnastics, Karate, General Fitness and Sports Development Parties se call or fax your comments and/or oK. Libraries,Scout Grand Openings, where children learn, practice and play a favorite sport. Basketball, Special events football, baseball or soccer—little athletes take their pick. All activiWe bring LIFE to ties are non-competitive and foster self-esteem and confidence. Evyour party! rovAl: Call Artie: eryone is a winner! As an added attraction, children hang on for the 908-722-1519 (973) 736-2825 www.thelizardguys.com time of their lives on a cable ride that takes them flying from one end artietheartofmagic.com of the gym to the other. All activities are closely supervised by trained
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Mark A.S. Dolson's
PARTY WITH...
RIZZO’S ’S RIZZO’S ’S RIZZO ’S RIZZO RIZZO’S ’S RIZZO RIZZO’S RIZZO ’S RIZZO’S REPTILE REPTILE REPTILE REPTILE REPTILE DISCOVER Y DISCOVERY DISCOVER Y DISCOVERY DISCOVER DISCOVERY DISCOVER Y DISCOVERY Y DISCOVER Y Y DISCOVERY “We Bring Nature to You”
Educational Animal Presentations
Butterscotch THE 9 FOOT Party with: Samantha Tiny THE TURTLE
&
the 12 ft Python CONSTRICTOR BOA
Spike THE
BEARDED DRAGON
201-230-2415 973-586-0444 www.rizzosreptilediscovery.com
Magician, Puppet, Pirate, Safari, Wizard, Balloons, Animals & More For Parties, Libraries, Schools, Camps, Etc.
28 I parentguide News I October 2014
Turn Your Child’s Party Into A Carnival Of Fun WE FEATURE THE FINEST
clowns • magicians • jugglers balloons sculptures • stilt walkers face painters & more
Peter T. Clown’s CIRCUS FUN PRODUCTION
Providing Quality Party Entertainment Since 1987
www.circusfun.net • 201-791-2829 parentguidenews.com
BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY instructors who put safety first. The hour and a half parties include an hour of activity followed by a half hour of celebrating in a decorated party room. There is only one party held at a time so the birthday child always feels special. The Little Gym does everything from sending out invitations and supplying paper goods & balloons to adding snacks, pizza, juice and dessert to the festivities! The new modern facility is air-conditioned, fully carpeted and ready to hold your child’s next birthday party! Medieval Times The Meadowlands Castle 149 Polito Ave., Lyndhurst, NJ 07071-0327 (888)935-6878 www.medievaltimes.com In the mood for some old-fashioned fun? Medieval Times invites you to come celebrate more than 20 years of feasting, fighting and fun! A popular dinner attraction for all ages, Medieval Times Castles features a two-hour dinner and live show based upon authentic medieval history. Guests enjoy a four-course medieval banquet while witnessing brave knights compete on horseback in games of skill, jousting matches and swordfights. Admission includes a four-course dinner, beverages and a live show. Parking is free. In addition to their regular daily schedules, Medieval Times is the perfect place to celebrate the next birthday of the young Lord or Lady of your own castle! Their special action-packed birthday party packages include preferred seating, an individual photo with the King or Queen, a cheering banner, birthday cake, and an announcement in honor of the birthday child during the performance! Medieval Times is located west of Giants Stadium and just minutes from mid-town Manhattan. Other locations include Hanover, MD; Lawrenceville, GA; Kissimmee, FL; Schaumburg, IL; Myrtle Beach, SC; Dallas, TX; Buena Park, CA; and Toronto, Ontario. Call the number above for reservations and further information.
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audience members participate in a series of zany games and crazy challenges for a chance to win prizes. Watch out! You might end up underneath the giant Booger Blaster, inside the Phoam Booth or get pied in the face! This action-packed show is great for kids 6 & up. 2) Playtime Forest with Milo &Friends is a fanciful trip through a make believe land for children 3-6. Milo the baby dragon helps children sing songs, play games and gives the best hugs! 3) Club Powerhouse Dance Party features all the latest dance moves taught by one of our top Dancer-Emcees. Surrounded by a state-of-the-art nightclub setting our DJ spins everyone’s favorites. Shows 4, 5 & 6) are fun interactive shows for the 4-6 year old set. The Super Hero Adventure, Wild West Adventure and Swashbucklers on the High Seas Pirate Adventure are sure to please the young ones. Powerhouse Studios-Paramus is located on Midland Avenue just a few hundred feet south of Paramus Park Shopping Center. Powerhouse Studios - East Hanover is just off Rt. 10 in E. Hanover. With Hollywood theme decor, Powerhouse Studios makes an ideal location for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, family & corporate parties. Call for more info. All shows are by reservation only.
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
Plaza Lanes 300 Main St., Madison, NJ (Staples Shopping Center) (973)377-8919 plazalanesinc@aol.com www.plazalanesbowling.net Looking for an exciting and affordable way to celebrate your child’s next special day? If so, then look no further than Plaza Lanes! This fully-modernized, state-of-the-art bowling center is dedicated to making every visit fun. Their unforgettable birthday parties include pizza, pitchers of soda, set-up and break down, and of course, plenty of bowling fun. And to make the festivities even more amazing, try a Galactic Party that lights up the night with glow in the dark lanes and balls, as well as music and special lighting effects. As a special treat, each party comes with a free bowling pin for the birthday child to take home as a souvenir! In addition to their fabulous birthday parties, Plaza Lanes is also home to day camps, leagues for all ages and abilities, and is the perfect place for your next fundraising event or a great day out with family or friends. No matter what the weather is outside, there is always plenty of action going on at Plaza Lanes! Open 7 days a week year round, Plaza Lanes is conveniently open Monday - Saturday from 9am to midnight, and on Sunday from 9am to 11pm. Powerhouse Studios Wild’N Wacky Challenge Game Show 7 Littell Road, East Hanover, NJ 07936 (973)560-9560 49 East Midland Ave., Paramus, NJ 07652 (201)265-9060 www.powerhousestudios.tv Experience all the excitement of a live TV style program at your child’s next celebration. Powerhouse Studios of Paramus & East Hanover, NJ offer 6 unique parties; 1) The famous Wild’N Wacky Challenge where your needs, your neighborhood
PRO Martial Arts Jefferson Village Square 725 Route 15 S., Lake Hopatcong, NJ (862)244-4994 www.promartialarts.com/lakehopatcong PRO Martial Arts is about much more than kicking, punching and karate workouts. A karate birthday party at PRO Martial Arts will be a party your family will remember forever. Your child and guests will learn fun and safe karate moves while having a kicking good time! Party celebrations for up to 15 kids include a 30 minute karate lesson, 30 minutes of food and drink, 30 minutes of fun activities and games, pizza and soft drinks, paper products, clean up, and a 2-week free trial gift certificate for new students. No karate experience is required to
Halloween Costume Contest 10/25/14
Carnival Rides • Birthday Parties • Arcade Climbing • Cafe Rock
$50 Off Any
Party Package on Friday • Saturday • Sunday
This couping must be presented on Day of Party. Cannot be combined with any other offer
Buy $5 of Tokens & Receive $5 in Tokens FREE Cannot be combined with any other offer
269 Highway 35, Eatontown, NJ 07724
732-460-0700 • www.funtimeamerica.com October 2014 I parentguide News I 29
BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY have a great party! In addition to their incredible party celebrations, PRO Martial Arts is home to a wide variety of programs for children and adults that offer a full body workout while developing strength, flexibility, coordination and balance.At PRO Martial Arts, they are passionate about helping students build confidence and character that stays with them long after they leave. Call today to schedule your next birthday party, or to learn more about PRO Martial Arts and all that they have to offer!
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in the colorfully decorated party room! Screamin’ Parties takes care of everything and makes sure parents never have to lift a finger. They also celebrate your child’s special day by having your child spin the Screamin’ Birthday Wheel and win a prize in front of his or her friends! Each party is important to them. They take fun seriously, and make sure that every party is filled with exciting memories that will last a lifetime! Please give them a call at (908)325-5420 if they can help you in any way. Remember you can reserve your party online anytime! They hope to see you soon.
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Screamin’ Parties 271 Route 22 East, Springfield, NJ SportsPlex at Metuchen (877)96-PARTY or (908)325-5420 215 Durham Ave., Metuchen, NJ 08840 419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 www.screaminpartiesspringfield.com (848)248-4684 outh, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 Every week at Screamin’ Parties they hear, “This was the best birthwww.metuchensportsplex.com day party we ever had!” Screamin’ Parties makes sure each and evDiscover one of Central New Jersey’s newest and finest indoor sports to: FAx # ery party is incredible, facilities at SportsPlex at Metuchen. Their sporting environment creFAxand # filled with happy and exciting memories. Prior to the party, they plan out all the details carefully to make sure ates the perfect atmosphere for a fun-filled event! Have your child’s that yourFrom: party celebration is perfect. On party day youiSSue will have DAte: party on one of their fields or courts, where you and your guests will nothing on your mind but DAte: enjoying your family and friends and havplay the sport of your choice. After playing, your birthday child and iSSue ing fun! When you arrive, they will immediately greet you and your guests will relax in one of the large party rooms. Enjoy the spacious guests, quickly assisting and leading you all into the first of their comfort of the SportsPlex and leave the work to them. No set-up, and call the or kid’s fax faces yourwhen comments oK. Your guests will enjoy basketball, soccer, dodgeball, two exciting fun-filled Please arenas. Watch you enter and/or no clean-up! se call or fax your comments and/or oK. the first arena. addition an incredible inflatable Shark slide, hockey, flag football, kickball, wiffleball or volleyball. SportsPlex rk Avenue South, 13th Floor,InNew York, NYto10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 they have exciting rides and attractions that are unique and fun for offers three different party packages. Pricing information is availSigNAture oF APProvAl: able on their party page at www.metuchensportsplex.com. After celrovAl: everyone! Your child and guests will enjoy this arena, playing with Screamin’ Ball Blasters, Graffiti Wall, ebrating a birthday party at the SportsPlex, your child will get these FAx # Wacky World inflatable, and more! They then escort your family and guests into Arena B, which additional discounts for one year: 20% off one camp each season is chock full of different rides and attractions, including an Interac(seasons defined on website), free open gym anytime (birthday child tive Video Stomp Floor, Huge iSSue Bounce House, Screamin’ Cycles, 4 only) 10% off one class per season, and 15% off next year’s birthDAte: person Air Hockey (included in package), the Obstacle Tunnel Slide day party. To book your child’s most exciting birthday party ever, inflatable, and more! After a total of an hour and 15 minutes of high call (848)248-4684 today! For more information check out www. energycall playtime, everyone ready to celebrate withoK. pizza and cake metuchensportsplex.com. Please or fax your iscomments and/or
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9 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734
ure oF APProvAl: ™
m:
• • • • • •
as seen in Sesame St. Magazine
Parachute Time 1,000 Characters Themed Parties Balloon Art Face Painting Singing & Dancing with Props Picnics Schools Camps Grand Openings
30 25 Years Years
FAxNorth # Jersey - Rockland County's iSSue DAte:
Delightful OriginaloK. Stories Please call or fax your comments and/or • performed with hand puppets
NAture oF APProvAl:
• • •
Dorothy D. Perretti Cell: 201•303•6227 dperretti2@verizon.net www.dotyourface.com
in a professional theatre!
Birthday Parties a Specialty Day care/Preschool/Library Recreational Programs/Scouts Recreational Programs/Cub Scouts
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hightouch hightech Science Made FUN!
The only 100% totally hands-on party For a totally awesome, age appropriate, birthday party www.ScienceMadeFunNNJ.net (201) 847-0199
Union Sports Arena 2441-A Route 22 West, Union, NJ 07083 (908)687-8610 www.unionsportsarena.com Discover the coolest place in Union County to have your child’s next birthday party! Union Sports Arena provides exciting ice-skating and soccer birthday party packages that your child and all of your guests are sure to love! Party packages include pizza and refreshments; ice cream cake; your own party hostess; all paper products; use of the private party room and plenty of time to have fun on the Arena’s indoor playing field or their NHL-sized skating rink. Trained, experienced soccer players or skaters are on hand at every party to accompany all of your guests. With a party at Union Sports Arena, they do all of the work....and you have all the fun! Aside from their unforgettable birthday parties, the Arena is also the perfect place for your next youth/school group, corporate outing or just a day out with the kids. Union Sports Arena is home to a wide variety of daily programs for visitors of all ages. Families are encouraged to find out more about their Public Skating sessions, Learn-to-Skate programs, Youth Leagues and soccer clinics on the Arena’s impressive new 90by-50-foot soccer field! And if it’s hockey that you are in the mood for, Union Sports Arena provides a wide variety of great hockey instruction, programs and league play for youth, family and adults! So why not score a huge goal with your whole family by paying a visit to Union Sports Arena today!
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BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY
Special Needs and Health & Fitness Special Needs Speech and Hearing Associates Avenel (732)750-4660 Cliffside Park (201)313-5335 Denville (973)664-6990 Martinsville (908)575-0399 Park Ridge (201)775-5699 Roseland (973)763-2841 Secaucus (201)578-1999 Woodland Park (973)785-0696 Westfield (908)232-2900 General Information (800)742-7551 www.speechandhearingassoc.com Speech and Hearing Associates (SHA), an award-winning practice, is celebrating more than 45 years of excellence in providing Speech Therapy as well as Hearing and Auditory Processing Evaluations. SHA’s experienced speech-language pathologists and audiologists provide evaluations and treatment to ensure that infants, children and adults reach their full potential to communicate and to hear all the sounds of life. SHA’s professional staff is NJ licensed and
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nationally certified, and participate in monthly continuing education programs. SHA’s speech-language pathologists evaluate and treat voice, articulation, fluency, language, processing and swallowing disorders; and their audiologists conduct hearing and hearing aid evaluations for all ages and are experts in diagnosing and providing educational recommendations for children with Central Auditory Processing Disorders. Speech and Hearing Associates also offers PROMPT and social communication groups. SHA has speech-language pathologists who are bilingual (Arabic, French, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Hindi, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu)! With offices in nine different locations, Speech and Hearing Associates is the largest private practice in New Jersey and offers the most comprehensive services for the evaluation and treatment of speech and hearing disorders affecting infants, children and adults. Speech and Hearing Associates receives referrals from and partners with physicians, hospitals, educators, schools, Head Start programs, early intervention programs and long-term care facilities. SHA consults with over 65 school districts in New Jersey, providing in-service training for educators, therapy and evaluations for students, as well as speech-language screenings, and Audiology/CAP consultations. Call Speech and Hearing Associates today to schedule an evaluation and/or treatment, or visit: www.speechandhearingassoc.com for more information.
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www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
Celebrating Over 45 Years of Award Winning Service
Excellent Speech + Excellent Hearing = ______________________ Success in School and Life
• Speech Therapy • Pediatric Audiology
Now Offering
In-office IV and General Anesthesia services by Board Certified Pediatric Anesthesiologists
Timothy P. McCabe, D.M.D.
AUDIOLOGY • HEARING AIDS • SPEECH THERAPY
Board Certified
Most insurance accepted
Julie Jong, D.M.D.
Day, evening and weekend hours
Board Certified
Dr. John Chang D.D.S Dr. Kelly Walk D.D.S
New Patients Welcome
Laser Dentistry (908)232-1231 • www.kidsandsmiles.com 555 Westfield Ave., Westfield , NJ
your needs, your neighborhood
To Schedule an Appointment Call:
800-742-7551
www.SpeechAndHearingAssoc.com Avenel, Cliffside Park, Denville, Martinsville, Park Ridge, Roseland, Secaucus, Westfield, Woodland Park October 2014 I parentguide News I 31
BIRTHDAY SPECIAL NEEDS DIRECTORY & HEALTH & FITNESS DIRECTORY new journey is sure to be a fun and rewarding experience. The path to optimum dental health starts at Flanders Pediatric Dentistry! Office hours are Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm, and Saturdays from 8am - 2pm. Call today to find out more!
Health & Fitness
Westfield Pediatric Dental Group 555 Westfield Ave., Westfield, NJ Flanders Pediatric Dentistry (908)232-1231 230 Route 206, Building 3, Flanders, NJ 07836 www.kidsandsmiles.com (973)927-2260 Westfield Pediatric Dental Group specializes in preventive dental www.flanderspediatricdentistry.com care for children and young adults. Their office is committed to proDiscover dentistry & orthodontics of the finest quality for infants, viding happy, healthy smiles and teaching children the importance children, adolescents and the handicapped at Flanders Pediatric of lifelong healthy, dental habits. The staff is made up of highly Dentistry. A leading pediatric dental and orthodontic practice trained, patient and experienced professionals who will make every conveniently located in Flanders, New Jersey, Flanders Pediatric visit as enjoyable as possible for infants, children, adolescents and Dentistry is dedicated to providing a pleasant and comfortable even special needs patients. Setting Westfield Pediatrics apart from atmosphere for your child’s first dental visit, and for the years to other dental offices is their use of Laser Dentistry. The latest in follow. At Flanders Pediatric Dentistry they understand the immodern innovations for the 21st Century, Laser Dentistry offers an 419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 portance of establishing a good oral hygiene regimen early in a alternative to the high-speed drill, which helps to eliminate fear and child’s life, and they work hard to make patients of all ages feel discomfort in young patients. The Erbium Laser has also proven right at home as they provide the necessary knowledge and treatsafe and effective for many surgical procedures, the removal of o: FAxstaff # is trained and skilled, ment to maintain a healthy smile. The tooth decay and cavity preparation in both adults and children. Call and they strive to provide energetic and fun-loving service to each Westfield Pediatrics today for more information or to set up your patient. Each member of the treatment team is a registered asrom: iSSue DAte: child’s next, or very first, appointment. sistant, and the office staff has years of experience in treating patients with the highest level of care. The doctors at Flanders Pediatric also stay abreast of the latest in technological advances callattending or faxcontinuing your comments oK.semibyPlease regularly education and/or courses and nars. They recognize that every patient has different needs, and pride themselves in the courteous service they deliver to each of gNAture their oF APProvAl: patients. Each doctor is committed to serving the residents of Flanders with the highest level of oral care available. Your child’s
ProoF
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Flanders Pediatric Dentistry Dentistry & Orthodontics for Infants, Children, Adolescents & The Handicapped
Get the Special Attention You Deserve
Edward M. Sonnenberg, DDS, FADH PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Joseph M. Arvay, DMD ORTHODONTIST
Bernadette A. Lapena, DDS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Amy Planz, DDS
Participate in the Special Needs and Health & Fitness Directory Continues December Septemberthru - December
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Michael Goldkind, DMD ORTHODONTIST
Michael Neiman, DDS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
973-927-2260 230 ROUTE 206, BUILDING 3 · FLANDERS, NJ 07836
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BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY
Win
$100 worth of kitchenware from Casabella
Submit photos of your children romping in a pile of leaves, bobbing for apples, dressing up for Halloween, picking pumpkins, building a scarecrow, or enjoying other fall-related fare by November 1 for a chance to win $100 worth of kitchenware from Casabella. Casabella wants to help you create your favorite autumn treats! Share it all with us at www.parentguidenews.com. We’ll post select entries online for viewer voting until the end of November. Encourage friends and relatives to vote once a day, too.
Visit www.parentguidenews.com for contest details. your needs, your neighborhood
October 2014 I parentguide News I 33
HEALTH
by Samantha Chan
4 2
1 Pack a truly complete lunch for your little ones with the brand-new Omiebox.The BPA- and phthalate-free plastic lunchbox features an insulated bowl to pack hot and cold items together. www.omielife.com/omiebox 2 Up the cleaning game in your home with the Soniclean VT Plus S-200 vacuum, which has a fragrance-dispensing system that freshens your home as you clean. www.mysoniclean.com 3 The Custom Care Modular Bathing Solution features three easy-to-change positions to promote proper support for your baby. www.toysrus.com
1
4 Babyganics Diaper Rash Cream boasts vitamins A, D, and E, as well as plant-based ingredients. www.babyganics.com
3
Go to www.parentguidenews.com for a chance to win these great prizes!
5 Whether you’re looking for a flashy accessory or a safety product, turn to 4id Fit Glow, which offers everything from headphones to shoelaces and armbands. www.4id.com
IR_Oct
34 I parentguide News I October 2014
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HEALTH 6 Get your fill of essential oils and nutrients from Carrington Farms Flax Paks, convenient snacks for on-the-go families. www.carringtonfarms.com 7 Natursutten offers your family an ecologically sustainable and natural rubber pacifier that’s softer than silicone and easy to clean. www.amazon.com
6
8 Pack your child’s lunch with a healthy alternative to cookies and candy with Lance Whole Grain Crackers, available in Cheddar Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, and Peanut Butter flavors. www.lance.com
7
9 Ditch traditional sweets this Halloween and pick up Surf Sweets, a non-GMO candy collection free of corn syrup, artificial food dyes, nuts, gluten, soy, and dairy. www.surfsweets.com 10 Tame the Flame from Healthy Mama Brand is a mint-flavored, calcium-rich antacid that relieves heartburn while being gentle on the body. www.healthymamabrand.com
8 Samantha Chan is the associate editor.
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your needs, your neighborhood
October 2014 I parentguide News I 35
TRAVEL
by Donald McDermott
The LullabyÂŽ Baby 3-Stage Portable Playard offers all the baby-care essentials to create a cozy environment for baby and a practical carestation for mom and dad. www.chiccousa.com
Whether visiting family and friends or heading out to eat, parents and babies are sure to love Cozy Cover’s portable easy seat. www.cozy-cover.com
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Simple, portable and convenient, the LullaGo™ bassinet is the ideal place for your newborn to sleep at home, on vacation, or anywhere else. www.chiccousa.com
The coolest, comfiest, and www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 most stylish accessory for safe travels, the BubbleBum inflatable booster seat is a great alternative to standard plastic boosters. www.bubblebum.us
Parents who are always on the move will love the new On The Go Changing Pad from Cozy Cover. The colorful pad is easy to store and comes with a Velcro handle. www.cozy-cover.com
Go to www.parentguidenews.com for a chance to win these great prizes!
Donald McDermott is the managing editor.
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Nassau Hudson Calendarof Events Manhattan Rockland Essex Queens Morris Passaic Westchester Sussex Union Middlesex Suffolk Bergen Monmouth Nassau Hudson Somerset Manhattan Rockland
October 2014
October 5
October 1: Live Productions, The South Orange Performing Arts Center, One Sopac Way, South Orange, (973)275-1114, www.sopacnow. org. SOPAC is the place to be for great performances for audiences of all ages. Ongoing through November 1.
October 18: Super Saturday, The Newark Museum, 49 Washington St., Newark, (973)596-6550, www.newarkmuseum.org. The museum encourages families to investigate the old and invent the new during two special hands on afternoon programs. 1-4pm.
The 14th Annual Pumpkin Festival, Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany, (973)887-8177, www. whippanyrailwaymuseum. net.The museum celebrates the fall season with an indoor and outdoor celebration for visitors of all ages. 12:30-530pm.
an unforgettable afternoon with the legendary children’s performers from down under.
October 4: The Wiggles, State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, (732)246-7469, www.statetheatrenj.org. Treat your little ones to
October 5: First Sundays, The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, (732)932-7237. Families are invited to join a museum guide in the lobby during a monthly program and spotlight tour.. 12:30-4pm.
October 11
Tom Chapin’s Family Concert, The South Orange Performing Arts Center, One Sopac Way, South Orange, (973)313ARTS (2787), www. sopacnow,org. SOPAC’s Kids ‘N’ Family series presents a musical afternoon with the award-winning entertainer that is designed to engage the heart, mind, and imagination. 2pm.
Morris
Queens
Sussex
Westchester
Middlesex Monmouth
your needs, your neighborhood
October 19 Pinocchio, The Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving St., Rahway, (732)499-8226, www.ucpac.org. IntroOctober 2014 I parentguide News I 37 duce your little ones to the amazing world of dance as talented mem-
Sussex Essex Calendarof Events Middlesex Reach Passaic Thousands Monmouth Union of Your Best Prospects Somerset Suffo Bergen for About Nass $2 Per Day Hudson The 14th Annual Pumpkin Festival, Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany, October 5 (973)887-8177, www. whippanyrailwaymuseum. The 14th Annual Pumpkin net.The Whippany museum celeFestival, Railbrates the fall Whippany, season with way Museum, an indoor and outdoor (973)887-8177, www. celebration for visitors of whippanyrailwaymuseum. all ages.museum 12:30-530pm. net.The celebrates the fall season with an indoor and outdoor October 11: Oktoberfest, celebration for visitorsForest of Lodge, 11 Reinman Road, Warren, www.forestlodge.com. There is sure to be plenty of fun for everyone all ages. 12:30-530pm. during a day long event that includes singing, dancing, delicious foods, vendors, and an amazing kids pavillion.
October 11
Now, www.parentguidenews.com makes it easy and affordable to place ADVERTISING DIRECTLY ONLINE.
Just click on the “advertising information” link at the top of the www.parentguidenews.com home page and follow the simple steps to take your business to a totally new place. Please note that you can always receive personal assistance by calling the Advertising Direct Helpline at (212) 213-8840, ext. 224 or e-mailing us at advertisingdirect@parentguidenews.com.
Tom Chapin’s Family Concert, The South Orange Performing Arts October 11 Center, One Sopac Way, South Orange,Family (973)313Tom Chapin’s ARTS (2787), www. OrConcert, The South sopacnow,org. SOPAC’s ange Performing Arts Kids ‘N’One Family series presents a musical afternoon with the Center, Sopac Way, award-winning entertainer that is designed to engage the South Orange, (973)313heart,(2787), mind, www. and imagination. 2pm. ARTS sopacnow,org. SOPAC’s Kids ‘N’ Family series presents a musical afternoon with the award-winning entertainer that is designed to engage the heart, mind, and imagination. 2pm.
Rockland
Manh
Morris
Quee
Westch
October 11: Superheroes!, The Imagine That! Children’s Museum, 4 Vreeland Road, Florham Park, Imagine That!, (973)966-8000, www. imaginethatmuseum.com. Explore all that the museum has to offer and meet a few of your favorite costumed characters in one of their most popular events of the year.
Sussex
October 19Jersey Baby & Child Expo, Parsippany P.A.L., October 25: New 33 Baldwin Road, Parsippany, www.riverstreetent.com. This family
Middlesex
Pinocchio, The Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving St., October 19 Rahway, (732)499-8226, www.ucpac.org. IntroPinocchio, The Union duce your little onesArts to County Performing the amazing world St., of Center, 1601 Irving dance as(732)499-8226, talented memRahway, bers of the New IntroJersey Ballet bring this timeless fairy www.ucpac.org. tale to life little rightones before duce your to your eyes. 3pm. the amazing world of dance as talented members of the New Jersey Ballet bring this timeless fairy tale to life right before your eyes. 3pm.
Monmouth Somerset
38 I parentguide News I October 2014
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Middlesex friendly event includes vendors, information and more.
October 11
Monmouth Essex Somerset
October 31: A Spooktacular Celebration, The Imagine That!
Tom Chapin’sMuseum, Family 4 Vreeland Road, Florham Park, Imagine That!, Children’s (973)966-8000, www.imaginethatmuseum.com. The museum invites Concert, The South Orfamilies to stop inArts and get in the “spirit” of the season. ange Performing Center, One Sopac Way, South Orange, (973)313ARTS (2787), www. sopacnow,org. SOPAC’s Kids ‘N’ Family series presents a musical afternoon with the award-winning entertainer that is designed to engage the heart, mind, October 1: and Gameimagination. Day at the J,2pm. The Shimon & Sara Birnbaum Jew-
Passaic
ish Community Center, 775 Talamini Road, Somerset, (908)725-6994, www.ssbjcc.org. The JCC welcomes its older community members to drop by in the afternoon for a game of Bridge, Canasta, or Mah Jong. Mondays and Thursdays throughout the fall. 1pm.
Union
October 4: Morning Dog Walks, Lord Stirling Stable, 256 South Maple Ave., Basking Ridge, (908)635-8672. These sanctioned dog walks offer participants the only opportunity to explore the beautiful equestrian trails of Lord Stirling Stable on foot.. Presented again on October 11, 18, and 25.
Bergen
Pinocchio, The Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving October 24St., Rahway, (732)499-8226, The SugarloafIntroCrafts www.ucpac.org. Festival, Garden duce your little ones State to Exhibit Center, the amazing world 50 of AtriumasDrive, Somerset, dance talented mem(732)469-4000, www. bers of the New Jersey Ballet bring this timeless fairy gsec.com. More than tale to life right before your eyes. 3pm. 250 talented artisans have been hand picked to sell and display their work at this special event. Offered are contemporary crafts in sculpture, glass, jewelry, wood, leather, metal, furniture, home accessories, photography, and fine art.
Rockland Morris Sussex
Middlesex
Through November 2: Fright Fest, Six Flags Great Adventure, Exit 7A off the New Jersey Turnpike, Jackson, (732)928-2000, www. sixflags.com. Enjoy family friendly thrills by day and spine tingling frights by night during this annual celebration that includes a Trickor-Treat Trail, Monster Mash Bash, Haunted Trail Rides, and more. Ongoing through November 2.
Suffo
October 1: Basketball Clinics for Kids, Hoops There It Is, 11 Springfield Ave., Cranford, www.hoopsthereitis.net. Elementary and middle school-age basketball fans receive fundamental to advanced instruction in all aspects of basketball. Runs through November 1.
October 6: Learn to Heal Yourself and Your Loved Ones, The Introduction to Pranic Healing Center, 1077 Nicholas Ave., Union, (908)6887974, www.blessedland.vpweb.com. Experience inner peace while learning to accelerate the body’s ability to heal itself in this introduction to Pranic healing. 7:15pm.
Nass
Ongoing: The Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, (908)789-3670, www.ucnj.org/trailside. Located on 2,000 eye catching acres, pay an exciting and educational visit to the Trailside Nature & Science Center.
Manh Rockland Westchester Calendarof Events Quee Morris
Family Gym Time, InMonorder to ensure the best possible The Fort mouthexperience Recreation at community events and Center, Tinton Falls, programs, please check with the host before (848)456-4278. attendingThe in case details have changed. state-of-the-art Center invites you your needs, your neighborhood to enjoy playtime with your kids. Tunnels, gym mats, trampolines, and scooters are available. 12:30-2:30pm.
Monmouth
Essex
www.forestlodge.com. There is sure to be plenty of fun for everyone during a day long event that includes singing, dancing, delicious foods, vendors, and an amazing kids pavillion with everything from inflatables and rides to face painters, and much more!
Bergen Manhattan Hudson Queens
October 11: Oktoberfest, Forest Lodge, 11 Reinman Road, Warren,
October 29
Family Gym Time, The Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls, (848)456-4278. The state-of-the-art Center invites you to enjoy playtime with your kids. Tunnels, gym mats, trampolines, and scooters are available. 12:30-2:30pm.
Passaic Suffolk Union Nassau
Ongoing Throughout the Fall: Soccer Programs for Kids, (973)5431197, www.kiddiesoccer.com. Kiddie Soccer proudly offers soccer classes and instruction at locations throughout Bergen, Essex, MiddleOctober 19 sex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic and Somerset Counties.
Hudson
October 29
Share your event details by the 1st of the preceding month
Submit family activities and events FREE of charge at www.parentguidenews.com/Catalog/SubmitACalendarItem or e-mail Donald McDermott: Donald@parentguidenews.com
Sussex
Middlesex
Westch
October 2014 I parentguide News I 39
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Call or schedule a free introductory class online. Caldwell – 973-228-1787 Englewood South – 201-567-8880 Hasbrouck Heights – 201-288-5556 Montclair – 973-744-1002 Waldwick – 201-445-4444 Wayne – 973-305-0600
Now offering Hip Hop at select locations!
www.thelittlegym.com
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