MAY 2014
BIRTHDAY Directory Magical venues, entertainers, & services inside
Autism
in the classroom
SUMMER Directory Programs, day camps, & sleepaways
www.parentguidenews.com Over 1,000 Exciting Family Events S
Suffolk
May 2014 I parentguide News I
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contents
table of
May 2014 Volume 31 • Number 5
C
Camp Coverage
Bir
Camp Considerations................................ 24 A program director shares expert advice.
Mo
Camp Directory..................................... 26 P. 24
C
A look at leading day camps and summer programs.
Do
Birthday Coverage
Thi
Tra
Des
Pro Party Tips.......................... 14
He
Avoid birthday burnout.
Birthday Directory....................... 16 Party places and entertainers for the happiest of occasions.
Insi
Up
P. 14
Esse
B
Special Needs
Tra
Attr
Autism-Friendly Schools................................................. 38 What to seek in an academic setting.
Cal
A co perf
Special Needs and Health & Fitness Directory.......... 39 Experts and services catering to family wellness and special needs.
Co
Health & Fitness P. 42
The Facts of Lice........... 42 Keep the little bugs at bay.
Features
Ar
P. 44
Playground Safety.......................... 10 A checklist of guidelines and cautions.
Con D
Start a Garden................................ 12 Make a fruitful adventure a family affair.
Long Weekend Trips.................... 44 Easy ventures for those extra days.
Woman oman mom
Balance as Myth............................................................... 48 Eight tips to stop trying to “do it all” and find success.
Submi PARE News News NY 1
Feeling Good, Looking Good................................................ 49 Products and accessories to make your life extra fabulous. I parentguide News I May 2014
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This Job’s for You!
Imagine. .
4 working four hours a day or more, in your own home, while your child’s in school. 4 having a job that revolves around parenting. 4 working with wonderful people. 4 having so much fun that you won’t even know you’re working.
www.parentguidenews.com Over 1,000 Exciting Family Events
Are your friends astounded by your knowledge of the children’s market– the best schools, after-school programs and birthday places around?
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If you enthusiastically answered, “yes,� to the above question, we might have the perfect career opportunity for you.
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We’re looking for advertising sales/account executives to help make PARENTGUIDE News the most powerful resource for families in the area. Candidates must have excellent communication, creative, and organizational skills, as well as possess an entrepreneurial nature. There’s excellent earning potential for the right person. Our flexible schedule lets you take care of business while being there for your family.
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your needs, your neighborhood
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contents contents
Wetable Buy, Sell of and Trade Gently Used Kids’ Stuff!
table of
Bring in your nearly new kids’ stuff, and we’ll pay you cash on the spot for all items accepted
HShoes and
HClothing
• Infant To Size 10-12 Accessories May 2014 Volume 31 • (0-18 months must have tags) • Casual and Dress Shoes • Play Clothes • Dresswear • Outerwear • Sleepwear
Number 5
May 2014 Volume 31 • Number 5
Contests
Camp Coverage HEquipment
WE ACCEPT ALL SEASON APPAREL
Birthday Blowout......................................................... 52
HFurniture
• High Chairs & Swings Camp Considerations................................ 24 • Gates
• Changing Tables & Dressers • Bassinets & Cradles
ProoF
• Exersaucers A program director shares expert advice. HBooks and Toys • Pack N Plays
Mom’s Little Angel Photo Contest............................. 53
• Children’s Books & DVDs • Bouncy Seats • Infant-Preschool Toys • Booster Seats (table) • Outdoor Toys • at Puzzles Jumperoos A look leading day •camps and summer programs.
Camp Directory..................................... 26
Clothing must be in good condition, of current style, freshly laundered and neatly organized in boxes or 24 419 Park P. Avenue South, NewToys, York, NY and 10016 212-213-8840 Faxbe clean 212-447-7734 other folding containers. equipment furniture • items must include all original•parts, and
to:
From:
in good working condition and meet all industry safety standards. Because the safety of children is a top priority at Once Upon A Child, we are unable to purchase recalled or retrofitted products. We reserve the right to refuse items based on condition, current inventory levels and past experience.
Birthday FAx # Visit our website at Coverage iSSue DAte: www.onceuponachildseaford.com
Columns
Don’t Miss........................................................................ 8 This month’s entertainment and activities.
Travel.............................................................................. 46
Used Items Buy Back Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-3pm & Saturday 9am-1pm
Destinations, product picks, and getaway tips.
Pro Party Tips.......................... 14
Health............................................................................ 50
Avoid birthday burnout.
Insight and items for your family’s care.
Please call or fax your comments Birthday Directory....................... 16 and/or oK. Kid’s Stuff With Previous Experience™ Party places and entertainers for the P. 14
Update........................................................................... 58
516-579-4200
Essential products and information for your brood.
happiest of occasions. SigNAture oF APProvAl:
Bonus
1089 Hicksville Rd., Seaford
Special Needs
¼ Mile North of Southern State Parkway (exit 29N, Rte. 107) STORE HOURS: Monday-Saturday 9 am-6:30 pm & Sunday 11am-5pm
Travel Directory.............................................................. 47 Attractions and accommodations for great getaways.
Autism-Friendly Schools................................................. 38 What to seek in an academic setting.
Calendar of Events........................................................ 52 A comprehensive listing of your neighborhood’s classes, events, and performances.
Special Needs and Health & Fitness Directory.......... 39 Experts and services catering to family wellness and special needs.
Cover Credit: Shira Z. Photography at www.shirazphotography.com
Health & Private Lessons atFitness Your Home or Site The Facts of Lice........... 42 Keep the little bugs at bay. We Riding. P. 42 Teach Bicycle P. 44 Features
Publisher Steve Elgort Editor-in-Chief Rachel Kalina Managing Editor Donald McDermott Associate Editor Samantha Chan Art Directors Margaret Baldauf, Susanne Kimball, Ilana Rispoli Director of Web Development Kristen Jankowski
Playground Safety.......................... 10
Accounting Teresa Pinargote
A checklist of guidelines and cautions.
Start a Garden................................ 12
Contributing Writers Lauren Cook, Carol Gilbert, Monica Holloway, David Reeves, Kara Mayer Robinson, Alan Saltz, Alison Smith, Teresa Taylor
Long Weekend Trips.................... 44
Advertising Managers Deirdre Antoniello, Karen Gibofsky, Bill Scalzitti
Make a fruitful adventure a family affair. Easy ventures for those extra days.
Woman oman mom
Advertising Sales Representatives Karin Mikelis, Jacalyn Rose, Susan Rush, Jennifer Serpi, Amy Smith, Rena Spangler, Felicia Stafford, Erica Tiso
Balance as Myth............................................................... 48
PGTV Producer Beth Elgort
Eight tips to stop trying to “do it all” and find success.
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.
Feeling Good, Looking Good................................................ 49 Products and accessories to make your life extra fabulous. 1-800-281-7961 • ProfessorPedals.com I parentguide News I May 2014
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Letter from the Editor U
by Rachel Kalina
May flowers have been popping really want to plan is the perfect children’s party. If so, up, and their bold colors are a wel- you’ll find the Birthday Directory to be full of exciting encome sight for eyes used to grey tertainers, vivacious venues, and spectacular services. Get skies. It’s usually about this time advice on how to avoid birthday burnout while you strive of year that I start to make summer to celebrate your child’s special day with Alison Smith’s weekend and vacation plans to take full “Pro Party Tips.” advantage of the warm weather ahead. And, as the current academic year winds down, it’s never If you don’t have time for an extended vacay in upcomtoo early to think ahead to the next one. Particularly if you ing months but want to enjoy some precious extra days off seek a setting that can best engage your child with special (perhaps during Memorial Day weekend), dive into a quick needs, you’ll want to read “Autism-Friendly Schools” by family jaunt. “Long Weekend Trips” by expert travel mama Monica Holloway. Kara Mayer Robinson has ideas for easy adventures in states For now, fill the days and weeks ahead with exciting fam419 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 like Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Maryland. ily activities from the Calendar of Events. And in honor of Perhaps your main summer concern at the moment reMother’s Day, be sure to enter the Mom’s Little Angel Photo TO: FAX # volves not around travel, but rather camp. It’s okay if you’re Contest for the chance to win great prizes. Also find endless still trying to solidify plans; the Camp Directory in this issue entertainment, tons of articles, and the fabulous Sandbox FROM: ISSUE DATE: features day camps, sleepaway camps, and summer programs Social blog at www.parentguidenews.com. to give you all the options you need. Plus, “Camp Considerations” by program director Alan Saltz can help you narrow Have a superb spring season! Please call or fax your comments and/or OK. down your choices. The article offers a plethora of questions you’ll want to ask camp staff during tours and open houses. SIGNATURE OF APPROVAL: Maybe at the moment, or in the near future, what you
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9 West Ave. • Hicksville
516.938.1137 carouseldayschool.com
your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I
DON’T MISS
May
by Donald McDermott
Still Amazing g
Everyone’s favorite web-slinging, wall-crawling hero is back on the big screen in The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Available in 2D and 3D, the highly anticipated sequel finds Peter Parker’s alter ego facing off against new villains Electro and the Rhino. The flick swings into theaters on May 3.
LEGO Action g
Get ready to trek across Middle-earth in the LEGO® The Hobbit video game. The kid-friendly game encourages players to “buddy up,” work together, and have fun. It is available now for the Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, the Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, and Windows PC.
Saddle Up
A Grand Slam
The stars of Lalaloopsy™ are back for a third magical animated ride in Lalaloopsy Ponies:The Big Show. Based on the popular toy and entertainment lines, the Lalaloopsy girls discover their new pen pals are talking ponies! Lalaloopsy Ponies: The Big Show is on DVD now.
Just in time for the start of baseball season, Sony presents MLB 14 The Show! The game features incredible graphics, expanded options, draft levels, instruction for beginners, commentary, and more. Rated E for Everyone, MLB 14 The Show is available now for the PS3 and PS4 game systems.
Feel the Power g
One of Nickelodeon’s most successful series is back and even more supercharged in Power Rangers Megaforce: The Great Dragon Spirit. The release includes four unforgettable episodes that focus on a group of teenage heroes who defend the world from evil. Power Rangers Megaforce is available on DVD and Digital HD now.
Dorothy’s Back
Glee star Lea Michele dons ruby slippers and takes on the title role in Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return. Opening in theaters May 9, the new animated adventure finds Dorothy back in Oz to save her friends.The heartwarming film also features the voices of Jim Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Kelsey Grammer, and Megan Hilty.
Wildlife Wonders
Oceanhouse Media invites families to go along for the ride with the legendary Cat in the Hat in A Great Day for Pup! - All About Wild Babies. The charming and educational book app takes kids on a fun exploration of wildlife all over the world. Download your copy from the app store today! I parentguide News I May 2014
MB 5/14
Bowie for Babies
Legendary rock star David Bowie gets the lullaby treatment from Rockabye Baby! Focusing on his songs from the 70s and 80s, Lullaby Renditions of David Bowie features softened versions of Bowie’s most well-known hits. Order it on CD or download your digital version today.
Dark and Disney g
The tale of one of Disney’s most fearsome villains comes to life in Maleficent. The dark, live action fantasy from Walt Disney Pictures follows her from a beautiful young girl to the mistress of all evil who places a curse on the infant princess Aurora. Starring Angelina Jolie, Maleficent opens on May 30.
Hungry for More
Catching Fire, the second installment in wildly popular The Hunger Games franchinse, is ready to be brought home on DVD and BluRay. The worldwide monster box office hit features an all-star cast, an action-packed story, and more than two hours of incredible bonus features. Pick up your copy today! Donald McDermott is the managing editor. parentguidenews.com
May
by Donald McDermott
Falling Flat
Under the Sea
An ordinary 10 year old dreams of achieving great things in The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley. Designed especially for young audiences, this delightful production is sure to warm the hearts of parents and children alike. Performances are held on May 3,4,10,11,17, and 18 at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport. For showtimes and tickets, call (631)261-2900 or go to www.engemantheater.com.
Proof
Cool as Ice
The Studio Theatre, 141 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst, brings one of the most beloved tales ever told to life before your eyes on May 3, 10, and 17. The Little Mermaid tells the story of a young mermaid named Ariel who dreams of falling in love and living her life as a human. Get your tickets at www.broadhollow.org.
Proof
Make a Splash Fun for Families Summer is right around the corner, which Expect plenty of fun for the whole www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 means it’s time for another great season at family when the Mosaic Street Paint-
Darlings & Divas, 65 Merrick Road, Amityville, offers a totally “cool” adventure in the Ice Princess Party on May 21. The evening festivities include ice princess hair styling, mini-manicures with snowflake art, ice princess glittery makeup, pizza, dessert, photos, special guests, and more! Reservations are required. Hold your child’s spot by calling (631)608-4710.
Splish Splash Water Park, 2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton. Brand new for the summer of 2014 is highly anticipated, interactive water attraction The Battle of Mutiny Bay! Splish Splash opens its doors during Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26. Contact the park at (631)727-3600 or via www.splishsplash.com to find out more.
ing Festival comes to town on May 25. The East End Arts & Humanities Council presents an afternoon event that includes live music and entertainment, face painting, drumming, dancing, festival food, and more. For details, log onto www.eastendarts.org.
Donald McDermott is the managing editor.
S MB 5/14
Introducing your ch ild to the world’s GRE ATEST GAME!
Looking for the Right School? Start your search with these wonderful schools that offer Soccer Shots, your child’s fun, non competitive introduction to soccer!
LONG ISLAND:
• Bethpage Nursery School • Buckley Country Day School • Calling All Kids, Again • Creative Kids Nursery School at Holy Resurrection • Crestwood Country Day School • Discoveries School • Doris Kramer Preschool • First Presbyterian Nursery School • Friends Together Nursery • Greentrees Country Day School
• HANC-Plainview • Imaginations at Play • Kiddie Kollege • KinderCare - Port Jefferson • KinderCare - Smithtown • Learn and Play • Little Minds Montessori • M.A.T.S.S Kid’s Gym, Bellmore • M.A.T.S.S Kid’s Gym, Syosset • Meacham Child Care Center • Mid-Island Y JCC • Midshore Mothers’ Center • Mimi’s Creative Kids
• Miss Tara’s Little Rascals • Munchkinland Child Care • Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation Preschool • Once Upon a Treetop • Our Precious Angels Daycare • Prime Time Early Learning Centers • Red Robin Country Day School • Shalom Day Care Center • Shelter Rock Nursery School • So Big Preschool Nursery • Sweet Tots Creative Child Care
• Temple Sinai Nursery School • Tender Garden Preschool • The Growing Tree North • The Growing Tree Nursery • The Life Day School • The Wooden Shoe Nursery • TLC Daycare • Toddler Time • Trinity Lutheran School • Tutor Time, Levittown • WMCC - Pixie Preschool • Woodbury Jewish Center Nursery School
516-749-1773 • agallego@soccershots.org • www.soccershots.org your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I
by David Reeves
Playground
Safety A checklist of guidelines and cautions.
For playgrounds to be safe places for children, there must be oversight on the use and maintenance of their equipment. It is far too easy to take the safety of playground equipment for granted. When we do that, harm can come to children, who can’t assess for themselves whether their play zones are safely designed and maintained. The following checklist is a helpful guide to anyone responsible for playground equipment, including parents, who may be the only adults present when children arrive to play.
Adults should check equipment and grounds. Playground equipment can develop frayed plastic or metal that can snag clothes or cause injury. Similarly, any ground connection parts should be adequately protected or covered to prevent exposed concrete or bolts from protruding. On hot days, adults should check on exposed surfaces to ensure overheated plastic or metal does not harm anyone. Kids should fit the equipment on which they’re playing. Age-appropriate equipment is important for safety. Children who are too small to reach critical rungs or crossbars are susceptible to falls. Kids who are too big for play equipment can hit their heads or even intimidate smaller children. Look for loose equipment and bolts, as well as stray ropes. Even the best playground equipment when left to the elements or subject to constant play without maintenance checks can develop dangerously loose bolts, broken chains, and worn elements. Strings and ropes that fray may have been tied onto equipment by creative or bored kids. All these circumstances can present safety hazards and should be reported or fixed immediately.
For further reading:
www.playgroundsafety.org/safety-tips/checklist www.cpsc.gov www.safekids.org
10 I parentguide News I May 2014
Direct children to remove sports gear, bike helmets, or jewelry on the playground. Playgrounds are full of nooks and crannies that can snag sports equipment, resulting in strained joints or muscles, or even strangulation if a bike helmet is caught. Proper shoes are important, too, as flip-flops and other loose footwear can come off during play, causing a fall. Children should also remove jewelry or even loose clothing that can catch on equipment.
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Pick up after dogs, geese, and birds. A healthy play environment does not contain animal feces. Find a plastic bag, remove dog or goose poop, and (with gloves) wipe off bird droppings from equipment. Check the heat, cold, and moisture conditions on equipment. Children may rush to jump on a playground even when the sun is so hot the equipment can burn skin. The same thing goes for playing on very cold or freezing playground equipment. Adults should always consider environmental conditions. If it has recently rained or snowed, footing can be slippery.
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Check the ground surface for consistency. Be sure to check the areas below playground equipment where children may fall. Is the depth consistent and deep enough (12 inches) to protect children who do fall? Are there bumps or hard protrusions that could harm or trip a child? In urban areas where rubber surfaces 419dangerous Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 may be used, check the ground for safe temperatures, glass, or other materials.
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 to:
FAx #
Taking responsibility for the safety of the playgrounds on which children play is a choice that prevents harm and even saves lives. The steps are often From: simple, but the safety you provide is worth every second you devote to the task.
iSSue DAte:
David Reeves is the marketing manager of Playland Inc., which has deepPlease call roots in the park and playground markets, including schools, daycare centers, and more. Playland Inc. offers customers the abilitySigNAture to directlyoF APProvAl: purchase indoor and outdoor playgrounds, shelters, shades, water slides, and site amenities. To learn more, visit www.playland-inc.com.
or fax your comments and/or oK.
for this Log k o o Lo Th rou g
hout the
! e u Iss
make beautiful music together.
This is your opportunity to win some very exciting products and/or services featured in this issue’s Update, Health, and Womom columns.
Exciting family classes—a rich musical environment that encourages your infant, toddler, or preschooler to explore the joy of music. Find out what beautiful music you and your family can make together.
Log onto www.parentguidenews.com, find the “Win This Product” logo on our homepage, follow some simple directions, and good luck.
(800) 728-2692 . musictogether.com Classes in Long Island and Queens. MusicTogetherLI-Queens.com
your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 11
P
Gardening is like magic. A hard little seed turns peace, send them out to the garden with a water bottle or squirt gun. •Have the children add mulch (straw or wood chips) 3 to 6 inches into a stem with tender green leaves. It keeps deep around the plants, which will keep the plants healthier and leave you with less weeding and watering to do. growing and then — voila! — a tomato, a •If your kids are older, point out weeds for them to dig up. pumpkin, or a bright flower appears. It’s easy to •Make homemade plant labels on Popsicle sticks or rocks. Be sure to Mod Podge them or use permanent marker so the names won’t wash share this enchanted world with your children. away.
My son’s eyes light up when he pulls a strawberry out of the soil or when a sunflower grows taller than him! When you garden with your children, you have the opportunity to bond with them over gourds and grapes while they learn that food isn’t made in the grocery store. And, who knows, they might just try some of the veggies they grew with their bare hands!
Make it kid friendly •Use raised beds, containers,
or clearly delineated pathways so you don’t have to worry about your heirloom tomato seedling getting trampled by Spider-Man sneakers.
•Give the kids a say in
what gets planted. Everyone will end up frustrated if you plant nothing but broccoli.
•Think about planting a
variety of vegetables so that while you are waiting for the tomatoes to grow, you can be pulling up the radishes.
Put the family to work
Choose easy-to-grow plants •Beets can get a bad rap because they’re so, well, red. But despite their vibrant coloring, they are delicious, especially roasted; they taste like potatoes, only earthier. You can’t go wrong with Detroit Dark Reds.
•Strawberries
are low maintenance and delicious. They send out runners and spread quickly, so it’s best to contain them in a pot or raised bed garden, which is built above the ground. You’ll have to force yourself to pinch off the runners and flowers the first year so the roots can grow strong, but I promise the second year will be worth it. Plant these seeds as soon as the soil can be worked. Northeaster is a good choice.
•Sunflowers
Let the children push seeds into the soil (big seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower, or beet are better for little hands).
are fun and whimsical. Show children how the flower heads follow the sun. Sow seeds directly into the soil. Stay small (2 to 3 feet) with Teddy Bear sunflowers or go big (10 to 15 feet) with the Paul Bunyan variety.
great, especially miniature versions of Mom’s and Dad’s.
•Cherry tomatoes are perfectly kid sized and make a great
the plants. Or, to buy yourself a few extra minutes to drink your coffee in
•Create your own pumpkin patch. But watch out, they meander
•
•Give them a spade to dig some holes. Child-sized garden tools are •Give the little ones the hose, and have them water around the base of 12 I parentguide News I May 2014
IR_May
outdoor snack. Plant transplants in mid-May. Try Natures Bites.
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and need quite a bit of room. If space is at a premium, consider planting just one or two seeds or plants. Plant in mid-May. Magic Lantern pumpkins don’t travel as far as other varieties.
Let’s get started 1. Pick a spot. Most plants like sun, so choose a place that gets six to eight hours of sunlight.
2.
Buy organic soil for your containers or raised bed. Raised beds can be handmade with the help of a simple online search for instructions or purchased as a prefabricated kit from stores like Home Depot. If you’re planting directly in the ground, first pull out grass or weeds. Loosen the soil, and top it with compost (you can buy it pre-packaged and aged from the local nursery or make your own).
3.
Plant your seeds directly into loose soil by following the instructions on the seed packet. If you can, find a reputable seed distributor, such as www.harrisseeds.com, for high-quality seeds that are non-genetically modified and suitable for your area. The website has lively plant descriptions and tons of helpful information. Your only problem will be trying to decide between the Cannon Ball or the Prankster pumpkin seeds. Alternatively, you can buy transplants, which have already started growing, from your local nursery for less wait time.
4. Go and grow! Lauren Cook cultivates her backyard garden along with the green thumbs of her three boys (husband and two sons). Follow her parenting adventures at www.savedbythenap.blogspot.com and her homesteading endeavors at www.suburbanpioneers.wordpress.com.
s e z i r P g n i m o c p U & Giveaways You, Too, Can WIN! Enter at www.parentguidenews.com
Aermate Wine Aerator
Congratulations to Recent
Winners
Evenflo® Giveaway Pack
Ashton & Ayden H., winners of the Big Smooch Photo Contest, won a Stiga® Master Series ST3100 Competition Indoor Table Tennis Table! Laurie won a Casabella Spring Cleaning Giveaway. Terry S. won a Madame Alexander Doll. Kathie C. won a Posh Play Diaper Combo Clutch. Lisa C. won a ciao! baby Portable High Chair.
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your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 13
Pro
y t r a P s p i T
by Alison Smith
Avoid birthday burnout. Birthday parties are supposed to be fun, right? What’s not to love? Even the planning is exciting. Picking the venue, theme, and birthday cake; making the guest list and invitations; counting down the hours ‘til the big event — these are all the things that “good parents” celebrate from beginning to end, right? Okay, well, maybe some parents do so, but let’s face it: More of us don’t get that excited over every single party detail. And that’s okay — nobody’s judging. Today, family schedules are busting at the seams. Our homes are littered with dusty, broken, and forgotten loot from birthdays past. Add to the mix the pressure we get to invite our kid’s entire class and school rules on handing out invitations. It’s no wonder we’ve got birthday party burnout. Something’s gotta give, which is why online birthday party services that do the work for us have become an integral tool for modern-day families looking to bring meaning, ease, and excitement back to the whole birthday party experience. Such services can help you design and send e-invitations and thank you notes, manage R.S.V.P.s and gifts, collect important guest info (for special needs like food allergies), and
Celebrate with
Charity
If your house is already filled with too many toys and you want to try something unique for this year’s event, try teaching your child about the power of giving back. Children are naturally giving at hear t.They just need to be shown how their small steps can have a big impact. Paint a picture of reality to which a child can relate.Ask him to imagine waking up in the mor ning to find an empty fridge and bare cupboards. Now ask that child how he would feel if he could help to fill that fridge so that another child could go to school with a full tum my.Ask him how he would feel if part of his birthday loot went to a local food bank to help put food in hungry tum mies, and I am sure you can guess the response. Putting the child in the driver’s seat allows him to experience being empowered. If we are able to show a helpful impact in a tangible terms, we may actu ally be able to make giving the new getting. The dialogue of giving can start at any time of the year and should be fun. Demonstrating how a child is already very generous of spirit may help him to make the decision to give on his birthday. Why not star t a giving calendar during the year? Keep track of all of the ways your child has shown giving gestures by marking them down on a special calendar that he has decorated.As the experiences add up, your child will likely be motivated to give even more. Small yet mighty ideas: Send a nice note to a friend. Bake some cookies to give to a neighbor. Have a lemonade stand with free drinks. Ideas are endless and fun, and they help set the stage for lifelong generosity.
integrate a charitable element to the occasion. Planning your kid’s birthday party doesn’t have to be a frenzied rush to get everything done in time you don’t have. Here’s how:
•Say, “adios,” to snail mail and paper cuts.
Take the wondering out of if and when your guests receive an invitation by opting for e-invites (also a cheaper, more eco-friendly route). Design possibilities are endless, as well. E-thank you notes give you the same conveniences, plus the opportunity to personalize with links to party photos. 14 I parentguide News I May 2014
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•Go for gifts to remember.
Group gifts can make giving a birthday kid what he really wants possible. What’s more, receiving something special from all your friends has cache that lasts a lifetime (who wouldn’t love his first scooter or camera even more if it were a gift from buddies?). Online birthday party services make it possible for guests to chip in for big, desired gifts — in just a few clicks — saving them time and money while cutting down on waste. Meaningful gifts are memorable.
•Birthdays gifts can go both ways.
Why not use your child’s birthday as an opportunity to teach him about the joy of helping less fortunate kids? There are a lot of ways to do this that don’t require taking anything away from your child. Donating unwanted gifts to hospitals and fundraising for charities that directly improve the lives of children in need are two easy and relevant options that can be facilitated by online birthday services (no extra effort required). If your child is enthusiastic about the idea, you may want to also consider asking guests to donate to a charity of the child’s choice in lieu of tangible gifts.
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•Treat your guests like royalty without lifting a finger.
Using an online service to organize and manage birthday party planning is a gift to everyone, especially guests. Parents love being able to contribute toward great gifts without ever having to leave their home. If there’s a charitable element to the gift, they love that it doesn’t cost more time or money to give to a worthy cause.
Alison Smith is the co-founder of ECHOage.com, a birthday party website with a charitable twist. Reinventing the birthday party experience for the modern-day family, ECHOage gives parents all the tools they need to plan and manage an effortless event while teaching their children about the value of giving. Guests can securely contribute funds online, half of which go toward the charity of the child’s choice, and half of which go toward the child’s desired birthday gifts.
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May 2014 I parentguide News I 15
Let’s Celebrate! Entertainers, Party Places and More...
At Their Place
birthday and team parties, school fundraisers, and youth group functions, BounceU Farmingdale is the best choice for “creating memories that last a lifetime.” So, bounce over and enjoy a great time with your family and friends. Call for details.
ProoF
BounceU Farmingdale 101 Carolyn Boulevard, Farmingdale, NY 11735 (631)777-JUMP (5867) BounceU Smithtown farmingdale.ny@bounceu.com Country View Commons, 62 Lake Ave., Nesconset, NY 11767 www.bounceu.com/farmingdale (631)265-JUMP (5867) 19 Park Avenue Floor,“Best New York, NY 10016 • Fax VotedSouth, Long13th Island’s Children’s Party• 212-213-8840 Place” two years in a212-447-7734 row for nesconset.ny@bounceu.com Avenue South, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 2011-2012 by Long Island Press. What do you get when you mix awesome419 Park www.bounceu.com inflatable structures, a clean and climate-controlled environment, incredible BounceU of Smithtown (Nesconset) specializes in perfect party ideas. It ofo: FAx # customer service, and non-stop excitement in a private-party atmosphere? fers amazing inflatable structures, unbeatable TO: FAX # customer service, and a clean One heck of a great time, that’s what! BounceU Farmingdale is an indoor and climate-controlled environment, so all you have to do is show up and rom: iSSue DAte: party and entertainment venue that features warehouse-sized rooms filled take pictures. Throwing a private party couldn’t be easier, as BounceU takes FROM: ISSUE DATE: with giant inflatable toys, providing a variety of activities for children and care of the food, cleanup, and everything else. Party packages also include: adults. Children enjoy enormous slides, gigantic inflatable games like boxthe Spectac-U-Lar Birthday, which provides games, bouncing, goodie bags, Please call or obstacle fax your comments and/or ing and basketball, courses, and so much more! oK. Whether you’re balloons and a souvenir T-shirt for the birthday child; the Premier Private Pleasefeaturing call or two faxdedicated your comments and/orbouncing, OK. video celebrating a milestone event or gathering with friends, BounceU has you Birthday, party pros, non-stop covered. Parents love the ease of having a private party at BounceU, while games and more; and the U-Junior Birthday, offering games, music and igNAture oF APProvAl: kids can’t wait to steal the spotlight in jaw-dropping bounce stadiums. From inflatable fun along with a party pro. Add on the Cosmic Bounce option to SIGNATURE any OF APPROVAL: field trips and fundraisers to club outings and team parties, any BounceU party and experience out-of-this-world lighting and glow-in-the-dark event is all about you. Cleanliness and safety are top priorities at BounceU, accessories. Favors run the gamut from stuffed water bottles to princess where the staff is always attentive to your needs, providing superior service. themed. Parties are only the beginning at BounceU, where families enjoy a When it comes to preschool playdates, open bounce sessions, summer camps, plethora of programs, classes, events, and more. Get your bounce on!
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BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY Celebrations in the Kitchen 63 E. Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY 11801 (516)396-2193 NY State LiceNSed FaciLitY celebrationsinthekitchen@gmail.com www.celebrationsinthekitchen.com PROVIDE YOUR CHILD wITH Celebrations in the Kitchen offers delicious and exciting profesTHE ACADEMIC EDGE! sional baking parties, classes, children’s activities and more. Since 1997, thousands of children have had joyful memories at baking Call today for a guided tour! birthday parties, classes, camps, and Girl or Boy Scout visits. • Art • Pre-Reading & Math Concepts Celebrations in the Kitchen activities are held in a unique, state-of• Science • Computer Lab • Music • Physical Education the-art facility. It includes a large, clean and safe exhibition kitchen; • Ice Skating • Dramatic Play ext. 260 private party room; and a beautiful cafe with an espresso bar. A variety of party themes are offered, including: Cookie Baking, Limited Openings HaLF aNd FuLL daY cLaSSeS Cookie Decorating, Chocolate Candy Cottage, Cake Decorating, Cupcakes and More, Scone Baking Tea Party, Pies and Crostadas • All Ages & Abilities • Specialized programs for beginners Party, and more. Parties, led by an expert staff, offer colorful and through advanced, all ages • Beginner Programs for vibrant ingredients, dairy- and nut-free options, as well as fresh • Introductory Learn Boys and Girls andAvenue certified ingredients. feature an to Play Program, 419 Park South,Kosher New York, NY 10016 •All-inclusive 212-213-8840 parties • Fax 212-447-7734 • Emphasis on Ages 4-8 array of projects, a birthday cake to be decorated by your child at Fundamentals & Fun! • In House Hockey the event, a choice of food and drinks for guests, aprons, invita• Competitions, recitals League TO: # Full catering options with & shows tions, a dedicated staff team, and FAX more. • Men’s Leagues • Unlimited FREE • Hockey Clinics a diverse menu of delicacies prepared on premises are provided for admission to public adult guests, making Celebrations in the Kitchen a terrific venue sessions for all FROM: ISSUE DATE: for your next party or family affair! program enrollees ext. 248 ext. 209
SCHOOL Open HOuSe • MAY 10, 2014 • 10AM-2pM
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ICE SKATING
ICE HOCKEY
CAMp Open HOuSe • MAY 10, 2014 • 10AM-2pM
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium Please faxSpring yourHarbor, comments and/or OK. 1660 Routecall 25A,or Cold NY 11724 (516)692-6768 SIGNATURE www.cshfha.org OF APPROVAL: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium is a nonprofit center that educates visitors about New York’s freshwater ecosystems. ext. 201 Ice Skating • Throughout two buildings and eight outdoor ponds, it offers the largArts & Crafts • Computers • See Website High Ropes • The Sweetest For More Party Info Memories Start Drama • & Check Our in the Kitchen Go-Carts • Calendar for Classes in the Mountain Biking • & Special Events All Sports From Archery To Volleyball •
Enjoy Our Fabulous Indoor Skating Facility and The Great Outdoors at Hidden Pond Park Day Camp! Open To Children 4 Yrs.-10th Grade • 4 or 5 Day Programs, 9am-4pm • Extended AM/PM Hours Available • Low Camper/Counselor Ratio • Nurse and EMTS On Staff Daily • Fun Theme Days • Swimming 2X A Day • HEATED POOLS •
...at the only twin, full-size all season skating facility in the metropolitan area. BIRTHDAY Ten Children • Your party package includes... PARTIE22S4... • Special “Icing(min)...$175 On The • Free skating pass & special gift
Where the guest of honor makes the cake & eats it too!
Book Your Party TODAY for 2014!
00
ext.
Cake” Invitations • Two Hour Party • 1 ¼ Hours of Skating • Reserved Table at the Time Out Cafe • Balloons • 12 oz. Soda & choice of hot dog or pizza • Skate rentals
631-232-3222
Hidden Pond Park 660 Terry rd., HauPPauge
www.therinx.com
18 I parentguide News I May 2014
for birthday child • Parents of Birthday child admitted free (skate rentals free) • $15 for each additional child over the original 10 • Beginners? Half hour group Lessons are available for $3000 per instructor • All paper goods
Real Hands-On, Creative Baking Parties & Classes New Spacious, Clean & Safe Exhibition Style Kitchen Built for Fun All-Inclusive Party Packages for Birthdays of All Ages, Boys Love Our Family Parties & Celebrations of All Kinds Extraordinary PIZZA MAKING Professionally Staffed & Organized for Party! Maximum Participation & Enjoyment Gourmet Cafe, Espresso Bar & Private Party Room Choice of Catered Menu Options for Adults, Too Choose From Professionally Created Projects Designed To Give A TRUE Baking Experience & Feeling of Accomplishment! • Cookie Baking & Decorating • Cupcake Baking & Decorating • Cookie-Chocolate Candy House Creation • Cake Decorating • Pizza Making • Cake Pop Sensations
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63 Old Country Rd. • Hicksville, NY • 516-396-2193 In Delco Shp. Ctr.-easily accessible (only 1½ mi. S. of L.I.E. exit 41S)
Scan Our Code for Info & Updates
Droid Users-Download App (Celebrations in the Kitchen) @ Playstore for Easy-Quick Reference
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BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY est living collection of New York State freshwater reptiles, fish and amphibians. The aquarium also offers one-and-a-half-hour birthday parties with live animal presentations, fish feedings, outdoor picnic tables or indoor ones, goodie bags, cake lighting and cutting supplies and cleanup. As many as 12 children ages 3 and older along with six adults are invited to celebrate at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium. Parties are held Monday through Friday in the afternoon and select weekends. Space is also available for after-hours event rental. Call for additional details about birthday bashes or events. Cool Crafts, Inc. 3479 Merrick Road, Wantagh, NY 11793 (516)735-2007 www.coolcraftslongisland.com Are you looking for the perfect location to host your child’s next birthday party or group gathering? Cools Crafts, Inc., is the answer for all your crafting needs. After serving its Levittown location for the past nine years, Cool Crafts has moved to a larger space in Wantagh. Parties are one and a half hours and include a large selection of one-of-a-kind crafts, your choice of pizza or bagels, soda and juice, coffee for adults, paper goods, invitations, video games (age appropriate), music, dancing, balloons, nail polish and tattoos. All parties are led by party hosts that keep the fun going, and as a special gift for the birthday child, a photo is taken of the entire group as a keepsake. You can also host your perfect party at home and Cool Crafts, Inc., will supply all the materials needed for your special day. Cool Crafts hosts numerous school groups, Scout troop events, special needs groups as well as pre-k/toddler parties. Call for a schedule of daily walk-ins. Individual classes are available. Light-up Halloween and Christmas pieces are available for special order. Cool Crafts has it all, so call, visit the website and “Like” it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coolcrafts to learn more about all of the crafts available to you!
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Darlings & Divas 65 Merrick Road, Amityville, NY 11701 (631)608-4710 info@darlingsanddivas.com http://darlingsanddivas.com There’s a bit of darling and diva in every girl, so let both sides shine at Darlings & Divas party place and boutique. There’s something there to make your little girl feel fabulous, whether it be the diva-licious dress-up room or the awesome dance floor and stage. The store was reinvented by two, Long Island moms. Darlings & Divas is the answer to your party-planning needs because its staff makes throwing a bash easier than ever. Parties include two hours in the dressup room, stage, salon, and cafe; food and drinks; paper goods and invitations; karaoke and dancing; crafts and prizes; manicures and makeovers; and more. The diva of honor attends free and receives a complimentary gift. You can choose from a wide variety of themes, or mix-and-match them to make your own unique experience. Themes include: Princess Party, Pinkalicious Party, Spa Party, Darling Tea Party, Monster High Party, Strike a Darling Pose Party and more. Custom themes are available. Call for details. Also check out the Darlings & Divas boutique, featuring the Posh Polish bar by appointment, cool gifts, complimentary wrapping, wish lists for the birthday girl, one-of-a-kind pop artist handbags, Charm It jewelry, American Girl Doll clothing, dress-up sets, fashion accessories, and more. Visit Darlings & Divas for a free tour, or have them come to you for your next event!
Proof
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
your needs, your neighborhood
The Lanyard Ladies 464 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola, NY 11501 (516)578-2248 thelanyardladies@yahoo.com www.thelanyardladies.com The Lanyard Ladies provide a new and unique birthday party idea. Friendship Bracelet and Lanyard birthday parties feature awesome ways to have fun and be creative. They offer a wide variety of crafts. There are 26 beautiful colors
May 2014 I parentguide News I 19
BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY of string and lanyard from which guests may choose. Kids learn to make all of their favorite patterns and have the best birthday party at the same time. The Lanyard Ladies can travel to you or you can come to their location. Check the website to discover the many fabulous partner locations that can hold your next party or event. Your guests are sure to have a “stringtasticâ€? good time. Pump It Up Parties 1750 Arctic Ave., Bohemia, NY 11716 (631)563-3100 135 Dupont St., Plainview, NY 11804 (516)575-2300 info@piuny.com www.pumpitupparty.com You won’t want to miss out on all of the fun at one of Long Island’s number 1, original, biggest, inflatable party zones! Plan your little one’s next party at this hot spot, which has 180 locations in more than 38 states. The massive 15,000-squarefoot climate-controlled facility has the latest inflatable designs set up in an indoor arena. Also available is Motion Mania, the interactive floor game played with your feet. Attractions range from a gigantic 20-foot slide and obstacle course to inflatable boxing jousting arenas. Pump Up’s one-of-a-kind 419 Park Avenue South, 13th and Floor, New York, NYTry 10016 • It212-213-8840 • Faxinflatable 212-447-7734 the Slippery Slope. Pump It Up has tons of options to keep your kids engaged, challenged, active and safe. Host a Classic 90 Party and your guests enjoy one TO: and a half hours of bouncing fun with FAX pizza#and soda included. Trained staff members supervise, set up and clean up every party. Pump It Up is the perfect location for any private children’s party, ISSUE birthday party, corporate team-building FROM: DATE: party, moms’ club meeting or other special event. Kids of all ages can’t resist a little bouncing fun! Call to plan your special event at either of Pump It Up’s incredible locations or visit www.pumpitupparty.com.
Where Birthdays PROOF Come to Life!
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The Rinx
Terry Road, Hauppauge, NY 11787 SIGNATURE 660 OF APPROVAL: (631)232-3222, ext. 310 info@therinx.com www.therinx.com Birthday parties at The Rinx are the coolest — literally! Kids will love
*!Ĺ? )%//%+*Ĺ?0+Ĺ? ,!*Ĺ? +1* !Ä“ Valid at BounceU of Farmingdale location only. Coupon not valid with any other offers or discounts. No cash value. One Coupon per visit per family. Not valid on Special Events or Charity Events. Expires 3/31/13. 6/1/14.
$25 OFF PLUS 3 FREE Additional Kids
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20 I parentguide News I May 2014
CRAFT L O O COf Long Island, Inc.
Craft Parties!
Have A Party At Our Place Or Take Home Craft Kits For Parties At Your Home ! Like Us on
Personalized Facebook @ Gift Items Facebook.com/
Celebrating 11 Years! Discounts For Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts & School Organizations
coolcrafts
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(516) 735-2007 3479 Merrick Rd • Wantagh, NY 11793 (Spacious Parking Lot in Front & Rear of Building)
www.coolcraftslongisland.com parentguidenews.com
BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY celebrating birthdays, bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs and more on one of The Rinx’s two full-size NHL skating rinks. They’ll enjoy 1Ÿ hours of skating and fun on the ice. Also available for an additional fee are half-hour group lessons led by skating instructors trained to work with first-time skaters and children. Guests then enjoy a party at The Rinx’s Time Out Cafe, with a choice of pizza or hotdogs, and, if the parents choose, a Carvel cake. The party package includes special Icing on the Cake invitations, balloons, skate rentals, paper goods, and a free skating pass and gift for the birthday child. Admittance for parents of the birthday child is free (skate rentals are extra). The Rinx can accommodate any size group of more than ten people and whatever your needs — its staff caters to them! The Rinx is available for church and synagogue socials, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts gatherings, school groups, corporate parties, summer picnics, or for any crew out for fun! Reserve your party now, because reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. A birthday party on skates? Now that’s great!
butterflies and flowers for the girls. Also available are balloon animals, fresh cotton candy, a bubble show, interactive games, singing and dancing, and a professional magic show with a live rabbit. Entertainers cater to multiple age groups, from toddlers to pre-teens. Clowns.com specializes in birthday parties, communions, christenings, Purim parties, grand openings, and much more. Clowns.com also provides fully serviced party rental equipment, ranging from inflatable bounce houses (Clowns.com has the largest selection in the northeast with more than 120 options) to concession stands. So, if you are looking for the best clowns, magicians, princesses, and cartoon characters, then look no further. Clowns.com has a proven track record of professionalism and showmanship. The Funny Man (516)551-2797 www.thefunnyman.org The Funny Man makes sure children and adults are all smiling when
At Your Place Clowns.com 939 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NY 11010 (718)971-5862 bookings@clowns.com www.clowns.com Want to hire professional entertainers for your child’s party? Does the quality of the entertainment matter to you? Then look no further: Clowns.com has been voted the best in Kids Entertainment for the seventh year in a row by Family & Parent Magazine. Clowns.com’s goal is to make sure that your special celebration goes on producing wonderful feelings and great memories long after it is over. Its packages include a crowning ceremony where the child is crowned prince or princess of the day. Performers are also professional face painters, so be prepared to be amazed and wowed by the full face painting designs of Batman and Spiderman for the boys, as well as glitter
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May 2014 I parentguide News I 21
BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY
PROOF
he entertains with his jokes and clowning. With 28 years in the business of fun and ongoing experience as an early childhood teacher, Ellis, a.k.a. The Funny Man, is a truly special performer who makes unforgettable memories for your child. When in his clown clothes, The Funny Man can make even the most tentative children laugh at his transformational show, which is also an enriching learning experience. Audiences watch as the process of becoming a clown happens before their eyes. They’ll see The Funny Man warm up with laughter, go to clown school and learn basic clown concepts, and even pet a rabbit who does tricks. The show is complete with balloon sculptures for each child. If you’re looking for a little outside-of-the-box entertainment, Ellis also takes on the role of Melvin the Nerd, a silly-looking character complete with pull-up polyester pants and a toothbrush in his pocket. Melvin can put on a roast for your guest of honor and add a truly personal touch to the experience. The Funny Man additionally performs as Santa. Visit the website for more information.
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 The Lanyard Ladies 464 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola, NY 11501 (516)578-2248 thelanyardladies@yahoo.com www.thelanyardladies.com The Lanyard Ladies provide a new and unique birthday party idea. Friendship Bracelet and Lanyard birthday parties feature awesome ways to have fun and be creative. They offer a wide variety of crafts. There are 26 beautiful colors of string and lanyard from which guests may choose. Kids learn to make all of their favorite patterns and have the best birthday party at the same time. The Lanyard Ladies can travel to you or you can come to their location. Check the website to discover the many fabulous partner locations that can hold your next party or event. Your guests are sure to have a “stringtastic” good time.
ip Bracelet & Lanyard Friendsh BIRTHDAY PARTIES! GRAN OPENINDG! NEW LO CATI
ON 464 JERICH O TPKE, MINEOLA , NEW YORK
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5/30/2014.
22 I parentguide News I May 2014
OR WE CAN BRING THE PARTY TO YOU!
SERVICING THE TRI-STATE AREA
516.578.2248 info@thelanyardladies.com www.thelanyardladies.com
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your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 23
p m Ca
A program director shares expert advice.
Considerations
by Alan Saltz
the logistics, the more comfortable you will feel overall. Simply put: A camp’s pickup/drop-off routine should be easy to follow, and it should work for you! Questions for a commuter camp: What do the kids do on the bus? What kind of bus is used? Who exactly is on the bus? At my summer program, we like to say, “Camp starts on the bus!” And it really does begin there, with songs, games, and stories. It’s camp on four wheels. I think that’s a great thing, but it’s not for everyone. Some kids may need quiet time on the bus; others may need immediate engagement and community. And not all buses are created equal. There are yellow school buses and the coach variety. The latter are more comfortable and come with lavatories, whereas school buses do not have them. Of course, the adults on the bus have a huge role to play, too. Find out how many counselors ride the bus with the kids and whether the bus drivers have worked for the camp in the past.
Activities
Questions: What are the activities at camp? How is the daily
Zip line at 92Y Camp Yomi.
There are so many summer camps — and there’s so little time to choose the right one! Fear not, parents; the next few months are a great time to narrow down your list of choices.
schedule created? Is there balance between sports and arts activities? How many swims periods are there in a day? And how many of these are instructional versus free swim? Ultimately, your choice will probably come down to whether the range and type of activities offered at a camp are what your child wants. Campers should have both the freedom to try new things and to do beloved activities. Skill building plays big a role in boosting a child’s Archery at 92Y Camp Yomi.
First, are you considering a day camp or a sleepaway camp? If your choice is day camp, there’s one thing you should be doing right now: Asking camp directors lots of questions. Ideally, these are answered at open houses, now being conducted throughout New York and New Jersey. As a longtime camp director, I’ve heard every question in the book (not to mention every parent’s worst fears). My experience has taught me that parents need to know some very specific things as they go about making their final decision. Below are a selection of questions that parents should have in mind when they walk into a day camp open house.
Logistics and transportation
Questions: Where is my child picked up? Are the pickups
supervised? Do I have a window of time for drop-off and pickup, or do I have to arrive at a set time? Sending your child off to a place that’s not school or a family member’s house can be a scary proposition. The better you feel about 24 I parentguide News I May 2014
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confidence, which is one of the best things about summer camp. In terms of the ratio between sports and arts activities, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no right or wrong proportion, but you should find out in which direction the camp leans. The last thing you want is for your child to feel that he is not among peers who share at least some of his interests. Of course, swimming is a crucial part of every kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer! It cools off hot heads (literally and figuratively), and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lifelong skill. Some camps emphasize swimming more than others. If your child loves the water, you will want to choose a camp that allows for lots of time in the pool.
Philosophy
Questions: What is the overall philosophy of the camp? Is it competitive or more low key?
Every camp has its own narrative, and you need to hear what it is straight from the camp director. The director should be able to tell you what he believes is best about the camp and what makes it unique.
Communicating with parents
Questions: How does the camp handle communication with the parent? What does the staff do if the child is sick or injured? How does the camp handle possible difficulties, including bullying? So many things can happen at camp at any given moment. If bad things happen (a fight, illness, or injury), what does the camp do about it? Certain camps are better than others when it comes to troubleshooting with parents about their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well-being and safety.
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Staff
Questions: Who are the staff members, and how are they selected? What kind of training and supervision
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do they receive? What is the retention rate for staff? Counselors can make or break a kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer. They really are that important. The norm is to have a week of staff training prior to the campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s start and a hierarchy within the camp that guarantees supervision for everyone. Ensure that the camp does background checks on staff members. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also interesting to know how many counselors a camp retains from year to year. A high retention rate is a good sign as it means thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continuity. Alan Saltz has been the director of 92Yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camp program for 24 years. Under his leadership, 92Y has created several new programs that reflect New York City campersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wide array of interests and abilities. 92Yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camps serve 1,500 children, ages 3-17, each year. Among others, its summer programs include Camp Yomi (ages 4½-9), Yomi Seniors (10-12), and Trailblazers (ages 12-14). For more information, please visit www.92y.org/camps.
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your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 25
Discover Some of the Area’s Best Summer Camps and Programs Day Camps/Summer Programs
www.artleagueliregistration.org.
BounceU Farmingdale 101 Carolyn Boulevard, Farmingdale, NY 11735 Art League of Long Island (631)777-JUMP (5867) 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746 farmingdale.ny@bounceu.com (631)462-5400 www.bounceu.com/cities/farmingdale.ny info@artleagueli.org Having been voted “Best Camp on Long Island 2011” by Long Island Press, www.artleagueliregistration.org BounceU of Farmingdale is taking imagination to new heights. BounceU’s Summer Art Adventure is an intensive, “thematic” art education experiCreateSouth, and Bounce drop-off program is a complete workout •forFax artists ages Park Avenue 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 212-447-7734 ence for enthusiastic art aficionados ages 5-17. A dedicated faculty419 of art 4-10. It gives children a daily balance of playtime and artistic expression to education professionals has provided outstanding instruction in a studio cultivate creativity. In addition to bouncing, laughing, and exploring their environment for 19 years. Weekly themes are carefully designed and TO: FAX # inner artists, kids enjoy an array of games and activities. With a unique blend focus on age-appropriate projects. Children ages 5 to 12 are grouped of upbeat exercises and dedicated time for painting and projects, Create and with peers and will learn drawing, painting, crafts, and sculpture. For Bounce offers an experience that’s healthy, teens, there are projects in drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, digital FROM: ISSUEmentally DATE: engaging, and seriously fun. Lesson themes are changed each week to ensure that every day is disdesign, mixed media, drawing from the figure, and portfolio preparation. tinctly different. The one-of-a-kind Create and Bounce experience includes Budding artists will enjoy creating art using these different mediums. a specially themed jumping, snacks and BounceU Choose from Early Childhood programs (ages 5-6) or Young Artists Please call or artfaxcurriculum, your comments and/or OK. camp T-shirts. Mini camp sessions are available July through August. BounceU (ages 7-12) in one-to-four-week sessions, running July 7 to August also hosts exciting birthday parties, awesome open bounce sessions, club and 1; Teens (ages 12-14) in two-to-four-week sessions, running July 7 to SIGNATURE team OF APPROVAL: outings, fundrasiers, field trips and more. It was voted Long Island’s August 1; or Teen Portfolio (ages 14-17) in three-to-six-week sessions, “Best Children’s Party Place” and “Best Family Amusement Place” by Long running July 7 to August 15. Locations: Early Childhood and Young Island Press. The facility features enormous slide and inflatable games, like Artists at Elwood Middle School, Teen and Teen Portfolio at the Art boxing and basketball, as well as obstacle courses. Cleanliness and safety are League center. Enrollment is limited. Call for a brochure or register at
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Continued on page 28.
3 Greenhills Road, So. Huntington 631-673-7373 It’s the Summer to: Over 300 campers a year. Over 20 years of
Explore. Discover. Create.
fun. Come and see what it’s all about! Camp Harbor helps children feel confident and excited about developing their current interests and exploring new ones. We offer a balance of summer fun with educational opportunities including Workshops, Sports, Swimming, Music, Science, Nature Exploration, and a Counselor in Training (CIT) Program. Visit CampHarbor.org for more information or join us at our May 31st Open House for a tour.
OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 31st, 10am - 12pm
We invite you to discover for yourself what sets Harbor Country Day School and Camp Harbor apart. Call 631-584-5555 for more information.
17 Three Sisters Road, Saint James, NY 11780 • 631-584-5555 • www.hcdsny.org
Limited Openings Available For Summer Camp (to 8 Yrs. Old)
8 Great Themed Weeks Each week follows a fun theme with music, crafts & learning
2 Swimming Pools
YES!
We are a ir conditio ned!
Outdoor Fun Baseball, basketball, mini-golf & more!
REGISTER NOW!
FOR EARLY BIRD
Harbor Country Day School has been serving students from Preschool 3s to Grade 8 since 1958.
26 I parentguide News I May 2014
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CAMP DIRECTORY
your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 27
CAMP DIRECTORY top priorities at BounceU, where the ever-attentive staff provides superior customer service. Call to learn about early registration discounts for, or with questions about, Create and Bounce or other events and programs. BounceU Smithtown 62 Lake Ave., Nesconset, NY 11767 (631)265-JUMP (5867) nesconset.ny@bounceu.com www.bounceu.com Create and Bounce Art Camp at BounceU gives children ages 4-11 a chance to enjoy physical activity and artistic expression in equal doses. A little bit of exercise goes a long way towards inspiring young artists’ minds. The program, hosted at BounceU’s climate-controlled play and party center, includes snacks, arts and crafts projects, games, activities, and memorable camp experiences. With its unique blend of upbeat exercises and dedicated time for painting and projects, Create and Bounce offers an experience that’s healthy, mentally engaging, and seriously fun. The program runs for three hours at a time. Create and Bounce’s carefully developed curriculum includes theme-based lessons in drawing, painting, sculpting, mixed media, and more. It’s everything a young artist needs to grow. The program is led by a well-trained staff of camp counselors and an experienced art instructor. A low staff-to-camper ratio of one to ten allows for individualized attention. Children get to bounce on ten giant inflatable rides in between creating, so parents may get a break. Enroll for a day, a week, or the entire summer! Camp St. Patrick St. Patrick R.C. Church 280 East Main St., Smithtown, NY 11787 (631)724-1261 / (631)863-2029 spcamp@optonline.net www.stpatsyouth.com For decades, Camp St. Patrick has provided summer fun and fellowship
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CAMP DIRECTORY
together each summer to create a safe, nurturing environment that for children ages 3-16. It emphasizes Christian values throughout all supports healthy learning by promoting physical, intellectual and programs. Experienced staff treats each child as an individual in an enviemotional growth. Camp locations have been created with famironment that allows them to live according to their faith. Daily activities lies in mind, and they are designed to be inclusive and available include arts and crafts, sports, music, story time, and talent shows. Kickto everyone, which is why a full-service camp program is offered line and cheerleading camps are available, as are before- and after-camp at a fraction of the cost of many other camps. In fact, prices are programs. St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s runs in week-long sessions from June to August, lower than most babysitters, too. Simply put, you will save money with weeks seven and eight being for travel only. Each week offers two by enrolling your child at Camps â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Râ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Us, and he or she will have trips to attractions like Splish Splash and Adventure Land. Kiddie Camp an amazing summer filled with fun, laughter and friends. Looking gives children ages 3-5 the option of a half- or full-day experience during forward to seeing you this summer at Camps â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Râ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Us: Where summer the same sessions as main camp. In addition to the activities enjoyed by vacation is their job! older counterparts, those in Kiddie Camp attend weekly Mass, receive snacks and take optional nearby field trips. They visit the game room, Carousel Day School and Summer Program sports court, main camp art room, and other on-site activities. Both camps 9 West Ave., Hicksville, NY 11801 provide lunch and access to off-site pools and beaches for swimming. (516) 938-1137 Teachers provide a safe, comfortable place to explore and learn. Camp www.carouseldayschool.com St. Patrick looks forward to its upcoming season while working hard to The summer may be short, but the memories made at Carousel make it the best one yet. New to the main camp: two-, three-, and five-day sessions each week available. 419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor,areNew York, NY 10016 â&#x20AC;˘ 212-213-8840 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax 212-447-7734last a lifetime! They understand how important the summer camp experience is for your child. Since 1956, Carousel has been committed to helping each child become his or her best self while Camps â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Râ&#x20AC;&#x2122; UsÂŽ to: FAx # Valley Stream, West Islip making new friends, developing self-esteem, playing and learnBaldwin, Bellmore, Farmingdale, Hicksville, ing. You want your child to have fun and to learn new skills, but (516)935-2267 more than that, you want to feel secure that your child is in a safe info@campsrus.org From: iSSue DAte: and caring environment. Knowing each child personally enables www.campsrus.org Carousel staff to provide a close-knit, family-like atmosphere and Camps â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Râ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Us provides one of the most safe, fun and affordable meet each childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual needs. They hire mature, competent summer day camp experiences available. Its award-winning camp Please call or fax your comments and/or oK. staff and supply them with the tools they need to provide qualprograms offer children ages 3-15 a diverse summer experience, ity instruction in all activities. Carouselâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camp directors have a including sports, arts and crafts, gaming, swimming, bowling, trips, combined total of more than 55 years in education, and they can be events and much more. The campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier facilities, topSigNAture special oF APProvAl: found at camp every day â&#x20AC;&#x201D; long before the buses depart and well notch staff, and unique affordability have earned it the reputation of into the evening when campers are at home. They feel confident being one of the best summer camps on Long Island. Camps â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Râ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Us that Carousel will provide a wonderful summer experience for both is a community of campers, parents and staff members who come
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Our Curriculum Includes
Math, Language, Geography, Science, Sensorial & Practical Life
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Offering one-week and two-week residential summer camp season for youth ages 7-17.
JG JG
Full or Half Day Sessions & After School Programs
Montessori Preschool & Day Care
Toddler Program 18 months - 3 years
Enroll E arly! Limited Space Availab le!
Loving Hands Montessori Day Care â&#x20AC;˘ 6 weeks - 6 years â&#x20AC;˘ Healthy Breakfast, Lunch & Organic Snacks â&#x20AC;˘ Certified Montessori Teachers & Materials
Montessori Pre-K â&#x20AC;˘ 3-6 years
â&#x20AC;˘ Spanish & Music Enrichment Programs â&#x20AC;˘ Certified Montessori Teachers & Gymnastic Teacher â&#x20AC;˘ Healthy Organic Snacks Included
Pre-K & Toddler Summer Program Featuring â&#x20AC;&#x153;Under the Seaâ&#x20AC;? Introduction to Marine Life For Preschool Children with Pre-K Theater Arts Enrichment Program. 6 Week Program â&#x20AC;˘ July 8th - August 14th
Montessori Full Day Care 58 South Bay Ave., Islip
631.539.9400
Islip Montessori School 20 S. Saxon Ave., Bay Shore
631.446.1060
www.montessoriislip.com
your needs, your neighborhood
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Camp DeWolfe PO Box 487, Wading River, NY 11792
Tel: 631-929-4325 email: offiCe@CampDeWolfe.org May 2014 I parentguide News I 29
CAMP DIRECTORY you and your child.
Call or visit the website for more information. Attend an open house to meet the educators and learn more on May 14, 4-7pm.
The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center at Farmingdale State College 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735 Darlings & Divas Summer Glamour Camp (631)420-2125 65 Merrick Road, Amityville, NY 11701 www.farmingdale.edu/childcare (631)608-4710 Get ready! Get set! Another fun summer awaits at Camp Farmingdale, info@darlingsanddivas.com where friendships begin and memories are made for children in kinderdarlingsanddivas.com garten through those age 12. This summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weekly themes include: Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want your diva to be bored during the summer? Send her to DiRed, White, and Blue; Amazing Art; Summer Olympics; Passport to the valicious Glamour Camp, back with expanded schedules due to popular World; The Wild West; Sci-Fi; Ocean Adventures; and American Idol End demand! Each camp week features different themes with coordinating of Summer Show. Camp offers in-house entertainment; themed weekly crafts and lunch. Themes include Artist Day; Relaxing Spa Day, which is activities; water play; nature walks; and weekly excursions, which may filled with manicures, pedicures, and makeovers; Snowflakes in the Suminclude fishing trips, Adventureland, United Skates, and Country Fair. mer, a Frozen-inspired day; Ballerina Day, where divas take a ballet class Campers spend most of their days outside in a new play area, complete and receive a makeover; Monster High Day; Scrapbooking Day; Fashion with age-appropriate structures, a basketball court, and fields. Rainy days Design Day; Rock Star Day; Cupcake Decorating Day; and more. Each are spent in a fully air-conditioned building that boasts an indoor gym available camp week is unique, so campers may attend as often as they like with a giant movie screen and surround sound. Due to the popularity without repeating crafts. Call to reserve a spot as space is limited. Sibling of Camp Farmingdale, sessions quickly fill on a first-come, first-serve and multiple-week are available. Camps run August 11-15, 18419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 â&#x20AC;˘ 212-213-8840discounts â&#x20AC;˘ Fax 212-447-7734 basis. Camp runs the last week of June through the third week of August, 22, and 25-29 between 10am and 1pm, Monday through Friday. Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm, and extended care is available. Children TO: FAX # may attend all weeks or a selection of them. Visit the website for more Destination Science information. (888)909-2822 www.destinationscience.org FROM: & Aquarium ISSUE DATE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery Build. Learn. Create. Explore. Let your imagination soar! Experience 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 firsthand fun this summer at Destination Science. Summer sessions are (516)692-6768 designed for boys and girls in grades k-6 who have big imaginations and Please call or fax your comments OK. Each week-long topic discovered at Destinafisheducator@cshfha.org a desire toand/or stir up science. www.cshfha.org tion Science includes 20 hands-on activities to take home, plus fun games Give your young explorer aSIGNATURE summer surrounded by nature. Encourage and great teachers. Topics: Crazy Coaster Science & Sea-fari Park, in OF APPROVAL: a love of science with week-long programs for children in grades pre-k which participants become crazy coaster scientists; Robo-Dragon Exthrough 12. Participants get wet and muddy while investigating nature. treme Techno Challenge, where children bring a motorized robo-dragon
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â&#x20AC;˘ NY METS GAME/NY YANKEES GAME â&#x20AC;˘ FUN STATION USA â&#x20AC;˘ LAZER BOUNCE â&#x20AC;˘
DAVE & BUSTERS â&#x20AC;˘ BAYVILLE ADVENTURE PARK â&#x20AC;˘ ROLLER SKATING â&#x20AC;˘ TALENT SHOW
â&#x20AC;˘ SWIMMING â&#x20AC;˘ BASKETBALL â&#x20AC;˘ BASEBALL â&#x20AC;˘ VOLLEYBALL â&#x20AC;˘ FOOTBALL â&#x20AC;˘ SOCCER â&#x20AC;˘ ARTS & CRAFTS â&#x20AC;˘ ROCK CLIMBING â&#x20AC;˘ ATLANTIS MUSEUM â&#x20AC;˘ BOWLING/TROPHIES â&#x20AC;˘ BEACH
â&#x20AC;˘ HULA HOOP CONTEST â&#x20AC;˘ TRAMPOLINE BUNGEE â&#x20AC;˘ MONSTER MINI GOLF â&#x20AC;˘ ADVENTURELAND â&#x20AC;˘ SPLISH SPLASH â&#x20AC;˘ MOVIES/IMAX â&#x20AC;˘ BOOMERS â&#x20AC;˘ CRADLE OF AVIATION
30 I parentguide News I May 2014
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CAMP DIRECTORY creation to life; Rocket Powered Mars Expedition lets rockets rule as children build and blast off the all-new “Xcellerator” land rocket; and Wild Extreme Physics Fun, which includes the chance to create 3D electricpowered games that light up and buzz in order to solve the camp mystery! Destination Science offers many locations throughout Long Island and Westchester: Garden City, Jericho, Manhasset, Merrick, Old Westbury, Oyster Bay, Seaford, Wantagh, Westbury, Babylon, Centerport, Commack, Huntington, Port Jefferson, Sayville, Setauket, Smithtown, Stony Brook, Bedford, Chappaqua, Larchmont, Purchase, Rye, Scarsdale, Tarrytown and White Plains. Save when you enroll early, enroll in three- or four-week sessions, and enroll siblings. Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County (516)433-7970 md83@cornell.edu www.dpf4hcamp.org Celebrating its 89th year of camp, Cornell Cooperative Extension is committed to offering their camper families a high quality educational program, achieving the same level of excellence as their partners at Cornell University. The camp is located on the North Fork of Long Island. The camp’s 140-acre natural setting includes woodlands, bluffs, pine forests, sand dunes, farmland, and beachfront. This co-educational sleepaway camp is a great place for children enjoying a week or several weeks of summer. The DPF 4-H camp is open to all children entering grades 410. The camping program offers many traditional camping activities and specialized in-depth programming. Traditional camping programs include sports, dance, swimming, arts and crafts, fishing, drama, outdoor living, canoeing, wood working, rocketry, archery, nature and more! Specialized in-depth programs include horseback riding, an adventure program and CIT. The camp has a low and high ropes challenge course, nature center with touch tanks, 40-acre work and learn farm, indoor horseback riding
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arena and many riding trails. Evening programs include talent shows, carnivals, dances, scavenger hunts, wagon rides, cookouts, campfires and much more. Meals are served in the lodge; food is plentiful and the comprehensive salad bar offers campers many additional choices. The camp’s administrative and program staff is comprised of teachers, educators, college graduates and camp alumni. The senior counselors have completed counselor-training programs, and most have been campers themselves. International staff from the United Kingdom compliments the seasoned American staff. The international counselors share their rich cultural backgrounds with the campers. The American Camping Association Camp accredits the camp, and it is proud of the high standards they achieve regarding the health, safety and welfare of campers. Monday to Saturday sessions from July through August. Stay over sessions available throughout the summer.
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Friends Academy Summer Camps Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560 (516)393-4207 camp@fa.org www.fasummercamp.org Friends Academy Summer Camps offers exciting programs for children ages 2-14 from 9:30am-4:30pm. All programs provide a safe environment where children learn new skills and make new friends. The General Camp (for ages 2-7) provides a well-rounded program that includes physical education, arts and crafts, music, tennis, science, playground time, two daily swimming periods and special events. Families can choose from four- to eight-week sessions. Children are placed in small groups by age and gender. The Academy program (for ages 8-13) offers one- to eightweek options. Boys and girls have the opportunity to work on individual and group skills in a well-structured environment that provides instruction and fair competition. The new one-week format allows campers to change activity selections each week. Friends Academy offers more
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This is the perfect time to visit your neighborhood KinderCare® center and discover what learning looks like. Contact your local KinderCare to schedule a personal tour.
Farmingville • 2270 N. Ocean Ave 631-207-9091 Huntington • 183 E. Main St 691-547-8029 Bohemia • 3502 Veterans Memorial Hwy 631-580-5221 Smithtown • 113 Terry Rd 631-979-5018 Port Jefferson Station • 356 Terryville Rd 631-473-7399
KinderCare.com
your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 31
CAMP DIRECTORY than 24 activity choices, including fine arts, computers, travel, baseball, basketball, dance, golf, horseback riding, ice hockey, ice skating, boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, sailing, soccer, softball, N.F.L. flag football, fencing, gymnastics, tennis, computer game design, digital and video design, robotics design, circus arts, multi-sport, cheerleading, and the Friends Academy Club and Travel program. The C.I.T. Program (for ages 14-15) allows students to intern in an area of interest while learning leadership and child care skills. Camp tuition includes hot and cold lunches, towel service and air-conditioned transportation. Call to find out more about the upcoming season and open house dates. Office hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am-4pm. Visit www.fasummercamp.org. Harbor Country Day School Summer Camp & Workshops 17 Three Sisters Road, Saint James, NY 11780 (631)584-5555 info@hcdsny.org www.campharbor.org This well-known independent school has been educating students in prenursery through grade 8 since 1958. The Summer Camp & Workshops, begun in 1994, are a unique blend of summer fun and educational opportunities, for boys and girls ages 3-14, including a CIT program. The day camp offers weekly sessions with two-, three-, four- and five-day programs, in full-day or half-day increments, for all campers. Camp groups are led by certified teachers as head counselors and area professionals as instructors in a variety of activities, including swimming, archery, arts and crafts, soccer, nature, music, theme weeks, special events and more! Extended hours start at 7:30am and run until 5:30pm. The camp may also be structured to be combined with the workshop and trailblazer programs. The summer workshops offer courses in enrichment/remedial academics, kindergarten readiness, babysitting, CPR and first aid, cooking, piano, computer and art. Half-day trailblazer programs are available in math, computer, science, sewing and cheerleading. Full/half-day trips
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are available for grades 6-8, as is a choice afternoon program for grades 4-8. Call (631)584-5555 for a brochure and tour. Hidden Pond Summer Day Camp at The Rinx 660 Terry Road, Hauppauge, NY 11787 (631)232-3222, ext. 201 www.therinx.com From arts and crafts to go-carts, Hidden Pond Summer Day Camp offers every activity kids love, all under one roof! Children ages 4 years through grade 10 enjoy swimming in one of the heated pools, ice skating, edible art, dance, rock climbing, mountain biking, drama, computers, a games den, fun theme days, high ropes and just about any sport imaginable. The camp provides a daily lunch and snack, a low counselor-to-camper ratio and a highly qualified staff, including certified lifeguards/WSIs, two ER nurses and two EMTs to ensure your child’s safety at all times. The camp runs from June to August, with a minimum of three of the eight weeks required. Choose from five days (Monday-Friday) or four days (MondayThursday). The hours are 9am-4pm, with extended morning and evening hours available. The Rinx also offers a Summer Hockey School (ext. 248), providing instruction for beginners through advanced players, and a Figure Skating School (ext. 209), providing “Learn to Skate” through “Advanced Figure Skating” programs (ages 3½ to adult). Programs this good fill up fast, so enroll now!
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Kenwal Day Camp 100 Drexel Ave., Melville, NY 11747 (631)694-3399 www.kenwaldaycamp.com Kenwal Day Camp, family-owned and operated for 32 years, cultivates campers’ desire to participate, have fun and try their best, without the pressure of having to win. Situated on 20 magnificent acres, Kenwal is accented by many tree-shaded activity areas; wondrous nature trails; a half-acre, man-made lake;
Year-Round Programs for Children 8-weeks old through Pre-K
BEAuTIFuL, NEW FACILITY WITH CENTRAL AIR
ENROLLING NOW FOR CAMP 2014 & SCHOOL 2014-2015 • Open to the Public • Flexible Schedules • NYS Licensed• Professionally Trained Staff • Developmentally Appropriate Educational Programs • Kindergarten Readiness Program • Reasonable Rates & Family Discounts
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GET READY, GET SET FOR SUMMER! • Water Play • Outdoor Sports • Daily Arts & Crafts • Fully Equipped Gym with Giant Movie Screen & Surround Sound • American Idol End of Summer Show
dale State Co ing m ge lle
• Sign Up 1-8 Weeks • Ages 5-12 • Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4:30pm • Awesome Weekly Trips • Themed Weekly Activities • Extended Care Available
at F ar
8 WEEK PROGRAM BEGINNING LAST WEEK OF JUNE
631-420-2125 • farmingdale.edu/childcare 32 I parentguide News I May 2014
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CAMP DIRECTORY and the finest facilities and equipment to ensure every camper hours of fun, exploration and excitement. The camp features four heated pools; go-karts; a water park with inflatables; a video arcade game room; bungee trampolines; and inflatable rides. Activities include: tennis, beach volleyball, basketball, soccer, archery, karate, street hockey, mini-golf, music, drama, arts and crafts, inline rollerblading, rock climbing, mountain biking and zip lining. Special events include carnival, Olympics and guest appearances. The preschool and kindergarten programs modify activities to meet the needs of younger campers. Super Seniors, campers entering grades 4, 5 and 6, participate in many off-camp activities, like attending a Mets game and Splish Splash water park. Kenwal Teens, those entering grades 7 and 8, participate in off-camp activities, like visiting Great Adventure, Broadway shows and the beach, at least three times a week. A Counselors in Training program for teens entering grades 9 and 10 combines counselor training sessions with field trips. Kenwal creates small groups of campers for each activity to ensure that every camper gets the maximum attention possible from counselors and group leaders. Kenwal was voted by Long Island Press and the Long Island community “Best of L.I.” summer camp 2010. Call for more information about Kenwal Day Camp: the camp that cares.
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what they treasure most — their children. Kiddie Academy provides a most comprehensive and developmentally-appropriate child care program for children. With locations in Nassau and Suffolk counties, this facility is a convenient choice for parents looking for quality care and instruction for their children. Kiddie Academy offers a program to promote each child’s intellectual, social, physical and emotional growth — from 6 weeks to 12 years old. In addition to the traditional areas of language development, science/discovery and creative arts, many Kiddie Academy locations include computer and foreign language programs. Some Kiddie Academy centers also provide before and after school care for children ages 6-12, with an emphasis on providing a safe and secure learning environment. Centers are equipped to provide activities in arts and crafts, science and discovery, dramatic play and constructive building. Whatever you child care needs may be, you can be guaranteed that Kiddie Academy is committed to providing children with the best possible learning environment in a warm and nurturing setting. Call for more information.
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KinderCare®
Bohemia (631)580-5221 www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 Farmingville (631)207-9091
Kiddie Academy Bethpage (516)719-0366 Brightwaters (Bay Shore) (631)969-1234 East Setauket (631)941-2100 Farmingdale (631)756-4606 Greenlawn (631)261-2220 Hicksville (516)931-3330 Islip (631)859-1234 Nesconset (631)724-5437 Syosset (516)496-1050 www.kiddieacademy.com For almost 20 years, parents have trusted Kiddie Academy to care for
Huntington (631)547-8029 Port Jefferson (631)473-7399 Smithtown (631)979-5018 www.kindercare.com/summercamp KinderCare® Summer Camp was designed to provide preschool through school-age kids with what they want: tons of summer fun! From the Old West and space-age machines to the antics of animals and the fundamentals of sports, KinderCare’s explorations at each of its 12 camps offer a combination of learning and fun that adds up to one unforgettable summer! Discover more by visiting the website or calling (888)518-2213.
St. Patrick Youth Community SPRING/SUMMER
• Baseball • Spring/Summer deck hockey • Softball • Summer Basketball for Girls & Boys (4th grade to 12th grade) • Lacrosse • Aftercare • Mommy & Me • Fitness Classes • Zumba
Adult Classes Forming NOW!
CALL FOR INFO REGARDING SUMMER CAMP 2014
Contact Cindy at 631-724-1261 spyouth@optonline.net
St. Patrick R.C. Church 280 E. Main St., Smithtown your needs, your neighborhood
Call now for info or registration details
631-360-0257
www.stpatsyouth.com May 2014 I parentguide News I 33
FROM:
ISSUE DATE:
CAMP DIRECTORY
Please or faxDay your comments and/or OK. Long Islandcall Voyager’s Camp (516)238-4586 SIGNATUREwww.longislandvoyagersdaycamp.com OF APPROVAL: Long Island Voyager’s Day Camp is unique in that it offers your child a full range of specialties and fun-filled days of recreation. The co-ed camp includes programs for children entering kindergarten in September through those age 14. Its goal is to assist in the development of the whole child — educationally, athletically, artistically and socially. Long Island Voyager’s teaches self-respect, courage and responsibility. Its caring staff builds upon campers’ self-esteem, self-confidence and character. Long Island Voyager’s is a summer alternative that surpasses childcare as it captures campers’ special talents and helps them identify their goals. Long Island Voyager’s prides itself on its dedication to providing your children with the most exciting, action-packed and safest summer experience. Amazing trips are taken to places like Splish Splash, Adventureland, Fun Zone, Fire Island, Atlantis Marine World, Bayville Adventure Park and
the Bronx Zoo, baseball games, IMAX theaters, museums, the beach, and much more. Campers also get the chance to participate in sports, educational activities, swimming, arts and crafts, mini golf, roller skating, and many other fun activities. They are quickly taken in to the Long Island Voyager’s family. Safety is a top priority at Long Island Voyager’s, which has a low counselor-to-child ratio. Buses are regularly inspected, and all drivers are assigned cell phones. Staff members are CPR, First Aid and AED certified. The staff includes a health director, and two lifeguards are constantly on duty. The camp is licensed by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services and is inspected twice a year. Long Island Voyager’s campers excel in many areas of activity and gain new skills, increase self-confidence, and develop more independence.
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Loving Hands Montessori Summer Program 58 South Bay Ave., Islip (631)539-9400 20 S. Saxon Ave., Bay Shore (631)446-1060 lovinghandscare@optonline.net For Working Parents 419 Park Avenue South, Peace 13th Floor,Of NewMind York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734www.montessoriislip.com Experience the best in an educational Montessori summer camp this summer for your preschool child. Loving Hands Montessori TO: FAX # Preschool, 20 S. Saxon Ave., Bay Shore, ( King Kullen Shopping Center), offers a three-hour, six-week program called Under the Sea on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9am to noon. Cornell FROM: ISSUE • Ages 6 wks-5 yrsDATE:• Reasonable Rates University Cooperative Extension features an hands-on presentation • Open Year Round • Meals Provided that introduces marine life to preschool children. Throughout the six weeks, certified Montessori teachers work with children so they • Full Daycomments Schedule •and/or CertifiedOK. Please call or fax your may learn all about the various kinds of marine life. The program Staff • Computer Education includes music class and a full Montessori work cycle with a certified At three Convenient Locations Montessori curriculum. Loving Hands additionally offers a full-day SIGNATURE OF APPROVAL: WANTAGH PLAINVIEW LEVITTOWN Montessori summer program for working parents at the 58 South 516-931-8204 516-520-7721 516-731-3263 7am-6:30pm Bay Ave. location in Islip. Call to find out more about programs and 6:30am-6pm 7am-6pm to schedule a tour. A NURTURING ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR CHILD
Teacher’s Pets Child Care Centers, Inc.
Fine Art Classes
& Workshops
Be the artist you want to be
Adults, Teens & Children
Painting, Drawing, Ceramics, Computer Graphics, Sculpture, Digital Photography, Jewelry Making, Animation, Fiber Arts & More...
Summer Art
ADVENTURE Fun, Dynamic Art Enrichment Program For Kids & Teens Ages 5-17 July 7th-Aug. 1st (Ages 5-6) 2½ Hr. Sessions July 7th-Aug. 1st (Ages 7-12) 5 Hr. Sessions July 7th-Aug. 1st (Ages 12-14) 5 Hr. Sessions July 7th-Aug. 15th (Ages 14-17) 5 Hr. Sessions
631•462•5400 • artleagueli.org 107 E. Deer Park Rd. • Dix Hills, NY 11746
34 I parentguide News I May 2014
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CAMP DIRECTORY Music Together of Long Island and Queens various locations www.musictogetherli-queens.com Music Together is a delightful, joyous approach to music-making with your child. For infants, toddlers, preschoolers and the adults who love them, Music Together offers families an opportunity to sing, dance and play rhythm instruments in a relaxed, playful. non-performance-oriented setting. It nourishes parents’ efforts to create a rich musical environment at home, regardless of their musical abilities. Offered in ten-to-12-week sessions in many independently owned locations throughout Long Island and Queens, these 45-minute classes are specifically designed to accommodate the unique learning style of the very young while being highly engaging to their adult companions. Music Together is based on the philosophy that all children are musical; you may be surprised to find that you are, too!
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Soccer Shots (516)749-1773 www.soccershots.org/nassaucounty Soccer Shots: It’s more than soccer! Soccer Shots is a national leader in youth soccer development for children ages 2 through 8. Its program was created under the guidance of childhood education specialists, MLS® and USL® professional soccer players, and experienced and licensed soccer coaches. Innovative lesson plans are developmentally appropriate and specifically tailored to the three distinct age groups that are taught. Using creative and age-appropriate curricula and infusing each lesson plan with enthusiasm and structured activity, Soccer Shots aims to leave a lasting, positive impact on every child. By enrolling your child in Soccer Shots, you can expect the following: increased psychomotor development through fun fitness activities; an introduction to team dynamics; life lessons that lead to character formation in areas such as honesty, sharing, respect, and positive attitudes; development of active lifestyle habits; individual skill development; coordination, balance, and agility development.
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Professor Pedals (516)375-8492 www.professorpedals.com 419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 Professor Pedals teaches kids and adults how to ride two-wheeled Toddler Time at The Enrichment Center bicycles. They provide one-on-one training lessons for mastering 750 Hicksville Road, Seaford, NY 11783 to: Lessons take place at the student’s FAx # bicycle riding and safety skills. (516)520-6096 home or site. Professor Pedals has a progressive approach to teachwww.toddlertimeforkids.org ing that improves performance and builds confidence, as well as Toddler Time, a state-of-the-art preschool and extended child care proFrom:are structured to meet the strengths iSSue reduces stress and fear. Lessons gram,DAte: is located in the Seaford area. Toddler Time offers parents a safe, and abilities of the individual student. Proprietary training devices caring environment where their children can learn and grow. This child and techniques are used to assist in a progressive and efficient care center has everything a child needs, including a safe environment, Please call and or fax your comments learning process. Professor Pedal is fully insured a member first-classand/or teachingoK. techniques, flexible hours from 7am-6pm, plus a of the League of American Bicyclists. Professor Pedals hosts sumwhole lot more! Children ages 18 months- 4½ years are invited to take mer events, including group riding sessions, safety and equipment part in this unique program at Toddler Time. Children have a fun-filled SigNAture oF APProvAl: checks and special summer promotions. Visit the website for more day at Toddler Time’s fully equipped, licensed child care center. Teachers information. encourage each child’s own rate of cognitive, social and emotional growth.
Enroll now for SummEr/fall 2014 Nurse on Site
license d byrengY foroSfuCisSteronffoicwe mhmiledre &2fam r Canmp 012! ily Servic es
register now!
your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 35
CAMP DIRECTORY Young People’s Day Camp of Nassau/Suffolk (800)DAY CAMP / (631)476-3330 Nassau: (516)650-1856 www.ypdc.com Young People’s Day Camp of Nassau/Suffolk has provided 41 years of fabulous and memorable summers! Swimming, sports, movies, arts and crafts, talent shows, local trips and Special Event Days combine to make this a super program. Young People’s Day Camp is licensed by the New York State Health Department; directed by licensed teachers; and staffed by educational professionals, Red Cross Instructors, EMTs, and college students. The staff and program provide children with a safe and fun-filled summer while allowing parents to go about their daily activities knowing Work of Heart that their child is in good hands. Young People’s Day Camp emphasizes 3 Greenhills Road, South Huntington, NY 11746 individual growth, as well as traditional values of teamwork, cooperation, (631)673-7373 self-respect, respect for others, tolerance and honesty. These values will missandrea@workofheartchildcare.com sustain our campers for a lifetime. A rolling enrollment policy allows www.workofheartchildcare.com children to be registered for two through eight weeks at parents’ conveWork of Heart is a full-day early childhood program, nursery school nience. The camp provides free, door-to-door transportation via licensed, and summer camp, located on two beautiful acres. Its summer camp is and professional school bus drivers. It is reasonably priced and an eight-week, theme-filled extravaganza for children ages 18 months 419 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016 •certified, 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 offers a payment plan designed to fit your needs with no interest or service through 8 years. Camp activities range from swimming, baseball and charges. Young People’s Day Camp features a great program, fun-filled basketball to soccer, mini golf and more. Children are taught to swim TO: FAX # activities, and a safe environment as an unbeatable combination! under the guidance of Red Cross-certified instructors. Weekly themes give an air of fun and excitement to the camp. During Under the Sea Week, children encounter fish, crustaceans and coral reefs, and when FROM: DATE: Sleepaway Camps it’s time for Reptile Roundup Week, campers learn all about lizards ISSUE and their cousins in hands-on activities. Work of Heart presents the Camp DeWolfe perfect summer experience. Its staff caters to the physical and emotional calla fun-filled or fax your and/or Wading River, NYOK. 11792 needs of young children, while providingPlease them with camp comments (631)929-4325 program. Your child will enjoy a warm and nurturing atmosphere. Also office@campdewolfe.org available are extended hoursSIGNATURE from 7am-6pm and two-, three- and fiveOF APPROVAL: www.campdewolfe.org day sessions. Visit Work of Heart to see firsthand why its camp truly Camp DeWolfe is a residential sleepaway Christian camp on the Long is “a Work of Heart.” Curiosity and self-discovery are promoted through developmental play. Children are given the opportunity to explore their unique talents in crafts, music, computers and fine motor activities. Toddler Time offers expansive outdoor and indoor spaces so children may “learn through play.” A small teacher-to-child ratio provides children with a spectacular educational experience. Toddler Time offers a six-week summer camp with weekly special events and themes. The camp provides creative and fun activities, outdoor recreation and interactive play. This well-established, highly regarded preschool provides the optimum learning and social experience for your child. Call (516)520-6096 for more information.
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Enriching the Lives of Children FOR OVER 58 YEARS!
DOOR-TO-DOOR TRANSPORTATION
(Radio Dispatched • Air Conditioned)
• Ages 3 to 15 (co-ed) • 5 Athletic Fields/Basketball/Deck Hockey • 3 Heated Pools • 3 Playgrounds/Mini Golf Course • Hot Lunch Program Included • Mini Day 9:30am-2:00pm (Nursery & Kindergarten graduates) • Tweens Travel Program (Ages 11 & 12) • Teen Travel Program (Ages 13-15) • Mini Golf • Indoor Bowling • Dance • Fitness Course • Music • Wii Room • High & Low Zip Line Course • Zumba • & much more...
9 West Ave. • Hicksville
516.938.1137 carouseldayschool.com
36 I parentguide News I May 2014
• Flexible hour • 4-, 6-, or 8-wees 7am to 6pm • 3, 4 or 5 days k programs • Affordable tua week ition & paymen t plans parentguidenews.com
CAMP DIRECTORY Island Sound. Camp DeWolfe provides an opportunity for youth to experience Christianity, develop as leaders in a safe community, and enjoy a beach and outdoor natural setting. Camp DeWolfe offers one- and two-week overnight sessions for youth ages 7-15. Activities include sailing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, archery, arts and crafts, sports, games, Christian formation and more! Trained college counselors monitor and supervise campers in a one-to-five ratio. Camp DeWolfe is sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island and is open for all youth from the tri-state region. Register now for summer at the website. Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County (516)433-7970 md83@cornell.edu www.dpf4hcamp.org Celebrating its 89th year of camp, Cornell Cooperative Extension is committed to offering their camper families a high quality educational program, achieving the same level of excellence as their partners at Cornell University. The camp is located on the North Fork of Long Island. The camp’s 140-acre natural setting includes woodlands, bluffs, pine forests, sand dunes, farmland, and beachfront. This co-educational sleepaway camp is a great place for children enjoying a week or several weeks of summer. The DPF 4-H camp is open to all children entering grades 410. The camping program offers many traditional camping activities and specialized in-depth programming. Traditional camping programs include sports, dance, swimming, arts and crafts, fishing, drama, outdoor living, canoeing, wood working, rocketry, archery, nature and more! Specialized in-depth programs include horseback riding, an adventure program and CIT. The camp has a low and high ropes challenge course, nature center with touch tanks, 40-acre work and learn farm, indoor horseback riding arena and many riding trails. Evening programs include talent shows,
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carnivals, dances, scavenger hunts, wagon rides, cookouts, campfires and much more. Meals are served in the lodge; food is plentiful and the comprehensive salad bar offers campers many additional choices. The camp’s administrative and program staff is comprised of teachers, educators, college graduates and camp alumni. The senior counselors have completed counselor-training programs, and most have been campers themselves. International staff from the United Kingdom compliments the seasoned American staff. The international counselors share their rich cultural backgrounds with the campers. The American Camping Association Camp accredits the camp, and it is proud of the high standards they achieve regarding the health, safety and welfare of campers. Monday to Saturday sessions from July through August. Stay over sessions available throughout the summer.
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Greenwood Trails Summer Camp 390 Winchester Road Winsted, CT 06098 Winter Office: (516)483-7272 Summer Office: (860)379-6517 fun@greenwoodtrails.com www.greenwoodtrails.com Choose your own trail! Greenwood Trails is a family-owned, coed sleepaway camp for children and teens ages 8-16. It offers affordable two-, four-, and six-week sessions. Located on more than 100 beautiful acres in the southern Berkshires, Greenwood Trails lets campers “choose their own trail” with a unique elective program, exploring new activities and expanding their horizons. Facilities include comfortable cabins with showers, a large in-ground pool, a private lake, a theater, fine arts studios, expansive ball fields, low and high ropes courses, a skate park, a 35-foot-tall climbing tower and more! The warm, friendly atmosphere and extensive facilities make for magical summers at Greenwood Trails!
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 37
Autism-Friendly by Monica Holloway
SchoolS What to seek in an academic setting.
As a mother to a child with autism, I have been very positively impacted by sending my son, Wills, to autism-friendly schools with inclusion programs, and so has our family. Neal Wrightson, director of Children’s Community School, welcomed Wills in kindergarten, saying, “It is not an act of charity to admit a child with a disability. It enriches the entire school.” We’ve witnessed how schools have evolved over time. They now offer much more teacher-specific autism education and training, present learning materials in ways that enable our kids to effectively process information, and attend to the sensory needs of our kids. It’s so encouraging! Learning can be difficult, especially for those with autism, but this adversity can be overcome with the help of many wonderful autism-friendly schools, programs, and educators. As you attend open houses for next year’s semester, consider the following qualities that I’ve noted in autism-friendly schools:
Enthusiasm about autism.
Routine.
Trained, professional educators and staff understand the characteristics of autism and enjoy pursuing strategies to help kids reach their best potential.
Knowing that many children with autism need or like to follow a routine, many special educators establish clear timelines for students’ activities and transitions.
Inclusion.
Visuals.
Inclusion and socialization of those with special needs promotes understanding and acceptance for all involved. All children in the academic setting acquire new and desired qualities through inclusion, not just the child with special needs.
Visuals can be essential for those with autism to facilitate understanding, learning, and expression. Autism-friendly classrooms often use many visuals for schedules, labeling of items, and for learning words and letters.
Personalization.
Reinforcement.
No two children are the same. Schools with special education programs know that each child learns differently and has individual needs, strengths, and challenges.
Those with autism benefit from positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors. In class, reward with praise or prizes or delayed gratification with star or sticker charts provide motivation.
Team approach. Parents and professionals work together toward goals. They have open lines of communication, including collaboratively sharing progress at home and in school.
Empowering. Autism-friendly schools empower children to learn, express themselves, be independent, and lead fulfilling lives.
Monica Holloway is the author of best-selling autism memoir Cowboy & Wills (Simon and Schuster). Visit her at www.monicaholloway.com. Share tips and experiences about autism-friendly schools and programs at www.facebook.com/cowboyandwills. 38 I parentguide News I May 2014
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Special Needs and Health & Fitness Services Close to Home
children referred to mental health programs in this country. Learn techniques to give your child a better chance of success in school, at home and in social settings. Her goal as a clinician is to empower parents to take charge of the Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services demanding care of these children in a way that ensures See “Special Needs.” the health of the child individually and the entire family collectively. Elaine Lerner, MSW, CSW, received her masters ADHD Parent Trainer Elaine Lerner, MSW, CSW Degree in Social Work from Fordham University and has 233 7th St., Suite 200, Garden City, NY 11530 over 16 years of experience in the school system as a social (516)487-0636 419 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016 •worker. 212-213-8840 Fax 212-447-7734 She •has trained with Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D., elaine@adhdparenttrainer.com and Ross Green, Ph.D. Call (516)487-0636 or visit www. www.adhdparenttrainer.com to: FAx # adhdparenttrainer.com to register. Is your child having behavioral problems at home, in school
Parent/Child Resources
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or in social settings? ADHD Parent Trainings are forming in Long Island. ElaineFrom: Lerner, MSW, CSW and ADHD iSSue DAte: specialist will offer training for parents of children with attention problems using the Russell Barkley, and comments and/or Please call or Ph.D. fax your Ross Green Ph.D. methods of behavioral management. ADHD is one of the most commonoFchildhood SigNAture APProvAl: developmental behavioral disorders affecting up to 5-7 percent of the school age population and accounting for the largest proportion of
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May 2014 I parentguide News I 39
Special needs & Health & Fitness DIRECTORY
Over 5 Articles on
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Special Needs
J.M. Ladge Speech & Hearing Center C.W. Post Campus/Long Island University Northern Boulevard, Brookville, NY 11548 (516)299-2437 www.liu.edu/cwpost/ladge Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services The C.W. Post J.M. Ladge Speech & Hearing Center serves 538 Broadhollow Road, Suite 202, Melville, NY 11747 as a complete diagnostic and therapeutic facility providing (631)385-7780 speech, language and audiological services for children as info@achievebeyondusa.com well as adults with communication disorders. All services www.achievebeyondusa.com are offered at reasonable rates during day and evening Achieve Beyond is a nationwide pediatric therapy company hours. A full range of services include evaluation and that provides quality English and bilingual evaluations, as treatment of articulation and phonological disorders and well as therapeutic and educational services for ages birth language and language learning difficulties, including difthrough 21 years. Available are speech therapy, physical ficulty with auditory processing and phonemic awareness, therapy, occupational therapy, special education, autism stuttering, aphasia and voice disorders. The Center offers services, and behavior therapy services. A family-centered accent reduction services for adults and students, stroke and multilingual approach ensures parents that their child’s rehabilitation programs and groups for children focused on developmental needs are met in a nurturing and supportive listening, reading readiness and delayed speech/language environment. The company offers coordination of initial development. Individual feeding and swallowing services evaluations as well as follow-up sessions to provide support are available, as are mealtime play and language play to families through the preschool and school age transitions. groups, for those from birth through age 5. For further These services are provided in-home, community, and information, contact Dr. Joyce Rubenstein, Ph.D., direcclinic settings to children and families throughout New 419 Park Avenue Floor,Speech New York,& NY Hearing 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 tor ofSouth, the 13th Ladge Center at C.W. Post, York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. Achieve jrubenst@liu.edu. Beyond offers families private pay and insurance payment to: FAx # options for children from birth-21 years of age. For more information, please visit www.achievebeyondusa.com or From: iSSue DAte: Health & Fitness call (866)696-0999.
Stuttering Potty Training
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Please call or fax your comments and/or oK.
Marion K. Salomon & Associates 125 East Bethpage Road, Plainview, NY 11803 SigNAture oF APProvAl: (516)731-5588 info@mksalomon.com www.mksalomon.com Marion K. Salomon & Associates believes early diagnosis and treatment are important in improving children’s confidence and competence in all areas. This is a caring group of professionals with many years of experience in working with infants and children of all ages. Marion K. Salomon & Associates makes every effort to enhance your child’s development and to respond quickly and sensitively
Over 40 Articles on
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New LOW COST FEEDING, Are You LANGUAGE & PLAY Worried About GROUPS Your Child’s Speech, Language or Hearing?
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Complete Speech, Language and Hearing Evaluation and Therapeutic Center for Children & Adults
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Ladge Speech & Hearing Center at C.W. Post
• Reasonable Rates • Infant, Toddlers and School Age Children • Day & Evening Hours • Children’s Eating and Chatting Groups • Individual & Group Therapy
40 I parentguide News I May 2014
For more information call: Dr. Joyce Rubenstein, Director
516-299-2437
email: joyce.rubenstein@liu.edu L.I.U. • C.W. Post • Brookville
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If your child is not doing what other kids the same age are doing— ask questions…and get www.parentguidenews.com • answers. 212-213-8840
Enrichment/Tutoring Services Mathnasium Learning Centers 43-17 Bell Boulevard, Bayside (718)747-MATH (6284) www.mathnasium.com/bayside 3430 Sunrise Highway, Wantagh (516)799-MATH (6284) 414 Central Ave., Cedarhurst (516)569-1500 www.mathnasium.com/fivetowns 1141-3 Jericho Turnpike, Commack (631)543-MATH (6284) Forest Hills (718)544-MATH (6284) 11 Great Neck Road, Great Neck (516)482-MATH (6284) www.mathnasium.com/greatneck 2795 Middle Country Road, Lake Grove (631)619-6949 www.mathnasium.com/lakegrove 381 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook (516)881-7997 www.mathnasium.com/lynbrook 1003 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park (516)616-MATH (6284) www.mathnasium.com/newhydepark 217A Mineola Ave., Roslyn Heights (516)484-MATH (6284) www.mathnasium.com/roslyn 110 Jackson Ave., Syosset (516)944-MATH (6284) www.mathnasium.com/syosset-jericho 55 Post Ave., Westbury, NY (516)338-6284 www.mathnasium.com/westbury greatneck@mathnasium.com Mathnasium Learning Centers, with more than 300 locations in the United States, as well as in 16 countries, offer math-only educational programs. In a relaxed, homework-free environment, Mathnasium enables kids to focus on sharpening their math skills. Mathnasium students develop and maintain the mathematics knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in the information age. Mathnasium is a learning center where kids go to catch up, keep up, or get ahead in math. Programs run year round for kids of all ages. your needs, your neighborhood
playing • talking • smiling
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walking • eating • learning moving • behaving •
to your concerns as parents and caregivers. Its goal is to provide prompt accurate evaluations, effective treatment and support for families in Long Island, Queens and Brooklyn. Services offered are: speech and language pathology, Prompt, special education, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), physical and occupational therapies, nutritional counseling, psychological and social work services. Marion K. Salomon & Associates is known for its accurate and perceptive autism diagnostic evaluations. If your child receives home-based services, Marion K. Salomon & Associates will go to wherever your child is; at home, in school, at daycare, etc. Marion K. Salomon & Associates also offers services at its Plainview clinic, including parent and child groups and play and social groups. Marion K. Salomon & Associates adds new options all the time. Please check the Web site for information about clinic services, groups, trainings and workshops.
Call us at 516-731-5588 (press 6) www.mksalomon.com info@mksalomon.com
125 E. Bethpage Rd., Plainview NY 11803 The Early Intervention program is funded by NYS & county governments for children birth to 3 suspected of having a developmental disability or delay. Services are authorized by the county. The CPSE program is funded & regulated by the NYS Education Department, county and your local school district for children 3-5. Services for both programs are provided at no direct cost to families for children who meet eligibility guidelines.
listening • sharing • asking
Offering Clinic and Home Based Services for Behavioral (ABA) and Speech Therapy Our clinic is centrally located in Melville and we also provide home based services throughout Long Island, the 5 boroughs of NYC and Hudson Valley We are in network with most major insurances and have private pay options available
Contact us! 538 Broadhollow Road Suite 202 Melville, NY 11747 866-696-0999 info@achievebeyondusa.com achievebeyondusa.com May 2014 I parentguide News I 41
P
Lice The Facts of
Keep the little bugs at bay. by Carol Gilbert
F
or most parents, “lice” is a four-letter word akin to the worst swear words. The mere mention of a lice outbreak in the classroom or among friends brings with it itchy heads, a gross feeling, and images of dreaded housework.
Yet, dare we say, the common head louse is misunderstood — not even that bad to treat? Despite the icky, dirty feelings that come with lice, outbreaks happen more often than you realize. Let’s try to dispel some myths and show you how to prevent a lice infestation in your home. First of all, take “lice” off your list of forbidden words. Communicating your lice outbreak to people around you — your carpool, the family with whom your child just enjoyed a sleepover, your child’s caregivers — can spare them an infestation, too. Finding lice early is the key to easy removal. And letting others know you have lice prevents families in close contact from spreading them back and forth. Early detection of head lice means determining
there are adult louse bugs laying eggs (called nits) on a scalp within the first few days of the occurrence. “Once a week, take a peek” is a common saying among lice experts because a ten-minute, weekly comb-out with a stainless steel nit comb can prevent larger infestations. The rule of thumb: Less adult lice and nits to remove equals easier-to-tackle head lice! Lice removal is a two-week process no matter what method you use. There are three ways to kill lice:
• Pesticides. You’ve likely seen pesticides in the news. Not only are they harmful to humans, but they can also be ineffective as lice have developed a resistance to some over-the-counter pesticides. Skip this method.
Housekeeping tips If your family has lice, wash the sheets and pillowcases after the first treatment. The comforter and any stuffed animals with which your children sleep can go in the dryer for 30 minutes.Vacuum upholstery and carpets after the first treatment (there’s no need to do this for days on end). Boil brushes, combs, and hair accessories for five minutes. Or, just don’t use them for 24 hours (at which point, the lice will be dead). 42 I parentguide News I May 2014
• “Suffocation.” This uses natural remedies such as olive oil, Cetaphil, or mayonnaise. These products work if they’re left on the hair for eight hours. This can be messy, not to mention difficult, to wash from hair. • Non-toxic enzymes. Our favorite. Using a non-toxic enzyme kills the lice. The enzyme interacts with the adult lice bugs’ exoskeleton, causing them to come off prematurely and die. While all of the above methods remove adult lice bugs, there is no product that kills the nits and washes them out of your hair. Nit removal is the tedious part of lice removal. If you have been doing the weekly comb-outs prior to finding lice, you can comb for roughly ten minutes per day to remove the nits. But, if you have not been checking on a regular basis, the first day of combing will be very tedious and last about 30 minutes to one hour. Keep combing for ten days after you find out your child has lice. Do comb-outs with the enzyme solution on everyone in your household. Tell anyone with whom you have been in contact about the lice, and tell them they need to be combed out to check for lice, too. There is good news, though. Good news with lice? Yes! Here’s where the mythbusting begins:
parentguidenews.com
4Lice bugs are human parasites, so they need human blood to survive. They die relatively quickly (within 24-36 hours) if they’re not directly on your scalp. 4Lice can’t lay eggs anywhere except in your hair! This means the rumored house stripping, cleaning, and bagging tips are completely wrong! 4Lice are transmitted via direct headto-head contact 95 percent of the time. They don’t jump or fly. Standing near someone with lice does not mean you’ll end up with lice! There are loads of websites that offer photos of lice, show you how to do a comb-out, etc. A great place to start is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov. At the end of the day, knowing the true facts of lice can help you keep them at bay.
Comb-outs Do a weekly comb-out just to check your kid’s head. Pop your kids in front of the TV on Friday afternoons and do a comb-out.To perform a proper comb-out to check for lice: •Put on enough conditioner to cover the scalp and remove all tangles. •Hold the steel nit comb at a 90-degree angle. Graze the scalp with the comb and get it through to the end of the hair. •Wipe the comb on a paper towel to look for evidence of lice or nits. •Comb through the hair in this fashion in all directions — front to back, side to side, and underneath. If you do not see any evidence on the paper towel, you do not have lice. Repeat the process in one week.
Carol Gilbert founded Fairy LiceMothers New York in 2008 with Christine Bonanno and Michelle Villella to educate the community on safe and effective lice treatments. In 2011, Fairy LiceMothers joined with Stacey Pomerantz to open an Austin, Texas, location. All locations are certified by The Shepherd Institute.
your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 43
LONG W EEKEND TRIPS Easy ventures for those extra days. by Kara Mayer Robinson
Long weekends are made for quick getaways. Swap cabin fever for family fun with three nearby destinations that are perfect for kids.
Amish Country, Pennsylvania Kick back with barnyard animals, meander through the countryside, and get up-close and personal with scores of trains in this beautiful farm region.
Credit: www.padutchcountry.com
Fabulous fun •Trains, trains, trains. Train lovers have plenty to see in Lancaster County. Take a 45-minute ride on the old-time Strasburg Rail Road (www.strasburgrailroad.com). Try the Day Out With Thomas, offered on select weekends. See more than 100 locomotives and railroad cars at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (www.rrmuseumpa.org). Visit adorable and fascinating The Choo Choo Barn for 1,700 square feet of model trains (www. choochoobarn.com). •Observe the beauty. This is farm country; enjoy it! Take a leisurely drive on the country roads, see the Amish gathering for barn raisings or a Sunday meal (be respectful and refrain from taking pictures), and pull over for corn mazes and petting farms. Try Cherry Crest Adventure Farm (www. cherrycrestfarm.com). •Shop locally. Bypass the outlet malls. Instead, weave around the countryside until you stumble upon local goods. Locals, some Amish and some not, often sell handcrafted goods and foods. When you see a sign that says, “Homemade Root Beer,” pull over, and give it a whirl.
Credit: www.padutchcountry.com
Treats and good eats
Credit: www.padutchcountry.com
Kara Mayer Robinson is a freelance travel writer whose work has appeared in Parents, Pregnancy, and Time Out New York.With three kids and an insatiable case of wanderlust, she’s forever seeking a balance between packing lunch boxes and suitcases.
44 I parentguide News I May 2014
•Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market, 2710 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, www.birdinhandfarmersmarket.com. What family doesn’t love a picnic? This indoor market gives out lots of samples to help you pick an assortment of cheeses, local sausages, freshly baked breads, and whoopie pies. •Miller’s Smorgasbord, 2811 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks, www.millerssmorgasbord.com. Don’t expect gourmet food, just a homey, buffet-style restaurant that’s typical of the Amish Country. There are endless options for fussy eaters.
Stay here •The Red Caboose Motel, www.redcaboosemotel.com. Kids will treasure sleeping in one of 39 private, retrofitted historic train cars. (Don’t worry — they have private bathrooms). They’ll also like the petting zoo and playground. •Bed-and-breakfasts, www.padutchcountry.com.
Credit: www.padutchcountry.com
Area guesthouses and B & Bs offer a relaxed vibe and local flavor. If you choose one on a working farm, your kids might see cows being milked or take horses for a ride. Breakfast is often included.
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Cape Cod, Massachusetts It’s an American classic. Think cedar-shingled homes, clambakes on the beach, and dolphin watching.
Fabulous fun •Whale watching. “Oooh” and “ahhh” over these beautiful sea creatures as they spring up for air then dive back down. Boat captains know where they hang out and take you directly to the sweet spots. Book an excursion at www.whalewatch.com. •Fishing. Walk to a local inlet for laid-back fishing, or join a charter boat for deep-sea fishing. Stock up on worms and bobbers at a local bait-and-tackle shop.Try www.hylinecruises.com. •Biking. No matter which part of the Cape you stay in, there’s a bike rental shop nearby. Most have everything from baby bike seats to tandem bikes. Try www.barbsbikeshop.com or www.ptownbikes.com. •Crab hunting. At low tide, head straight to Provincetown Harbor (or practically any part of Cape Cod Bay), where millions of tiny sea creatures like hermit crabs and clams abound. Nature lovers will lose themselves for hours in this habitat sprinkled with tide pools.
Treats and good eats •Land Ho!, 38 Main St., Orleans, www.land-ho.com. For something slightly more gourmet and healthier than the fried fare at seafood joints that pepper the Cape, head to this noisy but cheerful family restaurant. Order the clam pie. (Trust us.) •The Mayflower, 300 Commercial St., Provincetown,
Washington, D.C. Kids don’t have to be history buffs or even know the president to appreciate our capital’s open spaces and museums.
Credit: Destination DC
www.mayflower-ptown.com. Stroll through Provincetown (a.k.a. P-Town) for its quirky shops and funky art. Then, cozy up at this cafe with comfort food like baked stuffed fillet of sole and Portuguese fish and chips.
Stay here •Rent a home. Cape Cod motels can be less than stellar. A rental home offers a full-size kitchen, separate bedrooms, and (sometimes) a washing machine.Try www.vrbo.com or www.capecodrentals.com. •Chatham Bars Inn, www.chathambarsinn.com.This four-diamond resort has a main inn and cottage suites just footsteps from Chatham Harbor.You’ll appreciate the private beach, fully-equipped pool, and onsite restaurants.
Fabulous fun •National Mall, www.nps.gov. Forget the monuments; it’s the open spaces kids love most. (Of course, it’s also nice to point out the U.S. Capitol,Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial). Bring a soccer ball or Frisbee.Then, walk a few blocks toward the White House lawn for a primo photo opp. •Smithsonian Museum, www.si.edu.The popular National Air and Space Museum has the 1903 Wright Flyer and moon rock.The National Museum of Natural History has animal replicas and a snazzy assortment of gems and stones, including the Hope Diamond. Bonus: Admission is free. •Smaller museums. Pop over to The National Archives (www.archives.gov) to come face to face with the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Have an Alex P. Keaton in the making? Tour the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (www. moneyfactory.gov) to see dollar bills fresh off the press. Older kids — and adults who are “Homeland” junkies — will appreciate the International Spy Museum (www. spymuseum.org).
Treats and good eats •Ben’s Chili Bowl, 1213 U St. NW, www.benschilibowl.com.This D.C. institution is treasured for its chili dogs, thick milkshakes, and famous guests like Bill Cosby and Chris Rock. •Clyde’s of Georgetown, 3236 M St. NW, www. clydes.com/georgetown.This Georgetown saloon has all the family favorites, from juicy burgers to Sunday brunch, and it welcomes kids (even noisy ones).
Credit: Destination DC
Stay here •JW Marriott, www.marriott.com.About two blocks from the White House, this city-center hotel has an indoor pool and excellent restaurants, courtesy of master chef Mark Quitney, with a healthy kids’ menu to boot. •Hyatt Regency Washington, www.hyatt.com. The beds here might just be the most comfortable on the planet. Plus, it’s super-close to the Capitol and Union Station (perfect for hopping on the Metro or a double-decker tour bus).
Credit: Mary A. Behre
your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 45
TRAVEL Proof
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by Donald McDermott
J.L. Childress travel accessories include car seat check bags, on-thego bags, and disposable diaper dispensers. www.jlchildress.com Miamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mayfair Hotel & Spa offers Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day getaway packages, as well as great options for Babymooners. www.mayfairhotelandspa.com
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Since 1983, Adventures Cross-Country has provided domestic and international cultural experiences for students ages 13 to 19. Prepare your young traveler with the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helpful online tips. www.adventurescrosscountry.com
Blue Haven Resort and Marina,Turks and Caicos, presents the special Suite Family deal, which includes everything from kayaking and windsurfing to exploring sunny beaches and delicious cuisine. www.bluehaventci.com
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46 I parentguide News I May 2014
Travel company Austin Adventures has been named one of the planetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best guides for 2014 by Outside magazine. Check it out to discover spectacular trips, tours, travel tips, and much more. www.austinadventures.com
Donald McDermott is the managing editor. parentguidenews.com
Summer Day Trips & Family Vacations Beaches Resorts (800)BEACHES www.beaches.com With three spectacular locations in Turks and Caicos and Jamaica, and soon a fourth in Barbados, and a fifth in Antigua; Beaches Resorts is the ultimate getaway for every member of the family. With outrageous waterparks, XBOX Play Lounge, the Scratch DJ Academy, exclusive Kids Camps, teen nightclubs, Certified Nannies, Butler service, and Red Lane Spas, Beaches Resorts provides an unrivaled experience in the Caribbean. As a proud sponsor of Sesame Street, Beaches Resorts also offers the Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street, where kids can spend their vacation with their favorite friends from the Sesame Street gang with daily activities and weekly stage shows. Beaches Resorts are also the perfect destination wedding and vow renewal venue, offering unrivaled choices for your most special day and the opportunity for the whole family to celebrate together with FamilyMoons. For more information, please visit www.beaches.com.
PROOF
Weekends, and daily June 21-Labor Day, September 1. Smugglers’ Notch Vermont 4323 Vermont Route 108 South, Smugglers’ Notch, VT 05464 (866)771-3717 www.smuggs.com/pg In the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Smugglers’ Notch Resort provides all the ingredients for a perfect summer family vacation. All you need to do is add your family! No other family summer resort offers such a wide variety of programs and activities. The FamilyFest and Adventure Connection vacation packages include accommodations in a comfortable, fully equipped condominium home, unlimited access to eight pools and four waterslides, award-winning children’s programs for ages 3-17 years, guided hikes, walks and much more. All just a short walk or an in-resort shuttle ride to the Village Center with dining and shopping. The SimplySmuggs vacation package offers the same family activities and makes children’s programs available at a significant discount. The ArborTrek Zip Line Canopy Tour adds a heightened level of excitement to your experience. Soar down more than 4,000 feet of zip lines, cross suspension bridges, rappel from trees— it’s the adventure of a lifetime. Smugglers’ offers a perfect, self-contained resort village where your family can relax, have fun and reconnect. For more than 50 years, Smugglers’ Notch has been helping families create memories that last a lifetime! Call (866)771-3717 or visit www.smuggs.com/pg to make your reservation today!
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Pier 83, W. 42nd St., NYC 10036 (212)563-3200 info@circleline42.com www.circleline42.com If you want to experience the best of New York, a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise is for you. Whether it’s seeing the skyline from a new perspective, or capturing a landmark photo, they help you make that memory. Circle Line has hosted more than 60 million guests since 1945 and is considered “America’s Favorite Boat Ride.” They have something for everyone. Choose from five different leisurely tours including the famous Full-Island Cruise, the landmark-spotting Semi-Circle Cruise, the quick and easy Liberty Cruise or the sunset Harbor Lights cruise. New this year, all cruises include all new tour content created in partnership with the New-York Historical Society, creating an enthralling narrative of the history, culture and landscape that make New York Iconic. The thrill seekers in the family can take a ride aboard the BEAST Speedboat– a 30-minute ride of pure excitement! Special event cruises include the popular Kids Cruise series (May 31, June 21, July 12 and 26, August 9 and 23, and October 25), fantastic Fourth of July fireworks cruises and family-friendly Bear Mountain cruises in the fall.Visit www.circleline42.com or find Circle Line on Facebook for more information on this relaxing and fun way to see the world’s most famous skyline. Land of Make Believe Route 80, Exit 12, Hope, NJ 07844 (908)450-9000 www.lomb.com Land of Make Believe is celebrating its 60th incredible “Pirate’s Escape,” and thanking its loyal patrons with a chance to win a new Ford Escape (No purchase necessary.) LOMB’s secret is, it was specifically built for parents to participate with their children. A magical amusement park and a pirate-themed, state-of-the-art waterpark features short lines, free parking, low prices and awesome family fun. Extraordinary summer fun awaits you & your family for a full day of river tubing, water slides, hayrides, roller coaster, ferris wheel, 1863 train ride, tilt-a-whirl, talking scare crow, old McDonald’s farm, carousel, and the list goes on. Bring your own food and enjoy the beautiful picnic grove. Safe, wholesome family atmosphere is just down the road, minutes away, your perfect day trip destination. Visit Facebook or lomb.com. The 2014 Grand Opening is slated for Memorial Weekend, including Monday. The park remains open June your needs, your neighborhood
Capture the moment, cherish your family time!
This Summer, experience authentic family fun at Smugglers’ Notch Vermont.
Call 1.866.771.3717 Where Family Fun is Guaranteed!
and ask how you can SAVE on your Smugglers’ vacation!
smuggs.com/pg
May 2014 I parentguide News I 47
Woman oman mom
For the Woman behind the Mom
1) Stop searching for balance. One issue that holds women back is their search for balance. When it’s not there, they get frustrated, possibly turning down a promotion or leaving the workforce completely. By staying in the workforce, women can be successful in both their work and home lives.
2) Make home life a priority. If there is something
by Teresa Taylor
wrong at home, you need to work it out. Otherwise, it will always bother you at the office. You might change jobs, but your cornerstone is your home life.
3) Manage your time more efficiently. Be present in what you’re doing, finish it, and move on. I have my list of things to do, and I’ll assign time slots to it. If I have one hour to work on a presentation at work or one hour to clean at home, I do the best I can for that one hour.
Balance as
4) Combine your work and family schedules. I
Myth
Eight tips to stop trying to “do it all” and find success.
It’s a common theme portrayed in movies and TV and often debated in real life: How does the modern woman “do it all?” How does a woman balance her family, career, passions, friends, and other facets of a full life? Maybe, we’re looking at this puzzle the wrong way while striving for something that’s actually unattainable. If we consider that finding the perfect balance is really a myth, we open ourselves to limitless possibilities. With women earning about 57 percent of undergraduate degrees and 60 percent of master’s degrees in the United States, why are so few of them in the corner offices of corporations? According to a study published by Catalyst in 2012, only 21 percent of Fortune 500 C.E.O.s are women. In addition, women only hold 14 percent of executive officer positions and 17 percent of board seats. Despite these statistics, research shows that companies run better with both women and men in leadership roles. So why do women get an education, enter the workforce, and struggle to cross the chasm to the corner office? One reason is that on their way to the top, they begin to search for the mythical “balance.” They cannot find it because it does not exist; and they believe the only answer is to leave their career or step back in their journey. How do we help women realize that balance is just a myth, and leadership is possible with the right expectations, persistence, and tools? The following life and work tips can help women rethink professional and personal success. 48 I parentguide News I May 2014
IR 5/14
used to keep two different calendars: one for home and one for work. I was missing work deadlines, my kids’ activities, and other events. I combined the calendars, which caused me to start talking about my family at work and integrating my two lives. It’s one life and one calendar! Now, I don’t miss a thing.
5) Stay in the moment. When you’re at work in a meeting, be there. When you’re at home, be there. If you’re in a business meeting, don’t wish to be somewhere else. Be present where you are, and don’t feel guilty about where you’re not.
6) It isn’t just a job. Work at a place and on something about which you are passionate. Don’t just take a “job,” but rather foster a career. This way, you don’t have to choose between work and life because your work is a major part of your life.
7) Take the promotion. The only way that you are going to be able to effect change is to get yourself and other women in a place where you are making decisions.
8) Sponsor another women. It can be lonely as you move toward to corner office. Sponsor other women inside and outside of your company. Women can be their own worst enemy in the workplace, but they can also be the inspiration for their own change. And with this cultural shift, more companies in the United States will see a different view from the top with more women executives leading the way.
Teresa Taylor is a nationally recognized, Fortune 200 executive who brings integrity, focus, vision, and agility to corporate leadership while advising companies, government agencies, and others on successful business models. Her book, The Balance Myth: Rethinking Work-Life Success (Greenleaf Book Group Press), inspires women to succeed. Find the book at www.thebalancemythbook.com and Taylor at www.teresataylor.org. parentguidenews.com
oman Woman mLike omUs on Facebook For the Woman behind the Mom
by Samantha Chan
Cleure makeupto WIN for Chances and skincare Exclusive Prizes products, developed
Mothers En Vogue provides the most stylish women with comfortable, high-quality, and eco-friendly maternity and nursing wear. www.mothersenvogue.com
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by Dr. Flora Stay, offer hypoallergenic, Like gluten-free, and ethical options for those with www.facebook.com/parentguidenews sensitive skin. www.cleure.com
Like First lady of yoga, Colleen Saidman Yee, offers DVD Calorie Killer Yoga, which provides www.facebook.com/parentguidenews five practices to increase your metabolism, Ditch your decanter strength, flexibility, balance, and focus. for Aermateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wine and www.totalfitnessdvds.com Spirits Aerator. Use it Jeanne Simmons Accessories features stylish hats that provide 50+ UPF for a whole bottle or a protection, keeping up to 98 percent of UV rays from your delicate skin. single glass of wine. www.jeannesimmonsaccessories.com www.aermate.com Go to www.parentguidenews.com for a chance to win this great prize!
Samantha Chan is the associate editor.
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May 2014 I parentguide News I 49
Over 33 Articles on HEALTH
Over 22 Articles on
by Samantha Chan
1 PhoneSoap is not only a phone charger, but also a sanitizer for your mobile device thanks to a featured UV light. www.phonesoap.com
Allergies
Discipline
2 Clif, a leader in organic foods, snacks, and drinks for the whole family, now offers Mojo Fruit & Nut bars, as well as Mojo Dark Chocolate bars. www.clifbar.com.
1
3 Numi Organic Tea, providers of delicious, organic, and fair-trade teas, has teamed up with Chef Carla Hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artisan cookie company to offer gift boxes with the perfect combinations of teas and cookies. www.carlahall.com
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4 Dubble Trubble offers a collection of pH-balanced hair and body washes, which are free of parabens, mineral oils, and animal ingredients. www.target.com
So much more...
3
So much more... 5
5 Queens-based Garden Lites now offers Veggie Muffins. Delicious and satisfying, these treats are great for breakfast, lunch, or anytime. www.gardenlites.com
IR_May
190 on OverOver 5 Articles
Over Over42 6 Articles on
Stuttering Recipes
Child Potty Training Development
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So So much much more... more... 50 I parentguide News I May 2014
parentguidenews.com parentguidenews.com
So Somuch muchmore... more... parentguidenews.com
HEALTH 6 When you’re in a rush, reach for AngelBowls. These microwavable meals offer quick and healthy vegetarian options. www.angelbowls.com
9
7 Get clean with triple-milled, monogrammed soaps from Carved Solutions. www.carvedsolutions.com 8 May 17 marks Learn to Swim Day. Log onto www.teachmetoswim.com for all kinds of information and resources to make this summer by the pool a safe one.
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9 Healthy Mama offers parents an all-natural energy drink in Boost-It-Up! It’s rich in protein, B-vitamins, ginger, fiber, and electrolytes. www.healthymamabrand.com 10 Get your body ready for the upcoming beach season with Gaiam’s Beginners Pilates Kit, featuring a body-sculpting ball, a resistance band, and a body-sculpting workout DVD. www.gaiam.com
7
Go to www.parentguidenews.com for a chance to win these great prizes!
your needs, your neighborhood
Samantha Chan is the associate editor.
May 2014 I parentguide News I 51
Calendarof Events
MAY 2014
May 2: Kids’ Night Out
Suffolk May 1PROOF -7 Nassau
PROOF
May 1: The Music Man, John W. Engeman Theater at Northport, 250 Main St., Northport, (631)261-2900, www.engemantheater. com. Meridith Wilson’s delightful musical follows fast talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boy’s band he vows to organize. Runs through May 18.
Manhattan
Cinco De Mayo Party!, M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym, 171 Eileen Way, Syosset, (516)496-7765, 2629 Grand Ave., Bellmore, (516)221-1330, www.matsskidsgym.com. While mom and dad enjoy a night out, their 2-10 year olds will enjoy a special evening fiesta that includes dinner, games, and crafts. Advance registration is required.
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
Queens
May 1-4: Second Annual Steinbeck Festival, The Long Wharf, Sag Harbor, (631)725-0011, www.sagharborchamber.com. The Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce presents this second annual celebration, presented in conjunction with the yearly festivities presented by the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, CA.
Westchester
May 2: Meet the Author - Mookie Wilson, Book Revue, 313
0 0 1 $ n i W
New York Avenue, Huntington, (631)271-5890, www.bookrevue. com. Legendary New York Met and 1986 World Series champion Mookie will4: be on hand to sign his new memoir, Mookie: MayWilson 3 and Life, Baseball, and the ‘86 Mets. 7pm.
Cinderella
May 3: 101 Dalmations, The BayWay Arts Center, 265 East Main DixEast HillsIslip, Performing St., (631)581-2700, www.broadhollow.org. One of
Arts Center, 305 North Service Road, Dix Hills, (631)656-2148. Comedy, magic, and a touch of true love come together in this mesmerizing fairy tale.
Continued on page 54.
our Y d r a w o T rty! a P y a d h t Bir t x e N s ’ d l i Ch Calling All September Birthdays!
May 9: Little Shop of Horrors
PARENTGUIDE News wants to help Studio makeTheatre, your141child’s S. Ave., Lindennext birthday the most memorable Wellwood ever!(631)226-8400, hurst, www.broadhollow.org. This month’s Birthday Blowout Contest highlights children’s The Broadhollow Theatre birthdays that occur in September.
Company presents the
To enter, go to www.parentguidenews.com and click on the cult hit musical about a nerdy flower shop workBirthday Blowout Contest box for details. The winner receives a er, the girl he loves, and $100 gift certificate to spend toward a chosen party place or entertainer a man-eating plant! Perfor the ultimate birthday bash. formed again on May 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, and 24.
Save BIG at www.parentguidenews.com
Turn your child’s special day into something spectacular. 52 I parentguide News I May 2014
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Win
a Polaroid Kids Tablet V2
From the moment you first held your baby, your child became the most important thing in your life. In honor of Mother â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day this month, share the magic of being a mom by submitting an image of you and your little angel by the end of May at www.parentguidenews.com. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll post select entries online so viewers may vote for their favorites during June. Encourage family members and friends to vote once each day for the best chance to win! The parent who sends in the submission with the most votes receives a Polaroid Kids Tablet V2. The device is designed specifically for children and preloaded with more than 70 kid-friendly apps like books, games, and educational content.
Visit www.parentguidenews.com for contest details.
your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 53
May 2: Kids’ Night Out
Calendarof Events
Cinco De Mayo Party!, M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym, 171 Eileen Way, Syosset, (516)496-7765, 2629 Grand Ave., Bellmore, (516)221-1330, www.matsskidsgym.com. While mom and dad enjoy a night out, their 2-10 year Disney’s most beloved films comes to life on stage as Pongo and olds attempt will enjoy a special Parlita to raise their adorable puppies and keep them safe evening fiesta that infrom the monstrous Cruella De Ville. cludes dinner, games, May Archery for Children, and3:crafts. Advance reg- The Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, 340isSmith Road, Shirley, (631)286-0485. Join Naturalistration required.
PROOF
ist Todd Weston as he teaches children ages 8 and up the joys of shooting a bow and arrow. All equipment provided. 10am.
May 3:May Baby 16: Animal Day, Suffolk Night Owl County Farm and Educational Center, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank, (631)852-4600. Drop in and meet a few ofOfthe farms new arrivals, then enjoy wagon rides, Creatures the Night, The games Sweetbriar and more. 10am-4pm. Nature Cen-
ter,Click, 62 Eckernkamp May 3: Clack, Moo,Drive, Westhampton Beach Performing Smithtown, (631)979-6344, Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach, (631)288-1500, www.sweetbriarnc.org. www.whbpac.org. Based on the popular book, this “moooooving” musical sure to delight audiences of all ages! 3pm. Familiesisare invited to join a Sweetbriar naturalist for
May 3 and 4: Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo, The Tilles Center for the an evening information Performing Arts atofLIU Post Campus 720 Northern Boulevard, and activities that focus on Brookville, (516)299-3100, www.tillescenter.org. Audiences get owls and otherpre-historic creaturesAustralia as an eye-popping artaken on a tour through ray of of ancient creatures come to life on stage in this truly amazing the night. 7-9:30pm. and imaginative show featuring a unique blend of design, electronics and large scale puppets. Shows at 11am, 2pm and 4pm.
Proof
www.parentguidenews.com • Theater 212-213-8840 www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 May 3: Flat Stanley, The John W. Engeman at Northport, 250 May 3 and 4: Cinderella Dix Hills Performing Arts Center, 305 North Service Road, Dix Hills, (631)656-2148. Comedy, magic, and a touch of true love come together in this mesmerizing fairy tale.
Main St., Northport, (631)261-2900, www.engemantheater.com. The Theater’s popular Children’s Series presents this delightful show for audiences of all31 ages.and Runs June Saturday1: andArt Sunday May 18. May inthrough the Park
May 3:Art I love MyPark ParkFine Day,Art Walt Whitman Birthplace State in the & Craft Fair, Heckscher Park,HisHuntoric Site & Interpretive Center, (631)427-5240, www.waltwhittington, (631)462-5400. man.org. Drop by the Walt Whitman Birthplace to give back to Available is aand variety this community-site state of park by helping with a little springhandmade cleaning. Free tourscrafts, of thepaintBirthplace and refreshments will also be available. 10am-1pm. ings, ceramics, jewelry,
sculpture, and more.
May 3: The will Littlebe Mermaid, Prizes awardedStudio Theatre, 141 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst, (631)226-8400, www.broadhollow.org. An ad-
©BMP
and raffles will be held.
May 9: Little Shop of Horrors Studio Theatre, 141 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst, (631)226-8400, www.broadhollow.org. The Broadhollow Theatre Company presents the cult hit musical about a nerdy flower shop worker, the girl he loves, and a man-eating plant! Performed again on May 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, and 24.
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54 I parentguide News I May 2014
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venturous young mermaid leaves her undersea realm for a sixteenth birthday excursion to the surface. She hopes to find the prince of her dreams but first she must face the evil sea witch. Presented again on May 10 and 17. 2pm. May 3 and 4: Port Jefferson’s 3rd Annual Maritime Festival, Port Jefferson Harbor, Port Jefferson, (631)473-1414, www.portjeff. com. The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce celebrates the town’s maritime heritage with a weekend celebration that includes a boat show, live demonstrations, water activities and much more. 11am-6pm. May 3: Pottery Workshop, The Parrish Art Museum, 279 Montauk Highway, Watermill, (631)283-2118, www.parrishart.org. Creative students ages 7 and up are invited to work on the potter’s wheel, learn many techniques, and see their creations get fired. Presented again on May 10 and 17. 1-2:3pm.
Proof
May 9: Little Shop of Horrors Studio Theatre, 141 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst, (631)226-8400, www.broadhollow.org. The Broadhollow Theatre Company presents the cult hit musical about a nerdy flower shop worker, the girl he loves, and a man-eating plant! Performed again on May 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, and 24.
Proof
May 3: Seatuck Eco Carnival, Seatuck Suffolk County Environmental Center, 550 South Bay Ave., Islip, (631)581-6908, www. seatuck.org. This event will feature games, educational activities, live performances, a Green market, and much more!
steps in creating a healthier, non-toxic home environment for you, your family and your pets. 2pm.
May 4: Family Feud Live!, The NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury, (516)247-5200, www.thetheatreatwestbury.com. The game show that has been popular on TV for decades entertains families live on stage in Westbury for one special day!
May 4: Jamie Adkins in Circus Incognitus, Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington, (516)767-6444, www.landmarkonmainstreet.org. In this new show starring Jamie Adkins, clowning and acrobatic feats bring to life a story of a man who has something to say, but can’t quite get it out.
May 4: Healthy Home Hour. Quogue Wildlife Refuge, 3 Old Country Road, Quogue, (631)653-4771, www.quoguewildliferefuge.com. Join Vanessa, a Healthy Home Advocate, to learn simple
May 4: Sheep to Shawl Festival, Kissam House, Huntington Historical Society, Huntington, (631)427-7045, ext. 403, www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org. The Huntington Historical Society
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
your needs, your neighborhood
May 2014 I parentguide News I 55
Calendarof Events
May 6: Meet the Author - Mariano Rivera, Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington, (631)271-1441, www.bookrevuew. com. World Series champion, future Hall of Famer, and legendary New York Yankee Mariano Rivera will be on hand to sign his new memoir, The Closer. 7-9pm.
presents this annual event that includes live animals, a variety of traditional demonstrations, and more.
May 6 and 7: Northwest Creek Hike, Northwest Creek County Park, West Sayville, (631)765-6450, ext. 219. Take part in a fun and informative hike lead by Missy Weiss.
May 4: Tulip Festival, Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington, (631)351-3099, www.heckscher.org. The town of Huntington presents its annual festivities that include children’s activity booths, tours from the Heckscher Museum, refreshments, local vendors, and more. 11am-4pm.
May 6: Two on Tap, The John W. Engeman Theater at Northport, 250 Main St., Northport, (631)261-2900, www.engemantheater. com. Take part in an all-tapping, all-singing trip down memory lane during a wonderful evening of music.
May 16: Night Owl
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 Creatures Of the Night, The Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown, (631)979-6344, www.sweetbriarnc.org. Families are invited to join a Sweetbriar naturalist for an evening of information and activities that focus on owls and other creatures of the night. 7-9:30pm.
Proof
May 8 - 16 May 8-11: Mother’s Day Plant Sale, Munns Pond County Park, Hampton Bays, (631)728-4200. Pick out something special for your mom during a special morning plant sale to benefit the Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons. 10am-noon. May 10: Opening Night - A New Generation of Broadway, Jamesport Meeting House, 1590 Main Road, Jamesport, (631)722-5170. The perfect show for those who love to sing, it features songs from a variety of shows such as Spamalot, Wicked, The Producers, and Lion King and others. May 10: Summer Camp Open House, Rinx, 660 Terry Road,
May 31 and June 1: Art in the Park Art in the Park Fine Art & Craft Fair, Heckscher Park, Huntington, (631)462-5400. Available is a variety of handmade crafts, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, and more. Prizes will be awarded and raffles will be held.
56 I parentguide News I May 2014
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May 3 and 4: Hauppauge, (631)232-3222, www.therinx.com. Stop in and find Cinderella out more about Hidden Pond Day Camp during an informative Open House program. Presented again on June 7. 10am-2pm.
Dix Hills Performing May 11: Birding and Breakfast with the Great South Bay AuduArts Center, 305 North bon Society, Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Connetquot, Service Road, Dix Hills, (631)581-1072. Celebrate the spring season and Mother’s Day in a (631)656-2148. Comemorning program includes a brief presentation about the migrating dy,warblers magic, and touch birds you may come across in the park. andaresident of true love come May 11: Day Brunch. Long Island Aquarium and Exhitogether inMother’s this mesbition Center, 431 East Main St., Riverhead, (631)208-9200, www. merizing fairy tale.
longislandaquarium.com. Create a treasured memory by treating your mom to a beautiful Mother’s Day brunch or dinner, followed by plenty of time to enjoy the Aquarium!
May 14: Summer Camp Open House, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, (516)692-6768, www.cshfha.org. Discover how 9: to provide children a summer filled with hands-on May Littleyour Shop ofwith Horrors nature-themed activities in the CSHFHA’s unforgettable summer camp during an insightful Studio Theatre, 141 S. evening Open House. 4-7pm.
May 31 and June 1: Art in the Park Art in the Park Fine Art & Craft Fair, Heckscher Park, Huntington, (631)462-5400. Available is a variety of handmade crafts, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, and more. Prizes will be awarded and raffles will be held. dliferefuge.com. Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons presents a program for children and adults in the Nature Center all about Long Island’s turtles, how you can help them, and what Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons does. Reservations required. 1pm.
Wellwood Ave., LindenMay 15-18: The 5th Annual Montauk Music Festival, Various hurst, (631)226-8400, sites throughout Montauk, Montauk, (631)668-2428, www.monwww.broadhollow.org. taukchamber.com. The Montauk Chamber of Commerce presents Thethis Broadhollow annual 4-dayTheatre event that welcomes over 75 bands from all over the country! 5-10pm. the Company presents cult hit musical about a nerdy flower shop worker, the girl he loves, and a man-eating plant! Performed again on May 10, 17 18, and23, 18: Art24. & Crafts Spring Festival, Deepwells Farm 11,May 16, 17, and
May 19: Long Island Live Steamers, Southaven County Park, Victory Ave., Brookhaven, (631)854-1414, www.suffolkcountyny. gov. Experience the sounds and smells of a real railroad in miniature as you travel through park woodlands behind live steam, diesel and electric locomotives. Presented again on May 26 and June 9.
May 17 - 25
May 21: Ice Princess Party, Darlings & Divas, 65 Merrick Road, Amityville, (631)608-4710, www.darlingsanddivas.com. Darlings & Divas offers a Frozen-style adventure as Elsa drops in to present ice princess hair styling, mini-manicures with snowflake art, ice glittery makeup, pizza, dessert, photos, and special guests.
County Park, St. James, (631)862-6080. Historic Deepwells Farm hosts over 75 juried artists and craftsmen, as well as live music, children’s games and activities, delicious food, and more.
May 23-25: Montauk Art Show on the Green, Montauk Village Green, 742 Montauk Highway, Montauk, (631)668-2428, www. montaukchamber.com. The Montauk Village Green provides a beautiful backdrop for a special three-day juried fine art show.
May 17: Dog Day Agility Expo & Pet Fair, St. Joseph’s College, 155 West Roe Boulevard, Patchogue, (631)265-0155, ext. 204. The day long event includes agility demonstrations, chances for adoption and a variety of shows. Bring your dog along for a run along the agility course. Rain date is May 18th. 10am-4pm.
May 25: Farmers Market, Southampton Chamber of Commerce, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton, (631)283-0402, www.southamptonchamber.com. The Southampton Chamber of Commerce hosts an ongoing farmers market featuring an array of tasty treats. Ongoing through October 12. 9am-2pm.
May 17 and 18: Long Island Fleece and Fiber Fair, Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead, (631)298-5292, www.hallockville.com. The grounds of the museum farm come alive during this two day event for visitors of all ages.
May 25: The Mosaic Street Painting Festival, East Main St., Downtown Riverhead, www.eastendarts.org. The East End Arts & Humanities Council presents an afternoon event that includes live music and entertainment, face painting, drumming, dancing, festival food, and more.
May 17: Scooby Doo Live - Musical Mysteries, The NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury, www.thetheatreatwestbury.com. Everyone’s favorite snack loving canine and all of his friends are brought together for an amazing live action stage show. 1pm. May 18: Celebrate World Turtle Day, Quogue Wildlife Refuge, 3 Old Country Road, Quogue, (631)653-4771, www.quoguewil-
For more exciting, family-friendly events in the tri-state area, visit
www.parentguidenews.com your needs, your neighborhood
Calendarof Events 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 May 2014 I parentguide News I 57
UPDATE
by Donald McDermott
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1 Tommee Tippee presents “Three Ring Circus,” a limited-edition line of sippy cups. www.tommeetippee.us
6 Light and soft, the Zen Swaddle from Nested Bean is specially designed to soothe babies through age 6 months. www.nestedbean.com
2 Relaunched as an all-girls label, Floatimini clothing brand encourages kids to develop creativity in their lives. www.floatimini.com
7 The Berenstain Bears’ Dinosaur Dig (Oceanhouse Media) digital book app invites children to explore pictures, learn new vocabulary, and personalize narration. www.barnesandnoble.com
3 Nickelodeon and Playmates Toys are expanding their popular line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figures and accessories with play sets, vehicles, and more. www.playmatestoys.com
8 Things are “fin-tastic” at Fisher Price thanks to its new line of toys inspired by the Bubble Guppies series. www.fisher-price.com
4 Jamie is Autistic: Learning in a Special Way (CreateSpace) by Joan Ramirez is the story of one young girl’s struggles and support system. www.barnesandnoble.com
9 C.J. Haiduk’s Mermaid Slippers (CreateSpace) features a magical fairytale inspired by the author’s experiences strolling along the Jersey Shore’s beaches with her daughter. www.amazon.com
5 DigiPuppets are wearable finger puppets that interact with educational apps, transforming any touchscreen into a learning platform. www.digipuppets.com
10 Francis and Eddie (Why Not Books) by Brad Herzog transports viewers to an iconic true moment in sports history with the story of amateur golfer Francis Ouimet, caddie Eddie Lowery, and their astonishing triumph at the 1913 U.S. Open. www.amazon.com
Go to www.parentguidenews.com for a chance to win these great prizes! 58 I parentguide News I May 2014
Donald McDermott is the managing editor.
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