August 2019
newyorkfamily.com
LaTonya Yvette
shares her take on mothering, personal style, and how color for her is a whole experience
Our First Parents’
Book Club!
Back-to-School
Backpacks
Great summer events in the Bronx!
Celebrating Excellence in Education since 1908
▼
ST. ANSELM SCHOOL
All faiths welcome!
Scholarships Available e for a Limll oritviseitdschTooim l to inquire)
St. Anselm School offers a safe and nurturing learning environment where students:
(Ca
* Achieve academic success * Learn integrity and values in the Catholic tradition * Belong to a community that fosters self-confidence and school spirit
* FREE Full Day PreK 3 and PreK 4 UPK Programs 8:15am - 2:45pm
• Technology Program including SMART Boards, I-Pads, Elmos, Chromebooks and Wi-Fi access • Daily Extended Care Program until 6pm • Comprehensive Science Program • Art and Music Programs • Physical Education Program • Guidance & Counseling Services • AFFORDABLE TUITION!!
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm
▼
APPLY NOW
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS: Math, Science, Choir, Guitar, Violin, Art, Band, & Chess
OPEN HOUSE
Ever y Wednesday 9am to 11am
2019-2020 School Year Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8
For more information or to schedule a visit, please call the school office. 685 Tinton Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455 | 718-993-9464 | www.stanselmbx.org
contents
August 2019
NewYorkFamily.com
pg. 8 pg. 26
pg. 22
FEATURES 10 | School Admissions Helpful admission tips for elementary, middle school, junior high and high school 16 | Preschool Thinking of preschool? Tips on getting started on this big step for your child 22 | Incredible LaTonya Yvette Author and lifestyle blogger LaTonya Yvette gives us her take on mothering, personal style
Stories/columns 4 | Editor’s Note Summer in the city 6 | Mom Hacks Our top ten picks for backpacks for Back to School
Family fun 26 | Calendar Great kid-friendly August events in the Bronx and not-to-be-missed events around the city
8 | Smart Parenting More families are using family safe words, here is how to choose them 20 | Mom Stories How to be a New Yorker. One mom’s words of wisdom to her daughter 18 | Family Health Eight breathing exercises for kids to help go from chaos to calm 24 | Parent’s Book Club Welcome to our first book club! 30 | We Asked Parents’ share their thoughts on the last days of summer with the kids
on the Cover Photo: Yumi Matsuo | yumimatsuostudio.com Hair & Makeup: Buffy Hernandez | buffysaintmarie.com Jumpsuit: Apiece Apart | apieceapart.com August 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
3
Editor’s Note
NewYorkFamily.com Publisher: Cliff Luster Publisher: Susan Weiss Associate Publisher: Mary Ann Oklesson Creative Director-At-Large: Hester Aba Executive Editor: Donna Duarte-Ladd Digital Editor: Katarina Avendaño Partnership Managers: Erik Bliss, Erin Brof, Mary Cassidy, Shelli Goldberg-Peck Marketing Assistant: Charlotte Sauvagnat Art Director: Leah Mitch Web Developer: Sylvan Migdal Nina Gallo Photography
Summer in the City
I
love New York. One moment you are cursing the train schedule, the next, a kind stranger helps you carry a bulky stroller up those never-ending stairs. If you are from here or a transplant, you know that this city is like no other and becomes part of the fabric of your being. This is why How to be a New Yorker (page 20) is a must-read and genuinely inspiring. Speaking of inspiration, our cover story on lifestyle blogger and stylist LaTonya Yvette, Incredible LaTonya (page 22) filled
us with gratitude for mothers who share their stories with others. This Brooklyn mom is honest and frank when it comes to life in general and mothering. And , yes we are starting to think about back to school, check out our Top 10 Backpacks (page 6). Enjoy this last month of being school free, for the most part! Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!
Graphic Designers: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti Editorial Interns: Michael Davis, Sarah Jackson, Mia Salas
Contact Information
ADVERTISING: (718) 260-4554 Advertising@NewYorkFamily.com Circulation: (718) 260-8336 Tina@NewYorkFamily.com
Address: New York Family Media/Schenps Media 1 MetroTech Center North, Third Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201
Donna Ladd President & Publisher: Victoria Schneps-Yunis CEO & Co-Publisher: Joshua Schneps
New York Family has been recognized for editorial and design excellence by PMA. New York Family is published monthly by Queens Family Media, LLC.
get in touch Share your feedback and ideas about family life in the city! Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily
4
Bronx/Riverdale Family | August 2019
Reproduction of New York Family Media in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. ©2019 Queens Family Media, LLC
Happy. Healthy. Loved. These are the dreams we have for our children. 6o we cherish the moments when little JiJJles Àll the room imaJinations taNe us on Jreat adventures and when it seems our hearts could Eurst with Sride and love. +ere and now we·d stoS time if we could. %ecause when Nids are EeinJ Nids we all feel Eetter.
Let·V Jet eveUy FhLld FoveUed. ,f \our child needs health insurance )idelis &are is Must a call clicN or visit awa\.
Call: 1-888-FIDELIS ClLFN: ÀdelLVFaUe.oUJ eveUyFhLldFoveUed 9LVLt: $ FLdelLV CaUe FoPPXQLty oIÀFe QeaU yoX. SeaUFh IoU loFatLoQV at ÀdelLVFaUe.oUJ oIÀFeV
-0+,30: ‹ ÄKLSPZJHYL VYN (1-888-343-3547)
TTY: 711
To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.
August 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
5
mom hacks
10 Backpacks for Back to School Our top picks for your little ones are not only stylish, but comfortable, safe, and accessible By Mia SalaS
1
1. State Mini Kane Backpack, Jungle Cats The Mini Kane Stae Backpack in Jungle Cats print lights up any room with its pop of rainbow colors and beautiful design. The Mini Kane is the perfect size for kids with its padded and adjustable straps. $65, statebags.com
2. Parkland Rodeo
2
The Rodeo is great if your little one needs the perfect lunch kit to go along with their back-toschool backpack. In addition, the insulated interior makes cleaning easy, and the front pocket makes snacks readily accessible. $24.99, parklandmfg.com
3. “Owl� Pack Backpack
3
This multi-compartment, padded, and water-resistant backpack deviates in shape from the classic, rounded backpack, because the patented horizontal design carries weight at waist level, making the backpack super comfortable and safe for kids. $29.99, bixbee.com
4. Pottery Barn Teen Gold Marble Metallic Backpack This water-resistant backpack has reinforced stitching, and durable zippers, which helps as the bags are carried throughout the day. With plenty of room for all their books, there is also an interior padded laptop sleeve. $89.50$99.50, pbteen.com
4
5. Skip Hop Zoo - Llama Backpack
5 6
Bronx/Riverdale Family | August 2019
This llama designed backpack is colorful and cute, with a spacious exterior compartment for holding a pencil case, and the adjustable shoulder straps allow you to find the perfect size. $20, skiphop.com
6. Parkland Franco Made of ultra lightweight material with padded straps, the Parkland Franco backpack will be light on your kids’ shoulders, even with all of the school binders and books! This backpack repurposes nine plastic water bottles and features the Nebula Electric print, fulfilling Parkland’s dedication to style and sustainability. $29.99, parklandmfg.com
6
7. Cat & Jack Toddler Boys’ 3D Shark Backpack Target’s Toddler Boys’ 3D Shark Backpack, by Cat & Jack, has a decorative shark design. There are also bright yellow, adjustable straps, two compartments, and it’s reasonably priced. Parents love the practicality, and kids feel confident with their shark-style backpack! $12.99, target.com
7
8. Skip Hop Zoo - Bat Backpack The friendly face of this bat with 3D wings and moon decor for zippers is tailored to young kids. Skip Hop designed the world’s first diaper bag that converts to a stroller bag, which highlights their commitment to innovation and practicality, seen in their backpacks. $20, skiphop.com
8
9. Fenrici Preschool/Kindergarten Green Dinosaur Backpack The Fenrici Preschool/Kindergarten Green Dinosaur Backpack is made of both durable and waterproof 900-denier polyester with built-in, soft cushioning. The colorful, dinosaur design is a favorite for little ones, and the mesh side pockets with two, zipped compartments provide plenty of space for school supplies. $45 original, $22.99 sale, fenrici.com
9
10. Pottery Barn Teen Gear-Up Rainbow Cloud Backpack
10
This unique print will stand out in the sea of superheroes and villains. There is plenty of room for all the books they will be carrying, as well as room for the laptop and a port for headphones. Moms will love the bungee cord at the front of the bag that holds a coat, meaning fewer trips to the lost and found! $59.50-$79.50, pbteen.com August 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
7
smart parenting
Family Safe Words More parents are using a code word when it comes to family safety. Here is why I use this safety measure By Donna LaDD
W
e have a family safe word. In our family, we always discuss the importance of his safety with our oldest child. From an early age, he was jumping on strangers’ laps at the park and giving out hugs. When he was at this young age, I wanted him to be more cautious. As most parents know — not so easy when they are toddlers. Frankly, I hate as a parent that we have to have ‘the safety conversation.’ This feels like the beginning of when the world of rainbows and sunshine starts to fade a bit when, as parents, we have to share that there are not good people out there. How my husband and I describe unsafe situations is that anyone who wants to harm them will go to great lengths to do this. We have also stressed, and as a parent, I feel this part is vital to share with your children, that the ‘boogie man’ can look just like us. They also can be someone the kid ‘kind of’ knows. What is a family safe word? A family safe word is a code term that you, as a family, decide and use as a safety measure.
8
Bronx/Riverdale Family | August 2019
The point of the family safe word is that it is for the immediate family only and is there to help keep our children stay safe. How does a family safe word work? Every family is unique on how they use the family safe word. How you use the family safe word is according to your family guidelines. Some families use the word for their child as their child’s way of communicating if they are uncomfortable or in a threatening situation. For example, if child X is at a family gathering and someone related or non-related has made child X uncomfortable, then child X uses this word as a code word. This allows your child to feel they can communicate with their parents if they are in some type of profoundly uncomfortable situation. Other families save it for more narrow situations. This can be strictly when out in public places such as amusement parks or museums. It is best not to abuse the word. This is an emergency only word and should be treated as such. How to choose a family safe word For starters, the family safe word should
not be a word your family uses daily. The word doesn’t have to be super complicated but should not be a word easy to find out via social media. Not your pet turtle’s name, not a nickname. Be creative and think out of the box and repeat the word for the first few weeks in private. During dinner is a great time. Some websites list the common safe words that you can pick for your family. However, now that these words are listed out in the world, how are they safe? An example of a safe word? Bacteria. Yup, it’s a bit weird, but it’s not that hard to remember a word like bacteria. My suggestion is to choose a word that someone outside of the family would never guess is your safe word. Word rules It is a good idea to go over the ground rules with your children on the terms of how you use this word. Once you share the word (for whatever reason, it’s life-situations happen), then a new word needs to be picked. It is important to remember that a family safe word is a step in overall safety for your family. A family safe word is not a green light for your child to take off with a stranger if they have miraculously guessed the word. Explaining how overall safety looks for your family is key. There is no right or wrong. This is how safety looks for my family. How your family implements safety is for your comfort level and your parenting prerogative.
AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL OPEN AQ U IUNI A SA SHHOUSE IHGI G H HS C HO OTACHS LL AQ N SC HO O
Sunday, October October 6th, 6th, 2019 2019 Sunday, PREP OPEN HOUSE TACHS OPEN HOUSE TACHS courses available. available. 685 East East 182nd 182nd Street, Bronx, NY NY 10457 10457 courses 685 Street, Bronx, Please visit visit Please Sunday, October 6th,6th, 2019 Sunday, October 2019 PREP PREP 12:00 pm 4:00 pm 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm www.aquinashs.org www.aquinashs.org courses available. available. 685685 East 182nd Street, Bronx, NY 10457 East 182nd Street, Bronx, NY 10457 courses to register. register. to PleasePlease visit visit 12:00 pmpm - 4:00 pmpm 12:00 - 4:00 www.aquinashs.org www.aquinashs.org to register. to register.
Seven Advanced Advanced Placement Placement Course Course offerings offerings including including the the College College Board’s Board’s new new AP AP Seven Capstone Program Program Capstone Seven Advanced Placement Course offerings including the College Board’s new AP Official Partners of www.SophieConnect.org, www.SophieConnect.org, non-traditional online curriculum managed Seven Advanced Placement Course offerings including the College Board’s newmanaged AP Official Partners of aa non-traditional online curriculum Capstone Program by the the Sacred SacredProgram Heart Network Network of of Independent Independent Schools. Schools. Capstone by Heart Future Home of The Aquinas Community Rooftop Rooftop Garden, aa 2020 2020 STREAM STREAM (Science Official Partners ofThe www.SophieConnect.org, a non-traditional online curriculum managed Future Home of Aquinas Community (Science Official Partners of www.SophieConnect.org, a Garden, non-traditional online curriculum managed Technology Religion Engineering And Math) initiative. byTechnology theby Sacred Heart Network of Independent Schools. Religion Engineering And Math) initiative. the Sacred Heart Network of Independent Schools. Future HomeHome of The Aquinas Community Rooftop 2020 STREAM (Science Accessible by Busof(BX (BX 9,Aquinas 12, 17, 19, 19, 22, 36, 36, & & 40; 40;Garden, Q44)Garden, byaTrain Train (D, 11 ,,STREAM 2, 4, 4, & 5; 5;(Science Metro Accessible by Bus 12, 17, 22, Q44) by 2, & Metro Future The9, Community Rooftop a (D, 2020 Technology Religion Engineering And Math) initiative. North) North) Technology Religion Engineering And Math) initiative.
_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ ______ ________ ________ _____
Accessible Busby(BX 9, 12, 9, 17, 19,17, 22,19, 36,22, & 36, 40; & Q44) Train (D,Follow 1 ,(D, 2, 4, Follow us on Busplease (BX 12, 40; by Q44) by Train 1& ,on 2,5;4,Metro & 5; Metro ForAccessible moreby information, please contact us For more information, contact North) KellyNorth) Hernandez,Director Directorof ofAdmissions Admissions Kelly Hernandez,
______________________________________________________________ 718-367-2113,ext. ext.137 137 _______________________________________________________________ 718-367-2113, hernandez@aquinashs.org www.aquinashs.org hernandez@aquinashs.org ||www.aquinashs.org For more please contactcontact Forinformation, more information, please Kelly Hernandez, Director of Admissions Kelly Hernandez, Director of Admissions 718-367-2113, ext. 137 718-367-2113, ext. 137
@AquinasHS1923 Follow @aquinashs1923 @aquinashsbronx us on us on @aquinashsbronx @AquinasHS1923 @aquinashs1923 Follow August 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
9
Spotlight: education
School Admissions in New York Tips and guidelines from local experts By Tammy Scileppi, Jean Sheff
“Y
ou’re accepted!” These are the sweet words that all city parents are eager to hear. Securing a seat for your child in the New York City school of your choice – public or private – can be a daunting process. With this in mind we asked local experts in the educational field for tips that can help you navigate the sometimes-stormy waters of the school admissions process. “Bringing up my daughter in Manhattan has been a great adventure,” says Dana Haddad, CEO, and founder New York Admissions, LLC, a school admissions consulting firm for families looking for schools in New York City, the tri-state area as well as worldwide. She says finding the right school for your child is one of the most important jobs that a parent has. “While selecting a school for my daughter, I had to think about who she is as a learner and what environment she would best excel in. It was not about me, but all about her!” Important things to know Educational consultant Roxana Reid, M.S.W., the founder and director of Smart City Kids, Inc. an educational consulting firm that helps families in New York City identify public and private school options for their children, advises parents to be always be an active listener. “Recognize that schools evolve and change over the years so if you have a friend or colleague who attended decades ago, they may not have up-to-date insights on the program,” she says. Retaining all the information you are going to uncover is important. Reid says, “It helps to stay very organized by tracking appointments, impressions and interactions in a spreadsheet.” Haddad advises parents to keep the focus on your child. “Know your child. Know their strengths and weaknesses and the type of environment that they will thrive in.” Yet, you can also consider the bigger picture, “Not every school is the same. Know the type of community that your family will be comfortable in,” she says.
10
Bronx/Riverdale Family | August 2019
Public vs private Many parents struggle when deciding whether to choose a public or private school for their child. “Trust your gut and think about what environment aligns with your child’s profile and your family’s values,” advises Reid. “It is about understanding your options and your child’s educational profile.” Asking others for help with the decision process can be critical. “Seek guidance and feedback from their preschool director and lead teacher, as they know your child in a school environment and will be able to offer meaningful insights into who they are as a learner.” Specialized high schools If a public high school is a good fit for your
child and family you may want to consider a specialized high school. “A specialized high school is a public school operated by the Department of Education that screens applicants via a test or audition/portfolio submission, the SHSAT,” explains Reid. In New York City there are many specialized high schools, they are: • Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Arts and Performing Arts • The Bronx High School of Science • The Brooklyn Latin School • Brooklyn Technical High School • High School for Mathematics, Science and Engineering at City College of New York • High School of American Studies at Lehman College • Queens High School for the Sciences at
First-time patrons get a 10% discount. Mention code BRFM
Youth Technology
Swimming
Music
game design • web design robotics
group classes • private classes swim camp • swim team
Mixed Martial Arts
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu • kickboxing
B D 4
musical theater • piano violin • guitar
Alvin Ailey Dance ballet • hip-hop
train to 170th Street or Mt. Eden
1501 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. 10452 • 718-758-5901 (On the corner of W.172nd St. & Jerome Ave.)
www.newsettlementcommunitycenter.org
The Rosalyn Yalow Charter School
The Rosalyn Yalow Charter School
A Modern ClAssiC GrAde sChool
unA esCuelA ClAsiCA ModernA
2019-2020 School Year
Ano escolar 2019-2020
New Kindergarten/1 Grade Campus!
Kindergarten/1st Grade en nuestro nuevo campus!
3490 Third Ave., at 168th st., Bronx
3490 Third Ave., at 168th st., Bronx
347-735-5480
347-735-5480
ApplY TodAY
ApplY TodAY
yalowcharter.org/apply
yalowcharter.org/apply
st
August 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
11
Spotlight: education York College • Staten Island Technical High School • Stuyvesant High School How admissions work If you’ve decided on an independent or private school it’s important to understand how the admissions process works. “The vast majority of independent schools are members of ISAAGNY (Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York), which means they adhere to agreed upon timelines and principles of good practice,” says Reid. Here’s where you cuddle up to your laptop. “Look to each school’s website for a fuller understanding of their process,” she adds. “Typically it will involve a tour and parent interview and a child visit which consists of activities with a teacher either in a group or one-to-one.” The application and interview Once you’ve decided where to apply there are several things to keep in mind. “Make sure that the information that you provide is accurate,” advises Haddad. Inaccurate
Aquinas High School 685 East 182nd St., Bronx, NY 717-367-2113 aquinashs.org
Aquinas is committed to educating and inspiring young women for a lifetime of faith, learning and compassionate actions. They are rooted in the Catholic tradition and committed to excellence in education – mind and heart, body and spirit. Since 1923, Aquinas has welcomed each new wave of NYC’s population with a challenging curriculum, co-curricular activities and passionate community service in a diverse and nurturing environment. Today 100% of their students achieve Regents endorsed diplomas and go on to attend college.
Green Meadow Waldorf School 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge, NY 845-356-2514, ext. 302 mmcdonagh@gmws.org
Green Meadow Waldorf School graduates well-rounded, capable, compassionate people who make a difference in the world. Through their media policy, which limits screen time for younger children, to the unique, rigorous academic and arts-infused curriculum, Waldorf education develops 21st century capacities like curiosity and collaboration. Their alumni go on to top
12
Bronx/Riverdale Family | August 2019
“Know your child. Know their strengths and weaknesses and the type of environment that they will thrive in.” information will slow down the process and can be off-putting. She also suggests that you, “Make sure that your essays are detailed, giving a clear picture of why your child is right for the school and why the school is right for your family.” Reid acknowledges that timing and accuracy are important. “Plan to submit applications well before the deadline; strive for authenticity when describing your child
colleges and universities and are known for their critical thinking and initiative.
Linden Tree Elementary Magnet School for Global Leaders of Innovation and Discovery 1560 Purdy St., Bronx, NY 718-239-7401 lindentree567.com
A pre-K through 5th grade school where dedicated educators work alongside families and community members to foster a love of education. Children learn and achieve in this safe and academically rigorous environment where every child is entitled to the same opportunities. The most current technology is offered, using pathways in mathematics, computer science, engineering and the arts to empower students to solve real world challenges and inspire them to reimagine how they see themselves and the world.
Roslyn Yalow Charter School 3490 Third Ave. at 168th St., Bronx, NY 347-735-5480 yalowcharter.org
The school’s mission is to eliminate the learning achievement gap for poor urban children, including special needs and English language learners, by using an engaging and demanding curriculum to graduate students at or above grade
and family; be thoughtful and measured in your interactions with each school; and if you have a preschool director, confer with them on your list of programs and tap into their expertise to help you navigate the process.” Don’t let anxiety take over when it comes time for the interview. If you are relaxed you’ll serve as a role model for your child as they may be feeling anxious as well. “Everyone should stay calm. Answer the questions openly and honestly, says Haddad. “Remember that you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you, as it has to be the right fit for both sides.” Share this point of view with your child and they may feel less scrutinized. In the end it’s not all about ‘getting in’. Having the best interests of your child is paramount. “I have learned first-hand that children are who they are and should be celebrated,” says Haddad. She advises parents to stay centered during the admissions process and trust that you will find the right school. Haddad is encouraging; “There is a perfect fit for each child.”
level in literacy and math. The school uses a collaborative teaching approachlead teacher and one with a background in social work for grades K-2. Kindergarten and first grade classes are offered on their own campus. Extended day and extracurricular activities are offered.
St. Anselm School 685 Tinton Ave., Bronx, NY 718-993-9464 stanselmbx.org
Founded in 1908, St. Anselm proudly serves in the same tradition of faith and academic excellence that has marked its success for more than a century. The school’s staff, faculty and administration create a safe, nurturing learning environment where students: Achieve academic success, learn integrity and values in the Catholic tradition, and belong to a community that fosters self-confidence and school spirit. The rigorous educational program prepares students to succeed and compete in the 21st century. Students master academic skills, and gain enthusiastic and wholesome attitudes towards learning. Enrichment programs and after-school electives complement the curriculum. Applications are welcome for admission to grades K-8, as well as well as FREE 3K and Prekindergarten For All Programs (UPK)”.
ST. THERESA SCHOOL
Gives Your Child A Step Ahead With A Solid Academic Foundation, Catholic Values and A Warm, Caring Learning Environment
St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School 1909 Daly Avenue, Bronx, NY 10460 718-893-7600
“Founded in Faith, Growing with Confidence”
Experience the facilities and learn about the activities enjoyed by all our children. • • • • • • •
Before and After-School Programs Breakfast Program Lunch Program Children’s Choir Accelerated Mathematics Program Basketball and Cheerleading Active & Devoted Home/School Association
• • • • •
Italian language studies Boy and Girl Scout troops Mobil Computer Lab Smartboards in every classroom Physical Education — huge gym
• • Middle School Robotics Team
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
ST. THERESA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2872 St. Theresa Ave., Bronx, New York 10461 Telephone 718-792-3688 Visit our website at sttheresaschoolbronx.org
St. Thomas Aquinas School is proud to announce the addition of FREE Full Day Universal PreKindergarten for the 20182019 school year! Our school is also a proud participant in the new Blended Learning Initia tive bringing advanced technology and instructional innovation into the classroom resulting in higher test scores and increased subject comprehension.
All St. Thomas Aquinas students enjoy the benefits of: • Early Drop off 7:15 am • Guidance Counselor • After School Program until 6:00pm • State of the Art Wireless Access • Computer Lab and Smartboard Technology
• Title I Services: Reading, Math & ESL Resource Room/SETSS (for eligible students with IESP) • FREE Breakfast & Hot Lunch Programs • Phys Ed, Art & Music Programs • After School Piano Lessons • Daily Prayer and Weekly Masses
Apply today to become part of an expanding St. Thomas Aquinas School community. Registration is open and our admissions are limited! Contact the school directly at 718-893-7600 to arrange a tour.
“Celebrating over 100 years of Academic Excellence in the West Farms-South Bronx Community”
Father Thomas Derivan, PASTOR | Mrs. Josephine Fanelli, PRINCIPAL
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR GRADES K -3 SEPTEMBER 2019
August 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
13
Spotlight: education
St. Brendan School 268 East 207th St., Bronx, NY 718-653-2292 stbrendanschoolbronx.org
For more than 100 years, St. Brendan has provided a quality Catholic education to students in grades pre-K to 8. They educate the spirit and develop the intellect in an environment that emphasizes Christian values and creates an atmosphere fostering responsibility and courtesy. Students receive a strong academic education and learn self-discipline, responsibility and selfmotivation in structured surroundings. Visual arts, music, physical education and technology lessons are provided. Offering early drop-off, breakfast, after care services (until 6pm) and scholarships.
St. Theresa School 2872 St. Theresa Ave., Bronx 718-792-3688 sttheresaschoolbronx.org
Children are challenged by a stimulating academic, social and athletic curriculum infused with Catholic values. The
program reflects an integrated learning experience for Pre-Kindergarten three year olds, Universal Pre-Kindergarten four year olds, kindergarteners and students in grades one through eighth. Teachers, administrators, aides and other professionals impart their knowledge and extensive experience with enthusiasm and a truly caring respect for the children in their charge. The school provides before and after school programs, breakfast and lunch programs, choir, art, music, Italian language studies, computer classes, physical education and an accelerated mathematics program. St. Theresa’s offers children a place to grow and blossom with discipline and guidance
St. Thomas Aquinas School 1909 Daly Ave., Bronx, NY 718-893-7600 staschoolbx.org
Founded by Mother Butler and the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary in 1907, the school provides a quality Roman Catholic curriculum while addressing the changing needs of their students. Catholic values are infused
into every aspect of their students’ educational experience. Staff and faculty are dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all. Registration is ongoing. The school has full day pre-K and grades K-8. Early drop-off and after-school are available. Inquire about their scholarships.
Zeta Bronx Bronx 1 Elementary Charter School 222 Alexander Ave., Bronx, NY zetaschools.org apply@zetaschools.org
At Zeta, school is a place that nurtures mind, body, soul, and connectedness, so children can achieve their greatest potential. Mindfulness and wellness permeate the school day. Rigorous hands-on academics with cutting-edge innovation and technology are at the heart of their school. Healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks, innovative activities, field trips and after-school programming enrich the learning experience they provide. In the 2020-2021 school year, Zeta Charter schools will serve students in kindergarten through 3rd grade.
“Technologists know how phones really work, and many have decided they don’t want their own children anywhere near them...A wariness that has been slowly brewing is turning into a regionwide consensus: The benefits of screens as a learning tool are overblown, and the risks for addiction and stunting development seem high.” –A Dark Consensus About Screens and Kids Begins to Emerge in Silicon Valley, The New York Times, 10/26/18
Informed by research, Green Meadow Waldorf School’s media policy limits screen time for children under age 11 and supports mindful use in older students. Our cutting-edge educational methods are based on nearly 100 years of child observation. Our graduates leave our closeknit community to go on to top colleges and universities, where they are known for embodying 21st-century capacities including curiosity and collaboration.
14
Bronx/Riverdale Family | August 2019
© JOSEPH REGAN
Does your child’s school have a media policy?
Now busing from Manhattan and Riverdale!
gmws.org
($5/< &+,/'+22' ('8&$7,21 352*5$06 $*(6 ($5/< +($' 67$57 +($' 67$57 35( . )25 $// . )$0,/< &+,/' &$5( $1' ($5/</($51 &+,/' &$5(
'$<6 3(5 :((. )5(( 0($/6 +($/7+ 1875,7,21 $1' 3$5(17 :25.6+236 )25 )$0,/,(6 &+,/'5(1
ZZZ FPFV RUJ
(;7
&RXUWODQGW $YH +XOO $YH 8QLYHUVLW\ $YH :HVWFKHVWHU $YH
( QG 6W : WK 6W ( WK 6W &RQFRUG $YH
ST. BRENDANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SCHOOL
APPLYCATHOLICSCHOOLSNY.ORG
UPK4 to 8th Grade FOSTERING After-School SPIRITUAL, - Music, Art, and Computer CULTURAL, Enrichment - Basketball, AND PHYSICAL Drama Club, GROWTH Chess, Choir, Robotics The philosophy of St. Brendanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School is to provide a quality Catholic education so that each child can develop his/her full human potential. We place the teachings of the Catholic faith at the core of the curriculum so that religious values permeate all subject areas. We continue to welcome all who seek and appreciate a value- centered, quality education.
268 East 207th Street, Bronx, NY 10467 718-653-2292 stbrendanschoolbronx@gmail.com StBrendanSchoolBronx.org
Open House for Kindergarten and Prospective Parents November 13th at 9AM
Come visit us on our Magnet Mondays! Call the school and arrange a tour.
Ask about our amazing STEM partnerships and project-based learning! For more information, give us a call at 718.239.7401 Address:
1560 Purdy Street Bronx, New York 10462
www.LindenTree567.com August 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
15
Spotlight: education
5 Tips for Getting on the Preschool Track By Donna Ladd
A
s we start to wind down in August and a new school year is around the corner, you may be ready to start thinking of a preschool for your little one. After a summer of enjoying the parks and socializing with other children, it makes perfect sense to want to continue the momentum of your child reaching his/her milestones. Deciding on a preschool can feel a bit overwhelming. You want a perfect fit for your child, where they will be happy and thrive. Here are 5 tips to help you get on the preschool track! Location, location, location Where a preschool is located is usually a significant factor. Some parents prefer a school that is near home while others look for one near their work. If dropping off more then one child at different schools, which happens when there is a bit of an age gap, look for one that is easy to walk to or has a rather calm mass transportation route. What type of school are you looking for? Pick a school that is academically aligned on how you want your children to learn. If you need more in-depth answers on a school’s teaching philosophy — attending a school tour will help answer your questions. Timing is everything The hours of operation of a preschool usually factor pretty high in a parent’s list of school needs. Whether you need only half days, early drop-offs or late pick-ups, the school you choose should have a schedule that works for your family.
16
Bronx/Riverdale Family | August 2019
Environment A school tour will help you in deciding if the climate of the school is a good fit for your child. There are no right or wrong answers. The school administrators are happy to open up the classrooms to you on tour and will introduce you to the teachers. You know what works for your child, so do not shy away from checking out the classrooms and school facility. The right fit You can visit every school in your city; however, what matters most is how your child will fit in the preschool. Will he/she be
happy? Do you see the teachers pairing well with your child’s personality? Is the daycare able to fit the needs of your child regardless of how big these needs are? Preschools to check out! Green Meadow Waldorf School 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge, NY 845-356-2514, ext. 302 mmcdonagh@gmws.org
Green Meadow Waldorf School graduates well-rounded, capable, compassionate people who make a
difference in the world. Through their media policy, which limits screen time for younger children, to the unique, rigorous academic and artsinfused curriculum, Waldorf education develops 21st century capacities like curiosity and collaboration. Their alumni go on to top colleges and universities and are known for their critical thinking and initiative.
Their five locations offer a safe and supportive environment for children ages 3 and 4. Licensed and highly trained teachers offer a high quality, comprehensive curriculum at these year-round full-day programs. Healthy meals and snacks, health and nutrition screenings, parent education workshops and family support services are offered as well as services for children with special needs.
La Peninsula Head Start Five locations in the Bronx: 771 Manida St., 1054 Intervale Ave., 1717 Fulton Ave., 490 East 143rd St., 20 West Tremont Ave. 718-542-7580 (main office) lapen.com
Trabajamos Community Head Start Three locations in the Bronx: 940 East 156th St., 718-893-1512 1997 Bathgate Ave., 917-259-7081 2167 University Ave., 917-962-9720 trabajamoscommunityheadstart.com
Their three locations empower children ages 2 to 5 through a developmentally appropriate, quality education. Providing bilingual early childhood services for over 52 years, they demonstrate commitment and consistency to their communities with an approach that values the human spirit and the holistic development of the child – physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively. Their programs examine the needs of the children, families and communities they serve. Available year round from 8am6pm, they offer a healthy breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
TRABAJAMOS COMMUNITY HEAD START A Child's Work is Play!
Bronx/Riverdale
family favorites TO P 5 2019
EDUCATION. NUTRITION. MENTAL HEALTH.
Enrolling Children 3 & 4 Years Old, Born in 2015-16
- Bilingual - Available 5 days a week from 8am - 6pm all year ‘round - Breakfast, lunch and snack provided Inspired early childcare with a holistic approach to working with children and their families. NEW LOCATION!
200 W. Tremont Ave. Ms. Elena Santaliz esantaliz@lapen.com
We’re so Social
Serving the community for over 52 years Site 1: Site 2: Site 3: 940 EAST 156TH ST., 1997 BATHGATE AVE., 2167 UNIVERSITY AVE., Bronx NY 10455 Bronx, NY 10457 Bronx NY 10468 718-893-1512 917-259-7081 917-962-9720 trabajamoscommunityheadstart.com
Follow us @newyorkfamily on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and tag us #newyorkfamily in your NYC adventures! August 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
17
family health
Breathing Calm into Chaos Eight simple exercises that can relax both rambunctious children, and harried adults By Pramod Narula, md
I often help in my daughter’s fourth grade classroom. It is a crowded classroom with many kids, and it does not take much for the room to spin out of control. Her teacher and I are usually able refocus their seemingly endless energy, but we need some additional support— the levee is about to break!
T
he energy of children is a wonder to behold and tricky to regulate. It is normal for kids to be excited and playful, but school is a place for education and it is important to try to maintain an environment conducive to learning. Deep breathing exercises are a great way to calm down and help refocus. Listed below are a variety of exercises to try with your daughter’s classmates. They are simple enough for them to follow, yet engaging enough for them to enjoy. Wishing you the best of luck — it sounds like you may be able to benefit from these exercises as well! Elephant breathing Stand with your feet wide apart and your arms dangling in front of your body like an elephant’s trunk. As you breathe in deeply through your nose, raise your arms up high above your head. Then slowly swing your arms down again as you breathe out through your mouth. Bubble breathing Sit comfortably with your eyes closed. Begin by imagining you are holding a bubble wand. Breathe in deeply and then, as you breathe out slowly and gently, imagine you are blowing bubbles into the room. Imagine the bubbles are filled with peace or love or happiness and that you are filling the whole room with a peaceful, happy feeling. As you keep breathing slowly and blowing your imaginary bubbles, feel your body become calm and relaxed. Back to back breathing Find a partner and sit on the floor back to back. Sit tall and close your eyes if you want to. Decide who will start — that person begins by inhaling deeply and then exhaling
18
Bronx/Riverdale Family | August 2019
slowly, and then continues to breathe slowly and deeply. Their partner should feel the expansion in their partner’s back each time they breathe in and then try to sync their own breathing so that both partners are breathing in time together. Tummy breathing Lie on the floor and place a small stuffed animal on your stomach. Breathe in deeply though your nose and feel the stuffed animal rise, and then feel it lower as you slowly exhale through your mouth. Rock the stuffed animal to sleep using the rise and fall of your stomach. Shoulder roll breathing Choose a comfortable sitting position. As you take a slow deep breath in through your nose raise your shoulders up towards your ears. Breathe slowly out through your mouth, lowering your shoulders as you exhale. Repeat slowly, rolling your shoulders up and down in time with your breath. Take 5 breathing Sit comfortably, resting one hand in front of you with fingers outstretched like a star and the pointer finger of your other hand ready to trace your hand. Starting at the base of your thumb on the outside of your hand, breathe
in slowly through your nose as you slide your pointer finger up to the top of your thumb. Breathe out slowly and slide your pointer finger down the inside of your thumb. Breathe in as you slide your finger up the next finger and out as you slide down. Continue breathing in and out as you trace your whole hand. Balloon breathing Sitting in a comfortable position, place your hands around your mouth as if you were about to blow up a balloon. Take a deep breath in through the nose and, as your slowly exhale through your mouth, start to spread your hands out as if you are blowing up a great big balloon. Hold your hand position as you inhale again and then spread your hands further as you exhale. Once your balloon is as big as it can be, gently sway from side to side as you release your balloon up into the sky. Bumblebee breathing Sitting comfortably, gently place the tips of your pointer fingers in your ears and close your eyes. Breathe in through your nose and then hum quietly as you slowly breathe out. Pramod Narula, MD is the Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at NewYorkPresbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.
AUTISM SERVICES Your insurance pays, we provide.
DIRECT BEHAVIORAL SERVICES
provides customized ABA services and social groups (funded by your health insurance) to children and adults with autism in Manhattan, NYC areas & NJ. No waiting list. We work on social skills, language, play skills, self-help skills and academic skills at home, school and community. Supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Call 347.559.6131 or email directbehavioralservices@gmail.com www.directbehavioralservices.com
“
INGENIOUS BUBBLE WIZARDRY.”
Private pay also accepted.
-THE NEW YORKER
Telecharge.com or 212.239.6200
For groups or birthdays call 866.642.9849
New World Stages 340 W. 50th St.
GazillionBubbleShow.com G ill llii B bbl Sh
Clowns • Characters Face Painting • Balloon Art • Magic Games • Cotton Candy • Popcorn Paint Nites for Adults & Kids too!
Party Room available for Birthday & Baby Shower Celebrations! Call (917) 579-0867 to book your party today! /ConfettiPartyPlace /ConfettiPartyPlace 3190 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, New York 10461
HAC Family Services Inc. Bridging the Gap to Education & Success
Doris E. Stone 1165 University Avenue Bronx, NY 10452 (718) 588-1030 Highbridge Advisory Council* Day Care Center 1181 Nelson Avenue Bronx, NY 10452 (718) 681-5216 Early Childhood Center I* 1594 Townsend Avenue Bronx, NY 10453 (718) 299-3917
- Childcare (2-years to 5-years) - Family EarlyLearn CACFP - Headstart - Pre-school Evaluations - Universal Pre-K - Pre-school Special Education - Family EarlyLearn (6-weeks to 4-years) - 3-K for All program For more information contact the central office located at: 880 River Avenue Bronx, NY 10452 2nd Floor Phone: (718) 992-1321 Fax: (718) 992-8539 James W. Nathaniel, CEO HacFamilyServicesInc.org www.hacfs.org Nearly a half a century of service to the Bronx
Early Childhood Center III* 1399 Ogden Avenue Bronx, NY 10452 (718) 293-9196 Richard H. Mangum Early Learning Center 921 E. 162nd Street Bronx, New York 10451 (718) 590-0673 Marshall England Early Learning Center 800 Concourse Village East Bronx, NY 10452 (718) 742-2366/69 Head Start Program* 880 River Avenue 2nd Floor Bronx, NY 10452 (718) 992-1321 August 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
19
MoM StorieS
How to Be a New Yorker One mom’s words of wisdom to her daughter By Cris Pearlstein
B
eing a born-and-bred New Yorker has always been a point of pride for me. In my mind, I’m strong, tough, and savvy, thanks to where I’m from. I’m special and so are the almost 9 million people that also call this city home. But life has an interesting way of working out...in 2015, my husband (also a born-andbred New Yorker) and I picked up our mini doxie and one-bedroom-apartment amount of stuff and moved to Phoenix, Arizona. We were two 30-somethings who never imagined we’d ever live anywhere else, but when a job opportunity called, we answered, eager to take on the new adventure. How bad could it be? Talk about culture shock. Everything felt unfamiliar, and I felt different from everyone I met. It seemed I talked faster, walked faster, and thought faster than anyone I came in contact with. Was this how people felt when they moved from their quaint little towns to the Big Apple? I suddenly felt empathy for all those transplants. It took some time, but we eventually learned to appreciate the slower pace of the southwest, its more relaxed lifestyle, and the drastically cheaper cost of living. And then, having been unable to get pregnant in New York, we threw ourselves into trying to have a baby. The money we were saving in rent went instead to our fertility specialist. For almost four years, I was poked, prodded, and put under, my body a veritable pin cushion and my emotional state as fickle as the fashion trends that sauntered in and out of season. But after four IVF cycles the greater purpose of our stint in the desert was revealed when I finally gave birth to our beautiful daughter, Francesca Maggie—who we affectionately call Frankie. We’ve been back home in New York City for the past year, but here we are again, with another move around the corner,
20
Bronx/Riverdale Family | August 2019
this time to San Francisco and this time with a clear mandate: to make sure our daughter (no matter where we live) is a New Yorker through and through. Dear Frankie, New York is already part of your roots but I want to make sure you grow up to embody the mindset, values, and grit of the place your father and I call home. You might not have been born in New York, but here are some rules, tips, and advice on how to live your life as if you were. 1. Never drive when you can walk. Walking will cause your heart rate to go up and your carbon footprint to go down—good for your health and the planet, a true win-win situation. When you walk, do it at a brisk pace, in a straight line, and with a sense of purpose, but all the while, be aware of your surroundings, look both ways, and if you bump into someone, just keep going. If you need to stop to smell the roses—or read a
text, or plot your route on Google Maps, or to literally smell some beautiful flowers— that’s fine, but please do us all a favor and pull over, preferably to the right. Oh and never look up. What are you a tourist? 2. The best food in the world is pizza. And the best pizza in the world is in New York. That is all. 3. Don’t be afraid of hard work. Hard work will get you places, it will get you noticed, and it will get you closer to your goal. One of the best things about New Yorkers is their work ethic, which I will do everything in my power to instill in you. In the age of influencers and Instagram, VIPs and podcasts, you have to be extra careful, sweet girl. I wouldn’t blame you for thinking all it takes to be successful in this world is some luck, some followers, and some well-edited content, but trust me when I say that is far from the truth. Don’t ever forget about what goes on behind the scenes, about the hundreds of photos it takes to get one winner. But any goal worth having
is worth taking a hundred pics for, so put in the work. You’ll be happier for it, even if there’s no guarantee you’ll get the winning shot every single time. 4. Having a washer/dryer in your apartment is an absolute luxury, and don’t let anyone tell you differently. So be grateful every single time you do a load of laundry. 5. You must develop a thick skin. Frank Sinatra once sang “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere” and he was right, but not because New Yorkers don’t face hardships. He was right because we bounce back from them. Hardships are inevitable, so be resilient, sweet girl. When you get knocked down be sure to always stand up and try again. This is how you’ll become tough, this is how you’ll become bold, this is how you’ll work up the endurance to withstand whatever life throws at you. 6. Always carry a small umbrella in your purse. You never know when it’s going to rain, and frankly, neither do the meteorologists. 7. Sweet girl, always remember differences
are beautiful. New York is filled with many different types of people and that’s what makes it the greatest city in the world. No matter where you live down the road if you meet someone who is different than you, talk to them, connect with them, and try to find your common ground—and I promise there almost always is a common ground. Because one of the most important lessons I can teach you is that people are actually more similar than
they are different. Good people come in many forms, and they won’t always look like you or act like you—it doesn’t matter what language they speak, what culture they are from, how much money they make, or who they love. Good people are good people, no matter what. 8. Rush hour is not an hour. It’s four hours. Refer back to number 1. 9. Don’t fawn over celebrities when you see them in public. Ultimately they are just regular people, and they love this city because everyone here treats them as such. You might see them at the coffee shop, on the street trying to hail a cab, or on the yoga mat next to you but no matter what, be cool. Don’t be that person. 10. New Yorkers are strong, tough, and savvy, yes, but don’t forget that above all New Yorkers are nice. They will give you directions, help you get on the right train, hold a door open for you, give up their seat on the subway, and return a wallet to its rightful owner. Just don’t ever walk slowly in front of one. Love, Your mama, forever a New Yorker
Adver�ise wi�h us! Monte
ssori
educat
ion • steM/s
teaM
learni
SU MM
ER FA MILY FITNE
ng
SS • LET ’S
GO TO SESAM
E PLA CE
May 2019
JUNE
Newyork Family.co m
WESTCHE STER
Hil a ri a Baldwin
2019
FAMILY.C OM
Ha p�y Fa �h er’s D a y!
on mar riag their fou e to Alec, and par r kids, enting authen tically
Biling uA educAt l for Al ion l!
HOW TO A PRES PICK
CHOO 10 top L tips for parents
Meet Mo gan
NE W
RIE PB S SE
S TE AC
TO HE S HIS
Westche Anthon restaura ster’s innovativ y the coo teur, chef and e lest dad !
RY
Last Cal l for
CAMP S
2019 APRIL
SIGN UP
R THE NOW TOU !
TUE OF NEW STA
WITH US! MUSEUM LIBERTY
+ 17 2
Terrific
NEWYOR
KFAM
June Acti vities
JUNE 2019
WIN YOU R FAM FREE ILY A GETAW AY! VOTE FAMILY IN THE FAVO CONTEST RITES BY JUNE 7!
ILY.COM
g S pFrUin N eggs! Easter for filling Ideas
right g the Findin d for baby first foo VIS IT
NG kids VAdanPI ger for d
OU R CA MP
FA IRS
Jen�if er Fish er
: SE E PAGE 8
tren The popular in this
her shares ther jeweler it all toge The star holding tips for
MARCH 2019
NEWYOR
INSIDE: KFAMILY.CKIDS
ARTS
FOR
fect cam p for you r child
Conside Charter ring Schools
CAMP GUIDE 2019
NEW YORK
BEST
FAMI LY.CO
M
chools t on Pres Spotligh
INSIDE:
OM
R ight fi t
The per
The Va cc Conver ine sation
WE PICK THE
Kid-friendly Sunscreens
To place an ad in any of our monthly titles, please call
718.260.4554
August 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
21
Incredible LaTonya
Brooklyn-based author and blogger LaTonya Yvette gives us her take on mothering, personal style, and how color for her is a whole experience. By Donna LaDD
L
aTonya Yvette is a woman of words; she is also a native Brooklynite. A mother of two beautiful humans, River age 8 and Oak 5- many of us have followed LaTonya since the beginning of her inspirational namesake blog. And she’s here, the city we live in. She is getting her kids ready for school, writing about the missteps and successes that come with raising city kids, improving her home, working on her writing, connecting with people and her community, and sharing along the way. And we need this as busy city moms. We like this energy. We have our babies and seek out stories that help us to connect, to feel whole again. We search for other women’s stories and truths. And now LaTonya has written a book, Woman of Color. LaTonya’s book is about empowering yourself as a woman, motherhood, wellbeing, hair, and style. Stories from “Birthing a Body, Growing a Woman” to “Five Rules for Being Bold in Life” can be found in this relatable book that connects all women. The stories are part reflection and bio with woven stories of strong black women that empower all to feel they can get through anything. Our Editor, Donna Duarte-Ladd, caught up with LaTonya to talk about Woman of Color, turning 30 and raising kids in NYC. I identify so much with your stories you have told through Woman of Color: the conflicts you had with your name when you were younger and people thinking you are the nanny when you’re out with your kids. How do you try to nurture a healthy sense of self in your kids?
22
Bronx/Riverdale Family | August 2019
I believe that moving through motherhood with an identity that does not conflict with my role as a mother is important. Part of it is, I think, being a young mother, and not having a sense of self that could be either discarded or hold fast with the birth of a child. I had to mold myself, my work, and my life as a mother, around and with my children. And to me, I never was comfortable with giving up my sense of self. Part of my mothering experience is teaching my kids, mostly by example, that self is essential. I believe in instilling a sense of autonomy in everyday ways. For example, I don’t make their beds. They sleep in their beds, and they can make them as best as they can. I believe by doing this, I am teaching them responsibility in regards to themselves and their immediate community. It’s layered, but also simple; when I take care of myself and take responsibility for myself, it shows them and teaches them, that this is what they have to do in this world. Right now, this is very important to me. I want them to have fun, be silly, be children, but as one of my good friends would say, “I am raising adults”. In your book, you share what color means to you as not only a black woman, but also in how you dress. Can you share with our readers more about what color means to you? For me, color is an entire experience. It isn’t just what I wear, it’s how I see the world. I am inherently attracted to color, people, colorful people. Dynamic characters. Spaces and events. This is a really important aspect of my work right now. Woman Of Color is an exploration (with kids in tow) of color: theirs, mine, what we wear, the world we live in, and all of my colorful (good, bad, and in between)
experiences. Color isn’t just a style experience, and it’s why my book goes back and forth between style, spaces, and experiences. Color isn’t one-dimensional. It is really important for people to understand that, even when we are speaking about the Black experience, that we all have many unique stories. You write about many transitions in parenting and relationships, do you have any advice to share on this topic? All I will ever say about marriage, parenting, single parenting, co-parenting, or whatever your situation, YOU HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING WITH LOVE. It seems hard. SO hard, but in the long run, anything you do out of love, feels SO MUCH BETTER. Whatever your situation is, or where you are, this is one of my biggest parenting tips. You have great advice regarding personal style. Can you share with us any tips on us on some core pieces a mother should have in her wardrobe? You know, I think it’s essential that women just dress for their current bodies. I think we are always told to lose the baby weight, as if this day will turn up tomorrow. Therefore, many women do not end up getting dressed for who they are now. Have fun and make time for where you are now style-wise. I think as far as style, sizing, color, patterns, and prints, you can’t go wrong with a onesie or jumper. There are many options and different prices. If you have something that allows you to be comfortable, but also speaks to all of the above, you’re good as gold. LaTonya’s book, Woman of Color, is available at amazon.com and you can get your daily dose of her lifestyle vibe at latonyayvette.com.
Favorite place to grab a bite to eat with the kids? Dino at 222 Dekalb Ave. in Brooklyn. But also any German beer garden, because they have fries. And when it comes to eating out with kids, as long as there are french fries, it feels like the best outing possible. Also, Speedy Romeo on Classon, because they know the kids and me and put a glass of rosé down when we sit down. It’s our local spot. And Habana Outpost on Fulton, because I’ve been going for years and as a Brooklynite, it sort of feels like mine, even though it isn’t!
Favorite park? Prospect Park for sure!
Favorite summer activity with the kids? Ferry rides! We’ve been taking them from one area of Brooklyn to the next, park-hopping and hair blowing since River, my youngest, was a newborn. The East River Ferry was opening, and I worked in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I’m super nostalgic for those days. Oof.
Favorite family TV show/movie? We cannot agree right now. Honestly. Oak (my 5-year-old) is obsessed with Home Alone (which he watched for the first time at Christmas), and I find it a bit fishy. And he also loves the Polar Express, but I am really against Christmas movies playing outside of Christmas time. River has no specifics. She’s almost 9 and mostly wants to be left alone. But with that said, we will watch oldschool Muppet movies together and Mary Poppins.
Favorite holiday destination?
Photo by Yumi Matsuo Hair & Makeup by Buffy Hernandez Jumpsuit by Apiece Apart Shoes by Loeffler Randall
New York! You know, I think the magical thing about New York around the holiday season is that everyone leaves. Not New Yorkers (unless it’s Time Square or Rockefeller Center... don’t go there!).
August 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
23
Parent’s Book CluB
Discover New Stories with Us!
Idra novey
AugusT Theme:
Beach Read By Mia SalaS
W
hat exactly is a “Beach Read”? We love Edan Lepucki’s, author of Woman No. 17 and California description: “It means my novel has the power to engage a reader who is sitting before an enormous, stunning body of water, and still decides to look down at a piece of paper with a bunch of words.”
Those Who Knew Idra Novey
A young woman, Lena, suspects that the powerful senator who she was involved
24
Bronx/Riverdale Family | August 2019
with is behind the death of another young woman due to her previous violent incident with him that ended their relationship. Why didn’t Lena speak up then? Those Who Knew explores the cost of staying silent and the mixed rewards of speaking up in a divided country. Idra Novey is the author of Those Who Knew, a Best Book of 2018 with NPR, Esquire, BBC, Kirkus Review, O Magazine, and a New York Times Editors’ Choice. Her first novel Ways to Disappear, received the 2017 Sami Rohr Prize and the 2016 Brooklyn Public Library Prize, and was a finalist for the L.A. Times Book Prize for First Fiction.
Welcome to New York Family’s Parent’s Book Club! Every month, we feature a different Monthly Pick novel in accordance with a theme. All of our Monthly Pick novels have several copies available in the New York Public Library. We encourage you to start your own book club with friends, loved ones, and neighbors, using our Monthly Pick as your book of the month. Host meetings to discuss the novel with our discussion questions, and enrich your perspective of the book with our author interview on NewYorkFamily.com. We hope to connect NYC families, introduce subjects in tune with today’s society, and encourage more “me time” for parents.
She teaches creative writing at Princeton University. To read our interview with Idra Novey, visit NewYorkFamily.com! Idra Novey shares her motivation for writing Those Who Knew and what she hopes that readers take away: “From the first draft, the driving question in this novel was about consequences, who gets them and who doesn’t. I didn’t know,
parent’s Book CluB
Discussion Questions You read the book, now we have the discussion questions here to guide your book club meeting! We hope that these questions will spark thought-provoking, intellectual, and even controversial discussions about the novel.
initially, how the untried crime that connects the characters in the book would impact the kind of parents they become, but I knew they would all end up raising children and the silence around this crime would continue to haunt them. “It has been really powerful hearing at book events from readers about their experiences resigning themselves to silence for similar reasons that Lena does. But this book has led to many joyful, invigorating conversations, too, about collective action and the fun of wearing fake beards and imagining revolutions with a true and lasting friend. When Lena finally convinces herself to speak up, she returns to her memory of nursing her son in her friend’s bookstore, how uninhibited and joyful she felt there. I hope readers will finish this novel with a renewed sense of hope of what a few friends brainstorming together in a bookstore might someday achieve in their country.”
We hope that you enjoyed reading and discussing Idra Novey’s Those Who Knew. Get ready for New York Family’s Parent’s Book Club’s Monthly Pick in September, which was an instant New York Times Bestseller, published in June. Here’s a hint: it’s everything you could want in a novel!
1. “Precisely a week after the death of Maria P. was declared an accident, a woman reached into her tote bag and found a sweater inside that didn’t belong to her” (pg. 3): Why do you think Novey begins the story this way? Why refer to Lena as “a woman” instead of using her name? 2. Much of the story takes place on an unnamed island. What was the effect of this island being unnamed for you and why do you think Novey chose not to name it? 3. How does the title, Those Who Knew, relate to your understanding of the novel? 4. Although the “Me Too” movement is increasingly prevalent and impactful in society, it is still difficult to speak up after a traumatic event, seen through Lena’s struggle. In your opinion, what is the importance of speaking up about sexual assault and harassment? 5. Who was your favorite character in the novel, and why? 6. The structure resists a traditional, chronological form. What forms of narration are present in the novel? What was the effect of this structure in your reading of the novel? 7. Do you think that Lena should have told Oscar earlier about Cosmo? 8. There’s a running theme of escape in this novel – escaping family, history, relationships, and immoral acts. Yet the novel also asserts the past’s role in the present. How do the characters each handle their past, such as Lena’s relationship with her family or Oscar’s past with Lena? How do we use the past as an effective tool in our present? 9. Consider the depictions of friendship in this novel. What is the dynamic of each of these friendships, and how do they move the novel forward? 10. In many ways, Lena and Freddy’s struggle of whether to speak up about Victor is quite similar. Do you have sympathy for both of their motivations
in staying quiet for so long? 11. Some people in today’s society argue that the “Me Too” movement has gone too far. According to these people, wrongful accusations destroy careers. How does Those Who Knew speak to the “Me Too” movement? 12. Consider the power balance in the various relationships between characters. How do characters gain power over each other? How does gender factor into power? Think about places in the novel when the original power dynamics shift. 13. There are several signs or objects of reference to Maria. What do you think is the purpose of these signs? Do you think that the sweater and bra really belonged to Maria, or does Lena imagine this? 14. There are references to the feeling of not existing, of being silenced, in this novel. Why do Lena and Cristina feel as if they don’t exist at times? What does it mean to exist? 15. What role does food play in Lena and Oscar’s relationship? 16. Compare the narration told through Freddy’s play to the standard form of narration. What do you get from a play that you don’t from narration and vice versa? 17. Pick a passage from the novel that stood out to you. Share why you chose your passage! 18. Reread the last chapter. Why do you think Novey decided to end the novel here, with Lena and Cristina? What did you think of this ending image, of Cosmo and Edgar emerging back into sight? 19. How would the ending of the novel have been different if Novey stopped at “over the land” (pg. 248), and didn’t include that last bit: “of the island where they were born” (pg. 248)? What is the significance of that final phrase? 20. How did Those Who Knew change, confirm, or challenge your perspective, beliefs, and opinions?
August 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
25
Family fun
10 MUSEUMS
MUSIC
THEATER
ATTRACTIONS
FOOD
Outdoors
Great Kid-Friendly August Events in the Bronx By Mia Salas
TWILIGHT IN THE GARDENS Every Wednesday and Thursday August 1-22 Visit Wave Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gardens throughout August for a customized nature program or the Sonic Experience, in which families explore outdoor music in new and unexpected locations. The sound experience features artists and groups that are pioneers in their field and will provide access to their work through interactive education, talks, and experimentation. $12 general adult admission, $8 student and seniors ages 65 and up, $6 children ages six and up, Free ages 6 and under, 4-8pm. Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471, wavehill.org
OLD TIMERS DAY MUSIC FEST August 4 Kick off the first Sunday of August with friends, family, food, and of course, music. Bring a blanket, picnic, and maybe even playing cards or dominos, and spend the day at the park. Dance to the live music and embrace the August heat before autumn rolls around. Free, 10 am-6 pm. Crotona Park Amphitheater, 559 Claremont Pkwy, Bronx, NY 10457, eventbrite.com
KINGSBRIDGE ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL August 6 Bring a creative mind and a bit of rhythm to this art and music festival. Explore the various arts and crafts workshops and demonstrations as you listen to great music. There will also be face painting, balloons, clowns, a bounce house, and food. Share the last month of summer with your local neighborhoods and communities as you make your way through the activities and attractions with your family. Free, 4-8 pm. Kingsbridge, 234th Street and Bailey Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463, krvcdc.org
TOTALLY TOMATOES WEEKEND August 10-11 Is it a fruit? Is it vegetable? Either way, the tomato is well-loved. We grow tomatoes in the garden, slice tomatoes for our salads, and enjoy ketchup at our summer barbecues. Come celebrate the glory of the tomato at Totally Tomatoes Weekend, presented by Edible Academy! There will be tastings, cooking demonstrations, gardening activities, music, and more. Free, 10 am-6 pm. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 104585126, nybg.org
FAMILY NATURE WALK August 11 Embark on this family-friendly walk through the gardens and woodlands, led by naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow. Explore the surrounding nature and enjoy a beautiful day outside. Free with admission to Wave Hill, 1 pm. Meet at Wave Hill House, West 249th Street and Independence Ave, Bronx., NY 10471, wavehill. org
SUMMER SPORTS EXPERIENCE JAMBOREE
The Kingsbridge Art & Music Festival offers loads of kids activites on August 6.
26
Bronx/Riverdale Family | August 2019
August 14 Summer Sports Experience is here to teach a variety of sports to NYC kids! Bring your kids for a day of outdoor play and a sports sampling experience. Whether your kids discover a passion for a sport or just have a good time playing with other kids their age, they are sure to
enjoy this outdoor jamboree. Free, 11 am-3 pm. Williamsbridge Oval, 3225 Reservoir Oval East Bronx, NY 10467, nycgovparks.org
BRONX FOOD AND FARM WALKING TOURS 2019: HIGHBRIDGE COMMUNITY GARDENS TOUR August 17 While you may think you know all there is to know about The Bronx, how much do you know about the history of the gardens in the Highbridge neighborhood? Jump on this walking tour to learn history, meet the gardeners who take care of the gardens, and participate in cooking demonstrations. Gather your family to visit Woodycrest Community Garden, La Isla Community Garden, and Taqwa Community Farm. All proceeds go to participating gardens and farms. $20 adults, $12 children ages 2-12. East 161st Street and Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451, nycgovparks.org
HONEY WEEKEND August 17-18 Head to Wave Hill for a weekend all about honey and bees! There will be candlemaking, honey extraction demonstrations, “Be a Bee” Family Art Project, talks with local beekeepers and tons of honey to taste. Come learn about why bees are important through a series of fun and interactive activities. $12 Adult, Free for Wave Hill Members and Children under
6, 10 am-3 pm. Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue Ecology Building, Bronx, 10471, wavehill.org
CLEVELAND INDIANS AT NEW YORK YANKEES BASEBALL GAME
Learn all about bees and their sweet creation at Wave Hill’s Honey Weekend on August 17 and 18.
August 18 Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the crowd! Whether you’re hardcore fans of the New York Yankees or you never follow the baseball season, there is no experience like bringing your family to a baseball game. Teach your kids how to crack open the peanut shells, buy hot dogs between innings, and cheer along with the roar of the crowd. And for the fans out there, during this particular game, the first 10,000 kids ages 14 and under get a 2009 World Champions Fan Ring. Prices vary, 1:05 pm. Yankee Stadium, 1 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451, mlb.com
FREE COMMUNITY FRIDAY August 23 Celebrate the last Friday of August partaking in engaging activities with your family. Go on a Foodway tour, take a paddle boat out for free, create arts and crafts at the various art workshops, and much more. The end of summer may be near, but that doesn’t mean that the outdoor fun has to stop. Don’t miss out on this fun event! Free, 4-8 pm. Concrete Plant Park, Westchester Avenue Park Entrance between Whitlock Avenue and Bronx River Avenue, Bronx, NY 10472, nycgovparks.org August 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
27
family fun
Featured event
Events Around the City By Mia Salas
SUMMER STREETS 2019 August 3, 10, and 17 You have three chances to participate in Summer Streets 2019 on three Saturdays in August! Almost seven miles of New York City’s streets are open for kids to run, bike, and play. There are also several activities, such as bubbles, yoga, zip line, obstacle courses, workshops for kids, fitness exercises, and street games, so bring your family for a fun and safe day outside. Hosted by the New York City Department of Transportation, the purpose of Summer Streets is to encourage environmentallyfriendly modes of transportation and create a space for recreation. Free, 7 am-1 pm. Open streets extend from Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, along Park Avenue and connecting streets, nyc.gov
BROOKLYN BOTANICAL GARDEN BUTTERFLY WALK August 4 Marvel at the beautiful patterns and colors on the wings of different kinds of butterflies on this walk in the garden. Led by naturalist Paul Keim, learn about butterflies and the flowers that attract them. Bring your family to embark on the search for these pretty, flying creatures! $31, 11 am-1 pm. Administration Building Classroom 236, 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225, bbg.org
SUMMER ON THE HUDSON: SUPER SOCCER STARS August 8, 15, 22 and 29 Does your little one love kicking around the soccer ball outside? Then head to Riverside Park this August for a morning of soccer, teamwork, and fun! Enjoy a recreational experience in
28
Bronx/Riverdale Family | August 2019
NYCRUNS Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5K & 10K August 24 Whether your family wants to run this 5K or 10K competitively or just walk with maybe some jogging, this run in the park is for you! Enjoy water and fresh fruit during the run and ice cream afterwards, so use the ice cream as your motivation. You’ll also get a t-shirt, and of
a non-competitive environment with other kids, all ages 5 and under. The program focuses soccer skills as well as confidence building. Free, 9:30-10:30 am. Riverside Park, 72nd Track and Lawn, New York, NY, nycgovparks.org
POTIONS AND PLANTING TEA PARTY August 10 and 24 This isn’t your average tea party — it’s in a rooftop garden! Enjoy a traditional British, high tea platter and pink lemonade. There will be mini seats for stuffed animals or dolls — kids even get to bring a plus one. Bring your little ones, ages 5 to 10, to learn how to make potions and plant. Leave with planted seeds in a pot that you can watch grow when you bring it home. $25, 10 am. Gallow Green Garden at McKittrick Hotel, 542 West 27th St., New York, NY 10001, mckittrickhotel.com
course, that amazing feeling of accomplishment when you cross the finish line. $30 register before 6/18, $35 register before 8/13, $40 until online registration closes, $50 register at race day, 8:00 am 10k, 8:15 am 5k. Center Drive, Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY 11225, nycruns. com
38TH ANNUAL BATTERY DANCE FESTIVAL August 11-16 Head to New York City’s longest-running public dance festival this August! Hosted by Battery Dance, this festival features international and local dance groups for a full week of music, dance, and singing. There will also be several dance workshops for an interactive experience. This lively festival attracts over 12,000 people each year, so bring your family to join in on the exciting and educational experience. Free, 7-9 pm. Robert F. Wagner Park, Battery Place and West Street, batterydance.org
MOVIES ON THE WATERFRONT SERIES: THE INCREDIBLES 2 August 12 Enjoy a waterfront view as you watch the second movie in the classic The
Incredibles series. Join the Incredibles’ family as they take on a new mission with a shift in family roles. This actionpacked, comedic movie will have you on the edge of your seat, and it’s the perfect, kid-friendly movie for a late summer night. Free, 8:15-10:15 pm. Astoria Park Lawn, Shore Boulevard between the Hell Gate Bridge and the pool, Queens, NY 11105, nycgovparks. org
PATTY CAKE THEATER PRESENTS DONKEY JOTE August 14 Patty Cake Theater takes the classic story of Don Quixote and brings it to life on stage in a bilingual adaptation. Your kids will love watching the adventures of Don Quixote from the perspective of his donkey in this family-friendly, comical show. Free, 6-7 pm. Highland Park, Elton Street and Jamaica Avenue, Queens, NY 11208, nycgovparks.org
14th ANNUAL JAZZ AGE LAWN PARTY August 24-25 Selected by New York Times as one of the year’s most memorable events, time travel back to the Jazz Age at this exciting, annual lawn party! There will be a Children’s Parade, High Court of Pie Contest, Croquet Tournament, Kidland with carnival games, gourmet food trucks, vintage clothing, dance contests
Kids can enjoy an afternoon tea and learn about growing plants at Manhattan’s McKittrick Hotel on August 10 and 24. and lessons, a magic show, a motorcycle exhibition and jazz music to last the entire day. $45 General Admission for adults, Free for children 12 and under, 12-6 pm. Colonel’s Row on Governors Island, Hay Road, Brooklyn, NY 11231, jazzagelawnparty.com
SUMMER BRUNCH & SHOPSEAFOOD EDITION August 25 Come with an empty stomach to this event, because there are over 150 vendors just waiting to sell you their delicious food. Choose from oysters, lobster rolls, paella, grilled octopus, fish tacos and so much more. After you enjoy the food, browse the array of shops from local artisans and independent dealers. And the best part is 100% of the profits are donated to four local public schools, helping over 4,000 children. Free attendance, prices of vendors and shops vary, 10 am-5:30 pm. Grand Bazaar NYC, 100 West 77th St., New York, NY 10024, grandbazaarnyc.org
QUEENS LIBRARY ANNUAL TALENT SHOW
Tots under 5 can try out their soccer skills in Riverside Park on Thursdays in August.
August 29 Watch your kids go up on stage and show off their special talent at this event. All talents are welcome, from hula-hoop skills to tap dance to even taekwondo. Bring the whole family to cheer on your kids and enjoy watching the assortment of talent in Queens! Free, 4-6 pm. Queens Library, 54-22 Skillman Ave, Woodside, NY 11377, queenslibrary.org August 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
29
We asked
What Do You Cherish About the Last Days of Summer? I’ll forever cherish the fluidity of the summer months and our time spent (often in the ocean) together, as a family. as our rhythms change, I hope that my kids will always remember the ease and lightness of days spent inside waves and the importance of play and spontaneity.
@marinobambinos
saying “yes” to staying at the beach after 5 pm and packing up slowly, going for the last minute pool run before dinner or saying “ok” to an after-dinner ice cream run. The smile and laugh from my kids when a special request has been granted is so much fun. and then taking a minute actually to enjoy it is even better. even if that means everyone goes to sleep late and I’m covered in ice cream and probably tears too.
Monica Marino @marinobambinos
@sarah_bean_brooklyn
I cherish our end of summer traditions — last minute road trips and days at the beach. every summer I realize just how fast the kids are growing up which I think is why I find myself trying to squeeze in so much into our last days of summer. @nyctechmommy august makes me think nature is looking out for us. The sun literally melts away the little daily tensions and the too-shortness of the season offers us permission to find ease and lightness so we can fully enjoy our family before we go into Fall. @motheruntitled 30
Bronx/Riverdale Family | August 2019
Join the conversation Tag us: #NewYorkFamily Follow us: @NewYorkFamily
FASHION RULES
BACK TO SCHOOL Shop the
JOIN US IN
CELEBRATING OUR 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Wednesday, August 14th 12PM Center Court Celebrate with Music, Dancing, Free Give-aways, Raffle, and more! The first 500 people to arrive at 12PM will receive FREE gift bags* *WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
ON AUGUST 14TH
GET 20% OFF IN PARTICIPATING STORES FOR ONE DAY ONLY SOME RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY - VALID ON REGULAR PRICE MERCHANDISE
FREE KIDS EVENT
BACK TO SCHOOL Join Favorite DJ Omar for Some Dancing, Games, Prizes
AND FREE BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14Æ&#x2DC;ŠƻȨƹƹB3 É&#x2014; 4L E 8NEL MTA BUSES SERVING THE MALL AT BAY PLAZA: BX5, BX12, BX23, BX26, BX28, BX29, BX30, BX38, BXM7, Q50 SUBWAY #5, 6 SUBWAY TO BUS STATION 200 BAYCHESTER AVE, BRONX, NY 10475, EXIT 11, OFF I-95 OR EXIT 4N OFF OF HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY SOUTH
MORE THAN 100+ STORES & RESTAURANTS!
#2019inStyle
#BrandsYouLove
MallatBayPlaza.com
In-Store only. WIth thIS coupon only. not combInable WIth other offerS. not valId on ShoeS, backpackS and cuStom orderS. expIreS 08/31/19.