Queens Family January 2020

January 2020

newyorkfamily.com

Latham Thomas Doula & Activist

Winter Skin

A Seasonal Survival Guide

Sleepaway Camp 101 Fun January Events

in Queens and across the city

contents

January 2020

NewYorkFamily.com

pg. 24

pg. 18

pg. 22

pg. 26

FEATURES 22 | Sleepaway Camp 101 A guide to how sleepaway camp builds life skills and independence in kids 24| Latham Thomas: Doula & Maternal Health Advocate How this powerhouse advocates for mothers at every stage of our lives

Stories & columns 4 | Editor’s Note January Reset 6 | Mom Hacks: Beauty Our Winter Skin Survival Guide will get your skin back to glowing in no time 10 | Education Rich in history and curriculum NYC Catholic schools provide a strong education for students

pg. 10

Family fun 26 | Calendar Unmissable events in Queens and beyond for January

Directories 12 | Catholic Schools Guide 20 | Activities Guide

18 | Family Day Out: Sloomoo Institute This 8,000 square foot pop-up is full of slimy fun for the entire family 30 | Last Word Trusting the magic of beginnings

on the Cover Photo: Yumi Matsuo | yumimatsuostudio.com Make-up: Éva Lukas Roston| Éva for Mac Cosmetics evalukas.com

January 2020 | Queens Family

3

Editor’s Note

NewYorkFamily.com Publisher: Hester Aba Executive Editor: Donna Duarte-Ladd Digital Editor: Katarina Avendaño Senior Adviser: Susan Weiss Director, Business Development: Mary Ann Oklesson Partnership Managers: Erik Bliss, Erin Brof, Mary Cassidy, Shelli Goldberg-Peck Ad Ops Coordinator: Charlotte Sauvagnat Art Director: Leah Mitch Web Developer: Sylvan Migdal Graphic Designers: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti Nina Gallo Photography

January Reset As parents, especially moms, we tend to check-in with ourselves when the New Year arrives. We may contemplate how we may run the household more efficiently, be a better parent, and receive more support in this parenting journey. Of course, “we’re all in this together” isn’t just an empty phrase; it honestly helps to have reinforcement in life.

For our January issue, we wanted to feature a mother we felt inspired us as editors of this publication to be and do better.

Latham Thomas (page 24), who graces our first cover for 2020, is a leading doula and the founder of Mama Glow. We chatted with Latham about a woman’s needs in all stages of her life, as well as the serious issue of the 25-year increase in black maternal deaths in

this country.

And it’s winter, which means along with stress and fatigue, your skin may be taking a hit. Luckily we have amazing tips and products in our Winter Skin Survival Skin Guide (page 6) to get you back to a healthy glow!

Lastly, if you’re looking for some family fun that involves slime (yes, slime), check out our review of the Sloomoo Institute (page 18).

You’ll find a DIY slime bar and much more at this fun spot in Soho.

Happy New Year!

Donna Ladd Executive Editor

Graphic Design Intern: Elvia Caballero Editorial Contributor: Mia Salas Editorial Interns: Taryn Schofield, Keana Demming

Contact Information

ADVERTISING: (718) 260-4554 Advertising@NewYorkFamily.com Circulation: (718) 260-8336 Tina@NewYorkFamily.com

Address: New York Family Media/Schneps Media 1 MetroTech Center North, Third Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201

President: Victoria Schneps-Yunis CEO: Joshua Schneps Group Publisher: Clifford Luster

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

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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020

Reproduction of New York Family Media in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. ©2020 Queens Family Media, LLC

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January 2020 | Queens Family

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mom hacks

Winter Skin Survival Guide It’s time to make your skin a priority with tips that will reward you with a healthy glow

By Melissa Matthews Brown

E

ven if winter is your favorite time of year, you have to admit that it can be a little harsh on your skin. From the cooler temperatures to the whipping winds to the lack of humidity in the air, your complexion faces it all and shows it. So, what can be done?

We asked a few dermatologists in New York City to dish on the four biggest winter beauty hang-ups and how to help your complexion glow all season long.

Your Winter Hang-Up: Dry anD Flaky Go right ahead and blame the cold weather for your dry patches but don’t stop there.

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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020

Smart Tips

• Run a humidifier while you sleep to help parched skin look supple.

• A daily dose of Aloe Vera gel will soften dry patches.

• After a workout use micellar water, which helps remove impurities without stripping your delicate skin, to freshen up.

One to try: Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water ($5) • Avoid excess consumption of alcohol and coffee, which can cause your body to lose water.

We hate to say this but you’re most likely the culprit for your dehydrated skin. Taking long, hot showers (when you can!) and over-cleansing can have your face begging for moisture, according to New York City dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, Josh Zeichner, MD. These habits can disrupt the skin barrier and lead to dryness and inflammation. Dr. Zeichner recommends keeping your shower routine to 10-minutes or less using only lukewarm water, never hot. Then, always apply moisturizer immediately after. Skin can be slightly damp, to seal in hydration. When it comes to selecting a facial lotion, “look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which binds

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mom hacks

up to 1000 times its weight in water or one that contains ceramides to help strengthen the surface of your skin,” says Dr. Zeichner.

In the winter, you’ll also want to limit the use of retinols, manual facial scrubs or chemical exfoliates to once or twice a week. Exfoliating more often, especially when experiencing dryness, will cause irritation and redness.

Your Winter Hang-Up: DULL COMPLEXION Remember a few months ago when you were basking in the sun at the beach or enjoying a walk through Central Park?

Well, as nice as it was, all that excess sun exposure and environmental pollution has a habit of catching up with your skin. “It causes uneven tone, texture, plus, it breaks down collagen adding wrinkles,” says cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City, Y. Claire Chang, MD. When winter hits, your skin starts to dry out and this highlights the appearance of those fine lines making your complexion look like you haven’t slept in weeks. But before you throw a pity party for your skin, there are ways to fight back and get your glow on. Before applying your daily moisturizer with SPF, add a light layer of facial serum enriched with antioxidants like vitamin C or niacinamide to your regimen.

“These ingredients help your skin stand up to the elements while evening out pigmentation and ultimately brightening up your entire face,” says Dr. Chang. She also recommends exfoliating at least once a week with an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) like glycolic acid or a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) like salicylic acid to gently dissolve dead skin cells that clog pores and bring down your radiance.

Your Winter Hang-Up: STRESSED SKIN Sure the holidays might be over but they’re probably still affecting your skin. One of the biggest factors is psychosocial stress, which increases cortisol levels and causes inflammation in the skin. “Add the many nights of poor or lack of sleep and you’re left dealing with unhealthy looking skin,” says Dr. Chang. What’s worse is that these culprits can cause inflammatory skin conditions, like acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis to flare up. Chronic stress also has been shown to accelerate aging of the skin, adds Dr. Chang. So yeah, the holidays take a toll on you in more ways than one. She recommends practicing regular de-stressing techniques (go ahead and book that yoga class!), sleep well

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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020

Pamper Y�ur Skin

Soothing Cleanser Remove a days worth of dirt and oil with Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser ($10) without drying out your skin thanks to the built-in glycerin, a humectant that attracts water to boost hydration.

Hit up your local drugstore to score one (or all!) of these complexion heroes.

Facial Mask Carve out 15-minutes and apply the Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask ($3). There’s half a bottle of serum packed with hyaluronic acid and pomegranate extract in each packet to help you look radiant, instantly.

Day Cream Protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun (yes, even in the winter!) with La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and SPF 20 ($36).

The combination of hyaluronic acid and glycerin will keep your skin looking plump.

Lip Protection The magical mix of beeswax, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil and shea butter found in eos Super Soft Shea Lip Balm Sphere ($3) will treat your lips while sealing in moisture.

Night Cream Bring balance to your face while you sleep with Aveeno Ultra-Calming Nourishing Night Cream ($19.50).

Within a week you’ll notice softer skin and a lot less redness thanks to the oat and calming feverfew complex. Bonus: It’s fragrance-free!

Hydrating Serum Vitamin C doesn’t just ward off a common cold, when applied topically it boosts radiance and neutralizes aging free radicals.

Wake up your skin with a daily dose of L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum ($30).

(if only the kids would!), and eat a healthy diet (you can do it). You can also try antiinflammatory ingredients like tea tree oil and green tea to soothe and calm skin from excess stress.

Your Winter Hang-Up: CRACKED LIPS “Unlike the rest of your body, your lips have no sweat or oil glands, meaning they lack the protective layer that keeps them smooth and moisturized,” says New York City dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weil Cornell Medical College, Marnie Nussbaum, MD. The skin upon your lips is also extremely thin and delicate. So

it’s no wonder you have more issues with them during the colder months. The constant change from cool outdoor temperatures and dry indoor heat causes your lips to dry out fast. When you’re battling cracked lips, never pick or peel them. This can make them feel worse, advises Dr. Nussbaum. Also, avoid licking your lips since the saliva quickly evaporates and makes them even drier (it’s a vicious cycle!). The best way to prevent or treat dried out lips is to apply a hydrating lip balm after you cleanse your face, brush your teeth and before going to bed at night. Invest in one that’s formulated with oil and wax.

These occlusive ingredients give you a better chance of sealing in moisture.

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education

NYC Catholic Schools Their history, curriculum, admissions, and more!

By Mia SalaS

W

ith the plethora of school options for your little ones in NYC, from public to private to charter, you may not have considered: NYC Catholic schools. Faith-based schools have a unique curriculum and environment that can be beneficial to all students regardless of their faith. We’ve outlined the many aspects of NYC Catholic schools so that you can learn a quick rundown of what we wanted to highlight an option that these schools encompass.

History of Catholic schools in NYC In 1800, St. Peter’s Parish founded a school for 100 students on Barclay Street in Lower Manhattan, six years before the first public school in New York opened. The next Catholic school to open in Manhattan was St. Patrick’s (Old) Cathedral School in 1817 on Mott Street.

By 1870, more than 22,000 kids were enrolled in Catholic schools. The Department of Education of the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn which encompasses both Brooklyn and Queens continues to develop the Catholic system in NYC. Over the years, many notable people have graduated from New York’s Catholic schools, including Al Smith, the first Catholic to run for president, and Sonia Sotomayer, the first Latina Judge on the Supreme Court.

The Catholic school experience NYC Catholic schools foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for kids of all backgrounds. The Catholic faith is very much a part of the educational experience.

Gospel ideas guide the structure and content of lessons, and students might participate in daily prayer and the regular celebration of Mass. As character formation and personal spirituality are integral aspects of Catholic teachings, the schools put forth a valuecentered curriculum that not only focuses on academics, but fosters social, emotional, and spiritual growth.

While the Catholic religion is practiced and taught, it is also the model for shaping

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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020

the goals and environment of Catholic schools. In Catholicism, this means an encounter with the Spirit, the message, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Teachers focus on molding students intellectually, socially, and morally.

Structure of NYC Catholic schools Catholic schools start as young as Pre-K and continue through high school. Little ones can enroll in Pre-K, free universal Pre-P (UPK), or free-standing private Pre-K. Not all New York Catholic schools offer all three Pre-K programs, so be sure to check if your local option has the Pre-K program you’re looking for.

Elementary schools accommodate students in Pre-K through eighth grade, so there are no designated middle schools. High schools are then from 9th to 12th grade.

Curriculum and academics Technology plays a big part of education in all NYC Catholic schools. With some schools utilizing Chromebooks, Google Classroom, SMART Boards, and MAP, students get to engage with technology from a young age. The Pre-K and UPK programs use Center-Based Learning, which encourages little ones to make their own choices about selecting activities. The goal is to instill self-motivation, independent thinking, and social skills. Many kindergarten programs feature the new Dash and Dot pilot, which introduces students to robotics. We also love the emphasis on community service for kindergarteners, in which little ones get to participate in service projects and learn to care for others and those in need.

The elementary school curriculum follows the National Common Core Learning Standards. The English Language Arts explore language and writing while including discussions on Catholic values and ethics when reading religious and secular literature.

Schools offer music theory and performance at every grade level, as sacred music is a central part of the Catholic Church. They

also teach that science and religion are not separate spheres; kids can seek out scientific knowledge and still be devoted to their faith.

In the transition to high school, students can choose either co-educational or single-sex education.

Admission & tuition for Catholic Schools Catholic schools welcome children of all faiths, so you do not have to be Catholic to apply! The first step to apply is to visit a school and take a tour. Once you’re ready to apply, fill out the online application, and call the school to schedule an interview.

Next, consider whether you want to apply for financial assistance or scholarship awards.

Admission to high schools requires the Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools, which eighth-graders take in November.

Many elementary schools allow you to enroll your kids at any time, provided there is space in the class.

If you’re looking for a faith-based education that emphasizes morals and values, boasts strong academics, and creates an inclusive atmosphere, then consider enrolling your kiddos in an NYC Catholic school for the upcoming school year.

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1340 NORTHERN BOULEVARD | MANHASSET, NEW YORK 11030 516.627.0184 | WWW.SAINTMARYSES.ORG January 2020 | Queens Family

11

catholic Schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

Our Lady of Fatima School

2020-21 Registration is Opening Soon!

25-38 80th St., Jackson Heights, NY 718-429-7031 ourladyoffatimaschool.org Offering a quality, innovative Catholic education for over 70 years, in grades nursery to 8. This year saw the addition of Mommy and Me for 18 month to 2 year olds with a getting ready for Nursery school program. They seek to educate the whole person: mind,heart, soul, and body to develop strategic thinkers for the 21st century. Students are engaged in their learning with 1:1 technology in the classroom from nursery through 8th grade. Outside of the classroom, students are engaged in performing arts programs, fine arts programs, intramurals, and many other activities led by our faculty. Please contact them for registration information and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ourladyoffatimaschool​jacksonheights.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy

New STEM Lab

Come visit our school!

Open Houses Tuesday, January 21st 9am-11am Sunday, January 26th 11am-12pm Tuesday, January 28th 9am-11am and 3pm-5pm

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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020

111-10 115th St., South Ozone Park, NY 718-843-4184 olphcatholicacademy.org The mission of this school is the development of Christian values emanating from the teachings of Jesus Christ. The principal, teachers, students, and parents experience the Gospel-centered message through the power of prayer building a personal relationship with God, and, in a broader sense, building the family of God, the Church.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy is committed to the development of the whole child. The spiritual, academic, physical, and emotional growth of each child is nurtured within a child-centered, supportive environment. As a school of academic excellence, learning experiences are created with the uniqueness of each child in mind. Students consistently perform well on State Standardized tests surpassing local, national and Diocesan scores.

Resurrection Ascension Catholic Academy Rego Park – Middle Village 85-25 61st Road, Rego Park, NY 718-426-4963 racatholicacademy.org Bringing quality Catholic education to children for over 75 years, their students (nursery to grade 8) learn to embrace diversity, while celebrating what unites them – their Catholic faith.

Every classroom is equipped with SMARTBoards, and all students have access to the Computer Lab, two laptop carts and tablets. Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. All students receive art, music, library, computer and physical education weekly. Spanish is taught to students in grades 4 through 8. Working parents can take advantage of the before school and after school programs that provide children a safe and nurturing environment in which to complete homework, play and socialize with their classmates. For more information about the school, please call or visit their website.The Principal is Joann Heppt.

Sacred Heart Catholic Academy of Glendale 8405 78th Ave., Glendale, NY 718-456-6636 sacredheartglendale.org The choice of your child’s educational experience could not be more important. At Sacred Heart Catholic Academy of Glendale, their mission is to motivate, educate and empower academically, spiritually and socially their students for the challenges of tomorrow with the support of the community. They work to provide a caring atmosphere where students can develop self-esteem and resilience, while succeeding educationally. Their success is evident in everything from the many students who attain honor roll, to scholarship winners, to superior test scores, to a desire for further education and eventually successful careers. Their competent and qualified faculty is committed to Catholic education and the well-being of every student.

They welcome any interested

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, January 26th 12:15pm-1:30pm CLASSROOM VISITS - ALL GRADES: 8:30-9:10am CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK OPEN HOUSE: Monday, January 27th & Thursday January 30th Sunday, January 26th 12:15pm-1:30pm On-going appointments are available for more CLASSROOM VISITSinfo@sfaacademy.org - ALL GRADES: convenient times.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK OPEN HOUSE:

8:30-9:10am Sunday, January 12:15pm-1:30pm CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK OPEN HOUSE: Monday, January 27th26th & Thursday January 30th CLASSROOM VISITS -Street ALL GRADES: Sunday, January 26th 21-18 46th On-going appointments are12:15pm-1:30pm available for more 8:30-9:10am CLASSROOM VISITS ALL GRADES: Astoria, NY 11105 info@sfaacademy.org convenient times.

Monday, January 27th & Thursday January 30th 8:30-9:10am 718-726-9405 www.sfaacademy.org On-going appointments availableJanuary for more Monday, January 27th &are Thursday 30th info@sfaacademy.org convenient times. 46th 21-18 Street On-going appointments are available for more info@sfaacademy.org convenient times.

Astoria, NY 11105

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21-18www.sfaacademy.org 46th Street 718-726-9405 Astoria, NY 11105 21-18 46th Street 718-726-9405 www.sfaacademy.org Astoria, NY 11105 718-726-9405 www.sfaacademy.org

St. Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Academy

WE ArE S.T.E.M Embedded in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.); St. Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Academy has educated students with the love of Jesus Christ since 1904. Our longstanding history of academic excellence has become part of our tradition. The Diocese of Brooklyn recognizes this tradition and recently awarded us with a brand new, state-of-the-art, $94,000 S.T.E.M. laboratory.

Our laboratory has been designed for students of all ages. Whether your child is a kindergartener or a middle schooler, they have the opportunity of enriching their education in our top of the line facility.

Please contact the Principal, Philip Heide at 718-846-0689 to schedule an appointment. Join our alliance in education today. We have a lab coat waiting for your child!

104-06 101st Ave., Ozone Park, NY 11416-2701 • 718-846-0689 www.smgh.org January 2020 | Queens Family

13

catholic Schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

St Michael's Catholic Academy 136-58 41st Ave, Flushing, NY 11355

OPEN HOUSE

FEBRUARY 8, 2020 · 2:00-4:00PM

・ Bilingual Education ・ Faith and Moral Education ・ Free breakfast and lunch program ・ Offers tuition assistance ・ NY State Next Generation Standards ・ Before and after school care ・ Accepts children of all faiths Contact us at: (718) 961-0246 (English/Spanish) (347) 399-8500 (English/Mandarin) Or visit us at: www.stmichaelsca.org Look for us on: Facebook: st.michaelscatholic academy Instagram: stmichaelscatholicacademy Wechat: MHRCA

families to visit the school.

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy 21-18 46th St., Astoria, NY 718-726-9405 sfaacademy.org St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy is proud to open its doors to learn, serve, lead, and succeed in this academic year. Their goal of success for all inspires a curriculum that supports students’ strengths and helps them maximize their potential. This changing world requires students to be creative, artistic, tech-savvy, and resourceful; therefore, the academy programs are designed to educate the whole child in academia, STEM, and the arts. The faculty knows that the spiritual, emotional, and social wellbeing of each child in our CARE (Cooperation, Acceptance, Respect, Empathy) is essential to their growth and is reflected in every aspect of a child’s educational journey at SFACA.

St. Joseph Catholic Academy

ST. SEBASTIAN CATHOLIC ACADEMY Serving the Parishes of Queen of Angels, BVM Help of Christians, St. Teresa, and St. Sebastian

Open House January 28 and 29 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Begining February Walk-in-Wednesdays 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

FREE Universal Pre-K for All FREE for students in 6, 7 & 8 sponsored by Maspeth Town Hall.

New State of the Art STEM Lab Partnership with Monsignor McClancy High School for advanced classes Over the last three years our graduating classes have earned an average of over $600,000 in Catholic high school scholarship money and were accepted into the finest high schools in New York City.

Students may be eligible for tuition assistance

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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020

28-46 44 St., Long Island City, NY 718-728-0724 sjcalic.org St. Joseph Catholic Academy is committed to the development of students of diverse backgrounds and faiths from nursery through 8th grade by providing a well-rounded foundation for future learning and life. In addition to religion class and religious activities, they offer a rigorous academic program, complemented by classes in music, art, library, physical education, Spanish, Mandarin, and yoga/mindfulness. Children are also exposed to co-curricular activities. All instructional areas are equipped with SMARTBoard computer technology, and students have access to a portable notebook lab, and a newly renovated computerized library containing twenty-five upgraded computer PCs. The new STEM lab provides hands-on instruction to all students grades K-8. They also offer the PreK for All program of the NYC Board of Education for 4-year-olds.

St. Leo Catholic Academy 104-19 49th Ave., Corona, NY 718-592-7050 stleocatholicacademy.org St. Leo Catholic Academy is a Catholic elementary school in Corona, Queens, New York, founded by the Gray Nuns of the Sacred Heart in 1924.

The mission is to provide academic, social and spiritual knowledge which reflects the Catholic faith within a structured and disciplined school environment.We are committed to excellence. They strive to provide programs to help each student become an educated, morally responsible, caring and productive member of society. They foster a love of neighbor. The school’s credo, “Seeing Christ in One Another”, comes to life daily in respect for one another and is displayed in simple acts of charity, kindness and acceptance of varying points of view.

St Luke’s School 16-01 150th Pl., Whitestone, NY 718-746-3833 slswhitestone.org A Catholic institution of learning fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. St. Luke’s provides a Catholic atmosphere that nurtures the growth and development of the whole person: intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically. The faculty, in cooperation with the parents, endeavor to correlate moral and spiritual values with daily living of the faith life of the child. Daily religious instruction and prayer, with participation in liturgical and para-liturgical celebrations and the regular reception of the sacraments, are an integral part of each student’s life. Students are encouraged to participate in service projects. The school offers a wellordered curriculum of studies that include religion, English Language Arts, mathematics, science, social studies, TAC (Technology Across the Curriculum), Spanish, physical education, music, library, and computer education.

Saint Mary’s Elementary School 1340 Northern Blvd.,

Monsignor Monsignor McClancy McClancy Memorial Memorial High High School School Ne w Stude n t R ec ept i on Ne w Stude n t R ec ept i on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 Wednesday, January 7:00 PM 22, 2020 71-067:00 31stPM Avenue 31st Avenue East71-06 Elmhurst, NY 11370 East Elmhurst, NY 11370

Contact: Mr. Nicholas Melito (718) 898-3800 X2 Contact: Mr. Nicholas Melito (718) 898-3800 X2

McClancy Voices McClancy Voices

McClancy Voices McClancy Voices

“McClancy’s best feature is the family-like “McClancy’s bestatmosphere. feature is All the teachersatmosphere. care for the family-like their the students, and care the staff All teachers for makesstudents, you feeland at the home. their staffI have grown makes you feel educationally at home. I as a man, and McClancy has have grown educationally enhanced my McClancy personality.” as a man, and has enhanced JOSEPH MEDINA my Class of 2020 JOSEPH MEDINA Class of 2020

“I chose to attend McClancy because it to fit attend my image of a high “I chose McClancy beschool,it afit welcoming cause my image ofcommua high nity withaa welcoming vibrant campus and school, commumanywith extracurricular activities.” nity a vibrant campus and many extracurricular activities.”

AMANDA BUSANET Class of 2020 AMANDA BUSANET Class of 2020

personality.”

E d u c a t i n g i n t h e t r a d i t i o n o f t h e B r o t h e r s o f t h e S a c r e d He a r t E d u c a t i n g i n t h e t r a d i t i o n o f t h e B r o t h e r s o f t h e S a c r e d He a r t

Nursery and Kindergarten Open House!

Call and set up your free tour of our excellent Academy.

(718) 592-7050

Consider St. Leo Catholic Academy for your child this fall!

We are inviting you to come and tour our academy. St. Leo Catholic Academy is an outstanding Catholic elementary school in Corona, Queens. Our mission at SLCA is to provide academic, social and spiritual knowledge which reflects the Catholic faith within a structured and disciplined school environment.

We are committed to excellence and strive to provide programs to help each student become an educated, morally responsible, caring and productive member of society.

St. Leo Catholic Academy is a dynamic community.

For more information on free tours or registration, please contact Ms. Garnica at (718) 592-7050 ext. 202 January 2020 | Queens Family

15

catholic Schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

Manhasset, NY 516-627-0184 saintmaryses.org Saint Mary’s Elementary School offers an innovative Catholic education designed to ensure that students flourish on every level. Their experienced, caring faculty knows how to bring out the best in every child, whether they’re encouraging shy writers to share their stories or guiding tech-savvy middle schoolers to complete science assignments on Chromebooks. With small classes, an emphasis on shared values, state-of-theart technology, and exciting after-school activities, they integrate the values of the Catholic faith into the lives of their students while inspiring excitement in learning. Saint Mary’s is truly the education for a lifetime where students, since 1926 are prepared to achieve their greatest academic potential as they grow in mind and spirit. Visit St. Mary’s on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020 at noon during their Open House for Admissions.

St. Mary Gate of Heaven Cathholic Academy 104-06 101st Ave., Ozone Park, NY 718-846-0689 smgh.org Their mission is to educate students, according to high academic standards, in a safe, nurturing environment that reflects the love of Jesus Christ. They encourage the development of students’ personal dignity, moral character, love of learning, and sense of responsibility. Acknowledging that parents are children’s primary educators, our faculty and staff, cooperate with both parents and students, to guide each child towards the realization of his/her full spiritual, academic, personal, and physical potential.

St. Michael’s Catholic Academy 136-58 41st Ave., Flushing, NY 718-961-0246 (English & Spanish) 347-399-8500 (English & Chinese) stmichaelsca.org

St. Michael’s Catholic Academy is enriched by and reflects the cultural diversity of the parishes of St. John Vianney and St. Michael’s. The total program at St. Michael’s, from preschool through grade 8, is designed to promote each student’s intellectual and spiritual growth grounded in a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ. Programs offered include: STEM, Dual-Language, Gifted and Talented, Pre-K for All. The Dual-Language Program achieves bilingualism, biliteracy, and academic achievement. Kindergarten through grade 8 students are offered classes in English and Mandarin. In the Gifted and Talented program, students explore exercises that utilize critical thinking skills, inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, and problem solving. Call to schedule a tour or attend the upcoming Open House on February 8, 2020.

St. Sebastian Catholic Academy 39-76 58th St., Woodside, NY

718-429-1982 stsebastianschool.org Serving 454 multicultural girls and boys in nursery through 8th grade. The Academy provides a Catholic learning atmosphere in which students may develop spiritually, intellectually, physically, and socially. They offer standardsbased curriculum in ELA, Math, Social Studies, Science, and Religion. Students also receive instruction in physical education, health, library-media, STEM, art, and Spanish.

They strongly encourage daily prayer, Sunday worship, and responsible moral conduct.

Their 4th, 6th, and 7th graders participate in New York State standardized testing.

They are above the state and city national average for both ELA and Math. The majority of their graduates move on to reputable Catholic high schools, specialized public high schools, and audition at schools for performing arts.

The class of 2019 earned over $600,000 in Catholic High School scholarship money.

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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020

2020

! w o N Vote

Vote for Your

Favorite Family-Friendly Local Spots and Businesses in New York Family’s Family Favorite Awards!

head to : newyorkfamily.com/family-favorites-2020 to vote!

• Family Fun • Health & Wellness • • Style & Shopping • Food • Activities & Learning • UP TOWN & MIDTOWN M ANHAT TAN , DOWNTOWN M ANHAT TAN , BROOKLYN , QUEENS & THE BRONX January 2020 | Queens Family

17

Family Day out

Slime of

the Times

The new Sloomoo Institute in Soho features a DIY slime bar and lots more sensory fun

By Hester ABA

S

loomoo Institute in Soho, Manhattan, has been generating a ton of buzz among those moms and dads who are always in search of fun indoor things to do with kids in New York, especially when it’s either rainy or face-numbingly cold.

Sloomoo Institute opened at the end of October 2019, and will be open until April 2020 in NYC before moving on to another city.

However, as we’ve seen with Color Factory, experiences initially conceived of as pop-ups can go on to become permanent!

We went to check out this new opening to see whether it lives up to the hype, and to understand whether a whole experiential space dedicated to slime could entertain both me and my 9 year-old daughter.

Sloomoo, which is located on Broadway near Canal Street Subway Station, is in a regular store-front, meaning you can see inside from the street. However you don’t get a sense of just how big the 8,000 square foot space is until you “check in”, as only Sloomoo’s retail area is visible from the outside. You can enter the Sloomoo store to purchase slime and slime accessories (yup, that’s a thing) without needing a ticket.

After checking in with a welcoming staff member, you are given a sticker with your “slime name” which is just your name with all the vowels changed to “oo”, so my name was “Hoostoor”. All Sloomoo staff members are dressed in colorful jumpsuits covered in cute patches (also available for purchase).

Once you receive your sticker, you can line up to enter the main experience space as they (sensibly!) control the flow of people to ensure the space doesn’t get overcrowded.

Visitors are encouraged to sanitize their hands before playing with any of the slime exhibits, and you can then set off on your slime journey.

Different masses or lumps of slime are displayed in sink-like ceramic containers

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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020

around Sloomoo, each with the type of slime, color and scent noted on a caption on the wall next to it. You can reach in and play with the slime, and kids do this enthusiastically, with the adults around me being a lot more tentative. It’s definitely enjoyable from a sensory perspective though as my daughter’s default speed setting through any kind of museum is “sprint”, I couldn’t slow down and enjoy playing as much as I would have liked to!

Aside from the individual slime stations, there are several other fun components to Sloomoo, including a glow-in-the-dark slime tent, an EEG machine where you can see your brain “on slime” and an area where (if you buy a premium ticket) you can have slime rain down on you while the Sloomoo song is played. Or as we decided to do, you can just watch other people getting slimed, which is much more enjoyable!

The highlight of the Sloomoo Institute for us was the 150 foot “DIY bar” where you can custom-create your very own slime to take home. You start by picking your texture of slime by touching un-colored samples, which is when you realize that the different

slime exhibits were actually opportunities to discover what your favorite kind of slime is.

My daughter and I chose the “glossy” slime type, which actually ended up being a little bit sticky, so I’d probably recommend trying a different type! After you’ve chosen your slime texture, you’re handed a plastic tub with your plain slime in it, and move along to choosing the scent for your slime.

Demeter Fragrance Library have provided all of the scents for the slime bar, so they’re genuinely delightful, and if you’re not under too much pressure from people behind you in line, it’s fun to smell widely before making your choice and some of the fragrance is dropped into your tub! Next up is choosing the color for your slime, which you can do from a color menu from around 40 different options. The powdered color is also popped into your tub.

Next up was choosing “charms” for your slime, which was genuinely confusing and my daughter got a bit upset at the idea of getting these really lovely charms covered in slime so ended up not choosing any at all. I think the charms really only work if you have chosen clear slime

The Sloomoo Institute has a window to the street, and extends to a huge 8,000-squarefoot space that includes a glow-in-the-dark slime tent (above) and the walkable “Lake Sloomoo” (right). initially, otherwise you’ll just end up with hard, lumpy pieces in your slime. I felt like that was the one part of the Sloomoo experience which didn’t quite make sense, or perhaps just wasn’t communicated very well.

Once you’ve made all your choices, you’re ushered into a room with different desk stations to mix up your slime, which is done by hand with an assist from another jumpsuit-clad team member. At this stage both my daughter and I did get some slime and color on our clothing, so I’d recommend not wearing your very best clothes to Sloomoo, and wearing sleeves that can easily roll up. Slime will come out of clothing with a bit of vinegar, or you can just do as I did and wait for it to try before picking it off.

After we had finished making our slime, we headed to an area where you can actually

take your shoes off and walk on slime. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it at first but my daughter insisted, and it was surprisingly pleasant if you don’t think too much about other peoples’ feet!

The final stop before heading out is to walk through the gift shop where you can buy slime and slime accessories (little packs of glitter and balls for example that you can mix in with your slime). We had been in Sloomoo for almost exactly one hour, which I think would be about the average if you’re moving at a reasonably swift pace. My daughter gave it two thumbs up and said she had loved it. She has also played with her slime several times since we visited.

From my point of view it’s a fun outing for a special treat, and as an adult there is definitely

enough to keep you engaged. Sloomoo have started doing adult-only “Sip and Slime” events as well as events incorporating CBD which I can imagine being very fun!

Sloomoo Institute is located at 475 Broadway, between Broome and Grand, and will be open every day from 10 am – 9 pm from October 25 to April 18.

Tickets are on sale at sloomooinstitute. com. General admission tickets are $38 and come with an 8-ounce custom slime.

For an additional $30, guests are able to don a custom poncho and participate in a photoshoot at Sloomoo Falls, where slime will rain down on you.

January 2020 | Queens Family

19

activites Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

Advantage QuickStart Tennis

Kimmy Ma ARTStudio LAUNCH CREATIVE MINDS!

January Info Session for New Members: Saturdays 3:15-3:45 on 1/4, 1/11 & 1/18.

Register a trial in January & receive $15 tuition credit toward spring 16-wk session.

Spring (Feb to June): Illustration, Charcoal, Pastels, Watercolor & Acrylic painting Spring begins 2/1/2020: 90-min Art Fundamental, M/T 4:15-5:45, Sun 9:30, 11:15 am & 1pm & New Addition Sat 3:15-4:45 Young Artist 2.5 Hr.: W/Th 3:30-6 F: 4-6:30 & Sat 9:30 & 12:15

Locations throughout Manhattan and Roosevelt Island 646-884-9649 advantagetennisclubs.com pfontana@advantagetennisclubs.com Kids ages 3 and up can get on the courts this winter — learning, playing, growing and enjoying tennis customized for age and ability. Specially-trained coaches make it accessible, engaging and fun. It all happens at seven convenient NYC locations on the East Side, West Side, midtown, uptown and Roosevelt Island. Kids even get free unlimited Play More sessions, to make practice something to look forward to, and free unlimited Athletic Zone sessions to build all-around athletic skill. Winter enrollment is now open!

Kimmy Ma ARTStudio 190-19 Union Tpke., Fresh Meadows, NY 646-209-9352 kimmyma-artstudio.com The spring session begins in February and the Studio is open seven days a week. Sunday and Monday offers beginner-friendly classes and Tuesday through Thursday is ideal for serious beginners. For skill assertive learners, Friday and Saturday’s 2.5-hour classes are designed to further artistic development. Fine Arts curriculum is designed by Mrs. Ma, Master of Art, School of Education, NYU 1996. Learners explore five units in a 16-week semester: comic, pastel, charcoal, watercolor and painting, using medium based and ability level instructions. Enroll now before sessions begin. Make an appointment to visit — no walk-ins. See website for student gallery and bio of teaching artists.

The Huntington Learning Center Locations throughout Westchester County, Rockland County, Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Manhattan.

1-800 CAN LEARN Huntingtonhelps.com Huntington is the leader in K-12 tutoring and test prep.

Their certified tutors provide children with individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, algebra through calculus, chemistry, and other sciences. They also help prep students for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington’s proven programs help children develop the skills, confidence, and motivation needed for academic success. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible.

Queens

family

favorites

www.kimmyma-ARTStudio.com

646-209-9352 • 190-19 Union TPK, Fresh Meadow, NY 11366 Art curriculum designed by Mrs. Ma, Master of Art, School of Education NYU

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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020

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21

Sle�paw�y Camp 101 A GUIDE FOR THE HESITANT PARENT

BY JESS MICHAELS

Y

our husband has been telling you for years that camp changed his life and he would like your child to have the same experience. Your best friend tells you all the time that sleepaway camp made her into the person she is today. But you never went to camp and you just don’t get it. What’s so special about camp and what can your child gain at camp that they can’t get at home with you? If this sounds a bit like you, read on to learn more about why camp can be such a wonderful growth experience for your child.

Camp is a gift for your child Parents who never went to overnight camp themselves often think of it as a punishment – why else would you send your child away from you for the summer? “Many parents who never went to camp think a parent who sends their child to camp must not love them but it’s the contrary,” says Michael Baer, owner and director of coed camps Chipinaw and Silver Lake in Swan Lake, N.Y. “You are giving your child a gift. Children get the chance to gain independence and build life skills that they don’t get at home. I know this is an extremely difficult decision for parents who don’t understand camp and you may not understand until your child comes home from a couple of weeks away but they will return feeling good about themselves and confident, which is really gratifying to see.” Lauren Bernstein, owner and director of Camp Walden, a coed overnight camp in Diamond Point, N.Y., agrees. “It’s hard to wrap your head around sending your child away but remember that it’s not something you are doing to them. It’s something you are doing for them. Even though it’s hard to not have your child home, and you will miss your son or daughter, the upside is the growth experience you are giving them.”

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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020

Camp fosters independence It’s very hard for children to truly gain independence when they are at home with mom and dad. Being away at camp allows for a healthy separation, giving children the opportunity for personal growth. “Once you are a parent, you spend all this time nurturing your children and setting them up for success.

It’s hard to think of trusting someone else and taking a leap of faith by sending them off to camp,” explains Bernstein. “However, camp is a time for children to foster independence. We are a generation of parents that are so involved in our kids’ lives. It’s important for children to have the opportunity to go to camp and learn to navigate things on their own, with the help of caring adults other than their parents.”

generation of young people is that camp may well be the last unplugged environment for children. Children often have their heads buried in their phones and playdates consist of kids hanging out together, texting away. Bernstein says that parents don’t even realize this benefit of camp when they are choosing one for their 8-year-old but learn to appreciate it when they are 11 or 12 years old. “Camp gives children a break from social media and the pressures that go with it.

There is no filter at camp, allowing campers to just live in the moment without staring at Instagram to see how many people like their photos or watching friends have a good time at an event they aren’t involved in.”

Camp builds resilience Experts contend that today’s children have very little resilience and have trouble coping when they don’t do well at something. “Unfortunately, we created this. We live at a time when everyone is a winner. There is no question that this is mentality detrimental to kids,” says Baer.

“When they get into the workplace, there will be times when there will be winners and losers, and if we don’t prepare them with coping skills and how to work through these disappointments, we are doing them a disservice.” He also encourages parents to have a realistic view of camp. “Camp is not a utopian experience and we try to educate parents that not every day at camp will be perfect. The beauty of camp is there are highs and lows, which is representative of life. “We work on helping campers build skills to help them get through the low times without the help of mom and dad. They come to realize that there are counselors and friends to help pick them up when they fail.”

Strong friendships are made at camp Camp is a place where strong friendships are formed and where kids can just be themselves. “I always encourage campers to go to camp on their own and not where all their friends from home are going,” says Baer. “As much as it’s a safety net, it’s nice to go to camp independently and have the opportunity to reinvent yourself and move away from the stereotypes people have boxed you into at home. Children can be themselves at camp and be accepted for who they are and not who they are at school.” Bernstein adds, “When children live together 24/7, they have no choice but to peel back the layers and share, whether it’s the good moments or the hard ones. They support each other and when they have a disagreement, they work it out face to face and talk it through. Camps work hard to create an environment that is less judgmental and one where children are accepted for who they are.

Camp gives a break from technology One of the best parts about camp for this

Jess Michaels is director of communications for the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey.

January 2020 | Queens Family

23

Latham Thomas

Powerhouse How this doula and maternal health expert is looking out for mothers

By Donna LaDD

W

hen you meet Latham Thomas, it is hard to not become a little obsessed with her. As one of the world’s leading doulas, the founder of Mama Glow and the author of not one, but two books, her roster of famous clients is impressive. Latham never name drops however. She shares stories and insights about the lives of mothers, and acknowledges that motherhood can be a hard journey for everyone.

I have many doula friends who speak very highly of Latham. She was even named one of Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul 100.

However, I really got to understand who Latham is as a person when I attended her inaugural Continuum Conference this past November. This gathering was intended to focus on all the stages of women’s reproductive life, from period to menopause.

When I walked into the Continuum Conference, I was struck by the diversity of the women attending. I have been to many a “mom summit”, and have, for the most part, left disappointed. I did not feel connected to the women at these previous events, and frankly, we go to these things to connect. At the Continuum Conference, I immediately felt welcomed. This is Latham’s vibe: she creates a space you feel you can be who you are, at whatever stage you are in this crazy journey of being a woman.

Latham is also a very busy mama, and we are so grateful she is gracing our first cover of this new decade!

Mama Glow is a maternity lifestyle brand that focuses on doula support and the

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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020

“childbearing continuum”. Can you explain what you mean by the “childbearing continuum”?

The childbearing or reproductive continuum includes menses, pregnancy, abortion and loss, birth, breastfeeding and peri-menopause. We acknowledge that life for women is punctuated by reproductive events that are rarely celebrated in western culture.

Other global traditions support women during these life phases, which are an integral part of an arc of our lives. Each is distinct and leaves an impression. You are forever changed when your period begins, you are never the same after you give birth.

How did you come to discover that maternal health was your calling?

Many people describe their work as a passion. I am passionate about the work I do, but I’m clear, it isn’t a passion — it’s a calling.

A calling drives you to do things that you ordinarily wouldn’t desire to do. My calling is what wakes me up in the middle of the night to serve a woman and family in labor and help carry them to safe passage during birth and postpartum. My calling to do this work led me to create our Global Mama Glow Doula Immersion Program, which has hubs in NYC, LA, Miami, and Paris. I didn’t plan to start a professional educational program for doulas. I was compelled to do it. And I’m so thankful that I listened to the call because, in only a year and a half, we have more than 300 women who have taken our course globally.

People have traveled from as far as Thailand and Madagascar to take our professional immersion program. This is incredible and a testimony of the times we are living in.

The United States has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the industrialized world, and according to the CDC, AfricanAmerican, Native American and Alaska Native women are three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related complications than white women. Can you share more on this?

Well, in the US, Black women are actually 4-5 times more likely than white women to die during childbirth or due to childbirth-related causes. That number jumps to 12 times in places like NYC. The health disparity is greater here, and black women are at tremendous risk. This number is similar for Native People who make up 2% of the population and are often misclassified racially. Their stats are under-reported, and there is significantly less research on this population and the factors that contribute to maternal mortality and morbidity.

There has been a 25-year increase in black maternal deaths in this country. It’s been only in the past 4 years that we have seen a surge in reporting that has led to action, addressing policy gaps, racial bias, and accountability. For maternal deaths, the U.S ranks 55 of all developed nations.

This is unacceptable. A poor White woman with a high school level of education will statistically have a better birth outcome than a highly educated and economically mobile Black woman. We know that these factors do not protect black women in birth. We know that the lived experience of race in the medical system greatly impacts Black and Brown women during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. This is why we at Mama Glow are so avid about education, advocacy, and access to culturally competent care.

What can we do as mothers and as a community to address the issue of maternal mortality?

Educating ourselves, learning, and practicing informed consent, becoming confident in asking questions, trusting our intuition. All of the information can be daunting and frightening if you become consumed by it. It’s important to be informed, but it’s also important to protect your energy and be mindful of what media you consume. Join community groups, attend workshops and gatherings that will help to further educate you and connect you with others.

Let’s also remember that those whose lives were lost were not numbers; they were women who had purpose, who had dreams, and when mothers die, communities are fractured. Women are the crux of community. We need to speak up as a community and center this crisis- not as a black issue or something affecting women of color — but ALL of us. It’s a human rights issue. The same energy we give to the conversation about reproductive rights we need to bring to this issue! Maternal health should be at the top of the feminist agenda.

For new mothers, what do they need to thrive as they enter into motherhood?

I believe community is so important.

Mothers need exactly the same thing that infants need. They need to be swaddled with support. They need to be affirmed and held. They need to be fed and changed and cleaned. They need the folks surrounding them to anticipate their needs. In the U.S, one in four women goes back to work ten days after giving birth. That is insane. We are the only industrialized nation that doesn’t offer federal paid parental leave. Women who have given birth need time and space to heal.

There is no postpartum tradition in the U.S, but there are incredible global postpartum traditions that are alive and well. We need to restore and protect the sanctity of the postpartum period. Moms should not feel alone. Postpartum doulas can fill a gap for women and families that need extra support to get through the postpartum period.

Photo by Yumi Matsuo

Latham Thomas is the founder of Mama Glow and the author of two popular books, Mama Glow: A Hip Guide to Your Fabulous Abundant Pregnancy and Own Your Glow: A Soulful Guide to Luminous Living and Crowning the Queen Within. For more on Latham visitmamaglow.com.

January 2020 | Queens Family

25

family fun

10 MUSEUMS

MUSIC

THEATER

ATTRACTIONS

FOOD

Outdoors

Great Kid-Friendly January Events in Queens

By Mia salas

CREATIVE PAINT HOUR January 2 Head to the library for an hour of creativity. Kids ages 6 to 12 will get to paint a picture using watercolors. No need to bring any of your own crafting supplies — just an enthusiasm for arts & crafts! Kids younger than 8 years old should be accompanied by an adult.

Free, 4-5:15 pm. Queens Library at Baisley Park, 117-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, Queens, NY 11436, queenslibrary.org

PRINCESS PARTICULAR January 11 Princess Particular dreams of becoming a ballerina, but her mom and dad want her to focus on her princessly duties. Luckily, her maids are here to help make her dreams come true. Follow Princess Particular’s story on stage through this interactive performance.

Feel free to dress in costume, and snag a photo opportunity with the actors afterwards. $20 adults, $15 kids under age 17, $40 family 4-Pack, 2:30 pm. The Secret Theatre, 4402 23rd Street, Long Island City, Queens, NY 11101, secrettheatre.com

BAYSIDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY 19TH ANNUAL WINTER ART SHOW January 12-26 Foster an appreciation for art in your little ones at the Bayside Historical Society Winter Art Show. Now in its 19th year, the show features a broad collection of artwork by Queensbased artists. Browse a variety of artistic styles and mediums, including representational painting, abstract drawing, mixed media, and photography. $5, Thursday-Sunday 12-4 pm. 208 Totten Avenue, Fort Totten, Bayside, Queens, NY 11359, baysidehistorical.org

GINGERBREAD LANE HOUSE GIVEAWAY January 12 Arguably the best part of the iconic GingerBread Lane exhibit, the record-breaking display of gingerbread houses, is when it gets taken apart. That’s because the pieces are given away to museum visitors! Bring your family, and a box or bag, to the museum to take home a yummy piece of gingerbread.

Gingerbread houses are first-come, first-served, so get there early to secure a delicious treat.

Free with museum admission, 2-5 pm, line starts at 1:30 pm. New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th Street, Corona, Queens, NY 11368, nysci.org

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PEACE CRAFT January 15 Martin Luther King, Jr. is widely celebrated as a figure in American history who we take the time to remember each year on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In this workshop, kids get to learn about King’s peaceful approach to equality for all humans. Afterwards, they’ll create a fun craft and leave with not only their artwork, but a better understanding of a piece of U.S. history!

Free, 4:15-5:15 pm. Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, Queens, NY 11436, queenslibrary.org

Create puppets for the Lunar New Year, and then go on a dragon walk at Flushing Town Hall on January 18.

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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020

LUNAR NEW YEAR TRADITION: PUPPET MAKING & DRAGON WALK January 18 Join Puppetry in Practice (PiP) artist and

acclaimed author and illustrator Angelo DeCesare to ring in the Year of the Rat. DeCesare will engage little ones as he uses live drawings to adapt “The Cat and the Rat” from the Chinese zodiac story. Kids will make their own “tricky rat” puppets and then go on a Dragon Walk with PiP puppeteer and storyteller Luciano Cohen. $10, $5 members, students, and kids, Free for teens, 2 pm. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, Queens, NY 11354, flushingtownhall.org

ARE YOU THE MISSING PIECE? TEAM JIGSAW PUZZLE COMPETITION January 20 Kids ages 6 to 13 are invited to a fun-filled day of puzzles! No experience is necessary, so if your bigger kids are looking for a challenge, head over to the competition. Teams of two will compete in the 100-piece puzzle division and teams of four will compete in the 350-piece division. The first team to complete the puzzle wins. Free, 11 am-3 pm. Lost Battalion Hall Recreation Center, 93-29 Queens Boulevard, Rego Park, Queens, NY 11374, nycgovparks. org

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION January 25 Celebrate the Year of the Rat with your family. Learn about the Chinese New Year through crafts, performances, and activities for all ages. Bundle up and get ready for an afternoon full of educational fun and entertainment. You can even welcome the New Year with a plant from the Lucky Plant sale. Free, 12-4 pm. Queens Botanical Garden, 4350 Main Street, Flushing, Queens, NY 11355, queensbotanical.org

SPOOKTACULAR: OUT OF THIS WORLD’S FAIR! January 25 Halloween may be in October, but Queens Museum is bringing the spooky fun into the winter with their 10th annual Spooktacular. This year’s theme recalls the time when the museum was the New York Pavilion for the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fair, and then it imagines a future in which the next Fair may be hosted on the moon.

There will be performances, live music, face painting, arts & crafts, scavenger hunts, raffle prizes, and treats as the second-floor galleries are transformed into a spooky space. $25, various other ticket packages, 2-4 pm. Queens Museum, New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Corona, Queens, NY 11368, queensmuseum.org

Jeremy Daniel

DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL January 26 Recommended for ages 6 to 11, Dog Man: The Musical features all of your favorite characters from Dav Pikey’s Dog Man book series. Dog Man loves fighting crime, but can he save the city from Flippy, the cyborg fish?

Will he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat?

Find out in this action-packed, hilarious musical. $15, 1 pm and 3 pm. Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Avenue South, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Corona, Queens, NY 11368, queenstheatre.org

“Dog Man: The Musical” lights up the Queens Theatre on January 26.

January 2020 | Queens Family

27

family fun

Featured event

Events Around the City

By Mia Salas

NEW YEAR’S DAY FAMILY BOWL January 1 Keep the celebration going on New Year’s Day with a fun, family bowling competition. All ages are welcome to attempt to knock over the pins!

Featuring a brunch and kids menu, you can enjoy a delicious meal or snack in between bowling games. $25 per lane, per hour, up to 8 per lane, 12-6 pm.

Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Avenue, New York, NY 11249, brooklynbowl.com

PRETZEL TWISTS CLASS January 4 Learn how to make hot pretzels from start to finish in this tasty workshop. Kids ages 6 to 8, along with their caregiver, are invited to master the pretzel twist and make an accompanying Cardamon Honey Dipping Sauce.

Designed for kids and parents to cook together, the class is a unique way to spend quality family time (and leave with delicious pretzels!). $45 per kid with one caregiver, 9-10 am. Taste Buds Kitchen, 109 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001, tastebudskitchen.com

JUST KIDDING: THE JUNGLE BOOK January 11 Little ones will feel as if they are seeing the illustrations from The Jungle Book come to life on stage with this Just Kidding performance. The new theatrical adaptation re-imagines Kipling’s classic stories through modern eyes. Come to watch Mowgli’s childhood in the jungle with Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther, and more. $17, $14 members, 11 am and 2 pm. Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, symphonyspace.org

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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020

Two-Point Perspective Dream Homes January 2-3 Ages 5 and up are invited to design their own dream home at the museum.

Explore what makes for a good home and then learn how to build realistically. Kids will get to think about where they would like to live when

MEET THE MUSIC! LEAVE IT TO LUDWIG January 12 Learn about the stories behind Beethoven’s music at this exploratory performance by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Beethoven will help a young pianist play his music as it is meant to be played, full of actions, emotions, and the quality of everyday human life. Kids ages 6 and up and their families are welcome to join in on the musical fun, as well as check out the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo in the lobby before the performance from 1-1:45 pm. $10-$30 depending on seat, 2 pm. Alice Trully Hall, 1941 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, lincolncenter.org

FAMILY ART PROJECT: FREEDOM QUILTERS OF GEE BEND January 19 When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited Gee’s Bend Community in Alabama, the Freedom Quilting Bee was established.

These now famous quilts would later go

they are older, with creativity always encouraged! They’ll leave with a mini version of their dream home. Free with general admission, 12-6 pm Jan. 2, 12-5 pm Jan. 3. Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton Street, New York, NY 10014, cmany.org

on to fund aspects of the community’s freedom. Create your own quilts with bold patterns and bright colors to honor Dr. King’s birthday and the inspiring women quilters of Gee’s Bend. Free, admission to Wave Hill free until 12 pm, 10 am-1 pm. Wave Hill. West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471, wavehill.org

NEW YORK BOAT SHOW January 22-26 You’ll never see more boats in one place than at the New York Boat Show! Check out the world champion boat Miss GEICO, which can reach speeds in excess of 200mph. There’s plenty for kids to do, including BuildA-Boat, the kid’s toy boat building workshop. Little ones get to create their own miniature boats and take them home as souvenirs. And, of course, there will be delicious food and beverages for your family to enjoy. $16 adults, free for kids ages 12 and under with a paid adult admission, 12-9 pm Jan. 22-24, 10 am-9 pm Jan. 25, 10 am-6 pm Jan. 26. Javits

Center, 625 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001, nyboatshow.com

$35, Free for kids under age 1, 10:30 am, 2 pm, and 5:30 pm on Jan. 25, 10:30 am and 2 pm on Jan. 26. Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10020, msg.com

PIRATE PETE’S PARROT January 25 As The Secret Theatre’s longestrunning musical in Queens, your family is sure to love Pirate Pete’s Parrot! With music, mischief, and plenty of laughs, the show engages both little ones and adults through audience interaction and a photo opportunity with the actors afterwards. Feel free to dress in costume as you follow the story of Pirate Pete and his quest to find his runaway parrot Polly and his buried treasure. $20 adults, $15 kids under age 17, $40 family 4-Pack, 2:30 pm. The Secret Theatre, 4402 23rd Street, Long Island City, Queens, NY 11101, secrettheatre.com

TROLLS LIVE! January 25-26 Trolls LIVE! embarks on their first ever world tour, so don’t miss out on seeing Poppy, Branch, and their

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION FOR FAMILIES

Trolls LIVE! will inject some color into Radio City Music Hall on January 25 and 26. friends on stage. The Trolls’ Hug Time is in danger, and the only way to save it is by hosting a Trolls-tastic show with music, glitter, humor, and happiness.

Join the VIP Party for even more time with your favorite Trolls. Tickets start at

January 26 The New York Chinese Cultural Center (NYCCC) brings its signature program to Queens Museum for the sixth year in a row to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

There will be folk dances, the Lion Dance, traditional arts & crafts, and hands-on Chinese Calligraphy workshop. Get ready for the hour-long performance program featuring professional artists and students of the NYCCC’s School of the Arts. Free with Museum admission, Performance Program 1-2 pm, Chinese Calligraphy Workshop 2-3 pm. Queens Museum, New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Corona, Queens, NY 11368, queensmuseum.org

MAKE THE MOST OF PLAYTIME LAUNCH RIGHT IN WITH . . .

a SUPER SPACECRAFT!

GATHER THESE MATERIALS:

Pencil

2 toilet paper tubes

Paper towel tube

2. Draw a rounded 1. Lay a toilet

paper tube on top of a piece of cardboard.

Trace it.

nose to the traced shape. Then draw two rounded triangles for wings.

Small piece of cardboard

Markers or paint

3. Cut out the shape.

Scissors

(with an adult�s help)

Paper

Glue

5. Glue your cut tube on top of the cardboard in the shape of a spacecraft, and let it dry.

4. Trace the bottom of a toilet paper tube on top of another. Then cut out the round shape.

6. Color or paint your spacecraft. You

can also decorate it with stickers. Place a small toy inside and go for a ride. Tell a story about where you’re going!

TinkerActive Workbooks cover essential skills using curriculum-based exercises and interactive tinkering, making, and engineering activities using common household materials!

The Active Way to learn through play

Odd Dot

An imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group

AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD

January 2020 | Queens Family

29

last word

and suddenly you know it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of

beginnings — Meister Eckhart Illustration by Elvia Caballero

30

NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020

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28-46 44th St., Long Island City, NY 11103 • www.sjcalic.org • 718.728.0724 Financial assistance available to QualiFying Families • all Faiths Welcome