Rockland/Bergen Parent - October 2022

Alexa Wilding

On being a cancer mom and a cancer survivor (who writes about her highs and lows @alexawilding) and shares about her rollercoaster journey to accepting her many identities and her take on the word resilience

Fall is Here!

Our favorites for

Family Road Trips

Halloween Thrills

Pumpkin Picking

Bucket List Fun!

&

Family FU

Photo: Yumi Matsuo | yumimatsuostudio.com

Cover Story: Cris Pearlstein | crispearlstein.com

Produced by: Donna Duarte Ladd

Cover and story clothing on Alexa: Apiece Apart | apieceapart.com

Autumn Arrives

New York is gorgeous in the fall. Even at the height of the pandemic, we had our windows open and could hear the rustle of the leaves as they changed with the seasons.

Now that we are all out and about, we are all in for Autumn 2022. We’ve got you covered this season! From our favorite picks for Family Road Trips (page 12), Halloween Fun (page 34), and Pumpkin Picking (page 28) to the pièce de résistance, our Fall Bucket

List (page 20).

Lastly, our cover mom this month, Alexa Wilding, is pure inspiration. Alexa shares about being a cancer mom and a cancer survivor who writes about her highs and lows on IG @alexawilding shares with NYF about her rollercoaster journey to accepting her many identities (page 30).

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Keeping Kids Healthy this School Year

BY DONNA DUARTE�LADD

Kids are back at school, and while we always worry about them picking up a cold or getting the flu, there are currently a few viruses to contend with. What sort of tips and good hygiene habits can we have kids implement to keep these viruses at bay?

We chatted with Dr. Sandra Bonat, Pediatric Physician Advisor at VIP StarNetwork, who shared her expert tips and shared why it’s essential parents should encourage their children to practice good health habits now that we are Back to School.

First, is this normal to have this many viruses circulating in the world? It feels like we are going backward health-wise versus forward.

Currently, we have a number of respiratory viruses circulating, including influenza and RSV, that we do not normally see a lot of activity from at this time of year.

At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, because of changes in people’s behaviors, including social distancing, mask-wearing, frequent hand washing and isolation, influenza, RSV, and many of the other respiratory viruses virtually disappeared.

The steps we took to limit our exposure to Covid-19 also limited our exposure to other viruses. Our immune systems need exposure to pathogens to keep up our memory response, and this did not occur during the first year of the pandemic. When we started taking off our masks and discontinued social distancing, viruses began circulating again, even though it was out of season, because the overall population immunity was low.

In addition, some of the changes in seasonality of respiratory viruses may also be due to the presence of the Covid-19 virus and how it interacts and possibly interferes with the replication of other respiratory viruses, causing a change in the seasonal transmission patterns of other viruses.

For the most part, many kids are vaccinated; how can parents be proactive in keeping their kids safe?

The best way to reduce the risk of both Covid-19 and Influenza is to get vaccinated. Both parents and children should complete their Covid-19 vaccination primary series and get their booster dose/s if eligible. In addition, parents and children should get the seasonal influenza vaccine. Good hand hygiene is essential to reducing the spread of infections.

Masks can also be worn for protection, especially during times of high community activity of Covid 19 and other respiratory viruses. In addition, if your child is sick, it is important to keep them home while they are ill, and parents should stay home from work when they are ill.

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at home, especially when someone in the house is ill, is also an effective way to reduce the risk of getting sick. Parents should encourage their children to practice good health habits such as eating a healthy

diet, getting a good amount of sleep, and being physically active.

When the kids are in school, what should they do? (for example: wipe off their books? Still, use hand sanitizer?

Hand sanitizer use and/or frequent hand washing are both excellent ways to prevent infection. Sanitizing frequently used surfaces is helpful in reducing infection transmission but can be more difficult in the school setting.

Parents should also encourage kids to try and avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. Children should not share food or drinks at school. Parents can teach children to cover their mouth and nose with their el bows or a tissue when they sneeze. Masks can be used during periods of increased Covid-19 activity at the school and in the community.

Parents should keep their children at home when they are sick and get them tested for COVID-19 if they have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with Covid-19.

Monkey Pox looks and sounds pretty scary. Are kids able to get vaccinated for Monkey

Pox yet? Like the Covid vaccine, will kids be able to access being vaccinated for Monkey Pox quickly? Is it necessary?

Children have been mostly spared from the current outbreak of Monkeypox. To date, there have been only two children in New York that have contracted Monkeypox. Currently, there is a limited supply of Monkeypox vaccine, and it is only being offered to people that have had close contact with a person with a confirmed case of monkeypox and also to people from higher risk categories, including men who have sex with men and those who have multiple unknown sexual partners.

If a child has a family member or close

contact who has Monkeypox then it would be recommended for that child to be vaccinated. Otherwise, currently, the Monkeypox vaccine is not necessary for most children. The Federal Government and the state of New York are working to increase supply and improve access to the vaccine to ensure availability to anyone that may need it.

Dr. Sandra Bonat is a Pediatric Physician Advisor at VIP StarNetwork, a leading provider of mobile and onsite health services, including COVID testing and vaccinations. Dr. Bonat has almost 30 years of experience in the medical field and is leading her company’s efforts to safely vaccinate young children.

“The steps we took to limit our exposure to Covid-19 also limited our exposure to other viruses. Our immune systems need exposure to pathogens to keep up our memory response, and this did not occur during the first year of the pandemic.”

out the vibrant Blaze: Hudson Valley in Westchester

By Serena norr

One of New York’s beloved Halloween events is here. This popular event is now illuminating in Westchester and lasts until November 20th.

The Deets: You and your family can admire over 7,000 illuminated and hand-carved pumpkins and original music at the historic Van Cortlandt Manor. The walk-through experience is around 45-minutes, where you can see bright and creative displays, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Pumpkin Planetarium.

New creations this year include an animated “Jack” Smith working in his shop with a hive of glowing bees.

Stay for the Treats!

After your fun walking tour, you can enjoy fall-themed treats, snacks, and drinks at their nearby cafe. There is also an on-site store with Halloween-related and Blaze items for sale.

Blaze: Hudson Valley Details

Van Cortlandt Manor

525 South Riverside Avenue Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Times for the Blaze-Hudson Valley range from 7:30 pm-10:30pm. Tickets start at $40 for adults and $32 for children 3-17. Children 2 and under are free. All events are held rain or shine. Visitors should visit hudsonvalley.org/ covid for their current policies.

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Unlocking Student Potential Since 1904

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541 Long Beach Road Saint James Long Island, New York

541 Long Beach Road Saint James Long Island, New York

�al� RoadFamil� Trip�

BY MIA SALAS

Fall decor, pumpkin treats and farm festivals are finally here!

If you’re looking to make the most of the cozy season, have you considered planning a road trip with your family? Road trips are the perfect, quick escape from the city where you can dive into family friendly fall and winter festivities. Whether it’s apple picking or nature hikes, tractor rides or fudge tastings, your kiddos will have plenty of fun activities to do, all while exploring the history of unique towns. We’ve rounded up some of the best road trip destinations for your family this year. Get your train tickets or GPS ready, because these are fall vacays you do not want to miss!

Central Massachusetts

Antsy kiddos who could not last hours in a car? Not to worry– Central Massachusetts is a quick 30-minute flight away. In fact, there are 4 flights arriving daily from NYC, both from JFK and LGA, making it easier than ever to plan your getaway. Once you arrive we recommend you set up camp at a brand name or boutique hotel in Worcester, MA. You’ll be 30 minutes or less from a ton of family-friendly attractions, like the Southwick’s Zoo, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Old Sturbridge Village and the Ecotarium.

If you’re looking for some outdoor fun, we recommend you go on a family hike to Lookout Rock or the summit of Wachusett Mountain. But with 22 state parks in the region, you’ll have your pick of hiking trails. Central Massachusetts also has plenty of seasonal celebrations: you don’t want to miss KidsFest, AppleFest, BooFest, and Fall Food Truck Fest at Wachusett Mountain. The Annual Harvest Festival is also a family-favorite because of its well-loved scarecrow contest. And we can’t forget about Southwick Zoo’s Festival of Illumination, showcasing the stories of legendary creatures and fairytales through handmade Chinese lanterns. Add on all the usual fall classics–apple picking, cider donuts, and tractor rides– and Central Massachusetts is the place to be! Book your amazingly convenient flight today.

New Jersey

New Jersey is home to some of the most exciting family destinations in the Northeast - from the quaint shops of Cape May to High Point State Park in the Skylands. Families come back year after year for coolweather experiences and adventurous ways to enjoy every last one of those fall and winter days.

Enjoy the great outdoors, for New Jersey’s 130 miles of coastline deliv ers some of the most magnificent (and Instagrammable) views in the U.S. Visit mural-filled Asbury Park. Travel scenic byways for an impromptu leaf-peeping session. Hike serene nature trails. Go snow tubing in winter at Mountain Creek Resort and skiing at American Dream year-round. Enjoy the East Coast’s famed national and state parks like Liberty State Park, the Delaware Water Gap and Paterson Great Falls.

New Jersey is bountiful in the arts, history, culture and more. The New Jersey State Museum and The Newark Museum of Art are famous family go-tos. Princeton’s Tony Award-winning McCarter Theatre provides unforgettable live music, dance and theater performances including American Repertory Ballet’s The Nutcracker November 25–27 and A Christmas Carol December 7 – 24. Dive in and discover over 15,000 aquatic animals and the Northeast’s largest collection of sharks at The New Jersey State Aquarium on the Camden waterfront. Also along the Delaware: Big Kahuna’s Indoor Water Park - always a huge splash with kids.

Looking for a quick 3-day family getaway? A road trip with stops at New Jersey’s top spots will do the trick. Choose the best journey for your crew including American Revolution, Scenic Byways, Anthony Bourdain

Food Trail and Black Heritage itineraries. Spend time together, learn something new, and see the best places to play, dine and stay.

Discover more at VisitNJ.org. Get your free Travel Guide and sign up for their informative e-newsletter.

Newport, RI

Only a few hours from NYC, Newport, Rhode Island brings fall festivities to the next level. Cider tasting and apple picking at Rocky Brook Orchard, named one of the best apple orchards in New England, offers eighty varieties of apples to choose from.

Next on your fall bucket list is The Pachet Brook Tree Farm for a family-friendly hayride that leads you to a pumpkin patch. Looking for more adventure, visit Escobar’s Highland Farm, and wind your way out of their 8-acre corn maze.

Experience more outdoor fun aboard a pedal-powered rail bike with Rail Explorers. The tour includes dif ferent experiences such as an evening lantern or fireside tours.

Newport isn’t short of sport or history; your family can visit the interactive Sailing Museum, Audrain Automobile Museum and Internation al Tennis Hall of Fame with just one ticket. Newport has family-friendly year-round events and activities, so be sure to check out the extensive cal endar of seasonal events at Discov erNewport.org.

Discover Newport

Fall in Love with Rockland County!

Explore our village shops and restaurants.

Experience the natural splendor of the Hudson Valley.

Enjoy fabulous fall golf, hiking, camping, and more!

For a Great Getaway that’s not far away, make your next... explorerocklandny.com

Frederick, Maryland

Location, location, location! This fall road trip includes the National Scenic Byways and historic downtowns. Once you arrive at Frederick, Maryland, you are a short drive from Baltimore, Washington, D.C, and Gettysburg, making this the perfect getaway. There are truly so many family adventures you can embark on here! And the best part? You can take your time by staying a few days at one of Frederick County’s 20 nationally-branded hotels.

There’s no shortage of fall festivals at the many farms and pumpkin patches in Frederick County, offering hayrides, apple cannons, corn mazes, arts & crafts, duck races, farm animals, and more. And if your kids are craving a sweet treat, Frederick has some of the best creameries with farm-fresh ice cream. For a blast to the past, check out Walkersville Southern Railroad and Monocacy National Battlefield. Little ones will also love saying hello to the many animals at the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, while older kids may enjoy a hike to the cascading waterfall in Cunningham Falls State Park. Last but not least, the food scene in Frederick is top-notch and super kid-friendly: don’t miss Pretzel and Pizza Creations, a restaurant where everything is made out of delicious pretzel dough, including the pizza crust.

Putnam County, NY

This gem in New York is easy to travel to, making it an ideal road trip. A must-first stop is the Tilly Foster Farm. Only Putnam County, NY, would have a farm that regularly attracts families from all over to come and visit during the fall season. What makes Tilly Foster Farm in Brewster, NY, special? There’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy! From candle making to farm animals, sculptures to fishing, fresh veggies to concerts, this farm is the talk of the season every year.

But beyond Tilly Foster Farm, Putnam County offers a spooky, kid-friendly musical, Hearts of the Hollow, that runs weekends through October 31. With 20 original songs, your kiddos will definitely be singing them all night long. And if you want to sneak in some apple picking on your trip, look no further than the Boscobel Heritage Applefest in Hudson Valley. Packed with cider pressing, apple preserving, arts & crafts, and sweet cider sampling, it’s a must-visit.

Visit Frederick

Jamie Martorano

FALL FOR NEW JERSEY ADVENTURES

Team up with cool-weather favorites from the sands of the Jersey Shore straight up to the Skylands. Enjoy pumpkin patches, apple picking and hayrides. Parks dressed in gold and crimson leaves. Discover iconic eateries and sporting events—from the grid iron to the greens. Plus, journeys like our Scenic Byway and Black Heritage itineraries. You’ll find hundreds of destinations worth falling for.

Get your free official travel guide and discover more at VisitNJ.org

Rockland County, NY

Just 30 miles north of NYC, Rockland County makes the perfect family road trip. Nestled among 32,000 acres of untouched parkland, you can expect lots of outdoor fun: hiking trails, mountain vistas, and plenty of fall foliage. There’s also exquisite waterfront villages along the Hudson River that feature world-class restaurants, art galleries, shopping, champion golf courses, historic sites, and more.

If you’re looking to get your fall fix, visit one of the many farms and farmer’s markets for fresh produce, pumpkin picking, and apple picking. We recommend Orchards of Conklin, the oldest working farm in Rockland County. You can pick your own pumpkins and apples, escape the corn maze, and shop homemade pies, donuts, and cookies.

And with all the nature surrounding you, it can be tricky to choose just one hiking adventure. One family-favorite is Buttermilk Falls, which has several trails leading to the falls and steam with

overlooks and areas for picnicking.

Take your time planning this trip, because Rockland County has natural, hidden gems you’ll want to explore for a while!

New York FamilY partN er

Discover Newport for Fall Family Fun

p lanning family adventures this sea son? Look no further than Newport, RI for the best of fall festivities: apple pick ing, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and cider treats. Newport is activity-packed during any season, but there’s something special about fall and winter that brings families back year after year.

Between fairs, festivals, and fall foliage sunset tours, Newport has no shortage of seasonal family fun. An annual favorite is the Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair, October 1-2. Little ones and bigger kids alike enjoy sack races, hay rides, mud pits, tug-of-war, live music, scarecrow competitions, and plenty of prizes.

Newport also offers top-notch farms for fall festivities, such as Rocky Brook Or chard: a family-run orchard that’s become one of the best apple orchards in New Eng land. When it comes to pumpkin picking, families love Pachet Brook Tree Farm for its fun hayride leading up to the pumpkins.

And for an epic corn maze, Escobar’s High land Farm is adored by kids. This year’s corn maze theme is “Field of Dreams”, promoting health, happiness, and love.

Another way to experience Newport’s fall beauty is by hopping on a scenic pedalpowered rail bike ride along abandoned railroad tracks. Rail Explorers leads 90-minute, breathtaking tours around the Narragansett Bay. Head over to Thames

Street afterwards for a sweet treat at one of the ice cream shops.

And for chillier days spent indoors, Newport has stellar sports and history mu seums. Conveniently, the Sailing Museum, Audrain Automobile Museum, and the In ternational Tennis Hall of Fame teamed up to provide access to all three with one ticket.

Check out the full Newport experience at DiscoverNewport.org.

Heighten YOUR SENSES

Make moments that matter in hip & historic Frederick County, Maryland. Wander quaint downtowns where historic buildings host locally-owned shops. Indulge in world-class restaurants and embrace our lively arts scene. Venture outdoors in National & State Parks and experience our storied past at Civil War battlefields. Unwind at dozens of wineries, breweries & distilleries. visitfrederick.org • 800–999–3613

Fall

Bucket list

40 amazing things to do this season

By SeRena nORR

Fall is one of our favorite seasons where you and your family can discover so many fun things to do! This year is packed with things to see and do, ranging from the new Harry Potter Experience to the classic Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze to indoor attractions at the Paladoes Center. Check off a few – or all of these – bucket list adventures to have the best fall ever!

1. Experience The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. Visit one of the most popular Hal loween events in Westchester from now until November 20th. This includes viewing over

7,000 illuminated and hand-carved pumpkins, along with original music, at the historic Van Cortlandt Manor. The walk-through experi ence is around 45-minutes where you can see bright and creative displays, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Pumpkin Planetarium. New creations this year include an animated “Jack” Smith working in his shop with a hive of glowing bees. After your fun walking tour, enjoy fall-themed treats, snacks, and drinks at their nearby cafe. There is also an on-site store with Halloween-related and Blaze items for sale. Times for the Blaze-Hudson Valley range from 7:30pm-10:30pm. Tickets start at $40 for adults and $32 for children 3-17. Children 2 and under are free. Van Cortlandt Manor, 525

South Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520. tickets.hudsonvalley.org/events

2.Rock out in Pound Ridge with your fam ily. Attend the annual Pound Ridge Harvest Festival. Held on Saturday, October 1st from 1:00pm-6:00pm, this year’s event is headlined by Grammy-award winning artist, Blues Trav eler! The festival will be opened by local artists Badger Scratch and Platinum Moon who won this year’s Battle of the Bands. The festival also includes a Root Beer Garden, rides, inflatables, crafts, games, and prizes. Local restaurants, specialty food purveyors and craft beer gardens add to the “Oktoberfest feel” of the event. This year Harvest Festival is excited to welcome Craft

New York, and Sony Hall as its Presenting Part ners! Tickets are $35 per person. Pound Ridge Town Park, Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge, NY 10576. eventbrite.com/e/pound-ridge-harvestfestival-2022-vip-pass-tickets-380739099897

3. Find some cool art at the Art at the Armonk Outdoor Art Show. Art collectors will love exploring and soaking in art at the annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show. Celebrating its 60th year, view the original work of over 160 artists from around the world. The event, held on Saturday, October 1st-Sunday, October 2nd from 10:00am-5:00pm, also includes food and beverages and free children’s activities such as art lessons and interactive projects during the show. 205 Business Park Drive, Armonk, NY. armonkoutdoorartshow.org

4. Watch the Wizard of Oz at a Beautiful Barn. Watching the “Wizard of Oz” is one of our fa vorite movies to watch with our kids. Now, you can watch it with your closest friends in Pound Ridge as a part of the Bedford Playhouse’s “Yel low Brick Road Fest.” Held on Saturday, Octo ber 8th at 5pm at the idyllic Maple Grove Farm, this family-friendly Wizard of Oz-themed event includes tons of kids’ activities, signature cock tails, a Wizard of Oz costume content (along with prizes!), popcorn, and a delicious Kansasstyle buffet barbecue. Be sure to bring a blanket and some lawn chairs to watch the movie under the stars. Maple Grove Farm, 1185 Old Post Road, Pound Ridge, NY 10576. bedfordplayhouse. org/family-friendly-event

5. Visit Nyack’s Famous Street Fair. Enjoy the ultimate family foodie festival on Sunday, October 9th from 10:00am-5:00pm at The Ny ack Famous Street Fair. Located in downtown Nyack, the event will include 250 exhibitors with arts, crafts, retail, home decor, live music, shopping, and food. The event is free and held rain or shine. Downtown Nyack, Main Street & Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960. visitnyack.org/ event/nyacks-street-fair-oct2022

6. Check Out the Serious Fun Art Festival in White Plains. Have some serious fun with your family in October at this jam-packed arts and music festival in White Plains. Hosted by Arts Westchester, the event includes live music, theater, live mural painting, family art-making, a public art walking tour, dancing, and much more. Events on Saturday include free Serious Fun Block Party performances, followed by live music from headliner Sammy Rae & the Friends on Sunday, October 16th. Kicks off Wednesday, October 12th-Sunday, October 16th, vari

ous times. Various locations in White Plains. artswestchester.org/serious-fun-arts-fest

7. Find a book (or two) at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. The 9th Annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival kicks off on October 15th from 10:00am-4:00pm with 160 children’s book authors and illustrators. The fun event includes book signings, read ings, illustrator demos, with a percentage of proceeds going to literacy programs throughout Westchester and Metro New York. Food will be also available from food trucks and the Chap paqua Farmers Market. Admission and parking are free and the event is rain or shine. Chap paqua Train Station, Allen Place, Chappaqua, NY 10514. ccbfestival.org

8. Visit Greenburgh Nature Center’s Fall Festi val. Enjoy Greenburgh Nature Center’s outdoor festival featuring live music, crafts, games, a pumpkin and scarecrow walk, apple cider dem onstrations and tastings. Local vendors will also be on-hand selling sustainable items, meadow dedication, and more. Saturday, October 22ndSunday, October 23rd from 10:00am-3:00pm. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583. greenburghnaturecenter. org/events__trashed/program-event-calendar/

9. Support local artisans at the Westchester Craft Crawl. This interactive crafting experi ence allows artists and art lovers to connect. During the event, artists open their studios over the course of two where patrons can visit over 50+ professional artists at four tour stops located between Ossining and Croton. Check out their website for the latest on the stops and featured artists. Saturday, October 22nd-Sunday, October 23rd. Various locations. westchestercraftcrawl.com

10. Paddle on the Hudson River. Celebrate the witchy season Sleepy Hollow style at the SUP Witch’s Festival. The 3rd annual festival features a paddle where witches take off at Horan’s Landing and paddle along the Hudson. You can also watch or stroll along the riverwalk to watch the witches pass. The event also includes local vendors, brews, and spooky views. All who are paddling must wear a costume. The event is $30 if you’re bringing your own SUP equipment (kayaks welcome) or $45 to rent SUP equipment (includes board, paddle, leash, PFD). All guests interested in participating must pre-register in advance. Sunday, October 16th from 12:00pm4:00pm, Rain date: October 23rd. Horan’s Land ing, 57 River Street, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591. rivertownssupyoga.com/sup-witches-festival

11. Enjoy a Halloween-themed farm tour. Take a drive to Pleasant Valley to Lilymoore Farm to see a Halloween event like no other. Enjoy a 1.5 hour guided farm tour where you and your family can meet the animals of Lilymoore Farm and Dreaming of A Chance pigeon sanctuary. This includes alpacas and goats in Halloween costumes. Plus, enjoy crafting at the end of the tour. Tickets are $22.95 for kids ages 11 and up and $18.95 for kids ages 3-10 years old. Friday, October 21st-Monday, October 31st, various times. 21 Moore Road, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569. www.lilymoorefarm.com

12. Experience the Legend of Sleepy Hollow Family Storytelling Event. Listen to actor/ storyteller David Neilsen retell Washington Irving’s,: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” This fun family event also includes Halloween treats and activities. It is slated to take place outdoors but will be moved indoors if needed. The event is limited to 40 seats. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Sunday, October 23rd from

hommocks park ice rink

1:00pm-2:00pm. Hudson Valley Writers Center, 300 Riverside Drive, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591. writerscenter.org/calendar/legend1pm

13. Experience Hulda’s Night at Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Enjoy a Halloween experi ence like no other with Hulda’s Night. The event starts where you walk through a path illumi nated by lanterns until you join a traveler. Your journey continues as you listen to more stories about war and a witch living nearby. Your group goes down to the witch’s spring trail as you are guided to Hulda’s home, eventually meeting Hulda herself who tells your group a story. Tick ets are $30.00 per person. Wednesday, October 19-22 and October 26-29. 6:00pm and 7:00pm. Rockefeller State Park Preserve, 25 Sleepy Hollow Road, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591. friendsrock.org/ huldas-night

14. Visit Woodfield Cottage: A Haunting Hal loween Interactive Experience. Have a spooky family experience at this interactive experi ence. Wear your Halloween costume, carve pumpkins, and toast marshmallows as you listen to Halloween stories. Families can then create scary art and watch Halloween movies by candlelight such as “Casper” or “Corpse Bride.” Additionally, hot chocolate and cookies will be provided. The event takes places outdoors (except for the crafts). Bring blankets and warm clothes. Saturday, October 29th-Monday, October 31st from 10:00am-4:00pm. Woodfield Cottage, 20 Hammond House Road, Valhalla, NY 10595. facebook.com/events/woodfield-cot tage/woodfield-cottage-a-haunting-halloweeninteractive-experience-/591005545494061

15. Experience a local Halloween Parade. We love this season for dressing up and experienc ing Halloween. Some local parades to check out include Nyack Halloween Parade (Downtown Nyack Main Street & Broadway, Nyack, NY. visitnyack.org/calendar/category/parades) on Saturday, October 29th at 5:00pm; the 20th an nual Tarrytown Halloween Parade/block party on Saturday, October 29th at 3:30pm (Patriots Park, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591. visitsleepyhollow. com/event/tarrytown-halloween-parade), or the Halloween Party & Costume Contest in Pound Ridge on Monday, October 31st from 4:00pm6:00pm (The Market at Pound Ridge Square. 55 Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge, NY 10576. poundridgemarket.com)

16. Explore Lyndhurst Spirited Mansion

Visit Lyndhurst Mansion for their “Explore at Your Own Pace” event. Families can visit the mansion without a guided tour, view the

seasonal decorations, and take in the beauty of this historic mansion. This includes viewing the decorated entrance hall, reception room, parlor, library, and Victorian dining room. Refreshments and snacks will be available for purchase on-site. Tickets are $24 for adults and $16 for kids ages 6-16. All visitors must have a pre-purchased ticket to enter the Mansion. Entry begins promptly at the designated time and tickets do sell out. Saturday, October 29th from 10:00am-4:00pm. Lyndhurst Mansion, 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591. lynd hurst.org/events/halloween-weekend-posted

17. Experience the Bedford Music Festival

The first-annual Bedford Music Festival kicks off this year at John Jay Homestead. Hosted by destination 39.3, the event is raising awareness to showcase the beauty, vitality and diversity of Bedford, New York. The festival features The Spin Doctors, along with several local bands. John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St, Katonah, NY 10536. johnjayhomestead.org

18. Climbing Fun at the Palisades Climb Adventure. Vist the world’s tallest indoor ropes course right in West Nyack at the Palisades Climb Adventure. Standing at 85-feet tall with over 75 unique challenge elements, climbers of all skill levels will love this adventurous and fun course. They also offer a Sky Tykes course for little ones under 48 inches tall. WednesdayFriday from 3:00pm-7:00pm; Saturday from 11:00am-9:00pm; Sunday, 11:00am-7:00pm. Admission is $26.99 per person or $9.99 for Sky Tykes. 1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY. palisadesclimb.com

19. Enjoy indoor ice skating. Spend the day at Hommocks Park Ice Rink, Mamaroneck’s popular enclosed public skating facility. They

offer skating lessons, hockey, free skating op portunities, and you can host your birthday party at the rink. Don’t miss character skating on November 6th from 1:00pm-3:30pm as well as extended public skating when school is out. 140 Hommocks Road, Larchmont, NY 10538. Various hours. townofmamaroneckny.org/282/ Hommocks-Park-Ice-Rink

20. Spend a day at the Palisades Center. As the weather starts to dip, we love having options for some indoor fun like a trip to the Palisades Center. With over 200 stores, 16 sit-down restaurants, and over 25 entertainment attrac tions, including a bowling alley, ice rink, the world’s tallest indoor ropes course, glow-inthe-dark mini-golf, and more, you and your family will find tons of things to do and enjoy. They also host tons of events, such as the 2nd annual halloween event on Saturday, October 29th from 5:30pm-6:30pm. (eventbrite.com/e/ fortheculture-foundation-trick-or-treattickets-399497877907). Palisades Center) or the Shop Small Holiday Pop Up on November 26th from 11:00am-4:00pm, to name a few (palisadescenter.com/event/shop-small-holi day-pop-up/). Open Monday-Thursday from 11:00am-7:00pm; Friday and Saturday from 11:00am-9:30pm and Sunday from 11:00am7:00pm. 1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994. palisadescenter.com

21. Enjoy a farm-filled weekend away at the idyllic East Hill Farm. Spend the weekend away with your kids at The Inn at East Hill Farm during their Fall Family Weekends. Located at the base of picturesque Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire, this all inclusive resort offers a relaxed environment along with tons of fun ac tivities for kids. This includes boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, water skiing, cross-

palisades center

country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and swimming. They also offer a variety of activities for the kids, which changes every weekend. This includes arts and crafts, storytime, sports, corn holel, a magic show, and much more. Attend Oktoberfest (east-hill-farm.com/events/event/ oktoberfest) on Sunday, October 2nd for an authentic German feast, featuring Slow Cooked German Short Ribs, Apple Fritter with Maple Syrup, Warm German Potato Salad, and much more. They are also hosting Harvest Fest Week end (east-hill-farm.com/events/event/harvestfest-weekend/) from October 14-16th where you can enjoy a fun weekend of events, such as arts and crafts, milking in the barn, patting the bunnies, annual pumpkin roll, and more. 60 Monadnock Street, Troy, New Hampshire 03465. East-hill-farm.com

22. Load up on Apples, pumpkins, and apple cider donuts! Westchester is all about apple picking, pumpkins, and apple cider donuts this fall. Some Westchester favorites include Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard (130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY 10560, harvestmoonfarman dorchard.com) ; Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm (1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, wilkensfarm.com) and Stuart’s Fruit Farm (62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs, NY 10527, stuartsfarm.com).

23. Experience Applefest. For even more apple activities, take a trip to Warwick, NY for Ap plefest. This annual and free event brings in over 30,000 visitors for a day of live entertain ment, music, a kids’ carnival, a farmers’ market, local vendors, an apple pie baking contest, and tons more. 2 Bank Street. Warwick, NY, 10990, warwickapplefest.com

24. Walk through a corn maze. Visit Wilkens Farm (1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, wilkensfarm.com/corn-maze) or Outhouse Orchards (139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem , NY 10560, outhouseorchardsny. com/the-corn-maze) for a fun walk through their impressive corn mazes.

25. Visit the Westchester Children’s Museum. Take a trip to the Westchester Children’s Mu seum to enjoy an afternoon of fun interactive activities, STEAM programs, and permanent exhibits. Some fall programs include Museum Minis, Collage Workshop with Michael Albert, My Superpower Workshop Series, and more. They are also hosting a Halloween (not spooky) Spooktacular on October 29th from 10:00am4:00pm (discoverwcm.org/spooktacular) with crafts, interactive Science workshops, and tons

more. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes! Westchester Children’s Museum. 100 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY 10580. Discoverwcm.org

26. Take a Family Field Trip at Stone Barns Center. Enjoy a day at the farm with your kids and experience a tour of Stone Barns Center. Tours take place two Saturdays per month at 11:00am or 1:00pm. Stone Barns Center, 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, NY 10591, stone barnscenter.org/event/family-field-trips/all

27. Discover the Untermyer Gardens Conser vancy. For some fall outdoor discovery, check out the incredible Untermyer Gardens Conser vancy. This free attraction was once one of the most celebrated gardens in America. Over the years, this has included neglect and decay of the grounds which have been undergoing restor ative projects. During a visit, you’ll have access to explore six beautiful gardens. They also offer weekend family tours to better learn more about the history. You also take in a concert over the summer as part of the Minnie Unter myer Concert Series or visit during the holidays to see Walled Garden illuminated by more than 100,000 lights. The garden is open everyday from 9:00am-7:00pm (last entry is at 6:30pm). 945 North Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701.

28. Attend the Living History Experience. Learn Westchester’s Revolutionary War period with Revolutionary Westchester 250. Held in Tarrytown at Pierson Park on October 22nd from 12:00pm-5:00pm, this free event features historical figures such as George Washington, Benedict Arnold, Benjamin Franklin, and more. There will also be multiple reenactors, military horses, craft demos, a military equip ment tent, and more. Pierson Park, 238 West Main Street, Tarrytown, NY 10591, rw250.org/ news-events/revolution-on-the-hudson-living-

history-experience

29. Visit The Hudson River Museum. For a day of art, culture, and music (in the summer), check out The Hudson River Museum. As the largest cultural institution in Westchester, you’ll find a rotating collection of exhibits, a planetarium, a beautiful outdoor amphitheater, and educational spaces. Older kids (ages 8+) will love The Sky Tonight show that features a tour of Westchester’s night sky with a look at visible planets, stars, the Milky Way, comets, seasonal constellations, and more! Hudson River Museum. 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701. hrm.org

30. Visit LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester. For some indoor fun and discov ery, check out LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester. Located in the Ridge Hill shopping complex, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center of fers 12 LEGO-themed attractions. This includes a 4D movie theater, two rides, and Miniland where you’ll see the coolest mini version of New York made with 1.5 million LEGO bricks. Designed for kids ages 3-10, they also offer New Master Model Builder Workshop, the Little Play Squad - Preschooler Program, and the LEGO NINJAGO Ninja Training Camp (for summer), to name a few special programs. This fall, check out Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party (legolanddis coverycenter.com) on Friday, September 23rdTuesday, November 1st from 12:00pm-5:00pm where they can enjoy spooky activities, a brand new 4D Halloween movie, “The Great Monster Chase,” fun games, and tons of LEGO Hal loween activities. Kids will also enjoy monster training where they will learn how to become a little monster, brick-or-treat where they can col lect LEGO bricks to complete a spooky creation, and spooky creative workshops. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald

Monster Mini Golf

Street, Yonkers, NY 10710. legolanddiscoverycen ter.com/westchester/

31. Fly high at iFLY Indoor SkydivingWestchester. For some high flying fun, visit the interactive iFLY Indoor Skydiving Park. Located in Ridge Hill, your kids will enjoy a stimulated feeling of skydiving through iFLY’s vertical wind tunnels. Flyers can start at age three and will be guided through the process by iFLY’s instructions. They also offer a “Kids Can Fly Like a Superhero” program where kids (ages 4-16) receive 1-on-1 coaching in a group setting. 849 Ridge Hill Boulevard, Yonkers, NY 10710. iflyworld.com/westchester

32. Play Monster Mini Golf. Enjoy a new way to experience mini golf with black lights, monsters, and music at Monster Mini Golf. The course includes 18 holes of glow-in-the-dark mini golf featuring fun and comical pop-art as well as interactions from “live” monsters who will greet you along the way. Admission is $12 for mini monsters and $13 for big monsters. 49 East Midland Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652. mon sterminigolf.com/paramus and Ridge Hill Mall,

221 Market Street 2nd Floor, Cole Street Parking Lot, 4th Level, Yonkers, NY, 10710, monstermin igolf.com/yonkers

33. From Spooktacular Night Walks to Bronx Zoo Mornings and School Break camps, WCS Education has something to offer for every fam ily! Check out our programs at bronxzoo.com/ learn/families

34. An award-winning event, the Norman Bird Sanctuary Annual Harvest Fair, is one not to miss. Challenge friends to a sack race, scarecrow building competition, rope climbing, live mu sic, and feast on delish fall food

35. Spend an October weekend in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, to visit Phantoms by Firelight at Old Sturbridge Village

36. Head to East Rutherford, NJ to American Dream. Get your thrills in at Nickelodeon Universe, North America’s largest indoor theme park or enjoy the world’s largest indoor wave pool at DreamWorks Water Park. Shop at Saks Fifth Avenue, Zara, and more! End your day at

Carpaccio, Bergen County’s #1 New Restaurant

37. Check out Museum of The City of New York’s Movies for Minis, a new series of monthly movies accompanied by an art-making work shop for kids of all ages. Check dates at mcny.org

38. Best NYC views from 300 feet with special event opportunities at the Dream Wheel NJ! Tip: Park in lot C at the American Dream Mall and go to the 3rd floor

39. Check out Palisades Climb Adventure which is the world’s tallest indoor ropes course, stand ing 85 feet tall and featuring over 75 unique challenge elements designed for climbers of all ages and skill levels. For younger visitors, check out the Sky Tykes course, which allows for easy parental guidance at any course level

40. Take a day or evning trip to Times Square for Times Square is for families; discover kidfriendly attractions, family-style restaurants, immersive shops, free outdoor events, and theater. Explore the Times Square Family Fun Guide at tsq.org/families

The Benefits of Tutoring

By Vered Ornstein

As the school year begins again, the question of the effectiveness of tutoring comes to the forefront for many caregivers. As the education system begins to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents are looking to tutoring to help fill in the gaps caused by lapses in in-person learning. Research shows that tutoring can lead to significant increases in school performance and grades, but these improvements vary depending on the tutoring method, grade level of the student, and subject area being taught.

Let’s take a deeper look at these factors to help you determine the most effective way to help your student succeed through extra learning opportunities.

Does tutoring work?

A meta-analysis published recently by the Poverty Action Lab titled “The Transformative Potential of Tutoring for PreK-12 Learning Outcomes: Lessons from

Randomized Evaluations” looked at hundreds of studies examining the impact of tutoring across grade levels and topics. It found that overall, students who engaged in tutoring programs advanced nearly 16 percentage points when compared to students who did not use tutors, which is considered huge growth by specialists in the field.

The key factors that make tutoring so effective, as outlined in the meta-analysis are: additional instructional time simply gives students who have fallen behind the opportunity to catch up with their peers; customization of learning and teaching strategies are theorized to work because they adjusts to a student’s individual needs rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all model of learning often present in a traditional classroom setting; and mentorship bonds between tutors and students encourage a positive learning environment, broadly speaking.

What type of tutoring is best? Every student is individual in the way they

learn and retain information, and there is no one-size-fits-all tutoring method guaranteed to work. However, the research suggests several factors that are generally produce the best results. For one, it’s understood that professional or paraprofessional tutors, such as teachers or college students studying education, yield better outcomes than nonprofessional tutors like volunteers or parents.

The takeaways

When properly utilized, tutoring can be incredibly successful and beneficial for students of all ages. For literacy programs, tutoring is most effective when implemented at a young age. Math tutoring for older students can likewise be very impactful, and high schoolers who prepared for and retook standardized exams, with or without a tutor, generally scored better than students who did not prepare. For most students above grade 2, tutoring is most beneficial when conducted three times a week.

Providing children with the support they need sets them up for success in school and beyond, and tutoring is an important step in ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive academically.

Pumpkin Picking!

Discover family-friendly farms for a day out this season

By SeRena nORR

It’s one of our favorite times of the year: fall pumpkin picking! In Westchester (and the surrounding area), there are tons of places where you can explore some beautiful local farms, enjoy hay rides, delicious farm treats (hello, apple cider donuts), and farm festivals. Some farms do require reservations and picking dates vary, so be sure to check their websites/social media pages before you visit. Check out our list below as you soak in the magic of fall with your family.

Barton Orchards

There are so many fun activities and events happening at Barton Orchards this fall. Check out Hocus Pocus Live, family fun weekend, live music, and more! The farm also has hayrides, a petting zoo, a fun park, and pick-your-own pumpkins. Visit the country store for treats and farm concessions. Admission is free Monday-Friday. Weekends $15 admission. You can also make a whole day out of it with a visit to Tree Top Adventures (open from 11:00am-3:00pm daily). Kids ages seven and up can swing and climb through the trees where they can experience a fun and challenging course for all skill levels. Reservations can be made directly on their website. Barton Orchards, 63 Apple Tree Lane., Poughquag, NY 12570. 845227-2306. staging.tangibleagency.com/barton

Dykeman Farms

Starting on September 25th you’ll find

over 70 varieties of pumpkins at Dykeman Farms. You’ll also find winter squashes, fall decorations, apples and free hay rides on the weekends. Parking is free and reservations are not required for pumpkin picking. The farm also has a store where you get seasonal produce, including their freshly-picked corn. Dykeman Farms, 31 Dykeman Lane, Pawling, NY 12564, 845-832-6068. www.dykemanfarm. com

Fishkill Farms

Get your pumpkins at Fishkill Farms in late September-October. Visit their PickYour-Own Page (fishkillfarms.com/visit/ pick-your-own) on Thursday or Friday the weekend you plan to visit for the most up-todate information. Reservations are required for all visits. During your visit, you can also enjoy their fall harvest festivals (held every weekend in September-October) with live music, food, and, of course, yummy apple cider donuts. Visit their on-site farm store and outdoor market for homemade pies and treats, artisanal cheeses, local meats, maple

syrup, locally made coffee, tea, local NY state cider, and tons more. Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533. 845-897-4377. Fishkillfarms.com.

Greig Farm

Pick-your-own pumpkins at Greig Farm from late September-October. They also have an impressive farmers’ market open daily (10:00am- 7:00pm) stocked with local goods and produce from all around the Hudson Valley as well as a kitchen that serves breakfast, lunch, and to-go dinners. Behind the barn, kids can feed pygmy goats and koi fish from their pond behind Grandiflora, The farm also has a three hiking loops that you and your family can explore and soak in the beauty of the Catskill Mountains as well as nearby ponds, geese, ducks, turtles, frogs, and more. The farm is open daily from 9:00am-7:00pm. Greig Farm, 227 Pitcher Lane., Red Hook, NY 12571. 845-758-8007. Greigfarm.com.

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard

You can start picking your pumpkins

at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard on September 17th. During your visit enjoy live country music, a BBQ lunch, hot apple cider donuts, and much more! Shop their on-site farm store for apples, farm-pressed sweet and hard cider, pasture-raised meats, fresh baked goods, and more. This farm gets very busy and reservations are required to pick. Note that each reservation ticket allows entry to the orchard for up to four people only. If you bring a party of more than four people, you will need to purchase an extra reservation. The pumpkin patch is open during the week and on apple picking on the weekends! Children under three years old are free. Parking entry is for one car only. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY 10560. 914-485-1210. Harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com.

Hurds Family Farm

Pumpkin picking starts in late September at Hurds Family Farm. They have tons of activities and attractions for families where you’ll find a bounce pillow, hayrides, giant

slides, kids corral, a playground area, duck races, obstacle courses, nature trails, and corn mazes. Pair your visit with some fall treats and food at Hurds with hot apple cider donuts, apple cider, local spirits, pizza, a variety of pies, maple syrup cotton candy, and much more! Hurds Family Farm is open on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am-5:00pm and Monday and Friday from 10:00am-4:00pm. They offer different tiered tickets with a VIP ($23 per person) or ultimate ticket ($29 per person) options. Kids under age three are free, but must be accompanied by an adult. You can also purchase apple picking or pumpkin picking separately and pay for the activities a la carte. Hurds Family Farm, 2187 State Rte. 32, Modena, NY 12548. 845-883-7825. Hurdsfamilyfarm.com.

Kelder’s Farm

This farm is a bit of a drive from Westchester but it offers so many novelties that makes this day trip worth it. Enjoy pumpkin picking in September-October where you

can find over a dozen varieties. They also have other fall favorites like gourds and squashes. During the fall, you and and your family can enjoy many events such as the fall harvest celebration from September 24th-October 31st, apple and pumpkin cannons, hay rides, and more! Tickets range from $12.95 per person (picking only) to $23.95 per person for a weekend pass. Kids two and under and adults 80 and older are free. Note: They are a cashless farm; however you can load cash onto a Kelder’s Farm gift card. Kelder’s Farm, 5755 US Route 209, Kerhonkson, NY 12446, 845-626-7137. keldersfarm.com

Outhouse Orchards

Pick from a wide selection of pumpkins and gourds at Outhouse Orchards. You and your family can also enjoy hay rides, a corn maze, and yummy treats from their 1940s barn converted into a farm store. Outhouse Orchards, 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY 10560. 914-277-3188. outhouseorchardsny.com

Stuart’s Fruit Farm

Opened since 1828, this family-run farm is open every day from 10:00am-5:00pm from now until November. You can pick pumpkins from the field, or purchase a pre-picked pumpkin at their on-site store. You can also find gourds, Indian corn and corn stalks. Stuart’s only accepts cash or checks. They also only use farm bags; no outside bags are permitted. Stuart’s Fruit Farm, 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs, NY. 914-2452784. Stuartsfarm.com.

Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm

The pumpkin patch at Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm is open Wednesdays-Mondays from 10:00am-4:30pm in October with anticipated start date of October 1st. There are no reservations needed and parking is free. The farm also has a bakery to get delicious pies and cider donuts can be ordered outside the bakery and a country market where you’ll find local crafts and country-themed gifts. Wilkens Farm, 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. 914-245-5111. wilkensfarm.com.

The Many Sides of Alexa

Alexa Wilding is a Daughter, Wife, Singer/Songwriter, Twin Mom, Cancer Mom, Cancer Survivor and now, Writer. Read on to hear how she’s learning to accept them all.

By Cris Pearlstein

As I sit here and write this story, it’s been a week since my conversation with Alexa Wilding, the twin mom of Lou and West, ages 9 and cancer mom you probably know from the raw and honest writing she shares on her Instagram feed. It may have been a week, but I have not stopped thinking about our conversation for one second since.

We spoke for over an hour and a half, almost double the amount of time my interviews usually take, and we could have easily gone another hour. Alexa’s story is wild (no pun intended), painful, magical, horrible, and, at times, hard to believe. And although her story is riveting—after seeing her son Lou through choroid plexus carcinoma (twice!) a rare pediatric brain cancer for which West is not at risk, she herself gets diagnosed with breast cancer—it’s her take on the events and how she got through it all that really mesmerized me. She spoke about nature as medicine, about being present through the good and the bad, and about the many identities we as moms have that we maybe don’t allow ourselves to explore. Even if you don’t have a sick child, and even if you are not sick yourself, this interview will push your mind to see life through a fresh pair of eyes. Or at the very least, will help you see yourself anew—Alexa says we are all prisms, shifting and growing, our many chards of glass catching rays of light as we turn. I couldn’t think of a better metaphor.

CP: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

AW: I am a writer, a singer/songwriter, a twin mother, a cancer mom and now, a cancer survivor. It’s a very long byline, but they all are starting to inform each other. I was mostly born and raised in New York City, downtown to two very art-y parents so I had a really fun upbringing. I left the city about 4 years ago to move upstate. I had gone to Bard

College so I knew it was beautiful here, but leaving the city was such a big deal. Now that we’re here I can’t imagine being anywhere else. When you’re someone who doesn’t really have a connection to nature as a city kid it can really win you over and provide a lot of medicine, which I’ve needed these last few years. My husband works at Bard College’s contempo rary art museum, and it’s been fun visiting him where I went to school, and really fun for my kids when shows are going up to run wild in the galleries. We’ve made a really lovely life for ourselves up here. The Hudson Valley com pletely exploded during the pandemic which was interesting, but I think there’s a lot of posi tives in that we saw a lot of families looking for the same thing. To feel more connected. And when you wake up and see the mountains you can’t help but just be turned into a Buddhist, a crazy New Age lady. I wake up, I have my coffee, I stand on my porch and say, “Thank you mountains, thank you for watching over me and my family, thank you for always being there.” It’s amazing what the move from city to country can do.

CP: Ok so let’s talk about Lou. You barely have a chance to grapple with the new identity of Mother, and Lou is disgnosed with choroid plexus carcinoma. Now you’re being forced into this identity of Cancer Mom. Can you talk to me about the push and pull between regular mom and Cancer Mom? Because you actually do have two children—you’re Regular Mom to one kid, and you’re Cancer Mom to another kid.

AW: Lou had to do 6 months of high dose chemo, and you basically live in the hospi tal when they’re that young because it’s too dangerous. I went to a girls’ boarding school and there were echoes of that because it was mostly moms and we were all living on the hall together. We’d have cocktail hour at 6pm, with hummus and pretzels and Cokes. It’s funny that I get nostalgic for that time because it was awful, but it was wonderful to have mirrors like that of all these mothers. We were all

struggling to take care of our children through every mother’s absolute worst nightmare, try ing to take care of ourselves. I will never forget those first mothers I met because we were all trying to survive and when you become a cancer mom you are immediately martyred. You’re immediately martyred because you are seen as the selfless caregiver who always has her fight face forward, who gracefully accepts the GoFundMe contributions, who grace fully accepts the visits from the social workers and all the different people who come in. You become this hostess with the mostess of your hospital room. It was so funny because here I was in the hospital room decorating it with sheepskins and baskets, trying to make it look like a Domino spread. All of us had a secret life. We had things we were doing to stay alive. For me it was writing. My dear friend Molly is a big part of my story. She was a guardian angel and said, “You need to write and send me what you write.” So that was my secret life and I was writing about some really private things, things that I was doing to survive. There were moms who were shoplifting, there were moms with addiction issues, there was the dad I always talk about, the only dad on the hall, whose wife “couldn’t handle it” and we were fascinated by her. Like, who is this mom who doesn’t get to be here? I say all that just to paint a picture. But the push and pull can really be seen in two ways. I still have dreams about taking breaks from the hospital room and wandering those streets to get a coffee or being really bad and getting in a cab to go down to Strand.

CP: So you went from Singer/Songwriter to Mom to Cancer Mom and now you’re morphing into this Writer identity it sounds like.

AW: Yeah and survivor. People start look ing to you for wisdom. I was happy to share our story but I wasn’t really there yet. I think it was Cheryl Strayed who had that famous quote, “You can’t write from the wound, you have to write from the scar.” And I was very

much in the wound, but I was trying. It took me a while to understand that if you’ve been through something extraordinary you can actually be of service, but you also have to be ready to be of service.

CP: Tell me when Cancer Patient, your new

identity, appeared. Were you ready to accept that?

AW: No. One day I didn’t feel like writing and I decided to go get that mammogram I was supposed to get. When they told me it was like someone saying something in a new language.

CP: Are you in remission?

AW: Yeah, so I was diagnosed in Novem ber, it was supposed to just be early breast can cer, a lumpectomy, some radiation and we’ll be done. Days before my January lumpectomy they discovered a third lump and it was too far away. So I had 48 hours to prepare for losing my breast. And everyone was so worried about me and rightfully so because to be retrauma tized in the hospital now as the patient it was so far out.

CP: You can’t make this stuff up.

AW: No, it was ridiculous! There I was standing on the corner of 98th and Madison about to lose my breast, like what? What is this? When you Google “how to prepare for a mastectomy?” all these things come up, all these things you can buy, I didn’t have any of that stuff. It was very profound to be back on that corner. I left Ian and the boys up here in Hudson because I knew this was about me. I had my parents take care of me. My dad and his wife, my stepmom, still live in the city and I went in so I could be a daughter, and I could just be Alexa. Here’s another example of the prism turning. I have two wonderful parents, my mom is really special to me, but my dad is one of the most positive people in the world. You want him around when shit hits the fan. I’m proud that I think I’m carrying that lineage along. I was headed into the OR, I had this spiritual moment, and I just laid down. I felt this power that I’ve yet to feel since, but it was this wonderful reminder that despite it all I am a person, I am a body, I have needs and we’re going to take care of them.

CP: The second theme that I wanted to touch on is resilience. What does resilience mean to you? And to what do you owe your resilience?

AW: Resilience is one of those words that we take for granted, we hear it so much. For me it’s not so much how we snap back but how we show up. There’s so much emphasis on snapping back and you don’t snap back. You are changed. There should be more focus on how you show up and the thing about resilience is it’s like a rubber band. To be truly resilient you have to give yourself the grace to not always show up the way you like to. There were times I showed up on that corner of 98th and Madison not my best, and there were times I showed up like let’s do this. Resilience is accepting all those different parts of ourselves.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. To read the story in its entirety visit newyorkfamily.com

Photo by Yumi Matsuo

R O ck L and brick-or-treat

When : Sept. 24- Oct. 30, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-6pm

Where: LEGOLAND New York Resort, One Legoland Blvd., Goshen

ages: All

What: Get into the spooky spirit with tons of candy, an all-new show line up, neverbefore-seen exclusive LEGO® characters, and more.

Want to go?: Tickets start at $67.99. 845-410-0290, legoland.com.

oktoberfest

When : Oct. 1-23, Saturdays

By SHaR a Levine

and Sundays, 12-5pm

Where: Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Exit 17 off the Palisades Interstate Parkway, Bear Mountain ages: All

What: Enjoy beer, delicious food, live music, and fun activities for all ages.

Want to go?: $35-$150. 845786-2731, visitbearmountain. com.

Phoenix live Performing arts Festival: children’s shakespeare theatre

When : Oct. 8-15, Saturdays, 11am

Where: The Marydell Center, 640 N Midland Ave., Nyack ages: All

What: See Shakespeare’s romantic comedy Love’s Labours Lost performed by young actors.

Want to go?: $25. 833-6814800, nyackartsfestival.com.

nyack’s Famous street Fair

When : Sunday, Oct. 9, 10am-5pm

Where: Downtown Nyack, Main Street & Broadway, Nyack ages: All

What: Spend the day in Nyack with vendors, festival foods, and live music.

Want to go?: 845-535-5046, visitnyack.org.

nanuet Fall Festival

When : Sunday, Oct. 30, 11am-4pm

Where: Lake Nanuet Park, 1 Lake Nanuet Drive, Nanuet ages: All

What: It’s a fun day of pumpkin decorating, face painting, music, games, prizes, inflatables, Trunk or Treat, and more!

Want to go?: 845-393-1954, nanuetchamber.com.

B e RG en

halloween light show

When : Sept. 16- Oct. 31, Sundays-Thursdays 7-9pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 7-9:30pm

disney Junior l ive on tour comes to the Mayo performing a rts center on oct. 29.

Where: Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale ages: All

What: Drive through 32 acres of brilliant Halloween light displays, warm-up by the fire pits, make your own s’mores and more.

Want to go?: $35 per car. 201-666-0472, halloweenlightshows.com.

seasonal scavenger hunt

When : Oct. 8-9, Saturday and Sunday, 1-2pm

Where: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave, Tenafly ages: All

What: Your family will work as a team to solve nature riddles along the nature trails.

Want to go?: $12. 201-5686093, TenaflyNC.org.

harvest Festival

When : Sunday, Oct. 9, 10am-4pm

Where: Garretson Forge and Farm, 4-02 River Road, Fair Lawn ages: All What: Celebrate the history of the Garden State with kids’ activities, Civil War reenactors, open hearth cooking featuring 19th century recipes, tours and more.

Want to go?: 201-797-1775, garretsonfarm.org.

Peppa Pig’s adventure

When : Saturday, Oct. 15, 1pm and 5pm

Where: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood ages: 2 and older

What: Join Peppa on an exciting camping trip in the

woods full of singing, dancing, games and surprises.

Want to go?: $29.50-$79.50. 201-227-1030, bergenpac.org.

disney Junior live on tour: costume Palooza

When : Saturday, Oct. 29, 12pm and 4pm

Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street, Morristown ages: 2 and older

What: Disney Junior characters and Marvel Super

Heroes come together live on stage for a jam-packed show with singing, dancing, acrobatics and more.

Want to go?: $39-$69. 973539-8008, mayoarts.org.

We STc H e ST e R

the legend: cirque Performance

When : Sept. 23- Oct. 16, Fridays, 7pm; Saturdays, 2pm and 7pm; Sundays, 2pm and 7:30pm

Where: Westchester Circus Arts at the Village of Sleepy Hollow, 60 Continental Street, Sleepy Hollow ages: 9 and older

What: See this Cirque adaptation of Washington Irving’s iconic ghost story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” with narration by Washington Irving himself, in hologram form!

Want to go?: $30 when purchased online; $40 at the door. 914-275-5711. SleepyHollowLegend.com

chappaqua children’s book Festival

When : Saturday, Oct. 15, 10am-4pm

Where: Chappaqua Train Station, Allen Place, Chappaqua ages: 3-12

What: This will have authors covering multiple genres and reading levels, author readings and special presentations, illustrator demos, book signings, and more!

Want to go?: 914-263-5566. ccbfestival.org

harry Potter: a Forbidden Forest experience

When : Oct. 22- Dec. 16, See website for daily schedule

Where: Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, 2957 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights ages: All

What: Experience a nighttime woodland trail experience filled with magical creatures and wizarding wonders from the Harry Potter™ and Fantastic Beasts™ films.

Want to go?: Individual tickets start at $35. hpforbiddenforestexperience. com/westchester

Get in the halloween spirit at Brick-or-treat at leGoland new York resort through oct. 30.

fun

Halloween Experiences

Spooky fun in & around NYC

By Shara Levine

H alloween in New York is an experience. It is the perfect time to take advantage of Halloween parties, trick and treating, fall corn mazes, spooky decor, light shows and more. Here are some of the special events that are uber Halloween-focused.

NYC

Boo at the Zoo

Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx Oct. 1-30, Saturdays, Sundays, and 10/10, 10am-5:30pm

$41.95; $36.95 seniors 65 and older; $31.95 children 3-12; free for children 2 and younger. Advanced registration required. Explore the Zoo in your Halloween best and participate in a costume parade, make crafts, see pumpkin carving demos, magic, performances, and so much more!

Long Island

RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns USDAN Summer Camp for the Arts, 185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights Sept. 30- Nov. 6 , See website for schedule $35; $25 ages 3-17. Advanced registration required.

Travel the longest Jack O’Lantern trail in the world featuring over 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins.

Spooky Fest - A Halloween Family Adventure

Center for Science Teaching and LearningTanglewood Preserve, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Center

Oct. 7-30, Fridays-Sundays, 6:30-9:30pm $20 non-spooky attractions only; $25 all attractions. Ages 3-12 You decide your experience with the option of non spooky attractions featuring friendly displays and characters or choose to scare up some fun with zombie robotic dinos in The Spooky Woods.

Halloween House Long Island Smith Haven Mall, 313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove

Oct. 1- Nov. 1, See website for schedule $19.99-$29.99. Advanced registration required This completely immersive, one of a kind experience, transports you to an all Halloween world filled with themed rooms, indoor pumpkin patch, and Halloween decor.

Rockland

Halloween Light Show

Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale

Sept. 16- Oct. 31, Sundays-Thursdays 7-9pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 7-9:30pm. $35 per car Take your vehicle on a guided tour through 32 acres of brilliant Halloween light displays, enjoy farm fresh goodies in the retail farm market, warm-up by the fire pits, make your own s’mores and hot coco.

Kids Boo Fest

Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson

Sept. 17- Oct. 30, Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-6pm

Starting at $49.99. Explore all your family favorite coasters and park rides together, travel the Trick-or-Treat trail, and more at this festive Halloween event.

Brick-or-Treat

LEGOLAND New York Resort, One Legoland Blvd., Goshen

Sept. 24- Oct. 30, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-6pm

Tickets start at $67.99. Brick-or-Treat will bewitch LEGOLAND ® New York Resort with tons of candy, an allnew show line up, never-before-seen exclusive LEGO ® characters, and more!

Presents ParentEd Talks

Top tips and tricks to level up your parenting game

Join us online to hear from experts on timely issues affecting families, educators and caregivers, and get top tips and tricks to level up your parenting game. Sign up for the entire 2022–2023 ParentEd Talks series for free, and then join any live talk you are interested in throughout the year.

Co-authors Sam Goldstein, Ph.D., and Robert B. Brooks, Ph.D. | Oct. 12, 2022

The Extraordinary Power of a Resilient Mindset

Author Lisa Miller, Ph.D. | Nov. 1, 2022

What the Neuroscience of Spirituality Reveals About Our Capacity for Health, Happiness and Resilience

Alison Gopnik, Ph.D. | Nov. 17, 2022

Curious Children, Wise Elders: How Childhood and Elderhood Shape Intelligence and Learning*

Author Julie Bogart | Dec. 6, 2022

Raising Critical Thinkers: Media Literacy for the Digital Age

Jeffery Robinson and Khalil Gibran Muhammad | Jan. 19, 2023

How to Talk to Kids About Race at Home and in the Classroom

Author and researcher Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D. | Feb. 7, 2023 Modeling a Loving, Equal Partnership for Your Kids

New York Times-bestselling author Edward Hallowell, M.D. | March 2, 2023

The Shifting ADHD/ADD Lens: Moving From Disability to Ability

Cultural researcher, parenting expert and columnist

Jessica Joelle Alexander | March 22, 2023

The Danish Way: Insights Into International Parenting*

Sociologist and author Christine Carter, Ph.D. | April 18, 2023 The Habits of Highly Effective Adolescents

Trauma specialist and author Laura van Dernoot Lipsky | May 4, 2023 Transforming Trauma and Navigating Overwhelm

Behavioral scientist and author Elizabeth Jordan | June 6, 2023 The Perils of Permissive Parenting

*Attendees will be eligible to win prizes, courtesy of Happiest Baby.

Register for FREE at WestchesterFamily.com/ParentEd

Attendees will be eligible to win a $100 Amazon gift card at each ParentEd talk.

Attendees of the Nov. 17 and March 22 events will also be eligible to win a SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet (valued at $1,695) or a $500 Happiest Baby gift card, courtesy of Happiest Baby.