Rockland/Bergen Parent - November 2023

ROCKLANDPARENT.COM

NOV/DEC 2023

Let's Go to the

Museum!

Donna & Mateo explore AMNH's Gilder Center and share on navigating museums with a child with disabilities

BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY SPOTS

Thanksgiving A thankful daughter on continuing family traditions

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CONTENTS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 RocklandParent.com

pg. 32

pg. 34 pg. 10

pg. 18

pg. 24

FEATURES

STORIES & COLUMNS

10 | Parties Best Party Places

4 | Editor’s Letter

14 | In the News How to explain the Israel-Palestine conflict to kids 20 | Travel Visiting charming Cooperstown, NY 24 | Cover How to navigate museums with a child with disabilities 28 | Special Child Tips and resources for emotional wellness for the parents and caregivers of kids with disabilities 30 | Holiday Fun Our favorite things to do as the holiday season arrives

FAMILY FUN 32 | Calendar All the fun events and activities

6 | Mom Hacks What to do with your kids’ old toys

DIRECTORIES

12 | Ask the Expert Your teen’s first gynecologist visit

29 | Special Needs Listings

18 | Family Fun Cut-your-own Christmas tree farms 34 | Mom Stories One family’s intergenerational Thanksgiving customs

ON THE COVER Photo: Yumi Matsuo | yumimatsuo.com Hair & Makeup: Buffy Hernandez | buffysaintmarie.com Cover location: Many thanks to Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation at the American Museum of Natural History

November/December 2023 | Rockland Parent

3

EDITOR’S NOTE

NewYorkFamily.com

Nina Gallo Photography

Special

It’s been a heavy last few weeks in the world.

We write for a diverse community at New York Family. The Israel-Palestine conflict is a complex and sensitive issue. We are all saddened about what is happening. When writing about war, How to Explain the IsraelPalestine Conflict to Kids (page 14), we aim to foster peaceful dialogue while respecting our community and holding onto hope for a better future for all families affected by this conflict.

November is a busy month; the fall weather and upcoming holidays mean cool things to do and events are happening.

Check out our calendar (page 32), Holiday Fun events (page 30), and where to cut your Christmas tree (page 18) to start mapping out your family excursions.

Every November, we highlight ‘Special Child,’ where we share resources for kids with disabilities. And guess what? Our

cover is my son Mateo, age seven (and me holding on to him so he doesn’t tackle the art). Thankfully, The Gilder Center has unique interactive exhibitions! We adopted Mateo as a baby (happy National Adoption Month!), and he was diagnosed with ASD at a young age. You can read more about my journey at newyorkfamily.com because this month’s issue isn’t about me. It is about the many New York families in the disability community and the challenges they face daily – many of whom want to get out and just Go to the Museum! (page 24). And we have them; we have listed our picks with the most accessibility so you can map out your family’s visit before you go and enjoy all the beauty these institutions provide us lucky New Yorkers!

Donna

PUBLISHER: Clifford Luster EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Donna Duarte-Ladd ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Erin Brof ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Stacie Goldberg DEPUTY EDITOR: Jeannine Cintron DIGITAL EDITOR: Kaitlyn Riggio EVENTS MANAGER: Shara Levine REPORTER: Barbara Russo SENIOR ADVISER: Susan Weiss PARTNERSHIP MANAGERS: Lauren Alperin, Lauren Anchin, Joan Bergman, Mary Cassidy, Suzanne Cirigliano, Chris Cunnington, Lori Falco, Shelli Goldberg-Peck, LynnMarie Hanley, Lisa Herlihy, Janine Mulé, Nina Spiegelman, Gwen Tomaselli MARKETING & STRATEGY DIRECTOR: Rosalia Bobé SALES & MARKETING ASSISTANT: Elana Cantor MARKETING ASSISTANT: Tilejah Gilead MEDIA SALES ASSISTANT: Anastasia Aktipis ART DIRECTOR: Leah Mitch WEB DEVELOPER: Sylvan Migdal GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti EDITORS AT LARGE: Serena Norr, Cris Pearlstein EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Jana Beauchamp, Mia Salas EDITORIAL INTERNS: Marnie Dunbar

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GET IN TOUCH Share your feedback and ideas about family life in New York!

Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily

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New York Family is published monthly by Queens Family Media, LLC. Reproduction of New York Family Media in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. ©2023 Queens Family Media, LLC

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mom hacks

What To Do With Your Kids’ Old Toys

By BarBara russo

T

he arrival of fall means the holiday season is around the corner! It’ll soon be time to check off the items on your kids’ wishlists. But in the meantime, you might be wondering, “How will we have room for all these new toys?” Well don’t fret, because we put together a list of what to do with your kids’ old toys that they outgrew or just don’t play with anymore. From recycling programs to charitable donations, these suggestions will help ensure that the toys that brought your little ones so much joy will continue to do so for others.

RECYCLING Mattel PlayBack Program shop.mattel.com This company has so many popular toys, including the famous Barbie! Its PlayBack program allows you to ship your kids’ Mattel toys–specifically Barbie, Fisher-Price, Matchbox and MEGA toys–back to the company, where they are then recycled and reused as contents in new products.

(We know, it sounds sad, but it actually helps keep toys out of landfills.) To participate, go to the website and fill out a short form to receive a free prepaid shipping label. Package your toys, and then send ‘em on out.

Hasbro Toy Recycling hasbrotoyrecycling.hasbro.com/en-us/toyrecycling Mr. Potato Head. My Little Pony. Playskool.

These are just a few popular Hasbro brands that you can send back as part of the company’s Toy Recycling program, which is a partnership with recycling company, TerraCycle. Once you send back your toys, the company recycles them into new materials and products, including play

spaces, flower pots and park benches.

Spin Master Free Recycling Program spinmaster.com Recycling is a popular suggestion on what to do with your kids’ old toys. Spin Master toys, which include PAW Patrol and Rubik’s Cube brands, can be recycled through the company’s free recycling program. The company, like Hasbro, does its toy recycling program in partnership with TerraCycle.

Once you send back your Spin Master toys (you can see a full list of toys on its website), they’re cleaned and melted into hard plastic that can be remolded to make new recycled

6 RocklandParent.com | November/December 2023

products, such as park benches and picnic tables, instead of ending up in a landfill.

Stuffed Animal Box terracycle.com/en-US/pages/zero-waste-boxfaq Your kids aren’t playing with their stuffed animals anymore, but it might seem horrifying to think of these beloved plush companions winding up in the trash. Well there’s good news: They don’t have to! You can purchase a TerraCycle Zero Waste Box (prices start at $110), fill it with your stuffed animals and send them out. The toys are then sorted and processed into raw materials that

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MOM HACKS

are used to make new products.

LEGO Replay lego.com If your kids are ready to move on from their LEGOs, you can pass forward these muchloved toy bricks to kids in need. Just box up your bricks, print out a label and ship them out. Kids will get a box filled with a variety of bricks and elements to play with, as well as a cool activity booklet with some fun building activities to try out!

GivinG Back Charities If you’re looking for more answers on what to do with your kids’ old toys, consider donating them to charities! Many charities such as Goodwill and The Salvation Army will resell your donated items and use the money to support their causes. If you have a new, unwrapped toy that you’d like to give, Toys for Tots is another option. It’s run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and their mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute them to less fortunate children at Christmas.

Ways to Recycle Other Items

Now that you have a few tips on what to do with your kids’ old toys, here are a few bonus ideas for recycling other household items, too: Umbrellas. Broken or unwanted umbrellas can be upcycled into tote bags. The metal spokes can be recycled at a scrap metal facility.

Homes and Shelters That adorable teddy bear and plush bunny, and those beautiful dolls in your child’s old toy chest will almost certainly bring joy to children going through a difficult time.

Consider calling local children’s and women’s shelters to see if they’re accepting toys, and if so, how you can go about donating.

Churches, Synagogues and Other Religious Organizations Consider contacting these organizations to see if they know of any families in need who

Find Your Place in the Berkshires.

Pet food bags. Dry pet food bags, once empty, can be used as trash bags or upcycled into tote bags.

Paint. Through the PaintCare program, many stores accept unwanted paint for paint recycling. Check out paintcare.org for a store locator and instructions on how to make your donation.

can use toys.

Stuffed Animals For Emergencies (SAFE) This wonderful organization provides comfort for children in traumatic or emergency situations through donations of stuffed animals, blankets, books, children’s clothes and baby items. This beautiful mission gives you the opportunity to donate these beloved items so that they can be used to comfort kids who need them, and not thrown away.

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PARTIES

5 BEST ROCKLAND/BERGEN’S

Birthday Party Places

S

earching for a birthday party should not be stressful; it is all about fun, right?

But when it comes to our kids, we parents want them to experience the most memorable birthday that will provide memories for years.

So, yes, there is a bit of pressure as birthdays are a big deal, especially for our kids.

This is why we have found party spots for you that do all the work. This way, you can enjoy the day along with everyone else. From spots perfect for little ones to middle school-

age kids to those picky tweens and teens, we have some great party recommendations.

All you need to do is choose the one that works for you, and it’s all a cakewalk from here. Happy festivities!

ClimbZone 3594 Palisades Center Dr, West Nyack, NY 845-605-9555 climbzone.us/palisades There is no better place to celebrate your

10 RocklandParent.com | November/December 2023

Birthday than ClimbZone, where climbers of all ages can scale Mount Rushmore, Suit of Armor, the Lincoln Memorial, or trek through a map of the USA. With 34 artistic climbing walls there will be enough fun for everyone to have a blast! What sets ClimbZone apart from other family venues is the climbing walls themselves. Each one is truly a work of art. The walls are designed to allow children of all ages to push themselves to their personal limits.

Parents continually provide feedback about the joy they experience when their children have faced an apparently insurmountable obstacle and overcome the challenge through their own desire to succeed. Use code RocklandParent10 for 10% off your booking!

Glitter and Glam 1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 700 Paramus Park, Paramus, NJ 30 Mall Drive West, Jersey City, NJ, 201-970-4526 glitterandglamspa.com Glitter and Glam is the ultimate party venue for your princess, rock star, or little diva in the making! Little girls will love their glam décor and throne pedicure chairs and will certainly feel pampered, pretty and special throughout

their celebration. Parties can be booked at three great locations in West Nyack, Paramus and Jersey City. A team of trained staff members will go above and beyond to deliver top-of-the-line services to spoil your child and their friends. Choose from amazing themes such as “Princess in the Making,” “Glam Pampered Diva,” “I’m a Rock Star” or “Diva Paint” parties, or customize your party with many add-on options like balloons, decorations, party favors and even a special appearance by one of your favorite princess characters.

New City Bowl & Batting Cages 90 N. Main St, New City, NY 845-634-4977 newcitybowlandbattingcages.com Looking for a turnkey birthday party where kids will enjoy a fun, physical activity and they do all the work for you? New City Bowling & Batting Cages parties offer either one game (hour-and-a-half party) or two games (two-hour party) including shoe rentals, pizza, chips, drinks and paper goods.

They handle all food and drink setup and cleanup. Glow Bowling with laser lights

available for Sunday parties. They also feature a full-service bar and snack bar as well as five outdoor batting cages. With weekly bowling specials, leagues for different ages and abilities, fundraiser & corporate events, they offer something for everyone! Check their website for party packages and rates.

Palisades Climb Adventure 4590 Palisades Center Drive, W. Nyack, NY 845-727-3500 palisadesclimb.com Palisades Climb Adventure provides next level birthday parties for all ages, as well as other private events, team building challenges, school and youth field trips, and scouting trips. This amazing installation, located in the center of Palisades Center (4th floor entrance), is the world’s tallest indoor ropes course, standing at 85 feet tall and featuring over 75 unique challenge elements designed for climbers of all ages and skill levels. They also offer a “Sky Tykes” course for kids ages two to seven years-old, and 48 inches tall and under. Party packages include two hours of climbing, access to a decorated

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party room (with a private bathroom), online invitations, and a t-shirt for the birthday kid (outside food and drink permitted). Check their website for party package options.

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics 401 Market Street, Nanuet, NY 845-623-2553 tumble-beegymnastics.com info@-tumblebeegymnastics.com Tumble-Bee Gymnastics is a bright, colorful facility, perfect for your child’s private birthday party (for kids ages 1-12). Exciting and energetic instructors will lead the party where your child and their friends will enjoy everything from age appropriate obstacle course activities, including the balance beam, trampoline, floor, and bars, to jumping in the bounce house and ending off with parachute games and songs. You’ll even get to meet the Tumble-Bee himself! All parties include free invitations, paper products, and utensils for the children. The guest of honor will also receive a free gift and balloons. In addition to parties and weekly classes, Tumble-Bee also offers drop offs and open gym dates.

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11

ask the expert

Your Teen’s First Gynecologist Visit

By Serena norr

A

re you wondering when it’s the right time to have “the talk” with your daughter about their first visit the Gynecologist? Or what how to the “right” Gynecologist or maybe wha to share what will happen during a visit. During a recent interview, we spoke with Dr. Elizabeth Rodgers, a board-certified OB/GYN who specializes in adolescent gynecology. Dr. Rodgers shared more about the importance of gynecologic care and how to open up the conversation as early as age 9. Read on to learn more about getting your teen ready for their first visit to a Gynecologist.

Is there a “right” time to start talking to your kids about their first visit to a gynecologist?

As a NYC-based board-certified OB/ GYN and mom of three, empowering young women and helping provide them with a supportive environment to start their gynecologic care is very important to me.

Recently, as a result of the overturning of Roe vs Wade and the subsequent increased media coverage of reproductive health, more parents and teens have come to me to have a frank discussion about “hard to talk about” topics. A good initiation point (if your teen has not inquired prior) is when it is time for your child to get the HPV vaccine. This is approved for both boys and girls starting at age 9. Naturally, your child may wonder, “Why do I need this?.” This presents an opportunity to start the discussion about reproductive health and safety.

From there, one can continue to address puberty and the changes that are happening to your child’s body. Education is essential here.

I find that explaining the physiologic purpose of our period gives teens a better understanding of why it’s important to be safe once she becomes sexually active, even if they are still unsure of their sexual identity. It is also important to start this dialogue even if they are not sexually active, or planning on being sexually active in the near future, so that they are empowered with accurate information when the time does present itself. Many parents are concerned that bringing up these topics may encourage their child to have sex earlier, but the medical literature does not support this.

What age do you recommend girls go for their first visit?

Ideally, they should see an OB/GYN prior to becoming sexually active or certainly by age 18. As a gynecologist, many adolescents come to me with irregular or painful periods. Prior to this, I educate them about the other areas of reproductive health including contraception and sexually transmitted infection prevention.

What should parents look for when meeting a new Gynecologist for their daughter?

It is important to find a provider that is comfortable with the adolescent patient population. Young patients often have different physical, social and emotional concerns that impact their reproductive health and decisions.

What is a Gynecologist is looking for in young women?

It is always important to take into account the whole patient when providing medical care. A medical provider should consider not only the physiologic findings, but also how the patient’s social and emotional life can impact their health.

When I speak with a patient about birth control, I want to understand what is happening in their life – and it is not all about sex. I want to talk about the regularity of their period, if they suffer from acne, if they have bad cramping, and, ultimately, how their period impacts their quality of life.

12 RocklandParent.com | November/December 2023

Contraceptive advice Do you have anything else to add?

All contraceptive options are not created equal, and there is not a one size fits all solution.

A few years ago, with the help of a college-age intern, I created a tangible box. This includes samples of the various options so they can physically see the differences between each while we discuss the pros and cons.

For many teens, the ease and accessibility of an over-the-counter birth control pill will be a great option. It has very few medical contraindications which makes it safe for many patients.

This being said, I would like to note that the pill is 98% effective in PERFECT use. However, this requires the patient to be compliant with taking a pill each day. For many (especially teens), remembering to take a daily pill can be a burden.

For this reason, I tend to recommend longacting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). These must be inserted by a medical provider, but do not require daily maintenance. They are available in hormonal and nonhormonal options and are effective for extended periods of time.

For example, those who wish to avoid additional hormones, may want to consider Paragard. This IUD is effective for up to 10 years. As an OB/ GYN, I encourage patients to consider their options. Additionally, they should have a conversation about what is best for them with their health care provider.

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13

in the news

How to Explain the IsraelPalestine Conflict to Kids

By Jeannine Cintron

I

n the innocent mind of a child, war is incomprehensible. Most young people, if they are fortunate enough to live in a safe place, are not able to grasp the horrors that war brings. The escalating brutality between Israel and Palestine is something even adults can hardly bear to hear, so it’s understandable that parents might need help explaining the situation to their impressionable children.

We’ve broken it down for you below with tips from experts, extra resources for parents, and simple explanations for kids.

Editors note: We at New York Family understand that this is a highly sensitive topic.

Needless to say, we do not condone violence or terroristic acts of any kind. As a family publication, our goal is always to ensure that parents are equipped with the resources they need to raise children, which is why we are sharing this information for families to aid in coping and understanding a frightening situation for kids.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragedy unfolding in the Middle East.

Why are Israel and Palestine Fighting?

Your kids might be asking what’s going on. It isn’t easy to simplify a conflict that dates back decades (technically centuries), especially one with such strongly opposing sides. But you don’t need to dust off a history textbook to explain to your kids why Israel and Palestine are at war with one another.

In the country of Israel, located in the Middle East between Africa and Asia, lies territory that is desired by both the Israelis and the Palestinians. The region is also known as the Holy Land and is considered sacred among Jews, Christians and Muslims. Since the 20th century, ownership and occupation of this land has been a major source of conflict between Jewish and Arab nationalists, leading to prolonged violence and political uproar. Unfortunately, thousands of innocent civilians have been killed or injured as a

14 RocklandParent.com | November/December 2023

result of this ongoing dispute.

Obviously, there is a lot more to it than that, but children may not understand and are likely going to be sensitive to the details.

The experts we spoke to recommend parents not share the depraved actions of terrorist organizations with children, which is why we have provided this simple explanation.

If you or your child are interested in a more detailed (and unbiased) explanation of the Israel-Palestine conflict, we recommend reading these articles together: • kids.kiddle.co/Israeli-Palestinian_ conflict • reuters.com/world/middle-east/israelpalestinian-dispute-hinges-statehood-landjerusalem-refugees-2023-10-10/ • cfr.org/backgrounder/what-us-policyisraeli-palestinian-conflict What are the roots to the Israel/ Palestine conflict?

While international affairs – even war – tend to be of little concern to most children, this particular situation, with its stomachchurning images of violence broadcasted live for the world to see, is likely to be more than just a passing topic at the dinner table. In the age of social media, the graphic footage is easily accessible to children.

Whether your child has seen the

November/December 2023 | Rockland Parent

15

IN THE NEWS

unsettling details or simply overheard adults talking about them, they might be confused and upset by it all. After polling our followers on New York Family’s Instagram, we learned that 75 percent of the parents who responded have children who are upset by what is going on in Israel.

According to Lauren Tetenbaum, a Scarsdale-based social worker specializing in maternal mental health, the most important thing is to open the lines of communication with your kids, whatever age they are, and to make them feel comfortable coming to you for information – just not too much information.

“I have elementary school aged kids and I keep it very direct with them, and honest, and I don’t give more information than the question requires,” she says. “For older kids, you should still be direct and honest, but you may be a little more proactive with them.

You might want to reassure them that your job as their parent is to make sure that they feel safe and can come and talk to you about everything. And I think in general the message is always that we want peace and safety for everyone.”

While we are very fortunate to not be near the violence, it’s still a very scary situation.

So how do parents approach the conversation in a healthy way that is both truthful and comforting for kids?

“It’s important to acknowledge their worry and also acknowledge yours. As parents, we feel like we have to be superheroes, but I think that it’s really important to show your kids that you are scared too, to a certain extent, but also emphasize that we’re safe here,” Tetenbaum explains.

“I think it’s natural for kids to experience a level of anxiety,” she adds. “So I would encourage parents not to think that it’s abnormal unless it becomes excessive, in which case I would encourage them to reach out for professional support. But otherwise I would acknowledge the anxiety and say ‘Yes, this is an anxiety provoking situation. All war is terrible and sad and scary and we wish it weren’t happening. And I’m always here if you want to talk.’”

“I would avoid details of the violence and be very matter of fact about it,” Tetenbaum continues. “It is a hard balance between teaching them about what’s going on and building empathy, but also not terrifying them.

“Let them know there are ways to help.

We can show support, we can donate medical supplies and things like that. Because a lot of kids and grownups, of course, feel very helpless

“It is an extremely raw and current moment.

Everyone’s processing a lot of emotions. It’s scary. It’s real time. So give yourself a break.” and giving back in any way that you can, can feel good and also, of course, is very much needed.”

Not every kid is going to be upset or even aware of what is going on, which is a good thing. But should parents keep them in the dark if they are old enough to understand?

Sort of, according to Tetenbaum.

“It is an extremely raw and current moment,” she says. “So I would say to all parents don’t feel that you have to behave a certain way. Everyone’s processing a lot of emotions.

It’s scary. It’s real time. So give yourself a break, if your kid isn’t asking about it right now. I think it’s fine to leave it alone to a certain extent. But you could make the statement ‘You know, there’s war and violence escalating in the Middle East. It’s terrible. Violence is never the answer. And if you have any questions, I’m happy to talk to you.’ And I think that that sets up children for success as empathetic human beings as global citizens because they should know what’s going on. But I don’t think you need to sit them down and hammer it home, especially when feelings are probably heightened for you as well right now.”

Tetenbaum also stresses the importance of caring for yourself first.

“Give yourself a break,” she offers. “I know that we’re all glued to the phones and the news.

It’s not great for our mental health. And I know that to be able to turn it off is very much a privilege and obviously the closer you are to the conflict, you can’t. But to the extent that you can I would encourage it because it’s like constant trauma in your face, literally. And I would say volunteering and giving back and educating yourself on these issues are great action items that can make people feel a little bit better. But there’s no one right way to process any of this, so give yourself that kindness.”

Tips for Parents to Help Kids Cope Experts from the apolitical organization NATAL, Israel’s leading trauma and resilience center, shared the following helpful advice on how to listen to and speak with children about the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Be together and be present. It is important to be with our loved ones. Be present while with your children and communicate with them often. Call people you love on the phone and ask how they are doing. Tell your children phrases like, “We are together and taking care of each other.”

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Provide information. Provide essential, reliable and focused information. It is important to help children understand what is happening and it is not recommended to hide information, but on the other hand, there is no need to go into too much detail.

It is important to reduce children’s (and adults’) exposure to media, especially images and content that are inappropriate for their age, despite them being rapidly disseminated on many platforms. Leave only one device on in another room so you can be updated as needed.

The news and social media are full of images and videos that are unsettling and can linger in our thoughts for an extended period.

Despite the natural temptation to watch, it is important to be responsible with such media and not disseminate it.

Normalize and accept. Explain that this situation arouses feelings of tension, apprehension and anxiety in everyone. Give legitimacy to everything they share with you – explain that physical and emotional reactions (fear, crying, tremors, confusion) are a normal reaction to this situation.

Relax and ground yourselves. Inhale deeply, let your mind wander to happy places, and embrace one another. Engaging in physical activities such as stretching, yoga, jumping, strength training, or dancing can be significantly beneficial. Offering a helping hand and sharing a smile – even a forced one – are two powerful gestures that provide strength during challenging times.

And lastly, don’t stay alone with your thoughts.

How to Help Those Affected in this war: If you would like to donate to aid in relief efforts, here are some reputable charities to look into: • The United Jewish Appeal Israel Emergency Fund (ujafedny.org) • Jewish National Fund-USA (jnf.org) • Mercy Chefs (give.mercychefs.com) • The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (donate.unrwa. org) • The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (jdc.org) • International Committee of The Red Cross (ICRC.org) • World Central Kitchen (wck.org)

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17

FAMILY FUN

Cut-Your-Own TREE FARMS in and around Westchester

BY SERENA NORR

T

he magic of the holidays is in the air.

One of our favorite moments to kick off the season is to take a mini road trip to visit one of the nearby Christmas tree farms.

Many offer cut-your-own tree options or you search the farm to find the perfect pre-cut tree option for your family. Additionally, you’ll find gift shops, hot chocolate, seasonal treats, wreaths, and visits from Santa to complete the experience. Check out our list of Christmas tree farms to help you get ready for the season.

Battenfeld Christmas Tree Farm (Red Hook) This iconic Christmas tree farm has been delighting families since they opened in 1956. Their season kicks off on November 20th where you can find six tree species in a variety of sizes. This includes Douglas Fir, White Pine, Spruce, Balsam Fir, Concolor Fir, and Frazier Fir. They also sell beautiful wreaths, ornaments, and holiday decorations.

Families can also enjoy visits from Santa, wagon rides, bagpipers, and more. Battenfeld Christmas Tree Farm, 856 NY-199, Red Hook, NY 12571, 845-758-8018. christmastreefarm.us Cockburn Farm (Garrison) Families can cut their own tree everyday from 9:00am-5:00pm at Cockburn Farm. The season runs from November 24th-December, 24th where families can find species of trees in a variety of sizes (three feet and up) such as Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, and Concolor Fir. Additionally, they have hand saws for cutting your own and a farm store where you can find handmade wreaths, seasonal food, and decorative items. Families can also take pictures with Santa from November 25th-November 27th and December 3rdDecember 4th; December 10th-December 11th; and December 17th-December 18th.

Pictures with Santa are $20 per person and free for kids under six. Cockburn Farm, 1611 Rte. 9, Garrison, NY, 10524, 845-424-3574. cockburnfarm.com

Connecticut Audubon Society (Westport, CT) Families can find pre-cut Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, and Balsam Fir trees as well Douglas Fir, White Spruce, and Blue Spruce that you can cut from the Connecticut Audubon Society.

Available for purchase the Saturday after Thanksgiving until December 23rd, the farm is a 12-acre tree plantation with easy access and flat terrain. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Connecticut Audubon Society and their educational programming. Additionally find wreaths, roping, swags, tree stands, firewood bundles, and decorations in their gift shop. Connecticut Audobon Society, H. Smith Richardson Tree Farm, 16 Sasco Creek Road, Westport, CT, 06880, 203-623-0646.

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ctchristmastree.org Emmerich Tree Farm (Warwick) Tree reservations start on November 24th at this popular choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm. Families can pick from 12 varieties of spruce, pine, and fir trees. They also have a cutting your own option and the team at Emmerich can help with trimming, shaking, baleing, and getting your tree on your car. Additionally, you can find ornaments and gifts such as handcrafted Adirondack reindeer and snowmen, locally-made chocolates, assorted bells, hand-crafted ornaments, and more. The farm also offers wreath-making classes where you can learn how to decorate and personalize your own

wreath for the season. Emmerich Tree Farm, 101 Sleepy Valley Road, Warwick, NY 10990, 845-986-0151. emmerichtreefarm.com Stuart’s Fruit Farm (Somers) Families can get a pre-cut tree or you can cut-your-own at Stuart’s Fruit Farm. Open the weekend after Thanksgiving-December 24th for cut-your-own and Wednesday-Sunday from 10:00am-6:00pm for pre-cut trees. You can also find delicious homemade pies, donuts, sweets, and local produce at their on-site bakery.

Stuart’s Fruit Farm, 62 Granite Springs Road, Somers, NY, 914-245-2784. stuartsfarm.com Wilken’s Fruit & Fir Farm (Yorktown Heights) The Christmas tree season starts on November 30th at Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm.

You can find Douglas and Fraser Fir trees for choice-and-cut and some pre-cut Fraser Fir trees. After you pick or cut your tree, stop by their gift shop for wreaths, ornaments and their bake shop for apple cider donuts, pies, and cookies. They also provide a free cup of hot apple cider with every tree purchase.

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Wilken’s Fruit & Fir Farm, 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights, NY, 914-245-5111. wilkensfarm.com Wright Family Farm (Warkwick) Located an hour north of NYC, find a selection of fresh-cut Christmas trees, including Fraser Fir and Balsam Fir. You can find trees that range in size from tabletop to 12-foot trees. They also offer free hot chocolate, wreaths, roping/garland, and seasonal décor items. The season starts on Friday, November 24th. Wright Family Farm, 329 Kings Hwy, Warwick, NY 10990, 845-9861345 wrightfamilyfarm.com Solvang Christmas Tree Farm (Poughkeepsie) The season kicks off on Friday, November 24th where you and your family can cut your own Christmas tree. Varieties include Blue Spruce, White Spruce, Norway Spruce, and Engelmann Spruce that range in size from three to nine feet tall. Additionally, they

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carry a variety of pre-cut New York State and Pennsylvania-grown trees such as Fraser Fir, Concolor Fir, and Douglas Fir trees that range from seven to nine feet. They also have Fraser Fir trees that range in height from 12 feet-16 feet. You can also find holiday decorations, ornaments, centerpieces, and baked goods for sale. Solvang Christmas Tree Farm, 80 Bedell Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603, 845-473-0224. solvangfarm.com Christmas Tree Lane (Wallkill) Pick up your tree at this family-owned Christmas tree farm from November 25thDecember 17th. They offer both cut-yourown and pre-cut options where you can find Norway Spruce, Blue Spruce, Black Hills Spruce, White Spruce, Serbian, Douglas Fir, Frasier’s Fir, Canaan Fir, and Concolor Fir. Families can also enjoy visits from Santa on November 25th and December 9th from 10:00am-2:00pm and a visit from The Grinch on November 26th and December 3rd from 10:00am-2:00pm. Christmas Tree Lane,10 Christmas Tree Dr, Wallkill, NY 12589, 845895-3536. christmastreelaneny.com

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November/December 2023 | Rockland Parent

19

travel

The Otesaga Resort Hotel

Visiting Charming Cooperstown, NY

By Serena norr

W

e love weekend getaways as a way to explore more of New York with the kids. We recently enjoyed such a trip that was around 3.5 hours away from Westchester with a visit to Cooperstown, NY. Renowned as a baseball town, we enjoyed learning more about the sport as well as discovering many more things to do in this scenic area. Read on to learn more about our 48-hour Cooperstown adventure.

Cooperstown Where to Stay The Otesaga Resort Hotel After our 3.5 hour drive, we were stunned as we pulled into the beautiful Otesaga Resort Hotel. Signified by a grand entrance with 30-foot columns, the property is located on Lake Otsego and surrounded by a lush and walkable landscape. A 132-room resort, during our stay we saw many weddings and parties take place in the lobby/nearby party rooms as people enjoyed breathtaking views of the lake.

In between our adventures, we loved coming back to the Otsego for time in their heated pool or walks along the property.

Other amenities include a spa, the 18-hole Leatherstocking Golf Course, and lake access where families can rent a canoe, paddle, or rowboat.

The rooms were comfy and quiet with gorgeous views, overlooking the lake. Room amenities included a smart TV, stunning art from Fenimore Art Museum, bathrobes, and elegant decor that was welcoming and homey.

We also loved starting our day enjoying a luxurious buffet-style breakfast. This included literally every kind of breakfast item you could imagine as we dined inside and later on the porch, overlooking the water.

Another huge bonus is that the resort is within walking distance to the town for shopping and meals. I loved being able to walk and stroll around town with the kids as we soaked in the views and didn’t have to deal with a car. 60 Lake St, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Cooperstown Things To Do Rail Explorers We were incredibly excited about the Rail Explorers experience that would involve an eight-mile scenic pedaling tour. After a simple check-in and safety talk, we were guided to our carts as we enjoyed the Charlotte Valley Express tour. This took my three kids and I past a 200-foot long Portlandville Trestle, open fields, and lakes as we pedaled alongside the Susquehanna River.

The ride was smooth and steady as we worked together to pedal and soak in the gorgeous views, which included small farms, forests, and mountains in the distance. Each

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cart also has a simple electric pedal system with a break (if needed) to slow down or have distance between the other carts.

After around four miles, our group enjoyed a 20-minute break as the team from Rail Explorers worked to turn our carts around. On the way back, my kids and I enjoyed soaking in the beauty of nature that brought us back in around 1.5 hours.

In addition to the Charlotte Valley Express tour, they offer a two-hour Milford Track tour. This 12-mile round trip takes families through farm lands and forests along the Susquehanna River.

Additionally, guests of all ages (and even pets!) can enjoy this tour. For pets, the welcome animals up to 40 pounds at no additional fee. In fact, previous pets have included dogs, cats, lizards, parrots, and even ducks. The experience is open for the season until October 31st, which would make for incredible views during fall foliage and the changing of the leaves. For more information, visit www.railexplorers.net or call 877-833-8588. Reservations are highly recommended.

Doubleday Field While visiting Cooperstown, take in a game at Doubleday Field. Games are held from April-October but you can also explore the grounds and/or take a tour. Check out the

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TRAVEL

September schedule here. 1 Doubleday Court, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Learn more about the history of baseball and its icons at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Featuring access to more than 40,000 artifacts, families can learn more about this national pastime and its story. This includes access to historic bats, balls, gloves, manuscripts, recorded media, scrapbooks, magazines, uniforms, and more. The Baseball Hame of Fame is open from 9:00am-7:00pm.

25 Main St, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Fenimore Art Museum Enjoy access to a collection of landscape exhibits, American folk art, the Thaw Collection of American Indian Art, and a rotating collection of exhibits at the Fenimore Art Museum. During our visit, we enjoyed seeing the M.C. Escher: Infinite Variations exhibit with over 160 pieces from a private collection; the Day to Night: Photographs

by Stephen Wilkes; and the Randy Johnson:

Storytelling with Photographs. This threefloor house-style museum also includes docent tours to learn more about its exhibits and collections and events. 5798 NY-80, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

The Farmers’ Museum Learn more about rural life in the 19th century at the Farmers’ Museum. This walking museum includes access to exhibits, craft demonstrations and hands-on activities to learn more about what life was like on a farm. They also host specialized events throughout the year, such as the Harvest Festival, Blacksmithing Weekend, and Tractor Fest.5775 NY-80, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Cooperstown Food Bocca Osteria Enjoy delicious Italian food for lunch or dinner at Bocca Osteria. My kids and I loved this Italian eatery where you will find pizza, pastas, antipasti, soup, paninis, and more.

They also have a bambini (kids menu) with classic options such as personal pizza, chicken

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parm, steak, and chicken fingers. 5438 NY Route 28, Cooperstown, NY Mel’s at 22 For elevated American food, check out Mel’s at 22. This includes options for lunch and dinner where you will find burgers, salads, steaks, fish dishes, and more. 22 Chestnut St, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Schneider’s Bakery Before we hit the road to go home, we paid a visit to Schneider’s Bakery for some treats.

A staple of Coooperstown since 1887, you’ll find baseball cookies, cupcakes, homemade donuts, freshly-baked bread, and so much more! 157 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY, 13326 Other dining options include Upstate Bar & Grill; Cooperstown Diner; Doubleday Café; or the The Hawkeye Bar and Grille.

From incredible restaurants to tons of things to experience and do, Cooperstown offers families many options for a getaway with its historical ode to baseball–and beyond.

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SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE GUIDE

SPECIAL CHILD

EMPOWERING MUSEUM VISITS

How to navigate museums with a child with disabilities

BY SERENA NORR

P

roviding accessibility is crucial to ensure that kids of all abilities are able to enjoy the many cool things to do in Westchester, including visiting our many museums. This may include a range of options such as wheelchair accessibility, access to service animals, discounted and free admission, special sensory rooms, sensory kits, and much more. We hope this list provides you with some guidance to ensure that your memorable trip to a local museum can accommodate your child’s needs.

WESTCHESTER MUSEUMS Katonah Museum of Art 134 Jay Street, Katonah, NY 10536 914-232-9555 Adults, $12; students, $6; children under 12 are free Discounted general admission ($6) for visitors who identify as disabled and their caregivers wheelchair:yes Known for its compelling collection of rotating art exhibits, the Katonah Museum of Art hosts many events for families throughout the year. This includes creative community Fridays with stroller tours, artful Fridays with museum games, artmaking crafts, storytime, and a summer social with live music. For children on the autism spectrum or those who have sensory processing differences, the museum offers a KMA Sense Family Backpack. This includes noise-reducing headphones, fidget toys, an art activity, and some special books. They also have a KMA Social Story, which helps to prepare children and their families for their visit to the Museum. This is accessible on the Learning Center exhibition page, or at the

Photo by Yumi Matsuo

24 RocklandParent.com | November/December 2023

The American Museum of Natural History 200 Central Park West The Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation 415 Columbus Ave. AMNH is a museum that families visit regularly as it is never-ending in all it offers. This museum’s adventure is endless, from the Hall of North American Mammals to the Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals and more. For people with disabilities, the museum provides much support, and we recommend visiting the accessibility section of its site to map out your visit. The services that stand out: service animals are welcome, and there are excellent tour programs. For Autism families, The Discovery Squad, in collaboration with the Seaver Autism Center at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, can, on specific Saturdays, explore activities related to the Museum halls before the museum opens. Science Sense Tours for blind or partially sighted visitors can check out this monthly tour, where specially trained museum tour guides spotlight specific themes and exhibits through descriptions and touchable objects.

In circling back to mapping out your visit, the museum offers an actual route app for free. The Explorer app will help you to find accessible (with directions) routesand the best part is to see where the elevators are. Choose the accessible route and receive turnby-turn directions. And there is more. Your admission also works for AMNH’s newest addition, The Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. Fun things you can do are bug out at the Susan and Peter J. Solomon Family Insectarium, gawk at the gorgeous architecture, and, for a fee, visit the gorgeous exhibits the Invisible Worlds and the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium.

front desk to provide guidance for anyone who will be in the new environment of the museum.

Additionally, the gallery has two all-gender wheelchair-accessible restrooms, wheelchair and gallery stools, and all public spaces are located on the ground floor. They also have elevator access if guests need to reach the second floor.

Service animals are permitted as well. They also offer a discounted general admission for disabled guests and their caregivers.

Neuberger Museum of Art Purchase College 35 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY 10577 914-251-6100 neuberger.org Free admission wheelchair:yes Located on the campus of Purchase College, Neuberger Museum of Art features modern, contemporary and African art. In fact, this museum is one of 14 sites on the African American Heritage Trail of Westchester County. For children with special needs and disabilities, the museum offers wheelchair accessibility throughout the building. This includes wheelchair access in the galleries and restrooms. Additionally, wheelchairs are available without charge at the museum’s entrance. Guests can call 914-251-6100 or 914-251-6117 for additional information regarding their entrances and access points.

Hudson River Museum 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701 914-963-4550 hrm.org Adults, $13; youth (3–18) $8; kids under 3 are free (separate fees for Planetarium & Glenview) $3 discount off general admission for visitors with disabilities and free admission to caregivers of visitors with disabilities. wheelchair:yes Located in Yonkers, kids will love checking out the Hudson River Museum, with its focus on art, science, and history. Highlights include the cool Planetarium shows, interactive arts and science events, a tour of the historic Glenview estate, a rotating collection of contemporary art, and access to their gorgeous outdoor courtyard. For special needs and disabilities, they provide wheelchairs for visitors, which can be used throughout the museum and the Planetarium. Additionally, the Planetarium and the Amphitheater are equipped with Radio Frequency Assisted Listening Systems to assist with sound delivery for those with

any hearing impairments. The museum also offers a $3 discount off general admission for visitors with disabilities, and caregivers of visitors with disabilities are free.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester 39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, NY 10710 914-775-6015 legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester $29.99 for kids (3-12 years old) and adults.

Children 2 years and under are free. free admission to caregivers of visitors with disabilities wheelchair:yes Kids will love a day of brick-building at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester.

Dubbed the “ultimate indoor playground,” your kids will instantly be “wow-ed” by Miniland and its 1.5 million bricks, the Merlin’s Apprentice ride, Lego Friends, Duplo Village, and more. The center is also designed for special needs and disabilities, with the majority of its attractions being (ADA) accessible to those who use wheelchairs or need special services. This includes an ADAaccessible theater with indoor seating areas for visible impairments, front-row spaces for wheelchairs, scripts are available for those with hearing impairments, and wheelchairaccessible rides. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester also offers a no-cost caregiver ticket to those accompanying guests with special needs and/or disabilities.

Leashed service animals are also permitted in the public space throughout LEGOLAND. Guests with autism can use their birthday party rooms (when not used) as a quiet space for breaks. They can also offer services for kids who can’t wait in line.

Westchester Children’s Museum Playland Bathhouse 100 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY 10580 914-421-5050 $9 per person and free for kids 1 and under. wheelchair:yes This immersive museum dedicated to play and discovery offers a fun collection of permanent and rotating exhibits and interactive events such as storytime, music, and more. For visits with special needs, the museum is wheelchair accessible and located on one level. Additionally, they are always looking to improve their programming for groups or those with individual needs and encourage parents to call them at 914-4215050 to help plan a special visit for your child. They also have partnership with The

November/December 2023 | Rockland Parent

25

SPECIAL CHILD

Nicholas Center where they offer volunteer work for adults with autism, promoting accessibility, inclusion, and equity for autistic adults while breaking stigmatization as well as building on the quality of life and self-esteem of autistic adults. "The partnership between The Nicholas Center and the Westchester Children's Museum exemplifies our mission in action - to create innovative programs and services that allow Autistic adults to learn, live, and work in the community. The Museum staff is welcoming and inclusive, and our team thrives as Play Workers, promoting inclusion and equity for Autistic individuals. This experience shines a light on what this wonderful population offers and breaks stigmatization to all who witness individuals thriving. The impact on the children and families who visit the Museum is already being felt. The Nicholas Center seeks and welcomes these types of inclusive opportunities within the community. It is a win-win for all involved."

- Jeremy Scalchunes, Associate Executive Director of Programs, The Nicholas Center.

its renowned modern and contemporary art collection, it is also one of the world’s most famous museums. Designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, its building is iconic.

Although the building is stunning, it may feel out of reach if you are a parent of a child with disabilities. Thankfully, the museum has helpful resources to aid parents on their museum visit. There are ADA-compliant bathrooms located on Levels 1 and 7. There is plenty of room for wheelchairs; however, the High Gallery does not have wheelchair access. The space is quite open, so if your child is sensory sensitive, you may want to download the sensory map (guggenheim.org/accessibility) that maps out the areas (usually with seating) that tend to be quiet, less crowded, and low light. For your ASD child, there is also a social narrative map.

For visitors with low vision or who are blind, Mind’s Eye Tours runs excellent tours that share through verbal descriptions, conversations, sensory experiences, and clever practices.

These free tours should be emailed (access@ guggenheim.org or call 212 360 4355. a week before the program you would like to attend.

NYC MUSEUMS

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Pier 86, W 46th Street From checking out historic planes, a prototype Space Shuttle Enterprise, a dieselelectric powered submarine, and more, families can spend an entire day at this museum by discovering history through Interactive exhibits and artifacts through hands-on experiences while learning about American military and aerospace technology.

The Intrepid Museum has a robust roster of programs for kids with disabilities -we recommend checking out their accessibility page for all their offerings. For blind and visually impaired visitors, there are verbal description and tactile guides that use raised images, Braille, and large print, as well as (ALDs) including stereo headphones, single-ear headphones, or T-coil compatible induction loops are available to borrow at no cost to something pretty cool like a talking pen. Autism kids aged 3 to 18 and their families can sign up for a free program called Early Morning Openings on Saturdays. There are also sensory-friendly evenings for teens (14+) and adults with Autism who can have a fun evening after hours. As we mentioned in the intro, it’s easy for sensory-sensitive kids to get overstimulated; before you start exploring the museum, pick up a sensory bag for noise-reduction headphones and fidgets.

There are also visual vocabularies, checklists, scavenger hunts, and activity sheets for all

Museum Guide by Donna Duarte- Ladd & Barbara Russo DiMenna Children’s History Museum Located in the lower level of New York Historical Society 170 Central Park West at Richard Gilder Way (77th Street) Families can explore the nation’s historical narrative and the vibrant tapestry of New York City through captivating exhibits illuminating prominent historical figures’ life journeys from childhood to adulthood.

The facilities, galleries, and auditorium are wheelchair accessible, with complimentary wheelchairs for visitors. For those who are blind or visually impaired, free verbaldescription docent-guided tours are available by appointment in conjunction with museum admission. For deaf or hard-of-hearing museum go-ers, most exhibitions are accessible for T-coil hearing aid users. T-coil compatible audio guides are available, also free of charge with admission. ASL interpreters are available but must be scheduled to accompany docent or educator-led group tours, such as school trips. Appointments for these services can be made by contacting access@nyhistory.org.

The Guggenheim 1071 Fifth Avenue While the Guggenheim is an art space with

26 RocklandParent.com | November/December 2023

public programs at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028 People worldwide visit The Met, one of New York’s most extensive museums. This is something to remember when visiting, as it can be overwhelming, especially for kids. The museum features gorgeous paintings from renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Vermeer. The Met houses sculptures where kids can look at Greek and Roman statues and contemporary pieces. There is also ancient, Asian, European Decorative, modern art, and more. The Met supports many people with different disabilities. On the museums’ visibility section, a parent can find helpful resources for visitors on the Autism Spectrum such as tips, social narrative, Tour Visual Checklist, Sensory Friendly Mapand more. There are also art workshops for kids, teens(and adults) who are Blind or Partially Sighted. Visitors can also find programs in American Sign Language, with Sign Language interpretation and real-time captioning. For caregivers of visitors with disabilities, head to the museum ticket counter, where you can pick up a free ticket.

The Museum of the City of New York 1220 Fifth Ave at 103rd St., MCNY is an excellent spot to visit and learn about the city’s history, starting from its colonial days. Visitors can view paintings, maps, art, decorative costumes, and more.

The museum also hosts fun exhibitions, films, and immersive installations. If your child needs noise-reduction headphones, head to the front desk; if available, you can pick up a set- free of charge during your visit. A caregiver can receive free admission at the Museum Ticket Desk. Service dogs are welcomed, but emotional support animals need to stay home. Wheelchairs are accommodated at the museum, and if available, there are manual wheelchairs available. For large print and high-contrast transcripts of exhibition texts, head to the accessibility page on the Museum of the City of New York site. There is also a QR code in the Museum Guide that you can access once you’re there. Assistive listening devices are available for events, and you can find a form online for ASL interpretation guided tours on the accessibility page.

Museum of the Moving Image 36-01 35th Ave, Queens, NY 11106

For the film buffs in the family, you’ll want to head to the MoMI, where all things art, history, technique, and technology of film, television, and digital media come together.

Guide dogs and therapy animals are welcome.

This museum is fully accessible by wheelchair and is also available for free. On the first Saturday of each month until May 2024) there are free Access Mornings for families with children on the autism spectrum workshops where the kids can craft and explore the museum before it opens. A big plus is the reduced volume; videos not part of the workshop are not on. Call the museum for more info at 718 -777 6800.

MoMA 11 West 53 Street For modern and contemporary art lovers, New York (again) has one of the best in the world. From paintings by Jackson Pollack, Pablo Picasso, and Roy Lichtenstein to world-famous photographers (Irving Penn, anyone?), sculptures, film and media art, design and architecture, and more, MoMA is one outstanding institution to visit. For

families with disabilities, you can find Sensory and Social guides. Guide dogs and trained service animals are welcome, and while the pet guinea pig may bring comfort, they must stay home. For wheelchair access, look for a security or a guest guide so you do not have to wait in line. MoMA works with Art inSight, and blind or low-vision visitors can download recorded verbal descriptions of several artworks on the free Bloomberg Connects app. Email AccessPrograms@ moma.org at least two weeks in advance for a touch and description tour. Visitors with disabilities are eligible for a discounted admission of $18, and admission is free for an accompanied—care partner. A huge favorite the museum features are the QR codes placed throughout the Museum.

These QR codes include maps, additional artwork information, verbal descriptions, and assistive listening for sound artworks created to enhance your visit. There is no sensory room if your child tends to be sensory sensitive, but on the MoMa site, you can find a sensory map of quiet spaces within the museum.

Whitney 99 Gansevoort St · (212) 570-3600 There are many reasons to head to the West Village; one is to spend time at the iconic Whitney Museum. The Whitney focuses entirely on American art, with each floor presenting vibrant and unique art, such as Georgia O’Keefe Edward Hopper to Layla Ali. And for our kids with disabilities and challenges, this museum offers support.

The Whitney gets very busy- for wheelchair visitors, there is a helpful map; for kids on the ASD spectrum, a social narrative can be downloaded (all of this can be found under the Accessibility tab on the museum’s site) to help with the visit before you arrive.

Service animals are welcome at The Whitney, and if your child needs an ASL-English interpretation, Live captioning, or Verbal description for their public programs and events, these services can be requested in advance. Parents with Sensory Sensitive kids will appreciate that the museum offers sensory-friendly art-making workshops on select Saturdays before the museum opens.

Visit their events pages for postings.

November/December 2023 | Rockland Parent

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SPECIAL CHILD

Caring for the Caregiver Tips and resources for emotional wellness and healthier wellbeing of the parents and caregivers of kids with disabilities

BY INCLUDENYC

A

s caregivers, we all grapple with the impact of stress in our lives, and how we experience, respond to, and manage it can vary greatly. This is no different for children, teenagers, and young adults. Stress management influences our well-being and profoundly affects the children under our care.

In the following, we present some fundamental guidelines to help you navigate the effects of stress in your life, along with valuable resources for local mental health support.

Stay connected with the people who matter and support you.

Be mindful of the time spent on social media or news sources that may overwhelm or drain your energy.

Dedicate daily moments to enjoyable

activities! Whether through exercise, playing sports, board games, or planning quality time with your children and family.

Create a space for daily tranquility to allow your mind to relax.

Be a role model for positive selfcare practices, including taking breaks, nourishing your body with healthy food, staying hydrated, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring adequate sleep. These practices should benefit not only yourself but also your children and loved ones.

Remember, taking care of your emotional well-being is vital for your sake and those you care for.

Mental Health Resources Autism Speaks (Autism Speaks.org)

A pretty famous non-profit in the U.S. is all about spreading the word on autism, supporting people with autism spectrum

28 RocklandParent.com | November/December 2023

disorders (ASD) and their families, and doing some solid advocacy and research. It all started back in 2005 when Bob and Suzanne Wright decided to make a difference after their grandchild was diagnosed with Autism.

Parent to Parent of NYS (ptopnys.org)

This organization is all about giving a hand to families dealing with special needs, disabilities, or chronic illnesses. They’re on a mission to connect parents and family members looking after loved ones with disabilities.

They want to create a support squad where families can chat, swap stories, and give each other much-needed emotional aid.

Westchester Institute for Human Development (wihd.org)

WIHD is a non-profit hangout in Valhalla, New York, and they’re all about getting down to the nitty-gritty of developmental disabilities and health things. Along with New York Medical College, they do a lot of work in intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and other health and service specialties. Their goal? Making life better for people with developmental disabilities and their families by offering services, training, and helpful resources.

SPECIAL CHILD DIRECTORY | Special Advertising Supplement

Brick It Again

Jawonio

7 Lake ridge Plaza, Valley Cottage, NY 845-839-7032 brickitagain.org andrew.perr@jawonio.org At Brick It Again Lego Resale Store, their mission is to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with special needs. They provide meaningful employment opportunities and job training to empower people with disabilities. Through the sale of Lego products, they’re more than just a store; they are a symbol of inclusivity and community involvement, embracing diversity and standing as a beacon of social responsibility, working to ensure that everyone in their community can shine.

260 N. Little Tor Rd, New City, NY 845-708-2022 jawonio.org diana.hess@jawonio.org Jawonio is a non-profit provider for children and adults with special needs from infancy and throughout life serving Rockland and Westchester. Services include early intervention, special education preschool, summer program, day services, residential, care management, mental health, and consumerdirected assistant program. Serving both Rockland and Westchester counties. Jawonio is an indigenous word that means independence.

Their mission statement is: Dedicated to Advancing the Independence, Well-Being and Equality for People With Special Needs.

is now part of

Mommybites.com provides expertly curated resources for all parents in the New York area, including our most popular feature — our mom-generated nanny board — the best online source for parents to find vetted (by other parents), experienced nannies and childcare providers who want to work in New York City, Westchester, Long Island and Northern New Jersey.

Visit Mommybites.com; we can’t wait to see you there!

November/December 2023 | Rockland Parent

29

FAMILY DAY OUT

Festive Holiday Fun

C

ue the hot chocolate, bring on family time, holiday lights for however you celebrate- the holiday season starts now. We are excited to share the events our amazing partners are holding this season! So dress warmly and remember to take a pic or two!

Christmas Spectacular Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY Make this holiday season truly unforgettable.

See the Rockettes live in the Christmas Spectacular, debuting on November 17 at Radio City Music Hall. Secure your tickets now and begin creating cherished memories.

Crafts At The Cathedral 1047 Amsterdam Ave. 112 Street, NYC 845-661-1221 stjohndivine.org/crafts-at-the-cathedral Visit Crafts at the Cathedral of St. John The Divine will return with 85 curated crafts artists from 15 states presenting. their finest original works in clay, wood, metal, paper, fiber, fashion, blown glass and mixed media. Show is from Dec 1-3. For tickets and show hours, admission and directions visit stjohndivine.org.

Legoland Bricktacular 39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, NY 914-775-6015 legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester/ Ho-Ho-Whoa! Budding builders can get in the holiday spirit with LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester’s Holiday Bricktacular event starting this November! From November 25th to January 1st, LEGO lovers of all ages can witness each attraction transform into a winter wonderland, full of holiday LEGO creations, merry LEGO experiences and hollyjolly surprises that are sure to delight.

The Lighting of Ridge Hill Town Square One Ridge Hill Boulevard Yonkers, NY 914-207-2903 go-ridgehill.com/treelighting On Sunday November 19th from 4pm-6pm, Get in the holiday spirit and spread festive cheer during the annual Lighting of Ridge Hill. Featuring holiday performances, musi-

cal entertainment, family friendly activities, and the magical arrival of Santa, this unforgettable evening has something for everyone!

Otto Specht School Holiday Fair & Crafts Sale 241 Hungry Hollow Rd., Chestnut Ridge, NY 845-352-5020 ottospechtschool.org/holiday-fair-2023 The Otto Specht School and the Fellowship Community invite you to their annual Holiday Fair and Craft Sale. Located in Chestnut Ridge, NY the fair will feature children’s activities, puppet plays, live music, great food, and the nostalgic charm of an old time holiday village complete with chestnuts roasting on an open fire, fresh hot cider, and more! Dec. 1st 2pm – 8pm & Dec. 2nd 10 am – 4 pm Ramsey Farmers’ Market 2 West Main St. Ramsey, NJ ramseyfarmersmarket.org The holidays are upon us. Go green and local and begin your holiday celebration and shopping with fresh, local, and seasonal produce and products available every Sunday.

If looking to add a little something extra for your friends and family who love fresh veggies and local fares , gift certificates are available at the Main Market table. For holiday decor you can find freshly made holiday decorated wreaths are available

30 RocklandParent.com | November/December 2023

through mid-December. Sunday, Nov.12th is the semi-annual Second Chance Toy Collection from 9AM-12PM. Drop off gently used plastic toys for donation to so your beloved toys can find a second home.

Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble Presents The Nutcracker Rockland Community College 145 College Rd. Suffern N.Y. 10901 845-623-2808 Rocklandyouthdanc eensemble.org rydenutcracker@gmail.com Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble’s family friendly classic The Nutcracker returns to Rockland Community College for its 44th season. There are special narrated performances for young guests. They also offer group rates for scout troops and other organizations.

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland 1 Bronx River Pkwy, Valhalla, NY 10595 wwinterwonderland.com Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, will return to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla from November 24 through December 31, 2023.

Check out electrifying lights, fan-favorite holiday scenes and the best LIVE Santa Claus in Westchester all conveniently located close to home and from the warmth and comfort of your own car.

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November/December 2023 | Rockland Parent

31

calendar

BY SHARA LEVINE

ROCKLAND

Bear Mountain Ice Rink WHEN: Nov. 4-March 3 , Fridays and Saturdays, 10 am – 9:30 pm, Sundays, 10 am – 7:30 pm.

WHERE: Bear Mountain Ice Rink, 3020 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove AGES: All WHAT: Lace up your skates and take a spin on the ice at this outdoor rink.

WANT TO GO?: $5 admission; $10 skate rental.

Bearmountainicerink.org

Indian Heritage Celebration WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 4, 1:30 – 4:30 pm WHERE: Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a variety of Indian traditional art forms during this diverse showcase.

WANT TO GO?: Free. palisadescenter.com

Children & Families: Make & Take Kinetic Sculptures WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 5, 12 – 3 pm WHERE: Storm King Art Center, 1 Museum Road, New Windsor AGES: All WHAT: Take inspiration from kinetic sculptures at Storm King and make a work of art of your own that comes alive with movement!

WANT TO GO?: Ticketing is per-vehicle starting at $30 per passenger. Children under 5 do not need to be counted. stormking.org

Milk and Cookies Playhouse: Carnival of the Animals/Emperor’s New Clothes WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 5, 2 pm WHERE: Theater at Old Nyack

See A Charlie Brown Christmas at Mayo Performing Arts Center on November 26.

High School, 131 N Midland Ave., Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Camille Saint-Saëns classic musical journey through the animal kingdom is visualized through the art of Shadow Play along with the classic Hans Christian Anderson tale.

WANT TO GO?: $20; $12 child. artsrock.org

Family Diwali Crafts & Story Night WHEN: Nov. 6, 5:30 – 7 pm WHERE: A Maze in Pottery, 76 N State Road, Briarcliff Manor AGES: All WHAT: Paint a decorative dish that can be used for snacks or little candles in honor of Diwali.

Plus, make Diwali decorations for your house and read a story about this festive holiday of lights!

32 RocklandParent.com | November/December 2023

WANT TO GO?: $34.90. amazeinpottery.com

Holiday Bricktacular WHEN: Nov. 10-Dec. 31, See website for complete schedule WHERE: LEGOLAND New York Resort, 1 Legoland Way, Goshen AGES: All WHAT: This jolly time of the year features holiday fun and décor, LEGO Santa, roaming Carolers, hot chocolate and s’mores​, a sing along with Mrs. Claus, and more!

WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $59. Legoland.com

Veterans Day Parade, Ceremony & BBQ WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 am – 1 pm WHERE: 41 Washington Ave., Suffern

AGES: All WHAT: Thank our Veterans at this parade and ceremony followed by a barbeque.

WANT TO GO?: Free. suffernny. gov

Kids Night Out/Glowga WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 11, 6:30 – 8 pm.

WHERE: Peace in Piermont AGES: 5 – 12 WHAT: Drop your little one off for a night of fun with board games, glow-in-the-dark yoga, crafts and more.

WANT TO GO?: $50. peaceinpiermont.com

Turkey Tales WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 19, 10 am & 1 pm.

WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Outdoor

NOV/DEC

WANT TO GO?: $59. njpac.org

Discovery Center, 120 Muser Dr., Cornwall AGES: All WHAT: Search for the signs and sounds of wild turkeys!

Check out turkey feathers, a call box, and more up close — and maybe even see some during a guided walk.

WANT TO GO?: $12; $10 ages 3 and older. Members: $10; $8 ages 3 and older. hhnm.org

Community Day: Ballantine Funfair WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 18, 12 – 5 pm WHERE: The Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington St., Newark AGES: All WHAT: Take a step back in time and enjoy carnival games, art making, special demonstrations, and more in honor of the reopening of The Ballantine House at the museum.

WANT TO GO?: Free. newarkmuseumart.org

Rockland County YouthFest WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 19, 11 am – 3 pm WHERE: Rockland Community College Fieldhouse, 145 College Road, Suffern AGES: All WHAT: YouthFest brings youth of all ages together to meet with organizations serving local families. The day includes inflatables, a Teddy Bear Hospital, food trucks, and more.

WANT TO GO?: Free admission. rocklandgov.com

Breakfast with Santa WHEN: Nov. 25-Dec. 24, Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am and 1 pm WHERE: Kruckers, 81 Call Hollow Road, Pomona AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a scrumptious meal while Santa listens to your Christmas wishes at this merry and magical event!

WANT TO GO?: $36; $20 ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. kruckers.com

BERGEN The Science Behind Pixar WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am – 5 pm, Wednesdays – Fridays, 10 am – 4 pm. Through May 5.

WHERE: Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City AGES: All WHAT: Step inside a massive 10,000-sq-ft exhibition featuring more than 50 interactive experiences as well as photo opportunities with some of your favorite Pixar characters!

WANT TO GO?: $10 plus museum admission: $25.99$32.99. Lsc.org

calendar

Orchard of Lights

Visit the Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND New York Resort starting on November 10.

Bergen Town Center Fall Festival WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 5, 12 – 5 pm WHERE: Bergen Town Center, Route 4 East & Forest Avenue, Paramus AGES: All WHAT: Come out for Food, Fun and Football along with live music, face painting, pumpkin painting, a Bubble Show, and more.

WANT TO GO?: $18 Family Tickets (2 adults and up to 3 children) when pre-booked; $20 at door; $5 individual ticket. Bergentowncenter.com

Remarkable Raptors WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 5, 2 – 3 pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly AGES: 5 and up WHAT: Meet a live hawk and owl and discover and enjoy an up-close opportunity to observe these amazing birds while learning about diurnal and nocturnal adaptations.

WANT TO GO?: $10.

Tenaflynaturecenter.org

Open Cockpit Days 2023 WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 11, 10:30 am – 4 pm.

WHERE: The New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame, 400 Fred Wehran Drive, Teterboro AGES: All

WHAT: Sit in the cockpit of a very rare Lockheed Bushmaster plane, a U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter, and a M*A*S*H Bell 47 helicopter made famous during the Korean War. WANT TO GO?: $20; $12 Seniors 65 and older and children younger than 12. njahof.org

Santa Photo Experience WHEN: Nov. 17-Dec. 23, See website for complete schedule WHERE: The Shops at Riverside, 390 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack AGES: All WHAT: The ultimate holiday tradition awaits! Make merry memories this holiday season when you take photos with Santa!

WANT TO GO?: Photo packages start at $39.99.

Simon.com

When You Wish Upon a Star: A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney WHEN: Friday, Nov. 17, 7:30 pm WHERE: NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark AGES: All WHAT: You’ll dig these jazz renditions of some of your favorite Disney tunes like “Someday My Prince Will Come,” “He’s a Tramp,” “Everybody Wants to be a Cat” and “The Bare Necessities”.

WHEN: Nov. 22-Dec. 29, See website for complete schedule.

WHERE: Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale AGES: All WHAT: Drive through 32 acres of brilliant holiday light displays, take pictures with Santa, make your own S’mores, listen to Santa’s singing Reindeer, and more.

WANT TO GO?: $35 per car. orchardoflights.com

Winter WonderLights WHEN: Nov. 24-Dec. 31, Daily, 5:30 – 10 pm WHERE: 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the season’s wonderful holidays- Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali and Kwanzaawhile driving thru over 1.5 million lights animated to some of your favorite holiday tunes.

WANT TO GO?: $30 per car. winterwonderlightshows.com

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 26, 2 pm & 5 pm.

WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown AGES: All WHAT: Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life as Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang produce their own Christmas play and ultimately learn the true meaning of the season.

WANT TO GO?: $29-$69. mayoarts.org

November/December 2023 | Rockland Parent

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mom stories

Family Traditions One family’s intergenerational Thanksgiving customs

By Drew Kramer

“L

ifting a turkey is a big event,” my mother admits. She accepted the responsibility of hosting Thanksgiving this year, a holiday she owned every year since I was a child. Growing up, Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday. My older cousins made their pilgrimage from upstate New York to stay with us for the long weekend. Our family came together from all corners of Long Island to honor a day celebrating gluttony and our country’s complicated colonial history.

Like good Americans, in the kitchen we trust. In the wee morning hours, during the “ugly phase” of the holiday preparation, the ritual dressing of the bird took center stage.

“18 pounds of pure poultry,” my mother announced in her annual impersonation of Julia Child, your French chef. As the years went by, the size of the bird ebbed and flowed with the loss and gain of family. In recent years, with the expansion of our modern family to include step-brothers, in-laws, and 10 grandchildren, the invite list hovers around 30.

After raising her hand to host in a family group text, I messaged my mother separately to assure her that I was up to the task if she decided she wasn’t, even the day before.

Since moving to suburbia four years ago, I’ve stepped up to bring family together when she could not.

My mother is a caretaker. In the 20 years since my stepfather’s Parkinsons diagnosis, my mother’s capacity to find joy in the manual labor of the holidays waned. “I feel like I have reached a point in my life where I recognize that, mentally and physically, I cannot do what I used to do. My husband is ill. I find myself anxious at the thought of a big event,” she acknowledged. In the irreverent, dark humor we share, she declares, “I pass the torch. The old gray mare ain’t what she used to be.”

When I mention my 30 person holiday guest list, people are shocked by my appetite to take on extra work while raising two young

boys. Yes, the torch comes with domestic responsibility, but with great responsibility comes great purpose. Like my mother, I feel the magic in bringing family together for joy. It is important to me to bring familiar faces and flavors to my table in the name of tradition and kinship. It is important to me to provide a forum for cousins to come together for mischief and forward momentum. If their relationships fade, so too do the ties that connect our people for generations to come.

Someday, when I’ve passed the torch to my children and theirs, I hope they’ll draw from the menu of family recipes that filled our bellies and hearts in the warmest moments of a calendar year: Cousin Dineen’s kugel; my late Aunt Debbie’s carrot soufflé; my mother’s turkey. These are the flavors that bind.

Everyone does their part to keep the party alive. As a spectator, my mother is happy to bring whatever she can to ease the pain of hosting the holidays. She delights in making her signature dishes the family craves without the stress of planning and cleaning. In corners of my basement, I squirrel away folding tables and chairs. I Pinterest compostable tablescapes because I cannot sacrifice style or sustainability, while prioritizing ease in executing a celebration for 30. My family comes with food in hand, rolling up their sleeves to clean a platter and unclog the drain. The holidays teach me that

34 RocklandParent.com | November/December 2023

I am not alone in this.

In the wake of Covid isolation, I am a conduit for connection. After years of uncomfortable distance, we are all making up for lost time. In this season of my life, I find purpose in bringing people together. As my Millennial generation grows into middle adulthood, our Boomer parents move into their golden years. This holiday season, many of us are grappling with the weight of the torch we’ve inherited. As a family leader, sandwiched between young children and aging parents, I urge you to rise to the occasion. Fight through the host anxiety, culinary pressure and cleaning exhaustion for the important milestones of the year. Let people bring food and pull up their sleeves in the kitchen. Use paper plates. Ask for help and watch relationships grow through the shared creation of this beautiful moment.

When the dishes are cleared, the leftovers stored, and the grandchildren are taking apart your couch to erect a fort, sit back with your wine and know that you too are building something. Feel gratitude and connection to the generations of family that roasted the turkeys that brought all of you to this day.

Know that someday, when the pounds of pure poultry become too great for you to carry, you will lean on the foundation you and generations of others established to keep the family flame ablaze.

New York FamilY partNer

MSG Entertainment

Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes© t here is nothing quite like Christmas in the Big Apple, and no holiday trip to New York City is complete without a visit to Radio City Music Hall to take part in the iconic holiday tradition that is the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes© presented by QVC. This awe-inspiring production features intricate choreography and thrilling performances by the renowned Rockettes that will leave you with a sense of wonder and amazement.

While the production is an annual tradition eagerly anticipated by both New Yorkers and visitors, each year’s performance also brings a fresh perspective to the timeless classics. This year’s production features classics such as “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and “New York at

MSG Entertainment

MSG Entertainment

Christmas” as well as new favorites. The newly reimagined scene “Dance of the Frost Fairies©” transforms the Rockettes into fantastical winged fairies as even more fairy friends fly high above the audience.

The Christmas Spectacular runs for 90

minutes with no intermission. Audiences can experience the immersive magic at the iconic Radio City Music Hall, opening November 17th. Tickets are available at Rockettes.com. Make the most of the holidays with the Christmas Spectacular.

This is Christmas in New York City!