Manhattan FREE Family Where Every Child Matters Extra Special Activities for Your Kids

September 2016 Manhattan FREE Family Where Every Child Matters Extra special Activities for your kids

Turn homework into a home run

How a good night’s sleep boosts learning

Find us online at www.NYParenting.com When your little angel thinks he’s a daredevil...

Better have a good pediatrician. Make sure your kids are covered.

Contact Affinity Health Plan at 866.247.5678 to obtain more information about Child Health Plus, a free or low-cost health insurance program sponsored by New York State for kids under the age of 19.

To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 855.355.5777.

AffinityPlan.org/CHP Manhattan Family September 2016

Features columns 6 Time to read 18 FabuLYSS Finds This whole family is going to hit the books by Lyss Stern By Lisa A. Beach 22 Dear Teacher 8 A quiet problem by Peggy Gisler and Ten tips for parents with shy children Marge Eberts 38 By Denise Yearian 34 Ask an Attorney 10 Stitching together character By Alison Arden Besunder, Esq. Lessons from a childhood sewing contest — and my mother’s words of wisdom 35 Divorce & Separation By Carolyn Waterbury-Tieman By Lee Chabin, Esq. 20 Homework star 36 Just Write Mom Ten tips for parents to make homework a by Danielle Sullivan home run 44 Tips for Feeding Kids By Denise Yearian By Joanna DeVita 30 From A to ZZZs Important info linking shut-eye to great 46 New & Noteworthy By Lisa J. Curtis grades By Malia Jacobson 32 Finding her shtick special sections A Brooklyn comedian’s journey to 12 Classes and Enrichment mommyhood 30 By Tammy Scileppi Directory 24 School Choices Directory calendar 45 The Marketplace 38 September Events

September 2016 • Manhattan Family 3 letter from the publisher

Screen time, families, and children get in the elevator time consuming elec- plans to update its guidelines on It’s something for us all to con- in my office build- tronic media than they media use later this year. Current sider. Are we reading books any- I ing and I’m the only do in school, accord- recommendations are to avoid all more? Are we engaging in enough one not looking down at ing to Common Sense screens for children under 2, and to physical activity or are we sitting in my smart phone. I drive Media. Anya Kamenetz allow a maximum of two hours per front of some kind of screen? Are our the streets of our city did a wonderful piece day of high-quality material for older kids getting enough exercise or are and narrowly avoid pe- on this topic for NPR children. I would like to repeat that they also sitting on their backsides destrians looking down that caught my ear the line about avoiding all screens for too much? If those hours logged are at their screens instead other day and prompted children under 2. How often I’ve seen correct, then they certainly are not. of looking where they’re me to download it. tablet devices propped up in front of We need to address that quickly, going. I’ve seen moms Some of the facts she babies in restaurants, apparently to especially as school begins and new crossing streets with strollers and si- pointed out are that tweens log 4 1/2 pacify them into silence so the par- patterns emerge after the summer multaneously looking down at their hours of screen time a day, seven ents can enjoy their dinner. vacation. device. No matter how often the days a week, 52 weeks a year. For Parents have to set the example dangers of driving and texting are teens, it’s even higher; nearly seven and, personally, one sees far too Thanks for reading. pointed out, we still have people hours a day. And that doesn’t include many parents concentrating on their ignoring the warnings and inviting time spent using devices for school own screens rather than on their accidents and possible death. We are or in school. children. It used to be they were screen people without a doubt. Digital devices are more integral merely talking on the phone, now I’ve been asking the question every year, with research available they are also scrolling and texting. about how all of this is affecting our to support both the benefits as well This kind of distraction takes away Susan Weiss-Voskidis, children. It seems that most Ameri- as the dangers. Anya writes that precious time for focus on the chil- Publisher/Excutive Editor can children actually spend more the American Academy of Pediatrics dren and supervision/guidance. [email protected]

Community News Group Contact information ceo: Les Goodstein advertising: Web or Print address President & Publisher: Jennifer Goodstein (718) 260-4554 New York Parenting Media/CNG [email protected] 1 Metrotech Center North 10th Floor New York parenting circulation Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 260-8336 Publisher / executive editor: [email protected] Susan Weiss Publisher / business Manager: editorial www.NYParenting.com Clifford Luster (718) 260-4554 [email protected] oPerations associate: Tina Felicetti calendar sales rePs: Alexis Benson, Erin Brof, (718) 260-2523 Jay Pelc, Stephanie Stellacio art director: Leah Mitch Web designer: Sylvan Migdal The acceptance of advertising by New York Parent- New York Parenting has been recognized for ing does not constitute an endorsement of the editorial and design excellence by PMA. graPhic designers: Arthur Arutyunov, products, services or information being advertised. New York Parenting is published monthly by New Daria Avvento, Gardy Charles, Yvonne Farley, We do not knowingly present any products or ser- York Parenting Media/CNG. Subscription rate is Earl Ferrer, John Napoli vices that are fraudu lent or misleading in nature. $35 annually. Reproduction of New York Parent- Editorial inquiries, calendar information, advertising ing Media in whole or part without written per- rates and schedules and subscription requests may be mission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights Managing editor: Vince DiMiceli addressed to New York Parenting, One Metro tech reserved. Copyright©2016 Readership: 185,000. Center North, 10th Floor, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. 2015 circulation audits by CVC. assistant editor: Courtney Donahue New York Parenting can also be reached by calling coPy editors: Lisa J. Curtis, (718) 260-4554, emailing [email protected] or Shavana Abruzzo by visiting our website, NYParenting.com. calendar editor: Joanna Del Buono Join the conversation on Facebook. 4 Manhattan Family • September 2016 Child Health Plus +++++ with Fidelis Care

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September 2016 • Manhattan Family 5 Time to read By Lisa a. Beach raphies, historical fiction, and lots of depth magazine articles and real This whole non-fiction catered to the boys’ ever- books. ack when my two boys were changing interests. And we practi- And then I read a blog post by an family is younger, we read books every cally lived at our public library dur- author lamenting her lost love affair B single day. Reading was as ing our homeschool years, borrow- with books and how she’s going to much a part of our daily rhythm as ing dozens of books a week to feed right that wrong this year. She de- going to hit eating. We’d snuggle on the couch to our voracious book habit. cided to designate an entire day once read picture books. We’d read during But then, technology slowly crept a week to reading. This inspired me. breakfast if we were eating by our- in and almost killed our passion. I love her idea and decided to steal the books selves. We’d read on the back porch One by one, screens sneaked it for our family, with a bit of a twist. and in the car and even in the pool. into our lives, transfixing our atten- As a busy family with work, school, We filled bookshelves in almost tion with videos, GIFs, games, apps, homework, soccer, band, and more, every room with mysteries, classic memes, social media, and e-mail. we could never devote a whole day literature, poetry, trivia books, biog- Screen swipes replaced page turns. to reading as she does. But we could Bite-size online content replaced in- devote 30 minutes one night a week. If we could make time for an epi- sode of “Modern Family” each week, we can surely squeeze in the same amount of time for reading. With school back in session, it seems like the perfect time to institute Reading Night with our two boys. I can already envision the grumbling and eye-rolls when I tell them we’re all (my husband and myself in- cluded) going to shut off our screens a little early one night a week to (gasp!) read a real, turn- the-page book. But as a parent, I know I’ve got to power through the typical resistance to get us back on the bookworm track. I plan to start with a trip to the bookstore, so the boys could pick out a new book. (We’ve all got Kin- dles, but I want to go totally old- school.) My husband and I will probably choose from the many nonfic- tion books we own but haven’t yet gotten around to reading. If all goes well, maybe we can even read and discuss the same book, like we did years ago with “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” (A mom can dream, can’t she?) For our first official Reading Night, I also plan to weave in a little post-reading treat, like popcorn or ice cream. I can get my boys to tol- erate just about anything if there’s a promise of junk food at the end. But I’m up for the challenge because reading for pleasure is a habit worth fighting for in this technology-saturated world. Lisa Beach is a freelance writer and recovering homeschool mom who lived to write about it. Read more of Lisa’s articles at www.LisaBeachWrites.com and check out her humor blog at www.Twee- niorMoments.com.

6 Manhattan Family • September 2016 B:9.675” T:9.17” S:8.175” Time to read By Lisa a. Beach raphies, historical fiction, and lots of depth magazine articles and real This whole non-fiction catered to the boys’ ever- books. ack when my two boys were changing interests. And we practi- And then I read a blog post by an family is younger, we read books every cally lived at our public library dur- author lamenting her lost love affair B single day. Reading was as ing our homeschool years, borrow- with books and how she’s going to much a part of our daily rhythm as ing dozens of books a week to feed right that wrong this year. She de- going to hit eating. We’d snuggle on the couch to our voracious book habit. cided to designate an entire day once Amazing is having read picture books. We’d read during But then, technology slowly crept a week to reading. This inspired me. breakfast if we were eating by our- in and almost killed our passion. I love her idea and decided to steal seven lives before the books selves. We’d read on the back porch One by one, screens sneaked it for our family, with a bit of a twist. and in the car and even in the pool. into our lives, transfixing our atten- As a busy family with work, school, your first birthday. We filled bookshelves in almost tion with videos, GIFs, games, apps, homework, soccer, band, and more, every room with mysteries, classic memes, social media, and e-mail. we could never devote a whole day literature, poetry, trivia books, biog- Screen swipes replaced page turns. to reading as she does. But we could When Leni was just three months Bite-size online content replaced in- devote 30 minutes one night a week. old, she became seriously ill. Her If we could make time for an epi- sode of “Modern Family” each week, pediatrician didn’t know why—but we can surely squeeze in the same amount of time for reading. she knew who would. The pediatric With school back in session, it specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian seems like the perfect time to institute Reading Night with our two boys. diagnosed Leni with a rare form of I can already envision the grumbling and eye-rolls when I tell them we’re leukemia—but that was just the all (my husband and myself in- beginning. Before Leni was discharged, B:11.375” T:10.875” cluded) going to shut off our S:9.875” screens a little early one night a she’d undergone seven life-saving week to (gasp!) read a real, turn- the-page book. But as a parent, I procedures, including chemotherapy, know I’ve got to power through the a liver transplant, and gall bladder typical resistance to get us back on the bookworm track. surgery. In all, it took 10 doctors, 20 I plan to start with a trip to the bookstore, so the boys could pick nurses, and two NewYork-Presbyterian out a new book. (We’ve all got Kin- hospitals to get Leni where she is dles, but I want to go totally old- school.) My husband and I will prob- today: a happy, healthy three-year-old. ably choose from the many nonfic- tion books we own but haven’t yet gotten around to reading. If all goes nyp.org/kids well, maybe we can even read and discuss the same book, like we did years ago with “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” (A mom can dream, can’t she?) For our first official Reading Night, I also plan to weave in a little post-reading treat, like popcorn or ice cream. I can get my boys to tol- erate just about anything if there’s a promise of junk food at the end. But I’m up for the challenge because reading for pleasure is a habit worth fighting for in this technology-saturated world. Lisa Beach is a freelance writer and recovering homeschool mom who lived to write about it. Read more of Lisa’s articles at www.LisaBeachWrites.com and check out her humor blog at www.Twee- niorMoments.com.

September 2016 • Manhattan Family 7

NYPK3060_Kids2016_ManhattanFamilyMag_FINAL.indd Manhattan Family Mag

Job Info Approvals Client NewYork-Presbyterian Users Derek Rush / Christian’s Capsule Art Director Eric Job NYPK 3060 Current Date 7-21-2016 10:06 AM Copywriter Steve Creation Date 7-20-2016 9:53 AM Account Dana x210 MATERIALS PREPARED BY Live 8.175” x 9.875” Studio Artist derek x230 Trim 9.17” x 10.875” Printed at None SEIDEN Proofreader Daphne 212.223.8700 Bleed 9.675” x 11.375” Page # 1 Project Mgr Meredith x239 Inks Fonts Notes TheSans (B4 SemiLight), Neutraface Display (Titling) Magenta, Yellow, Black Images 24702_LeniHsalo_Grayscale.tif (Gray; 345 ppi; 86.88%), NYP_AmazingThings_Kids_BoxOnly_Stacked_4C_ KO.eps (115.7%), WC_CD_NYP_Logo_Lockup_KO.ai (85.51%) Round: FINAL A quiet problem Ten tips for By Denise yearian hildhood shyness is a com- parents with mon concern a mong pa rents, C who fear their youngsters may lack self-confidence and lag be- shy children hind in social development. But with preparation, practice, and patience, most reserved children can learn how to successfully navigate social situations and build meaningful relationships with peers. Here are 10 tips to help: 1. start small: Expose your child to a variety of non-threatening, positive peer interactions from an early age. When he starts day care or school, begin with a small class or group size until he is ready to transition to a larger one. As group size grows, consider adult-child ratios to encourage positive peer interactions and reduce the chance of negative behaviors such as bullying, exclu- sion, and name calling. 2. scope out settings: If possible, informed. Present it in story form: because the setting is too loud, there take your child to a new academic “Tomorrow [child’s name] is going are too many people, or it’s too cha- or extracurricular program before to…” and tell your child the whole otic. You’ll never know unless you classes begin, so he can meet the story, inserting his name. Then ask, listen. Validate his concerns and ask teacher and get acquainted with the “What other things might he see?” open-ended questions to encourage setting and routine. “What else might he do?” dialogue. 3. rally support: Let the teacher 6. Dress rehearse: Role play dif- 9. Get professional help: If your or caretaker know about your child’s ferent scenarios, such as meeting a child’s behavior persists past six shyness, and stay in touch through- new peer at school. Switch roles so months or increases, talk with your out the year to address problems your child can act out both situa- pediatrician to differentiate between that arise. tions. Or use dolls, action figures, or temporary shyness and social anxi- 4. Home field advantage: En- puppets, if you choose. Talk about ety disorder, which prevents chil- courage at-home play dates to em- how they are feeling. Repetition will dren from normal social develop- power your child to take social risks build confidence. ment. and open up to his peers. Invite 7. reach for resources: Read 10. stay positive: When your one friend over several times until books to your child about others child does engage in social scenes, your child feels comfortable inter- who overcame shyness and fear. offer positive reinforcement. Affirm acting with him. Gradually increase These include, “Shy Charles” by his character and personality, and the number to two or three children. Rosemary Wells, “Let’s Talk About avoid chastising, teasing, or embar- Also, encourage your child to go to Being Shy” by Marianne Johnston, rassing him about his shy behavior. friends’ houses to play. and “Little Miss Shy” by Roger Har- Remember, he may always be some- 5. set the scene: Prepare your greaves, to name a few. Talk about what timid, but with preparation, child for social gatherings to allevi- the lesson in the story and how it practice, and loving patience, most ate anxiety and fear of the unknown. applies to your child. children can learn to successfully This is particularly helpful with ran- 8. Listen up: Take time to listen navigate social situations. dom events such as birthday par- to your child and understand his Denise Yearian is the former editor ties and family reunions. Talk about feelings and fears. Don’t assume you of two parenting magazines and the what he will see and do, so he’s well know how he feels. He may be upset mother of three children.

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September 2016 • Manhattan Family 9 Stitching together character

By Carolyn WaterBury- Lessons from tieman

a childhood ne day in 1969, the county extension sewing contest O agent came to my fourth-grade class — and my to tell the girls about a 4-H sewing contest. She gave us a list of mother’s words rules and a registration form. I had watched my of wisdom mother expertly trans- form piles of shapeless material into exquisitely crafted garments with her magic machine. Now I was going to make some magic of my own. I could not wait to get home and get started! Ignoring my mother’s warnings, I selected a material far more suit- my finger able for a party dress than an apron: pale, lav- cut- ender organdy covered ting with delicate daisy ap- w i t h pliqués. It was the most beautiful cloth I had ever seen. Anxious to begin, I with the needle or sew a few in- was disheartened to dis- experienced digits together was cover all the preliminary not lost on me. Nevertheless, she steps necessary to sew. Ironing proceeded to instruct me on the the material, trimming the pattern, heavy, pinking shears twice the process of inserting the bobbin, ironing the pattern, fitting the pat- size of my hand, I was finally ready threading the needle, and gently tern to the material, pinning the to sew. pressing the lever that controlled pattern to the material, cutting the Having supervised my clumsy the speed of the needle with the material according to the pattern, efforts through the preparatory right knee while smoothly guid- matching up the pieces and pin- measures, my mother cautiously ing the material under the ten- ning them together — it was like introduced me to her prized Singer sion foot to create an even seam. assembling a limp puzzle. With pin- sewing machine. Describing this is so much easier pricked fingers, tired and sore from Her fear that I might pierce than doing it!

10 Manhattan Family • September 2016 next challenge — propels us toward realizing our potential. Fortunately, my We can prepare our children mother did not to meet the challenges they will face with courage, enthusiasm, succumb to the and determination: Find tasks they can do. Chil- temptation to protect dren want to be useful. They feel valued when given opportunities me from possible to be helpful. Encourage their ini- disappointment tiative by finding age-appropriate ways to include them in everyday by doing the tasks. Take time to teach. Show them work for me. how to do what they are expected to do. Merely telling them is not sufficient. Give them a standard Hunched over the Singer cab- to work toward, but have realis- inet, feet planted on the rung tic expectations for their early of the chair (so my knee would attempts. reach the lever), tongue placed Appreciate effort and recog- firmly between my lips, eyes fixed nize improvement. Express ap- on the pieces of material about to preciation for their efforts to per- be joined, I made my first ten- form the task at hand. Provide as- tative stitches. A few days and sistance when necessary. Expect some tears later, I completed my mistakes and offer guidance in first sewing project. While recog- correcting them. Keep examples nizable as an apron, it was noth- or take pictures of their early ing like the exceptional creations attempts, so they can see their my mother produced. improvement over time. My initial enthusiasm for the Find the fun. Make the work contest was replaced by dread environment pleasant. Listen to at the prospect of judges see- music, chat, tell jokes, share sto- ing those imperfect, wavy seams ries, sing while you are working. and that uneven hem. Sensing my Remember this wise advice from weakening resolve, my mother Mary Poppins, “you find the fun, carefully tied the freshly ironed and snap, the job’s a game!” apron around my waist. As I Strive for excellence. Discuss stood scrutinizing the reflection what excellence means and how in the mirror, she tenderly shared to recognize it. Demonstrate or her thoughts. Her exact words supply examples of excellence. are lost to me now, but the gist of Practice makes excellence. the message was this: Having the Help them recognize when they courage to try something new is are doing their best and have more valuable than the outcome achieved excellence so they can of a contest. If you are going to do become their own best critic. something, do your best. Learn- Learn something new. Let ing to do something well takes your children see you struggle. time and practice. Strive to make Let them see your progress. your best better as you go. Don’t be afraid to let them see “You can be proud that you you sweat! gave this your best effort, and My apron received the blue that it’s your work,” she reas- ribbon, primarily because the sured me. judges could tell a 9 year old Fortunately, my mother did made it. The ribbon has long not succumb to the temptation since been misplaced, but I saved to protect me from possible dis- the apron along with the lessons appointment by doing the work my mother taught me. They have for me. Nearly every generation served me well in every facet of of parents wants a better life for life. their children. They want to pro- Carolyn Waterbury-Tieman is a res- vide opportunities and advan- ident of Lexington, Ky. She has been tages they did not have. Unfor- married for 29 years and has two sons. tunately, the word “better” often She spent 15 years in various agen- becomes confused with “easier.” cies and clinics as a family therapist Making things easier can actually and parent educator and has written stifle development of desirable extensively on the topic of parenting. qualities. The challenge — to To contact her, please e-mail paren- learn, to improve, to meet the [email protected].

September 2016 • Manhattan Family 11 ExpEriEncE thE nEwEst tEnnis facility in thE MEtro arEa! Classes and Enrichment DirECtory

coloring and total physical response Arts approaches to learning. Older children learn writing, German Culture, harlem School of the geography of Europe, memorization arts and oral reports. There are locations in Queens, Long Island & Manhattan. 645 Saint Nicholas Avenue Classes start in September. 212-926-4100 www.hsanyc.org Register today for 2016-17 After- • 10U (TAUT) Programs • Junior Pathway Programs School Art Classes and experience Music Register unrivaled arts instruction by profes- • Tournament Team (Evaluations Required) rubato Music School Now • Seasonal Lesson Packages sional teaching artists in Music, Dance, Theatre and Visual Arts. HSA 858-876-7692 • 10 Indoor Courts creates opportunities for both chil- www/rubatomusicschool.org dren and adults to fully experience High quality teaching at the conve- • 12,000 sq ft Clubhouse oPEN the benefits that the arts can bring nience of your home. Teachers are • Fully Equipped HoUSE into their lives. Fall 2016 Classes professionally trained, engaging and Fitness Room begin September 24. Please visit our creative. • Spacious Locker Rooms & EVALUATIONS website for more information. Open to all genres, including • Pro Shop Classrooms, Classical, Jazz and improvisation. The meeting and event space 9/24/16 teaching process stays as flexible as LAnguAge needed to connect the student with About Us: The Cary Leeds Center is the flagship home to NYJTL, the largest nonprofit music and encourage enthusiasm in the learning process. With monthly youth tennis and educational program in the nation, serving over 30,000 youth from the Bronx. Collina italiana Upper East Side / Financial District teacher meetings, the school provides 1556 Third Avenue NYC 10028 a nurturing environment for teachers 1720 Crotona Avenue • Bronx, NY 10457 165 William Street NYC 10038 to become ever more resourceful, so as to maximize their efficiency in 718.247.7420 • [email protected] • caryleedstennis.org 212-427-7770 www.collinaitaliana.com teaching and leave as much room for Italian classes allow children to ben- creativity in the lessons as possible. efit from a comprehensive approach Duets and chamber music are encour- to learning in an age-appropriate aged and organized among students and inviting atmosphere. Classes for of the school. There is a student children, which consist of three to recital near the end of each term. eight students,Advertise include Girotondo, Il Giardino dei Bambini (drop-off on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9-12) PerforMing Arts and Paint with Italian (Art Workshop). Winter with us! New Location Children gather around to share the neighborhood session starts in the Financial learned words and expressions Playhouse: Junior February 1st District! through playful, skill-building activi- actors ties such as games, songs, dances Midtown East and stories. For all the bellissimi 340 E. 54th Street NYC 10022 Girotondo (Circle of Fun) Ages 2-8 details on Collina Italiana, call the 212-688-3770 An Italian language program which improves fluency Italian instructors today. www.playhousejuniors.com through songs, stories, games and arts & crafts The Junior Actors program runs two German american 12-week sessions in the fall (Sept. Il Giardino Dei Bambini Ages 2-5 language School 12th) and spring (Jan. 9th) for grades A drop-off playground. Children may join in on the fun every Ridgewood 2-12 on Saturdays between 9:30- Mon., Tues. & Thurs. from 9-12 on an as needed basis. 70-01 Fresh Pond Rd. 5:30pm (class times vary according 212-787-7543BROOKLYN to MANHATTANprogram). Students study the core Paint with Italian... Ages 3-5 & 7-12 www.German-American-School.org principles of acting, applying tech- Italian Art Workshop An old institution with an upbeat cur- niques and skills learned to various riculum, the school has been teaching classes in scene study, monologues, Tutoring Services languageFamily since 1892, and is a NYS inventiveFamily storytelling, movement & Regents accredited program. Children dance, song interpretation, audition/ Inquire About Adult Classes from variousQUEENS ethnic backgrounds can monologueBRONX/RIVERDALE technique, acting for film learn German in a once a week after & TV, comedy improv, and more. school program. The younger chil- All classes are designed to give 1556 Third Avenue dren (asFamily of age four) learn by singing, FamilyContinued on page 14 @87th, Suite 603 212.427.7770 www.collinaitaliana.com To place an ad in our line of Family publications, info@ collinaitaliana.com please call (718) 260–4554

12 Manhattan FaMily • September 2016 Special Advertising Section Discover Advantage QuickStart A pathway to tennis skills, conﬁdence, fun—even competition, if you choose!

It’s never too early to get in the game. Kids as young as 4 can learn tennis more easily, rally faster, and have fun sooner with our expanded QuickStart program. Advantage QuickStart offers young players distinct stages of development based on their age and ability. In every stage, kids play with appropriately-sized racquets and slower- bouncing balls…and there’s always something new to learn and enjoy! No experience or equipment necessary.

There’s a QuickStart stage that’s right for your child. To get started, contact us today!

Red Ball Foam, Ages 4–6 Teaches beginners basic hand-eye skills, basic racquet skills, and the concept of playing tennis.

Red Ball Felt, Ages 5-8 Players who can already hit the ball over the net consistently will learn technique for forehand, backhand, volley and serve.

Orange Ball, Ages 6-10 Students who can maintain an extended rally now learn intermediate stroke technique as well as how to play points, keep score and basic strategy.

Green Ball, Ages 8-12 For boys and girls who can rally and place the ball with intention, play the ball in transition, move to the net and place the volley to win the point. Students must be able to execute the serve and hit the ball ﬂat or with spin, and be on their way to understanding strategy and tactics.

7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO CHOOSE FROM! MANHATTAN THE BRONX • Columbia Prep School Gym • New York Tennis Club Courts • Hunter College Courts • Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club Courts ROOSEVELT ISLAND • The Beacon School Gym • Roosevelt Island Racquet Club Courts • United Nations International School

Special Advertising Section September 2016 • Manhattan Family 13 Music Lessons Classes and Enrichment Top-quality music education Directory in your home Continued from page 12 point construction Voice, Violin, Cello, Guitar, students the skills they need to be •Tournament Team: By invitation only. Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Piano creative and competitive. The faculty Evaluations are based on on-court is comprised of theatre & film profes- skills and point situations. Classical, Jazz, Improv sionals who are Master Teachers in Applicants must be evaluated for their field of instruction. and more proper placement in all programs. The Junior Actors program has Please call or email Caryleedsinfo@ been a vibrant part of the famed nyjtl.org for more information today! RubatoMusicSchool.org Neighborhood Playhouse for over [email protected] • (858) 8-RMS-NYC eighty-seven years. Many of our Physique Swimming students have professional acting Afterschool careers. Apply Now! Find us on Facebook! FiDi “We are a Reading in Preschool family. We hired them since my 25 Pine St, NYC daughter was reading ready but not overly interested in books. In all honesty, 212-725-0939 I saw her interest in reading immediately increase after the ﬁ rst lesson. www.physiqueswimming.com 6 sessions later my daughter is reading simple words where ever she goes. Sports The After School Aquatics program Bottom line, if you want money well spent buy this class.” at the Pine Street School located, in — Valoree H. - UWS Advantage Quick Start the heart of the Financial District, is Now Booking Summer Classes! Over the summer break, most students lose 2 months of what they learned Tennis offered on Mondays and Wednesdays in the winter/spring months. Help your child stay conﬁ dent and ahead of the game! Multiple Manhattan Locations with instructional swim at Seahorse 646-884-9649 Aquatics. Students are bused from www.quickstartny.com Pine Street School to the pool. Readingin in Whether your child has a strategic The specialized After School Swim Preschool tennis game or has never even picked Program offers superior instructional up a racquet, there’s an Advantage swimming with an emphasis tech- ReadinginPreschool.com QuickStart class that’s just the right nique on competitive level. 917-723-1159 fit. Teaching boys and girls as young It’s a great opportunity for beginners [email protected] | [email protected] as 3 and as old as 12 at many con- and for swimmers who are looking venient locations across NYC, year to enter the world of competition. round. Aquatic instruction is customized Classes are customized to address to your child’s swimming goals and students’ ages and abilities, with a needs. The pool at Seahorse features student-teacher ratio of 4 or 5 to 1. 5 lanes, 25 yards, starting blocks, The youngest students play in small 3.5 feet shallow in the shallow end spaces, with small racquets and and 10 feet deep in the deep end. slower-bouncing balls. The oldest, It’s the perfect pool for beginner ConservatoryConservatory instruction instruction for for serious serious young actors seeking seeking dynamic dynamic training training most advanced players fine-tune and advanced swimmers. Students at the prestigiousin the heart Neighborhood of New York City. Playhouse. their serves and develop a winning return to Pine St School at 5pm for strategy. Players in between learn homework help, educational games basic hand-eye and racquet skills and and art. JUNIORJunior SCHOOL School PROGRAMS SeSSionS how to hit the ball over the net con- Fall September-December,Saturdays: 12 sessions sistently, then move on to forehand, backhand, volley and serve. There’s Tutoring Winter/SpringFall (September - December)January-April, for 7-18 12 year sessions olds no experience necessary and equipment is provided. For details go to Winter/SpringClasses are held (January on Saturdays - April) for for ages 7-18 7-18 year olds Bright Kids, Inc. 9:30-5:30 (various start and end times) the website. 225 Broadway, Suite 1504, NYC 10007 Summer: The Cary Leeds Center MeisnerSummer Teen Conservatory Teen, (4 weeks, Tween July - August) & forYouths 15-18 year olds 177 E 87th Street, Suite 402, NYC July - August, 3-4 weeks Crotona, Bronx 10128 Meisner Teen Studio (3 weeks, July - August) for 12-14 year olds Classes are held Monday - Friday for ages 9-18 1720 Crotona Avenue 646-434-1084 Youth Workshop9:30-5:30 (3(various weeks, Julystart - August) and end for times) 9-11 year olds 718-247-7420 www.bright-kids.com www.caryleedstennis.org New York’s premier tutoring and ApplyAPPLY AANDnd INTERVIEWintervieW NOWnoW This brand new state-of-the art cen- publications company was founded ter for learning offers curriculum for in 2009 by a Harvard Business School tennis players ages 4-18 with all skill ““ I've I've learned learned so so much much about about how how to to act, act, sing, sing, and and dance, dance, I've I've met met some some wonderful wonderful people, people, graduate and mother of three who andand most most of of all, all, I've I've gained gained a a life life changing changing experience.” experience.” levels. Depending on your child’s wanted a high quality institution to ––AnziAnzi D., D., Junior Junior Actor Actor age and ability, there is full range of cater to young children who need programs: Former Junior Actors admissions-based test preparation. •10U Pathway: aims to develop the It’s now a full-service tutoring and whole player, athletically, mentally, publications company specializing tactically and technically from the in test prep and subject tutoring for beginning. elementary, middle, and high school •Junior Pathway Program: aims to students. develop the necessary tennis tech- The company utilizes technology Daisy EAGAN Brendan SEXTON, III Scarlett JOHANSSON Ally SHEEDY Frances CONROY Anderson COOPER nique, improve consistency and cre- to produce unforgettable experi- 340 EAST 54TH STREET NY, NY 10022 | 212.688.3770 | PLAYHOUSEJUNIORS.COM ate basic patterns of play for effective Continued on page 16 14 Manhattan Family • September 2016 Special Advertising Section German Lessons Help Your for Children Child SOAR! One-On-One HOME Tutoring Grades pre K-12

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Special Advertising Section September 2016 • Manhattan Family 15 Classes and Enrichment Directory

Continued from page 14 at EBL Coaching’s learning center. ences for students and their families. Specialized tutorial programs for stu- Almost every tutoring package begins dents with dyslexia and learning dis- with a diagnostic or assessment to abilities are available. determine a student’s strengths and areas of improvement. The team then Reading In Preschool uses these results to build a custom- 917-723-1159 ized curriculum for each student. Try www.ReadingInPreschool.com a session for only $40! Contact one Children are prepared and confident of the offices today by visiting our going back to school, thanks to the website and find out how. tutors of Reading in Preschool who EBL Coaching teach advanced reading skills, and inspire children to love learning by Upper East Side using the learn through play method. 17 East 89th street 212 249 0147 Children as young as 3 years old are www.eblcoaching.com learning to read like first graders. Offering one-one-one tutoring Imagine how quickly a first grader for students in grades pre-k to 12. could learn to read with this pro- Research-based, multi-sensory strate- gram. gies, including the Orton Gillingham Your children deserve the best! Let technique, develop reading, writing, them thrive in school and in life with reading comprehension, math, orga- this new found love for learning! nization and study skills. *If you’re thinking of giving your 2 Students are initially assessed by the year old the opportunity to learn to director, Dr. Emil Levy, who creates read when they turn 3 or 4, call in an individualized instructional plan. today to get your spot on the wait- Sessions can be held at the home or ing list! EXPLORE LEARN

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16 Manhattan Family • September 2016 Special Advertising Section Special Advertising Section September 2016 • Manhattan Family 17 WOMEN Finding the fun in back-to-school time

hope everyone had • • • a fabuLyss summer Looking for a fabuLyssly fun new I making lots of memo- Broadway show? FABULYSS ries to last a lifetime. My Take the kids to see “Cats” now boys had the best sum- that it has returned to Broadway, FINDS mer at sleep-away camp, and let the memory live again with LYSS STERN and the last few weeks be- your children. fore school we were beach “Cats” at Neil Simon Theatre (250 W. bound. 52nd St. between Broadway and Eighth Make the first day back Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen, www.catsthe- to school special for your musical.com). little one. I love shopping • • • for back-to-school clothes Diva Mom’s Book Club is back in and backpacks with my September with another fabuLyss children. Get new notebook. Jill Kargman, creator and books, sticker books, agen- star of Bravo’s “Odd Mom Out,” das, pens, and much more. will be launching her new book, Check out the brand ban. “Sprinkle Glitter on my Grave,” with do for the cutest products us! On Monday, Sept. 12 from 6:30 ever. The sticky note set, to 8:30 pm, Kargman will be sign- “You’re Straight Up Magic,” ing books at the beautiful Armitron is adorable and useful with a Showroom. to-do list section, and seven Jill Kargman at Armitron Show- others for their daily notes. room (411 Fifth Ave. between 37th and Want to make their notes ganize their day 38th streets in Korea Town) Monday, even prettier? Consider the “Gel the old-fashioned way — on Sept. 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. RSVP Yeah” pen set with five neon gel paper — look at the “I am Very @ Divamoms.com. Space is extremely pens, one metallic gold gel pen, Busy” agenda. All of ban.do’s limited. and one black with silver glitter gel products are so cute and af- pen. Their notes will look so good! fordable! Lyss Stern is the founder of DivaLyss- Also, if your students need to or- Visit www.bando.com . cious Moms (www.divamoms.com).

Back-to-school Frosting: paper and set aside. Beat on low speed until combined. deLysscious 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at In a medium bowl, combine the Increase the speed to high and beat room temperature cookie dough and flour until smooth. until the mixture is smooth, adding cookie recipe 1 pound powdered sugar On a lightly floured surface, roll out more water, as needed, one teaspoon 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract the dough to 1/4-inch thick. Using at a time, until the frosting is spread- My kids LOVE going back to school able. with personalized notes in their lunch- 1/4 cup water, plus extra, as needed animal-shaped cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the dough and Divide the frosting between three box and these sugar cookies from a Assorted food coloring (see Cook’s Note) arrange, about two-inches apart, on small bowls. Color the frosting by Giada De Laurentiis recipe. (I confess Special Equipment: assorted animal- the prepared baking sheets. Form the mixing in one drop of food coloring that I only make the cookies for the shaped cookie cutters, about 4- to scraps of dough into a ball, roll out at a time, until the desired color is first day of school. And then again for 5-inches long. to 1/4-inch thick, and continue to cut reached. Spread the frosting over the special occasions. Most of the other Decorating suggestion: multi-colored out animal shapes. Bake for 10 to 12 cooled cookies and decorate. times they are store bought.) sprinkles, colored decorating sugar, minutes until the edges are lightly COOK’S NOTE: I suggest watching mini chocolate chips, small candies, golden brown. Cool for two minutes. INGREDIENTS: how to make this recipe online. Also, mini marshmallows Transfer to a wire rack to cool com- if using natural food coloring (such as Cookies: pletely, about 15 minutes. Seelect brand), be sure to shake the 1 (16.5-ounce) tube refrigerated DIRECTIONS: For the frosting: In a stand mixer bottle before adding the coloring to sugar cookie dough (recommended: For the cookies: Put an oven rack in fitted with the paddle attachment, the frosting. Pillsbury) the center of the oven. Preheat the beat the butter until smooth, about Recipe courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis: www.foodnet- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra oven to 350-degrees Fahrenheit. Line 20 seconds. Add the powdered sugar, work.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/animal-sugar- for dusting two baking sheets with parchment vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup water. cookies-recipe.html

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September 2016 • Manhattan Family 19 Homework star By Denise yearian Try doing homework at different he has questions or needs help stay- Ten tips times to see where you have the ing on task. omework is an important greatest success. Then create a con- for parents component to a child’s edu- sistent routine based on what works 3. Tuned in or H cational experience. To help best for your child. turned off? families make the most of home- Some children enjoy listening to to make work time, consider these tips: 2. My space music while studying, but parents Children need an distraction- need to consider their child’s learning 1. Time it right proof area for doing homework. And style and the type of media he’s tun- homework a To find the best time to do home- for some, that may not be a bedroom ing in to. A small percentage of chil- work, consider your schedule and where familiar toys could divert their dren do better with a little background home run your child’s temperament and per- attention or a kitchen table situated noise, but the majority need it quiet. sonality. Some kids need a break around household hubbub. If your child insists on having when they get home. Others lose Find a consistent place away from something on, refrain from TV or steam if they don’t do their assign- distractions but still central to a par- familiar tunes that might distract ments right away. ent so the child can be monitored if his thinking. Choose instead unfa-

20 Manhattan Family • September 2016 long she worked. Find a consistent place 7. Pay attention away from distractions to patterns If you find your child frequently but still central to a saying he doesn’t understand the work, it may be a clue he needs parent so the child extra school support or a tutor. can be monitored if he Likewise, if he effortlessly whips through his assignments day after needs help staying on day, it may be an indication he’s not being challenged. task or has questions. Homework isn’t supposed to be overly difficult, but students should have to put some time and miliar songs without words such as thought into it. Look for patterns Dentistry & Orthodontics soothing, classical music. that something is happening, either good or bad. Then communi- 4. Aid and ally cate with the teacher and ask for Parents should be there to lend her suggestions. support and provide guidance when needed. Read together, help with di- 8. Relegate rections and spec out the first few responsibility problems to make sure your child Encourage your child to take on understands the concepts. Then the responsibility of starting and let her work independently while finishing homework by creating a remaining available for questions. system such as a check-off list. Follow up by checking for quality. When she starts to receive long- If you see several mistakes, encour- term projects, help her map out the age your child to make corrections. work by using a calendar, so she But don’t fix it for her. Teachers learns good time-management and would prefer the work come back organizational skills. wrong rather than having a parent Break down large projects into make needed corrections. the smallest components of what If the work is replete with er- needs to be done each day — read- rors, let it go, and send a note to ing “X” number of pages, for ex- the teacher saying your child didn’t ample. Then check with your child understand the work. Another periodically to make sure she’s thing that may help is a homework staying on task. buddy. Encourage your child to partner with a classmate, so they 9. Scope out sick days can be in contact with one another If your child is going to be out for if either has trouble while complet- more than a few days, contact the ing an assignment. teacher and let her know. If he has 305 E 55TH ST, SUITE 201 • NEW YORK, NY 10022 to stay home due to a minor illness, 5. Rapid review the teacher may want to send a few 212.755.3355 Reviewing previous lessons is things your way. beneficial in refreshing a student’s But if your child is truly sick memory, particularly with subjects and needs to rest, she’ll probably like math where one concept builds suggest letting him recover and upon another. catching him up on the work when Look at a couple of past lessons he returns. and have your child briefly explain the concepts to you. But keep it 10. Constantly 400 WEST END AVE # 1B • NEW YORK, NY 10024 short, so he’s still alert for the cur- communicate rent day’s assignment. Find out early on the best way to 212-496-9600 contact your child’s teacher — ei- 6. Tarry and toil ther by phone, email, note, or other. If your child is working for an Then if an issue arises, don’t wait to extended period of time, consider discuss it. Small problems can esca- PEDIATRICDENTISTNYC.COM the cause. Is she tired? Unfocused? late if not addressed right away. Dawdling? Not understanding the Even if things are going well, material? If she’s procrastinating, set occasionally touch base to make a timer or offer an incentive for com- sure you’re both pleased with your pleting the assignment on time. child’s progress. If, however, your child is diligent Denise Yearian is a former educa- Pediatric dental and orthodontal services and still not finishing in a reason- tor and editor of two parenting maga- able amount of time, have her stop. zines and the mother of three children for UWS and UES Manhattan patients. Then let the teacher know how and four grandchildren.

September 2016 • Manhattan Family 21 Education Helping children to succeed in math

dear teacher, should be aware of complaints and I always dreaded math signs that may indicate a child has Dear Teacher classes and quit taking math an eyes or vision problem: Peggy gisler and courses as soon as possible, • D o e s your child hold objects Marge eberts but I want my children to be close to the face when trying to focus successful in the subject. Can or sit close to the television? you help? • D o e s your child have frequent headaches? dear parent, • I s there an unusual appearance Parents can definitely con- to the eyes? tribute to making sure that their • I s there frequent blinking or eye children develop math skills. rubbing? One of the best ways to do this • I s there unusual sensitivity to is by helping them develop and light? keep a keen interest in math. • D o e s your child close or cover All young children start out one eye? being interested in math. They • D o one or both eyelids droop, or love to count objects and line does one eyelid tend to close? them up in groups, like putting two can’t think of any to share with their • I s the iris (colored part of the ducks and three bears together to children, they can search online for eye) different in color in the two get five. They also love to play games classic math problems. eyes? in which they are throwing the dice There is one no-no in encouraging • D o the eyes tend to “dance” or and counting the number of squares children’s interest in math. Parents show to-and-fro movements (nys- that they can move. must not share their own negative tagmus)? Parents need to encourage this experiences. • D o the eyes appear to turn in, almost automatic interest in math. Visit our Dear Teacher website, out, up, or down, or tend to intermit- According to Jo Boaler, a professor DearTeacher.com, and you can find tently drift off center? of mathematics education at Stan- under “Math Skill Builders” ways to • I s there a head tilt or turn, par- ford University, the best encourage- introduce mental math to your chil- ticularly when concentrating on ob- ment comes from providing a setting dren. You will also find on the web- jects at a distance or near? in which children’s mathematical site a list of children’s books with • D o e s your child complain of see- thinking is validated and encour- mathematics themes that will let ing double? aged. When parents give children a them enjoy and learn math while • D o e s your child lose his or her set of pattern blocks or Cuisenaire reading interesting stories. There place when reading? rods, they will do all sorts of math- are also intriguing and challenging • D o e s your child have difficulty ematical things with them. This is math riddles and puzzles. remembering what he or she reads? the time for parents to marvel at the Parents should keep vision in mind shapes or repeating patterns that Look for these signs when equipping their children with the children have created. of vision problems all of the necessary tools for a suc- Besides providing a setting that dear teacher, cessful school year. If there is a fam- fosters mathematical thinking, chil- My children always pass the vi- ily history of significant pediatric eye dren should be given puzzles and sion screening at school. Beyond this, or vision disorders or a potential eye problems to solve. Then parents and are there any signs of possible vision or vision problem is detected during children can work on them together. problems that I should be looking for? a screening examination, the child is This does not have to be a nightly usually referred for a comprehensive ritual, but it can be done at the dear parent, eye examination by a pediatric oph- dinner table from time to time. It is Vision plays an extremely impor- thalmologist or an eye care specialist important for parents to ask ques- tant role in childhood development ac- appropriately trained to evaluate and tions about how children are trying ademically, socially, and athletically, treat pediatric patients. to solve a problem, and for children according to Dr. Kara M. Cavuoto of Parents should send questions and to get in the habit of asking ques- the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. She comments to dearteacher@dearteacher. tions as they talk over how they will encourages parents to take advantage com or ask them on the columnists’ web- solve a problem. Children will gain of any vision screening opportunities site at www.dearteacher.com. enthusiasm for math through solv- that may be available to them. © Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2016. ing challenging problems. If parents According to the Institute, parents Distributed by King Features Syndicate

22 Manhattan Family • September 2016 Special Advertising Section September 2016 • Manhattan Family 23 School Choices Directory

weight room, an outdoor track, and its Catholic High own retreat center. School Xaverian High School Mary Louis Academy Bay Ridge Jamaica Estates 7100 Shore Road 176021 Wexford Terrace 718-836-7100 x127 718-297-2120, www.tmla.org www.xaverian.org Principal – Sister Kathleen McKinney A private, co-educational, Catholic, A Catholic college preparatory school for college preparatory school for grades young women founded in 1936 by the 6 – 12, established in 1957, it is one of Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, New thirteen schools nationwide sponsored York. The academic philosophy—rooted by the Xaverian Brothers. Students Nursery through 8th grade (ages 3-13) in the Sisters’ charism of unity, reconcili- are given the opportunity to grow in French and American curricula with an international perspective ation, and all-inclusive love—emphasizes their faith, intellect, leadership skills, intellectual, social, and spiritual growth. musical passions, and athletic talents. Mandarin introduction in 3rd grade and Spanish in Middle School The dedicated teachers, academic qual- Many unique academic programs 3 campus locations around Madison Square Park ity, outstanding facilities, and committed prepare students for success in top col- students create an unparalleled school leges and universities. An Internship OPEN HOUSE DATES spirit. Students are offered an array of Program allows students to take part in intellectually challenging courses that real-world experiences in professional September 28th 8:15am October 26th 8:15am provide academic foundation. Each stu- fields of their choice. One of the first October 12th 8:15am November 9th 8:15am dent develops her program incorporating schools in the United States to embrace honors and advanced placement courses a one-to-one computing environment, focusing on her strengths and inter- Xaverian provides each student with an ests and leading to a Regents Diploma iPad, and also boasts a renowned music TO SCHEDULE A PRIVATE TOUR, VISIT EINY.ORG with Advanced Designation. Guidance program (MAX), and the school’s Pipe Counselors offer personal and academic and Drum Corps has established itself as counseling beginning in freshman year. one of the best in the city. 111 East 22nd Street, New York , NY 10010 | 646.410.2238 TMLA has a unique and extensive college program which focuses on acceptance to top level colleges and universi- Private ties. The graduating classes received AltSchool Brooklyn scholarships totaling more than $20 mil- lion. Student talents are developed and Heights interests cultivated through participation 212 Hicks Street in more than 50 extracurricular clubs AltSchool East Village and activities. 1 Avenue B, NYC AltSchool Union Square St. John’s Preparatory 90 5th Avenue, NYC School [email protected] Astoria www.altschool.com 21-21 Crescent St A team of inspiring instructors create a 718-721-7200 personalized education for every student, www.stjohnsprepschool.org engage them in their own learning, Paving the way for Leaders of Tomorrow and help children develop a sense of for nearly 150 years, the school is responsibility in the learning process. A dedicated to promoting academic excel- personalized approach develops each lence and to instilling the principles and child’s knowledge, agility, and confi- values of the Catholic Faith in a posi- dence to navigate the future. We are tive, nurturing environment. A vigor- accepting applications for the 2017-2018 ous academic curriculum, an engaging school year for the Lower Schools in spiritual program, meaningful service Brooklyn Heights and the East Village, experiences, and extensive extracur- and the Middle School in Union Square, ricular opportunities establish a strong as well as limited transfer applications for foundation for life. Advanced Placement the 2016-2017 school year in Brooklyn courses are offered in all subject areas. Heights and the East Village. Please con- St. John’s Prep has a unique academic tact us by email for more information or affiliation with St. John’s University. The sign up for an event on our website. Baccalaureate Program is a special program that allows qualified students at The Caedmon School the Prep to complete their senior year of Upper East Side high school at the University. Currently 416 E 80th St located in the residential community 212-879-2296 of Astoria, Queens, the school building www.caedmonschool.org features large and well equipped science This Montessori-inspired preschool & laboratories, state-of-the-art computer elementary school serves children from labs, wireless capability, smart boards, 2-years-and-8-months-old through fifth a well stocked library, a band room, art grade. Students discover their passions room, a magnificent auditorium, beauti- in an environment devoted to childhood ful chapel, spacious guidance center, education that values care, community, a large gymnasium, a fully-equipped Continued on page 26 24 Manhattan Family • September 2016 Special Advertising Section What does it take to inspire those who hold our future in their hands? Global Vision Innovation Four global campuses in New York, London, Seoul, Spark Tank innovation grants for student entrepreneurs and Shanghai with one shared vision First school in the Americas to offer the full Outstanding college admissions worldwide International Baccalaureate curriculum

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Who Will Your Child Become? The Caedmon School is a Montessori-inspired program for Toddlers through Fifth grade that partners with families to graduate conﬁdent, creative learners who enroll in the ﬁnest middle schools in and around NYC.

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Special Advertising Section September 2016 • Manhattan Family 25 V E R I A A N X

E M S A P I I R C E A M S T A B E L L O C . R A M V Y O . XAVERIAN N O K L Y N School Choices OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 16, 2016, 10am to 2pm Directory A Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory PRIVATE Continued from page 24 212-223-4630 BUS school in the tradition of the Xaverian Brothers SERVICE since 1957, Xaverian offers: empathy, and independence, and gradu- www.montessorischoolny.com AVAILABLE! In a lovingly and carefully prepared OA cutting edge, one-to-one learning ates go on to excel in the finest inde- environment with iPads for every student pendent and public middle schools in environment, early learners are encour- NYC and beyond. In addition to the core aged to explore individual activities, O Project and problem-based learning through curriculum, a variety of specialist classes each at his own pace, and to grow in hands-on classroom experiences within the include Latin, art, science, technology, self esteem and independence. The Michael T. Strianese ‘74 STEM Program, violin, Spanish, and more. New program- open classroom with mixed age groups Xaverian’s highly acclaimed Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math curriculum in ming includes the integration of maker is more like life, and children learn to conjunction with Project Lead the Way space activities and projects in each do better each day competing with classroom, as well as a robust and excit- themselves rather than responding to O College counseling and Internship Program ing virtual and board game curriculum. the pressures of competing with others O College credit opportunities available Now accepting applications for the Fall. their age. A unique summer program through numerous AP, St. John’s University, and Schedule a tour in our bright, newly- offers a balance of continued learning Syracuse University courses renovated schoolhouse today. and outdoor activities ranging from educational theme-based field trips O College placements at prestigious schools Dwight School such as Brown University, Columbia University, to group sports activities. To ensure a Cornell University, Georgetown University, Upper West Side well-rounded experience, children enjoy 291 Central Park West CALL TODAY Macaulay Honors at CUNY, New York University, music and movement, arts and crafts, TO SCHEDULE YOUR Princeton University, University of Notre 212-724-6360 and a foreign language as well as water “CLIPPER FOR A DAY” Dame, University of Pennsylvania, US Military www.dwight.edu a play and swimming. For elementary APPOINTMENT! Academy at West Point, and US Naval Academy, [email protected] children, and advanced preschoolers, with the class of 2016 earning $36,880,924 in Founded in 1872, this internationally there is also individual academic tutor- scholarships! renowned independent school (nursery- ing available for rapid or average learn- O Unique extracurricular offerings, including grade 12) is committed to educating ers for the gifted and talented exams. the renowned MAX (Music at Xaverian) the next generation of innovative Specialized High School Entrance exam Program, as well as a competitive athletic global leaders — one student at a time. preparation is available for our older program for boys and girls Providing a personalized experience for students. The school is currently enroll- each student through the academically ing for fall admissions. Call to schedule For more information, please contact Xaverian’s Office of Admissions at vigorous International Baccalaureate an interview. (718) 836-7100 x127 or [email protected] (IB) curriculum, the school is dedicated 7100 Shore Road, Brooklyn, NY 11209 | www.xaverian.org/admissions | TACHS #011 to “igniting the spark of genius” in The Weekday School every child. With one of the lowest Upper West Side student-teacher ratios among New York 490 Riverside Drive City independent schools, Dwight cus- 212-870-6743, www.wdsny.org September 2016 tomizes an educational path for every The school is a diverse community MANHATTAN FREE student based on interests and talents. based on sharing, understanding, The school is proud to be the first in the and respect where each child’s gifts Family Americas to offer the comprehensive IB are celebrated. Dedicated to teaching Where Every Child Matters curriculum for students ages 3-19 is rec- children to become confident learners, ognized as the “gold standard” in pre- passionate explorers, and discerning university preparation by top colleges risk-takers, the curriculum draws Extra and universities worldwide. from both progressive and traditional approaches to encourage children to special Ecole Internationale de use all their senses and skills to learn Activities for your kids New York and grow. Offering compelling learning Gramercy opportunities for children from two Turn homework 111 East 22nd Street, NY, NY 10010 years of age through kindergarten, into a home run 646-410-2238 [email protected] our teachers work collaboratively www.einy.org to create a loving community of How a good Nursery to 8th Grade learners. In addition, “Side by Side at night’s sleep EINY nurtures students with compre- Riverside” is a program providing a 90 boosts learning hensive French-American bilingual minute introduction to the preschool education, fostering strong multicultural experience for very young children Find us online at www.NYParenting.com and global values. Students are taught accompanied by an adult. Skilled Early to discover and value their individuality, Childhood educators guide the children develop their talents and begin their through music, movement and art If you like the magazine, you’ll love the site. paths as future world citizens. Students activities and a circle time with songs are welcomed from diverse socio- and stories. Classes are scheduled on economic and cultural backgrounds. Tuesday and Thursday mornings and on The curricula and language programs Wednesday afternoons. Check us out! incorporate knowledge of the arts, practice of numerous sports and the Wetherby–Pembridge development of the appreciation of all School cultures. A rich extracurricular program Upper East Side NYParenting.com also allows students to discover new 7 E 96th St (Opens September 2017) passions and continue their love for 212-328-9529 learning outside the classroom. www.Wetherby-pembridge.org This new independent school for boys Where every family matters and where The Montessori School of and girls aged 3 to 11 will be part of the New York International prestigious Alpha Plus Group of schools. New York parents find help, info and support. Sutton Place Located in a superb location, just steps 347 E. 55th St. Continued on page 28 26 Manhattan Family • September 2016 Special Advertising Section THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL of New York International

Where children ages 5-14 with learning diff erences become skilled, strategic learners

Wisdom through Knowledge

REGISTER ● Montessori hands-on materials sharpen thinking skills NOW ● Excellent record for placement Gateway’s language-focused curriculum teaches the skills, for Fall in G & T programs and Specialized strategies, and content that each student needs to achieve High Schools academic success, while boosting self-conﬁ dence Admissions ● Music & Movement, Arts and Crafts and instilling a love of learning. ● Language Developement www.gatewayschool.org Currently enrolling for new preschool class The Gateway School | 211 West 61st Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10023 347 East 55th St. • 212.223.4630 • montessorischoolny.com

'FWECVKPI6QOQTTQYoU.GCFGTU / i>ÀÃvÌÀÕii>ìÀÃ «pÜi`}i]v>Ì ] ÛÀÌÕi]ÃiÀÛViÌÌ iÀÃ]>«>ÃÃvÀi>À}] OPENHOUSE Û>Ì]>`VÀi>ÌÛÌÞp>ÀiiLi`ì`ÕÀ 6DWXUGD\2FWREHUŋDPWRSP ÃV ½ÃVÕÌÕÀi°-Ì° ½Ã*Ài«Ã>vÕ`>ÌvÀ ÃÕVViÃÃ>`vÕviÌ]Vi}i>`vi° ÀìÌ>Ã]«i>ÃiV>ÕÀč`ÃÃÃ"vvViÇ£n°ÇÓ£°ÇÓääiÝÌÈ ÀÛÃÌÕÃ>ÌÃÌ Ã«Ài«ÃV °À}° • } ÃÌ>`>À`Ãvi>À}VÕ`}Ƃ*]ÀÃ]>` i}i ÝÌiÃVÕÀÃiÃ • >VÕÌÞì`V>Ìi`ÌÌ iii`Ãvi>V ÃÌÕìÌ “The bar was set high at St. John’s • ÃiÌ]ÛLÀ>ÌVÕÌÞv >Ì Vv>Ì • ƂVÌÛii}>}iiÌÕÌÃìÌ iV>ÃÃ>Ì iÌVÃ] ÃViVi]ÌiV }Þ]Ì i>ÀÌÃ]ÃiÀÛVi]V>«ÕÃÃÌÀÞ] Prep. We were challenged to be >`Ài our best, to make a difference, • Ý«iÀiÌ>i>À}Ì ÀÕ} >««ÀiÌViÃ «Ã]}L> ÌÀ>Ûi>`ÃiÀÛVi]-/ Ƃ ]>`«>ÀÌiÀÃ ««À}À>Ã and to be lifelong learners.” ÜÌ -Ì° ½Ã1ÛiÀÃÌÞ

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Special Advertising Section September 2016 • Manhattan Family 27 School Choices Private/Independent Directory

Continued from page 26 Central Park Montessori School from Central Park, the schools doors 1 W. 91st St. School Guide will open for its first incoming class in 212-595-2000 September 2017. It will bring to New Park West Montessori York the rich traditions and academic 435 Central Park West excellence that are at the heart of its 212-678-6072 thriving UK schools and world famous Riverside Montessori brands. Wetherby-Pembridge School 202 Riverside Dr. will offer a bespoke curriculum model 212-665-1600 combining the rigorous British National www.twinparks.org Curriculum with New York’s progressive Accredited by the American Montessori student-centered teaching approach. Society, the Middle States Commission The school’s vision is to awaken curios- and members of affiliate schools of ity, cultivate high standards, celebrate Columbia University. Providing nurtur- successes and encourage children to ing, child-centered settings for children continually question and create in the ages 3 months-6 years, the schools world around them. are committed to fostering a community of lifelong learners using proven Montessori methodology. Problem Private solving and creativity are emphasized Preschool along with age-appropriate academic subjects. Among Manhattan’s most Evolution Enrichment spacious preschools, offering rich and Center varied environments— from individual Lower East Side activity tables to open floor areas pro- 38 Delancey Street (2nd Fl) moting group interaction, from the 212-375-9500 quiet areas for independent interests to www.evolutionenrichment.com the abundance of the Schools’ glorious The school offers a unique and excep- backyards: Central and Riverside Parks. tional private program toddler preschool Each of these environments invites for 2-3s. This 15,000 sq. ft. early edu- exploration, discovery and fully meets cation center features bright and spa- the developmental needs of young cious classrooms with natural light, an children. outdoor playground, a dance studio and air-conditioned gym. Pre-K for All and Afterschool program options include Special Needs Mandarin Explorers, FasTracKids, G&T Gateway School – Special Test Prep, Music Explorers, and more. Open 8 am – 6 pm. Schedules include Needs Full Time, Part Time & Half Day. Tuition West Side 211 West 61st Street 6th Floor is competitive. Schedule a tour by calling 212-777-5794 or go online and visit our website. www.gatewayschool.org The Ideal School Teaching students with learning Upper West Side disabilities academic skills and strategies 314 W. 91st Street and helping them develop the social 212-769-1699 competence and self-confidence www.theidealschool.org necessary to succeed in mainstream New York City’s only independent inclu- educational settings and in the sion school, the school’s K-12 program community at large. The school provides seeks to create a diverse community a nurturing educational environment that affirms and accepts the full identi- that empowers students to overcome ties of all the people, while inspiring developmental hurdles and allows their academic excellence, creative leadership, talents to flourish. As they learn to and a desire to build a more just and appreciate their strengths, cope with equitable world. With a commitment challenges, and take pride in their to neurodiversity and inclusion educa- academic and social success, they gain tion, meaning all students – gifted and confidence in themselves and in their talented, typically developing, and stu- ability to shape their own lives. dents with learning differences – receive As a pioneer in the field, the school an individualized school experience remains committed to helping parents holding them to high academic stan- and professionals understand the nature dards, while providing the challenge and treatment of learning disabilities. and support necessary for success. The Believing a close, positive relationship school has two divisions: The IDEAL between the School and parents is School (K-5) and IDEAL Academy (6-12). an essential element in the growth The Academy is a candidate to become and development of every student, an International Baccalaureate school. Gateway is dedicated to teaching NYParenting.com parents and professionals about the Twin Parks Montessori many facets of learning disabilities and Schools their remediation through workshops, Upper West Side courses, and training programs. 28 Manhattan Family • September 2016 Special Advertising Section 7KH :HHNGD\6FKRRO DW5LYHUVLGH&KXUFK ! $3URJUHVVLYH,QGHSHQGHQW(DUO\&KLOGKRRG 6FKRROIRU&KLOGUHQ$JHV{LV/RFDWHGRQWKH Central Park Park West Riverside 8SSHU:HVW6LGHDWWKH,FRQLF5LYHUVLGH&KXUFK ! 3 A nurturing and caring environment ! ! ! ! ! 3 Bright, fully equipped, spacious classrooms with large, arching windows overlooking 1 West 91st Street 435 Central Park West 202 Riverside Drive the Hudson River and the upper West Side 1 West 91st Street 435 Central Park West 202 Riverside Drive New York, NY 10024 New York, NY 10025 New York, NY 10025 New York, NY 10024 New York, NY 10025 New York, NY 10025 3 A diverse inclusive community committed P (212) 595-2000 P (212) 678-6072 P (212) 665-1600 P (212) 595-2000 P (212) 678-6072 P (212) 665-1600 to understanding, sharing and respect F (212) 595-0101 F (212) 678-1998 F (212) 665-1775 F (212) 595-0101 F (212) 678-1998 F (212) 665-1775 3 Active parental involvement 3 A variety of school-year and summer programs 3 Multiple after-school enrichment activities 3 Family style lunches prepared on-site Twin Parks Montessori Schools are accredited by AMS, 3 Twin Parks Montessori Schools are accredited by AMS, 86 year history MSCES, and are members of ISAAGNY, NYSAIS, the Parents MSCES, and are members of ISAAGNY, NYSAIS, the Parents League and are afﬁliates of Columbia University. FOR 2017-18 ADMISSIONS INFO, PLEASE CONTACT US! League and are afﬁliates of Columbia University. 490 Riverside Drive • New York, NY 10027 • 212-870-6743 E-mail: [email protected] • www.wdsnyc.org “Side by Side at Riverside” next session starts October 2016. Registration Begins in December. A weekly 90-minute introduction to the pre-school experience for toddlers and their grown-ups. 1 • Children 16 months to 2 /2 years old • Morning and afternoon classes available For more information or to enroll contact Ms. Tricia Pool: [email protected] The Mary Louis Academy TM LA+ The Mary Louis Academy TM LA+ At The Mary Louis Academy, At The Mary Louis Academy, youAt The will Mary find yourLouis own Academy, youAt The will Mary find yourLouis own Academy, voice—distinctive,you will find your own confident, voice—distinctive,you will find your own confident, intelligent,voice—distinctive, creative, confident, and intelligent,voice—distinctive, creative, confident, and empowered—aintelligent, creative, voice and that empowered—aintelligent, creative, voice and that willempowered—a be one of your voice greatest that willempowered—a be one of your voice greatest that assetswill be onein life. of your greatest assetswill be onein life. of your greatest assets in life. assets in life.

OPEN HOUSE SHADOW VISIT OUR OPEN HOUSE ASHADOW STUDENT WEBSITEVISIT OUR OPENOctober HOUSE 16th, 2016 ASHADOW STUDENT WEBSITEVISIT OUR 10am-3pmOPENOctober HOUSE 16th, 2016 [email protected] STUDENT WEBSITEwww.tmla.orgVISIT OUR 10am-3pmOctober 16th, 2016 [email protected] STUDENT WEBSITEwww.tmla.org 10am-3pmOctober 16th, 2016 [email protected] www.tmla.org 10am-3pm [email protected] www.tmla.org

The Mary Louis Academy is sponsored by the 176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica Estates, NY 11432 | Phone: 718-297-2120 SistersThe Mary of LouisSt. Joseph Academy of Brentwood, is sponsored New by York. the 176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica Estates, NY 11432 | Phone: 718-297-2120 AccreditedSistersThe Mary of LouisSt. by Joseph the Academy Middle of Brentwood, Statesis sponsored Association New by York. the 176-21Fax: 718-739-0037 Wexford Terrace, | @WEARETMLA Jamaica Estates, | #HILLTOPPERNATION NY 11432 | Phone: | 718-297-2120 TACHS #016 ofAccreditedSistersThe Colleges Mary of LouisSt. byand Joseph the AcademySchools Middle of Brentwood, and Statesis sponsored Chartered Association New byby York. thethe 176-21Fax: 718-739-0037 Wexford Terrace, | @WEARETMLA Jamaica Estates, | #HILLTOPPERNATION NY 11432 | Phone: | 718-297-2120 TACHS #016 StateofAccreditedSisters Colleges of of NY. St. byand Joseph the Schools Middle of Brentwood, and States Chartered Association New by York. the Fax: 718-739-0037 | @WEARETMLA | #HILLTOPPERNATION | TACHS #016 StateofAccredited Colleges of NY. byand the Schools Middle and States Chartered Association by the Fax: 718-739-0037 | @WEARETMLA | #HILLTOPPERNATION | TACHS #016 Stateof Colleges of NY. and Schools and Chartered by the State of NY. Special Advertising Section September 2016 • Manhattan Family 29 From A to ZZZs By Malia JacoBson Po Bronson in his book “Nurture- Read on for age-specific informa- Important Shock: New Thinking About Chil- tion on how sleep impacts learning ant kids to bring home an dren.” This lost sleep comes with a — and how to help kids get a better info linking A? Start with more ZZZs. steep price tag — impaired learning night’s rest: W According to sleep ex- and academic success. perts and numerous new studies, How does sleep boost learning? Early school years, 3–8 shut-eye to lost sleep hurts learning and hin- Researchers believe it has to do For sleep-deprived kids, school ders school-day success. That’s with the way the brain processes trouble starts early: 10 percent of bad news, because today’s kids get information during sleep. In fact, kids in early education suffer from great grades about an hour less sleep each night Michigan State University research- sleep disturbances that disrupt than they did 30 years ago, says ers found that children can even learning, according to a German New York Times bestselling author learn while they’re asleep as the study. The American Professional brain integrates new information Sleep Society reports that sleep de- and memories. Researchers from privation significantly worsens in- How much sleep does your child need? University of Florida discovered attentiveness and hyperactivity in Is your child getting enough rest? Check these guidelines to be sure: that newborns learn in their sleep, young children, leading to attention ages 3 to 6: 10–12 hours per day and new research from the Ameri- deficit hyperactivity disorder-like ages 7 to 12: 10–11 hours per day can Academy of Sleep Medicine symptoms (known as “faux” ADHD). ages 13 to 18: 8–9 hours per day shows that sleep helps students Even modest sleep deprivation perform better on tests. is enough to hinder learning. Ac-

30 Manhattan Family • September 2016 tivities that end at least an hour Parents must maintain before kids need to wind down for bed. Experience the thrill of catch-and- firm school-year release ﬁshing and discover the Teenage years, 14–18 GO variety of marine life thriving in bedtimes and choose Teenagers are Splaingard’s most the Hudson River! sleep-deprived patients, a fact that 9.1, 9.24, 10.15 after-school and doesn’t surprise him. During high FISH! evening activities that school, after-school jobs, extracurricular activities, sports, socializ- end at least an hour ing, and homework simply don’t leave enough time for sleep. Most before kids need to teens need more sleep than parents think — more than nine hours wind down for bed. a night — and chronic sleep deprivation hurts learning at a time when kids need lots of mental en- cording to a study published in ergy for tough subjects from chem- the journal “Sleep,” a mere hour istry to calculus. of lost slumber is enough to bring But teens’ busy schedules de- on inattentiveness and hyperactiv- serve only part of the blame for ity in young children. A 2011 study their sleep deficits: cellphones and Wagner Park . 10am-2pm . Fishing, Art and Nature Walks of 6 and 7 year olds shows that laptops keep teens up late, often language skills, grammar, spelling, into the wee hours. When teens Family concerts @ Noon: and reading comprehension suffer finally power off their computers 9.10 - Dan Zanes & Elizabeth Mitchell with You Are My Flower when kids get less than nine hours and go to bed, round-the-clock ac- of sleep per night. cess to phones disrupts sleep. A 9.24 - Sonia de los Santos How to help: new study reports that sleeping 10.15 - The Suzi Shelton Band Sleep-deprived children may near cellphones puts teens at risk not appear sleepy, says Dr. Shelby for so-called “sleep texting:” wak- F. Harris, director of the Behav- ing up and firing off text messages www.bpcparks.org ioral Sleep Medicine Program at during the night without any recol- Montefiore Medical Center in New lection of having sent the texts the York. In fact, they may act hyper next morning. All this sleep disrup- and goofy. But preschoolers and tion adds up to bleary mornings school-age children don’t outgrow and bleak report cards. the need for a consistent bedtime How to help: and bedtime routine. Establish an Protect teens’ precious sleep age-appropriate bedtime that al- hours with a media curfew — shut lows your child to rest for 10 to 11 down all electronics an hour be- hours each night. fore bed and establish a “charg- ing station” outside the bedroom Tween years, 9–13 where teens leave their electron- During the late elementary- and ics overnight. This important step middle-school years, academ- keeps bedrooms free of sleep-dis- ics become more challenging and rupting cellphones and computers, sports more competitive. But when says Harris. increasingly busy schedules start “The bedroom should be a place cutting into sleep, kids retain less for sleep,” she notes. “It’s not a of what they learn, says Dr. Mark spot for homework, watching TV, Splaingard, director of the Sleep or surfing the internet.” Disorders Center at Nationwide When it comes to learning, tu- Children’s Hospital. tors, cutting-edge gadgets, and “Long hours spent on sports hours of homework can’t com- practice or math problems are pensate for hours of lost sleep. counterproductive, if these activi- When parents prioritize kids’ sleep ties keep kids up late at night,” he needs, learning comes more natu- notes. rally, says Splaingard. Kids will learn more and per- “We think we’re helping make form better — whether on the field kids more successful with more or in the classroom — with suffi- activities and more homework. cient shut-eye. But what they really need is more How to help: sleep.” Parents need to understand Malia Jacobson is a nationally pub- sleep’s importance and guard kids’ lished journalist and mom of three. sleep hours zealously, says Splain- Her latest book is “Sleep Tight, Every gard. That means maintaining firm Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschool- school-year bedtimes and choos- ers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, ing after-school and evening ac- or Tirades.”

September 2016 • Manhattan Family 31 Finding her shtick A Brooklyn By Tammy Scileppi uper-funny stand-up comedian comedian’s Ophira Eisenberg is an avid S storyteller. She shares her personal stories with strangers wher- journey to ever she performs — and loves it! The popular host of NPR’s hit trivia comedy show, “Ask Me Another,” mommyhood took the city’s comedy scene by storm in 2001, when she arrived here from her native Canada to pursue her calling. At 43, the newbie Brooklyn parent thinks she has that mysterious work- life balance stuff all figured out, and declares, “There’s probably no such thing!” When the budding funny gal dropped anchor in New York City she was hell-bent on making a name for herself in the cut-throat world Photo by Amelie Gamet of stand-up comedy. In her gut, she The new mom has embraced mommyhood, despite her past disinterest in having knew that standing out from the kids. She says her son Lucas, now 6 months old, is her greatest achievement. crowd meant having your own style, as well as your own shtick. And arms of an ice sculpture! By the time she was 34 weeks preg- she had plenty of style. Finding her “I figured whatever came naturally nant, she was exploding with new shtick, well, that would come with to everyone else, just didn’t come to material about what it was like being time. Ask any comedian, and they’ll me,” she added. “On one hand, I felt a “prego,” and her impending moth- tell you the key is to keep working bad about not being maternal. But I erhood. She says she is still grateful at it and trying out new material in also liked it. It was okay that I wasn’t for having so much more to riff on front of different audiences to see put on this earth just to raise chil- during her sets. When the expectant what gets the most laughs. dren and clean the house. I could mom performed her fabulous show After all, that’s what comics live focus on building my career. Plus, “Inside Joke” last year, at a Brook- for — getting laughs. who would torture a child by rais- lyn venue with a snake-like Snoogle When she started her “finding my- ing it in New York City? You’d have body pillow wrapped around her self” journey, Eisenberg didn’t want to have the last name Rockefeller to protruding, low-slung belly, the au- much out of life. Just to make a liv- get a place with closets, let alone a dience couldn’t get enough of her ing and get lots of gigs, and hope- backyard.” self-described “clueless and unpre- fully find a New York apartment that Feeling stressed out, she just cav- pared” comments and complaints. was bigger than 300 square feet, so alierly shrugged off the whole mom- “It’s funny how my act progressed. she could actually walk around her myhood thing. After all, her career It was always autobiographical, but I bed. Oh, and there was one other was finally taking off. And besides, have talked and written a lot on dat- thing: she dreamed of owning a she and husband Jonathan were having, relationships, marriage, and now wine fridge. That was her definition ing fun sans kids. on being a mom,” Eisenberg said. “I of success. But it became increasingly diffi- joked that I was both high risk and Later on, life got a bit more com- cult to ignore those “annoying” swirl- an inspiration, that finding out was plicated, as it always does. When the ing thoughts of pushing strollers and somewhere in between a surprise practicing New Yorker would meet bedtime stories. and a mistake, like a ‘wow’ with a up with her 30-something friends, “Then I turned 40. That year, ‘holy crap’ in it. Because I was older, who seemed like ticking biological things finally started to gel for my I didn’t have to worry about ruining time bombs (and rightly concerned career: I was performing and travel- my life, because now I’d be ruining about their aging eggs), it got her ing a ton, and I wrote a book. I had a someone else’s life.” thinking. All that talk about preg- job at NPR. For one nanosecond, I felt The comic said audiences lapped nancy and stuff, combined with their satisfied, but was still entirely ambiv- up these irreverent one-liners, but collective yen for “gnawing on pudgy alent about having kids. So I ordered they also accomplished something baby thighs,” made the rising comic a wine fridge,” Eisenberg recalled. larger: “The jokes made me feel safe. wonder why she wasn’t experiencing But the stork wouldn’t have any They distanced me from my intense that odd craving as well. of it! fears and allowed me to partially re- She would joke: “Every time I held When the stand-up comedian write my own story.” someone’s baby, it screamed and found out she was pregnant at 43, she And that was something she defi- cried like they had slipped it into the immediately brought it to the stage. nitely needed, after being to hell and 32 Manhattan Family • September 2016 back prior to her pregnancy with her son.

Tragedy and comedy It was shortly after she got her Finding her shtick beloved wine fridge that everything changed. By Tammy Scileppi “The next nanosecond, a sledge- A Brooklyn hammer smashed through my house uper-funny stand-up comedian of cards,” she wrote in her book comedian’s Ophira Eisenberg is an avid “Screw Everyone: Sleeping My Way S storyteller. She shares her per- to Monogamy.” sonal stories with strangers wher- After a routine test, she was di- journey to ever she performs — and loves it! agnosed with breast cancer. The popular host of NPR’s hit trivia “Talk about a ‘wow’ with a comedy show, “Ask Me Another,” ‘holy crap’ in it — just forget mommyhood took the city’s comedy scene by the ‘wow.’ To be clear, it storm in 2001, when she arrived here was early stage breast from her native Canada to pursue cancer, but as you can her calling. imagine, there is no such thing as lucky At 43, the newbie Brooklyn parent Ophira Eisenberg is a stand-up comedian thinks she has that mysterious work- cancer. And thus and host of NPR’s hit trivia comedy show life balance stuff all figured out, and started a year of declares, “There’s probably no such hell. I didn’t take “Ask Me Another.” (Above) Eisenberg thing!” to Facebook and ask telling jokes at eight-and-a-half months When the budding funny gal for thoughts or prayers. pregnant, with her bedazzled Snoogle. dropped anchor in New York City I didn’t live-tweet it. I was destroyed she was hell-bent on making a name by it. I could barely hold myself up Google, ‘My baby smiles so much,’ for herself in the cut-throat world Photo by Amelie Gamet as I went through one, and then un- [and] you get an article that says it of stand-up comedy. In her gut, she The new mom has embraced mommyhood, despite her past disinterest in having expectedly two, surgeries, hundreds could be a brain tumor.)” knew that standing out from the kids. She says her son Lucas, now 6 months old, is her greatest achievement. of tests, 30 days of radiation, and And she’s not worried that she crowd meant having your own style, endless hours of trying to figure out had her child later in life. as well as your own shtick. And arms of an ice sculpture! By the time she was 34 weeks preg- what I did to deserve this.” “I’m enjoying the new perspec- she had plenty of style. Finding her “I figured whatever came naturally nant, she was exploding with new Somehow, Eisenberg got past it tive I have on life, and even though shtick, well, that would come with to everyone else, just didn’t come to material about what it was like being and is now okay. But fate had other I’m one of the older moms, at least I time. Ask any comedian, and they’ll me,” she added. “On one hand, I felt a “prego,” and her impending moth- plans in store for her when she took don’t have to worry about feeling like tell you the key is to keep working bad about not being maternal. But I erhood. She says she is still grateful an at-home pregnancy test and dis- I’m missing out on the party life, beat it and trying out new material in also liked it. It was okay that I wasn’t for having so much more to riff on covered it was positive. cause guess what — I’ve done it!” front of different audiences to see put on this earth just to raise chil- during her sets. When the expectant “The word ‘pregnant’ showed up See Eisenberg in action! Her what gets the most laughs. dren and clean the house. I could mom performed her fabulous show in the little digital window. I called home spot is Gotham Comedy Club. After all, that’s what comics live focus on building my career. Plus, “Inside Joke” last year, at a Brook- my husband and told him. Then I She performs there several times for — getting laughs. who would torture a child by rais- lyn venue with a snake-like Snoogle experienced my first actual pregnant a month. You can also see her at When she started her “finding my- ing it in New York City? You’d have body pillow wrapped around her pause,” she wrote. Union Hall and The Bell House in self” journey, Eisenberg didn’t want to have the last name Rockefeller to protruding, low-slung belly, the au- Soon after, though, she miscar- Brooklyn. Recently, she teamed up much out of life. Just to make a liv- get a place with closets, let alone a dience couldn’t get enough of her ried. with New Yorker cartoonist and au- ing and get lots of gigs, and hope- backyard.” self-described “clueless and unpre- It was when she got pregnant with thor of “Mama Tried” Emily Flake for fully find a New York apartment that Feeling stressed out, she just cav- pared” comments and complaints. her son Lucas, who is now 6 months a comedy show, where all the acts was bigger than 300 square feet, so alierly shrugged off the whole mom- “It’s funny how my act progressed. old, that everything came together talk about parenting. she could actually walk around her myhood thing. After all, her career It was always autobiographical, but I for this Park Slope mom. She’s so “Sh!t Show” at Union Hall [702 Union bed. Oh, and there was one other was finally taking off. And besides, have talked and written a lot on dat- happy to finally have a chubby little St. between Fifth and Sixth avenues thing: she dreamed of owning a she and husband Jonathan were having, relationships, marriage, and now guy of her very own. The family now in Park Slope, (718) 638–4400, union- wine fridge. That was her definition ing fun sans kids. on being a mom,” Eisenberg said. “I lives in a decent-sized flat in the Photo by Mindy Tucker hallny.com] Sept. 8, 7:30 pm. of success. But it became increasingly diffi- joked that I was both high risk and Brooklyn neighborhood. quite wonderful.” to that e-mail, because I’m too busy Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival at Later on, life got a bit more com- cult to ignore those “annoying” swirl- an inspiration, that finding out was But triple - checking two baby cams with my son and working, nothing re- the Bell House [149 Seventh St. between plicated, as it always does. When the ing thoughts of pushing strollers and somewhere in between a surprise Working mom and drowning in doo-doo and dia- ally bad happens!” she says. Third and Second avenues in Gowanus, practicing New Yorker would meet bedtime stories. and a mistake, like a ‘wow’ with a Eisenberg says she has found pers can be exhausting — even for She has also realized why raising (718) 643–6510, thebellhouseny.com] up with her 30-something friends, “Then I turned 40. That year, ‘holy crap’ in it. Because I was older, mommy bliss in her community. a celebrity — so, baby in tow, Eisen- kids is more challenging today than Sept. 17, 6:30 pm. who seemed like ticking biological things finally started to gel for my I didn’t have to worry about ruining “My mommy group is on the third berg recently fled back to Canada for ever before. The new season of “Ask Me Another” time bombs (and rightly concerned career: I was performing and travel- my life, because now I’d be ruining floor of my apartment building, as a family visit and some downtime. “I’m saying nothing new here when is here! Listen to it on iTunes. For tickets about their aging eggs), it got her ing a ton, and I wrote a book. I had a someone else’s life.” there are four babies born the same The host of “Ask Me Another” I say that the amount of information to a live taping, visit www.nprpresents. thinking. All that talk about preg- job at NPR. For one nanosecond, I felt The comic said audiences lapped year as Lucas, four other kids be- — described as “pub trivia meets you have access to can be really org/organizer/ask-me-another nancy and stuff, combined with their satisfied, but was still entirely ambiv- up these irreverent one-liners, but tween 1 and 4, and one pregnant a variety show,” the rambunctious confusing when it comes to figuring Ophira Eisenberg has also released collective yen for “gnawing on pudgy alent about having kids. So I ordered they also accomplished something couple,” Eisenberg said. “These are program is jam-packed with a mash- out how to raise your baby. On one her second comedy album “BANGS!” baby thighs,” made the rising comic a wine fridge,” Eisenberg recalled. larger: “The jokes made me feel safe. the people that dropped off food, up of trivia, word games, music, puz- hand, it’s amazing to have all of this on Comedy Dynamics, www.comedydy- wonder why she wasn’t experiencing But the stork wouldn’t have any They distanced me from my intense water, and clothing when I came zles, and celebrities — says she’s information just one desperate 3 am namics.com. that odd craving as well. of it! fears and allowed me to partially re- home from the hospital. True neigh- getting better at prioritizing, but has Google away, but you can also fall Tammy Scileppi is a Queens-based She would joke: “Every time I held When the stand-up comedian write my own story.” bors! On some weekdays, all the kids also realized that it’s best not to down a deep hole of contradictory freelance writer and journalist, parent, someone’s baby, it screamed and found out she was pregnant at 43, she And that was something she defi- pour into the hallway and we just sweat the small stuff. ideas, and of course, terrible con- and regular contributor to New York cried like they had slipped it into the immediately brought it to the stage. nitely needed, after being to hell and stand around the chaos and talk. It’s “Hey, guess what? If I don’t reply clusions to simple problems. (You Parenting. September 2016 • Manhattan Family 33 ADVICE Choosing a guardian

I have a Last Will and Testament Court within 60 days of acting as the that states who should become the standby guardian. guardian of my young children if my The proceeding for appointment husband and I die, but I have heard of guardian can be brought by any that probate can be a long and drawn- person who has an interest, or by the out proceeding. Is there something I child him or herself if he or she over can do to protect my children in an the age of 14. Notice of the proceed- emergency situation? ing must be given to the person with ASK AN whom the minor resides at that time Last Will and Testament is the regardless of relationship, the nearest ATTORNEY document that nominates a adult family members who live in the ALISON ARDEN BESUNDER, Aguardian for your minor chil- State of New York, and any other rela- ESQ. dren when you die. If you die without tives the court determines, whether a Will, a two-step process is required or not they are within the state. to administrate your estate. First, Make sure your appointed standby someone needs to petition the guard- guardian has all of that information. ianship part of the Surrogate’s Court to the terms of any minor’s trust in You may include an informational to be appointed guardian, and then your Will. He would also be respon- sheet with the document that you that person or another person with sible for making payments for the can update when necessary, or make standing can petition to be appointed benefit of the child. sure your attorney has the informa- the administrator of your estate (it Some people wish to have the tion. It is also helpful to have avail- is usually the guardian). The person guardian be the same person as the able a copy of the minor child’s birth petitioning to be guardian might not minor’s trustee. It is often a good certificate and any relevant docu- be the one you would have chosen if idea to have a co-trustee serve if the ments such as adoption papers or you had properly completed the right guardian will be a trustee. The co- medical information. documents. trustee is a good second set of eyes The court determines the ap- A guardian ad litem — someone the to help protect against mistakes or, pointment of guardian based on the court appoints to investigate what so- even worse, someone who improp- “best interest of the child” standard, lutions would be in the “best interests erly uses assets, whether intention- and the designated guardian by the of a child” — will likely be appointed ally or negligently. parent is important in making such to protect the interests of the child. We also prepare for our clients a a decision. This is especially impor- The guardian would also need to ac- document known as a Designation tant if who you choose to take care count for any assets that come into of Standby Guardian. Another simi- of your minor children is not a family the guardianship estate, and would lar document is a Designation of a member, but instead may be a close need to petition to withdraw funds for Person in Parental Relations. This family friend. Don’t allow the court the benefit of the child. is effectively a power of attorney for to make the decision for you, make In contrast, if you nominate a your child, empowering someone to your choice known and execute a guardian in your Will, the adminis- make decisions for your child in your Designation of Standby Guardian to tration of the estate for the benefit of absence, or if you are incapacitated help protect your minor children. your children is somewhat smoother. or cannot be reached, or even in the An estate planning attorney can First, the nomination is just that: event of your death until a perma- help you identify a proper fiduciary a nomination. Ordinarily the court nent guardian can be appointed. It and prepare these documents. By defers to the parents’ nomination, does not necessarily allow someone preparing and executing these docu- but can decline to appoint that per- to access your assets for the benefit ments, it can save your family time son if the person is not fit to serve of a child; that can only be done by and expense in emergency situations, as guardian. This is why it’s impor- a power of attorney that you execute and help streamline the process to tant to name successor guardians. In appointing someone to handle your make it as smooth as possible. addition, the person you nominate assets under certain circumstances. Alison Arden Besunder is the found- might decline to serve. With respect to a Designation of ing attorney of the law firm of Arden The second role to consider is the Standby Guardian, in the event of Besunder P.C., where she assists par- minor’s trustee. This is effectively your incapacity or death, the desig- ents in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the guardian of the property — the nated person can act immediately Nassau, and Suffolk Counties with their person or persons who will manage to take care of your minor’s needs. estate planning needs. You can find her the money for the benefit of your That person must then file a petition on Twitter @estatetrustplan and on her child, and distribute assets pursuant for guardianship in the Surrogate’s website at www.besunderlaw.com.

Disclaimer: This column is provided by Arden Besunder P.C. and New York Parenting Media as a public service to inform readers of legal issues. It is not intended to advise. Since legal issues vary with an individual’s situation and needs, one should consult with an attorney. It is impossible to cover all aspects of the law in an article. Please be advised that the laws are constantly changing. The content in this article reflects the current law. Nothing contained in this article is intended as advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the firm. Individual consultation with an attorney is required to determine the specific facts and circumstances of any particular situation. A written retainer agreement between you and the firm is required before any attorney-client relationship may be created. Circular 230 Disclosure Notice: To ensure compliance with Treasury Department rules governing tax practice, we inform you that any advice contained herein (including in any attachment) (1) was not written and is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalty that may be imposed on the taxpayer, and (2) may not be used in connection with promoting, marketing or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed herein. 34 Manhattan Family • September 2016 ADVICEAdvice Talking tough topics before the big day

tephen and Natalie (not their real names) are engaged to be S married. They have been dat- DIVORCE & ing for more than a year, enjoy the same music, both like sports, and SEPARATION have many of the same views about LEE CHABIN, ESQ. politics. Each has met the other’s parents, and the families have met and like each other. Natalie and Stephen are obviously in love, and are looking forward to spending their lives together. From what they had initially shared with the mediator, there were no problems looming. But, there were many important questions, such as about money and having children, that they hadn’t seriously discussed with each other — until coming to mediation. Many couples don’t have these se- about religion and raising children? a lot of arguments. But this was rious conversations before marriage. Private school or public? And many great. It means a lot to know that Why not? Some partners assume more, each a potential springboard Stephen is so understanding about that, because they’re getting along, to significant issues. something that really concerns me. they must agree on all the issues that Stephen and Natalie learned, I wasn’t exactly worried, but I think matter to them. Others don’t give the among other things, that there are that money was more on my mind future much thought. There are also differences in how they view and feel than I realized. I’m so happy that he “avoiders” who fear conflict. about money. is willing to work together to save Natalie and Stephen, as happy as “Our talking here was revealing,” money, even though it isn’t as im- they were, sensed that a lot had been Stephen said after the session. “I portant to him. I’ll feel more secure, left unsaid between them. Not know- found out how Natalie feels about financially, and in our relationship.” ing how to proceed on their own, money. [While] dating, it didn’t come Talking about what is important they decided to try a premarital me- up. I did notice that she felt a little un- to you, and what your respective diation session. comfortable when we went to an ex- values are, won’t guarantee a happy As in a divorce, a mediator can pensive restaurant. But I had no idea marriage. But such discussions will work with couples before marriage. that Natalie worries about money, increase understanding, and likely He can: about always having enough.” help you resolve problems that oth- • Help each partner to talk about Asked how this knowledge might erwise might eventually lead to di- what he and she wants and needs. impact on their future, Stephen of- vorce. • Help them both have a construc- fered: Try having a conversation on your tive conversation, even when ten- “Me, I kind of like the idea of own. It can be difficult, but don’t give sions rise. having a really nice car. But know- up. If necessary, outside help (such • Guide the discussion so that hid- ing [now] how Natalie feels about as from a mediator) is available. den differences come to light. money, well, let’s say we need a New York City and Long Island-based • Assist the couple in addressing car, I’ll be fine with a cheaper one, lawyer and mediator Lee Chabin helps any issues. if that’ll make Natalie feel better. clients to express their needs, better In a premarital session with a What we save could go in the bank, understand one another, and reach de- young couple, a discussion about or whatever. We’ll talk and figure it cisions that benefit each of them. Con- children might follow questions such out.” tact him at [email protected], as: Do you want kids? How many? Natalie was almost beaming, (718) 229–6149, or go to http://lc-medi- When? Do you imagine one of you knowing that her fiancé understood ate.com /. Follow him on Facebook at staying home with them (and would her feelings; feelings that she hadn’t www.facebook.com/lchabin . you be able to afford to)? Is the home clearly expressed to him before. Disclaimer: All material in this column is for infor- you’ll be living in to start with big “I don’t like talking about money,” mational purposes only and does not constitute legal enough? What have you discussed Natalie said. “Growing up, there were advice.

September 2016 • Manhattan Family 35 PARENTING

Everyday, I see people — many that I liked and respected — act like unruly 5-year-olds as they dili- The politics gently fight to defend their view. Even worse, I see those same people spew poison with the ease of a black widow spider. I can’t imagine that these people would intention- of ... politics ally want to display their worst selves to the world, or even worse, consider myself a very tolerant litical candidate or have the exact to their own kids … and in writing. person. Actually, I’m accepting same beliefs, but it seems that Fa- As parents, our kids are intently I almost to a fault, and I can usu- cebook and Twitter, and even Ins- watching how we behave, and read- JUST WRITE ally see all sides of an issue. I will tagram, have become a playground ing what we put out there, or say- definitely listen to everyone’s side for people to be hateful, venge- ing to a spouse, neighbor, or friend. MOM of an issue. This trait has helped ful, and outright insane, mirroring How can we tell our kids not to DANIELLE SULLIVAN me in parenting, managing a staff, the road this current election has bully others and then go on hateful and getting along with friends of all taken. rants as easily as we take a breath? beliefs. I generally don’t mind what When I was growing up and I respect that everyone has their anyone thinks or does, as long as learned that people should not dis- own ideas on how we can make he or she is not hurting anyone, of cuss politics or religion in public, this world better, but change can course. To each his own is a good I never quite understood why. As only come from working together rule of thumb. I grew older, I realized that the with clear, rational minds and open However, I began to feel ruffled myriad opinions among any given hearts. a few months ago when I would go group of people could be colossal It comes to mind that another old on my social media accounts and and opposing. In addition, when saying still rings true, “If you don’t see disparaging remarks about so those opinions are threatened, they have something nice to say, don’t many people who I like and respect. can trigger a deep sensitivity that say anything at all.” Of course, we It felt unsettling. As the months hovers around the person’s be- all have the right to free speech, progressed, it only worsened. liefs on love, life, family, and but that doesn’t mean we have to Now, I don’t expect any of us patriotism. Unfortunately, not choose the lowest form of ourselves to endorse the same po- everyone can keep a rational to put on display. I much prefer the head when triggered. posts (and campaigns) that praise its choice of candidate rather than disparage the other. Even though we live a world where everything is flaunted, often disgustingly and unedited on Twitter, we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard, and consider how much of what we write online is what we would actually say at the water cooler or at a party. Words are things. That’s something that Maya Angelou, the great poet and writer, always said. Words have the power to bring people down or lift people up, deflate or inspire, and instigate vengeance or call out for peace, so let’s commit to choose them with care as we head into November and beyond. Danielle Sullivan, a mom of three, has worked as a writer and editor in the parenting world for more than 10 years. Sullivan also writes about pets and parenting for Disney’s Babble.com. Find Sullivan on her blogs, Just Write Mom and Some Puppy To Love.

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September 2016 • Manhattan Family 37 CalendarSeptember Marc Orbito

“Peace On Your Wings” soars forms original pop music with Jap- into John Jay College Gerald Lynch anese influences. ‘Peace on Your Theater on Sept. 9 and 10. “Peace On Your Wings,” Sept. “Peace on Your Wings” is an 9 at 7:30 pm and Sept. 10 at 2 pm uplifting, new musical based on and 7:30 pm. Tickets are $35-$25 Wings’ soars the true story of Sadako Sasaki, for general admission and $15 for a young girl who survived the Hi- students. roshima bombings and went on John Jay College Gerald Lynch The- to inspire an international peace ater [524 W. 59th St. between 11th and movement by folding one thousand 10th avenues in Lincoln Square, (808) origami cranes. The all-youth cast, 744–5501, http://ohanaarts.ticketleap. making its New York premier, per- com]

38 Manhattan Family • September 2016 Never miss a great event! Sign up for our FREE newsletter and get twice-a-week ideas for you and your family right in your mailbox. NYParenting.com Calendar Beginning cross stitchers and younger children will learn the basic stitch and Submit a listing create a bookmark with their new skill. This calendar is dedicated to More seasoned stitchers and older chil- bringing our readers the most dren and adults make a handcrafted comprehensive list of events in gift for someone. Ages 7 and up. your area. But to do so, we need your help! Fri, Sept. 9 Send your listing request to manhattancalendar@cnglocal. In Manhattan com — and we’ll take care of “Peace On Your Wings”: John Jay the rest. Please e-mail requests College Gerald Lynch Theater, 524 W. more than three weeks prior 59th St.; [email protected]; ohanaarts. to the event to ensure we have ticketleap.com; 7:30 pm; $35, $25, enough time to get it in. And best $15-students with id. of all, it’s FREE! “Peace on Your Wings,” an uplifting, new musical based on the true story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who survived the Hiroshima bombings Thurs, Sept. 1 and went on to inspire an international In Manhattan peace movement. The presentation is by an all youth cast. Pee Wee Basketball: 71st Street Soccer Field & Courts, W. 71st Street “The Tempest”: The Underground and Riverside Boulevard; 311; 9:30 am Theater of El Barrio’s Artspace, 215 E. to 11:30 am; Free. Meeting Washington 99th St. at Third Avenue; www.brown- All little ones (5 years old and under papertickets.com/event/2592723; 8 only) are welcome at Summer on the Celebrate the Battle of Brook- the battle. pm; $15. Hudson’s introductory lessons in soccer lyn — in Manhattan — on Sept. Family Day is a family-friendly Presented by Identity Theater, this and basketball. 24, at the New-York Historical So- portion of a larger year-long ex- performance is a reimagining of Shake- Series Painting: Children’s Museum ciety DiMenna Children’s History hibit on the historical event at speare’s final play “The Tempest.” Rec- of the Arts, 103 Charlton St. at Hudson Museum. the New-York Historical Society ommended for teens. Street; (212) 274–0986; www.cmany. Family Day recreates the Rev- Museum. org; Noon to 6 pm; Free with museum olutionary War’s devastating Family Day Battle of Brooklyn, Sat, Sept. 10 admission. fight when British forces gained Sept. 24 from 10 am to 4 pm. Free In Manhattan Children 5 years and older are in- control of the city, and offers with museum admission. spired by Rufino Tamayo’s multiple Stroller Tour: Whitney Museum of children an opportunity to en- New-York Historical Society Di- paintings of watermelons. The budding American Art, 99 Gansvoort St.; (212) artists will create a series of paintings gage in hands-on activities and Menna Children’s History Museum 570–3600; familyprograms@whitney. based on one chosen object (like water- even meet Gen. George Wash- [170 Central Park West at W. 77th org; whitney.org; 9:30–10:30am; $25 melon) and paint it at least three differ- ington, who will mingle with Street on the Upper West Side, (212) per adult, plus museum admission ($22 ent ways. Each time, they will be chal- families and teach them about 873–3400, http://nyhistory.org]. adults, $18 seniors, free for members lenged to compose the painting in dif- and children under 18). ferent and unique ways. How can the Join Whitney Teaching Fellows, PhD same object look so different? candidates in art history, on engag- day, Sept. 1. the illustrator will give a brief presen- ing tours that highlight works in the Puppet friends: Children’s Museum tation about how he began sketching exhibitions Stuart Davis: In Full Swing of the Arts, 103 Charlton St. at Hudson New York in 1938. and Danny Lyon: Message to the Fu- Street; (212) 274–0986; www.cmany. Sat, Sept. 3 ture. Tours are for new moms and dads org; Noon to 6 pm; Free with museum Storytelling festival: Governor’s In Manhattan when the museum is closed to the pub- admission. Island at Nolan Park, Building 10; (347) Puppet friends: 10 am to 5 pm. 425–7770; www.brooklynartery.com; 1 lic. This program is just for parents and It’s Herry Monster from Sesame Children’s Museum of the Arts. See caregivers with babies up to 18 months. Street’s birthday! To celebrate, young pm to 3 pm; Free. Thursday, Sept. 1. artists will make their own puppets in Hosted by Brooklyn ARTery Sound- Go Fish!: Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park, the fine arts studio! stage, the event features world re- 20 Battery Pl.; (212) 267–9700; bpc- nowned storytellers, puppet theater parks.org/event/sunset-jam-on-the- Cross-Stitch Circle: New-York His- Sun, Sept. 4 and more. Families can get the ferries hudson-2/all; 10 am to 2 pm; Free. torical Society, 170 Central Park West In Manhattan to the island at 10 South St. in Manhat- at 77th Street; (212) 873–3400; nyhis- Join experienced anglers for catch- Puppet friends: 10 am to 5 pm. tan or Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6 in tory.org; 3:30 pm; Free with museum and-release fishing and learn about Children’s Museum of the Arts. See Brooklyn. admission of $19 adults, $6 children life in the Hudson River. Observe the Thursday, Sept. 1. ages 5–12. day’s catch in aerated tanks and discover what you can do to steward the Beginning cross stitchers and younger Macy’s story time: New-York His- Thurs, Sept. 8 recovery of the Hudson. Featuring Dan children will learn the basic stitch and torical Society, 170 Central Park West In Manhattan Zanes and Elizabeth Mitchell perform- create a bookmark with their new skill. at 77th Street; (212) 873–3400; nyhis- 9:30 am to ing at noon. More seasoned stitchers and older chil- tory.org; 11:30 am; Free with museum Pee Wee Basketball: 11:30 am. 71st Street Soccer Field & dren and adults make a handcrafted admission. Labor Day Parade: Parade Route, Courts. See Thursday, Sept. 1. gift for someone. Ages 7 and up. All ages are welcome to join this 44th Street and Fifth Avenue; (212) special Story Time with Richard Simon, Cross-Stitch Circle: New-York His- 604–9552; [email protected]; www.nyc- Fri, Sept. 2 Tanya Simon, and Mark Siegel, authors torical Society, 170 Central Park West clc.com; 10 am; Free. and illustrator of “Oskar and the Eight at 77th Street; (212) 873–3400; nyhis- Join Parade Grand Marshal James In Manhattan Blessings.” After the reading the au- tory.org; 3:30 pm; Free with museum Callahan and Henry Garrido as they Puppet friends: Noon to 6 pm. Chil- thors will hold a short discussion about admission of $19 adults, $6 children march with hardworking men and dren’s Museum of the Arts. See Thurs- the inspiration behind the book, and ages 5–12. Continued on page 40 September 2016 • Manhattan Family 39 Calendar Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar

Continued from page 39 For parents of fourth- to eighth-grad- women for the 2016 NYC Labor Day ers who are preparing for high school Parade. in New York City with Dr. Richard Gal- lagher, NYU associate professor of Psy- Whitney Wees – Materials and chiatry and Child Psychiatry, director of Textures: Whitney Museum of special projects, Institute for Attention American Art, 99 Gansvoort St.; (212) Deficit Hyperactivity and Behavior Dis- 570–3600; familyprograms@whitney. orders at NYU Child Study Center; Dr. org; whitney.org; 10 am to 11 am; $5 Michael Rosenthal, Pediatric Neuropsy- per child plus museum admission. chologist in private practice; and Jen- Children 4 to 5 years old can enjoy nyfer Bagnall, parent, and test prep and an interactive experience of looking, academic tutor. sharing, and working together in the galleries. This month, visit Human Inter- est: Portraits from the Whitney’s Collec- Thurs, Sept. 15 tion. Try out our special touch objects In Manhattan to explore how artists create portraits with unexpected materials — broken Irish Metalwork and Stone plates, wax, and even real hair! Sculpting: Noon to 6 pm. Children’s Museum of the Arts. See Monday, Sketching tour: Whitney Museum of Sept. 12. American Art, 99 Gansvoort St.; (212) 570–3600; familyprograms@whitney. Cross-Stitch Circle: 3:30 pm. New- org; whitney.org; 10 am to 11 am; $5 York Historical Society. See Thursday, per child plus museum admission. Sept. 8. Children 6 to 10 years old explore Irish Cultural Festival current exhibitions through drawing! Shake out the shillelagh and Irish metalwork and stone sculpt- Fri, Sept. 16 Look closely at works of art and create experimental sketches inspired by what break out the green for the Irish ing, Sean Scully’s abstract emo- In Manhattan Culture Festival at the Children’s tions, Celtic knot patterns at the you see. This month, visit Human Inter- Irish Metalwork and Stone est: Portraits from the Whitney’s Collec- Museum of the Arts on Sept. 18. Clay Bar, and the animated poems Sculpting: Noon to 6 pm. Children’s tion, and learn how artists push the lim- Children of all ages can join of Oscar Wilde in the Media Lab. Museum of the Arts. See Monday, its of what a portrait can be by experi- staff and enjoy the museum’s cel- Visitors will also enjoy the Sept. 12. menting with unusual materials. ebration of all that is Irish. In part- sounds of contemporary Irish “The Tempest”: 8 pm. The Under- Bird Watching: Robert F. Wagner, nership with the Irish Arts Center, rock in the Sound Booth, and ground Theater of El Barrio’s Artspace. Jr. Park, 20 Battery Pl.; (212) 267–9700; families will explore the creative learn about the beat and rhythm See Friday, Sept. 9. bpcparks.org/event/sunset-jam-on-the- world of Irish literature and folk of famous Irish bands like U2, Two hudson-2/all; 11 am; Free. arts, as well as live music, dance, Door Cinema Club, and more! New York City is known among bird- Sat, Sept. 17 and art-making workshops! Enjoy Irish Cultural Festival, Sept. 18 ers as a fantastic and unique place to In Manhattan observe birds, especially during fall and performances by TJ Keevins and from noon to 3 pm. Free with gen- spring migration seasons. Join a natu- his friend Johnny Cuomo with eral admission to the museum. Farm Fresh Festival: Seaport Dis- ralist/ horticulturist team as we look for the bodhran — a traditional Irish Children’s Museum of the Arts trict, Fulton and Front streets; www. birds and learn about the plantings and drum — along with singing and [103 Charlton St. at Hudson Street eventbrite.com/e/farm-fresh-festival-for- flowers. All ages and experience lev- kids-tickets-26305848501?aff=es2; 10 storytelling. in Hudson Square, (212) 274–0986; am to 4 pm; Free. els are welcome! Binoculars and field Workshops for the day include: www.cmany.org]. guides available to borrow. The community event connects kids and families to a wholesome and magi- “The Tempest”: 2 pm and 8 pm. cal farm experience in New York City! The Underground Theater of El Barrio’s ment along with educational booths org; Noon to 5 pm; Free with museum Registration requested. Artspace. See Friday, Sept. 9. and fun activities for the whole family. admission. Whitney Wees – Materials and “Peace On Your Wings”: 2 pm and The 2.5 mile walk is non competitive, Unlike Britain, Ireland’s geographic Textures: 10 am to 11 am. Whitney 7:30 pm. John Jay College Gerald Lynch but the 5K run is timed so that winners remoteness prevented colonization by Museum of American Art. See Satur- Theater. See Friday, Sept. 9. can be announced. This event is rain or Rome. Thus, despite regular trade with day, Sept. 10. shine! Further Afield Roman Britain, the country became a haven for the uninterrupted develop- Sketching tour: 10 am to 11 am. Whitney Museum of American Art. See TEAL Walk and 5K Run: Prospect ment of Celtic art and crafts, which Sun, Sept. 11 Saturday, Sept. 10. Park, Ninth Street and Prospect Park were neither displaced by Greco-Roman In Manhattan West; (917) 310–4835; info@tealwalk. art, nor destroyed in the ensuing “Dark Open studio: Whitney Museum of org; www.tealwalk.org/brooklyn; 8 Macy’s story time: 11:30 am. New- Ages.” One such tradition was the American Art, 99 Gansvoort St.; (212) am–1 pm checkin; regular registration York Historical Society. See Sunday, Celtic metalwork and stone sculptors. 570–3600; familyprograms@whitney. (July 15–Sept. 2), $35; late registration Sept. 4. Use cardboard to sculpt your own celtic org; whitney.org; 10:30 am to 3 pm; (day of event, not recommended), $40. creation and then paint it bronze, silver, Free with museum admission. The annual Brooklyn TEAL Walk/ “The Tempest”: 3 pm. The Under- or gold as if it were metal! For children Bring your family to a special Open Run, they city’s largest event spread- ground Theater of El Barrio’s Artspace. 5 years and older. Studio to celebrate the exhibition Stuart ing awareness and raising money spe- See Friday, Sept. 9. Davis: In Full Swing. Families will explore cifically for ovarian cancer, takes place shape, line, and color to sketch a large- every September, which is Ovarian Tues, Sept. 13 Mon, Sept. 12 scale, 3D, abstract still-life inspired by Cancer Awareness Month. Participants In Manhattan the work of Stuart Davis. include survivors, caregivers, families, In Manhattan friends, and the general public who Irish Metalwork and Stone Transitioning to High School: Mid-Autumn Moon Festival: Mu- come together to raise awareness of Sculpting: Children’s Museum of NYU Kimball Lounge, 246 Greene St. seum of Chinese in America, 215 Cen- and promote a cure for ovarian cancer. the Arts, 103 Charlton St. at Hudson and Waverly Place; www.onewithnyu. tre St.; (855) 955–6622; info@mocanyc. Throughout the day, there is entertain- Street; (212) 274–0986; www.cmany. com/event; 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm; Free. org; www.mocanyc.org/visit/events/ 40 Manhattan Family • September 2016 Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Calendar midautumn_moon_family_festival_1; Kids featuring more than 25 indepen- Noon–4pm; $10 per person; $8 for dent children’s boutiques from around all museum Dual and Individual Level the world under one roof! Registra- members. Free for museum Family Level tion is not required but we encourage members, children under 2, and Cool you to RSVP as we will be sending pre- Culture families. event information for all registered at- Fly to the moon. Explore the customs tendees. You also have the opportunity and traditions behind this harvest fes- to reserve a limited addition tote bag to tival with a mooncake tasting, moon- pick up at the event. themed arts and crafts, stellar story time, and more family fun! Mon, Sept. 19 Irish Metalwork and Stone In Manhattan Sculpting: Noon to 6 pm. Children’s Museum of the Arts. See Monday, Story time: Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Sept. 12. Park, 20 Battery Pl.; (212) 267–9700; bpcparks.org/event/sunset-jam-on-the- “The Tempest”: 2 pm and 8 pm. hudson-2/all; 11 am; Free. The Underground Theater of El Barrio’s “Jewish Stories One Generation Tells Artspace. See Friday, Sept. 9. Malcolm Pinckney Another.” Master storyteller Peninnah Schram continues the centuries-long Further Afield tradition of telling Jewish stories filled Brooklyn Book Fair Children’s Jesters and jousting with wit and wisdom that celebrate our Day: MetroTech Quad, Myrtle and Jay memories. streets, Brooklyn; www.brooklynbook- The Medieval Festival is com- through the grounds to sell a wide Weaving: Children’s Museum of festival.org; 10 am to 4 pm; Free. ing to Fort Tryon Park on Sept. variety of period items, food, and the Arts, 103 Charlton St. at Hudson Children 2 to 11 years old can enjoy 18. drink, and artisans will demon- Street; (212) 274–0986; www.cmany. a full day of literary activities featur- Don’t miss damsels in distress, strate their crafts. org; Noon to 6 pm; Free with museum ing authors, story time where children admission. hear authors read and discuss their knights in shining armor, jugglers, Medieval Festival, Sept. 18 Budding textile artists ages 5 and books, workshops with topics ranging and jesters, too! from 11:30 am to 6 pm (rain date, older practice the traditional hand- from bookmaking and STEM to read- Take a trip back to the Re- Sept. 25). Admission is free. weaving technique as they develop their ing maps and writing stories, and an naissance and medieval times Ft. Tryon Park [Broadway and sense of color, texture, and pattern. Artspot where children create projects and experience the excitement of Riverside Drive in Inwood, (212) with authors. Books by participating au- jousting and juggling. Costumed 795–1388, www.whidc.org/festival/ Further Afield thors and other new and beloved chil- vendors and characters will stroll home]. The ShopUp NYC: 10 am to 5 pm. dren’s books will be on sale along with 501 Union. See Sunday, Sept. 18. author book signings.

Sun, Sept. 18 and Piggie! pm; Free with museum admission. Wed, Sept. 21 Stories For All Ages: Teardrop Park, Explore the creative world of In Manhattan In Manhattan Irish literature and folk arts, featur- Warren Street; (212) 267–9700; info@ Transitioning to High School: “The Quest for the Seven ing live music, dance, and art-making bpcparks.org; bpcparks.org; 11 am; NYU Kimball Lounge, 246 Greene St. Teeth”: Central Park (call for exact lo- workshops! Free. and Waverly Place; www.onewithnyu. cation); (347) 559–6223; www.Accom- “Jewish Stories One Generation Tells Girls Skate Jam: Skate Park at com/event; 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm; Free. plicetheshow.com/kids; call for times; Another.” Master storyteller Peninnah 108th, Riverside Drive and W. 108th $60 each. For parents of fourth- to eighth-grad- Schram continues the centuries-long Street; 311; www.nycgovparks.org; 1 ers who are preparing for high school in Presented by Accomplice the Show, tradition of telling Jewish stories filled pm to 4 pm; Free. New York City. this fun interactive scavenger hunt will with wit and wisdom that celebrate our Girls of all levels learn to ride, deco- ignite children’s imaginations as they memories. This event is a collaboration rate their boards, and how to play a embark on a quest to assist the Tooth Thurs, Sept. 22 with Museum of Jewish Heritaget. game of S.K.A.T.E. Bring your board, Fairy’s cousin, Franklin, in finding some and full gear including helmet, elbow In Manhattan teeth to replace those that he lost. The Medieval Festival: Fort Tryon Park, event lasts approximately two hours, Riverside Drive and Broadway; www. and knee pads, and wrist guards. Weaving: Noon to 6 pm. Children’s rain or shine, and is suitable for children whidc.org/festival/home.html; 11:30 am “The Tempest”: 3 pm. The Under- Museum of the Arts. See Monday, 6 to 11 years old. Children must be ac- to 6 pm; Free. ground Theater of El Barrio’s Artspace. Sept. 19. companied by an adult. Reservations in The 32nd annual event brings to life See Friday, Sept. 9. Cross-Stitch Circle: 3:30 pm. New- advance required. the customs and spirit of the Middle York Historical Society. See Thursday, Ages. The park is transformed into Further Afield Irish Metalwork and Stone Sept. 8. a medieval market and visitors are Sculpting: 10 am to 5 pm. Children’s Brooklyn Heart & Stroke Walk: greeted with medieval music, dance, Museum of the Arts. See Monday, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6, Atlantic magic, jesters, and a live chess game Fri, Sept. 23 Sept. 12. Avenue at Furman Street, Brooklyn; by performers in medieval costumes. (718) 222–9939; alissa.kawahara@ In Manhattan Mo Willems Family Day: New-York The afternoon concludes with a thrilling heart.org; www.brooklynbridgepark. Historical Society DiMenna Children’s joust between four knights on horse- Weaving: Noon to 6 pm. Children’s org; 9 am; Registration fees apply. Museum of the Arts. See Monday, History Museum, 170 Central Park West back (Rain date Sept. 25). The three mile walk-run is designed at W. 77th Street; (212) 873–3400; Sept. 19. Macy’s story time: 11:30 am. New- to promote physical activity and heart- nyhistory.org; 11 am to 4 pm; Free with York Historical Society. See Sunday, healthy living. museum admission. Sept. 4. Sat, Sept. 24 Explore New York through the lens of The ShopUp NYC: 501 Union, 501 Mo Willems — just like Knuffle Bunny! Erin Go Bragh! Celebrate Ire- Union St., Brooklyn;www.event- In Manhattan Kids can make a Mo-inspired craft, lis- land: Children’s Museum of the Arts, brite.com/e/the-shopup-nyc-tick- Make it Wild: High Line, 14th Street ten to stories, get a Statue of Pigeon 103 Charlton St. at Hudson Street; (212) ets-25982876483; 6 pm; Free. Passage at 10th Avenue; (212) 206– tattoo, and snap photos with Elephant 274–0986; www.cmany.org; Noon to 3 A live shopping event by Babyccino Continued on page 42 September 2016 • Manhattan Family 41 Calendar Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar

Continued from page 41 9922; [email protected]; thehigh- line.org/activities; 10 am to 2 pm; Free. This last program of the season will Breaking the code go out with a bang and get wild! Ex- plore the wild side of the High Line, Symphony Space’s Thalia rate computer coding students. from its earliest self-seeded plants to Book Club is opening the sea- For children 8 to 12 years old. the animals that call it home. son with a reading of “Secret The event includes a creative Family Day: New-York Historical Coders” on Sept. 25, at the Leon- writing project, a discussion Society DiMenna Children’s History ard Nimoy Thalia theater. with the audience, and a book- Museum, 170 Central Park West at W. Gene Luen Yang, author of signing. 77th Street; (212) 873–3400; nyhistory. the bestselling graphic novels Thalia Book Club, Sept. 25 org; 10 am to 4 pm; Free with museum “American Born Chinese” and from 1 pm to 2:30 pm. Tickets admission. “Boxers & Saints,” and now the $16 for non-members and $13 The Battle of Brooklyn offers children national ambassador for Young for members. an opportunity to engage in hands-on Symphony Space’s Leonard activities and meet George Washington, People’s Literature, discusses who will teach families about the battle the latest installment of “Secret Nimoy Thalia theater [2537 Broad- and the start of the Revolutionary War. Coders,” his entertaining series way at W. 94th Street on the Upper West Side, (212) 316–4962, www. Go Fish!: Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park, about a school whose mysteries are unraveled by a band of top- symphonyspace.org]. 20 Battery Pl.; (212) 267–9700; bpc- Albert Law parks.org/event/sunset-jam-on-the- hudson-2/all; 10 am to 2 pm; Free. Join experienced anglers for catch- ers as a fantastic and unique place to Family Days – World of Jazz: Sun, Sept. 25 and-release fishing and learn about life observe birds, especially during fall and Carnegie Hall Resnick Educa- in the Hudson River. Observe the day’s spring migration seasons. The beau- tion Wing, 881 Seventh Ave.; (212) In Manhattan catch in aerated tanks and discover tiful gardens of Wagner Park create 247–7800; www.carnegiehall.org/ Weaving: 10 am to 5 pm. Children’s what you can do to steward the recov- a unique niche for these fascinating Calendar/2016/9/24/1200/PM/Fall- Museum of the Arts. See Monday, ery of the Hudson. Featuring Sonia de creatures. Join a naturalist/horticultur- Sept. 19. Los Santos performing at noon. ist team as we look for birds and learn Family-Days; Noon to 4 pm; Free with about the plantings and flowers. All museum admission. Macy’s story time: 11:30 am. New- Weaving: 10 am to 5 pm. Children’s York Historical Society. See Sunday, Museum of the Arts. See Monday, ages and experience levels are wel- Carnegie Hall celebrates families by Sept. 4. Sept. 19. come! Binoculars and field guides avail- offering free interactive and fun musi- able to borrow. cal activities. This season, families will Family Days – World of Jazz: Whitney Wees – Materials and Noon. Carnegie Hall Resnick Education Textures: 10 am to 11 am. Whitney Submerge: Hudson River Park’s Pier explore the swinging world of jazz in Wing. See Saturday, Sept. 24. Museum of American Art. See Satur- 26, N. Moore Street and the Hud- the fall and discover classical music in day, Sept. 10. son River; (212) 627–2020; info@hrpt. the spring. Families have the oppor- Ecology Sail: Schooner Pioneer, Pier ny.gov; www.hudsonriverpark.org; 16; https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/ Sketching tour: 10 am to 11 am. tunity to participate in songwriting 11am – 4pm; Free. pr/961826; Noon to 3 pm; $45 ($40 Whitney Museum of American Art. See workshops, turn everyday objects into Hudson River Park Trust and the New Saturday, Sept. 10. musical instruments in a digital sound children). York Hall of Science present this science playground, join in on sing-alongs, and Come aboard the schooner Pioneer Bird Watching: Robert F. Wagner, festival celebrating the city’s coastal and set sail past Governors Island for build instruments and play them in an Jr. Park, 20 Battery Pl.; (212) 267–9700; waters. Join us for hands-on marine sci- the fishing grounds of Bay Ridge. We’ll bpcparks.org/event/sunset-jam-on-the- ence activities, live music, presentations ensemble. There will also be opportu- set a trawl net and participants will haul hudson-2/all; 11 am; Free. by noted scientists, citizen science, kay- nities to take in performances. RSVP is it in, bringing up a variety of creatures New York City is known among bird- aking, fishing and more! required. from blue crabs to flounder. Children and adults help raise the sails so we can continue our exploration the old-fashioned way. While sailing past the Statue of Liberty we’ll learn about the sea A different ‘Tempest’ creatures we caught, examine plankton “The Tempest,” presented demption, and romance. Recom- through a view-scope, test the water to learn how animals live here, and learn by Identity Theater, is premieir- mended for teens. about our marine ecosystem. The sail is ing at the The Underground Identity Theater was formed recommended for children aged 5 and Theater of El Barrio’s Artspace as a place where disabled actors up. Reservations required. from Sept. 9 to Sept. 18. This could come and work. It creates Say goodbye to Elephant and performance is a reimagining of socially relevant productions Piggie: New-York Historical Society Di- Shakespeare’s final play “The and promotes tolerance. Menna Children’s History Museum, 170 Tempest.” Set on a remote island, “The Tempest,” Sept. 9 Central Park West at W. 77th Street; exiled sorcerer Prospero plots through 18 — Friday at 8 pm, (212) 873–3400; nyhistory.org; 12:30 to restore his daughter, Miranda, Saturday at 2 pm and 8 pm, and pm to 3:30 pm; Free with museum to her rightful place in court and Sunday at 3 pm. All tickets $15. admission. conjures a storm (the tempest) to The Underground Theater of El Good friends Elephant and Piggie lure his usurping brother Antonio Barrio’s Artspace (215 E. 99th St. have become OUR good friends, too! Stop by on the final day the special ex- and the complicit King Alonso to at Third Avenue on the Upper East hibition The Art and Whimsy of Mo his island. There, his machina- Side, www.brownpapertickets. Willems to see the show one last time tions bring about revelation, recom/event/2592723). and give Elephant and Piggie a hug goodbye. 42 Manhattan Family • September 2016 Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Calendar Gene Luen Yang: Leonard Nimoy at W. 77th Street; (212) 873–3400; ny- Thalia, 2537 Broadway at W. 94th history.org; Tuesdays – Fridays, 2 pm, Street; (212) 316–4962; www.sympho- Now – Fri, Sept. 23; Free with museum nyspace.org; 1 pm 2:30 pm; $16 ($13 admission. members). Come every Tuesday and listen to the Author of the bestselling graphic fanciful tales. novels “American Born Chinese” and “Wonders of the Arctic”: Ameri- “Boxers & Saints,” and now the Na- can Museum of Natural History, Cen- tional Ambassador for Young People’s tral Park West at W. 79th Street; (212) Literature discusses the latest install- 769–5200; [email protected]; www. ment of “Secret Coders.” amnh.org; Daily, 10:30 am to 11:30 am; Further Afield beginning Fri, Sept. 2; $27 (adults), $22 The Edible Academy Family (students/seniors), $16 (children); Mem- Garden Picnic: New York Botanical ber discount: $13.50 adults; $8.50 chil- Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at Ford- dren; Free for Voyager-Level members ham Road, The Bronx; (718) 817–8700; and above. www.nybg.org; 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm; The film tells the story of survival in $125 per adult ($75 per child). one of the most unforgiving environ- This festive celebration of organic ments on earth dominated by a single vegetable gardening and cooking is set element: ice. Through compelling sto- in the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden. ries told by scientists and Inuit leaders, The food-filled afternoon of outdoor viewers will discover the impact of ice discovery will welcome back special on the Arctic’s inhabitants. guest chef Carla Hall, co-host of ABC’s Little New-Yorkers: New-York His- “The Chew,” who will take guests on torical Society, 170 Central Park West a culinary adventure through hands- at W. 77th Street; (212) 873–3400; ny- on cooking workshops and a delicious history.org; Tuesdays and Fridays, 3:30 picnic. pm, Fri, Sept. 2 – Fri, Sept. 30; Free with museum admission. Mon, Sept. 26 Held in the cozy Barbara K. Lipman Children’s History Library, this program In Manhattan introduces New York and American his- Transitioning to High School: tory to the littlest New Yorkers with NYU Kimball Lounge, 246 Greene St. age-appropriate readings and engag-

and Waverly Place; www.onewithnyu. Beth Beckman ing hands-on activities. Ages 3 to 5 com/event; 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm; Free. years old. For parents of fourth- to eighth-grad- Summer sports: Chelsea Park, W. ers who are preparing for high school in Farm Fresh Festival 28th Street and 10th Avenue; www. New York City. Manhattan’s iconic Seaport of the farm, wagons and wheels, nycgovparks.org; Saturdays, 10 am to 6 will be transformed into a farm music shed, reading orchard, pm, Now – Sat, Sept. 17; Free. Thurs, Sept. 29 At Chelsea Park, kids will take part on Sept. 17 for the Farm Fresh and kindness corner. The festival In Manhattan in a softball program! They’ll learn ev- Festival. is presented by the Generation erything there is to know about softball Cross-Stitch Circle: 3:30 pm. New- The community event con- Fresh Foundation, Fresh Kids, and and how to play. York Historical Society. See Thursday, nects kids and families to a Howard Hughes Corporation. Sept. 8. Stories at the Statue of Hans wholesome and magical farm ex- Farm Fresh Festival, Sept. 17 Christian Anderson: Hans Christian perience in the city. The interac- from 10 am to 4 pm. General ad- Andersen Statue, Central Park, E. 74th Fri, Sept. 30 tive environment invites families mission is free. Registration is Street and Fifth Avenue; www.nycgov- In Manhattan to experience the sights, tastes, requested. parks.org; Saturdays, 11 am – noon, Free Fridays: South Street Seaport play, animals, farmers, growers, South Street Seaport (Fulton Now – Sat, Sept. 24; Free. Museum, 12 Fulton St.; (212) 748– and harvest of a farm. and Front streets in Lower Man- Connie Reagan Blake, Len Cabral, 8600; https://southstreetseaportmu- Activity zones will include meet hattan, www.eventbrite.com/e/ Laura Simms, and Lisa Marie Neder- seum.org; 3 pm to 7 pm; Free. the farmers and animals, farm- farm-fresh-festival-for-kids-tick- gaard will share Appalachian, Carib- bean, and Danish stories with accompa- Each Friday is centered around a dif- ers’ market, creativity tent, tastes ets-26305848501). ferent theme. There will be thematic niment from cellist Lynn Andersen. Sto- educational and programmatic activities rytelling is held rain or shine. The stories including special tours, artisan demon- are appropriate for children 6 years old strations, talks and lectures, and hands- sports from skilled Parks staff! The role played by the 19th-century Seaport and up. Parents or guardians are asked on activities for the whole family. Reser- Summer Sports Experience provides a at South Street — long known as the to sit with their children. friendly, small group introduction to “Street of Ships” — in securing New vations are required. Teen Night: Battery Park Conser- various sports on a drop-in basis. Kids York’s place as America’s largest city vancy Rec room, 6 River Terrace; (212) will learn sports like soccer, football, and its rise to become the world’s busi- 267–9700; www.bpcparks.org; Fridays, Long-running kickball, and more! est port by the start of the 20th cen- 4 pm, Fri, Sept. 9 – Fri, Dec. 16; Free. tury. The centerpiece of the exhibition In Manhattan Street of Ships – The Port and Friday Night for Teens is a free pro- examines the life and current restora- Summer Sports: J Hood Wright Rec- Its People: South Street Seaport Mu- gram that gives 13 to 19 year olds a tion of the museum’s 1885 full-rigged reation Center, 351 Fort Washington seum, 12 Fulton St.; www.southstree- safe space to have fun and hang out. sailing cargo ship, Wavertree. Ave.; (212) 927–1514.; http://nycgov- tseaportmuseum.org; Wednesdays Teens can drop by to play games like parks.org; Tuesdays – Fridays, 10 am – 8 – Sundays, 11 am to 5 pm; $12 ($8 se- Mo Willems story time: New-York table tennis, foosball, super-sized Con- pm, Now – Sat, Sept. 17; Free. niors, students, $6 children 6 to 17). Historical Society DiMenna Children’s nect Four, board games, or just hang Kids are welcome to learn about The exhibition examines the decisive History Museum, 170 Central Park West out. September 2016 • Manhattan Family 43 HealtHy eating Back-to-school eats e all knew it was coming: for later. Just before dinnertime dur- the new school year has fi- ing the week, heat up the broth and W nally arrived! As we settle warm the cooked vegetables and into our new schedule, we are form- portioned meat in the broth. Once ing new routines and rituals. This is warmed up, put each garnish sepa- a great time to establish weeknight rately into little bowls. family meals within those routines. Choices for quality noodles Here are a few tips to create simple, abound. Simply boil your favorite Tips for fun meals to be shared together. type, lightly dress with vegetable oil to avoid sticking, and put into a large feeding kids Stock up on your serving bowl. Soft boil, poach, or fry Chef Joanna DeVita kids’ new favorites eggs and put onto a serving platter. Over the course of the summer, At the table, let everyone cus- our kids have had a chance to try new tomize their own bowl with broth, things. Through play dates, camp, vegetables, meat, noodles, and eggs. traveling, and staying over with fam- Don’t forget your favorite condi- ily, new flavors and types of cuisine ments such as toasted sesame oil, have probably been introduced. I like chili paste, and kimchi. to take the kids to the store or market These types of meals are perfect and let them show me some of the for families that have some vegetar- foods they have been trying when we tomato skins. Use the skinless to- ians. Just keep the broth veggie, add were away from each other — maybe mato flesh in marinara sauce, tomato tofu as a choice, and keep the meat even a new fruit or vegetable! soup, or simply freeze the peeled separate or don’t serve at all. You can experiment with new rec- tomatoes as they are and add them ipes in the kitchen together, giving to recipes later in the year. There are Stock up for kids a sense of confidence about the few meals as satisfying on a rainy, the weekend exciting foods they are trying. cold fall evening as grilled cheese Busy back-to-school schedules and tomato soup. With summer’s may prevent us from getting a chance take advantage of ripe last sweet tomatoes sitting in your sit down together to share meals September tomatoes freezer, this delightful meal comes during the week. I like to keep the While canning your own tomatoes together in no time! pantry stocked with ingredients for is a fantastic way to preserve the late my families’ favorite brunch dishes, harvest tomato bounty, few of us Create a noodle bar so we can all catch up with each have the time and resources it takes Noodle bowls are a great way to other on the weekend. Whether it is to perform such a task. Another way please the whole family as everyone pancakes (recipe follows), oatmeal, to keep those sweet ripe tomatoes can add in whatever they like. Make or scones, something freshly made at your fingertips long after the final a rich broth on the weekend, along on the weekend is extremely com- harvest has passed is to make soup with vegetable garnishes such as forting. Round out the meal with or sauce out of it and then freeze that fresh corn cut off the cob, bok choy, fresh fruit and yogurt — or if you are in quart containers for weeknight and charred scallions. like us, some jam and maple syrup meals. If you’re using meat such as from summer travels! You can either quick boil (30 sec- chicken or pork to create the broth, onds) or roast the tomatoes on high remove the meat from the broth, Don’t over complicate for a few minutes to remove the portion it, and keep it in the fridge the weeknight meal Weeknight meals should be about togetherness, connecting over food. depending on the flour) Whole-wheat (if using). Simplify your offerings if it means blueberry pancakes 1 egg Add the dry ingredients into the wet. that dinner gets served and does not serves: 2 to 4 4 tbs melted, lightly browned butter Mix gently with a rubber spatula until cause the cook anxiety. When we batter just comes together. do not over sit down together and share a meal, INGREDIENTS: 1 tsp vanilla extract mix. Allow batter to sit for 20 minutes we are supporting each other and 1 cup white unbleached all purpose 1/2 cup frozen wild blueberries or 3/4 if you have the time. Thin the batter cup cleaned, fresh blueberries learning healthy eating habits for a flour slightly with extra milk if needed. lifetime! 1/2 cup whole wheat flour DIRECTIONS: Measure the flours, bak- gently fold in the blueberries, taking Joanna DeVita is executive chef at 1 tbs baking powder ing powder, salt, and sugar (if using) care not to mix too much and turn the Léman Manhattan Preparatory School. 1 tsp salt into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Mix batter purple. She loves nothing more than spending 1 tbs maple syrup, agave syrup, lightly with a whisk and set aside. griddle pancakes using fresh butter time with her family outdoors and shar- honey, or granulated sugar in another mixing bowl, add: milk, to grease the pan before every batch. ing with them her love and respect for 1 1/4 cup milk (maybe more, egg, melted butter, vanilla, and syrup enjoy! nature, good ingredients, and the joy of cooking.

44 Manhattan Family • September 2016 theMarketplace

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September 2016 • Manhattan Family 45 New & Noteworthy BY LISA J. CURTIS Crafting 101 Stamp out lost stuff

On Sept. 6, Amanda Kingloff’s in- When I was preparing my son’s inking stamp — akin to one you spiring new transportation-themed stuff for camp this summer, I was might use to put your return address craft book, “Project Kid: Crafts dismayed every time I had to write on a letter — with tweezers and a That Go!”, screeches into book- his name sloppily with a permanent set of letters and numbers that you stores. It’s divided into chapters marker into a brand new shirt or use to customize up to three lines based on themes that children bathing suit. Luckily, for the start of of text. obsess over: cars, trains, farm- the new school year, I have found a After you insert your text (such ing vehicles, boats, construction much neater — and fun! — solution, as your child’s name, phone number, equipment, planes, and space. the Minestamp classroom, e-mail address, or phone The how-to manual is crammed personalized number) into the stamp, you’re ready with DIY ideas for adorable label system. to click it onto anything that might go playthings, such as a portable Inventor Paco missing: backpacks, hoodies, lunch- road system made from square Navarez bun- boxes, books, and more. The wash- coasters that can be used over dles his self- resistant textile ink leaves behind and over again in a multitude of legible text, unlike my attempts with configurations. and a “resources” chapter where the marker. And if you need to label a In the “sky” chapter, Kingloff de- Kingloff, a veteran crafter, shares dark-colored item, the kit includes a tails how you can “say it in skywrit- the contact information of the com- white ribbon which can be stamped ing,” creating a decorative piece panies where she gets her sup- and placed onto the dark fabric. that would be a charming addition plies (seashells, jewelry findings, Minestamp personalized label stamp, for a nursery wall or the bedroom and more); although, many of the $17, www.thegrommet.com. of a third grader who’s honing his components are household items cursive skills. You form the child’s that she cleverly upcycles. This is name in cursive using floral wire, a book that parents will use to bust attach white pom-poms to it, then boredom, decorate playrooms, and Quality is in-grained attach the last letter to a brightly create clever playthings. colored paper airplane. Project Kid: Crafts That Go! book by Ease your student’s back- the grain because it has a The book has easy-to-read in- Amanda Kingloff, $19.95, www.artisan- to-school burden with a padded back panel and structions, gorgeous photographs, books.com. backpack that combines two side water-bottle comfort with retro style. compartments. Add a Recommended for chil- little je ne sais quois by dren ages 10 and up, LL monogramming it with Lunchbox must-have Bean’s new Wayfarer your child’s initials or Pack features a fantastic a single letter, for an It’s back-to-school time, and for A-plus meals quickly and with con- faux bois pattern. That’s additional cost of $8. many of us parents-of-food-snobs, siderably less guilt than the time French for “false wood,” Ooh-la-la. that means that school lunches are we served up chocolate croissants but this backpack is a true Wayfarer Pack, shunned in favor of meals packed for breakfast! (Hey, it was June!) find. You’ll want to go with $49.95, www.llbean.com. at home. The pouches — in truly So it’s another round of delicious, rich flavor com- hectic mornings that entail binations of strawberry- making back-to-back beet-berry and pear- Take note meals at breakneck spinach-mango speed. And there are — can be frozen, For notebooks that will stand high expectations for so when they’re out from the crowd, check out the breakfast and lunch; unpacked at lunch- Museum of Modern Art’s gift shop. they both have to be time, they’ll be a Their Hidden Pencil Notebooks have delicious and nutri- chilly treat. These trompe l’oeil covers which feature tious. little pouches pack a scatter of colored pencils or tidy Happily, Stonyfield a punch by deliv- yellow pencils lined up in a row. A has released new, ering calcium, vita- real pencil nestled in the middle of uber healthy prod- min D, and 13 mg each cover’s composition! The col- ucts — organic, grass- of omega 3s, DHA ored pencils notebook has 144 pages fed whole milk yogurt and EPA. of blank paper, and the yellow note- in cups and organic Stonyfield Organic book has 144 pages of graph paper notebook from MoMA helps to sup- whole milk yogurt in Whole Milk Pouch, inside. Both notebooks measure 8.5 port the museum’s work, too. pouches — which will $1.49, www.whole- inches high by 6 inches wide. Best of Hidden Pencil Notebooks in colored help parents serve up foodsmarket.com. all, purchasing this clever, utilitarian or yellow, $14.95 each, www.moma.org. 46 Manhattan Family • September 2016

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