High School October 2014 QUEENS FREE Family Choices Where Every Child Matters Teen stuff! Coping with messy rooms Teens traveling on their own Buying her first bra

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Features 6 Messy teen rooms What’s hiding behind that door? Experts explain how to cope By Risa C. Doherty 8 About the author Andrew Cotto reflects on juggling writing career and family By Tammy Scileppi 10 Buying her first bra Tips for parents and their tweens By Kelly O’Brien 12 Halloween safety Kids should use caution when trick-or- treating By Alexa Bigwarfe 14 The big test Understanding admission to top city specialized high schools by Dr. Shahid Shaikh 16 Learning styles Identifying them can transform life at home, school, and the office By Dr. Karyn Gordon 18 Apple picking not far from the Big Apple By Shnieka L. Johnson 14 24 Exercise your options Discovering the value of exercise after breast columns cancer diagnosis By Sandra Gordon 26 Lions and Tigers and Teens By Myrna Beth Haskell 28 Tips for teens traveling solo Lessons in independence, with help from 32 Ask an Attorney mom and dad By Alison Arden Besunder, Esq. By Myrna Beth Haskell 46 Healthy Living 30 America the beautiful by Danielle Sullivan Young man creates an organization to give teens a chance to see more of their country By Tammy Scileppi calendar 34 Family fun, close to home 38 October Events Crystal Springs Resort offers year-round activities special sections By Stacey Zable 36 A-maze-ing action flick 19 High Schools Directory Teens love the adventure of ‘The Maze 45 The Marketplace Runner’ 12

October 2014 • QUEENS Family 3 Letter from the publisher Parenting teens t is somehow as- ence seems to take over. the teen(s) in your family. On the and be watchful. Boundaries are nec- sumed that parents Then there are the mar- other hand, newfound maturity, a essary although they will try our I of very young chil- keting folks and the digi- person with valid opinions, the al- patience over and over as they cross dren largely read our tal reality that programs most grown-up you imagined your them repeatedly. Consequences then magazines. I dispute that them to shop and buy newborn would become someday is become very important follow-ups. with certainty. I look at and run in a pack with an amazing thing to behold. In my Lessons learned over and over hope- the demographic infor- their friends toward case from the moment my daughter fully help to cement character in our mation we get from read- every new trend that got taller than me, she stopped seeing youngsters and help prepare them ers and it tells me other- hits the street for their me as the elder and our roles often for the big wide world out there. wise. It tells me that par- age group. started reversing. In looking down at There are very good articles in ents of children from 0 to Having a teen is much me, her attitude drastically changed this issue. I genuinely hope you read 18 are in the mix and of course, why harder than having a 2 year old, even and our battle for control began. them, even if your family’s teen years not? We regularly publish articles and one who’s adept at pitching fits. With It’s very challenging to be a par- are way in the future. It’s not too columns on pre-teen and teen issues the 2 year old it will soon be over and ent. It’s particularly challenging to early to get prepared. It’s a big job. and being a parent myself, I can tell they will get in the groove and be try to be a good competent parent Thanks for reading! you first hand that the real parenting your fabulous little kid, but with the to a teenager. They’re on their way questions begin when your 12 year 12 year old each passing day brings out and they know it. Still, our re- old is straining to be 13. on more independence from you and sponsibilities go on and we have to At just about that time they begin from your established order. steel ourselves with determination to ignore you in every way they can The messiness, lack of articulate to steer the course. They may be tall, and the mad rebellion begins. Their response, friends whose opinion but they are not yet truly “grown” Susan Weiss-Voskidis, friends begin to take on more cred- overrides yours, can be some of the and we still need to remain vigilant Publisher/Excutive Editor ibility than you do and peer influ- negatives one can experience with and keep our ears and eyes open [email protected]

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Publisher / executive editor: advertising: Web or Print address Susan Weiss (718) 260­4554 New York Parenting Media/CNG Publisher / business Manager: [email protected] or 1 Metrotech Center North [email protected] 10th Floor Clifford Luster Brooklyn, NY 11201 sales Manager / advertising: circulation (718) 260­8336 Sharon Noble [email protected] www.NYParenting.com oPerations associate: editorial Tina Felicetti (718) 260­4554 sales rePs: Alexis Benson, Shanika Stewart, [email protected] Jackie Tarantino calendar art director: Leah Mitch (718) 260­2523 layout Manager: Yvonne Farley Web designer: Sylvan Migdal The acceptance of advertising by New York Parent- New York Parenting Media has been recognized ing Media does not constitute an endorsement of for editorial and design excellence by PMA. graPhic designers: Arthur Arutyunov, the products, services or information being adver­ New York Parenting Media is published monthly Mauro Deluca, Earl Ferrer, Cheryl Seligman tised. We do not knowingly present any products or by New York Parenting Media/CNG. Subscription services that are fraudu lent or misleading in nature. rate is $35 annually. Reproduction of New York Editorial inquiries, calendar information, advertising Parenting Media in whole or part without writ­ rates and schedules and subscription requests may be ten permission from the publisher is prohibited. Managing editor: Vince DiMiceli addressed to New York Parenting Media, One Metro­ All rights reserved. Copyright©2014 Readership: assistant editor: Courtney Donahue tech Center North, 10th Floor, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. 220,000. 2012 circulation audits by CAC & CVC. coPy editor: Lisa J. Curtis New York Parenting Media can also be reached by calling (718) 260­4554, emailing family@cnglocal. calendar editors: Joanna Del Buono, com or by visiting our website, NYParenting.com. Jesseca Stenson Join the conversation on Facebook.

4 QUEENS Family • October 2014 YOU THOUGHT THEY REPORTED THE GAS LEAK. THEY THOUGHT YOU DID.

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October 2014 • QUEENS Family 5 their rooms. Although they tend to be self-centered, they aren’t setting out to upset their parents. “They just feel parents should have nothing to do with it,” says Hiller. So-called “lazy” teens may just be “chronically messy, well-intentioned, and poorly organized,” Adele Faber, Long Island co-author of “How to M s y Talk So Teens Will Listen & Listen So Teens Will Talk,” tells me. e s Pickhardt correlates a neat room with an organized, productive life. “A room reflects a disorganized internal state: it is an expression of his world.” He tells me the state of a teen’s teen rooms room is not an insignificant issue and is a reflection of who is in control. By Risa C. DoheRty “for her own sanity.” Young adolescents make a statement What’s hiding Parents like Mary and Maxine, of independence by insisting on living oms like me have found also of Queens, clean up when their according to their own rules, he says, behind that themselves sitting on teens are not in their bedrooms. The but they need to understand they M the floor of their child’s boys temporarily grouse about the must live on their parents’ terms until room picking up every Lego, Trans- trespass, but never offer to help. Yet, they are on their own. door? Experts former piece, or Barbie accessory there is anger and resentment, be- He notes that parents never re- our youngster failed to place in the cause the moms recognize that the ally have control over their children, proper bin or box. After all, we paid boys should be responsible for car- they just have an ever-decreasing explain how for all of those expensive toys. ing for their own possessions. ability to obtain consent as the child Fast forward 10 years and the toys Mary says, “if he has time to play passes through adolescence. to cope which once covered the floor are re- video games, he has time to clean placed with all manner of clothing, his room.” Problems with just footwear, books, papers, wrappers, Maxine has come to recognize that shutting the door glasses of old milk, bags of chips, her son Peter, a student at Arch- Direct consequences can result dirty plates, toiletries, food packag- bishop Molloy High School, always from constant disarray. ing, water bottles, and wet towels: has excuses and something more im- Crunching noises may surprise welcome to a teenager’s domain. portant to do. She also says that he the parent who enters a teen’s inner seems to have “an acute awareness sanctum unprepared, inadvertently The struggle of everything in the room” and points rupturing CDs hidden under layers Frustrated parents demand teens out that even a discarded napkin of clothing. neaten up, and teens, promising to could contain notes for the start of While Jack struggles to find his bus comply “later,” never seem to get to his first novel. She also says Peter, like pass in the morning rush, other teens it. Too often the dialogue digresses many teens today, has too much stuff stress over misplaced car keys or into yelling and nagging and more and runs out of space to stow it. matching shoes. If they are tardy, they yelling, culminating with a territo- Peter tells his mother she is a nag can make other family members late rial conflict the likes of which has for begging, whining, and pleading for school or work and put everyone not been seen since the colonies de- with him to clean up. She is aggra- in a foul mood at the start of the day. clared their independence. vated by his indifference and says, Pickhardt firmly believes that par- “This is my house!” the parent as- “it takes effort, as does everything ents who allow themselves to be serts, followed by the teen staking a else in life.” barred from their teen’s room are claim of his own to the room itself. giving teens license to experiment Carl Pickhardt, author of “Surviv- What’s going on? with illicit activities. He says closing ing Your Child’s Adolescence,” writes Unfortunately, parents have an the door is self-serving and such a that, to parents, “the messy room can entirely different perspective than laissez-faire attitude sends a strong feel like an affront to domestic order, teenagers, who often do not priori- signal that more serious infractions representing a ‘disrespect’ for the tize neatness. Parents see red when will not be addressed. more neatly kept home they value.” teens find time to relax amidst their He also does not condone random Mary, whose son Jack attends busy schedules, but can’t find time searches without a strong suspicion the Academy of American Studies to neaten up, and teens don’t un- that something is very wrong based in Queens, claims her requests that derstand why cleanup cannot wait on uncharacteristic behavior or prob- he clean his room “go in one ear and indefinitely. At the same time, teens lems at school. If a parent finds trou- out the other” until she threatens to look at their rooms as sanctuaries, bling material in the room, it is be- call his coach, preventing him from where they can unwind and escape cause the teen left it there for her to attending a game. She settles for other people’s rules. find and did not have the courage to dusting and vacuuming the room Although a parent may view teens’ ask for help dealing with it, he adds. once a week. lack of compliance to tidy up as self- He tells me the challenge is to man- Linda, parent of a Brooklyn ishness, Lori Hiller, a Brooklyn social age our expectations and give our high school teen, is resigned to worker, says teens don’t understand children the tools they need to orga- closing the door to her son’s room why parents care so much about nize themselves. He says teens feel

6 QUEENS Family • October 2014 as if they are more in control of their lead to use of intemperate words factor in all our lives.” She suggests clean up, Pickhardt advises the par- world when their rooms are in order. as weapons,” as parents sometimes that parents empathize with their ent to put the mess in a large trash In extreme cases, a filthy room “shoot from the hip” and threaten teens’ concerns and organizational bag (or several, as the case may be) can actually be unsanitary if mold, unreasonable punishments in anger. challenges before brainstorming to- and place it by the rubbish. He says bacteria, or fungus begin to grow In place of punishment, which he gether. This helps to avoid repetition that will motivate the teen to awaken or if leftover food and dishes attract believes should be reserved for seri- of the same old argument and gives from his lethargy and ask about al- mice, ants, or cockroaches. ous infractions, Pickhardt suggests teens some ownership of the solution, ternatives. “an exchange,” where the parent will which might include the addition of Other common mistakes only agree to do a favor for the teen, new shelves, bookcases, or bins. Will they ever reform? and real solutions like driving her to the mall, in ex- When parents stress over the lack According to Hiller, “there are Hiller doesn’t think a parent change for some cleanup. Pickhardt of care teens afford their pricier pos- sloppy people and neater ones — should clean a teen’s room any more also says that parents who want sessions, Faber encourages them to and sloppy ones that clean up ever than she should be doing a teen’s that room clean cannot abnegate all discuss it. For example, if a teen con- so often.” homework or calling his employer. responsibility, but need to make an tributed towards the price of hard- Others agree, though Pickhardt “Part of teens learning indepen- effort to supervise. Even if the par- won designer jeans and the parent regards teens’ ability to overcome dence is taking care of their things,” ent knows that the room is likely to finds them rolled in a ball under a this problem as an important anchor she says. return to its post-apocalyptic look wet towel, the parent can tell the for adolescent growth and develop- She adds that doing it for them in a half hour, it will not have been a teen that such a sight discourages ment. So, maybe there is hope. will lead them to believe that a par- waste of time, because the teen will her from wanting to participate in Fighting with your teen over this ent will always be there to clean up see that cleaning up is not an insur- similar purchases in the future. each day just causes tension. If you their mess and teach them that they mountable task, he says. Faber disapproves of nagging and try to deal with this only once a week are not responsible for the conse- Parents who may be too angry advocates for a creative non-author- or at another agreed upon regular in- quences of their own actions. It is up should remove themselves from the itarian approach, with a little humor terval, the teen is less likely to react to the parent to decide how far she situation for a short time, says Faber. thrown in, when possible. In con- negatively. wants the conflict to go if the teen re- Sound advice, as parents may be trast, Pickhardt would have parents We all know teens are encounter- fuses, and at some level, the conflict tired, stressed, and short on pa- persevere, even if it is perceived as ing a more complicated world. Still, can cause a permanent rift. At the tience. Pickhardt tells emotional par- nagging. He tells me parents’ rep- in this child-centric age, it would same time, she says direct threats to ents to talk to a friend or spouse and etition will wear down their teens’ be nice if more teens made an effort spur teens to act won’t help either. otherwise model anger management resistance. to adhere to parents’ rules without Neither Faber nor Pickhardt con- techniques before they hit a boiling “Nagging is honorable work,” he prodding or creative intervention. A done yelling or punishing teens for a point in front of their teenager. says, recommending parents gently parent can dream, can’t she? messy room. Pickhardt warns that, Faber says parents should figure remind teens about an earlier re- Risa C. Doherty is an award-winning “yelling shows helpless disrespect out some ground rules together with quest and ask again. writer who survived her children’s teen in not getting their way [which] can their teen since “cleanup is a constant If the teen continually refuses to years.

October 2014 • QUEENS Family 7 About the author BY TAMMY SCILEPPI 12, and son, Julian, 8. AC: My daughter is all about Andrew Cotto’s first novel, “The Domino Ef- dance. She goes to MS 51. My son eing a great writer requires fect” is a “Catcher in the Rye”-esque loves sports. He attends PS 58. Nei- Cotto reflects tons of imagination and cre- coming-of-age story about the plight ther of them are so into writing B ativity, and the same goes for of a tough, charismatic kid who grows at this point, but I could imagine on juggling great parenting. up by the seat of his pants on Queens them picking it up some day, since In this exclusive interview, streets. It was followed by another they both love narratives, especially Brooklyn writer, teacher, and self- book, a sort of urban noir, about a those of Roald Dahl. We also have a writing career proclaimed “silly dad,” Andrew drifter who gets embroiled in a series much-loved super-mutt named Ally. Cotto tells NY Parenting readers of weird situations and unexpected TS: In “The Domino Effect,” you and family about his family life and comical, twists and turns, titled “Outerbor- paint a touching and humorous pic- laid-back parenting style, as well ough Blues: A Brooklyn Mystery.” ture of protagonist Danny Rorro’s as the two gripping, New York City- Both tales feel real and gritty, like the life. The story tugs at the reader’s based novels he penned while he neighborhoods they’re set in. heartstrings as it reveals the damage and wife Pamela were busy raising Cotto, 46, said he and his wife — that can happen when an innocent their children: daughter, Sophia, an admissions associate at Mary Mc- gets tainted by a family’s checkered Dowell Friends School in Brooklyn past and unresolved conflicts, which — have “bounced around Brooklyn inevitably spill over and shape an since 1997, from Downtown to Clin- already challenged childhood. So, ton Hill to Carroll Gardens,” where what’s the meaning behind the title? they have been for the past seven AC: The book is about a kid from years. He says they like their neigh- Queens whose nickname is “Dom- borhood’s feeling of community and ino.” Through social and familial the easy access to Manhattan. challenges, both at home and at a Tammy Scileppi: When did you boarding school, he discovers how first start writing? one’s behavior has an effect on oth- Andrew Cotto: I began writing ers, like dominoes falling. It’s a com- late in life. I discovered a love of ing-of-age story, which I’ve always literature and a knack for storytell- loved since the subject matter is ing in college, but I didn’t dedicate familiar and vital to anyone who has myself to creating and completing survived adolescence. It seems to narratives until I was in my mid-30s, me more of a book for adults than and I just knew it was something I young adults, though I’m happy to needed to do, so I wrote in my spare have readers of all ages. time until I was convinced my talent TS: What was your family life like was developed enough to give it a growing up? go, full-time. I had been working in AC: Until I was 12, we lived in a the entertainment industry and liv- middle-class neighborhood in north- ing in New York City since graduating ern New Jersey that was full of kids college, and I decided to quit my job from disparate backgrounds, and we and pursue writing, which began for- ran wild, on our own, all the time. mally with a year living in Italy. My kids’ lives in Brooklyn are much TS: How did your year in Italy in- more orchestrated and supervised, spire you? and I think this makes our home life AC: Living in Italy was a dream for a little difficult, since they tend to me. So much of what they cherish — still have energy to burn at the end the pleasures of company and food of the day. and wine — happen to be what I’m On the other hand, my sibling was Andrew Cotto (above), passionate about, as well. I’m from of the same gender, and much closer center, reading from an Italian-American background, but in age; he was older and a pretty dif- his work at the 2012 I never felt particularly akin to fellow ficult kid (to put it mildly), so we had Brooklyn Book Festival. Italians until living there for a year. many more physical confrontations (Left) Cotto’s children I went there with my wife and in our home, which creates its own Sophia and Julian. daughter (who was 18 months at the complications and stress. time), with a novel already in mind We also ended up moving around to write (“The Domino Effect”), so I the country throughout my adoles- wasn’t so much inspired narratively, cence, which always makes things but I was certainly inspired to create interesting, since relocating and among all the beauty. It was like the being a teen go so well together. greatest writer’s retreat I could ever TS: Why has “Outerborough imagine. Blues” been described as “Brooklyn TS: Tell us about your children. noir?”

8 QUEENS Family • October 2014 AC: “Outerborough Blues” is defi- And then there’s all the writing, nitely only for adult readers. It is set which is both fiction and journal- in Brooklyn, [at] the dawn of gentri- ism. That said, when I do have free District 28 fication in the ’90s. Its protagonist is time, my favorite thing to do is cook a young drifter from a broken family and eat with family and friends. of Italian and Irish descent, who I’m clearly in love with Italian food MAGNET Schools settles in a predominantly African- and wine, so if you’re coming to my American neighborhood where he house, there’s a pretty good chance finds himself immersed in a mys- you’ll get plenty of both. tery. Publishers Weekly wrote that TS: What do you do for fun with it “reads like Raymond Chandler your family? taking dictation from Walt Whit- AC: My family spends a lot of man,” which exceeded anything I time in Brooklyn Bridge Park. For could have possibly imagined in the me, the perfect family day is a form of a compliment. If I ever get quick train ride to Chinatown for OPEN HOUSE DATES a tattoo, that would be it — right dim sum, followed by a walk home across my chest. over the Brooklyn Bridge. TS: So, how do you feel about TS: What have you been work- PS 354 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering Brooklyn’s growing gentrification ing on lately? and Math) Magnet Institute of Queens in areas like Williamsburg and AC: I’ve been doing a lot more Greenpoint, etc.? non-fiction writing since “Outer- AC: I’m ambivalent about gen- borough Blues,” including regu- Tuesday, October 7, 2014 trification. It’s the dominant theme lar contributions to the New York 126-10 Bedell Street, Jamaica, NY 11434 of “Outerborough Blues,” though I Times, which I take great pride in. Wednesday, November 19, 2014 don’t attempt any statements about I did, though, conceptualize and 10:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. & 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. its evil or inevitability, or whatever, write a few episodes of a Brooklyn- though I do think it makes a fasci- based TV drama called “Kingsbor- nating subject matter since it gen- ough,” which my agent is shopping 10:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. & 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. erates conflict on so many levels. now. I’m also about to start a new PS 160 Walter Francis Bishop Magnet School TS: What was your dad like novel about an American living of the Arts growing up and how is your par- in Italy for a year, so maybe I can enting style different from his? finally draw some autobiography AC: My dad was (and still is) a into my work. Wednesday, October 15, 2014 very supportive father, who pro- TS: What makes a great writer? 109-59 Inwood Street, Jamaica, NY 11435 vided a terrific model in many AC: Great writers understand a Wednesday, November 12, 2014 ways. He always seemed to be on combination of language, storytell- 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. & 5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. the right side of things, in a very ing, characters, and insight into the practical and moral way. He also human condition. happens to be the smartest person TS: How did you meet your PS 80 Thurgood10:00 A.M. - Marshall 11:00 A.M. Magnet & 6:00 P.M. School - 7:00 of P.M. I’ve ever known, which is kind of wife? Multimedia & Communication cool and kind of annoying. AC: My wife and I lived in the same I’m not as consistent. I’m on New Jersey town where I had spent point for the most part, but with my early childhood. After my fam- Tuesday, October 21, 2014 my dad, there was a clear expecta- ily moved away, I’d visit frequently 171-05 137 Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434 tion as to acceptable behavior, and and got to know her through mutual a clear consequence when those friends. After college, we crossed Tuesday, November 18, 2014 lines were crossed. I tend to be a paths as Manhattanites and ended 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. & 4:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. lot more outrageous with my kids up in a relationship. We’ve been than my father ever was with me. I married since 1996. 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. & 4:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. can be kind of crazy at times, and TS: Do parts of your books re- New Magnet Schools are open for not overly concerned with appear- flect your own life experiences? enrollment. To tour the schools and ances, so I end up doing stupid AC: Neither of my books are or shameless things that my kids particularly autobiographical nar- learn more about the enrollment process, often (not always) find hysterical. ratively, though there are certainly please attend an open house or call I love cracking them up and instill- consistent themes which have been 718-759-4977. ing a sense of silliness in them, but inspired by my experiences and in- it’s also hard to switch hats to “se- terests: displacement, family strife, rious dad” since I’ve, in some ways, the urban experience, acceptance, • Magnet Schools are New York City public schools undermined myself as an authority privilege, class, race, violence, • All have specialized, themed curriculums to engage and figure. It’s a tough thing to bal- morality, father-son bonds, music, inspire your child ance, and often my wife has to get movement, food, friendship. • All integrate the latest technology into the classroom involved in ways which makes her I think, ultimately, what I’m after life more difficult. in each novel is a sense that, for • All have an academic focus on science, technology, TS: What do you enjoy doing in most people, life is difficult, yet engineering, mathematics and art your spare time? there’s great hope and possible sat- • All serve students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grades AC: My spare time is fairly limited isfaction through perseverance. since I teach English full-time at LIM Andrew Cotto’s books are available College in Manhattan and part-time on KINDLE or in paperback at Ama- at St. Francis in Brooklyn Heights. zon.com or barnesandnoble.com.

October 2014 • QUEENS Family 9 Buying her first bra Tips for By Kelly O’Brien girl’s first bra is a rite of pas- parents and sage for both her and her A parents — and one that’s oc- curring at younger and younger ages. their tweens For some girls, it’s a turning point fraught with anxiety; for others, it’s a celebration. Either way, parents have a hard time ensuring their daughters have good memories of shopping for and wearing their first bra. Trying on your first bra in a big discount retail store can be unnerv- ing for an 8- or 9-year-old who may already feel shy about the experi- ence. And those stores have limited selections, both in sizes and styles. The average Caucasian girl now enters puberty, which is marked by breast development, at 9.7 years old — about four months younger than just 17 years ago, according to an ongoing study as part of the Breast Cancer and the Environment Re- search Program. For African-Ameri- can girls, the age is 8.8 years and the number of girls developing breasts in first grade has tripled since 1997. The most well-known lingerie shop is Victoria’s Secret, a place most parents don’t feel comfortable taking their young daughters to shop. But there are other options out there. And once you’ve found a comfort- 2 inches is a B. Go with a different cut. Cami- able place to shop with a good selec- Check the strap length. Straps soles and sports bras are popular tion of choices, follow these tips to are very important to consider for fit options for shy girls who worry a bra ensure your daughter is comfortable — especially if your tween is petite. will call attention to them. A short or and happy in her first bra: If the strap is a traditional adjustable full-length camisole provides a bit One size does not fit all. If your strap, such as those on most wom- of coverage and isn’t as noticeable tween is average sized, bras labeled en’s bras, be sure it can be short- under a blouse. For the same reason, “one size fits all” may work. If you’re ened sufficiently. Elastic or stretchy some girls like to start with bras cut looking at bras with cups and band straps are usually a safe bet. in a sporty style that don’t feel like a sizes, you’ll need to measure. For the Consider a lined bra. It’s not traditional bra. band size, wrap the measuring tape about making her look more devel- Kelly O’Brien is the owner of Linger, around your daughter just under the oped than she is! Generally speak- an upscale lingerie shop, and blogs breasts, where the band sits. Add 5 ing, tween padding is not meant to about lingerie at ShopLinger.com. A for- to that number, and that’s the size. increase cup size. If a tween bra mer teacher, digital marketing executive, (Tape says 23 inches, band will be appears to have some padding, it’s adjunct college professor, and part of the 28 inches.) For cup size, measure typically a thin layer of foam used team that launched glossy.com, the first around the fullest part of the chest to smooth over the nipple area so website for teen girls, O’Brien founded and subtract that number from the nothing is visible under the shirt. It’s LingerTween (Tween.ShopLinger.com) band size. The difference is the cup a modesty measure that also helps to address a glaring marketplace ab- size — so 0 to 1 inch is a size A; and some girls feel less self-conscious. sence.

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October 2014 • QUEENS Family 11 Halloween safety By AlexA BigwArfe by an adult, and if at all possible, trav- • M a ke sure pumpkins with candles Kids should eling in a group. Older children should are placed far from anything that may alloween can be a really fun plan a route with their parents and catch on fire. use caution and enjoyable evening, but have an established return time. • K e e p matches or lighters stored H not all Halloween facts are • Wa l k on sidewalks or other paths safely out of reach. fun. The harsh reality is this: on Hal- and make sure to check before cross- • C a n d l e s in a votive is the safest when trick- loween, children are two to four times ing any streets. route, but consider glow sticks rather more likely to be hit and killed by • O n l y visit homes with the porch than a lit flame. or-treating a car than any other day. That is a light on. scary fact. There is potential for in- • E n s u r e your children are carrying Stranger safety jury during Halloween activities, but glow sticks or flashlights so that driv- • Never accept rides from strang- with these tips, parents can ensure ers can see them better. ers. everyone has a safe Halloween. A note to drivers: most children • D o not enter a stranger’s house. trick-or-treat between 5:30 and 9:30 • S t ay in familiar areas. Trick-or-treating safety pm, so slow down and be vigilant if • D o not accept treats or candy that • Children under 12 should not be driving during those hours. are not factory wrapped. out alone. They should be supervised Costume safety Food safety • S e l e c t a costume that fits well. If • I f you’re going to parties, don’t Four fun and healthy Halloween snacks your child’s costume is too big, there’s forget common food safety. Don’t • H a l l owe e n “Ghosts:” Strawberries dipped in white chocolate and a good chance he will trip and fall. leave food out that needs to be re- decorated with ghost faces. • P i c k out flame-resistant costumes frigerated. • D e v i l e d “Spider” eggs: Deviled eggs served with a plastic spider. and do not walk too closely to lit • Fe e d your child a meal prior to • “Mummy” dog: A hot dog wrapped like a mummy in Pillsbury candles. parties to help him avoid overeating dough and baked. • U s e reflective tape on children’s candy and other foods that may lead • Ve g g i e “Skeleton” platter: On a big plate, place vegetables in the costumes and bags. to stomach pains. shape of a skeleton. • Av o i d masks that can obscure • H av e an adult sort through all their vision. of the candy once the children are Other great resources for safety tips • Te s t out makeup first to make home, and throw out any candies that • www.cookinglight.com/entertaining/holidays-occasions/ sure your child does not have a sen- are unwrapped. healthy-halloween sitivity. • F i n a l l y, ration that candy over the • www.pbs.org/parents/kitchenexplorers/2011/10/18/healthy-hal- • D o n’ t use over-the-counter, deco- next 30 days. loween-snacks/ rative contact lenses. Have a fantastic, spooky, and safe • www.usa.gov/Topics/Halloween.shtml Halloween! • www.safekids.org/hallo ween#sthash.hH1GRr5D.dpuf Pumpkin carving safety Alexa Bigwarfe is the mother of three • www.safekids.org/tip/hallo ween-safety-tips • A l l ow the kids to draw on the little ghouls. They enjoy darting into the • www.cdc.gov/family/hallo ween pumpkins, but never cut them. Young street and eating too much candy on Hal- children should not handle knives. loween.

12 QUEENS Family • October 2014 Join Us for a day of family fun and fitness to benefit the Pediatric Asthma Center at New York Hospital Queens.

HEALTHY kids&family DAY Sunday, October 5, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. New York Hall of Science and Rocket Park 47-01 111th Street, Corona, NY

12:00 p.m. Guest Registration 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mini Golf • 450 Exhibits/Healthy Living Stations and Refreshments • Balloon Twister and Face Painting • Open Play and Exploration of New York Hall of Science 1:00 p.m. (Ages 5-8) Soccer with New York Cosmos 2:00 p.m. (Ages 9-12) Soccer with New York Cosmos 2:00-2:15 p.m. Program on Pediatric Asthma, Prize Drawings Admission: $35 General Admission, includes One Drawing Entry $125 Healthy Package of 4, includes One Drawing Entry for Each Guest and Discount on Premium Family Membership at NYSCI. Children Under 2 Free!

For more information or to purchase a ticket or family package, please contact Alexis at 212.921.9070, ext. 16 or email [email protected]

October 2014 • QUEENS Family 13 The big test

By Dr. ShahiD Shaikh erage in seventh grade and have texts, think logically, look for non- Understanding scored a level four on both their standard solution methods, use spa- dmission to elite colleges and sixth and seventh grade New York tial reasoning, answer intermediate admission universities is an extremely State English Language Arts and questions on the way to a solution, A arduous task for every stu- math exams. and the ability to separate necessary dent, including the top students. It is Approximately 30,000 eighth grad- and extraneous information. to top city even rare to be noticed by admission ers take the specialized exam every The test is usually given in the last officers of elite colleges simply by at- year. Their numbers are increasing week of October right after students specialized tending a high school. However, that’s every year, owing to the fact that enter eighth grade. It is a timed mul- not the case for students who attend most people are becoming familiar tiple-choice test with two sections high schools one of the New York City’s specialized with the admission process of these — verbal and math — which must high schools. There are nine special- top schools. In 2012–2013 school be completed in a total of two hours ized high schools in the city, with at year, only 6,435 students gained ad- and 30 minutes. least one specialized high school in mission in these nine schools. Only Here’s the breakdown: each borough. These elite schools 2,350 students gain admittance to Verbal: three parts, 50 points. strive to serve the needs of academi- the top three schools: Stuyvesant Scrambled paragraphs: five cally and artistically gifted students High School, Bronx High School of questions, worth two points each. who are goal-oriented and highly self- Science, and Staten Island Technical Logical reasoning: 10 questions. motivated. These schools are ranked High School. reading comprehension: 30 among the nation’s most prestigious The Specialized High School Ad- questions. public schools. The top four schools mission Test tests students’ academic Mathematics: 50 multiple choice are: Stuyvesant High School, Bronx knowledge, study skills, as well as questions covering various topics, High School of Science, Staten Island a higher-level critical thinking skills such as, arithmetic, algebra, prob- Tech, and Brooklyn Tech. acquired over past several years. The ability, statistics, and geometry. Admission to these schools re- biggest challenge associated with the Dr. Shaikh runs Leadership Academy quires the acing of Specialized High test is that it does not just test stu- on Staten Island. If you have any ques- School Admission Test, which is dents’ knowledge (in fact, most prob- tions or concerns about your child’s highly competitive as well as stan- lems require only basic knowledge), academic needs, please feel free to dardized. This test is recommended but that it tests students’ ability to contact (718) 477–5705 or aeriusa@hot- for students who have a 90-plus av- understand and interpret complex mail.com.

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October 2014 • QUEENS Family 15 Learning styles

Dear Dr. Karyn, person needs to hear for him to get it tial to dramatically improve! Identifying I overheard two moms talking this and understand it. This inside infor- This month I want to focus on iden- week about how learning styles im- mation has been invaluable! tifying the three main learning styles pact how their kids feel about school. I Last year, I did a speaking series (and how you can tell what yours is, them can realize it’s a big topic, but can you give at The New York Times and one of as well as the styles of those around me an overview on why it’s important, my speaking keynotes focused spe- you). Next month, we’ll focus on how transform how it impacts my kids (I have four, cifically on learning styles. Many of to maximize your learning style in all ages 5 to 19), and how I can tell what the employees were shocked at the parts of your life! style they have? stats. Did you know that 70 to 80 per- As we kick off this school year, life at home, cent of the population are either vi- I hope this information will inspire f you’ve ever heard me speak, sual (they learn best through seeing) you to help those around you be school, and you will know that I’m extremely or kinesthetic learners (they learn fully engaged! I passionate about understand- best through hands on), but, most Here are four keys to understand- ing learning styles, be- high schools in North ing learning styles and engagement the office cause it has dramati- America (90 percent!) at home and at work! cally impacted my life are oriented toward both personally and just auditory learners Understand the professionally. At 13 (those who learn best visual learner years old, I was diag- through hearing)? This Visual learners learn best through nosed with a learn- means that there are seeing. They a re engaged with cha r ts, ing disability and told millions of students colors, metaphors, acronyms, vid- that I would be lucky who fall through the eos, and stories that they can pic- to finish high school. cracks, because how ture in their mind. As a parent or (I’m not kidding.) I was they learn is not how manager and an auditory learner strong-spirited (oth- they are being taught. dealing with someone who is a visual ers would say stub- This is NOT about learner, you may find that he starts born) and refused to Dear blaming teachers (I to zone out if you talk too long. You get help, so my wise am a huge advocate of may think that he doesn’t care — but and loving parents did Dr. Karyn teachers and the enor- the truth is that just listening is ex- what I often recom- mously complex job tremely draining for a visual learner. mend other parents do Dr. Karyn GorDon they have) but rather On a personal level, my husband today — they allowed understanding that, un- is a highly auditory learner (and I’m me to fail. Tough love, but it wasn’t fortunately, many of them have not highly visual and kinesthetic), so if until I failed that I was willing to get been taught this critical informa- he’s asking me to do something, and help from others (which was a defin- tion themselves. We can all prob- he starts going into too much detail, ing moment for me), and only then ably think of a brilliant teacher who I can sense myself starting to zone did things start turning around. knows the information but doesn’t out or disengaging. Thankfully, after I was never taught about learning know how to teach it, versus the ex- 13 years of marriage, he’s learned to styles (I had to figure it out myself in ceptional teacher who knows how to say, “Karyn, you know what — I think high school) — but through trial and engage her students by tapping into I’ll e-mail you what I need instead,” error, I noticed that I learned differ- all three learning styles. which is a lot easier on both of us! ently from most other students. And The truth is, there are almost cer- as I tried different strategies (which tainly people in your life that have Understand the I will share with you next month), struggled with understanding their auditory learner I quickly noticed that my grades learning style, whether they realize Auditory learners learn best started dramatically increasing from it or not (kids, students, employ- through hearing. They can hear a the low 60s to high 80s. ees, clients, spouses). And when you song once and remember the words, As a teen, I looked at my disability start digging deeper with this topic, and they overall find school quite as a curse, but today I see it as a bless- you realize how many parts of our easy. Auditory students are the ones ing. I fully believe that understand- life it impacts: from our kids’ moti- who can just show up in class, do ing how I learn has been one of my vation to communication between minimal work, and still pull off amaz- greatest assets for my success pro- spouses, and collaboration within ing grades! Since 90 percent of high fessionally. I understand how people teams at work to engagement with schools cater to auditory learners, think, learn, and process, and what business clients. When we better un- most of these individuals do not they need to be fully engaged! As a derstand how to reach these people, struggle academically. speaker and coach, I know what a our communication has the poten- However, the one area they need

16 QUEENS Family • October 2014 to make sure they focus on is their you kept me engaged the whole time. ing something will be more engaging note I gave to a small group of com- motivation and self-discipline. Be- I didn’t have any time to think about than hearing something, but ideally pany presidents a couple of years cause school comes easily to them, anything else!” After speaking longer they need to be doing something ago, one participant had left behind some of them learn to just show up with him, it was clear he was an audi- physical in order to be fully engaged. a sheet that he had been doodling to school, not doing work, but still tory learner who needed information, Kinesthetic students have also taught on. Speaking with him later, I real- achieving fairly decent marks. Un- communication, and projects to be me that listening to a parent, teacher, ized his primary learning style was fortunately, this lack of motivation moving at a fast speed to keep him or manager that just stands there auditory (he found school extremely will often catch up to them in col- tuned in! (not moving) is draining, but if they easy) but his second mode was kin- lege, where many of them do what I can see the person moving around esthetic and to help his brain stay call “coasting and crashing,” if they Understand the (even using their hands!) while they engaged he would often doodle. haven’t learned key self-discipline, kinesthetic learner talk, it helps them stay connected. motivation, and time-management The kinesthetic learners learn best You can usually tell if a student is Learn the skills to get the work done, they may through doing. They are engaged by kinesthetic based on his notebook. If learning style secret end up failing courses. working with their hands, doing activ- there is a lot of doodling, it’s a clear So how can you tell how you learn The great news is that this type of ities and moving around — because sign that he is a kinesthetic, since and also those around you? There learner, when motivated, has enor- just talking and listening by itself will doodling helps him to stay engaged are numerous ways to discover it, mous possibilities in front of him! I’ve be draining for them! Visually see- — it is NOT a sign of disre- but one shortcut I use is noticing learned from working with thousands spect! At the end of a where a person’s eyes go when you of auditory learners that to be en- motivational key- are trying to retrieve something gaged, they need to be challenged! If from his memory. The next time you things move too slowly (or teachers, are trying to think way back in your bosses, parents speak too slowly), or memory for something (ex. what did they don’t have enough challeng- you wear in your first grade class ing work, they get bored and dis- photo?), try to notice this: did your engage. At one of my “Dare To eyes look up, to the side, or down? Dream” events, one 17-year- The way our eyes are connected to old male student said to our brain often tells us what kind of me at the end of the learner we are: visual learners look event, “Karyn, I love up, auditory learners look to the your style because left or right, and kinesthetic you talk fast — learners look down. Another way to tell is when someone gives you verbal directions (and you happened to have a pen and paper and NOT a navigation system). Would you write it out (ex. turn right / turn left); would you draw a map; or say, “I’ll just figure it out?” Visual learners usu- ally draw a map; au- ditory learners will write it out; while kinesthetic learners want to just do it. The reality is that we are each a combination of all three learning styles, but the key is to identify what your primary mode of learning is, and then un- derstand how that im- pacts your engagement and motivation! Next month I’ll focus on how to maximize your learning style (and the styles of those around you). Stay tuned! Dr. Karyn Gordon is one of North America’s leading relationship and par- enting experts. She is a regular contribu- tor to “Good Morning America,” founder of dk Leadership, best-selling author of “Dr. Karyn’s Guide To The Teen Years” (Harper Collins), and motivational speaker to a quarter of a million people. Visit her at www.dkleadership.org and on Twitter: @DrKarynGordon.

October 2014 • QUEENS Family 17 Apple picking not far from the Big Apple

By Shnieka L. JohnSon it is always best to call ahead and con- Route 519 in Belvi- he colorful autumn foliage firm hours, apple avail- dere, NJ, (908) 475– is lush, and apples are in ability, and attractions that 1507] T their prime, ripe and ready may a-peel to your family. In addition to apple picking, Mack- for plucking as it is peak harvest- Here are the best spots for apple ey’s Orchard has miniature golf, a ing time. A variety of apples are picking near the Big Apple: greenhouse, a farm stand, and Mack- grown in the tri-state area — includ- new york: ey’s Ice Cream Barn. ing Cortland, Empire, Gala, Golden • Applewood Orchard [82 Four • W i g h t m a n’s Farms [1111 Mt. Delicious, Honeycrisp, McIntosh and Corners Rd. in Warwick, NY, (845) Kemble Ave. in Morristown, NJ, (973) Rome — and there are numerous 986–1684] 425–9819] family-friendly farms and orchards In addition to apple picking, Ap- In addition to apple picking, Wight- in the area where you can witness plewood Orchard offers wagon rides, man’s Farms offers pumpkin picking and take part in the harvesting pro- puppet shows, a country store, and a and autumn activities like hay rides cess with your family. picnic area. and a corn maze. Through late October, orchards • D u b o i s Farms [209 Perksinville Connecticut: offer families the chance to pick Rd. in Highland, NY, (845) 795–4037] • Bishop’s Orchards [1355 Boston their own apples. The orchards and In addition to apple picking, Post Rd. in Guilford, CT, (203) 453– farms also sell cider, homemade Dubois Farms offers pumpkins and 2338] baked goods, and offer tried-and- fall activities on-site like a corn maze In addition to apple picking, Bish- true attractions, like hayrides, pet- and pony rides. op’s Orchards has a market, winery, ting zoos, and mazes (either hay and • Jenkins-Lueken Orchard [69 Yan- bakery, and plant store. corn). The homemade treats could kee Folly Rd. in New Paltz, NY, (845) • Silverman’s Farm [451 Sport Hill be a great addition to a picnic lunch, 255–0999] Rd. in Easton, CT, (203) 261–3306] which many orchards allow during In addition to apple picking, Jen- In addition to apple picking, Sil- harvest time. Considering that this is kins-Lueken Orchard offers pumpkin verman’s Farm offers a hayride and a popular activity amongst families, picking and sells apple cider from a petting zoo. their own cider mill. If you’re driving, review the route • Masker Orchard [45 Ball Rd. in as well as construction notifications 1 store-bought pie shell Warwick, NY, (845) 986–1058] and estimated driving time. There will Apple pie DIRECTIONS: In a mixing bowl, In addition to apple picking, likely be crowds descending upon the After you and the kids have vis- add apples, lemon juice, and zest, Masker Orchards sells honey, which orchards and farms during the peak ited the orchards and farms, bring and sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, is quite popular. season. Most orchards and farms are your apples home to share with and nutmeg. Make sure apples are • Outhouse Orchards [130 Hard- well equipped to handle the amount friends and neighbors, as well as coated. Pour apple mixture into pie scrabble Rd. in North Salem, NY, of visitors during the apple-picking make tasty treats — like apple shell. Place topping. (See topping (914) 277–3188] season. Whether you own a car, rent crisp, pie, muffins, and cake. One of recipe below.) In addition to apple picking, Out- one, or use public transportation to my go-to apple pie recipes is here: Bake 400 degrees for 50 minutes. house Orchard offers pumpkin pick- make your day trip, this family activity ing and hayrides. is — at its core — about making won- INGREDIENTS: TOppING: • Stuart’s Farm [62 Granite Springs derful memories (however, leave your 3 to 4 medium apples (Cored, ½ c brown sugar Rd. in Granite Springs, NY, (914) 245– pets at home because most farms do peeled, sliced) ½ c flour 2784] not allow four-legged friends). 3/4 c raw sugar ½ c butter (cubed) In addition to apple picking, Stu- Shnieka Johnson is an education con- 1 tsp of cinnamon Mix together the sugar and flour. art’s Farm offers pumpkin picking sultant and freelance writer. She is based ½ tsp of nutmeg Blend in butter with a fork or stand and an area for picnics. in Manhattan where she resides with her 1 lemon (zest and juice) mixer just until the topping is crumbly. new Jersey: husband and son. Contact her via her • Mackey’s Orchard [284B County website: www.shniekajohnson.com.

18 QUEENS Family • October 2014 High School Choices St. Agnes Academic High School Find Yourself... Be Yourself... Directory Become a St. Agnes Student

Cathedral High School University of Notre Dame. At Holy OCTOBER 18TH 350 E. 56th Street, Manhattan Cross High School students are free OPEN HOUSE 212-688-1545 ex. 224 or www. to discover and develop their own 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM cathedralhs.org intellectual, religious, ethical, ath- Cathedral High School has been letic, creative and leadership abilities, •100% Graduation rate synonymous with academic suc- in smaller classes, under the guid- cess since its founding in 1905. ance of teachers and mentors who •100% College As a college preparatory school, specialize in educating adolescent we have educated generations of boys. Our personalized approach acceptance rate young women to meet their scho- ensures that no one falls through the lastic potential. We offer a number cracks here. Everybody knows your •AP & College credit of Honors and AP courses as well name, and at the end of the day, it’s as Medical, Law, and Business pro- about how we have cared for one classes grams. Students in these programs another that counts the most. are places as interns in institutions All courses at Holy Cross are col- •Classrooms equipped such as Lenox Hill Hospital, Mount lege preparatory and all students Sinai Medical Center and at presti- graduate with a Regents Diploma. with iPads gious New York law firms. We offer Our boys are placed in classes which a very competitive tuition and our seek to challenge them at a level of Visit our Dance Studio difficulty commensurate with their graduates earn millions of dollars & Fitness Center! in college scholarships and grants. abilities, keeping a keen eye on their Arrange a They go on to colleges such as potential. We offer a wide range of Colombia, Fordham, NYU, Yale and innovative electives and extracur- Buddy Day! many more. ricular activities, many implemented based on feedback from students themselves. At Holy Cross it is not www.stagneshs.org • 718-353-6276 ext 11 Garden School 13-20 124th St. College Point, NY 11356 33-16 79th St. Jackson Heights only the destination that counts, but 718-335-6363 or www. making sure our boys have plenty of Founded by the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville in 1908 gardenschool.org opportunities around them to enjoy Garden School is a coed, fully- the journey while realizing their accredited independent school in dreams and achieving their goals. It Queens offering an excellent and is about family, brotherhood, and affordable education for nursery making bonds that last a lifetime. GARDEN SCHOOL through 12th-grade students within JACKSON HEIGHTS, NEW YORK a supportive, welcoming community. The Kew Forest School Small classes allow talented faculty 119-17 Union Turnpike in Forest to partner with families, developing Hills, Queens each student’s academic potential 718-268-4667 extension 125 or and promoting confidence, character www.kewforest.org and success in college and beyond. The Kew Forest School is one of Upper Division academics, athletics, Queen’s oldest and finest inde- and extra-curricular activities are pendent day schools. Since 1918, enhanced with college counseling, this co-ed, college preparatory QUALITY and AP and honors courses. Secure institution has provided students CARING facilities include a background, from Kindergarten through grade AFFORDABLE library, gymnasium, art and music 12 with an academically challeng- studios, computer and science labs, ing curriculum in a small, caring and a swimming pool. Lunch and environment. Among its hallmarks private bus transportation available. are a diverse student body, small classes, a low student/teacher ratio Holy Cross High School and an outstanding record with col- lege placements. There is a Lower 26-20 Francis Lewis Blvd. Flushing 11358 (K-4), Middle (5-8) and Upper School 718-886-7250 or www.holycrosshs. (9-12). org Kew Forest also offers a breakfast NURSERYNURSERY TO TO GRADEGRADE 12 12 Teaching Boys. Holy Cross knows program beginning at 7:30 a.m., and OPENOPEN HOUSE HOUSE EVERY EVERY WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY AT AT 9:00 9:00 AM AM boys. We understand how they an After-School program. 33-1633-16 79TH 79TH STREET, STREET, JACKSON JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY NY 11372 11372 think, what motivates them, what www.gardenschool.org • (718) 335-6363 concerns them, and what they need Mary Louis Academy www.gardenschool.org • (718) 335-6363 to succeed in academics and in life. 176021 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica • Small class sizes (7:1 ratio) • AP, honors classes, athletics program Sponsored by the Congregation of Estates, Queens • Caring and professional faculty • Intensive college counseling Holy Cross, our school welcomes 718-297-2120 or www.tmla.org • Strong academics that maximize potential • Character and leadership education students of all faiths, from every The Mary Louis woman is offered • Art, music, P.E. computer, world languages • Clubs, activities, community service background. We are part of a 160- an array of intellectually challenging • Individual attention, hands-on learning • Hot lunch and private bus transport year tradition of Catholic education courses that provide academic foun- • Parent partnerships, community participation • Financial aid for qualifying families in the United States begun at the Continued on page 20 Special Advertising Section October 2014 • QUEENS Family 19 St. Jean Baptiste High School High School Choices A College Preparatory School for Girls OPEN HOUSE Saturday, October 18th ◆ 2-5 p.m. Directory

Continued from page 19 St. Agnes has it all: moderate class dation. Each student develops her size, an outstanding and dedicated program incorporating honors and faculty of religious and lay teachers, advanced placement courses focus- and comprehensive academic and ing on her strengths and interests extracurricular programs. The school and leading to a Regents Diploma offers a full athletic program, dance with Advanced Designation. classes for all students in our new SMARTBOARD Technology is used dance studio, a fitness center, and throughout the school. Over 100 the very latest technology, including computers are available for student iPads. Through school liturgies, vol- use. unteer work and retreats, students are encouraged to become young St. Jean’s offers a rigorous academic environment grounded in Guidance Counselors offer personal women of faith and service. Catholic values to empower young women to learn, live and lead. and academic counseling begin- ning in Freshmen year. TMLA has College credit and AP courses • 100% graduation & 98% college acceptance a unique and extensive college pro- are offered in Math, Science, Art, History, English, Spanish and • Advanced Placement, Honors & College Credit Courses, National Honor Societies gram which focuses on acceptance to top level colleges and universities. Psychology. St. Agnes students have • Internships & Professional Programs with organizations like Lenox Hill Hospital Student talents are developed and the opportunity to graduate from and Weill Cornell Medical College interests cultivated through partici- high school with up to 37 college pation in more than 50 extracurricu- credits. Open House October 18th Attend our Open House on Saturday, October 18th from 2-5 p.m. or lar clubs and activities. from 10:00am to 12:30pm. email [email protected] for more information. Monsignor McClancy St. Francis Preparatory Memorial High School School 71-06 31st Avenue, Queens 6100 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Academic Excellence in the Heart of Manhattan 718-898-3800, ext 11 or www. Fresh Meadows www.stjean.org ◆ 173 East 75th Street, New York, NY 10021 ◆ (212) 288-1645 msgrmcclancy.org 718-423-8810 or www.sfponline. org Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School is one of the outstanding co St. Francis Preparatory School knows –educational college preparatory that choosing a high school can be V E R I A A N difficult; for four years you will learn X high schools in Queens. Guided by XAVERIAN the traditions of the Brothers of the new things, meet new friends and Sacred Heart, students are offered have new experiences. At St. Francis Become a part of Xaverian’s 57 year Prep, new students have the oppor- TACHS#011 R E M a comprehensive academic program S A tradition of academic excellence and enjoy I P I R tunity to receive a rich, well-rounded C E A the following: S M that exceeds the New York State cur- T A B E C . L L A M V O Y R . education. The Prep is known for its O N O K L Y N riculum requirements. Opportunities [ A cutting edge, one-to-one learning excellence in learning, but it offers environment complete with Smart are provided for college credit so much more. classrooms and an iPad for each student A Catholic, college courses, AP classes as well as a [ The Michael T. Strianese ‘74 STEM preparatory boys’ challenging Honors Program. The St. Francis Prep is a Catholic college Program at Xaverian offers project and preparatory school in the Franciscan problem based learning through hands- high school in the tradition School’s co-curricular program of on classroom experiences in the areas of clubs and activities offers students tradition. Its mission is to enable all Science, Technology, Engineering, and of the Xaverian Brothers the opportunity for social, cultural students to develop and broaden Math. The growth of their spiritual, intellectual, creative, the highly acclaimed STEM program, since 1957. and creative experiences. Msgr. which was implemented through a McClancy’s athletic teams are highly emotional, social and physical abili- partnership with Project Lead the Way, Open House competitive and have their share of ties. has been bolstered by a recent $1 million gift donated by Sunday, October 19, 2014 city titles. Celebrating over 50 years Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Strianese ‘74. 10am to 2pm of Catholic education in Queens, St. Jean Baptiste High [ College credit opportunities available Sons of Alumni Tours begin at 9am McClancy is permanently chartered School through numerous Advanced Placement, by the State of New York and fully St. John’s University, and Syracuse 173 East 75th St., Manhattan University courses accredited by the Middle States 212-288-1645 or www.stjean.org Association of Secondary Schools [ Impressive college placements in which St. Jean Baptiste High School, a the class of 2014 earned $23,279,608 in and Colleges. [TACHS CODE:#017] Catholic girls’ school, was founded scholarships to top colleges, including Cornell University, Princeton University, by the Sisters of the Congregation University of Pennsylvania, Macaulay St. Agnes Academic High of Notre Dame in 1929. The School Honors College at CUNY, Boston is accredited by the Middle States University, College of the Holy Cross, School University of Notre Dame, US Naval 13-20 124 Street, College Point NY Association of Secondary Schools. Academy, US Military Academy at West 11356 The school partners with St. Joseph’s Point, and US Coast Guard Academy 718-353-6276 or www.stagneshs. College and student earn college [ A robust college guidance and internship org program (see www.xaverian.org/ipax for For more information, please contact: credits in Writing, French Literature a full list of internship partners) Mr. Mark Spelman ’92, Director of Admissions St. Agnes Academic High School is and Spanish Literature. Advanced (718) 836-7100 x117 [ Dynamic extracurricular offerings, a small, college preparatory Catholic Placement courses in English, social including the renowned Music at Xaverian or [email protected] school for young women, where studies, math, science and Spanish, (MAX) program 7100 Shore Road, Brooklyn, NY 11209 each girl is known by name and as well as advanced science and respected for her individual gifts and math electives are offered. Students Private Bus Service Available! www.xaverian.org/admissions talents. Continued on page 22 20 QUEENS Family • October 2014 Special Advertising Section St. Francis Preparatory School OPEN OPEN HOUSE HOUSE October 18th, 2014 Sunday, October 19, 2014 12 Noon - 4:30 PM Doors Open at 12:30 pm Presentations in the auditorium OPEN HOUSE³+LJK6FKRROLVIRU beginning at 1:00pm, 2:00pm, & 3:00pm October 18th, 2014 OPEN)RXU

The Kew-Forest School

Open House Schedule Thurs, Oct. 16, 5-7 Thurs, Nov. 20, 5-7 Sat, Dec. 13, 11–1

Inspiring Students to Achieve... As Writers of New tories

Since 1918 Independent Co-ed Nursery through 12 College-preparatory

Contact our Director of Admission to schedule a visit or talk with us about how your child can begin writing a story of creative discovery.

119-17 Union Turnpike, Forest Hills, NY 11375-6143 Phone: (718) 268-4667 www.kewforest.org

Special Advertising Section October 2014 • QUEENS Family 21 High School Choices Directory L i k e u s o n Continued from page 20 University. The Baccalaureate participate in programs such as Program is a special program that The Cornell Weill Medical Research allows qualified students at the Prep Internship, the Futures and Options to complete their senior year of high Career Essential Program, the school at the University. For eligible Cooper Union Summer Research students this is a great saving of Institute in Science and Engineering, time and money. The Telluride Association Summer Seminar at Indiana University, the Xaverian High School Hugh O’Brien Leadership Conference 7100 Shore Road or follow us on at Adelphi University. All seniors par- 718-836-7100 x127 or www. ticipate in a full day of service each xaverian.org week at local hospitals, schools, Xaverian is a private, Catholic soup kitchens, senior centers, and school rooted in the tradition of the other social service agencies, earn- Xaverian Brother which fosters an ing 140 hours throughout the school environment of Christian values and year. promotes the development of intel- Activities include Student Council, lectual curiosity and service to oth- National Honor Society, French ers. Grades 9-12 offer a premier col- and Spanish Honor Societies, lege prep program for boys. Grades Ambassadors, softball, soccer, track, 6-8 are co-ed for gifted & talented step team, as well as clubs in art and students. photography, cooking, Latina dance, Xaverian offers a strong liberal public speaking, French, and Global arts core program, complemented Concern. by the opportunity to enter a Pre- 100 percent of graduates attend col- Professional Pathway of study. Facebook Search: NYParenting lege. Principal: Sister Maria Cassano, There is a wide array of Advanced CND; Placement and college credit courses through St. John’s University and St. John’s Preparatory Syracuse University. Xaverian stu- “Empowering Young Women School dents are also exposed to real world Through Education Since 1905” 21-21 Crescent St. Queens application of knowledge through 718-721-7200 or www. an Internship Program. Xaverian stjohnsprepschool.org prepares students for success in

St. John’s Preparatory School was the global economy by offering the founded by the Vincentian Fathers highly acclaimed STEM (Science, Cathedral High School in Brooklyn in 1870. It is currently Technology, Engineering, and Math)  located in the residential community curriculum through a partnership of Astoria, Queens. with Project Lead the Way. Our 350 East 56th Street ~ New York, NY 10022 ~ 212-688-1545 unique educational approach is  The school building features large bolstered by the use of the iPad, an and well equipped science laborato- invaluable tool which is issued to ries, state-of-the-art computer labs, Come and explore all that Cathedral has to offer yoou! each student for his 4-year tenure at wireless capability, smart boards, a Xaverian. With countless extra-cur- well stocked library, a band room, ricular opportunities and the award-  art room, a magnificent auditorium, winning MAX (Music at Xaverian) beautiful chapel, spacious guidance Program, Xaverian students are center, a large gymnasium, a fully- given all the resources they need equipped weight room, an outdoor to develop impressive resumes for track, and its own retreat center. their collegiate pursuits. Xaverian’s  St. John’s Prep seeks to fulfill its Class of 2014 earned $23,279,608 in Mission by providing a vigorous college scholarships. Our graduates academic education that prepares consistently earn acceptance to top  students for the challenges they will colleges and universities including: meet in the 21st Century. Advanced Princeton University, Duke University, Placement courses are offered in all University of Pennsylvania, CUNY- subject areas. Students in the Honor Macaulay Honors College, Boston OPEN HOUSE Program take supplementary courses College, Johns Hopkins University, TACHS Sunday, October 19, 2014 in Latin and Art History. To ensure New York University, Rensselaer # 202 all students at the Prep are success- Polytechnic Institute, University 12 – 3 PM ful, courses are offered on different of Notre Dame, Lehigh University, Last tour will be given at 2:30 PM levels of difficulty; placement in the College of the Holy Cross, the appropriate level is done on a sub- United States Naval Academy, the Visit our website at www.cathedralhs.org ject by subject basis. United States Military Academy, St. John’s Prep has a unique aca- and the United States Coast Guard Accredited by the Middle States Association of Collegees & Schools demic affiliation with St. John’s Academy. 22 QUEENS Family • October 2014 Special Advertising Section Experience the RED LINE Monsignor McClancy MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE Saturday, October 18—11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m For details, please call our Admissions Office 718.721.7200 ext 699 or visit us at stjohnsprepschool.org.

Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders The marks of true leadership—knowledge, faith, virtue, service to others, a passion for learning, innovation, and creativity—are embedded in our school’s culture. St. John’s Prep is a foundation for success and fulfillment, in ollegc e and life. • High standards of learning including AP, Honors, OPEN HOUSE and enrichment courses October 11, 2014, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM • Faculty dedicated to the needs of each student 71-06 31st Avenue, East Elmhurst, NY 11370 • Close-knit, vibrant community of Catholic faith • Active engagement outside the class in athletics, Contact Office of Admissions: Nicholas Melito, 718-898-3800 Ext. 2 arts, service, campus ministry, and more

• Experiential learning through apprenticeships, “The school that makes a difference” global travel, STEM, and partnership programs for young men and women. with St. John’s University

Conducted by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart 718.721.7200 | stjohnsprepschool.org Serving young people in the United States since 1847 These21-21 Crescent Streareet | Astoria, the NY 11105 years that will make you These are the years These are the years thatThese will make whoyouare the youThese years are. are the years These are the yearsThese are Thesethe years arethat the willyears make you who you are. that will make you that will make youthat willthat makethat will willyou makemakewho you you you are. who you are. whoThis you is are. wherewho youyou are. Thiswho isyou where are. you who youThis are. is where you This is where youshould spendThisshould them. is where spend youThis them.is where you This is where you should spend them. should spend them. should spend them.should spend them. should Thisspend them. is where you OPEN HOUSE 0DUPCFS


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By Sandra Gordon two kids, she was out of shape. give up on everything, my friends en- Discovering “In my spare time, I had been couraged me to just go to class and tudies show that regular ex- doing more knitting than anything listen to the music,” says the 42-year- the value of ercise can help breast cancer else,” she says. But after just four old, stay-at-home mom. Soon enough, S survivors live longer and re- dragon boat team practices, she though, McLeod, with a scarf tied duce the risk of recurrence. It can could feel the years melting away. “I around her head and bloated from exercise after also help reclaim your sense of well- felt happier and more energetic, like steroid medication, was spinning being. Here, three inspiring women I was 20 years younger. And I never again right along with her pals sev- breast cancer reveal how pushing themselves after experienced fatigue from my radia- eral times a week. In time, a friend their breast cancer diagnosis made tion treatments, which is a common suggested that McLeod participate diagnosis them stronger on every level. side effect,” she says. “The push from in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, my teammates spurred me on.” a 163-mile annual bike-a-thon can- “My teammates inspired me.” Parenti was hooked. She now com- cer fund-raiser that supports cancer — Dale Parenti, 52 petes in dragon boat races across research and treatment at the Dana- Seven years ago, while undergo- the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. ing radiation treatments for ductal “It’s hard on the upper body, The two-day bike race transverses carcinoma in situ, the earliest form because dragon boating requires the state of Massachusetts, from of breast cancer, Dale Parenti began shorter strokes than regular row- Wellesley to Provincetown. dragon boating three days a week ing. There’s also a lot of twisting and “The idea lodged in my head. The with a team of local breast cancer core work. I’m always sore, but in a Pan-Mass Challenge became a goal.” survivors, who call themselves Hope good way,” she says. For the next five months, McLeod Afloat. Life lesson: “When you get breast attended spinning class three to four “I had heard about dragon boat cancer, you want to be the fighter for times each week with a purpose, to teams for breast cancer survivors your family. You don’t want to look train for the challenge while also bi- and thought it sounded like fun,” weak. But deep down, you’re always cycling outdoors regularly for 25-mile says the 52-year-old creative ser- afraid it’s going to come back. The rides. McLeod wasn’t out to win. vices manager. dragon boat team is one place where “My objective was to do the race Dragon boating, a sport originat- it’s okay to say, ‘I got a scare today,’ at my own pace,” she says. ing in China, involves 20 paddlers in and everyone understands. I’m mo- The race, which is held every Au- a large boat, all rowing to cross the tivated by my team. We strengthen gust, proved to be grueling, espe- finish line first. Boats are adorned ourselves and support each other.” cially toward the end of the second with a dragon head and a tail at race Interested in dragon boating? Visit the day, as McLeod tackled the undulat- time. The sport is easy to learn, you International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ ing hills and dunes around Provinc- don’t have to have good hand-eye co- Commission at www.ibcpc.com. etown. ordination like you would for a sport • • • “It was boiling hot, and there was like tennis. “Cycling helped me get my a crosswind,” she says. Memories “I went to the first practice groove back.” — Rachel McLeod, 42 of her cancer treatment, including thinking, ‘I’m athletic. How bad While recovering from a bilateral “big red needles” and the blue chair can it be?’ ” Parenti says, underes- mastectomy in 2007, Rachel McLeod, she sat in during chemo treatment timating the effort required. “Af- a casual gym-goer, returned to spin- bubbled up. But other cyclists, espe- terwards, I felt like such a wimp.” ning class at her local gym, because cially those with photos of deceased Parenti realized that with working her friends insisted on it. loved ones fastened to their backs, long hours and taking care of her “At a time when I just wanted to encouraged her to keep peddling.

24 QUEENS Family • October 2014 OctOber is breast cancer awareness mOnth

“It made me realize that what I diagnosis in 2005 followed by two classic ‘what not to do if you want regularly. Slowly, Abbey began to was dealing with, and even my own lumpectomies and radiation, the a horse’ scenario. But when I sat on trust her. experience with cancer, was nothing 50-year-old public relations execu- her, I fell in love,” Hoag says. Life lesson: “Abbey got me ex- compared to what they had been tive began to re-evaluate every- It turns out that Abbey, who Hoag ercising and wanting to get in bet- through,” she says. When McLeod thing. kept at a horse barn near her home, ter shape, so I could ride competi- finally crossed the finish line, “I defi- “I thought about my kids, my had been on good behavior that tively,” Hoag says. “She also gave nitely felt a huge sense of physical husband, and my mother, and how day. She proved to be as difficult as me something to focus on besides achievement.” my diagnosis affected all of them, Hoag suspected. my diagnosis. She rescued me as Life lesson: “Cycling gave me the and what I really wanted to do with “It took me four months to be much as I rescued her.” mental well-being to deal with the my life. I realized that I’ve always able to walk her out of her stall by Want to get in the saddle? For more memories of cancer treatment and wanted to ride horses,” Hoag says. herself,” Hoag says. “People had information on the healing power of put them behind me.” “By accident, getting a horse be- to get behind her and push her horses and ways to get involved with Want to cycle for a cause? Find out came a priority.” She soon bought out. And when I sat on her, she horseback riding and breast cancer re- about charity bike rides in your area at a thoroughbred mare, Abbey, at a would just whinny and her whole search, visit www.pvdarideforlife.org. www.bikingbis.com. rescue barn. body would shake. She didn’t have Sandra Gordon is an award-winning • • • “Thoroughbreds are usually wild any brakes either, except for the freelance writer who delivers expert “I always wanted to ride.” and mares are notoriously difficult, fence.” advice and the latest developments in — Risa Hoag, 50 so Abbey was everything I didn’t Nonetheless, Hoag took Abbey health, nutrition, parenting and con- After a ductal carcinoma in situ want in a horse,” she says. “It was a out every day and began riding her sumer issues.

October 2014 • QUEENS Family 25 Parenting

things more difficult for him. Many teens don’t know where to begin. Set realistic expectations Stop the slob and don’t expect that he won’t have setbacks or need reminders. Initial Help your teen stay organized clean up should be done in stages. He can start with the floor, and then o, your teen is a slob. Join the hibiting his ability to organize. move to the closet on another day. If club! My oldest is a quintessen- If there is a Department of Health the task is in manageable pieces, it S tial pack rat; although, his piles issue with used string cheese wrap- will be less daunting. are not neatly distributed in a small pers growing mold in his book bag or Epstein suggests, “Be a great role hole. My son claims he knows where ants nesting in old candy wrappers model. Show them how to do it. everything is in that nightmare he under the radiator, an overhaul is Sometimes it’s helpful to take them Lions and calls a room. He says that if I move necessary. Analyze the effects of the shopping for organizational aids, something, he won’t be able to find it. state of his belongings. Is the condi- such as storage cubes or shelves. Al- tigers and Find it? You couldn’t find an elephant tion of his room and belongings af- ways watch for any signs, even small in that mire! Sometimes I just cringe fecting his life in a negative way? If signs, of neatness, and praise and teens and shut the door. Then, when it’s your teen’s goals, commitments or reward like crazy.” Myrna Beth haskell time to vacuum, I go zany and start grades are suffering due to his mess, Encourage responsibility in your screaming that I’m going to throw out then it’s time to insist on change. teen. If your teen loses a pair of everything that’s on the floor! Dr. Robert Epstein, author of sneakers, have him purchase a new When it looks as if an F5 tornado “TEEN 2.0: Saving Our Children and pair with his own money. Set up a has struck your teen’s room and you Families from the Torment of Adoles- reward system for report cards free are exasperated beyond measure, cence” (Quill Driver Books, 2010) and of comments about missing assign- sometimes it’s easier just to close the former editor-in-chief of Psychology ments. Avoid rushing to his rescue door. However, this might not be the Today says, “Teens are young adults, when his lack of organization gets best solution because this doesn’t not children. Picture your teen as a him into trouble. If he has to fix his help your teen to learn how to orga- young boarder in your home. How own mistakes, he will be less apt to nize his clutter. Charging in to clean it would you treat him or her if he or repeat them. yourself, or simply ignoring the mess, she were a slob? You wouldn’t take If your teen has been diagnosed won’t make the problem go away. away the iPod or car keys; you would with attention deficit disorder or an- negotiate and try to stay calm. You other disability that makes it difficult taming tornadoes might draw a line indicating where for him to get organized (such as Determine the root of the prob- his or her messy territory stops.” an autism spectrum disorder), you lem. Sometimes it’s just an inability Chances are he may need help, should seek advice from a profes- to purge memorabilia or a simple but it’s important for him to take sional. case of laziness. It may be a person- ownership of the overhaul. Help him ality trait or an actual disability in- to realize that the mess is making Other ways to help: • I n si s t on weekly clean-ups so things don’t get out of hand. • Encourage clearing out book bags and reorganizing notebooks each marking period. • S u g g e s t daily list making. • G r a n t a new freedom (i.e. exten- sion of a curfew) if your teen demon- strates responsibility.

tips and tales “I think many messy teens lack the organizational skills to be neater. If it is a problem at school, have them work with a guidance counselor or student support staff to help them keep things organized during the school day.” Sharon Squire, Hyde Park, NY “Close the door and walk away!” Pam Todd, Salt Point, NY Myrna Beth Haskell is a feature writer, columnist and author of, “Lions And Ti- gers And Teens: Expert Advice and Sup- port for the Conscientious Parent Just Like You” (Unlimited Publishing LLC, 2012). For details, visit www.myrnahaskell.com.

26 QUEENS Family • October 2014 Like Us on The Parents League OF NEW YORK WE to Win KNOW SCHOOLS tickets or Preschool s Kindergarten s Lower Grades Upper Grades sSpecial Needs Schools prizes Boarding Schools sPublications sLectures Panel DiscussionssSchool Fairs

Visit us at our Connecting families with independent schools NYParenting page for over 100 years and register to win Become a Member www.parentsleague.org 212-737-7385 Attention All Writers! We’re looking for personal essays about you, your family and life NiNa’s TuToriNg in your community. CeNTer Partner with us and share your Private Tutoring by Experienced Tutors stories and your memories. For All Grades • For All Subjects Email [email protected] to School Homework • All School Tests (Common Core CurriCulum, SHSAT, TACHS, have your piece included in our SAT, reGenTS, CiTY/STATe WiDe TeSTS) magazine and on our website. Now Registering For SAT, SHSAT & TACHS

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October 2014 • QUEENS Family 27 sans glitches and with a multitude of publication-worthy photos and stories about all of the fascinating people he had met along the way. Most parents fret over their chil- dren traveling solo, but detailed plans and regular communication before and during his absence will ease your mind.

Readiness Parents should ask themselves the following questions when consid- ering sending their teen off unchap- eroned: • I n general, does he handle new situations well? • Would she panic if an unavoid- able change to travel plans (e.g. de- layed or canceled plane) occurs, or will she remain calm? • I s he generally cautious and aware of safety issues and potential health issues? • I f traveling by car: Has she dem- onstrated safe vehicle handling and good decision-making skills all along? Does she consistently avoid distrac- tions (e.g. cellphone usage, eating while driving, distractions from pas- sengers)? Does she have a good sense of direction and stellar map skills? No matter how mature or pre- pared, your teen still needs your guidance. According to Susan Kuczmarski, parenting expert and award-winning author of “The Sacred Flight of the Teenager: A Parent’s Guide to Step- ping Back and Letting Go” (Book Ends Publishing, 2004), “The fact is that controls do act as a source of unacknowledged security for teens. Total responsibility for one’s life, or trip in this case, is a scary thing. It brings stress, and teens have enough Tips for teens going on in their lives to bear the full brunt of worrying about what is best for them. They still need support, guidance, and direction, as infuriat- ing as this is for them.” Parents should work collabora- tively with their teen to develop travel plans and any contingency plans. This traveling solo way your teen will know that you trust his judgment, and he will take owner- By Myrna Beth haskell and EMV card (credit card with se- ship of the rules you set together. Lessons in curity chip). He even applied for “Give them the opportunity to y son traveled to England, Global Entry, which allows expedited come up with ideas as you put travel independence, Brussels, and Germany clearance for pre-approved, low-risk plans in place,” Kuczmarski sug- M with some friends this travelers entering the US. gests. “Reach an agreement together with help from past spring break. This was not the We decided to communicate via as to what to do in different situa- first time he had traveled solo, but it e-mail. I waited with bated breath for tions (e.g. plane is late, person meet- was his first time overseas. My son is those notes. As I peered at a photo ing them doesn’t show up, weather mom and dad mature and quite worldly for his age, of my son in front of Big Ben, I felt delays, etc.)” but that didn’t stop me from being a pride like no other. Here was my Jay Fitter, a licensed marriage and worried sick. 19-year-old taking advantage of his family therapist, parenting expert, He seemed to have everything in youth and exploring places I had yet and author of “Respect Your Chil- check, including a current passport to visit myself. His trip concluded dren: A Practical Guide to Effective

28 QUEENS Family • October 2014 this person’s number and a contin- Useful advice gency plan if she does not show up Additional travel tips pro- for any reason. vided by Jay Fitter: • We a r comfortable cloth- Overseas travel ing and shoes. Traveling overseas can raise ad- • D o n’ t wear expensive ditional concerns due to language jewelry. and cultural differences. Keen re- Offering Classes in: • U s e a money belt that search and savvy planning are im- Ballet can be concealed under- perative in this case. Not all teens neath clothing. can make this leap. Trust your in- Tap • D o n’ t carry excessive tuition when it comes to allowing Jazz / Contemporary amounts of cash — bring a your teen to travel solo overseas. Hip Hop credit card. In my son’s case, he did all of the Acrobatics • Use downtime wisely planning on his own and then com- (waiting in airports, etc.): municated his plans to us prior to Theater / Singing catch up on schoolwork or his departure. The following is a ...And MORE!! reading list of tips and advice from Trevor • D o n’ t break the law. Haskell: Smoking weed in a foreign Have an organized travel plan ALL STAR STUDIOS country can land you in for visiting sights. Without one, you 108-21 72nd Ave, 4th Floor prison, even for miniscule will lose valuable time at the destina- Forest Hills, NY 11375 amounts. tion trying to figure out what to do. 718-268-2280 Alert all your credit card com- panies that you are traveling Email: [email protected] Parenting” (iUniverse, 2010), warns and specify the exact dates you www.allstartstudiosnyc.com that teens traveling alone are easy will be away. Failure to do so will targets for sexual predators or likely trigger account freezes and Check out our Summer Program! adults looking to take advantage of the inability to access funds. a teen’s inexperience and youth. Change currency before you “For female teens, never get into go. Although convenient, airport a conversation with someone of the and hotel currency exchange rates opposite sex,” says Fitter. He cau- will likely be a rip-off. tions that male teens can also be Make extra copies of all your targets. “Teen males are targets for travel documents. Put copies in scam artists and predators, too,” separate parts of your luggage. he continues. Write down the phone num- Therefore, parents should re- ber and address of the US Em- Kimmy Ma mind their teens that they should bassy or Consulate nearest your only request help or guidance from destination. If you lose your pass- company employees (e.g. train con- port or need any kind of emer- ARTStudio ductor) or security personnel, and gency assistance, they will be able Embrace Originality & Build Confi dence via Creative Process should not engage strangers by to help you. communicating their plans or any *Check www.usembassy.gov type of personal information, no for US Embassies/Consulates near Fall enrollment begins now & appointments welcome! matter how friendly that stranger your destination or for travel warn- 16-week session: Fine Arts Program may seem. ings and alerts. 9/5/2014 - 1/24/2015

For younger teens Spring break Sunday 10:30-12 (age 5.5+), 12:30-2:30 (age 9+) & 3-4:55 (age 7-10) If it is necessary that your young travel safety tips Monday 4-5:30 (age 5.5-8.5) teen (ages 13 to 15) must take pub- Perhaps your teen will be travel- Tuesdays - Friday after 3pm (age 9+) lic transportation (e.g. plane, bus, ing with friends to a distant loca- train), to visit a relative at a distant tion for spring break. There are Friday & Saturday 3hr portfolio class (age 11+) location for the holidays, for ex- a wealth of travel guidelines you www.kimmyma–artstudio.com ample, be sure to check the com- should go over with your teen be- Visit online student gallery, curriculum, schedules & tuition. pany’s “unaccompanied minor” fore she seeks respite from her col- policies. For instance, United Air- lege workload. Here are just a few: lines only allows you to use its • L e g a l drinking age at your loca- Sunday’s ARTS & CRAFT Birthday Party “Unaccompanied Minor Service” tion? NEVER drink and drive (In- with our Instructor/Host: Ms. Christine for nonstop flights (www.united. ebriation = poor judgment, even for Check availability on selective Sundays during studio recess. com). Also, some bus lines do not those not behind the wheel). allow children under the age of • B e sure to use licensed cabs or Fine Arts curriculum is thoughtfully planned by Mrs. Ma, 16 to travel solo. Therefore, it is vans for transportation. Master of ART in the School of Education NYU 1996 imperative that parents check all • Research food and water safety With qualifi ed instructor for Monday/Sunday’s beginners. guidelines ahead of time. prior to travel. Enlist a relative or friend to meet • R o a d trips: Use the buddy sys- www.kimmyma–artstudio.com your child at the airport, bus ter- tem and take breaks from driving. 190-19 UNION TURNPIKE FRESH MEADOW, NY 11364 minal, or train station upon their • C h e c k crime rates and tourist 646–209–9352 arrival. Be sure that your child has safety information before traveling.

October 2014 • QUEENS Family 29 March, followed by an essay and brief phone interview, then hope- fully, an e-mail that says, “Congratu- lations, you have been selected as a finalist for the Trip of a Lifetime scholarship.” America the Just ask Bria, Selina, and Wil- maris, local students who traveled together and couldn’t wait to share their adventure stories with family and friends, as well as NY Parenting readers and their teens. The follow- ing excerpts are from their post-trip essays in which the girls talk about beautiful the application process, some of their trips’ highlights, and what they By Tammy Scileppi learned from their travels. Young man Selina Asamoah, 14, from the reat role models are few and Bronx writes: creates an far between these days. This summer can truly be called an G A group of lucky city stu- unforgettable summer. The trip was organization dents spent an unforgettable part an amazing experience which taught of their summer enjoying a trip of a me a lot about myself, my goals and lifetime — on the house — thanks to people from different backgrounds. to give teens a a young man who created a very spe- It began on a boring October school cial organization when he was just day in history class. I remember the chance to see 16. Trip of a Lifetime is the brainchild teacher on the intercom saying “Come of Stan Rosenberg, now 22, who has down to room 306 to get an applica- more of their been an inspiration for young adults. tion for Trip of a Lifetime.” Every He’s passionate about providing stu- teacher was saying how much of a dent travel scholarships to qualify- good experience it would be and that country ing, underprivileged teens, and his we should all apply. organization has been empowering Around February break, I was re- them through travel experiences ally giving up on the idea, but there that expand their horizons. was a little spark of hope still left in The shy kid from Scarsdale said Stan Rosenberg, 22, started an organi- me. The deadline was quickly ap- he was transformed after going on zation called Trip of a Lifetime, which proaching, March 15, 2014. I mailed a trip. the (pre-trip) essay on time. provides underprivileged students with “I started Trip of a Lifetime after At that point, I can’t even explain travel scholarships for free trips. going on a teen tour myself, in the the amount of excitement that filled summer of 2007. I was a freshman me. Stan called me, and I had my in high school, and the experience versal.” interview for like five minutes. About changed my life, making me more Rosenberg explained how the or- two weeks later, while decorating the confident and allowing me to de- ganization works. “Every accepted gym for a school dance, I got the e- velop my leadership skills,” Rosen- student travels on a trip with 30 to mail that I was accepted into the Trip berg recalled. “After my trip, I spoke 40 other students that lasts two to of a Lifetime program. I was so grate- with family and friends about my three weeks. These trips are orga- ful that Stan actually saw something idea for the organization and in the nized by our partners: Rein Teen in me and accepted me. I couldn’t wait fall of 2008, the organization was of- Tours and American Trails West, two for the summer to arrive, so I could be ficially born.” of the most established teen travel on the trip. When he’s not involved with Trip companies in the country, and vary My favorite places that we visited of a Lifetime, Rosenberg is a consul- slightly by age and when the student were Park City, Utah and Lake Tahoe. tant at Deloitte. departed for their trip. First and foremost, the bus ride to Utah “Some people are surprised that “On their trips this summer, stu- was really beautiful. When we got to I also have a full-time job, but part dents experienced destinations such the resort, the counselors gave us our of the reason is to let students that as the Grand Canyon, Golden Gate roommates. have been on trips before take the Bridge, and Mount Rushmore during The next day was very adventur- lead with this organization. I aspire the day and participated in social ous — we went mountain biking and Trip of a Lifetime to be ‘for students events and team-building activities Alpine sliding. The next day, we took by students,’ where each group at night. When it was time to go a jet to Reno, Nev., then a bus to Lake trains the next to run every facet.” to sleep, students stayed in a vari- Tahoe. He says family and friends have ety of name-brand hotels, camping This trip has taught me to be confi- been extremely supportive. grounds, and college campuses.” dent, has restored my self-esteem and “Almost everyone has had a mem- Trips are funded through a com- made me realize that there’s more in orable travel experience, whether it bination of grants, individual dona- the world than just the South Bronx. has been in school, at work, or for tions, and corporate sponsors, in- But the most important thing that it a family vacation,” says Rosenberg. cluding American Express Travel. has shown me is to be open minded “Tapping into the power of travel It all starts with filing an applica- and to always try and experience new has helped make our message uni- tion between November and mid- things.

30 QUEENS Family • October 2014 Bria Taylor, 16, and her twin sister, I have never traveled before or Beach because of how beautiful the them on hangers, I put bar codes on Brianna are from Jamaica, Queens. even been on an airplane. This was scenery was. I also loved going bowl- cans and other foods, I packaged food They flew to Denver with the group, a huge step for me … getting out of ing, roller blading, kayaking, the im- … and my favorite one of all: I helped then it was off to South Dakota, my comfort zone and going out into prov club in Los Angeles, and I even take the customers around and helped where they visited Mount Rushmore the real world to discover things that learned how to swim! On top of all them feel at home, so that they won’t and went hiking. I never knew existed. I grew ecstatic that, we had the chance to dorm at feel ashamed having to receive help. The next day, everyone bused and eager to learn and travel. UCSB (University of California, Santa Seeing the brightness in their eyes and down to Jackson, Wyo., then to Reno, The day I [had] been waiting for Barbara) and get a glimpse of how col- the smile on their faces and the way Nev. and Lake Tahoe, where they finally arrived. It was June 29, the day lege life really is. they would hold my hand and say, went tubing and wakeboarding be- I left everyone and everything behind However, what made this trip a lot “thank you so much,” really touched fore heading off to San Francisco. for two entire weeks and ventured out more memorable for me was waking my heart and made me want to con- Bria writes: into the world. up at 7:30 am every morning, eating tinue helping others … which I will, Every time we left a new city, I Looking around in JFK airport and breakfast, and leaving by 9:15 am after this life-changing experience. picked up new traditions, cultures, seeing not one familiar face (other to do community service for three Unity Shoppe also helped me ap- friends, etc. This trip brought out the than my mom who was with me) hours every day at a place called preciate my own life, because I finally best in me, and it actually gave me wasn’t at all easy. But I kept on think- Unity Shoppe. It is an organization realized and saw it with my own eyes, the opportunity to branch out to new ing positively. I waved goodbye to my that helps provide food, clothing, that there are others who have so much things … and [I] stepped out of my mom with tears in my eyes, walking and basic necessities to low-income, less than I do. Now, I am immensely comfort zone to where I know that I away towards the Rein Teen Tours working families, their children, and thankful for what I have and as soon as am willing to go the distance. group. Thankfully, I was able to see the elderly. It’s unique because it al- I got home, I hugged my mom and told Wilmaris DeLaCruz, 16, from two people that I saw recently at the lows families and individuals who are her, “Thank you so much for all that Washington Heights writes: Trip of a Lifetime meeting: Kalifala going through a tough time to get back you have done for me!” Travel for free? I got an e-mail and Zairia. I also sat next to Zairia on on their feet. Knowing that I can have fun while from the organization, and I couldn’t the plane, and I was excited that we Being a volunteer at this shop helping low-income families get back believe that I was a finalist! I cannot would be going to California together! was the highlight of my entire trip. I on their feet, was a blessing. I didn’t thank you guys enough for giving me I was stunned by how different learned so much. I had many roles want to leave, but I promised I’d be the chance to not only have fun and California was from New York City, and learned how to do each and back. travel, but to make a difference and with its big, beautiful palm trees and every one of them. I was a cashier, I • • • help others that have so much less breathtaking landscapes. One of my learned how to put tags on clothing, I For more info on Trip of a Lifetime, than I do. favorite places was the Santa Barbara organized the clothes, as well as put visit www.projecttoal.org.

October 2014 • QUEENS Family 31 Advice What is a Q.P.R.T.? What is does the acronym Q.P.R.T. tax exposure, especially in light of donor wins or he gets his money mean, and what is it? the expected return to a limited $1 back. The trust discounts offer a million federal and state tax exemp- highly tax-efficient way to make here was once a video game tion in 2011. use of the client’s gift tax exemp- in the 1980s called Q-Bert. A qualified personal residence tion, which is now $5.34 million T This is not that game. A trust is a form of irrevocable trust, and will increase each year with Q.P.R.T. is an acronym (pronounced whose sole asset is the interest in a cost of living adjustment (previ- “cue-pert”) for a sophisticated es- your personal residence and other ously the Federal exemption was Ask An tate planning technique that allows related assets if you so choose. It only $1 million and had incremen- a person to reduce the value of his must comply with the requirements tally increased to $5 million until Attorney estate — and therefore minimize es- of I.R.C. Regulation 25.2702-5(c). it automatically reverted back to Alison Arden Besunder, tate taxes — by moving an asset out The donor makes a gift of the resi- $1 million in 2010; however, Con- esq. of his estate at a lower value than dence to the trust — effectively to gress amended the law). The “gift” the asset might actually have at the his descendants or the beneficiaries is complete when the residence is time of transfer or at death. of the trust — and retains the right transferred to the trust and the A Q.P.R.T., or “qualified personal to occupy the residence for the term value is fixed as of that date, dis- residence trust,” is an estate tax of a set period of time. At the expira- counted because of the donor’s savings technique. Although the tion of that term, ownership of the retained interests. trust loses popularity in low-inter- residence passes to the beneficia- Most qualified personal resi- est rate environments, it is still a ries of the trust. If the donor dies dence trust donors want to remain very effective an economical mech- before the expiration of the trust’s in their personal residence after anism for mitigating your estate term, the trust terminates and own- the term expires. The donor must ership of the residence returns to understand that he can do so but the estate of the donor (effectively will need to pay rent. This is a losing the gamble). In short, the formality that must be observed, beneficiaries only receive the trust otherwise the Internal Revenue property at the end of the term — Service could unwind the transac- and only if the donor is still living tion. Many people balk at the idea at that time. — pay rent for my own home? But Why would someone make if you want the benefits, you have such a strange gift, and why to pay the price. The residence would he jump through so technically belongs to the donor’s many hoops to do so? children (or remainder beneficia- The structure of the U.S. ries) or even the trust after the gift tax system offers a expiration of the term. If the donor tax bargain for the donor continues to reside there without in the qualified personal resi- paying rent, the residence could dence trust. The donor gets a dis- be brought back into the donor’s count in computing the value of estate, thus negating the tax-sav- his taxable gift for the interest he ing purpose of the trust. retains in the personal residence The qualified personal residence when he transfers it to the trust. trust is a complicated estate tax If he survives the trust’s term, technique, and there are many fac- the entire property is out of his ets that can only be explained and estate — even though he paid gift implemented by an attorney. tax on only a discounted value. If Alison Arden Besunder is the found- he does not survive the term, the ing attorney of the law firm of Arden residence comes back into his es- Besunder P.C., where she assists new tate and the trust did not save any and not-so-new parents with their estate taxes; but the taxes in that case planning needs. Her firm assists clients are no higher than if the donor had in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Nas- never made the gift at all. In other sau, and Suffolk Counties. You can find words, the qualified personal resi- Alison Besunder on Twitter @estatet- dence trust is a gift tax bet that rustplan and on her website at www. the donor can’t lose. Either the besunderlaw.com.

Disclaimer: This column is provided by the Law Offices of Alison 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 situ- ation. 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. 32 QUEENS Family • October 2014 Enter to Win!

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October 2014 • QUEENS Family 33 Travel

Family fun, close to home

By Stacey ZaBle on the air fare, pack up the kids and with a bedroom with a King-size Crystal Springs be where you want to be in no time. bed, living room with Queen-size mere 90 minutes from New Crystal Springs, located in Ver- sleeper sofa, fireplace, and over- Resort offers York City in northwestern non and Hamburg, N.J., is actu- sized balcony and a full kitchen, A New Jersey is Crystal Springs ally three properties in one, plus a which even includes a washer and year-round Resort, where the choices in accom- whole lot of recreational choices. dryer. The large bathroom with sep- modations and activities are abun- The luxury Grand Cascades Lodge arate tub and stall shower is acces- activities dant any time of year. This fall or or Minerals Hotel are the two re- sible from both the living room and winter, you can save time and money sort choices, while Mountain Creek bedroom. offers slope-side accommodations We took full advantage of the and town homes at the base of Ver- kitchen, stocking up on breakfast Package It non Peak. The resort’s complimen- and snack items at the nearby su- Fall and winter packages are available that include accommodations tary shuttle service — available permarket. Crystal Springs has 12 with time at the spa, on the golf course or lift tickets to Mountain Creek on-demand — takes you wherever restaurants ranging from casual to depending on the time of year. Packages for guests of both Grand Cas- you want on the expansive prop- gourmet, with kid’s menus available. cades and Minerals also include complimentary access to Minerals erty, and even to a few restaurants DJ and dancing adds to the fun of Sports Club’s pools and fitness classes; guests of Grand Cascades get located right outside its environs. dinner on weekends at Kites at Min- complimentary use of the 18-hole putting course (weather permitting) We stayed at Grand Cascades in a erals Hotel. There is an official tour and access to the Biosphere Pool Complex as well. one-bedroom suite, which was per- of Grand Cascade’s 135,000 bottle fect for our family of four. It comes Wine Cellar, or you can request ac-

34 QUEENS Family • October 2014 High School October 2014 QUEENS FREE Family Choices Where Every Child Matters Teen stuff! Coping with

D. Becker Photo messy rooms At Crystal Springs resort, the Biosphere features heated pools, a hot tub, aquar- ium, and more. (At left) In the winter kids can enjoy skiing. Teens traveling on their own cess at other times. Kids may not ground, racquetball and indoor be impressed with the wine, but basketball, running track and ten- will like the cavernous cellar, which nis. The 6,000-square-foot fitness Buying her has a very “Harry Potter” feel to it. center and the selection of more first bra The major kid-friendly attrac- than 80 weekly exercise classes tion at Grand Cascades is the (included in the rate for Grand glass-enclosed Biosphere, per- Cascades and Mineral Hotel Find us online at www.NYParenting.com fect for cold weather inside fun. guests) helped burn off all those The indoor pool complex features snacks in our kitchen. an aquarium, heated pools, hot For more exercise, we walked tub, caves, lush foliage and a 140- the Grand Cascades Nature Trail foot water slide. The Biosphere Hike. Crystal Springs also pro- is also the site for kid-friendly, vides a brochure and information dive-in movies on a big-screen. A on how to access eight local hik- If you like heated outdoor pool is adjacent to ing trails that range from easy the Biosphere, which also opens to strenuous, and we spent one many of its own windowed walls morning exploring beyond the the magazine in the summer. The 18-hole natu- property. Depending on the sea- ral grass putting course provides son, guests have a choice of seven more outdoor fun. championship golf courses and Numerous outdoor seating can improve their game at the you’ll love areas with couches surrounding David Leadbetter Golf Academy. fire pits and oversized cabana Mountain Creek offers skiing beds provide cozy nooks for relax- and snowboarding (including les- the site. ing. At night, the amphitheater’s sons) in the winter, with 167 acres fire pit is the place to roast marsh- of trails on four mountain peaks, mallows, weather permitting. Re- 100 percent snowmaking and flections Spa is reserved for pam- night skiing coverage. The area pering for adults only at Grand transforms into Action Park in the Cascades. However, Elements Spa summer, where you can hike, bike, at Minerals Hotel welcomes guests canoe, zip-line or enjoy the water- Check us out! 13 and older. My 15-year-old older park, with more than 24 different daughter and I enjoyed turning rides, slides and attractions; one the spa’s “Couples” massage into of many reasons to plan a return a “Mother-Daughter” massage. All visit this summer. NYParenting.com treatments end with time in the Crystal Springs Resort [Vernon and lounge in a hot water foot soak to Hamburg, N.J., (855) 977–6473, crystal- help continue the relaxation. This golfresort.com] was a lovely way to sit and talk to Stacey Zable is an award-winning my daughter without electronic veteran travel writer and family travel devices distracting us. expert who has written about destina- Where every family matters and Minerals Sports Club at Min- tions, resorts and cruise lines around erals Hotel was our recreational the world. Her favorite trips are those where New York parents find help, destination for much of the trip. In that she shares with her husband and addition to three indoor and out- two daughters. Send travel questions info and support. door heated nature pools and hot and comments to Stacey at info@stac- tubs, there is a children’s spray eyzable.com.

October 2014 • QUEENS Family 35 A-maze-ing action flick Opening last weekend, “The Maze to “The Glade,” a place full of boys to tears and made me think about the Teens love Runner” received rave reviews from who were taken and had their memo- way we can work together when we the teen film critics. The story involves ries erased as well. Thomas soon are truly faced with a challenge. The the adventure a teen who is deposited into a com- learns that they are trapped in a giant visuals are incredible as well. The munity of boys with no memory of his maze, and once you’re stuck inside, maze is so complex and ever chang- past, save his own name. The world you never make ing and it’s so cool to be able to “ex- of ‘The Maze he is deposited to is comprised of 60 it out alive. Ev- plore” it in a sense and see all of the teen boys who have learned to survive erything begins detail put into the CGI. in this completely closed-off environ- to change when The entire cast is incredible. All the Runner’ ment, subsisting on their own agricul- a girl is brought characters are so unique and have ture and supplies. The original group to The Glade, their own personalities and quirks, has been in “The Glade” for two years, and so Thomas but they work together in such a have tried to escape and have, for the decides it is seamless way. My favorite character most part, given up hope. Their world time to face the is the main character Thomas, who begins to change with the latest boy maze and find really makes the whole thing come to and then, the first girl arriving. the whole truth life. The boys that live in The Glade KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raven D, about the people have been there for three years and, age 17, and Willie J, 15, share their who placed them there. But the truth of course, they have tried to find a thoughts on the film. they find might be even more horrible way out. But, most of them have es- than the maze itself. sentially decided that they will live he Maze Runner” is an I absolutely love this film. It is so out the rest of their days there. When action-packed, visually intense and visually stunning. It kept Thomas shows up, he tests the sys- “T stunning new film that me on the edge of my seat and made tem and refuses to accept his fate of made hold my breath and kept me on my heart race through the entire being stuck in the maze. I admire his the edge of my seat till the very end. film. Every time Thomas is inside character because he thinks outside “The Maze Runner” tells the story of the maze, I felt as if I was there with of the box and finds his own way. He Thomas, played by Dylan O’Brien, him, running for my life. But this isn’t looks past his fear and is a strong who wakes up in a giant crate with just an adrenaline-packed adventure. leader despite the doubts people may no memory of his past. He is taken “The Maze Runner” also moved me have in him. 36 QUEENS Family • October 2014 It’s been very interesting see- and predictable character. The ing the theme of films that have most impressive performance in been coming out recently. “Hun- the cast comes from Will Poulter, ger Games,” “Divergent,” “Enders who plays Gally. His performance Are you a mom Game,” “The Giver,” and now “The earlier this cinematic season in Maze Runner” all have something “The Giver” was also impressive in common: they tell the story of and his performance in “We’re the who wants to young adults, children really, who Millers” was hilarious, so he is re- have to group together and take on ally showing his range. His char- some very serious situations, some- acter is wonderfully written and make money? times things even adults can’t han- wonderfully portrayed, so props dle. It shows youth questioning au- to him. thority, standing up for what’s right, The visual effects in the film and making their own way. These are also quite amazing. Enrique strong themes send out a message Chediak, whose beautiful cin- of empowerment to the youth of ematography was at its best in our generation, but this can also be “127 Hours,” gives this film a very a bit overwhelming. I know it’s dif- crisp look. He doesn’t over do his ficult watching adults fight for their shot composition, nor does he try lives, kill, and be killed, and have to give unnecessary landscape their worlds torn apart. But it’s even shots. He lets the beauty of the more shocking to see children go film come from the special effects, through these trials. which is a smart move (although Because of this, I recommend there are some genuinely stun- “The Maze Runner” for ages 13 and ning shots). The seemingly effort- up, because of the intense situa- less movement of giant set pieces tions and violence. It kept me on is a testament to the great work of the edge of my seat and made me the visual effects team. hold my breath during the intense But, the best aspect of this situations, and I love when a film film is the writing. The secret this gets me so involved, but that may film has is what Alfred Hitchcock be too much for some to handle. I famously called the “MacGuffin.” give “The Maze Runner” 5 out of 5 It is a plot device that the main stars and can’t wait to see it again. protagonist pursues with little or Catch it in theaters near you now! no explanation. This film starts — Raven D. with a boy entering the world, See Raven’s video review here: but we don’t know why. We get We want you to join our team. http://youtu.be/ouprOgTen38 to the middle of the film and we . . . still don’t know why these kids are isolated, who is keeping them We are looking for a n a generation where the “teen- there, or how big their obstacle agers face adversity in a dys- is and what stakes are attached. motivated candidate. I topian future” is the popular Usually, in a movie of this kind, piece of enter- those questions are all answered tainment, “The in the exposition of the film. But No sales experience necessary, Maze Runner” even when this film ends, we are is a refreshing still uncertain about why what we but a car and liking people entry. Using just saw happened. What is the the element of motivation and who is behind it? is a must! surprise and Then, in a wonderful plot twist, leaving unan- we leave with questions that only Full benefits, salary and swered ques- a next installment can answer — tions, this film or maybe not. commission proves to be a This is the rare case of a film very formida- that makes us wish for a sequel ble mystery, action-thriller. not because more books were The acting in this film isn’t written and a bunch of producers much different than many other feel the need to adapt every book films with teen or child ensem- in a series, but because we are bles. They give good perfor- generally interested in what hap- Email resumes to [email protected] mances and they all come off as pens next. That is why I give this or call Sharon at 718-260-2505 veterans, especially Blake Coo- film 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend per (Chuck) who, in only his sec- it for anyone age 14 and up, as it is ond feature film, seems like he’s a little bloodier and more profane been acting on-screen for years. than your average PG-13 thriller. I found him very impressive. The “The Maze Runner” is a tense, leading performance by Dylan suspenseful mystery thriller, that O’Brian is also very good, but is keeps you asking and on the edge limited to his rather conventional of your seat. — Willie J.

October 2014 • QUEENS Family 37 CalendarOCTOBER

It’s pumpkin-picking time at the There is no admission fee to enter the Queens County Farm Museum the patch. Hunt for your from Oct. 4 through 26, where Pumpkin picking on the farm, countless pumpkins are waiting to Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 4 be taken home and decorated. Fami- through Oct. 26 from 11 am to 4:30 perfect pumpkin lies are invited to walk the patch pm. Free with admission to the and select their own gourd to bring farm. Pumpkins priced separately. home. The prices of vary depending Queens County Farm Museum [73- on size. If you can’t make it week- 50 Little Neck Pkwy. in Floral Park, ends, you can purchase a pumpkin (718) 347–3276; www.queensfarm. in the gift shop at the museum. org].

38 QUEENS Family • October 2014 Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Calendar wings. Children 4 years and older use their imagination in this bookmaking Submit a listing workshop. This calendar is dedicated to bringing our readers the most Sun, Oct. 5 comprehensive list of events in your area. But to do so, we need In Queens your help! Paint Party: New York Hall of Sci- Send your listing request to ence, 47-01 111th St.; (718) 699–0005 queens­[email protected] X 353; www.nyscience.org; 10:30 am — and we’ll take care of the rest. – 12:30 pm; $8 per family, plus NYSCI Please e-mail requests more admission. than three weeks prior to the Children, ages 18 months and older, event to ensure we have enough mix up a batch of washable paint from time to get it in. And best of all, everyday ingredients to make a work it’s FREE! of art. Pre-register online at nysci.org/ little-makers. Kickoff To Fall: Queens County Wed, Oct. 1 Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck In Queens Pkwy.; (718) 347–3276; www.queens- farm.org; 11 am – 4 pm; Free (no gate Lego Building Club: Bellerose admission). Public Library, 250-06 Hillside Ave. at Come on out today — or any Oc- 249th Street; (718) 831–8644; www. tober weekend — to buy a variety of queenslibrary.org; 4–5 pm; Free. Hudson Valley apples, donuts, fresh Children in grades first through sixth cider, and apple pie. can be creative and have fun with Lego A barking good time building blocks. Moo At The Zoo: 11 am–4 pm. Halloween is for the dogs at So- the best costumed pooch, and Queens Zoo. See Saturday, Oct. 4. Chess Club: Queensboro Hill Public crates Sculpture Park on Oct. 25. foods from local restaurants. Library, 60-05 Main St. at 63rd Av- Huange Tiange Piano Recital: enue; (718) 359–8332; www.queensli- Don’t miss the annual canine Halloween Festival on Oct. 25 Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern brary.org; 4–5:30 pm; Free. contest and Halloween festival from 11 am to 3 pm. Admission is Blvd.; (718) 463–7700; www.flushing- Chess club for children and teens is — featuring live music, a special free admission. townhall.org; 3 pm; $15/$10 students. for all player levels. Intermediate and art-making workshop with Free Socrates Sculpture Park [32-01 In celebration of the Golden Sea- advanced players interested in volun- Style Arts Association, and face Vernon Blvd. in Astoria; (718) 956– son in Beijing, a stunning concert with teering as teachers are also welcome. painting by Agostino Arts. There 1819; www.socratessculpturepark. 10-year-old composer and pianist Huange Tiange. will also be a canine contest for org]. Thurs, Oct. 2 Full Moon Drumming Work- shop: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 In Queens farm-themed crafts, feeding time with family, and then design a creepy pump- Northern Blvd.; (718) 463–7700; www. Autumn Storytime: Bay Terrace the animals, and special giveaways. kin to take home. flushingtownhall.org; 7 pm; $20. Public Library, 18-35 Bell Blvd. at 23rd Celebrate the Harvest Moon with Bee Garden: Queens Botanical Motion Lab: New York Transit Mu- Avenue; (718) 423–7004; www.queen- a drum circle in Flushing Town Hall’s Garden, 43-50 Main Street; (718) seum, Boerum Place at Schermerhorn slibary.org; 11:30 am; Free. beautiful garden with master drum- 539–5296; www.queensbotanical.org; Street, Brooklyn; (718) 694–1600; mers from Brazil. Drums provided. Preschoolers and toddlers (ages 18 2–4 pm; $20. www.mta.info/mta/museum; 11:30 months to 4 years) enjoy fingerplays, All are welcome from beginner to Children, ages 5 through 12, learn am–12:30 pm; Free with museum professional. music, rhymes and stories with their about local resident bees at QBG, taste admission. parents or caregivers. some of their honey and make a rolled Unlock the mysteries of motion. Chil- Further Afield beeswax candle to take home. dren 2 to 5 years old experiment with Submerge! NYC’s Marine Sci- Fri, Oct. 3 Carnivores, Herbivores, and ramps and tracks, wings, and wheels ence Festival: Pier 26 on the Hudson In Queens Omnivores – oh my!: Alley Pond and things that glide and slide. River, Manhattan; 11 am – 3 pm; Free. Environmental Center, 228-06 North- This daylong festival provides a Mother Goose Time: Richmond Octoberfest benefit: Hillside Swim ern Blvd.; (718) 229–4000; 2–4 pm; hands-on view of ocean and marine Hill Library, 118-14 Hillside Ave.; (718) Club, 151 Signs Rd. between Arlene $18. science, interactive demonstrations, 849–7150; www.queenslibrary.org; and Dinsmore streets, Staten Island; presentations by scientists, sustain- 1:15–1:45 pm; Free. Children, ages 7 and up, learn about noon; $40 for adults 21 and up; $20 animal teeth, see a live animal presen- able food vendors, touch tanks, music, Infants and toddlers and their care- for ages 14–20; kids 13 and under free. tation, then take a walk to observe and catch-and-release fishing, kayak les- givers are invited for stories, songs, Fund-raiser for children of Firefighter identify nature’s animals and what they sons, and more. rhymes and playtime. Lt. Gordon “Matty” Ambelas, who might be consuming. died in a fire earlier this year. Activities Nano Art: Brooklyn Children’s Mu- Further Afield include bouncy house, pumpkin paint- seum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks Sat, Oct. 4 ing, dunk tank, and more. Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) 735–4400;

Pumpkin-carving workshop: www.brooklynkids.org; 12:30 pm; Free In Queens New York Botanical Garden, 200th Mixed up vehicles: New York with museum admission. Moo At The Zoo: Queens Zoo, 53- St. and Kazimiroff Blvd., The Bronx; Transit Museum, Boerum Place at 51 111th St.; (718) 271–1500; queen- (718) 817–8700; www.nybg.org; 10 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn; (718) Children get the nitty gritty of the szoo.com; 11 am–4 pm; Free with zoo am–noon; Free with admission to the 694–1600; www.mta.info/mta/mu- itty bitty and bring small things into admission. grounds. seum; 1:30 pm; Free with museum focus. Check out animal keeper chats, Budding masters 8 years and older admission. Mixed-up Vehicles: 1:30 pm. New cheese-making demos, hands-on but- explore the carved pumpkins on dis- Create and color a fantasy vehicle, York Transit Museum. See Saturday, ter making, a cow-milking simulator, play, learn about the amazing gourd an amphibious buse or a train with Continued on page 40 October 2014 • QUEENS Family 39 Calendar Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar

Continued from page 39 suggested. Oct. 4. In celebration of National Tell a Story Day, this Storybook Discovery session Garden tour: Brooklyn Botanic Gar- celebrates stories, books, and book- den, 1000 Washington Ave., at Eastern making. After reading together, chil- Parkway, Brooklyn; (718) 623–7220; dren, ages 6 and up, learn to make www.bbg.org; 2–3 pm and 3:30–4:30 their own accordion books to share pm; $12 ($15 non-members). their own stories. Family-friendly peek inside the gar- dens, learn about garden plots, and Further Afield make a tasty treat. Pre-registration re- Pumpkin carving workshop: 10 quired and online. Cancelled in case of am–noon. New York Botanical Garden. inclement weather. See Saturday, Oct. 4. “I’m Not Scared”: Brooklyn Chil- Motion Lab: 11:30 am–12:30 pm. dren’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. New York Transit Museum. See Satur- at St. Marks Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) day, Oct. 4. 735–4400; www.brooklynkids.org; Columbus Day: New York Botanical 2:30 pm; Free with museum admission. Garden, 200th St. and Kazimiroff Blvd., Tots 2 years and older listen to how The Bronx; (718) 817–8700; www. Baby Owl and his stuffed friend face Photo by Justina Wong nybg.org; 1 and 3 pm; Free with gar- their fears with a reading of Jonathan den admission. Allen’s book. Celebrate the explorer the whole Spooky adventures weekend with bats, bats, and more Mon, Oct. 6 bats. Meet a big brown bat from North Join in and take the trip with action-packed Halloween night, America, the endangered Rodrigues In Queens Hansel and Gretel on their Hal- complete with mermaids, mon- bat, and come face-to-face with the Board Games: Windsor Park Public loween Adventure at the Swedish sters, pirates, vampires and, of largest bat in the world — the Gigan- Library, 79-50 Bell Blvd. at 73rd Av- Cottage Marionette Theatre, Oct. course, a witch! tic Flying Fox of Malaysia. Rob Mies, a enue; (718) 468–8300; www.queensli- 1 through Nov. 1. Performances run from Oct. conservation biologist and bat expert, brary.org; 4–5:30 pm; Free. shares interesting facts about the night Could there be anything more 1 through Nov. 1, Tuesdays flyers in a child-friendly way. Children, ages 5-12, make new appropriate than a performance through Fridays at 10:30 am and friends and have fun playing a variety of Hansel and Gretel just in time noon, with an additional show on Transit mysteries: New York Transit of board games and doing puzzles. Museum, Boerum Place at Schermer- for Halloween? Wednesdays at 2:30 pm; Saturday horn Street, Brooklyn; (718) 694–1600; City Parks Foundation brings and Sunday at 1 pm. On Friday, www.mta.info/mta/museum; 1:30 pm; Tues, Oct. 7 back “Hansel and Gretel’s Hal- Oct. 31 — Halloween! — there Free with museum admission. In Queens loween Adventure” at the per- will be two additional shows at Children of all ages are invited to ArchForKids Community Work- fect time of year. Recommended 2:30 pm and 4 pm. Tickets are $7 check out the mystery relics from the shop: Seaside Public Library, 116-15 for children ages 3–9, the show for children under 12, $10 for all museum’s collection and uncover Rockaway Blvd.; (718) 634–1876; picks up where the original Swed- others. history. www.queenslibrary.org; 4–5 pm; Free. ish Cottage Marionette Theatre The Swedish Cottage Marionette Go Away! Big Green Monster: Participants explore building facades, production leaves off; with the Theatre [Central Park at 81st Street Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 the components of greenhouses and children’s pet swan Samantha and Central Park West, (212) 988– Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks Avenue, the elements of sustainable community flying them back home, just as 9093; www.cityparksfoundation.org/ Brooklyn; (718) 735–4400; www. design. they begin having wild dreams of arts/swedish-cottage-marionette-the- brooklynkids.org; 2:30 pm; Free with museum admission. Central Park blossoming into an atre/] Tots 2 years and older listen to the Wed, Oct. 8 story of Ed Emberly’s classic and find In Queens out why monsters don’t have to be so rhymes and playtime. scary after all. Then make a googley- Crafts for Kids: Flushing Public Li- Thurs, Oct. 9 eyed monster to take home. brary, 41-17 Main St. at Parsons Boule- In Queens Project! World’s Fairs: New York vard; (718) 661–1200; www.queensli- Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St.; (718) Autumn Storytime: Bay Terrace 699–0005 X 353; www.nyscience.org; brary.org; 4–5 pm; Free. Public Library, 18-35 Bell Blvd. at 23rd Sun, Oct. 12 8 – 11 pm; $20 per person. Children in kindergarten through Avenue; (718) 423–7004; www.queen- In Queens sixth grade make seasonal crafts. Enjoy a night illuminated by images slibary.org; 11:30 am; Free. Sink Float Flink: New York Hall Preschoolers and toddlers (ages 18 of the past, present and future, inspired Chess Club: 4–5:30 pm. Queensboro by the 1964-65 World’s Fair. Against of Science, 47-01 111th St.; (718) Hill Public Library. See Wednesday, months to 4 years) enjoy fingerplays, 699–0005 X 353; www.nyscience.org; music, rhymes and stories with their the backdrop of rockets, visitors will be Oct. 1. treated to large-scale artist projections 10:30 am – 12:30 pm; $8 per family, parents or caregivers. plus NYSCI admission. Book Discussion and Activity and installations on and around NY- Children, ages 18 months and older, for Girls: Douglaston/Little Neck SCI’s building and exhibits. Fri, Oct. 10 experiment with a variety of materials Public Library, 249-01 Northern Blvd. at and design boats to sail in their bath- 249th Street; (718) 225–8414; www. In Queens Sat, Oct. 11 tubs. Preregister online at nysci.org/ queenslibrary.org; 5–6:15 pm; Free. Mother Goose Time: Richmond little-makers. Mrs. Tina and volunteers lead a book Hill Library, 118-14 Hillside Ave.; (718) In Queens discussion on Roald Dahl’s “Matilda.” 849–7150; www.queenslibrary.org; Storybook Discovery Day: Further Afield After the discussion, the girls, ages 1:15–1:45 pm; Free. Voelker Orth Museum, 149-19 38th Kid’s Abilities Day: Brooklyn Chil- 7–10, create a small art project based Infants and toddlers and their care- Ave.; (718) 359–6227; www.vo- dren’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. on the book. givers are invited for stories, songs, museum.org; 11 am; $5 donation at St. Marks Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) 40 QUEENS Family • October 2014 Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Calendar 735–4400; www.brooklynkids.org; 10 am; Free with museum admission. Children with special needs enjoy a day of jumping, swinging and Day of the Dead & more touching. Come and celebrate all things Children of all ages are invited Columbus Day: 1 and 3 pm. New ghoulish at the re-mixed festival to wear their costumes and take York Botanical Garden. See Saturday, of Dia de Los Muertos, Hallow- part in mask making, All Saints’ Oct. 11. een, and All Saints’ Day at Flushing Day medallions, Mexican sugar Transit mysteries: 1:30 pm. New Town Hall on Oct. 31. skulls, and ghost stories. Hallow- York Transit Museum. See Saturday, Families celebrate and learn all een treats are available for all par- Oct. 11. about the Mexican holiday of Dia ticipants. Movie Matinees: BAM Kids, 30 de los Muertos, the American tradi- Re-Mixed Festival workshop on Lafayette Ave. at Ashland Place, Brook- tion of trick-or-treating on Hallow- Oct. 31 from 4 to 7 pm. Free lyn; (718) 636–4129; www.bam.org; 2 een, and the relgious significance of Flushing Town Hall [137-35 Northern pm; $7 children 12 and younger ($10 All Saints’ Day all in one day at this Blvd. at Linden Place in Flushing, (718) adults; $9 for BAM members). hands-on festival workshop. 463–7700; www.flushingtownhall.org] The BAM series offers the perfect opportunity for families to introduce their children to the classics on the big screen. The first of the series is “Little Public Library, 18-35 Bell Blvd. at 23rd See Saturday, Oct. 4. recommended. Avenue; (718) 423–7004; www.queen- Fugitive.” Baby Loves Salsa: BAM Cafe, 30 “Wild Grass”: 7:30 pm. BAM Harvey slibary.org; 11:30 am; Free. Lafayette Ave. between Ashland Place Theater. See Wednesday, Oct. 15. Mon, Oct. 13 Preschoolers and toddlers (ages 18 and St. Felix Street, Brooklyn; www. months to 4 years) enjoy fingerplays, bam.org/programs/bamcafe-live; 10:30 In Queens music, rhymes and stories with their am; $9. Sun, Oct. 19 parents or caregivers. The Amazing Maize Maze: Songwriter Jose Conde, is a bilingual, In Queens Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Further Afield cross cultural, rhythmic concert that Shrinky Dinks: New York Hall of Sci- Little Neck Pkwy.; (718) 347–3276; teaches children 2 to 6 years old the ence, 47-01 111th St.; (718) 699–0005 www.queensfarm.org; 11 am – 4:30 “Wild Grass”: 7:30 pm. BAM Harvey basics of salsa, featuring original music, X 353; www.nyscience.org; 10:30 am pm; $5 for children, $9 for adults, chil- Theater. See Wednesday, Oct. 15. and audience participation. – 12:30 pm; $8 per family, plus NYSCI dren ages 3 & under free. Motion Lab: 11:30 am–12:30 pm. admission. Spend Columbus Day getting lost in Fri, Oct. 17 New York Transit Museum. See Satur- Children, ages 18 months and older, this three-acre interactive corn maze. day, Oct. 4. design a work of art on recycled plastic The adventure begins with a “Stalk In Queens and shrink it down into a homemade Talk” to prepare you for the challenge Mother Goose Time: Richmond The Great Pumpkin: Brooklyn shrinky dink. Preregister online at nysci. of finding clues, solving puzzles and Hill Library, 118-14 Hillside Ave.; (718) Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn org/little-makers. making your way out of the maze. 849–7150; www.queenslibrary.org; Ave. at St. Marks Avenue, Brooklyn; 1:15–1:45 pm; Free. (718) 735–4400; www.brooklynkids. Calligraphy Workshop: Flushing Further Afield Infants and toddlers and their care- org; 11:30 am; Free with museum Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard; Columbus Day: 1 and 3 pm. New givers are invited for stories, songs, admission. (718) 463–7700; www.flushingtown- York Botanical Garden. See Saturday, rhymes and playtime. Explore the wonderful world of hall.org; 1 pm; $10 adults/$8 children. Oct. 11. gourds. Children 2 years and older Participants the different styles of Ar- Further Afield learn all about the history and then abic calligraphy and have their names Tues, Oct. 14 “Wild Grass”: 7:30 pm. BAM Harvey watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Char- rendered in calligraphic script. Theater. See Wednesday, Oct. 15. lie Brown” and have snacks and do a In Queens pumpkin printing. Further Afield ArchForKids Community Work- Sat, Oct. 18 Shadow puppet stories: New Carving demonstrations: check shop: 4–5 pm. Seaside Public Library. York Transit Museum, Boerum Place for time. New York Botanical Garden. See Tuesday, Oct. 7. In Queens at Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn; See Saturday, Oct. 18. Astronomy Adventure: Alley Pond (718) 694–1600; www.mta.info/mta/ The Great Pumpkin: 11:30 am. Wed, Oct. 15 Environmental Center, 228-06 North- museum; 1:30 pm; Free with museum Brooklyn Children’s Museum. See Sat- ern Blvd.; (718) 229–4000; 7:30–9:30 admission. urday, Oct. 18. In Queens pm; $16; $7 for children 9-12. Transport your imagination by cre- Chess Club: 4–5:30 pm. Queensboro Children, ages 9 and up, join profes- ating silhouette puppets and a night- Shadow puppet stories: 1:30 pm. Hill Public Library. See Wednesday, sor and astronomer Mark Freilich for an time cityscape. For children 4 years and New York Transit Museum. See Satur- Oct. 1. exciting evening of star gazing. older. day, Oct. 18. Further Afield Further Afield Nighttime adventure: New York Botanical Garden, 200th St. and Ka- Mon, Oct. 20 Carving demonstrations: New “Wild Grass”: BAM Harvey Theater, zimiroff Blvd., The Bronx; (718) 817– York Botanical Garden, 200th St. and In Queens 651 Fulton St. at Rockwell Place, Brook- 8700; www.nybg.org; 6:30–8:30 ppm; Kazimiroff Blvd., The Bronx; (718) 817– lyn; (718) 636–4100; www.bam.org; $20 ($15 members). “Find the Feeling” Story Hour: 7:30 pm; $20 and up. 8700; www.nybg.org; check for time; Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd.; Free with admission to the grounds. Grab a flashlight and explore the Presented by the Beijing Dance pumpkin sculptures as you travel along (718) 990–0700; www.queenslibrary. Master carver Ray Villafane trans- Theater. the Trick-or-Treat Trail, listen for crit- org; 4–5 pm; Free. forms the gentle giant pumpkins into ters, or sit in on a spooky story. Cap- Children age 5 and under enjoy sto- unearthly spooky creatures. A Q&A fol- ture a skeleton and be on the look out ries that highlight common feelings Thurs, Oct. 16 lows the demonstrations and snacks. for ghosts. Children also dig around and encourage children to express and In Queens Pumpkin-carving workshop: 10 for decomposers and decorate a Hal- understand their emotions. Autumn Storytime: Bay Terrace am–noon. New York Botanical Garden. loween pumpkin. Advance tickets Continued on page 42 October 2014 • QUEENS Family 41 Calendar Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar

Continued from page 41 Halloween Haunted House: Participants will learn about the dif- science.org; Noon – 5 pm; Free with Tues, Oct. 21 Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 ferent kinds of puppets with How to NYSCI admission. Little Neck Pkwy.; (718) 347–3276; be a Puppeteer for children 4 to 8 years The event will showcase chemistry In Queens www.queensfarm.org; 4 – 7 pm; $4. old. principles using demonstrations per- “Read for the Record” Story Hayrides, Halloween treats, mulled Pumpkin-carving workshop: 10 formed by local college students and and Craft Program: Bellerose Public cider, pumpkins and apples on sale, am–noon. New York Botanical Garden. volunteers from local industries. and more, for children ages 6-12. Library, 250-06 Hillside Ave. at 249th See Saturday, Oct. 4. Pumpkin Chucking: 1 & 3 pm. New Street; (718) 831–8644; www.queen- Further Afield Happy Halloween: 10 am. Brooklyn York Hall of Science. See Saturday, slibrary.org; 3:30–4:30 pm; Free. Oct. 25. Children ages 4-7 will enjoy the pic- Happy Halloween: Brooklyn Chil- Children’s Museum. See Friday, Oct. 24. dren’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. ture book “Bunny Cakes,” by Rosemary Puppets on Film: BAM Kids, 30 Bee Garden: Queens Botanical at St. Marks Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) Wells, and do a related craft activity. Lafayette Ave. at Ashland Place, Brook- Garden, 43-50 Main Street; (718) 735–4400; www.brooklynkids.org; 10 lyn; (718) 636–4129; www.bam.org; 539–5296; www.queensbotanical.org; ArchForKids Community Work- am; Free with museum admission. 2–4 pm; $20. shop: 4–5 pm. Seaside Public Library. 11 am; $7 children 12 and younger Celebrate and listen to spooky tales, ($10 adults, $9 BAM members). Children, ages 5 through 12, help See Tuesday, Oct. 7. create a fun craft to take home and The fourth annual festival offers the put the vegetable beds to sleep and have fun the whole day. of puppetry on film. Shortstack! Kids learn about the seasonal changes. Then Wed, Oct. 22 Monster Mash: Brooklyn Children’s Shorts Program is the first of the series. they plant something in the garden, take a walk around the Garden to see In Queens Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. The fourth annual festival offers the of Marks Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) 735– puppetry on film also features “Mup- the changing leaves and make a leaf Chess Club: 4–5:30 pm. Queensboro 4400; www.brooklynkids.org; 4–8 pm; pets Most Wanted.” collage. Hill Public Library. See Wednesday, $13 ($8 members). Halloween Haunted House: 4 – Oct. 1. Motion Lab: 11:30 am–12:30 pm. Calling all ghosts, ghouls, goblins New York Transit Museum. See Satur- 7 pm. Queens County Farm Museum. Scattered Light Opening Cel- and witches. Come dressed and face day, Oct. 4. See Friday, Oct. 24. your fears of all that is creepy and ebration: New York Hall of Science, Further Afield 47-01 111th St.; (718) 699–0005 X crawly. Tickets may be purchased in Spooky Subway stories: New 353; www.nyscience.org; 5 – 8 pm; advance. York Transit Museum, Boerum Place Family Puppet Workshops: BAM at Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn; Free with NYSCI admission. Nighttime adventure: 6:30–8:30 Kids, 30 Lafayette Ave. at Ashland (718) 694–1600; www.mta.info/mta/ The evening is inspired by the Cel- pm. New York Botanical Garden. See Place, Brooklyn; (718) 636–4129; museum; 1:30 pm; Free with museum ebration of Mind festival, and features Saturday, Oct. 18. www.bam.org; 10 am–12:15 pm; $7. admission. magicians, music, and activities that Participants will learn about the dif- puzzle, raise mathematical concepts Join with fellow detectives to solve ferent kinds of puppets including ani- and tease ideas of perception. Sat, Oct. 25 an interactive 100-year-old mystery in- mal marionettes. For children 6 to 9 volving missing keys, squeaky wheels, In Queens years old. and subway spirits. Children over age 5 Puppets on Film: BAM Kids, 30 Thurs, Oct. 23 Halloween Harvest Festival: So- will enjoy searching for clues and a hid- Lafayette Ave. at Ashland Place, Brook- crates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon den stash of candy. In Queens Blvd.; 718–956–1819; www.socratess- lyn; (718) 636–4129; www.bam.org; Autumn Storytime: Bay Terrace culpturepark.org; 11 am–3 pm; Free. Monster Mash: 4–8 pm. Brooklyn 11 am; $7 children 12 and younger Children’s Museum. See Friday, Oct. Public Library, 18-35 Bell Blvd. at 23rd Make a costume with Socrates artists ($10 adults, $9 BAM members). 24. Avenue; (718) 423–7004; www.queen- and enjoy live music, art-making work- The fourth annual festival offers the slibary.org; 11:30 am; Free. shop, face painting and enter your dog Nighttime adventure: 6:30–8:30 of puppetry on film, featuring “Davy Preschoolers and toddlers (ages 18 in the ever popular, annual Juried Ca- pm. New York Botanical Garden. See Jones’ Locker.” months to 4 years) enjoy fingerplays, nine Costume Contest! Saturday, Oct. 18. Spooky Subway stories: 1:30 pm. music, rhymes and stories with their Pumpkin Chucking: New York Hall New York Transit Museum. See Satur- parents or caregivers. of Science, 47-01 111th St.; (718) 699– Sun, Oct. 26 day, Oct. 25. Further Afield 0005 X 353; www.nyscience.org; 1 & 3 pm; Free with NYSCI admission. In Queens Mystery ride: New York Transit Mon, Oct. 27 Watch NYSCI’s catapult, Chuck, toss Spook-tacular Monster Making: Museum, Boerum Place at Schermer- In Queens horn Street, Brooklyn; (718) 694–1600; pumpkins in the air. New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St.; (718) 699–0005 X 353; www.ny- www.mta.info/mta/museum; 6 pm; $7 Halloween Haunted House: 4 – Board Games: 4–5:30 pm. Wind- science.org; 10:30 am – 12:30 pm; $8 ($5 children 2-17 and seniors). 7 pm. Queens County Farm Museum. sor Park Public Library. See Monday, per family, plus NYSCI admission. Climb aboard for underground fun. See Friday, Oct. 24. Oct. 6. Kids transform socks, buttons, fabric Families are invited to take the spooky and everyday household materials into subway challenge and search for clues, Further Afield a spook-tacular monster to call their Tues, Oct. 28 while listening to music, do crafts and Halloween Ball Kids Costume own, for children ages 18 months and games and have yummy refreshments. Cruise: Circle Line, Pier 83 at W. 42nd In Queens older. Preregister online at nysci.org/ Dress up in your ghoulishly clever cos- St, Manhattan; (212) 563–3200; www. “Find the Feeling” Story Hour: little-makers. tume for maximum Halloween fun. Ad- circleline42.com; $28 adults, $20 chil- Seaside Public Library, 116-15 Rock- vanced registration recommended. dren 3-12. Children’s Fall Festival: Queens away Blvd.; (718) 634–1876; www. The 75-minute tour is an opportu- County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little queenslibrary.org; 4–5 pm; Free. Fri, Oct. 24 nity for kids to cruise to the Statue of Neck Pkwy.; (718) 347–3276; www. Children, ages 6 and under, enjoy Liberty and back while enjoying live queensfarm.org; 11 am – 4 pm; $5. stories that highlight common feelings In Queens entertainment, interactive tour guides, Wear your costumes and enjoy free and encourage children to express and Mother Goose Time: Richmond and kid-friendly food and drinks avail- children’s games & bounces, profes- understand their emotions. Hill Library, 118-14 Hillside Ave.; (718) able for purchase. Boarding at 9:30 am, sional character look-a-likes, pig races, 849–7150; www.queenslibrary.org; cruise begins at 10 am. kids’ pony rides, food, live country music, and more. Wed, Oct. 29 1:15–1:45 pm; Free. Family Puppet Workshops: BAM Infants and toddlers and their care- Kids, 30 Lafayette Ave. at Ashland National Chemistry Day: New In Queens givers are invited for stories, songs, Place, Brooklyn; (718) 636–4129; York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St.; Chess Club: 4–5:30 pm. Queensboro rhymes and playtime. www.bam.org; 10 am–12:30 pm; $7. (718) 699–0005 X 353; www.ny- Continued on page 44 42 QUEENS Family • October 2014 “A delight for both kids and adults AMAZING!” Stage and Cinema “JAW DROPPING!” Time Out NY Kids “Move over Blue Man Group & Stomp, iLUMINATE is in the house!” Times Square Chronicles NOW LIVE in the heart of BROADWAY! Telecharge.com 212-239-6200 iLuminate.com New World Stages, 340 W 50th St.

October 2014 • QUEENS Family 43 Calendar Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Continued from page 42 Sat, Nov. 1 (718) 539–5296; www.queensbotani- Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am–5:30 Hill Public Library. See Wednesday, cal.org; Fridays, 8:30 am–4 pm, Now – pm, Now – Sun, Nov. 2; $20.95 ($16.95 Oct. 1. In Queens Fri, Nov. 21; Free. children; Free for children under 3; Pumpkin Chucking: 1 & 3 pm. New Peruse local produce and specialty $18.95 seniors). Halloween Family Fun: Voelker York Hall of Science. See Saturday, products at this seasonal market. Mysteries Revealed features more Orth Museum, 149-19 38th Ave.; (718) Oct. 25. Youth Adaptive Swim: Roy Wilkins than 30 dinosaur species and how sci- 359–6227; www.vomuseum.org; 5–7 entists reconstruct the fossil pieces. The pm; $5 donation suggested. Further Afield Family Center, Baisley Blvd & 177th St.; Fridays, 4 pm,; Free with recreation ride runs through the zoo and has fully Arrive in costume and enjoy Hallow- Subway safety: New York Transit center membership. animatronic dinosaurs as they move een-themed art projects, spooky terrar- Museum, Boerum Place at Schermer- and snarl. The 40 foot T-Rex is joined Children and teens with disabilities ium making complete with hungry, live horn Street, Brooklyn; (718) 694–1600; by deinonychus, prodohadros, stego- can practice swimming skills in this Venus fly traps, not-too-scary stories, www.mta.info/mta/museum; 1:30 pm; saurus and edmontonia. adaptive swim program. treats and surprises. Free with museum admission. Touch tank: Brooklyn Children’s Mu- GrowNYC Greenmarket: Socrates Ever wonder about the people that seum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks Haunted Halloween Hike: Alley Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Blvd.; Pond Environmental Center, 228- work underground? Children learn Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) 735–4400; how subway workers keep us safe on 718–956–1819; www.socratessculp- 06 Northern Blvd.; (718) 229–4000; www.brooklynkids.org; Wednes- and off the trains. turepark.org; Saturdays, 8 am–4 pm, 6:30–8 pm; $13. Now – Sat, Nov. 22; Free. days, Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 Train school: New York Transit Mu- am–12:30 pm and 2:30–3:30 pm, Children, ages 8-12, enjoy haunted Large selection of seasonal produce, seum, Boerum Place at Schermerhorn Now – Sat, Nov. 1; Free with museum activities, a spooky trail walk, hot choc- orchard fruit and juice, meat, poul- Street, Brooklyn; (718) 694–1600; admission. olate and ghost stories. try and eggs and multi-ethnic artisan www.mta.info/mta/museum; 2–4 pm; breads. Free cooking demonstrations Children of all ages touch a starfish, Free with museum admission. and family friendly activities. a horseshoe crab, or a sea snail. Thurs, Oct. 30 Future conductors and motormen The Amazing Maize Maze: Haunted Pumpkin Garden: New In Queens take control of a train in the Computer Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 York Botanical Garden, 200th St. and Lab and travel over virtual track miles Kazimiroff Blvd., The Bronx; (718) Autumn Storytime: Bay Terrace learning the ins and outs of operat- Little Neck Pkwy.; (718) 347–3276; Public Library, 18-35 Bell Blvd. at 23rd www.queensfarm.org; Saturdays and 817–8700; www.nybg.org; Mondays ing a train. Suggested for children over – Thursdays, 1:30–5:30 pm, Fridays, Avenue; (718) 423–7004; www.queen- 10 years old. Limited space, register in Sundays, 11 am – 4:30 pm, Now – Sun, 1:30 – 5:30 pm, Saturdays, 10 am to slibary.org; 11:30 am; Free. advance. Oct. 26; $5 for children, $9 for adults, 5:30 pm, Sundays, 10 am–5:30 pm, Preschoolers and toddlers (ages 18 children ages 3 & under free. Now – Fri, Oct. 31; Free with garden months to 4 years) enjoy fingerplays, Enjoy getting lost in this 3-acre inter- admission. music, rhymes and stories with their Long-running active corn maze. The adventure begins Youngsters experience guided activi- parents or caregivers. In Queens with a “Stalk Talk” to prepare you for the challenge of finding clues, solving ties, play inside a pumpkin house, go Science Playground: New York on a scavenger hunt for fall fruits and Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St.; (718) puzzles and making your way out of Fri, Oct. 31 the maze. nuts; look for worms, put on a show 699–0005 X 353; www.nyscience. at the Pumpkin Puppet Theater, read In Queens org; Weekdays, 9:30 am–5 pm, Sat- Pumpkin Patch: Queens County spooky stories, watch seeds sprout. On Teeny Tiny Trick O’Treaters: Al- urdays and Sundays, 10 am–6 pm, Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Saturday and Sunday children partici- ley Pond Environmental Center, 228- Now – Wed, Dec. 31; $4, plus museum Pkwy.; (718) 347–3276; www.queens- pate in a costumed parade that travels 06 Northern Blvd.; (718) 229–4000; admission. farm.org; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 throughout the Children’s Adventure 1–2:30 pm; $18. Children are encouraged to explore am – 4:30 pm, Sat, Oct. 4 – Sun, Oct. Garden. science through slides, seesaws, climb- 26; Free with museum admission. Children, ages 18 months to 4 years Dragons, dinosaurs and boo at can create not-so-scary crafts, play Hal- ing webs, a water play area, sand Enjoy wandering through the plant- boxes, and more, weather permitting. ing fields to find your perfect pumpkin. the Zoo: Bronx Zoo, 2300 South- loween games, eat a haunted snack, ern Blvd. at Boston Road, The Bronx; and more. Rocket Park Mini Golf: New York Further Afield (718) 220–5103; www.bronxzoo.com; Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St.; (718) Halloween Festival: Flushing Town Traveling in the World of To- Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 am; Sunday, Oct. 699–0005 X 353; www.nyscience.org; morrow: The Future of Transporta- 5, 10 am; Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 am; Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd.; (718) Weekdays, 9:30 am–5 pm, Saturdays tion at New York’s World’s Fairs: New Sunday, Oct. 12, 10 am; Monday, Oct. 463–7700; www.flushingtownhall.org; and Sundays, 10 am–6 pm, Now – 4–7 pm; Free. York Transit Museum Gallery Annex at 13, 10 am; Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 am; Wed, Dec. 31; $6 (adults,) $5 (children Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 am; Sunday, Oct. Celebrate Dia de los Muertos, Hal- Grand Central Terminal, 42nd Street and seniors,) plus museum admission. 26, 10 am; Friday, Oct. 31, 10 am; Sat- loween and All Saints’ Day with hands- and Park Avenue, Manhattan; (212) Golfers of all ages can learn about 878–0106; www.grandcentralterminal. urday, Nov. 1, 10 am; Sunday, Nov. 2, on festive fun for all ages. Arrive in key science concepts such as propul- 9 am; Activities included with general costume and enjoy mask making, All com; Monday – Friday, 8 am–8 pm; sion, gravity, escape velocity, launch Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–6 pm; admission. Saints’ Day medallions, Mexican sugar window, gravitational assist, and more! Free. It’s that time of year again for scary skulls, and ghost stories. “Galapagos: Nature’s Wonderland This exhibition celebrates the 50th spirits, garish ghouls, and pretty pump- Further Afield in 3D”: New York Hall of Science, 47- and 75th anniversaries of the 1939 and kins. There is also a costumed parade, 01 111th St.; (718) 699–0005 X 353; music, magic and crafts. BAMboo!: BAM Peter Jay Sharp 1964 Fairs. With a variety of postcards, www.nyscience.org; Weekdays, 11 am photos, ephemera and souvenirs, the Building, 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn; Creepy Creatures of Halloween: & 2 pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 1 & 3 exhibition shows how transportation (718) 636–4100; www.bam.org; 4–7 New York Botanical Garden, 200th St. pm, Now – Sun, Dec. 21; $6 adults; $5 was a symbol for the future, its poten- pm; Free. and Kazimiroff Blvd., The Bronx; (718) children. tial effect on modern American life, The Brooklyn Academy of Music’s 817–8700; www.nybg.org; Satur- In this 3D movie, travel to the Gala- and the technological advancements days and Sundays, Noon and 2 pm, annual Halloween celebration with pagos archipelago to meet giant half- in transportation that American corpo- Now – Fri, Oct. 31; Free with garden treats, games, a costume contest and ton tortoises and marine iguanas that rations claimed would make a better admission. more. This year’s theme is Around the spit sea-salt from their noses, hunt world possible. Youngsters meet slithery snakes and World. fishes with the colorful blue-footed Dinosaur Safari: Bronx Zoo, 2300 scaly reptiles, and learn why they are boobies, and swim with tiny penguins. Nighttime adventure: 6:30–8:30 Southern Blvd. at Boston Road, The scary at all. Each weekend features a pm. New York Botanical Garden. See Farmer’s Market Fridays: Queens Bronx; (718) 220–5103; www.bronx- different creature from small snakes, Saturday, Oct. 18. Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main Street; zoo.com; Weekdays, 10 am–5 pm, snapping turtles and a Tegu Lizard. 44 QUEENS Family • October 2014 theMarketplace

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October 2014 • QUEENS Family 45 HealtH Lost sleep linked to weight gain in kids

ost kids don’t get enough studies on children’s sleep and they their subjects differ, all of them sug- sleep, plain and simple. all have similar findings. gest that lack of sleep causes weight M Lack of sleep leads to slug- gain. Let’s also remember that in ad- HealtHy gishness and inattention, and it can the correlation dition to weight gain, it also causes cause kids to pack on the pounds. Harvard School of Public Health low performance in school, anxi- living Chronic sleep deprivation may also found that lack of sleep contributes ety, poor judgment, and more. Just Danielle Sullivan have other long-term effects — ev- greatly to obesity in children and consider how we get through a day erything from catching more colds adults. In addition, the number of when extremely tired ourselves, and viruses to anxiety and depres- adults getting adequate sleep mea- and how easy it can be to overeat sion. sured as at least eight hours each when we grab a snack to combat Most children between the ages night has drastically dwindled from our fatigue. of 4 and 10 do not get the recom- 35 percent to 28 percent within a mended amount of sleep. The Na- seven-year time frame. Can you catch up tional Sleep Foundation recommends Columbia University performed a on lost sleep? that preschoolers between the ages study that found that teens (16 or Researchers at the University of of 3 and 5 sleep 11 to 13 hours daily younger) who got less than six hours Chicago say that if kids catch up on and that children ages 5-10 sleep 10 of sleep each night were at a 20 per- weekend sleep, it may help prevent to 11 hours. But this can be a hard cent greater risk of being obese by them from gaining extra weight. task when some moms don’t make the time they reached age 21. This study published in the journal it home from work by that time, or In New Zealand, a study showed Pediatrics suggests that it’s benefi- many kids have afternoon activities that for every hour of lost sleep in cial to let our kids sleep in on week- that aren’t over until 6 pm or later childhood, adults were at a 50 per- ends. It shows that obese children — and then it’s dinner time. Yet, re- cent greater risk of being obese by did sleep less overall, their sleep gardless of schedules, sleep needs to the time they reached age 32. schedules were more irregular, and be a priority. There have been many While the individual studies and they were less likely to experience “catch-up” sleep on the weekends. Compared to children who slept about nine hours a night, children who slept an average of seven hours and had the most irregular sleep patterns had a fourfold greater risk of being obese. Kids who maintained irregular weekday sleep schedules but made up for lost sleep during weekends were less likely to be obese than chil- dren who missed out on the catch-up sleep. Parents must be careful not to let children sleep too late though, which can throw off their ability to fall asleep at bedtime. An hour is a good catch-up time allotment. So try your best to keep a regular sleep schedule for your kids, but when they just can’t get those hours of uninterrupted snooze time, it might be beneficial to let them sleep in a bit during the weekend. 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 par- enting for Disney’s Babble.com. Find Sul- livan on her blogs, Just Write Mom and Some Puppy To Love.

46 QUEENS Family • October 2014 HealtH NEW YORK SPECIAL CHILD

Summer/Early Fall 2011 LONG ISLAND SPECIAL CHILD Lost sleep linked to New York FREE Special child Trusted since 2008 www.NYParenting.com 5 myths weight gain in kids Fall/Winter 2011–2012 RoutinesNew York aboutFREE bring fitness ost kids don’t get enough studies on children’s sleep and they their subjects differ, all of them sug- Special c&hild autism sleep, plain and simple. all have similar findings. gest that lack of sleep causes weight benefitswww.NYParenting.com HealtHy M Lack of sleep leads to slug- gain. Let’s also remember that in ad- Celebrating gishness and inattention, and it can the correlation dition to weight gain, it also causes Informing & Enriching cause kids to pack on the pounds. Harvard School of Public Health low performance in school, anxi- Five living Chronic sleep deprivation may also found that lack of sleep contributes ety, poor judgment, and more. Just Danielle Sullivan have other long-term effects — ev- greatly to obesity in children and consider how we get through a day Years “Special Needs” erything from catching more colds adults. In addition, the number of when extremely tired ourselves, in print and viruses to anxiety and depres- adults getting adequate sleep mea- and how easy it can be to overeat sion. sured as at least eight hours each when we grab a snack to combat Positive Families throughout Most children between the ages night has drastically dwindled from our fatigue. behavior of 4 and 10 do not get the recom- 35 percent to 28 percent within a support NYC & Long Island mended amount of sleep. The Na- seven-year time frame. Can you catch up Cultivating tional Sleep Foundation recommends Columbia University performed a on lost sleep? winningOptimistic that preschoolers between the ages study that found that teens (16 or Researchers at the University of parenting of 3 and 5 sleep 11 to 13 hours daily younger) who got less than six hours Chicago say that if kids catch up on attitudes and that children ages 5-10 sleep 10 of sleep each night were at a 20 per- weekend sleep, it may help prevent The power to 11 hours. But this can be a hard cent greater risk of being obese by them from gaining extra weight. of music task when some moms don’t make the time they reached age 21. This study published in the journal it home from work by that time, or In New Zealand, a study showed Pediatrics suggests that it’s benefi- For more information about distribution or many kids have afternoon activities that for every hour of lost sleep in cial to let our kids sleep in on week- that aren’t over until 6 pm or later childhood, adults were at a 50 per- ends. It shows that obese children Summer/Early Fall 2011 LONG ISLAND FREE how to get your free copy, please — and then it’s dinner time. Yet, re- cent greater risk of being obese by did sleep less overall, their sleep Fall/Winter 2010/2011 LONG ISLAND FREE gardless of schedules, sleep needs to the time they reached age 32. schedules were more irregular, and Special child e-mail us at [email protected]. be a priority. There have been many While the individual studies and they were less likely to experience www.webfamilyny.com “catch-up” sleep on the weekends. Special child w w w .NYParenting ��� .com 5 myths Compared to children who slept Routines about about nine hours a night, children bring fitness Visit us online at who slept an average of seven hours benefits & autism and had the most irregular sleep www.NYParenting.com patterns had a fourfold greater risk of being obese. Tips to Like us on our Facebook page, NYParenting Kids who maintained irregular organize weekday sleep schedules but made your child or follow us on Twitter up for lost sleep during weekends 8 were less likely to be obese than chil- Take charge dren who missed out on the catch-up Creating an IEP sleep. Parents must be careful not to let children sleep too late though, which can throw off their ability to Cultivating winning fall asleep at bedtime. An hour is a To advertise your business and or services good catch-up time allotment. attitudes School blues So try your best to keep a regular Overcoming anxiety contact us at 718-260-4554 or sleep schedule for your kids, but when they just can’t get those hours e-mail us at [email protected] of uninterrupted snooze time, it might be beneficial to let them sleep in a bit during the weekend. 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 par- Family Publications New York/CNG enting for Disney’s Babble.com. Find Sul- 1 MetroTech Center North - 10th Fl. • Brooklyn, NY 11201 livan on her blogs, Just Write Mom and 718-260-4554 • [email protected] Some Puppy To Love. GRAND OPENING Overstock Furniture Warehouse in Farmingdale

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