Queens Family: January, 2019

Fighting the mid-year education blues

january 2019

newyorkfamily.com

Happy

Year!New

Eating your winter veggies

Babies and Cold Weather Safety Register now f Januaryor Camp Fairs! Inside: Catholic School Choices Page 8 AtAt SuccessSuccess Academy,Academy, everyevery studentstudent isis a scholar.

Every one of our students is capable of scholarship, Start stronger. Everyso naturally one of our we studentscall them isscholars. capable Every of scholarship, morning, we Start stronger. sogreet naturally each scholarwe call themso they scholars. know we Every look forwardmorning, to we the Go further. greetbright each things scholar they’ll so accomplish they know throughoutwe look forward the day to ahead.the Go further. bright things they’ll accomplish throughout the day ahead. What great things will your scholar accomplish? What great things will your scholar accomplish? Apply now at SuccessAcademies.org/2019 Apply now at SuccessAcademies.org/2019 contents January 2019 newyorkfamily.com

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26 | Must Read FEATURES columns Mashonda Tifrere’s Blend is a must for modern co-parenting 12 | Responsibility — and Response 6 | Bits & Pieces Book spotlights moms helping A cool culinary service for families, a 28 | Good Sense Eating children through co-occurring special needs app, the tastiest new Eat your winter whites disorders café, and more 29 | Ask An Attorney 16 | Have Faith 8 | Events & Offers Life insurance and your estate plan Religious schools make the case for Info on our winter Camp Fairs, infusing faith into learning Blackboard Awards nominations, 38 | Last Word and more One mom’s culinary adventures in the 30 | Talking to Your Kids About Death midst of motherhood How to broach the subject with 10 | Family Health young children and teens Cold weather safety

14 | Just Write Mom Family fun Advertising Overcoming people-pleasing to stand up for my kids 32 | Calendar Family-friendly January events 18 | Catholic Schools Week Directory 24 | Education Mid-year elementary school blues

January 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com 3 letter from the publisher

JANuARy IN ThE CITy

he holidays are over issue is no exception. Eating our readers, know what options are out there Tand we’re all slowly winter vegetables (eating for your kids. getting back into our routines. whites) is such a helpful topic, So Happy New Year to all! It’s the 21st Everyone had a break, or at and as she does every month, year of our publishing these parent guides least a mini-break, and will our contributing nutritionist and we are looking forward to yet another be adjusting to a return to Christine Columbo has shared year of being, both in print and online, an normalcy, or trying to. In this ideas for keeping our kids integral source of information and support issue there is an interesting nutritionally balanced. to parents across our city. Wishing all of you article about the mid-year blues We’re heading into Catholic a great year! we all experience, especially School’s Week, and with that our children. That said, it’s in mind, we once again present Thanks for reading. really important that parents continue to a special advertising section highlighting create the atmosphere and expectation for many of the schools and their upcoming their kids’ personal achievements, in spite of Open Houses. We’ve been doing this for these blues. many years, and moving forward we’ll Staying healthy is a big part of the be showcasing other specialized schools, equation and we typically present good whether religiously affiliated or not. Again, Susan Weiss-Voskidis, ideas and plans for healthy eating and daily all of this is motivated by our strong attempt Publisher/Executive Editor living that will accomplish just that. This to be as helpful as possible and letting you, [email protected]

Publisher / executive editor: contAct inforMAtion www.NewYorkFamily.com Susan Weiss ADVERTISING: [email protected] (718) 260-4554 Join the conversation on Facebook, Publisher: Clifford Luster [email protected] Instagram & New York Family’s Mom to Mom Facebook Group editor: Mia Weber CIRCulATIoN: (718) 260-8336 AssistAnt editor: Courtney Donahue [email protected] oPerAtions AssociAte & EDIToRIAl: (718) 260-2587 circulAtion: Tina Felicetti [email protected] Account executives: Erik Bliss, Erin Brof, Mary Cassidy, New York Family Media has been recognized for editorial and design excellence by PMA. Thomas Chillemi, Mary Ann Oklesson, New York Family Media is a division Shelli Goldberg-Peck, Jay Pelc of Schneps Media New York Family is published monthly by MArketing AssistAnt: Queens Family Media, LLC. President & Publisher: Charlotte Sauvagnat Reproduction of New York Family Media in Victoria Schneps-Yunis whole or part without written permission from event coordinAtor: ceo & co-Publisher: the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. Emanuelle Block Joshua Schneps ©2019 Queens Family Media, LLC Art director: Leah Mitch Address Web develoPer: Sylvan Migdal New York Family Media / grAPhic designers: Schneps Media Arthur Arutyunov, Daria Avvento, 1 Metrotech Center North Gardy Charles, John Napoli, 10th Floor Marcos Ramos Brooklyn, NY 11201

4 Queens Family | January 2019 WHERE THERE’S A Y THERE’S A WAY

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SPECIAL NEEDS Wolf + Friends Designed especially for millennial parents raising children with special needs (like autism, anxiety, ADHD, sensory processing issues, developmental delays, mental health issues, and B IS for BAgELS down syndrome), Wolf + Friends is a new app aimed helping moms and My First Jewish Baby Book dads connect with one another on Best-selling children’s book author their parenting journeys. With the Julie Merberg (My First Book of Girl goal of functioning as a modern and Power, My First Book of Feminism inclusive lifestyle platform, Wolf + for Boys) has a knack for choosing Friends lets members create a peer and tackling subjects that appeal to HIP MUSEUM to peer support system via direct the baby-preschool set as well as to adults. Her latest “cross-over” board Museum of Illusions messages and group chats; the app book is designed for the littlest “peo- Officially opened this past also gives members access to curat- ple of the book”—My First Jewish November, the Museum of Illusions ed content and tips from occupation- Baby Book. This irresistible board is the coolest new attraction in the al therapists, speech and language book gives little ones (ages 0–3) an Meatpacking District. Perfect for pathologists, child psychologists, alphabetical introduction to Judaism kids ages 6 and up, the MoI is an behaviorists, financial advisors, and — the delicious foods, meaningful interactive museum that offers a other experts. wolfandfriends.com rituals, lively holidays, expressive totally unique visual and educa- language, and more. Hip illustrations tional experience—it’s made up by Beck Feiner accompany snappy, of illusionistic rooms, optical illu- rhyming text in a package that is sions, and a playroom with didactic destined to be the perfect gift for games and puzzles. Kids and par- any bris or baby naming party on ents are welcome to laugh, scream, your calendar. “My First Jewish run, take tons of photos for the Baby Book” is now in stores. ‘Gram. With over 70 exhibits all based on science, mathematics, biology, and psychology, visitors will be encouraged to learn why our eyes see things that our brain does SWEEt not understand. fAMILY CooKINg trEAt museumofillusions.us The Culinistas Nutella Café Looking for an easy (and tasty) hack Calling a dessert fans! to week-night meal planning and Union Square recently preparation? Enter the Culinistas. got a whole lot The Culinistas is a newly launched sweeter! Opened this past winter, the in-home private chef service that Nutella Café offers foodie fams an offers family-friendly weekly cooking authentic Nutella experience all year- for households, as well as one-off round. The menu features Nutella- special occasions in New York City centric dishes (including the NYC and the Hamptons. Their services exclusive Brioche sandwich, which include menu planning, grocery features a dollop of Nutella Gelato shopping, cooking, and clean up; between two small pieces of bri- plus, they make private chef services oche caramelized to perfection) and approachable and customizable for specialty espresso beverages, and families and make sure that their guests can experience an assortment MoM to MoM clients are served well-balanced, of all-day dishes like freshly baked Join our New York Family Mom to professionally home-cooked meals. breads, pastries, breakfast specials, Mom Facebook sisterhood and find It’s a perfect option for busy families desserts, and gelato – all incorpo- moms in your neighborhood for who want to still make family dinner rating the iconic Nutella Hazelnut advice, community, and support. a priority without the stress of meal Spread as a key ingredient. facebook.com/groups/nypmoms planning. theculinistas.com facebook.com/NutellaCafeNewYork

6 Queens Family | January 2019 Discover District 28 Magnet Schools Join us at our Open Houses

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January 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com 7 events & offers

NomiNate Your teacher for a Plan a Summer of fuN!

Camp leaves lasting impressions, creates The prestigious Blackboard Awards honor local unforgettable memories, and helps define our schools, principals, and teachers of excellence youth. Make sure to visit our free and family- from nursery through high school and from every friendly Camp Fairs and speak directly with educational sector: Public, private, charter, and camp directors to find the best camp for your parochial. We’re currently accepting nominations for the 2019 Blackboard Awards for teachers. child (be it day camp or sleepaway camp). It’s your chance to honor some of our city’s most Brought to you by New York Family and the important unsung heroes. American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey, these Camp Fairs allow you to Submit Your NomiNatioN! have your questions answered and receive If you love your child’s teacher, please submit a early registration discounts. nomination at blackboardawards.com! The dead- line for nominations is Friday, April 5, 2019. Saturday, Jan 26, 2019 12-3pm, Upper East Side

Sunday, Jan 27, 2019 12-3pm, Upper West Side

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8 Queens Family | January 2019 The Windsor school LEARN TODAY. LEAD TOMORROW. A Private college Preparatory Middle and high school in nYc for students in Grades 7–12

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January 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com 9 family health By Pramod Narula, MD Cold Weather Safety Recognizing the signs of frostbite in an infant, and how to treat it

As a new mother, I’m concerned about how cold this winter already is. I want to expose my infant to the world and also keep her safe and healthy. So, how cold is too cold? When should I worry about frostbite and my infant?

old, dry air can extract moisture out Cof a baby’s sensitive skin, causing her round rosy cheeks to quickly become leathery and wind burned. Exposing an infant to extremely cold temperatures can be a serious health risk, as infants are more prone to frostbite than adults because they lose heat from their skin faster. It’s important to know the signs of frostbite, its severity, and how to treat your baby. Frostbite is caused by prolonged exposure to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and occurs in a series of stages. Babies and toddlers should never be outside in wind chills or temperatures of -15 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, because skin exposure can cause damage in just a few minutes. Babies should only be out in the extreme cold for a few minutes at a time at most, and toddlers should only play outside for 20-30 minutes before taking a break. Remember that it takes infants a lot of calories to maintain body heat in frigid weather, so ensure your baby has been fed recently before taking her outside in the cold. As a general rule, babies and toddlers require one more layer of clothing than adults to protect them from the elements. Dress your baby in many layers—for example undershirt, shirt, sweatshirt, and coat — so that they can be removed one-by-one once her a warm bottle. Do not rub or attempt to is very severe, the skin will turn black. If you inside. While outside, your baby should also massage the frostbitten area as it may cause suspect that severe frostbite has occurred, be covered with a hat, mittens, warm socks, more damage. take your child to a warm area and call 911 boots, and a warm coat or snowsuit. The second stage is superficial frostbite, immediately. To keep an eye out for frostbite, it is during which redness turns pale yellow or You can protect your infant from the important to pay attention to color changes white and may appear hard or waxy. The skin dangers of extreme winter weather, but in the skin. The first stage is frostnip, a mild may start to feel slightly warmer, but that try to stay indoors during drastically cold form of frostbite in which skin turns red is the body compensating for the freezing temperatures and make any trips outside as and first feels very cold, and then prickly process. If you notice these symptoms, take brief as possible. or numb. Frostnip alone does not require her to an emergency room. Additionally, do medical attention, but should you notice not warm the affected area unless you can Pramod Narula, MD the symptoms on your daughter, be sure to keep it warm, as warming and re-exposure to is the Chairman of remove wet clothing and wrap your baby the cold can worsen the damage. the Department of in warm blankets. Also warm the affected Severe frostbite reaches further into Pediatrics at area as soon as possible by soaking it in the skin’s layers of tissue, making the skin NewYork-Presbyterian warm (not hot) water, and give your baby appear very hard and cold. It can cause Brooklyn Methodist warm fluids, either by nursing or feeding complete numbness in the affected area. If it Hospital.

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January 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com 11 bookshelf Responsibility—and Response Book spotlights moms helping children through co-occurring disorders

By Allison Plitt for a mother whose once seemingly sweet child starts exhibiting abusive n the 1960s and ’70s an American behavior. She fears death for her Ipsychiatrist named Theodore Lidz wrote child when she doesn’t know where several books about schizophrenia based her child is and what choices he or she on research he conducted with families of is making. children diagnosed with the disorder. In Woods and Murray acknowledge their 2016 book, I Didn’t Cause It, I Can’t that almost every mother has hopes Change It, authors Mary Ryan Woods and aspirations for their children. and Adrienne Murray state that Lidz It is easy for “her identity to become believed the behavior of the mother and wrapped up in the perceived successes father were responsible for “creating” a and failures of her son and daughter.” If schizophrenic son or daughter. her child excels, a mother can feel like The authors suggest that parents of a victor. schizophrenic children may have “felt On the other hand, a mother can isolated and alone for a long period of be held responsible “for her son or time.” Perhaps they experienced “guilt daughter’s seemingly defiant refusal and shame because they felt that they to fit into societal norms.” A mother had failed as parents.” can feel embarrassed when her child is not “measuring up to the community’s Co-occurring disorders standard.” She can also feel angry at her The forward of the book is written by child for not fulfilling her dreams. Loralee West, whose son became an Many young adults experiment with addict as a teenager. As she writes: “It drugs and alcohol and view it as a “stage” wasn’t until he was diagnosed with in their lives. The teenager with co- schizophrenia at the age of 21 that we occurring disorders, however, is probably learned about co-occurring disorders unknowingly using substances to treat his — two major mental illnesses mental illness. Unlike his peers, he will be affecting an individual simultaneously.” not be able to progress developmentally When West and her husband tried to find use disorders and mental illness. That’s an until he is clinically diagnosed. To watch a treatment facility that would treat her son’s average of one in every 30 people.” their child’s friends move forward in their addiction and schizophrenia, they found While Woods adds that “parenting a lives while their own child remains in a rehabs claiming to deal with co-occurring child with a co-occurring mental illness and viscous cycle of self-destruction, many disorders. After enrolling their son in several substance use disorder is a lonely and taxing mothers feel hurt and even grief-stricken. such programs without much success, West journey,” the book is devoted to mothers who ended up seeing her son being treated for bear “much of the burden of these illnesses.” Dealing with stigma either his mental illness or his addiction — As the first responders to their children’s not both. The journey illnesses, mothers have divulged living with As a result, she helped create WestBridge, According to Woods and Murray, “there is “shame, secrecy, and stigma.” As the authors “a treatment program for individuals with a mound of research” that backs up the fact explain, “Take the myth that people with co-occurring disorders headquartered in that mothers cannot create a child with co- mental illnesses are more prone to violence. Manchester, New Hampshire.” Author Woods occurring disorders just because of the way In fact, according to the U.S. Department of is the creator and CEO of WestBridge and she parents. They add, “What we do know Health and Human Services, only three to “has spent her career working in the fields of is that genetics, epigenetics, diet, exposure five percent of violent acts are attributed to addiction and mental health treatment.” The to toxins, and more all contribute to COD. people living with mental illness. And they WestBridge program is based on the idea that There is no know single cause.” are over 10 times more likely to be victims of a patient cannot recover unless the mental Even if a mother can point to a “genetic a violent crime.” illness and the substance abuse are both being reason for a malady,” she can still feel guilt As the authors explain, “The behaviors treated simultaneously and remorse for not being able to make her that someone with COD may exhibit In the preface of the book, Woods writes, son or daughter healthy. Sometimes mothers might look frightening or different, but it “Over 20 million adults suffer from substance are in a position of just trying to keep their is preposterous to assume just because of use disorders. Of these numbers, 7.9 million children alive. the behavior that anyone will be harmed.” adults suffer from co-occurring substance It can be “an emotional rollercoaster” Despite these statistics, mothers still admit

12 Queens Family | January 2019 to fearing for their own lives because of the own. The authors list a number of support now all he cares about is getting high. What a behavior of their child with co-occurring groups where mothers can meet and talk with waste. What a loser. What is wrong with the disorders. others who are having similar experiences parents that they let them do that?” The authors discuss the societal influence with their children. Many mothers talk about Even if a parent does everything right, that impacts a mother who learns that the importance of these support groups and there are extreme situations in which Al- her child being diagnosed with obsessive- the relief of being able to express themselves Anon calls the three Cs: You didn’t Cause it, compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, without feeling judged by others. you can’t Control it, and you can’t Cure it. As alcoholism, heroin addiction, or other mental Some of these groups include the mothers “once paralyzed by embarrassment illnesses. These mothers live in pain as their National Alliance on Mental Illness and Al- and shame,” begin to speak out and educate society stigmatizes and villainizes their son Anon, as well as parents’ groups provided by their families and friends about the “realities or daughter instead of seeing their child as treatment centers. Most of the mothers that of co-occurring disorders,” they are quietly being afflicted with a disease. the authors interviewed began to see their changing society’s views of how we think Mothers recount losing friendships experiences as a spiritual one. about these diseases. because of “prevailing stigma,” while others “Faith and prayer were common coping As one mother recounted: “I felt so interviewed said “one of the things that hurt tools for the moms that we interviewed,” unprepared but found education to be the them the most was when their own family the authors observed. “Being able to turn key in the journey. And other moms who are members lost sight of who their child really their fears and frustrations over to the God going through this need to remember to take was. They seemed to only focus on the of their understanding sustained many of care of themselves. Don’t isolate yourself, and symptoms and behaviors of co-occurring them through the difficult times on their find support from others who have gone on disorders and often forgot about the true journeys.” this same journey. Now, I share with friends nature of the individual.” Parents feel mortified when their well- and meditate. These tools have proven to be a behaved and excelling son or daughter turns huge help to me.” Support groups for mothers into a grown child unable to cope with While it is imperative for a mother to support co-occurring disorders, as the community Allison Plitt lives in Queens with her 12-year-old her child through his or her treatment, it is around them can make comments such as: daughter and is a frequent contributor to this important for a mother to have a life of her “Johnny has always been good at sports and publication.

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January 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com 13 just write mom By Danielle Sullivan Overcoming People-Pleasing to Stand Up for My Kids

have always avoided confrontation. In my I younger years, the thought of speaking up and asking for what I wanted or even needed was a lost trait in my character. When I was a very young child, I had no trouble speaking my mind, but somewhere around puberty, like so many other girls, I became a people-pleaser. And pleasing others often means denying yourself your true feelings, wants, and wishes because they are the very things that might offend. There are a lot of us out there. At work, as a manager, I quickly realized how many of our female employers would apologize, not speak up for themselves, and settle for less than wanted, whether it be workload or salary. In stark contrast, male employees, even those with little experience, would rally for themselves consistently. So what made me, after so many years of being non-confrontational, finally learn how to stand up for myself? My kids. When my oldest was just four months old, she acquired a horrendous, whooping sounding phlegmy cough, fever, diarrhea, runny nose — the works. “Just give her nose drops,” the doctor told us, “there’s no infection.” A few days passed and she only got worse. When I told the doctor this on our next visit, he condescendingly told me to not overthink things. Surely, she just needed some cough medicine, yet my little girl continued to Then there was a teacher who marked and honestly, it continues to be a work in choke and suck in air day and night. a test wrong, the relative who insisted on progress. Bleary-eyed and worried, I told the my child kissing her hello, and a friend who I still have those days when I let things arrogant doctor he was wrong and left his smoked in front of our kids. Through taking slide that I shouldn’t. I still would much office. I found another pediatrician, who baby steps in these minor situations, and prefer to avoid conflict, but I choose to saw her the same day. He said she had a very calmly explaining why my daughter deserved face it head-on, even when it makes me so serious infection and gave us a combination credit for number 4, why she had the option uncomfortable I want to melt, because I want of antibiotics, steroids, and fever reducers. to choose who she would kiss and hug, and to show my kids that they need to learn to When her cough was still scaring me two why they could not smoke in front of my how to stand up for themselves and ask for days later, he admitted her to the hospital, child, I slowly began to gain a voice. what they want. and saved her life. It was a tiny whisper at first, but it grew As moms, we have to be our child’s advo- That was an urgent situation, but many each time I used it. While I would let so cate, and if that makes other people uncomfort- others, thankfully less serious, would follow. many things slide when it came to myself, able, or gives them extra When a girl in my daughter’s class began once I had kids, I knew that I had to change work, or simply makes stealing her snacks, I had to force myself that because they had no one to speak up for them annoyed, so be it. to speak to her mother. I put a whole lot of them. It had to be me. unnecessary thought into the exact words Learning how to speak up didn’t happen Danielle Sullivan is a writer I was going to say because back then, the fast or right at the beginning as my first child living in New York City. thought of confronting someone was literally was born. Only through practice did I learn Follow her on Instagram painful to me. how to stick up for my kids and myself … @Deewrite.

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January 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com 15 Have Faith Religious schools make the case for infusing faith into learning

By Mia Weber Rifkin, the director of the Religious School schools that are of interest to them. Like with at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, a Reform any step in the school admissions process, or many families, a religious school congregation on the Upper West Side of New they should do their research and come to Fmakes a great education option, York City. “Things like: Standing up for those meetings armed with thoughtful questions. whether or not faith is a major part of their less fortunate or powerful in our society “Parents should feel comfortable with home life. In fact, a Catholic or Jewish (tzedakah); caring for our planet and all of the philosophy of the community and the education can be a fantastic way to expose the creatures on it (bal tashchit); or even religious school, and be on board with the your child to different ways of thinking working to make ourselves better people by expectations. You should meet with the staff about the world and interacting with their learning from our mistakes (teshuvah). And of the school and feel comfortable talking community. Jewish history is a rich story that can help to them about your child,” Rifkin says. “It’s families feel connected to a larger community important that you feel like your child will Values lead and peoplehood.” connect with the place and the people-and “First and foremost, agnostic families should that you will, too!” know that their children will be welcomed What to keep in mind Finally, the primary guiding principle on an equal footing with every other child. For parents considering a religious school, parents should keep in mind when Our fundamental belief, rooted in thousands there are some important factors to keep in considering a religious school is whether of years of tradition, is that each of us is mind throughout the decision-making process. they feel at home in the school community- loved equally by God. As a result, our school Parents should consider their own feelings the element of faith is likely to play a big culture is one that is welcoming to all,” about faith in their family – is it something part here, as both the Catholic and Jewish says Hope Mueller Lippens, principal of St. that’s very important in daily life, or that they’d education traditions emphasize community Ann, The Personal School in east Harlem. like to make more prominent in their child’s and connectedness heavily. “Families should know that we look for upbringing? They should also consider the “Our Catholic faith is used as a ways to incorporate character education educational goals they have for their kids, the foundation for imparting virtues which are at developmentally appropriate stages. For curriculum elements that resonate with them, essential not only to academic achievement, example, we know that fostering empathy is and whether other aspects of an independent but more importantly to leading a an important gateway to social intelligence education (for example: uniforms, tuition meaningful life beyond high school and growth for kindergartners. Accordingly, we costs, etc.) are right for them. college. Emphasis on individual virtues-like focus on the Catholic value of ‘service’ at “Like any private school, parents should self-discipline, courage, and perseverance- this stage, to help children move out of their consider the tuition requirements and is joined with communal values such as natural egocentrism to one that recognizes investigate whether there would be financial service, generosity, and compassion to help their responsibility to the larger community.” aid or scholarship opportunities. Parents our students live their best life long after they In a similar vein, choosing a religious should also be comfortable with any uniform graduate from our school,” Mueller Lippens school can mean opening up your child to a or dress codes that would be required,” notes, adding: “Encouraging these communal values’ system that can inform all aspects of Mueller Lippens says. “More specific to a values has the added benefit of creating their education. The key takeaway is that it’s religious school, I would recommend that a warm and welcoming school culture. about shared human values, not just about parents choose one whose values align with Virtues such as friendship, responsibility, one specific faith. their own family’s beliefs. Parents should and honesty become the focus of not just an “Judaism is not just about God and also make sure they are comfortable with any individual lesson but of every interaction. prayer. Judaism offers us a history, a religious classes or services that would be These values are a unifying force that create community, and a set of values and ethics to included in the curriculum.” common connections and make us all feel guide our lives. Even if your family chooses In order to get a clear view of the scope of safer to take risks and try our best.” not to celebrate holidays or follow ritual religion in a school’s mission and day-to-day practices, you can still be guided by Jewish classroom experience, parents should plan Mia Weber is the Executive Editor of New York values and ethics,” explains Rabbi Rena to meet with school officials at any religious Family magazine.

16 Queens Family | January 2019 Have Faith Religious schools make the case for infusing faith into learning

January 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com 17 Catholic Schools Week Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

Monsignor Mclancy Memorial High School by New York State and the Diocese of Brooklyn. We offer a East Elmhurst Nursery School Program, Pre-K and a full academic program 718-898-3800 Ext 11 from K-8. The physical and social needs of our students are www.msgrmcclancy.org considered throughout the day based on their ages, to insure One of the outstanding co-educational college preparatory that we both challenge and attend to these important areas high schools in Queens. Guided by the traditions of the of development. We will also continue to work conscientiously Brothers of the Sacred Heart, students are offered a to realize our ideals in a community that are contemporary, comprehensive academic program that exceeds the New York enthusiastic, unbiased, and open to the future. State curriculum requirements. Opportunities are provided for college credit courses, AP classes as well as challenging Honors Resurrection Ascension Catholic Academy Program. The School’s co-curricular program of clubs and Rego Park activities offers students the opportunity for social, cultural and 718-426-4963 creative experiences. The athletic teams are highly competitive www.racatholicacademy.org and have their share of city titles. Celebrating over 50 years Principal - Joann Heppt of Catholic education in Queens, the school is permanently chartered by the State of New York and fully accredited by the Bringing quality Catholic education to children for over 75 Middle States Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. years, our students (nursery – Grade 8) learn to embrace [Tachs Code:#017] diversity, while celebrating what unites them—their Catholic faith. Every classroom is equipped with SMARTBoards, and all students have access to our Computer Lab, two laptop carts Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy and tablets. Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. All Middle Village students receive Art, Music, Library, Computer and Physical 718-458-3535 Education weekly. Spanish is taught to students in grades 4 www.olhca.org through 8. Working parents can take advantage of the Before Our mission is to provide a Catholic education that fosters School and After School Programs which provide children the spiritual and academic development of each child. The a safe and nurturing environment in which to complete responsibility for academic and spiritual growth is a shared homework, play and socialize with their classmates. endeavor among students, parents, faculty and administration. Academically, Our Lady of Hope focuses on inspiring a love Sacred Heart Catholic Academy of learning in its students. The school offers art, music, and Cambria Heights foreign language classes as well as a variety of academic 718-527-0123 and social development clubs after school. Aside from a full www.hcach.org academic and religious program for kindergarten through eighth grade, the school also has a nursery and prekindergarten Our students learn the values and traditions of Faith as program, as well as affordable morning care and after school we incorporate them in each and every academic and programs to assist parents with child care. The school enrolls extracurricular activity. We will endeavor to instruct our over 600 students and benefits from a diverse national children in the basic skills, to serve as tools, in the development population. Class sizes range from 18 to 30 students, and 90% of their God – given talents and gifts. As we teach the children of graduates started as pre-K or kindergarten students. these academic and physical skills, we wish to provide them with opportunities to develop their fullest potential and to honestly evaluate their own efforts and accomplishments Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy through daily challenges. These efforts will also be measured South Ozone Park through timely municipal, local, and school evaluations. The 718-843-4184 faculty and staff recognize and respect the role of the parents/ www.olphcatholicacademy.org guardians as the primary educators of their children. We look Our school is committed to the development of the whole forward to their deep involvement in these efforts. child. The spiritual, academic, physical, and emotional growth of each child is nurtured within a child-centered, supportive St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy environment. As a school of academic excellence, learning Astoria experiences are created with the uniqueness of each child 718 726-9405 in mind. The faculty and staff of Our Lady of Perpetual sfaacademy.org Help Catholic Academy are committed to the spiritual, Principal: Anne Stefano intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth of each child. As a result, students consistently perform well on State Our school is proud to open its doors to Learn, Serve, Lead, Standardized tests surpassing local, national and Diocesan and Succeed in this academic year. Our goal of Success For scores. Our students are accepted by their first choice of the All inspires a curriculum that supports students’ strengths best Catholic and Specialized Public High Schools in the area and helps them maximize their potential. Our changing world and are often awarded scholarships. Our students continue to requires students to be creative, artistic, tech-savvy, and higher education and as adults come back to serve their wider resourceful; therefore, our academy programs are designed to community as professionals. They are persons of integrity, educate the whole child in academia, STEM, and the arts. Our spiritual, disciplined and compassionate people who are the faculty knows that the spiritual, emotional, and social well- leaders that create a better tomorrow. being of each child in our CARE is essential to their growth and is reflected in every aspect of a child’s educational journey at SFACA. Our Lady of Snows Catholic Academy Floral Park St. Leo Catholic Academy 718-343-1346 www.olscafp.org Corona 718-592-7050 We believe it is our responsibility to recognize and develop stleocatholicacademy.org the unique gifts of each child entrusted to us as we welcome [email protected] children of all religions and cultures to our school community, and we reach out to them with understanding and respect. Founded by the Gray Nuns of the Sacred Heart in 1924, Academically, we adhere to the current standards set forth Our mission is to provide academic, social and spiritual

18 Queens Family | January 2019 Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy T�� ’� �� ’� �� ͖͔͕͝Ǧ͖͔ĊČĎĘęėĆęĎĔēĎĘĕĊēǨ

čĆđđĊēČĎēČĚėėĎĈĚđĚĒǣ •Regents Algebra and Biology •Gilder Lehrman American History •Performing Arts Residency Program

ĊǯėĊĘĆěĎēČĆĘĊĆęċĔėĞĔĚǨ F�� H��-D�� N��, F��-D�� P��, K �� 8

ĔĕǦēĔęĈčĊĘĔĚėĈĊĘǣ •Smart Classrooms •Math & ELA Learning Centers •Apple Mac Computer Media Lab •90% of Teachers w/Advanced Degrees

| Special Advertising Supplement Catholic Schools Week Directory ǡ ĒĔēČęčĊĝęėĆĘǣ •Mathletics, Band and Choir 718.343.1346 •High School Consortium Program ǡǢ ƥ ̷ ǤOur Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy Our Lady of the Snows•CYO and Catholic Intramural Sports Academy Ǥ T�� ’� �� ’� �� T�� ’� ��•Early �� Drop ��’� Oﬀ and After �� School Tutor ͷͿǣͷͺ. ĎēĆēĈĎĆđĆĘĘĎĘęĆēĈĊĆěĆĎđĆćđĊ2019-20 REGISTRATION IS OPEN! ͖͔͕͝Ǧ͖͔ĊČĎĘęėĆęĎĔēĎĘĕĊēǨOpen•PKforAll, House NYC is Transportation Available ęĚĉĊēęĘĔċĆđđċĆĎęčĘĜĊđĈĔĒĊ͖͔͕͝Ǧ͖͔ĊČĎĘęėĆęĎĔēĎĘĕĊēǨ 1/27/19 1:45PM - 3:15 PM & 1/28/19 9AM - 11AM

79-33 258th Street Floral Park, NY 11004 olscafp.org čĆđđĊēČĎēČĚėėĎĈĚđĚĒǣ čĆđđĊēČĎēČĚėėĎĈĚđĚĒǣ •Regents Algebra and Biology •Regents Algebra and Biology •Gilder Lehrman American History •Gilder Lehrman American History •Performing Arts Residency Program •Performing Arts Residency Program ĊǯėĊĘĆěĎēČĆĘĊĆęċĔėĞĔĚǨ F��ĊǯėĊĘĆěĎēČĆĘĊĆęċĔėĞĔĚǨ � H��-D�� N��, F��-D�� P��, K �� 8 F�� H��-D�� N��, F��-D�� P��, K �� 8

ĔĕǦēĔęĈčĊĘĔĚėĈĊĘǣ ĔĕǦēĔęĈčĊĘĔĚėĈĊĘǣ •Smart Classrooms •Smart Classrooms •Math & ELA Learning Centers •Math & ELA Learning Centers ǤǤǤǤǤǤǤǤǤ •Apple Mac Computer Media Lab •Apple Mac Computer Media Lab •90% of Teachers w/Advanced Degrees •90% of Teachers w/Advanced Degrees ǦǦǦ Ǧ ǡ ĒĔēČęčĊĝęėĆĘǣ ǡ ĒĔēČęčĊĝęėĆĘǣ •Mathletics, Band and Choir •Mathletics, Band and Choir Open House ͸Ͷͷ͹ 718.343.1346 •High School Consortium Program 718.343.1346 •High School Consortium Program h ƥ ̷ Ǥ •High School Consortium Program Sunday, January 27 from 11:00am-12:00pm ƥ ̷ Ǥ •CYO and Intramural Sports •CYO and Intramural Sports ǡ ͸Ϳͷͷh ĎēĆēĈĎĆđĆĘĘĎĘęĆēĈĊĆěĆĎđĆćđĊ •Early Drop Oﬀ and After School Tutor Tuesday,ǡ January ͷ 27 fromͿǦͷͷ 9:00am-11am͹Ǧͻ and 3:00pm-5pm ĎēĆēĈĎĆđĆĘĘĎĘęĆēĈĊĆěĆĎđĆćđĊ •Early Drop Oﬀ and After School Tutor •PKforAll, NYC Transportation Available Queens Courier Best of the Boro Best School 2013 ęĚĉĊēęĘĔċĆđđċĆĎęčĘĜĊđĈĔĒĊ •PKforAll, NYC Transportation Available ęĚĉĊēęĘĔċĆđđċĆĎęčĘĜĊđĈĔĒĊ ;ͻǦ͸ͻͼͷ 85-25 61stǡͷͷ͹ͽͺ Road, Rego Park, NY 11374 ͽͷ;Ǧͺ͸ͼǦͺͿͼ͹718-426-4963 79-33 258th Street Floral Park, NY 11004 olscafp.org Ǥ Ǥ 79-3379-33 258th 258th Street Street, Floral Floral Park, Park, NY NY 11004 11004 • olscafp.org olscafp.org www.racatholicacademy.org Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School McClancy has

• Enhanced Safety and Security Measures • Honors Courses in all major subject areas • Advanced Placement Classes • ŽůůĞŐĞǆƚĞŶƐŝŽŶWƌŽŐƌĂŵƐͬ^dD/ŶŝƟĂƟǀĞƐ • 100% College Acceptance • ϭϭƌŽƚŚĞƌƐŽĨƚŚĞ^ĂĐƌĞĚ,ĞĂƌƚŽŶƐƚĂī • ϭϳƐƚĂīŵĞŵďĞƌƐǁŚŽĂƌĞDĐůĂŶĐǇŐƌĂĚƵĂƚĞƐ • 80% of students involved in extracurricular programs • Academic Scholarships • ϱϬйdƵŝƟŽŶZĞĚƵĐƟŽŶĨŽƌ^ŝďůŝŶŐƐ

н&ƵůůǇĐĐƌĞĚŝƚĞĚƚŚƌŽƵŐŚEz^ƚĂƚĞĞƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚŽĨĚƵĐĂƟŽŶ

нEĞǁůǇZĞͲĂĐĐƌĞĚŝƚĞĚƚŚƌŽƵŐŚƚŚĞDŝĚĚůĞ^ƚĂƚĞƐƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶ New Student Reception of Secondary Schools and Colleges Wednesday, January 23, 2019 Program will include special 7:00 PM 71-06 31st Avenue guest speakers from the East Elmhurst, NY 11370 McClancy community. Contact: Mr. Nicholas Melito (718) 898-3800 X2

Educating in the tradition of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart

January 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com 19 Catholic Schools Week Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

Sacred Heart Catholic Academy knowledge which reflects the Catholic faith within a structured 115-50 221st Street and disciplined school environment. We are committed Cambria Heights, New York 11411 to excellence. We strive to provide programs to help each 718.527.0123 • shcach.org student become an educated, morally responsible, caring and productive member of society. We foster a love of neighbor. The school’s credo, “Seeing Christ in One Another”, comes to life daily in respect for one another and is displayed in simple Registering Now acts of charity, kindness and acceptance of varying points of for Pre-K 3 to 8th Grade view. for the 2019-20 School Year St Luke’s School Call to schedule a private tour Whitestone 718-746-3833 slswhitestone.org Principal: Jan Brunswick Providing a Catholic atmosphere that nurtures the growth and development of the whole person: intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically. The faculty, in cooperation with the parents, endeavor to correlate moral and spiritual values with the day to day living of the faith life of the child. Daily religious instruction and prayer, together with participation in liturgical and para-liturgical celebrations and the regular reception of We Offer: the sacraments, are an integral part of each student’s life. The experience of Christian Community leads naturally to service. • Grants for Children transferring from Public School The students are encouraged to participate in service projects • Advanced Math • Social Studies • Scholarships throughout the year. Students enrolled in St. Luke enjoy a • Science • Music • Family Discounts structured yet flexible learning environment. The school offers a well-ordered curriculum of studies that include Religion, • Writing • Technology • School Hours: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, • Reading • Sports 6:45am-7:00pm TAC (Technology Across the Curriculum), Spanish, Physical Education, Music, Library, and Computer Education. Graduates accepted to the best Catholic, Private and Specialized High Schools St. Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Academy 104-06 101st Ave., Ozone Park, NY 11416-2701 • 718-846-0689 • www.smgh.org Over $200,000 in High School Scholarship Money Received by this Year’s Graduating Class! We Proudly Offer: • Financial Aid & Tuition Assistance • Core Curriculum of Religion, Reading, Math, Language, Arts, Science, and Social Studies • Math 9 – Integrated Algebra Regents • iPads & Chrombooks for in class instruction • Spanish Language Program – Grades 5-8 • Art Program Grades Pre K – 8 • Physical Education twice a week Grades Pre K – 8 • Health Class Grade 8 • Title I Guidance and Instruction in Reading and Math • Electronics Club & 3D Printing • School Newsletter • Free Universal Pre K • Early Morning Drop-off and After-school Programs • A dedicated and experienced Faculty • Paul Effman Studios offers Band Instruction for Grades 1-8 • Children’s Choir • CYO and Intramural Basketball, Volleyball • Boy Scouts OPEN HOUSE New Student Registration Sunday, January 28, 2019 • 10:30am to 2:00pm Grades Pre K – 7 • Begins Now!

20 Queens Family | January 2019 Catholic Schools Week Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy OPEN REGISTRATION BENEFITS

• FULL PRE-K 3 & 4 YEAR OLD AND K • COMPUTER LAPTOPS - SMARTBOARDS; • GRADES PRE-K TO 8 INTERNET ACCESS • TITLE I, TITLE III AND IN-HOUSE SPECIAL ED cmangone@ • NEW YORK STATE COMMON CORE ststanscaqn.org ststanscaqn.org • REASONABLE TUITION* • EXTENSIVE SCIENCE LAB & GYM EQUIPMENT • CURRICULUM • AQUINAS PROGRAM, REMEDIATION PROGRAM • DEDICATED STAFF WITH •CLUBS-YEARBOOK, NEWSPAPER, DRAMA OUTSTANDING CREDENTIALS • HOT LUNCH & BREAKFAST PROGRAMS • SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION • BOYS & GIRLS SCOUTS Open House: Sunday, • COMPUTER, ART, LIBRARY • AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM January 27th, • MUSIC • SCHOOL BUSES OR METROCARD IF ELIGIBLE 2019 from 10-2 • SCHOOL DANCES & ARTS & CRAFTS • SCHOOL NURSE

Outstanding New York State Testing results in Mathematics, Language Arts and Science

All members of the 2017-18 graduating class were accepted to Catholic High Schools and to Specialized Public Schools

REGISTRATION IS ONGOING PRE-K AGE 3, AGE 4, KINDERGARTEN THRU 7 GRADE

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE CALL TODAY! 111-10 115TH STREET, SOUTH OZONE PARK, NY 11420 718-843-4184 WWW.OLPHCATHOLICACADEMY.ORG Nursery and Kindergarten Open House! Call and set up your free tour of our excellent Academy. (718) 592-7050 Consider St. Leo Catholic Academy for your child this fall! We are inviting you to come and tour our academy. St. Leo Catholic Academy is an outstanding Catholic elementary school in Corona, Queens. Our mission at SLCA is to provide academic, social and spiritual knowledge which reﬂ ects the Catholic faith within a structured and disciplined school environment. We are committed to excellence and strive to provide programs to help each student become an educated, morally responsible, caring and productive member of society. St. Leo Catholic Academy is a dynamic community. For more information on free tours or registration, please contact Ms. Garnica at (718) 592-7050 ext. 202

January 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com 21 Catholic Schools Week Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

St. Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Academy Ozone Park 718-846-0689 www.smgh.org Our mission is to educate students, according to high academic standards, in a safe, nurturing environment that reflects the love of Jesus Christ. We encourage the development of students’ personal dignity, moral character, love of learning, 1910 – 2019 • CELEBRATING 100+ YEARS! and sense of responsibility. Acknowledging that parents are children’s primary educators, our faculty and staff, cooperate REGISTRATION with both parents and students, to guide each child towards the realization of his/her full spiritual, academic, personal, and For New Students for the 2019-2020 School Year physical potential. Tiny Tots/Nursery/Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten through Grade Eight JANUARY 27 – FEBRUARY 3 St. Sebastian Catholic Academy OPEN HOUSE OPEN SCHOOL Woodside SUNDAY • JANUARY 27, 2019 THURSDAY • JANUARY 31, 2019 718-429-1982 11:30AM – 1:30PM 10:00AM – 11:00AM stsebastianacademy.org Principal – JoAnn Dolan Small Class Sizes • Technology Classes Our school serves 466 girls and boys in nursery through eighth Class sets of Chromebooks Grades 5-8 • Updated Science Lab grade. Each grade level has approximately 25-30 students who Tiny Tots/Nursery/Pre-K • Early Morning Care are heterogeneously grouped. All levels of ability are reflected Afterschool Program • Extracurricular Activities in our student population. We are a multicultural school with Art/Music/PhysEd/Library • Foreign Language Program Grades 2-8 over 40 nations represented throughout the student body. A Sports Programs • Math & Reading Specialists on site strong sense of family pervades our school community. Our Special Education Services • Full Time School Nurse Academy provides a Catholic learning atmosphere in which students may develop spiritually, intellectually, physically, and Call for a tour of our building and see for yourself what socially. Each student is recognized as a unique individual is going on in our parish school and why we are so very with special talents and abilities. We strongly encourage daily prayer, Sunday worship, and responsible moral conduct. For proud of ST. LUKE! more than eighty years, this Catholic School of Excellence has 16-01 150th Place • Whitestone, NY 11357 prepared young people to move into leadership positions and 718.746.3833 • www.slswhitestone.org service in the Church, national and local governments, medicine, education, finance, business and many other professions.

Saint Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy Maspeth 718-326-1585 :RUNKDUGDQGVHUYHWKH/RUGHQWKXVLDVWLFDOO\´ ststanscaqn.org :RUNKDUGDQGVHUYHWKH/RUGHQWKXVLDVWLFDOO\´ Our school offers a nursery program for three year olds, a free :RUNKDUGDQGVHUYHWKH/RUGHQWKXVLDVWLFDOO\´5RPDQV half day UPK and a full day PreK program for 4 year olds, a full 5RPDQV5RPDQV day Kindergarten, and instruction for students in grades 1-8. Instructional programs include a second language program, computer/laptop/iPad instruction, physical education, and music theory and art education programs for its students in Kindergarten through grade eight. A diverse and abundance of activities and programs are provided to all students at St. Stanislaus Kostka School aimed at enriching the academic lives of the students. Students achieve above national average scores CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK OPEN on standardized tests and 100% of our students are accepted HOUSE: into the top Catholic High Schools throughout the cit. Needs Sunday, January 27th 12:30-1:30pm CATHOLICCLASSROOM SCHOOLS VISITS WEEK OPEN based scholarship awards are available for qualifying families. 0RQGD\-DQXDU\WK HOUSE: Sunday,7KXUVGD\-DQXDU\VW January 27th 12:30-1:30pm CLASSROOMALL GRADES: VISITS Xaverian Middle School / High School 8:30-9:10am 0RQGD\-DQXDU\WK Bay Ridge 718-836-7100 New Student Registration for the 7KXUVGD\-DQXDU\VWRigorous Curriculum www.xaverian.org 2019-2020 School Year < VibrantALL GRADES: Catholic Identity Wed, Feb 6th & Thursday Feb 7th à Dedicated 8:30-9:10am Community A private, co-educational, college predatory school for grades from 9:30-10:30am Service 6-12. Students are given the opportunity to grow in their New Student Registration for the Rigorous Curriculum On-going appointments are available Leading Edge Technology faith, intellect, leadership skills, musical passions, and athletic 2019-2020 School Year for more convenient times < Vibrant Catholic Identity talents. Many unique academic programs prepare students Wed, Feb 6th & Thursday Feb 7th Dedicated Community 21-18 46th Street à for success in top colleges and universities. An Internship from 9:30-10:30am Service Astoria, NY 11105 Program allows students to take part in real-world experiences On-going appointments are available Leading Edge Technology 718-726-9405 www.sfaacademy.orgCATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK OPEN in professional fields of their choice. Students are taught to for more convenient times become independent thinkers whose learning goes beyond the classroom. The academic program is designed so that all 21-18 46th Street HOUSE: students will be challenged to their fullest potential, mastering Astoria, NY 11105 the necessary skills, as well as curriculum content, to be fully 718-726-9405 www.sfaacademy.orgSunday, January 27th 12:30-1:30pm prepared for their collegiate pursuits. CLASSROOM VISITS 22 Queens Family | January 2019 0RQGD\-DQXDU\WK 7KXUVGD\-DQXDU\VW ALL GRADES: 8:30-9:10am New Student Registration for the Rigorous Curriculum 2019-2020 School Year < Vibrant Catholic Identity Wed, Feb 6th & Thursday Feb 7th à Dedicated Community from 9:30-10:30am Service On-going appointments are available Leading Edge Technology for more convenient times 21-18 46th Street Astoria, NY 11105 718-726-9405 www.sfaacademy.org Catholic Schools Week Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

St. Sebastian Catholic Academy Our Lady of Hope Serving the Parishes of Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, Queen of Angels, St. Sebastian and St. Teresa Catholic Academy 39 -76 58 Street, Woodside NY 11377 61-21 71st Street 718 429 1982 • www.stsebastianacademy.org Middle Village, NY 11379 718-458-3535 GrAdeS NurSerY – 8 [email protected] www.olhca.org OpeN HOuSe Open House January 27, 2019 Tuesday, January 29th – 9 AM until 10:30 AM 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Nursery to Grade 7 Thursday, January 31st – 9 AM until 10:30 AM Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy continues to pride • Monthly Liturgies • Science Lab • SETSS/Speech/OT and Seasonal Prayer • Internet Based Symphony • Free After School itself on the strength of its Catholic Identity and Academic Services Math Program Sports/Clubs for grades Excellence over 50 years in Middle Village and the sur- • Elizabeth Ann Seton • Newly Renovated 6, 7 and 8 sponsored Service Volunteers Library/Media Center on site by Maspeth rounding neighborhoods. Let your child take ﬂ ight in a • Junior Lectors & • Art Town Hall faith based, caring environment. To learn more about our Altar Servers • Physical Ed./Health • Paul Effman Band value based and rigorous Academic Programs, join us for • STEM Lab • Math Strategies Grades Service • Smart Board 5/7 • Extended Day (N-5) the Open House after the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Technology In All • Foreign Language • Classrooms on the 2nd Classrooms • Guidance and 3rd floors are air • Middle School Math Honors Program • iPads for Grades 5 • Academic Intervention conditioned • National Junior Honor Society through 8 Service • Full Time Security Guard • STEM Free universal pre-K For All Partnership with Monsignor McClancy HS • Coding Classes in Advanced Algebra / Earth Science • Drama & Art Clubs You may be eligible for tuition assistance for the • Athletics 2019-2020 school year. • Lunch Program • Morning and BUILDING After School Care STRONG VALUES • Children’s Choir

For more information, please contact Xaverian’s Office of Admissions at (718) 836-7100 x117 or [email protected] | TACHS #011 7100 Shore Rd, Brooklyn NY, 11209 | www.xaverian.org/admissions

January 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com 23 education Mid-Year Elementary School Blues How to keep kids motivated the entire school year

By Sarah Lyons

acking lunches, doing nightly homework, studying for spelling Ptests, and scrambling about during the morning rush; the thrill of a new school year has worn off and kids start to drag their feet a little more on school mornings as they return for the start of the second semester. How do you keep kids motivated to finish out the last months of the school year strong?

Set goals It’s important to let your child know you have high expectations for them throughout the year, not just the first semester. Work with your child to set goals for success and reward her for meeting the goals. Some kids may need an academic goal, while others need goals such as no tardies for the quarter or turning all assignments in on time. Communicate with your child’s teacher to come up with some beneficial goals for your child. Rewards could include a special outing as a family, going out for ice cream, picking out a special toy, or extra screen time.

Stay positive As parents who are tired of packing lunches and reminding children to put their shoes on for the fifth time in one morning, it can be hard to stay positive. However, activities where she will be around school friends. Parents can also a positive attitude can go a long way for both parents and kids. Focus get involved at the school to break up the mid-year blues. When on the excitement of learning, seeing friends, and upcoming events kids see their parents working at the school, it shows them that you to encourage your child that school is still as fun as it was back in value their time there. Check with your school to see what volunteer August. Your positive attitude will become contagious and your child opportunities are available. will also start to get excited about school again. Continue healthy habits Show an interest Encourage your child to get a good night’s rest, eat a healthy breakfast, One thing that can have a huge impact on your child’s excitement and focus on good study habits. An after-school routine to complete about school is his parents’ interest. When your child returns home homework and chores will help your child fall back into the school from school, ask him about his day, his friends, and the highs and lows schedule after winter break. Set aside time for free time as well. Host of the day. Listen attentively and ask questions. When it is homework a play date, have a movie night, go to the park if weather allows, and time, be available to help and answer questions. When parents are schedule time for fun and relaxation so kids don’t get too bored with excited and interested in the goings on at school, kids will be, too. their routine. If the mid-year blues are still getting to your child, don’t hesitate to Get involved contact your child’s teacher to discuss a plan to get your child back on Kids who are involved in school activities tend to be more excited track. Soon enough the days will begin to get longer, the temperatures about school. Encourage your child to join clubs and after-school warmer, and school will be out for summer once again.

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January 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com 25 must read Blended Blessings Mashonda Tifrere’s Blend (complete with a forward by Alicia Keys) is a modern guide to happy co- parenting

Cole Cook By Mia Weber Mashonda Tifrere with Swizz Beats, Alicia Keys, and their children. hen Mashonda Tifrere’s book WBlend dropped this past fall, she about healing and getting through it, but also happy tears. Most notably, Tifrere and Swizz celebrated in style—think: Champagne, about trying to figure out a way to work with Beatz’s son Kasseem was on hand to celebrate music-industry A-listers, and a towering the new woman involved,” Tifrere says. “I got his mom, and it was obvious how proud he was. custom cake set against the splendor of to a point where I really wanted to under- “He was there—he watched me go Donna Karan’s Urban Zen event space in stand my relationship with Alicia.” through everything and he witnessed the lower Manhattan. There were impromptu That desire for understanding and writing part and he’d go to sleep and be bursts of song (from Tifrere herself, along common ground, for the sake of healing like: ‘Okay, are you going to go write now, with her friend and son’s step-mother Alicia and for the best interests of the children mom?’ He knew what I was doing for a really Keys); there were plenty of festive cocktails involved, is at the core of Blend. Over nearly long time,” Tifrere says. “So for him to see and lavish snacks and desserts. But revelry eight years, Tifrere worked on perfecting her [the book] manifest, his mind was blown, and glamour aside, the heart and soul of message, sharing her journey, and thinking especially when he saw it at Barnes & Noble, the party was the message of Tifrere’s tome about what separated parents and new co- because that’s our favorite store. When he devoted to peaceful co-parenting, and parents really needed. The end result is a walked in there and saw my poster up and inspired by her own experience with divorce book that’s true to her original mission of books all over the place and my picture—he from her son’s father (the musician Swizz helping parents going through a divorce or just couldn’t believe it. And he wrote a letter Beatz, who penned a chapter on fatherhood) separation to be open to healing so they can in the book to himself, so he’s in Barnes & and establishing a positive relationship with blend their family in balanced way with any Noble too, and he’s pretty excited about that.” his new wife, Keys (who actually wrote a new adults in the equation. At the end of the day, Tifrere hopes foreword to the book). “The primary mission [of Blend] is readers will turn to her book as a tool to set “The book started out as a series of opening people up to the fact that, if they themselves and their kids up for peace of journals. I started to journal everything from just allow themselves to feel and let go of the mind and a road to happiness. the moment I had my son and I journaled hurt and the pain that they struggle with “The first thing would be to tell [readers] about being a mother. Then, when my after a divorce or a separation, they can move would be to open their heart and try to put marriage started to dissolve, I started to forward and heal, and provide an emotionally all the pain aside for a moment and think of journal about what it felt like to go through and mentally healthy future for their your child and the future of your child—and that separation and then it went into divorce,” children,” she explains. “[Having a blended also think of yourself, and of your healing Tifrere—who has a longtime background in family] means peace of mind; it means a level and your peace,” she says. “I’d tell them to get the music industry as an accomplished singer of open communication that would not be in tune with their ego, and really learn how and songwriter—says of Blend’s origins, possible if we did not trust each other, and to check it, and to understand the difference which stemmed from her own divorce with didn’t feel the need to protect our family and between operating from that place of ego and Swizz Beats. After feeling hurt and confused give our children what we consider a true operating from a place of love. That means as she navigated the separation, she also knew chance at living a healthy life.” to allow yourself to be more vulnerable and she had to find a way to co-parent with her If any proof is needed that Tifrere, Swizz those are the first ingredients to truly being son’s father and his new partner, Keys. Beatz, and Keys have developed a loving and able to co-parent and blend and create a new, “I literally had an epiphany one day: ‘This balanced co-parenting partnership, it was right healthy relationship with your ex.” needs to be a book!’ Because I was looking for there in the room on the night of the Blend books to help me get through what I was feel- book launch. The family was all smiles as they To learn more about Mashonda Tifrere, ing and I couldn’t find anything, specifically posed for photos—there were hugs, laughs, and visit theblendedfamilybook.com!

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t always bothers me to hear the advice “eat Ithe colors of the rainbow.” As the thinking goes, the more colorful the produce, the more nutrients it contains. But the fact is that many white or off- white plant foods can be just as nourishing as those colorful red, blue, and yellow foods. Here’s a look at what white-colored foods are nutrient-rich, and how they can be made kid-friendly:

Banana While the peel is banana-yellow, the edible portion is a creamy white. Bananas are a perennial kid favorite and can be baby’s first food when mashed with a fork. Everyone knows they’re loaded with the mineral potassium, but did you know they’re packed with fiber? Bananas are perfect for a backpack, need no refrigeration, and help to soothe hunger pangs when a meal isn’t forthcoming. Whirl into a smoothie, slice on top of cereal or nut butter, or even freeze for a cool treat.

Cauliflower This classic cold-weather vegetable is loaded with vitamins C and K and glucosinolates. “Cauliflower is one of my go-to vegetables. It’s a great vegetable that you can kids help experiment with adding flavor.” C and fiber. Surprisingly, they’re a better prepare and serve in different ways as your source of potassium than a banana. kids grow,” says Kathryn Maher, a culinary Onion and public health dietitian in Indiana. Pungent and sharp when it’s raw, onion be- Parsnips “Pureed cauliflower can be a great beginner comes sweet and delicious when cooked until Most kids won’t eat cooked parsnips, but they food. Cooked, whole florets are easy to grab it’s soft and translucent. Like the drummer in will eat them if they’re sneaked into stew or and munch on when your little one is ready.” a band, always in the background yet missed soup or included into a medley of oven- For older kids, cauliflower is fantastic when it’s absent, onion adds depth of flavor roasted root vegetables. A cup of parsnips when cut into flowerets; tossed with a little to nearly every savory dish there is. Onions takes care of almost a third of your vitamin fresh chopped rosemary, olive oil, salt and contain the antioxidant quercetin. C needs, and is an excellent source of the pepper; and roasted in the oven. Try this the next time you grill mineral manganese and dietary fiber. hamburgers: Slice a few onions thinly, put During this month of snow, incorporate Celery root into a covered frying pan with a little oil and one or more “winter white” foods for good Rich in both iron and vitamin K, this cook slowly over low heat. After about a half taste and good health. root vegetable is a good source of dietary hour, the onions will have caramelized. You fiber, which is lacking in many kids’ diets. can top not only your burgers, but you can Christine Palumbo is Traditionally mashed, it can also be eaten raw add them to sandwiches and salads as well. a registered dietitian with a dip. nutritionist and Fellow of Potatoes the American Academy of Jicama These sturdy, budget-friendly tubers tend to Nutrition and Dietetics. “If you haven’t tried jicama yet, I challenge be a kids’ fave when ordered as a “fry” at a She is a 2018 recipient of the you to pick one up on your next trip to the quick-service restaurant. Medallion Award from the grocery store. You will not be disappointed. When cooked up at home in the form Academy of Nutrition and Jicama has a similar texture to apples, but a of oven fries, baked, sliced into wedges, and Dietetics. Follow her on Twitter @PalumboRD, milder flavor,” Maher says. “You can bake it, roasted, or even mashed with a little milk and Facebook at Christine Palumbo Nutrition, or eat it raw or make it sweet or savory. Let your butter, potatoes are a good source of vitamin [email protected].

28 Queens Family | January 2019 ask an attorney By Alison Arden Besunder, Esq. Life Insurance and Your Estate Plan

What role does life insurance play in my estate estate plan provides for one of your children to plan? Is it part of my taxable estate and is it take over a family-run business, you can use subject to probate? life insurance to achieve an equitable result by naming those children who are not involved in his is an important conversation to the business as beneficiaries. Conversely, you Thave. It is so important, in fact, that the may want to provide for your children equally column will address some of the considerations in your Will, but provide additional funds of life insurance in two parts, so be sure to to a particular child through the use of life check in next month for part two. insurance. First, you must make a distinction between Before purchasing a life insurance policy, a “probate estate” and a “gross taxable estate.” you should give careful consideration as to Probate is the process in which your will is who will be listed as the owner of the policy. admitted and approved by the court. Probate There is a common misconception that assets are collected by the Executor and subject life insurance proceeds are not taxable in to the claims of your creditors. Typically, you your estate. However, if the insured person would not want your insurance proceeds pay- owns an insurance policy, or has “control” able to your estate. Life insurance is transferred over the policy, (i.e., the right to change to your beneficiaries by a designation of ben- the beneficiaries on the policy), then the eficiary form properly filled out and delivered death benefit of the policy will be added to to your insurance company. In other words, the value of the insured person’s estate, and regardless of what your Last Will and Testa- may therefore be subject to estate taxes. In ment says, if your beneficiary designation on a contrast, if the policy is owned by someone life insurance policy says something different, maintain properties until other assets can be other than the insured, then the insurance it will pass to the individual(s) identified on liquidated, to avoid having to sell the asset in proceeds will not be included in the insured that designation form. a down-market or in a “fire sale.” person’s taxable estate. There are other Similarly, although New York State law 5. To ensure that your beneficiaries have planning techniques that may allow you to provides for the severance of beneficiary desig- funds available to pay other potential future transfer an existing life insurance policy to nations to a spouse upon divorce, that rule does tax liabilities, such as estate, annual estate another person or to an irrevocable trust not necessarily apply to certain pension plans. income, or capital gains taxes. and potentially avoid future estate taxes for You must take care to update your beneficiary There is a common misconception that those insurance proceeds provided you live designation forms to ensure that they are cur- insurance is not taxable in your estate. If an additional period of three years after the rent and consistent with your intentions. you own an insurance policy, or have the transfer of the policy. Life insurance can serve different incidents of ownership (i.e., the right to As you can see, there are many potential purposes for different people. Among the change the beneficiaries on the policy), benefits of life insurance. In order to figure out common purposes of life insurance are: then the entire insurance proceeds would the benefits to your particular estate plan, you 1. To provide your loved ones with be taxable in your estate when you die. A should consult with your estate planning attor- immediate liquidity to pay estate taxes taxable estate includes both probate and non- ney, financial advisor, and insurance agent. and funeral expenses until your estate is probate assets. Assets which avoid probate administered through probate or a trust. This do not necessarily avoid estate taxation. In Alison Arden Besunder is especially helpful where an estate consists addition to insurance owned by the decedent, is the founding attorney primarily of illiquid assets like real property, IRAs and other retirement assets, annuities, of the law firm of Arden artwork, or even wine collections. joint bank accounts, and other joint interests Besunder P.C., where she 2. To equalize beneficiaries who have may avoid probate and pass directly to your assists new and not-so- received other assets (say, the family beneficiaries but they are still included in the new parents with their business), or to leave disproportionate assets estate for estate tax purposes. estate planning needs. to beneficiaries if that is your intention. If estate taxes are a problem, you can Her firm assists clients in 3. To “buy out” a business partner, so create an insurance trust which owns the life Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Nassau that you need not remain in business with insurance policy, which I will discuss in next and Suffolk Counties. You can find her on your partner’s spouse when your partner dies, month’s column. As noted above, life insurance Twitter @estatetrustplan and on her website at if you cannot afford to buy your partner’s also provides a way to equalize bequests to besunderlaw.com. If you have a question that shares in the business from his or her estate. beneficiaries or to provide additional funds you would like to see answered in this column, 4. To pay any outstanding mortgages or to certain beneficiaries. For instance, if your please email [email protected].

Disclaimer: This column is provided by Arden Besunder P.C. and New York Family 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 impos- sible to cover all aspects of the law in an article. Please be advised that the laws are constantly changing. The content in this article reflects the current law. Nothing contained in this article is intended as advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the firm. Individual consultation with an attorney is required to determine the specific facts and circumstances of any particular situation. A written retainer agreement between you and the firm is required before any attorney-client relationship may be created. Circular 230 Disclosure Notice: To ensure compliance with Treasury Department rules governing tax practice, we inform you that any advice contained herein (including in any attachment) (1) was not written and is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalty that may be imposed on the taxpayer, and (2) may not be used in connection with promoting, marketing or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed herein.

January 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com 29 Talking to Your Kids About Death How to broach the subject with young children and teens

By Tammy Scileppi Broaching these subjects isn’t easy, but Dr. Klaeysen offers valuable suggestions discussing them with youngsters should for parents and caretakers, to make sure hile going about our daily lives, we make them feel comforted, especially if they’re talking about death, loss—and Wtend to forget that death is really a they’re trying to cope with sadness, fear, and violence—with nuance and care. part of life. confusion. Tammy Scileppi: What should parents But is there an afterlife? Many religious Dr. Anne Klaeysen, a parent and know when broaching the delicate topic of traditions claim there is an afterlife of some Brooklyn resident, has decades of experience death with their kids? type; that death is not the end, but rather, a in counseling as a Humanist Life Advisor Dr. Anne Klaeysen: Parents should transition. Obviously, nobody knows for sure, at Columbia University. She’s also a leader always listen, empathize, and know when to but there are cultures that believe in several of the New York Society for Ethical Culture stop, so as not to overwhelm their child. afterlife possibilities. in Manhattan, where she helps oversee the In my experience, honesty and empathy Numerous accounts of near-death organization’s unique Ethics for Children are essential. And they should always be experiences describe an amazing beyond, class, which focuses on development of the prepared to talk about death but not force a filled with endless love, forgiveness and moral reasoning process. Through stories, discussion if their children aren’t interested. compassion, as well as knowledge far beyond discussions, service projects, field trips, It can come up naturally when telling family what we as mortals can grasp or comprehend. and art activities, classes encourage the stories. For example, a child may remind us of Yet, we fear death mostly because it is the exploration of ideas and issues in a safe, an ancestor who has died. When I was a child, great unknown. inclusive environment. my father would sometimes pull out the So, how do we explain this mysterious, At a recent class, she invited parent and projector and pull up the screen to view slides scary, complex concept to our curious author J.R. Becker to introduce his inspiring, and we would fondly remember relatives who children? life-affirming new book, What Happens When had died. Parents have been asking that profound We Die?. Through fun verses and whimsical I think fear and anxiety about death question for generations. But these days, it’s illustrations, “the book helps youngsters come from not talking about it and treating more important than ever to talk with your cope with and understand death,” Becker it as a taboo subject. Death should always be kids and teens about the meaning of death says, “namely, by allowing room for curiosity presented as a natural part of life. because they’re witnessing and hearing about about an afterlife, sadness about loss, but TS: Kids and teens deal with death in so much violence in the media. then finally, celebrating the things we actually different ways. How can parents ease their With more school shootings and other know: How our atoms rejoin the universe, worries? horrific incidents happening everywhere which remains forever changed by our lives. AK: Again, it is most important to listen in recent years and just in recent weeks, it’s How our energy lasts forever, along with the to your children’s thoughts and concerns and getting harder and harder to shelter them stories of our loved ones we keep alive by to be aware of what is age-appropriate. from a dangerous and scary world. That’s honoring their memories. And most of all, Young children turn to their parents why parents need guidance in understanding how mortality can inspire us to appreciate the for comfort, explanation, and behavior how to broach these sensitive topics to help incredible opportunity we’ve been given: to modeling. When my uncle and godfather children deal with loss and death, whether it’s live the best, most meaningful lives we can, died, my son Andrew (now 34) was 3. He in their family or in their city. surrounded by the people we love.” observed me crying during the funeral and

30 Queens Family | January 2019 and convinced the administration to host an assembly program. This was an occasion when I held her when she cried, listened to her criticism, and empowered her to take action. Such are the phases of grief. TS: Escalating gun violence and mass shootings are causing fear and panic across the nation. What was it like when your kids were growing up? AK: I was surprised to learn how many school shootings there have been in this country since 1840. Of course, most of them resulted in only one or two deaths and as many injuries. It was on April 20, 1999, two days after my daughter’s 13th birthday, that we learned the horror of a mass school shooting: 15 dead and 21 injured at a high school in Columbine, CO. We discussed this at great length around the dinner table. What were the shooters’ motivations? Where did they get the weapons? Did anyone suspect what they were planning? What responsibility did their parents have? How do you even begin to fathom the shock and grief? Lots of questions, few answers.

Talking about scary stuff really helps, especially during these highly stressful, violent times. But while you’re doing that, remember to hold your children real close and hug them every chance you get. By the way, regarding the possibility of an afterlife, Dr. Klaeysen says she is not a believer: “It simply makes no sense to me, and I have no need to pretend that it exists. To paraphrase American Transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson, ‘we are such stuff as stars are made of, and science bears that out.’ As a Humanist, I accept that I am part of nature: my body will return to its earthly elements and my consciousness will cease to exist. Such finality makes life all the more worth living, in my opinion.”

Ethics for Children class at New York Society for Ethical Culture (2 W. 64th St. between Broadway stroked my back and said: “I’ll sing to you, School counseling centers should offer and Central Park West, ethical.nyc/youth) every so you’ll feel better, Mommy,” then launched peer counseling training to students. It Sunday from 11am to 12:30pm (unless otherwise into “Row, row, row your boat.” Again, doesn’t replace, but effectively supplements, noted on website). Classes are free to families who empathy. professional counseling. are members of the Society, or donation-based Teens process a lot of their experiences When my daughter, Emily (now 32), entry from non-members. Parents may stay with with their peers. After 9/11, my children grew was at MS 51, a classmate was killed because their kids. weary of all the well-meaning adults offering she stepped between her parents during a Tammy Scileppi is a Queens-based freelance counseling and just wanted to be left alone to domestic dispute. Her father stabbed her writer and journalist, parent, and regular deal with it themselves. That is not to suggest instead of her mother. Not only did Emily contributor to New York Parenting. Interviewing that we adults and parents should abandon talk to me about this tragedy, she also let me hundreds of New York City’s movers and them. Rather, we should listen deeply to what know that she didn’t think her school was shakers has been an amazing adventure for they really need and be available: present but handling it well and asked me for advice. her. Scileppi’s work has appeared in a variety of silent. Talking at them is a waste of breath Together we found a community group that media outlets. She has also written book cover and risks losing their trust. offered school programs on domestic violence copy for Simon and Schuster.

January 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com 31 calendar

January

Spectacular Season Opener

It’s time to welcome the winter season in the cool- come, first-served basis. Then at 4pm, the Colombian est and most muscial way. On January 26, 2019, join band La Cumbiamba eNeYé will take the stage to Flushing Town Hall for its Season Opening Party with La perform music from the Colombian coast. Cumbiamba eNeYé! Finally, join the band after the performance for a The afternoon will begin with a free, musical dance musical jam session with your instrument of choice. workshop for families (both parents and children of all ages). Flushing Town Hall (37-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing, flush- Percussion instruments will be distributed on a first- ingtownhall.org).

32 Queens Family | January 2019 january calendar

little ones — and their teddy 5 Saturday bears! Registration required. Moving Image Studio. Moving mvhm.org. 1 pm. $10. Mount Image Studio is the Museum’s Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, drop-in space where visitors 421 E. 61st St., Manhattan. (212) of all ages can create media 838–6878. https://www.mvhm. and other projects. Families org/?events=teddy-bear-tea are welcome to stop by and experiment with puppet making The Rock And Roll Playhouse: and animation inspired by The The Music Of ABBA For Kids. Jim Henson Exhibition and All ages are invited to Brooklyn the core exhibition Behind the Bowl this Sunday for an ABBA Screen. Ages 4 and up. Free concert! The Rock and Roll with museum admission. 11 Playhouse series introduces am – 4 pm. Museum of the young audiences to classic rock Moving Image, 36-1 35th Ave, through games, movement, Astoria. movingimage.us/visit/ and stories. Babies under the calendar/2019/01/05/detail/ age of 1 are free. Show begins at moving-image-studio. 11:30am. ticketfly.com. 11 am. Sweet, Sweet Music $12.00. Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Stop ‘N’ Swap In Jamaica. Bring Ave., Brooklyn. ticketfly.com/ clean, reusable, portable items Meet the clarinet at Book Culture LIC’s “Have You event/1798381. such as clothing, housewares, Met The Clarinet?” event on January 13, 2019 at Book games, books, and toys you no Culture in Long Island City. Mozart for Munchkins longer need, and take home (MfM) will introduce families with children ages 12 and 7 Monday something new — for free. You under to clarinet music during this one-hour program. Mind-Blowing Puzzles For don’t have to bring something to Clarinetist Aleks Karjaka will be accompanied on Kids. Love puzzles? Head to take something. Noon – 3 pm. the piano and ukulele by MfM co-founder Sara Leila the Queensboro Hill Library Free. PS 50, 143-26 101st Ave., Sherman. Following the performance, there will be an for an hour of puzzle fun! Kids Jamaica. grownyc.org/swap. instrument “petting zoo” during which all are invited can puzzle over word searches, to interact with the musicians and instruments. Book crossword puzzles, Sudoku, Dogfest. Dog-lovers ages Culture LIC (26-09 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, cardboard puzzles, and message 4 through 10 are invited to mozartformunchkins.com). decoding. 2 – 3 pm. Free. 60-05 the Glen Oaks Library for its Main St., Flushing. queenslibrary. Dogfest! The afternoon will org/event/mind-blowing-puzzles- feature canine-themed arts and pet-theatre. family_programs.htm. for-kids. crafts, activities, and a screening of the trailer for the upcoming Skyscrapers: Past and Future. Fun With Theater. Theater fans movie “A Dog’s Way Home.” The Skyscraper Museum hosts 6 Sunday ages 11 and up can visit the South 3:30 – 4:30 pm. Free. Glen Oaks this workshop where kids can “World Famous Popovich Hollis Library for an intensive Library, 256-04 Union Tpke., Glen learn about how skyscrapers have Comedy Pet Theatre.” See Jan. 5 theater workshop! Tweens and Oaks. queenslibrary.org/event/ changed in appearance over the teens will receive an introduction dogfest. years and then imagine what Teddy Bear Tea. Enjoy high to theater, play acting games, the tall buildings will look like tea with your favorite stuffed and write and produce their own Further Afield in the years to come, designing animal or doll at Mount Vernon! play which will be performed “World Famous Popovich their own vision of the buildings’ After meeting Mrs. Woodhull, in June. 4 – 5 pm. Free. South Comedy Pet Theatre.” This future. Pre-registration is the proprietor’s wife, kids can Hollis Library, 204-01 Hollis Ave., family show features physical required. For ages 6 and up. imagine that they are living Jamaica. queenslibrary.org/event/ comedy, juggling, acrobatics, and $5. 10:30 am – 11:45 pm. in the 1830s and experience a fun-with-theater. trained pets in a European-style Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery typical day during that time circus performance. Popovich Pl., Manhattan. (212) 945–6324. period. This is sure to be an leads the animals, who he’s skyscraper.org/WHAT’S_UP/ unforgettable experience for your 8 Tuesday rescued from shelters, in their QL Teen Radio Podcast. Teens feats. 11:30 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm. Submit a listing who are interested in broadcast Repeats Jan. 6 at 11:30 am, 2 This calendar is dedicated to bringing our readers the journalism, radio, podcasts, or pm, and 5 pm. $40–50. Tribeca most comprehensive list of events in your area. But to audio engineering are welcome PAC, Borough Of Manhattan do so, we need your help! Send your listing request to to join the Queens Library Teen Comminity College, 199 [email protected]—and we’ll take care of the Radio Podcast! This hands- rest. Please e-mail requests more than three weeks prior to Chambers St, Manhattan. (212) the event to ensure we have enough time to get it in. And on workshop is devoted to the 220-1459. tickets.tribecapac.org/ best of all, it’s FREE! creation and production of a world-famous-popovich-comedy- teen radio show. Participants

January 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com 33 calendar january will learn how to host, edit, and muppet-movie. engineer a show of their own creation. 3 – 6 pm. Free. Queens Zombie Time! Further Afield Library for Teens, 2002 Cornaga BroadwayCon. Any Broadway- Ave., Far Rockaway. queenslibrary. “How Many Zombies Are Too Many Zombies?” That bound or musical-loving kid will org/event/ql-teen-radio-podcast. is the question of the moment this season at the New find plenty to do at this three-day York Hall of Science. At this interactive new game at convention. Events include live Crafty Tuesday: Clothespin the New York Hall of Science, players take on the role performances, singalongs, and And Button Race Cars. Check of scientists helping the “Center for Calamity Control” workshops alongside panels out the Rochdale Village Library simulate a zombie outbreak. Facilitators introduce that preview upcoming shows in Queens for a clothespin and participants to mathematical modeling and the ways and hold discussions between button race car workshop! All they can be used to simulate, analyze and make predic- Broadway stars and creatives. ages can make and decorate their tions about the complex real-world phenomenon. At There’s a look at lots of behind- cars using clothespins, buttons, the end, players see graphs detailing the population the-scenes work too! Tickets start paint, stickers, markers, and more. swings and can further tweak parameters and see dif- at $80. 10 am. New York Hilton 3:30 – 4:30 pm. Free. Rochdale ferent results through play. “How Many Zombies Are Midtown, 1335 Avenue of the Village Library, 169-09 137th Ave., Too Many Zombies?” is showing daily throughout the Americas, Manhattan. facebook. Jamaica. queenslibrary.org/event/ months of January and February. Free with NYSCI com/events/1801106539951678. crafty-tuesday-clothespin-and- Admission. 9:30am-5:30pm. New York Hall of Science button-race-cars. (47-01 111th Street, Corona, nysci.org). 12 Saturday Further Afield Kids Silent Disco and Parents Unbound: Malala Yousafzai. Building. Advance reservations Bottomless Brunch Party! On Tuesday, Jan. 8, the Brooklyn are strongly recommended. nybg. 10 Thursday Let the Quiet Events DJs watch Academy of Music will welcome org. Daily, through Jan. 21, 10 am Mother Goose. See Jan. 9 your kids while you enjoy a Nobel Peace Prize laureate – 6 pm. Free with an All-Garden Saturday afternoon brunch with Malala Yousafzai to its stage in Pass. New York Botanical Garden, Sewing Club For Kids. Kids friends. Katch Astoria is Queens’ celebration of her latest book 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx. nybg. who love to sew can join the Premiere Gastropub offering a “We Are Displaced: My Journey org/event/chihuly. sewing club at the Hillcrest huge dance floor for your kids to and Stories from Refugee Girls Library in Queens! Ages 7 party and a wide range of drinks Around the World.” New York through 12 will be able to make and tasty meals for everyone. Just Times journalist Rukmini 9 Wednesday pocketbooks, stuffed animals, take a look at their Brunch Menu. Callimachi will moderate Monthly Jazz Jam: Celebrating and more during this one-hour Make this your kid’s birthday the evening’s conversation the Legacy of Louis Armstrong. workshop. All materials will be party or just a fun afternoon concerning the displacement of Open to jazz students, musicians, provided. 5 – 6 pm. Free. Hillcrest with your friends while your kids girls who have lived in refugee and music educators, Monthly Library, 187-05 Union Tpke., are entertained by our interactive camps and cities worldwide. Jazz Jams are a fun way to Fresh Meadows. queenslibrary. DJs, getting them to sing, dance, Please note: There is limited hone your skills and jam with org/event/sewing-club-for-kids. and have a great time. They ticket availability for this event. your peers. The house band also will have a small arts and The author’s net proceeds will go led by saxophonist Carol crafts table with coloring books, to the Malala Fund. 7:30 – 8:45 Sudhalter opens each jam with 11 Friday markers, crayons, and other pm. Tickets start at $20. BAM the work of Louis Armstrong. Teen Digital Media Lab. Teen fun activities for the kids to do Opera House, 30 Lafayette Ave, All are welcome, regardless of Digital Media Lab is a series of if they don’t want to join the Brooklyn. bam.org/talks/2019/ instrument (vocalists, too!). free design jams just for teens. headphone party. Don’t worry, malala-yousafzai. Don’t play? Come listen! $10/ These events are a unique mom and dad, they also have a free for members, students, opportunity to get exclusive music channel for you to dance, Holiday Train Show. Celebrate teens and jamming musicians. 7 access to the museum, to too! $10–25. 8 am. Katch Astoria, the Holiday Train Show’s 27th am – 9 pm. Flushing Town Hall, share in your favorite kinds of 31-19 Newtown Ave., Astoria. anniversary at the New York 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing. media-making, or to experiment quietevents.com/event/kids-silent- Botanical Garden. Enjoy the flushingtownhall.org/event/3b08b with something new. We work disco-and-parents-bottomless- enchanting ambiance of the 22573e39b39681e854a729ce91b. with everything from vintage brunch-party. Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, arcade games to web-based and watch as model trains Mother Goose. Infants ages hacking tools as we explore the Vet Tech 101. Ages 10 through zoom through the naturally 18–30 months and their Museum’s collection in fun and 13 can learn all about basic recreated landmarks of NYC caregivers could enjoy an hour of innovative ways. All levels of animal health during Vet Tech (complete with real bark, songs and playtime. Free. Daily, experience are welcome. Plus, 101 at Alley Pond Environmental leaves, and more). Among the through Jan. 10, 11 am – Noon. there’s pizza. Ages 14 and up. Center! Students will handle live famous sights included are Free. Queens Library at Bayside, Free. 4 – 6 pm. Museum of the animals, practice conducting the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of 214-20 Northern Blvd., Flushing. Moving Image, 36-1 35th Ave., animal check-ups, and study Liberty, Rockefeller Center, and, queenslibrary.org/event/mother- Astoria. movingimage.us/visit/ animal anatomy during this most notably, the Empire State goose-time-10. calendar/2017/07/21/detail/the- two-hour class. The most

34 Queens Family | January 2019 january calendar

Year of the Pig Community Art Project. Drop in at the Queens Botanical Garden to work on collaborative sculptures to celebrate the Year of the Pig. The project will be displayed in the Garden for QBG’s Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 9, and for the remainder of February. Repeats the rest of the Saturdays in January. Free. Noon – 1 pm. Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St, Flushing. 718– 886–3800. queensbotanical.org/ event/year-of-the-pig/2019-01-12.

Stop ‘N’ Swap In Elmhurst. Bring clean, reusable, portable items such as clothing, housewares, games, books, and toys you no longer need, and take home something new — for free. You don’t have to bring Give your regards to Broadway something to take something. Broadway babies of all ages can get preview upcoming shows and hold Noon – 3 pm. Free. PS 13, 55-01 their theater fix in the coolest way the discussions between Broadway stars 94th St., Flushing. grownyc.org/ weekend of January 11-13! BroadwayCon and creatives. There’s a look at lots swap. is coming to town and it’s going to of behind-the-scenes work too! The be epic. Any Broadway-bound of convention runs 10am-11pm on Friday, “Four Seasons.” On Saturday, musical-loving kid will find plenty to 10am-10:30pm on Saturday, and 10am- Jan. 12, Chinese Theatre do at this three-day convention. Events 5:30pm on Sunday. Tickets start at Works will present an original include live performances, singalongs, $80. New York Hilton Midtown [1335 6th production entitled “Four and workshops alongside panels that Avenue, broadwaycon.com] Seasons” at Flushing Town Hall. The family-friendly work will combine music, dance, opera, common animal pets will be APEC Adventure Time’s Greenhouse to see edible plants poetry, and puppetry with covered. Pocket magnifiers will Animal Movements: Hop, Flap, and make hummus. Ages 4–10. contemporary shadow theater be provided. Registration is And Slither. This Saturday, Please purchase separate tickets techniques to create a show required. 9 – 11 am. $25. Alley toddlers and their caregivers can for each child. $12. 11 am – unlike anything audiences have Pond Environmental Center, visit Alley Pond Environmental Noon. Queens Botanical Garden, ever seen. 2 pm. Adults: $14, 228-6 Northern Blvd., Little Neck. Center to learn how animals 43-50 Main St., Flushing. (718) children: $8. Flushing Town Hall, alleypond.com/weekends.html. move! Youngsters will have the 886–3800. queensbotanical.org/ 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing. opportunity to meet and pet event/winter-family-programs- flushingtownhall.org/event/1a1e98 MulchFest 2019. Dispose of three animals and imitate how plants-we-eat. 976476bc4e41e4703e5f4bb5a1. your Christmas tree the eco- each moves during this morning friendly way during the Parks program. Other activities include Snapology Basic Engineers. Further Afield Department’s MulchFest 2019. an art project, trail walk, and Calling all budding engineers! BroadwayCon. See Jan. 11 You can drop off your tree to story time. Recommended for Ages 5 through 8 can build have it chipped into mulch for ages 18 to 36 months. alleypond. working models during the city parks and gardens at select com. 10:30 – 11:45 am. $18. Alley Snapology Basic Engineers class 13 Sunday locations throughout the five Pond Environmental Center, at ACD Playspace. Participants Outdoor Skills: Wilderness boroughs. Families can also 228-6 Northern Blvd., Little Neck. will work in groups to create Survival. Whether you are take home their mulch for their alleypond.com/weekends.html. objects made from gears, axels, preparing for an extended backyards or street trees. For a and pulleys. There will also be journey through the woods or list of sites visit nycgovparks. Winter Family Programs: free-building time at the end of just want to be more prepared org. Daily, through Jan. 13, 10 Plants We Eat! Learn all the workshop. Registration is for any situation, a wilderness am – 2 pm. Free. Various NYC about different plant parts, required. 11 am – Noon. $26. survival program, taught by parks, Central Park, Manhattan. identify their functions, and ACD Playspace, 3124 38th St., Urban Park Ranger at Alley Pond nycgovparks.org/highlights/ discover which of these parts Astoria. embed.snapology.com/ Park, is perfect for you. Learn festivals/mulchfest. we eat at the Queens Botanical licensee/88/events/35778. tips and tricks that will enhance Garden. Attendees will visit the your knowledge of the natural

January 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com 35 calendar january world, and might just save your Ave., Astoria. eventbrite.com/e/ life. Ages 8 and up. Free. Alley queens-baseball-convention-2019- Pond Environmental Center, Tales of the Diaspora tickets-50620400982. 228-6 Northern Blvd., Little Neck. (212) NEW-YORK. nycgovparks. Parents and kids of all ages are invited to the Jamaica Year of the Pig Community Art org/events/2019/01/13/outdoor- Performing Arts Center to see Something Positive, Project. See Jan. 12 skills-wilderness-survival. Inc.’s production of “Crick! Crack!” on January 19, 2019. Master storyteller Michael Manswell will engage audi- “Crick! Crack!” All ages MulchFest 2019. See Jan. 12 ence members with tales from the African Diaspora. are invited to the Jamaica This one-hour theatrical show will also feature enthrall- Performing Arts Center to Red Envelope Show Drop-In ing original choreography based on traditional African- see Something Positive, Inc.’s Workshop. Drop by Flushing Caribbean dances. Get ready to feel energized by the production of “Crick! Crack!” Town Hall for a Red Envelope amazing music and dancing. Jamaica Performing Arts Master storyteller Michael Show Drop-In Workshop! Center (153-10 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, jcal.org). Manswell will engage audience Flushing Town Hall Teaching/ members with tales from the Visual Artist Tina Seligman African Diaspora. This one- will lead this workshop during characters, club members can alleypond.doubleknot.com/event/ hour theatrical show will also which all ages can create original participate in read-alouds, crafts, pooping-butterflies-fire-types- feature choreography based on artwork on red envelopes which games, and more. No registration welcome/2441833. traditional African-Caribbean will be hung on the Hall’s is required. queenslibrary.org. dances. 2 – 3 pm. Adults: $10, celebratory clothesline. All 4 – 5 pm. Free. Broadway Library, Winter Family Programs: children: $5. Jamaica Performing materials will be provided. 1 – 3 40-20 Broadway, Long Island City Bugging Out. Come explore Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave., pm. Free. Flushing Town Hall, queenslibrary.org/event/favorite- the world of bugs at the Jamaica. jcal.org/saturday-family- 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing. characters-book-club. Queens Botanical Garden by matinee. flushingtownhall.org/event/6e240 examining the parts of a squirmy da09eb17c572bc93250f598bc1b. earthworm, building your own The Bookshop Band. Check 19 Saturday insect, and looking for bug out Book Culture’s Long Island “Have You Met The Clarinet?” Winter Bird Walk For homes in the Woodland Garden. City store for a concert from Meet the clarinet at Book Culture Beginners. Families with Ages 4–10. Registration required. The Bookshop Band! As part of LIC! Mozart for Munchkins children ages 8 and up can take $12. 11 am – Noon. Queens the UK duo’s first-ever US tour, will introduce families with a Winter Bird Walk around Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main the Band will perform original children ages 12 and under to Oakland Lake! Nancy Tognan St., Flushing. (718) 886–3800. songs, which are responses to clarinet music during this one- of the Queens County Bird Club queensbotanical.org/event/ the books its read. Beth Porter hour program. Clarinetist Aleks will lead guests on a walk along bugging-out. and Ben Please bring the books Karjaka will be accompanied on the lake to see ducks, coots, that inspire them on stage as well the piano and ukulele by Mozart swans, grebes, geese, and more. Birding: Hawk Watch. The as instruments including the for Munchkins co-founder Participants will meet at Alley Urban Park Rangers at Flushing cello, harmonium, glockenspiel, Sara Leila Sherman. Following Pond Environmental Center Meadows Corona Park will guide ukulele, and guitar. bookculture. the performance, there will be for orientation. Binoculars will you to the best wildlife viewing com. 5 – 6 pm. Free. Book Culture an instrument “petting zoo” not be provided; guests are spots in the urban jungle. LIC, 26-09 Jackson Ave., Long during which all are invited to encouraged to bring their own. Birding programs are appropriate Island City. bookculture.com/ interact with the musicians and Pre-registration is required. for all skill levels and beginners event/lic-bookshop-band. instruments. 4 – 5 pm. Adults: 9:30 – 11:30 am. Free. Alley Pond are welcome. Free. 11 am – 12:30 $30, children (ages 12 and under): Environmental Center, 228-6 pm. Flushing Meadows-Corona Free. Book Culture LIC, 26-09 Northern Blvd., Little Neck. Park, 11101 Corona Ave., Corona. 20 Sunday Jackson Ave., Long Island City. alleypond.com/specialevents.html. (212) NEW-YORK. nycgovparks. Nature’s Workshop: Nature mozartformunchkins.com/events/ org/events/2019/01/19/birding- Illustrations. This workshop have-you-met-the-clarinet-lic. Pooping Butterflies: Fire hawk-watch. at Forest Park will inspire you Types Welcome. Ages 8 through to illustrate the landscapes, Further Afield 11 can discover the difference Queens Baseball Convention. woodlands, and wildlife of Forest BroadwayCon. See Jan. 11 between living and non-living Autographs! Panels! Great food Park. Registration is required things in the wild at Alley and beverages! Vendors with to participate. Basic materials Pond Environmental Center. great baseball merchandise and will be provided. Free. 1 – 2:30 14 Monday Participants will learn about a memorabilia! Ed Kranepool pm. Forest Park Visitor Center Favorite Characters Book bird that relies on forest fires Panel 11 am – noon. Autographs in Forest Park, Woodhaven Club. Book-lovers ages 6 to make its home, standard fire Noon – 1:30 pm. Keith Boulevard and Forest Park Drive. through 12 can join the Favorite safety procedures, and more Hernandez Panel 1 pm – 2 pm. (212) NEW-YORK. nycgovparks. Characters Book Club at the during this outdoor program. Autographs 2pm – 3:30 pm. org/events/2019/01/20/natures- Broadway Library in Long Island 10 am – 11:30 pm. $24. Alley Edgardo Alfonzo Panel 4 pm – workshop-nature-illustrations. City! In celebration of some Pond Environmental Center, 5 pm. $50-130. Noon – 5 pm. of the most beloved fictional 228-6 Northern Blvd., Little Neck. Katch Astoria, 31-19 Newtown Museum Explorers Workshop.

36 Queens Family | January 2019 january calendar

On the third Sunday of every in the Queens Library Spelling month, the Queens Museum Bee in April. Schedule is as offers a free Museum Explorers Play Ball! follows: Jan. 2: third and fourth Workshop led by a licensed grade; Jan. 9: fifth and sixth art therapist. Museum On January 19, 2019, the Queens Baseball Convention grade; Jan. 16: seventh and Explorers Workshops are is back and better than ever (and sure to tide fans over eighth grade. Daily, through geared particularly towards until baseball season officially starts in the spring) at Jan. 16, 4 – 6 pm. Free. Langston families with children with Katch Astoria! The Fan Fest run by fans about every- Hughes Community Library, disabilities, including those one’s favorite team from Flushing Queens, NY. The 100-01 Northern Blvd., Corona. on the autism spectrum. No event will have autographs, panels, great food and queenslibrary.org/event/langston- advance registration is required, beverages, vendors with amazing baseball merchan- hughes-spelling-bee-2019. all materials and instruction dise and memorabilia, and so much more! It’s a perfect are provided free of charge family-friendly event for baseball-loving parents and How Many Zombies Are by the ArtAccess program. kiddos alike. The Ed Kranepool Panel will run 11am- Too Many Zombies? In this Children must be accompanied 12pm, with autographs wil be from 12pm-1:30pm. The interactive game at the New during art-making by families Keith Hernandez Panel will be from 1pm-2pm, with York Hall of Science, players or caregivers. Free. Drop-in autographs from 2pm-3:30pm. The Edgardo Alfonzo take on the role of scientists between 1:30 – 4:30 pm. Queens Panel will run 4pm-5pm. $50-130. Katch Astoria. (31-19 helping the “Center for Calamity Museum, New York City Building, Newtown Avenue, Astoria, katchastoria.com). Control” simulate a zombie Flushing Meadows Corona Park. outbreak. Facilitators introduce queensmuseum.org/events/ participants to mathematical museum-explorers-workshop. educator Gregory Corbino, sets out to help him be reunited modeling and the ways they Spooktacular is always an with his friend so they can all can be used to simulate, afternoon full of exciting go to sleep. Repeats on Jan. analyze and make predictions 26 Saturday performances, live music, face- 27, Feb. 2, and Feb. 3 at 11 am, about the complex real-world Winter Family Program: painting, art-making, scavenger with a talk-back performance phenomenon. At the end, Winter Trees. Kids will learn hunts, raffle prizes, and tasty on Feb. 2 at 3 pm. For ages 4-7. players see graphs detailing about the various parts of trees, treats! Ages 3–12. $25. 2 – 4 pm. Tickets start at $25. 11 am. New the population swings and can their functions, and will use Queens Museum, New York City Victory Theatre, 209 W. 42nd further tweak parameters and parts of trees to make a craft to Building, Flushing Meadows St., Manhattan. newvictory.org/ see different results through play. take home! Program concludes Corona Park. queensmuseum. Show-Detail?ProductionId=9289. Repeats daily through February. with a walk through the Pinetum org/events/spooktacular-monster- Free with NYSCI Admission. at the Queens Botanical Garden. metropolis-copy. Daily, through Feb. 28, 9:30 Ages 4–10. Drop-ins welcome. 27 Sunday am – 5:30 pm. Free with NYSCI $12. 11 am – noon. Queens La Cumbiamba eNeYe: “Emily Brown and the Thing.” Admission. New York Hall of Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main Season Opening Party. Join See Jan. 26 Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona. St., Flushing. (718) 886–3800. Flushing Town Hall for its nysci.org/event/how-many- queensbotanical.org/event/winter- Season Opening Party with Monster Puppets. Inspired by zombies/2019-01-02. trees. La Cumbiamba eNeYé! The its production of “Emily Brown afternoon will begin with a free, and the Thing,” New Victory is Further Afield Year of the Pig Community Art musical dance workshop for holding a 90-minute workshop “Yeti, Set, Snow!” An original Project. See Jan. 12 families. Percussion instruments that will let kids make puppets story and production from the will be distributed on a first- of their very own. Each family Swedish Cottage Marionette Stop ‘N’ Swap In Flushing. come, first-served basis. At participating needs at least one Theatre, “Yeti, Set, Snow!” is Bring clean, reusable, portable 4 pm, Colombian band La adult. For ages 4-7. $19, $14 the story of a young girl named items such as clothing, Cumbiamba eNeYé will take members (up to four people in Widget, and her friend, Twig, housewares, games, books, and the stage to perform music each family). 12:30 pm. New who encounter a yeti named toys you no longer need, and from the Colombian coast. Victory Theatre, 209 W. 42nd Pascetti on the first snow day of take home something new — for Afterward, join the band for a St., Manhattan. (646) 223–3010. the winter season. Pascetti, who free. You don’t have to bring musical jam session with your newvictory.org/Workshop-Detail. lives on a mountain top nearby, something to take something. instrument. 3 pm. Adults: $14, aspx?WorkshopId=157. dislikes the snow. Through songs Noon – 3 pm. Free. PS 244, children: $8. Flushing Town Hall, and snow day activities, Pascetti 137-20 Franklin Ave., Flushing. 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing. discovers not only that snow grownyc.org/swap. flushingtownhall.org/event/10940 Long-running can be fun but also the value a968608609e17351f0edeb4b111. Langston Hughes Spelling of friendship. Daily, through Spooktacular: Boneyard Bee 2019. Elementary school- Feb. 24, 11:30 am – 6 pm. $8-12. Boogie. The theme for this Further Afield age children can compete in Central Park, Sheep Meadow, year’s Queens Museum family “Emily Brown and the Thing.” the Langston Hughes Library 1802 65th Street Transverse, fund-raiser is Boneyard Boogie. The Thing is being so loud that Spelling Bee! The competition Manhattan. cityparksfoundation. Designed and produced by Emily can’t sleep, but all he will take place over the course org/swedish-cottage-marionette- Queens Museum artist and wants is to find his Cuddly. She of three days and will culminate theatre.

January 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com 37 last word DAV E’S The Recipe for Parenting Success CAST OF CHARACTERS Photo Authentic Costumes - Professional Actors A mom’s culinary adventures in the midst of new motherhood Booth Cliffhanger COMPLETE CARNIVAL AND THEME PARTY PACKAGES Euro Bungee MAGICIANS, CLOWNS, PONY RIDES, CARNIVAL GAMES, INTERACTIVE RIDES By Laraine Perri It felt thrilling. It felt weirdly thrilling Frozen Parties w/DJs & Karaoke to be standing in my kitchen, wood Bounce Castles, Big Slide, Airplane Ride, Trackless Train, once cooked lamb chops in my bra, blinds drawn at 2:30 p.m., stripping Junior Challenge, Noah’s Ark, Interactive Adventure, I not wanting to risk splashing rosemary from its stems, racing Laser Tag, Batmobile, Airborne Spaceship Ride, port on a favorite top, but the clock, and exhilarated from Archery Sea of Balls, Puffer the Magic Circus Train daring even less to grab a the novelty of it all. There Inflatable New Dave’s Cast Family Zumba Parties! T-shirt and wake my baby, are, in this world, some Frozen Castle 5 in 1 World of Disney asleep at last, in our iconic images of women, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs • Communions bedroom. Madonna with child and The lamb chops the pin-up among them. Baptisms • Sweet Sixteens had been something At this moment I was of a stretch, but were nearly but hardly both D.J’S & MUSIC evidence of my - an unexpectedly racy D.J’S & MUSIC determination to new mom, sautéing TENTS CHAIRS CASINOS RACE CAR RIDES eat well, even with shallots in a pair of Shark Big Bite the wondrous, all jeans and a 34C. Surf & Slide Hamster Balls TOTAL PARTY PLANNING consuming new being I quickly finished under our roof. My the sauce and set 914-235-7100 husband and I had it aside, then dove enjoyed years of great into some work in Polar Plunge www.davescast.com dinners, but we’d never preparation for an been as deserving of them upcoming meeting. I had as we were in those thrilling just turned my attention back but exhausting first months to the chops and a rosemary as new parents. and olive oil paste when I heard I’m a serious cook. my son’s cry. Maternal synapses OVER 20 ANIMALS TO CHOOSE FROM! Bouillabaisse and duck confit never fired. I’d finish the dish later. It had daunted me. What did was wondering been an oddly sequenced and hardly Big Kahuna how I’d ever be able to make anything perfect plan, but still a plenty good one. We’d approaching those things again with the eat well tonight. I darted to the bedroom, Ultimate Wild One needy little dreamboat who’d entered my warmed by the sight of my sweet boy. Obstacle Course world. It wasn’t long before I realized the grocery aisles, Baby Bjorn’d and blissful, and Years have passed, and with them, meals. Terminator Rampage culinary bar would need to be lowered a wee, thinking them splendid purchases for my By the time my baby was a first-grader, he was Inflatable Carnival Fun and that naptime would be showtime. But busy new life. Home from the market, I’d enjoying food with the kind of relish rarely those brief hours soon proved to hold no shimmy my biryani and wedge the osso buco, encountered in a small child, savoring dishes guarantees, and mighty competition for my ending up frazzled and nearly frostbitten, but like tandoori chicken, roasted asparagus, and attention. still not sure about what we would eat. smoked salmon with capers the way others I’d fully expected that life with a baby For we never actually did eat any of the swoon over cupcakes. would offer little chance for standing at contents of that packed sub-zero drawer. I began cooking six lamb chops instead Wrecking the stove, lazily stirring the makings of a The fact was, though my days brimmed with of four, and couldn’t have been more thrilled Sports Midway OR Splash Down Slides Wild Rapids 100+ wild mushroom risotto, and I’d planned new motherhood and a trimmed down but to do so. Taking a bite of one, Timothy try the Carnival Midway! Ball Characters! accordingly. I felt smart, even smug, about demanding career, I still almost always had would close his eyes, as he has seen my father Ice Queen & Princess Show New Yellow Monster Party Princesses the freezer I stocked as my belly swelled, the nightly urge to cook, and that was an do when tasting something wonderful my filling it with homemade soups and stews and urge the freezer couldn’t satisfy. On evenings mother has cooked - a very quiet, almost such. Clever me, ready to host a mid-winter when dinner from scratch just wasn’t an involuntary “mmm” escaping from him. Eyes dinner for six with the short ribs I’d braised option, we’d call up our favorite Asian noodle still closed, my little boy lovingly mimicked in September. I’d hold my beatific babe in one joint or bring in chicken souvlaki and a big his grandpa, but with an appreciation of his arm as I passed the polenta with the other. Greek salad. My frozen assets remained in a own, saying: “This is not just lamb - this is a Somewhere around the time my son kind of no-man’s land - too treasured for a beautiful delicacy.” He is a beautiful delicacy. turned 6 months old, I realized I could barely quick solution on a harried Tuesday, and too Life is a beautiful delicacy. close the freezer. Boxes of gyoza and ravioli unfulfilling to serve up for dinner when what and spanakopita had managed to insinuate I really wanted to do was cook. Laraine Perri is an editor at the 92Y, a freelance themselves - the result of my strolling the But, let’s get back to the bra. It felt weird. writer, and an NYC mother.

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