May 2010 QUEENS FREE

Familywww.webfamilyny.com Leap into the arts Our annual guide to programs Happy campers! Preventing homesickness Focus on Montessori

WHERE TO GO IN MAY? Check out our Going Places Days Filled with FUN, FUN, FUN! Arts andCrafts, Games, ForBoys, Girls 5-14 Karate, TalentShows... 2-8WeekPrograms Available Sports With Instruction: Operated by Licensed Swimming, Soccer, Teachers &Administrators Basketball, Softball... We Accept 1199 & Field Trips: Amusement TWU Members Call NowFor Pre-Season Discount! Parks, Baseball Games, ConvenientlyLocated OPEN HOUSE Museums... Camp in Queens SATURDAY,MAY 8th and And More!!! SATURDAY,MAY 22nd, 2010 •1pm -3pm JIB LANES 67-19ParsonsBlvd.•Flushing, NY 11365 CALL 1-800-856-1043 or 1-800-DAYCAMP

www.queenscamp.com•www.ypdc.com QUEENS Family May 2010 Letter from the publisher ay is a fantas- tic month to be M a kid! They can really play outside now and so many of the teams and leagues are in swing. Tennis is kicking off and swimming is more avail- able and the kids can exit Features columns with damp hair and not worry about catching a chill. 6 Stop brain drain! 2 Newbie Dad Hopefully your kids are involved in activi- Two math books help prevent summer learning loss By Brian Kantz By Rachel Conn ties involving movement. With childhood obe- 4 Twice the Advice sity continually on the rise, it’s more important 8 So what’s in a number? by Jacqueline and Kerry Donelli than ever to be a kid who is active, burning Part 3 of a weight-loss series calories and keeping the metabolism pumping. By Kathy Sena 12 Growing Up Online Bike riding, skating, boarding, running, jump- by Carolyn Jabs ing, shooting hoops and getting balls over nets 14 Nourish your music lover are only some of the ways kids stay fit and Scales, chords and melodies feed developing minds 16 Family Health involved. Make sure your children are doing By Eleanor Bindman by ivan Hand, MD, FAAP physical activities that will keep them alert and vital and that will keep their inner machin- 18 Maria Montessori led the way 20 Cinematters ery operating at the highest level. Her pioneering work on early childhood education by Laura Gray Spring is here and aren’t we glad! Spring By Mary Carroll Wininger means different fruits and vegetables that are 22 Lions and Tigers and Teens in season and local, which is the best way for 26 Happy & gay in Jackson Heights Myrna Beth Haskell all of us to eat. Spring is a wonderful time to Neighborhood is attracting gay and lesbian families 24 Good Sense Eating find the Greenmarket in your area that offers By Mary Carroll Wininger by Christine M. Palumbo, RD the early veggies like asparagus, and the array of berries that are soon to be luscious and ripe. 28 Excited about camp? Four ways to ensure the perfect camp experience 48 New & Noteworthy Feeding our kids with thought in mind fresh The hottest new products local foods as much as possible that are not pre-packaged or pre-mixed, is us returning to 30 Healing homesickness How to deal when kids get sad at camp the way things used to be when almost every- calendAr of events one young was slim and fit. You’ve got to set up new patterns of eating! special section 37 Going Places Ralph Nader said “We have to teach our chil- Take the family out and find out what’s dren that nutritious is delicious” and I concur. 16 Arts Programs Directory going on in your town A ripe spring New York State apple should be more enticing than a packaged sweet. It’s time to return to real food and food preparation and Staff contact information I urge you to stay out of the center aisles of the Publisher: Clifford Luster ADVERTISING SALES Address supermarket where all the processed foods 718 260-2587 Family Publications New York/CNG make their home, Look at ingredients and publisher/Managing editor: [email protected] or 1 MetroTech Center North know that what you eat is real “healthcare.” If Susan Weiss [email protected] 10th Floor QUEENS, NY 11201 you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it. Editor: Vince DiMiceli Circulation Happy Spring! 718 260-8336 www.webfamilyny.com Creative Director: Leah Mitch [email protected] Art Director: On Man Tse Editorial 718 260-4551 Advertising Sales: [email protected] Sharon Noble, Brooklyn Family, Queens Family, Bronx Family and Long Island Family are SPECIAL ASSISTANT: published monthly. Copyright©2010. No part of our contents may be Susan Weiss-Voskidis, Publisher Tina Felicetti reproduced without permission from the publisher. May 2010 • QUEENS Family 1 Parenting Boys will be boys Got sons? Expect a little more chaos

oys will be boys. Don’t each other. Most little girls through rows you just hate that don’t break all of their toys of clothes B phrase? Ugh. It by putting them through and down gives me the heebie- physical endurance test- aisles of Newbie DaD jeebies. It sounds ing. Little boys do all home décor, I stopped Brian KanTz so… so… unrepen- of this. to see a father and his two tant. So smug and ir- I have seen how young daughters — get this — sniff- responsible. Typically, you little girls play. I’ve ing candles. “Mmm, that smells like hear it coming out of a parent’s watched nieces and flowers,” one of the tranquil little mouth when they’re defending their friends spend girls said to her dad. I felt like point- their son who just wounded the time together at ing to my kids, then pointing to neighbor’s dog with a slingshot. family parties. his kids and yelling out, “Not fair, Or worse, it’s the lame defense While my boys pal! Not fair!” I didn’t have time offered by the attorney for a are bludgeoning to, though. My boys were already 50-year-old father who started a an innocent throw grabbing crystal picture frames off brawl at a youth football game. pillow with a foam baseball bat, a shelf. Still, I must admit, there is just the little girls are quietly playing a Apparently, lit- something about boys. board game. They’re sitting down, tle boys come As you stand there in the mater- thumbing through books. They’re equipped with a nity ward, anxiously waiting to see dressing up, hosting tea parties and different type of if you are the proud parent of a son conversing with each other using ac- engine. An engine or a daughter, you should know that tual words, not grunts — and nearly nature is definitely handing you a always playing something that re- stacked deck either way. If you hap- volves around Disney princesses. pen to get a card that reads “Boy” — Meanwhile, as the fathers of little my wife and I have two sons — then boys wince at the sound of each be prepared! CRASH, BOOM, BANG emanating Turns out that boys, espe- from the family room, the fathers cially when paired up, go from of little girls calmly munch on chips cute little babies lying in a crib and watch the football game, know- that never stops, an to mischievous, unstoppable lit- ing their little princess isn’t tempt- engine that always revs. And, tle dudes in the blink of an eye. ing fate and a trip to the emergency really, I do count my blessings that Take our boys, for example. room by sledding down the stairs I have two energetic kids. The good One is five years old, the other inside a pillowcase. news, for me, though, is that things three. Here’s basically what they’d I have also seen how little girls act do change. Little boys and girls even- like to do on any given day this when asked to accompany their par- tually become teenage boys and month: jump in the mud, dig up bugs ents on a simple shopping excursion. girls. Ha, ha, ha. Then, that guy in in the mud, throw mud on each other, Girls act much differently than boys the department store will pay! throw bugs on each other, and spray in that arena. Recently, my wife and For now, I’ll just have to appreci- each other with the garden hose. All I had our two boys out ate that boys will be boys. I also while laughing hysterically. Do little for a quick trip to a think I should pick up the phone girls do stuff like that? I’ve asked the department store. and apologize to my mother. You parents of girls and the answer is My wife, who was see, I’m one of four boys myself pretty much, “Not really.” trying on a few — no sisters — and I’ve just No, most little girls don’t sword things, put me in recalled a few things from my fight like pirates, jumping pre- charge of our sons. own childhood while writing this cariously from couch to couch to Letting boys loose column. avoid the crocodiles swimming in in a department store Brian Kantz does realize that the sea of carpet below. is like letting a couple fathers who have to dress up Most little girls don’t of Labrador retrievers and attend princess tea parties give each other buck- loose in a department everyday may have something ing bronco rides that store. Both follow their to say about this column. end with the rider being natural instinct to run Visit Brian online at www. tossed off into a table leg. and chase. briankantz.com or drop Most little girls don’t try out As I anxiously fol- him a note at thenewbie- new wrestling or karate moves on lowe d t he noisema kers [email protected].

2 QUEENS Family • May 2010 Parenting Boys will be boys Got sons? Expect a little more chaos oys will be boys. Don’t each other. Most little girls through rows you just hate that don’t break all of their toys of clothes B phrase? Ugh. It by putting them through and down gives me the heebie- physical endurance test- aisles of Newbie DaD jeebies. It sounds ing. Little boys do all home décor, I stopped Brian KanTz so… so… unrepen- of this. to see a father and his two tant. So smug and ir- I have seen how young daughters — get this — sniff- responsible. Typically, you little girls play. I’ve ing candles. “Mmm, that smells like hear it coming out of a parent’s watched nieces and flowers,” one of the tranquil little mouth when they’re defending their friends spend girls said to her dad. I felt like point- their son who just wounded the time together at ing to my kids, then pointing to neighbor’s dog with a slingshot. family parties. his kids and yelling out, “Not fair, Or worse, it’s the lame defense While my boys pal! Not fair!” I didn’t have time offered by the attorney for a are bludgeoning to, though. My boys were already 50-year-old father who started a an innocent throw grabbing crystal picture frames off brawl at a youth football game. pillow with a foam baseball bat, a shelf. Still, I must admit, there is just the little girls are quietly playing a Apparently, lit- something about boys. board game. They’re sitting down, tle boys come As you stand there in the mater- thumbing through books. They’re equipped with a nity ward, anxiously waiting to see dressing up, hosting tea parties and different type of if you are the proud parent of a son conversing with each other using ac- engine. An engine or a daughter, you should know that tual words, not grunts — and nearly nature is definitely handing you a always playing something that re- stacked deck either way. If you hap- volves around Disney princesses. pen to get a card that reads “Boy” — Meanwhile, as the fathers of little my wife and I have two sons — then boys wince at the sound of each be prepared! CRASH, BOOM, BANG emanating Turns out that boys, espe- from the family room, the fathers cially when paired up, go from of little girls calmly munch on chips cute little babies lying in a crib and watch the football game, know- that never stops, an to mischievous, unstoppable lit- ing their little princess isn’t tempt- engine that always revs. And, At Health rst, all the pieces t. tle dudes in the blink of an eye. ing fate and a trip to the emergency really, I do count my blessings that Take our boys, for example. room by sledding down the stairs I have two energetic kids. The good One is five years old, the other inside a pillowcase. news, for me, though, is that things With more than 20,000 doctors and specialists, and all of New York’s top hospitals three. Here’s basically what they’d I have also seen how little girls act do change. Little boys and girls even- like to do on any given day this when asked to accompany their par- tually become teenage boys and to choose from, Health rst provides you with the quality healthcare you deserve. month: jump in the mud, dig up bugs ents on a simple shopping excursion. girls. Ha, ha, ha. Then, that guy in in the mud, throw mud on each other, Girls act much differently than boys the department store will pay! throw bugs on each other, and spray in that arena. Recently, my wife and For now, I’ll just have to appreci- each other with the garden hose. All I had our two boys out ate that boys will be boys. I also while laughing hysterically. Do little for a quick trip to a think I should pick up the phone girls do stuff like that? I’ve asked the department store. and apologize to my mother. You parents of girls and the answer is My wife, who was see, I’m one of four boys myself pretty much, “Not really.” trying on a few — no sisters — and I’ve just No, most little girls don’t sword things, put me in recalled a few things from my we put your health first fight like pirates, jumping pre- charge of our sons. own childhood while writing this cariously from couch to couch to Letting boys loose column. To learn more about Health rst, call: avoid the crocodiles swimming in in a department store Brian Kantz does realize that the sea of carpet below. is like letting a couple fathers who have to dress up Most little girls don’t of Labrador retrievers and attend princess tea parties 1-866-GO-FOR-HF (1-866-463-6743) give each other buck- loose in a department everyday may have something TTY 1-800-662-1220 (for the hearing or speech impaired) ing bronco rides that store. Both follow their to say about this column. end with the rider being natural instinct to run Visit Brian online at www. Monday through Friday, 8:00AM – 6:00PM tossed off into a table leg. and chase. briankantz.com or drop www.health rstny.org Most little girls don’t try out As I anxiously fol- him a note at thenewbie- ‹+)0DQDJHPHQW6HUYLFHV//& ,1$B  new wrestling or karate moves on lowe d t he noisema kers [email protected].

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 3

nosotros ponemos su salud primero Parenting Not enough time — and too much sugar dear Twins, to me your kids are addicted. I My husband and I have two small suggest you wean them off slowly children ages 2 and 4 in daycare as as to forgo any more begging and twice the we both have full time jobs. By the whining. Fruit is a fantastic substi- time we pick them up after work, tute for processed sugar. Further- advice feed them, bathe them, try to spend a more, fruit is full of vitamins and Jacqueline and few “quality” minutes with them, then fiber and doesn’t seem to make Kerry donelli cook something for ourselves, it’s time kids erratic and hyper. What I for us to go to bed. There are just not might do is incorporate fruit along enough hours in the day to do all the with dessert at first (say berries things that need to be done — even with vanilla ice cream). Eventu- with both of us working at it. When to ally, offer a nice bowl of chopped shop, do laundry, clean, change the mango? Always have melon or beds, etc, etc? How do other parents grapefruit with breakfast. I would manage? — Exhausted add bananas to cereal and, while Kerry says: you’re at it, make the cereal half The name of the game is “balanc- sugar cereal and half a whole grain ing it out”: Do the things you have cereal. For snack let them enjoy to do but then leave the “should do” large slabs of watermelon. Re- pile at bay. Fact is, you can never get place sugary drinks with seltzer. all the work you set aside to do done, You can make terrific lemonade so don’t be unrealistic. It is, however, mixed with water, ice, lemons and mandatory for you to enjoy yourself Stevia (an all natural sugar substi- at least an hour or two a day. If you tute). Keep a pitcher in the fridge. don’t, you’ll pay the consequences. Also, increase the level of proteins Jacqueline says: throughout the day, as lack of Welcome to the world of parent- dear Twins, proteins increases cravings for ing. I agree with Kerry. Today many I have two healthy children ages 7 sugar. I learned that one a long time moms are at work and all the house- and 10 and they are terrific kids. The ago when I was a vegetarian and work that used to get down while the problem is they love sugar and they constantly craved sugar). And, ab- dads were gone all day, isn’t getting want it all the time. They constantly solutely, no sugar three hours be- done. But if you don’t make the time whine and beg for it, until they wear fore bedtime. If they even think of for rest and fun, you will never find it. me down and I give in. whining about it, they’ll go straight to It won’t just appear out of nowhere, I am very healthy myself and try bed with no dessert at all. because there is always something to cook healthy food for my kids as Kerry says: to get done. You must pen in on your well, but I just don’t want to push I don’t know. I think the whole idea calendar two-to-three times a week it on them as my mother did to me. of forcing your kids to eat healthy is and call it “My time.” It can be a half Sugar just makes them hyper and all in vain. They are kids after all. hour, an hour, or a full evening. But unmanageable. At bedtime they are And while I don’t think we should it is yours. (You must not be doing too hyped up to sleep! In the morn- encourage our children by stocking any work, cleaning, emailing, and ing I can’t get them up and they are the fridge with junk food, I nonethe- calling — none of it.) This is time cranky and downright irritable. The less don’t see any real alarm in this. you set aside for you. If you commit cycle just keeps repeating itself. I am For the most part, kids adopt more to this “down” time, you will find you worn down from badgering them mature, healthier eating habits as actually do get all your chores done, and I just want to give them what- they get older. The only red flag here just faster and more efficiently. The ever they want. Is there a solution? is if you notice your child treading to- unimportant chores will fall by the — Sugar Tooth wards obesity. Then it becomes more wayside. Jacqueline says: about an eating disorder, which can Let’s not forget who is the mother lead to more problems later in life, and who are the children. You are and less about a little too much junk Jacqueline and Kerry donelli, twin sisters, are multi- award winning the boss. The only way kids can walk food. So here’s a suggestion, perhaps filmmakers. They are currently getting their Masters in Mental Health and have a radio show on WBcr-aM also called, “Twice the advice” — where all over you is if you let them. (If your children would benefit from one twin gives advice and, often, the other completely disagrees! Please it goes in their mouths, you were joining a sports team. This ought to email them at [email protected]. the one who bought it, btw). But tire them out and let you enjoy some let’s address the sugar issue. Seems peace and quiet. 4 QUEENS Family • May 2010 For A Your Porait Needs

SENIORS • QUINCEANERA • MATERNITY • ARAITS • PO RAITS COMMUNION • REALTOR • FAMILIES • KIDS

NEW LOWER PRICES! KID’S SPECIAL! Freehold Raceway 732.409.4700 FREE Photo Session Queens Center 718.393.3260 Portraits & 8X10 Portrait* Rockaway Townsquare 973.659.1431 for9 $9 *Nine portraits include (1) 5x7 and (8) subwallets *Shipping may apply. Additional charge Staten Island 718.983.7030 of your favorite pose. Shipping may apply. for makeover(s) may apply. Standard color Makeover and hairstyling for an additional paper and standard finish only. Limit one charge. Ages 12 & under. Standard color paper special per customer or family during each Bridgewater Commons 908.722.3400 and standard finish only. Limit one special per promotional period please. Not valid with any customer or family during each promotional other offer. Offer expires 6/15/10. DMS101003 period please. Not valid with any other offer. Deptford Mall 856.853.1700 Offer expires 6/15/10. DM9F91003

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 5 EDUCATION Stop brain drain! Two new BY RACHEL CONN ith summer just around math books the corner, our minds W begin to wander to our most cherished seasonal distrac- help prevent tions. We daydream about sleeping in each morning, walking barefoot summer on a beach, fireworks lighting up the sky. We think about grilling with friends, catching up on news with learning loss relatives, and eating fresh, seasonal produce. You can practically smell the barbeque in the air! One thing that probably did not come to mind when reminiscing about summers past is ... your brain! Our brains, much like our bodies, need daily exercise. But with school books tossed aside, the mind is usually put on snooze for those precious months. According to a recent study by Dr. Harris Cooper, professor of psychol- ogy at the University of Missouri- cal thinking skills. quiz themselves, family and friends Columbia, children lose one to three On each page readers will dis- with these fun and challenging months of learning over the summer. cover a new word problem that questions Required summer reading can help relates the mathematical concepts “My kids loved it when they an- trigger vocabulary and reading skills, to everyday situations. For exam- swered more questions than I could. but most parents aren’t aware that ple, in the “Mystery of the Pan- I loved to see them having so much learning loss is more detrimental for cake Mix-up,” Meg has to use least fun while learning!” said Deborah math than any other subject! common multiples to measure out Crowley, a parent and home school Thankfully, there is a way that, as a the correct ingredients when mak- provider from Baltimore family, you can keep your minds sharp ing breakfast. These short, on-the- For those who want more, check and your math skills at the ready. Two go problems are designed to make out the first volume of each of these new children’s titles are designed to math accessible and fun. books, “One Minute Mysteries: 65 make math relevant, interesting and “These mysteries were a huge Short Mysteries You Solve With Sci- provide hours of family fun. hit in my classroom as brainteas- ence!” and “101 Things Everyone Do you think your older brother ers to the start of the lesson, but Should Know About Science.” Both knows which shapes cannot make they were an even bigger have won awards and recognition tessellations? Can your mom figure hit with my own children including the coveted NSTA out what the speed of sound is at dif- during long road trips,” Recommends honor. ferent altitudes? Could you solve the said Richard Wyatt a par- Let these books help “Mystery of the Lawn Ranger” before ent and teacher from San your family start new your cousin? Diego. summer traditions. Next Test all these things and “101 Things Everyone year, when you think of more with these great new Should Know About summer, you may still children’s math titles from Math!” is a question- smell the barbeque — Science, Naturally! and-answer book that but your memories may “One Minute Mysteries: divides mathematical also include an epic family 65 Short Mysteries You concepts into sections battle of wits! By the time Solve with Math!” chal- that relate to every- the shorter days signal the lenges readers to solve day life, including nutri- start of school, you may short word problems tion, travel and sports. Questions need to worry about shop- using nothing but the are listed first so readers can test ping for back to school clothes, but clues presented in the themselves before refering to the you won’t have to worry about sum- problem and their criti- answers in the back. Readers can mer’s brain drain. 6 QUEENS Family • May 2010 Orthodontist astoria sports aarOn milchman complex PRESENTS d.m.d., p.c. PARTY! PARTY! PARTY! state of the art orthodontics Beautiful Smiles Created In A Caring & Comfortable Setting

Have Your Next Fabulous Party With Us J Swimming J In-Line Skating J Basketball J Moon Walk J Soccer J Super Slide J Baseball J Healthy & Fun $250 OFF Visit our web site for a virtual tour & prices FULL TREATMENT Includes:Hostesses J Two Sports J Pizza & Soda J Gift for Every Guest Braces for Children & Adults J Special Gift for Birthday Child Labial (outside) Table for Adults J Party Area For 2 1/2 Hours Lingual (inside) FREE Indoor parking for birthday child’s parents Aesthetic (ceramic-tooth color) Invisaligntm (Invisible) We give all our parties our “personal touch” as Most Insurance Plans Accepted Towards Payment we are committed to customer satisfaction!

34-38 38th Street • Astoria, NY 11101 (Bet. 34th & 35th Aves.) WhitestoneWhitestone KewKew Gardens Gardens Hills Hills 718-729-7163 www.ascsports1.com 172-20172-20 26th 26thAvenue Avenue 70-1870-18 Main Main Street Street Conveniently located in the heart of Queens - Flushing,Flushing, NY 11358 NY 11358 Kew GardensKew Gardens Hills, Hills,NY 11367 NY 11367 One block from public transportation (V,R,G) 718.747.0393718.747.0393 718.575.9300718.575.9300

www.straightenwithbraces.com “THE PLACE THAT EVERYONE RAVES ABOUT”

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 7 HealtH So what’s in a number? By Kathy Sena ing up, calorie-wise are happy continuing When the (and messing with to walk for fitness,” hat’s in a number? For my sleep). So I de- she says. “They make scale doesn’t those of us on a weight- cided to substitute a their walks more W loss plan, plenty. And it’s cup of chamomile tea challenging by in- funny how that number on the scale with lemon. I’m sleep- creasing their speed reflect your can affect us in odd and unexpected ing better — and you or distance, or they ways. In a perfect world, a less-than- can’t beat the calorie add hills or inclines effort expected weight loss would motivate difference. to work harder.” Oth- us to “work the plan” more effectively • I filled the house Weighing in ers, she says, get bit- the next day, week or month, right? with fresh fruit in- Part 3 of a series ten by the running But let’s get real. Sometimes when stead of ice cream. bug and decide they’d I feel like I’ve been exercising, drink- Chubby Hubby (no, not you, Randy) like to try jogging or running instead ing enough water and eating healthy is no longer in the house to tempt of walking all the time. (Of course, me. If I want ice cream badly enough, with every exercise plan, you’ll want I go out to an ice cream shop with to check with your doctor before the family and I get a one-scoop cone starting.) (and enjoy every bite). It’s not the oc- Krieger suggests beginning by casional cone that was doing me in. It walking a bit to warm up. After 5 or was the two-scoop bowl of ice cream, 10 minutes, begin to run slowly for a eaten at my desk while I worked, that minute or so. Then walk for a minute was becoming waaay too much of a until you catch your breath. Run habit. Out of house = out of mouth. again for a minute, then walk for a Now I’m more likely to grab an apple minute. Maintain this routine for 30 (sliced, with a tablespoon of peanut minutes. butter for a protein boost) or a ba- When you run, your head should nana when I need a snack. be up, your chest lifted, arms relaxed • I got away from this computer at your sides. Don’t let your head and (get thee behind me, Facebook!), got shoulders hang forward as you tire; my butt out of the chair and walked maintain proper posture. Try to run more, which seemed to give me more heel to toe (where your heel strikes willpower to stay away from junk the ground first, then you roll onto food. There’s something about exer- your toes to push off), Krieger recom- cising that makes me not want to blow mends. And try to make your steps all that good effort on potato chips. light. If you’re “slapping” the ground, What about he weather? Hey, if it’s try to lighten it up a bit. Instead of wine, I decided meals, and then the number on not a blistering heat wave, a blizzard “Depending on how you feel, you the scale doesn’t agree, I don’t get or a downpour, bundle up and go for can increase your running sessions to substitute a cup of pumped. I get frustrated, and some- it! I love taking long treks through the from 1:1 (running 1 minute, walking chamomile tea. You can’t times I’m even tempted to trash the snow in Yosemite National Park when 1 minute) to 2:1 (running 2 minutes, whole plan and order a large combo my family visits in the winter. The walking 1 minute) and so on” as you beat the calorie difference. pizza. crisp air and gorgeous views keep me become more fit, Krieger says. Work So I had to keep a close eye on pumped and moving forward. And up to 20 to 30 minutes of easy run- myself this month after only losing walking at a good pace helps keep me ning time. 2.4 pounds the first month on the warm. (The big challenge: ordering What do you plan to do differently plan. Having you to along for the herbal tea after my trek and not hot this month? Take up jogging? Ban ride definitely helped! Despite my apple cider with whipped cream!) certain too-tempting foods from the frustration, I made these changes This all seems to be working, be- house? Try some new-to-you flavors this month: cause I broke through into the 130s of herbal tea? Drop us a letter to the • I tried to make my daily water in- this month. Woot! editor and let us know your favorite take a bit more interesting, so I’ll keep Weigh-in #1: 147 (my starting weight) weight-loss tips. We’re all in this to- it up: hot herbal tea, ice water with Weigh-in #2: 144.6 (lost 2.4 pounds total) gether! lemon, sparkling water with lime. Weigh-in #3: 139 (lost 8 pounds total) Kathy Sena is a freelance journalist • I said no to wine for now. I enjoy This next month, I think I’ll try specializing in family-health issues. Her a nice glass of merlot with the hubs jogging a bit instead of just walking. writing has appeared in the Los Angeles (especially while watching my new In her book, Small Changes, Big Re- Times, Newsweek, Woman’s Day and favorite sit-com, “Modern Family) sults, registered dietitian and Food many other publications. Visit her par- now and then. But I realized that two Network star Ellie Krieger talks about enting blog, Parent Talk Today, at www. or three glasses a week were add- walking for fitness: “Many walkers parenttalktoday.com.

8 QUEENS Family • May 2010 *Up to $10,000 is deductible from New York State taxable income for married couples filing jointly; single residents can deduct up to $5,000 annually. May be subject to recapture in certain circumstances— rollovers to another state’s plan or non-qualified withdrawals.

**Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. Tax and other benefits are contingent on meeting other requirements and certain withdrawals are subject to federal, state and local taxes.

Before you invest, consider whether your or the designated beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state’s qualified tuition program.

The Comptroller of the State of New York and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation are the Program Administrators and are responsible for implementing and administering the Direct Plan. Upromise Investments, Inc. and Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC serve as Program Manager and Recordkeeping and Servicing Agent, respectively, and are responsible for day-to-day operations, including effecting transactions. The Vanguard Group, Inc. serves as the Investment Manager. Vanguard Marketing Corporation markets, distributes and underwrites the Direct Plan.

No guarantee: None of the State of New York, its agencies, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), The Vanguard Group, Inc., She promises to work hard. Upromise Investments, Inc., nor any of their applicable affiliates insures accounts or guarantees the principal deposited therein or any investment returns on any account Promise to do your part. or investment portfolio.

New York’s 529 College Savings Program Through all the homework, projects, and hours of practice, your child gives you her best. currently includes two separate 529 plans. The Direct Plan is sold directly by the Program. All this hard work will pay off when it’s time for college. Do your part to help pay for her You may also participate in the Advisor Plan, which is sold exclusively through financial education by opening a New York 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan. With as little advisors and has different investment options as $25, you, family and friends can open and contribute to an account for your child. and higher fees and expenses as well as financial advisor compensation. Contributions can qualify for a generous deduction from New York State taxable income.* Upromise is a registered service mark of Earnings grow tax deferred, and you pay no state or federal taxes on qualified withdrawals, Upromise, Inc.

making a 529 plan one of the most tax-efficient ways to save.** Plus, a free rewards service For more information about from Upromise® can add to your account. It’s so easy—just visit ny529directplan.com, and New York’s 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan, obtain in about ten minutes, you’ve kept your promise. a Program Brochure and Tuition Savings Agreement at ny529directplan.com or by calling 1-800-608-8617. This includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other information. You should read Visit ny529directplan.com and consider them carefully or call 1-800-608-8617 before investing. © 2010 State of New York

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 9 HealtH Your child’s vision ision screening is a very im- portant way to identify vision Family HealtH V problems. During an exam Ivan Hand, Md, FaaP the doctor looks for eye disease and director of neonatology checks to see if the eyes are working Queens Hospital Center properly. Children with a family his- tory of childhood vision problems are more likely to have eye problems themselves. newborns. All infants should have their eyes checked in the new- born nursery for infections, defects, cataracts, or glaucoma. Infants who were born prematurely, infants who were given oxygen, and infants with multiple medical problems are at risk for developing eye conditions which will often need additional exams and close follow up with a pediatric oph- thalmologist, an eye doctor trained and experienced in the care of chil- dren’s eye problems A newborn infant can see light, shapes and movement although much of their vision is very blurry. The baby’s eyes may “wander” a bit up to 3 months of age but should be able to focus by 3-4 months. Babies older than 3 months should be able to follow or “track” an object, like a toy or ball, with their eyes as it moves across their field of vision. If your baby can’t make steady eye contact by this time or seems unable to see, let your pediatrician know. Before 4 months of age most infants occasionally cross their eyes. However, eyes that cross all the time or one eye that turns out is usually abnormal and is another reason to seek your pediatrician’s advice. at 3 to 4 years of age. All chil- your pediatrician know right away. By 6 months of age. Pediatri- dren should have their eyes and vi- However, vision problems such as cians should screen infants at their sion checked for any abnormalities a lazy eye (amblyopia) may have no well-baby visits to check for proper that may cause problems with later warning signs, and your child may eye health, vision development, and development. If your child’s eyes not complain of vision problems. alignment of the eyes. become misaligned (strabismus), let Thus, it’s important at this time to have your child’s vision checked. There are special tests to check your child’s vision. Warning signs of a vision problem at 5 years of age and older. No matter how old your child is, side-to-side or up-and-down • Drooping eyelid(s) Your pediatrician should check your if you spot any one of the follow- • Bulging eye(s) • Excessive rubbing or squint- child’s vision in each eye separately ing, let your pediatrician know: • Persistent eye pain, itching, or ing of the eyes every year. If a problem is found • Eyes that look crossed, turn discomfort • Eyes that are always sensitive during routine eye exams, your pe- out, or don’t focus together • Redness in either eye that to light diatrician may have your child see • White, grayish-white, or yel- doesn’t go away in a few days • Any change in the eyes from a pediatric ophthalmologist. Your low-colored material in the pupil • Pus or crust in either eye how they usually look pediatrician can advise you on eye • Eyes that flutter quickly from • Eyes that are always watery doctors in your area. Reference: American Academy of Pediatrics

10 QUEENS Family • May 2010 THREE LOCATIONS Does Your FOR ALL YOUR PARTY NEEDS! Child’s Eyesight EvERY Party IS TOTALLY PRIvATE Make the Grade? • 4,000 Sq/ft • Bounce House/ Giant Slide Vision problems are a leading • Jungle Gym cause of poor school performance. • Arcades So make sure your child can see • Toddler Area clearly. Make an appointment today • Crafts for a complete eye exam. • Theme Parties • Emergency Care Available • Convenient Evening and Saturday Hours • Most insurance Plans including Healthplus, Fidelis, Affinity, AmeriChoice, AmeriGroup, Healthfirst, Neighborhood and Medicaid are accepted. AstoriA Blvd. • We provide transportation for our qualified patients college& Point (call for details). $40 off • We speak Spanish, Russian, Thai and Hindi PAckAge Plus 3 kids free! • Medical and Surgical • Infections AstoriA only Eye Care • Eye Trauma $199 • Routine Eye Exams • On-site Laser Surgery for 12 kids PAckAge A • Diabetes • Contact Lens Fitting

89-01 Astoria Blvd. NY EMPIRE MEDICAL P.C. Eye Care Center Jackson Heights 120-07 20th Ave., 29-21 21 St. Ave. 718.478.2120 Dr. Panus Romsaitong, Ophthamologist College Pt. NY (10 blocks from Target) Astoria www.nypartyplace.com 98-76 Queens Blvd., Suite LLI Rego Park, NY 11374 718.461.8292 718.726.9026 Also caters to Baby/Bridal Showers, 718.897.0300 • www.nyempiremedical.com www.partyzoneny.com www.thebirthdayzone.com Weddings, Anniversaries & more. Entrance from the left side of the building next to the flower shop

emphasis on learning skills for school-age success! “Stock Markets Don’t Affect a unique learning Us, We Invest In Our Kids.” Preschool experience FoR ovER 20 YEaRs!

• Small group size • State-of-the-art FREE • Warm & nurturing classrooms UnivERsal • Reasonable rates • Computers in every PRE-K • Individual attention classroom • Parent support groups • Outdoor playground Exciting • NYS Early Childhood • Indoor gym 6 wEEK Certified Teachers • Music, movement sUmmER • Special Education and art sEssion Services Available* • Field trips

Outstanding Early Childhood Program Award from NYS Education Department Meets all NYC Department of Health/Division of Day Care operating requirements Licensed by NYS Education Department Free Dental Exam www.iccd.com Newly Renovated Call to schedule your child’s free appointment 98-02 62nd Dr. 35-55 223rd St. 231-10 Hillside Ave. Rego PaRk Bayside Queens Village 718-263-1587 718-428-5370 718-263-1587 146-10 45th Ave. • Flushing, NY 11355 Opening Soon!! 718-445-7600 • 1-888-WE-PREFER *Free of charge to parents of students who qualify under Section 4410 NYS Law (CPSE) www.PDC.GS (GS for a great smile)

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 11 Technology Cellular mischief Keeping kids out of trouble with their phones

ellphones present unique cide when and whether a child can ception. Teens should NEVER use a challenges for parents. In a handle the responsibility. The first cellphone while driving. Since one C wired world, they seem es- question, of course, is whether he or in four teens admit to texting while sential for keeping kids safe and she can keep track of stuff. No one driving — the actual number is GrowinG Up connected. They also make it much needs the headaches created by a probably higher — you may want to harder for parents to monitor where lost or stolen cellphone. consider software that disables the online kids are and who they’re talking with In most households, a cellphone phone when a car is moving. Check Carolyn Jabs much less what aps and media they starts to feel like a necessity around out Zoom Safer (www.ZoomSafer. are using. middle school when children start to com) and Drive Assist (www.Aegis- Without supervision, kids are all have independent activities — and Mobility.com) too likely to get into mischief. At need transportation. Before putting What for? Depending upon the the very least, cellphones allow kids a phone in the hands of a pre-teen, phone, kids can download every- to make and remake plans so fast be sure he or she understands rules thing from ring tones and games to parents can’t keep up. More se- about acceptable use. music and TV shows. Discuss what’s riously, they allow kids to Who? Just because a child has acceptable and who will pay. For elude bedtime, drive while a cellphone doesn’t mean he or she younger children, install content fil- distracted and side- should talk or text with anyone and ters (Verizon has an especially good step family rules about everyone who calls. Take advantage system). If you have any doubts entertainment that in- of parental controls that allow you about your child’s willingness to fol- volves pornography and to block some numbers and approve low the rules, take advantage of con- violence. At their worst, others. Starting younger children trols that block downloads. cellphones make it much with a short approved list limits How much? Be sure kids under- easier to distribute nude their exposure to bullies, scammers stand the parameters of the plan photos or violent video and spammers. you’ve purchased. How many text clips, cheat on tests, trash When? Parental controls also messages can they send? Are they friends and locate parties allow you to decide when your child charged for everything they receive where drugs and alcohol are is able to call or text. If your child’s as well? Show kids how to check on available school has a no-cellphone policy, their usage so they don’t exceed the In response to problems help them enforce it by making the limits. like these, all major phone inactive during school hours. Most parents will find the tools phone companies In some cases, the only way to be they need to keep track of cellphone offer parental con- sure a child gets a full night’s sleep use through their cellphone carrier. trol options— is to turn the phone off at bedtime. If your child needs extra protection, sometimes for an Be sure the phone can still be used or you don’t want to pay a monthly additional fee to call 911 even when these controls fee, consider free-standing software. of about $5 a are in place. Several programs are available. month. (To find Where? Most phones now in- Mykid issafe (www.MyKidIsSafe.com) out what your clude GPS technology that allows offers a very comprehensive tool kit; cellphone com- parents to “track” their kids and Smobile software (www.SmobileSys- pany offers, go to also to create dead zones where tems.com) includes virus protection their Web site and the phone can’t be used. Many ex- as well as parental controls. type in “parental perts feel this level of surveillance Kids will probably object to cell- controls.”) All kids is counter-productive — unless a phone supervision just as they’ve don’t need all op- child repeatedly breaks your rules. always objected to curfews and bed- tions, and all op- Parents should be more concerned times. When parents use these tools tions don’t work on about new apps like Foursquare that well, they’re less likely to catch their all phones, so par- allow kids to broadcast their where- kids making mischief and more likely ents have to do their abouts to friends and, potentially, to support them in making responsi- homework. Here are predators. These should be off limits ble decisions about when, where and questions you’ll want for younger teens. how to use their cellphones. to ask: Because cellphones quickly be- Carolyn Jabs, MA, has been writing Why? Now that babies come an extension of the child, par- about families and the Internet for more have their own apps such as ents need to establish more mun- than fifteen years. Other Growing Up ipacifier (www.ipacifier.com), dane rules about where the phone Online columns appear on her Web site it’s no wonder little kids want can be used. These rules will vary www.growing-up-online.com. cellphones. Parents have to de- from family to family, with one ex- @ Copyright, 2010. Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

12 QUEENS Family • May 2010

Creating real OppOrtunities fOr learning

At The Shield Institute we have special expertise supporting children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. We offer special education, diagnostic and clinical services in our two preschool programs in Queens and in the Bronx. Additionally we provide family workshops to our parents with children with ASD and to others parents in our surrounding communities. The Shield Institute is affiliated with the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services and is a member of the United Way. Parent Workshops (Spanish translation is available for all workshops)

May Workshops May 7th, 14th and 21st Location: 14461 Roosevelt Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Helping Parents and Caregivers Manage Difficult Behaviors of Children with ASD. This is a three part training. Presenter: Ramapo for Children Time: 9:45am to 12:00pm

June Workshops June 9th Location: 14461Roosevelt Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Understanding the Sensory Issues with Children with ASD/Autism. Presenter: Lindsey Biel Time: 9:45am to 12:00pm

If you are interested in attending any of these workshops free of charge please contact Laura Villa at 718-939-8700 x1167 (Laura is bilingual in Spanish & English) These workshops are made possible by a grant provided by the New York City Council, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

er Now For Septem gist ber 2 Re Nurturing • Fun 010 SFY Educational Nursery The eARLY ChILDhOOD PROGRAMS Camp OF The SAMUeL FIeLD Y 2 to 5 Years Register Today • Nursery • Not Quite Nursery • Childcare • Pre-Kindergarten Options for Your Children

Registering Now for September 2010 at Both Sites UPK Available for New York City Residents

SAMUEL FIELD Y BAY TErrAcE cEnTEr Little Neck Site of the SAMUeL FieLD Y 5820 Little Neck Pkwy 212-00-23rd Avenue Little Neck, NY 11362 Bayside, NY 11360 (718)225-6750 x246 (718) 423-6111 x225 PhYLLiS GreSeN BArBArA KOSSOVe [email protected] [email protected]

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 13 Education Nourish your music lover By ElEanor Bindman Whereas music schools offer plenty a parent is unable to contribute, six or How scales, of guidance and a choice of teachers seven is a better bet. For kids younger ost parents know by now on various instruments, private les- than four, there are other options, chords and that Mozart is food for the sons are more convenient for a lot of usually offered by music schools as M brain and that learning people. This article was written with opposed to private teachers, such as musical notation can help develop the desire to address some of the is- Suzuki violin or piano classes, group melodies feed abstract thinking. sues that come up when you decide keyboard classes, etc. Playing wind We want to expose our kids to all to invest in private music lessons for instruments requires a certain lung developing that good stuff. Children are natural your child, to offer some “inside infor- capacity and a later beginning age, music lovers, singers and dancers, mation” on looking for a teacher and around nine or 10. Drums and guitar but when it comes to learning a musi- to foster realistic expectations for the are usually requested by teenagers, minds cal instrument even the most gifted beginning stages of the lessons. as most of us are aware. need some help. Music is easily one • Do you have an instrument at of the most popular extra-curricular Finding the right home? This may seem like an obvi- pastimes and a lot of time, money and private teacher ous condition to some, yet many par- effort is invested in taking lessons. Before you shop around to find ents are surprised to hear that they Yet a lot of that effort, time and — a teacher, let’s see if you and your need to own or rent an instrument. let’s be practical here — money can child are in a suitable frame of mind Small-size violins and cellos are usu- be wasted. and practical circumstances for ally available for rent from instruc- For those of us with limited mu- starting private lessons. tors, string instrument repair shops sical experience, it’s hard to know • Is your child ready? If you are and some music schools. what to look for in a teacher. And yet eager to introduce your child to Local music stores carry most we all know that a teacher can make music before the age of four, group instruments. As far as keyboards all the difference in the world. The lessons are the best alternative. Pri- are concerned, electronic ones are self-esteem acquired from being vate lessons require the ability to OK to start with, but after several good at something concentrate for 10-15 minutes at a months it’s a lot better to consider at an early age time, to know the first seven letters getting an acoustic piano, especially can be a great help of the alphabet and to be able to rec- if the child is progressing well. If during the teen- ollect the pieces learned and prac- there is room, a small upright will do, age years and tice them at home. and decent ones can be bought as later on in life. The youngest beginner I ever en- cheaply as $400, or even less, if you countered was three, and she did get lucky and are willing to handle extremely well, not only because of the moving from a private seller. her personality but also due to the A convenient alternative is “rent- fact that her older sister took lessons ing with an option to buy” from a as well, and their mother helped. store. The fees range from $75 to On the other hand, I’ve met some $100 a month for an upright and the are very intelligent yet rambunctious store will deliver and tune for free. seven-year-olds who wouldn’t sit still After six months they will call you and listen, so it all depends. and ask if you want to buy the piano, Generally speaking, with a par- counting the rental fees you have ent’s help at home, most kids are already paid toward the purchase ready to start piano, violin or cello price. You can always decline and between four and five years of age. If shop for a better deal from a private

14 QUEENS Family • May 2010 Do keep in mind that some willful If anyone in your home already children enjoy creating distrac- plays an instrument, the child will tions when the teacher is “on have a predisposition to take lessons their turf” and a lot of time more seriously as well as the advan- can be wasted by trips to the tage of “educated” practice supervi- bathroom, sud- sion when needed. If the prospective den onslaughts music student participates in many of hunger or extra-curricular activities already, thirst and de- the practice sessions will be spo- liberate sharp- radic and your (and the teacher’s) ening of pen- standards will have to be adjusted cils, not to mention accordingly. Both approaches are the absolute necessity fine, as long as you, the teacher to answer the phone or and the child are on the same doorbell regardless of who else may wavelength. be home at the time. • How much involve- At a music school or in a teach- ment would there be er’s studio, the atmosphere will on your part? To be be more conducive to learning frank, learning to play an and the instructor will have more instrument isn’t easy, especially sale, while continuing to rent. The control of the situation as well as in the beginning, and as good thing about buying used pia- more books and teaching aides to the learning becomes nos, as opposed to used cars, is that choose from. If going outside the easier, the pieces get you can always get your money back home for lessons, remember that harder, so help and encouragement Children are natural when you resell, unless some serious lessons are usually scheduled back at home go a long way toward suc- damage occurs. So, avoid liquids of to back and finding parking can be a cess. If your beginner is four or five, music lovers, singers and any kind on top of the instrument, time-consuming aggravation, so un- there absolutely must be help be- dancers, but when it comes which also means discouraging your less your schedule is very relaxed or tween weekly lessons or everything pets from exploring the keys and the teacher is right in the neighbor- will be forgotten. Older kids can to learning a musical the strings, no matter how cute that hood you may end up with a lot of remember things much better, but instrument even the most looks on postcards. shortened lessons. most will not sit down and practice • Does the child want lessons or is • Would you like your child to unless a parent suggests it or there gifted need some help. it your idea? Some kids request les- learn to play the instrument well or is an established routine. sons, some just tag along with their is a general, relaxed introduction to I feel that it’s unreasonable to parents’ choices. There are parents the world of music your goal? The expect self-discipline from a child who mistake their own unfulfilled de- answer to this question depends on when most adults have trouble with sire to have had lessons as a child for many factors, including your parent- it unless it involves their livelihood. a sign that their offspring is destined ing philosophy, the availability of I never wanted to practice before for musical greatness. Another com- practice time, your child’s I was in my late teens and many mon scenario is a parent who did personality and professional musicians will confess learn how to play but was unhappy his/her degree to having had the same attitude with the teacher, or competitive with of natural as children. So, be prepared to a sibling, and wants the opposite ex- musical nudge, exhort, bribe or beg perience for the new generation. affinity. once in a while if you want It’s very valuable to reflect on speedy results. your childhood memories and learn • Taking lessons along with from them, yet your child may have your child. If you feel inclined to a completely different temperament take lessons as well, you will set and will have a different teacher. a great example, motivate your That being said, if he or she shows child, and have a common pastime some musical ability (picking out which you both will treasure. You tunes by ear, reproducing fairly com- will help each other and be able plex rhythms) it’s sensible to try to to play together, which is a lot give an extra push for lessons. of fun. You will also have to do • Do you want lessons in your much less nudging, exhort- home or outside? For some peo- ing, bribing and begging. ple, in-home lessons are the only Eleonor Bindman MA, an choice, for logistical reasons. The award winning pianist and long­ convenience is hard to beat and the time piano teacher, maintains a fees are only 5-10 dollars higher if a studio in Park Slope, Brook­ teacher comes to you. If you have a lyn. You may learn decent instrument and find a punc- more about here tual and reliable instructor, things at www.eleonor­ may work out very well. bindman.com.

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 15 718-261-2237 or www.belleartiny.com colorful gyms with over 50 pieces of We are the first and only music school clean, fun, state of the art equipment. Arts Programs of European heritage in Forest Hills. Their goal is to stimulate early learn- Under the direction of two internation- ing, develop physical coordination and ally renowned concert pianists, husband social skills, and encourage self-esteem. Directory and wife, Massimiliano Facchini and Gymboree also offers drop off programs Claudette Munné, “Belle Arti” offers for children 3-5 years in gym, art, yoga, a curriculum that follows the methods and music and a nationally recognized All Star Studios never loses sight of their philosophy of used in the most famous music con- school readiness program in conjunc- 108-12 72 Avenue, Forest Hills keeping the fun in the arts. Why choose servatories in Europe and the United tion with Leapfrog. With over 30 year’s 718-268-2280 or www. them? They have a small teacher- States. Their teachers are all graduates experience, Gymboree’s classes fill allstarstudiosnyc.com student ratio, superior customer service, from such leading music schools as quickly, so enroll early. We are more than just a dance studio. great relationships with their students, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes Theater and triple threat classes are also and their ability to instill a love of the College of Music, The Julliard School Music School of offered. Dance classes include graded arts in their students. and European music conservatories. New York City ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop for children They offer lessons on piano, violin, 917-710-7175 starting at age 3 to adults and classes “Belle Arti” Center for the cello, guitar, voice, woodwinds, music www.musicschoolofnyc.com for boys. Celebrating their 5th season in Arts, L.L.C. theory and Musical Aurora™, a unique Music School of New York City blends Forest Hills, this rapidly growing studio 108-10 72nd Avenue, Forest Hills music program for children between old-world values and classical tradi- the ages of 2 to 5. Two recitals a year tions, with an innovative teaching style are organized at Flushing Town Hall and designed for children of the twenty-first students are encouraged to take a jury century. exam, giving them the opportunity to Our fantastic team of all-star teachers is demonstrate their technical and musical the best in the five boroughs, hand-se- achievements. lected for their teaching specialties, from of New York City Gymboree of Queens top conservatories including The Juilliard 208-22 Cross Island Parkway School and the Manhattan School of Bringing the Magic of Music Into Every Child’s Life (BayBridge Commomns Shopping Music. We truly care about your child’s Music School Center 2nd Floor)- NEW LOCATION development through his or her earliest, 108-14 72nd Ave., Forest Hills most formative years and seek to enrich 866-477-3700 www.gymboreeclasses. young lives in new and unexpected ways. com We offer lessons in piano, violin, voice, Servicing Queens & Long Island Gymboree offers gym, art, music classes cello and guitar and offer concierge and birthday parties for children starting service throughout the five boroughs of :: Piano :: Violin :: Voice :: Guitar at birth through 5 years, as well as open Manhattan. Let Music School of New playtimes (usually free with enrollment), York City bring the magic of culture and www.musicschoolofnyc.com meet up groups for new/expectant par- the arts into your home. Phone: 917-710-7175 :: Email: [email protected] ents, and baby signs/parenting classes. Call today to schedule your free first Classes and parties are held in spacious, lesson.

4@331ZOaa^Zca#]TT #5g[0cQYa 4`SS2D2eVS\g]cS\`]ZZ]\ ^`SdWSeROgW\;Og >`S=^S\W\UA^SQWOZ%#]TTS\`]ZZ[S\b 1][SaSSeVgeS¸`SbVSUZ]POZZSORS`W\QZOaaSaT]`YWRa AW[^ZgP`W\UW\bVWa]TTS`4]`OUSab]#gSO`a

>ZOg:SO`\/USa³#g`a

A^]`ba/USa!³#g`a AO[^ZSO\RZSO`\bVSPOaWQab]&RWTTS`S\ba^]`ba

4O[WZg$[]a#g`a 0`W\UOZZg]c`QVWZR`S\b]bVSaO[SQZOaa

AQV]]ZAYWZZa/USa!³#g`a =c`>`SaQV]]Z/ZbS`\ObWdS2SdSZ]^YSga]QWOZO\RW\bSZZSQbcOZaYWZZa

0/GA723(0OgP`WRUS1][[]\aAV]^^W\U1S\bS` & 1`]aa7aZO\R>O`YeOg =\0SZZ0]cZSdO`RXcab<]`bV]T0OgBS``OQSAV]^^W\U1S\bS` 4]ZZ]eca]\4OQSP]]Yb]aSS^WQa]T]c`\Sea^OQS(5g[P]`SS>ZOg;caWQ]T 0OgaWRS`]U`O[W\ ;/G5@/<2 g]c`\SWUVP]`V]]R =>3<7<5 /Za]=TTS`W\UAc[[S`1O[^O\R0W`bVROg>O`bWSaW\OZZZ]QObW]\a1OZZB]ROg W\0OgaWRS &$$"%%!%Ug[P]`SSQZOaaSaQ][ ?cSS\a =TTS`dOZWRT]`\SeTO[WZWSa]\ZgOb^O`bWQW^ObW\U>ZOg;caWQZ]QObW]\a3fWabW\U>ZOg ;caWQQcab][S`aO`S\]bSZWUWPZS=TTS`Wa\]b`SRSS[OPZST]`QOaV]`Q`SRWb5g[P]`SS Ug[P]`SSQZOaaSaQ][ >ZOg  ;caWQ [Og QVO\US ]` QO\QSZ bVWa ^`][]bW]\ Ob O\g bW[S W\ 5g[P]`SS >ZOg  ;caWQ¸aa]ZSRWaQ`SbW]\D]WReVS`S^`]VWPWbSRPgZOe

16 QUEENS Family • May 2010 Early Childhood Center FREE Pre-K for Children Born in 2006

Our Licensed Child Care Programs for 2-5 year olds has Fairy • Pirate • Candy • Super Heroes provided a safe and nurturing environment for 35 years. Glow in the Dark and Much More! �Multi-Lingual Certified Staff � Library and Computers Each 3 hour party includes: �Flexible and Extended Hours � Diapering • 1.5 hours in private party room • Costumes, dancing or craft �Private Outdoor Playground �Nutritious Meals and Snacks • Pizza, soda or juice • Balloons and all party supplies �Takes1199 and HRA Vouchers � Kindergarten � Readiness • Birthday cake with candles • Invitations and Dedicated Host free cotton candy for kids with this ad 718-699-7762 6000 sf of plain fun! Tri-story playground with 110-01 62nd Drive mazes, triple slide, toddler area, video games. OPEN: Great destination for school trips and Forest Hills, NY 11375 7:30am- summer camps starting at $5 per child. [email protected] 6:30pm QueensCommunityHouse.org 62-73 Fresh Pond Road • Tel: 718-418-5437

, Ê 1 6 ,-
Ê*, ‡Ê œÀÊ{Ê9i>ÀÊ"`Ã

UÊ ÕÀÃiÀÞ]Ê*ÀiÃV œœÊ>˜`ʈ˜`iÀ}>ÀÌi˜Ê­>}iÃÊÓÊ̜Êx® UÊ ÕÀœ«i>˜ÊÃÌޏiÊ >ÞV>ÀiÊ i˜ÌiÀʈ˜Ê+Õii˜Ã UÊ,iVÀi>̈œ˜ÊÜˆÌ ÊµÕ>ˆÌÞÊi`ÕV>̈œ˜ UÊ"«i˜Ê>ÊÞi>À UÊ,i>ܘ>LiÊÀ>Ìià UÊ ÝÌi˜`i`Ê œÕÀÃÊ>Û>ˆ>LiÊ ÊÊÊvÀœ“ÊÇ\ÎäÊ>“Ê̜ÊÈ\ääÊ«“ UÊ/À>˜Ã«œÀÌ>̈œ˜Ê«ÀœÛˆ`i` UÊœ“i“>`iʓi>ÃÊ>˜`ÊØ>VŽÃ UÊ>À}iÊ"ÕÌ`œœÀÊEʘ`œœÀÊ«>Þ}ÀœÕ˜`à UÊ-«œÀÌÃ]Ê ÕÈV]Ê
ÀÌÃÊEÊ À>vÌÃÊ ÊÊÊ>˜`ʓÕV ]ʓÕV ʓœÀi UÊ-«iVˆ>ÊÃՓ“iÀÊ«Àœ}À>“Ê ÊÊÊ­>}iÃÊÓÊÌœÊ£ä® UÊ
VVi«Ìˆ˜}Ê>Ê}œÛiÀ˜“i˜ÌÊ ÊÊ«Àœ}À>“Ã

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 17 Education Maria Montessori truly led the way

By Mary Carroll Wininger tessori and Renilde Stoppani, Maria Her pioneering Montessori was born in 1870 in the t the beginning of the twenti- town of Chiaravalle, on the eastern work on early eth century, educating young edge of Italy. From the beginning, she A children was a far more grim wasn’t like the other girls. She was de- childhood experience than what we know today. scribed as having been “headstrong” Schools at that time were designed to and “self-confident,” often emerging drill and discipline rather than grow as the leader in schoolyard games. education and nurture young minds. Classrooms She easily excelled in school and, at were often dirty and crowded Dick- the university level, while the other fe- ensian places where children were male students were reading romance deposited to memorize lessons and novels and dreaming of marriage, wear dunce caps. Schools of today Maria Montessori spent hours in the are vastly different, with sing-alongs, library studying math and science — magic carpets, and class pets. her favorite subjects. After several So how, in the span of a century years of pressuring the University did early childhood education make of Rome, she was eventually permit- Maria Montessori changed the face of the transition from “Bleak House” ted to study medicine there, and in early childhood education. to modern-day fairy tale? How did 1896, became the first woman in Italy schools go from being places of te- to become a physician. It was her designed a “prepared environment” dium and punishment to sweetness work with the university’s psychiatric in which the children could freely and light? The shift was due almost clinic that led to her life’s calling. choose from a number of develop- completely to the research and phi- As part of her work with the clinic, mentally appropriate self-directed losophies of one person, who hap- Dr. Montessori was to visit asylums learning activities. She noticed how pened to be the first Italian woman for the mentally challenged. She no- the children, when allowed to move to ever receive a medical degree. Her ticed immediately how their young- about the room and interact with name was Maria Montessori. est residents were starved for atten- learning materials, would absorb The only child of Alessandro Mon- tion and experience. When she saw knowledge almost effortlessly from the amount of human potential being their surroundings. The children of wasted, she began conducting ex- Casa dei Bambini, whom society had perimental research, observing how dismissed as unruly “street kids,” children in the asylums interacted also achieved above-average test with specially designed self-teaching scores, thanks to Dr. Montessori and materials. After the mentally chal- her newly-developed method. She lenged children scored higher than knew then that if children coming to average children on the same ap- school with special needs or chal- titude tests, Dr. Montessori deter- lenging backgrounds could benefit mined that learning did not con- from this non-traditional approach sist of memorizing and reciting, but to learning, it would stand to reason sensing and experiencing the world that average children could too. through concrete objects. As word spread of her success As a result of this early success, with teaching children who were she was asked to establish an ex- formerly considered “unteachable,” perimental day-care center for dis- Dr. Montessori began to lecture, advantaged children in Rome. Sixty write books, and conduct training children from the low-income San programs to explain her approach, Lorenzo district were chosen to at- which came to be known as the tend the Casa dei Bambini (Children’s “Montessori Method.” Her ideas A Montessori student learns about the decimal system. House), where Dr. Montessori had swept through enlightened circles,

18 QUEENS Family • May 2010 but did not officially take hold in the U.S. until the early 1960s, due to John Dewey’s domination of the American educational system during the first half of the twentieth century. Today, there are at least 4,000 certified Mon- tessori schools in the United States; and about 7,000 worldwide. Present-day Montessori schools observe many of the same principles as their predecessors. The sparse en- vironment of a Montessori classroom is filled with carefully chosen materi- als to facilitate independent research and learning. (A Montessori tenet holds that the teacher is there to con- trol the environment, not the child.) Blocks and color tablets help children learn about the sensory world; beads and sandpaper numerals teach about decimal representation and identify- ing numeric symbols. There are ma- terials for buttoning and bow-tying, pouring and scooping, and prepar- ing food – all to encourage hand-eye coordination. Other areas are desig- nated for cleaning, gardening, or car- ing for animals. At Montessori schools, children are not forced to sit behind a desk and listen to a teacher talk at them. dent’s concentration from interrup- groups, where they bounce ideas Montessori students learn about There are no deadening call-and- tion. Children therefore discover on off one another and learn what the math by playing with plastic beads. response drills, no rigid reward and their own, while being gently guided others know. This ensures the acqui- punishment systems. Children are by their teachers - which fosters a sition of problem-solving skills and instead free to move around and ex- lifetime love of learning. social interaction, and, in this way, plore any subject for as long as they Students at Montessori schools children learn to work together. wish, with no time constraints. When also do not receive papers back There are numerous local exam- children are allowed to choose what filled with red marks and correc- ples of schools that uphold Montes- they want to do and concentrate tions. Instead, the teacher plans indi- sori ideas and beliefs, the central for as long as they need on a given vidual projects to enable each child one being to bring out the best in task, they tend to leave that task re- to work on what he needs in order to each child. Children are allowed to freshed and filled with good will to- improve. And Montessori students develop at their own speed, accord- wards fellow students. All the while are not forced to compete - they ing to their capabilities. The stu- the teacher must protect the stu- learn from each other in mixed age dents make the choices, and their unique qualities and talents are re- spected. It is believed that the most important years of a child’s educa- tion are not at the university level, but from birth to age 6. If a child is allowed to pursue hands-on tasks during this period and think inde- pendently, without obstacles, he/she can be guided to a radiant future. The Montessori Method has proven again and again to advance children’s aptitude, thinking and rea- soning skills, and overall happiness. It allows children to grow at a re- laxed pace into the intelligent men and women they will become. Mary Carroll Wininger is a writer based in New York City. She is a frequent contributor on topics ranging from eti- Maria Montessori enjoyed observing children learn about the world around them. quette to feng shui.

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 19 EntErtainmEnt Hockey star gets humbled by fairies

ll those years of piano les- sons are in jeopardy when A your daughter fails to win admission to a prestigious music school. She is crushed. The starry- eyed girl you once knew seems to be gone; her dream of performing in the world’s great music halls, abandoned. Laura Gray But as a volunteer at the Special Olympics, your daughter gets a new viewpoint. She sees young athletes persevere despite much greater odds than those she has faced. The experi- ence reawakens her own dreams. Be- fore long, she’s back at the keyboard preparing to fulfill those dreams no matter what.

She learns to never give up on © 20th Century Fox. All Rights Reserved. her dreams — an inspirational mes- Hockey player Derek Thompson is sentenced to serve two weeks as a tooth fairy by sage at any age. And it’s one that the “head” fairy. motivates aging hockey player Derek Thompson in “Tooth Fairy,” avail- less” fairy whose job is to teach him fairy and fulfilling his sentence. able this month on DVD. Pick up a the ropes. Derek balks at his sen- Finally, Derek admits his attitude copy and watch it with your family tence and writes off the encounter as stems from his own failure to suc- before launching into a lively discus- merely a dream. But he’s definitely ceed in hockey after an injury many sion with our Talk Together points. not dreaming when his wings pop years earlier. With lots of practice Then reinforce the message with our out during a hockey game the next and perseverance, Derek scores a “Sweet Dreams” family activity. day. Tracy accompanies an unhappy goal, wins the hockey game and helps In “Tooth Fairy,” fan favorite Derek Derek to collect a child’s recently Tracy become a real tooth fairy. His has earned a reputation as a brute on lost tooth. He fumbles through his final tooth fairy job is to collect his the ice. In fact, he’s called the “tooth new duties, making no effort to em- girlfriend’s daughter’s tooth. He also fairy” because of his habit of hitting brace his job as tooth fairy. makes amends with her son. Derek opponents so hard their teeth fall Then, in a moment of frustration, completes his sentence and learns out! But when Derek steals money Derek lashes out at his girlfriend’s to never give up on dreams – his or left under a little girl’s pillow by the son, telling him to give up his dream anyone else’s. real tooth fairy, he winds up in big of playing guitar in a band because, trouble. Soon Derek sprouts wings chances are, he’s just not good talk together and is transported to “fairy central” enough. Angrily, the boy’s mother Derek seems to enjoy his posi- to face his punishment: he must work breaks off her relationship with tion as “team bully” on the ice. What two weeks as a real tooth fairy. Derek. Tracy, too, is ready to give up does he really dream of doing? Why He is assigned to Tracy, a “wing- on Derek’s becoming a good tooth hasn’t he pursued his dream? How does this affect his attitude toward dreams in general? Tracy also has a dream – to be Play together: Sweet dreams a tooth fairy. What keeps him from you will need: Fold the felt or foam in half and, as you want to create your “pillow.” working toward that goal? How does • 1 sheet of sticky-backed felt using the marker, print “I’m day- Place ends of pipe cleaner under Derek prepare him for the job? or foam dreaming” on one side and “Shhh edges of foam or felt, fold and press Which of Derek’s tooth fairy • Foam stickers … I’m dreaming” on the other; dec- edges together to seal. Hang your “tools” would you most like to try? • Cotton balls or tissues orate with stickers. Peel off the pillow on your bedroom door to Plan a family movie night this month! • Pipe cleaners backing and place cotton balls or let everyone know when you are Check out our archives at www.Cinemat- • Permanent marker tissues on one half. Use as much dreaming big, day or night! ters.com and get some great ideas for fun with your favorite films!

20 QUEENS Family • May 2010 FLEX PASS - Drop in Classes HAPPY DRAGON AGES 18 Months – 14 Years Learning Centers For Children Pass is valid 7 days a week-from 07/06-08/29 Season pass:$360, 10 pass:$150, 20 pass: $270 Summer Program Season pass includes 48 soccer classes Excellent advantage SuMMEr CAMP and 48 days of Bouncy House program AGES 21/2 – 14 YEArS and 77-02 37 Ave, Jackson Heights, NY facilities near your home. 9am-1pm & 1pm-5pm 2, 4,6 or 8 weeks - Half OR Full Day Very reasonable tuition. 2 , 3 or 5 times a week available. • School Age (K-7th grade) • UPK (4-5 yrs. old) Yearly drop off and • Toddler Program (2-3 yrs. old) • Pre-School Program (3-4 yrs. old) late pick up available • Fun-Filled Field Trips • All Academic Subjects • Arts & Crafts • Speech & Music • Sports & Games www.superkickers.com • 718-350-1535 • Fully air conditioned classroom • Licensed Qualified Instruction • Fully equipped outdoor • Review & Preview of all playground Related Schoolwork Explore • Full & part time programs available • Citywide & Statewide China this • Free fresh, hot, nutritional food Test Prep from 2nd grade • ACS/ACD and HRA Program • Transportation Provided summer

Register Encourage Your Child To Excel FREE th Universal Pre-K Before June 20 for Children Born 917.562.6970 136-58 41st Ave., Flushing for Special Prepare For in 2006 Discount Fall 2010!! Learn and Enhance Skills! 98-25 Horace Harding Expy. Corona, NY 11368 86-02 57th Ave. Elmhurst, NY 11373 Join us for Reading, ESL, Writing, Math, Mandarin, Science, 718-271-5637 718-397-5733 two weeks in China Trips! Guitar, Piano, Recorder, Reeds 30-04 146th St. Flushing, NY 11354 143-30 Cherry Ave. Flushing, NY 11355 718-445-1575 718-445-8382 China Explorations 2010 K-8th Grade Day Programs NEW 5805 7th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11220 ASK FOR July 11-July 25 Adult ESL • SAT Prep • Group or Private Sessions SCHOOL OPENING! 718-439-8816 PROMOTIONAL RATE! www.RedTreeCenter.org www.happydragonschool.com Beijing Wuxi,Shanhai Visit RSTE.com today! Or call 917.562.6970 Hangzhang,Suzhou

Experience Chinese art, history, life, language CHRISTY’S Summer and culture GYMNASTIC ACAdEMY FoR CHIldHood Camp In CENTER FITNESS & dEvElopMENT Flushing FUN - FRIENDS - FITNESS Register now for NYC Spring/Summer Programs Gifted & Talented From Tots - Teens Program Prep

Arts Wee Tumble ...... 1 1/2 - 3 Yrs. KENT is offering Special G & T class during summer Junior Gym ...... 3 - 5 Yrs. Birthday & for students who are interested in applying for Crafts Gym Time ...... 5 1/2 - Teens parties 2011 NYC G & T Program (qualified students only). Advanced Gymnastics - High School Gymnastics July 7, 2010 ~ August 12, 2010 Just Tumble – Rising Stars – Team our program School Is Safety Highly Qualified Staff - Viewing Area Certified & Kinder st Trips! Accredited by Pre K, Kinder & 1 Graders State-Of-The-Art Facilities USA Gymnastics (in upcoming Fall 2010) We Make a Difference! also offering Summer Enrichment Program Competitive USGF Teams • Mini Teams for 1st~12th Graders Christine Philips/Owner, Director FREE PARKING 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone 718.423.5757 KENT PREP 718-767-0123 • www.christysgymnastics.com 194-11A Northern Blvd.

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 21 Parenting A family vacation even teens will love y teens usually start asking and where your teen can explore a havior at home are even more likely to about our summer vaca- bit without having to stay glued to engage in high risk behaviors, such as M tion right after Christmas. mom and dad. unprotected sex or alcohol and drug Lions and This is music to my ears because it Have you started the planning use, while on vacation.” tells me that they actually still want yet? Hopefully, you’ve included your Use your best judgment when mak- tigers and to go on vacation with us! teen. This doesn’t mean that you ing decisions about letting your teen I really knock myself out looking have to abide by his every whim, but go solo or with peers. teens for places that are loaded with activi- that you’ve asked for his opinion. “If you have teens who are ba- Myrna Beth haskell ties — biking, water parks, beaches, Nicole Hockin, a travel expert for sically responsible and trustworthy, etc. Teens want to have new adven- Hotels.com, explains, “I like to en- you can probably expect more of the tures and they want to be active. courage families to include everyone same on vacation,” said Grashow. “I Most don’t want to spend a week in trip planning. It certainly helps to would also recommend that they stay visiting museums or antique shop- get apathetic teens to take a vested on premises or at an approved loca- ping. Your best bet is to find places interest in their fun.” tion only.” where the entire family can have fun Families who plan together tend You might also consider allow- to have fun together. If interests of ing your teen to bring a close friend all family members are taken into ac- along. This is a particularly good count, chances are that you will all idea if your other children are much have a fabulous time. younger. Think about easing up just Don’t have the foggiest idea of a bit on your regular rules as well, where to begin? Certain types of va- such as bedtime hour and junk food cations cater more to teens than oth- intake. Your vacation is transient, yet ers. Hockin suggests cruises because will garner lifetime memories. there are so many programs geared toward the teen crowd. There are teen tips and tales night clubs, teen movie nights, and “The best vacations we take now other special activities just for teens. that the kids are older are cruises. She also explains that all-inclusive We go with other families so there resorts have the same types of teen are more teens. My kids love the va- activities and socials events. Teens riety of activities. We eat our meals also love vacations filled with adven- together and enjoy the off-shore ex- tures where they can go off a bit on cursions as a family, but on-board their own. ship time is spent between new “Glamping is a hot trend that friends and family.” teens love,” Hockin says. “It’s rough- Sharon Foster, Poughkeepsie, NY ing it but not really — glamorous “We usually go to Long Beach Is- camping. Many resorts give you the land or the Jersey Shore. The beach option of tents or cabins and often is a good place for teens. It’s safe at include three meals a day.” LBI, and they have a lot going on. Many parents say that the beach You can let them have some free- is also a very good option — espe- dom, and parents can vegetate on cially if it has a boardwalk! the beach. Everyone wins!” Once you’ve arrived, your teen Felicia Sealey, Hyde Park, NY might ask for alone time. This is nor- mal and you should allow your teen Share your ideas! more freedom than you would a Upcoming topic: younger child. Backtalk: How to get your teen However, Dr. Laura Grashow, a psy- to zip it! chologist who specializes in adoles- Please send your full name, address, cents, family therapy, and parental and brief comments to: MyrnaHaskell@ guidance, suggests that parents use gmail.com or visit: home.roadrunner. caution while on vacation with teens. com/~haskellfamily/myrna/ “Parents need to pay attention to what Myrna Beth Haskell is a freelance their teens are doing. Research shows writer specializing in parenting issues that youth who engage in high-risk be- and children’s development.

22 QUEENS Family • May 2010 May 2010 • QUEENS Family 23 HealtHy eating Eat what they sow hatever your political leanings, you may have What are some easy-to- W cheered Michelle Obama grow vegetables for a first- last year when you heard about her time gardener? White House kitchen garden. Area Zucchini, tomatoes, pep­ children learned how to prepare the pers, cucumbers, snow peas ground, plant seeds, water seedlings, and sugar snap peas are easy Good sense pull weeds and finally enjoy the gar­ to grow and child­friendly. den’s bounty. The peas are especially sweet eatinG According to the National Gar­ and crispy and can be eaten Christine M. PaluMbo, rD dening Association, there was a 19 straight from the plant. percent increase in U.S. households growing their own fruits, vegetables and herbs last year over the prior working together as a family. One year. While economics surely played member may be in charge of the a role, planting a vegetable garden watering, another takes care of the reaps many other benefits. weeding. Registered Dietitian Diane Wel­ peas. Every morning, they picked • Greater appreciation of food. land, the Virginia­based author of the ones that were ready and ate Children learn how much work it The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Eat­ them. Welland refers to it as a “magic takes to get their food on the table. ing Clean, says there is “the pride garden” because that was the only • Working hard for a long-term and satisfaction of growing your own way she got her daughter to eat snow goal. So much of today’s society is food, a sense of accomplishment and peas. Depending on your own child’s based on immediate gratification, appreciating what the land can pro­ age, he or she will glean lessons not but a garden doesn’t work that way. duce.” (She also points to knowing found in school while gardening. • Recognizing good food. If all the food is healthy and grown with­ Preschool-age children learn: you’ve tasted are tasteless, off­sea­ out pesticides and herbicides.) • Responsibility. They have to take son tomatoes, imagine a juicy, ripe care of the plant, water it and weed it tomato, right off the vine. Dirt with benefits or it won’t grow. • Not giving up. Sometimes things Looking for a way to nudge your • Patience. Little ones have to wait don’t work out as you expect them child toward more produce? In a for the plant to bear fruit and pick it to, such as experiencing a bad crop. 2009 Journal of the American Die te­ at just the right time. Too early, and Children learn that there’s always tic Association study, 98 percent of it will not be ripe or taste good. Too next year. the children in fourth to sixth grades late, and it will begin to rot. who contributed to a garden during • How life changes. Watching how What does it cost? summer camp enjoyed taste­testing life grows and changes over the sea­ Planting from seed saves quite fruits and vegetables. son is fascinating for a preschooler. a bit of money. A packet of seeds Last spring, when Welland’s school-age children learn: costs less than two dollars and a full daughter was 4, they planted snow • Teamwork. They experience garden can cost $5­$25 depending on how much and what you plant. If your soil quality isn’t the best, you Fold about two inches of the bottom Banana almond Roll Ups may need to buy top soil, peat moss edge of tortilla up towards the cen- and manure, which may add about IngredIents ter, then fold in each side, one over- $30. Welland says it’s well worth the lapping the other, to enclose banana, 1 (8-inch) whole wheat tortilla cost. and then finish rolling up tortilla. Happily, growing your own food 1/2 medium banana, sliced is fashionable again. There’s nothing lengthwise serve immediately or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight better than making dinner with the 2 tsp. unsalted, creamy almond food you picked in the garden that container. stored in refrigerator, wrap butter morning. It’s fresh, clean and deli­ will keep for two to three days. 1 tsp. dark chocolate (70 to 85 cious and you know your family is percent dark cacao solids), shaved nutrItIon facts: 272 calories, 2g getting the best food possible. PreP tIme: 5 minutes total fat, 2g saturated fat, 7g protein, Christine M. Palumbo, RD loves snip- 43g carbohydrate, 11g sugars, 0mg ping fragrant basil, oregano, parsley, dIrectIons lengthwise on the bottom middle cholesterol, 5g fiber, 342mg sodium rosemary, mint and cilantro from her to assemble, place tortilla on a large portion of the tortilla. herb garden in Naperville, Illinois. But Reprinted with permission from The Complete Idiot’s her favorite home-grown items are the to- flat cutting board or work surface. spread almond butter on top of Guide to Eating Clean, copyright 2009 by Diane A. Lay banana slices in a single layer banana. sprinkle with dark chocolate. Welland, MS, RD. matoes. She can be reached at (630) 369- 8495 or [email protected].

24 QUEENS Family • May 2010 Summer Day Camp For Your Child’s Summer Recreational Needs AGES 4 TO 14 are invited aboard Begins Tuesday, July 6 Fly The Magic Carpet Ends Friday, August 27 On-site water and outdoor play To A Fun-Filled Summer! All Inclusive Rates Enrollment begins March 2010 for Summer and September 2010 • Door to Door Transportation 2-8 Week Fall Classes Begin Wednesday, September 8, 2010 • Small Groups • Private Pools • Spacious Indoor & Outdoor Play Areas Sessions Available • Exciting Trips & Special Events - Daily! • Drama • Lunch & Snack • Personal Attention We teach skills in the following sports: The Learning Tree • Swimming – learn to swim OPEn DaY CaMP HOuSES • Basketball • Tennis • Soccer • Softball Most Please Call Sundays • Touch Football For Dates, Time, and Location

Family Owned And Operated SPORTS • FIELD TRIPS • MUSIC • DANCE • ARTS & CRAFTS LIcEnSED PROFESSIOnAL SuPERvISIOn FILTERED POOL • SWIMMING INSTRUCTION ON PREMISES REASOnABLE RATES Beautiful “Air conditioned” Bayside/Flushing Location Junior Group – Ages 2 to 4 PRIVATE GROUNDS Middle Group – Ages 5 to 6 TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE call For More Information 718.634.8109 Senior Group – Ages 7 to 13 www.magiccarpetdaycamp.com Extended Hours 7:00 am - 6:30 pm Call For Open house Dates

now registering For Nursery & Pre-K For September 2010 74-15 Juniper Blvd. No., Middle Village 718-899-2020 • www.thelearningtree.org

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 25 community

greatly expanded once they moved to their new home. “I think that’s the reaction we get the most when we tell people we live Happy & gay in in Jackson Heights — ‘Oooh, you have great restaurants out there!’” says Gretchen. The varieties of cuisine available are numerous — Indian, Colombian, Thai, Vietnamese, Latin American Jackson Heights — but the couple quickly learned was how every restaurant and busi- ness seemed to welcome children. By Mary Carroll Wininger in peace. Beatrice and Gretchen “It’s a very kid-friendly neighbor- Why this moved there in October 2008 with hood,” explains Gretchen. “People hen gay couples commit to their two-month-old son, Beckett. like kids here. On Halloween, they neighborhood a life partner and choose “I’ve lived in New York for 20 close off 37th Avenue, set up bar- W to bring a wee one into years, and this is the best quality ricades, and turn on the floodlights. is attracting the world, they then face the tough- of life I’ve had,” says Gretchen. Be- Then, all the kids walk up and down est decision of all: where should tween the two of them, they have the street in their costumes, and all gay and lesbian they live? lived in Washington Heights, the the stores give them candy.” The answer is not simple. Gay Upper East Side, and Park Slope More and more, Beatrice and families couples need to determine what — the last, “before it was chic and Gretchen noticed this welcoming neighborhoods combine good expensive.” attitude from all types of people, for schools, affordable rents, an easy All were adequate, but when all types of people. commute, and a vibrant commu- they found out they were expect- “In our building, we have two nity in a kid-friendly — and queer- ing their first child, they looked at Irish families. There are also Ital- friendly — environment. their shared Washington Heights ian, Ecuadorian, Polish, French, and Beset by the high rents of Chel- apartment with new eyes and knew Chinese residents. We’re the only a move was imminent. gay couple in the building, but the “We were originally thinking we people in our building could not wouldn’t move,” says Beatrice. “We have been more excited about the liked that the park was nearby, plus baby. They all bought us baby pres- we had a doorman and it was in- ents,” says Gretchen. expensive. But once we decided to Jackson Heights may not be as start a family, we knew we could no gay-centric as other parts of New longer live in our one-bedroom.” York, it is very much a place where The couple first heard about differences are respected and par- Jackson Heights from a magazine ents from all walks of life can feel at a fertility clinic. Even though the comfortable. area touted itself as being family- “When we first moved to the friendly, Beatrice and Gretchen still neighborhood,” says Gretchen, “I thought they would explore other went into a Starbucks and started locales. talking to the girl behind the coun- This didn’t last long. ter. I asked if she was familiar with On their first trip to Jackson the neighborhood, and she said yes. Heights, they noticed the commute Then I asked if it was a gay-friendly from 50th Street in Manhattan to place, and she said ‘Definitely.’ It Queens’ Roosevelt Avenue Station turned out she was gay too.” took only 17 minutes. By contrast, Jackson Heights isn’t perfect. “the A train was such an ordeal There aren’t any parks, though when we were living in Washington there are a few playgrounds. Park- Heights,” says Beatrice. ing is a pain, but it’s not terribly dif- Beatrice and Gretchen — with sea and exasperated by the leagues The hits kept coming: public ferent from anywhere else in New their son Beckett— enjoy living in of triple-wide strollers in Park Slope, schools were famously good, apart- York. Jackson Heights. many of the city’s gay parents find ments were, of course, generally “Cops are really die-hard ticket- themselves turning to Queens and much larger than in Manhattan, and ers,” warns Gretchen. She also cites Jackson Heights. many apartment buildings had their the lack of a real gym. “There’s no Known for Bollywood DVDs and own gardens for the tenants’ private New York Sports Club or anything tandoori chicken, Jackson Heights use – and, Beatrice adds, they’re like that.” But she admits that these has grown over the years into a “completely enclosed, which makes are small prices to pay for a place haven for young families, and its you feel safe.” that is “almost like a small town.” all-inclusive attitude means gay Beatrice and Gretchen also real- Beatrice is more succinct: “It’s parents can raise their children ized that their dining options had the anti-Manhattan.”

26 QUEENS Family • May 2010 75867<285&+,/'727+(&$03,1*(;3(576 $77+(&(175$/48((16< 1DWXUH:RQGHU /DXJKWHU9DOXHV 9DOXH7RR 13 Weeks sTarTing JUne 7Th 6XKYINUURIGSVOTM)RU$JHVWR „3DUWWLPHVHSDUDWLRQSURJUDPIRURXU\RXQJHVWFDPSHUVZLWK YHU\KLJKWHDFKHUWRFDPSHUUDWLR „$JHDSSURSULDWHDFWLYLWLHVJ\PVSRUWVVZLPPLQJDUWV FUDIWV PXVLFGDQFLQJSOD\OHDUQDQGJURZZLWKIULHQGV „$LUFRQGLWLRQHGFODVVURRPV „+LJKO\WUDLQHGDGXOWVWDII &DOO5RELQDWH[W /4*558 5;:*55856:/549)RU$JHVWR „)OH[LEOHLQGRRUFDPSVFKHGXOHIXOORUKDOIGD\VZHHNO\RUIXOOVXPPHURSWLRQV „2XWGRRUFDPSJURXQGRQDFUHVRQ/RQJ,VODQG „3URJUDPOHGE\SURIHVVLRQDOVLQWKHLUUHVSHFWLYH¿HOGV „(DUO\GURSRIIDQGH[WHQGHGGD\DYDLODEOH „$PHULFDQ5HG&URVVFHUWL¿HGVZLPLQVWUXFWLRQ „7HHQ7UDYHO&DPSZLWKH[FLWLQJGDLO\DQGH[WHQGHGWULSV &DOO0RQLTXHDWH[W

&(175$/48((16<0 <:+$ WK675((7 )25(67+,//61< $QRWKHU4XDOLW\&RPPXQLW\&HQWHURIWKH6DPXHO)LHOG<

Full Day Camp Ages 3 – 13 • June 28 – August 20, 2010

Transportation Available Half-Day Mini-Camp New This Summer! Flushing Town Hall Ages 3-5: Returning Super Soccer Stars and First Shot Basketball 9am to Noon in residence for Summer 2010 • 4 to 8 Week Programs • Outdoor Playgrounds • Extended Hours • Arcade Game Room • Large In Ground Pool

33-16 79th Street • Jackson Heights 718-335-6363 www.gardenschool.org

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 27 campS Excited about camp? Four ways to ensure the perfect camp experience

arents want their children to separation, which allows children friends or family, etc. experience an important rite to develop autonomy and a stronger P of childhood — camp. sense of self, make new friends, de- Get real Smart moms and dads know that velop new social skills, learn about It’s important for children and par- through experiences with nature, teamwork, and so much more. ents to maintain realistic expecta- authentic relationships, and partici- tions. Camp is a microcosm of the pation in human-powered activities, Share the prep work real world, so, just like life, there will children develop independence, a Camp decisions, like what to pack, be highs and lows. sense of self-worth, and a greater should be made together. When chil- Parents should encourage realis- understanding of the world around dren feel that they are part of the tic views of what camp will be like, them. Simply put, camp changes decision-making process, they are discussing both the high points and lives. more comfortable. the low points children may experi- However, parents of first-time ence. Remind children that the most campers may be unsure of how to Talk, talk, talk important thing is to relax and have mentally prepare for this exciting It is only natural that, as the first fun at camp. adventure. day of camp approaches, some chil- The American Camp Association dren may experience uneasiness For 100 years, the American Camp (ACA) suggests keeping the following about going away. Association has been serving the camp in mind as you begin to prepare your Encourage your child to talk about community and families considering children, and yourself, for camp: these feelings. camp. Please visit the ACA-NY family Parents should let their child resource Web site www.campwizard. Focus on education know that they are confident in the org to find a camp database for the New Camp provides an opportunity child’s ability to handle being away York area or call (800) 777-CAMP. ACA- for children to explore a much larger from home. Accredited camp programs ensure that world. Remind the child of other times children are provided with a diversity of It also offers parents and kids a they have been away from home educational and developmentally chal- chance to practice normal, healthy successfully — sleepovers with lenging learning opportunities. 28 QUEENS Family • May 2010 OPEN HOUSE th Saturday, May 15 3:30-5:30pm @ All Star Studios

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 29 Parenting Healing homesickness How to deal when kids get sad away at camp

s summer begins, millions more comfortable the child will feel Avoid the temptation to take of children head to summer being at camp. the child home early: If a “rescue A camp — eager, excited, and Discuss what camp will be like call” comes from the child, offer … homesick? Research indicates before your child leaves: Consider calm reassurance and put the time that homesickness is the norm, and role-playing anticipated situations, frame into perspective. not the exception. It is common for such as using a flashlight to find the Talk candidly with the camp di- campers to feel a tinge of home- bathroom. rector: Try to obtain a different per- sickness at some point during the Reach an agreement ahead of spective on your child’s adjustment. camp session. So, how can parents time on calling each other: If your Don’t feel guilty about encour- help? By exercising a little prepara- child’s camp has a no-phone-calls aging your child to stay at camp: tion and patience, parents can ease policy, honor it. For many children, camp is a first any homesickness in their otherwise Send a note or care package step toward independence and plays happy campers. ahead of time to arrive the first an important role in their growth The American Camp Association day of camp: Acknowledge, in a and development. recommends the following tips par- positive way, that you will miss your For 100 years, the American Camp ents can use to help their child deal child. For example, you can say “I am Association has been serving the camp with homesickness at camp: going to miss you, but I know that community and families considering Encourage your child’s inde- you will have a good time at camp.” camp. Please visit the ACA-NY family pendence throughout the year: Don’t bribe: Linking a success- resource Web site www.campwizard. Practice separations, such as slee- ful stay at camp to a material ob- org to find a camp database for the New povers at a friend’s house, can simu- ject sends the wrong message. The York area or call (800) 777-CAMP. ACA- late the camp environment. reward should be your child’s new Accredited camp programs ensure that Involve your child in the pro- found confidence and independence. children are provided with a diversity of cess of choosing a camp: The more Pack a personal item from educational and developmentally chal- that the child owns the decision, the home: Consider a stuffed animal. lenging learning opportunities.

30 QUEENS Family • May 2010 v

CAMP OPEN HOUSE Come Visit Us at Our Camp Grounds in Wheatley Heights or Come to the SFY Every Wednesday from 6-8PM

Sunday May 2, 12:00pm – 2:00pm At Our Camp Groundss#OLONIAL3PRINGS2OAD 7HEATLEY(EIGHTS .9 #!,,4O0RE 2EGISTER

Ext. 261

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 31 camps We’d all love to go to camp! Long Island Family’s first annual Camp Fair sets up the season

ONG ISLAND FAMILY held our first Annual Camp Fair on Sun- L day, April 18th at The Walt Whitman Mall. It was a beautiful day and more than 24 camps and summer pro- grams were set up to meet and greet prospective campers and their parents in this stunning mall centrally located in Huntington. It’s not too late to sign on if you haven’t already chosen a program for your child and all of these camps offer fantastic fun for your children this summer. Turnout was great and the day was gorgeous and bright and the foot traffic was super. Music Parties with Richard was present to enter- tain and face painting was going on as well. A lot of kids were walking around the mall that day with some fabulous faces! Costumed charac- ters roamed and made merry. New York Life Insurance was also present with a sizeable staff provid- ing FREE Child I.D. cards. They take the child’s photo, fingerprint them and create an up-to-date profile of the child that gets stored on a card for safe keeping in case of emer- gencies. They also were informing parents of how to create a happier, safer environment for children. The staff of LONG ISLAND FAM- ILY mingled and assembled an im- pressive list of local moms who are crazy about LONG ISLAND FAMILY and who have become FACEBOOK fans. Become a FAN also by clicking on our FACEBOOK link on our web- site at www.webfamilyny.com and get entered to win some Broadway show tickets for your family. This is only the beginning of the great events we plan on sponsoring for Long Island. Watch in the months ahead for our promotions and definitely come out and see us! Thanks to all the camps and to the many fine people we got to meet who represent these terrific Sum- mer Programs. It was a real plea- sure and we wish everyone a great summer camp season! 32 QUEENS Family • May 2010 camps

We’d all love to go to camp! Register now for our St. John Lutheran - Glendale 88-24 Myrtle Ave. Summer program BuildingBuilding a Long Island Family’s first annual Camp Fair sets up the season City WiDe fielD tRiPS • teNNiS & BASketBAll • SWimmiNg & DANCiNg Saturday April 10th, 10:00am - 1:00pm betterbetter future,future, one mAtH, ReADiNg & SCieNCe • ARtS & CRAftS • tHeme BASeD PARtieS Saturday April 24th, 10:00am - 1:00pm Saturday May 4 th, 10:00am - 1:00pm child at a time ONG ISLAND FAMILY held our NeigHBoRHooD WAlkiNg tRiPS child at a time Saturday May 24th, 10:00am - 1:00pm first Annual Camp Fair on Sun- Ages 2-5 1/2 Years day, April 18th at The Walt Full/Half Day Mon-Fri UPK Funded By ARTS & CRAFTS L Preschool ages: 2-5 Special Education MUSIC & DANCE Dept. of Education Whitman Mall. and school age: 5-12 Universal Pre-K LASER TAG It was a beautiful day and more SPORTS ACTIVITIES than 24 camps and summer pro- ACS/HRA VouCHeRS • PRiVAte PAy AfteR SCHool PRogRAm BOWLING MOVIES grams were set up to meet and • Early childhood classes for Community, SWIMMING greet prospective campers and THEME DAYS Universal Pre-K their parents in this stunning mall CARNIVALS • Integrated classes. PICNICS & BARBECUES centrally located in Huntington. It’s • Music and Art program TRANSFORMERS .. Ages 3-5 NATURE ACTIVITIES not too late to sign on if you haven’t • Hands on computer classes TRAILBLAZERS .. Ages 6-11 VIDEO GAMES PIONEERS .. Ages 12-15 already chosen a program for your • Multicultural classes and staff EXCITING TRIPS ! • Fully equipped classrooms PROFESSIONAL STAFF child and all of these camps offer We accpet A.C.D. & 1199 & T.W.U. Members fantastic fun for your children this • Meals freshly prepared daily Ages 3 to 15 summer. BUS SERVICE Turnout was great and the day licensed by N.y.C. Dept. of Health CAMP HOURS AVAILABLE was gorgeous and bright and the MON. - FRI. 7AM - 6PM foot traffic was super. Music Parties 9608 57th Avenue, Queens, NY 11368 WWW.BLUEDOLPHINSUMMERCAMP.COM For more information, call Lisa or Scarlet with Richard was present to enter- tain and face painting was going on 718-271-2294 • 718-213-4310 as well. A lot of kids were walking around the mall that day with some fabulous faces! Costumed charac- ters roamed and made merry. New York Life Insurance was also present with a sizeable staff provid- ing FREE Child I.D. cards. They take the child’s photo, fingerprint them and create an up-to-date profile of the child that gets stored on a card for safe keeping in case of emer- gencies. They also were informing parents of how to create a happier, safer environment for children. The staff of LONG ISLAND FAM- ILY mingled and assembled an im- pressive list of local moms who are crazy about LONG ISLAND FAMILY and who have become FACEBOOK fans. Become a FAN also by clicking on our FACEBOOK link on our web- site at www.webfamilyny.com and get entered to win some Broadway show tickets for your family. This is only the beginning of the great events we plan on sponsoring for Long Island. Watch in the months ahead for our promotions and definitely come out and see us! Thanks to all the camps and to the many fine people we got to meet who represent these terrific Sum- mer Programs. It was a real plea- sure and we wish everyone a great summer camp season! May 2010 • QUEENS Family 33 Spring/Summer 2009 NEW YORK Winter 2010 FREE FREE new york SPECIAL www.familyresourceny.com CHILD SPECIAL CHILD Over www.familyresourceny.com 50 Resources S.M.A.R.T. IEP Goals Advocating for your child Acceptance is the key Making school Being a sense-ational What’s the Fabulous Diagnosis? Grandparent A tail-wagging to a special needs child solution

The next issue of New York Special Child Is Coming Soon!

Please call 718-260-8336 or email us to get more info, find out where you can pick up a copy, have a copy mailed to you, or get distribution. To advertise call 718-260-4554 [email protected]

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 34 2010 NYC REAL ESTATE EXPO Combining Residential and Commercial Real Estate – This Is the Largest Expo of Its Kind in Our Community Just in time for Spring Open Houses, join us to receive timely information from nearly 50 professional companies in the Real Estate Industry, plus attend Seminars given by the US Small Business Administration on Fixed Asset Financing for small businesses and NYC Department of Buildings on building and ECB violations and so much more … Admission is FREE plus countless Lucky Draw Prizes! Date: Saturday, May 22, 2010 Time: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Location: Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel 2nd Floor Ball Room, 135-20 39th Avenue Flushing, NY 11354 718-460-6666

Organized by CAREA USA, INC. with special acknowledgements for the US Small Business Administration, NYC Department of Buildings and Sing Tao Daily as media sponsor. CAREA USA, INC. 3708 Main St., Suite 217, Flushing, NY 11354 718-886-2210 • Fax 718-886-2207 • [email protected]

“Absolutely Magical!” - Time Out New York Kids

A magical, musical, one-of-a-kind, interactive, undersea adventure for kids of all ages! It’s jam-packed with original music ranging from swing to R&B to Big Band and it’s a blast from the first big splash to the last wave goodbye.

Telecharge.com or 212.239.6200 340 West 50th Street, NYC ImaginOceanTheMusical.com Photos: Aaron Epstein

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 35 www.familyresourceny.comwww.webfamilyny.com

Are you ... s,OOKINGFORFAMILYFRIENDLYACTIVITIES s7ANTINGTOCONNECTWITHOTHERPARENTS s)NTERESTEDINPARENTFOCUSEDARTICLESTO INFORMANDINTRIQUE

Our growing Web Community is waiting for you! Places to post, vote and have your voices heard too. Check It Out Today!

Education, Activities, Party, Camp, Special Needs, Baby;these are just a few of the reasons why MOMS are coming to www.familyresourceny.com

36 QUEENS Family • May 2010 Going Places Long-running La Leche League: Call for location Submit a listing (718) 626-4833) Going Places is dedicated to bringing our readers the most Meets each month providing free in- comprehensive events calendar formaiton and support for pregnant in your area. But to do so, we women and breastfeeding mothers and need your help! their babies All your have to do is send Widow, Widower’s Divorced and your listing request to calendar@ Single: 95 Stewart Avenue; Hicksville; cnglocal.com — and we’ll take (718) 395-8303); $7. care of the rest. Please e-mail Support group for 40 plus individuals - requests more than three weeks meets each Wednesday. prior to the event to ensure we have enough time to get it in. Compassionate Friends: (718) 767- And best of all, it’s FREE! 0904); 8:30 pm. Non-profit bereavement group for those parents that have experienced the training and professional support. death of a child. The group meets the third Friday of every month. Support Group: Mid-Island Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road; 516-822-3535 X Children’s Storytime: Barnes & 326; www.miyjcc.org; Wednesdays and Noble, 176-60 Union Turnpike; (718) Fridays, 10 am – 2 pm. 380-7077; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 Amazon adventure Shabbat Respite program provides a am & 7 pm, Free. supportive and nurturing environment Storytime fosters the love of reading ill you Survive the trek? this hands-on, bilingual exhibit, for your loved one who is suffering from with weekly children’s storytimes and a Take a voyage along including wrestling with a life- Alzheimer’s disease or early onset de- cookie break. W the world’s most di- size, soft, sculpted anaconda, ex- mentia including socialization, cognitive Support Group: Central Queens verse river, the Amazon, without amine animations of four species stimulation activities, art therapy and YM&WYHA, 67-09 108th St. (718) the bother of a passport or hav- of piranhas and reaching inside more. Led by licensed social workers, 268-5011 X500; Dstar @cqyjcc.org. ing to board a plane. The Amazon the belly of a replica piraiba, the coffee tea and a nutritious kosher lunch www.cqyjcc.org. Exhibit at the New York Hall of largest Amazonian catfish. provided. To schedule an appointment Coming Back from Cancer provides Science is running from May 8 New York Hall of Science, [47-01 or additional information call Doreen. cancer patients a therapeutic exercise program including stretching to address through Aug. 22 . Visitors hop on a 111th St. Corona, (718) 699-0005]. Children’s Garden Session - range of movement limitation issues, replica of a riverboat and hear the Shows daily beginning May 8. Tick- Spring: Queens Botanical Garden, core strengthening, resistance training tale of “The Seven Perils” as told ets are $11 adults ($8 children 2-17; 43-50 Main Street; (718) 886-3800 X and aerobic activity and is open to those by Mo, the riverboat captain. college students with valid ID and 230; [email protected]; www. who are currently in treatment or in any Come along and see vicious seniors 62 plus) For more informa- queensbotanical.org; Saturdays, 9:30 am – Noon, Now – Sat, June 12; $325 stage of recovery. For an interview or fish, giant anaconda, giant cat- tion visit their Web Site at www. additional information about days, times (+10 percent discount for QBG family fish and many other riches in NYSci.org. and fees call Robin Budnetz. members). The “Green” program offers kids, Lizards and Snakes - Alive: Ameri- ages 5 to 12 the opportunity to practice can Museum of Natural History, Central scheduled individually) Job placement and Thursdays, 4–5 pm, Now – Thurs, different sustainable gardening tech- Park West at W. 79th Street; (212) 769- assistance is provided, career counseling April 29; $14. niques, such as composting and mulch- 5200; www.amnh.org. $24 adults; ($14 and follow up services; Five week course. This program teaches basic water children; $18 for seniors/ students). ing and learn about the reuse and recy- safety and swimming skills to children cling of materials. See a diversity of legged and legless Friendship Group: Friedberg JCC, 15 (ages 6-14) Space is limited for this free lizards representing more than 20 spe- Neil Court; (516) 766-4341; www.fried- program and children will be accepted Training Group: The Animal Medical cies from all over the world. berg.org; Daily, 2–3 pm. Center, 510 East 62nd St. (854)-230- Friendship Group of Middle School on a first-come-first-serve basis. Job Training Program: YWCA of 6406; [email protected]; meets daily for students with Disabilities Childcare Training: Blanche Daycare www.volunteer.guidingeyes.org; Free. Queens, 42-07 Parsons Boulevard; (718) and provides an opportunity for Disabled 353-4553; THolloway@ywcaqueens. Center, 44-02 Beach Channel Drive; Guiding Eyes for the Blind seeks vol- Middle School children in the community (646) 229-0322; Mondays and Thurs- unteers to foster future guide dog pup- org; Mondays – Thursdays, 9:30 am– meet and enjoy events at the JCC. Come 12:20 pm and 2–4:50 pm, Now – Mon, days, 6:30 – 9 pm, Now – Thurs, April pies. All training, support and veterinary swim in the indoor pool, hang out in the May 10; Free. 29; Free. expenses are provided free of charge. renovated teen lounge and participate in BOC (Business Outreach Center Net- Pre-placement classes are held at the This program is for immigrant adults exciting art projects. and is presented by the YWCA of work, Inc) and Blanche Community Dog Spa in Chelsea at 32 West 25th Queens. Requirements are - 16 years of Swimming Lessons: Roy Wilkins Progressive Day Care are offering a Street. Required weekly raiser classes are age or older with valid documentation Recreation Center, 177th Street & Bais- child care business development train- held on Sunday evenings at the Center. and ID and Intermediate English speak- ley Boulevard; 718-760-6969 or 311; ing course. This is a nine-week, 45 hour Call for specific location & time. ing proficiency, (speaking test will be www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers; Tuesdays comprehensive program of business Continued on page 38 May 2010 • QUEENS Family 37 Going Places Continued from page 37 The residents of Douglas Manor are Balance Training: Central Queens banning together to have a combined YM & YWHA, 67-09 108th Street; (718) block sale, which proceeds will ben- 268-5011; www.cqyjcc.org; Tuesdays, efit the beautification of the Douglas- 10:45 – 11:45 am, Now – Tues, June 29; ton area. Maps will be given out by the $55, ($72.00 Non-Members). Douglaston Station near Diego’s Food This class is designed to focus on Store. The blocks included cover Ards- improving dynamic balance while re- ley Road to The Point and East Drive to sponding safely to posturally challeng- Shore Road. ing ambulatory tasks, such as changing Adoption Seminar: Family Focus directions to walk forward or laterally; Adoption Services, 54-40 Little Neck walking on a plank, turning, bending, Parkway - Suite 4; (718) 224-1919; stepping on & off curbs, stepping over www.familyfocusadoption.org; 10am; obstacles, bouncing & catching a ball, Free. and more. Do you need help in adopting children Jewish Mysticism: Central Queens you found on the internet? This two YM & YWHA, 67-09 108th Street; (718) hour informational meeting helps pro- 268-5011; www.cqyjcc.org; Wednes- spective parents learn the realities about days, 11:20 am, $54 (non-members). interstate adoption of children through The course takes a closer look at tra- internet searching, placement of older ditional and modern interpretations of Giulia Piccari children and teens, and infant and inter- Jewish mysticism and is taught by Rabbi national adoption. Irwin Goldenberg. Earth Day at the Beach: Rockaway Dance and rhythm Beach, B. 28 Street and Boardwalk; 311; Support Group: Parkway Commu- www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers; 12–4 pm; nity Church, 95 Stewart Ave; (516)-395- et ready to shake your enthusiastic original score. 8303; Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, $7. Free. rump with the Treehouse Then, on May 12 and 13, teens Rockaway’s 4th annual celebration in- A dynamic discussion and support Shakers. can learn about their body with group for 40 plus individuals, who are G cludes environmental programs, arts and widowed,divorced or single. The theater company presents “Let’s Talk About IT,” which tells crafts, and entertainment fun and infor- two productions for children and the story of the teen anatomy mative to boot. Fiesta Mexicana: Thalia Spanish The- teens that offer a look at modern as it transitions from childhood Bike Tour: Fort Totten Park, Front atre, 41-17 Greenpoint Avenue; (718) dance through innovative story- to adulthood. Will give you one 729-3880; www.thaliatheatre.org; Gage - Intersection of Totten Road and Thursdays – Saturdays, 8 pm, Sundays, telling. guess as to what “IT” is. Cross Island Parkway; 311; www.nyc. 4 pm, Now – Sun, May 9; $30 ( $27 stu- First up, on May 4 and 7, it’s “Animal Rhythms” at The Ailey gov/parks/rangers; 1 pm; Free. dents and seniors; $25 for Thursday and “Animal Rhythm,” an adaptation Citigroup Theater, Joan Weill Cen- Pedal your way through Fort Totten Friday performances). of two African folktales – “The ter for Dance [405 W. 55th St. at and learn it’s history back to the Civil Led by artistic director Yloy Ybarra, Day it Rained” and “Jackal and Ninth Avenue in Manhattan, (212) War. There will be several stops along the tour highlighting special buildings. dancers Natalia Brillante, Cecilia Ortega, Hare.” 715-1914] on May 4 and 7 at 11 am. Bring your own bike and helmet too! Lizette Palacios, Alda Reuter, Judith Sha- Through the use of body drum- Tickets $15; “Let’s Talk About IT” at piro, Noe Dominguez and Yloy Ybarra ming and modern dance, audi- Manhattan Movement and Arts Cen- Puppetry Workshop: Flushing Town perform. - Special guest appearance by ences explore rhythm as they cre- ter [248 W. 60th St. near West End Av- Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard; (718) Daniel Soberanes from ZAZHIL Special 463-7700; www.flushingtownhall.org; ate the sounds of the ancient story enue in Manhattan, (212) 715-1914] performance May 5 at 7pm - $50. 2 pm; $21 per child/ $15 per member drum using their own bodies. The on May 12 and 13 at 11 am and May child $8 per child/ $6 member child). All “Till Death Do Us Part - Late Nite stories are further illustrated by 15 at 2 pm. Tickets are $20. Catechism 3”: Queens Theatre in the materials included. For info, visit www.TreeHouse- Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park; bright costumes and live Afro- Participants will make and bring to life (718) 760-0064; www.queenstheatre. influenced movement set to an Shakers.com. puppets and interactive scenery. Regis- org; Friday, May 7, 8 pm; Saturday, May ter for one workshop or sign your child 8, 2 pm; Sunday, May 9, 3 pm; Wednes- up for the whole series! Ted Killmer, for- day, May 19, 2 pm; Thursday, May 20, Learn about the world’s most biologi- will astound and delight children of all mer puppeteer and current FCCA Board 2 pm; Friday, May 21, 8 pm; Saturday, cally diverse river in Amazon Voyage - ages. Member facilitates the workshops. May 22, 2 pm; Sunday, May 23, 3 pm; Vicious Fishes and Other Riches in this $32 weekdays ($35 Sat. matinees; $38 hands-on, bilingual exhibit on view. Sat, May 1 Sun, May 2 Sat. evenings and Sun. matinees). Big Apple Circus: The Big Top at This is the third installment of a popu- Dance Festival: Jamaica Center for Flea Market: St. Raphael’s Church, Cunningham Park, Francis Lewis Bou- lar comedic series wherein a Catholic the Performing Arts, 153-10 Jamaica 35-20 Greenpoint Avenue; (718) 729- levard and Union Turnpike; (888) 541- nun teaches her world-views to audi- Avenue; www.jcal.org; Call for times; 8957; 9 am–4 pm; $30 (tables). 3750; (800) 922-3772. www.bigap- ences. Be prepared for “classroom par- Call for fees. Ten-foot spots available. Open to the plecircus.org; Saturday, May 22, 12:30 ticipation” in this laugh-filled lesson. Making Moves is a day-long dance general public. pm; Sunday, May 23, 12:30 pm; Tues- This time around, in ‘Til Death Do Us festival celebrating dance artistry. The day, May 25, 11 am; Wednesday, May Because Kids Don’t Come with Part, the Sister ruminates on marriage line up begins with a free outdoor mati- 26, 11 am; Thursday, May 27, 11 am; Fri- Instructions: JCCA Forest Hills Child and creates her own Newlywed Game, nee performance. Tickets may be pur- day, May 28, 11 am; Saturday, May 29, Care Center, 108-05 68th Road; (212) Catholic-style, in an interactive marriage- chased online at or at Jamaica Center 12:30 pm; Sunday, May 30, 12:30 pm; 558-9949; www.jccany.org/ametz; 10 counseling session. for Arts & Learning - 161-04 Jamaica Monday, May 31, 12:30 pm; Wednes- am; $10 per person. Avenue,Jamaica - Monday – Saturday, day, June 2, 11 am; Thursday, June 3, Post-Adoptive Support Group for par- Amazon Exhibit: New York Hall of 10am – 5pm. Science, 47-01 111th St. 718-699-0005; 11 am; Friday, June 4, 11 am; Saturday, ents and children. www.nysci.org; Daily, call for times; be- June 5, 12:30 pm; Sunday, June 6, 12:30 Neighborhood Sale: Douglas Bike Tour: 1 pm. See Saturday, May 1. ginning Sat, May 8; $11 adults ($8 chil- pm; Start at $15. Manor, Douglaston train station (Port dren 2-17; college students with valid ID Bello is Back at the Big Apple Circus Washington Line); (718) 225-3111; 10 Jeanne Ruddy Dance: Queens The- and seniors 62 plus). - Along with his fellow performers they am – 5 pm; Free. ater for the Performing Arts, Flushing 38 QUEENS Family • May 2010 Going Places Meadows; (718) 760-0064; queensthe- way; (718) 352-1769; www.nyc.gov/ atre.org; 3 pm; $33. parks/rangers; 1 pm; Free. Award winning Jeanne Ruddy Dance Try and find all the creepy, crawly in- showcases original works by Artistic Di- sects that Fort Totten is home to. rector, Jeanne Ruddy. Concert: The Theatre at Madison 85th Anniversary Cocktail Party: Square Garden, 7th Avenue between Immaculate Conception Center, 7200 West 31st and West 33rd streets; www. Douglaston Parkway; (631) 363-2422 ticketmaster.com; wwwMarqueeCon- X 2060; www.tildonkursuline.org; 3–7 certs.com; 7:30 pm; $49.50; $59.40; pm; $75; ($25 each or 5/$100 50/50 $69.50; $79.50. raffle; journal ads $50; Sponsorship - Treat your mom to a special Mother’s call for details). Day show and transport her back in time Come celebrate the 85th Anniversary with soul and R&B artists, The Whispers of the Ursuline Sisters at this milestone and Teena Marie. event. Dance: Queens Theatre in the Park, Mon, May 10 Flushing Meadows Corona Park; (718) Preparing for HS with Mariko 760-0064; www.queenstheatre.org. 3 Sakita: ASAC - Queens Services for pm; $33 (discounted for groups, seniors the Autism Community, 25-09 Broad- and students, $28, $31; $20). way; (212) 677-4650; gshulman@re- Jeanne Ruddy Dance presents an eve- sourcesnyc.org; resourcesnycdatabase. ning of original work choreographed org; 10 am – 1 pm; Free. by the company’s founder (and former Workshops for families and profes- Martha Graham principal dancer) Jeanne sionals needing programs and services Ruddy. for children with disabilities.

Tues, May 4 Wed, May 12 The Earth Today with Carter Em- Book Club & Performance Se- mart: American Museum of Natural ries: Queensborough Performing Arts History (Hayden Planetarium), 79 Street They’re dhol-ing it out Center, 222-05 56th Avenue; (718) 631- And Central Park West; (212) 769-5100; 6311; www.theatermania.com; 10:30 www.amnh.org; 6:30 pm; $15 adults; alled one of New York trumpet, sax and trombone. am; $10 ($8 for 20 or more). $13.50 (members, students, seniors). City’s best kept secrets Playing original tunes, tradi- Are You My Mother? Performance and Take the journey of a lifetime and visit by National Geographic tional folk songs and its take on book event. For children ages 4-10. the stars as Emmart debuts the most C (well, NationalGeographic.com) Bollywood classics, Red Baraat’s current NASA data to be displayed. Sketching Workshop: 1:30 pm. See Red Baraat, the first (and only) beat can be enjoyed by all ages, Wednesday, May 5. dhol and brass band playing in from Bombay to Bayside. Wed, May 5 these United States, will deliver Red Baraat in concert, Flushing Sketching Workshop: Central another searing performance at Town Hall, [137-35 Northern Blvd., Thurs, May 13 Queens YM & YWHA, 67-09 108th Flushing Town Hall on Sunday, Flusning. (718) 463-7700] Sunday, Book Club & Performance Series: Street; (718) 268-5011; www.cqyjcc.org; May 16 at 2:15 pm. May 16, 2010 at 2:15 pm. Tickets are 10:30 am. See Wednesday, May 12. 1:30 pm; $30 ($35 non-members). Led by drummer Sunny Jain, $12 for adults and $8 for children, Artist and teacher Eric March dem- “The Beatles Explosion”: Suffolk Y who handles the ancient Indian ($10 for adult members and students onstrates how to sketch the sights of JCC, 74 Hauppauge Rd; (631) 462-9800 springtime. Each day of the workshop percussion instrument like no with ID; $6 for children members.) X140; [email protected]; 7 pm; $4 pp. there will be a focus on one or two one else, the band features a For more visit www.FlushingTown- The Center for Jewish Living and common motifs in the landscape. No nine-piece orchestra including hall.org. Learning presents a showing of the prior experience required. Space is lim- 2008 documentary film which charts the ited, pre-registration required. The fee stratospheric rise of the band during the includes all materials. Visitor Center, Woodhaven Boulevard Sun, May 9 60’s. Film and dessert of cream tanger- and Forest Park Drive; (718) 846-2731; ine and coconut fudge. Nature Walk: Alley Pond Park, Enter www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers; 11 am; Fri, May 7 the park at Winchester Boulevard under Reading Between the Lines: Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Story Sharers: Central Library, 89-11 Free. the Grand Central Parkway; (718) 217- Whitman Road; (631) 427-5240; www. Merrick Blvd. (718) 990-0700; www. Strack Pond in Forest Park is a haven 4685; www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers; 11 waltwhitman.org; Call for fees. queenslibrary.org; 4 pm; Free. of herpetology and one of the best am; Free. Reading and discussion series featur- Teens read their favorite picture books What better way to celebrate Moth- places in NYC to observe reptiles and ing works selected by Maxwell C. Wheat to children, and children read aloud to amphibians in action. er’s Day than a stroll through the Jr., Poet Laureate of Nassau County. teens at weekly story sharing gatherings. wildflowers. Teens can earn community service hours Arts and Crafts: Fort Totten Park, En- Bayside Glee Club: Bayside Histori- by participating. ter park, norther of intersection of 212 Fri, May 14 cal Society, 208 Toten AVenue - Box Street and CrossIsland Parkway; (718) 6 - Fort Totten; (718) 352-1548; www. Story Sharers: 4 pm. See Friday, Sat, May 8 352-1769; www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers; baysidehistorical.org; 12:30 pm; Free. May 7. Writing Workshop: Central Library, 1 pm; Free. Henry McDonagh III, leads this all- 89-11 Merrick Blvd. (718) 990-0700; Children can put their artistic talents male chorus. Sat, May 15 www.queenslibrary.org; 10:30 am; Free. to work and make something special for Nature Walk: Fort Totten Visitors It’s My Park Day: Bayside Histori- Improve Your Writing Skills. mom. Children must be accompanied by Center, Enter the park north of intersec- cal Society, 208 Toten AVenue - Box 6 - Science Workshop: Forest Park an adult. tion 212 Street and Cross Island Park- Continued on page 40 May 2010 • QUEENS Family 39 Going Places Continued from page 39 Mon, May 17 Fort Totten; (718) 352-1548; www.bay- sidehistorical.org; call for times; Free. Book Club & Performance Se- Help clean up Fort Totten Park as part ries: Queensborough Performing Arts of the partnership for Parks’ It’s My Park Center, 222-05 56th Avenue; (718) 631- Day. 6311; www.theatermania.com; 10:30 am; $10 ($8 for 20 or more). Philadanco: Queens Theater for the From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil Performing Arts, Flushing Meadows; E. Frankweiler. Performance and book (718) 760-0064; queenstheatre.org; 12 event. For children ages 4-10. am; $41-$44. Classical Concert: Flushing Town Philadelphia Dance Company fuses Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard; (718) ballet, modern and ethnic dance. 463-7700; www.flushingtownhall. Fearless Tour 2010: Nassau Veterans org; 7 pm; $15/$5 Members, Seniors & Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Children. Turnpike; (800) 745-3000; www.ticket- Delightful performance by two stel- master.com; www.nassaucoliseum.com. lar student ensembles visiting from the 7 pm; $73, $63 & $28.50. Philippines. Taylor Swift together with Kellie Pick- ler and Gloriana rock the town. Tues, May 18 Writing Workshop: 10:30 am. See Book Club & Performance Series: Saturday, May 8. 10:30 am. See Monday, May 17. Scavenger Hunt: Fort Totten Visitors Adoption Seminar: 7 pm. See Satur- Center, enter park, norther of intersec- Get closer to lizards day, May 1. tion of 212 Street and CrossIsland Park- way; 311; www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers; mall and shy — or big and and low. and below ground. 1 pm; Free. fierce? Bright as a jewel These ancient creatures, Wed, May 19 Kids put their wildlife investigation S — or hardly visible? Four whose scientific name is Latin Open House: 6:30 pm. See Wednes- skills to work and search for natures’ legs? Two legs? No legs at all? for “scaled,” is more diverse than day, April 28. treasures. All ages welcome. When you’re talking about lizards mammals, and as old as the giant Puppetry Workshop: 2 pm. See Sat- and snakes — the squamates — beasts whose fossilized remains Fri, May 21 urday, May 1. the answer is usually … YES! are also a big attraction at the Story Sharers: 4 pm. See Friday, Over 60 varities of the the mod- mueseum. May 7. Sun, May 16 ern world’s answer to dinosaurs American Museum of Natural His- are on an exhibit during “Lizards tory, [Central Park West at W. 79th 2010 Ballet Spring Performance: Philadanco: 12 am. See Saturday, and Snakes — Alive, at the Ameri- St., Manhattan, (212) 769-5200] for Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay May 15. College, 899 Tenth Avenue; (212) 279- can Museum of Natural History more information visit their Web site 4200; www.ticketcentral.com; 7 pm; Farm Fest: Queens County Farm Mu- now through September 2. at www.amnh.org. $35-$55. seum, 7350 Little Neck Parkway; (718) Lizards aand snakes can be Tickets include Museum admis- 347-3276; www.queensfarm.org; 11 am The BAE Student Company Spring Per- found everywhere: from harsh sion — $24 adults; ($14 children; $18 – 4 pm; $3 pp. formance returns to present its very pop- desert to lush rainforest, high for seniors/ students). ular Pre-Professional Division of Ballet Celebrate the return of spring with a Academy East in works choreographed visit to the farm. by renowned artists of the dance world. Fearless Tour 2010: Nassau Veterans org; 1 pm; $4 adults/$2 children/free for activities about the water cycle and The program includes Sans Souci, cho- reographed by Alan Hineline, created in Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead members with ticket purchase to 2:15 conservation. 1997 for the Central Pennsylvania Youth Turnpike; (800) 745-3000; www.ticket- pm show. master.com; www.nassaucoliseum.com. Open Mic: Central Library, 89-11 Mer- Ballet; and Cinderella’s Ball, choreo- Interactive Arts Workshop. Ages 8 7 pm; $73, $63 & $28.50. rick Blvd. (718) 990-0700; www.queen- graphed by Roger Van Fleteren in 1997 and up. Discover the richness of Indian slibrary.org; 2–4 pm; Free. for Alabama Ballet. Taylor Swift together with Kellie Pick- culture through dance, rhythms, instru- ler and Gloriana rock the town. Poet Andres Castro will be reading. ments, and language and learn bhangra Ballet: Gerald W. Lynch Theater at All are invited to participate in this free John Jay College, 988 Tenth Avenue; Animal Benefit: Little Shelter Animal and gaarba, the folk dances of India. open mic. Rescue and Adoption Center, 33 Warner (212) 279-4200; www.ticketcentral. Nature Walk: Fort Totten Visitors Road; (631) 368-8770 X205; www.slit- Open Mic: Central Library, 89-11 Mer- com; 7 pm; $35 - $55. Center, enter park, norther of intersec- tleshelter.com; 12–5 pm; Call for pricing. rick Blvd. (718) 990-0700; www.queen- The BAE Student Company Spring Per- tion of 212 Street and CrossIsland Park- Peace, Love and Paw Prints abound slibrary.org; 2 pm; Free. formance returns to present its very pop- way; 311; www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers; at LIttle Shelter’s fundraising event. Just An open reading with poet Andres ular Pre-Professional Division of Ballet 1 pm; Free. purchase an item from Little Shelter’s Castro. All are invited to participate until Academy East in works choreographed wish list at Petport with a value of $10 Hidden beneath Fort Totten’s history 4 p.m. by renowned artists of the dance world. or make a cash donation and receive a is a world of wildflowers -come and explore. Jazz Concert: Flushing Town Hall, ten minute session and 4X6 print free. 137-35 Northern Boulevard; (718) 463- Sat, May 22 Then if you like, it, which we know you Dr. Nebula’s Laboratory: American 7700; www.flushingtownhall.org; 2:15 Real Estate Expo: Sheraton LaGuar- will, you can take advantage of the Museum of Natural History (Kaufman pm; $12/$10 Members and Students dia East Hotel, 135-20 39th Avenue; special pricing packages available to all Theater), 79 Street And Central Park with I.D.; $8 Children/$6 Member (718) 460-0666; [email protected]; donors. (schedule appointment for Le West; (212) 769-5100; www.amnh.org; Children. 11 am–3 pm; Call for fees. Marks Fine Art Photography). 2 pm; $10 adults; $8 children (Members Led by drummer Sunny Jain, Red Ba- Presented by the Chinese American Catch the Bhangra Beat: Flushing $9/$7 children). raat is the first and only dhol and brass Real Estate Association, USA Inc.,the Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard; Interactive Science Theater allows band in the States. Meet the Artists fol- event features two seminars - Fixed (718) 463-7700; www.flushingtownhall. children to explore through hands-on lowing the 2:15 pm performance. Asset Financing for Small Business and 40 QUEENS Family • May 2010 Going Places Building and ECB Violations. Best Practices - Ethics and Day -to-Day Adoption with Madelyn Freundlich, Child Painting Workshop: Fort Totten Visitors Center, enter park, norther of Welfare Consultant. intersection of 212 Street and CrossIs- A Mexican fiesta land Parkway; 311; www.nyc.gov/parks/ June 4, 5, 6 rangers; 11 am; Free. lé, olé! Ballet Fiesta Create works of art using items col- Mexicana comes to the Curious George Live: Nassau lected around the park. Materials Thalia Spanish Theatre, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 O Hempstead Turnpike; (800) 745-3000; provided. now through May 9 with a special www.ticketmaster.com; www.nassau- Bike Tour: 1 pm. See Saturday, May 1. performance on May 5 at 7 p.m. celebrating Cinco de Mayo. coliseum.com. TBA; $103.50, $55.50, $40.50, $30.50, $25.50 & $18.50. Puppetry Workshop: 2 pm. See Sat- Dressed in traditional costume, urday, May 1. Ballet Fiesta Mexicana presents a The amazing ape does it again - 5 Performances! Ballet: 2 and 7 pm. See Friday, May 21. musical and dance extravaganza sity of Mexico’s vast culture in celebrating Mexico’s rich folk- motion. 2010 Ballet Spring Performance: loric history. Foremost, the company works Sat, June 5 7 pm and 2 pm. See Friday, May 21. Featuring singer Daniel Sober- diligently to preserve and show- Family Camping: Alley Pond Park, anes of Zazhil and the all-female case the rich artistic heritage of Enter at Winchester Boulevard under Sun, May 23 Mariachi Flor de Toloache, the Mexico’s performing arts. the Grand Central Parkway; 718-217- Hawk Watch: Astoria Park, Parking music and dance highlights the Performance times are Thursday, 4685; www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers/reg- lot on Hoyt Avenue and 19th Street; regions of Jalisco, Veracruz, Chia- Friday and Saturday at 8 pm and on ister; 6 pm; Free. (212) 691-7483; www.nycaudubon.org; pas and Michoacán. The compa- Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets are $30; $27 Enjoy a night out in the woods in this 11 am; Free. ny’s vibrant repertoire of regional students and seniors and a special annual camping adventure. There will Team up with the Rangers and NYC dances, accompanied by live ma- price of $25 on Thursday and Friday be a barbecue cookout and a night hike. Audubon to observe the Red-Tailed Tents, dinner and a light breakfast pro- Hawks. space is limited. riachi, provides a stunning per- Only. The Cinco De Mayo perfore- formance. mance at 7 p.m. is $50. vided. Bring your own sleeping bags. Bike Tour: 1 pm. See Saturday, May 1. Ballet Fiesta Mexicana was Thalia Spanish Theatre, [41-17 Must register by May 26. Family Archaeology Workshop: founded by Director/Choreogra- Greenpoint Avenue; (718) 729-3880]. Bayside Historical Society, 208 Toten pher Yloy Ybarra in 1999 and For more visit the Web Site at www. Sun, June 6 AVenue - Box 6 - Fort Totten; (718) 352- celebrates the beauty and diver- ThaliaTheatre.org. Because Kids Don’t Come with 1548; www.baysidehistorical.org; 2 Instructions: 10 am. See Sunday, pm; Free. May 2. A hands-on family friendly workshop ing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boule- that explores archaeological method- vard; (718) 463-7700; www.flushing- ology and teaches the prehistory of townhall.org; 7 pm; $12/$10 Members coastal New York. There is also a scaven- & Students with I.D.; $8 Children/$6 ger hunt, handling artifacts and presen- Member Children. tation by instructors. Puppetry performance. For children Become a fan of 2010 Ballet Spring Performance: ages 8 and up. Meet the artists follow- 2 pm. See Friday, May 21. ing the performances. Queens Ballet: 2 pm. See Friday, May 21. Story Sharers: 4 pm. See Friday, May 7. Mon, May 24 Sat, May 29 Family Open Mic: Central Library, 89-11 Mer- rick Blvd. (718) 990-0700; www.queen- Health Walk: Kissena Park, Rose and on slibrary.org; 6 pm; Free. Oak avenues; 311; http//www.nyc.gov/ Do you like to sing, dance, read po- parks/rangers; 1 pm; Free. etry, play an instrument? If this sounds Take a fast-paced, healthy hike like something you’ll enjoy doing, come through Kissena Park. Bring hiking/ and join in. sneaker shoes and water. Fundraiser: Queens Theatre in the Teatro Hugo e Ines (Peru): See Fri- Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park; day, May 28. (718) 760-0686 X125; www.queensthe- atre.org; 6 pm; Call for fees. This year’s annual gala honors John R. Thurs, June 3 Buren, Hal G. Rosenbluth, and Caryn A. Training Workshop: JCCA, 120 Wall Schwab with a performance by Grammy Street; (212) 558-9949; www.jcany. nominee Oleta Adams. org/ametz; 9:30 am – Noon; $35 per person. Wed, May 26 Best Practices: Ethics and Day-to-Day Adoption Practice, led by Madelyn Fre- Sketching Workshop: 1:30 pm. See undlich; This is for professionals. Wednesday, May 5. Adoption Workshop: Ametz Adop- Fri, May 28 tion Program/JCC, 120 Wall Street; (212) 558-9949; www.jccany.org/ametztrain- Facebook Search: Queens Family Teatro Hugo e Ines (Peru): Flush- ing; 9:30 am – noon; $40 pp. May 2010 • QUEENS Family 41 ® THE TONY AWARD -WINNING Health COMEDY THRILLER! Heart-smart: get the red lowdown for a healthy life

”

“ABSURDLY ENJOYABLE! -Ben Brantley, The New York Times ILLUSTRATION BY MARK THOMAS TELECHARGE.COM or 212-239-6200 340 W. 50th St. 39StepsNY.com

e d a r w o o d cottages C with delight- ful junior suites on Astoria Sports Complex owner Steve Poliseno and Dr. Sharon Cadiz team up to help 600’ of white sand members see red on “National Wear Red Day.” beach only 30 min- isitors to the “Madison Americans are overweight and at utes from Montego Square Garden of Queens” risk for heart complications from Bay airport. Pebbles is the perfect choice for a fam- V were seeing red — and glad living a sedentary life. The group of it — when Astoria Sports Com- also cites that heart disease is the ily holiday spiced with adventure. For the small plex hosted a heart-smart seminar leading cause of death for American ones a full time Vacation Nanny is assigned to take in recognition of “National Wear Red men and women, with numerous care of everything from diapers to shell hunts. Full Day.” studies indicating that while women Owner Steve Poliseno and Dr. are more apt to be concerned about games center with Xbox and GameCube for teens. Sharon Cadiz, CEO and founder of breast cancer, their more likely killer For adults, all inclusive means sailing, camping out, 747 Seminars — CEO and founder of will be heart disease. 747 Seminars, helped alert the pub- More than half a million women tennis, soccer, scuba; reggae music, Jamaican, Ital- lic about making healthy lifestyle have heart attacks each year — ian and Continental Cuisine; all drinks; complete choices — during an information 100,000 are under 65 years of age, kids, teens & preteens program, native shows, free session at the facility on 38th Street, and more than 30,000 are under the between 34th and 35th avenues. age of 55 — states the research and WiFi property wide. Cadiz, a national speaker and advocacy group, which began its director of the Clinical Consultation national Go Red for Women cam- Program for the New York City Ad- paign in 2004 to help women be- www.fdrfamily.com ministration for Children’s Services, come aware of their risk for heart 800/654-1FdR (1337) wore a red outfit and handed out disease so that they can equip them- 888/FdR-KIDS (337-5437) red-papered literature for her talk selves with the proper tools and which she delivered in front of visi- knowledge to prevent heart attacks tors who sat on red couches to mark and strokes. the occasion. For more information, visit www. According to the American Heart goredforwomen.org, or 747seminars. Best Little Family Resort in Jamaica. Period. Association, nearly 67 percent of org. Log on to www.familyresourceny.com and register to win a Free voucher for four people to see the hit show ImagInOcean TM

PHILIP KATZ MICHAEL SHAWN LEWIS JOHN TARTAGLIA PRESENT ONLIVE STAGE!

A LIVE musical adventure as big as the ocean! From Tony Award-nominee John Tartaglia comes a magical, musical undersea adventure for kids of all ages. It’s fun, it’s interactive, and it’s a blast from the first big splash to the last wave goodbye.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: Wed. @ 11am, 2 & 7pm | Sat. @ 11am | Sun. @ 12pm For additional performances visit our website.

Telecharge.com or 212.239.6200 340 West 50th Street, NYC ImaginOceanTheMusical.com Hurry - Supply is limited! Be sure to fill out the form. Family Speech Center Evaluation & Therapeutic Services For Children & Adults Niki Stagias-Coulianidis, M.A., CCC-SLP • Errika Nathenas-Dimitrakis, M.S., CCC-SLP SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPY • Articulation/Oral Motor Therapy • Myofunctional Therapy • Early Childhood Intervention (0 - 3 Yrs.) • School-Age Language Disabilities • Foreign Accent Improvement Program • Adult Language Disorders Office Visits By Appointment (718) 939-0306 25-32 168 Street, Flushing, NY 11358

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 43 Going Places Thurs, May 6 Science Workshop: Queens Public Library at Hillcrest, 187-05 Union Turn- This month at the pike; (718) 454-2786; 4:30; Free. A LEAP scientist works with students age 11-14 to conduct experiments that demonstrate the properties of light waves, optics, the color spectrum, and lenses. Students learn about refraction Queens Libraries and reflection by building kaleidoscopes or periscopes. Space is limited. Preregis- tration is required. (718) 426-2844; 6:30 pm; Free. ots and teens can enjoy of all — it’s all free. Ballet Folklórico Mexicano Yavidaxiu Wet-n-Wild Edventures: Queens exciting and educational For additional information visit a performs traditional folk music. Public Library at Central, 89-11 Merrick T events all month long at branch near you or online at www. Boulevard; (718) 990-0767; 4 pm; Free. the Queens Library, and — best queenslibrary.org) Tues, May 4 The event features amphibians and reptiles. Each animal is presented from Book Lecture: 2 pm. See Tuesday, the interactive adventure pond which Long-running the basics of color and exploring the April 27. contains 6 species of animals. For ages works of other masters - IRC Conference 11 to 14. Crocheting for Teens: Queens Pub- Room, 3rd Floor. Registration required. Science Workshop: Queens Public lic Library at Baisley Park, 117-11 Sutphin Library at Corona, 38-23 104th Street; Science Workshop: Queens Public Concert: Queens Public LIbrary at Blvd; (718) 529-1590; www.queenspub- (718) 426-2844; www.queenspublicli- Library at South Hollis, 204-01 Hollis Broadway, 40-20 Broadway; (718) 721- liclibrary.org; Thursdays, 4 pm, Now – brary.org; 4 pm; Free. Avenue; (718) 465-6779; 4 pm; Free. 2462; 3 pm; Free. Thurs, June 24; free. Water Ecology allows middle school- A LEAP scientist works with students Music of the Andes features Andes Teens learn how to crochet with ers to discover through experiments and age 11-14 to conduct experiments that Manta performing traditional folk music. Yvette Jackson and take home their activites in and out of the classroom, demonstrate the properties of light own creations. Yarn and needles will be Dances of India: Queens Public their own power to impact the eco- waves, optics, the color spectrum, and supplied. Library at Queens Village, 94-11 217 system both positively and negatively. lenses. Students learn about refraction Street; (718) 776-6800; 3 pm; Free. Students take water samples to test for and reflection by building kaleidoscopes Teen Zine: Queens Public Library at contamination, water density, salinity, or periscopes. Space is limited. Preregis- Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd; Classical Dance (Kathak) and Folk etc., explore photographs of healthy and tration is required. (718) 990-0767; www.queenspubli- Under the guidance of Ms. Roy, Srijan polluted water environments, and dis- clibrary.org; Thursdays, 4 pm, Now – Dance Center. Informational Meeting: Queens cuss issues such as the impact of human Thurs, June 24; free. Public Library at Queens Village, 94-11 Sun, May 2 choices on the environment. Pre-regis- 217 Street; (718) 776-6800; www. If you enjoy writing or drawing, or if tration is required. you like the idea of publishing a maga- queenspubliclibrary.org; 4 pm; Free. Concert: Queens Public Library at Cen- Girl Scouts monthly meeting. zine, we would love to publish you in tral Library, 89-11 Merrick Boulevard; Science Workshop: Queens Public our zine. (718) 990-0767; 3 pm; Free. Library at Corona, 38-23 104th Street; Girl Scout Meeting: Queens Public (718) 426-2844; 4 pm; Free. Game Day: Queens Public Library Quarteto Moderno led by acclaimed Library at Queens Village, 94-11 217 Middle School students learn through at Howard Beach, 92-06 156 Avenue; guitarist/vocalist Richard Boukas. Street; (718) 776-6800; www.queensli- experiments and activities. Pre-registra- (718) 641-7086; www.queenspublicli- brary.org; 4 pm; Free. tion is required. brary.org; Wednesdays, 3:30 pm, Now – Mon, May 3 Girls Scouts informational meeting. Wed, June 30; free. Health Workshop: Queens Public Arts & Crafts: Queens Public Library History Workshop: Queens Public Li- Nintendo Wii, checkers and other Library at Rego Park, 91-41 63rd Drive; at Hillcrest, 187-05 Union Turnpike; brary at Kew Gardens Hills, 72-33 Vleigh board games. Snacks are provided. (718) 459-5140; 4 pm; Free. (718) 454-2786; 4:30 pm; Free. Place; (718) 261-6654; 4 pm; Free. Young participants explore the diges- Youth Discussion Group: Queens Children and teens ages 6-14 make a George Washington and the Ameri- tive system, read food labels and learn Public Library at South Hollis, 204-01 great Mother’s day craft. can Revolution See and feel what it was about the importance of water, fiber, Hollis Avenue; (718) 465-6779; www. like to be a Revolutionary War soldier protein, and carbohydrates. For 11 to 14. queenspubliclibrary.org; Weekdays, 1:30 at the Boston Tea Party! Join consul- Pre-registration is required. Sat, May 8 pm, Mon, May 3 – Fri, May 28; Free. tants Robert Murphy, dressed in George Watercolor Workshop: Noon–2 Arts & Crafts: Queens Public Library Teens have an opportunity to share Washington’s uniform, and Jeffrey Car- pm. See Saturday, May 1. their views. duner, in typical colonial clothing. For at Queens Village, 94-11 217 Street; ages 6 to 14. Pre-registration required. (718) 776-6800; 4:30 pm; Free. The Sunnyside Sound Project: Teens! Bring your friends and create a Queens Public Library at Sunnyside, Sat, May 1 Family Film Day: Queens Public beautiful Mother’s Day memory box. 43-06 Greenpoint Avenue; (718) 784- Library at Queens Village, 94-11 217 Rites of Passage: Queens Public 3033; www.queenspubliclibrary.org; Street; (718) 776-6800; www.queens- Library at Langston Hughes, 100-01 2:30 pm; Free. publiclibrary.org; 5 pm; Free. Wed, May 5 Northern Boulevard; (718) 651-1100; 11 Queens writer Sabine Heinlein invites Enjoy a movie. am; Free. Braille Workshop: Queens Public Li- Sunnyside residents of all ages to tell, W I S E Saeeda Dunston conducts Cinco de Mayo: Queens Public Li- brary at Steinway, 21-45 31 Street; (718) write, and record their past and present- a Rites of Passage demonstration for brary at Corona, 38-23 104th Street; 728-1965; 4 pm; Free. day stories about the neighborhood. The young women. (718) 426-2844; queenspubliclibrary. All ages are welcome to learn about stories and podcasts will be featured org; 6:30 pm; Free. Louis Braille and his wonderful invention online. Watercolor Workshop: Queens of Braille code. Public Library at Flushing, 41-17 Main Celebrate with traditional music and Face-Changing: Queens Public Li- Street; (718) 592-9700 x135 and (718) dance performed by the children and Family Film Night: Queens Public brary at Bayside, 214-20 Northern Bou- 592-9700 x133; jose_r@queensmu- teenagers of Ballet Folklórico Mexicano Library at Queens Village, 94-11 217 levard; (718) 229-1834; 2:30 pm; Free. Yavidaxiu. seum.org or aichen@queensmuseum. Street; (718) 776-6800; 5 pm; Free. The ancient Chinese dramatic art is org. Noon–2 pm; Free. Cinco de Mayo: Queens Public Li- Enjoy a movie with your family and part of the more general Sichuan opera. Artist Georgie Flores teaches artists brary at Corona, 38-23 104th Street; friends. Continued on page 46 44 QUEENS Family • May 2010 ~ party planners ~

Moscow Circus Performer For All Occasions: ★ Clown All At A ReAsonAble PRice (718) 441-5764 ★ Juggler (718) 441-7796 ★ www.allinoneentertainment.com Magician Clowns • Magicians • Cartoon Characters ★ Balloons Brand New DJ Service • Arts & Crafts PARTY ROOM All Types of Bounce • Face Painting Sand/ ★ Live Dog Show w/Soft Play Area Spin Art • Balloon Artists Private Events • and much more!!! ★ Face Painting WEEkdAy SPEciAl STArTS AT $9000 917-804-0822 95-25 Jamaica Ave, Woodhaven, NY 11421 wwwArlekinA.com Happy Henry Carmini the magiCian “The Wizard/Magician Clown” Party Perfection Best prices in town Close Up Magic Professionals at its very finest Your audience will laugh and have a • Hands-on Magic great time at a fun-filled show with Premier Children’s entertainment • Balloon aniMals magic, comedy, audience participation, We Will Work With You To Customize The • Face Painting Right Party Package To Suit Your Budget • illusions and Hundreds fun for young and old oF costuMe cHaracters Costumed Characters • Fairytale Princess Parties Birthdays, Bar Mitzvahs, christenings, magic, Clowns, Ventriloquists, Balloons, Popcorn Carts • Cotton Candy • Snow Cones children’s and adult Parties Face Painting and Characters Bounce Houses • Sand/Spin Art • Magicians Corporate aCCounts welCome Pop Star Parties • Happy Clowns • & Lots More Fun seen Free Candy & Prize Giveaways on 917-617-3698 www.partyperfectionprofessionals.vpweb.com HBo www.HappyHenrytheWizard.com 718.633.9137 • 917.754.5755 347-255-0558

Over 25 Magical Theme Parties To Choose From Award-winning Balloon Art & Entertainment Children’s Parties “We Come To You” Bella Bee® H Cute Clowns H MusICAl GAMes Glamour Girls Todd Neufeld ! H CARtoon H PICtuRe Workshop featured entertainer CHARACteRs tIMe ™ H BAlloon H MAGIC Stuff-N-Fluff 1-212-748-9798 sCulPtInG H Cotton Workshop H Party 1-800-505-TWIST (800-505-8947) FACe PAIntInG CAnDY MACHIne www.twistedballoon.com We Come to You and Bring Smiles to Your Children! www.noahsarkworkshop.com [email protected] (718) 683-1739 • (516) 987-9288 ! vIsIt ouR weB sIte At 3CPARtIes.CoM! 718-807-7403 Xiomara Goldson

Shows include live Rico The Clown Birds & Rabbits Magician As seen Comical Nerd on TV Let Joe the Magic Man make your • Magic • Balloon Sculpting Rico is a next event a memorable one with • Comedy • Roasting University Professor of comedy magic fun for everyone. • Educational Shows Speech and • Adults/Kids Communication call 917-723-0460 www.joethemagicman.com 718-434-9697 • 917-318-9092 Best Clowns Clowns • Costume Characters Princess Parties • Magicians TO PLACE AN AD Face Painters • Balloon Art iN THiS SECTiON, Caricaturists • Toddler Games Cotton Candy & More CALL (718) 260-2587 1-800-75-CLOWN or 212-614-0988 Bi-Lingual Performers Available * Private & Corporate Events All Boros, L.I. & Westchester

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 45 Going Places Continued from page 44 required. Tues, May 18 tic innovations that have taken place in Performers wear brightly colored cos- New York by such artists as Jackson Pol- tumes and move to quick, dramatic Thurs, May 13 Book Lecture: 2 pm. See Tuesday, lock, Robert Rauschenberg, Andy War- music. They also wear vividly colored April 27. hol, and others. Science Workshop: Queens Public masks, which they change within a frac- Plant Diversity: Queens Public Li- Library at Hollis, 202-05 Hillside Avenue; ASL Workshop: Queens Public Li- tion of a second. brary at Astoria, 43-06 Greenpoint Av- (718) 465-7355; 3:30 pm; Free. brary at Central, 89-11 Merrick Boule- enue; (718) 784-3033; www.queens- vard; (718) 990-0767; www.queens- Sunnyside Sound Project: Queens A LEAP scientist works with stu- publiclibrary.org; 4 pm; Free. publiclibrary.org; 4 pm; Free. Public Library at Sunnyside, 43-06 dents age 6-9 to explore, science, sci- Why Roses are Red - students work Greenpoint Avenue; (718) 784-3033; entific procedures using fun-filled activi- This workshop introduces participants with a scientist and conduct experiments [email protected]; ties. Space is limited. Preregistration is to deaf culture and the basics of Ameri- and answer questions such as: What is 2:30 pm; Free. required. can Sign Language (ASL). Learn how to Sabine Heinlein invites Sunnyside resi- is a plant? What does it need to grow? communicate with your hands. dents of all ages to tell, write, and record Plant Diversity: Queens Public Li- What are tropisms? How and why do Plant Diversity: Queens Public Li- their past and present-day stories about brary at Astoria, 14-01 Astoria Boule- genetics affect plant adaptation evolu- brary at Steinway, 21-45 31 Street; (718) the neighborhood. The stories and pod- vard; (718) 278-2220; www.queenspub- tion? For middle school children. Pre- liclibrary.org; 4 pm; Free. registration is required. 728-1965; www.queenspubliclibrary. casts will be featured online. org; 4 pm; Free. Why Roses are Red - students work Cartoon Workshop: Queens Public with a scientist and conduct experiments Why Roses are Red - students work Tues, May 11 Library at Lefrak City, 98-30 57th Av- with a scientist and conduct experiments and answer questions such as: What is enue; (718) 592-7677; 4 pm; Free. Book Lecture: 2 pm. See Tuesday, is a plant? What does it need to grow? and answer questions such as: What is A professional cartoonist introduces April 27. What are tropisms? How and why do is a plant? What does it need to grow? students to the history and art of car- genetics affect plant adaptation evolu- What are tropisms? How and why do tooning. Students create their own po- ASL Workshop: Queens Public Li- tion? For middle school children. Pre- genetics affect plant adaptation evolu- litical cartoons, comic books, or cartoon brary at South Jamaica, 108-41 Guy registration is required. tion? For middle school children. Pre- R. Brewer Boulevard; (718) 739-4088; art. This program is for Middle School registration is required. www.queenspubliclibrary.org; 4 pm; Braille Workshop: Queens Public students. Pre-registration is required. Informational Meeting: 4 pm. See Free. Library at Central, 89-11 Merrick Boule- College Workshop: Queens Public Thursday, May 6. vard; (718) 990-0767; 4 pm; Free. This workshop introduces participants Library at Flushing, 41-17 Main Street; to deaf culture and the basics of Ameri- All ages are welcome to learn about (718) 661-1212; 6 pm; Free. Girl Scout Meeting: 4 pm. See Louis Braille and his wonderful invention can Sign Language (ASL). Learn how to Understanding the College Admissions Thursday, May 6. communicate with your hands. of Braille code. Process Scams in International Trade and Music and Dance Performance: Science Workshop: Queens Public Concert: Queens Public Library at How to deal with them. Rachel Rojas, Queens Public Library at Broadway, 40- Library at Elmhurst, 86-01 Broadway; Flushing, F41-17 Main Street; (718) 661- a Supervisory Special Agent in the New 20 Broadway; (718) 721-2462; 6 pm; (718) 271-1020; 4 pm; Free. 1212; 6 pm. York Division of the FBI, is very knowl- Free. A LEAP scientist works with stu- Enjoy a concert celebrating the cultur- edgeable about scams, particularly in Celebrate Asian-Pacific-American Heri- dents age 6-9 to explore, science, sci- ally diverse Jewish communities across regard to bank fraud, and “phishing”, a tage Month with music and dance from entific procedures using fun-filled activi- the globe. form of internet crime. the Philippines. ties. Space is limited. Preregistration is College Workshop: Queens Public required. Fri, May 14 Library at Flushing, 41-17 Main Street; Fri, May 21 American Sign Language: Queens (718) 661-1212; www.queenspublicli- Puppet Workshop: Queens Public Braille Workshop: Queens Public Public Library at South Jamaica, 108-41 brary.org; 6 pm; Free. Library at East Elmhurst, 95-06 Astoria Library at Jackson Heights, 35-51 81 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard; (718) 739- Ivy-Bound Test Preparation presents Boulevard; (718) 424-2619; 3:30 pm; Street; (718) 899-2500; 4 pm; Free. 4088; 4 pm; Free. “Understanding the College Admissions Free. All ages are welcome to learn about This workshop will introduce you to Process.” Parents and teens are intro- Jim Napolitano helps participants Louis Braille and his wonderful invention deaf culture and the basics of ASL. Learn duced to the college and university sys- choose a shadow puppet template, cus- tems. It will also explain requirements of Braille code. how to communicate with your hands. tomize it with color, assemble their art- and the application process for different Floral Workshop: Queens Public Li- work into an animated shadow and then colleges and universities, as well as sug- Wed, May 12 explore the movement of their creation brary at Lefrak City, 98-30 57th Avenue; gest preparation to reach the require- (718) 592-7677; 4 pm; Free. in a simple performance. For ages 11 to ments for the ivy league and other top Plant Diversity: Queens Public Li- Design and create a floral arrange- 14. Pre-registration is required. universities. brary at Broadway, 40-20 Broadway; ment for Mother’s Day with Yvette Pow- (718) 721-2462; www.queenspublicli- Craft Workshop: Queens Public ell - for ages 11 to 14. Space is limited; brary.org; 4 pm; Free. Library at Elmhurst, 86-01 Broadway; Wed, May 19 preregistration is required. Why Roses are Red - students work (718) 271-1020; 4 pm; Free. Queens Public with a scientist and conduct experiments Teens make a colorful keychain and Science Workshop: Library at Glendale, 78-60 73rd Place; and answer questions such as: What is learn a few of the cross stitch styles of Sat, May 22 (718) 821-4980; 4 pm; Free. is a plant? What does it need to grow? Lanyard. The different styles include the Concert: Queens Public Library at What are tropisms? How and why do box, cobra, butterfly and the Chinese A LEAP scientist works with students Langston Hughes, 100-01 Northern genetics affect plant adaptation evolu- staircase. For teens in Junior High and age 11-14 to conduct experiments that Boulevard; (718) 651-1100; 1–4 pm; tion? For middle school children. Pre- High School only. demonstrate the properties of light Free. waves, optics, the color spectrum, and registration is required. An Afternoon in Tribute to Haiti fea- lenses. Students learn about refraction tures Bonga & Vodou Drums of Haiti; Nature Workshop: Queens Public Sat, May 15 and reflection by building kaleidoscopes Artist Reception 1-4pm. At 2pm: Con- Library at Broadway, 40-20 Broadway; or periscopes. Space is limited. Preregis- Watercolor Workshop: Noon–2 cert-Jazz by The Michael Varekamp En- (718) 721-2462; 4 pm; Free. tration is required. pm. See Saturday, May 1. semble. At 3pm: Artist Talk. At 3:30pm: Students conduct experiments and an- Dramatic presentation “The Awaken- swer questions such as: What is a plant? Concert: Queens Public Library at Thurs, May 20 ing of All Saints: The Life of Toussaint What does it need to grow? What are Flushing, 41-17 Main Street; (718-661- L’Ouverture” with actor/writer Jean Lo- tropisms? How and why do genetics af- 1212; 2 pm; Free. Art in New York: Queens Public Li- descar, Jr. fect plant adaptation evolution? This Viva Patshiva is an underground Gypsy brary at Kew Gardens Hills, 72-33 Vleigh program is for middle school students. Rock Opera featuring updated melodies Place; (718) 261-6654; 1:30 pm; Free. Quilting for Cancer: Queens Public This program is free. Preregistration is from timeless Gypsy songs of Europe. Discover the groundbreaking artis- Library at Pomonok, 158-21 Jewel Av- 46 QUEENS Family • May 2010 Going Places enue; (718) 591-4343; 1 pm. (718) 424-2619; 6–7:30 pm. or periscopes. Space is limited. Preregis- (718) 661-1212; 6 pm; Free. Join this beginners’ quilting class Do you like to sing, dance, read po- tration is required. Understanding Admissions to Spe- teaching participants how to make a etry, play an instrument? If this sounds cialized High Schools - Ivy-Bound Test quilting block incorporating a cancer like something you’ll enjoy doing, come Thurs, May 27 Preparation introduces specialized high awareness ribbon. Completed blocks will and join in. schools in New York City, as well as, ex- be sewn into a cancer awareness quilt. Green Teens: Queens Public Library at plain the requirements for admissions to Presented by the Pomonok Cancer Ac- Tues, May 25 Flushing, 41-17 Main Street; (718) 661- the specialized high school. This presen- tion Council. 1212; www.queenspubliclibrary.org; 4 tation will also suggest preparation for Book Lecture: 2 pm. See Tuesday, pm; Free. students to reach the requirements for Mon, May 24 April 27. Eco-friendly crafts, movies and speak- the specialized high schools. ers for teens ages 13-17. Book Clique: Queens Public Library at College Workshop: 6 pm. See Tues- Queens Village, 94-11 217 Street; (718) Wed, May 26 Database Workshop: Queens Public day, May 18. Library at Queens Village, 94-11 217 776-6800; 4:30 pm; Free. Science Workshop: Queens Public Street; (718) 776-6800; 4 pm; Free. All teens are invited to discuss May’s Library at Woodhaven, 85-41 Forest Fri, May 28 book selection. Gather together and Parkway; (718) 849-1010; 4:30 pm; Teens if you need help with a project? discuss what you liked about the book, Free. Don’t know where to search to finish Movie: Queens Public Library at East your paper? Come and try out our Da- Elmhurst, 86-01 Broadway; (718) 271- what your favorite parts were or even A LEAP scientist works with students tabase Workshop. Ask Miss Euni at the 1020; 4 pm; Free. what you didn’t like. Ask Miss Euni for age 11-14 to conduct experiments that Reference Desk for more information. details. demonstrate the properties of light Join us for a teen movie blast from For teens only. Preregistration required. waves, optics, the color spectrum, and the past! Refreshments will be served. Open Mic: Queens Public Library at lenses. Students learn about refraction For teens in junior high and high school East Elmhurst, 94-06 Astoria Boulevard; College Workshop: Queens Public and reflection by building kaleidoscopes Library at Flushing, 41-17 Main Street; only. Community Marketplace

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES CPR TRAINING CUSTOM GREETING CARDS SAVE LIVES, INC. Learn CPR/Defibrillation Certified Instructors Through The American Heart Association We Come To You Designer Customized Birth Annoncements, Ellen at (917)873-1949 Barbara at (516)448-2868 Invitations, Cards and much more......

ICE CREAM MUSIC LESSONS Tutoring

Buy 1 Get 1 FREE Sundae, Every Wednesday Free Professional Music Training • Home Tutoring • All Subjects & Levels It’s not a Party without a Grades 3 through 12 • Test Preparation • Make new friends, learn about diverse styles and cultures. • Term Papers • Supportive, affirming environment. • Foreign Language • Weekly rehearsals, concerts, trips and summer camps. and Music Instruction Cake • Call Paul Vasile, Director: 212-288-3246 x105 • Licensed & Insured 103-21 Metropolitan Avenue Choose One (cake discount): SuMMer AcAdeMIc Forest Hills, NY 11375 $ parkavenueyouth.org ProgrAMS (betw. 71st Ave. & 72nd Ave.) 3 OFF (80oz or larger) The Park Avenue Christian Church Call (877) 774-TUTOR (8886) Order yours: 718.544.1066 COuPOn $2 OFF (48oz or larger) 1010 Park Avenue at 85th Street, Manhattan Good @ Forest Hills Carvel only. Cannot be combined w/ other offers. One use only. Expires 5/31/10 Interfaith, Interdenominational, Intercultural and Interracial Email: [email protected]

To place an ad in this section, call (718) 260-2587

May 2010 • QUEENS Family 47 New & Noteworthy Squeezable party favor Looking for the perfect party favor for your little girl’s next birth- day? Livi.Lu.Lu’s gift sets have you covered. The grab bags come packed with fruity lotions, shower gels, glittery lip balm and funky nail polish that are perfect for girls playing around. The sets come with a large, plush kitty or angel for even more fun. You just might need to give these out at the start of the party. Livi.Lu.Lu gift sets are available on- line at www.HerbanRenewalInc.com.

Crafty tees You’ll want to catch this bug. Crafty mom Julie Peng, the New Yorker behind the children’s line Bug- sella, began making baby tees and accessories that have an environmental theme from her home a few years back. She quickly branched out to bodysuits, hair clips, wash cloths, quilts and play- mats, and headbands — made mostly with organic material. But the heart of the operation is Creating an overall look the tees, which feature patchwork-like designs that reference popular chil- Forget blue denim. rocker — to the sweeter turquoise dren’s books, such as “The Giving Tree” Overall Baby creates infant and sheep print. Other overalls are made and “Goodnight Moon,” as well as nursery toddler overalls in a variety of fun from prints of fruits, florals, polka rhymes like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” fabrics and prints that are sure to dots and even sushi. They’re so sweet, you’ll wish your little make your child stand out from the Don’t find a fabric you like? You one could wear them forever. pack. can even customize your own pair. For more, visit www.bugsella.com. The overalls range from a pink Now, if only they came in adult sizes. corduroy skulls and crossbones To try Overall Baby on for size, go to fabric — perfect for the little punk www.etsy.com/shop/OverallBaby. For the little artist’s tools Budding Picas- whether it’s on the sos need a place to road, at the park or A musical shout-out keep their tools of in the playroom. This will help get your child’s at- the likes of Barney the dinosaur, the the trade. Made for children tention. Fantastic Four or Spider-man! Thanks to the between the ages of Personalized CDs In addition to learning Art Apron, now two and eight, the from Smiley Music their ABCs or 123s, they do. aprons also come in make your child the these CDs will also The wearable six different fabrics, star by inserting his help build self-esteem aprons have room including animal, or her name into and create name rec- for 12 crayons and guitar and flower songs. ognition, as his or a pad of paper (as prints — another Geared toward her name is repeated well as bibs and source of inspira- preschoolers, your throughout a song. rattles for good tion. child will go nuts when he hears To sample and purchase measure), so your child will be The Art Apron is available at www. his named sung loud and clear from products, go to www.SmileyMusic.net. ready whenever inspiration strikes, PickleBoots.com.

48 QUEENS Family • May 2010 JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE May 19th 6:30pm

got that spiri We’ve t! DAY CAMP

Creative Arts Sports & Recreation Swim Instruction Field Trips Experienced Staff Positive, Safe Environment Flexible Enrollment

BAYSIDE at Queensborough Community College Boys & Girls Ages 4-11 & Teen Travel Ages 12-14

“Thank you for a very positive and fun filled summer camp experience!! My son loved it!! The Oasis Bayside team was wonderful.” –Oasis Parent

Visit our website: WWW.OASISCHILDREN.COM for Simple, Fast Online Registration, Camp Photos, Upcoming Info Sessions and Special Discount Offers or call us at 718.596.4900 MY SUMMER WISH LIST. New Skills New T hrills New Friends YMCA Camp. It’s what kids want for summer. For kids, summer is all about having fun. As a parent, you’d like something more to go along with that fun. YMCA Summer Camp is a safe place for kids and teens to make friends, swim, play sports, go on trips and participate in fun summer learning activities. Register for YMCA Day, Sport, or Sleepaway Camp today. Because while summers come and go, YMCA Camp stays with them forever.

For more inFormation call (212) 630-YMCA or visit YMCAnYC.org

Financial assistance is available.

Open HOuse sAturdAY, MAY 15th 10am-3pm