January 2015 MANHATTAN NewHappy Year!FREE Family Where Every Child Matters Look sharp! Does your child need glasses?

Kids Night on Broadway

A family weekend in Washington DC

Find us online at www.NYParenting.com REGISTER ONLINE TODAY FOR EARLY BIRD RATES!

The outdoor camp, with a downtown feel.

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Flexible summer sessions for Brooklyn and Manhattan kids entering K-8th on 75 beautiful acres of the Staten Island Greenbelt. Full Summer: 6/29 - 8/21 Session 1: 6/29 - 7/17 Session 2: 7/20 - 7/31 Session 3: 8/3 - 8/21

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newcountrydaycamp.org [email protected] 646-395-4357 Use registration code: NYF for a free gift Manhattan Family January 2015

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Features columns 6 Focus on eye health 8 Good Sense Eating 16 How to know if your child needs glasses by Christine M. Palumbo, RD By Allison Plitt 12 FabuLYSS Finds 10 Show time! by Lyss Stern Kids Night on Broadway is a great intro for little folks 24 Healthy Living By Shnieka L. Johnson by Danielle Sullivan 14 Washington DC 28 Dear Teacher A great weekend for families by Peggy Gisler and By Shnieka L. Johnson Marge Eberts 16 The value of Catholic schools 34 Divorce & Separation Why parents choose this effective alternative By Lee Chabin, Esq. 14 By Candi Sparks 46 The Book Worm 20 Time for creativity By Terri Schlichenmeyer Why innovative thinking is not just for kids By Jessica Meyer calendar 22 Recycled love 38 January Events Talking with Sasha Lipton, founder of Second Chance Toys By Tammy Scileppi special sections 26 Peace on Earth 18 Catholic Schools Tips for choosing, promoting and teaching peace in your life 46 Party Planners By Carolyn Waterbury-Tieman 46 The Marketplace 30 Summer camp the family way 36 Get away at Mount Snow Family Camp By Stacey Zable 32 Windows & wheels Learning to let go when your child grows up By Patrick Hempfing 36 Bigger & better Kid movie critics review ‘Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb’

January 2015 • Manhattan Family 3 Letter from the publisher Our multicultural city

f one listened to to deal with and to im- Raising children in New York As New York parents we must pro- the news all the prove, but it’s my con- City is a breeze actually compared vide our children with as much I time one could get tention that if you take to the isolation of some of the sub- contact as possible because the a very dismal point of warring peoples from urbs and/or a rural world where opportunity here is profound. Meet view about the world far away and bring there is less stimulation and far your neighbors, get involved in the today and become them here to Coney less contact with others. parent association and make sure largely despondent. Island Avenue or the Our children are sharper, more your children’s day to day world There’s little doubt as Grand Concourse or astute and more worldly. They are is inclusive. Only by knowing each one story after another Victory Boulevard or more at ease with differences and other can the future society rid it- points out the horrors Steinway Street or the thrive because of them. They be- self of ancient grudges, vendettas and the inadequacies Lower East Side, they come creative and sophisticated and prejudice. of the global reality that the human will go into business together and in ways that are copied by every Happy New Year! Thanks for experience has room for growth find their brotherhood and com- major industry. The fashion world reading. and that outrageous suffering is monality. looks to our street kids to find the endured by millions. This is the great beauty of our next wave and the music is created Here in New York, however, we complex multicultural city and often on those streets, just a few are better off in so many ways, most of the time there is great of the trend setting examples of starting from the basic fact that beauty and one finds displays of young influence coming out of our we are a pluralistic society that human kindness here and sensitiv- neighborhoods. becomes only more so with each ity that surprise the false impres- Life isn’t perfect, but human con- Susan Weiss-Voskidis, passing day. Not that it’s perfect sion that we are a rude bunch with tact is key to the transition from Publisher/Excutive Editor here, and we have loads of issues no manners and a lack of caring. barbarism to conflict resolution. [email protected]

Community News Group Contact Information ceo: Les Goodstein advertising: Web or Print address President & Publisher: Jennifer Goodstein (718) 260­4554 New York Parenting Media/CNG [email protected] or 1 Metrotech Center North New York Parenting [email protected] 10th Floor circulation Brooklyn, NY 11201 Publisher / executive editor: (718) 260­8336 Susan Weiss [email protected] Publisher / business Manager: www.NYParenting.com Clifford Luster editorial (718) 260­4554 oPerations associate: Tina Felicetti [email protected] sales rePs: Alexis Benson, Erin Brof, Jay Pelc, calendar Stephanie Stellacio, Shanika Stewart (718) 260­2523 art director: Leah Mitch

Web designer: Sylvan Migdal The acceptance of advertising by New York Parent- New York Parenting Media has been recognized graPhic designers: Arthur Arutyunov, ing Media does not constitute an endorsement of for editorial and design excellence by PMA. Raymond Cho, Mauro Deluca, Yvonne Farley, the products, services or information being adver­ New York Parenting Media is published monthly Earl Ferrer, Mariel Perez, Cheryl Seligman tised. We do not knowingly present any products or by New York Parenting Media/CNG. Subscription services that are fraudu lent or misleading in nature. rate is $35 annually. Reproduction of New York Editorial inquiries, calendar information, advertising Parenting Media in whole or part without writ­ Managing editor: Vince DiMiceli rates and schedules and subscription requests may be ten permission from the publisher is prohibited. addressed to New York Parenting Media, One Metro­ All rights reserved. Copyright©2015 Readership: assistant editor: Courtney Donahue tech Center North, 10th Floor, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. 220,000. 2012 circulation audits by CAC & CVC. coPy editors: Lisa J. Curtis, New York Parenting Media can also be reached by Shavana Abruzzo calling (718) 260­4554, emailing family@cnglocal. calendar editors: Joanna Del Buono, com or by visiting our website, NYParenting.com. Danielle Sullivan Join the conversation on Facebook. 4 Manhattan Family • January 2015 Traditional Sleepaway Camps in Litchfield, CT - 2 hours from NYC ST 2, 4, 6 or 8 Week Sessions O IN W G Special “Rookie Week” for A first time campers Dramatized World Literature, Family operated for 60+ years Mythology, Drama and its Musical (800) 66-CAMPS Adaptations, Philosophy for For Boys 6 - 16 For Girls 6 - 16 kids, Art History and Inspiring Biographies. An innovative multidisciplinary enrichment that utilizes all Performing and Visual arts, Crafts, Puzzles and multiple games. Combining learning with creative entertainment.

Interactive Parties with Literature themes from Greek myths, No Summer Vacation Was Ever This Much Fun! Shakespeare’s plays, Children’s literature and all their popular Musical adaptations. Come experience the Awosting & Chinqueka difference. Watersports, Zip Line & Extreme Activities, Team Sports, Open House Saturday January 17th from 12-2pm Performing Arts, Go-Karts, Motocross, Mini-Golf & more! The ChurCh STreeT SChool of MuSiC and arTS, 74 Warren ST., TribeCa Awosting & Chinqueka are brother-sister camps, 5 miles apart. Locations: The Church Street School of Music and Arts Call to schedule a visit or do a virtual tour on our web site. in Tribeca and Cap21 studios in Chelsea. Great savings if you enroll today & a friend enrolls too! MOre LOCATIOnS Are COMInG SOOn Spring semester starts February • register now for Spring classes awosting.com chinqueka.com www.intellectualkidsclub.com • 917.588.3965

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January 2015 • Manhattan FaMily 5 on eye health

BY ALLISON PLITT their child’s vision. a general evaluation that’s done to How to know Although all pediatricians offer assess the overall health and align- very parent should be on the some type of vision testing, Wein- ment of the eyes. if your child lookout for potential prob- stein refers to the recommenda- Subsequently, the Association E lems with her child’s health, tions of the American Optomet- typically recommends a second and vision impairment is no excep- ric Association, which represents exam at age 3, when the child is able needs glasses tion. Marc Weinstein, who worked 39,000 professionals in the field of to give some responses. The first full as the Optometric Director for vari- optometry in the United States. Ac- exam for a child will happen usually ous New York locations of Macy’s cording to the Association, the first before first grade. If the child’s eyes Vision Express, gives parents some eye exam a child should have is by are healthy, then he will need an eye guidelines to help them evaluate 6 months of age, which consists of exam every two years after that.

6 Manhattan Family • January 2015 “If the child doesn’t like the eyeglasses, he’s not going to want to wear them. If he doesn’t wear them, then this defeats the purpose.”

“At the end of the day, chil- protection built into the lens. You dren’s performance in school is shouldn’t have to pay extra for highly dependent on their vision,” that. It protects the child’s eye, Weinstein says. “If you notice that and it’s also 30 percent lighter and your child is having difficulty in thinner than standard glasses.” school, or if they’re complaining If your children wear prescrip- that they’re rubbing their eyes tion eyewear, Weinstein recom- a lot, or if they’re complaining mends that he should also have a that they’re having trouble seeing pair of prescription sunglasses. the board, it’s really important to “People might not realize this, take them in for a full eye exam.” but even at a very young age, A full eye exam should also exposure to the sun does put us include a dilated exam, which is at a higher risk in the future, for when the optometrist puts drops things like cataracts,” he warns. in the eye to dilate the pupil. This “So it’s very important, even at allows the doctor to look in the an early age, to wear protective back of the eye and check for any eyewear for the sun.” possible conditions that could be Weinstein is the CEO and causing a decrease in vision. founder of a company called Weinstein stresses the neces- 39DollarGlasses.com, a website sity of the dilated exam. where people can buy glasses for “Even though people might say, toddlers to adults for only $39 a ‘My kid is young and healthy,’ it’s pair. Not only does the company a really important exam to have provide quality and affordable done on your child,” Weinstein ex- eyewear, but they work with non- plains. “It gives the doctor base- profit organizations to provide line measurements, so if anything free eyewear to children in public does change in the future, they schools. can reference previous exams Explaining his charitable work, and see what changes have taken Weinstein adds, “A lot of times, place.” even when people have vision For parents with children who insurance, if the child loses or have eyeglasses, Weinstein ad- breaks the eyeglasses, they don’t vises, “Make sure your kid really have coverage for a second pair. JUNIOR DIVISION likes the eyeglasses. At the end Even if the child did get one pair, of the day, no matter what we if there’s a problem, and children all do as professionals and as do frequently break or lose their parents, if the child doesn’t like eyeglasses, they need another the eyeglasses, he’s not going to pair and the parents can’t af- want to wear them. If he doesn’t ford it. That’s where the kids fall wear them, then this defeats the through the cracks.” purpose.” Weinstein’s 39DollarGlasses. Weinstein encourages parents com goes even further to help to “really engage their child in the families who are struggling finan- process of choosing the right pair cially. of eyeglasses. Make sure they get “We reach out to schools all something that they really want over the country, and we try to to wear. Going beyond that, make provide free eyewear for children sure, obviously, that the eye- whose families can’t afford it,” Photos: Eduardo Patino, NYC glasses fit well, that they’re not says Weinstein. “The company FIRST STEPS Ages 3-6 too loose or too tight, that they’re pays for the eyeglasses directly comfortable for the child.” from its own profits.” BOUNDING BOYS Ages 4-6 As Weinstein advises, an im- For more information about vi- Creative movement classes portant component for children’s sion care for your child, visit the eyewear is that all eyeglasses American Optometric Association’s PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM Ages 7-17 Ballet, modern, West African, and more should always have polycarbon- website at www.aoa.org. ate lenses. Allison Plitt is a freelance writer For class information, e-mail: [email protected] TheAileySchool.edu “Polycarbonate is a type of who lives in Queens with her hus- lens. It’s shatter-resistant mate- band and young daughter. She is a The Ailey School is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance rial,” Weinstein explains. “It in- frequent contributor to New York and is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. cludes scratching and ultraviolet Parenting.

January 2015 • Manhattan Family 7 HealtHy eating Fight colds and flu with these foods t’s back! Cold and flu season, that is. Besides the usual preven- I tion tips — washing your hands Good sense often, getting eight-to-10 hours of sleep each night, and drinking eatinG plenty of fluids — there are specific Christine M. PaluMbo, rD foods that can prevent and even help shorten the length of this year’s colds and flu. One of the most important things you can do is to consume foods rich in probiotics. Why? These friendly bacteria promote a stronger immune system by populating the gastro- intestinal tract (or gut), the largest organ of immunity in the body. Yogurt made with live and active cultures, fermented vegetables like kimchi and sauerkraut, fermented soybeans products like miso and tempeh are all rich in probiotics. It’s also important to consume foods rich in prebiotics. These are the foods that fuel our body’s friendly bacteria. A plant-based, high-fiber diet that includes artichokes, aspar- agus, bananas, raisins, onions, gar- lic, leeks, and oats contains prebiot- ics and is another way to positively impact your gut microflora. Looking for menu items? These common foods may be in your kitchen right now. tines account for 100 percent of your ginger vitamin C intake for the entire day. Ginger helps relieve congestion Vegetarian chili and can calm the throat if you have Most chili dishes contain on- Roast beef sandwich a cough or slight irritation. Make a ions, garlic, beans and a variety of Both roast beef and whole grain cup of homemade ginger tea with a spices. Both onions and garlic con- bread are loaded with zinc. This bit of honey and a side of ginger snap tain antiviral properties, which can mineral has been known to stop the cookies for a comforting treat. help combat viruses. Kidney beans growth of microorganisms, includ- are packed with vitamin B, which ing harmful bacteria. A half of sand- Don’t let the cold or flu get you or strengthens the immune system and wich with a cup of chicken soup your children down this fall. Boost can ultimately help build your de- can make for a comforting meal if your immune system by consum- fense system against germs. Lastly, you are feeling under the weather. ing both pro- and pre-biotics. These spices not only add a hint of flavor to Don’t forget, chicken soup has been foods provide a greater volume and meals, but can clear your sinuses of known to help control inflammation diversity of microorganisms in the congestion as well. and congestion. gut which offers a better defense against disease causing invaders. Fresh Clementines tuna fish Christine Palumbo is a Naperville- Clementines are packed with vita- Tuna contains an amino acid, glu- registered dietitian nutritionist who is a min C, which we all know is an anti- tamio, which aids in immune health. new Fellow of the American Academy oxidant powerhouse. Although loads Spice up this basic lunchmeat with of Nutrition and Dietetics. Follow her of vitamin C cannot ensure total cold one tablespoon of low-fat mayon- on Twitter @PalumboRD, Facebook at and flu prevention, it can decrease naise and spread on whole grain Christine Palumbo Nutrition, or Chris@ the duration of both. Two clemen- crackers. ChristinePalumbo.com.

8 Manhattan Family • January 2015 PLEASE VISIT OUR OPEN HOUSE ON THURSDAY JANUARY 22ND FROM 6-7PM!!

• Harlem Hebrew is a tuition-free public charter school focusing on an immersion approach to Modern Israeli Hebrew and the study of Israeli culture and history • Harlem Hebrew has two-three teachers in a classroom throughout the day • We provide our students with outstanding instruction across all curriculum areas • Our curriculum is individualized, differentiated and designed to meet each individual needs HealtHy eating • Harlem Hebrew uses the Teachers College Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop Model www.bpcparks.org • We are located at 147 St. Nicholas Avenue, between 117th and 118th Streets in Manhattan • DOE yellow bus transportation may be available for students living less than 5 miles from PLEASEPLEASE VISIT VISIT OUR OUR OPEN OPEN HOUSE HOUSE ON ON THURSDAYTHURSDAY JANUARY JANUARY 22 ND22 FROMND FROM 6-7PM!! 6-7PM!! Harlem Hebrew • Harlem Hebrew is a tuition-free public charter school focusing on an immersion approach Just for Children!• Seats are available• Harlemto HebrewModern now Israeliis in a tuition-free grades Hebrew and K, thepublic 1 study and charter of 2Israeli for school culture this focusing andschool history on year an immersion approach Fight colds and flu to Modern• Harlem Israeli Hebrew Hebrew has two-three and the teachers study ofin aIsraeli classroom culture throughout and history the day • Call us at 212-866-4608 for more information about how to get your child enrolled! • Harlem• We Hebrew provide hasour studentstwo-three with teachers outstanding in a instruction classroom across throughout all curriculum the dayareas JANUARY 2015• We are currently• Our accepting curriculum is individualized, applications differentiated for the and 2015-16designed to meet school each individual year needs • We provide our students with outstanding instruction across all curriculum areas • Our lottery will• beHarlem held Hebrew on usesApril the 16Teachersth, 2015! College Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop Model • Our •curriculumWe are located is individualized, at 147 St. Nicholas differentiated Avenue, between and designed117th and 118thto meet Streets each in individualManhattan needs • ALL ARE WELCOME!!• Harlem• DOE Hebrew yellow bususes transportation the Teachers may College be available Reader’s for students and Writer’s living less Workshop than 5 miles Model from with these foods Harlem Hebrew TUESDAYS • We are located at 147 St. Nicholas Avenue, between 117th and 118th Streets in Manhattan Jan 6–Apr 7 • Seats are available now in grades K, 1 and 2 for this school year t’s back! Cold and flu season, Stories • DOE• yellowCall us busat 212-866-4608 transportation for more may information be available about for howstudents to get livingyour child less enrolled! than 5 miles from that is. Besides the usual preven- WEDNESDAYS Harlem• We Hebrew are currently accepting applications for the 2015-16 school year tion tips — washing your hands & • Our lottery will be held on April 16th, 2015! I Jan 7–Apr 8 • Seats are available now in grades K, 1 and 2 for this school year Good sense often, getting eight-to-10 hours Songs • ALL ARE WELCOME!! • Call us at 212-866-4608 for more information about how to get your child enrolled! of sleep each night, and drinking Enjoy music & movement at weekly interactive performances for you and eatinG plenty of fluids — there are specific • We are currently accepting applications for the 2015-16 school year your little one age 6 months to 3.5 years. 14 sessions: $335/siblings $315. th Christine M. PaluMbo, rD foods that can prevent and even • Our lottery will be held on April 16 , 2015! help shorten the length of this year’s • ALL ARE WELCOME!! colds and flu. One of the most important things you can do is to consume foods rich For ages 3-4 Block Play in probiotics. Why? These friendly Mondays | Jan 5–Feb 23 | 10-11 am | 6 sessions: $125 bacteria promote a stronger immune For ages 5-7 For more information or to completel an application,li i visit our website or contact us! system by populating the gastro- For more information or to completel an application, li i visit our website or contact us! intestinal tract (or gut), the largest Wednesdays | Jan 7–Feb 25 | 3:30-5 pm | 8 sessions: $175 (212) 866-4608 • [email protected] organ of immunity in the body. (212) 866-4608 • [email protected] Children play & build while refining motor skills and laying the foundations NP_JS New PC_Oct2014_Layoutwww.harlemhebrewcharter.org 1 12/15/14 1:19 PM Page 1 Yogurt made with live and active of math, spatial relations, sequencing and dramatic play. www.harlemhebrewcharter.org147 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10026 cultures, fermented vegetables like NP_JS New PC_Oct2014_Layout 1 12/15/14 1:19 PM Page 1 kimchi and sauerkraut, fermented 147 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10026 NP_JS New PC_Oct2014_Layout 1 12/15/14 1:19 PM Page 1 soybeans products like miso and � tempeh are all rich in probiotics. For more information or to completel an application,li i visit our website or contact us! chess for children It’s also important to consume (212) 866-4608 • [email protected] foods rich in prebiotics. These are Tuesdays | Jan 6–Apr 28 the foods that fuel our body’s friendly BEGINNERS ages 5-7 | 3:30-4:15 pm | $315 Mackenzie DAVIS www.harlemhebrewcharter.orgDylan McDERMOTT Diane KEATON Brian GERAGHTY Allison JANNEY bacteria. A plant-based, high-fiber WWW.PLAYHOUSEJUNIORS.COM INTERMEDIATE ages 7 & up | 4:30-5:30 pm | $330 Mackenzie DAVIS 147 DylanSt. McDERMOTTNicholas Avenue, Diane KEATON New York,Brian GERAGHTYNY 10026 Allison JANNEY diet that includes artichokes, aspar- Small groups suited to your child’s level. 15 sessions. Mackenzie DAVIS Dylan McDERMOTTWWW.PLAYHOUSEJUNIORS.COMDiane KEATON Brian GERAGHTY Allison JANNEY agus, bananas, raisins, onions, gar- lic, leeks, and oats contains prebiot- “The most respected”WWW.PLAYHOUSEJUNIORS.COM acting school in the country and ics and is another way to positively Above classes meet at 6 River Terrace. Advanced registration is required. “first among all professional training programs.” impact your gut microflora. “The most respected” acting school in the country and 212-267-9700 x363 [email protected] –The Cambridge Guide to Theatre (Cambridge University Press) Looking for menu items? These “The“first most among respected” all professional acting school training in the programs.”country and common foods may be in your Please see www.bpcparks.org for course details. “first among all professional–TheJUNIOR Cambridge training SCHOOLGuide to programs.”Theatre SESSIONS (Cambridge University Press) kitchen right now. tines account for 100 percent of your ginger –TheJUNIOR CambridgeFall SCHOOLGuide (Sept to Theatre - Dec.) SESSIONS (Cambridge University Press) vitamin C intake for the entire day. Ginger helps relieve congestion Spring (Jan.- Apr.) Vegetarian chili and can calm the throat if you have Stuyvesant High School 345 Chambers Street, Battery Park City JUNIORFall SCHOOL (Sept - Dec.) SESSIONS Most chili dishes contain on- Roast beef sandwich a cough or slight irritation. Make a Junior SpringPrograms (Jan.- for Apr.) Grades 2-12 Call 646-210-4292 to register Fall (Sept - Dec.) ions, garlic, beans and a variety of Both roast beef and whole grain cup of homemade ginger tea with a COMMUNITY CENTER Classes are held on Saturdays Spring (Jan.- Apr.) spices. Both onions and garlic con- bread are loaded with zinc. This bit of honey and a side of ginger snap Junior Programs9 am-5:30 for pm Grades 2-12 tain antiviral properties, which can mineral has been known to stop the cookies for a comforting treat. JuniorClasses Programs are held on for Saturdays Grades 2-12 help combat viruses. Kidney beans growth of microorganisms, includ- SummerClasses 9are am-5:30 Junior held on Programspm Saturdays are packed with vitamin B, which ing harmful bacteria. A half of sand- Don’t let the cold or flu get you or Learn to Swim (July- Aug.)9 am-5:30 for Grades pm 4-12 strengthens the immune system and wich with a cup of chicken soup your children down this fall. Boost Age 6 to Adult SummerClasses are Juniorheld Monday-Friday Programs can ultimately help build your de- can make for a comforting meal if your immune system by consum- Sundays | 1-4 pm | Jan 4–Mar 8 Summer(July- Aug.)9 am-5:30 Junior for Grades Programspm 4-12 Classes are held Monday-Friday fense system against germs. Lastly, you are feeling under the weather. ing both pro- and pre-biotics. These Tuesdays | 7-8:30 pm | Jan 6–Mar 10 (July- Aug.) for Grades 4-12 spices not only add a hint of flavor to Don’t forget, chicken soup has been foods provide a greater volume and 9 am-5:30 pm Beginner to advanced levels taught in small classes. 10 Sessions. ClassesINTERVIEW are held Monday-Friday NOW meals, but can clear your sinuses of known to help control inflammation diversity of microorganisms in the 9 am-5:30 pm Members $220, Non-members $250. congestion as well. and congestion. gut which offers a better defense INTERVIEW NOW against disease causing invaders. American Red Cross INTERVIEW NOW Fresh Clementines tuna fish Christine Palumbo is a Naperville- 340 EAST 54TH STREET NY, NY 10022 | 212.688.3770 Clementines are packed with vita- Tuna contains an amino acid, glu- registered dietitian nutritionist who is a Lifeguard Certification Training min C, which we all know is an anti- tamio, which aids in immune health. new Fellow of the American Academy 5 Saturdays, starts January 10. For age 15 and older. 340 EAST 54TH STREET NY, NY 10022 | 212.688.3770 oxidant powerhouse. Although loads Spice up this basic lunchmeat with of Nutrition and Dietetics. Follow her 340 EAST 54TH STREET NY, NY 10022 | 212.688.3770 of vitamin C cannot ensure total cold one tablespoon of low-fat mayon- on Twitter @PalumboRD, Facebook at www.bpcparks.org and flu prevention, it can decrease naise and spread on whole grain Christine Palumbo Nutrition, or Chris@ www.facebook.com/batteryparkcityparks the duration of both. Two clemen- crackers. ChristinePalumbo.com. Gabriel MANN Ashlie ATKINSON Jeff GOLDBLUM Mary STEENBURGEN Gregory PECK

Gabriel MANN Ashlie ATKINSON JeffJanuary GOLDBLUM 2015 Mary • STEENBURGENManhattanGregory Fa PECKmily 9

Gabriel MANN Ashlie ATKINSON Jeff GOLDBLUM Mary STEENBURGEN Gregory PECK Show time! Kids Night on By Shnieka L. JohnSon s a parent, you have to decide Broadway is the right age for your child to A experience his first live the- ater show. Kids Night on Broadway a great intro offers the perfect opportunity to see if your child is ready. Hosted by the Broadway League, the 19th annual for little folks Kids Night on Broadway provides parents a chance to expose their kids to this sector of the perform- ing arts. It will take place between Friday, Jan. 9, and Thursday, Jan. 15, and kids between the ages of 6 and 18 can see Broadway shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. As a bonus, a Kids Night On Broadway ticket includes restaurant discounts and educational programs for individual shows, such as activity and study guides. This event was created in order to introduce young people to live the- ater and make Broadway accessible to young theater-goers. Kids Night on Broadway is not just happening in New York, but all over the coun- Photo by Kristina Bumphrey / Starpix try. Select shows currently touring Actor Tony Danza, pint-sized theater critic Iain Armitage, and actress Judith Light the United States are offering nights celebrate the launch of Kids Night on Broadway. in various cities to welcome young people to Broadway-style shows for theatrical life in this exuberant new Ethel Barrymore Theatre, 243 W. 47th free. Kids Night On Broadway is pre- musical comedy. St. sented by The New York Times and Fifteen-year-old Christopher has is sponsored by WABC-TV with ad- “Beautiful – The Carole king an extraordinary brain; he is excep- ditional support from KidzVuz and Musical” tionally intelligent but ill-equipped to Z100. Tony Award-winning actress http://beautifulonbroadway.com, interpret everyday life. When he falls Judith Light will serve as the Na- Stephen Sondheim Theatre, 124 W. under suspicion for killing his neigh- tional Ambassador for the 2015 Kids 43rd St. bor’s dog, he sets out to identify the Night on Broadway. The musical tells the inspiring, true culprit, which leads to an earth- Participating shows include: true story of Carole King’s remark- shattering discovery and a journey able rise to stardom, becoming one that will change his life forever. “a Gentleman’s Guide to Love of the most successful solo acts in and Murder” popular music history. “honeymoon in Vegas” http://agentlemansguidebroadway. www.honeymoonbroadway.com, com, Walter Kerr Theatre, 219 W. “Chicago” Nederlander Theatre, 208 W. 41st St. 48th St. http://chicagothemusical.com, Am- A regular guy with an extreme The 2014 Tony-winner for Best bassador Theater, 219 W. 49th St. fear of marriage finally gets up the Musical, this uproarious comedy is There’s never been a better time nerve to ask his girlfriend to marry set in England’s elegant Edwardian to experience “Chicago,” Broadway’s him. But when they head to Las era, and shows just how low we’ll go razzle-dazzle smash. A sensational Vegas to get hitched, a smooth-talk- to make it to the top. tale of sin, corruption, and all that ing gambler falls head-over-heels for jazz, “Chicago” has everything you his fiancée. “aladdin” could want in a musical: knockout www.aladdinthemusical.com, New dancing, an edge-of-your-seat story, “if/Then” Amsterdam Theatre, 214 W. 42nd St. and one showstopper after another. www.ifthenthemusical.com, Rich- Adapted from the Disney film and ard Rogers Theatre, 226 W. 46th St. centuries-old folktales including “The Curious incident of the “If/Then” is a contemporary new “One Thousand and One Nights,” the Dog in the night-Time” musical that follows two distinct story of Aladdin is brought to fresh http://curiousonbroadway.com, storylines in the life of Elizabeth

10 Manhattan Family • January 2015 Three sailors and the high-spirited young women they meet chase love, dreams, and each other during an unforgettable day in the city that never sleeps.

“The Phantom of the Opera” www.thephantomoftheopera.com/ new-york, Majestic Theatre, 245 W. 44th St. “The Phantom of the Opera” is based on the novel by Gaston Ler- oux. It tells the story of the hideously deformed Phantom who lurks be- neath the stage of the Paris Opera, exercising a reign of terror over its occupants.

“Rock of Ages” www.rockofagesmusical.com, Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 W. 44th St. This explosive musical takes audi- ences on a joyride set to blazing hits from iconic 1980s rockers such as Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Reo Speed- wagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and many more.

“Wicked” www.WickedTheMusical.com, George Gershwin Theatre, 222 W. 51st St. Long before Dorothy drops in,

Disney Theatrical Productions, Cylla von Tiedemann two other girls meet in the land of The genie is a crowd pleaser in “Aladdin,” one of the featured shows. Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery, and misunder- (Idina Menzel), a city planner who way, August Wilson Theatre, 245 W. the music soars, Pride Rock slowly stood. The other is beautiful, ambi- moves back to New York to restart 52nd St. rises from the stage. tious, and very popular. her life in this city of infinite possi- “Jersey Boys” is the Broadway bilities. When her carefully designed musical based on the life story of “Mamma Mia!” “You Can’t Take It With You” plans collide with the whims of fate, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. http://mammamianorthamerica. http://youcanttakeitwithyoubroad- Elizabeth’s life splits into two par- com/, Broadhurst Theatre, 235 W. way.com, Longacre Theatre, 220 W. allel paths. “If/Then” follows both “Kinky Boots” 44th St. 48th St. stories simultaneously as this mod- http://kinkybootsthemusical.com, This sunny, funny tale of fam- James Earl Jones plays wily ern woman faces the intersection of Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 W. 45th St. ily and friendship unfolds on a tiny Grandpa Vanderhof, leader of a hap- choice and chance. Inspired by a true story and based Greek island. On the eve of her wed- pily eccentric gang of snake collec- on the film of the same title, “Kinky ding, a daughter’s quest to discover tors, cunning revolutionaries, ballet “It’s Only A Play” Boots” is a funny, heartwarming mu- the identity of her father brings three dancers, and skyrocket makers. But http://itsonlyaplay.com/, Schoen- sical about being true to yourself. men from her mother’s past back to when the youngest daughter brings feld Theatre, 236 W. 45th St. the island they had last visited 20 her fiance and his buttoned-up par- It’s opening night of Peter Aus- “Les Misérables” years ago. ents over for dinner, that’s when the tin’s (Matthew Broderick) new play www.lesmis.com/broadway, Impe- real fireworks start to fly. as he anxiously awaits to see if his rial Theatre, 249 W. 45th St. “Matilda The Musical” show is a hit. With his career on the Set against the backdrop of 19th- http://us.matildathemusical.com/, Tip: line, he shares his big First Night century France, “Les Miserables” Shubert Theatre, 225 W. 44th St. Purchase tickets via Telecharge. with his best friend, a television tells an enthralling story of broken It’s the story of an extraordinary com and use the code KIDS2015 star (Nathan Lane), his fledgling dreams and unrequited love, pas- girl who dreams of a better life. when purchasing tickets. producer (Megan Mullally), his er- sion, sacrifice, and redemption — a Armed with a vivid imagination and For participating restaurants, visit ratic leading lady (Stockard Chan- timeless testament to the power of a sharp mind, Matilda dares to take a www.kidsnightonbroadway.com/res- ning), his wunderkind director the human spirit. stand and change her destiny. taurants (Rupert Grint), an infamous drama For show dates, visit www.kids- critic (F. Murray Abraham), and a “The Lion King” “On the Town” nightonbroadway.com/shows/calen- fresh-off-the-bus coat check atten- www.LionKing.com, Minskoff The- www.onthetownbroadway.com, dar dant (Micah Stock) on his first night atre, 200 W. 45th St. Lyric Theatre, 213 W. 42nd St. Shnieka Johnson is an education con- in Manhattan. Giraffes strut, birds swoop, ga- The Bronx is up, the Battery’s sultant and freelance writer. She is based zelles leap — the entire Serengeti is down, and three sailors are hoping in Manhattan where she resides with her “Jersey Boys” represented in this Disney produc- to get just a little bit lucky on their husband and son. Contact her via her www.jerseyboysinfo.com/broad- tion about the circle of life. And as one day of leave in the Big Apple. website, www.shniekajohnson.com.

January 2015 • Manhattan Family 11 Women New year, new you here’s always something new sively for FAO Schwarz. I took my came up with this idea since I was and #FabULyss happening in younger son and niece to Batik and bringing my baby to the salon since T New York City. I wanted to they had the best time. My son made she was three months old. The salon bring you a few of my favorites for a DJ T-shirt and my niece made a tote is the most baby-friendly salon in the the moms and tots. bag. If you are looking for something city. Everyone there loves babies. I There’s nothing more that I love fun to do, make sure to visit the new felt so comfortable bringing my baby than starting the new year off with shop. It’s also #FabULyss for chil- in tow that I of course started to tell a brand-new calendar. A new year dren’s birthday parties. all of my other mommy friends with Fabulyss means a fresh start! Are you ready Hiho Batik at FAO Schwarz [767 Fifth babies to go. Most upscale salons to start 2015 fresh and organized — I Ave. between E. 58th and E. 59th streets in tend to discourage clients from bring- Finds wouldn’t want it to start otherwise. Midtown, (212) 644–9400, www.fao.com/ ing their babies to appointments Lyss stern I found the most amazing organizer, shop/index.jsp?categoryId=3810526, with them. We decided to embrace it! Jodi Starr from Clarity. Decluttering, www.hihobatik.com] Make sure to visit www.divamoms. organizing, and breathing is what the “Oh, the weather outside is fright- com for the next event. Happy moms business is all about. Her job is to do ful, but the fire is so delightful, and equals happy children! one thing: simplify your overwhelm- since we’ve no place to go, let it snow! Breakfast, Babes and Blowouts at ing clutter one methodical step at a Let it snow! Let it snow!” Moms are the Louis Licari Salon [693 Fifth Ave. time. By tailoring her approach to always asking me about ways to keep between E. 55th and E. 54th streets your specific needs, she will create their kids active and warm during the Midtown, (212) 758–2090, www.louis- the ideal environment to satisfy your cold winter months. Fast Fundamen- licari.com] aesthetic while also producing a last- tals, www.fastfundamentals.com, is Lastly, moms and dads, do I have ing functionality. Regardless of the a wonderful program that keeps the a spa for you! project — your home office, bedroom, kids active all year long. The pro- We all want to look and feel our closets, children’s room, kitchen, chil- gram’s mission is to provide young best from the inside out. It’s the new dren’s schoolwork, paper manage- and growing athletes with the op- year and that means taking better ment or a pre- or post-move situation portunity to develop and strengthen care of yourself. DASHA, a luxury — she will initiate a plan to make day- a customized set of physical skills lifestyle brand and Manhattan-based to-day living manageable and pro- that will maximize their potential for wellness center created to offer a ductive. Let’s face it, less mess is less a lifetime of activity. It prides itself on truly holistic approach to wellness, stress! By taking simple steps created developing a proactively positive en- is just the spot. The core of this ap- and taught by Jodi, you will feel like vironment throughout all of its train- proach is an understanding that a you can be organized once again. For ing sessions and promoting a philoso- healthy lifestyle is a result of making more information about Clarity, visit phy of continual improvement rather positive changes in all areas of life. www.claritynyc.com. than immediate performance when DASHA is your destination for Now at the legendary FAO Schwarz evaluating success. This type of en- the health, wellness, and spa ser- is Hiho Batik, an experiential re- vironment is essential in motivating vices that will have you standing tail store and art studio. children to try new activities without tall, feeling healthy, and confident. The new shop on the a fear of failure. Your child will expe- DASHA’s integrated menu of lifestyle, second level of the fa- rience not only a noticeable improve- and wellness services includes chi- mous toy store offers ment in his athletic performance, but ropractic care, physical therapy, customers an opportu- also a huge boost in self-esteem and massage, acupuncture, Pilates, per- nity to create one-of-a- self-confidence. And besides training sonal training, yoga, and a variety kind pieces by participat- with the most wonderful coaches, of fully customizable programs and ing in the batik process, you can also choose at which location packages. Whether you are an elite which uses wax and dyes your children will train. If you have a athlete or just starting your health to create an image. gym inside of your apartment build- journey, DASHA is the right partner Shoppers will be ing or belong to a gym, you can bring for your path to wellness. This trans- able to hand- the coaches to your child. You can formative process is grounded in its paint their own also have them meet you in a favorite commitment to and confidence in all T-shirts and tote park close to your apartment. They of its clients and the DASHA way of bags, personal- will work with your child’s needs and life. Enhance your well-being with izing each item. goals directly. DASHA. For more information please The shop will Breakfast, Babes and Blowouts is a visit www.dashawellness.com. I also sell a new trend that DivaMoms started at know you will not be disappointed! special line the Louis Licari salon. New York City DASHA [115 E. 57th St. #520 between of premade DivaMoms — and especially work- Park and Lexington avenues in Mid- clothing and ing moms — come early to the salon town, (212) 755–5500, www.dashawell- accessories, including T- to get their hair blown out while the ness.com] shirts, sweatshirts, and babies are entertained. Everyone is Lyss Stern is the founder of DivaLyss- tote bags, created exclu- happy, mom and baby. Louis and I cious Moms (www.divamoms.com).

12 Manhattan Family • January 2015 EDUCATION FOR THE GLOBAL GENERATION Research Study for Children with Autism A Learning School Spectrum Disorder

Spectrum Neuroscience and Treatment Institute, directed by Where the neighborhood meets the world and learning Dr. Eric Hollander, is conducting a new is a state of mindfulness study with a medical food for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Summer Arts Extended Day Your child may be eligible to participate if they: STEAM Saturdays Summer Exchange • Are between 6 to 13 years old Program • Meet the criteria for an Autism Spectrum Disorder • Do not have allergies or sensitivity to fi sh, seafood or soy • Are stable on their current medications

Study details: • Maximum 16 weeks participation • 6 visits to our center and 5 phone visits • Participants will receive the medical food or placebo or both Digital • Participants will receive between $40 to $60 for each visit • Participants will be receive a study-related medical evaluation and study treatment at no cost CAMP Study will take place at Spectrum Neuroscience and Treatment Institute (Manhattan, New York). This study is sponsored by GUIDE Enzymotec, Ltd. Please contact us for more information concerning the study, including benefi ts and risks. 646-351-0220 [email protected] Check it out on nyparenting.com www.spectrumneuroscience.org

January 2015 • Manhattan Family 13 The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall (left) is hosting special events this month. Washington DC A great weekend for families

By Shnieka L. JohnSon thrilling. Imagine walking through witness the parade and peace walk. the Pentagon, taking a peek into the As part of the celebration for Dr. rying to figure out what to Supreme Court, or standing in awe of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, you can do over the long weekend of the lavish rooms in the White House. also attend the Kennedy Center cel- T Martin Luther King, Jr. Day? If you are planning to visit the White ebration “Let Freedom Ring,” or par- Looking to go somewhere that is House, remember that trips must be ticipate in a day of service to honor just a short plane, train, or car ride coordinated through your member the slain civil rights leader. from New York? Consider Wash- of Congress at least 21 days before Throughout D.C., there are stat- ington, D.C., where you can learn the planned trip. ues, plaques, and monuments to more about the civil rights leader. The Arlington National Cemetery honor those who helped shape our Although America’s capital city is — and its “sea of stones” that holds country. The most visited sites are known for its politics, its history, di- thousands of graves of those who on the National Mall, and the Na- versity, and accessibility draws fami- served in the U.S. military — will tional Park Service has conveniently lies from throughout the country all humble you. The gravesites of Presi- developed an app to navigate the year long. dent John F. Kennedy and his well- area easily (entitled “NPS National Some of the biggest draws in D.C. known brothers (former Sen. Robert Mall”). Another feature of the app is are the impressive monuments, mu- F. Kennedy and former Sen. Ted Ken- the “park lens” that aids users in lo- seums, mansions, and government nedy) are also housed at Arlington. cating nearby monuments. You can buildings — many of which are The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Me- follow a recommended tour or create free of charge. As expected, there morial is grand in scale, and is even your own. If you plan ahead, you can is heightened security in D.C., but more impressive in the evening with also print a copy of the useful “Be a there are concerted efforts to keep its spotlight beaming. By visiting the Park Ranger” packet for your kids. the significant buildings open to the Memorial (or any of the memorials This will add a sense of adventure to general public. With proper plan- on the National Mall and Tidal Basin) your visit to the National Mall and its ning, you can schedule a visit or even at night, you will encounter smaller monuments. a tour. The opportunity to witness crowds. If visiting on Dr. Martin Lu- Washington D.C. is a terrific place the government in action is equally ther King, Jr. Day (Jan. 19), you can for families, and you will be drawn in

14 Manhattan Family • January 2015 by the educational and historical of aviation, space, and human at- appeal the city offers. There are tempts at flight. also tantalizing restaurants that you will want to seek out. Dur- National Museum ing the week of Jan. 19 to 25, you of Natural History can take advantage of Restaurant www.mnh.si.edu, 10th Street and Week, when more than 200 restau- Constitution Avenue Northwest, rants will be offering three-course Washington, DC 20560, (202) 633– lunches for $20.15 and three-course 1000 dinners for $35.15. This will be a This huge museum is dedicated great opportunity to experience to natural wonders and boasts a D.C.’s best restaurants at afford- great collection on dinosaurs. It able prices. also houses an “Insect Zoo,” which Here are 10 places and events is home to live insects and other that you cannot miss: critters.

Bureau of Engraving National Zoo and Printing www.nationalzoo.si.edu, 3001 www.moneyfactory.gov/tours/ Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, “Wow, this business shows results! washingtondctours.html, 300 14th St. DC 20008, (202) 633–4888 We got started after a friend who’d used them, saw her 4 year old learn how to SW, Washington, DC 20228, (202) One of the world’s most re- read like a second grader within 5 months. After seeing the same astounding 874–2330 nowned zoos, it is family friendly results with my 6 year old, I signed my 3 year old up with them too!” Also referred to as the “Money and easily navigable with a — Pamela M. — Battery Park mom Factory,” it offers a self-guided tour stroller. that takes approximately 35 min- We build confi dence in 3 to 8 year olds while teaching to read at advanced levels. utes. As you would expect, this tour National Gallery of Art Curriculum is tailored to each child. Teachers come directly to your home. is quite popular, so plan ahead. www.nga.gov, Sixth Street and Constitution Avenue Northwest, Discovery Theater Washington, DC 20565, (202) 737– Readingin in www.discoverytheater.org, 1100 4215 Preschool Jefferson Dr. SW, Washington, DC During the winter months, there Preschool 20560, (202) 633–8700 is an outdoor ice skating rink in the www.ReadinginPreschool.com A theater devoted to young audi- sculpture garden. View sculptures 917-723-1159 | [email protected] ences, it offers 300 programs a year while skating with your children. exploring art, science, and global heritage. Newseum www.newseum.org, 555 Pennsyl- International vania Ave. NW, Washington, DC GALLI THEATER Spy Museum 20001, (202) 292–6100 www.spymuseum.org, 800 F St. This museum houses seven www.gallitheaterny.com NW, Washington, DC 20004, (202) floors of interactive exhibits cover- 393–7798 ing the history of journalism. The This museum explains the art of exhibits are sure to engage kids of Galli Theater’s World Premiere: espionage and displays cool gad- all ages. gets. Please note that this museum is best for older kids and teens United States The Snow Queen — strollers are not allowed in the Botanic Garden by Johannes Galli museum. www.usbg.gov, 100 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20001, January 3rd - 25th Mount Vernon (202) 225–8333 Based on the classic fairytale by www.mountvernon.org, 3200 Located on the Capitol grounds, Hans Christian Anderson, it tells Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount the garden has living exhibits in the story of enduring friendship Vernon, Va., 22121, (703) 780–2000 the conservatory, such as seasonal and the journey of a young girl Visit George Washington’s for- exhibits. named Gerda who travels far mer home, which is now home to farm animals, a discovery center, Other links: and wide to rescue her friend Kay and museum. This site is stroller Be a Junior Ranger: www.nps. from the Snow Queen. friendly and dogs are welcome. gov/kids/jrRangers.cfm For ages 5 - 9 years old Open all year. NPS App: www.nps.gov/nama/ photosmultimedia/app-page.htm All shows are at 2pm. National Air and Washington DC Restaurant Reserve today! Space Museum Week: www.ramw.org/restau- 212 731 0668 Visit our website for more info www.airandspace.si.edu, Inde- rantweek and a complete list of this pendence Avenue at Sixth Street, Shnieka Johnson is an education season’s shows! Southwest, Washington, DC 20560, consultant and freelance writer. She is (202) 633–2214 based in Manhattan where she resides Family Shows, Birthday Events and School Performances One of the most popular muse- with her husband and son. Contact her 151 West 26th Street, 7th Fl btwn 6th & 7th Aves ums in Washington, it houses 23 via her website, www.shniekajohnson. For more information email us at [email protected] galleries that illustrate the story com.

January 2015 • Manhattan Family 15 she says. “The teachers set high stan- dards for the children. They are ex- pected to do well and they rise to the occasion.” The value of Many Catholic school students are the first ones in their families to graduate from college. In low-income neighborhoods, this means that the school is providing the lion’s share of educational support for children who do not have access to private tutor- ing or help at home. There is a 99 percent graduation rate for Catholic high schools, fol- Catholic lowed by a 97 percent college gradu- ation rate for those who graduated Catholic high school. Compared to the 41 percent public high school graduation rate, Catholic school stu- dents have a better success rate. They are guided up the ladder of growth and achievement, making a real dif- ference for present and future genera- schools tions. Overall, Catholic school seems to outperform public school and is a By Candi SparkS and continents, the demographic viable, less-expensive system of edu- Why parents shifted and one didn’t necessarily cation in the private sector. t a time when the New York have to be Catholic to choose this In fact, the only two private schools choose this City public school system is educational option. As a result, many in New York State that were designated A under so much criticism and Catholic schools throughout the city by the U.S. Department of Education revision, working families have found have continued as an integral part of as Blue Ribbon — a program that effective an alternative in the Catholic school our citywide school landscape. honors public and private elemen- system. These schools have histori- Currently, Catholic schools serve tary, middle, and high schools whose alternative cally been the ones to reach out to more than 160 nationalities. With students achieve at very high levels, and support communities in need. each wave of immigration — His- or schools that make significant prog- Years ago, hundreds of thousands panic, Asian, Slavic and many others ress in closing the achievement gap of immigrants came to the New — Catholic schools offer diversity. — in 2011 were both Catholic schools World to have a fresh start. They These schools are not just racially di- in the Archdiocese of New York. The put in long hours at low-level jobs, verse; there is also religious diversity honorees were St. Ignatius Loyola striving for greater opportunity and in the Catholic school system. In fact, School on E. 84th Street in Manhattan a better life for their children. It was non-Catholics comprise about one and St. Ignatius on Mott Street in Man- a financial sacrifice for these immi- quarter of the student body. hattan. This year’s honorees show grants to send their children to Cath- “Catholic schools are not just the excellence in education and the olic schools, rather than through the meant for the faithful. We are here diverse population served by Catholic public school system, but to them, it to grow faith by building community schools. The incentives for getting a was well worth it. and reaching out to those in need,” Catholic school education are differ- The public schools in their work- says Tom O’Brien, of the Brooklyn ent than what they used to be, and ing-class neighborhoods were largely Diocese, which is involved in raising this is changing the demographics of overcrowded and not necessarily scholarship funds to help families Catholic school students. providing top-notch education. In offset tuition. “But not every Catholic “Families that don’t have money order to be more assured that their school family is in great economic don’t usually have many choices. We children would be taught their values need. Our demographic is changing. needed to find a school with the right — including discipline, which was a We have seen an influx of middle in- mix for Benny. He really wanted to rigorous part of their children’s life come families who choose Catholic play baseball. The only school that at home — they decided to send their school because of the class size, ex- we could find to bridge the gap was children through a parochial school cellence in education, and for a safer a Catholic school. We are all very system, even if it meant struggling to environment than what most par- happy with the switch,” says Eliza- find the extra money to pay for it. ents think the neighborhood public beth, a Brooklyn mother of two, who In the early days of the immigra- school would offer.” chose to send her son to a Catholic tion wave, it was primarily Irish and Patty, a public school teacher from school with solid academics and a Italian immigrants that sent their chil- the Bronx, sends her son Ronald to a baseball program. dren to Catholic parochial schools. Catholic elementary school. Likewise, Patty, of East Harlem, As the years went by and new im- “The environment stresses aca- sends her daughter Amber to a bilin- migrants came from more countries demics and doing the right thing,” gual Catholic school.

16 Manhattan Family • January 2015 “My daughter goes to a school schools are researching and develop- dren. This vision includes develop- program for fourth and fifth grade that gives her [education] in both ing new educational business models. ing schools that will be better able to math, “Time to Know,” which pro- languages,” says Patty. “Sure, they Some Catholic schools have closed meet the diverse and changing needs vides online learning, data collection speak the same languages in the pub- their doors, only to reopen as acad- of students and parents, and provid- and feedback for the school. lic school around the corner, but it emies. For example, in South Ozone ing competitive compensation and Personally, I am proud to share is unofficial. The public school does Park, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin benefits to teachers and staff. that my fondest childhood memo- not have the same structure.” Am- Mary School and St. Stanislaus Bishop Even though two schools in the ries revolve around a humble begin- ber’s Catholic school is also closely and Martyr School closed their doors, Archdiocese of New York have won ning, in a humble neighborhood. My related to other parish activities and only to be succeeded by the Divine the 2011 Blue Ribbon Award, the orga- siblings and I attended a Catholic offers bilingual masses, events and Mercy Catholic Academy. Because the nization is still committed to improv- elementary school, Our Lady of Vic- service projects for the community. school involves more than one par- ing. The Archdiocese has initiated the tory, for eight years. I am pleased This makes the Catholic school a ish, the school is called an academy “Pathways to Excellence” program, that Catholic schools are committed great way for Patty and Amber to to differentiate it from a single-parish aimed at professional development to remaining vibrant institutions for meet people of similar backgrounds school. Since 2005, the Brooklyn Dio- for principals, teachers and staff at generations to come. and build a community. Parochial cese has opened many Catholic acad- schools that already do outstanding Candi Sparks is the author of children’s schools celebrate the tradition of emies in Brooklyn and Queens. work. Because of the diverse popu- books about money including “Can I faith, family and community. The Brooklyn Diocese has also lation, there is still more than can Have Some Money? Educating Children Unfortunately, keeping these implemented the program “Preserv- be done to close the achievement About Money,” “Max Gets It!” and “Nacho schools open has become a challenge. ing the Vision.” The name means gap. The program is aimed at raising Money.” She is a Brooklyn mother of two The Catholic school sector is no differ- exactly what it says: preserving what standardized test scores and pro- and is on Facebook (Candi Sparks, au- ent than any other, and closings have has always been an integral part of viding teachers with new classroom thor) and Twitter (Candi Sparks, author). been publicized. In response, Catholic Catholic life: the education of chil- tools, such as the digital teaching Her website is www.candisparks.com.

January 2015 • Manhattan Family 17 ,86 <6 6& 2 + / 2 $  2

7 / Incarnation 6 Building a Bridge to the Future in Washington Heights Since 1910 School   7 K HP H UO -HV +D XLW6FKRRORI

Open House: Saturday, January 24th • 1pm - 3pm • Small, intimate classroom settings • Art, music, oratory and athletics • Extended day enrichment programing • Full day FREE • Breakfast & • Optional After • Extensive library collection to support academics UPK classes Lunch Programs School program and a love of reading • Technology such as SMARTboards, iPads and Chromebooks • Rolling • Tours on • Grades Pre-K • Summer camp for grades 6-8 where students experience enrollment request thru 8th Grade nature and develop leadership skills

nd 570 West 175th st., 10033 • 212.795.1030 223 West 132 Street, New York, NY 10027 www.incarnationnyc.org 212.283.0921, ext. 2203 • www.StAloysiusSchool.org

“Empowering Young Women Through Education Since 1905” Private/Independent

School Guide  Cathedral High School

 350 East 56th Street ~ New York, NY 10022 ~ 212-688-1545

Come and explore all that Cathedral has to offer you!





 MINI OPEN HOUSE Thursday, January 29, 2015 6:00 PM

Visit our website at www.cathedralhs.org

Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools Check it out on NYParenting.com

18 Manhattan Family • January 2015 Special Advertising Section ST.A Catholic, BRIGID Private Elementary SCHOOL School Educating Students PreK 3 to 8th Grade OPEN HOUSE

V E R I A A N XAVERIAN X ST.A Catholic, BRIGID Private Elementary SCHOOL School Educating Students PreK 3 to 8th Grade Become a part of Xaverian’s 57 year TACHS#011 R ST.A Catholic, BRIGID Private Elementary SCHOOL School E M S A tradition of academic excellence and enjoy I P I R C E A M Educating Students PreK 3 to 8th Grade the following: S T A B E L L O C . R A M V Y Every . O N [ A cutting edge, one-to-one learning O K L Y N environment complete with Smart A Catholic, college OPEN HOUSE classrooms and an iPad for each student preparatory boys’ Tuesday OPEN HOUSE [ The Michael T. Strianese ‘74 STEM Program at Xaverian offers project and high school in the tradition problem based learning through hands- 9am-7pm on classroom experiences in the areas of of the Xaverian Brothers Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The growth of since 1957. the highly acclaimed STEM program, which was implemented through a Be our guest as a partnership with Project Lead the Way, has been bolstered by a recent $1 “Clipper for a Day.” million gift donated by Spend a day on our campus Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Strianese ‘74. and experience what life is Every We offer a completely free, [ College credit opportunities available like as a Clipper! through numerous Advanced Placement, St. John’s University, and Syracuse University courses Accepting Thursday full day, four year old program [ Impressive college placements in which the class of 2014 earned $23,279,608 in scholarships to top colleges, including Applications 9am-12pm Cornell University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, Macaulay Honors College at CUNY, Boston Every Come see... all St.Brigid’s has to offer! University, College of the Holy Cross, for Fall 2015 University of Notre Dame, US Naval TuesdayEvery Academy, US Military Academy at West 9am-7pm Point, and US Coast Guard Academy Tuesday [ A robust college guidance and internship 9am-7pm program (see www.xaverian.org/ipax for For more information, please contact: 185Every East 7th Street, New York, NY 10009We offer a completely free, a full list of internship partners) Mr. Mark Spelman ’92, Director of Admissions Accepting Thursday full day, four year old program (718) 836-7100 x117 We offer a completely free, [ Dynamic extracurricular offerings, Applications 9am-12pmEvery or [email protected] including the renowned Music at Xaverian forAccepting Fall 2015 212-677-5210Thursday • www.stbrigidschoolny.comCome see...full all St.Brigid’s day, four has year to offer! old program (MAX) program 7100 Shore Road, Brooklyn, NY 11209 ApplicationsThese9am-12pm185 Eastare 7th Street, the New York,years NY 10009 Private Bus Service Available! www.xaverian.org/admissions for Fall 2015 212-677-5210Come • www.stbrigidschoolny.com see... all St.Brigid’s has to offer! that will185 Eastmake 7th Street, Newyou York, NY 10009 These are the years 212-677-5210 • www.stbrigidschoolny.com These are the years thatThese will make whoyouare the youThese years are. are the years These are the yearsThese are Thesethe years arethat the willyears make you who you are. that will make you that will make youthat willthat makethat will willyou makemakewho you you you are. who you are. whoThis you is are. wherewho youyou are. Thiswho isyou where are. you who youThis are. is where you This is where youshould spendThisshould them. is where spend youThis them.is where you This is where you should spend them. should spend them. should spend them.should spend them. should Thisspend them. is where you OPEN HOUSE176-21 Wexford Terrace 0DUPCFS


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20 Manhattan Family • January 2015 Wee Care Child Care Children 6 weeks – 5 years Outdoor play area! Partnership with local activity centers

OUR ENRICHING FACILITY OFFERS: • Full Time & Part Time Enrollment • Infant, Toddler, & Pre-School Program • Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm • Creative Art Program • Music & Movement Classes • Sports Program • Outdoor Recreation • Educational Trips ENROLL NOW! • NYC Dept. of Health Approved 212–472–4481 VISIT www.WeeCareLLC.com 451 East 83rd Street New York, New York 10028 Recycled love Talking with By Tammy Scileppi er desire to help kids in need Sasha Lipton, went hand-in-hand with her H green attitude, and gradu- ally evolved into a vision. And it all founder started with a couple of discarded, rescued, and recycled plastic toys that she donated for the holidays. of Second Sasha Lipton grew up in a New Jer- sey town, about a half-hour outside Chance Toys of Manhattan. In 2006, at age 15, she looked around her and saw a lot of sadness — families living in nearby communities who were struggling to put food on the table and couldn’t afford to buy toys for their kids. She felt compassion for them and de- cided to take action. Fast forward eight years. Thanks to Second Chance Toys, the organi- zation that Lipton founded as a teen, nearly 200,000 gently used, donated toys have been distributed to local organizations serving kids in need, like Head Starts and family shelters. In so doing, Second Chance Toys has helped keep 40 tons of non-biode- gradable plastic out of our landfills. Lipton calls her movement “recy- cled love and a second chance.” Due to its partnership with Kohl’s early on, Second Chance Toys got much-needed funding to create a website and hire a full-time em- Sasha Lipton at a Second Chance Toys event. ployee. And on Thanksgiving Day 2014, in Sasha lipton: I came up with the TS: How can people get involved? the spirit of gratitude, Lipton, now idea for Second Chance Toys in high Sl: The small idea I had really 24, appeared on “Good Morning school, while driving around on a big took off and has become contagious America” to talk about her life’s work garbage collection day. I noticed that because anyone can join in and help! and Second Chance Toys abcnews. so many people were throwing away Whether you want to donate, collect, go.com/GMA/video/chance-toys-re- plastic toys and I knew that there or receive toys, just visit our web- cycles-unwanted-toys-27218383. were so many kids in towns not far site, www.secondchancetoys.org, for Standing beside a ginormous box from mine (in New Jersey) whose information. overflowing with an array of rescued parents couldn’t afford those toys. And we couldn’t have expanded toys, Lipton, who currently lives on Additionally, I knew the toys were without the help of corporate part- the Upper West Side, described the headed straight for the landfill — ners like 1-800-Got-Junk, Kohl’s, and impact her organization has made and that throwing out these plastic Old Spice. on so many kids’ lives, and reminded toys presented a hazard to our en- TS: Describe your “Good Morning viewers to donate toys for the holi- vironment. America” experience. days. When I began collecting plastic Sl: It was so exciting for me to toys, I enlisted my mom (and her be able to share the Second Chance The Second Chance sports utility vehicle, since I couldn’t Toys story with millions of viewers Toys story drive yet) and we started retrieving watching “Good Morning America.” NY Parenting spoke with Lipton these toys from the curb, one by I especially loved the big toy box about Second Chance Toys and one, until our basement was filled. they created and I thought it was what’s next. We then cleaned and tagged them awesome that they held a toy drive Tammy Scileppi: What were the with notes for the new owners, and of their own, with all of the produc- circumstances that led to Second delivered them to a family violence ers, so that we would have toys for Chance Toys? shelter in Newark. the segment and so that they could

22 Manhattan Family • January 2015 Recycled love Talking with By Tammy Scileppi er desire to help kids in need Sasha Lipton, went hand-in-hand with her H green attitude, and gradu- ally evolved into a vision. And it all founder started with a couple of discarded, rescued, and recycled plastic toys that she donated for the holidays. of Second Sasha Lipton grew up in a New Jer- sey town, about a half-hour outside Chance Toys of Manhattan. In 2006, at age 15, she looked around her and saw a lot of sadness — families living in nearby communities who were struggling to put food on the table and couldn’t afford to buy toys for their kids. She felt compassion for them and de- cided to take action. Fast forward eight years. Thanks to Second Chance Toys, the organi- zation that Lipton founded as a teen, nearly 200,000 gently used, donated toys have been distributed to local organizations serving kids in need, like Head Starts and family shelters. make a donation to children in need. to make a difference. She is a shining “Women want their work to have • D i s n e y In so doing, Second Chance Toys has TS: So, what’s next? example of how pro-social behavior meaning and purpose — for them • B M W helped keep 40 tons of non-biode- SL: We want to continue expand- benefits others by changing people’s to have a feeling of usefulness and • Apple gradable plastic out of our landfills. ing across the US and make Second lives for the better and helping make worth, to feel like they make a dif- • D a i m l e r (Mercedes Benz) Lipton calls her movement “recy- Chance Toys a household name. I the world a nicer place in which to ference, that they have some control • V W cled love and a second chance.” hope that someday people every- live. With Second Chance Toys, she over their jobs and lives and that • Sony Due to its partnership with Kohl’s where will know that they can do- says she has the ability to put smiles they are socially included,” she ex- • Colgate-Palmolive early on, Second Chance Toys got nate their toys to other children and on children’s faces — and that’s a plains. “There is a draw for women to • L E G O Group much-needed funding to create a that there is no need to throw them powerful thing. work at organizations with a strong website and hire a full-time em- Sasha Lipton at a Second Chance Toys event. away. In order to do this we are look- The Millennial Generation (about culture of giving back because of Making a difference ployee. ing to connect with a national retail ages 18 to 33) is made up of ex- what those organizations stand for It’s the dawn of a new year, so in And on Thanksgiving Day 2014, in Sasha lipton: I came up with the TS: How can people get involved? partner that would hold collections tremely ambitious young people — namely, providing a context for the spirit of giving back and de-clut- the spirit of gratitude, Lipton, now idea for Second Chance Toys in high Sl: The small idea I had really during the holidays or Earth week. who believe in good causes and have purpose and meaning of their work. tering, why not ask your kids to do- 24, appeared on “Good Morning school, while driving around on a big took off and has become contagious We are also always looking for new high expectations for themselves, as I think this is particularly important nate their gently used toys, as they America” to talk about her life’s work garbage collection day. I noticed that because anyone can join in and help! corporations to partner with that well as for those around them. for women, as they have a natu- make room for all those cool, new and Second Chance Toys abcnews. so many people were throwing away Whether you want to donate, collect, will help us grow. In fact, one in-depth, worldwide ral (and learned) propensity to take gifts they got over the holidays? go.com/GMA/video/chance-toys-re- plastic toys and I knew that there or receive toys, just visit our web- TS: What do you do in your spare study by Deloitte revealed that many care of others, and organizations The process can also serve as a cycles-unwanted-toys-27218383. were so many kids in towns not far site, www.secondchancetoys.org, for time? millennials, like Lipton, tend to be that align their mission and vision teaching moment: You have to give Standing beside a ginormous box from mine (in New Jersey) whose information. SL: I love to workout (mostly barre very charitable: 63 percent donate to with taking care of others, naturally to get. overflowing with an array of rescued parents couldn’t afford those toys. And we couldn’t have expanded and spin classes), cook or bake, try charities, 43 percent actively volun- resonates with women.” Second Chance Toys holds two toys, Lipton, who currently lives on Additionally, I knew the toys were without the help of corporate part- new restaurants, and get outdoors teer or are a member of a community “Organizations that have strong toy drives annually: One in Decem- the Upper West Side, described the headed straight for the landfill — ners like 1-800-Got-Junk, Kohl’s, and as often as possible! organization, and 52 percent have corporate social responsibility cul- ber and another for Earth Day, in impact her organization has made and that throwing out these plastic Old Spice. While Lipton sits on the board signed petitions. And a new study on tures are good at connecting the April. on so many kids’ lives, and reminded toys presented a hazard to our en- TS: Describe your “Good Morning of Second Chance Toys, she also millennials in the workforce shows dots of what employees do in their Visit www.secondchancetoys.org viewers to donate toys for the holi- vironment. America” experience. has a “day job,” working as a digi- that 88 percent — especially young work, and how it impacts the world and click “donate” for drop-off loca- days. When I began collecting plastic Sl: It was so exciting for me to tal producer at Everyday Health for women — gravitate toward compa- — or provides a social good, like tions in New York City and other toys, I enlisted my mom (and her be able to share the Second Chance the past year and a half. Each sum- nies with strong corporate social Toms, [a company that matches areas. There will be plenty in the The Second Chance sports utility vehicle, since I couldn’t Toys story with millions of viewers mer, her company hosts an event in responsibility programs. More and every pair of shoes purchased with spring and you and your family can Toys story drive yet) and we started retrieving watching “Good Morning America.” which employees divide up amongst more companies have been focusing a pair of new shoes for a child in celebrate Earth Day by recycling NY Parenting spoke with Lipton these toys from the curb, one by I especially loved the big toy box various organizations and spend on addressing a variety of social and need],” she adds. plastic toys and giving them a sec- about Second Chance Toys and one, until our basement was filled. they created and I thought it was their day volunteering. environmental issues. Reputational Institute has identi- ond chance. what’s next. We then cleaned and tagged them awesome that they held a toy drive Solange Charas, a gender-in-the- fied the top-10 corporate-social-re- Don’t see a drop off location near Tammy Scileppi: What were the with notes for the new owners, and of their own, with all of the produc- Recycled love and pro- workplace expert, weighs in why sponsibility-organizations as: you? Consider starting a collection. circumstances that led to Second delivered them to a family violence ers, so that we would have toys for social millennials young women like Lipton are leaders • M i c r o s o f t It takes just 50 toys to be matched Chance Toys? shelter in Newark. the segment and so that they could Millennials like Lipton are eager in the business of helping others. • G o o g l e with an organization.

January 2015 • Manhattan Family 23 HealtH Cut the mean girls out of your circle o you have a toxic friend? If you are a woman, chances D are you have had a toxic HealtHy friend, and surprisingly, you may have kept that friendship for a while. living Self Magazine and Today.com asked Danielle Sullivan 18,000 readers about their experi- ences with toxic friends. 84 percent of women said they’d had a toxic friend at some point, and 1 in 3 surveyed said they had a toxic best friend. The disturbing part is that 83 per- cent said they had held onto a friend- ship longer than was healthy simply because it was hard to break up with that friend. Yet a dysfunctional rela- tionship is still dysfunctional, even if it is between two female friends, so why is it so difficult to end the friendship? “The reason it’s hard to dump a toxic friend is the same reason people stay in all kinds of dysfunctional rela- tionships,” says Dr. Gail Saltz, associ- ate professor of psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital. “There’s something in it that you find compel- ling or familiar. Depending on the nature of what’s going on in the rela- tionship, you may feel guilty [about breaking things off]. Or it could be that the person has implied you need them in some way — that you would be a bad person to walk away.” It’s worth noting that women’s Furthermore, they shouldn’t feel bad a boyfriend or a boss is being insin- friendships are centered on feelings for ending a friendship; they should cere or sneaky, but don’t immedi- where as men’s friendships mostly feel empowered for protecting them- ately see it in our girlfriends. focus on joint activities and business. selves. Of course, most of us don’t The ironic part is that my friends, Some of the toxic friendship types want to be intentionally mean, but my best friends in adulthood, have include those who are chronic down- setting boundaries for what you ac- showed me through example how ers, self absorbed, overly critical, un- cept from others is one of the very to be set boundaries without being dermining, and unreliable. most important ways you can teach mean and how to cut off those fe- The popular movie, Mean Girls your kids self-love. male friends who are there for the that focuses on high school social I am just now learning how to wrong reasons, or in other words, cliques and the detrimental effect do this over the past few years. toxic. It’s the most freeing thing I’ve they can have on girls, reflects not Growing up, I was always taught to done. Have you had a toxic friend? only high school. Unfortunately often be polite, help others, and extend Did you stay friends longer than you cliques form in elementary and mid- yourself, which are all good things. should have? dle school, and continue into adult- It’s just that I never learned how to Danielle Sullivan, a mom of three, hood, in friendship circles, family get- set boundaries for myself or even has worked as a writer and editor in the togethers and even the workplace. realize when I was being taken for parenting world for more than 10 years. What we should teach our young advantage in my friendships, and Sullivan also writes about pets and par- girls is that if anyone treats them being helpful can quickly turn into enting for Disney’s Babble.com. Find Sul- poorly on a consistent basis, they being an easy target. It’s amazing livan on her blogs, Just Write Mom and probably shouldn’t be their friend. how many of us can recognize when Some Puppy To Love.

24 Manhattan Family • January 2015 HealtH Cut the mean girls out of your circle o you have a toxic friend? If you are a woman, chances Go online. D are you have had a toxic HealtHy friend, and surprisingly, you may have kept that friendship for a while. Why? living Self Magazine and Today.com asked Danielle Sullivan 18,000 readers about their experi- ences with toxic friends. 84 percent of women said they’d had a toxic friend To get a quote. at some point, and 1 in 3 surveyed said they had a toxic best friend. The disturbing part is that 83 per- cent said they had held onto a friend- Why? ship longer than was healthy simply because it was hard to break up with that friend. Yet a dysfunctional rela- To save money. tionship is still dysfunctional, even if it is between two female friends, so why is it so difficult to end the friendship? Why? “The reason it’s hard to dump a toxic friend is the same reason people stay in all kinds of dysfunctional rela- tionships,” says Dr. Gail Saltz, associ- ate professor of psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital. “There’s Because we said so! something in it that you find compel- ling or familiar. Depending on the Parenting can be hard. nature of what’s going on in the rela- tionship, you may feel guilty [about See how easy it is to save with GEICO. breaking things off]. Or it could be that the person has implied you need them in some way — that you would be a bad person to walk away.” It’s worth noting that women’s Furthermore, they shouldn’t feel bad a boyfriend or a boss is being insin- friendships are centered on feelings for ending a friendship; they should cere or sneaky, but don’t immedi- where as men’s friendships mostly feel empowered for protecting them- ately see it in our girlfriends. focus on joint activities and business. selves. Of course, most of us don’t The ironic part is that my friends, Some of the toxic friendship types want to be intentionally mean, but my best friends in adulthood, have include those who are chronic down- setting boundaries for what you ac- showed me through example how ers, self absorbed, overly critical, un- cept from others is one of the very to be set boundaries without being dermining, and unreliable. most important ways you can teach mean and how to cut off those fe- The popular movie, Mean Girls your kids self-love. male friends who are there for the that focuses on high school social I am just now learning how to wrong reasons, or in other words, cliques and the detrimental effect do this over the past few years. toxic. It’s the most freeing thing I’ve geico.com | 1-800-947-AUTO (2886) | Local Offi ce they can have on girls, reflects not Growing up, I was always taught to done. Have you had a toxic friend? only high school. Unfortunately often be polite, help others, and extend Did you stay friends longer than you cliques form in elementary and mid- yourself, which are all good things. should have? dle school, and continue into adult- It’s just that I never learned how to Danielle Sullivan, a mom of three, hood, in friendship circles, family get- set boundaries for myself or even has worked as a writer and editor in the togethers and even the workplace. realize when I was being taken for parenting world for more than 10 years. What we should teach our young advantage in my friendships, and Sullivan also writes about pets and par- girls is that if anyone treats them being helpful can quickly turn into enting for Disney’s Babble.com. Find Sul- poorly on a consistent basis, they being an easy target. It’s amazing livan on her blogs, Just Write Mom and Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government probably shouldn’t be their friend. how many of us can recognize when Some Puppy To Love. Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2014. © 2014 GEICO.

January 2015 • Manhattan Family 25 Peace on earth Tips for choosing, promoting and teaching peace in your life

By Carolyn WaterBury- look into the eyes of others and see describe as peaceful individuals. tieman all the ways they are like us rather Identify those qualities and prac- than the ways they are different, we tices that exemplify peace. Decide eace, as with most aspects are primed for peace. When we ac- what peace means to you. Evalu- of the human condition, is cept the equality of all humankind, ate your position on it. Choose P a choice. It may not be obvi- we can promote peace. words and actions that reflect ous or even conscious, but it is al- Unfortunately, we are living in a your beliefs. Share your position ways an option. For every instance time when being kind, polite, con- with the other significant adults or occasion when cruelty, abuse, or siderate, decent, respectful, and in your child’s life. Develop a plan violence occurs, a more peaceful peace-seeking is not “in.” These for peace. solution existed. qualities are not considered so- Practice peaceful communica- The thing about peace, though, phisticated, edgy, or trendy. Those tion. Remember: communication is that it is hard. It typically re- observed exhibiting these charac- includes listening as well as speak- quires giving something up — hav- teristics are scorned for their na- ing, so listen carefully to what oth- ing the last word, making a point, ïvete and assumed lack of worldli- ers say. Listening does not mean believing your way is the right way, ness. But these individuals are not you agree, approve, or give permis- winning at any cost, or getting what strangers to controversy and con- sion. It just means you are listening. you want. There are even those flict. For peace is not merely the Try to identify the feelings behind who have given up their lives in the absence of conflict. Peace is both others’ words. Try getting “into pursuit of peace. Peace is not com- the means as well as the desired their skin.” Increase your peace- patible with selfishness, competi- end of conflict resolution. ful vocabulary. Think before you tiveness, prejudice, or arrogance. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “It isn’t speak. Ask yourself how you would These obstacles to peace grow out enough to talk about peace. One feel if someone said to you what of vulnerability, fear, ignorance, must believe in it. And it isn’t you are about to say. Speak without and insecurity. enough to believe in it. One must raising your voice. Learn to be hon- Peace requires personal disci- work at it.” How do we choose est in a way that expresses caring pline, courage, patience, tolerance, peace? What can we do to promote and concern. It is possible to be and grace. An essential prerequisite peace in our lives? How do we honest without being cruel. Make for peace is empathy — as Atticus teach our children peace? Here are saying something kind a habit. Finch explains to Scout in “To Kill a few suggestions for how we can Keep a smile close at hand. a Mockingbird,” “You never really be models of peace in our families, Seek peaceful solutions to con- understand a person until you con- for home is where peace begins: flict. Share the plan for peace with sider things from his point of view, Study peace. Familiarize your- your family. Discuss what the ex- until you climb into his skin and self with the meaning of peace. Ex- pectations are for resolving conflict walk around in it.” When we can plore the lives of those you would peacefully. Spend time learning and

26 Manhattan Family • January 2015 Peace on earth Tips for choosing, promoting and teaching peace in your life

By Carolyn WaterBury- look into the eyes of others and see describe as peaceful individuals. teaching the skills of Piglet, Wilbur, them. (A word of caution regarding tieman all the ways they are like us rather Identify those qualities and prac- negotiation and com- Babe, Little Lord toys and play: play is practice for than the ways they are different, we tices that exemplify peace. Decide promise. When there is a Fauntleroy, Charlie adulthood. Be sure the lessons and eace, as with most aspects are primed for peace. When we ac- what peace means to you. Evalu- problem, spend time clearly Bucket, George Bailey, Atti- skills your children are learning of the human condition, is cept the equality of all humankind, ate your position on it. Choose defining what the problem is and cus Finch, Martin Luther King, Jr., will be useful to them as peace- P a choice. It may not be obvi- we can promote peace. words and actions that reflect who is involved. Include all fam- Instead of telling your children and Gandhi.) seeking adults.) Take the time to ous or even conscious, but it is al- Unfortunately, we are living in a your beliefs. Share your position ily members in the peace process, what they can’t do, try telling them Choose peaceful forms of en- explain your position. ways an option. For every instance time when being kind, polite, con- with the other significant adults when appropriate. Create an atmo- what they can do. Make compliance tertainment. Pay close attention Have the courage to make un- or occasion when cruelty, abuse, or siderate, decent, respectful, and in your child’s life. Develop a plan sphere of trust among family mem- and cooperation more desirable to the messages your children are popular decisions. After all, we ex- violence occurs, a more peaceful peace-seeking is not “in.” These for peace. bers. Empower family members than misbehavior by expressing getting about relationships, con- pect our children to do so when solution existed. qualities are not considered so- Practice peaceful communica- with the courage to take responsi- appreciation when they occur. We flict, violence, and peace from tele- they are pressured to participate The thing about peace, though, phisticated, edgy, or trendy. Those tion. Remember: communication bility for their words and actions — children, too — tend to respond vision, movies, toys, games, music, in bullying, alcohol, drugs, or pro- is that it is hard. It typically re- observed exhibiting these charac- includes listening as well as speak- as well as the consequences. Take more favorably to fans than to crit- and literature. When the messages miscuity. Practice the peace you quires giving something up — hav- teristics are scorned for their na- ing, so listen carefully to what oth- responsibility for whatever part you ics. In her book, “Positive Parent- they are getting go against the val- preach. ing the last word, making a point, ïvete and assumed lack of worldli- ers say. Listening does not mean have played in starting or continu- ing,” Jane Nelsen reminds us, “Our ues you are trying to teach, speak If you fall short of your efforts, believing your way is the right way, ness. But these individuals are not you agree, approve, or give permis- ing an argument. Apologize if you children do not have to be made up! (If you do not believe your chil- forgive yourself, make amends, and winning at any cost, or getting what strangers to controversy and con- sion. It just means you are listening. have said or done things that have to feel worse in order to do bet- dren are influenced by what they try again. Peace is worth it. There you want. There are even those flict. For peace is not merely the Try to identify the feelings behind caused another pain. Explore alter- ter.” Remember that you — your are watching and listening to, then is a beautiful song, composed by who have given up their lives in the absence of conflict. Peace is both others’ words. Try getting “into natives to unacceptable behavior. time, attention, approval, and af- why do companies spend billions Sy Miller and Bill Jackson, that pursuit of peace. Peace is not com- the means as well as the desired their skin.” Increase your peace- Expect everyone to cooperate in in- fection — are your child’s greatest of dollars on advertising? Don’t fool proclaims, “Let there be peace on patible with selfishness, competi- end of conflict resolution. ful vocabulary. Think before you stituting the agreed upon peaceful reward. yourself. Take control of the influ- Earth, and let it begin with me.” tiveness, prejudice, or arrogance. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “It isn’t speak. Ask yourself how you would solution. Look for common ground. Provide age-appropriate mod- ences on your children’s lives.) Imagine what might happen if each These obstacles to peace grow out enough to talk about peace. One feel if someone said to you what You are a family. You love each els for peace. In addition to model- Take advantage of the oppor- of us made this our New Year’s of vulnerability, fear, ignorance, must believe in it. And it isn’t you are about to say. Speak without other. That’s a good place to start. ing peace for your children, point tunity to explain your views re- resolution? Peace be with you. and insecurity. enough to believe in it. One must raising your voice. Learn to be hon- Employ peace-compatible disci- out examples in the world around garding what constitutes accept- Carolyn Waterbury-Tieman has Peace requires personal disci- work at it.” How do we choose est in a way that expresses caring pline. Adopt a preventive approach them with whom they can identify. able and unacceptable messages degrees in Child Development, Fam- pline, courage, patience, tolerance, peace? What can we do to promote and concern. It is possible to be to discipline. Be sure expectations Introduce them to age-appropri- and behavior. Engage your chil- ily Studies, and Marriage and Family and grace. An essential prerequisite peace in our lives? How do we honest without being cruel. Make for behavior are age-appropriate, ate role models from sources such dren in a dialogue about how situa- Therapy. Waterbury-Tieman has been for peace is empathy — as Atticus teach our children peace? Here are saying something kind a habit. clear, and understood ahead of as history and literature. Knowing tions could be addressed in a more married for 29 years and has two sons, Finch explains to Scout in “To Kill a few suggestions for how we can Keep a smile close at hand. time. Be sure consequences are that others their age have made peaceful manner. Make it clear how ages 24 and 14. She spent 15 years in a Mockingbird,” “You never really be models of peace in our families, Seek peaceful solutions to con- also age-appropriate, related to the peaceful choices in difficult situ- you would expect them to behave various agencies and clinics as a fam- understand a person until you con- for home is where peace begins: flict. Share the plan for peace with offense, consistent, and occur in a ations can inspire and encourage in a similar situation. If there are ily therapist and parent educator and sider things from his point of view, Study peace. Familiarize your- your family. Discuss what the ex- timely manner. Whenever possible, them when they face the inevitable shows, movies, or toys that do not has written extensively on the topic until you climb into his skin and self with the meaning of peace. Ex- pectations are for resolving conflict make consequences for failure to challenges to peace. (Some of our meet with your approval, refuse to of parenting. To contact her, please e- walk around in it.” When we can plore the lives of those you would peacefully. Spend time learning and comply clear ahead of time. favorites are Winnie the Pooh and let them be viewed — refuse to buy mail [email protected].

January 2015 • Manhattan Family 27 Education Worries with writing Signs your child is struggling with the written word dear teacher, • H e is easily distracted after writ- pect that your child has a learning My kid does not like to write. How ing for a short period of time. disability? do I know if he has a problem with • H e avoids writing -- even using it writing? in social media. dear parent, • H e makes a lot of mistakes in First of all, keep in mind that chil- Dear Teacher dear parent, spelling, punctuation and grammar dren with learning disabilities usu- Peggy gisler and The nature of writing is changing, in his writing. ally have normal IQs; their problem Marge eberts with children texting and e-mailing lies in how their brains process and friends throughout the day. Writing is improving reading use information. They could have an a very important part of their lives. comprehension auditory processing, visual percep- Not liking to write does not neces- dear teacher, tion, communication or other disor- sarily mean that your son actually My son, a fifth-grader, is a good der. There is no one description that has a writing problem. By studying reader; however, he does not com- describes all children with learning his written work and talking to his prehend what he has read. He cannot disabilities. teachers, you can get a good idea of tell you what a story is about after If you suspect that your child if he actually has a writing problem. he has finished reading it. How can could have a learning disability, your If it appears that he does have a I help him comprehend what he has very first step is to find out as much problem, it may be related to one of just read? -- Needs to Understand as you can about what learning dis- these causes: abilities are. This is quite easy to • Reading and writing are tied dear parent, do because many websites will give closely together. Good readers are Reading comprehension is the you good descriptions of learning usually good writers, and vice versa. number one reading skill you want disabilities. Two helpful sites are: Is your child currently reading on your children to have. Your son LDonline at www.ldonline.org and grade level? does not have this skill, so he can- the National Center for Learning Dis- • C a n he talk about what he knows not be considered a good reader. abilities at www.ncld.org. but cannot express it well in writing? Here are some things that you can Your second step is to gather as He is losing points on his work be- use to help him improve his reading much information as you can about cause of an inability to state what he comprehension: your child that makes you think knows in writing. • P r e v i e w a story and then read that he or she may have a learn- • H i s writing is unreasonably slow. it to your son, or have him read it to ing disability. Then take your con- He is writing a couple of sentences you. Before reading the story or part cerns to your child’s teacher. If the when other students are writing 10 of a story, ask him to find the answer teacher agrees with your concerns, times that number. to a question about the setting, char- the next step is to ask for a formal • H e is trying to pack too much in- acters or problems that the charac- evaluation of the child. Should the formation in a single sentence. ters are facing. This will help him teacher not agree, talk with the • H e is a perfectionist trying to write learn to focus more on the content. principal. the perfect sentence or paragraph. • I n order for him to learn how to The next step is an observation read school textbooks, teach him the of your child in the classroom. On SQ4R study technique, which is ex- the basis of this report, a decision plained in great detail under “SQ4R” will be made on whether or not the on our website, www.dearteacher. school will have a psychometrist com. It involves surveying what is to test your child for a learning dis- be read, writing questions to be an- ability. When the testing has been swered, reading content, answering completed, you will receive a copy the questions aloud and then writing of the results and a meeting will be the answers and finally reviewing scheduled to completely go over what has been read. Because this everything in the written report. technique involves a lot of steps, At this meeting, you will find out your child will need to practice it whether or not your son has a learn- many, many times to master it. If you ing disability and if the child quali- use the technique with him, he will fies to receive special education master it faster and quickly see the services. advantage of using SQ4R. Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher. Handling a learning com or ask them on the columnists’ web- disability site at www.dearteacher.com. dear teacher, ©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2014. What should you do if you sus- Distributed by King Features Syndicate

28 Manhattan Family • January 2015 January 2015 MANHATTAN NewHappy Year!FREE Family Are you a mom Where Every Child Matters who wants to Look sharp! Does your child make money? need glasses?

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January 2015 • Manhattan Family 29 Travel

Once in the proper gear, kids can enjoy the zip line at the Mount Snow camp. Summer camp the family way

By Stacey ZaBle outdoor activities and games, eating value. The age range for kids during Get away this meals family-style at long tables and our week started at 18 months and ead for the Green Mountains making s’mores around a camp fire went up until 19, with the 10 to 12 summer at of Vermont this summer for a each night. Plus, mom and dad can range being the most dominant. H chance to combine the best lock their wallets away in the hotel Our home for the week was a of the camaraderie of summer camp safe at the beginning of their stay and three-bedroom/three-bathroom du- Mount Snow — time shared with your kids and simply focus on the fun because the plex in Seasons Condominiums with other families, and the comfort levels all-inclusive rate includes everything. full kitchen, dining room, balcony Family Camp we grown-ups like for our vacation My family and I were lucky enough and living room with a fireplace; not accommodations and amenities. to have a preview of the new pro- that we spent a lot of time besides At Mount Snow Family Camp, only gram last summer before it officially sleeping there. All family condos a four-hour drive from New York City, rolls-out this year with three-, four- were located walking distance to the families can do as little or as much or seven-night all-inclusive pack- large Sundance Base Lodge, which as they want of the offered group ages available from July 12 to Aug. served as Family Camp’s home base/ activities, with simply spending time 9. One single rate includes accom- dining hall/game central. It housed together as the most important part modations, three meals, wine, beer, the family camp office, long tables of the trip. Electronic devices take snacks, and all activities (except spa for dining that turned into craft cen- a back seat to the traditional joys of treatments), offering exceptional ters in between meals, ping pong

30 Manhattan Family • January 2015 Like Us on

to Win

The author’s daughters at the Mount Snow Family Camp. tickets or tables and a pool table. A separate a full exercise room and an indoor lounge area was set up for watching pool and hot tub for our use. videos and the kid’s talent show at The highlight of the week for prizes the end of the week. most of the families was the full-day We started each day at Sundance included excursion to Ramblewild, Lodge with a delicious breakfast an aerial adventure course featur- buffet, before heading out for an ing ziplines and rope climbing in Visit us at our action-packed day of adventures Massachusetts. Alternate activities on and off the mountain. A boxed were arranged for families with NYParenting page lunch was provided, and anytime children too young to participate. snacks and drinks were also avail- At night, the families would meet and register to win able at the lodge. Each morning up again before dinner for a cocktail was divided into kids programs or two for parents and volleyball or and adult programs, which differed backyard games for the kids. One each day but included mountain night, the head chef at Mount Snow biking (everyone is fitted for their gave a wine and cheese “party” own bike to use for the week), craft for parents in the bar on the sec- time, guided hiking, chairlift rides, ond floor of the Sundance Lodge, shopping excursions and yoga or while our children played gleefully Attention All Writers! aqua aerobics classes. Most days with the counselors below and out- had at least two choices each for doors. Dinners were served family We’re looking for personal essays kids and adults, and the incred- style, with two or three entrée and ible staff was always available to side dish options, including kid- about you, your family and life tweak any options or come up with friendly favorites, plus salad and new ones on the spot for anyone desserts. After dinner, we had our in your community. not interested in the offered activi- choice of games and movies, or just ties. Shuttle service to the nearby enjoyed the time to relax by the out- golf course was also available each door fire pit toasting marshmallows Partner with us and share your morning, and my husband was able and making s’mores. to join other dads to either hit balls As with most camp experiences, stories and your memories. at the driving range or play a round it is the energy and spirit of the — also included in the rate. counselors that can make a fun time Most afternoons were dedicated exceptional. The Mount Snow Fam- Email [email protected] to to family together time activities, ily Camp staff went above and be- have your piece included in our often off-property. We would climb yond to keep the fun on high and to into vans and away we’d go to the mold the group into one big happy magazine and on our website. nearby Lake Whitingham for an family. We can’t wait to return for afternoon of kayaking and paddle- more adventures this summer. boarding one day, a boat ride an- For additional information or to other day that included tubing, and book your Family Camp stay, visit an afternoon of swimming, games www.mountsnow.com/the-mountain/ and t-shirt tie-dying another day. family-camp or call 800-290-1823 or The kids loved the short drives 800-245-7669. where they would pile into their Stacey Zable is an award-winning own vans and sing top 40 tunes veteran travel writer and family travel as loud as they could. Some after- expert who has written about destina- noons, we just hung out at the con- tions, resorts, and cruise lines around dominium’s outdoor pool, relaxing, the world. Her favorite trips are those or popping into the condo club- that she shares with her husband and house for our own family epic foos- two daughters. Send travel questions ball games. The condos also had and comments to Stacey at info@stac- tennis courts, a basketball court, eyzable.com.

January 2015 • Manhattan Family 31 Windows & wheels Learning to let Cherish The go when your MoMenTs child grows up By Patrick HemPfing hy did I have to see that when I peered out from W my in-laws’ patio on Christmas morning? It could have been anything else — a rambunc- tious squirrel, a trespassing dog, or low-flying vultures. Instead, I saw a teenage girl run across my in-laws’ backyard to the rear window of the neighboring house. She paused at the window and looked toward the street. She blew two kisses to, I’m guessing, the friend who dropped her off. Then she carefully lifted the window from the outside, crawled into her house, and closed the win- dow and blinds behind her. As a parent, I had trouble process- ing what I had just witnessed. If my daughter was sneaking out of the house for who-knows-what-kind of get together, I’d want to know about it. I’d certainly rather deal with it now than nine months later when there could be additional issues. However, I didn’t know the people, and wouldn’t want to cause trouble between my in-laws and their new neighbors. I de- cided to mind my own business; yet, I couldn’t get it out of my head. About an hour later, I was helping I was a steady force on the other skate, and for many of the other im- my 8-year-old daughter, Jessie, with side. Even though Jessie had on her portant times of her childhood, that her new purple dress. As I buttoned helmet and elbow and knee pads, it I’ll never have to stand guard outside it up in the back and tied the bow was still stressful for me. We went her bedroom window. around her waist, I flashed back to back to the park to practice again the I’ve concluded that parenting re- the teenage girl I had seen earlier following two days. Jessie improved quires seeing your child through a that morning. It feels like I was just dramatically each day. On the third series of wheels — stroller, wagon, changing Jessie’s diaper. Now she’s day, Mattie just watched while I held tricycle, training, bicycle, scooter, wearing size 10 dresses and stands my daughter’s hand. Then Jessie said and now roller skate wheels. I’m as tall as her mother’s chin. it. “Daddy, you need to let go.” going to enjoy the pink skate wheels I felt it was time for a talk. No, Reluctantly, I released her hand but stage to the fullest. Something tells not “the talk” as her mother, Mattie, remained within catching distance me that seeing Jessie behind the will cover that one. This one I could behind her. Mattie’s brother, who was wheel of a car will be much harder. handle. I told Jessie that she must with us, laughed at me as I zoomed in When that time comes, I’ll be beside never sneak out of the house. Her ready for the catch each time Jessie her in the front seat. Then it will be response didn’t put me completely at flailed her arms. His laughter didn’t time for Daddy to let go again, and ease, though I accepted it. She said, bother me, though, because I was Mattie and I will find ourselves peer- “I’ll check with Momma.” Maybe she right where I needed to be. ing out the window, waiting for her knows that Dad will say “no” more Later, I again thought about the safe return home. quickly when it comes to dating de- teenage girl in the window, knowing Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year pro- cisions. that Jessie’s teenage years aren’t fessional career in banking, accounting, Later on Christmas Day, Jessie that far away. I realize that more “let- and auditing before he became a father opened a special gift — a pair of ting go” times are ahead. I also know at age 44. He is now a full-time husband, roller skates. The next day we went to it’s not possible to catch all the falls. stay-at-home dad, and writer. Follow him the park to break them in. Mattie was I’m hoping that because I’ve stood at www.facebook.com/patricklhempfing on one side holding her hand while beside Jessie when she learns to and on Twitter @PatrickHempfing.

32 Manhattan Family • January 2015 Windows & wheels NEW YORK SPECIAL CHILD Summer/Early Fall 2011 LONG ISLAND SPECIAL CHILD New York FREE Learning to let Cherish The MoMenTs Special child Trusted since 2008 go when your www.NYParenting.com 5 myths child grows up By Patrick HemPfing Fall/Winter 2014–2015 RoutinesNEW YORK about FREE hy did I have to see that bring fitness when I peered out from SPECIAL CHILD benefitswww.NYParenting.com & autism W my in-laws’ patio on Christmas morning? It could have been anything else — a rambunc- Motivate your children Informing & Enriching tious squirrel, a trespassing dog, or low-flying vultures. Instead, I saw a teenage girl run across my in-laws’ DIAGNOSING “Special Needs” backyard to the rear window of the PANDAS neighboring house. She paused at Families throughout the window and looked toward the City museums offer street. She blew two kisses to, I’m access guessing, the friend who dropped programs NYC & Long Island her off. Then she carefully lifted the Cultivating window from the outside, crawled winning into her house, and closed the win- attitudes dow and blinds behind her. 200+ As a parent, I had trouble process- ing what I had just witnessed. If my resources daughter was sneaking out of the house for who-knows-what-kind of For more information about distribution or get together, I’d want to know about Spring–Summer 2014 it. I’d certainly rather deal with it now LONG ISLAND FREE how to get your free copy, please Fall/Winter 2010/2011 than nine months later when there LONG ISLAND FREE could be additional issues. However, I SPECIAL CHILD e-mail us at [email protected]. didn’t know the people, and wouldn’t Specialwww.NYParenting.com child want to cause trouble between my w w w .NYParenting ��� .com in-laws and their new neighbors. I de- 150+ cided to mind my own business; yet, I resources Visit us online at couldn’t get it out of my head. KIDZ TALK About an hour later, I was helping I was a steady force on the other skate, and for many of the other im- New speech aid app www.NYParenting.com my 8-year-old daughter, Jessie, with side. Even though Jessie had on her portant times of her childhood, that Help students Tipslearn through to her new purple dress. As I buttoned helmet and elbow and knee pads, it I’ll never have to stand guard outside Like us on our Facebook page, NYParenting organizebreathing it up in the back and tied the bow was still stressful for me. We went her bedroom window. or follow us on Twitter around her waist, I flashed back to back to the park to practice again the I’ve concluded that parenting re- yourCare forchild the 8 caregivers the teenage girl I had seen earlier following two days. Jessie improved quires seeing your child through a that morning. It feels like I was just dramatically each day. On the third series of wheels — stroller, wagon, Benefi ts of Takespecial charge needs changing Jessie’s diaper. Now she’s day, Mattie just watched while I held tricycle, training, bicycle, scooter, Creatingcamps an IEP wearing size 10 dresses and stands my daughter’s hand. Then Jessie said and now roller skate wheels. I’m as tall as her mother’s chin. it. “Daddy, you need to let go.” going to enjoy the pink skate wheels I felt it was time for a talk. No, Reluctantly, I released her hand but stage to the fullest. Something tells not “the talk” as her mother, Mattie, remained within catching distance me that seeing Jessie behind the To advertise your business and or services will cover that one. This one I could behind her. Mattie’s brother, who was wheel of a car will be much harder. School blues handle. I told Jessie that she must with us, laughed at me as I zoomed in When that time comes, I’ll be beside Overcoming anxiety contact us at 718-260-4554 or never sneak out of the house. Her ready for the catch each time Jessie her in the front seat. Then it will be e-mail us at [email protected] response didn’t put me completely at flailed her arms. His laughter didn’t time for Daddy to let go again, and ease, though I accepted it. She said, bother me, though, because I was Mattie and I will find ourselves peer- “I’ll check with Momma.” Maybe she right where I needed to be. ing out the window, waiting for her knows that Dad will say “no” more Later, I again thought about the safe return home. quickly when it comes to dating de- teenage girl in the window, knowing Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year pro- cisions. that Jessie’s teenage years aren’t fessional career in banking, accounting, Later on Christmas Day, Jessie that far away. I realize that more “let- and auditing before he became a father Family Publications New York/CNG opened a special gift — a pair of ting go” times are ahead. I also know at age 44. He is now a full-time husband, 1 MetroTech Center North - 10th Fl. • Brooklyn, NY 11201 roller skates. The next day we went to it’s not possible to catch all the falls. stay-at-home dad, and writer. Follow him the park to break them in. Mattie was I’m hoping that because I’ve stood at www.facebook.com/patricklhempfing 718-260-4554 • [email protected] on one side holding her hand while beside Jessie when she learns to and on Twitter @PatrickHempfing.

January 2015 • Manhattan Family 33 Relationships Mediators versus divorce attorneys ’m talking with someone at a networking event, and he asks I about the work I do. “I’m a me- Divorce & diator,” I say. “I help people — often people who are getting divorced — Separation resolve their conflicts without going Lee Chabin, esq. to court.” He responds, “I wish I had known about you when I was going through my divorce. It was horrible.” How many times has someone said this to me? Many times. I’ll often ask, “Did you have a law- yer for your divorce?” Almost every- one answers “yes.” “Did your lawyer tell you about mediation?” Almost always, the an- swer is “no.” Some mediation clients tell a simi- lar story. They started with a divorce lawyer, didn’t like where it was going, sometimes well into the six figures, hypothetical wife make a different and then learned about mediation, for the more contentious cases. decision, knowing about the lottery but not from the lawyer. The attor- Saxe wrote that mediation was ticket and its value, than she would ney didn’t say anything about the “more focused on the needs of the if she were ignorant of it? process. parties [than litigation],” and that While the example seems far- Mediator colleagues have told in mediation “the majority of the ex- fetched, I think that the point is clear. me of similar experiences. The sto- pended time is devoted to exploring Having information may impact our ries are anecdotal, but I believe that disputes, proposals, suggestions and choices. they are indicative of a widespread possible solutions.” According to the New York Rules problem; namely, that when poten- Are many more matrimonial at- of Professional Conduct https:// tial clients consult with lawyers, the torneys informing (let alone ‘encour- www.nycourts.gov/rules/jointappel- lawyers fail to provide them with aging) those who come into their late/NY-Rules-Prof-Conduct-1200.pdf, information that they might find im- offices about mediation since the communication is rule number one: portant and helpful. Saxe article was published? Who A lawyer shall explain a matter to the I want to acknowledge the lawyers are giving a brief overview of how it extent reasonably necessary to per- who do share such information, and works and saying that the process mit the client to make informed deci- I think that there are more than a might save time and money? That sions regarding the representation. few matrimonial attorneys who tell spouses who mediate reach their I don’t believe, as some do, that a potential client about mediation, own agreements on how to spend everyone should have to try media- even at the risk of “losing” (not being time with their children, how to di- tion, but everyone getting divorced retained) by that person. vide property, and on all their other should at least know that it is an Should all divorce lawyers tell questions? I doubt it. option. Then that person can decide those coming to them about some- Informed decision-making is at what to do. In my view keeping such thing mediation, when doing so the very heart of mediation. That is, information from a potential client is might cost them business? parties in mediation are required to downright unethical. David Saxe apparently thinks so. gather and share information so that New York City and Long Island-based Saxe, an associate justice at the Ap- they can make the important deci- divorce mediator and collaborative di- pellate Division, wrote an article for sions that they need to. vorce lawyer Lee Chabin helps clients the New York Law Journal (read pri- Imagine a wife saying in regard to end their relationships respectfully and marily by lawyers) in 2011, entitled her husband, “I don’t need to know without going to court. Contact him at “Encourage Divorce Clients to Medi- anything. What’s his is his and I [email protected], (718) 229– ate”. In it, he pointed out that the liti- don’t care.” Imagine that same wife 6149, or go to http://lc-mediate.com/. gation process often extended into learning that her husband is holding Follow him on Facebook at www.face- years, exacerbating conflicts instead a winning lottery ticket worth $5 mil- book.com/lchabin. of resolving them amicably, and that lion, and that she may be entitled to Disclaimer: All material in this column is for informational legal fees can often be enormous, a share of the proceeds. Might this purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

34 Manhattan Family • January 2015 Relationships “MAGNIFICENT! AMAZING! ” You must take your family. “ ” WABC SPECTACULAR!- Londonist A MASTERPIECE! “ ” SPECTACULAR!- Londonist A MASTERPIECE! Mediators versus “ ” SPECTACULAR!- Londonist A MASTERPIECE! “HEARTFELT & DEEPLY MOVING. With humor and a hopeful note, Tom Dugan’s divorce attorneys 90-minute play makes history come alive!” +XI¿QJWRQ3RVW ’m talking with someone at a networking event, and he asks “ ” I about the work I do. “I’m a me- Divorce & diator,” I say. “I help people — often people who are getting divorced — 1HZ

January 2015 • Manhattan Family 35 Bigger & better Kid movie critics review ‘Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb’

KIDS FIRST! FIlm CRITIC at the Museum 1 and 2 is in danger. the incredibly talented cast and adds Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) must go on a few new faces. Larry Daley (Ben This latest installment to the Night an adventure to unite and save them Stiller) returns as head of the mu- at the Museum series finds Ben Stiller all. Will he be able to do it? seum’s “special returning as Larry who spans the globe, I really enjoy seeing this film. It effects.” Larry uniting favorite and new characters has excitement and is bigger and begins noticing while embarking on an epic quest to better than before. Everyone is back, some strange save the magic before it is gone forever. Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, and Steve behavior by the Rebel Wilson joins the cast as a security Coogan. They are joined by some museum’s resi- guard, Robin Williams makes his final electrifying new characters. A lot dents. He sus- portrayal as Teddy Roosevelt, and Owen of attention to detail is paid to the pects the an- Wilson plays Jedediah. wardrobe, set locations and the his- cient Tablet of torical time pieces. The special ef- Akmenrah, the his is a wild, adventurous and fects are big and bold and definitely source that causes the museum’s ex- funny film. This last install- complement the film in every way. It hibits to come to life, is somehow los- T ment of the Night at the Mu- looks so real. My favorite character ing its powers. Larry decides that he seum trilogy is newcomer Tilly (Rebel Wilson, must travel to the British Museum in takes you on Pitch Perfect). She is funny, talks London to find Akmenrah’s parents. an adventurous a lot, and says whatever is on her He hopes the parents can help him journey and mind. She goes on funny tangents solve the mystery of why the tablet is definitely a and her appearance is simply amus- is losing its magical powers. Larry’s must-see. Robin ing. The cast also includes Dick Van plan does not turn out as smoothly Williams’ final Dyke and Rick Gervais. as he hoped. Some of the residents on-screen por- Shawn Levy directs this film and of the New York museum secretly trayal of Teddy brings his skill to making it artis- follow Larry to Britain. That’s when Roosevelt is tic and funny from pulling together things go hysterically wrong. amazing. He has a great sense of a great cast, production designers, Ben Kingsley (Akmenrah’s Dad) humor and is in tune with his char- and all the creative people involved and Dan Stevens (Sir Lancelot) are acter, completely. The magic that in this film. Although the film has wonderful newcomers to the cast brought the characters to life in Night a number of characters, jokes and but, Rebel Wilson shines as the weird situations, it also has a simple mes- and wonderful security guard Tilly. sage of teamwork. Sometimes, you Her one-liners are a little puzzling at need a good team of people working times, but I loved them. The original together to get the job done. cast is just as great as they were in I recommend this film for ages 8 the last two movies. I laughed out to 18. However, adults will enjoy it loud at Owen Wilson’s Jedediah and as well, especially if they have seen Steve Coogan’s Octavious as they go the previous two films. It’s rated through their adventure. PG for mild action and some rude My favorite part of the movie is humor. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. It’s when the exhibits in the British Mu- a good adventure that will keep you seum come to life for the first time. entertained. The visual effects’ team does an Join the wildest night yet and see excellent job in creating images that Night at the Museum: Secret of the are realistic. The story has many Tomb, it’s in theaters on Dec. 19. sub plots so it may be difficult for a Please check it out. younger audience to keep up with — Brianna Hope B., age 15 how each part connects to the big • • • picture. ilarious, exciting and imagi- The message of this film is that native is how I would de- parents cannot hold onto their chil- H scribe Night at the Museum: dren forever. I recommend Night at Secret of the Tomb. I enjoy the Night the Museum: Secret of the Tomb at the Museum movies because I for ages 8 to 15 and give it 4 out of love anything to do with history. 5 stars. Please be sure to check out This movie brings some of history’s Night at the Museum: Secret of the greatest characters to life in a fun Tomb when it comes to theaters on and entertaining way. Dec. 19. Director Shawn Levy brings back — Simone S., age 14

36 Manhattan Family • January 2015 Bigger & better Kid movie critics review ‘Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb’

KIDS FIRST! FIlm CRITIC at the Museum 1 and 2 is in danger. the incredibly talented cast and adds Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) must go on a few new faces. Larry Daley (Ben This latest installment to the Night an adventure to unite and save them Stiller) returns as head of the mu- at the Museum series finds Ben Stiller all. Will he be able to do it? seum’s “special returning as Larry who spans the globe, I really enjoy seeing this film. It effects.” Larry uniting favorite and new characters has excitement and is bigger and begins noticing while embarking on an epic quest to better than before. Everyone is back, some strange save the magic before it is gone forever. Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, and Steve behavior by the Rebel Wilson joins the cast as a security Coogan. They are joined by some museum’s resi- guard, Robin Williams makes his final electrifying new characters. A lot dents. He sus- portrayal as Teddy Roosevelt, and Owen of attention to detail is paid to the pects the an- Wilson plays Jedediah. wardrobe, set locations and the his- cient Tablet of torical time pieces. The special ef- Akmenrah, the his is a wild, adventurous and fects are big and bold and definitely source that causes the museum’s ex- funny film. This last install- complement the film in every way. It hibits to come to life, is somehow los- T ment of the Night at the Mu- looks so real. My favorite character ing its powers. Larry decides that he seum trilogy is newcomer Tilly (Rebel Wilson, must travel to the British Museum in takes you on Pitch Perfect). She is funny, talks London to find Akmenrah’s parents. an adventurous a lot, and says whatever is on her He hopes the parents can help him journey and mind. She goes on funny tangents solve the mystery of why the tablet is definitely a and her appearance is simply amus- is losing its magical powers. Larry’s must-see. Robin ing. The cast also includes Dick Van plan does not turn out as smoothly Williams’ final Dyke and Rick Gervais. as he hoped. Some of the residents on-screen por- Shawn Levy directs this film and of the New York museum secretly trayal of Teddy brings his skill to making it artis- follow Larry to Britain. That’s when Roosevelt is tic and funny from pulling together things go hysterically wrong. amazing. He has a great sense of a great cast, production designers, Ben Kingsley (Akmenrah’s Dad) humor and is in tune with his char- and all the creative people involved and Dan Stevens (Sir Lancelot) are acter, completely. The magic that in this film. Although the film has wonderful newcomers to the cast brought the characters to life in Night a number of characters, jokes and but, Rebel Wilson shines as the weird situations, it also has a simple mes- and wonderful security guard Tilly. sage of teamwork. Sometimes, you Her one-liners are a little puzzling at need a good team of people working times, but I loved them. The original together to get the job done. cast is just as great as they were in I recommend this film for ages 8 the last two movies. I laughed out “A delight for both to 18. However, adults will enjoy it loud at Owen Wilson’s Jedediah and as well, especially if they have seen Steve Coogan’s Octavious as they go kids and adults the previous two films. It’s rated through their adventure. PG for mild action and some rude My favorite part of the movie is AMAZING!” humor. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. It’s when the exhibits in the British Mu- a good adventure that will keep you seum come to life for the first time. Stage and Cinema entertained. The visual effects’ team does an Join the wildest night yet and see excellent job in creating images that Night at the Museum: Secret of the are realistic. The story has many Tomb, it’s in theaters on Dec. 19. sub plots so it may be difficult for a “JAW DROPPING!” Please check it out. younger audience to keep up with Time Out NY Kids — Brianna Hope B., age 15 how each part connects to the big • • • picture. ilarious, exciting and imagi- The message of this film is that “Move over Blue Man Group & Stomp, native is how I would de- parents cannot hold onto their chil- H scribe Night at the Museum: dren forever. I recommend Night at iLUMINATE is in the house!” Secret of the Tomb. I enjoy the Night the Museum: Secret of the Tomb Times Square Chronicles at the Museum movies because I for ages 8 to 15 and give it 4 out of love anything to do with history. 5 stars. Please be sure to check out NOW LIVE in the heart of BROADWAY! This movie brings some of history’s Night at the Museum: Secret of the greatest characters to life in a fun Tomb when it comes to theaters on Telecharge.com 212-239-6200 iLuminate.com and entertaining way. Dec. 19. New World Stages, 340 W 50th St. Director Shawn Levy brings back — Simone S., age 14

January 2015 • Manhattan Family 37 CalendarJanuary

“Lionboy” comes alive at the mission to a floating circus, a hot air ‘Lionboy’ comes to the New Victory Theater from Jan. 23 balloon, a pride of talking lions, and through Feb. 1. a very crafty chameleon. When Charlie Ashanti’s parents “Lionboy” from Jan. 23 through New Victory Theater are abducted, brave Charlie sets out Feb. 1. Tickets start at $15. to save them. Using his secret weapon The New Victory Theater [209 W. (he can talk to cats), he takes the au- 42nd St. in Times Square; (646) 223– dience on a cross-continental rescue 3010; www.newvictory.org]

38 Manhattan Family • January 2015 Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Calendar Meet with other moms, babies and a lactation specialist from 92Y Parent- Submit a listing ing Center to discuss topics such as the This calendar is dedicated to emotional ups and downs of breast- bringing our readers the most feeding, what happens when your milk comprehensive list of events in supply is weak, how to juggle breast- your area. But to do so, we need feeding and work, and whether and your help! how to supplement. Send your listing request to Pre Robotics for Grades K - manhattancalendar@cnglocal. 2nd: Bloomingdale Library, 150 West com — and we’ll take care of 100th Street; (212) 222–8030; www. the rest. Please e-mail requests nypl.org; 4 pm; Free. more than three weeks prior Sample projects include an alliga- to the event to ensure we have tor that opens and closes it’s mouth, enough time to get it in. And best a bird that flaps its wings and a Ferris of all, it’s FREE! wheel that goes ‘round and ‘round. Presented by RoboFun. Preregistration required. Fri, Jan. 2 Family Country Dance: 92Y, 1395 In Manhattan Lexington Ave. at E. 91st Street; (212) 415–5500; www.92y.org; 5:30–8:30 Shababa Fridays: 92Y, 1395 Lex- pm; Free. ington Ave. at E. 91st Street; (212) There will be Squares, Circle 415–5500; www.92y.org; 9:30–10:15 Enjoy Three Kings Day dances, Reels and Lines. Bring a dish am, and 10:45–11:30 am; $10 adults. Children celebrate El Dia de los faces painted while enjoying cot- and share in a vegetarian pot-luck Enjoy a friendly, welcoming atmo- Tres Reyes Magos at Teatro Sea ton candy. supper before the dancing begins. sphere and give your toddler an op- The Hell’s Kitchen Cookers will pro- portunity to embrace the festive feel- on Jan. 6 The first 1,000 children will Three Kings Day is one of the personally meet the Three Kings vide the live traditional American ing of Shabbat with songs, stories, music, and the callers are Henry challah and snacks. most important Latin American and receive a free gift! Chapin and Lucia Wright. Drop-in Days: Mount Vernon Ho- holidays for children. Families Celebrate on Jan. 6 from 3 to 5 will enjoy live music by Los Plen- pm. Free. tel Museum and Garden, 421 E. 61st Tues, Jan. 6 St. between First and York Avenues; eros de la 21 and Mariachi Acad- Teatro Sea [107 Suffolk St. be- (212) 838–6878; www.mvhm.org; emy of New York, free samples tween Rivington and Delancey In Manhattan 11 am to 4 pm. Free with museum of food and beverages provided streets; (212) 529–1545; www.teatro- “El Día de los Tres Reyes Ma- admission. by GOYA Foods, and have their sea.org]. gos”: Teatro Sea, 107 Suffolk St. be- Drop in any time during regular mu- tween Rivington and Delancey streets; seum hours for a family-friendly tour, (212) 529–1545; www.teatrosea.org; featuring “A Visit from St. Nicholas”- baba community on Saturday for sing- Sun, Jan. 4 3–5 pm. Free. inspired museum hunt. ing, art projects, playground visits, hol- Celebrate Three Kings Day, one of iday-themed celebrations, and much In Manhattan the most important Latin American Further Afield more. Macy’s Sunday Story Time: New- Holidays for children. Live music, free Music and movement: Brook- samples of food, face painting, and Meet the Artist Saturdays: David York Historical Society, 170 Central lyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Park West at 77th Street; (212) 873– more. Ave. at St. Marks Avenue, Brooklyn; Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, Broadway bet. 62nd and 63rd streets; 3400; nyhistory.org; 11:30 am; $19 (718) 735–4400; www.brooklynkids. adults, $6 children ages 5-12. org; 12:30 pm. Free with museum (212) 875–5374; www.lincolncenter. Wed, Jan. 7 org; 11 am. Free. Families discover New York history admission. through tales of the past and celebrate In Manhattan The Harlem Gospel Choir — which Stomp your feet and count the beats the Holiday Express exhibition with has performed for three Presidents New Parent Get-Togethers: 92Y, - learn about traditional dances. train tales. For ages 4 – 7. and two Popes — performs an in- 1395 Lexington Ave. at E. 91st Street; Light it up: Brooklyn Children’s Mu- spiring family program to celebrate Teddy Bear Tea: Mount Vernon (212) 415–5500; www.92y.org; 10:30 am–noon; $10/session. seum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks the upcoming Martin Luther King, Jr. Hotel Museum and Garden, 421 E. Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) 735–4400; holiday. 61st St. between First and York Av- Led by 92Y Parenting Center direc- www.brooklynkids.org; 1:30 pm; Free enues; (212) 838–6878; www.mvhm. tor Sally Tannen and New York’s top with museum admission. “Elska”: Symphony Space, 2537 org; 1 pm; $10 adults, $5 children child psychologists and pediatricians, Many holiday traditions use light Broadway at W. 94th Street; (212) under 12. this weekly discussion group is a great 864–5400; www.symphonyspace.org; in this dark time of year. Come learn Children, ages 3-6, bring their fa- way for new parents to share experi- 11 am; $12 and up. the science behind light bulbs, and vorite teddy bear (or doll) to meet Mrs. ences, learn from one another and safely experiment with electricity A whimsical Arctic pioneer and her Woodhull, the hotel proprietor’s wife, make friends. using common objects in strange and trusty sidekicks The Goobler and the and role-play the daily activities at the Budding Bookmakers: Battery fun ways. Artic Fox explore a frosty world of Mount Vernon Hotel in 1830. Reserva- Park City Library, 175 North End Av- natural beauty and wonder. Featuring tions recommended. enue; (212) 790–3499; www.nypl.org; colorful props, puppets, ambient video 4 pm. Free. Sat, Jan. 3 and the costumed Elska (aka Shelley Mon, Jan. 5 Session begins with an interactive In Manhattan Wollert), the performance blends Els- book reading followed by an art activ- Shababa Saturday Experiences: ka’s clear voice into quirky electro-pop In Manhattan ity exploring the techniques used by with colorful visuals. 92Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. at E. 91st Breastfeeding Support Group: the illustrator. Presented by Children’s Street; (212) 415–5500; www.92y.org; Drop-in Days: 11 am to 4 pm. 92Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. at E. 91st Museum of Manhattan, for ages 5 and 10:30 am– noon. Free. Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Street; (212) 415–5500; www.92y.org; older. Newborn-10 year olds join the Sha- Garden. See Friday, Jan. 2. 11:15 am–12:30 pm; $20/session. Continued on page 40 January 2015 • Manhattan Family 39 Calendar Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar

Continued from page 39 Take a piece of the GingerBread Thurs, Jan. 8 Lane home with you Houses will be given away on a first-come-first served In Manhattan basis until the last square of real-estate Cross-Stitch Circle: New-York is gone. Limit one house per person. Historical Society, 170 Central Park West at 77th Street; (212) 873–3400; Mon, Jan. 12 nyhistory.org; 3:30 pm; $19 adults, $6 children ages 5-12. In Manhattan Drop in to try your skills at one of Breastfeeding Support Group: the oldest forms of embroidery in the 11:15 am–12:30 pm. 92Y. See Mon- world. Beginning cross stitchers and day, Jan. 5. younger children will learn the basic stitch and create a bookmark with Pre Robotics for Grades K - their new skill. 2nd: 4 pm. Bloomingdale Library. See Monday, Jan. 5. Fri, Jan. 9 Tues, Jan. 13 In Manhattan In Manhattan Shababa Fridays: 9:30–10:15 am OR 10:45–11:30 am. 92Y. See Friday, Bereavement Support Group Jan. 2. For Parents: COPE, 1177 Avenue of the Americas at 46th Street, floor Shababa Bakery: 92Y, 1395 Lex- C-2, Suite 0020; (516) 484–4993; 7 ington Ave. at E. 91st Street; (212) pm. Free. 415–5500; www.92y.org; 10:15 am. COPE, a grief and healing organiza- Free. tion dedicated to supporting parents Children squish, roll and braid their and families living with the loss of a own challah to take home and bake. child, is starting up monthly support groups in New York City for bereaved Sat, Jan. 10 parents, facilitated by a licensed social worker. In Manhattan Shababa Saturday Experiences: 10:30 am– noon. 92Y. See Saturday, Wed, Jan. 14 Jan. 3. In Manhattan Bereavement Support Group New Parent Get-Togethers: For Siblings: COPE, 274 Madison 10:30 am–noon. 92Y. See Wednes- Ave. between 39th and 40th Streets, Ben Rudnick & Friends day, Jan. 7. Room 1202; 9516) 484–4993; 11 am. Budding Bookmakers: 4 pm. Bat- Free. Ben Rudnick & Friends come an entertaining musical morning tery Park City Library. See Wednesday, COPE, a grief and healing organiza- to Symphony Space on Jan. 31. for all members of the family. And Jan. 7. tion dedicated to supporting parents The popular Boston children’s singing along is expected! and families living with the loss of band returns to New York City for Ben Rudnick & Friends on Sat. a child, offers bereavement support Thurs, Jan. 15 a morning jam session of cheerful Jan. 31 at 11 am. Tickets are $12 groups for young adults who have lost In Manhattan a sibling one Saturday a month, facili- kid-friendly music. Playing every- and up. tated by a licensed social worker. thing from light folk and blue- Symphony Space [2537 Broad- Cross-Stitch Circle: 3:30 pm. New- grass to calypso and rock and way at W. 94th Street on the Upper York Historical Society. See Thursday, “Stella, Queen of the Snow”: Jan. 8. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway even Irish jigs, Ben Rudnick & West Side; (212) 864–5400; www. at W. 94th Street; (212) 864–5400; Friends are guaranteed to supply symphonyspace.org]. www.symphonyspace.org; 11 am and Fri, Jan. 16 2 pm; $12 and up. In Manhattan In this new 2014 production, the kids ages 5-10, kick off 2015 by learn- center.org; 11 am; $20. classic story by Marie-Louise Gay (best- ing how artists use shapes in their Children ages 4-11 listen to the mas- Shababa Fridays: 9:30–10:15 am selling author of the “Stella and Sam” work. terpieces of American musical theater, OR 10:45–11:30 am. 92Y. See Friday, series) is adapted into a puppetry Jan. 2. “Mike Super: Magic and Illusion”: celebrate “Annie” composer Charles spectacle. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway Strouse and hear songs from Annie at W. 94th Street; (212) 864–5400; (1977) as well as the Elvis-inspired Bye, Sat, Jan. 17 Bye Birdie (1960) and more. Sun, Jan. 11 www.symphonyspace.org; 11 am and In Manhattan 2 pm; $12 and up. In Manhattan Macy’s Sunday Story Time: Civil Rights Weekend Scaven- This nationally acclaimed illusion- 11:30 am. New-York Historical Society. ger Hunt: New-York Historical So- Second Sunday Family Tours: ist and “America’s Got Talent” finalist Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, See Sunday, Jan. 4. ciety, 170 Central Park West at 77th performs super-human acts to mystify 1071 Fifth Ave. at 89th Street; (212) Street; (212) 873–3400; nyhistory.org; even the most savvy kid (or parent). Further Afield 423–3500; www.guggenheim.org; 10 am–6 pm; $19 adults, $6 children 10:30 am– noon; $15 per family (in- Broadway Playhouse: Charles Gingerbread Lane Giveaway: ages 5-12. cludes museum admission and tour for Strouse: Merkin Concert Hall at Kauf- New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th Families take a deeper look at the two adults and up to four children). man Music Center, 129 W. 67th St. St., Queens; (718) 699–0005 X353; courageous people who marched for In today’s theme, New Year’s Reso- between Amsterdam and Broadway; www.nyscience.org; Noon; Free with equal voting rights through a scaven- lution: Get into Shape(s), families with (212) 501–3330; www.kaufmanmusic- museum admission. ger hunt matching faces to the names 40 Manhattan Family • January 2015 Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Calendar of heroes from the Civil Rights Move- A Bilingual Morning of Song ment, for ages 8 and up. with Moona Luna: Symphony Shababa Saturday Experiences: Space, 2537 Broadway at W. 94th 10:30 am– noon. 92Y. See Saturday, Street; (212) 864–5400; www.sym- Jan. 3. phonyspace.org; 11 am; $12 and up. NYC based band leader Sandra Ve- Concert: Tim Kubart and the Space lasquez (of Pistolera fame) brings her Cadets: Symphony Space, 2537 full band playing accordion, guitar, Broadway at W. 94th Street; (212) percussion and bass for this family 864–5400; www.symphonyspace.org; concert. 11 am; $12 and up. Sprout TV’s “Sunny Side Up Show” host Tim and his NYC based band will Sun, Jan. 25 perform their charming and engaging In Manhattan pop tunes about superheroes, talent Parenting Conference: Why Fa- shows, and other things that kids love. thers Matter: 92Y, 1395 Lexington Further Afield Ave. at E. 91st Street; (212) 415–5500; www.92y.org; 10 am–3 pm; $99. Let’s March: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Topics include at-home dads, par- Marks Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) 735– enting partnerships, and the science of 4400; www.brooklynkids.org; 11:30 fatherhood. am. Free with museum admission. Children’s Concert: Museum of Learn all about the civil rights leader. Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place at First Place; (646) 437–4202; www. Film Screening: Brooklyn Children’s mjhnyc.org; 10:30 am; $10, $7 for Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Harlem Gospel Choir children 10 and under. Marks Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) 735– 4400; www.brooklynkids.org; 12:30 Join the Harlem Gospel Choir On Jan. 3 it performs an inspir- Brooklyn band Yellow Sneaker and their puppet pals nurture family pm. Free with museum admission. as part of the Meet the Artist ing family program to celebrate “Our Friend, Martin” animated bonds and bridge connections to Jew- Saturday at Lincoln Center on the upcoming Martin Luther ish life and traditions through their film uses historical footage of the civil Jan. 3. King, Jr. holiday. rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. performance. Kick off the New Year begins Sat., Jan. 3 at 11 am. Free. Studio Workshop: Solomon R. with the beautiful sounds of the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lin- Sun, Jan. 18 Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth world-famous Harlem Gospel coln Center, Frieda and Roy Fur- Ave. at 89th Street; (212) 423–3500; In Manhattan Choir. The choir, which has been man Stage [Broadway between www.guggenheim.org; 10:30 am–1 Civil Rights Weekend Scaven- together for more than 20 years, 62nd and 63rd streets on the Upper pm; $30 per family (includes museum ger Hunt: 10 am–6 pm. New-York has performed for three presi- West Side; (212) 875–5374; www. admission, workshop materials, and Historical Society. See Saturday, Jan. dents and two popes. lincolncenter.org]. tour for two adults and up to four 17. children). In today’s theme, Fat and Flat, fami- Art Workshop & Gallery Tour: the Road to Freedom. Ages 8 and up. lies with kids ages 5-12, see 2D and 3D The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave. at Wed, Jan. 21 artworks throughout the museum and 92nd St.; (212) 423–3200; thejewish- Further Afield In Manhattan then construct their own versions to museum.org; 10:30 am to 12:30 pm; take home. $15 adults; $10 children. Film Screening: 12:30 pm. Brook- Budding Bookmakers: 4 pm. Bat- Children, ages 6-10, discover the ex- lyn Children’s Museum. See Saturday, tery Park City Library. See Wednesday, Workshop for Kids with Special pressive and colorful worlds of paint- Jan. 17. Jan. 7. Needs: The Jewish Museum, 1109 ers Lee Krasner and Norman Lewis. 5th Ave. at 92nd St.; (212) 423–3200; Examine rhythmic lines, abstract jazz Mon, Jan. 19 Thurs, Jan. 22 thejewishmuseum.org; 10:30 am – musicians, rich layers of drips and more 12:30 pm. Free. on a gallery tour. Inspired by what you In Manhattan In Manhattan Children, ages 5-17, examine works see, paint with experimental tools to Civil Rights Weekend Scaven- Cross-Stitch Circle: 3:30 pm. New- of art and create one of their own in create your own vibrant work of art. ger Hunt: 10 am–6 pm. New-York York Historical Society. See Thursday, this program for families with chil- Historical Society. See Saturday, Jan. 17. Jan. 8. dren who have developmental or Concert: Tim Kubart and the Space learning disabilities. Workshops in- Cadets: 11 am. Symphony Space. See Breastfeeding Support Group: clude gallery activities, an art project, Saturday, Jan. 17. 11:15 am–12:30 pm. 92Y. See Mon- Fri, Jan. 23 and snacks. day, Jan. 5. Macy’s Sunday Story Time: In Manhattan Macy’s Sunday Story Time: 11:30 am. New-York Historical Society. 11:30 am. New-York Historical Society. See Sunday, Jan. 4. Shababa Fridays: 9:30–10:15 am Tues, Jan. 20 OR 10:45–11:30 am. 92Y. See Friday, See Sunday, Jan. 4. Meet Lynda Blackmon Lowery, In Manhattan Jan. 2. Kids ‘N Comedy: 208 West 23rd Freedom Marcher: New-York His- St. between 7th and 8th avenues; torical Society, 170 Central Park West Stroller Tours: Solomon R. Guggen- Shababa Bakery: 10:15 am. 92Y. heim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave. at 89th See Friday, Jan. 9. (212) 877–6115; www.kidsncomedy. at 77th Street; (212) 873–3400; nyhis- com; 1 pm; $15. tory.org; 2 pm; $19 adults, $6 children Street; (212) 423–3500; www.guggen- Enjoy NYC’s best teenaged com- ages 5-12. heim.org; 3–4 pm; $20 per stroller Sat, Jan. 24 (includes museum admission). ics joke about their plans for the New Hear Lynda Blackmon Lowery, the Year and the resolutions they haven’t Led by a museum educator, one- In Manhattan youngest participant in the historic ditched yet. 1965 march from Selma to Montgom- hour tours of the Guggenheim’s fall Shababa Saturday Experiences: ery, Alabama, share her experiences as exhibitions are given for caregivers and 10:30 am– noon. 92Y. See Saturday, Thalia Kids Book Club: Symphony recounted in the memoir Turning 15 on their babies. Jan. 3. Continued on page 42 January 2015 • Manhattan Family 41 Calendar Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Continued from page 41 Long-running Space, 2537 Broadway at W. 94th Street; (212) 864–5400; www.sym- In Manhattan phonyspace.org; 1 pm; $15. Drawn to Language: Children’s Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St. “Tuck Everlasting” with Natalie Bab- at Hudson Street; (212) 274–0986; bitt and special guests. Babbitt’s clas- www.cmany.org; $11. sic story centers on a young girl who In this new exhibition, words are stumbles upon the mysterious Tuck given visual form. Letters, words, or family and their secret, magic spring. phrases are transcribed, visualized, ver- An audience Q+A and book signing balized, symbolized, morphed into pat- will follow the discussion. terns, scrambled, or even erased. Danny Weinkauf Concert: The Holiday Express from the Jerni Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave. at Train Collection: New-York Histori- 92nd St.; (212) 423–3200; thejewish- cal Society, 170 Central Park West at museum.org; 2 pm; $18 adults; $13 77th Street; (212) 873–3400; nyhis- children. tory.org; $19 adults, $6 children ages Grammy winner and bassist for They 5-12. Might Be Giants Danny Weinkauf and Witness the holiday transformation his Red Pants Band perform hits songs with the installation of a spectacular Archaeology, The Moon is Made of exhibit of treasures from the renowned Cheese, and others from their notable Parenting conference Jerni Collection of model trains, scenic album. elements and toys. The display appeals The 92Y presents the third an- mance Parenting Team. to all ages, showcasing the beauty and Mon, Jan. 26 nual 92Y Parenting Conference on “The Science of Fatherhood” allure of toys from a bygone era. Jan. 25 — with a focus on dads. delivers the lowdown about how George Balanchine’s The Nut- In Manhattan Both working and stay-at-home research is changing the conver- cracker: David H. Koch Theater, Josie Breastfeeding Support Group: parents will benefit from hearing sation, and how fathers shape Robertson Plaza at Columbus Avenue 11:15 am–12:30 pm. 92Y. See Mon- the latest from today’s top ex- their children’s bodies, brains and 63rd Street; (212) 496–0600; ny- cballet.com; Start at $35. day, Jan. 5. perts on how to be great role and futures. Highlights of this world-renowned Pre Robotics for Grades K - models, and raise happy, healthy Speakers include psychologist holiday production include a one-ton 2nd: 4 pm. Bloomingdale Library. See kids, at the forum, “Why Fathers and author Dr. Michael Thomp- Christmas tree that grows from 12 to Monday, Jan. 5. Matter: Creating Successful Par- son; author Paul Raeburn (“Do Fa- 40 feet, an onstage snowstorm, and Broadway Unplugged: Town Hall, enting Partnerships.” thers Matter”); and Lance Somer- hundreds of elaborate costumes, in- 333 West 43rd St. between 8th and Topics include: At-home Dads: feld, founder of NYC Dads. cluding one for Mother Ginger that 9th avenues; (800) 982–2787; 8 pm; What Do Breadwinning Moms Parent workshop, Jan. 25 from measures nine feet wide and weighs $22 and up. Really Think?; Juggling Dads: 10 am to 3 pm; tickets are $99. 85 pounds. The production’s grand fi- For the 12th year, Scott Siegel pres- Finding Time for Work, Family 92Y [1395 Lexington Ave. at E. nale involves one million watts of light- ing, the most used in any New York ents some of Broadway’s best talent, & Play; and Parenting Partner- 91st Street on the Upper East Side; City Ballet production. belting it out without a mic. ships: Building a High-Perfor- (212) 415–5500; www.92y.org]. Handmade: Artists’ Holiday Cards: Tues, Jan. 27 The Morgan Library & Museum, 225 and up. Madison Ave. between West 36th and Further Afield Fri, Jan. 30 Musically adventurous, the band West 37th streets; (212) 685–0008; www.themorgan.org; $18 adults; $12 Bug Out: Brooklyn Children’s Mu- In Manhattan boasts a high level of musicianship. students; free for children under 12. seum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks Shababa Fridays: 9:30–10:15 am Their enthusiastic recordings and live Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) 735–4400; OR 10:45–11:30 am. 92Y. See Friday, performances seamlessly range from Exhibition of rarely-seen handmade www.brooklynkids.org; 3:30 pm. Free Jan. 2. light folk, bluegrass, calypso, rock cards created by twentieth-century art- ists for their friends and family. Drawn with museum admission. and even Irish jigs. Singing along is from the Smithsonian’s Archives of Meet grasshoppers, worms, stick expected. bugs and cockroaches - eeek! Sat, Jan. 31 American Art, the exhibition includes In Manhattan Further Afield nearly sixty seasonal cards made by such important artists as Helen Fran- Quilting Kids: Brooklyn Children’s Wed, Jan. 28 Baby Got Bach: 92Y, 1395 Lex- kenthaler, Milton Avery, Alexander Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. ington Ave. at E. 91st Street; (212) Calder, Ad Reinhardt, Philip Guston, In Manhattan Marks Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) 735– 415–5500; www.92y.org; 10 am; $18 and Saul Steinberg. New Parent Get-Togethers: and up. 4400; www.brooklynkids.org; 11:30 10:30 am–noon. 92Y. See Wednes- Flute, clarinet, French horn and am; Free with museum admission. Origami Holiday Tree: American day, Jan. 7. more—explore the fascinating world Discvoer the art of quilts and share Museum of Natural History, Central of wind instruments with Orli and stories and decorate a quilt square to Park West at West 79th Street; (212) Budding Bookmakers: 4 pm. Bat- 769–5200; www.amnh.org; Sug- tery Park City Library. See Wednesday, friends in this interactive event for take home. children. gested admission $22 adults, $17 stu- Jan. 7. To the Moon: Brooklyn Children’s dents/seniors, $12.50 children. Shababa Saturday Experiences: Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. An annual tradition, the delight- 10:30 am– noon. 92Y. See Saturday, Marks Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) 735– fully decorated Origami Holiday Tree Thurs, Jan. 29 Jan. 3. 4400; www.brooklynkids.org; 1:30 has marked the start of the holiday In Manhattan Concert: Ben Rudnick & Friends: pm; Free with museum admission. season at the Museum for decades. Cross-Stitch Circle: 3:30 pm. New- Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway Children discover why some tra- The theme of this year’s 13-foot-tree York Historical Society. See Thursday, at W. 94th Street; (212) 864–5400; ditions are based on the moon and is “Night at the Museum,” inspired by Jan. 8. www.symphonyspace.org; 11 am; $12 touch a real rock from outer space. American Museum of Natural History 42 Manhattan Family • January 2015 Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Calendar sleepovers and tours featuring places, Street; (212) 873–3400; nyhistory.org; artifacts, characters, and real exhibits Daily, 10 am–6 pm; Now – Sun, Jan. behind the delightful movies of the 4. Free with museum admission. same name. Stop by the New-York Historical So- The Butterfly Conservatory: ciety this week to marvel at the toys American Museum of Natural History, and trains of the Jerni Collection, go Central Park West at West 79th Street; on a Holiday Express I Spy Scavenger (212) 769–5200; www.amnh.org; Hunt. At 2 pm, hear beloved train tales Suggested admission $22 adults, $17 and make a train-themed craft to take students/seniors, $12.50 children. home as a souvenir from the day. In the annual favorite, ‘Tropical But- Daily Story Hour: Bank Street terflies Alive in Winter’, up to 500 live, Bookstore, 610 West 112 St. between free-flying tropical butterflies from the 112th and Broadway; (212) 678–1654; Americas, Africa, and Asia are housed bankstreetbooks.com; Daily, 10:30 in a vivarium that approximates their am; Thurs, Jan. 1 – Sat, Jan. 31. Free. natural habitat, includes live flower- Enjoy fun, educational and socially ing plants that serve as nectar sources, engaging story-times with your baby, and features controlled artificial light, toddler or preschooler at this popular temperature, and humidity. series featuring special guest authors. Favorite storytellers, CC and Mallory Metamorphosis!: Damrosch Park, present musical story hours every Tues- West 62nd St. between Amster- day morning. dam and Columbus Avenues; (888) 541–3750; bigapplecircus.org; Start Cirque Zíva: The New Victory The- at $25. ater, 209 W 42nd St. between Sev- The celebrated Big Apple Circus Story time with music enth and Eighth avenues; (646) 223– Band, under the baton of maestro Enjoy a Daily Story Hour at the ers, CC and Mallory (pictured) 3010; www.newvictory.org; Tuesdays, Rob Slowik, provides the lively musical Bank Street Bookstore, and a mu- present musical story hours, 2 pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 2 and 7 pm, Sundays, Noon and 5 pm, Now – soundtrack, and magnificent Ringmas- sical story hour every Tuesday which bring the books to life. ter John Kennedy Kane will summon Sun, Jan. 4; $19 and up. the spirits of the circus universe to im- with CC and Mallory. Musical Story Hour takes place Ensemble performances like acro- merse the audience in the wonder, Children beat the winter blues every Tuesday morning. Daily batic hoop diving and the whizzing di- the joy and the astounding magic of with a trip around the neighbor- Story Hour takes place every day, abolo are punctuated by awe-inspiring Metamorphosis! hood at Bank Street. Kids 5 and seven days a week at 10:30 am solo acts of unparalleled precision. An acrobat of incomparable strength Hansel and Gretel: Metropolitan under can enjoy fun, educational, throughout January. Free. winks at balcony patrons as his chair Opera House, Lincoln Center Plaza; and socially engaging story-times Bank Street Bookstore [610 W. stack teeters over 30 feet high. A (212) 362–6000; www.metopera.org; at this popular series featuring 112th Street, corner of 112th and gifted contortionist balances over 60 Tuesday, Dec. 23, 12 am; Saturday, special guest authors. Broadway; (212) 678–1654; http:// wine glasses while her body bends im- Dec. 27, 12 am; Tuesday, Dec. 30, 12 Once a week favorite storytell- bankstreetbooks.com]. possibly backwards, and much more. am; Thursday, Jan. 1, 12 am; Saturday, Jan. 3, 12 am; Thursday, Jan. 8, 12 am; Lit Talks for Readers with Re- $25 and up. grandcentralterminal.com; Weekdays, will also be on display. gina Teltser: Bank Street Bookstore, Richard Jones’s production of this 8 am–8 pm, Saturdays, 10 am–8 pm, 610 West 112 St. between 112th and Free Baby/Toddler Class: Fran- fairy-tale opera tells the tale of two Sundays, 10 am–7 pm, Now – Sun, Broadway; (212) 678–1654; bank- ciscan Community Center, 214 West children who face off against a wicked Feb. 22. Free. streetbooks.com; Saturdays and Sun- 97th St. between Broadway and Am- days, 1 pm, Sat, Jan. 3 – Sat, Jan. 31. witch, in a lush setting of giant chefs, Lionel continues its tradition of cap- suit-clad trees, and an industrial sterdam Avenue; (212) 932–8040 ext. Free. turing hearts and imaginations this hol- 38; [email protected]; Tuesdays and kitchen where the Witch gets what’s iday season, with Metro-North, New Biweekly read-alouds for ages 9 to Thursdays, 10 am–noon. Free. 17 feature dramatized readings for coming to her. York Central and subway trains depart- Socialization, early literacy, singing, middle-graders and young adults, 45 ing from a miniature Grand Central Somebody Come and Play: movement and explorative play. along with a discussion on themes Terminal on a 34’ long two level “O” Years of Sesame Street Helping Kids afterward. Grow Smarter, Stronger, and Kinder: gauge model train layout. Vintage Lio- Holiday Express: December School The New York Public Library for the nel trains from the Museum’s collec- Vacation Week: New-York Historical Drop-In Art Workshop: The Jew- Performing Arts, 40 Lincoln Center tion and 1930s Lionel advertisements Society, 170 Central Park West at 77th Continued on page 44 Plaza; (212) 875–5030; lincolncenter. org. Free. This exhibition gives Sesame Street fans of all ages the opportunity to Civil Rights Week scavenger hunt experience what it’s like to create an episode of the show and get close to Celebrate Civil Rights Week- ther King, Jr. Day and the special their fuzzy and furry friends from the end with a scavenger hunt at the exhibition Freedom Journey 1965: street. See behind the scenes footage, New York Historical Society from Photographs of the Selma to Mont- animation cells, blueprints, and an ar- Jan. 17 through Jan. 19. gomery March by Stephen Somer- chitectural model of the set from the early 1990s. Learn about the fearless peo- stein. For children ages 8 and up. ple who marched for equal voting New York Historical Society [170 13th Annual Holiday Train rights by enjoying a scavenger Central Park West, (212) 873–3400, Show: New York Transit Museum hunt to match faces to the names nyhistory.org. Scavenger hunt Jan. Gallery Annex and Store at Grand Central Terminal, 89 E. 42 St. be- of heroes from the Civil Rights 17 through Jan. 19. 10 am–6 pm. $19 tween Madison and Lexington Movement, in honor of Martin Lu- adults, $6 children ages 5-12. avenues; (212) 340–2583; www. January 2015 • Manhattan Family 43 Calendar Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar

Continued from page 43 health, robotics, and technology. ish Museum, 1109 5th Ave. at 92nd Holiday Train Show: New York St.; (212) 423–3200; thejewishmu- Botanical Garden, 200th St. and seum.org; Sundays, 1 – 4 pm, begin- Kazimiroff Blvd., The Bronx; (718) ning Sun, Jan. 4. Free with museum 817–8700; www.nybg.org; Tuesdays – admission. Saturdays, 10 am–6 pm, Now – Mon, Children, ages 3 and up, paint, Jan. 19; $20 ($8 children, Free for chil- draw, sculpt, or craft a work of art in- dren under 2). spired by exhibitions on view. Projects The annual tradition is open again. explore new themes each week. Model trains are enlivened amid the Jazz For Kids: Jazz Standard, 116 glow of twinkling lights in Victorian East 27th St. at Park Avenue South; style glasshouses featuring replicas of (212) 576–2232; www.jazzstandard. New York landmarks crafted of natu- com; Sundays, 2–3 pm,; Free, guests ral materials by designer Paul Busse’s may give a $5 donation that benefits team. the Jazz Standard Discovery Program. Gingerbread Lane Exhibit: New The talented children’s musicians of York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., the The Jazz Standard Youth Orches- Queens; (718) 699–0005 X353; www. tra perform every Sunday (except for nyscience.org; Daily, 10 am–4 pm, 12/21, 12/28 and 2/1). Now – Sun, Jan. 11. Free with museum Lit Talks for Readers with Re- admission. gina Teltser: Bank Street Bookstore, Marvel at creative culinary construc- 610 West 112 St. between 112th and tions of gumdrops, candy, icing and Broadway; (212) 678–1654; bank- gingerbread. streetbooks.com; Wednesdays, 5 pm, Tea and teddy bears Ice skating: Lefrak Center in Pros- Sundays, 4 pm, Now – Wed, Jan. 28. pect Park, Parkside and Ocean av- Free. Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Mount at the Mount Vernon Hotel in enues, Brooklyn; (718) 594–7439; Biweekly read-alouds for ages 9 to Vernon Hotel Museum and Gar- 1830. Play with her son’s toys [email protected]; www.brook- 17 feature dramatized readings for den on Jan. 4. or help her daughter with the lynice.org; Tuesdays – Thursdays, middle-graders and young adults, 11 am–6 pm, Fridays, 11 am–8 pm, along with a discussion on themes If you’re looking for something chores. Afterwards enjoy fruit tea Saturdays, 10 am–9 pm, Sundays, 10 afterward. to do with your little ones on the and cookies. am–6 pm, Now – Tues, March 31; $6 last couple of days of holiday Afternoon Tea on Jan. 4 at 1 pm. Little New-Yorkers: New-York His- ($8 on Sat. and Sun) plus $6 skate torical Society, 170 Central Park West break, you might want to spend Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for rental. at 77th Street; (212) 873–3400; nyhis- time on an afternoon tea with a children under 12. Reservations rec- Families have a great time twirling tory.org; Tuesdays and Fridays, 3:30 teddy bear. Children, ages 3 to ommended and skating and enjoying the rink . pm, Tues, Jan. 6 – Fri, Jan. 30; $19 6, can bring their favorite teddy Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Art Kids: Brooklyn Children’s Mu- adults, $6 children ages 5-12. bear (or doll) to meet Mrs. Wood- Garden [421 E. 61st St. between First seum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks This program introduces New York hull, the hotel proprietor’s wife, and York avenues; (212) 838–6878; Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) 735–4400; and American history to the littlest and role-play the daily activities www.mvhm.org]. www.brooklynkids.org; Fridays, New Yorkers with age-appropriate 11:30 am and 2:30 pm, Fri, Jan. 2 themes and engaging hands-on activi- – Fri, March 6; Free with museum ties. For ages 3-5. on an enchanting adventure up a mag- to our special exhibitions. admission. Children explore a new style of art Storytime: Museum of Jew- ical beanstalk. Jack encounters the no- Exhibition: Pixelated, Sum of its and discover the artistic process while ish Heritage, 36 Battery Place at torious Giant, Milford, whose thieving Pieces: Children’s Museum of the Arts, developing artistic skills. First Place; (646) 437–4202; www. ways have brought misfortune upon 103 Charlton St. at Hudson Street; mjhnyc.org; Wednesday, Jan. 7, 3:30 Jack and his mother, but with help (212) 274–0986; www.cmany.org; Touch tank: Brooklyn Children’s pm; Wednesday, Jan. 21, 3:30 pm; from friends, he risks his life to take Mondays and Wednesdays, noon–5 Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at Wednesday, Feb. 4, 3:30 pm; Wednes- back what the Giant stole. pm, Thursdays and Fridays, Noon–6 St. Marks Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) day, Feb. 18, 3:30 pm; Wednesday, Exhibition: Freedom Journey 1965: pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am–5 735–4400; www.brooklynkids.org; March 4, 3:30 pm; Wednesday, March New-York Historical Society, 170 Cen- pm, beginning Thurs, Jan. 22. Free Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 18, 3:30 pm; Wednesday, April 1, tral Park West at 77th Street; (212) with $11 museum admission. 11:30 am–12:30 pm and 2:30–3:30 3:30 pm; Wednesday, April 15, 3:30 873–3400; nyhistory.org; Daily, 10 This exhibition brings together pm, now – Sun, Jan. 11. Free with mu- pm; Wednesday, May 6, 3:30 pm; am–6 pm; beginning Fri, Jan. 16; $19 emerging and mid-career artists whose seum admission. Wednesday, May 20, 3:30 pm. Free. adults, $6 children ages 5-12. work explores different means of per- Children of all ages touch a starfish, Drop-in program warm, whimsical ception and brings together visual art- a horseshoe crab, or a sea snail. tales about traditions, holidays, and This exhibit features the stunning ists whose works explore the intersec- Ice skating school: Lefrak Center families from some of today’s best sto- and historic photographs of Stephen tion between art and technology. in Prospect Park, Parkside and Ocean rybooks for children ages 0-4. Somerstein, documenting the Selma- avenues, Brooklyn; (718) 594–7439; to-Montgomery Civil Rights March in Further Afield “Jack and the Beanstalk”: Swed- January 1965. [email protected]; www.brook- ish Cottage Marionette Theater, West More than meets the “I”: Brook- lynice.org; Mondays and Wednesdays, 79th and West Dr; (212) 988–9093; Sunday Art Discoveries: The Jew- lyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn 4–6:30 pm, now – Tues, March 10. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, ish Museum, 1109 5th Ave. at 92nd Ave. at St. Marks Avenue, Brooklyn; Free. 10:30 am and noon, Wednesdays, St.; (212) 423–3200; thejewishmu- (718) 735–4400; www.brooklynkids. Instructions, fitness, homework help 10:30 am, noon, and 2:30 pm, Satur- seum.org; Sundays, 11:30 am – 12:30 org; Tuesdays – Sundays, 10 am–5 and lots more. Requirements - stu- days and Sundays, 1 pm, beginning pm, beginning Sun, Jan. 18. Free with pm, Now – Mon, Jan. 19; $9 general dents in grades first through eighth Wed, Jan. 14; $10; $7 children under museum admission. admission (children under one free). must live in Brooklyn or go to school 12. Children engage with works of art The new exhibit at the museum in Brooklyn, be eligible for free/re- This fresh retelling of the Swedish through exciting activities and gallery provides young scientists the opportu- duced lunch program. Preregistration Cottage original production takes Jack tours focusing on themes inspired by nity to explore innovations in biology, required. 44 Manhattan Family • January 2015 theMarketplace

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January 2015 • Manhattan Family 45 books Anything you can do here are times when you hear dipped at the barre, and the sentence “You can’t” and leaped like her heart told T it makes you sad. In the new her to. She spread her book “Firebird” by Misty Copeland, wings, changed her slip- illustrated by Christopher Myers, pers, and practiced ara- a young girl learns to replace the besque. The ballet po- word “can’t” with one that strength- sitions were like “stair ens. steps to the sky,” and Once, there was a little girl who she never listened to “can’t.” loved to watch ballet, but she knew The ballerina promised the girl The book she was nothing like the dancer on that, if she believed, there would come ters is different, as if there’s a the stage. Yes, she loved to dance, a day when she would be just like the conversation on each page. worm but the ballerina was so much better dancing child. She would “become Now that you know that, you’ll be Terri Schlichenmeyer and the little girl was told that she’d a swan … a firebird for sure.” She able to easier understand how au- never be like that. would be light and beautiful. Maybe thor Misty Copeland tells her story The ballerina leaped and spun she’d even dance on stage with the — and, once you read her afterword, and bent. Her legs stretched like the ballerina, jumping to the stars, and you’ll see that it really is her story. New York skyline, which was some- showing ballerinas not yet born that Copeland explains how she was that thing the girl couldn’t do. dreams come true and “can’t” can’t self-conscious girl once, and how “I could never hope to leap the hold them on the ground. she wants “to expand the idea of space between,” she said, and that I liked “Firebird” well enough the beauty and art” with this book. made her “heavy” and heartsick. first time I ran through it. With their That’s surely accomplished, but But then, the most amazing thing bold colors and scrapbook-mosaic my recommendation would be to happened! The ballerina came to the edges, I was especially pleased with read through this tale once before girl to tell her a story of a dancing the illustrations by Christopher you read it aloud, just so you know child who wanted to fly among the Myers, but there was something how it’s set up. Do that, and “Fire- stars, a child who wanted to soar but about the narrative that I felt I’d bird” will be a story your child can’t she saw “can’t” because there were missed. help but love. few other dancers like her. The second time around, there it “Firebird,” by Misty Copeland [40 Still, the dancing child bent and was: the font between the charac- pages, 2014, $17.99]. Powerful words for victims of bullying or the rest of your life, anger, the bad feelings will linger. comfort and support; indeed, in both you’ll always regret it. The thing to remember is, you his foreword and his afterword, Koyc- F There were two bigger might feel like an outcast, but you’re zan offers more of his personal story, boys standing over him, and a not alone. And someday, long after and he includes voices from fans and look of sadness on his face. You’ll middle school or high school, long readers who ruefully witnessed or regret forever that you never after you’ve looked in a “better mir- memorably endured bullying. stuck up for him, because you’d ror” to see a beautiful and accom- But that’s only part of why you been bullied, too, just like one plished person, you’ll understand that should want this book: illustrations out of every seven kids. And as “all of this is just debris.” Maybe you from artists in several countries evoke you’ll see in the new book “To aren’t a part of a clique today. Maybe the perfect mood to match Koyczan’s This Day” by Shane Koyczan, you’re not on the team or in the club, words, and a list of resources rounds it’s never forgotten. you’re not popular, but those people out what bullied teens need. Yes, names are just sounds, but who bullied you and said bad things Toward the end of his poem, Koy- though adults say words will never were wrong — and you’ll know it. czan asks “… if a kid breaks in a hurt you, you know they do. Then you, and everyone like you, school and no one around chooses So you stay invisible, stay quiet, can say, “We made it.” to hear, do they make a sound?” If stay inside during recess, and “re- From its beginnings as a poem that doesn’t hurt your heart, then hearse running away.” You find a written from author Shane Koyczan’s read this book again. Better yet, own friend who’s being bullied, too, be- experiences, to a song, then to a it. “To This Day” is a purchase you cause there’s safety together, but video created with the help of 86 ani- won’t regret. you’re still “outnumbered day after mators, “To This Day” is filled with “To This Day,” by Shane Koyczan [70 wretched day.” The years will pass, some of the most powerful words pages, 2014, $19.95]. you’ll grow up, but, like the mom who you may ever read. Terri Schlichenmeyer has been read- found a sign taped to her desk that Told from the point of view of a ma- ing since she was 3 years old, and said “Beware of Dog” back in fifth ture-beyond-his-years kid, this book she never goes anywhere without a grade, or the grown-up man who was tells a story of triumphant survival book. She lives on a hill with two dogs once a boy fighting depression and that contains just the right words of and 12,000 books.

46 Manhattan Family • January 2015 džĐĞĞĚĞĚďĞŶĐŚŵĂƌŬƐĨŽƌĐůŽƐŝŶŐƚŚĞ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞŵĞŶƚŐĂƉΘŝŵƉƌŽǀŝŶŐƐƚƵĚĞŶƚŐƌŽǁƚŚ DƵƐŝĐĞǀĞƌLJĚĂLJĨŽƌĞǀĞƌLJĐŚŝůĚͮdǁŽ<Ͳϱ ƐĐŚŽŽůƐŝŶƚŚĞ>ŽǁĞƌĂƐƚ^ŝĚĞ

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