Brooklyn Family October 2014
High School October 2014 Brooklyn FREE Family Choices Where Every Child Matters Teen stuff! Coping with messy rooms Teens traveling on their own Buying her first bra
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Features columns 6 Messy teen rooms 22 Family fun, close to home 34 Good Sense Eating What’s hiding behind that door? Experts Crystal Springs Resort offers year-round by Christine M. Palumbo, RD explain how to cope activities By Risa C. Doherty By Stacey Zable 36 The Book Worm By Terri Schlichenmeyer 8 Being a team player 30 Tips for teens traveling solo Being part of a team can be challenging for Lessons in independence, with help from mom 38 Healthy Living kids — and parents and dad by Danielle Sullivan By Paul Culff By Myrna Beth Haskell 40 Parents Helping Parents 10 About the author 32 Buying her first bra by Sharon C. Peters Andrew Cotto reflects on juggling writing Tips for parents and their tweens 41 Mommy 101 career and family By Kelly O’Brien By Angelica SerEda By Tammy Scileppi 44 One special teacher 42 Family Health 12 Halloween safety A teacher’s love of learning is shared with By Dr. Pramod Narula, MD Kids should use caution when trick-or-treating generations of students By Alexa Bigwarfe By Dr. Victor Ramsey 48 Ask an Attorney 14 The big test 46 America the beautiful By Alison Arden Besunder, Esq. Understanding admission to top city specialized Young man creates an organization to give 50 Lions and Tigers and Teens high schools teens a chance to see more of their country By Myrna Beth Haskell by Dr. Shahid Shaikh By Tammy Scileppi 52 A Letter from College 16 Learning styles 54 A-maze-ing action flick By Aglaia Ho Identifying them can transform life at home, Teens love the adventure of ‘The Maze Runner’ school, and the office 56 Just Write Mom By Dr. Karyn Gordon special sections by Danielle Sullivan 18 Apple picking not far from 66 New & Noteworthy 24 High Schools Directory the Big Apple By Lisa J. Curtis By Shnieka L. Johnson 64 Party Planners 65 The Marketplace 20 Exercise your options calendar Discovering the value of exercise after breast 58 October Events cancer diagnosis By Sandra Gordon
October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 3 Letter from the publisher Parenting teens t is somehow as- ence seems to take over. the teen(s) in your family. On the and be watchful. Boundaries are nec- sumed that parents Then there are the mar- other hand, newfound maturity, a essary although they will try our I of very young chil- keting folks and the digi- person with valid opinions, the al- patience over and over as they cross dren largely read our tal reality that programs most grown-up you imagined your them repeatedly. Consequences then magazines. I dispute that them to shop and buy newborn would become someday is become very important follow-ups. with certainty. I look at and run in a pack with an amazing thing to behold. In my Lessons learned over and over hope- the demographic infor- their friends toward case from the moment my daughter fully help to cement character in our mation we get from read- every new trend that got taller than me, she stopped seeing youngsters and help prepare them ers and it tells me other- hits the street for their me as the elder and our roles often for the big wide world out there. wise. It tells me that par- age group. started reversing. In looking down at There are very good articles in ents of children from 0 to Having a teen is much me, her attitude drastically changed this issue. I genuinely hope you read 18 are in the mix and of course, why harder than having a 2 year old, even and our battle for control began. them, even if your family’s teen years not? We regularly publish articles and one who’s adept at pitching fits. With It’s very challenging to be a par- are way in the future. It’s not too columns on pre-teen and teen issues the 2 year old it will soon be over and ent. It’s particularly challenging to early to get prepared. It’s a big job. and being a parent myself, I can tell they will get in the groove and be try to be a good competent parent Thanks for reading! you first hand that the real parenting your fabulous little kid, but with the to a teenager. They’re on their way questions begin when your 12 year 12 year old each passing day brings out and they know it. Still, our re- old is straining to be 13. on more independence from you and sponsibilities go on and we have to At just about that time they begin from your established order. steel ourselves with determination to ignore you in every way they can The messiness, lack of articulate to steer the course. They may be tall, and the mad rebellion begins. Their response, friends whose opinion but they are not yet truly “grown” Susan Weiss-Voskidis, friends begin to take on more cred- overrides yours, can be some of the and we still need to remain vigilant Publisher/Excutive Editor ibility than you do and peer influ- negatives one can experience with and keep our ears and eyes open [email protected]
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Publisher / executive editor: advertising: Web or Print address Susan Weiss (718) 2604554 New York Parenting Media/CNG Publisher / business Manager: [email protected] or 1 Metrotech Center North [email protected] 10th Floor Clifford Luster Brooklyn, NY 11201 sales Manager / advertising: circulation (718) 2608336 Sharon Noble [email protected] www.NYParenting.com oPerations associate: editorial Tina Felicetti (718) 2604554 sales rePs: Alexis Benson, Shanika Stewart, [email protected] Jackie Tarantino calendar art director: Leah Mitch (718) 2602523 layout Manager: Yvonne Farley Web designer: Sylvan Migdal The acceptance of advertising by New York Parent- New York Parenting Media has been recognized ing Media does not constitute an endorsement of for editorial and design excellence by PMA. graPhic designers: Arthur Arutyunov, the products, services or information being adver New York Parenting Media is published monthly Mauro Deluca, Earl Ferrer, Cheryl Seligman tised. We do not knowingly present any products or by New York Parenting Media/CNG. Subscription services that are fraudu lent or misleading in nature. rate is $35 annually. Reproduction of New York Editorial inquiries, calendar information, advertising Parenting Media in whole or part without writ rates and schedules and subscription requests may be ten permission from the publisher is prohibited. Managing editor: Vince DiMiceli addressed to New York Parenting Media, One Metro All rights reserved. Copyright©2014 Readership: assistant editor: Courtney Donahue tech Center North, 10th Floor, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. 220,000. 2012 circulation audits by CAC & CVC. coPy editor: Lisa J. Curtis New York Parenting Media can also be reached by calling (718) 2604554, emailing family@cnglocal. calendar editors: Joanna Del Buono, com or by visiting our website, NYParenting.com. Jesseca Stenson Join the conversation on Facebook.
4 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 YOUR BEST DEFENSE AGAINST A STORM MAY BE A SHOPPING CART.
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So-called “lazy” teens may just be “chronically messy, well-intentioned, and poorly organized,” Adele Faber, Long Island co-author of “How to M s y Talk So Teens Will Listen & Listen So Teens Will Talk,” tells me. e s Pickhardt correlates a neat room with an organized, productive life. “A room reflects a disorganized internal state: it is an expression of his world.” He tells me the state of a teen’s teen rooms room is not an insignificant issue and is a reflection of who is in control. By Risa C. DoheRty “for her own sanity.” Young adolescents make a statement What’s hiding Parents like Mary and Maxine, of independence by insisting on living oms like me have found also of Queens, clean up when their according to their own rules, he says, behind that themselves sitting on teens are not in their bedrooms. The but they need to understand they M the floor of their child’s boys temporarily grouse about the must live on their parents’ terms until room picking up every Lego, Trans- trespass, but never offer to help. Yet, they are on their own. door? Experts former piece, or Barbie accessory there is anger and resentment, be- He notes that parents never re- our youngster failed to place in the cause the moms recognize that the ally have control over their children, proper bin or box. After all, we paid boys should be responsible for car- they just have an ever-decreasing explain how for all of those expensive toys. ing for their own possessions. ability to obtain consent as the child Fast forward 10 years and the toys Mary says, “if he has time to play passes through adolescence. to cope which once covered the floor are re- video games, he has time to clean placed with all manner of clothing, his room.” Problems with just footwear, books, papers, wrappers, Maxine has come to recognize that shutting the door glasses of old milk, bags of chips, her son Peter, a student at Arch- Direct consequences can result dirty plates, toiletries, food packag- bishop Molloy High School, always from constant disarray. ing, water bottles, and wet towels: has excuses and something more im- Crunching noises may surprise welcome to a teenager’s domain. portant to do. She also says that he the parent who enters a teen’s inner seems to have “an acute awareness sanctum unprepared, inadvertently The struggle of everything in the room” and points rupturing CDs hidden under layers Frustrated parents demand teens out that even a discarded napkin of clothing. neaten up, and teens, promising to could contain notes for the start of While Jack struggles to find his bus comply “later,” never seem to get to his first novel. She also says Peter, like pass in the morning rush, other teens it. Too often the dialogue digresses many teens today, has too much stuff stress over misplaced car keys or into yelling and nagging and more and runs out of space to stow it. matching shoes. If they are tardy, they yelling, culminating with a territo- Peter tells his mother she is a nag can make other family members late rial conflict the likes of which has for begging, whining, and pleading for school or work and put everyone not been seen since the colonies de- with him to clean up. She is aggra- in a foul mood at the start of the day. clared their independence. vated by his indifference and says, Pickhardt firmly believes that par- “This is my house!” the parent as- “it takes effort, as does everything ents who allow themselves to be serts, followed by the teen staking a else in life.” barred from their teen’s room are claim of his own to the room itself. giving teens license to experiment Carl Pickhardt, author of “Surviv- What’s going on? with illicit activities. He says closing ing Your Child’s Adolescence,” writes Unfortunately, parents have an the door is self-serving and such a that, to parents, “the messy room can entirely different perspective than laissez-faire attitude sends a strong feel like an affront to domestic order, teenagers, who often do not priori- signal that more serious infractions representing a ‘disrespect’ for the tize neatness. Parents see red when will not be addressed. more neatly kept home they value.” teens find time to relax amidst their He also does not condone random Mary, whose son Jack attends busy schedules, but can’t find time searches without a strong suspicion the Academy of American Studies to neaten up, and teens don’t un- that something is very wrong based in Queens, claims her requests that derstand why cleanup cannot wait on uncharacteristic behavior or prob- he clean his room “go in one ear and indefinitely. At the same time, teens lems at school. If a parent finds trou- out the other” until she threatens to look at their rooms as sanctuaries, bling material in the room, it is be- call his coach, preventing him from where they can unwind and escape cause the teen left it there for her to attending a game. She settles for other people’s rules. find and did not have the courage to dusting and vacuuming the room Although a parent may view teens’ ask for help dealing with it, he adds. once a week. lack of compliance to tidy up as self- He tells me the challenge is to man- Linda, parent of a Brooklyn ishness, Lori Hiller, a Brooklyn social age our expectations and give our high school teen, is resigned to worker, says teens don’t understand children the tools they need to orga- closing the door to her son’s room why parents care so much about nize themselves. He says teens feel 6 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 as if they are more in control of their lead to use of intemperate words factor in all our lives.” She suggests clean up, Pickhardt advises the par- world when their rooms are in order. as weapons,” as parents sometimes that parents empathize with their ent to put the mess in a large trash In extreme cases, a filthy room “shoot from the hip” and threaten teens’ concerns and organizational bag (or several, as the case may be) can actually be unsanitary if mold, unreasonable punishments in anger. challenges before brainstorming to- and place it by the rubbish. He says bacteria, or fungus begin to grow In place of punishment, which he gether. This helps to avoid repetition that will motivate the teen to awaken or if leftover food and dishes attract believes should be reserved for seri- of the same old argument and gives from his lethargy and ask about al- mice, ants, or cockroaches. ous infractions, Pickhardt suggests teens some ownership of the solution, ternatives. “an exchange,” where the parent will which might include the addition of Other common mistakes only agree to do a favor for the teen, new shelves, bookcases, or bins. Will they ever reform? and real solutions like driving her to the mall, in ex- When parents stress over the lack According to Hiller, “there are Hiller doesn’t think a parent change for some cleanup. Pickhardt of care teens afford their pricier pos- sloppy people and neater ones — should clean a teen’s room any more also says that parents who want sessions, Faber encourages them to and sloppy ones that clean up ever than she should be doing a teen’s that room clean cannot abnegate all discuss it. For example, if a teen con- so often.” homework or calling his employer. responsibility, but need to make an tributed towards the price of hard- Others agree, though Pickhardt “Part of teens learning indepen- effort to supervise. Even if the par- won designer jeans and the parent regards teens’ ability to overcome dence is taking care of their things,” ent knows that the room is likely to finds them rolled in a ball under a this problem as an important anchor she says. return to its post-apocalyptic look wet towel, the parent can tell the for adolescent growth and develop- She adds that doing it for them in a half hour, it will not have been a teen that such a sight discourages ment. So, maybe there is hope. will lead them to believe that a par- waste of time, because the teen will her from wanting to participate in Fighting with your teen over this ent will always be there to clean up see that cleaning up is not an insur- similar purchases in the future. each day just causes tension. If you their mess and teach them that they mountable task, he says. Faber disapproves of nagging and try to deal with this only once a week are not responsible for the conse- Parents who may be too angry advocates for a creative non-author- or at another agreed upon regular in- quences of their own actions. It is up should remove themselves from the itarian approach, with a little humor terval, the teen is less likely to react to the parent to decide how far she situation for a short time, says Faber. thrown in, when possible. In con- negatively. wants the conflict to go if the teen re- Sound advice, as parents may be trast, Pickhardt would have parents We all know teens are encounter- fuses, and at some level, the conflict tired, stressed, and short on pa- persevere, even if it is perceived as ing a more complicated world. Still, can cause a permanent rift. At the tience. Pickhardt tells emotional par- nagging. He tells me parents’ rep- in this child-centric age, it would same time, she says direct threats to ents to talk to a friend or spouse and etition will wear down their teens’ be nice if more teens made an effort spur teens to act won’t help either. otherwise model anger management resistance. to adhere to parents’ rules without Neither Faber nor Pickhardt con- techniques before they hit a boiling “Nagging is honorable work,” he prodding or creative intervention. A done yelling or punishing teens for a point in front of their teenager. says, recommending parents gently parent can dream, can’t she? messy room. Pickhardt warns that, Faber says parents should figure remind teens about an earlier re- Risa C. Doherty is an award-winning “yelling shows helpless disrespect out some ground rules together with quest and ask again. writer who survived her children’s teen in not getting their way [which] can their teen since “cleanup is a constant If the teen continually refuses to years. October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 7 Being a team player Being part of By Paul Culff or many children, fall brings a team can be not only a new school year, F but also a new sports season. If challenging your child is new to team sports, she may experience some growing pains. Learning new skills and rules, deal- for kids — ing with losses and setbacks, having Communicate with coaches. The ing a step back during a game or a coach, and being part of a team for parent-coach relationship should be practice, and allowing your child to and parents the first time can be challenging. Here a two-way street. Introduce yourself develop a love for the sport on her are some tips for parents to help their to the coaches at the beginning of own. There’s plenty of time after the kids get the most out of their first the season and learn their goals game, when heads are cooler, to talk team sports experience: and expectations for the team. At to your child about the experience. Set expectations. Think about the same time, you can help the Hear her out and provide support what you want your child to get out coach better understand your child. and guidance where necessary. Your of the activity. How important is it Just remember, during practices and support, or lack-there-of, could make that your child develops good sport- games, the coach is in charge and or break the experience for them. specific skills? Is improving physi- unless he specifically asks for it, pa- Emphasize fun. We’ve all seen cal fitness a major priority? Or is it rental involvement should be limited professional athletes give retirement more important that she makes new to positive reinforcement from the speeches saying, “The game just isn’t friends and builds self-confidence? If sideline. fun for me anymore.” It’s even more you establish goals and expectations Provide “sandwich feedback.” important that young kids, who could in advance, you and your child will be Sandwich feedback is an effective have a lifetime of sports activities better equipped to evaluate the expe- way for parents to balance praise ahead of them, enjoy playing sports. rience during and after the season. with constructive criticism. After a Nerves and reluctance at the begin- Have patience. Nobody becomes game, tell your child something she ning of a season are natural, but if a superstar overnight. Developing did well, sandwiched with some as- your child continues to dread going sports skills requires lots of learning, pect she can work on, followed by to practices and games, figure out practicing, correcting bad habits — another compliment. For example, why. The solution could be as simple and more practicing. Being part of a “I love how you controlled the mid- as finding a more suitable team or team means playing alongside team- field today. Remember to make the league, or trying a different sport. mates whose skills are developing simple pass to an open teammate Paul Culff is the youth sports director at different rates. Think about what even if they are behind you. Great at Asphalt Green, a not-for-profit organi- skills might be challenging for your job shooting when you found space zation dedicated to assisting individuals child and prepare her for it. Make it and were in range.” of all ages and backgrounds achieve clear that learning a sport, while fun, avoid heat-of-the moment criti- health through a lifetime of sports and is a process. Encourage and reward cism. Try not to pressure your child. fitness. For more information, visit www. good effort, not just success. For some parents, this requires tak- asphaltgreen.org. 8 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 “I needed surgery but couldn’t be out of commission for too long.” The specialists at New York Methodist Hospital are a step ahead in using robotic surgery to treat conditions in a growing number of fields including gynecological and urologic disorders, thoracic surgery, prostate cancer, and more. This tech- nique is known to be extremely precise, with fewer complications – and typically results in a quicker recovery, less pain, and shorter hospital stay for patients. That means you can get back more quickly to what’s most important. Your life. We fixed that. Institute for Advanced and Minimally Invasive Surgery 506 Sixth Street, Brooklyn • 866-362-7148 • www.nym.org October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 9 About the author BY TAMMY SCILEPPI 12, and son, Julian, 8. AC: My daughter is all about Andrew Cotto’s first novel, “The Domino Ef- dance. She goes to MS 51. My son eing a great writer requires fect” is a “Catcher in the Rye”-esque loves sports. He attends PS 58. Nei- Cotto reflects tons of imagination and cre- coming-of-age story about the plight ther of them are so into writing B ativity, and the same goes for of a tough, charismatic kid who grows at this point, but I could imagine on juggling great parenting. up by the seat of his pants on Queens them picking it up some day, since In this exclusive interview, streets. It was followed by another they both love narratives, especially Brooklyn writer, teacher, and self- book, a sort of urban noir, about a those of Roald Dahl. We also have a writing career proclaimed “silly dad,” Andrew drifter who gets embroiled in a series much-loved super-mutt named Ally. Cotto tells NY Parenting readers of weird situations and unexpected TS: In “The Domino Effect,” you and family about his family life and comical, twists and turns, titled “Outerbor- paint a touching and humorous pic- laid-back parenting style, as well ough Blues: A Brooklyn Mystery.” ture of protagonist Danny Rorro’s as the two gripping, New York City- Both tales feel real and gritty, like the life. The story tugs at the reader’s based novels he penned while he neighborhoods they’re set in. heartstrings as it reveals the damage and wife Pamela were busy raising Cotto, 46, said he and his wife — that can happen when an innocent their children: daughter, Sophia, an admissions associate at Mary Mc- gets tainted by a family’s checkered Dowell Friends School in Brooklyn past and unresolved conflicts, which — have “bounced around Brooklyn inevitably spill over and shape an since 1997, from Downtown to Clin- already challenged childhood. So, ton Hill to Carroll Gardens,” where what’s the meaning behind the title? they have been for the past seven AC: The book is about a kid from years. He says they like their neigh- Queens whose nickname is “Dom- borhood’s feeling of community and ino.” Through social and familial the easy access to Manhattan. challenges, both at home and at a Tammy Scileppi: When did you boarding school, he discovers how first start writing? one’s behavior has an effect on oth- Andrew Cotto: I began writing ers, like dominoes falling. It’s a com- late in life. I discovered a love of ing-of-age story, which I’ve always literature and a knack for storytell- loved since the subject matter is ing in college, but I didn’t dedicate familiar and vital to anyone who has myself to creating and completing survived adolescence. It seems to narratives until I was in my mid-30s, me more of a book for adults than and I just knew it was something I young adults, though I’m happy to needed to do, so I wrote in my spare have readers of all ages. time until I was convinced my talent TS: What was your family life like was developed enough to give it a growing up? go, full-time. I had been working in AC: Until I was 12, we lived in a the entertainment industry and liv- middle-class neighborhood in north- ing in New York City since graduating ern New Jersey that was full of kids college, and I decided to quit my job from disparate backgrounds, and we and pursue writing, which began for- ran wild, on our own, all the time. mally with a year living in Italy. My kids’ lives in Brooklyn are much TS: How did your year in Italy in- more orchestrated and supervised, spire you? and I think this makes our home life AC: Living in Italy was a dream for a little difficult, since they tend to me. So much of what they cherish — still have energy to burn at the end the pleasures of company and food of the day. and wine — happen to be what I’m On the other hand, my sibling was Andrew Cotto (above), passionate about, as well. I’m from of the same gender, and much closer center, reading from an Italian-American background, but in age; he was older and a pretty dif- his work at the 2012 I never felt particularly akin to fellow ficult kid (to put it mildly), so we had Brooklyn Book Festival. Italians until living there for a year. many more physical confrontations (Left) Cotto’s children I went there with my wife and in our home, which creates its own Sophia and Julian. daughter (who was 18 months at the complications and stress. time), with a novel already in mind We also ended up moving around to write (“The Domino Effect”), so I the country throughout my adoles- wasn’t so much inspired narratively, cence, which always makes things but I was certainly inspired to create interesting, since relocating and among all the beauty. It was like the being a teen go so well together. greatest writer’s retreat I could ever TS: Why has “Outerborough imagine. Blues” been described as “Brooklyn TS: Tell us about your children. noir?” 10 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 AC: “Outerborough Blues” is defi- And then there’s all the writing, nitely only for adult readers. It is set which is both fiction and journal- in Brooklyn, [at] the dawn of gentri- ism. That said, when I do have free N O S A fication in the ’90s. Its protagonist is time, my favorite thing to do is cook E S 5 a young drifter from a broken family and eat with family and friends. 2014-1 of Italian and Irish descent, who I’m clearly in love with Italian food settles in a predominantly African- and wine, so if you’re coming to my American neighborhood where he house, there’s a pretty good chance finds himself immersed in a mys- you’ll get plenty of both. tery. Publishers Weekly wrote that TS: What do you do for fun with it “reads like Raymond Chandler your family? taking dictation from Walt Whit- AC: My family spends a lot of man,” which exceeded anything I time in Brooklyn Bridge Park. For could have possibly imagined in the me, the perfect family day is a form of a compliment. If I ever get quick train ride to Chinatown for a tattoo, that would be it — right dim sum, followed by a walk home across my chest. over the Brooklyn Bridge. TS: So, how do you feel about TS: What have you been work- Brooklyn’s growing gentrification ing on lately? in areas like Williamsburg and AC: I’ve been doing a lot more Greenpoint, etc.? non-fiction writing since “Outer- AC: I’m ambivalent about gen- borough Blues,” including regu- trification. It’s the dominant theme lar contributions to the New York of “Outerborough Blues,” though I Times, which I take great pride in. don’t attempt any statements about I did, though, conceptualize and its evil or inevitability, or whatever, write a few episodes of a Brooklyn- though I do think it makes a fasci- based TV drama called “Kingsbor- nating subject matter since it gen- ough,” which my agent is shopping erates conflict on so many levels. now. I’m also about to start a new TS: What was your dad like novel about an American living growing up and how is your par- in Italy for a year, so maybe I can enting style different from his? finally draw some autobiography AC: My dad was (and still is) a into my work. very supportive father, who pro- TS: What makes a great writer? vided a terrific model in many AC: Great writers understand a ways. He always seemed to be on combination of language, storytell- the right side of things, in a very ing, characters, and insight into the practical and moral way. He also human condition. happens to be the smartest person TS: How did you meet your I’ve ever known, which is kind of wife? cool and kind of annoying. AC: My wife and I lived in the same I’m not as consistent. I’m on New Jersey town where I had spent point for the most part, but with my early childhood. After my fam- my dad, there was a clear expecta- ily moved away, I’d visit frequently tion as to acceptable behavior, and and got to know her through mutual a clear consequence when those friends. After college, we crossed lines were crossed. I tend to be a paths as Manhattanites and ended lot more outrageous with my kids up in a relationship. We’ve been than my father ever was with me. I married since 1996. can be kind of crazy at times, and TS: Do parts of your books re- not overly concerned with appear- flect your own life experiences? ances, so I end up doing stupid AC: Neither of my books are or shameless things that my kids particularly autobiographical nar- often (not always) find hysterical. ratively, though there are certainly I love cracking them up and instill- consistent themes which have been ing a sense of silliness in them, but inspired by my experiences and in- it’s also hard to switch hats to “se- terests: displacement, family strife, rious dad” since I’ve, in some ways, the urban experience, acceptance, undermined myself as an authority privilege, class, race, violence, figure. It’s a tough thing to bal- morality, father-son bonds, music, ance, and often my wife has to get movement, food, friendship. involved in ways which makes her I think, ultimately, what I’m after Fri, Oct 31 | 4—7pm | all ages life more difficult. in each novel is a sense that, for TS: What do you enjoy doing in most people, life is difficult, yet 30 Lafayette Ave (In front of BAM) your spare time? there’s great hope and possible sat- AC: My spare time is fairly limited isfaction through perseverance. since I teach English full-time at LIM Andrew Cotto’s books are available Presenting sponsor of BAMkids BAM.org / 718.636.4100 and community programs College in Manhattan and part-time on KINDLE or in paperback at Ama- at St. Francis in Brooklyn Heights. zon.com or barnesandnoble.com. October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 11 Halloween safety By AlexA BigwArfe by an adult, and if at all possible, trav- • M a ke sure pumpkins with candles Kids should eling in a group. Older children should are placed far from anything that may alloween can be a really fun plan a route with their parents and catch on fire. use caution and enjoyable evening, but have an established return time. • K e e p matches or lighters stored H not all Halloween facts are • Wa l k on sidewalks or other paths safely out of reach. fun. The harsh reality is this: on Hal- and make sure to check before cross- • C a n d l e s in a votive is the safest when trick- loween, children are two to four times ing any streets. route, but consider glow sticks rather more likely to be hit and killed by • O n l y visit homes with the porch than a lit flame. or-treating a car than any other day. That is a light on. scary fact. There is potential for in- • E n s u r e your children are carrying Stranger safety jury during Halloween activities, but glow sticks or flashlights so that driv- • Never accept rides from strang- with these tips, parents can ensure ers can see them better. ers. everyone has a safe Halloween. A note to drivers: most children • D o not enter a stranger’s house. trick-or-treat between 5:30 and 9:30 • S t ay in familiar areas. Trick-or-treating safety pm, so slow down and be vigilant if • D o not accept treats or candy that • Children under 12 should not be driving during those hours. are not factory wrapped. out alone. They should be supervised Costume safety Food safety • S e l e c t a costume that fits well. If • I f you’re going to parties, don’t Four fun and healthy Halloween snacks your child’s costume is too big, there’s forget common food safety. Don’t • H a l l owe e n “Ghosts:” Strawberries dipped in white chocolate and a good chance he will trip and fall. leave food out that needs to be re- decorated with ghost faces. • P i c k out flame-resistant costumes frigerated. • D e v i l e d “Spider” eggs: Deviled eggs served with a plastic spider. and do not walk too closely to lit • Fe e d your child a meal prior to • “Mummy” dog: A hot dog wrapped like a mummy in Pillsbury candles. parties to help him avoid overeating dough and baked. • U s e reflective tape on children’s candy and other foods that may lead • Ve g g i e “Skeleton” platter: On a big plate, place vegetables in the costumes and bags. to stomach pains. shape of a skeleton. • Av o i d masks that can obscure • H av e an adult sort through all their vision. of the candy once the children are Other great resources for safety tips • Te s t out makeup first to make home, and throw out any candies that • www.cookinglight.com/entertaining/holidays-occasions/ sure your child does not have a sen- are unwrapped. healthy-halloween sitivity. • F i n a l l y, ration that candy over the • www.pbs.org/parents/kitchenexplorers/2011/10/18/healthy-hal- • D o n’ t use over-the-counter, deco- next 30 days. loween-snacks/ rative contact lenses. Have a fantastic, spooky, and safe • www.usa.gov/Topics/Halloween.shtml Halloween! • www.safekids.org/hallo ween#sthash.hH1GRr5D.dpuf Pumpkin carving safety Alexa Bigwarfe is the mother of three • www.safekids.org/tip/hallo ween-safety-tips • A l l ow the kids to draw on the little ghouls. They enjoy darting into the • www.cdc.gov/family/hallo ween pumpkins, but never cut them. Young street and eating too much candy on Hal- children should not handle knives. loween. 12 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 BAMkids Puppets on ages Film 4—12 Oct Halloween safety 25 & 26 By AlexA BigwArfe by an adult, and if at all possible, trav- • M a ke sure pumpkins with candles Kids should eling in a group. Older children should are placed far from anything that may alloween can be a really fun plan a route with their parents and catch on fire. use caution and enjoyable evening, but have an established return time. • K e e p matches or lighters stored H not all Halloween facts are • Wa l k on sidewalks or other paths safely out of reach. fun. The harsh reality is this: on Hal- and make sure to check before cross- • C a n d l e s in a votive is the safest when trick- loween, children are two to four times ing any streets. route, but consider glow sticks rather more likely to be hit and killed by • O n l y visit homes with the porch than a lit flame. or-treating a car than any other day. That is a light on. scary fact. There is potential for in- • E n s u r e your children are carrying Stranger safety jury during Halloween activities, but glow sticks or flashlights so that driv- • Never accept rides from strang- with these tips, parents can ensure ers can see them better. ers. A weekend of puppet films everyone has a safe Halloween. A note to drivers: most children • D o not enter a stranger’s house. trick-or-treat between 5:30 and 9:30 • S t ay in familiar areas. and workshops for the Trick-or-treating safety pm, so slow down and be vigilant if • D o not accept treats or candy that • Children under 12 should not be driving during those hours. are not factory wrapped. whole family! out alone. They should be supervised Costume safety Food safety • S e l e c t a costume that fits well. If • I f you’re going to parties, don’t Four fun and healthy Halloween snacks your child’s costume is too big, there’s forget common food safety. Don’t • H a l l owe e n “Ghosts:” Strawberries dipped in white chocolate and a good chance he will trip and fall. leave food out that needs to be re- decorated with ghost faces. • P i c k out flame-resistant costumes frigerated. • D e v i l e d “Spider” eggs: Deviled eggs served with a plastic spider. and do not walk too closely to lit • Fe e d your child a meal prior to • “Mummy” dog: A hot dog wrapped like a mummy in Pillsbury candles. parties to help him avoid overeating dough and baked. • U s e reflective tape on children’s candy and other foods that may lead • Ve g g i e “Skeleton” platter: On a big plate, place vegetables in the costumes and bags. to stomach pains. shape of a skeleton. • Av o i d masks that can obscure • H av e an adult sort through all n their vision. of the candy once the children are li Other great resources for safety tips • Te s t out makeup first to make home, and throw out any candies that berb m • www.cookinglight.com/entertaining/holidays-occasions/ sure your child does not have a sen- are unwrapped. amb Ch healthy-halloween sitivity. • F i n a l l y, ration that candy over the se C • www.pbs.org/parents/kitchenexplorers/2011/10/18/healthy-hal- • D o n’ t use over-the-counter, deco- next 30 days. : Jes Support for Puppets Presenting sponsor of BAMkids Photo loween-snacks/ rative contact lenses. Have a fantastic, spooky, and safe on Film provided by: and community programs • www.usa.gov/Topics/Halloween.shtml Halloween! • www.safekids.org/hallo ween#sthash.hH1GRr5D.dpuf Pumpkin carving safety Alexa Bigwarfe is the mother of three • www.safekids.org/tip/hallo ween-safety-tips • A l l ow the kids to draw on the little ghouls. They enjoy darting into the BAM Rose Cinemas | BAMcafé • www.cdc.gov/family/hallo ween pumpkins, but never cut them. Young street and eating too much candy on Hal- Peter Jay Sharp Building BAM.org/kids 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn children should not handle knives. loween. October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 13 The big test By Dr. ShahiD Shaikh erage in seventh grade and have texts, think logically, look for non- Understanding scored a level four on both their standard solution methods, use spa- dmission to elite colleges and sixth and seventh grade New York tial reasoning, answer intermediate admission universities is an extremely State English Language Arts and questions on the way to a solution, A arduous task for every stu- math exams. and the ability to separate necessary dent, including the top students. It is Approximately 30,000 eighth grad- and extraneous information. to top city even rare to be noticed by admission ers take the specialized exam every The test is usually given in the last officers of elite colleges simply by at- year. Their numbers are increasing week of October right after students specialized tending a high school. However, that’s every year, owing to the fact that enter eighth grade. It is a timed mul- not the case for students who attend most people are becoming familiar tiple-choice test with two sections high schools one of the New York City’s specialized with the admission process of these — verbal and math — which must high schools. There are nine special- top schools. In 2012–2013 school be completed in a total of two hours ized high schools in the city, with at year, only 6,435 students gained ad- and 30 minutes. least one specialized high school in mission in these nine schools. Only Here’s the breakdown: each borough. These elite schools 2,350 students gain admittance to Verbal: three parts, 50 points. strive to serve the needs of academi- the top three schools: Stuyvesant Scrambled paragraphs: five cally and artistically gifted students High School, Bronx High School of questions, worth two points each. who are goal-oriented and highly self- Science, and Staten Island Technical Logical reasoning: 10 questions. motivated. These schools are ranked High School. reading comprehension: 30 among the nation’s most prestigious The Specialized High School Ad- questions. public schools. The top four schools mission Test tests students’ academic Mathematics: 50 multiple choice are: Stuyvesant High School, Bronx knowledge, study skills, as well as questions covering various topics, High School of Science, Staten Island a higher-level critical thinking skills such as, arithmetic, algebra, prob- Tech, and Brooklyn Tech. acquired over past several years. The ability, statistics, and geometry. Admission to these schools re- biggest challenge associated with the Dr. Shaikh runs Leadership Academy quires the acing of Specialized High test is that it does not just test stu- on Staten Island. If you have any ques- School Admission Test, which is dents’ knowledge (in fact, most prob- tions or concerns about your child’s highly competitive as well as stan- lems require only basic knowledge), academic needs, please feel free to dardized. This test is recommended but that it tests students’ ability to contact (718) 477–5705 or aeriusa@hot- for students who have a 90-plus av- understand and interpret complex mail.com. 14 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 GRAND OPENING Overstock Furniture Warehouse in Farmingdale Floor Sample CLEARANCE WE CARRY ALL NAME BRAND FURNITURE Great GUARANTEED TO BEAT ANY COMPETITORS PRICE! Gift Ideas! FREE Delivery UP or Mattress INTEREST FREE FINANCING TO 36 MONTHS* *With credit approval. Cannot be combined with other offers, coupons, discounts or prior purchases. with Bedroom Offer expires 12/31/14. Excludes fl oor sample & clearance packages. NEW LOCATION Set Purchase 1185 Sunrise Hwy. 1815 Broadhollow Rd. Coupon must be presented at time Copiague, NY 11726 Farmingdale, NY 11735 of purchase. Not to be combined with 631.923.1832 any other offer. Expires 12/31/14 Hours: M - F 10am - 9pm • Sat 10am - 7pm • Sun 11am - 6pm October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 15 Learning styles Dear Dr. Karyn, person needs to hear for him to get it tial to dramatically improve! Identifying I overheard two moms talking this and understand it. This inside infor- This month I want to focus on iden- week about how learning styles im- mation has been invaluable! tifying the three main learning styles pact how their kids feel about school. I Last year, I did a speaking series (and how you can tell what yours is, them can realize it’s a big topic, but can you give at The New York Times and one of as well as the styles of those around me an overview on why it’s important, my speaking keynotes focused spe- you). Next month, we’ll focus on how transform how it impacts my kids (I have four, cifically on learning styles. Many of to maximize your learning style in all ages 5 to 19), and how I can tell what the employees were shocked at the parts of your life! style they have? stats. Did you know that 70 to 80 per- As we kick off this school year, life at home, cent of the population are either vi- I hope this information will inspire f you’ve ever heard me speak, sual (they learn best through seeing) you to help those around you be school, and you will know that I’m extremely or kinesthetic learners (they learn fully engaged! I passionate about understand- best through hands on), but, most Here are four keys to understand- ing learning styles, be- high schools in North ing learning styles and engagement the office cause it has dramati- America (90 percent!) at home and at work! cally impacted my life are oriented toward both personally and just auditory learners Understand the professionally. At 13 (those who learn best visual learner years old, I was diag- through hearing)? This Visual learners learn best through nosed with a learn- means that there are seeing. They a re engaged with cha r ts, ing disability and told millions of students colors, metaphors, acronyms, vid- that I would be lucky who fall through the eos, and stories that they can pic- to finish high school. cracks, because how ture in their mind. As a parent or (I’m not kidding.) I was they learn is not how manager and an auditory learner strong-spirited (oth- they are being taught. dealing with someone who is a visual ers would say stub- This is NOT about learner, you may find that he starts born) and refused to Dear blaming teachers (I to zone out if you talk too long. You get help, so my wise am a huge advocate of may think that he doesn’t care — but and loving parents did Dr. Karyn teachers and the enor- the truth is that just listening is ex- what I often recom- mously complex job tremely draining for a visual learner. mend other parents do Dr. Karyn GorDon they have) but rather On a personal level, my husband today — they allowed understanding that, un- is a highly auditory learner (and I’m me to fail. Tough love, but it wasn’t fortunately, many of them have not highly visual and kinesthetic), so if until I failed that I was willing to get been taught this critical informa- he’s asking me to do something, and help from others (which was a defin- tion themselves. We can all prob- he starts going into too much detail, ing moment for me), and only then ably think of a brilliant teacher who I can sense myself starting to zone did things start turning around. knows the information but doesn’t out or disengaging. Thankfully, after I was never taught about learning know how to teach it, versus the ex- 13 years of marriage, he’s learned to styles (I had to figure it out myself in ceptional teacher who knows how to say, “Karyn, you know what — I think high school) — but through trial and engage her students by tapping into I’ll e-mail you what I need instead,” error, I noticed that I learned differ- all three learning styles. which is a lot easier on both of us! ently from most other students. And The truth is, there are almost cer- as I tried different strategies (which tainly people in your life that have Understand the I will share with you next month), struggled with understanding their auditory learner I quickly noticed that my grades learning style, whether they realize Auditory learners learn best started dramatically increasing from it or not (kids, students, employ- through hearing. They can hear a the low 60s to high 80s. ees, clients, spouses). And when you song once and remember the words, As a teen, I looked at my disability start digging deeper with this topic, and they overall find school quite as a curse, but today I see it as a bless- you realize how many parts of our easy. Auditory students are the ones ing. I fully believe that understand- life it impacts: from our kids’ moti- who can just show up in class, do ing how I learn has been one of my vation to communication between minimal work, and still pull off amaz- greatest assets for my success pro- spouses, and collaboration within ing grades! Since 90 percent of high fessionally. I understand how people teams at work to engagement with schools cater to auditory learners, think, learn, and process, and what business clients. When we better un- most of these individuals do not they need to be fully engaged! As a derstand how to reach these people, struggle academically. speaker and coach, I know what a our communication has the poten- However, the one area they need 16 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 to make sure they focus on is their you kept me engaged the whole time. ing something will be more engaging note I gave to a small group of com- motivation and self-discipline. Be- I didn’t have any time to think about than hearing something, but ideally pany presidents a couple of years cause school comes easily to them, anything else!” After speaking longer they need to be doing something ago, one participant had left behind some of them learn to just show up with him, it was clear he was an audi- physical in order to be fully engaged. a sheet that he had been doodling to school, not doing work, but still tory learner who needed information, Kinesthetic students have also taught on. Speaking with him later, I real- achieving fairly decent marks. Un- communication, and projects to be me that listening to a parent, teacher, ized his primary learning style was fortunately, this lack of motivation moving at a fast speed to keep him or manager that just stands there auditory (he found school extremely will often catch up to them in col- tuned in! (not moving) is draining, but if they easy) but his second mode was kin- lege, where many of them do what I can see the person moving around esthetic and to help his brain stay call “coasting and crashing,” if they Understand the (even using their hands!) while they engaged he would often doodle. haven’t learned key self-discipline, kinesthetic learner talk, it helps them stay connected. motivation, and time-management The kinesthetic learners learn best You can usually tell if a student is Learn the skills to get the work done, they may through doing. They are engaged by kinesthetic based on his notebook. If learning style secret end up failing courses. working with their hands, doing activ- there is a lot of doodling, it’s a clear So how can you tell how you learn The great news is that this type of ities and moving around — because sign that he is a kinesthetic, since and also those around you? There learner, when motivated, has enor- just talking and listening by itself will doodling helps him to stay engaged are numerous ways to discover it, mous possibilities in front of him! I’ve be draining for them! Visually see- — it is NOT a sign of disre- but one shortcut I use is noticing learned from working with thousands spect! At the end of a where a person’s eyes go when you of auditory learners that to be en- motivational key- are trying to retrieve something gaged, they need to be challenged! If from his memory. The next time you things move too slowly (or teachers, are trying to think way back in your bosses, parents speak too slowly), or memory for something (ex. what did they don’t have enough challeng- you wear in your first grade class ing work, they get bored and dis- photo?), try to notice this: did your engage. At one of my “Dare To eyes look up, to the side, or down? Dream” events, one 17-year- The way our eyes are connected to old male student said to our brain often tells us what kind of me at the end of the learner we are: visual learners look event, “Karyn, I love up, auditory learners look to the your style because left or right, and kinesthetic you talk fast — learners look down. Another way to tell is when someone gives you verbal directions (and you happened to have a pen and paper and NOT a navigation system). Would you write it out (ex. turn right / turn left); would you draw a map; or say, “I’ll just figure it out?” Visual learners usu- ally draw a map; au- ditory learners will write it out; while kinesthetic learners want to just do it. The reality is that we are each a combination of all three learning styles, but the key is to identify what your primary mode of learning is, and then un- derstand how that im- pacts your engagement and motivation! Next month I’ll focus on how to maximize your learning style (and the styles of those around you). Stay tuned! Dr. Karyn Gordon is one of North America’s leading relationship and par- enting experts. She is a regular contribu- tor to “Good Morning America,” founder of dk Leadership, best-selling author of “Dr. Karyn’s Guide To The Teen Years” (Harper Collins), and motivational speaker to a quarter of a million people. Visit her at www.dkleadership.org and on Twitter: @DrKarynGordon. October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 17 Apple picking not far from the Big Apple By Shnieka L. JohnSon it is always best to call ahead and con- Route 519 in Belvi- he colorful autumn foliage firm hours, apple avail- dere, NJ, (908) 475– is lush, and apples are in ability, and attractions that 1507] T their prime, ripe and ready may a-peel to your family. In addition to apple picking, Mack- for plucking as it is peak harvest- Here are the best spots for apple ey’s Orchard has miniature golf, a ing time. A variety of apples are picking near the Big Apple: greenhouse, a farm stand, and Mack- grown in the tri-state area — includ- new york: ey’s Ice Cream Barn. ing Cortland, Empire, Gala, Golden • Applewood Orchard [82 Four • W i g h t m a n’s Farms [1111 Mt. Delicious, Honeycrisp, McIntosh and Corners Rd. in Warwick, NY, (845) Kemble Ave. in Morristown, NJ, (973) Rome — and there are numerous 986–1684] 425–9819] family-friendly farms and orchards In addition to apple picking, Ap- In addition to apple picking, Wight- in the area where you can witness plewood Orchard offers wagon rides, man’s Farms offers pumpkin picking and take part in the harvesting pro- puppet shows, a country store, and a and autumn activities like hay rides cess with your family. picnic area. and a corn maze. Through late October, orchards • D u b o i s Farms [209 Perksinville Connecticut: offer families the chance to pick Rd. in Highland, NY, (845) 795–4037] • Bishop’s Orchards [1355 Boston their own apples. The orchards and In addition to apple picking, Post Rd. in Guilford, CT, (203) 453– farms also sell cider, homemade Dubois Farms offers pumpkins and 2338] baked goods, and offer tried-and- fall activities on-site like a corn maze In addition to apple picking, Bish- true attractions, like hayrides, pet- and pony rides. op’s Orchards has a market, winery, ting zoos, and mazes (either hay and • Jenkins-Lueken Orchard [69 Yan- bakery, and plant store. corn). The homemade treats could kee Folly Rd. in New Paltz, NY, (845) • Silverman’s Farm [451 Sport Hill be a great addition to a picnic lunch, 255–0999] Rd. in Easton, CT, (203) 261–3306] which many orchards allow during In addition to apple picking, Jen- In addition to apple picking, Sil- harvest time. Considering that this is kins-Lueken Orchard offers pumpkin verman’s Farm offers a hayride and a popular activity amongst families, picking and sells apple cider from a petting zoo. their own cider mill. If you’re driving, review the route • Masker Orchard [45 Ball Rd. in as well as construction notifications 1 store-bought pie shell Warwick, NY, (845) 986–1058] and estimated driving time. There will Apple pie DIRECTIONS: In a mixing bowl, In addition to apple picking, likely be crowds descending upon the After you and the kids have vis- add apples, lemon juice, and zest, Masker Orchards sells honey, which orchards and farms during the peak ited the orchards and farms, bring and sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, is quite popular. season. Most orchards and farms are your apples home to share with and nutmeg. Make sure apples are • Outhouse Orchards [130 Hard- well equipped to handle the amount friends and neighbors, as well as coated. Pour apple mixture into pie scrabble Rd. in North Salem, NY, of visitors during the apple-picking make tasty treats — like apple shell. Place topping. (See topping (914) 277–3188] season. Whether you own a car, rent crisp, pie, muffins, and cake. One of recipe below.) In addition to apple picking, Out- one, or use public transportation to my go-to apple pie recipes is here: Bake 400 degrees for 50 minutes. house Orchard offers pumpkin pick- make your day trip, this family activity ing and hayrides. is — at its core — about making won- INGREDIENTS: TOppING: • Stuart’s Farm [62 Granite Springs derful memories (however, leave your 3 to 4 medium apples (Cored, ½ c brown sugar Rd. in Granite Springs, NY, (914) 245– pets at home because most farms do peeled, sliced) ½ c flour 2784] not allow four-legged friends). 3/4 c raw sugar ½ c butter (cubed) In addition to apple picking, Stu- Shnieka Johnson is an education con- 1 tsp of cinnamon Mix together the sugar and flour. art’s Farm offers pumpkin picking sultant and freelance writer. She is based ½ tsp of nutmeg Blend in butter with a fork or stand and an area for picnics. in Manhattan where she resides with her 1 lemon (zest and juice) mixer just until the topping is crumbly. new Jersey: husband and son. Contact her via her • Mackey’s Orchard [284B County website: www.shniekajohnson.com. 18 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 The Parents League OF NEW YORK WE KNOW SCHOOLS Preschool s Kindergarten s Lower Grades Upper Grades s Special Needs Schools Boarding Schools s Publications s Lectures Panel Discussions s School Fairs Connecting families with independent schools for over 100 years Become a Member www.parentsleague.org 212-737-7385 Infant - Kindergarten • 292 Court St., Brooklyn, NY 11231 LePort Montessori Cobble Hill LePort Montessori Preschool Coming to Cobble Hill Infant - Kindergarten Spanish Immersion Option Extended Care Offered Parent & Child “Mommy & Me” Programs Parent Info Event: Enrollment for Fall 2015 :H[\YKH`5V]LTILY [O!WT!WT Cumbe Center, 558 Fulton St., Brooklyn, NY Learn more and RSVP at leportschools.com/brooklyn or contact us at (718) 340-3550. October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 19 OctOber is breast cancer awareness mOnth Exercise your options By Sandra Gordon two kids, she was out of shape. give up on everything, my friends en- Discovering “In my spare time, I had been couraged me to just go to class and tudies show that regular ex- doing more knitting than anything listen to the music,” says the 42-year- the value of ercise can help breast cancer else,” she says. But after just four old, stay-at-home mom. Soon enough, S survivors live longer and re- dragon boat team practices, she though, McLeod, with a scarf tied duce the risk of recurrence. It can could feel the years melting away. “I around her head and bloated from exercise after also help reclaim your sense of well- felt happier and more energetic, like steroid medication, was spinning being. Here, three inspiring women I was 20 years younger. And I never again right along with her pals sev- breast cancer reveal how pushing themselves after experienced fatigue from my radia- eral times a week. In time, a friend their breast cancer diagnosis made tion treatments, which is a common suggested that McLeod participate diagnosis them stronger on every level. side effect,” she says. “The push from in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, my teammates spurred me on.” a 163-mile annual bike-a-thon can- “My teammates inspired me.” Parenti was hooked. She now com- cer fund-raiser that supports cancer — Dale Parenti, 52 petes in dragon boat races across research and treatment at the Dana- Seven years ago, while undergo- the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. ing radiation treatments for ductal “It’s hard on the upper body, The two-day bike race transverses carcinoma in situ, the earliest form because dragon boating requires the state of Massachusetts, from of breast cancer, Dale Parenti began shorter strokes than regular row- Wellesley to Provincetown. dragon boating three days a week ing. There’s also a lot of twisting and “The idea lodged in my head. The with a team of local breast cancer core work. I’m always sore, but in a Pan-Mass Challenge became a goal.” survivors, who call themselves Hope good way,” she says. For the next five months, McLeod Afloat. Life lesson: “When you get breast attended spinning class three to four “I had heard about dragon boat cancer, you want to be the fighter for times each week with a purpose, to teams for breast cancer survivors your family. You don’t want to look train for the challenge while also bi- and thought it sounded like fun,” weak. But deep down, you’re always cycling outdoors regularly for 25-mile says the 52-year-old creative ser- afraid it’s going to come back. The rides. McLeod wasn’t out to win. vices manager. dragon boat team is one place where “My objective was to do the race Dragon boating, a sport originat- it’s okay to say, ‘I got a scare today,’ at my own pace,” she says. ing in China, involves 20 paddlers in and everyone understands. I’m mo- The race, which is held every Au- a large boat, all rowing to cross the tivated by my team. We strengthen gust, proved to be grueling, espe- finish line first. Boats are adorned ourselves and support each other.” cially toward the end of the second with a dragon head and a tail at race Interested in dragon boating? Visit the day, as McLeod tackled the undulat- time. The sport is easy to learn, you International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ ing hills and dunes around Provinc- don’t have to have good hand-eye co- Commission at www.ibcpc.com. etown. ordination like you would for a sport • • • “It was boiling hot, and there was like tennis. “Cycling helped me get my a crosswind,” she says. Memories “I went to the first practice groove back.” — Rachel McLeod, 42 of her cancer treatment, including thinking, ‘I’m athletic. How bad While recovering from a bilateral “big red needles” and the blue chair can it be?’ ” Parenti says, underes- mastectomy in 2007, Rachel McLeod, she sat in during chemo treatment timating the effort required. “Af- a casual gym-goer, returned to spin- bubbled up. But other cyclists, espe- terwards, I felt like such a wimp.” ning class at her local gym, because cially those with photos of deceased Parenti realized that with working her friends insisted on it. loved ones fastened to their backs, long hours and taking care of her “At a time when I just wanted to encouraged her to keep peddling. 20 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 OctOber is breast cancer awareness mOnth “It made me realize that what I diagnosis in 2005 followed by two classic ‘what not to do if you want regularly. Slowly, Abbey began to was dealing with, and even my own lumpectomies and radiation, the a horse’ scenario. But when I sat on trust her. experience with cancer, was nothing 50-year-old public relations execu- her, I fell in love,” Hoag says. Life lesson: “Abbey got me ex- compared to what they had been tive began to re-evaluate every- It turns out that Abbey, who Hoag ercising and wanting to get in bet- through,” she says. When McLeod thing. kept at a horse barn near her home, ter shape, so I could ride competi- finally crossed the finish line, “I defi- “I thought about my kids, my had been on good behavior that tively,” Hoag says. “She also gave nitely felt a huge sense of physical husband, and my mother, and how day. She proved to be as difficult as me something to focus on besides achievement.” my diagnosis affected all of them, Hoag suspected. my diagnosis. She rescued me as Life lesson: “Cycling gave me the and what I really wanted to do with “It took me four months to be much as I rescued her.” mental well-being to deal with the my life. I realized that I’ve always able to walk her out of her stall by Want to get in the saddle? For more memories of cancer treatment and wanted to ride horses,” Hoag says. herself,” Hoag says. “People had information on the healing power of put them behind me.” “By accident, getting a horse be- to get behind her and push her horses and ways to get involved with Want to cycle for a cause? Find out came a priority.” She soon bought out. And when I sat on her, she horseback riding and breast cancer re- about charity bike rides in your area at a thoroughbred mare, Abbey, at a would just whinny and her whole search, visit www.pvdarideforlife.org. www.bikingbis.com. rescue barn. body would shake. She didn’t have Sandra Gordon is an award-winning • • • “Thoroughbreds are usually wild any brakes either, except for the freelance writer who delivers expert “I always wanted to ride.” and mares are notoriously difficult, fence.” advice and the latest developments in — Risa Hoag, 50 so Abbey was everything I didn’t Nonetheless, Hoag took Abbey health, nutrition, parenting and con- After a ductal carcinoma in situ want in a horse,” she says. “It was a out every day and began riding her sumer issues. October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 21 Travel Family fun, close to home By Stacey ZaBle on the air fare, pack up the kids and with a bedroom with a King-size Crystal Springs be where you want to be in no time. bed, living room with Queen-size mere 90 minutes from New Crystal Springs, located in Ver- sleeper sofa, fireplace, and over- Resort offers York City in northwestern non and Hamburg, N.J., is actu- sized balcony and a full kitchen, A New Jersey is Crystal Springs ally three properties in one, plus a which even includes a washer and year-round Resort, where the choices in accom- whole lot of recreational choices. dryer. The large bathroom with sep- modations and activities are abun- The luxury Grand Cascades Lodge arate tub and stall shower is acces- activities dant any time of year. This fall or or Minerals Hotel are the two re- sible from both the living room and winter, you can save time and money sort choices, while Mountain Creek bedroom. offers slope-side accommodations We took full advantage of the and town homes at the base of Ver- kitchen, stocking up on breakfast Package It non Peak. The resort’s complimen- and snack items at the nearby su- Fall and winter packages are available that include accommodations tary shuttle service — available permarket. Crystal Springs has 12 with time at the spa, on the golf course or lift tickets to Mountain Creek on-demand — takes you wherever restaurants ranging from casual to depending on the time of year. Packages for guests of both Grand Cas- you want on the expansive prop- gourmet, with kid’s menus available. cades and Minerals also include complimentary access to Minerals erty, and even to a few restaurants DJ and dancing adds to the fun of Sports Club’s pools and fitness classes; guests of Grand Cascades get located right outside its environs. dinner on weekends at Kites at Min- complimentary use of the 18-hole putting course (weather permitting) We stayed at Grand Cascades in a erals Hotel. There is an official tour and access to the Biosphere Pool Complex as well. one-bedroom suite, which was per- of Grand Cascade’s 135,000 bottle fect for our family of four. It comes Wine Cellar, or you can request ac- 22 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 Lower School (N–4th Grade) Visit Poly Prep! D. Becker Photo At Crystal Springs resort, the Biosphere features heated pools, a hot tub, aquar- Learn How Your Child Will Grow in Mind, Body, and Character. ium, and more. (At left) In the winter kids can enjoy skiing. cess at other times. Kids may not ground, racquetball and indoor be impressed with the wine, but basketball, running track and ten- will like the cavernous cellar, which nis. The 6,000-square-foot fitness has a very “Harry Potter” feel to it. center and the selection of more The major kid-friendly attrac- than 80 weekly exercise classes tion at Grand Cascades is the (included in the rate for Grand glass-enclosed Biosphere, per- Cascades and Mineral Hotel fect for cold weather inside fun. guests) helped burn off all those The indoor pool complex features snacks in our kitchen. an aquarium, heated pools, hot For more exercise, we walked tub, caves, lush foliage and a 140- the Grand Cascades Nature Trail foot water slide. The Biosphere Hike. Crystal Springs also pro- is also the site for kid-friendly, vides a brochure and information dive-in movies on a big-screen. A on how to access eight local hik- heated outdoor pool is adjacent to ing trails that range from easy the Biosphere, which also opens to strenuous, and we spent one many of its own windowed walls morning exploring beyond the in the summer. The 18-hole natu- property. Depending on the sea- 1PMZT-PXFS4DIPPMt1SPTQFDU1BSL8FTUt#SPPLMZO /: ral grass putting course provides son, guests have a choice of seven more outdoor fun. championship golf courses and Numerous outdoor seating can improve their game at the Attend an Open House on our Park Slope campus: areas with couches surrounding David Leadbetter Golf Academy. fire pits and oversized cabana Mountain Creek offers skiing beds provide cozy nooks for relax- and snowboarding (including les- NURSERY & PRE-K K & 1st GRADE ing. At night, the amphitheater’s sons) in the winter, with 167 acres TOURS AT 9:00 AM TOURS AT 9:00 AM fire pit is the place to roast marsh- of trails on four mountain peaks, t'SJEBZ t'SJEBZ mallows, weather permitting. Re- 100 percent snowmaking and flections Spa is reserved for pam- night skiing coverage. The area t8FEOFTEBZ t5VFTEBZ pering for adults only at Grand transforms into Action Park in the t8FEOFTEBZ t8FEOFTEBZ Cascades. However, Elements Spa summer, where you can hike, bike, at Minerals Hotel welcomes guests canoe, zip-line or enjoy the water- t5VFTEBZ t.POEBZ 13 and older. My 15-year-old older park, with more than 24 different t5IVSTEBZ (Last Tour) daughter and I enjoyed turning rides, slides and attractions; one (Last Tour) the spa’s “Couples” massage into of many reasons to plan a return Note: 2nd-4th grade a “Mother-Daughter” massage. All visit this summer. tours in late Oct./Nov. treatments end with time in the Crystal Springs Resort [Vernon and lounge in a hot water foot soak to Hamburg, N.J., (855) 977–6473, crystal- help continue the relaxation. This golfresort.com] Reserve your space online was a lovely way to sit and talk to Stacey Zable is an award-winning my daughter without electronic veteran travel writer and family travel and learn more about Poly Prep at devices distracting us. expert who has written about destina- Minerals Sports Club at Min- tions, resorts and cruise lines around www.polyprep.org/admissions erals Hotel was our recreational the world. Her favorite trips are those destination for much of the trip. In that she shares with her husband and addition to three indoor and out- two daughters. Send travel questions Or, call Admissions at (718) 663-6003 door heated nature pools and hot and comments to Stacey at info@stac- tubs, there is a children’s spray eyzable.com. October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 23 High School Choices Directory OPEN HOUSE Basis Independent students, faculty, and staff are com- Saturday, November 1, 2014, 12-3pm Brooklyn mitted to an inclusive community that respects diversity in its many 556 Columbia Street Cobble Hill/ Saturday, January 24, 2015, 12-3pm forms and values excellence in Carroll Gardens scholarship. College Preparatory Academic Curriculum 78-643-6302 or www. Corporate, Real World Work Experience basisindependentbrooklyn.com Affordable Tuition Maximum $2000 per year Basis Independent Brooklyn features Cathedral High School a globally recognized stem-focused 350 E. 56th Street, Manhattan liberal arts curriculum (K-12) prepar- 212-688-1545 ex. 224 or www. ing young minds for life in the 21st cathedralhs.org century. We teach students to rise Cathedral High School has been gracefully to all challenges, cultivat- synonymous with academic suc- ing learners who outpace U.S. peers cess since its founding in 1905. by 3 years in math and 4 years in As a college preparatory school, Co-Ed Student Body • Co-Curricular & Athletic Opportunities Science. we have educated generations of Community Commitment & Participation young women to meet their scho- Bay Ridge Preparatory lastic potential. We offer a number of Honors and AP courses as well Convenient, Easily Accessible Location: School as Medical, Law, and Business pro- Cristo rey New york HigH sCHool Lower & Middle Schools: 8101 grams. Students in these programs Ridge Boulevard, Brooklyn 112 East 106th Street • New York, NY 10029 are places as interns in institutions High School: 7420 Fourth such as Lenox Hill Hospital, Mount (Near 110th or 103rd St. Lexington Ave. #6 Subway stops) Avenue, Brooklyn 212-996-7000 • www. cristoreyny.org Sinai Medical Center and at presti- 718-833-9090 or www. gious New York law firms. We offer “Fridays on 106” Tours 9:30 am. bayridgeprep.org a very competitive tuition and our Students and parents can choose to attend one hour tours during the school day. We are an independent K-12 col- graduates earn millions of dollars Call for an appointment. lege preparatory school offering in college scholarships and grants. a strong academic program and a They go on to colleges such as socially mature and positive learn- Colombia, Fordham, NYU, Yale and ing environment. The school seeks V E R I A A N many more. XAVERIAN X to develop the whole student with a wide range of academic, fine art Cristo Rey Brooklyn Become a part of Xaverian’s 57 year and athletic programs that enhance TACHS#011 R E M S A tradition of academic excellence and enjoy I P students’ academic potential as well High School I R C E A the following: S M T E A B L L A V O C . R M . Y as their emotional and social intel- 710 E 37th Street O N [ A cutting edge, one-to-one learning O K L Y N ligence. 718-455-3555 or Cell 315-395- environment complete with Smart classrooms and an iPad for each student A Catholic, college For additional information, or to 8474 or www.cristoreybrooklyn. org [ The Michael T. Strianese ‘74 STEM preparatory boys’ begin the application process, Program at Xaverian offers project and please call the Office of Admissions. “A School Grows in Brooklyn” problem based learning through hands- high school in the tradition Since the founding of Cristo Rey on classroom experiences in the areas of of the Xaverian Brothers Science, Technology, Engineering, and Bishop Loughlin Brooklyn, we have strived to fulfill Math. The growth of since 1957. our goal to educate young people the highly acclaimed STEM program, Memorial High School which was implemented through a of limited economic means to partnership with Project Lead the Way, Open House 357 Clermont St. become men and women of faith, has been bolstered by a recent $1 million gift donated by Sunday, October 19, 2014 718-857-2700 or www.blmhs.org purpose, and service. In that short Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Strianese ‘74. 10am to 2pm Bishop Loughlin Memorial High period, we have realized tremen- [ College credit opportunities available Sons of Alumni Tours begin at 9am School is a Catholic, college pre- dous growth and success - 100% through numerous Advanced Placement, paratory high school that draws its college acceptance rates for our St. John’s University, and Syracuse University courses Christian perspective from the faith initial graduating classes, record tradition of the Roman Catholic scholarships and grants, growth [ Impressive college placements in which the class of 2014 earned $23,279,608 in Church and the Lasallian tradition of extracurricular and athletic pro- scholarships to top colleges, including of the Brothers of the Christian grams, and a Corporate Work Study Cornell University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, Macaulay Schools. Loughlin fosters academic Program that ranks amongst the Honors College at CUNY, Boston success, builds character, devel- highest in the nationwide Cristo Rey University, College of the Holy Cross, University of Notre Dame, US Naval ops future leaders, and nurtures a Network. It is inspiring to reflect Academy, US Military Academy at West vibrant personal relationship with on the growth and success of the Point, and US Coast Guard Academy God. Loughlin stimulates and sup- students at our school which would [ A robust college guidance and internship ports a student’s quest for intel- not be possible if not for the gener- program (see www.xaverian.org/ipax for For more information, please contact: a full list of internship partners) Mr. Mark Spelman ’92, Director of Admissions lectual, spiritual, physical, moral ous donors, families, and friends of (718) 836-7100 x117 and civic development. Students our growing school. For informa- [ Dynamic extracurricular offerings, including the renowned Music at Xaverian or [email protected] are challenged to achieve their full tion on how to apply to the school, (MAX) program 7100 Shore Road, Brooklyn, NY 11209 potential to strive for excellence donate, or sponsor our students, and to further their education at please contact Ms. Clemons at 718- Private Bus Service Available! www.xaverian.org/admissions colleges and universities. Loughlin Continued on page 26 24 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 Special Advertising Section SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION WHERE BRIGHT FUTURES BEGIN! or over 50 years, Nazareth Regional High There is no one size fits all formula for success. Nazareth RHS is two years into its revolu- School has been a home for academic and The staff at Nazareth inspires students to think tionary Principal’s Plan. The building has Fpersonal excellence to its students in Brook- outside the box, try new things and accept undergone extensive renovations includ- lyn. The nationally recognized School of new challenges. It is not unusual to see faculty ing a new Science Lab, Media Center and Excellence boasts a 98% graduation rate with taking time to chat with a student on the Technology Center. The future has never 96% of its students going on to college. bleachers. Sometimes they are offering advice been brighter for the school or its students. on a class or paper, but sometimes it is simply Nazareth is truly a place, “Where Bright The numbers do not lie, for the past 5 years, to lend an ear. Futures Begin.” Nazareth students have earned between $3 and $5 million in scholarship money annu- So many great memories are made at this ally. Students can get an early start on their school, Naz is a home away from home for its students. In this exuber- See the students’ aant atmosphere, students find llimitless opportunities to learn success for mmore and connect with their ffriends. Impromptu student yourself at one ggroups fill conference rooms aand school spirit fills the halls. of our Open Houses! DDozens of extra-curricular aactivities fit any teen’s interest oor background. At games, the Thursday, October 16, 2014 bbleachers are packed to cheer oon the Nazareth Kingsmen. from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM ThThis year, Nazareth graduated Wednesday, November 5, 2014 7 students who are going on tto play Division 1 college bas- kketball. “We are proud of these from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM sstudents because they truly eembodied the Nazareth model higherhigher eeducationducation ccareersareers wwithith mamanyny ccollegeollege of ssuccessuccess bbyy woworking hard in the classroom courses that are offered through an affiliation and on the court. This is why these students with the local Catholic University, St. John’s. were so sought after by college coaches,” said Quiles. “Nazareth prides itself on educating the whole student, spiritually, academically, Alumni frequently return to see, visit and athletically and personally, which we feel is encourage current students. They brag about For more information or to schedule a visit, the key to our students’ success. Expecta- their high GPA’s and share the confidence tions are high and students are encouraged they have in their academic abilities after please call the Admissions Office. to excel at their individual pace and talents,” graduation. said Principal Quiles. (718) 763-1100 Ext. 224 A XAVERIAN BROTHERS SPONSORED SCHOOL &BTUUI4USFFUt#SPPLMZO /: Special Advertising Section October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 25 High School Choices Directory Continued from page 24 The school has three state-of-the- 455-3555. art science labs, two technology labs with high speed internet Nazareth Regional High access and classrooms that feature School SMART board technology. The Library Media and Fine Arts Center 475 E. 57th Street, Brooklyn houses technology lab, a contem- 718-763-1100 ext. 223 or www. porary band room with rehearsal nazarethrhs.org space, an art studio, weight training Nazareth Regional High School is a room, and a dance studio. A Bring co-educational private Catholic High Your Own Device Program enables School with a 98 percent gradu- students to bring their technology ation rate and 96 percent of our device of choice to the classroom graduates attending college. We in order to enhance the learning offer Honors programs, Advanced experience. Placement courses, the Arthur Ashe/ SUNY Downstate Pre-Med The International Exchange Program Program, Smart Board Interactive with St. Edmund’s of Salisbury, Whiteboard Technology, fine arts, England and St. Aidan’s Anglican after school tutoring, championship Girls’ School in Brisbane, Australia basketball teams, and a wide variety encourages students to experi- of sports programs and extra-curric- ence a new culture and foster new ular activities. Parents have 24-hour friendships. The International Travel internet access to school informa- Study Program is another oppor- tion, events and student’s progress tunity for students to learn as they through edline. Scholarships and travel to exciting places such as financial aid are available to those Greece and Italy. who qualify. Nazareth is an educa- The Prep offers over 50 extra-curric- tion that’s right for you! ular activities and sports. The clubs cover various interests such as art, St. Edmund Preparatory technology, robotics, and drama. St. Francis Preparatory School There are over 12 intermural sports High School programs including baseball, volley- 2474 Ocean Avenue ball and golf. 718-743-6100 or www. stedmundprep.org For more information or to schedule a Buddy Day, please contact the Saint Edmund Preparatory High OPEN HOUSE Admissions Office at 718-743-6100 School is a Roman Catholic college ext. 42 or visit our website at www. October 18th, 2014 preparatory school for young men stedmundprep.org. and women. Our Mission is to instill 12 Noon - 4:30 PM the Gospel values in our students so as to empower them to become St. Francis Preparatory OPEN HOUSE³+LJK6FKRROLVIRU confident, self-disciplined, active School October 18th, 2014 participants in society. We educate 6100 Francis Lewis Boulevard, OPEN)RXU Continued from page 26 the arts, business, education, gov- St. Jean Baptiste High ernment, law, medicine and other School professions, supported by a curricu- lum that meets the needs of diverse 173 East 75th St., Manhattan learners. 212-288-1645 or www.stjean.org St. Jean Baptiste High School, a An education at SJHS encourages Catholic girls’ school, was founded students to question, to challenge, to by the Sisters of the Congregation recognize, and develop her gifts so of Notre Dame in 1929. The School that she is able to make a profound is accredited by the Middle States impact on the world. Small-class Association of Secondary Schools. sizes, state of the art laboratories and a technology equipped building is The school partners with St. just part of what makes all this hap- Joseph’s College and student earn pen. In addition our Career Access college credits in Writing, French and Art Ready Programs prepare Literature and Spanish Literature. our students for the world through ZZZZZZ EEOOPKKV RUJ Advanced Placement courses in internships with local businesses English, social studies, math, science and institutions in our Downtown and Spanish, as well as advanced ZZZZZZ EEOOPKKV RUJ Brooklyn neighborhood. The Society science and math electives are of Young Hispanic Engineers part- offered. Students participate in ners with NYU-Poly and exposes programs such as The Cornell students to opportunities in the fields Weill Medical Research Internship, of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Futures and Options Career and Math (STEM). Essential Program, the Cooper Union Summer Research Institute SJHS has a well-qualified Faculty/ in Science and Engineering, The Staff whose commitment promotes Telluride Association Summer a 100-percent graduation rate. Seminar at Indiana University, Acceptance and scholarship awards the Hugh O’Brien Leadership into Barnard, Fordham, Lehigh, Conference at Adelphi University. NYU, St. Francis College, St. John’s All seniors participate in a full University, St. Joseph College, St. St. Jean Baptiste High School day of service each week at local Thomas Aquinas, Union and other A College Preparatory School for Girls hospitals, schools, soup kitchens, colleges and universities is aided OPEN HOUSE Saturday, October 18th ◆ 2-5 p.m. senior centers, and other social by the Guidance and College service agencies, earning 140 hours Counselors. throughout the school year. The SJHS Speech Team continues Activities include Student Council, its winning ways earning, finalist National Honor Society, French awards at many competitions. Its and Spanish Honor Societies, STEP Team continues its winning Ambassadors, softball, soccer, track, ways and with the school Newspaper step team, as well as clubs in art is one of the tops in the Diocese of and photography, cooking, Latina Brooklyn. Many other co-curricular dance, public speaking, French, and activities not only enrich but form Global Concern. a well-rounded student. Students 100 percent of graduates attend demonstrate an appreciation for all St. Jean’s offers a rigorous academic environment grounded in college. Principal: Sister Maria the opportunities provided by being Cassano, CND of service in and around our neigh- Catholic values to empower young women to learn, live and lead. borhood. • 100% graduation & 98% college acceptance St. Joseph High School SJHS Board of Trustees is committed to keeping tuition affordable for our 80 Willoughby Street, Brooklyn, • Advanced Placement, Honors & College Credit Courses, National Honor Societies families. The generosity of alumnae, • Internships & Professional Programs with organizations like Lenox Hill Hospital NY 11201 718-624-3618 or www. friends, and foundations sustains our and Weill Cornell Medical College sjhsbridge.org efforts and allows us to build our programs making us the best invest- For 111 years, St. Joseph High School Attend our Open House on Saturday, October 18th from 2-5 p.m. or ment for the dollar in our city. SJHS: (SJHS) has stood in the heart of Nurturing dreams, creating futures email [email protected] for more information. Downtown Brooklyn. While the since 1904! neighborhood has gone through its many transformations, SJHS has Xaverian High School Academic Excellence in the Heart of Manhattan remained steadfast in educating www.stjean.org ◆ 173 East 75th Street, New York, NY 10021 ◆ (212) 288-1645 young women for college, career and 7100 Shore Road life. Alumnae have continued their 718-836-7100 x127 or www. studies to be professional women in xaverian.org 28 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 Special Advertising Section High School Choices Directory Xaverian is a private, Catholic bolstered by the use of the iPad, school rooted in the tradition of an invaluable tool which is issued the Xaverian Brother which fosters to each student for his 4-year ten- an environment of Christian values ure at Xaverian. With countless and promotes the development of extra-curricular opportunities and intellectual curiosity and service to the award-winning MAX (Music others. . Grades 9-12 offer a pre- at Xaverian) Program, Xaverian mier college prep program for boys. students are given all the resources Grades 6-8 are co-ed for gifted & they need to develop impressive talented students. Xaverian offers resumes for their collegiate pursuits. a strong liberal arts core program, Xaverian’s Class of 2014 earned complemented by the opportu- $23,279,608 in college scholar- nity to enter a Pre-Professional ships. Our graduates consistently Pathway of study. There is a wide earn acceptance to top colleges array of Advanced Placement and and universities including: Princeton college credit courses through St. John’s University and Syracuse University, Duke University, University. Xaverian students are University of Pennsylvania, CUNY- also exposed to real world appli- Macaulay Honors College, Boston cation of knowledge through an College, Johns Hopkins University, Internship Program. Xaverian pre- New York University, Rensselaer pares students for success in the Polytechnic Institute, University global economy by offering the of Notre Dame, Lehigh University, highly acclaimed STEM (Science, College of the Holy Cross, the Technology, Engineering, and Math) United States Naval Academy, the curriculum through a partnership United States Military Academy, with Project Lead the Way. Our and the United States Coast Guard unique educational approach is Academy. “Empowering Young Women Through Education Since 1905” Like us on Cathedral High School th 350 East 56 Street ~ New York, NY 10022 ~ 212-688-1545 Come and explore all that Cathedral has to offer yoou! or follow us on OPEN HOUSE TACHS Sunday, October 19, 2014 # 202 12 – 3 PM Last tour will be given at 2:30 PM Visit our website at www.cathedralhs.org Facebook Search: NYParenting Accredited by the Middle States Association of Collegees & Schools Special Advertising Section October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 29 sans glitches and with a multitude of publication-worthy photos and stories about all of the fascinating people he had met along the way. Most parents fret over their chil- dren traveling solo, but detailed plans and regular communication before and during his absence will ease your mind. Readiness Parents should ask themselves the following questions when consid- ering sending their teen off unchap- eroned: • I n general, does he handle new situations well? • Would she panic if an unavoid- able change to travel plans (e.g. de- layed or canceled plane) occurs, or will she remain calm? • I s he generally cautious and aware of safety issues and potential health issues? • I f traveling by car: Has she dem- onstrated safe vehicle handling and good decision-making skills all along? Does she consistently avoid distrac- tions (e.g. cellphone usage, eating while driving, distractions from pas- sengers)? Does she have a good sense of direction and stellar map skills? No matter how mature or pre- pared, your teen still needs your guidance. According to Susan Kuczmarski, parenting expert and award-winning author of “The Sacred Flight of the Teenager: A Parent’s Guide to Step- ping Back and Letting Go” (Book Ends Publishing, 2004), “The fact is that controls do act as a source of unacknowledged security for teens. Total responsibility for one’s life, or trip in this case, is a scary thing. It brings stress, and teens have enough Tips for teens going on in their lives to bear the full brunt of worrying about what is best for them. They still need support, guidance, and direction, as infuriat- ing as this is for them.” Parents should work collabora- tively with their teen to develop travel plans and any contingency plans. This traveling solo way your teen will know that you trust his judgment, and he will take owner- By Myrna Beth haskell and EMV card (credit card with se- ship of the rules you set together. Lessons in curity chip). He even applied for “Give them the opportunity to y son traveled to England, Global Entry, which allows expedited come up with ideas as you put travel independence, Brussels, and Germany clearance for pre-approved, low-risk plans in place,” Kuczmarski sug- M with some friends this travelers entering the US. gests. “Reach an agreement together with help from past spring break. This was not the We decided to communicate via as to what to do in different situa- first time he had traveled solo, but it e-mail. I waited with bated breath for tions (e.g. plane is late, person meet- was his first time overseas. My son is those notes. As I peered at a photo ing them doesn’t show up, weather mom and dad mature and quite worldly for his age, of my son in front of Big Ben, I felt delays, etc.)” but that didn’t stop me from being a pride like no other. Here was my Jay Fitter, a licensed marriage and worried sick. 19-year-old taking advantage of his family therapist, parenting expert, He seemed to have everything in youth and exploring places I had yet and author of “Respect Your Chil- check, including a current passport to visit myself. His trip concluded dren: A Practical Guide to Effective 30 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 this person’s number and a contin- Useful advice gency plan if she does not show up Additional travel tips pro- for any reason. vided by Jay Fitter: Like Us on • We a r comfortable cloth- Overseas travel ing and shoes. Traveling overseas can raise ad- • D o n’ t wear expensive ditional concerns due to language jewelry. and cultural differences. Keen re- • U s e a money belt that search and savvy planning are im- can be concealed under- perative in this case. Not all teens neath clothing. can make this leap. Trust your in- • D o n’ t carry excessive tuition when it comes to allowing amounts of cash — bring a your teen to travel solo overseas. to Win credit card. In my son’s case, he did all of the • Use downtime wisely planning on his own and then com- (waiting in airports, etc.): municated his plans to us prior to tickets or catch up on schoolwork or his departure. The following is a reading list of tips and advice from Trevor • D o n’ t break the law. Haskell: Smoking weed in a foreign Have an organized travel plan prizes country can land you in for visiting sights. Without one, you prison, even for miniscule will lose valuable time at the destina- amounts. tion trying to figure out what to do. Alert all your credit card com- Visit us at our panies that you are traveling Parenting” (iUniverse, 2010), warns and specify the exact dates you NYParenting page that teens traveling alone are easy will be away. Failure to do so will targets for sexual predators or likely trigger account freezes and and register to win adults looking to take advantage of the inability to access funds. a teen’s inexperience and youth. Change currency before you “For female teens, never get into go. Although convenient, airport a conversation with someone of the and hotel currency exchange rates opposite sex,” says Fitter. He cau- will likely be a rip-off. tions that male teens can also be Make extra copies of all your targets. “Teen males are targets for travel documents. Put copies in scam artists and predators, too,” separate parts of your luggage. Attention All Writers! he continues. Write down the phone num- Therefore, parents should re- ber and address of the US Em- We’re looking for personal essays mind their teens that they should bassy or Consulate nearest your only request help or guidance from destination. If you lose your pass- about you, your family and life company employees (e.g. train con- port or need any kind of emer- ductor) or security personnel, and gency assistance, they will be able in your community. should not engage strangers by to help you. communicating their plans or any *Check www.usembassy.gov type of personal information, no for US Embassies/Consulates near Partner with us and share your matter how friendly that stranger your destination or for travel warn- may seem. ings and alerts. stories and your memories. For younger teens Spring break If it is necessary that your young travel safety tips Email [email protected] to teen (ages 13 to 15) must take pub- Perhaps your teen will be travel- lic transportation (e.g. plane, bus, ing with friends to a distant loca- have your piece included in our train), to visit a relative at a distant tion for spring break. There are magazine and on our website. location for the holidays, for ex- a wealth of travel guidelines you ample, be sure to check the com- should go over with your teen be- pany’s “unaccompanied minor” fore she seeks respite from her col- policies. For instance, United Air- lege workload. Here are just a few: lines only allows you to use its • L e g a l drinking age at your loca- “Unaccompanied Minor Service” tion? NEVER drink and drive (In- for nonstop flights (www.united. ebriation = poor judgment, even for com). Also, some bus lines do not those not behind the wheel). allow children under the age of • B e sure to use licensed cabs or 16 to travel solo. Therefore, it is vans for transportation. imperative that parents check all • Research food and water safety guidelines ahead of time. prior to travel. Enlist a relative or friend to meet • R o a d trips: Use the buddy sys- your child at the airport, bus ter- tem and take breaks from driving. minal, or train station upon their • C h e c k crime rates and tourist arrival. Be sure that your child has safety information before traveling. October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 31 Buying her first bra Tips for By Kelly O’Brien girl’s first bra is a rite of pas- parents and sage for both her and her A parents — and one that’s oc- curring at younger and younger ages. their tweens For some girls, it’s a turning point fraught with anxiety; for others, it’s a celebration. Either way, parents have a hard time ensuring their daughters have good memories of shopping for and wearing their first bra. Trying on your first bra in a big discount retail store can be unnerv- ing for an 8- or 9-year-old who may already feel shy about the experi- ence. And those stores have limited selections, both in sizes and styles. The average Caucasian girl now enters puberty, which is marked by breast development, at 9.7 years old — about four months younger than just 17 years ago, according to an ongoing study as part of the Breast Cancer and the Environment Re- search Program. For African-Ameri- can girls, the age is 8.8 years and the number of girls developing breasts in first grade has tripled since 1997. The most well-known lingerie shop is Victoria’s Secret, a place most parents don’t feel comfortable taking their young daughters to shop. But there are other options out there. And once you’ve found a comfort- 2 inches is a B. Go with a different cut. Cami- able place to shop with a good selec- Check the strap length. Straps soles and sports bras are popular tion of choices, follow these tips to are very important to consider for fit options for shy girls who worry a bra ensure your daughter is comfortable — especially if your tween is petite. will call attention to them. A short or and happy in her first bra: If the strap is a traditional adjustable full-length camisole provides a bit One size does not fit all. If your strap, such as those on most wom- of coverage and isn’t as noticeable tween is average sized, bras labeled en’s bras, be sure it can be short- under a blouse. For the same reason, “one size fits all” may work. If you’re ened sufficiently. Elastic or stretchy some girls like to start with bras cut looking at bras with cups and band straps are usually a safe bet. in a sporty style that don’t feel like a sizes, you’ll need to measure. For the Consider a lined bra. It’s not traditional bra. band size, wrap the measuring tape about making her look more devel- Kelly O’Brien is the owner of Linger, around your daughter just under the oped than she is! Generally speak- an upscale lingerie shop, and blogs breasts, where the band sits. Add 5 ing, tween padding is not meant to about lingerie at ShopLinger.com. A for- to that number, and that’s the size. increase cup size. If a tween bra mer teacher, digital marketing executive, (Tape says 23 inches, band will be appears to have some padding, it’s adjunct college professor, and part of the 28 inches.) For cup size, measure typically a thin layer of foam used team that launched glossy.com, the first around the fullest part of the chest to smooth over the nipple area so website for teen girls, O’Brien founded and subtract that number from the nothing is visible under the shirt. It’s LingerTween (Tween.ShopLinger.com) band size. The difference is the cup a modesty measure that also helps to address a glaring marketplace ab- size — so 0 to 1 inch is a size A; and some girls feel less self-conscious. sence. 32 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 33 HealtHy eating Is saturated fat no Fat fib? longer a villain? ike most parents today, Luke diet, lived to 100. and Natalie Weber watch the Natalie Weber hopes that if the L saturated fat in their own dietary consensus changed and diet as carefully as that of their some saturated fat is okayed, her young daughters. doctors would update their nutri- “We stick to lean meats and tion advice. an overall wholesome diet,” said “Our girls are only 3 and 4. I’d Good sense Luke. “The girls love cheese, but rather they have butter than some- we don’t let them eat as much as thing artificial,” she said. eatinG they want.” While the scientific community Christine M. PaluMbo, rD Their interest was piqued re- re-examines the evidence, my rec- cently by the new book, “The Big ommendations are: Fat Surprise: Why Butter, Meat & Follow the Mediterranean Diet. Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet.” In It is time tested to provide the right it, author Nina Teicholz writes that balance of nutrients from a variety the low-fat diet message we heard of foods. starting back in the 1970s had the Focus on polyunsaturated fats unintended consequences of Amer- and eat more fish, both lean and icans becoming overweight. fatty. The omega-3 fats found in She also writes that original evi- fish are more protective than those dence was flawed. in fish oil supplements. Be aware Ancel Keys was the American abstained from meat, fish, eggs, that low fat diets actually lower physiologist who embarked upon cheese, and butter. good HDL cholesterol in women. the famous 1950s “Seven Countries” Today, fingers are pointing to- eat more real food in lieu of study. The result was a hypothesis ward carbs. overly processed stuff. For exam- that became the foundation for a Recent research suggests that re- ple, a steak salad at lunch can sat- body of science implicating fat as a fined carbohydrates, such as those isfy and keep you from snacking all major risk factor for heart disease. in processed snacks and sugary afternoon and evening. According to Teicholz, Keys drinks, increase the small, sticky Christine Palumbo is a nutrition- cherry-picked his data, leaving out fat particles that appear linked to ist in Naperville, Illinois who would countries that had high-fat diets heart disease. rather eat a little bit of real butter, full but low rates of heart disease, in- What do the mainstream health fat cheese or ice cream than a substi- cluding France, Sweden, and West and medical groups say about this? tute. Find her at Christine Palumbo Germany. Instead, he studied the For now, they hold the line on satu- Nutrition on Facebook, @PalumboRD Greek island of Crete during Lent rated fat. Keep in mind that Keys, on Twitter and Chris@ChristinePal- when 60 percent of the population who followed a low-fat, plant-based umbo.com. tart Cherry Chia Pudding PreP time: 35 minutes; cook time: for at least 30 minutes or until the Five minutes chia seeds have absorbed most of the liquid creating a thick gel. Pour the Yield: 2 servings chia seed mixture into a food proces- iNGredieNtS: sor or high speed blender with all 1 cup tart cherries, frozen remaining ingredients and blend until 1 cup coconut milk creamy. Pour into the serving bowl. ¼ cup of chia seeds OPtiONal: Garnish with a sprinkling ¼ cup tart cherry juice of chocolate chips on top or addition- al tart cherries, fresh, frozen or dried. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg NUtritiON FaCtS: 380 calories, 25 g carbohydrate (11 g sugar), 7 g ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon protein, 31 g fat (22 g saturated), 9 optional: tart dried cherries, dark grams fiber, 25 mg sodium, 486 mg chocolate chips or cacao nibs potassium, 15% dV vitamin a and iNStrUCtiONS: in a small bowl, calcium, 35% dV iron. combine the chia seeds, cherry juice Photo and recipe used with permission from and coconut milk. allow this to soak McKel Hill of NutritionStripped.com. 34 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 & FOR AGES 4–7 NOVEMBER 8 - 23 October 18 19 Playing at the NEW 42ND STREET® Studios FOR AGES 1 TO 4 YEARS MONS DANSA FROM BARCELONA, CATALONIA, SPAIN minimon (SMALL WORLD) TALL STORIES FROM LONDON, ENGLAND char “AN OASIS e and ming tiv ad OF PURITY, PHOTOS: COURTESY OF TALL STORIES en ap v ta n PHOTO: COURTESY OF ARTPLAY TENDERNESS i t n io “A n” AND CHARM” T Catalunya Rádio h e L i s t Join the artists onstage after the show to explore the set with your family! THE NEW VICTORY ® THEATER NewVictory.org • 646.223.3010 ® The theater you never outgrow! ART: TOM SLAUGHTER Where Happy, Healthy Smiles Are Second Nature We offer sedation and laughing gas A Brand New, State-of-the-Art Pediatric Dental Office Participating With Most Insurances Latex-free office We understand the importance of creating a strong foundation for oral health early on, which is why we focus on making dental care fun for kids! When children enjoy their time here, they’re that much more likely to enjoy beautiful, healthy smiles for life!! By appointment only!!!! Call Today! 718-488-0200718-488-0200 • 150 4th Avenue • www.parkslopekidsdental.com PkSlpKidsDental October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 35 books Live the history of fashion here’s never been a seat they were thought to re-route fleas for you on the bandwagon. and lice. Hair was rarely washed, T You’ve got a style all your baths were infrequent. Plus, with own, which is why you need “The then-trendy skirts wider than Fashion Book.” most doorways, trying to reach At least four times a year, design- the potty wasn’t pretty. ers come out with new haute couture Women in the late 1700s wore and magazines howl about the must- clothing that made their butts haves — but why? look big on purpose. Fashioni- To understand, you need to know stas on and off through the The book the history of fashion. 1800s did that, too, and they You might think that women liv- sometimes changed clothes several worm ing long ago could just wear the times a day. But while butts were Terri Schlichenmeyer same old robe every day, right? No, big then, shoes sported dozens of designers started on ideas, with bios all-the-rage ancients took fashion se- teensy buttons, which took time to on famous fashionistas and inter- riously. Minoan women some 5,000 fasten. In the early 1800s, by the way, views with experts and students in years ago used corsets. Greek girls men wore corsets, too. various roles in the industry. Read- demanded that their peploses were By the early 1900s, women were ers learn intriguing bits and pieces personalized, and Roman women ex- happy to turn to Hollywood for a about ye olde clothing via illustra- ercised in bikinis. new look. Sumptuous gowns caused tions and lighthearted sidebars that Medieval men had it much bet- undies to go smaller, push-up bras are easy to read. Then we’re taken ter: men donned lightweight tights, were invented, heels went higher, even further with ideas for using old- while women were stuck wearing and glamour was golden. Practical- fashioned fashions in new ways that four mandatory layers of clothing. If ity ruled the 1930s; Rosie the Riveter won’t bust a girl’s budget. they looked pregnant, that was even needed work clothes in the ’40s; There’s no reason in the world that better: the Black Plague killed a lot of and in the 1950s, teenagers like you a grown-up can’t enjoy this book, but people, and babies were “prized.” stepped into the fashion scene. it’s really meant for young adults. If During the Renaissance, fashion As a basic history of what we that’s you and you’re looking for new started to stink. Seriously stink, be- wore, “The Fashion Book” is exactly ways of stylin’, “The Fashion Book” cause hygiene wasn’t important to perfect. will suit you well. our 15th- and 16th-century ances- There’s just enough information “The Fashion Book,” by DK Publish- tors. Furs were de rigueur because in this book to get future clothing ing [160 pages, 2014, $15.99]. Spark creativity with Ripley’s fun facts his school year your that are super-long or made up of based on authenticity and that hasn’t child will be the fast- silly words; “death zones” on moun- changed — it just gets weirder for the T est hand-raiser in tains; rickety wooden sidewalks on next generation of readers to enjoy. the entire school thanks to the face of a sheer cliff; pictures of And enjoy it they will, because “Ripley’s Believe It or Not! sneezes; chewing gum portraits; or this book is filled with everything a Reality Shock!” South African games that involve kid could want: disgustingly fascinat- Robert Ripley liked to spitting antelope poop. ing full-color pictures, quick anec- travel and he liked weird, He saw rainbow trees in Hawaii, dotes to share with friends, entries unusual things. Nowhere rainbow waterfalls in British Colum- to astound, and superlatives that was too remote for him to bia, or rainbow mountains in China. could spark creativity. go, and nothing was too He also liked things that were out- Packed as it is with that kind of dangerous. The novelties side of normal, like the world’s short- greatness, I can’t imagine any kid age he collected astounded est lady, the tallest man, the largest 12-and-up who wouldn’t like to page people almost 100 years ago; today, waist and hips, the biggest foot, the through this book. Leave “Ripley’s you can see some of the items he longest tongue, and the longest fin- Believe It or Not! Reality Shock!” gathered in this book. gernails. lying around the house, and I think Those things included spiders and That and more is in this book, be- even reluctant readers will want to alligators that lurk beneath beds, lieve it or not. get their fingers on it. squirrels that make knots with their In the first few pages of “Ripley’s “Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Reality tails, and snakes that curl up in Believe It or Not! Reality Shock!” the Shock!,” by Ripley Publishing [256 piles with other snakes. Ripley liked authors promise readers that “ev- pages, 2014, $28.95]. jeweled skulls, color-changing frogs, erything in this book is definitely Terri Schlichenmeyer never goes monster fish, and a bug that looks true.” For parents and grandparents, anywhere without a book. She lives like he’s wearing fiber optics. that’s really good news: ever since we on a hill with two dogs and 12,000 Ripley liked oddities, too: names were kids, Ripley’s stories have been books. 36 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 Greenpoint ShotoKAn Karate Bullying Stops Here Register st Celebrating Our 21 Year INCREASE YOUR CHILDS Now! ✸ Self Esteem ✸ Self Confi dence Ages 2 thru Adult ✸ Positive Attitude • Boys Classes • Tap • Ballet ✸ Ages 4 & Up • Jazz • Hip Hop • Lyrical • Pointe • Gymnastics • Praise Dance • Karate • Caribbean • African • Adult Classes • Hip Hop/Caribbean Competition Take 2 classes get the 3rd for 1/2 price! Call for Awesome FREE KARATE We Now Have 4 Great Locations Introductory Birthday 4626 FLatLaNds aveNue Lesson Parties (bet. Schenectady ave. & e. 46th St.) 718-692-4809 We offer Fun, Exciting & Safe Classes in the Art of Karate. 9409 & 9411 aveNue L YOUR CHILD WILL LOVE IT! (bet. e. 94th & 95th StS.) Fitness 718-272-1813 BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL Kickboxing For Parents One Month FREE Upon Enrollment 1866 FLatbusH aveNue Awesome Workout! Offer ends November 30th (bet. ave. K & e. 38th St.) 546 Meeker Ave. (c/o North Henry St.) • 718-389-6873 718-258-2340 www.greenpoint-karate.com • E-mail: [email protected] The Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts 234 Roosevelt Hall, 2900 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11210 Over 30 years of music, theater, and dance instruction for children age 3 and up. • MUSIC – Beginner to advanced instrument and voice lessons, group classes, Suzuki study in violin, cello, and flute for very young children • DANCE – Classes for age 3 and up, creative movement, ballet, tap, hip hop • THEATER – Classes begin at age 4 Please call 718 -951- 4111 for registration information. Visit our website: www.bcprepcenter.org for course and program descriptions. October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 37 HealtH Lost sleep linked to weight gain in kids ost kids don’t get enough studies on children’s sleep and they their subjects differ, all of them sug- sleep, plain and simple. all have similar findings. gest that lack of sleep causes weight M Lack of sleep leads to slug- gain. Let’s also remember that in ad- HealtHy gishness and inattention, and it can the correlation dition to weight gain, it also causes cause kids to pack on the pounds. Harvard School of Public Health low performance in school, anxi- living Chronic sleep deprivation may also found that lack of sleep contributes ety, poor judgment, and more. Just Danielle Sullivan have other long-term effects — ev- greatly to obesity in children and consider how we get through a day erything from catching more colds adults. In addition, the number of when extremely tired ourselves, and viruses to anxiety and depres- adults getting adequate sleep mea- and how easy it can be to overeat sion. sured as at least eight hours each when we grab a snack to combat Most children between the ages night has drastically dwindled from our fatigue. of 4 and 10 do not get the recom- 35 percent to 28 percent within a mended amount of sleep. The Na- seven-year time frame. Can you catch up tional Sleep Foundation recommends Columbia University performed a on lost sleep? that preschoolers between the ages study that found that teens (16 or Researchers at the University of of 3 and 5 sleep 11 to 13 hours daily younger) who got less than six hours Chicago say that if kids catch up on and that children ages 5-10 sleep 10 of sleep each night were at a 20 per- weekend sleep, it may help prevent to 11 hours. But this can be a hard cent greater risk of being obese by them from gaining extra weight. task when some moms don’t make the time they reached age 21. This study published in the journal it home from work by that time, or In New Zealand, a study showed Pediatrics suggests that it’s benefi- many kids have afternoon activities that for every hour of lost sleep in cial to let our kids sleep in on week- that aren’t over until 6 pm or later childhood, adults were at a 50 per- ends. It shows that obese children — and then it’s dinner time. Yet, re- cent greater risk of being obese by did sleep less overall, their sleep gardless of schedules, sleep needs to the time they reached age 32. schedules were more irregular, and be a priority. There have been many While the individual studies and they were less likely to experience “catch-up” sleep on the weekends. Compared to children who slept about nine hours a night, children who slept an average of seven hours and had the most irregular sleep patterns had a fourfold greater risk of being obese. Kids who maintained irregular weekday sleep schedules but made up for lost sleep during weekends were less likely to be obese than chil- dren who missed out on the catch-up sleep. Parents must be careful not to let children sleep too late though, which can throw off their ability to fall asleep at bedtime. An hour is a good catch-up time allotment. So try your best to keep a regular sleep schedule for your kids, but when they just can’t get those hours of uninterrupted snooze time, it might be beneficial to let them sleep in a bit during the weekend. Danielle Sullivan, a mom of three, has worked as a writer and editor in the parenting world for more than 10 years. Sullivan also writes about pets and par- enting for Disney’s Babble.com. Find Sul- livan on her blogs, Just Write Mom and Some Puppy To Love. 38 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 HealtH Lost sleep linked to Group Lessons for Kids weight gain in kids Private Lessons in Piano, Violin, Vocal, Guitar, Cello & more ost kids don’t get enough studies on children’s sleep and they their subjects differ, all of them sug- sleep, plain and simple. all have similar findings. gest that lack of sleep causes weight HealtHy M Lack of sleep leads to slug- gain. Let’s also remember that in ad- Let the magic of music gishness and inattention, and it can the correlation dition to weight gain, it also causes enrich your life! living cause kids to pack on the pounds. Harvard School of Public Health low performance in school, anxi- Chronic sleep deprivation may also found that lack of sleep contributes ety, poor judgment, and more. Just Professional & Experienced Teachers Danielle Sullivan have other long-term effects — ev- greatly to obesity in children and consider how we get through a day erything from catching more colds adults. In addition, the number of when extremely tired ourselves, ABRSM & NYSSMA Music Exams and viruses to anxiety and depres- adults getting adequate sleep mea- and how easy it can be to overeat Students’ Recitals Twice a Year sion. sured as at least eight hours each when we grab a snack to combat Most children between the ages night has drastically dwindled from our fatigue. Proven Music Learning Methods of 4 and 10 do not get the recom- 35 percent to 28 percent within a Enroll Today! 718-333-5071 mended amount of sleep. The Na- seven-year time frame. Can you catch up tional Sleep Foundation recommends Columbia University performed a on lost sleep? that preschoolers between the ages study that found that teens (16 or Researchers at the University of 9402 Fort Hamilton Pkwy of 3 and 5 sleep 11 to 13 hours daily younger) who got less than six hours Chicago say that if kids catch up on Brooklyn, NY 11209 and that children ages 5-10 sleep 10 of sleep each night were at a 20 per- weekend sleep, it may help prevent to 11 hours. But this can be a hard cent greater risk of being obese by them from gaining extra weight. [email protected] task when some moms don’t make the time they reached age 21. This study published in the journal www.musicboxschool.com it home from work by that time, or In New Zealand, a study showed Pediatrics suggests that it’s benefi- many kids have afternoon activities that for every hour of lost sleep in cial to let our kids sleep in on week- that aren’t over until 6 pm or later childhood, adults were at a 50 per- ends. It shows that obese children — and then it’s dinner time. Yet, re- cent greater risk of being obese by did sleep less overall, their sleep gardless of schedules, sleep needs to the time they reached age 32. schedules were more irregular, and be a priority. There have been many While the individual studies and they were less likely to experience “catch-up” sleep on the weekends. Compared to children who slept about nine hours a night, children who slept an average of seven hours WINDMILL MONTESSORI SCHOOL and had the most irregular sleep Accredited Preschool, Elementary, JHS & Academic Summer Camp patterns had a fourfold greater risk of being obese. A PEACEFUL PLACE TO LEARN SINCE 1941 Kids who maintained irregular Proudly Celebrating 73 Years of Quality Education weekday sleep schedules but made Windmill’s environment encourages children to up for lost sleep during weekends were less likely to be obese than chil- • Learn Naturally At Their Own Pace Open dren who missed out on the catch-up • Find And Develop Their Own Interests, And HOuse sleep. Parents must be careful not • Get The Individual Attention Needed To Thrive Wednesday, to let children sleep too late though, CURRICULUM ADVANTAGES which can throw off their ability to Oct. 29th fall asleep at bedtime. An hour is a Montessori Method, French, Computer Skills, 9-10:30am good catch-up time allotment. Physical Education, Yoga, Music, Art So try your best to keep a regular PLUS MORE sleep schedule for your kids, but when they just can’t get those hours Small Class Size, Dedicated Staff, Outdoor Recreation, of uninterrupted snooze time, it A/C Classrooms, Curriculum-based Trips, might be beneficial to let them sleep After School Program (3:40-5:45pm) in a bit during the weekend. Happy Learners and Happy Campers Danielle Sullivan, a mom of three, has worked as a writer and editor in the 718-375-7973 H 718-375-4277 parenting world for more than 10 years. e-mail: [email protected] Sullivan also writes about pets and par- website: www.windmontsch.org enting for Disney’s Babble.com. Find Sul- Windmill is non-sectarian. Licensed by The New York City Department of Health livan on her blogs, Just Write Mom and Affiliated with The American Montessori Society Some Puppy To Love. 1317 Avenue T @ East 14th Street • Brooklyn, NY 11229 October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 39 Parenting Your kid’s schedule Dear Sharon, stimulation. Others do better with There are usually several times In thinking about after-school periodic “down time” or one-on-one throughout the year when parents activities for this school year, my attention from a parent, sitter, or can alter an after-school routine if husband and I were wondering if friend after a full day at school. Mak- needed. there’s a limit for our 10-year-old ing a schedule to suit your 10-year- Of course, many parents rely on son. People talk a great deal about old’s needs can make a world of after-school programs for child- over-scheduled kids. What’s your difference. care while working. Even when af- opinion on what’s appropriate for If in the past a full schedule has ter-school activities are a neces- Parents this age group? helped a child stay happy, relaxed, sity, it is important to find ways sleeping and eating well, making to tailor details to meet a child’s helPing Dear parents, and keeping friends, and doing well needs whenever possible. Maintain- Ten-year-olds often benefit from in school, then a busy regimen is ing a good relationship with teach- Parents extracurricular activities that can probably a good match. However, ers and other personnel who know Sharon C. PeterS, Ma deepen interests, boost self-esteem, if a child with a similar schedule and think well about a child can and strengthen or expand social has shown an increasing number help make doing so easier. Caring circles. After-school activities can of behavior problems at home or at staff members are often able to help help young people be physically ac- school and has a hard time “wind- think through ways to create a more tive, socially adept, and passionate ing down” at night, a more relaxed appropriate plan if parents let them about developing skills that they routine might be in order. Many chil- know one is needed. will enjoy for many years. dren benefit from a mix of planned Remember that even though Nevertheless, it is true that over activities and one or two days with 10-year-olds can be independently scheduling children after school a lighter afternoon. minded, it is essential that they can become draining or stressful. The beginning of the year is a spend some quality time regularly It is important to keep in mind a good time to come up with a pro- with one or both parents. Time child’s individual personality when gram and see how it goes. Some- with mom and dad helps reas- thinking through his after-school times a demanding teacher, school sure, ground, and guide children in schedule. Some children thrive on regimen, or the choices of peers unique and fundamental ways. Even lots of physical and intellectual can influence scheduling decisions. happy, busy, young people greatly benefit from time to talk, process, and relax with mom or dad. To en- sure time for important family time after-school schedules might have to be limited or cut short. Home- work requirements might also have to be considered. Also, whenever possible, time with parents should not solely con- centrate on completing homework or getting ready for the next day. Even a few minutes to enjoy each other’s company once or twice a week can be an important part of preparation for the upcoming teen- age years — when a strong relation- ship with parents is important. Thanks for thinking about this important question. Your efforts will make a difference to your child. Sharon C. Peters is a mother and director of Parents helping Parents, 669 President St., Brooklyn (718) 638–9444, www. PhPonline.org. If you have a question about a challenge in your life (no issue is too big or too small) e-mail it to Dear Sharon at Family@ cnglocal.com. 40 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 ParentingParenting Prep for preschool ith my daughter Olivia and colors. I’ve even taken a liking preschoolers. Some of the things turning 3 recently I’ve to some of the educational videos on children should have mastered, in W been thinking a lot about Netflix. The Leap Frog series, for ex- addition to what I mentioned, are school, and I have to admit, I think I ample, has great shows on phonics. cutting, drawing, recognizing their need to do some more homework. They’re catchy, and we watch them name and, of course, socializing, or Her going to school has always together as she pronounces her let- what I translate to mean “learning been in the back (way back) of my ters and their sounds. It definitely not to hit others.” mind, but now that this major life makes learning the alphabet fun and Olivia helps me cut my coupons, mommy 101 event is around the corner, I wonder much easier, no matter how silly the so I can cross that off my list. She can angelica sereda if I’ve prepared her enough. Granted, mnemonic device (Read: tired tur- “read” her name and loves to draw I’m not one of those parents that’s key, itchy iguana). already. As far as socializing, she’s on a seven-year waiting list to get Just like everything else I’m cu- as social as toddlers can get. Being her into the “top” preschools, and I rious about, I took to nice all the time is another thing haven’t hired a slew of tutors to cram Google to figure out we’ll have to work on. On most days, lessons into her little head, but I am “how to prepare she is sweet and polite but, like most a concerned parent. your child for toddlers (at least I’m kind of hoping), Olivia is quite smart for her preschool,” she has her not-so-nice moments. age, and of course, I’m not just and I was sur- Just ask her little sister. saying that because she’s my prised to learn I’ve ordered some books for her, kid. I’ve been told this since that they ac- both in English and Spanish, so she she started talking (about a tually do a lot, could practice with both me and her year and a half now). But is you know, for nanny, and I’m looking forward to it enough to join other pre- playing teacher with her. I’ve even or- schoolers? dered some fun workbooks for us to She’s got the basics play with, which I’m sure she’ll love. covered: alphabet, She has a beautiful, curious mind, numbers, shapes, and I hope that she never loses that. What I’ll also have to look into soon — more for myself rather than Ol- ivia — is “how to cope with your first child going to school.” October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 41 HealtH Childhood epilepsy How to diagnose and treat this condition After my son started experiencing seizures, his pediatrician suggested that he might have epilepsy and has referred us to a specialist. What kinds of tests will be performed and what Family HealtH treatments are available? Dr. PramoD Narula, mD Chairman of Pediatrics t surprises many to hear that epi- New York methodist Hospital lepsy affects more people than I cystic fibrosis, multiple sclero- sis, muscular dystrophy, and tuber- culosis combined. More than three million Americans have epilepsy, which is the most common type of seizure disorder. Each year, 200,000 new cases are diagnosed and 45,000 of those diagnoses are in children under the age of 15. While epilepsy can begin at any age and strike at any time, it often starts in childhood. Epilepsy is triggered by a recur- rent electrical discharge in the brain that disturbs the normal functioning of the body’s nervous system, and can result in temporary loss of con- sciousness or temporary changes in behavior. An epileptic seizure can cause convulsive movements, loss of urinary continence, confusion, and lethargy. If your physician suspects that your child has epilepsy, an accurate diagnosis of the condition is crucial before treatment can begin. In addi- tion to a detailed documentation of your child’s medical history, a series of painless neurological tests will be administered to definitively diag- lepsy are scans of the brain, which involves implanting a device in the nose the condition. may include computed tomography, chest to deliver short jolts of elec- An electroencephalogram, which magnetic resonance imaging, func- trical energy to the brain, has been records brain waves through elec- tional magnetic resonance imaging, shown to decrease the frequency of trodes placed on the scalp, is often positron emission tomography, and seizures as well. the first diagnostic tool. In conjunc- single photon emission computed The emotional toll of seizures tion with video monitoring, the elec- tomography. on children can be traumatic, and troencephalogram detects abnor- A treatment plan will be based on leave them with considerable anxi- malities in the brain’s “wiring,” or your child’s specific needs. Doctors ety about when their next seizure electrical activity. The video, which generally start by treating epilepsy will occur. So finding the best treat- is available at major epilepsy cen- with medication. If that doesn’t work, ment for children with epilepsy is ters like the one at New York Meth- surgery or another type of treatment also important to their psychologi- odist Hospital, permits the study of may be recommended. Surgery is cal health. With the right approach, brainwave activity at the same time most commonly performed when the vast majority of people with epi- that a seizure or “spell” is occurring. tests show that the seizures origi- lepsy are able to control their sei- The test helps doctors to determine nate in a small, well-defined area of zures, and should your son receive the nature of these seizures, as well the brain that doesn’t interfere with an epilepsy diagnosis, it’s important as how to most effectively treat the vital functions like speech, language, for him to understand that it’s very condition. or hearing. likely that he will still be able to lead Also used in the diagnosis of epi- Vagus nerve stimulation, which a perfectly “normal” and happy life. 42 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 43 One special teacher A teacher’s BY DR. VICTOR RAMSEY eaching is a word often as- love of sociated with lore, or even T legend, because most people can remember at least one teacher learning is who had a positive impact on their lives. It is as if the knowledge or confidence the teacher imparted shared with permeates even years later, a tes- timony to how her scholarship and generations strategic wittiness made learning enjoyable. Sister Patricia Dittmer, or as she is fondly called, Sister Pat, of students has just completed her 43rd year as an early childhood teacher at the Dillon Child Study Center at St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn, with 40 of those years as an instructor in the Child Study Department. Over the years, she has taught a 3-year-old class, 3- and 4-year- olds class, and 5 year olds. She also worked for a year at St. Luke’s Roosevelt’s Therapeutic Nursery School while studying at Bank Street College of Education. A petite woman with beautiful silver hair and a contagious bright smile, Sister Pat loves working with children and believes “children are a gift sent by God.” She possesses From left, former student Alana, Sister Pat, former students Attila and Milton, and an amazing ability to connect with curent student Caleb celebrate Sister Pat’s years of service. them using unique and realistic ap- proaches. She guides children to the facts to make his case, so much aunt. Recently, she met with all three learn from everyday experiences, so that he now owns the entire col- and shared memories with brothers current information, music, songs, lection of Magic Tree House books. Milton Baynes (class of 1981) and crafts, the New York Times, (Kisha and I probably know every- Attila Baynes (1986) and their sister and more. thing about Jack and Annie since Alana Baynes (1988). When asked to PERSONAL ESSAY Her love of teaching and we have to follow the stories when describe her philosophy of educa- learning is a phenomenal we read at bedtime. We are on our tion, Sister Pat said, “I believe in the combination. Sister Pat recently way to doing the same with the Katie potential and integrity of each child, said, “Every year is memorable, and Kazoo Switcheroo series.) and it is my privilege to cooperate I learn so much about teaching, the Sister Pat shares a well-lit class- with parents to foster their child’s children, and myself.” room with her wonderful assistant development.” With passion, devotion, and love, of eight years, Caroline McPherson, This story needed to be shared to Sister Pat cultivates both social de- who complements her and brings express Kisha’s and my heartfelt ap- velopment and an array of academic a gleam to the children’s faces with preciation for the many ways Sister skills disguised as fun reading, listen- her customary warm greeting and Pat has nurtured Caleb’s growth and ing, and speaking games and activi- caring interactions. When you peek development. Thanks for adding him ties. The joy of learning is reflected in inside the classroom, you cannot to another generation of your pupils, the faces and actions of the children help but be inspired and wonder Sister Pat. We know that Caleb will be under her watch (boys and girls in what the children are up to now. forever grateful for his time with you. her 4- and 5-year-olds classes, or Sister Pat transforms the room into Dr. Victor Ramsey is currently an edu- kindergarten class) whether they are a magical world, evoking stories and cational administrator at the New York working individually or in groups. characters in the children’s books. City Department of Education and an Every day my wife, Kisha, and I The classroom is every parent’s adjunct assistant professor at York Col- ask our son, Caleb, “What did you dream room, because one doesn’t lege, CUNY. His wife Kisha is a coordina- do or learn in school today?” He need to go far to get a sense of what tor and instructor of English Language always begins his answer with, “Sis- is happening here. Learners with the city’s Department of ter Pat says …” He explains what he We are blessed that Sister Pat also Education. They are the proud parents has absorbed, and yes, he shows us taught two of Caleb’s uncles and his of two daughters and a son. 44 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 Don’t miss these events od Mont at Union Temple wo es d so October 11, 18 & 25 i 4:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. r Guitarist and singer Yoshie Fruchter will i Fridays at have your preschooler singing and M dancing. Of course, we’ll welcome Shabbat 4:00 with challah and grape juice, too! FREE. October 17 & 24 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Movement, music, and stories that bring Jewish ideas about the world to life for kids up to age 6. This month’s theme: Fall Bounty. Join us on the first three Saturday mornings every month. FREE. Join our e-mail list and learn about all our programs: Pre-School & Kindergarten Call: 718-638-7600 Summer Program Email: [email protected] Transportation Available 2825 Bedford Avenue • 253-3242 UNION TEMPLE A Reform Jewish Congregation at Glenwood Road 17 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11238 www.midwoodmontesssori.com www.uniontemple.org Enter to Win! New York Parenting is giving away a beautiful new BubbleBum infl atable car booster seat. MUST LIVE IN THE FIVE BOROUGHS TO PARTICIPATE. Log onto www.NYParenting.com/carseat for this contest. Fill out the form completely. It’s as simple as that. One lucky family will be chosen by December 1st and it will be delivered to your door. October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 45 March, followed by an essay and brief phone interview, then hope- fully, an e-mail that says, “Congratu- lations, you have been selected as a finalist for the Trip of a Lifetime scholarship.” America the Just ask Bria, Selina, and Wil- maris, local students who traveled together and couldn’t wait to share their adventure stories with family and friends, as well as NY Parenting readers and their teens. The follow- ing excerpts are from their post-trip essays in which the girls talk about beautiful the application process, some of their trips’ highlights, and what they By Tammy Scileppi learned from their travels. Young man Selina Asamoah, 14, from the reat role models are few and Bronx writes: creates an far between these days. This summer can truly be called an G A group of lucky city stu- unforgettable summer. The trip was organization dents spent an unforgettable part an amazing experience which taught of their summer enjoying a trip of a me a lot about myself, my goals and lifetime — on the house — thanks to people from different backgrounds. to give teens a a young man who created a very spe- It began on a boring October school cial organization when he was just day in history class. I remember the chance to see 16. Trip of a Lifetime is the brainchild teacher on the intercom saying “Come of Stan Rosenberg, now 22, who has down to room 306 to get an applica- more of their been an inspiration for young adults. tion for Trip of a Lifetime.” Every He’s passionate about providing stu- teacher was saying how much of a dent travel scholarships to qualify- good experience it would be and that country ing, underprivileged teens, and his we should all apply. organization has been empowering Around February break, I was re- them through travel experiences ally giving up on the idea, but there that expand their horizons. was a little spark of hope still left in The shy kid from Scarsdale said Stan Rosenberg, 22, started an organi- me. The deadline was quickly ap- he was transformed after going on zation called Trip of a Lifetime, which proaching, March 15, 2014. I mailed a trip. the (pre-trip) essay on time. provides underprivileged students with “I started Trip of a Lifetime after At that point, I can’t even explain travel scholarships for free trips. going on a teen tour myself, in the the amount of excitement that filled summer of 2007. I was a freshman me. Stan called me, and I had my in high school, and the experience versal.” interview for like five minutes. About changed my life, making me more Rosenberg explained how the or- two weeks later, while decorating the confident and allowing me to de- ganization works. “Every accepted gym for a school dance, I got the e- velop my leadership skills,” Rosen- student travels on a trip with 30 to mail that I was accepted into the Trip berg recalled. “After my trip, I spoke 40 other students that lasts two to of a Lifetime program. I was so grate- with family and friends about my three weeks. These trips are orga- ful that Stan actually saw something idea for the organization and in the nized by our partners: Rein Teen in me and accepted me. I couldn’t wait fall of 2008, the organization was of- Tours and American Trails West, two for the summer to arrive, so I could be ficially born.” of the most established teen travel on the trip. When he’s not involved with Trip companies in the country, and vary My favorite places that we visited of a Lifetime, Rosenberg is a consul- slightly by age and when the student were Park City, Utah and Lake Tahoe. tant at Deloitte. departed for their trip. First and foremost, the bus ride to Utah “Some people are surprised that “On their trips this summer, stu- was really beautiful. When we got to I also have a full-time job, but part dents experienced destinations such the resort, the counselors gave us our of the reason is to let students that as the Grand Canyon, Golden Gate roommates. have been on trips before take the Bridge, and Mount Rushmore during The next day was very adventur- lead with this organization. I aspire the day and participated in social ous — we went mountain biking and Trip of a Lifetime to be ‘for students events and team-building activities Alpine sliding. The next day, we took by students,’ where each group at night. When it was time to go a jet to Reno, Nev., then a bus to Lake trains the next to run every facet.” to sleep, students stayed in a vari- Tahoe. He says family and friends have ety of name-brand hotels, camping This trip has taught me to be confi- been extremely supportive. grounds, and college campuses.” dent, has restored my self-esteem and “Almost everyone has had a mem- Trips are funded through a com- made me realize that there’s more in orable travel experience, whether it bination of grants, individual dona- the world than just the South Bronx. has been in school, at work, or for tions, and corporate sponsors, in- But the most important thing that it a family vacation,” says Rosenberg. cluding American Express Travel. has shown me is to be open minded “Tapping into the power of travel It all starts with filing an applica- and to always try and experience new has helped make our message uni- tion between November and mid- things. 46 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 Bria Taylor, 16, and her twin sister, I have never traveled before or Beach because of how beautiful the them on hangers, I put bar codes on Brianna are from Jamaica, Queens. even been on an airplane. This was scenery was. I also loved going bowl- cans and other foods, I packaged food They flew to Denver with the group, a huge step for me … getting out of ing, roller blading, kayaking, the im- … and my favorite one of all: I helped then it was off to South Dakota, my comfort zone and going out into prov club in Los Angeles, and I even take the customers around and helped where they visited Mount Rushmore the real world to discover things that learned how to swim! On top of all them feel at home, so that they won’t and went hiking. I never knew existed. I grew ecstatic that, we had the chance to dorm at feel ashamed having to receive help. The next day, everyone bused and eager to learn and travel. UCSB (University of California, Santa Seeing the brightness in their eyes and down to Jackson, Wyo., then to Reno, The day I [had] been waiting for Barbara) and get a glimpse of how col- the smile on their faces and the way Nev. and Lake Tahoe, where they finally arrived. It was June 29, the day lege life really is. they would hold my hand and say, went tubing and wakeboarding be- I left everyone and everything behind However, what made this trip a lot “thank you so much,” really touched fore heading off to San Francisco. for two entire weeks and ventured out more memorable for me was waking my heart and made me want to con- Bria writes: into the world. up at 7:30 am every morning, eating tinue helping others … which I will, Every time we left a new city, I Looking around in JFK airport and breakfast, and leaving by 9:15 am after this life-changing experience. picked up new traditions, cultures, seeing not one familiar face (other to do community service for three Unity Shoppe also helped me ap- friends, etc. This trip brought out the than my mom who was with me) hours every day at a place called preciate my own life, because I finally best in me, and it actually gave me wasn’t at all easy. But I kept on think- Unity Shoppe. It is an organization realized and saw it with my own eyes, the opportunity to branch out to new ing positively. I waved goodbye to my that helps provide food, clothing, that there are others who have so much things … and [I] stepped out of my mom with tears in my eyes, walking and basic necessities to low-income, less than I do. Now, I am immensely comfort zone to where I know that I away towards the Rein Teen Tours working families, their children, and thankful for what I have and as soon as am willing to go the distance. group. Thankfully, I was able to see the elderly. It’s unique because it al- I got home, I hugged my mom and told Wilmaris DeLaCruz, 16, from two people that I saw recently at the lows families and individuals who are her, “Thank you so much for all that Washington Heights writes: Trip of a Lifetime meeting: Kalifala going through a tough time to get back you have done for me!” Travel for free? I got an e-mail and Zairia. I also sat next to Zairia on on their feet. Knowing that I can have fun while from the organization, and I couldn’t the plane, and I was excited that we Being a volunteer at this shop helping low-income families get back believe that I was a finalist! I cannot would be going to California together! was the highlight of my entire trip. I on their feet, was a blessing. I didn’t thank you guys enough for giving me I was stunned by how different learned so much. I had many roles want to leave, but I promised I’d be the chance to not only have fun and California was from New York City, and learned how to do each and back. travel, but to make a difference and with its big, beautiful palm trees and every one of them. I was a cashier, I • • • help others that have so much less breathtaking landscapes. One of my learned how to put tags on clothing, I For more info on Trip of a Lifetime, than I do. favorite places was the Santa Barbara organized the clothes, as well as put visit www.projecttoal.org. October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 47 Advice What is a Q.P.R.T.? What is does the acronym Q.P.R.T. tax exposure, especially in light of donor wins or he gets his money mean, and what is it? the expected return to a limited $1 back. The trust discounts offer a million federal and state tax exemp- highly tax-efficient way to make here was once a video game tion in 2011. use of the client’s gift tax exemp- in the 1980s called Q-Bert. A qualified personal residence tion, which is now $5.34 million T This is not that game. A trust is a form of irrevocable trust, and will increase each year with Q.P.R.T. is an acronym (pronounced whose sole asset is the interest in a cost of living adjustment (previ- “cue-pert”) for a sophisticated es- your personal residence and other ously the Federal exemption was Ask An tate planning technique that allows related assets if you so choose. It only $1 million and had incremen- a person to reduce the value of his must comply with the requirements tally increased to $5 million until Attorney estate — and therefore minimize es- of I.R.C. Regulation 25.2702-5(c). it automatically reverted back to Alison Arden Besunder, tate taxes — by moving an asset out The donor makes a gift of the resi- $1 million in 2010; however, Con- esq. of his estate at a lower value than dence to the trust — effectively to gress amended the law). The “gift” the asset might actually have at the his descendants or the beneficiaries is complete when the residence is time of transfer or at death. of the trust — and retains the right transferred to the trust and the A Q.P.R.T., or “qualified personal to occupy the residence for the term value is fixed as of that date, dis- residence trust,” is an estate tax of a set period of time. At the expira- counted because of the donor’s savings technique. Although the tion of that term, ownership of the retained interests. trust loses popularity in low-inter- residence passes to the beneficia- Most qualified personal resi- est rate environments, it is still a ries of the trust. If the donor dies dence trust donors want to remain very effective an economical mech- before the expiration of the trust’s in their personal residence after anism for mitigating your estate term, the trust terminates and own- the term expires. The donor must ership of the residence returns to understand that he can do so but the estate of the donor (effectively will need to pay rent. This is a losing the gamble). In short, the formality that must be observed, beneficiaries only receive the trust otherwise the Internal Revenue property at the end of the term — Service could unwind the transac- and only if the donor is still living tion. Many people balk at the idea at that time. — pay rent for my own home? But Why would someone make if you want the benefits, you have such a strange gift, and why to pay the price. The residence would he jump through so technically belongs to the donor’s many hoops to do so? children (or remainder beneficia- The structure of the U.S. ries) or even the trust after the gift tax system offers a expiration of the term. If the donor tax bargain for the donor continues to reside there without in the qualified personal resi- paying rent, the residence could dence trust. The donor gets a dis- be brought back into the donor’s count in computing the value of estate, thus negating the tax-sav- his taxable gift for the interest he ing purpose of the trust. retains in the personal residence The qualified personal residence when he transfers it to the trust. trust is a complicated estate tax If he survives the trust’s term, technique, and there are many fac- the entire property is out of his ets that can only be explained and estate — even though he paid gift implemented by an attorney. tax on only a discounted value. If Alison Arden Besunder is the found- he does not survive the term, the ing attorney of the law firm of Arden residence comes back into his es- Besunder P.C., where she assists new tate and the trust did not save any and not-so-new parents with their estate taxes; but the taxes in that case planning needs. Her firm assists clients are no higher than if the donor had in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Nas- never made the gift at all. In other sau, and Suffolk Counties. You can find words, the qualified personal resi- Alison Besunder on Twitter @estatet- dence trust is a gift tax bet that rustplan and on her website at www. the donor can’t lose. Either the besunderlaw.com. Disclaimer: This column is provided by the Law Offices of Alison Arden Besunder P.C. and New York Parenting Media as a public service to inform readers of legal issues. It is not intended to advise. Since legal issues vary with an individual’s situation and needs, one should consult with an attorney. It is impossible to cover all aspects of the law in an article. Please be advised that the laws are constantly changing. The content in this article reflects the current law. Nothing contained in this article is intended as advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the firm. Individual consultation with an attorney is required to determine the specific facts and circumstances of any particular situ- ation. A written retainer agreement between you and the firm is required before any attorney-client relationship may be created. Circular 230 Disclosure Notice: To ensure compliance with Treasury Department rules governing tax practice, we inform you that any advice contained herein (including in any attachment) (1) was not written and is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalty that may be imposed on the taxpayer, and (2) may not be used in connection with promoting, marketing or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed herein. 48 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 Are you a mom who wants to make money? FREE UPK Full Day 8 am – 2:30 pm FREE Extended Day 7 am – 7 pm FREE Breakfast - Snacks And Lunch CALL TO REGISTER 718–355–9660 REGISTER NOW - SEATS ARE LIMITED 898-900 Rogers Ave. /Bet. Snyder And Albermarle/ HAPPINESS We want you to join our team. Is A Healthy Mouth We are looking for a Help Your Child Start The School Year motivated candidate. With A Healthy Smile. Healthy Smile... Healthy Children No sales experience necessary, but a car and liking people is a must! Full benefits, salary and commission Dentistry For Children Your Child’s Teeth Are Too Precious To Waste A Proper Diet, Good Oral Hygiene And A Bi-Annual Check-Up From Age 1 Email resumes to [email protected] CanSave Teeth And Money or call Sharon at 718-260-2505 Call Reneida E. Reyes, D.D.S., M.P.H. Today at her offi ce for your son or daughter’s appointments One Hanson Place - Suite 706 Brooklyn, NY 11243 (718) 230-0380 Fax (718) 230-0358 October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 49 Parenting things more difficult for him. Many teens don’t know where to begin. Set realistic expectations Stop the slob and don’t expect that he won’t have setbacks or need reminders. Initial Help your teen stay organized clean up should be done in stages. He can start with the floor, and then o, your teen is a slob. Join the hibiting his ability to organize. move to the closet on another day. If club! My oldest is a quintessen- If there is a Department of Health the task is in manageable pieces, it S tial pack rat; although, his piles issue with used string cheese wrap- will be less daunting. are not neatly distributed in a small pers growing mold in his book bag or Epstein suggests, “Be a great role hole. My son claims he knows where ants nesting in old candy wrappers model. Show them how to do it. everything is in that nightmare he under the radiator, an overhaul is Sometimes it’s helpful to take them Lions and calls a room. He says that if I move necessary. Analyze the effects of the shopping for organizational aids, something, he won’t be able to find it. state of his belongings. Is the condi- such as storage cubes or shelves. Al- tigers and Find it? You couldn’t find an elephant tion of his room and belongings af- ways watch for any signs, even small in that mire! Sometimes I just cringe fecting his life in a negative way? If signs, of neatness, and praise and teens and shut the door. Then, when it’s your teen’s goals, commitments or reward like crazy.” Myrna Beth haskell time to vacuum, I go zany and start grades are suffering due to his mess, Encourage responsibility in your screaming that I’m going to throw out then it’s time to insist on change. teen. If your teen loses a pair of everything that’s on the floor! Dr. Robert Epstein, author of sneakers, have him purchase a new When it looks as if an F5 tornado “TEEN 2.0: Saving Our Children and pair with his own money. Set up a has struck your teen’s room and you Families from the Torment of Adoles- reward system for report cards free are exasperated beyond measure, cence” (Quill Driver Books, 2010) and of comments about missing assign- sometimes it’s easier just to close the former editor-in-chief of Psychology ments. Avoid rushing to his rescue door. However, this might not be the Today says, “Teens are young adults, when his lack of organization gets best solution because this doesn’t not children. Picture your teen as a him into trouble. If he has to fix his help your teen to learn how to orga- young boarder in your home. How own mistakes, he will be less apt to nize his clutter. Charging in to clean it would you treat him or her if he or repeat them. yourself, or simply ignoring the mess, she were a slob? You wouldn’t take If your teen has been diagnosed won’t make the problem go away. away the iPod or car keys; you would with attention deficit disorder or an- negotiate and try to stay calm. You other disability that makes it difficult taming tornadoes might draw a line indicating where for him to get organized (such as Determine the root of the prob- his or her messy territory stops.” an autism spectrum disorder), you lem. Sometimes it’s just an inability Chances are he may need help, should seek advice from a profes- to purge memorabilia or a simple but it’s important for him to take sional. case of laziness. It may be a person- ownership of the overhaul. Help him ality trait or an actual disability in- to realize that the mess is making Other ways to help: • I n si s t on weekly clean-ups so things don’t get out of hand. • Encourage clearing out book bags and reorganizing notebooks each marking period. • S u g g e s t daily list making. • G r a n t a new freedom (i.e. exten- sion of a curfew) if your teen demon- strates responsibility. tips and tales “I think many messy teens lack the organizational skills to be neater. If it is a problem at school, have them work with a guidance counselor or student support staff to help them keep things organized during the school day.” Sharon Squire, Hyde Park, NY “Close the door and walk away!” Pam Todd, Salt Point, NY Myrna Beth Haskell is a feature writer, columnist and author of, “Lions And Ti- gers And Teens: Expert Advice and Sup- port for the Conscientious Parent Just Like You” (Unlimited Publishing LLC, 2012). For details, visit www.myrnahaskell.com. 50 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 HANOVER PLACE CHILD CARE 15 Hanover Place, Brooklyn NY 11201 NYC Dept.p of Health approved daycare for children 6 weeks - 5 years old FULL DAY UPK Program Gym with Rock Register by Oct. Climbing g 31st & receive the Wall st 1 Month FREE. Basketball We are sure you Court, will love us! & Fitness Equipment WWW.HANOVERCHILDCARE.COMOM ENROLL NOW! AFTERSCHOOL FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS WITHSPECIAL NEEDS 347.916.03333 October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 51 teens City teens & driving ew York City teens may be a lower driving age tend to be in the on, do you really need so many dif- well-versed in street smarts mid-West, where driving is a neces- ferent people to administer the test, N and maturity. After all, by sity in order to make it to the super- take my photo, process my informa- the time many graduate high school, market, school, or civilization. On tion, and collect my payment? My they can navigate the underground the other hand, driving isn’t really experience was less than pleasant, realms of the city, have worked imperative in a metropolis, where but it was a necessary evil for me to alongside professionals in an urban the subway tends to be more reliable get my permit and finally get behind metropolis, know how to avoid crazy than traversing the grid by car and the wheel. A letter people on the streets, and have combating city traffic. Not to men- Unfortunately, my zeal to race spent four years commuting just for tion, where are you going to park? down the street in our family car did from college school. Yes, city kids seem to have it Nevertheless, with city teens not match my innate ability to control AglAiA Ho all with their unique experiences. At heading off for college in all parts of a two-ton vehicle. My first time be- my college, you can easily pick out the country, driving becomes more hind the wheel was terrifying. Even the New Yorkers because they tend important on a case-by-case basis. though I was in a large parking lot to walk just a few miles per hour My school is located in the Berk- with plenty of room to practice driv- faster than the rest of the student shires, where the number of cows ing straight and turning, I was wor- body. You can also identify the New trumps the local non-student popu- ried about causing an accident on Yorkers because they are usually the lation. The nearest supermarket is a my first day. To make matters worse, ones who don’t know how to drive. five-minute drive away, but a 40-min- it seemed like the entire neighbor- The one area where city teens ute walk on foot (believe me, I’ve hood was learning how to drive in tend to be behind other young people tried walking there once and back that same parking lot: fathers and their age is in the field of driving. The — big mistake, especially with two daughters, teachers and students, driving age in New York City is a bit bags of groceries!). Driving, espe- and even husbands and wives. Four older than in other states. Big Apple cially in more isolated areas, gives layman drivers plus one parking lot teens must wait until 16 to even qual- you so much more freedom. Public equals not a good mix! ify for their driver’s permit, transportation, if it exists, can be a Maneuvering the steering wheel but their counterparts bit out of way and buses do not run just to stay on the road was no easy in 15 other states can as frequently as city subways and feat. Judging space was another dif- already test for their trains. Thus, being able to drive al- ficulty, especially while parallel park- license. Even then, lows you to run on your own time, ing, which became more of a guessing amateur drivers are rather than around a bus schedule. game of moving the car back and still barred from You really start to appreciate the forth and back and forth and praying the street due to subway, despite all of its annoying to get it right eventually. My poor fa- junior permit re- rerouting and delays. ther could not understand why my co- strictions such The practicality of driving at ordination skills were so poor, and re- as not being al- school finally convinced me to learn gardless of all his patience, he wound lowed to drive how to drive. The first step was to up with a few extra gray hairs. past 9 pm. To be obtain a driver’s permit from the De- My first lesson made me quite fair, many states partment of Motor Vehicles. In order aware that driving is a skill that will that have to do so, I had to take a written exam take time. The learning curve for me of 20 questions. The exam is not is pretty extreme, but then again, meant to be difficult, but the infor- I probably should have guessed mation was “foreign” for a first-time that from my less-than-stellar per- driver, such as myself. To prepare for formance on driving video games this exam, I quickly read through the like Mario Kart. Nevertheless, my driver’s manual. The information the dad’s patience and encouragements state deems as crucial for drivers to have turned our driving lessons into know seemed not all too relevant to a a special father-daughter bonding New York City driver. Really, is it that time. Like any new skill, driving fol- important to know when the most lows the age-old mantra, “Practice deer collisions occur, when you are makes perfect.” Since then, I have bound to encounter more jaywalkers gotten slightly better and have be- than wildlife? come a bit more confident, stepping I have heard horror stories about on the gas a little bit more. However, the D.M.V. and the amount of time it if you happen to see me on the road, takes just to get your license. Long please don’t honk at me! story short, while it took me roughly Aglaia Ho is a sophomore at Williams five minutes to complete the written College and a native New Yorker. She exam, I spent two hours waiting to also writes for her own blog at www. get my information processed. Come aglaiaho.weebly.com. 52 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 NEW YORK SPECIAL CHILD Summer/Early Fall 2011 LONG ISLAND SPECIAL CHILD New York FREE Special child Trusted since 2008 www.NYParenting.com 5 myths Fall/Winter 2011–2012 RoutinesNew York aboutFREE bringSpecial childfitness benefitswww.NYParenting.com & autism Celebrating Informing & Enriching Five Y e a r s “Special Needs” in print Positive Families throughout behavior support NYC & Long Island Cultivating winningOptimistic attitudesparenting The power of music For more information about distribution or Summer/Early Fall 2011 LONG ISLAND FREE how to get your free copy, please Fall/Winter 2010/2011 LONG SpecialISLAND childFREE www.webfamilyny.com e-mail us at [email protected]. Special child5 myths w w w .NYParenting ��� Routines.com about bring fitness Visit us online at benefits & autism www.NYParenting.com Tips to Like us on our Facebook page, NYParenting organize 8 your child or follow us on Twitter Take charge Creating an IEP Cultivating winning attitudes To advertise your business and or services School blues Overcoming anxiety contact us at 718-260-4554 or e-mail us at [email protected] Family Publications New York/CNG 1 MetroTech Center North - 10th Fl. • Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-260-4554 • [email protected] October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 53 A-maze-ing action flick Opening last weekend, “The Maze to “The Glade,” a place full of boys to tears and made me think about the Teens love Runner” received rave reviews from who were taken and had their memo- way we can work together when we the teen film critics. The story involves ries erased as well. Thomas soon are truly faced with a challenge. The the adventure a teen who is deposited into a com- learns that they are trapped in a giant visuals are incredible as well. The munity of boys with no memory of his maze, and once you’re stuck inside, maze is so complex and ever chang- past, save his own name. The world you never make ing and it’s so cool to be able to “ex- of ‘The Maze he is deposited to is comprised of 60 it out alive. Ev- plore” it in a sense and see all of the teen boys who have learned to survive erything begins detail put into the CGI. in this completely closed-off environ- to change when The entire cast is incredible. All the Runner’ ment, subsisting on their own agricul- a girl is brought characters are so unique and have ture and supplies. The original group to The Glade, their own personalities and quirks, has been in “The Glade” for two years, and so Thomas but they work together in such a have tried to escape and have, for the decides it is seamless way. My favorite character most part, given up hope. Their world time to face the is the main character Thomas, who begins to change with the latest boy maze and find really makes the whole thing come to and then, the first girl arriving. the whole truth life. The boys that live in The Glade KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Raven D, about the people have been there for three years and, age 17, and Willie J, 15, share their who placed them there. But the truth of course, they have tried to find a thoughts on the film. they find might be even more horrible way out. But, most of them have es- than the maze itself. sentially decided that they will live he Maze Runner” is an I absolutely love this film. It is so out the rest of their days there. When action-packed, visually intense and visually stunning. It kept Thomas shows up, he tests the sys- “T stunning new film that me on the edge of my seat and made tem and refuses to accept his fate of made hold my breath and kept me on my heart race through the entire being stuck in the maze. I admire his the edge of my seat till the very end. film. Every time Thomas is inside character because he thinks outside “The Maze Runner” tells the story of the maze, I felt as if I was there with of the box and finds his own way. He Thomas, played by Dylan O’Brien, him, running for my life. But this isn’t looks past his fear and is a strong who wakes up in a giant crate with just an adrenaline-packed adventure. leader despite the doubts people may no memory of his past. He is taken “The Maze Runner” also moved me have in him. 54 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 It’s been very interesting see- and predictable character. The ing the theme of films that have most impressive performance in been coming out recently. “Hun- the cast comes from Will Poulter, High School ger Games,” “Divergent,” “Enders who plays Gally. His performance October 2014 FREE Game,” “The Giver,” and now “The earlier this cinematic season in BROOKLYN Choices Maze Runner” all have something “The Giver” was also impressive in common: they tell the story of and his performance in “We’re the young adults, children really, who Millers” was hilarious, so he is re- have to group together and take on ally showing his range. His char- Family Where Every Child Matters some very serious situations, some- acter is wonderfully written and times things even adults can’t han- wonderfully portrayed, so props dle. It shows youth questioning au- to him. thority, standing up for what’s right, The visual effects in the film Teen and making their own way. These are also quite amazing. Enrique strong themes send out a message Chediak, whose beautiful cin- stuff! of empowerment to the youth of ematography was at its best in our generation, but this can also be “127 Hours,” gives this film a very a bit overwhelming. I know it’s dif- crisp look. He doesn’t over do his Coping with ficult watching adults fight for their shot composition, nor does he try messy rooms lives, kill, and be killed, and have to give unnecessary landscape their worlds torn apart. But it’s even shots. He lets the beauty of the Teens traveling more shocking to see children go film come from the special effects, on their own through these trials. which is a smart move (although Because of this, I recommend there are some genuinely stun- “The Maze Runner” for ages 13 and ning shots). The seemingly effort- Buying her up, because of the intense situa- less movement of giant set pieces first bra tions and violence. It kept me on is a testament to the great work of the edge of my seat and made me the visual effects team. hold my breath during the intense But, the best aspect of this Find us online at www.NYParenting.com situations, and I love when a film film is the writing. The secret this gets me so involved, but that may film has is what Alfred Hitchcock be too much for some to handle. I famously called the “MacGuffin.” give “The Maze Runner” 5 out of 5 It is a plot device that the main stars and can’t wait to see it again. protagonist pursues with little or Catch it in theaters near you now! no explanation. This film starts — Raven D. with a boy entering the world, If you like See Raven’s video review here: but we don’t know why. We get http://youtu.be/ouprOgTen38 to the middle of the film and we . . . still don’t know why these kids the magazine are isolated, who is keeping them n a generation where the “teen- there, or how big their obstacle agers face adversity in a dys- is and what stakes are attached. I topian future” is the popular Usually, in a movie of this kind, you’ll love piece of enter- those questions are all answered tainment, “The in the exposition of the film. But Maze Runner” even when this film ends, we are the site. is a refreshing still uncertain about why what we entry. Using just saw happened. What is the the element of motivation and who is behind it? surprise and Then, in a wonderful plot twist, leaving unan- we leave with questions that only swered ques- a next installment can answer — tions, this film or maybe not. Check us out! proves to be a This is the rare case of a film very formida- that makes us wish for a sequel ble mystery, action-thriller. not because more books were The acting in this film isn’t written and a bunch of producers NYParenting.com much different than many other feel the need to adapt every book films with teen or child ensem- in a series, but because we are bles. They give good perfor- generally interested in what hap- mances and they all come off as pens next. That is why I give this veterans, especially Blake Coo- film 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend per (Chuck) who, in only his sec- it for anyone age 14 and up, as it is Where every family matters and ond feature film, seems like he’s a little bloodier and more profane been acting on-screen for years. than your average PG-13 thriller. where New York parents find help, I found him very impressive. The “The Maze Runner” is a tense, leading performance by Dylan suspenseful mystery thriller, that info and support. O’Brian is also very good, but is keeps you asking and on the edge limited to his rather conventional of your seat. — Willie J. October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 55 Parenting Life’s best moments t was perhaps the 10th chore of it was all ours. I also remembered making minestrone soup with him. the day in a long list of things doing laundry in our washer in the He would allow me to chop the veg- I that had to get done: the laundry. basement the first few days after we gies and stir the soup. He always It had piled up yet again despite the moved in, and being delighted doing knew how to make me feel special! fact that I had already done three it, telling my husband how truly awe- He was the sweetest, most gentle loads that week. High on stress and some it was to do laundry right in our man ever! I loved him so much!” low on energy, I reluctantly lugged own house, without having to lug it My friend Christine had a sweet the overflowing basket into the base- to the laundry room in our old build- family memory, also about her Just write ment, annoyed at having to repeat ing that rarely had a spare washer grandpa: this task, frustrated because as I was available. I also pondered all the “Sunday dinner at my grandpar- mom physically placing the clothes into the days post-Sandy when we’d have to ents’ house in Dyker Heights. Walking Danielle Sullivan washer, I was mentally ticking off all go to the Laundromat (as did nearly in to Frank Sinatra blasting; my grand- the things that still had to be finished everyone in our neighborhood) be- father (my Papa) would not let me into in the basement. I was aggravated cause our washers and dryers had the kitchen unless I slow danced with that it was still in recovery mode. been destroyed by the salt water. him. I fought him with every step. (I In the two years since Hurricane Things had been more difficult thought it was silly at the time.) Now, Sandy, the basement has undergone and less comfortable than they are I’d give practically anything to have a massive shift. Once finished with now. There were times we didn’t just one more dance.” wooden doors that opened up to the have a house, barely had an apart- My colleague Amy remembers washer and dryer, and dry, unfettered ment, and then lost much of what we this: walls, our basement instantly became worked so hard to attain. That single “My mom was not a cook. In fact, an indoor ocean when the water from thought broke me out of my self- there were many nights of pizza and the bay crashed open our back door absorbed frustration. Yes, I had and takeout, but one winter, I asked her and flooded into the house. probably, hopefully, will always have to bake me cookies for my birthday. Little by little, we have attempted a lot to do on any given day. I might She got a recipe, and we tried to to get it back to what it used to not ever love doing laundry. Our bake them one Saturday morning. be, but we’re still not quite there basement might take another year to She carefully studied the recipe and yet. The cleaning process alone took get back to the way we want it. added and mixed, all the while saying months, as did the replacement of all Through it all, the difficult to the they might not come out very good. that was destroyed — appliances, mundane, we are making memories They didn’t. They were raw on the in- walls, floors, and electric work. It every day, marking our kids’ child- side and burned on the outside. We seemed that just as we fixed one hood with either negativity and frus- had flour all over the kitchen, and it thing, we’d find another hidden tration or peace and fun. And that’s was a mess. But mom tried, and we area that had to be torn down, what our kids remember. I want to laughed more than we ever did that repaired, or replaced. choose the latter always, but some day. I’ll never forget it.” With the washer loaded, I days are more difficult than others. There is beauty in every day, but stood under the bright light Growing up with my mom, who we’ve got to recognize it. Most of our bulb hanging overhead and was a single mother, we rarely had daily lives is ordinary. We can post flashed back to the day we luxuries. My favorite childhood mem- all the vacation and party photos on moved in, just over five years ories are of walking our dogs with Facebook we want, but we’ve got to ago. After years of saving up my mom after she got home from enjoy the moments, in particular, the while trying to raise three work, or laughing so hard we cried small moments that make up life. I’m kids, we finally bought a while watching “All in The Family,” or willing to bet that if I asked you what house. It was a monumental perhaps just sitting on the bed while your favorite childhood memory moment for us. We started Sonny and Cher sang in the back- was, most of you might pick a typi- out as two naïve kids our- ground on Sunday nights, watching cal day that was not very different in selves who had grown up to- my mom put Dippity-do in her hair. any way, other than it stood out to gether, married young, and I asked my old high school bud Lisa you, because of the person you were did our best to make a good about her favorite childhood memory with and the memory that created. life. I was positively thrilled and she painted a beautiful picture: Those are the days to cherish. when we closed on “My Nonno (Italian for Grandpa) What was your favorite childhood the house. I recalled would pick me up from kindergarten memory? Let us know on Facebook: going straight from when he visited from Italy. He was www.facebook.com/NYParenting the closing to always dressed in a suit, hat, and Danielle Sullivan, a mom of three, our new empty dress shoes. He hardly spoke Eng- has worked as a writer and editor in the home, looking lish, and I hardly spoke Italian, but it parenting world for more than 10 years. at the rooms, the didn’t matter, we always managed to Sullivan also writes about pets and par- front porch, the communicate. I can remember viv- enting for Disney’s Babble.com. Find Sul- backyard, and letting idly walking home from school with livan on her blogs, Just Write Mom and the realization sink in that him, hand-in-hand, getting home and Some Puppy To Love. 56 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 “A delight for both kids and adults AMAZING!” Stage and Cinema “JAW DROPPING!” Time Out NY Kids “Move over Blue Man Group & Stomp, iLUMINATE is in the house!” Times Square Chronicles NOW LIVE in the heart of BROADWAY! Telecharge.com 212-239-6200 iLuminate.com New World Stages, 340 W 50th St. October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 57 CalendarOCTOBER Photo by TA Smith Two classic tales are on stage at is the story of a mysterious lady PuppetWorks now through Dec. 21 who throws ice into the heart of a Classics stories with special performances on Co- boy so that he becomes cold and lumbus Day and Veterans Day. mean. The story is accompanied Both tales by Hans Christian An- by Norwegian Folk Songs. on stage at dersen are a perfect fit for children Performances are on Saturdays 3 years and older. and Sundays through Dec. 21 at Adapted for the marionette 12:30 and 2:30 pm with special Puppetworks stage by director Nicolas Coppola, performances on Oct. 13 and Nov. “The Emperor’s New Clothes” is 11. Tickets are $ 8 for children, $9 the story of a vain emperor who for adults and $7 for groups of 20 buys a set of invisible clothes only or more. to march down the street in his un- Puppetworks [338 Sixth Ave. at derwear. “The Snow Queen,” (the Fourth Street in Park Slope, (718) 965- source story for Disney’s “Frozen”) 3391; www.puppetworks.org]. 58 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Calendar kin to take home. Octoberfest benefit: Hillside Swim Submit a listing Club, 151 Signs Rd. between Arlene This calendar is dedicated to and Dinsmore streets, Staten Island; bringing our readers the most noon; $40 for adults 21 and up; $20 comprehensive list of events in for ages 14–20; kids 13 and under free. your area. But to do so, we need Fund-raiser for children of Firefighter your help! Lt. Gordon “Matty” Ambelas, who Send your listing request to died in a fire earlier this year. Activities brooklyn[email protected] include bouncy house, pumpkin paint- — and we’ll take care of the rest. ing, dunk tank, and more. Please e-mail requests more than three weeks prior to the event to ensure we have enough Sun, Oct. 5 time to get it in. And best of all, In Brooklyn it’s FREE! Blooming Babies: 11:30 am–12:30 pm. Brooklyn Children’s Museum. See Saturday, Oct. 4. Thurs, Oct. 2 Raptor Fest: Prospect Park Audubon In Brooklyn Center, Enter park at Lincoln Road and Park After Dark: Prospect Park Ocean Avenue; (718) 287–3400; www. Audubon Center, Enter park at Lincoln prospectpark.org/audubon; Noon–3 pm; Free. Road and Ocean Avenue; (718) 287– 3400; [email protected]; Learn about hawks, falcons, and www.prospectpark.org/audubon; 6–8 owls, and see some of the birds in pm; $10 ($30 for family of four). Pumpkin with talent flight. Learn how to identify nocturnal ani- Nano Art: Brooklyn Children’s Mu- mals and eat s’mores. That gorgeous gourd Lumpy loween sing-along. seum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks Bumpy Pumpkin is back at the “Lumpy Bumpy Pumpkin” is Avenue; (718) 735–4400; www.brook- Sat, Oct. 4 Bedford Village School — and just presented by the Shadow Box The- lynkids.org; 12:30 pm; Free with mu- in time to harvest some Halloween atre and is suitable for children 3 seum admission. In Brooklyn fun from Oct. 16 to Oct. 31. to 7 years old. Children get the nitty gritty of the “Coffee Bark”: Prospect Park Picnic Lumpy Bumpy Pumpkin might Show times are Oct. 16, 17, 20, itty bitty and bring small things into focus. House, Prospect Park West and Fifth be different, but he soon finds ac- 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 Street; [email protected]; ceptance in Farmer Joe’s pump- at 10:30 am; tickets are $10 in ad- “Pirate School with Billy www.prospectpark.org; 7–9 am; $10 kin patch and learns that every- vance and $15 at the door. Bones”: Waterfront Museum Barge, ($30 for family of four). 290 Conover St. near Reed Street; (718) one has a special talent — you “Lumpy Bumpy Pumpkin” at PS 3, Dog gathering and information ses- 624–4719; www.waterfrontmuseum. The Bedford Village School [50 Jeffer- sion on off-leash activities and issues. just have to find it! Pumpkin patch org; 1 pm; $13. friends and children in the audi- son Ave. at Franklin Avenue in Clin- David Engel’s one-man vaudeville Pumpkin fest: Mazzone’s Hardware, ence root for Lumpy Bumpy as ton Hill, (212) 724–0677, www.shad- comedy show. Fourth Place between Court and Clin- they participate in a rousing Hal- owboxtheatre.org], Oct. 16 to 31. ton Streets; 10 am–4 pm; Free. Mixed-up Vehicles: 1:30 pm. New The annual Mazzone Hardware ex- York Transit Museum. See Saturday, travaganza. The block-long event of- Oct. 4. fers free hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream, pm; Free with museum admission. Eastern Pkwy. at Washington Avenue; Garden tour: Brooklyn Botanic Gar- candies, and more. Children visit with Unlock the mysteries of motion. Chil- (718) 638–5000; www.brooklynmu- den, 1000 Washington Ave., at Eastern clowns and enjoy musical entertain- dren 2 to 5 years old experiment with seum.org; 5 pm–11 pm; Free. Parkway; (718) 623–7220; www.bbg. ment, face painting, pony rides, pump- ramps and tracks, wings, and wheels Target’s sponsored event provides a org; 2–3 pm and 3:30–4:30 pm; $12 kin painting, and lots more fun — and things that glide and slide. day of music and entertainment. ($15 non-members). don’t forget to don those costumes. Blooming Babies: Brooklyn Chil- Shadow Puppet Show: Heckscher Family-friendly peek inside the gar- Art workshops: Boerum House & dren’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. Children’s Garden, 136 Scholes St. at dens, learn about garden plots and Home, 314 Atlantic Ave.; (212) 274– at St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735– Manhattan Avenue; (212) 333–2552; make a tasty treat. Pre-registration re- 0986; cmany.org/events/explore; 10 4400; www.brooklynkids.org; 11:30 www.nycgovparks.org; 7:30 pm–9 quired and online. Cancelled in case of am – 2 pm; Free. am–12:30 pm; Free with museum pm; Free. inclement weather. Children work with teachers to cre- admission. Midnight Radio presents a magical “I’m Not Scared”: Brooklyn Chil- ate their very own unique project. The Children 18 months to 2 years dis- night of shadow, light and fairy tale. dren’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at event is hosted by The Children’s Mu- cover falling leaves. Great for all ages. St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735–4400; seum of Manhattan. Pre-registration Mixed up vehicles: New York www.brooklynkids.org; 2:30 pm; Free required. Further Afield with museum admission. Transit Museum, Boerum Place at Pumpkin-carving workshop: Take a hike: Salt Marsh Nature Cen- Schermerhorn Street; (718) 694–1600; Tots 2 years and older listen to how New York Botanical Garden, 200th ter, 3302 Avenue U; (718) 421–2021; www.mta.info/mta/museum; 1:30 pm; Baby Owl and his stuffed friend face St. and Kazimiroff Blvd., The Bronx; 11 am; Free. Free with museum admission. their fears with a reading of Jonathan (718) 817–8700; www.nybg.org; 10 Allen’s book. Enjoy the fall in this light hike walk; Create and color a fantasy vehicle, am–noon; Free with admission to the suitable for older children. an amphibious bus, or a train with grounds. Further Afield wings. Children 4 years and older use Motion Lab: New York Transit Mu- Budding masters 8 years and older Paint Party: New York Hall of Sci- their imagination in this bookmaking seum, Boerum Place at Schermerhorn explore the carved pumpkins on dis- ence, 47-01 111th St., Queens; (718) workshop. Street; (718) 694–1600; www.mta. play, learn about the amazing gourd 699–0005 X 353; www.nyscience.org; info/mta/museum; 11:30 am–12:30 First Friday: Brooklyn Museum, 200 family, and then design a creepy pump- Continued on page 60 October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 59 Calendar Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Continued from page 59 ent a production of Lynn Marie Macy’s 699–0005 X 353; www.nyscience.org; diabetes, and cholesterol testing. one act comedy. 10:30 am–12:30 pm; $8 per family, 10:30 am–12:30 pm; $8 per family, Baby Loves Salsa: BAM Cafe, 30 plus NYSCI admission. plus NYSCI admission. “Go Away! Big Green Monster”: Lafayette Ave. between Ashland Place Children, ages 18 months and older, Children, ages 18 months and older, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 and St. Felix Street; www.bam.org/pro- experiment with a variety of materials mix up a batch of washable paint from Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks Avenue; grams/bamcafe-live; 10:30 am; $9. everyday ingredients to make a work and design boats to sail in their bath- (718) 735–4400; www.brooklynkids. Songwriter jose Conde is a bilingual, of art. Preregister online at nysci.org/ tubs. Preregister online at nysci.org/ org; 2:30 pm; Free with museum cross cultural, rhythmic concert that little-makers. little-makers. admission. teaches children 2 to 6 years old the Tots 2 years and older listen to the Columbus Day: 1 and 3 pm. New basics of salsa, featuring original music Tues, Oct. 7 story of Ed Emberly’s classic and find York Botanical Garden. See Saturday, and audience participation. out why monsters don’t have to be so Oct. 11. In Brooklyn scary after all. Then make a googley- Handmade History: 11 am–noon. “The Book with No Pictures”: eyed monster to take home. Brooklyn Historical Society. See Satur- Barnes and Noble – Park Slope, 267 Mon, Oct. 13 day, Oct. 11. Seventh Ave. at Sixth Street; (718) 832– Further Afield In Brooklyn Motion Lab: 11:30 am–12:30 pm. 9066; www.barnesandnoble.com; 11 Pumpkin carving workshop: 10 “The Snow Queen” and “The New York Transit Museum. See Satur- am; Free. am–noon. New York Botanical Garden. See Saturday, Oct. 4. Emperor’s New Clothes”: Puppet- day, Oct. 4. Storytime and activities. works, 338 Sixth Ave. at Fourth Street; Columbus Day: New York Botanical (718) 965–3391; www.puppetworks. The Great Pumpkin: Brooklyn Chil- Fri, Oct. 10 Garden, 200th St. and Kazimiroff Blvd., org; 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm; $8 ($9 dren’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at The Bronx; (718) 817–8700; www. adults). St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735–4400; Further Afield nybg.org; 1 and 3 pm; Free with gar- Puppetworks presents a puppet www.brooklynkids.org; 11:30 am; Free Project! World’s Fairs: New den admission. show of two classic fairy tales. “The with museum admission. York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th Celebrate the explorer the whole Snow Queen” is the story of a mys- Explore the wonderful world of St., Queens; (718) 699–0005 X 353; weekend with bats, bats, and more terious lady who throws ice into the gourds. Children 2 years and older www.nyscience.org; 8–11 pm; $20 per bats. Meet a big brown bat from North heart of a boy and “The Emperor’s learn all about the history and then person. America, the endangered Rodrigues New Clothes” is the tale of an emperor watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Char- Enjoy a night illuminated by images bat, and come face-to-face with the who buys a set of invisible clothes — lie Brown” and have snacks and do a of the past, present and future, inspired largest bat in the world — the Gigan- only to march down the streets in his pumpkin printing. by the 1964–65 World’s Fair. Against tic Flying Fox of Malaysia. Rob Mies, a underwear. Shadow puppet stories: New the backdrop of rockets, visitors will be conservation biologist and bat expert, treated to large-scale artist projections shares interesting facts about the night Further Afield York Transit Museum, Boerum Place at and installations on and around NY- flyers in a child-friendly way. Columbus Day: 1 and 3 pm. New Schermerhorn Street; (718) 694–1600; SCI’s building and exhibits. York Botanical Garden. See Saturday, www.mta.info/mta/museum; 1:30 pm; Sun, Oct. 12 Oct. 11. Free with museum admission. Sat, Oct. 11 Transport your imagination by cre- In Brooklyn Wed, Oct. 15 ating silhouette puppets and a night- In Brooklyn Kid’s Abilities Day: Brooklyn Chil- time cityscape. For children 4 years and Handmade History: Brooklyn His- dren’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at In Brooklyn older. torical Society, 128 Pierrepont St. at St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735–4400; “Wild Grass”: BAM Harvey Theater, “Wild Grass”: 7:30 pm. BAM Harvey Clinton Street; (718) 222–4111; www. www.brooklynkids.org; 10 am; Free 651 Fulton St. at Rockwell Place; (718) Theater. See Wednesday, Oct. 15. brooklynhistory.org; 11 am–noon; Free. with museum admission. 636–4100; www.bam.org; 7:30 pm; After visiting one of the Brooklyn Children with special needs enjoy $20 and up. Further Afield Historical Society’s galleries, partici- a day of jumping, swinging and Presented by the Beijing Dance Carving demonstrations: New pants take part in an art-making proj- touching. Theater. York Botanical Garden, 200th St. and ect that they can take home. Open house: Prison Ship Martyrs Kazimiroff Blvd., The Bronx; (718) 817– Motion Lab: 11:30 am–12:30 pm. Monument, Ft. Greene Park; (718) Thurs, Oct. 16 8700; www.nybg.org; check for time; New York Transit Museum. See Satur- 421–2021; www.nycgovparks.org; 11 Free with admission to the grounds. In Brooklyn day, Oct. 4. am–3 pm; Free. Master carver Ray Villafane trans- Visit the Prison Ship Martyrs monu- “Wild Grass”: 7:30 pm. BAM Harvey forms the gentle giant pumpkins into Transit mysteries: New York Transit ment, and step inside history. Learn all Theater. See Wednesday, Oct. 15. unearthly spooky creatures. A Q&A fol- Museum, Boerum Place at Schermer- about Ft. Greene Park and the Revolu- lows the demonstrations and snacks. horn Street; (718) 694–1600; www. tionary War. For older children. mta.info/mta/museum; 1:30 pm; Free Fri, Oct. 17 Pumpkin carving workshop: 10 Transit mysteries: 1:30 pm. New with museum admission. In Brooklyn am–noon. New York Botanical Garden. Children of all ages are invited to York Transit Museum. See Saturday, See Saturday, Oct. 4. check out the mystery relics from the Oct. 11. “Wild Grass”: 7:30 pm. BAM Harvey Nighttime adventure: New York museum’s collection and uncover Theater. See Wednesday, Oct. 15. Movie Matinees: BAM Kids, 30 Botanical Garden, 200th St. and Ka- history. Lafayette Ave. at Ashland Place; (718) zimiroff Blvd., The Bronx; (718) 817– 636–4129; www.bam.org; 2 pm; $7 “Star Wars”: Barnes and Noble – Sat, Oct. 18 8700; www.nybg.org; 6:30–8:30 ppm; Park Slope, 267 Seventh Ave. at Sixth children 12 and younger ($10 adults; $9 for BAM members). In Brooklyn $20 ($15 members). Street; (718) 832–9066; www.barne- Grab a flashlight and explore the sandnoble.com; 2 pm; Free. The BAM series offers the perfect Wingate Park Halloween Family Fun Day: Wingate Park, 600 Kings- pumpkin sculptures as you travel along Children hear the story of Luke Sky- opportunity for families to introduce ton Ave., between Rutland Road and the Trick-or-Treat Trail, listen for crit- walker, the Jedi Knight, with activities. their children to the classics on the big screen. The first of the series is “Little Winthrop Street; www.friendsofwing- ters, or sit in on a spooky story. Cap- “Carlton House, Jane Austen Fugitive.” atepark.org; 10 am–3 pm; Free. ture a skeleton and be on the look out and The Prince Regent”: Brooklyn Fourth annual Halloween Family Fun for ghosts. Children also dig around Heights Library, 280 Cadman Plaza Further Afield Day, including music, entertainment, for decomposers and decorate a Hal- West at Tillary St.; 2:30 pm; Free. Sink Float Flink: New York Hall of and face-painting. “Health and Well- loween pumpkin. Advance tickets Visions for a New Millennium pres- Science, 47-01 111th St., Queens; (718) ness” theme offers free blood pressure, recommended. 60 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Calendar Sun, Oct. 19 Calling all ghosts, ghouls, goblins and witches. Come dressed and face In Brooklyn your fears of all that is creepy and The Great Pumpkin: 11:30 am. crawly. Tickets may be purchased in Brooklyn Children’s Museum. See Sat- advance. urday, Oct. 18. Further Afield Wilderness survival: Prospect Park, Nighttime adventure: 6:30–8:30 10th Avenue and Prospect Park South- pm. New York Botanical Garden. See west; (718)421–2021; www.nycgov- Saturday, Oct. 18. parks.org; 1 pm; Free. Urban rangers teach children 8 years and older how to survive in the wilds. Sat, Oct. 25 Shadow puppet stories: 1:30 pm. In Brooklyn New York Transit Museum. See Satur- Family Puppet Workshops: BAM day, Oct. 18. Kids, 30 Lafayette Ave. at Ashland Place; (718) 636–4129; www.bam.org; Further Afield 10 am–12:30 pm; $7. Carving demonstrations: Check Participants will learn about the dif- for time. New York Botanical Garden. ferent kinds of puppets. How to be a See Saturday, Oct. 18. puppeteer for children 4 to 8 yars old. Shrinky Dinks: New York Hall of Happy Halloween: 10 am. Brooklyn Science, 47-01 111th St., Queens; (718) Children’s Museum. See Friday, Oct. 699–0005 X 353; www.nyscience.org; 24. 10:30 am–12:30 pm; $8 per family, plus NYSCI admission. Harvest festival: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6, Atlantic Avenue and the Children, ages 18 months and older, Harvesting fun times waterfront; 10:30 am–1 pm; Free. design a work of art on recycled plastic Come celebrate the second Maniac and his team will be at and shrink it down into a homemade Celebrate the season with a walk shrinky dink. Preregister online at nysci. annual Halloween Harvest every the park on the last day on Oct. through a pumpkin patch, wear a org/little-makers. weekend now through Oct. 26 at 26 to carve the giant gourd into a costume, make a mask, and listen to Luna Park. Halloween masterpiece. stories. Musical guest include Audra Visitors are welcomed to the Admission to the park is free Rox and the Bilingual Birdies. Visit the Tues, Oct. 21 pumpkin photo booth for fun pix. park by the giant pumpkin and but rides and attractions are In Brooklyn then invited to guess its weight, extra. Fun passes for four hours Puppets on Film: BAM Kids, 30 Horton and the Kwuggerbug: mingle with costumed charac- are $32 and a kiddie package is Lafayette Ave. at Ashland Place; (718) Barnes and Noble – Park Slope, 267 ters, enjoy seasonal treats includ- available for $20 per child. 636–4129; www.bam.org; 11 am; $7 Seventh Ave. at Sixth Street; (718) 832– children 12 and younger ($10 adults, ing s’mores, hot chocolate, cara- Halloween Harvest at Luna $9 BAM members). 9066; www.barnesandnoble.com; 11 mel and candy apples, cookies, Park, weekends through Oct. 26, am; Free. The fourth annual festival offers the and hot and cold apple cider, and Saturday and Sundays from noon It’s a Horton story with activities. of puppetry on film; Shortstack! Kids have fun on all the rides. to 8 pm. Shorts Program is the first of the series. The visitor that guesses the Luna Park [1000 Surf Ave. at W. Wed, Oct. 22 The great “Pup”kin festival: closest to the actual weight of the 10th Street in Coney Island; (718) Prison Ship Martyrs Monument, Fort In Brooklyn pumpkin will win $1,000. Marc 373–5862; www.lunaparknyc.com]. Green Park; www.nycgovparks.org; 11 Hands on: Barnes and Noble – Park am; Free. Slope, 267 Seventh Ave. at Sixth Street; Bring your pup in costume. (718) 832–9066; www.barnesandno- magicians, music, and activities that crafts and games, and have yummy Haunted Halloween Carnival: PS ble.com; 11 am; Free. puzzle, raise mathematical concepts, refreshments. Dress up in your ghoul- 372 – First Street Recreation Center, Children enjoy a ZOOB Building and and tease ideas of perception. ishly clever costume for maximum Hal- First Street at Fourth Avenue; 11 am–3 modeling event. loween fun. Advanced registration pm; Free admission/ (activities extra). Middle School Admission work- Thurs, Oct. 23 recommended. Tenth annual day of crafts, games, shop: PS 215, 415 Avenue S at E. activities, giveaways, performances and Second Street; (718) 648–2374; www. In Brooklyn Fri, Oct. 24 costume contest. The first 200 children cecd21.org; 5 pm; Free. Hands on: Barnes and Noble – Park receive a Puppetry Arts Gift bag. In Brooklyn Parents learn about admission meth- Slope, 267 Seventh Ave. at Sixth Street; Brooklyn Family Boogie: Brooklyn ods; types of middle schools; admission (718) 832–9066; www.barnesandno- Happy Halloween: Brooklyn Chil- Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont St. at timelines; filling out the application, ble.com; 4 pm; Free. dren’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at Clinton Street; (718) 222–4111; www. and profiles of different schools. Pre- Scoubidou Woven Whatzit decorat- St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735–4400; brooklynhistory.org; 11 am–noon; Free. sented by Community Education Coun- ing for children. www.brooklynkids.org; 10 am; Free Participants will learn about Brook- cil District 21. with museum admission. Mystery ride: New York Transit Mu- lyn’s history and use it to create a Further Afield seum, Boerum Place at Schermerhorn Celebrate and listen to spooky tales, dance. create a fun craft to take home and Scattered Light Opening Cel- Street; (718) 694–1600; www.mta. Puppets on Film: BAM Kids, 30 have fun the whole day. ebration: New York Hall of Science, info/mta/museum; 6 pm; $7 ($5 chil- Lafayette Ave. at Ashland Place; (718) 47-01 111th St., Queens; (718) 699– dren 2-17 and seniors). Monster Mash: Brooklyn Children’s 636–4129; www.bam.org; 11 am and 0005 X 353; www.nyscience.org; 5–8 Climb aboard for underground Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. 1:30 pm; $7. pm; Free with NYSCI admission. fun — families are invited to take the Marks Avenue; (718) 735–4400; www. It’s the fourth annual Puppets on The evening is inspired by the Cel- spooky subway challenge and search brooklynkids.org; 4–8 pm; $13 ($8 Film festival co-hosted by the Jim Hen- ebration of Mind festival, and features for clues while listening to music, do members). Continued on page 62 October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 61 Calendar Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Continued from page 61 pumpkins in the air. little-makers. pm; Free. son Foundation. From workshops and Nighttime adventure: 6:30–8:30 National Chemistry Day: New Rangers guide you on a visit through screenings. pm. New York Botanical Garden. See York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., the night sky. Motion Lab: 11:30 am–12:30 pm. Saturday, Oct. 18. Queens; (718) 699–0005 X 353; www. Further Afield New York Transit Museum. See Satur- nyscience.org; Noon–5 pm; Free with Pumpkin Chucking: 1 & 3 pm. New day, Oct. 4. NYSCI admission. Sun, Oct. 26 York Hall of Science. See Saturday, The event will showcase chemistry Puppets on Film: BAM Kids, 30 Oct. 25. In Brooklyn principles using demonstrations per- Lafayette Ave. at Ashland Place; (718) formed by local college students and Dead or Alive Bioluminescence: 636–4129; www.bam.org; 1:30 pm; $7 Flea market: Bay Ridge Jewish Cen- volunteers from local industries. New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th children 12 and younger ($10 adults, ter, 8025 Fourth Ave. at 80th Street; St., Queens; (718) 699–0005 X 353; $9 BAM members). (718) 836–3103; www.brjc.org; 9 Pumpkin Chucking: 1 & 3 pm. New www.nyscience.org; 3–6 pm; Free with am–4 pm; Free admission. York Hall of Science. See Saturday, The fourth annual festival offers NYSCI admission. the art of puppetry on film, featuring Toys, jewelry and more than 40 ven- Oct. 25. Join NYSCI for light and Day of the “Muppets Most Wanted.” dors. Mingle, eat and shop. Dead-inspired activities and learn how Spooky Subway stories: New Family Puppet Workshops: BAM Fri, Oct. 31 and when different organisms produce Kids, 30 Lafayette Ave. at Ashland York Transit Museum, Boerum Place at In Brooklyn light. Schermerhorn Street; (718) 694–1600; Place; (718) 636–4129; www.bam.org; www.mta.info/mta/museum; 1:30 pm; 10 am–12:15 pm; $7. BAMboo!: BAM Peter Jay Sharp Free with museum admission. Participants will learn about the dif- Building, 30 Lafayette Ave.; (718) 636– Long-running Join with fellow detectives to solve ferent kinds of puppets, featuring 4100; www.bam.org; 4–7 pm; Free. In Brooklyn animal marionettes for children 6 to 9 an interactive 100 year old mystery in- The Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Farmers Market: Marcy Plaza, Ful- years old. volving missing keys, squeaky wheels annual Halloween celebration with ton Street and Marcy Avenue; Wednes- and subway spirits. Children over age 5 Puppets on Film: BAM Kids, 30 treats, games, a costume contest and days, 10 am–5 pm, Now – Wed, Oct. will enjoy searching for clues and a hid- Lafayette Ave. at Ashland Place; (718) more. This year’s theme is Around the 29; Free. World. den stash of candy. 636–4129; www.bam.org; 11 am; $7 Get fresh fruit, baked goods, and Click, Clack, Boo!: Barnes and children 12 and younger ($10 adults, Annual Halloween Parade: Kick veggies from a range of vendors. $9 BAM members). off, 14th Street and Seventh Avenue; Noble – Park Slope, 267 Seventh Ave. Touch tank: Brooklyn Children’s Mu- The fourth annual festival offers the www.parkslopeciviccouncil.org; 5:30 at Sixth Street; (718) 832–9066; www. seum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks of puppetry on film, featuring “Davy pm; Free. barnesandnoble.com; 2 pm; Free. Avenue; (718) 735–4400; www.brook- Jones’ Locker.” Children enjoy a tricky treat story- Join in for the fun in costume and lynkids.org; Wednesdays, Saturdays time and craft. Fishing: Salt Marsh Nature Center, march along with other ghosts, ghouls, and Sundays, 11:30 am–12:30 pm and and goblins. The parade winds its Monster Mash: 4–8 pm. Brooklyn 3302 Avenue U; (718) 421–2021; 11 2:30–3:30 pm, Now – Sat, Nov. 1; Free am; Free. way up 14th Street and ends at the with museum admission. Children’s Museum. See Friday, Oct. Old Stone House and Washington Urban rangers teach children the Children of all ages touch a starfish, 24. Park where there will be dancing and catch and release system of fishing; all a horseshoe crab, or a sea snail. Bobby McFerrin: Brooklyn Center supplies provided. entertainment. Sensory room: Brooklyn Children’s for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn Further Afield College, 2900 Campus Rd., between Puppets on Film: 11 am. BAM Kids. Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Amersfort Place and Kenilworth Place; See Saturday, Oct. 25. Nighttime adventure: 6:30–8:30 Marks Avenue; (718) 735–4400; www. brooklynkids.org; Tuesdays, Thurs- (718) 951–4500; www.brooklyncenter- Hip Tot family day: Greenwood pm. New York Botanical Garden. See days, Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 online.org; 8 pm; $36–$60. Park, 555 Seventh Ave. at 20th Street; Saturday, Oct. 18. am–12:30 pm and 2:30–3:30 pm, Now Don’t worry — be happy with the (718) 499–7999; www.greenwoodpar- – Sun, Dec. 28; Free with museum 60th anniversary season opener of the kbk.com; Noon–5 pm; Free. Sat, Nov. 1 admission. performing arts season. Older teens Halloween Hullabaloo is a sing-a- For children with autism spectrum will appreciate the singer’s contempo- long with The Trummytones and a In Brooklyn disorder and their families. Space lim- rary music. spooky story with Steve Light read- Subway safety: New York Transit ited, first come, first served. ing “Have You Seen My Dragon,” and Museum, Boerum Place at Schermer- Further Afield creepy arts and crafts. horn Street; (718) 694–1600; www. Animal encounter: Prospect Park Halloween Ball Kids Costume mta.info/mta/museum; 1:30 pm; Free Audubon Center, Enter park at Lin- Spooky Subway stories: 1:30 pm. Cruise: Circle Line, Pier 83 at W. 42nd with museum admission. coln Road and Ocean Avenue; (718) New York Transit Museum. See Satur- St, Manhattan; (212) 563–3200; www. 287–3400; www.prospectpark.org/ day, Oct. 25. Ever wonder about the people that circleline42.com; $28 adults, $20 chil- work underground? Children learn audubon; Thursdays and Fridays, 3–4 dren 3–12. Baby Loves Disco: SRB Brooklyn, how subway workers keep us safe on pm, Now – Fri, Oct. 3; Free. The 75-minute tour is an opportunity 117 Second Ave. at 14th Street; (718) and off the trains. How did Snappy get its name? Find for kids to cruise to the statue of liberty 499–1700; babylovesdisco.com/events; Train school: New York Transit Mu- out in this fun event. and back while enjoying live entertain- 2–4:30 pm; $20–$60. seum, Boerum Place at Schermerhorn ment, interactive tour guides and kid- Pop-Up Audubon: Prospect Park Family dance and costume party. Street; (718) 694–1600; www.mta. friendly food and drinks available for Audubon Center, Enter park at Lincoln info/mta/museum; 2–4 pm; Free with purchase. Boarding at 9:30 am, cruise Further Afield Road and Ocean Avenue; (718) 287– museum admission. 3400; www.prospectpark.org/audu- begins at 10 am. Spook-tacular Monster Mak- bon; Saturdays and Sundays, Noon–5 ing: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 Future conductors and motormen Pumpkin carving workshop: 10 pm, Now – Sun, Oct. 26; Free. 111th St., Queens; (718) 699–0005 X take control of a train in the Computer am–noon. New York Botanical Garden. Lab and travel over virtual track miles Children enjoy fun programing, Na- See Saturday, Oct. 4. 353; www.nyscience.org; 10:30 am– 12:30 pm; $8 per family, plus NYSCI learning the ins and outs of operat- ture on the Go, Nature’s Helpers, and Pumpkin Chucking: New York Hall admission. ing a train. Suggested for children over Family Bird Watching. 10 years old. Limited space, register in of Science, 47-01 111th St., Queens; Kids transform socks, buttons, fabric Halloween Harvest: Luna Park, 1000 advance. (718) 699–0005 X 353; www.ny- and everyday household materials into Surf Ave. at W. 10th Street; (718) 373– science.org; 1 & 3 pm; Free with NYSCI a spook-tacular monster to call their Astronomy: Owl’s Head Park 5862; www.lunaparknyc.com; Saturdays admission. own, for children ages 18 months and House, 68th St. and Shore Road; (718) and Sundays, Noon–8 pm, Now – Sun, Watch NYSCI’s catapult, Chuck, toss older. Preregister online at nysci.org/ 421–2021; www.nycgovparks.org; 7 Oct. 26; Admission to park is free. 62 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Calendar Visitors are invited to paint pump- children; Free for children under 3; kins, visit with costumed characters, $18.95 seniors). participate in contests, enjoy seasonal Mysteries Revealed features more food and more. Sweets will be distrib- than 30 dinosaur species and how sci- uted within the park. Each weekend entists reconstruct the fossil pieces. The participants are asked to guess the ride runs through the zoo and has fully weight of the welcoming giant pump- animatronic dinosaurs as they move kin at the front gates. The winner will and snarl. The 40-foot T-Rex is joined receive $1,000 in cash. Marc Maniac by deinonychus, prodohadros, stego- and his team will be at the park on the saurus and edmontonia. last day and carve the giant gourd into a Halloween masterpiece. Admission “Galapagos – Nature’s Wonder- New York Hall of Sci- to park is free but rides and attractions land in 3D”: ence, 47-01 111th St., Queens; (718) are extra. 699–0005 X 353; www.nyscience.org; “The Snow Queen” and “The Weekdays, 11 am & 2 pm, Saturdays Emperor’s New Clothes”: Puppet- Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Photofest and Sundays, 1 & 3 pm, Now – Sun, works, 338 Sixth Ave. at Fourth Street; Dec. 21; $6 adults; $5 children. (718) 965–3391; www.puppetworks. In this 3D movie, travel to the Gala- org; Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 pm Puppeting around pagos archipelago to meet giant half- and 2:30 pm, Now – Sun, Dec. 21; $8 ton tortoises and marine iguanas that ($9 adults). The Puppets on Film festival The workshops teach attend- spit sea-salt from their noses, hunt Puppetworks presents a puppet returns to the Brooklyn Academy ees all about the different types fishes with the colorful blue-footed show of two classic fairy tales. “The of Music for a fourth year in a row of puppets and how to develop boobies, and swim with tiny penguins. Snow Queen” is the story of a mys- Haunted Pumpkin Garden: New terious lady who throws ice into the on Oct. 25 and 26. puppetry skills, as well as create a York Botanical Garden, 200th St. and heart of a boy and “The Emperor’s Together with the Jim Henson marionette-style animal puppet. Kazimiroff Blvd., The Bronx; (718) New Clothes” is the tale of an emperor Foundation and BAMcinematek, Workshops are on Oct. 25 from 817–8700; www.nybg.org; Mondays who buys a set of invisible clothes — the festival features the best pup- 10 am to 12:30 pm and on Oct. 26 – Thursdays, 1:30–5:30 pm, Fridays, only to march down the streets in his petry on film. from 10 am to 12:15 pm. 1:30 – 5:30 pm, Saturdays, 10 am to underwear. Along with workshops there are Children under 10 years old 5:30 pm, Sundays, 10 am–5:30 pm, Hearth Cooking: Lefferts Historic screenings of Shortstacks! Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Now – Fri, Oct. 31; Free with garden Homestead, 452 Flatbush Ave. be- Shorts Program on Oct. 25 at 11 Tickets are $7. admission. tween Empire Boulevard and Eastern am, “Muppets Most Wanted” (pic- Puppets on Film Festival at BAM Youngsters experience guided ac- Parkway; (718) 789–2822; www. tured) on Oct. 25 at 11 am, and Kids [30 Lafayette Ave. at Ashland tivities, play inside a pumpkin house, prospectpark.org; Saturdays and Sun- “Davy Jones’ Locker” on Oct. 26 Place in Clinton Hill, (718) 636–4129; go on a scavenger hunt for fall fruits days, 2–4 pm, Now – Sun, Oct. 26; $3. and nuts, look for worms, put on a Cook popcorn and apple pie on an at 11 am. www.bam.org]. show at the Pumpkin Puppet Theater, open hearth while playing games and read spooky stories, and watch seeds doing fun craft projects. sprout. On Saturday and Sunday chil- Howard Gilman Opera House, 30 rations claimed would make a better Arty Facts: Brooklyn Museum, 200 dren participate in a costumed parade Lafayette Ave. between Ashland Place world possible. Eastern Pkwy. at Washington Avenue; that travels throughout the Children’s and St. Felix Street; www.bam.org; (718) 638–5000; www.brooklynmu- Science Playground: New York Hall Adventure Garden. Thursday, Oct. 23, 7:30 pm; Friday, seum.org; Sundays, 11 am, Sun, Oct. of Science, 47-01 111th St., Queens; Oct. 24, 7:30 pm; Saturday, Oct. 25, Dragons, dinosaurs and Boo at 5 – Fri, Nov. 28; Free with museum (718) 699–0005 X 353; www.ny- 7:30 pm; Sunday, Oct. 26, 3 pm; Tues- the Zoo: Bronx Zoo, 2300 South- admission. day, Oct. 28, 7:30 pm; Wednesday, science.org; Weekdays, 9:30 am–5 pm, ern Blvd. at Boston Road, The Bronx; Children are invited to imagine and Oct. 29, 7:30 pm; Friday, Oct. 31, 7:30 Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am–6 pm, (718) 220–5103; www.bronxzoo.com; create new worlds and explore the pm; Saturday, Nov. 1, 7:30 pm; Sunday, Now – Wed, Dec. 31; $4, plus museum Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 am; Sunday, Oct. museum. Nov. 2, 2 pm; $25 and up. admission. 5, 10 am; Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 am; Sunday, Oct. 12, 10 am; Monday, Oct. Special needs workshop: Kings Presented by Bloomberg Philanthro- Children are encouraged to explore 13, 10 am; Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 am; County Hospital, 385 Lenox Rd. be- pies and Time Warner Inc. science through slides, seesaws, climb- Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 am; Sunday, Oct. tween New York Avenue and E. 34th ing webs, a water play area, sand 26, 10 am; Friday, Oct. 31, 10 am; Sat- Street; (718) 512–5269; namieastflat- Further Afield boxes, and more, weather permitting. urday, Nov. 1, 10 am; Sunday, Nov. 2, [email protected]; Thursdays, 6–8 pm, Traveling in the World of To- Rocket Park Mini Golf: New 9 am; Activities included with general Wed, Oct. 8 – Thurs, Jan. 8, 2015; Free. morrow: The Future of Transporta- York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., admission. Six-session course for parents and tion at New York’s World’s Fairs: New Queens; (718) 699–0005 X 353; www. It’s that time of year again for scary family caregivers of children and teens York Transit Museum Gallery Annex at nyscience.org; Weekdays, 9:30 am–5 spirits, garish ghouls, and pretty pump- living with mental illness. Trained par- Grand Central Terminal, 42nd Street pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am–6 kins. There is also a costumed parade, ent or caregivers provide fundamental and Park Avenue, Manhattan; (212) pm, Now – Wed, Dec. 31; $6 (adults,) music, magic and crafts. information. Meetings held first and 878–0106; www.grandcentralterminal. $5 (children and seniors,) plus museum third Thursday of every month. com; Monday – Friday, 8 am–8 pm; admission. Creepy Creatures of Halloween: Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–6 pm; New York Botanical Garden, 200th St. “Lumpy Bumpy Pumpkin”: PS, Golfers of all ages can learn about Free. and Kazimiroff Blvd., The Bronx; (718) 3 The Bedford School, 50 Jefferson key science concepts such as propul- 817–8700; www.nybg.org; Satur- Ave. between Franklin and Bedford This exhibition celebrates the 50th sion, gravity, escape velocity, launch days and Sundays, Noon and 2 pm, avenues; [email protected]· and 75th anniversaries of the 1939 and window, gravitational assist, and more! Now – Fri, Oct. 31; Free with garden Daily, 10:30 am; Thurs, Oct. 16 – Fri, 1964 Fairs. With a variety of postcards, Dinosaur Safari: Bronx Zoo, 2300 admission. Oct. 31; $15 ($10). photos, ephemera and souvenirs, the exhibition shows how transportation Southern Blvd. at Boston Road, The Youngsters meet slithery snakes and An original Halloween musical com- was a symbol for the future, its poten- Bronx; (718) 220–5103; www.bronx- scaly reptiles, and learn why they are edy for kids. tial effect on modern American life, zoo.com; Weekdays, 10 am–5 pm, scary at all. Each weekend features a Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina and the technological advancements Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am–5:30 different creature from small snakes, Bausch with Kontakthof: BAM in transportation that American corpo- pm, Now – Sun, Nov. 2; $20.95 ($16.95 snapping turtles and a Tegu Lizard. October 2014 • BROOKLYN Family 63 Party Planners Have A Kid’s Party That’s Very Different! • We bring the zoo to you! 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BROOKLYN QUEENS BRONX STATEN ISLAND MANHATTAN Family Family Family Family Family September 2012 FREE February 2010 July 2010 NYParenting.comOnline at Children’sFREE QUEENS FREE Staten I Dental Health Sland AnniversaryEight Year High Schools Guide to March 2010 October 2010 www.familyresourceny.comFamily Family www.webfamilyny.com MANHATTAN BROOKLYN FREE BRONX/RIVERDALE FREE Talkin’ t i n g . c o m aren Teens p Family Where Every Child Matters Familywww.ny Familywww.webfamilyny.com Safer Doubling up! surfing Back-to- Managing the cost of multiples For today’s iTeens school Mastering activities Facebook Smarter social networking Healthier Perfect match food for Pick your summer program now! Big smiles The ortho checklist city kids Where to go in March? Check out our Right bites! Where to go in October? Check out our Going Places Eat your way to better health Obesity, Going Places children and Check out our cholesterol Going Places Going Places Where to go in February? Check out our WHERE TO GO IN JULY? Check out our calendar, online and inside To place an ad in our line of family publicaTions, please call 718.260.4554 64 BROOKLYN FaMiLY • October 2014 theMarketplace BALLET CHILDCARE FAMILY LAW Free consultation Divorce/Family Law Wills and Estate Immigration Enriching childrEn’s livEs stEp by stEp 1431 E. 88th Street Brooklyn NY 11236 Landlord/Tenant Pick up and Dropoff • Night & Weekend Care Available Mon-Fri 7:00am to 7:00pm | 6 weeks-12 years old | Accept all Vouchers Call attorney Abraham Chananashvili Certified & Experienced Teachers • Cultural Activities • Field Trips • Music Dance • Arts & Crafts • Summer Camp • Technology • Nutritional Meals 646-704-1062 Licensed by NYS Dept of Health Call: (646) 283-8775 / (718) 444-1333 Email: [email protected] 6703 Avenue T, Brooklyn NY 11234 HAIR SPA KIDS CLOTHING BOUTIQUE MUSIC LESSONS Does your child have straight, Piano Lessons wavy, curly, or coily hair? Beautiful Clothing Breathe Easy Spa for Precious Children For Children n Wedding, Flower Girl 135 16th St. and Casual Dresses Brooklyn, NY 11215 Infants - 16 yrs. old Bay Ridge (718) 832-7011 n Boys Suits and Tuxedo Rentals Ages 4 & Up n Shoes and Accessories Park Slope’s premier hair for Boys and Girls • Lessons include: Music Theory spa specializing in the The finest handmade and custom designed with Use of Computer management and styling dresses for all occasions. of straight and curly hair! 1765 UNION STREET • BROOKLYN, NY 11213 NYS LiceNSed Teacher Need help mom? 1-877-396-0003 | www.hettyskidz.com 718-238-7106 www.riddlemusic.com MUSIC LESSONS MUSIC LESSONS TUTORING Piano Lessons SoundS of MuSiC Key Learning Strategies Seasoned Performing Musicians with Orton-Gillingham Reading and Language Services For Everyone Extensive Teaching Experience 135 Eastern Parkway Private Lessons for Children • Individual Diagnostic and across from the Brooklyn Museum & Adults at All Levels Prescriptive Reading and Experienced, friendly teacher with MA in Music • Piano • Keyboard Language Arts Services Student recitals twice a year • Six foot concert grand piano • Violin • Oboe Near 2, 3, 4 & 5 Subways • Tutorials Available for • Recorder • Saxophone Citywide Reading and Call me and let’s talk about • Flute • Clarinet • Vocal what you or your child would like to learn Language Arts Tests 718-232-2703 • Cell 646-752-7973 Call Beth Anderson-Harold: 718-636-6010 Daniel & Diana Barkan • [email protected] or Email: [email protected] www.soundsofmusicarts.com Bay Ridge/Park Slope • (347) 236-5730 TUTORING TUTORING ONLINE TUTORING with Steeplechase Ice Skating Center L i k e u s o n Purposeful Learning Academy @ The Abe Stark Skating Rink West 19th St. & Surf Avenue (Next To MCU Stadium) ONLINE TUTORING Grades 2–5 • ELA/Reading/Writing/Math Ages 4 - Adult Grades 6–12 • Reading/Writing Learn To Skate Programs First 100 parents to register pay ONLY $10 for registration! Basic Skills 1-8, Hockey 1-3 or follow us on Microphone with headset is FREE! Adult 1-4, Freestyle 1-6 & More EVENING, SATURDAY and SUNDAY APPOINTMENTS Weekend classes • Credit cards accepted Affordable Pricing: $25 per hour/$99 per month (4 hrs. tutoring) TUTORING WITH AN EXPERT NYC DEPT. OF ED. TEACHER Have Fun While Building Strength, Classes Facebook Search: NYParenting Confidence & Coordination Saturdays & SALE ENDS SOON! HURRY! CALL NOW! Sundays (347) 699-3040 • www.purposefullearning.info 718.253.8919 October 2014 • BROOKLYN FaMiLY 65 New & Noteworthy BY LISA J. CURTIS Double the impact Pretty quickly, new moms realize honey; and purple that if they’re spending the day with and light blue. baby, they’re not wearing much jew- The doubles are elry, because the babe wants to put all easy to clean of it in his mouth. Enter Smart Mom and have a soft, Jewelry and its genius “Teething Bling smooth texture. Doubles.” This double strand of silicone Mom may still beads works as a necklace for mom and be in that drool- a teether for baby. Each bead is crafted covered tee, but from non-toxic, phthalate-, BPA-, PVC-, now she’ll also have latex-, and lead-free silicon and it’s fas- the illusion of jewelry to tened with a breakaway clasp. (The serve as a comforting reminder of her necklace is for adult use and must be old, polished self. And what could be a worn by an adult while the baby tries more priceless gift for a baby shower or out his chompers.) It’s available in five the holidays than self-esteem? color combinations: black and gray; red Red and Yellow Doubles by Teething and yellow; blue and white; green and Bling, $24.99, smartmomjewelry.com. Real page burner Combining facts about two of our The book raises so many interesting facts most noisome and loud bodily func- that it quickly becomes a springboard for tions with rhyming humor and col- a trip to the library (“I orful illustrations, didn’t know that! I want “Belches, Burps, to know more!”), or you and Farts — Oh My!” may find yourself mak- is a book that is guar- ing a family fart chart to anteed to entice even see if it’s true that “we the most reluctant average 14 toots per Charmingly grotesque readers to take a look. day!” After you share From our first, sweet this book with your Celebrate architectural whimsy burps on our mother’s 4- to 8-year-old child, with a gargoyle or girl-goyle Hal- shoulder, to animals story time will never loween costume for your little that can and cannot be the same again! Gothamite. It’s not hard to imag- fart, Artie Bennett’s research and Pra- “Belches, Burps, and Farts — Oh My!” ine that the old, carved water- nas Naujokaitis’s wonderfully wacky book by Artie Bennett, $17.99, www.barne- spouts have taken wing in search pictures offer a lot of food for thought. sandnoble.com. of treats, and perhaps a bit of trickery, too, when you see the wonderfully detailed costumes from Chasing Fireflies. The gargoyle’s top is made from Raising the bar a stone print polyester fabric, and For parents of children with severe — and in the case it’s enhanced with a six-pack of food allergies, Halloween can be espe- of Pascha’s 70 per- “muscles.” The pants are given a cially scary. Simon Lester, the founder cent cacao, dark timeworn feel with tattered gauze of Pascha Chocolate, has two daugh- chocolate bar, our and feature a long, removable tail. ters with varying food allergies, and testers wished we Completing the illusion are tal- that prompted him to make a line of had a bigger bar oned hands and shoecovers; 18- horns in the same fabric, and chocolate bars and chips that are free to sample! All Hal- inch, bat-like wings; and a horned wings are must-have accessories, of peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, soy, wheat, low’s Eve is a lot mask — all sold separately. also sold separately. eggs, fish, shellfish, mustard, sesame, less frightening The girl-goyle costume is a They can’t help but win the sulfites, and artificial sweeteners. Pas- now that there’s long-sleeve, black-and-pewter award for “beast” costume! cha’s products are also certified USDA the perfect treat polyester-rayon dress, poufed Girl-goyle costume, $69.50, gar- organic, vegan (by the Vegan Aware- for our friends with food allergies. with gray tulle, that also includes goyle costume, $59.50, wings, $34.50, ness Foundation), and Kosher. And Pascha 70 Percent Cacao Organic Dark a removable tail. A matching mask, $34.50, headband, $10, chas- while all of that is a treat for parents, Chocolate Pack of 5 3.5-oz bars, $25, headband sporting horns, with ing-fireflies.com. the real trick is making it taste great shop.paschachocolate.com. 66 BROOKLYN Family • October 2014 The NCE CIE at the Cosmic Cove! S CARMELO F E L LO W • After School Classes The Cosmic Cove for more info: • Birthday Parties 300 Atlantic Ave 718.722.0000 718.344.4631 • Science Summer Camps Brooklyn, NY 11201 • Trips www.carmelothesciencefellow.com • Toddler Classes • Science Play group Teaching kids about themselves, about others, the world, and about 11 Wyckoff Street the environment, through hands-on Brooklyn, NY 11201 inquiry based science. for more info: 347-844-9699 For Ages 2.5 to 5 years old 718-344-4631 www.brooklynpreschoolofscience.com Carve out time for Coney Island Enjoy seasonal activities • Open weekends in October LunaParkNYC.com LunaParkNYC.com Enjoy seasonal activities • Open weekends in October Carve out time for Coney Island