December 2012 QUEENS FREE Family Where Every Child Matters Holiday bliss mellow 21 solutions Families after the hurricane Visiting the grandparents
Find us online at www.NYParenting.com † USA Today, “Average cost of 4-year university up 15%,” Christine Armario, June 13, 2012. Investment returns are not guaranteed, and you could lose He dreams money by investing in the plan. * May be subject to recapture in of building certain circumstances — such as rollovers to another state’s plan skyscrapers or nonqualified withdrawals. Before you invest, consider whether your or the designated someday. beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for We have a plan to investments in such state’s help make it a reality. qualified tuition program. The Comptroller of the State of New York and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation are the Program Administrators and are responsible for implementing and administering the Direct Plan. Upromise Investments, Inc. and Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC serve as Program Manager and Recordkeeping and Servicing Agent, respectively, and are responsible for day-to-day operations, including effecting transactions. The Vanguard Group, Inc. serves as the Investment Manager. Vanguard Marketing Corporation markets, distributes and underwrites the Direct Plan.
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New York’s 529 College Savings Program currently includes two separate 529 plans. The Direct Plan is sold directly by the Program. You may also participate in the Advisor Plan, which is sold exclusively through financial advisors and has different investment options and higher fees and expenses as well as financial advisor compensation. F or more information about New York’s 529 College Savings Program Direct Sign up for NY’s 529 before December 31st. Plan, obtain a Program Brochure and Tuition Savings Agreement at www. Whatever your child dreams of doing, chances are it starts with a college education. But when ny529directplan.com you consider that tuition at 4-year public colleges jumped 15% in just two years,† it’s never too or by calling 1-800-420-8580. early to start planning. As a New York taxpayer enrolled in NY’s 529 College Savings Program This includes investment objectives, Direct Plan, you’ll earn a tax deduction every year you contribute to the plan. Up to $10,000 risks, charges, expenses, and other annually for couples filing jointly and up to $5,000 for individuals.* information. You should read and consider them carefully before investing.
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Find out more at ny529directplan.com. Or call 1-800-420-8580. † USA Today, “Average cost of 4-year university up 15%,” Christine Armario, June 13, 2012. Queens Investment returns are not guaranteed, and you could lose He dreams money by investing in the plan. Family December 2012 * May be subject to recapture in of building certain circumstances — such as rollovers to another state’s plan Features skyscrapers or nonqualified withdrawals. 6 The holiday trap Before you invest, consider Don’t despair! Tips to keep on smiling amidst the whether your or the designated stress of the seasonal rush someday. beneficiary’s home state offers By Christina Katz any state tax or other benefits 8 Holidays after the hurricane that are only available for As displaced families rebuild their lives after We have a plan to investments in such state’s Sandy, ways New Yorkers can help help make it a reality. qualified tuition program. By Marie Hueston The Comptroller of the State of New York and 10 Stranded at the airport the New York State Higher Education Services Surviving a canceled flight with your family Corporation are the Program Administrators By Heather Van Deest and are responsible for implementing and administering the Direct Plan. Upromise 12 Gifts for travelers Investments, Inc. and Upromise Investment Ways to make your globe-trotter happy Advisors, LLC serve as Program Manager and By Stacey Zable Recordkeeping and Servicing Agent, respectively, and are responsible for day-to-day operations, 14 Keep your baby safe at including effecting transactions. The Vanguard Grandma’s house Group, Inc. serves as the Investment Manager. Don’t forget, a new location can mean new dangers 14 Vanguard Marketing Corporation markets, By Kiki Bochi distributes and underwrites the Direct Plan. 25 Breathing easy None of the State of New York, No guarantee: How to avoid allergy and asthma triggers during its agencies, the Federal Deposit Insurance the holidays Corporation (FDIC), The Vanguard Group, Inc., 36 Upromise Investments, Inc., nor any of their By Kiki Bochi applicable affiliates insures accounts or 26 Longing to be lean guarantees the principal deposited therein or What to do if you suspect your teen has an eating any investment returns on any account or columns disorder investment portfolio. By Risa C. Doherty 16 Mommy 101 By Angelica Seradova New York’s 529 College Savings Program 28 When a child is sick for the currently includes two separate 529 plans. The 18 Death by Children Direct Plan is sold directly by the Program. You holidays By Chris Garlington 28 may also participate in the Advisor Plan, which Adapting your family celebrations in times of illness is sold exclusively through financial advisors By Lara Krupicka 20 The Book Worm and has different investment options and higher By Terri Schlichenmeyer fees and expenses as well as financial advisor 34 The busy season compensation. How to prepare your special-needs child for the 30 Ask an Attorney holidays By Alison Arden Besunder, Esq. F or more information about New York’s By Rebecca McKee 529 College Savings Program Direct 32 Divorce & Separation Plan, obtain a Program Brochure 36 The joy of getting By Lee Chabin, Esq. Sign up for NY’s 529 before December 31st. Learning why receiving is important for giving and Tuition Savings Agreement at www. By Meagan J. Meehan 38 Healthy Living Whatever your child dreams of doing, chances are it starts with a college education. But when ny529directplan.com by Danielle Sullivan you consider that tuition at 4-year public colleges jumped 15% in just two years,† it’s never too or by calling 1-800-420-8580. calendar 39 Lions and Tigers and Teens early to start planning. As a New York taxpayer enrolled in NY’s 529 College Savings Program This includes investment objectives, By Myrna Beth Haskell Direct Plan, you’ll earn a tax deduction every year you contribute to the plan. Up to $10,000 risks, charges, expenses, and other 42 December Events 40 Good Sense Eating annually for couples filing jointly and up to $5,000 for individuals.* information. You should read and consider them carefully before by Christine M. Palumbo, RD investing. special sections 47 It Figures 22 Education Directory By Cynthia Washam ©2012 State of New York. 48 The Marketplace 50 New & Noteworthy 25 49 Party Planners By Lisa J. Curtis Find out more at ny529directplan.com. Or call 1-800-420-8580. December 2012 • QUEENS Family 3 Letter from the publisher After hurricane, community his is certainly of our citizens will rise As a larger community we will and pleasure of printing throughout not the column to the occasion to lend need to relocate, house, nurture, our city. We happily have a parent T I had in mind a hand, a heart, and and be gentle with adults and chil- guide in every borough, going to for this issue just a few their energy. dren who have lost a great deal and every neighborhood, in every com- weeks ago, but that From lower Manhat- who have survived through tremen- munity. We will continue to support was before Sandy blew tan to Red Hook, from dous upheaval and stress. We are our neighbors in every way we can into town and uplifted Sheepshead Bay to capable of this and we have shown and New York Parenting Media will our surrounding wa- Howard Beach, from in the past that we can and will do be there to bring continued infor- ters. That was before City Island to the Rock- this. We have taken hits before, all mation about our families and our the coastal bliss turned aways, our shoreline kinds of hits and we always find a children. We will continue to love into the home-wrecked and shores have taken way to move forward through the each other. nightmare and before the lights a hard hit, and the people who trauma, through the darkness and I thank our wonderful staff, for went out in so many parts of New inhabit them, the residences, and into the light of a new day. their hard work and creativity, and York. the businesses will not instantly be We must remember at this holi- I wish all of them and all of you a Many communities inside our reestablished. There will be contin- day time, this ending of the year Happy New Year! larger New York community are ued suffering and loss. The beaches that we are all vulnerable and that Thanks again for reading! devastated; so many families have of Staten Island and the Boardwalk our neighbors need us and will be lost their homes and their memo- of Coney Island have become rub- needing us for months to come. We ries; some things just cannot be ble and the families who lived there must also be thankful for the plenty replaced. Still, in spite of the horror will not live there anymore for now we have and for the ability we have and the punch of this storm and it’s until we sort this out, rebuild per- as a community to bounce back aftermath, we have learned that our haps, and reexamine what we need and to survive the difficult times, Susan Weiss-Voskidis, neighbors will not be abandoned; to do down the road to avoid such together and with union. Publisher/Excutive Editor we have learned that thousands catastrophe. These magazines have the honor [email protected]
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PUBLISHER / EXECUTIVE EDITOR: ADVERTISING: WEB OR PRINT ADDRESS Susan Weiss (718) 260-4554 New York Parenting Media/CNG PUBLISHER / BUSINESS MANAGER: [email protected] or 1 Metrotech Center North Clifford Luster [email protected] 10th Floor SALES MANAGER / ADVERTISING: Brooklyn, NY 11201 Sharon Noble CIRCULATION (718) 260-8336 www.NYParenting.com OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE: [email protected] Tina Felicetti SALES REPS: Lori Falco, Sharon Leverett EDITORIAL ART DIRECTOR: Leah Mitch (718) 260-4554 [email protected] PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: On Man Tse LAYOUT MANAGER: Yvonne Farley WEB DESIGNER: Sylvan Migdal The acceptance of advertising by New York Join the conversation on Facebook. Parenting Media does not constitute an endorse- New York Parenting Media has been recognized GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Arthur Arutyunov, ment of the products, services or information for editorial and design excellence by PPA. Charlotte Carter, Mauro Deluca, Earl Ferrer being advertised. We do not knowingly present any products or services that are fraudu lent or New York Parenting Media is published monthly misleading in nature. by New York Parenting Media/CNG. Subscription MANAGING EDITOR: Vince DiMiceli rate is $35 annually. Reproduction of New York Editorial inquiries, calendar information, adver- Parenting Media in whole or part without writ- ASSISTANT EDITOR: Courtney Donahue tising rates and schedules and subscription re- ten permission from the publisher is prohibited. COPY EDITOR: Lisa J. Curtis quests may be addressed to New York Parenting All rights reserved. Copyright©2012 Readership: th Media, One Metrotech Center North, 10 Floor, 220,000. 2012 circulation audits by CAC & CVC. CALENDAR EDITORS: Joanna Del Buono, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. Danielle Sullivan New York Parenting Media can also be reached CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: by calling (718) 250-4554, emailing family@ Risa Doherty, Allison Plitt, Candi Sparks, cnglocal.com or by visiting our website, Laura Varoscak, Mary Carroll Wininger NYParenting.com. 4 QUEENS Family • December 2012 EDUCATION
sant High School as an out- LETTERS growth of this. Defend family time Kohn tells parents that their role is “to support their child’s HOMEWORK emotional, intellectual, social and moral development, not to be the school’s enforcer.” One A conversation with parents & experts Brooklyn mom echoed that sentiment, telling me of her dis- BY RISA C. DOHERTY me, although she won’t condone members her homework as “drudg- taste over acting “as the home- What is its “busywork.” ery,” views her first grader’s home- work police,” noting the stress a rent s t hroughout t he five bor- Lyss, a Manhattan mom, agrees work as “appropriate, inventive, and that even appropriate paren- Letter from the publisher oughs are debating the value of that it is important that her children creative.” tal supervision can cause in a value, and P homework and whether their do their homework and also believes Without hesitation, Bennett in- household, and aware that con- children should have more or less of in its value. dicates that she would support a stant conflict over homework, how much is it. Many parents think their children Last year, Diane Butler’s third homework ban. Her colleague Kohn coupled with some teachers’ are burdened by excessive take-home grader had almost two hours of agrees, especially with respect to fear tactics, can result in chil- assignments, while others believe the homework per night at her charter elementary school. At a minimum, dren hating school. too much? homework reinforces important con- school in the Bronx. Her daughter he tells me he would advocate for “a Hiller notes that families with cepts and flags comprehension issues sometimes gets frustrated and is no homework default policy,” where two working parents often lose for the teacher. fearful that she will get detention if it the norm would be homework-free their after-work family time to “The consciousness around is not completed. evenings with families deciding how homework and miss the natu- From our readers homework has definitely changed. Tracy from Staten Island says, “If to spend the time, and where a rare ral interaction they should be Once you start to name a problem, the teachers are doing a good job, assignment is only permitted if it having regularly with their chil- people think about it differently,” they shouldn’t be giving [the kids] a is absolutely necessary and fosters dren. One working mom from Sara Bennett, Brooklyn co-author ton of work.” students’ interest in learning. Forest Hills told me she makes of “The Case Against Homework,” Tamara, a Manhattan mom, notes Vicki Abeles, director of the all of their homework, no questions ily and need to be brave enough to the benefit of the assignment is lost. the effort to go over all the recently shared with me. a disconnect between a parent and groundbreaking film “A Race to No- asked, schools today expect more do it,” she advises. Parents admitted to me that they homework the daughter completed in Both Bennett’s work and Alfie teacher, or between a teacher and where” would favor a ban, as well, parental supervision and are looking Suzanne noted that the problem do more than just assist with the her after school program, no matter Kohn’s book, “The Homework Myth,” child, when the homework is over- telling me, “We haven’t sounded the for more open communication with is not just in her school, but is sys- assignment, either because they be- how exhausted she is from her day. Dear editor: ment is needed. The individual cite statistics indicating that there is whelming and the issue is not being alarm loud enough when it comes to parents. Several schools’ homework temic and fear-based, telling me, “if lieve that the younger children do Still, Hiller says, “There is a place in no correlation between increased addressed. She is one of many par- the long-term health consequences guidelines even encourage parents we can’t meet the [New York State not possess the fine motor skills for the world for homework and learning homework and academic achieve- ents who understand that the solu- of the ‘busy-trap’ lives of our chil- to write a note if their children are core educational] standards without elaborate projects or because they how to organize things,” but recom- ment. Bennett tells me that convinc- tion can only come from a partner- dren” and that “we are depriving unable to complete an assignment so much homework, then we need to “want to get it out of the way.” mends it be coupled with family-im- I am so glad that your magazine teacher’s homework assignment ing parents of this can be difficult, ship with the teacher. them of the growth that comes from within a reasonable time and speak change the standards.” When my third grader’s groupings posed structure, in the form of chores since many have believed otherwise having a job, making dinner with with the teacher if it becomes a per- She says she would support a of taped pennies on plain cardboard and dinner together, as well as in- for so long. Ban homework? their families, reading for pleasure, sistent problem. Some of the parents change to do away with homework was presented alongside another formal outings and leisure activities, Kohn also claims that there is a Author Bennett indicates that and pursuing their own interests.” I spoke with did just that. before second or third grade, intro- student’s ski slope diorama perfectly which can prompt learning, as well. connection between excessive home- good teachers should be able to Both the National Education As- One parent went even further and ducing it in a reasonable amount, at engineered out of 100 toothpicks, I She is aware of the statistics Kohn and has raised the issue of the amount may be reasonable. But place that work and a loss of interest in learning, reinforce important material dur- sociation and the National Parent persuaded the teacher that certain an age when the children can work thought I was the only parent who Bennett rely upon, but believes that After hurricane, community and that nothing more than “folk wis- ing the school day, conceding that Teacher Association recommend up regularly assigned homework was more independently. was not doing my child’s project for homework has served to provide her dom” supports the belief that home- homework may occasionally provide to 10 minutes of homework from not necessary for her child, and as a Moreover, this mom, so aggra- him. One Queens mother excused own children with good study habits. work teaches self-discipline, good a bit of reinforcement, despite the Kindergarten to second grade, and result, he was no longer required to vated that the homework required parents’ over-participation, saying “Homework is not like the weather, study habits, or responsibility. statistics disassociating it from di- the National PTA recommends an ad- do it. Still, Kohn would prefer that all her attention deficit hyperactivity the child still needs to understand something to which we just have to of homework children receive. The homework in the context of the families be given the ability to “opt disorder-diagnosed child to take the concepts to present the project reconcile ourselves,” says Kohn. He rect academic success. ditional 10 minutes more per grade Reports from the In her book, Bennett stresses, thereafter. These guidelines seem to in” to receive homework, as opposed twice the suggested time, success- in class. A Brooklyn mom explains challenges parents to go beyond the homework front “Teachers receive little training in de- be echoed on many of the school’s to opting out. fully advocated for the inclusion of a the overreaching as an attempt to logistical questions related to an as- his is certainly of our citizens will rise As a larger community we will and pleasure of printing throughout Chevion Weeks, whose children vising truly educational and meaning- individual websites, which often in- “We’re asking them to go back modification clause for children with avoid an evening of conflict and signment and inquire as to the value article in your November 2012 issue six to eight subjects students take, attend a lottery school in Queens, ful assignments,” focusing attention clude nightly reading. Unfortunately, to work at the end of the work- Individualized Education Programs guarantee an A grade. of the assignment itself. He would tells me that she likes her children not just on the excessiveness of as- most of the parents I contacted were day, and I fundamentally disagree as part of her school’s guidelines. Many parents fear that their chil- even encourage parents to band to- to be challenged, as “homework will signments, but on their substance. unaware of their school’s guidelines. with that,” Suzanne, a Manhattan Hopefully, other schools will follow dren will be penalized for incom- gether to convince educators that the give them a better future.” She is “I never saw a decent, worthwhile In the meantime, absent a ban, mom remarks. She not only resents suit, allowing for down time and fam- plete or incorrect homework, so they value of homework is truly a myth. not the column “so pro-homework” because she be- homework assignment, and I don’t the need to reserve weeknights for ily time after a long day. make sure it is handed in corrected. Ultimately, we all want the same to the occasion to lend need to relocate, house, nurture, our city. We happily have a parent Kohn, Bennett and Abeles have (“Homework: A conversation with lieves that homework helped her do know if there is better homework homework, effectively eliminating Unfortunately, the teacher can’t then thing: our children to succeed. In and add in the physical education helped to draft a petition for Healthy well academically and is “a necessary [than what is now being assigned],” Homework Guidelines they hope the after school community building Who’s really tell if the child has mastered the order for that to happen, parents evil which will help children compete she says. National PTA will adopt. For more and family socialization, but also the completing the material or the parent has taught and teachers need to adopt Ben- I had in mind a hand, a heart, and and be gentle with adults and chil- guide in every borough, going to globally.” Weeks also believes that Parents are frustrated, too, when information, go to www.change.org/ need to squeeze enrichment activi- assignments? the child that he must come home nett’s approach and recognize that parents and experts”), was very or after school sports requirement, the teachers need to give homework, teachers only spot-check homework healthyhomework. ties into weekends, thereby curtail- Lori Hiller, a school social worker with top grades, no matter the cost. we are “all in this thing together.” so they can get through the new core or fail to provide feedback after a ing traditional family outings. from Brooklyn, recognizes that This mentality can have serious re- Risa C. Doherty is an award-winning T curriculum and that kids will natu- long night’s struggle to complete an Parents speak up “Parents need to speak up if the sleep-deprived, anxious kids burn percussions later, as Bennett refer- freelance writer, attorney and mother of rally “veg out” without it. assignment. Unlike years ago, when parents workload is excessive, and they need out as the evening wears on. If par- ences the recent cheating scandals two, who survived years of homework for this issue just a few their energy. dren who have lost a great deal and every neighborhood, in every com- well balanced. and the situation becomes unten- “Practice makes perfect,” she tells Still, moms like Tamara, who re- pressured their children to finish a vision for what they want as a fam- ents then complete the homework, at Harvard University and Stuyve- hassles. weeks ago, but that From lower Manhat- who have survived through tremen- munity. We will continue to support THERE IS MUCH TOO MUCH able and unhealthy. It is spirit- was before Sandy blew tan to Red Hook, from dous upheaval and stress. We are our neighbors in every way we can HOMEWORK! This issue is like the breaking. Children who once loved mother. I know children need rein- homework assignment would be to into town and uplifted Sheepshead Bay to capable of this and we have shown and New York Parenting Media will weather: everyone talks about it, school became disheartened, frus- forcement of subjects. However, ad- read a biography of Jonas Salk or our surrounding wa- Howard Beach, from in the past that we can and will do be there to bring continued infor- but no one does anything about trated, and exhausted by the work- ministrators should craft a cross- articles about homelessness. Chil- ters. That was before City Island to the Rock- this. We have taken hits before, all mation about our families and our it. Children work hard all day at load. I advocate a longer school disciplinary approach to home- dren and families need to rest after the coastal bliss turned aways, our shoreline kinds of hits and we always find a children. We will continue to love school. Then, they are expected day, or more specialized assistance work. Can’t the science teacher talk a long week and a long day. into the home-wrecked and shores have taken way to move forward through the each other. to get exercise, eat a healthy din- after school. to the language arts teacher who Every child and every family nightmare and before the lights a hard hit, and the people who trauma, through the darkness and I thank our wonderful staff, for ner, and go to bed early after every The requirement to do more talks to the sports coach? Couldn’t I know states there is too much went out in so many parts of New inhabit them, the residences, and into the light of a new day. their hard work and creativity, and school day. Those most basic (and work at home leads to sad situa- they devise a reasonable schedule homework. York. the businesses will not instantly be We must remember at this holi- I wish all of them and all of you a most important tasks) cannot be tions, like those discussed in your based on the curriculum and the Academics are very important, Many communities inside our reestablished. There will be contin- day time, this ending of the year Happy New Year! completed given the staggering article. Parents complete the work. school schedule? I advocate for but a well-rounded student needs larger New York community are ued suffering and loss. The beaches that we are all vulnerable and that Thanks again for reading! amount of homework children are Tutors are hired. Dinner is rushed. more reading, which was the para- time to de-stress, exercise, eat devastated; so many families have of Staten Island and the Boardwalk our neighbors need us and will be given. No wonder there is an obe- Bedtime is surpassed. The exces- mount emphasis in lower school. right, get rest, and not battle with lost their homes and their memo- of Coney Island have become rub- needing us for months to come. We sity crisis! Most of the afternoon sive homework requirement leads Reading is still important (and yes, family over homework! ries; some things just cannot be ble and the families who lived there must also be thankful for the plenty and evening must be spent in the to fights and discord between over- they must read textbooks). Thank you again for your consid- replaced. Still, in spite of the horror will not live there anymore for now we have and for the ability we have sedentary task of homework and worked and fatigued parent and How about more creative, man- eration of this topic. and the punch of this storm and it’s until we sort this out, rebuild per- as a community to bounce back study. child. ageable, even relaxing homework? Sincerely, aftermath, we have learned that our haps, and reexamine what we need and to survive the difficult times, Susan Weiss-Voskidis, Certainly, academic reinforce- I am a tutor, a teacher, and a For instance, a good weekend Carla Warne-Marino, Manhattan neighbors will not be abandoned; to do down the road to avoid such together and with union. Publisher/Excutive Editor we have learned that thousands catastrophe. These magazines have the honor [email protected] Pappas Pediatric Dentistry
STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION Warm PUBLISHER / EXECUTIVE EDITOR: ADVERTISING: WEB OR PRINT ADDRESS child friendly Susan Weiss (718) 260-4554 New York Parenting Media/CNG environment PUBLISHER / BUSINESS MANAGER: [email protected] or 1 Metrotech Center North Call for Clifford Luster [email protected] 10th Floor TV/DVD in available waiting room and SALES MANAGER / ADVERTISING: Brooklyn, NY 11201 operatories Sharon Noble CIRCULATION seats! (718) 260-8336 www.NYParenting.com OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE: [email protected] Tina Felicetti SALES REPS: Lori Falco, Sharon Leverett EDITORIAL Turn Your Child’s Dental Visit Into ART DIRECTOR: Leah Mitch (718) 260-4554 [email protected] A Fun Experience PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: On Man Tse Come Pet the Friendly Dinosaur LAYOUT MANAGER: Yvonne Farley WEB DESIGNER: Sylvan Migdal The acceptance of advertising by New York Join the conversation on Facebook. s Convenient afternoon and Parenting Media does not constitute an endorse- New York Parenting Media has been recognized Saturday Appointments GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Arthur Arutyunov, ment of the products, services or information for editorial and design excellence by PPA. s Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) analgesia Charlotte Carter, Mauro Deluca, Earl Ferrer being advertised. We do not knowingly present any products or services that are fraudu lent or New York Parenting Media is published monthly s 30+ years experience misleading in nature. by New York Parenting Media/CNG. Subscription s Accepting many insurances as full MANAGING EDITOR: Vince DiMiceli rate is $35 annually. Reproduction of New York Editorial inquiries, calendar information, adver- Parenting Media in whole or part without writ- or partial payment ASSISTANT EDITOR: Courtney Donahue tising rates and schedules and subscription re- ten permission from the publisher is prohibited. s Digital radiography COPY EDITOR: Lisa J. Curtis quests may be addressed to New York Parenting All rights reserved. Copyright©2012 Readership: th s Zoom Bleaching (for our older patients) Media, One Metrotech Center North, 10 Floor, 220,000. 2012 circulation audits by CAC & CVC. CALENDAR EDITORS: Joanna Del Buono, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. Danielle Sullivan New York Parenting Media can also be reached Despina Pappas D.D.S Elayne Pappas D.D.S. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: by calling (718) 250-4554, emailing family@ 215-41 23rd Road Bayside, NY 11360 Risa Doherty, Allison Plitt, Candi Sparks, cnglocal.com or by visiting our website, 718 224-0443 Laura Varoscak, Mary Carroll Wininger NYParenting.com. December 2012 • QUEENS Family 5 HOLIDAYS The holiday trap BY CHRISTINA KATZ loved ones often. Every time you feel Don’t despair! stressed, hug or get hugged. Your re you excited about the holi- Holiday films holiday stress will melt away. Tips to keep days, but dreading the end- s 3 T A Y HEALTHY Put holiday- A of-year rush? Enjoy these fun family movies scented soaps by every sink and If so, you are not alone. Most par- with your kids this year: encourage plenty of hand washing. on smiling ents approach the season with equal “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Install a bottle of hand sanitizer next parts excitement and trepidation, “Home Alone” to every box of tissues. Chase every which can lead to difficulties with “How The Grinch Stole Christ- “Ah-choo!” away. (But stock up on amidst the decision making from moment to mas” cold medicines, just in case, to avoid moment. That’s why I’ve created this “A Christmas Story” midnight trips to the market.) stress of the list of 21 reminders to help you pre- “The Polar Express” s , I G H T E N UP Twinkling lights serve your family’s good cheer all “The Year Without A Santa create a comforting mood. Don’t the way through the most wonderful Claus” limit shimmery lights to the tree seasonal rush time of the year. and outdoor eves. If it sounds s ' O FOR GOOD ENOUGH If you have And don’t miss these movies you fun, bring some sparkle into an idea in your mind of the “perfect” can snuggle by: “A Christmas Carol” the kid’s bedrooms, as well holiday, you may be disappointed “Love, Actually” “The Nightmare Before Christ- as yours. when your imperfect brood can’t “Home For the Holidays” mas” s 4A K E A DEEP BREATH uphold your image. Aim for “good “It’s a Wonderful Life” “When Harry Met Sally” Bring some uplifting scents enough” instead. You’ll smile more into your cleaning routine. if you can let unimportant things Check out the Mrs. Meyers — like slightly burnt cookies, lights cleaning service in mid December senses, and the warmth will spread brand of earth-friendly clean- that won’t blink in unison, and late and in mid January to bookend the through your belly and soothe your ing supplies. Your home and holiday cards — slide. holidays, even if you don’t use one frazzled cheer. laundry will smell winter won- s * U S T HIT DELETE If you think your the rest of the year? Consider it a s ' E T BAZAAR Take the whole fam- derful. holiday schedule is grossly over- holiday present to yourself. ily to a local holiday craft bazaar. s %NJOY SPREADING CHEER loaded, call a family meeting and s (UM YOUR FAVORITE TUNES Haul Look for gifts for teachers and other Save the annual holiday letter vote on what to scratch off of your out your seasonal music early before folks who enrich your family life. composing and Christmas card joint to-do list. Decide what you you tire of the omnipresent Muzak Give each child a spending limit and address labeling for when you can don’t want to do first. Then, decide that is sure to come. Load up your enjoy interacting with the vendors. carve out time to relax and enjoy what matters most to each family smartphone or iPod and carry head- Plan to spend a couple of hours the process. And don’t try to do it member. A one-gift-per-family-mem- phones in your purse to jolly things browsing, so you can soak up all the all yourself. Break the job down into ber tradition might be a sanity-sav- up when you are ticking chores and creative energy. steps and enlist the whole family. Re- ing plan that sticks. errands off of your to-do list. If your s 4A K E Line up winter reads member: taking everything on with- s # A L L IN FRESH RECRUITS Even if old faves are getting overplayed, jazz from the library or download them out helpers is naughty, not nice. you don’t normally hire a house- up your playlist with some fresh onto your e-reader. Encourage the s 1UESTION TRADITION Traditions cleaner, you probably could use downloads or albums. (See sidebar.) whole family to take 30 minutes a are wonderful, but let’s face it — s $ECK THE some help now. Why not call in a s 3 H O P THE PLAN First, the plan: day to relax and read. Collections sometimes even the fondest can be- BATHROOM Hang write down the names of everyone of short stories or essays are good come tired. So, if you don’t feel like up some scented you truly want to give to and what choices for moms with very young tromping around all afternoon hunt- pomanders. Bring in Holiday tunes you think they would like. Then, or multiple children. This is a great ing for the most splendiferous ever- donate time to help lots of little candles (be- shop: keep the list in your wallet way for everyone to decompress green on the tree farm or frying the the less fortunate dur- yond the reach of little hands, Tired of those holiday songs you to jog your memory when hunting after a busy day. most perfect potato latkes, buy a pre- ing holiday time. Give time of course). Look for winter-scented hear over and over? This season, down a gift for each person you cher- s "RING -OTHER .ATURE INSIDE cut tree at your local grocery store or later during a less hectic time of year. bath indulges in juniper, cedar, or check out these refreshingly differ- ish. For store shopping, pay cash, Pine cones, holly, evergreen boughs, pick up latkes at the deli instead. Use There are people in need throughout tage of it and put the kids to bed an musk. Sink into a bubble bath won- ent tunes and albums: so you won’t overspend. For online twigs, and poinsettias all remind us saved time to enjoy tree trimming or every season, after all. hour earlier than normal. There’s the derland. Forget your name for 10 “Cool Yule” by Bette Midler shopping, search for coupons before that there is life hibernating under- dreidel playing instead. s 3 O C K IT TO EM Don’t wait until extra hour you need to keep some minutes. “A Christmas Cornucopia” by ordering and act early for cheaper neath that blanket of snow or wicked s # R E A T E CLASSIC MEMORIES Play the temperature hits zero to stock hustle in your holiday muscle, or at You’ll feel more holly jolly if you Annie Lenox shipping. frost. Gather reminders of the sea- hooky from holiday prep for the day up on slippers and socks. You’ll keep least wrap some presents without can get calm and stay centered all “O, Holy Night” by Jackie Ev- “A Swinging Christmas, Featur- s 3 I P YOUR WAY TO HEAVEN When son from your backyard or local and go ice-skating or frolic in the your heating bills down and your kids interruption. holiday season long. Happy holy ancho ing The Count Basie Band” by you are having a hectic day, take a garden shop and decorate the front snow with your kids. Drink hot choco- smiling if everyone in your brood s 0 O P PLENTY OF CORN Line up holi- days! “And Winter Came” by Enya Tony Bennett time-out. Warm up or buy an extra- hall, mantle, and stairway. Remem- late. Take lots of family photos. Build has warm tootsies as the mercury day movie classics in your mail-order Christina Katz is a freelance writer “James Taylor at Christmas” by “A Lovely Way To Spend Christ- hot cup of chai tea with a spritz of ber: simple is as merry as ornate. a fire. Goof off. Enjoy the grins. plunges. DVD queue. Watch some with the kids who adores the holidays. Her latest book James Taylor mas” by Kristin Chenoweth whipped cream on top. The spices s (UGGY HOLIDAYS Use “Happy s 3 A V E IT FOR A HEAT WAVE If you s ( I T THE HAY HARDER There’s less and some with your honey in the wee is “The Writer’s Workout” from Writer’s will put you back in touch with your holidays!” as an excuse to hug your are really feeling a time crunch, don’t light during the winter. Take advan- hours. See sidebar for movie ideas. Digest Books.
6 QUEENS Family • December 2012 HOLIDAYS The holiday trap BY CHRISTINA KATZ loved ones often. Every time you feel Don’t despair! stressed, hug or get hugged. Your re you excited about the holi- Holiday films holiday stress will melt away. Tips to keep days, but dreading the end- s 3 T A Y HEALTHY Put holiday- A of-year rush? Enjoy these fun family movies scented soaps by every sink and If so, you are not alone. Most par- with your kids this year: encourage plenty of hand washing. on smiling ents approach the season with equal “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Install a bottle of hand sanitizer next parts excitement and trepidation, “Home Alone” to every box of tissues. Chase every which can lead to difficulties with “How The Grinch Stole Christ- “Ah-choo!” away. (But stock up on amidst the decision making from moment to mas” cold medicines, just in case, to avoid moment. That’s why I’ve created this “A Christmas Story” midnight trips to the market.) stress of the list of 21 reminders to help you pre- “The Polar Express” s , I G H T E N UP Twinkling lights serve your family’s good cheer all “The Year Without A Santa create a comforting mood. Don’t the way through the most wonderful Claus” limit shimmery lights to the tree seasonal rush time of the year. and outdoor eves. If it sounds s ' O FOR GOOD ENOUGH If you have And don’t miss these movies you fun, bring some sparkle into an idea in your mind of the “perfect” can snuggle by: “A Christmas Carol” the kid’s bedrooms, as well holiday, you may be disappointed “Love, Actually” “The Nightmare Before Christ- as yours. when your imperfect brood can’t “Home For the Holidays” mas” s 4A K E A DEEP BREATH uphold your image. Aim for “good “It’s a Wonderful Life” “When Harry Met Sally” Bring some uplifting scents enough” instead. You’ll smile more into your cleaning routine. if you can let unimportant things Check out the Mrs. Meyers — like slightly burnt cookies, lights cleaning service in mid December senses, and the warmth will spread brand of earth-friendly clean- that won’t blink in unison, and late and in mid January to bookend the through your belly and soothe your ing supplies. Your home and holiday cards — slide. holidays, even if you don’t use one frazzled cheer. laundry will smell winter won- s * U S T HIT DELETE If you think your the rest of the year? Consider it a s ' E T BAZAAR Take the whole fam- derful. holiday schedule is grossly over- holiday present to yourself. ily to a local holiday craft bazaar. s %NJOY SPREADING CHEER loaded, call a family meeting and s (UM YOUR FAVORITE TUNES Haul Look for gifts for teachers and other Save the annual holiday letter vote on what to scratch off of your out your seasonal music early before folks who enrich your family life. composing and Christmas card joint to-do list. Decide what you you tire of the omnipresent Muzak Give each child a spending limit and address labeling for when you can don’t want to do first. Then, decide that is sure to come. Load up your enjoy interacting with the vendors. carve out time to relax and enjoy what matters most to each family smartphone or iPod and carry head- Plan to spend a couple of hours the process. And don’t try to do it member. A one-gift-per-family-mem- phones in your purse to jolly things browsing, so you can soak up all the all yourself. Break the job down into ber tradition might be a sanity-sav- up when you are ticking chores and creative energy. steps and enlist the whole family. Re- ing plan that sticks. errands off of your to-do list. If your s 4A K E Line up winter reads member: taking everything on with- s # A L L IN FRESH RECRUITS Even if old faves are getting overplayed, jazz from the library or download them out helpers is naughty, not nice. you don’t normally hire a house- up your playlist with some fresh onto your e-reader. Encourage the s 1UESTION TRADITION Traditions cleaner, you probably could use downloads or albums. (See sidebar.) whole family to take 30 minutes a are wonderful, but let’s face it — s $ECK THE some help now. Why not call in a s 3 H O P THE PLAN First, the plan: day to relax and read. Collections sometimes even the fondest can be- BATHROOM Hang write down the names of everyone of short stories or essays are good come tired. So, if you don’t feel like up some scented you truly want to give to and what choices for moms with very young tromping around all afternoon hunt- pomanders. Bring in Holiday tunes you think they would like. Then, or multiple children. This is a great ing for the most splendiferous ever- donate time to help lots of little candles (be- shop: keep the list in your wallet way for everyone to decompress green on the tree farm or frying the the less fortunate dur- yond the reach of little hands, Tired of those holiday songs you to jog your memory when hunting after a busy day. most perfect potato latkes, buy a pre- ing holiday time. Give time of course). Look for winter-scented hear over and over? This season, down a gift for each person you cher- s "RING -OTHER .ATURE INSIDE cut tree at your local grocery store or later during a less hectic time of year. bath indulges in juniper, cedar, or check out these refreshingly differ- ish. For store shopping, pay cash, Pine cones, holly, evergreen boughs, pick up latkes at the deli instead. Use There are people in need throughout tage of it and put the kids to bed an musk. Sink into a bubble bath won- ent tunes and albums: so you won’t overspend. For online twigs, and poinsettias all remind us saved time to enjoy tree trimming or every season, after all. hour earlier than normal. There’s the derland. Forget your name for 10 “Cool Yule” by Bette Midler shopping, search for coupons before that there is life hibernating under- dreidel playing instead. s 3 O C K IT TO EM Don’t wait until extra hour you need to keep some minutes. “A Christmas Cornucopia” by ordering and act early for cheaper neath that blanket of snow or wicked s # R E A T E CLASSIC MEMORIES Play the temperature hits zero to stock hustle in your holiday muscle, or at You’ll feel more holly jolly if you Annie Lenox shipping. frost. Gather reminders of the sea- hooky from holiday prep for the day up on slippers and socks. You’ll keep least wrap some presents without can get calm and stay centered all “O, Holy Night” by Jackie Ev- “A Swinging Christmas, Featur- s 3 I P YOUR WAY TO HEAVEN When son from your backyard or local and go ice-skating or frolic in the your heating bills down and your kids interruption. holiday season long. Happy holy ancho ing The Count Basie Band” by you are having a hectic day, take a garden shop and decorate the front snow with your kids. Drink hot choco- smiling if everyone in your brood s 0 O P PLENTY OF CORN Line up holi- days! “And Winter Came” by Enya Tony Bennett time-out. Warm up or buy an extra- hall, mantle, and stairway. Remem- late. Take lots of family photos. Build has warm tootsies as the mercury day movie classics in your mail-order Christina Katz is a freelance writer “James Taylor at Christmas” by “A Lovely Way To Spend Christ- hot cup of chai tea with a spritz of ber: simple is as merry as ornate. a fire. Goof off. Enjoy the grins. plunges. DVD queue. Watch some with the kids who adores the holidays. Her latest book James Taylor mas” by Kristin Chenoweth whipped cream on top. The spices s (UGGY HOLIDAYS Use “Happy s 3 A V E IT FOR A HEAT WAVE If you s ( I T THE HAY HARDER There’s less and some with your honey in the wee is “The Writer’s Workout” from Writer’s will put you back in touch with your holidays!” as an excuse to hug your are really feeling a time crunch, don’t light during the winter. Take advan- hours. See sidebar for movie ideas. Digest Books.
December 2012 • QUEENS Family 7 LOCAL
Houses on Staten Island after Hurricane Sandy hit the borough.
recalls, “but at times like that it’s hard to put on a brave face.” With the day-to-day logistics of fixing her house foremost on her mind, Borgognone is currently staying in Holidays after her brother-in-law’s basement has had little time to wonder what her holidays will look like this year or where she and her family might go to celebrate them. “I’m trying not to think about it,” she says. It’s a sentiment shared by Red the hurricane Hook, Brooklyn, resident Jolene Festa, whose family was also dis- BY MARIE HUESTON all the more challenging by the ap- placed by Hurricane Sandy. As displaced proaching holiday season. This is “I haven’t made any decisions he expression “home for the especially difficult for households about the holidays yet,” says Festa. families rebuild holidays” conjures nostalgic with young children. “Our floors, walls, doors, every- T images of family and friends Imagine yourself in Cathy Borgo- thing was destroyed. We won’t be their lives after gathered around a bountiful table. gnone’s shoes. When the mother of back in before Christmas.” On the But what if your home — and all two stood surveying her severely night of the storm, Festa and her Sandy, ways that was in it — had been badly water-damaged home in Staten husband frantically pushed tow- damaged or destroyed by Hurri- Island’s New Dorp Beach neigh- els and rolled-up carpets against cane Sandy? This is the reality for borhood, her 5-year-old son Fran- their front and back doors, trying New Yorkers thousands of New Yorkers whose cesco looked at her earnestly and to keep out the rising tide, only to homes were in the direct path of asked, “Will Santa still come to this watch in horror as water began to can help the October super storm. As they house?” seep up through the floorboards continue the arduous work of re- Borgognone’s heart sank. from their flooded basement. pairing their homes and rebuilding “Of course I told him that Santa Now living in a friend’s apart- their lives, their situation is made would find him and his sister,” she ment, Festa is doing her best to 8 QUEENS Family • December 2012 LOCAL Kids helping kids All across the city, children musa, a fourth grader at PS have been watching their par- 58 in Carroll Gardens, Brook- ents and other adults in the lyn, and a founding member community helping people af- of the school’s charity bake fected by Hurricane Sandy. sale club, Cookie Kids. On a In turn, many kids are lend- single, sunny Saturday last ing a hand themselves. High month, the Cookie Kids raised School sports teams have a whopping $1,300 to support gone door-to-door offering to their peers at nearby PS 15, in help clean up debris, Brownie hard-hit Red Hook. troops have organized book Of her club’s contribution, collections for schools whose Fumusa reflects, “It goes to libraries were wiped out, and show that kids really can do countless boys and girls have something to make the world parted with beloved play- a better place.” things and chosen new ones In the midst of a tragedy, to donate to toy drives. these children are learning “It feels good to do some- the true meaning of the holi- thing nice for someone else,” days — that the deepest joy says 9-year-old Georgia Fu- comes from giving to others.
remain positive for her 8-year- ing people who want to help with old son, River, but admits that people who need help since the her emotions can catch her off day after the storm. Their experi- guard. ence has been nothing short of “There are times when I re- miraculous. member what isn’t downstairs “I can’t count how many times anymore, like my son’s baby we talk with one person who Houses on Staten Island after Hurricane clothes or our bins of Christmas needs something and then a min- Sandy hit the borough. ornaments that held so many ute later someone calls offering memories.” As for River, he has just the kind of supplies that are been buoyed by the generosity needed. There’s a bigger thing of friends, who have reached happening here.” out not only with invitations for As the holidays get closer — recalls, “but at times like that it’s meals and play dates, but also and with them the hectic pace that hard to put on a brave face.” With with thoughtful gifts to replace generally ensues — it’s important the day-to-day logistics of fixing what is gone. “One parent gave for those of us who were only her house foremost on her mind, River a new Christmas ornament minimally affected by the storm to Borgognone is currently staying in and a gift certificate to Barnes keep our neighbors in our hearts Holidays after her brother-in-law’s basement has & Noble since most of his books and to continue helping in any way had little time to wonder what her were ruined. Moments like that we can. Whether you can donate a holidays will look like this year or fill him, and us, with a huge sense warm meal, coat, school supplies, where she and her family might go of gratitude.” gift certificates, toys, or an hour to celebrate them. “I’m trying not to Indeed, the kindness of friends of your time, there is truly no end think about it,” she says. and strangers alike has made an to the opportunities that make a It’s a sentiment shared by Red incredible impact on the lives of difference. the hurricane Hook, Brooklyn, resident Jolene storm victims throughout the five “Americans are always incred- Festa, whose family was also dis- boroughs. ibly generous when there is a BY MARIE HUESTON all the more challenging by the ap- placed by Hurricane Sandy. “People need to understand disaster anywhere in the world,” As displaced proaching holiday season. This is “I haven’t made any decisions that many of the hardest-hit Borgognone points out. “It’s im- he expression “home for the especially difficult for households about the holidays yet,” says Festa. areas were multi-generational portant for everyone to remem- families rebuild holidays” conjures nostalgic with young children. “Our floors, walls, doors, every- neighborhoods,” says volunteer ber that this time it’s in our own T images of family and friends Imagine yourself in Cathy Borgo- thing was destroyed. We won’t be Kim Shamoun. “If you lived there, backyard.” their lives after gathered around a bountiful table. gnone’s shoes. When the mother of back in before Christmas.” On the then your brother probably lived To find out how you can get in- But what if your home — and all two stood surveying her severely night of the storm, Festa and her down the street and your grand- volved, visit facebook.com/Giving- Sandy, ways that was in it — had been badly water-damaged home in Staten husband frantically pushed tow- mother lived around the corner. BackToThoseAffectedBySandy, nyc- damaged or destroyed by Hurri- Island’s New Dorp Beach neigh- els and rolled-up carpets against So now if your house is gone, service.org, redcross.org, fema.gov/ cane Sandy? This is the reality for borhood, her 5-year-old son Fran- their front and back doors, trying your whole support system is sandy or call religious institutions or New Yorkers thousands of New Yorkers whose cesco looked at her earnestly and to keep out the rising tide, only to gone, too.” municipal offices in neighborhoods homes were in the direct path of asked, “Will Santa still come to this watch in horror as water began to Together with nine close affected by the storm. can help the October super storm. As they house?” seep up through the floorboards friends, Shamoun mans a Face- Marie Hueston is a freelance continue the arduous work of re- Borgognone’s heart sank. from their flooded basement. book page, facebook.com/Giving- writer and a native of Staten Island, pairing their homes and rebuilding “Of course I told him that Santa Now living in a friend’s apart- BackToThoseAffectedBySandy, who now lives in Brooklyn with her their lives, their situation is made would find him and his sister,” she ment, Festa is doing her best to that has been tirelessly connect- family. December 2012 • QUEENS Family 9 TRAVEL Stranded at the AIRPORT BY HEATHER VAN DEEST out, and how to prevent a head- Some airlines also provide free Tips for ache or two in the process. diapers and baby food to stranded lying long distances with s 2ESCHEDULE YOUR FLIGHT AS SOON passengers. Be sure to save all re- young kids, whether cross- as possible. Don’t assume the air- ceipts for any expenses you incur. surviving F country or abroad, is no easy line will automatically rebook your s )F YOU REQUIRE OVERNIGHT AC feat. Between security checkpoints, ticket. Head to the nearest ticket commodation, ask an airline agent the umpteenth diaper change, and counter, and while waiting in line, for details. Does the airline pro- a canceled keeping your kids occupied and try to reschedule your flight using vide hotel vouchers or do you have fed for hours on end, traveling with your Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone or to pay upfront and submit a receipt flight with young kids could qualify as an tablet. LATER )F SO WHAT IS THE AIRLINES Olympic sport for many parents. s )F YOURE TRAVELING ALONE WITH maximum reimbursement amount? And that’s before you see those the kids, ask an airline agent about Although airlines are not required your family dreaded words flashing on the expedited assistance for families to cover hotel costs for events nearest airport departure board: with small children. Be polite and such as inclement weather or traf- “flight canceled.” ASSERTIVE )T NEVER HURTS TO ASK fic control issues, confirm this According to the U.S. Depart- s 4HINK AHEAD ABOUT YOUR FAM with an agent. You never know, ment of Transportation, more than ily’s needs. How many meals will you might get a hotel voucher just 100,000 flights were cancelled in your family require until your for asking politely. 2011, affecting 7.5 million passen- rescheduled flight? What about s 2EVIEW YOUR UPDATED FLIGHT IN gers. And the demand for air travel snacks and extra diapers? Dis- formation. Before you leave the is only increasing. Read on for a cuss your needs with the ticketing ticket counter, check your board- step-by-step guide to getting you agent, who should be able to pro- ing passes and itinerary. Are you and your family on the next plane vide meal vouchers for the airport. booked on the correct flight? Does What to consider when your flight is canceled Your family’s needs Your rescheduled flight s (OW MANY MEALS WILL YOUR FAM s !RE YOU BOOKED ON THE COR ily need before your rescheduled rect flight? flight? s $OES EACH FAMILY MEMBER s $O YOU HAVE PLENTY OF SNACKS have a seat? Are the seats located baby food, and diapers? next to each other or in different s $OES THE AIRLINE PROVIDE OVER rows? NIGHT ACCOMMODATION )F SO DOES it offer a hotel voucher or do you After the flight have to pay and submit the receipt s $ID YOU SUBMIT ALL EXPENSE RE to get reimbursed? ceipts via the airline website? s 7HAT IS THE AIRLINES MAXIMUM s7ILL YOU PROVIDE FEEDBACK reimbursement amount for a hotel to the airline about your experi- stay? ence? s 7HICH AFFORDABLE HOTEL OPTIONS s $ID THE AIRLINE RESPOND WITH are closest to the airport? Does the any offers of compensation for hotel offer airport shuttle service? your inconvenience?
10 QUEENS Family • December 2012 TRAVEL Stranded at the AIRPORT BY HEATHER VAN DEEST out, and how to prevent a head- Some airlines also provide free Tips for ache or two in the process. diapers and baby food to stranded lying long distances with s 2ESCHEDULE YOUR FLIGHT AS SOON passengers. Be sure to save all re- young kids, whether cross- as possible. Don’t assume the air- ceipts for any expenses you incur. surviving F country or abroad, is no easy line will automatically rebook your s )F YOU REQUIRE OVERNIGHT AC feat. Between security checkpoints, ticket. Head to the nearest ticket commodation, ask an airline agent the umpteenth diaper change, and counter, and while waiting in line, for details. Does the airline pro- a canceled keeping your kids occupied and try to reschedule your flight using vide hotel vouchers or do you have fed for hours on end, traveling with your Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone or to pay upfront and submit a receipt flight with young kids could qualify as an tablet. LATER )F SO WHAT IS THE AIRLINES Olympic sport for many parents. s )F YOURE TRAVELING ALONE WITH maximum reimbursement amount? And that’s before you see those the kids, ask an airline agent about Although airlines are not required your family dreaded words flashing on the expedited assistance for families to cover hotel costs for events nearest airport departure board: with small children. Be polite and such as inclement weather or traf- “flight canceled.” ASSERTIVE )T NEVER HURTS TO ASK fic control issues, confirm this According to the U.S. Depart- s 4HINK AHEAD ABOUT YOUR FAM with an agent. You never know, ment of Transportation, more than ily’s needs. How many meals will you might get a hotel voucher just 100,000 flights were cancelled in your family require until your for asking politely. 2011, affecting 7.5 million passen- rescheduled flight? What about s 2EVIEW YOUR UPDATED FLIGHT IN gers. And the demand for air travel snacks and extra diapers? Dis- formation. Before you leave the is only increasing. Read on for a cuss your needs with the ticketing ticket counter, check your board- step-by-step guide to getting you agent, who should be able to pro- ing passes and itinerary. Are you and your family on the next plane vide meal vouchers for the airport. booked on the correct flight? Does
everyone in your family have a agent earlier quoted you. Or, pay perience. Offer details about staff &LYING LONG DISTANCES WITH YOUR What to consider when your flight is canceled seat? Reviewing the details will THE DIFFERENCE IF YOU DONT MIND members who were particularly little ones is challenging, to say the save you a headache down the footing some of the bill. kind or helpful. least, especially when your flight Your family’s needs Your rescheduled flight road if the agent makes a mistake s &O L L OW UP /NCE YOURE BACK Most airlines will offer some sort gets canceled. These tips will help s (OW MANY MEALS WILL YOUR FAM s !RE YOU BOOKED ON THE COR during the ticketing process. home safe and sound, visit the of compensation for your inconve- get you and your family back on ily need before your rescheduled rect flight? s "OOK YOUR FAMILYS HOTEL ROOM AIRLINES WEBSITE TO SUBMIT ELEC- nience, such as credit in a rewards track to your destination. flight? s $OES EACH FAMILY MEMBER Once you have tickets in hand and tronic copies of your receipts and program or vouchers for future Heather Van Deest is a freelance s $O YOU HAVE PLENTY OF SNACKS have a seat? Are the seats located A PLAN FOR YOUR FAMILYS MEALS AND provide feedback about your ex- travel. writer and mother of two young sons. baby food, and diapers? next to each other or in different OTHER ITEMS ITS TIME TO SECURE OVER- s $OES THE AIRLINE PROVIDE OVER rows? night accommodation, should you NIGHT ACCOMMODATION )F SO DOES require it. Unfortunately, penny- s 0A C K WISELY )N A CARRY ON it offer a hotel voucher or do you After the flight pinching airlines often recommend Before your trip... bag, bring medicines, extra di- have to pay and submit the receipt s $ID YOU SUBMIT ALL EXPENSE RE hotels located 30 minutes or more s !V O I D BOOKING FLIGHTS WITH s # O N F I R M YOUR FLIGHT 5P TO apers, your cellphone charger, to get reimbursed? ceipts via the airline website? from the airport, adding to your partnering airlines. If possible, a week in advance, contact the AND I0AD OR TABLET CHARGER A s 7HAT IS THE AIRLINES MAXIMUM s7ILL YOU PROVIDE FEEDBACK FAMILYS INCONVENIENCE 5SE YOUR try to travel with one airline car- airline to confirm your itinerary change of clothes for each fam- reimbursement amount for a hotel to the airline about your experi- smartphone or tablet to book an rier for the entire flight, includ- and other details, or visit the air- ily member, and any items that stay? ence? alternative hotel as close to the air- ing any connections. This helps line website. Seating assignments will help soothe young children s 7HICH AFFORDABLE HOTEL OPTIONS s $ID THE AIRLINE RESPOND WITH port as possible, or ask airport ser- avoid reticketing issues, should sometimes change without no- during an unexpected overnight are closest to the airport? Does the any offers of compensation for vices for hotel suggestions. Make one leg of your flight get can- tice, especially for long-distance stay, such as a favorite toy or hotel offer airport shuttle service? your inconvenience? sure the nightly rate is within the celed. flights on large aircraft. small blanket. reimbursement amount the airline
December 2012 • QUEENS Family 11 TRAVEL Gifts for travelers BY STACEY ZABLE pollutants, allergens, and bacteria Ways to while dehumidifying to prevent mil- e took a look at products dew, mold, and moisture. They are that make perfect gifts for great for the car, too. A two-pack is make your W friends and family who priced at $9.95. like to travel. Some of our favorites Visit www.MosoNatural.com for are below, and they all feature one more about the product and stores globe-trotter common element: each and every where you can purchase them. one is easy to pack when it’s time to happy hit the road. The gift of travel What travel lover wouldn’t love Pretty in a box the gift of a hotel stay? Gift cards Skin needs to be especially pam- from Fairmont Hotels and Resorts pered when you travel, and with can be used for overnight stays and the “Glitz & Glow” Holiday Box by in hotel restaurants. Willow Stream Image Skincare, you’ll get ev- gift cards that give the gift of pam- A bag with a giving erything you need in handy pering at Fairmont’s destination spas message travel sizes in a beau- are also available. The cards can be Give the gift of giving as part tiful box for gift-giv- purchased online or at any Fairmont of your holiday season this year. ing. The Holiday hotel starting as low as $50. The For every When In Need of Kind- Box features Fairmont website also allows you to ness toiletry bag that is purchased, a three-step the company will donate one bag day and night to Ronald McDonald House Family regimen for all Rooms. skin types, in- The bags are filled with a selec- cluding four of tion of three luxury toiletry items Image Skincare’s that can include organic breath top-selling products in con- spray, bath salts, lip gloss, hand venient, one-ounce travel sizes, along lotion, hand sanitizer, or solid per- with lip gloss and mineral shimmer fume. powder for a little extra “glitz.” The When In Need of Kindness bags suggested retail price is $79.90. were created by a mother inspired Visit www.imageskincare.com by her 3-year-old son’s near drown- for details and call (800) 796–SKIN ing. to find the nearest spa that A portion of the proceeds also sells Image Skincare. go to the company’s non-profit arm, the C.L.A.Y. Foundation, which ad- Natural odor vocates for CPR training, swim in- elimination struction, automated external de- Nothing is worse fibrillator availability, and a year- that getting home round warm water swim facility. from a trip with The company is also encourag- a suitcase full ing consumers to only buy socially of dirty laun- conscious products for their holi- dry that, purchase gifts at The Fairmont Store, day gift-giving. well, stinks. featuring some of the products you The $25 bags can be purchased The new find at the hotels, such as bed linens, at www.winkbags.com. mini 50-gram pillows, bathrobes, or premium tea Moso bags are blends. You can also purchase Wil- Stacey Zable is an award-winning great as stocking low Stream spa products and Miller veteran travel writer and family travel stuffers that you can Harris bath amenities, perfumes, expert who has written about destina- place in luggage to re- and scented candles. There are more tions, resorts, and cruise lines around move odor and moisture. than 60 luxury Fairmont Hotels and the world. Her favorite trips are those Moso bags are fragrance-free, Resorts around the world, including that she shares with her husband and natural, air-purifying bags that con- The Plaza in New York. two daughters. Send travel questions tain moso bamboo charcoal, which Visit www.fairmont.com/about- and comments to her at info@family- absorbs and filters odors, harmful us/guest-services/gift-shop/. traveltrails.com.
12 QUEENS Family • December 2012 TRAVEL Orthodontist Gifts for travelers AARON MILCHMAN D.M.D., P.C. BY STACEY ZABLE pollutants, allergens, and bacteria STATE OF THE ART ORTHODONTICS Ways to while dehumidifying to prevent mil- Beautiful Smiles Created In A Caring & Comfortable Setting e took a look at products dew, mold, and moisture. They are that make perfect gifts for great for the car, too. A two-pack is make your W friends and family who priced at $9.95. like to travel. Some of our favorites Visit www.MosoNatural.com for are below, and they all feature one more about the product and stores globe-trotter common element: each and every where you can purchase them. one is easy to pack when it’s time to happy hit the road. The gift of travel What travel lover wouldn’t love Pretty in a box the gift of a hotel stay? Gift cards Skin needs to be especially pam- from Fairmont Hotels and Resorts pered when you travel, and with can be used for overnight stays and the “Glitz & Glow” Holiday Box by in hotel restaurants. Willow Stream Image Skincare, you’ll get ev- gift cards that give the gift of pam- A bag with a giving erything you need in handy pering at Fairmont’s destination spas message travel sizes in a beau- are also available. The cards can be Give the gift of giving as part tiful box for gift-giv- purchased online or at any Fairmont of your holiday season this year. ing. The Holiday hotel starting as low as $50. The For every When In Need of Kind- Box features Fairmont website also allows you to ness toiletry bag that is purchased, a three-step the company will donate one bag day and night to Ronald McDonald House Family regimen for all Rooms. skin types, in- The bags are filled with a selec- cluding four of tion of three luxury toiletry items $ Image Skincare’s that can include organic breath 250 OFF top-selling products in con- spray, bath salts, lip gloss, hand venient, one-ounce travel sizes, along lotion, hand sanitizer, or solid per- FULL with lip gloss and mineral shimmer fume. TREATMENT powder for a little extra “glitz.” The When In Need of Kindness bags suggested retail price is $79.90. were created by a mother inspired Visit www.imageskincare.com by her 3-year-old son’s near drown- for details and call (800) 796–SKIN ing. Braces for Children & Adults to find the nearest spa that A portion of the proceeds also sells Image Skincare. go to the company’s non-profit arm, Labial (outside) the C.L.A.Y. Foundation, which ad- Natural odor vocates for CPR training, swim in- Lingual (inside) elimination struction, automated external de- Nothing is worse fibrillator availability, and a year- Aesthetic (ceramic-tooth color) that getting home round warm water swim facility. TM from a trip with The company is also encourag- Invisalign (Invisible) a suitcase full ing consumers to only buy socially of dirty laun- conscious products for their holi- Most Insurance Plans Accepted Towards Payment dry that, purchase gifts at The Fairmont Store, day gift-giving. well, stinks. featuring some of the products you The $25 bags can be purchased The new find at the hotels, such as bed linens, at www.winkbags.com. mini 50-gram pillows, bathrobes, or premium tea Moso bags are blends. You can also purchase Wil- Stacey Zable is an award-winning Whitestone Kew Gardens Hills great as stocking low Stream spa products and Miller veteran travel writer and family travel 172-20 26th Avenue 70-18 Main Street stuffers that you can Harris bath amenities, perfumes, expert who has written about destina- place in luggage to re- and scented candles. There are more tions, resorts, and cruise lines around Flushing, NY 11358 Kew Gardens Hills, NY 11367 move odor and moisture. than 60 luxury Fairmont Hotels and the world. Her favorite trips are those Moso bags are fragrance-free, Resorts around the world, including that she shares with her husband and 718.747.0393 718.575.9300 natural, air-purifying bags that con- The Plaza in New York. two daughters. Send travel questions tain moso bamboo charcoal, which Visit www.fairmont.com/about- and comments to her at info@family- www.straightenwithbraces.com absorbs and filters odors, harmful us/guest-services/gift-shop/. traveltrails.com.
December 2012 • QUEENS Family 13 SAFETY Keep your baby safe at Grandma’s house Don’t forget, BY KIKI BOCHI f you are headed to Grandma’s a new location house for the holidays, it may Ifeel like you are returning to the safe haven of your youth. But don’t can mean let your guard down when it comes to protecting your little one. You may have put a lot of en- new dangers ergy into making your home baby safe, but that is not necessarily the case at the home of an older rela- tive who no longer has little ones underfoot. Watch for medications that may be accessible to inquisitive little hands, cleaning products that are not secured, sharp edges on furni- ture, and breakable items that are within your child’s reach. Keep an eye, also, on Grandma herself. She may have raised several children quite adeptly, but today’s recommendations when it comes to child safety have changed. In particular, many older adults are unaware of safety recommenda- tions when it comes to appropriate child sleep position, crib safety, and car seat and walker use, ac- cording to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics. When asked, “What is the best position for a baby to sleep in?” 33 percent of senior respondents chose “on the stomach;” 23 per- cent, “on the side;” and only 43.8 percent, “the back.” The Academy recommends that infants be placed to sleep on their backs to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. When asked about correct car seat positioning, 24.5 percent re- cent of grandparent caregivers recommendations are constantly sponded that a 22-pound, 9-month- thought these items were accept- evolving,” said study author Kath- old child should be facing forward, able. Nearly 74 percent of respon- ryn C. Hines, MD. “Many recommen- and yet the Academy recommends dents stated that a walker is a good dations are likely to have changed that children remain in a rear-fac- device to help babies learn to walk. since these grandparent caregivers ing car seat until age 2. Yet, the Academy does not recom- parented their own children.” Last year, the Academy recom- mend walker use, and in fact, urges KiKi Bochi, an award- winning journal- mended that bumpers, stuffed ani- caregivers to dispose of them be- ist, reads hundreds of reports monthly to mals, and blankets be removed cause of serious safety concerns. bring readers the latest insights on fam- from infant cribs, and yet 49 per- “Pediatric health and safety ily health and child development. 14 QUEENS Family • December 2012 SAFETY Keep your baby safe PARTY PARTY PARTY! HAVE YOUR CHILD’S FABULOUS BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH US!! at Grandma’s house iÊÊvÀÊ>ÊvÀiiÊÌÕÀ°Ê Don’t forget, BY KIKI BOCHI 9ÕÊܽÌÊLiÊ`Ã>««Ìi` f you are headed to Grandma’s Swimming U Basketball U Soccer U Baseball a new location house for the holidays, it may In-Line Skating Moon Walk U Super Slide U Healthy & Fun Ifeel like you are returning to the safe haven of your youth. But don’t can mean let your guard down when it comes to protecting your little one. You may have put a lot of en- new dangers ergy into making your home baby We give all our safe, but that is not necessarily the parties our case at the home of an older rela- “personal touch” tive who no longer has little ones as we are committed underfoot. to customer Watch for medications that may satisfaction! be accessible to inquisitive little hands, cleaning products that are not secured, sharp edges on furni- ture, and breakable items that are within your child’s reach. Keep an eye, also, on Grandma INCLUDES herself. She may have raised several UÊÃÌiÃÃià children quite adeptly, but today’s UÊ/ÜÊ-«ÀÌÃÊ recommendations when it comes UÊ*ââ>ÊEÊ-`> to child safety have changed. In UÊvÌÊvÀÊ ÛiÀÞÊÕiÃÌÊ particular, many older adults are unaware of safety recommenda- UÊ-«iV>ÊvÌÊvÀÊ tions when it comes to appropriate Ê ÀÌ `>ÞÊ `Ê child sleep position, crib safety, UÊ/>LiÊvÀÊ`ÕÌÃÊ and car seat and walker use, ac- UÊ*>ÀÌÞÊÀi>ÊÀÊÓÊ£ÉÓÊÕÀà cording to a study by the American UÊÃÊLÕÌÊ"ÕÀÊ Academy of Pediatrics. Ê * Ì}À>« ÞÊ- ÜÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ When asked, “What is the best UÊ, Ê`ÀÊ«>À}ÊvÀÊÊ position for a baby to sleep in?” Ê ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊLÀÌ `>ÞÊV `½ÃÊ«>ÀiÌà 33 percent of senior respondents chose “on the stomach;” 23 per- cent, “on the side;” and only 43.8 Visit our web site for a virtual tour & prices percent, “the back.” The Academy recommends that infants be placed Astoria Sports Complex to sleep on their backs to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. When asked about correct car seat positioning, 24.5 percent re- cent of grandparent caregivers recommendations are constantly sponded that a 22-pound, 9-month- thought these items were accept- evolving,” said study author Kath- old child should be facing forward, able. Nearly 74 percent of respon- ryn C. Hines, MD. “Many recommen- TH 3TREET s !STORIA .9 and yet the Academy recommends dents stated that a walker is a good dations are likely to have changed "ET TH TH !VES that children remain in a rear-fac- device to help babies learn to walk. since these grandparent caregivers ing car seat until age 2. Yet, the Academy does not recom- parented their own children.” WWWASCSPORTSCOM Last year, the Academy recom- mend walker use, and in fact, urges KiKi Bochi, an award- winning journal- Conveniently located in the heart of Queens - mended that bumpers, stuffed ani- caregivers to dispose of them be- ist, reads hundreds of reports monthly to One block from public transportation (M,R) mals, and blankets be removed cause of serious safety concerns. bring readers the latest insights on fam- from infant cribs, and yet 49 per- “Pediatric health and safety ily health and child development. “THE PLACE EVERYONE IS RAVING ABOUT” December 2012 • QUEENS Family 15 PARENTING Oh Christmas tree! Passing my mother’s holiday spirit to my child
y mother lives for Christ- there before. My mom made Christ- mother, also a single mom. But, mas. Every year, the mas a happy time for me up until we had Olivia, we M weekend after Thanksgiv- growing up, and I want never even put up a Christ- ing, she starts her holiday tradition Olivia to have that, too. mas tree. When he mentioned of decorating the house. But unlike Luckily, I have a hus- it in the past, I would re- MOMMY 101 many moms, my mother has mostly band who loves Christ- mind him that it was too ANGELICA SERADOVA done this alone. I’m ashamed to mas as well. He grew much work and that it took admit that I haven’t always shared up with his own tra- up too much space; something her enthusiasm for the holidays ditions passed we didn’t have much of back then, (I’m more of a Thanksgiving fan on from his in our studio apartment. I definitely than Christmas), and while I’m sure sounded like a Scrooge! a big part of her did it for me, I just Last year was Olivia’s first wasn’t always so into it. But that Christmas (and our first year in our never stopped her. She carried on, new, bigger apartment), so when he filling our house with poinsettias suggested decorating the house, and garlands, candy canes and gin- I agreed. He came home with the gerbread houses, and infusing the biggest tree I’d ever seen in a home. house with the smell of apple cin- But it looked beautiful once we had namon and pine cones. it up with ornaments and lights. Part of her tradition is display- The pets loved it too, cuddling next ing one of my children’s books to each other on the tree skirt. around the house, “Twas the My husband, daughter, and I sat Night before Christmas.” on the couch staring at the beau- She reads it to me every tiful tree. I knew that that would year, as if I were still be the first of many more special a kid. A proud mama, holiday moments. I felt that warm, she even hangs up fuzzy feeling that I’m sure my mom the Christmas tree I has been experiencing all these made for her in grade years after lighting our tree for school; out of green the first time. I sat there and construction paper thought to myself: I can’t and full of glitter. believe I wasn’t going to The poor tree is do this! ripped in sev- One day, I asked my mom, eral places, but as we were decorat- she’s kept it all ing our tree, “Why do these years, you love Christmas as if it were so much?” She told a master- me that it was piece. She her mother’s loves Santa f a v o r i t e Claus, so I holiday. started a tradi- My grand- tion of buying her a mother passed new Santa for Christmas away when my mother to add to her collection — or was a young girl. I guess a Grinch. She loves the Grinch, the holidays are a way for her to too. hold onto the memory of her It wasn’t until I had my mother. Just like her, Christ- own daughter that I re- mas will always remind me alized why she loves of my mom, and now, hope- Christmas so much. It’s fully, it’ll remind Olivia of a way for her to relive me, too. her childhood and feel Angelica Sereda is a working some magic. I now feel a mother and freelance writer. She certain kind of magic around lives in Brooklyn with her daughter the holidays, too, that wasn’t Olivia and her husband.
16 QUEENS Family • December 2012 PARENTING CHRISTY‛S GYMNASTIC ACADEMY FOR CHILDHOOD CENTER FITNESS & DEVELOPMENT Oh Christmas tree! FUN - FRIENDS - FITNESS Our Program is Safety Certified & Kinder Accredited By USA Gymnastics Passing my mother’s holiday spirit to my child SPEECH PATHOLOGY & SWALLOWING REGISTER NOW DISORDER SERVICES OF LONG ISLAND y mother lives for Christ- there before. My mom made Christ- mother, also a single mom. But, mas. Every year, the mas a happy time for me up until we had Olivia, we From Tots - Teens 3PECIALIZING IN THE 4REATMENT AND #ORRECTION OF 1 M weekend after Thanksgiv- growing up, and I want never even put up a Christ- Wee Tumble ...1 /2 - 3 Yrs. ing, she starts her holiday tradition Olivia to have that, too. mas tree. When he mentioned ,ANGUAGE $ISORDERS s -EMORY !UDITORY 0ROCESSING $IFlCULTIES s &LUENCY s 6OICE $ISORDERS s -OTOR 0LANNING $ISORDERS Junior Gym .....3 - 5 Yrs. of decorating the house. But unlike Luckily, I have a hus- it in the past, I would re- Arts s 1 MOMMY 101 $EVIATE 3WALLOWING WHICH #ONTRIBUTES TO /RTHODONTIC 0EDODONTIC AND 0ERIODONTIC 0ROBLEMS 2 Birthday many moms, my mother has mostly band who loves Christ- mind him that it was too & s Gym Time ...... 5 / - Teens ANGELICA SERADOVA done this alone. I’m ashamed to mas as well. He grew much work and that it took 4ONGUE 4HRUST s &EEDING AND 3WALLOWING 0ROBLEMS !VERSIONS Crafts High School Gymnastics Parties 4HUMB AND &INGER 3UCKING s !RTICULATION $ISORDERS s /RAL &ACIAL -USCLE 7EEKNESS s admit that I haven’t always shared up with his own tra- up too much space; something Tumble Only her enthusiasm for the holidays ditions passed we didn’t have much of back then, 3PECIALIZED 4HERAPY !PPROACHES )NCLUDING s (I’m more of a Thanksgiving fan on from his in our studio apartment. I definitely s Advanced Gymnastics than Christmas), and while I’m sure sounded like a Scrooge! 02/-04 4HERAPY s )NDIVIDUAL &EEDING 4HERAPY Rising Stars Register a big part of her did it for me, I just Last year was Olivia’s first !UGUMENTATIVE #OMMUNICATION %VALUATIONS 4HERAPY School s Now wasn’t always so into it. But that Christmas (and our first year in our Trips! For Fall Highly Qualified Staff - Viewing Area Programs never stopped her. She carried on, new, bigger apartment), so when he PARTICIPATING WITH MOST MAJOR filling our house with poinsettias suggested decorating the house, HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES State-Of-The-Art Facilities and garlands, candy canes and gin- I agreed. He came home with the WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! gerbread houses, and infusing the biggest tree I’d ever seen in a home. 444 LAKEVILLE ROAD house with the smell of apple cin- But it looked beautiful once we had #OMPETITIVE 53!' 4EAMS s -INI 4EAMS namon and pine cones. it up with ornaments and lights. LAKE SUCCESS, NY 11042 Christine Philips/Owner, Director FREE PARKING Part of her tradition is display- The pets loved it too, cuddling next 718-640-6767 150-50 14th Road, Whitestone ing one of my children’s books to each other on the tree skirt. WWW.LISPEECHANDMYO.COM around the house, “Twas the My husband, daughter, and I sat 718-767-0123 s www.christysgymnastics.com Night before Christmas.” on the couch staring at the beau- She reads it to me every tiful tree. I knew that that would year, as if I were still be the first of many more special a kid. A proud mama, holiday moments. I felt that warm, she even hangs up fuzzy feeling that I’m sure my mom the Christmas tree I has been experiencing all these made for her in grade years after lighting our tree for school; out of green the first time. I sat there and construction paper thought to myself: I can’t and full of glitter. believe I wasn’t going to After School Program Summer Camp The poor tree is do this! ripped in sev- One day, I asked my mom, s Classroom Setting s Outdoor Sports eral places, but as we were decorat- s Homework Help s Trips she’s kept it all ing our tree, “Why do these years, you love Christmas s Math, Reading s Swimming as if it were so much?” She told And Chess Club s Martial Arts a master- me that it was s 1 Hour Martial piece. She her mother’s s Performing Arts loves Santa f a v o r i t e Arts Class Claus, so I holiday. s Robotics s Science & Math started a tradi- My grand- s Confl ict Resolution tion of buying her a mother passed s Basketball new Santa for Christmas away when my mother s Anger Management We Offer s Dance/Step As Seen to add to her collection — or was a young girl. I guess on a Grinch. 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December 2012 • QUEENS Family 17 PARENTING Santa at the airport his is a true story. Christmas was not a December event ironically dressed Canadian (I’m as- Normally, wild exaggera- for her. Christmas was her life. She suming — there was a lot of flannel) T tion is part of my job descrip- sang Christmas songs in June with- and she promptly fell into sugarplum tion. But not now. I’ve been sitting out a hint of irony and when this guy, dreams, drooling copiously on my on this story since my daughter was this plaid-shirted, red-suspendered, wife. I looked at Santa. 7, and now I’m finally comfortable bald, bearded, gnomish nut turned “I bet you get that a lot.” telling the embarrassing, ridoncu- around, her heart stopped and, mo- “Well, I am Santa. So, yeah.” lous, stupid truth: I believe in Santa ments later, so did her mouth. “Ha ha. Good one. So, uh, seri- DEATH BY Claus. “That’s a very long list,” said ously.” We were headed out for the holi- Santa. “Chris, seriously. I’m Santa Claus.” CHILDREN days. A young family, huddled to- “Grhm Flurny Nerb,” said Sarah. As he said this, he pulled out CHRIS GARLINGTON gether in the airport’s waiting lounge “It might fill up my entire sleigh,” his wallet. His driver’s license read listening to my inexhaustible daugh- he winked. His eyes crinkled up with “Chris S.C. Kringle.” ter list her preferred Christmas pres- little Hollywood special-effects crow’s And then my inner child exploded. ents for the 88th time, a list that ex- feet. My daughter’s heart restarted I know, I know, he was listening be- tended to near infinity, included live and she leapt into an embrace of this fore and heard my wife call my name animals, and living household items stranger followed by an interrogation and blah, blah, blah. You weren’t one can only purchase in a cartoon, about reindeer, elves, and the weather there. It was December and there when the big, white-bearded guy sit- at the North Pole. My wife and I smiled was snow and Dean Martin was sing- ting behind us turned around and warmly and basked in the crazy coin- ing “Silver Bells;” I’d just spent two blew our mind. cidence. We were starring in our own weeks power-shopping, building a It was Santa. Don’t stop reading! I personal Christmas special. Other tree, falling off a ladder, and wear- know; you’ve had it up to here with passengers leaned in to listen. They ing plaid. I was sitting in an airport Xmas glurge, I know. But this really smiled and stole glances at each other lounge with Santa Claus. Seriously. happened. I swear. to check their sudden and mysterious I let loose. As my wife stared at My daughter’s belief in Santa was lack of cynicism. me like I’d lost my very last strug- as strong as my belief in gravity. I finally pried my daughter off the gling vestigial shred of sanity, I went wide-eyed, little-kid Mall Santa on this guy. My Christmas list unspooled. I practically sat on his lap. And he listened. He smiled. He asked questions (“A seven iron? Really?”). Ever classy, ever practical, my wife finally reached over and peeled me off of my seat. I tried to catch my breath and become an adult again. And here’s what still sticks in my barren, cynical, waste- land of a mind: he stood up, shook my hand, winked a randy Burl Ives wink at my wife, and walked away. I got a seven iron (bought it myself — I’m not crazy) and my wife got a lovely diamond tennis bracelet. But after the tornado of torn of wrapping paper subsided and we’d put batteries into all the toys and had a cup of coffee, there was a moment in which my wife and I looked at each other and for a moment, briefly, I think even she, the most practical woman in the world, was willing to believe we’d met an elf in an airport. I still do.
18 QUEENS Family • December 2012 PARENTING Kimmy Ma ARTStudio Santa at the airport Happy holidays as we welcome the new year with his is a true story. Christmas was not a December event ironically dressed Canadian (I’m as- joy of creativity and imagination! Normally, wild exaggera- for her. Christmas was her life. She suming — there was a lot of flannel) T tion is part of my job descrip- sang Christmas songs in June with- and she promptly fell into sugarplum tion. But not now. I’ve been sitting out a hint of irony and when this guy, dreams, drooling copiously on my on this story since my daughter was this plaid-shirted, red-suspendered, wife. I looked at Santa. 7, and now I’m finally comfortable bald, bearded, gnomish nut turned “I bet you get that a lot.” telling the embarrassing, ridoncu- around, her heart stopped and, mo- “Well, I am Santa. So, yeah.” lous, stupid truth: I believe in Santa ments later, so did her mouth. “Ha ha. Good one. So, uh, seri- DEATH BY Claus. “That’s a very long list,” said ously.” We were headed out for the holi- Santa. “Chris, seriously. I’m Santa Claus.” CHILDREN days. A young family, huddled to- “Grhm Flurny Nerb,” said Sarah. As he said this, he pulled out Launching Creative Minds CHRIS GARLINGTON gether in the airport’s waiting lounge “It might fill up my entire sleigh,” his wallet. His driver’s license read listening to my inexhaustible daugh- he winked. His eyes crinkled up with “Chris S.C. Kringle.” Embrace Originality & Build Confidence via Creative Process. ter list her preferred Christmas pres- little Hollywood special-effects crow’s And then my inner child exploded. ents for the 88th time, a list that ex- feet. My daughter’s heart restarted I know, I know, he was listening be- tended to near infinity, included live and she leapt into an embrace of this fore and heard my wife call my name Young Artist Program animals, and living household items stranger followed by an interrogation and blah, blah, blah. You weren’t one can only purchase in a cartoon, about reindeer, elves, and the weather there. It was December and there For Age 7 & Up when the big, white-bearded guy sit- at the North Pole. My wife and I smiled was snow and Dean Martin was sing- Tuesday-Friday after 3pm & Saturday 9:30am-4pm ting behind us turned around and warmly and basked in the crazy coin- ing “Silver Bells;” I’d just spent two blew our mind. cidence. We were starring in our own weeks power-shopping, building a Fine Arts curriculum focuses on artistic development in It was Santa. Don’t stop reading! I personal Christmas special. Other tree, falling off a ladder, and wear- various mediums with ability level instructions. know; you’ve had it up to here with passengers leaned in to listen. They ing plaid. I was sitting in an airport 17-week spring session registration begins January 2013! Xmas glurge, I know. But this really smiled and stole glances at each other lounge with Santa Claus. Seriously. happened. I swear. to check their sudden and mysterious I let loose. As my wife stared at My daughter’s belief in Santa was lack of cynicism. me like I’d lost my very last strug- Leisure Art Club for Adults: as strong as my belief in gravity. I finally pried my daughter off the gling vestigial shred of sanity, I went wide-eyed, little-kid Mall Santa ! 7IDE 6ARIETY OF Thursdays 10am-2pm on this guy. My Christmas list #LASSES TO CHOOSE FROM New Morning Portfolio Development & Open Studio unspooled. I practically sat on Mommy Classes his lap. And he listened. 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But after the "UBBLE -AKER tornado of torn of wrapping paper subsided and we’d put 4HEME 0ARTIES Instructions by Mrs. Kimmy Ma, Master of batteries into all the toys and Arts in the School of Education, NYU. had a cup of coffee, there was a moment in which my wife and Visit www.kimmyma-ARTStudio.com for our I looked at each other and for a moment, briefly, I think even Student Art Gallery & download tuition/schedule. she, the most practical woman in the world, was willing to 27-14 23rd Ave., Astoria, NY 11105 believe we’d met an elf in an 190-19 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadow airport. s INFO GYM AZINGCOM I still do. WWWGYM AZINGCOM 646-209-9352
December 2012 • QUEENS Family 19 BOOKS A book that will teach and entertain all animal lovers f your child loves critters of of all things furry and feathered, all sorts — and loves learning it’s sometimes hard to find books I about them — she might enjoy that satisfy her story cravings. Fortu- reading a new book about a woman nately, “Animals Welcome” fills that who shares her home with domestic void nicely. THE BOOK and wild pets. Kehret’s words feel like snuggly In Peg Kehret’s latest, “Animals flannel sheets, resonating with rich, WORM Welcome,” Kehret and her husband, warm tones that respect both sub- TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER Carl, buy 10 wooded acres in Wash- jects and readers. Her curiosity and ington state where deer and elk a keen love of animals meld with an roam, baby fawns are born, bears obvious love for children, that makes and ‘possums steal birdseed from this book seem undeniably friendly. feeders, and peacocks wander over I particularly liked that Kehret is to snoop. And Kehret loves to watch careful to teach readers to watch them all. — not touch — wildlife, and to be She adores the many birds mindful of all animals. Kids can learn that visit her woods as much as a lot, in fact, from this passionate, her household pets. She’s always creature-minded author. shared her home with at least one Though this is a book for 7- to dog and says that all but one of her 12 year olds, don’t be surprised tail-waggers has been a rescue. if you’re tempted to read it, too. Kehret, you see, is a big supporter of Kehrets are softies for soft fur. With its loving tales (or shall we say her local animal shelters. Other feral cats and kittens that “tails?”) and gentle, flavor, “Animals She also writes about her many they bottle-raised have also visited Welcome” will be welcome on any- kitties, including Molly and Pete, the couple. A lost, elderly dachs- body’s bookshelf. who are beloved companions. There hund showed up one day, missing “Animals Welcome: A Life of Read- is also Mr. Stray — a semi-feral cat, her owner, and two ponies wandered ing, Writing, and Rescue,” by Peg Keh- who Carl honored after his death down Kehret’s driveway after escap- ret [175 pages, 2012, $16.99]. by turning the workshop into a cat ing from their corral. Terri Schlichenmeyer has been room, where the couple fosters cats “Helping animals,” says Kehret, is reading since she was 3 years old, with the hope that they’ll be adopted “a way of life.” At her house, “animals and she never goes anywhere without by loving families. will always be welcome.” a book. She lives on a hill with two Animals, it seems, know that the If your young reader is also a fan dogs and 12,000 books. This tome gets kids thinking
It’s easy to think that most dry. They become even more I especially like Dávila’s Luz: she’s a kid’s tiny voice won’t upset when they learn that their sharp and resourceful as she subtly make a difference in this local soda pop company is at fault — encourages kids to find their own so- big world. “Luz Makes a and they actually liked Top Cola! lutions to environmental issues they Splash” shows your child Then, Luz sees Mr. DeSouza with might find locally. otherwise. a big pickle barrel. He’s taking it to Even though this book has a In the book, there’s a the park to catch rainwater, although roasting-in-the-summertime theme, heat wave and Luz and there hadn’t been rain for a long I think kids ages 6 to 12 will learn her friend Anika go to time. Luz asks Mr. DeSouza how wild a lot in any season. For them, “Luz the mall every day to plants withstood drought, and when Makes a Splash” might get a few cool off. But air condi- he tells her that they survive with ideas cooking. tioning is bad for the en- groundwater, she starts to think. “Luz Makes a Splash,” by Claudia vironment, so they de- Using a fun, comic book style that Dávila [96 pages, 2012, $16.95]. cide to take a cool dip lightens the tone, author Claudia Terri Schlichenmeyer has been read- Spring Pond, but when Dávila illustrates the adventures of ing since she was 3 years old, and they get to the natural a girl who loves the environment, she never goes anywhere without a body of water, they are plenet, and her neighborhood. I like book. She lives on a hill with two dogs sad to see that it is al- this book and what it stands for, but and 12,000 books.
20 QUEENS Family • December 2012 BOOKS Energy World IN ASTORIA A book that will teach and Best Birthday Bash for Age 1 and Up! Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Facility Includes: *UNGLE 'YM s !IR (OCKEY entertain all animal lovers U Children of all ages & Adults welcome #RANE -ACHINE s 4ODDLER 2OOM f your child loves critters of of all things furry and feathered, U Evening & Saturday Appointments available 'AMES 'IVEN "Y THE (OST all sorts — and loves learning it’s sometimes hard to find books U Kid Friendly Environment - Play Area &ACE 0AINTING 4ATTOOS I about them — she might enjoy that satisfy her story cravings. Fortu- reading a new book about a woman nately, “Animals Welcome” fills that U Digital X-Rays U White Filings / Sealants Energy World is 2,500 sq. ft. large enough who shares her home with domestic void nicely. to have your child’s party as low as $199 THE BOOK and wild pets. Kehret’s words feel like snuggly U Zoom Whitening U TV’s in All Rooms In Peg Kehret’s latest, “Animals flannel sheets, resonating with rich, U Accept Most Insurance WORM Welcome,” Kehret and her husband, warm tones that respect both sub- OPEN PLAY AVAILABLE! TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER Carl, buy 10 wooded acres in Wash- jects and readers. Her curiosity and U Emergencies & Walk-in welcome For camps/day care fi eld trips ington state where deer and elk a keen love of animals meld with an U Implant crowns U Invisalign 10 kids minimum roam, baby fawns are born, bears obvious love for children, that makes and ‘possums steal birdseed from this book seem undeniably friendly. Voted the Best of Astoria for the feeders, and peacocks wander over I particularly liked that Kehret is NEW LOCATION! Cleanest Birthday Facility to snoop. And Kehret loves to watch careful to teach readers to watch them all. — not touch — wildlife, and to be Email us at She adores the many birds mindful of all animals. Kids can learn HAPPY VISITS [email protected] that visit her woods as much as a lot, in fact, from this passionate, for our monthly events her household pets. She’s always creature-minded author. Children Under 3 shared her home with at least one Though this is a book for 7- to 718-777-1220 dog and says that all but one of her 12 year olds, don’t be surprised 18-17 42nd Street, Astoria, NY 11105 tail-waggers has been a rescue. if you’re tempted to read it, too. 718-641-1160 s WWW.MAKKARDENTAL.COM Kehret, you see, is a big supporter of Kehrets are softies for soft fur. With its loving tales (or shall we say 121-02 LIBERTY AVE., S. RICHMOND HILL EnergyWorldPlay.com her local animal shelters. Other feral cats and kittens that “tails?”) and gentle, flavor, “Animals She also writes about her many they bottle-raised have also visited Welcome” will be welcome on any- kitties, including Molly and Pete, the couple. A lost, elderly dachs- body’s bookshelf. Queens Special Education Parent Center (QSEPC) who are beloved companions. There hund showed up one day, missing “Animals Welcome: A Life of Read- is also Mr. Stray — a semi-feral cat, her owner, and two ponies wandered ing, Writing, and Rescue,” by Peg Keh- A non for profi t parent resource center who Carl honored after his death down Kehret’s driveway after escap- ret [175 pages, 2012, $16.99]. Servicing families of children with disabilities by turning the workshop into a cat ing from their corral. Terri Schlichenmeyer has been in Queens & Brooklyn room, where the couple fosters cats “Helping animals,” says Kehret, is reading since she was 3 years old, with the hope that they’ll be adopted “a way of life.” At her house, “animals and she never goes anywhere without SOME OF THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE: by loving families. will always be welcome.” a book. She lives on a hill with two s Parent Workshops Animals, it seems, know that the If your young reader is also a fan dogs and 12,000 books. s Parent Support Groups Mon.–Fri. s Information & referral Services has launched. 9 - 5 s Training in Special Education Process For more information, Contact us. Look for it This tome gets kids thinking Nosotros hablamos Espanol all over town. It’s easy to think that most dry. They become even more I especially like Dávila’s Luz: she’s 98 Moore St., Brooklyn, NY 11206 s 718-302-4313 s www.uwsofny.org a kid’s tiny voice won’t upset when they learn that their sharp and resourceful as she subtly Let us know make a difference in this local soda pop company is at fault — encourages kids to find their own so- if you want big world. “Luz Makes a and they actually liked Top Cola! lutions to environmental issues they Splash” shows your child Then, Luz sees Mr. DeSouza with might find locally. distribution otherwise. a big pickle barrel. 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But air condi- he tells her that they survive with ideas cooking. tioning is bad for the en- groundwater, she starts to think. “Luz Makes a Splash,” by Claudia online at www.NYParenting.com vironment, so they de- Using a fun, comic book style that Dávila [96 pages, 2012, $16.95]. cide to take a cool dip lightens the tone, author Claudia Terri Schlichenmeyer has been read- A proud member of PMA Spring Pond, but when Dávila illustrates the adventures of ing since she was 3 years old, and www.NYParenting.com Parenting Media Association. An International trade assoc. of regional they get to the natural a girl who loves the environment, she never goes anywhere without a parenting magazines and websites. -ETRO4ECH #ENTER .ORTH TH &L s "ROOKLYN .9 s FAMILYADVERTISING CNGLOCALCOM body of water, they are plenet, and her neighborhood. I like book. She lives on a hill with two dogs Audited by CAC and CVC sad to see that it is al- this book and what it stands for, but and 12,000 books.
December 2012 • QUEENS Family 21 Education Directory
Center of Excellence QV small classes, a low student/teacher 96-09 Springfield Blvd, Queens ratio and an outstanding record with Village college placements. There is a Lower 718-464-3600/3700 or 718-206-1600 (K-4), Middle (5-8) and Upper School Center of Excellence SG 127-08 (9-12). Kew Forest also offers a break- Merrick Blvd fast program beginning at 7:30 a.m., Springfield Garden 718-276-8200 and an After-School program. Bellpark Child Care Center 231-10 Hillside Avenue, Queens Village Little Apple Preschool 718-464-7700/7704 213-54 35th Ave., Bayside Consider ‘Center of Excellence’ as 718-838-9243 or www.littleapplepre- your number one selection for your school.com child’s Day Care. We are located in several locations throughout Queens. At Little Apple Preschool, we promote Besides Pre-school, we also provide learning through play and discovery. Infant Care, Kindergarten, and Summer We find that stimulating curiosity fur- Camp Programs!! At our schools, your ther builds our natural need to explore child will be exposed to our unique and understand using our primal style of learning, all in accordance with senses-- an intricate part of develop- the New York City licensing author- ment at any stage. ity (DOHMH). Through our methods, We pride ourselves in providing children have thrived academically and teacher-directed/child-selected learning socially. Children will also benefit from environments that enrich the process one on one instruction. Our Parent of knowledge retention and expansion. Involvement Association meets monthly It is important to actively encourage and enables parents to become developmentally appropriate activities hands-on in their child’s educational and lessons that your child will equally endeavors. Our excellent After-School enjoy and benefit from. program provides not only academ- In addition, we believe that indulging in ics but also hours of fun. We strongly methods that not only evoke the mind believe your child will love being a but the body as well explores bound- member of our close-knit family. aries that would not be reached any OUR WORLD NEIGHBORHOOD other way. For this reason we include dance, music, yoga, and art classes CHARTER SCHOOL Crayon Box Preschool to every age group-- from newborns Apply Now for Kindergarten - Grade 8 44-10 192nd Street, Flushing to our 5year old leaders, in our daily 718-888-9341 or www. plans. Its another way to simultane- Admissions 2013-2014 Open House crayonboxpreschool.com ously learn, laugh, and explore. Applications Now Available We give children a foundation of We hope to extend our family to yours education they can take with them at Little Apple Preschool. throughout their student years. Crayon Box sets up a program that is both welcoming and fun, while stressing the Our World Neighborhood fundamentals of preschool learners. Charter School The preschool has been educating 36-12 35th Avenue, Astoria the youngest members of our com- 718-392-3405 ext 258 www.owncs. munity since 1998 and is run by a org UÊTuition-Free Public School UÊStudy of World Culture & dedicated and professional staff. They Our World Neighborhood Charter UÊMaximum 27 Students per Class History of Ideas always work with their families to give School (“OWN”) is a K-8 public charter UÊAssistant Teachers For K-2 UÊArts, Music & Physical them the support and flexibility that school that is located in the Astoria, UÊComputers in Each Classroom Education is needed in today’s fast paced and Queens, New York. Our mission is UÊSpanish and Mandarin UÊESL Pull-Out Program changing world. The daily routine is “to educate our students to become Kindergarten to Grade 5 Open House Grade 6-8 Open House set up to make the children feel secure independent thinkers and lifelong because when children feel safe, they learners” OWN was chartered in 2002 Held at 36-12 35th Avenue Held at 31-20 37th Street are free to accept new ideas and con- and has a current enrollment of 692 Saturday, January 12th at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, January 12th at 9:00 a.m. cepts. students. Our students come from 4 of the 5 NYC boroughs. Our students Thursday, January 17th at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 29th at 9:00 a.m. reflect the diversity of Queens, one of The Kew Forest School the most diverse borough in the U.S. Saturday, February 2nd at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, February 2nd at 11:30 a.m. 119-17 Union Turnpike in Forest Hills Our school’s ethnic background is as Monday, February 11th at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 12th at 1:00 p.m. 718-268-4667 extension 125 or follows: 37% Hispanic, 31% White, www.kewforest.org 17% Black/African American, and Tuesday, March 5th at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 6th at 1:00 p.m. Is one of Queen’s oldest and fin- 15% Asian and Middle Eastern. We est independent day schools. Since are committed to an educational phi- Wednesday, March 30th at 9:00 a.m. Monday, March 18th at 9:00 a.m. 1918, this co-ed, college preparatory losophy based on inquiry, active and institution has provided students from experiential learning, and social justice. www.owncs.org K-8 Lottery to be held on 718.392.3405 ext. 258 Kindergarten through grade 12 with an OWN ranked #11 in NY Observer’s Best April 11, 2013 at 7:00pm 36-12 35th Avenue, Astoria academically challenging curriculum in Public Middle Schools for 2012. (N,R, and M trains) at OWNCS Middle School a small, caring environment. Among its hallmarks are a diverse student body, Continued on page 24 22 QUEENS Family • December 2012 Special Advertising Section Redeemer Lutheran School A Great Family School! 2013–2014 Enrollment Begins Now! Tours and Enrollment Information Available Nursery Program – Half Day or Full Day (Born 2010) Full Day PreKindergarten Kindergarten through Grade 8 Also Available! FREE Universal Pre K “Plus” Program (Born 2009) OPEN HOUSE DATES (Please call for times) February 2nd & 28th s -ARCH th & 21st s !PRIL th th -AY th th s *UNE th CARING &ACULTY s #HALLENGING !CADEMIC 0ROGRAM .EW -AC"OOKS 4ECHNOLOGY 0ROGRAM -ORNING AND !FTER 3CHOOL #ARE 0ROGRAMS A Christian School Which Welcomes Families Of All Faiths 69-26 CooperOpen Avenue, from Glendale 8:30am-6pm, Fridays til 4pm (2 blocks West of Cooper & MyrtleEarly Avenue, from drop McDonald’s) off available 7:30am 718-821-6670 s 718-821-6699 www.RedeemerLutheranSchool.org Renanim Pre-School Academy and Summer Camp A Unique Year - Round Program For Children Ages 2 Years to 6 Years Little Stars Program for Children 6 Months to 3 Years &%34)6!, /& ,)'(43 /0%. (/53% 35. $%# s 0- ART s MUSIC & MOVEMENT s GYMNASTICS s YOGA COMPUTER SCIENCE & COOKING CLASSES s American and Israeli Teachers s Secure Outdoor Playground s Emergent Literacy Program/ s Central Air-Conditioned Academics s Glatt Kosher Breakfast, s Instruction in English & Hebrew Lunch & Snack 141-29 84th $RIVE "RIARWOOD .9 s 212-750-2266 or 917-774-0741 www.renanimpreschool.com s [email protected]
Special Advertising Section December 2012 • QUEENS Family 23 xxEducation Coming Soon Directory
Continued from page 22 141-29 84th Drive 212-750-2266 www. renanimpreschool.com Redeemer Lutheran We offer an excellent preschool educa- School tion for children 18 months to 6 years 6926 Cooper Avenue, Glendale old. We started in Israel and now oper- 718-821-6670, 718-821-6699 or ate in Manhattan Riverdale, and our www.RedeemerLutheranSchool.org newest location in Queens. With over A Great Family School! A Christian 45 years of experience, we have a lot Elementary School that welcomes to offer your child. children of all faiths. Offers Nursery – Your child will learn through devel- Grade 8, with Full Day Pre Kindergarten opmentally appropriate activities. We and Free Universal Pre K “Plus” strive to build confidence and self-es- Program – Caring Faculty – Challenging teem, fostering active learning through s NEWBORN YRS Academic Curriculum – New MacBooks exploration and inquiry. Our classes Technology Program – Morning and are organized according to age. While s AGE SPECIFIC CLASSROOMS After School Care Programs – On-site the programs for the younger children Hot Lunch Program – Students and differ from those for the older children, s PART TIME FULL TIME OPTIONS Family Activities. the curriculum for all of the children is Located in central Western Queens designed to encourage them to partici- LEARNING THROUGH STIMULATED (near Cooper & Myrtle Avenues), eas- pate in creative activities, and activities ily accessible off the Jackie Robinson that promote language and speech. PLAY MUSIC DANCE DISCOVERY Pkwy. (between Exits 3 & 4), or the Q Our primary focus with our young- 55 Bus. est children is to enable them to deal #ALL FOR MORE INFORMATION REGISTRATION Tours and Enrollment Information avail- with their separation and foster their able now. Redeemer Lutheran School is socialization and initiation into nursery a great family school! school. TH !VENUE "AYSIDE Renanim has American and Israeli teachers and instruction in Hebrew and WWWLITTLEAPPLEPRESCHOOLCOM Renanim Preschool English. Glatt Kosher lunch and snack Academy included.
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24 QUEENS Family • December 2012 Special Advertising Section HEALTHealtHh
Breathing easy BY KIKI BOCHI contain volatile organic compounds. s &E A S T CAUTIOUSLY &OOD ALLERGENS How to avoid Studies show that an exposure to can show up in the strangest places he last thing you need dur- these compounds that is even below — soy in mock caviar, peanuts in pie allergy and ing the holiday season is for accepted levels can increase the risk crust, shellfish in stuffing — so be T someone in your family to ex- OF ASTHMA IN CHILDREN /PEN THE WIN- cautious about what you put on your perience an asthma or allergy epi- dows to air out the house, or let the plate (or the plates of your guests) asthma sode. But mixed in with the mistle- scents from the oven provide natural during the holidays. Even turkey can toe, miles of garland, and mounds of aromas. be risky. Allergens in stuffing can be triggers food, there lurk many hidden holiday s " E SELECTIVE WHEN YOU DECK absorbed into the meat, so try cook- triggers. your halls. Everyone loves a festive ing your bird unstuffed. You also Whether you are concerned be- house, but hidden allergens can lurk may want to stick to a natural tur- during the cause someone in your family is in decorations. If you didn’t store key, which contains only turkey and among the 40 million children and your decorations in airtight contain- water, since self-basting turkeys can adults who suffer from allergies and ers, last year’s items may be moldy, contain soy, wheat, and dairy. holidays asthma, or you just want to make sure dusty, and full of allergy-triggering s 3 E L E C T GIFTS CAREFULLY %XCHANG- your home is safe for yuletide visitors, dust mites. The tree can also be a ing gifts with allergic friends can be you can make your holidays enjoyable problem; some people are allergic tricky. Nickel, a common cause of con- and symptom-free by following these to terpene found in the sap of pine tact dermatitis, can be found in ear- tips from the American College of Al- trees, or are bothered by the mold rings, necklaces, and watches. Candy lergy, Asthma, and Immunology. that lurks on the trees. can include nuts or other allergens, s / P T FOR NATURAL AROMAS 7HILE If asthma or allergies are an issue and perfume and other items with pumpkin, gingerbread, and pine- in your home, consider an artificial strong scents can cause asthma epi- scented candles and air fresheners tree, wreaths, and garland — and sodes and rashes. Instead, play it safe can help create a cozy atmosphere, store them carefully. Also, watch out with gifts such as clothes or books. they can also be hazardous to some for poinsettias, which are problem- KiKi Bochi, an award- winning journal- people. About one third of people atic for people with latex allergies, ist, reads hundreds of reports monthly to with asthma report health problems since the plant is part of the rubber bring readers the latest insights on fam- from scented air fresheners, which tree family. ily health and child development.
December 2012 • QUEENS Family 25 order sufferers die, according to grade, seemingly half of her girl- but instead talk about what she is forearmed, then you are an ostrich HEALTH Sacker. In fact, eating disorders have friends turned vegan or vegetarian, eating. with your head in the sand,” he ad- the highest mortality rate of any and parents some wondered if these vises. “Parents need to be cautious emotional disorder, he says. Impres- regimens were a gateway to an eat- Eating disorder and aware.” sionable adolescents with immortal- ing disorder. incubators Still, micromanaging every morsel ity complexes don’t recognize this, Fortunately, parents need not As girls’ bodies develop curves, can backfire. as they watch most of their idols necessarily panic if girls exhibit no their clothes tighten uncomfortably “If parents suspect an eating dis- recover. More than one patient con- other signs of a disorder. Veganism and the media bombards them with order, they should never assume fided in Sacker that she never real- or vegetarianism can be healthy size zero airbrushed images, all of they can handle it on their own by ized how sick she was before treat- diet options for teens whose diets which can make them particularly monitoring food. If they take that Longing ment. And, recovery can take years. are balanced with sufficient vita- vulnerable to eating disorders. In ad- approach, then their child will go un- mins and nutrients. But, for oth- dition, girls’ preoccupation and anxi- derground,” according to Bartell. Not just a food thing ers, it can be the start of an eat- ety about their bodies are magnified Instead, Sacker encourages par- Parents may incorrectly assume ing disorder or orthorexia, which by the technology that is now a per- ents to create an ongoing non-threat- that an eating disorder is strictly strikes healthy eaters who do not manent fixture in their lives. The 24- ening dialogue with their teens. food-related, and that monitoring a consume enough calories. Signifi- seven Internet and Facebook world “Parents need to understand to be lean child’s intake can solve the problem, cantly, Sacker has treated many pa- permeates their lives everywhere, their child’s interests, although not but that’s not the case. tients who have used veganism or and photos, videos, and tweets can necessarily be part of them,” Sacker BY RISA C. DOHERTY “It’s the catalyst, not the cause,” tells me. Moreover, he emphasizes What to do if says Scheel, who serves as director the need for parents “to give up ating disorders such as an- of Westchester’s Cedar Associates “So trust yourself. If something about the way your the guilt and the blame” in order orexia and bulimia seem to be Eating Disorder Treatment Centers. to help. you suspect “Eating disorders are complicated,” child deals with food worries you, then you have The first step in treatment would E in vogue today. Demi Lovato, Britney Spears, Nicole Richie, Mary- Bartell tells me, and there’s never just nothing to lose by talking with your child, asking a be to locate an eating disorder spe- your teen Kate Olsen, Paula Abdul, and Lady one trigger, but many, including low cialist, preferably a medical doctor, Gaga are among the many celebrities self-esteem, poor self-image, and so- doctor, checking with a specialist, or going to the to do a physical and mental evalua- who suffered from them. Their dis- cial issues. Sacker agrees, noting that tion, notes Sacker. has an eating orders are glamorized on magazine even a fear of bullying can lead to an library or bookstore to find reading material that will This decision may likely need to covers and professionals wonder eating disorder, as adolescents can be give you the information you need to be helpful for be made despite protestations from disorder what effect stars’ disclosures have critical of peers’ weight. your child, Allen points out. If the on our children. Scheel notes that both nurture everyone concerned-including yourself.” patient is not medically stable, then In Psychology Today’s October and nature contribute, and stresses inpatient treatment by a pediatri- 2011 issue, Dr. Judy Scheel distin- parents’ role in helping their child — “Dying to Be Thin” by Ira M. Sacker and Marc A. Zimmer cian, nutritionist, and a psycholo- guished between stars who disclose grow emotionally. Once this is done, gist may be required. Although a their ailments for mere publicity and a child is able “to weather the storm” parents’ first reflex might be to con- those who share their private strug- by learning to cope with disappoint- vegetarianism to help conceal their be unforgiving and relentless. sult her trusted pediatrician, Sacker gles to help fans better understand ments and negative feelings. In this extreme eating restrictions. In addition, academic hypercom- notes that pediatricians have vary- eating disorders. But no matter way, young people are no longer de- petition and overscheduling, cou- ing levels of experience diagnosing whether these celebrities are trying pendent on others to tell them how Parents’ words can pled with often unrealistic expecta- and dealing with eating disorders. to help or not, Scheel tells me that they feel. She also explains “there reinforce dangerous tions, plague teens caught in limbo He reminds parents that they have vulnerable teens believe a disorder is no eating disorder gene, but it is behavior between childhood and adulthood. to be prepared to ask their pediatri- is no big deal if it helps them lose more common amongst those kids Parents who always demand per- Some feel the only control they have cian about his background in these, weight, look like their idols, and gar- with a predisposition to anxiety and fection think they are protecting is over their bodies. if they are to rely on his advice or ner similar attention. depression.” their children against feeling vulner- And parents can be clueless, as referrals. “In our pop-culture existence, A teen lying about how much food able, but instead they are running Scheel notes, “we live in a quick- Bartell also points out “the longer teens think if they look a certain way she eats is not a breach of trust, say the risk of contributing to a possible fix culture, which fosters the white- an eating disorder patient waits for they will feel good, preferring to share weight loss diets,” writes Sacker in Still, Bartell notes that bulimics experts. Sacker explains that an eat- eating disorder. washing of underlying problems, en- treatment, the harder the recovery their idols’ symptoms and behavior, “Regaining Your Self–Understanding can hide their problem for years. Ac- ing disorder patient will not see hid- “Young people really need help couraging parents to buy things for and cure.” and focusing on someone else’s life, and Conquering The Eating Disor- cording to “Dying to Be Thin,” which ing her disorder as lying, but rather dealing with life’s disappointments, their kids instead of allowing them to If one could say there is any benefit rather than tackling their own emo- der Identity,” but change as body Sacker co-authored, “symptoms can as not being understood, and parents’ including not looking like a celeb- feel bad when they need to.” to having an eating disorder, Scheel tional issues,” Scheel explains. image and exercise become the focal develop little by little, day by day. accusations of mistrust will push her rity,” Scheel advises. “There’s beauty would say it is that treatment can be point for girls’ anxiety and ultimately And if you initially approved of the away more. Moreover, eating disorder in imperfection.” How to help instructive in helping patients and Spotting an their identity. Some common signs dieting or the exercising, then you patients truly believe they need to be Allen warns against compliment- Concerned parents should not their families begin to concentrate on eating disorder include: eating very little or extreme may find it difficult to withdraw your thin or they’re nothing, adds Scheel. ing girls on how they look when they hesitate to follow-up on reasonable the real underlying problems. Concerned parents often have dieting, having a distorted body approval, especially if your child “As an adolescent becomes more lose weight, lest they suffer from a suspicions for fear they are “invading Now that you know what to look trouble differentiating between fin- image (incorrectly believing one is seems pleased with his or her ac- and more restrictive of her food in- disorder. “You are losing weight,” their teen’s privacy” by checking if for and what to do, pay attention to icky eating and an eating disorder. fat), lying about eating, excessive complishments.” take, the brain starts to be starved can be received as a compliment their child is purging or hiding food. your kids and be aware of the signs. Eating disorders are illnesses that se- exercise, avoiding social situations Bartell once treated a patient as of needed nutrients like fat and pro- and motivation to lose more. Unfor- Bartell equates a parent’s need for Parenting can be very challenging, riously disrupt an everyday diet, most where eating is involved, withdraw- young as 9, as eating disorders often tein,” Scheel says. tunately, many girls already have surveillance with that of drug or alco- but watching out for our children is often characterized by severe distress ing from friends, excessive weight start before high school. “Being in a state of semi-starvation strong peer reinforcement for their hol issues, as these disorders too can just part of the job description. about weight, according to the Na- loss, a decline in grades, and a sud- Rebecca Allen, a 20 year old from causes changes in the metabolism behavior, as friends undoubtedly present a mortal danger. Risa C. Doherty is a parent, attor- tional Institute of Mental Health. den penchant for baggy clothing. Long Island who was treated for an and brain chemistry that reinforce tell them they look great and ask She adds, “it our responsibility as ney and award-winning freelance writer. “ Pa re nt s a re goi n g to m iss t he sig n s,” Dr. Susan Bartell, author of “Girls- eating disorder, tells me it started in the restricting behavior by creating them how they did it. Additionally, parents to keep our kids healthy and Read more at www.risadoherty.com. says Dr. Ira Sacker, former director of Only Weight Loss Guide,” tells me seventh grade when there was a “di- a natural high,” writes Sacker. This comments normally considered safe.” For more information contact the Eating Disorders at Brookdale Univer- that eating disorders are sometimes eting trend” amongst the girls. As a “dieting success” can be very satisfy- criticism, like “you look too thin,” Sacker tells me that parents National Eating Disorders Association sity Hospital, who observes that par- misdiagnosed as attention deficit dancer, she spent hours in front of a ing and self-perpetuating. continue to reinforce the behavior, should not assume they are para- [(212) 576–6200; Helpline (800) 931– ents’ busy lives make the signs almost disorder or attention deficit hyper- mirror daily, which only exacerbated says Sacker. Bartell advises parents noid merely because eating disor- 2237; www.nationaleatingdisorders.org]; impossible to spot. activity disorder, mood swings, or her situation. Cover stories? to refrain from criticizing or com- ders seem so commonplace now. Academy for Eating Disorders [(847) “Eating disorders often start as are overlooked totally. One out of every five eating dis- When my daughter entered 11th plimenting their daughter’s body, “If you are not a parent who is 498–4274; www.aedweb.org].
26 QUEENS Family • December 2012 order sufferers die, according to grade, seemingly half of her girl- but instead talk about what she is forearmed, then you are an ostrich HEALTH Sacker. In fact, eating disorders have friends turned vegan or vegetarian, eating. with your head in the sand,” he ad- the highest mortality rate of any and parents some wondered if these vises. “Parents need to be cautious emotional disorder, he says. Impres- regimens were a gateway to an eat- Eating disorder and aware.” sionable adolescents with immortal- ing disorder. incubators Still, micromanaging every morsel ity complexes don’t recognize this, Fortunately, parents need not As girls’ bodies develop curves, can backfire. as they watch most of their idols necessarily panic if girls exhibit no their clothes tighten uncomfortably “If parents suspect an eating dis- recover. More than one patient con- other signs of a disorder. Veganism and the media bombards them with order, they should never assume fided in Sacker that she never real- or vegetarianism can be healthy size zero airbrushed images, all of they can handle it on their own by ized how sick she was before treat- diet options for teens whose diets which can make them particularly monitoring food. If they take that Longing ment. And, recovery can take years. are balanced with sufficient vita- vulnerable to eating disorders. In ad- approach, then their child will go un- mins and nutrients. But, for oth- dition, girls’ preoccupation and anxi- derground,” according to Bartell. Not just a food thing ers, it can be the start of an eat- ety about their bodies are magnified Instead, Sacker encourages par- Parents may incorrectly assume ing disorder or orthorexia, which by the technology that is now a per- ents to create an ongoing non-threat- that an eating disorder is strictly strikes healthy eaters who do not manent fixture in their lives. The 24- ening dialogue with their teens. food-related, and that monitoring a consume enough calories. Signifi- seven Internet and Facebook world “Parents need to understand to be lean child’s intake can solve the problem, cantly, Sacker has treated many pa- permeates their lives everywhere, their child’s interests, although not but that’s not the case. tients who have used veganism or and photos, videos, and tweets can necessarily be part of them,” Sacker BY RISA C. DOHERTY “It’s the catalyst, not the cause,” tells me. Moreover, he emphasizes What to do if says Scheel, who serves as director the need for parents “to give up ating disorders such as an- of Westchester’s Cedar Associates “So trust yourself. If something about the way your the guilt and the blame” in order orexia and bulimia seem to be Eating Disorder Treatment Centers. to help. you suspect “Eating disorders are complicated,” child deals with food worries you, then you have The first step in treatment would E in vogue today. Demi Lovato, Britney Spears, Nicole Richie, Mary- Bartell tells me, and there’s never just nothing to lose by talking with your child, asking a be to locate an eating disorder spe- your teen Kate Olsen, Paula Abdul, and Lady one trigger, but many, including low cialist, preferably a medical doctor, Gaga are among the many celebrities self-esteem, poor self-image, and so- doctor, checking with a specialist, or going to the to do a physical and mental evalua- who suffered from them. Their dis- cial issues. Sacker agrees, noting that tion, notes Sacker. has an eating orders are glamorized on magazine even a fear of bullying can lead to an library or bookstore to find reading material that will This decision may likely need to covers and professionals wonder eating disorder, as adolescents can be give you the information you need to be helpful for be made despite protestations from disorder what effect stars’ disclosures have critical of peers’ weight. your child, Allen points out. If the on our children. Scheel notes that both nurture everyone concerned-including yourself.” patient is not medically stable, then In Psychology Today’s October and nature contribute, and stresses inpatient treatment by a pediatri- 2011 issue, Dr. Judy Scheel distin- parents’ role in helping their child — “Dying to Be Thin” by Ira M. Sacker and Marc A. Zimmer cian, nutritionist, and a psycholo- guished between stars who disclose grow emotionally. Once this is done, gist may be required. Although a their ailments for mere publicity and a child is able “to weather the storm” parents’ first reflex might be to con- those who share their private strug- by learning to cope with disappoint- vegetarianism to help conceal their be unforgiving and relentless. sult her trusted pediatrician, Sacker gles to help fans better understand ments and negative feelings. In this extreme eating restrictions. In addition, academic hypercom- notes that pediatricians have vary- eating disorders. But no matter way, young people are no longer de- petition and overscheduling, cou- ing levels of experience diagnosing whether these celebrities are trying pendent on others to tell them how Parents’ words can pled with often unrealistic expecta- and dealing with eating disorders. to help or not, Scheel tells me that they feel. She also explains “there reinforce dangerous tions, plague teens caught in limbo He reminds parents that they have vulnerable teens believe a disorder is no eating disorder gene, but it is behavior between childhood and adulthood. to be prepared to ask their pediatri- is no big deal if it helps them lose more common amongst those kids Parents who always demand per- Some feel the only control they have cian about his background in these, weight, look like their idols, and gar- with a predisposition to anxiety and fection think they are protecting is over their bodies. if they are to rely on his advice or ner similar attention. depression.” their children against feeling vulner- And parents can be clueless, as referrals. “In our pop-culture existence, A teen lying about how much food able, but instead they are running Scheel notes, “we live in a quick- Bartell also points out “the longer teens think if they look a certain way she eats is not a breach of trust, say the risk of contributing to a possible fix culture, which fosters the white- an eating disorder patient waits for they will feel good, preferring to share weight loss diets,” writes Sacker in Still, Bartell notes that bulimics experts. Sacker explains that an eat- eating disorder. washing of underlying problems, en- treatment, the harder the recovery their idols’ symptoms and behavior, “Regaining Your Self–Understanding can hide their problem for years. Ac- ing disorder patient will not see hid- “Young people really need help couraging parents to buy things for and cure.” and focusing on someone else’s life, and Conquering The Eating Disor- cording to “Dying to Be Thin,” which ing her disorder as lying, but rather dealing with life’s disappointments, their kids instead of allowing them to If one could say there is any benefit rather than tackling their own emo- der Identity,” but change as body Sacker co-authored, “symptoms can as not being understood, and parents’ including not looking like a celeb- feel bad when they need to.” to having an eating disorder, Scheel tional issues,” Scheel explains. image and exercise become the focal develop little by little, day by day. accusations of mistrust will push her rity,” Scheel advises. “There’s beauty would say it is that treatment can be point for girls’ anxiety and ultimately And if you initially approved of the away more. Moreover, eating disorder in imperfection.” How to help instructive in helping patients and Spotting an their identity. Some common signs dieting or the exercising, then you patients truly believe they need to be Allen warns against compliment- Concerned parents should not their families begin to concentrate on eating disorder include: eating very little or extreme may find it difficult to withdraw your thin or they’re nothing, adds Scheel. ing girls on how they look when they hesitate to follow-up on reasonable the real underlying problems. Concerned parents often have dieting, having a distorted body approval, especially if your child “As an adolescent becomes more lose weight, lest they suffer from a suspicions for fear they are “invading Now that you know what to look trouble differentiating between fin- image (incorrectly believing one is seems pleased with his or her ac- and more restrictive of her food in- disorder. “You are losing weight,” their teen’s privacy” by checking if for and what to do, pay attention to icky eating and an eating disorder. fat), lying about eating, excessive complishments.” take, the brain starts to be starved can be received as a compliment their child is purging or hiding food. your kids and be aware of the signs. Eating disorders are illnesses that se- exercise, avoiding social situations Bartell once treated a patient as of needed nutrients like fat and pro- and motivation to lose more. Unfor- Bartell equates a parent’s need for Parenting can be very challenging, riously disrupt an everyday diet, most where eating is involved, withdraw- young as 9, as eating disorders often tein,” Scheel says. tunately, many girls already have surveillance with that of drug or alco- but watching out for our children is often characterized by severe distress ing from friends, excessive weight start before high school. “Being in a state of semi-starvation strong peer reinforcement for their hol issues, as these disorders too can just part of the job description. about weight, according to the Na- loss, a decline in grades, and a sud- Rebecca Allen, a 20 year old from causes changes in the metabolism behavior, as friends undoubtedly present a mortal danger. Risa C. Doherty is a parent, attor- tional Institute of Mental Health. den penchant for baggy clothing. Long Island who was treated for an and brain chemistry that reinforce tell them they look great and ask She adds, “it our responsibility as ney and award-winning freelance writer. “ Pa re nt s a re goi n g to m iss t he sig n s,” Dr. Susan Bartell, author of “Girls- eating disorder, tells me it started in the restricting behavior by creating them how they did it. Additionally, parents to keep our kids healthy and Read more at www.risadoherty.com. says Dr. Ira Sacker, former director of Only Weight Loss Guide,” tells me seventh grade when there was a “di- a natural high,” writes Sacker. This comments normally considered safe.” For more information contact the Eating Disorders at Brookdale Univer- that eating disorders are sometimes eting trend” amongst the girls. As a “dieting success” can be very satisfy- criticism, like “you look too thin,” Sacker tells me that parents National Eating Disorders Association sity Hospital, who observes that par- misdiagnosed as attention deficit dancer, she spent hours in front of a ing and self-perpetuating. continue to reinforce the behavior, should not assume they are para- [(212) 576–6200; Helpline (800) 931– ents’ busy lives make the signs almost disorder or attention deficit hyper- mirror daily, which only exacerbated says Sacker. Bartell advises parents noid merely because eating disor- 2237; www.nationaleatingdisorders.org]; impossible to spot. activity disorder, mood swings, or her situation. Cover stories? to refrain from criticizing or com- ders seem so commonplace now. Academy for Eating Disorders [(847) “Eating disorders often start as are overlooked totally. One out of every five eating dis- When my daughter entered 11th plimenting their daughter’s body, “If you are not a parent who is 498–4274; www.aedweb.org].
December 2012 • QUEENS Family 27 HEALTH When a child is sick for the HOLIDAYS BY LARA KRUPICKA ate. But rather than mope around Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. How to adapt the house, Williams planned a spe- Different is an operative word t starts out with your child being cial activity: game day. Her three in this case. There’s no getting your family tired and looking a little under children each picked a favorite around the fact that your child or I the weather. game and together they played all other sick family member won’t be But it’s a holiday, so you chalk it up three. at home for the holiday. Don’t try celebrations to the extra activity and some richer “It was fun. It actually forced to ignore it. Instead, address kids’ foods than normal. Soon enough, us to do something we would not hopes for the holiday. you realize what’s really happening: have done on a normal day,” Wil- Seelenbinder urges parents to in times of your child is sick and tomorrow is liams says. be appropriately honest with their another celebration. Not every family may be able to children. illness Most families face illness during a have a game day with sick children, “We recognize it’s hard to be major holiday at some point in time. but the holiday doesn’t have to be a away from home, and these are Given the right attitude and a good complete bust. hard conversations for parents to Plan B, you can still make holiday Follow your regular traditions, have.” memories. albeit in a more subdued form, out Encourage your child that “dif- Here are a few tips on celebrating of respect for the person who is ill. ferent” doesn’t have to be bad. In through (and in spite of) varying de- Include her as much as possible, fact, with some planning on your grees of illness. while giving her space to simply part, it can be exceptionally memo- be sick. rable. Short-term illness Your Plan B could include a sec- “Think about ‘how can we trans- Sarah Williams’s family enjoyed ond celebration once the child (or late what we do at home,’ in a dif- a holiday with relatives, but they parent) has recovered. Because it’s ferent environment,” Seelinbinder still had a special event on the not the actual holiday, it won’t be says. calendar when two of her children exactly the same. So don’t try to It’s also important not to go over- came down with the stomach flu. make it that way. Find opportuni- board to compensate. It may seem “We had tickets to a play that my ties to make it uniquely special — like a good idea, but often ends aunt had given them. They were like the Williams’s game day. up backfiring during the transition going to be gone the whole day,” back home. she explains. Hospital stays and Remember to give yourself space. Instead, they stayed home to more serious illness Holidays can be crazy even without allow the sick children to recuper- No one wants to consider a hos- a sickness. Add on the challenges pital stay during a holiday. But of caring for your home while mak- sometimes it can’t be avoided, ing frequent hospital visits, and whether due to an accidental injury you’ll be primed for a meltdown. Holiday to go or chronic illness. “What we really encourage par- Create a holiday basket that takes your The best resource for coping ents to do is take a moment for tradition to the sick room, whether in your with a special date on the calen- themselves and look at their whole house or at a hospital. Include these elements dar while in the hospital is the family and how they can support to make the day special: hospital’s staff. Find out from your everyone,” says Seelinbinder. s ! TRADITIONAL SYMBOL OF YOUR FAMILYS HOLIDAY child’s doctor or the medical cen- This may mean leaving the holi- (a cornucopia at Thanksgiving, or a menorah ter’s social worker what activities day preparation to someone else. for Hanukkah) are planned for the holiday. And Your Plan B could include engaging s ! HOLIDAY STORY BOOK PARTICULARLY IF ITS ONE discuss the expectations your fam- in the activities available through you’ve enjoyed together before ily might have. the hospital and keeping the bed- s ! GIFT THAT CAN BE ENJOYED IN BED SUCH AS A NEW #$ OR MUSIC DOWN- “We work with families on an in- side celebration simple. load dividual basis to encourage them Focusing on the meaning behind s )F THE PATIENT CAN EAT INCLUDE ONE OR TWO OF HER FAVORITE HOLIDAY to continue their traditions, just the celebration and not the calen- foods that are easy to transport, like a plate of cookies. looking a little different,” says Rose dar date can also free up your fam- Seelenbinder, a child life specialist at ily to observe the holiday in a more
28 QUEENS Family • December 2012 HEALTH When a child is sick for the HOLIDAYS BY LARA KRUPICKA ate. But rather than mope around Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. How to adapt the house, Williams planned a spe- Different is an operative word t starts out with your child being cial activity: game day. Her three in this case. There’s no getting your family tired and looking a little under children each picked a favorite around the fact that your child or I the weather. game and together they played all other sick family member won’t be But it’s a holiday, so you chalk it up three. at home for the holiday. Don’t try celebrations to the extra activity and some richer “It was fun. It actually forced to ignore it. Instead, address kids’ foods than normal. Soon enough, us to do something we would not hopes for the holiday. you realize what’s really happening: have done on a normal day,” Wil- Seelenbinder urges parents to in times of your child is sick and tomorrow is liams says. be appropriately honest with their another celebration. Not every family may be able to children. illness Most families face illness during a have a game day with sick children, “We recognize it’s hard to be major holiday at some point in time. but the holiday doesn’t have to be a away from home, and these are Given the right attitude and a good complete bust. hard conversations for parents to Plan B, you can still make holiday Follow your regular traditions, have.” memories. albeit in a more subdued form, out Encourage your child that “dif- Here are a few tips on celebrating of respect for the person who is ill. ferent” doesn’t have to be bad. In through (and in spite of) varying de- Include her as much as possible, fact, with some planning on your grees of illness. while giving her space to simply part, it can be exceptionally memo- be sick. rable. Short-term illness Your Plan B could include a sec- “Think about ‘how can we trans- Sarah Williams’s family enjoyed ond celebration once the child (or late what we do at home,’ in a dif- a holiday with relatives, but they parent) has recovered. Because it’s ferent environment,” Seelinbinder still had a special event on the not the actual holiday, it won’t be says. calendar when two of her children exactly the same. So don’t try to It’s also important not to go over- came down with the stomach flu. make it that way. Find opportuni- board to compensate. It may seem “We had tickets to a play that my ties to make it uniquely special — like a good idea, but often ends aunt had given them. They were like the Williams’s game day. up backfiring during the transition going to be gone the whole day,” back home. traditional sense once the hospital out how to go forward.” through issues of separation. Holi- Follow your regular she explains. Hospital stays and Remember to give yourself space. stay ends. Schumacher suggests starting a day traditions provide a great av- Instead, they stayed home to more serious illness Holidays can be crazy even without new tradition right away. You don’t enue for sharing memories. Talking traditions, albeit in a allow the sick children to recuper- No one wants to consider a hos- a sickness. Add on the challenges Terminal illness need to scrap your old traditions, about those memories and the role more subdued form, pital stay during a holiday. But of caring for your home while mak- More than 1.6 million people use but it is important to begin the the family member has played can sometimes it can’t be avoided, ing frequent hospital visits, and hospice services each year. So it’s transition. be powerful for enabling the child out of respect for the whether due to an accidental injury you’ll be primed for a meltdown. not uncommon for a person to be Talk with your children about to walk toward closure as death Holiday to go or chronic illness. “What we really encourage par- approaching death before or dur- how life will be changing and ask nears. person who is ill. Create a holiday basket that takes your The best resource for coping ents to do is take a moment for ing a holiday. their input on what new tradition s s s tradition to the sick room, whether in your with a special date on the calen- themselves and look at their whole This doesn’t make it any easier, they would like to start. And if pos- When it comes to holiday prepa- house or at a hospital. Include these elements dar while in the hospital is the family and how they can support but there are approaches parents sible, include the ill person in creat- rations, accepting that there might to make the day special: hospital’s staff. Find out from your everyone,” says Seelinbinder. can take to help. The first is to ac- ing the plan. come a time for Plan B can be a s ! TRADITIONAL SYMBOL OF YOUR FAMILYS HOLIDAY child’s doctor or the medical cen- This may mean leaving the holi- knowledge the situation and how “Incorporate them in the dis- helpful process. Then, when you (a cornucopia at Thanksgiving, or a menorah ter’s social worker what activities day preparation to someone else. that impacts the holiday. cussion without saying they’ll be encounter a sickness in your fam- for Hanukkah) are planned for the holiday. And Your Plan B could include engaging “Don’t expect it to be the same gone,” says Schumacher. “It shows ily, you won’t have to waste energy s ! HOLIDAY STORY BOOK PARTICULARLY IF ITS ONE discuss the expectations your fam- in the activities available through as every other year,” says Dr. Don them that you’re taking on the bur- on shifting gears. you’ve enjoyed together before ily might have. the hospital and keeping the bed- Schumacher, president and CEO of den.” You’ll be ready to find your own s ! GIFT THAT CAN BE ENJOYED IN BED SUCH AS A NEW #$ OR MUSIC DOWN- “We work with families on an in- side celebration simple. the National Hospice and Palliative Make sure to include visits with Plan B for adapting your celebra- load dividual basis to encourage them Focusing on the meaning behind Care Organization. “You have to the sick family member in your tion. s )F THE PATIENT CAN EAT INCLUDE ONE OR TWO OF HER FAVORITE HOLIDAY to continue their traditions, just the celebration and not the calen- acknowledge that some change is holiday observances. Schumacher Lara Krupicka is a freelance writer foods that are easy to transport, like a plate of cookies. looking a little different,” says Rose dar date can also free up your fam- coming. With every death, a new points out how this can particu- who found new ways to enjoy a holiday Seelenbinder, a child life specialist at ily to observe the holiday in a more family is born. You have to figure larly aid children as they work during a daughter’s bout of bronchitis.
December 2012 • QUEENS Family 29 ADVICE Preparing yourself for disasters to come The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy disastrous with Hurricane Ka- has made me concerned about what TRINA IN 4HE ISSUE IS NOT I would do if my home were flooded just surviving the storm, but or destroyed. How can I be better being able to weather the af- ASK AN prepared to keep my family safe and termath if rescue teams can- minimize the impact of the aftermath not get to you. ATTORNEY of a natural disaster? Know your flood zone and ALISON ARDEN BESUNDER, THOSE AROUND YOU 4O SEE IF ESQ. urricane Sandy and its dev- you are in a flood zone, check astating aftermath have once WWWFREEFLOODNET 4HE SAY- H again reminded us of the ing “better safe than sorry” is need to implement a crisis plan for all too applicable. During Hur-
ourselves and our families. Having Photo by Paul Martinka ricane Sandy, a family report- a crisis plan gives us peace of mind edly remained in the evacu- that we can act calmly under pres- family communicate when local land ation zone, because its house was sure and to expect the unexpected. lines and cell towers are down. looted during Irene, only to have the Here are some quick and easy steps s ) D E N T I F Y A PLACE WHERE YOU COULD mother and son perish in the flood. you can take in your quest to be get to in the event of a flood. You can replace the stuff. You can’t prepared. s !CCOUNT FOR EVERYONES NEEDS replace a life. Be smart, be safe, be especially seniors, people with dis- prepared to leave when necessary. Create a plan abilities, and non-English speakers. Develop a written crisis plan. Sam- s % N S U R E THAT HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS Make a personal ples and guidelines are available on have a copy of your household disas- financial crisis the city’s Office of Emergency Man- ter plan and a “short form” card with management plan agement website located at www. emergency contact information to -ITIGATE THE MESS !RE YOU IN- nyc.gov/html/oem/html/get_pre- keep in their wallets and backpacks. SURED 7HERE ARE YOUR INSURANCE pared/prepared_plan.shtml. s 0A C K A hGOv BAG THAT HAS SUF- policies (homeowners, life, auto, dis- Share the plan with your fam- ficient emergency supplies for all ABILITY !RE THEY UP TO DATE !RE ALL ily. Better yet, upload the plan to a household members and pets. Make your valuables on your homeowner document share site on the “cloud” sure your bag includes cash for im- RIDER !RE YOU COVERED IN CASES OF like Dropbox or Google docs, and mediate money needs. (Like gas sta- flood or hurricane, or do you need a download it to your phone, so you TIONS !4-S DO NOT OPERATE IN POWER separate rider? and others can access it even if the outages.) Confirm that you do not need any computer goes down. Your plan s $ECIDE HOW YOU WILL HANDLE CAR- additional insurance to protect you. should cover: ing for any pets and whether you will 4AKE AN INVENTORY OF ALL YOUR HOME s 7 H E R E YOUR HOUSEHOLD AND FAM- take them with you. Have a copy of auto, disability, and life insurance ily members will reunite after a di- your veterinarian’s contact informa- policies, put it in writing, upload it to saster. Identify two places to meet: tion and any pet insurance policies the cloud and keep written copies in one right outside of your home and in your “go” bag. your “go” bags. You should also keep another outside of your neighbor- s 9O U R CHILDREN ARE NEVER TOO a detailed list of your bank accounts, hood, such as a library, community young to review the plan with you. investments, trusts, titles and deeds, center, or place of worship. Instruct them on exit routes in the mortgages and home equity loans, s ) D E N T I F Y ALL POSSIBLE EXIT ROUTES event of a fire and reinforce the credit and debit cards, and tax re- from your home and neighborhood. neighborhood meeting place. cords in a safe and secure place, s $ESIGNATE AN OUT OF STATE FRIEND together with all contact information or relative who your household Evacuate when and online passwords. members can call if separated dur- you’re told to do so ing a disaster. If New York City phone 4OO MANY PEOPLE STAYED WHERE Make a legal plan circuits are busy, long-distance calls they were during Hurricanes Irene %VERYONE SHOULD HAVE A ,AST 7ILL may be easier to make. Your out-of- and Sandy, despite clear evacuation AND 4ESTAMENT (EALTHCARE 0ROXY state contact can help you and your ORDERS 4HIS WAS ALSO WHAT WAS SO AND 0OWER OF !TTORNEY &OR THOSE
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.
30 QUEENS Family • December 2012 with children, an appointment of a insured, should any of your busi- ADVICE Standby Guardian and Medical Au- ness assets be affected by a natu- thorization is also helpful to have. ral disaster, you need to be able Review the documents every few to contact your insurer immedi- years or anytime you or a close fam- ately to ensure maximum coverage WINNER! ily member experiences a signifi- under your policy. You should also cant life change such as marriage, take photographs of any and all Preparing yourself divorce, or the birth of a new family damaged assets, and save receipts member. Every review should en- for any work done in repairing or 5 TONY sure appropriate beneficiary desig- replacing business assets. Now is ® nations and titling of assets are up the time to make sure you have for disasters to come to date. Keep copies in your “go” the right insurance in the event AWARDS bags and online. your business is flooded or inac- The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy disastrous with Hurricane Ka- cessible. Look into business inter- has made me concerned about what TRINA IN 4HE ISSUE IS NOT Put it online ruption insurance, which can help I would do if my home were flooded just surviving the storm, but Many companies offer “online cover losses incurred as a result of or destroyed. How can I be better being able to weather the af- vaults” to give you secure access to natural or unanticipated disasters. “ABSURDLY ASK AN prepared to keep my family safe and termath if rescue teams can- your legal and financial documents s , O A N INFORMATION )F YOU NEED ATTORNEY minimize the impact of the aftermath not get to you. from any location with an internet a business loan following a disas- of a natural disaster? Know your flood zone and connection. Many financial service TER YOU CAN CONTACT THE 3"! /F- FUNNY!” ALISON ARDEN BESUNDER, THOSE AROUND YOU 4O SEE IF companies and financial planners fice of Disaster Assistance at (800) — ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY ESQ. urricane Sandy and its dev- you are in a flood zone, check offer this as a courtesy to their cus- 659–2955 or e-mail disastercustom- astating aftermath have once WWWFREEFLOODNET 4HE SAY- tomers and clients. Putting every- [email protected] for loans that H again reminded us of the ing “better safe than sorry” is thing in a secure online database is may be available to your business. need to implement a crisis plan for all too applicable. During Hur- a great way to back up your origi- s !DDITIONAL SUPPORT !DDITIONAL ourselves and our families. Having Photo by Paul Martinka ricane Sandy, a family report- nal and photocopy records. support for businesses can be a crisis plan gives us peace of mind edly remained in the evacu- found at the Department of Small that we can act calmly under pres- family communicate when local land ation zone, because its house was Mind your business "USINESS 3ERVICES WWWNYCGOV sure and to expect the unexpected. lines and cell towers are down. looted during Irene, only to have the If you own a business, you must HTMLSBSHTMLHOMEHOMESHTML Here are some quick and easy steps s ) D E N T I F Y A PLACE WHERE YOU COULD mother and son perish in the flood. have a business disaster plan. It and the Economic Development you can take in your quest to be get to in the event of a flood. You can replace the stuff. You can’t should include the following: #ORPORATION WWWNYCEDCCOM prepared. s !CCOUNT FOR EVERYONES NEEDS replace a life. Be smart, be safe, be s ! BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN backtobusiness). especially seniors, people with dis- prepared to leave when necessary. Make sure your business can con- s # O N T A C T INFORMATION MAINTE- Create a plan abilities, and non-English speakers. tinue to run as smoothly as possible NANCE "E SURE TO RETAIN ALL CONTACT Develop a written crisis plan. Sam- s % N S U R E THAT HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS Make a personal in the event that you or your em- information in a safe and accessible ples and guidelines are available on have a copy of your household disas- financial crisis ployees cannot get to there, or when location so that you can act quickly the city’s Office of Emergency Man- ter plan and a “short form” card with management plan the power goes out at the business and efficiently towards business agement website located at www. emergency contact information to -ITIGATE THE MESS !RE YOU IN- or your employees’ homes. recovery. This should include not nyc.gov/html/oem/html/get_pre- keep in their wallets and backpacks. SURED 7HERE ARE YOUR INSURANCE Organize your contact database, only all disaster-related recovery pared/prepared_plan.shtml. s 0A C K A hGOv BAG THAT HAS SUF- policies (homeowners, life, auto, dis- keep a regularly updated client services, but also alternative and Share the plan with your fam- ficient emergency supplies for all ABILITY !RE THEY UP TO DATE !RE ALL and customer list and open items; emergency contact information for ily. Better yet, upload the plan to a household members and pets. Make your valuables on your homeowner have a written procedure manual your employees. In our age of smart- document share site on the “cloud” sure your bag includes cash for im- RIDER !RE YOU COVERED IN CASES OF detailing the normal workflow of phones, there is no excuse for not like Dropbox or Google docs, and mediate money needs. (Like gas sta- flood or hurricane, or do you need a your business and all emergency having your contacts synched to download it to your phone, so you TIONS !4-S DO NOT OPERATE IN POWER separate rider? procedures; keep your billing and your password-protected device. and others can access it even if the outages.) Confirm that you do not need any time records up to date if appli- It is worth the investment of computer goes down. Your plan s $ECIDE HOW YOU WILL HANDLE CAR- additional insurance to protect you. cable; and execute estate planning time to prepare a reliable strategy NOW THROUGH JAN. 20 ONLY! should cover: ing for any pets and whether you will 4AKE AN INVENTORY OF ALL YOUR HOME documents for your business such that allows you to be prepared s 7 H E R E YOUR HOUSEHOLD AND FAM- take them with you. Have a copy of auto, disability, and life insurance as limited powers of attorney or when faced with economic and nat- ily members will reunite after a di- your veterinarian’s contact informa- policies, put it in writing, upload it to appointing a successor managing URAL DISASTERS "E WELL STAY SAFE Take a hilarious romp through saster. Identify two places to meet: tion and any pet insurance policies the cloud and keep written copies in member in your corporate operat- and do not get lulled into compla- one right outside of your home and in your “go” bag. your “go” bags. You should also keep ing agreement. You may want to cency that we won’t see a storm the Neverland you never knew with another outside of your neighbor- s 9O U R CHILDREN ARE NEVER TOO a detailed list of your bank accounts, consider moving your files or at like Sandy again. this swashbuckling prequel to Peter Pan. hood, such as a library, community young to review the plan with you. investments, trusts, titles and deeds, least an automated backup in the More information about how you center, or place of worship. Instruct them on exit routes in the mortgages and home equity loans, cloud, so that you can access files can be prepared and make a plan is s ) D E N T I F Y ALL POSSIBLE EXIT ROUTES event of a fire and reinforce the credit and debit cards, and tax re- remotely even if power goes out in available on the Office of Emergency from your home and neighborhood. neighborhood meeting place. cords in a safe and secure place, your office. Management website located at www. IT SINGS. IT SHINES. s $ESIGNATE AN OUT OF STATE FRIEND together with all contact information s )NSURANCE INFORMATION (UR- nyc.gov/html/oem/html/get_pre- or relative who your household Evacuate when and online passwords. ricane Sandy caused significant pared/prepared_plan.shtml. IT’S OFF THE HOOK! members can call if separated dur- you’re told to do so damage to many businesses. With- Alison Arden Besunder is the found- ing a disaster. If New York City phone 4OO MANY PEOPLE STAYED WHERE Make a legal plan out the right insurance, you might ing attorney of the Law Offices of circuits are busy, long-distance calls they were during Hurricanes Irene %VERYONE SHOULD HAVE A ,AST 7ILL not be able to recoup those losses. Alison Arden Besunder P.C., where may be easier to make. Your out-of- and Sandy, despite clear evacuation AND 4ESTAMENT (EALTHCARE 0ROXY 4HE OWNER OF POWER(OUSE "OOKS she assists new and not-so-new par- state contact can help you and your ORDERS 4HIS WAS ALSO WHAT WAS SO AND 0OWER OF !TTORNEY &OR THOSE IN $5-"/ WAS REPORTED TO HAVE ents with their estate planning needs. TICKETMASTER.COM t 877-250-2929 as much as $100,000 in inventory Her firm assists clients in Manhattan, 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 BROOKS ATKINSON THEATRE, 256 W. 47 ST. 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 losses. Without insurance to cover Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suf- 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- such loss, your business might not folk Counties. You can find Besunder WWW.PETERANDTHESTARCATCHER.COM 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 be able to survive. on Twitter @estatetrustplan and on her (2) may not be used in connection with promoting, marketing or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed herein. If you are (hopefully) properly website at www.besunderlaw.com.
December Ì ÊÓä£ÓÊUÊ 2012 • QUEENSXXXXX FamilyFAMILY 3123 RELATIONSHIPS Dad’s extended trip gives mom jitters Seeks help after absentee pop’s surprise DIVORCE & received a call from “Sharon,” ily imagine being repeated. through which many couples learn SEPARATION a single mom concerned about I wondered if George might be im- to communicate better and work to- LEE CHABIN, ESQ. I her 4-year-old daughter’s con- mature, as opposed to being a bad gether to get what they need. Sha- tact with her father, a man largely father. Certainly, he was inexperi- ron was unaware of what mediation absent from the girl’s life. The par- enced. Sharon agreed that immatu- entails. ents had never married. Our conver- rity was an issue; perhaps a good I gave a brief description and then sation was informal, in part because sign, since maturity and experience put on my mediator hat, asking ques- I am not familiar with the laws of her can be acquired. tions and reframing her responses, state. After discussing these matters, I and confirming that I had under- Sharon was apprehensive. The fa- shared my thoughts and we spoke stood her. ther, “George,” was to take their child about her options, and the ap- When I then told Sharon that she “Elisa” away for several days during proaches she might take. I suggested had just experienced what she likely a holiday break. But then, without that Sharon: would in an actual mediation ses- discussion, George told Sharon that s &O C U S ON HER CHILDS WELFARE sion, she seemed pleased, and felt he was adding extra days to the trip what is best for Elisa? What does a capable of doing it for real. — during time not his, according to child her age need, and what causes s 3 P E A K WITH AN ATTORNEY ) HAVE their parenting schedule. Sharon’s fear and disappointment? hope that legal action can be mini- The mother had many concerns: &OCUSING PRIMARILY ON %LISAS NEEDS mized in this case, if not avoided. will Elisa be safe? George has never rather than her own — which are Still, with her concerns, I offered gone away with Elisa. A lot of driv- also valid — may meet with less re- that it might be wise to meet with a ing, part of it well into the night, is sistance from George. local attorney who is knowledgeable planned. Would George get drowsy s - A KE USE OF A MUTUAL ACQUAIN- about her state’s laws. Sharon, want- and into an accident? Would he even tance: I asked Sharon if she and ing to know her “recourse,” could bring their daughter back? George have a mutual friend, a fam- learn this from such a meeting. Additionally, Sharon didn’t want to ily member or a clergyman, who she Sharon was very grateful for our set a bad precedent. She felt that she might be able to discuss her con- having talked, believing that she had has been very flexible and accommo- cerns with, and who in turn could a lot more information than an hour dating to George during the past year, discuss them with George. Likely, before. Energized, Sharon ended our when he had been around more, but George has trouble listening directly conversation, wanting to immedi- now she feels that he is taking advan- to Sharon; but he might be open to ately follow-up and find individuals tage — something that she could eas- hearing her concerns if expressed by and groups that might help her move a third party. Sharon said there was forward constructively. no such person to turn to. Postscript: Two weeks later, Sha- s ' O WITH 'EORGE TO A CHILD PSY- ron said that “Things are going bet- chologist or other parenting expert: ter. I am armed now with more infor- a parenting expert can address con- mation, and feel like I am tuning into cerns such as how a trip of several my intuition, and more capable of days away from her mother (here in- making powerful decisions.” cluding lengthy car travel and some New York City and Long Island based by plane) might affect a 4-year-old — divorce mediator and collaborative di- especially a child who has not spent vorce lawyer Lee Chabin, Esq., helps cli- much time alone with her father; ents end their relationships respectfully and how sticking to a routine makes and without going to court. Contact him a child feel secure. It’s one thing to at [email protected], or (718) tune out your ex, who may be ac- 229–6149, or go to http://lc-mediate. cusing and negative; and another to com/home. ignore an impartial expert. s #ONSIDER MEDIATION AS DIS- Disclaimer: All material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal CUSSED IN MY -ARCH AND .OVEM- advice. Discussing your particular circumstanc- ber 2012 columns and more fully on es with a legal professional before making my website, mediation is a process important decisions is strongly encouraged.
32 QUEENS Family • December 2012 RELATIONSHIPS NY’S SOURCE Dad’s extended trip ON PARENTING Currently, New York gives mom jitters Parenting Media is seeking a highly motivated full-time Seeks help after absentee pop’s surprise sales representative to sell DIVORCE & advertising in our magazines received a call from “Sharon,” ily imagine being repeated. through which many couples learn and digital properties. Join SEPARATION a single mom concerned about I wondered if George might be im- to communicate better and work to- LEE CHABIN, ESQ. I her 4-year-old daughter’s con- mature, as opposed to being a bad gether to get what they need. Sha- our dynamic team and tact with her father, a man largely father. Certainly, he was inexperi- ron was unaware of what mediation absent from the girl’s life. The par- enced. Sharon agreed that immatu- entails. become a part of our family. ents had never married. Our conver- rity was an issue; perhaps a good I gave a brief description and then sation was informal, in part because sign, since maturity and experience put on my mediator hat, asking ques- I am not familiar with the laws of her can be acquired. tions and reframing her responses, Requirements include: state. After discussing these matters, I and confirming that I had under- Sharon was apprehensive. The fa- shared my thoughts and we spoke stood her. • Prior sales experiences ther, “George,” was to take their child about her options, and the ap- When I then told Sharon that she “Elisa” away for several days during proaches she might take. I suggested had just experienced what she likely (print and digital ad a holiday break. But then, without that Sharon: would in an actual mediation ses- sales a plus) discussion, George told Sharon that s &O C U S ON HER CHILDS WELFARE sion, she seemed pleased, and felt he was adding extra days to the trip what is best for Elisa? What does a capable of doing it for real. • Excellent written and — during time not his, according to child her age need, and what causes s 3 P E A K WITH AN ATTORNEY ) HAVE their parenting schedule. Sharon’s fear and disappointment? hope that legal action can be mini- verbal communication The mother had many concerns: &OCUSING PRIMARILY ON %LISAS NEEDS mized in this case, if not avoided. skills will Elisa be safe? George has never rather than her own — which are Still, with her concerns, I offered gone away with Elisa. A lot of driv- also valid — may meet with less re- that it might be wise to meet with a • The ability to develop ing, part of it well into the night, is sistance from George. local attorney who is knowledgeable planned. Would George get drowsy s - A KE USE OF A MUTUAL ACQUAIN- about her state’s laws. Sharon, want- new business and grow and into an accident? Would he even tance: I asked Sharon if she and ing to know her “recourse,” could existing business bring their daughter back? George have a mutual friend, a fam- learn this from such a meeting. Additionally, Sharon didn’t want to ily member or a clergyman, who she Sharon was very grateful for our • Car and valid driver’s set a bad precedent. She felt that she might be able to discuss her con- having talked, believing that she had has been very flexible and accommo- cerns with, and who in turn could a lot more information than an hour license required dating to George during the past year, discuss them with George. Likely, before. Energized, Sharon ended our when he had been around more, but George has trouble listening directly conversation, wanting to immedi- now she feels that he is taking advan- to Sharon; but he might be open to ately follow-up and find individuals Our offi ce is located in tage — something that she could eas- hearing her concerns if expressed by and groups that might help her move a third party. Sharon said there was forward constructively. downtown Brooklyn, but no such person to turn to. Postscript: Two weeks later, Sha- s ' O WITH 'EORGE TO A CHILD PSY- ron said that “Things are going bet- knowledge of the entire city chologist or other parenting expert: ter. I am armed now with more infor- is essential. a parenting expert can address con- mation, and feel like I am tuning into cerns such as how a trip of several my intuition, and more capable of days away from her mother (here in- making powerful decisions.” Please submit your resume cluding lengthy car travel and some New York City and Long Island based by plane) might affect a 4-year-old — divorce mediator and collaborative di- to [email protected]. especially a child who has not spent vorce lawyer Lee Chabin, Esq., helps cli- much time alone with her father; ents end their relationships respectfully and how sticking to a routine makes and without going to court. Contact him a child feel secure. It’s one thing to at [email protected], or (718) tune out your ex, who may be ac- 229–6149, or go to http://lc-mediate. cusing and negative; and another to com/home. ignore an impartial expert. s #ONSIDER MEDIATION AS DIS- Disclaimer: All material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal CUSSED IN MY -ARCH AND .OVEM- advice. Discussing your particular circumstanc- ber 2012 columns and more fully on es with a legal professional before making my website, mediation is a process important decisions is strongly encouraged.
December 2012 • QUEENS Family 33 SPECIAL NEEDS The busy season How to BY REBECCA MCKEE es, it’s true, Halloween has prepare your crept up and slithered away. Y The stores will be bypassing Thanksgiving and zooming towards special-needs Christmas before we know it! For those of us who share our lives with children for someone who has autism spectrum disorder or another special need, we know the feelings of experiencing the holidays the haunts of Halloween months be- fore autumn arrives and hours spent listening to Christmas carols while we still don shorts. Aah, the anticipa- tion of it all. For many, this idea of happy holi- day happenings can quickly turn into too much too soon and lead to a downward spiral. Here are some simple strategies that may ease the overwhelming excitement and allow families to celebrate holidays in a timely, successive order. s 5SING A CALENDAR WORKS FOR MANY reasons. Some include appointments and birthdays, but they also list un- written social rules. This may mean what others generally speak about during special times of the year and what activities people partake in. For example, in October, I may write at the top of the calendar page: “People decorate their homes with pumpkins. Maybe we can visit a farm and pick apples. People talk about baking, eating pies, and pumpkin him push the cart and locate the son about the upcoming changes in bread. We can watch ‘The Wizard items in the supermarket or load the his schedule is the best bet! Informa- of Oz’ and scary movies like (fill dishwasher after the meal, which tion regarding the location of the in your child’s favorite). Everyone will alleviate that over-abundance of holiday dinner is a must. If visitors looks at Halloween costumes and liveliness. In other words, direct his are expected, please provide details. buys bags of candy.” Try to continue excitable, nervous energies towards Social scrapbooks work wonders. THIS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR s 7HEN a meaningful goal. s - A KE AVAILABLE ITEMS AND ACTIVI- each holiday ends, begin ground- s ! S EACH HOLIDAY ENDS HAVE YOUR ties to keep your family members oc- work for the next. Once Thanksgiv- family member recycle the wrapping cupied during these holiday meals. ing is over, your family member can paper, catalogs, and magazines. This ,UCKILY WE CAN AMUSE OURSELVES self-talk through writing: “Our family is a physical and definite ending. with active conversation, passive will start taking down Thanksgiving s , I M I T THE CHOICES OF MUSIC AND LISTENING AND DAYDREAMING ,ETS decorations. We will start talking movies to a seasonal selection or to be sensitive to others who struggle about (Christmas, Hanukkah, etc.). those that are relevant all year. Dis- with intrapersonal and interpersonal We will get out the ornaments.” play the television listings as a visual skills. s )NCLUDE YOUR FAMILY MEMBER IN cue. Recognizing that our relatives Follow this holiday prep guide to household chores during the holi- do not want to watch a Passover avoid bumps in the rum cake road! days as much as possible, such as movie on Thanksgiving is using nice You’ll be helping these special needs creating a grocery list pertaining manners. Manners are a learned so- individuals move through the holi- to Thanksgiving dinner or mixing cial skill. day season as we do, with a purpose. Christmas cookie dough. Having s 0ROACTIVELY PREPARING EACH PER- Cheers and be merry!
34 QUEENS Family • December 2012 SPECIAL NEEDS NEW YORK SPECIAL CHILD
Summer/Early Fall 2011 LONG ISLAND SPECIAL CHILD NEW YORK FREE SPECIAL CHILD Trusted since 2008 The busy season www.NYParenting.com 5 myths Fall/Winter 2011–2012 NEW YORK FREE BY REBECCA MCKEE Routines about How to bringSPECIAL CHILDfitness es, it’s true, Halloween has benefitswww.NYParenting.com & autism crept up and slithered away. prepare your Celebrating Y The stores will be bypassing Thanksgiving and zooming towards Five Informing & Enriching special-needs Christmas before we know it! For those of us who share our lives with Y e a r s “Special Needs” children for someone who has autism spectrum in print disorder or another special need, ! we know the feelings of experiencing Positive Families throughout the holidays the haunts of Halloween months be- fore autumn arrives and hours spent behavior listening to Christmas carols while support NYC & Long Island we still don shorts. Aah, the anticipa- Cultivating Optimistic tion of it all. winningparenting For many, this idea of happy holi- attitudes day happenings can quickly turn The power into too much too soon and lead to of music a downward spiral. Here are some simple strategies that may ease the overwhelming excitement and allow For more information about distribution or
Summer/Early Fall 2011 families to celebrate holidays in a LONG ISLAND FREE timely, successive order. how to get your free copy, please Fall/Winter 2010/2011 s 5SING A CALENDAR WORKS FOR MANY LONG SPECIALISLAND CHILDFREE reasons. Some include appointments www.webfamilyny.com e-mail us at [email protected]. and birthdays, but they also list un- SPECIAL CHILD5 myths written social rules. This may mean w w w .NYParenting Routines.com about what others generally speak about bring fitness Visit us online at during special times of the year and benefits & autism what activities people partake in. For example, in October, I may write WWW.90ARENTINGCOM at the top of the calendar page: Tips to ,IKE US ON OUR &ACEBOOK PAGE .90ARENTING “People decorate their homes with organize pumpkins. Maybe we can visit a farm your child OR FOLLOW US ON 4WITTER and pick apples. People talk about 8 baking, eating pies, and pumpkin him push the cart and locate the son about the upcoming changes in bread. We can watch ‘The Wizard items in the supermarket or load the his schedule is the best bet! Informa- Take charge of Oz’ and scary movies like (fill dishwasher after the meal, which tion regarding the location of the Creating an IEP in your child’s favorite). Everyone will alleviate that over-abundance of holiday dinner is a must. If visitors Cultivating looks at Halloween costumes and liveliness. In other words, direct his are expected, please provide details. winning buys bags of candy.” Try to continue excitable, nervous energies towards Social scrapbooks work wonders. attitudes THIS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR s 7HEN a meaningful goal. s - A KE AVAILABLE ITEMS AND ACTIVI- To advertise your business and or services each holiday ends, begin ground- s ! S EACH HOLIDAY ENDS HAVE YOUR ties to keep your family members oc- School blues work for the next. Once Thanksgiv- family member recycle the wrapping cupied during these holiday meals. Overcoming anxiety CONTACT US AT OR ing is over, your family member can paper, catalogs, and magazines. This ,UCKILY WE CAN AMUSE OURSELVES E MAIL US AT FAMILY CNGLOCALCOM self-talk through writing: “Our family is a physical and definite ending. with active conversation, passive will start taking down Thanksgiving s , I M I T THE CHOICES OF MUSIC AND LISTENING AND DAYDREAMING ,ETS decorations. We will start talking movies to a seasonal selection or to be sensitive to others who struggle about (Christmas, Hanukkah, etc.). those that are relevant all year. Dis- with intrapersonal and interpersonal We will get out the ornaments.” play the television listings as a visual skills. s )NCLUDE YOUR FAMILY MEMBER IN cue. Recognizing that our relatives Follow this holiday prep guide to household chores during the holi- do not want to watch a Passover avoid bumps in the rum cake road! Family Publications New York/CNG days as much as possible, such as movie on Thanksgiving is using nice You’ll be helping these special needs -ETRO4ECH #ENTER .ORTH TH &L s "ROOKLYN .9 creating a grocery list pertaining manners. Manners are a learned so- individuals move through the holi- to Thanksgiving dinner or mixing cial skill. day season as we do, with a purpose. s FAMILY CNGLOCALCOM Christmas cookie dough. Having s 0ROACTIVELY PREPARING EACH PER- Cheers and be merry!
December 2012 • QUEENS Family 35 PERSONAL ESSAY The joy of getting
BY MEAGAN J. MEEHAN wrapped her present, but to me, all some children do behave ungrate- Learning why of that was purely a formality. The fully and they should be reprimanded hen I was a child, I loved real joy was the thrill of opening before their poor attitudes develop receiving is presents; getting gifts was my own gifts and getting my own into bigger problems. However, the W the focal point of my birth- things. majority of children are excited AND day and Christmas. Whenever it was I can still recall the crinkling grateful to receive gifts, and should important for a friend’s birthday, my parents came sound of the wrapping paper, the not be painted with the same brush to the toy store with me and helped anticipation of opening the box, and as those who are unappreciative. me select a gift that would suit my the elation of revealing some won- Similarly, I agree that the spirit giving friend’s personal tastes. We wrapped derful new toy that was all for me! of Christmas — goodwill — should the gift carefully and enjoyed watch- And that was only part of the fun always be conveyed to a child first ing the receiver smile as she un- — the real joy was the hours I got and foremost. However, gift giving playing with my new toys. Most of and receiving are integral parts of the presents I received were cher- the celebration process that actually ished for years. I especially got un- motivate children to be more gener- told hours of fun out of my doll- ous and giving later in life. houses, Legos, and video games, and The human mind is a complex all of those fond memories began as thing, and it largely bases its pro- soon as I tore open the wrappings. cesses upon past experiences. Thus, As a child I could not fathom that if someone recalls the joy that receiv- ridiculous adult adage: “It is better ing gifts gave them in their younger to give than to receive.” I used to years then, as adults, they are far snicker when I heard it, assuming more likely to have the desire to cre- that all adults were insane. ate the same sense of joy for younger Alas, as I got older, the appeal generations. Likewise, someone who of receiving gifts faded. I still smile has no good memories of receiving if I get a gift, but the difference is presents is less likely to partake in that as I grew up, the thrill of pres- the seasonal custom due to long- ents gradually lessened. I learned standing feelings of isolation, bitter- there was no Santa (except for the ness, and regret. goodwill of others — a concept I We learn from memory, and our actually find more touching) and personalities are molded from our then I started to lose that “I want experiences. A vast portion of our it, I want it, I want it!” drive memory relies on the recollections that most small children pos- of the emotional reactions that we sess. experienced during certain events As I got into my teens, or times. In short, if we recall pleas- I started appreciating the ant things about the holidays, then other aspects of the holidays we are more likely to enjoy them more: decorating the house, every year. touring around neighbor- Parents must realize that what hoods looking at lights, mar- seems like children being selfish is veling at store windows in the actually a normal foundation-laying city, baking, giving to charity, process for what will later become listening to the endless stream of the basis of selfless and giving be- Christmas songs on the radio — all havior. All of that starts with making the festive, yet, gift-free aspects to holidays special, both materially and the season. Now, instead of presents spiritually. being the focal point of the holiday, Meagan Meehan is a published au- they are merely a delightful extra. thor of poems, short stories, novels, Some people see children’s love of and articles in numerous publications. presents as an indication of a shal- She is also a cartoonist and an award- low, consumer-driven culture. These winning modern artist. Meehan holds a same individuals view children as Bachelors degree in English Literature bratty and ungrateful, and even go so from New York Institute of Technology far as to discourage parents from buy- and a Masters of Communication from ing their children presents. Granted, Marist College.
36 QUEENS Family • December 2012 PERSONAL ESSAY Like Us on The joy of getting BY MEAGAN J. MEEHAN wrapped her present, but to me, all some children do behave ungrate- Soccer Gear to WIN Learning why of that was purely a formality. The fully and they should be reprimanded hen I was a child, I loved real joy was the thrill of opening before their poor attitudes develop receiving is presents; getting gifts was my own gifts and getting my own into bigger problems. However, the tickets or W the focal point of my birth- things. majority of children are excited AND & day and Christmas. Whenever it was I can still recall the crinkling grateful to receive gifts, and should important for a friend’s birthday, my parents came sound of the wrapping paper, the not be painted with the same brush to the toy store with me and helped anticipation of opening the box, and as those who are unappreciative. prizes giving me select a gift that would suit my the elation of revealing some won- Similarly, I agree that the spirit Equipment friend’s personal tastes. We wrapped derful new toy that was all for me! of Christmas — goodwill — should the gift carefully and enjoyed watch- And that was only part of the fun always be conveyed to a child first ing the receiver smile as she un- — the real joy was the hours I got and foremost. However, gift giving Visit us at our playing with my new toys. Most of and receiving are integral parts of the presents I received were cher- the celebration process that actually Drive NYParenting page ished for years. I especially got un- motivate children to be more gener- told hours of fun out of my doll- ous and giving later in life. Do you have uniforms, balls, and register to win houses, Legos, and video games, and The human mind is a complex all of those fond memories began as thing, and it largely bases its pro- shin guards, shoes, etc. that your kids soon as I tore open the wrappings. cesses upon past experiences. Thus, As a child I could not fathom that if someone recalls the joy that receiv- have outgrown? ridiculous adult adage: “It is better ing gifts gave them in their younger to give than to receive.” I used to years then, as adults, they are far snicker when I heard it, assuming more likely to have the desire to cre- FREE that all adults were insane. ate the same sense of joy for younger Attention All Writers! Alas, as I got older, the appeal generations. Likewise, someone who Soccer Clinic for kids of receiving gifts faded. I still smile has no good memories of receiving We’re looking for personal essays if I get a gift, but the difference is presents is less likely to partake in that as I grew up, the thrill of pres- the seasonal custom due to long- ages 5-14 about you, your family and life ents gradually lessened. I learned standing feelings of isolation, bitter- (where you can bring donated there was no Santa (except for the ness, and regret. in your community. goodwill of others — a concept I We learn from memory, and our gear & equipment) actually find more touching) and personalities are molded from our then I started to lose that “I want experiences. A vast portion of our Partner with us and share your it, I want it, I want it!” drive memory relies on the recollections Give-A-Ball Foundation will collect that most small children pos- of the emotional reactions that we stories and your memories. sess. experienced during certain events used soccer gear and distribute it to As I got into my teens, or times. In short, if we recall pleas- Email [email protected] to I started appreciating the ant things about the holidays, then children in Haiti & Nigeria other aspects of the holidays we are more likely to enjoy them have your piece included in our more: decorating the house, every year. touring around neighbor- Parents must realize that what magazine and on our website. hoods looking at lights, mar- seems like children being selfish is veling at store windows in the actually a normal foundation-laying city, baking, giving to charity, process for what will later become listening to the endless stream of the basis of selfless and giving be- Christmas songs on the radio — all havior. All of that starts with making the festive, yet, gift-free aspects to holidays special, both materially and the season. Now, instead of presents spiritually. being the focal point of the holiday, Meagan Meehan is a published au- they are merely a delightful extra. thor of poems, short stories, novels, For more information please visit Some people see children’s love of and articles in numerous publications. presents as an indication of a shal- She is also a cartoonist and an award- www.giveaball.org low, consumer-driven culture. These winning modern artist. Meehan holds a same individuals view children as Bachelors degree in English Literature or call bratty and ungrateful, and even go so from New York Institute of Technology far as to discourage parents from buy- and a Masters of Communication from 1-888-607-0043 x 2 ing their children presents. Granted, Marist College.
December 2012 • QUEENS Family 37 HEALTH PARENTING A cancer survivor Holiday chores that How a young mother battled mesothelioma teenagers will enjoy hen you hear the word me- ‘You have cancer.’ I had just given to asbestos in any way would ben- sothelioma, what do you birth, yet three-and-a half months efit from a full exam, particularly W think? Most of us probably later, I would learn that I was sick if you have symptoms. For those he holiday season should be the Friedmans explain. Still stumped for ideas? Suggest conjure up those bad commercials of with pleural mesothelioma, a type that have a history of asbestos ex- spent enjoying family, not Ken Damato, CEO of DoughMain. chores that match a teen’s likes and lawyers asking men if they were ex- of cancer that is a result of asbestos posure, early warning signs are dry LIONS AND T emptying your medicine cabi- com, an online site dedicated to edu- abilities so she will be more apt to HEALTHY posed to asbestos at work. However, exposure.” cough, shortness of breath, shoul- net of headache-relief medication. A cating families about organization help out: mesothelioma remains a very real Not knowing much about the der pain, fever, night sweats, and TIGERS AND teen that knows every excuse in the and money management, agrees that s # R A F T Y TEENS MAKE ORNAMENTS LIVING and deadly form of cancer that can disease when diagnosed, she later sudden unexplained weight loss. book for doing chores is frustrating, teens work best when parents re- or fresh wreaths. DANIELLE SULLIVAN affect any of us, not just men work- learned that she had not acquired Once you contact your doctor, as TEENS especially this time of year when you spect their ideas and opinions. s 4E E N CHEFS PREPARE DINNER ON ing with asbestos. Just ask Heather malignant pleural mesothelioma with any other disease, the key is could use some extra help. So, avoid “The best way parents can encour- nights parents are out shopping. Von St. James, a young mother who through first-hand exposure, but to be proactive. Explain to him that MYRNA BETH HASKELL the typical sigh and exasperated “I’m age teens to have a positive attitude s 4E E N MECHANICS CHANGE THE learned she had the disease only second-hand. Her father was a con- you have had asbestos exposure, busy,” by assigning your teen tasks towards chores is by including their oil in Mom’s car to save her a trip to three months after her first daughter struction worker who handled ma- and you would like to be checked she’ll actually enjoy doing. Here are input. Talking with teens about what Jiffy Lube. was born. terials that contained asbestos, so for mesothelioma. Keep in mind, some creative ideas to encourage her types of chores need to be done and s 4E C H S AV V Y TEENS SEND DIGITAL “I never anticipated that at the age through daily contact in the form of the disease can take anywhere from to get involved in the holiday prepara- which chores they enjoy can help cards or photos to friends and rela- of 36 I’d hear the shocking words, riding in her dad’s truck or hugging 20 to 50 years after exposure to ap- tions and lighten your load. make them more positive about the tives. him when he came home, or even pear. whole experience,” Damato says. s , I C E N S E D TEENS NEWLY LICENSED simply just being in the same room At the time of her diagnosis, Foster teamwork teens will gladly take siblings to ac- with his work clothes, Heather was Heather was given 15 months to live “Scheduling is important Chores teens enjoy tivities or run errands. exposed to the deadly substance unless she took drastic measures, so teenagers don’t feel put The Friedmans offer, “Most teen- s # A M E R A BUFFS SET UP AND TAKE almost daily. which she did, having one lung, upon. Post a daily sched- agers like to help cook. During the the family holiday photo. Heather says that when she was one rib, and half of her diaphragm ule of responsibilities in holidays, there is a lot of cooking s & U T U R E VETS GROOM THE FAM- diagnosed, the Mayo Clinic (where removed. Amazingly, it has been the kitchen. This way to get done. Additionally, teens like ily pet. she was treated) “had limited knowl- nearly seven years since Heather’s everyone knows what to set up (not breakdown), so give edge of anyone else my age deal- diagnosis, and at her last check-up is expected of them them the job of setting the table.” Tips and tales ing with this type of cancer. The this past October, it showed there and that there is an As a teen, Damato recalls that he “My daughter’s favorite holiday idea that it only affected men who was no evidence of the disease in even distribution of work,” liked everything neat and organized, chore is getting all the decorations worked construction-type jobs was her body anymore. advise Caitlin and Andrew Fried- so chores that involved rearranging ready for the house and baking “Pep- the focus of this deadly disease. “I guess you could call it re- man, authors of the upcom- and re-creating a space were good permint Patty” holiday cookies that However, secretaries, teachers, and mission, but I don’t. I say, ‘cancer ing book “Family Inc: Of- choices for him. After conducting in- we give out to family and friends.” students who were exposed to the free.’” fice-Inspired Solutions depth surveys about teen chores, Da- Stephenie Dimase, Wappingers carcinogenic building materials in Heather now works as a patient to Reduce the Chaos mato’s staff proposes the following: Falls, NY which the schools were built were advocate and strives to bring aware- in Your Home (and Holiday decorating. It’s easy for “My teenage son shovels snow dur- also affected. Wives who frequently ness of the disease to others. She Save Your Sanity!).” people of all ages to get into the ing the holiday season. Of course, he washed their husbands’ work cloth- is very active in the mesothelioma It is crucial to work holiday spirit when it involves set- hated it until we asked him to build a ing were affected additionally.” community. Her positive attitude as a team. ting up lights, decorating the tree, or snowman at the end of the driveway Even more disturbing is the fact has only strengthened her outlook. “Consider bring- simply wrapping presents. Because after he finished.” that the number of pleural mesothe- “My prognosis? Fantastic. We ing your teen into these chores are unique to the sea- Lauren Zorilo, Wappingers Falls, NY lioma cases in the younger popula- keep on top of appointments; every the family planning son, teens will be more willing to tion is rising. six months I go back for check ups. by discussing what help out. Share your ideas “This generation includes chil- It’s been seven years, and I’m feeling needs to be done,” Donate or sell personal belong- Upcoming topic: Tips to help ap- dren who attended schools built great. I’m very active in the meso- ings. Teens can sort old clothing and proach your teen about safety is- of the materials containing asbes- thelioma community, as a patient sporting equipment and donate to sues concerning sexual activity (i.e. tos. Deteriorating insulation and advocate, and am getting ready to charity. This emphasizes the impor- how to say no, protection, personal tiles within these buildings espe- celebrate seven years at our annual tance of giving at this special time choice, and safety). cially posed a great risk,” explains Lungleavin’ Day party, Feb. 2, 2013! of year. Teens might also sell their Please send your full name, address, Heather. “Beyond school, homes I’m having a fund-raiser for meso- gently worn items to a consignment and brief comments to myrnahaskell@ proved to be a contaminated en- thelioma research. I’m giving back shop and use the proceeds to pur- gmail.com, or visit www.myrnahaskell. vironment as wives and children to the community that has been so chase gifts for family and friends. com. cheerfully welcomed dads and fa- wonderful to me.” Incorporate technology. Teens Myrna Beth Haskell is a feature thers home from a hard day’s work. Danielle Sullivan, a mom of three, enjoy using technology to help out writer, columnist and author of the newly Mothers who taught or secretaries has worked as a writer and editor in the at home. After the holidays, ask your released book, “Lions and Tigers and who aided in those contaminated parenting world for more than 10 years. teen to create a spreadsheet of your Teens: Expert advice and support for the schools likewise were greeted with Sullivan also writes about pets and par- holiday card list (sent and received) conscientious parent just like you,” avail- hugs from family members whom enting for Disney’s Babble.com. Find her — a big time saver! Teens can also able at Amazon.com and www.unlimit- they unknowingly placed at risk.” on Facebook and Twitter @DanniSull- help set up new electronics or game edpublishing.com/haskell/. For details, Heather Von St. James and her daughter, Lily. Anyone who has been exposed Writer, or on her blog, Just Write Mom. systems. visit www.myrnahaskell.com. 38 QUEENS Family • December 2012 HEALTH PARENTINGParenting A cancer survivor Holiday chores that How a young mother battled mesothelioma teenagers will enjoy hen you hear the word me- ‘You have cancer.’ I had just given to asbestos in any way would ben- sothelioma, what do you birth, yet three-and-a half months efit from a full exam, particularly W think? Most of us probably later, I would learn that I was sick if you have symptoms. For those he holiday season should be the Friedmans explain. Still stumped for ideas? Suggest conjure up those bad commercials of with pleural mesothelioma, a type that have a history of asbestos ex- spent enjoying family, not Ken Damato, CEO of DoughMain. chores that match a teen’s likes and lawyers asking men if they were ex- of cancer that is a result of asbestos posure, early warning signs are dry LIONS AND T emptying your medicine cabi- com, an online site dedicated to edu- abilities so she will be more apt to HEALTHY posed to asbestos at work. However, exposure.” cough, shortness of breath, shoul- net of headache-relief medication. A cating families about organization help out: mesothelioma remains a very real Not knowing much about the der pain, fever, night sweats, and TIGERS AND teen that knows every excuse in the and money management, agrees that s # R A F T Y TEENS MAKE ORNAMENTS LIVING and deadly form of cancer that can disease when diagnosed, she later sudden unexplained weight loss. book for doing chores is frustrating, teens work best when parents re- or fresh wreaths. DANIELLE SULLIVAN affect any of us, not just men work- learned that she had not acquired Once you contact your doctor, as TEENS especially this time of year when you spect their ideas and opinions. s 4E E N CHEFS PREPARE DINNER ON ing with asbestos. Just ask Heather malignant pleural mesothelioma with any other disease, the key is could use some extra help. So, avoid “The best way parents can encour- nights parents are out shopping. Von St. James, a young mother who through first-hand exposure, but to be proactive. Explain to him that MYRNA BETH HASKELL the typical sigh and exasperated “I’m age teens to have a positive attitude s 4E E N MECHANICS CHANGE THE learned she had the disease only second-hand. Her father was a con- you have had asbestos exposure, busy,” by assigning your teen tasks towards chores is by including their oil in Mom’s car to save her a trip to three months after her first daughter struction worker who handled ma- and you would like to be checked she’ll actually enjoy doing. Here are input. Talking with teens about what Jiffy Lube. was born. terials that contained asbestos, so for mesothelioma. Keep in mind, some creative ideas to encourage her types of chores need to be done and s 4E C H S AV V Y TEENS SEND DIGITAL “I never anticipated that at the age through daily contact in the form of the disease can take anywhere from to get involved in the holiday prepara- which chores they enjoy can help cards or photos to friends and rela- of 36 I’d hear the shocking words, riding in her dad’s truck or hugging 20 to 50 years after exposure to ap- tions and lighten your load. make them more positive about the tives. him when he came home, or even pear. whole experience,” Damato says. s , I C E N S E D TEENS NEWLY LICENSED simply just being in the same room At the time of her diagnosis, Foster teamwork teens will gladly take siblings to ac- with his work clothes, Heather was Heather was given 15 months to live “Scheduling is important Chores teens enjoy tivities or run errands. exposed to the deadly substance unless she took drastic measures, so teenagers don’t feel put The Friedmans offer, “Most teen- s # A M E R A BUFFS SET UP AND TAKE almost daily. which she did, having one lung, upon. Post a daily sched- agers like to help cook. During the the family holiday photo. Heather says that when she was one rib, and half of her diaphragm ule of responsibilities in holidays, there is a lot of cooking s & U T U R E VETS GROOM THE FAM- diagnosed, the Mayo Clinic (where removed. Amazingly, it has been the kitchen. This way to get done. Additionally, teens like ily pet. she was treated) “had limited knowl- nearly seven years since Heather’s everyone knows what to set up (not breakdown), so give edge of anyone else my age deal- diagnosis, and at her last check-up is expected of them them the job of setting the table.” Tips and tales ing with this type of cancer. The this past October, it showed there and that there is an As a teen, Damato recalls that he “My daughter’s favorite holiday idea that it only affected men who was no evidence of the disease in even distribution of work,” liked everything neat and organized, chore is getting all the decorations worked construction-type jobs was her body anymore. advise Caitlin and Andrew Fried- so chores that involved rearranging ready for the house and baking “Pep- the focus of this deadly disease. “I guess you could call it re- man, authors of the upcom- and re-creating a space were good permint Patty” holiday cookies that However, secretaries, teachers, and mission, but I don’t. I say, ‘cancer ing book “Family Inc: Of- choices for him. After conducting in- we give out to family and friends.” students who were exposed to the free.’” fice-Inspired Solutions depth surveys about teen chores, Da- Stephenie Dimase, Wappingers carcinogenic building materials in Heather now works as a patient to Reduce the Chaos mato’s staff proposes the following: Falls, NY which the schools were built were advocate and strives to bring aware- in Your Home (and Holiday decorating. It’s easy for “My teenage son shovels snow dur- also affected. Wives who frequently ness of the disease to others. She Save Your Sanity!).” people of all ages to get into the ing the holiday season. Of course, he washed their husbands’ work cloth- is very active in the mesothelioma It is crucial to work holiday spirit when it involves set- hated it until we asked him to build a ing were affected additionally.” community. Her positive attitude as a team. ting up lights, decorating the tree, or snowman at the end of the driveway Even more disturbing is the fact has only strengthened her outlook. “Consider bring- simply wrapping presents. Because after he finished.” that the number of pleural mesothe- “My prognosis? Fantastic. We ing your teen into these chores are unique to the sea- Lauren Zorilo, Wappingers Falls, NY lioma cases in the younger popula- keep on top of appointments; every the family planning son, teens will be more willing to tion is rising. six months I go back for check ups. by discussing what help out. Share your ideas “This generation includes chil- It’s been seven years, and I’m feeling needs to be done,” Donate or sell personal belong- Upcoming topic: Tips to help ap- dren who attended schools built great. I’m very active in the meso- ings. Teens can sort old clothing and proach your teen about safety is- of the materials containing asbes- thelioma community, as a patient sporting equipment and donate to sues concerning sexual activity (i.e. tos. Deteriorating insulation and advocate, and am getting ready to charity. This emphasizes the impor- how to say no, protection, personal tiles within these buildings espe- celebrate seven years at our annual tance of giving at this special time choice, and safety). cially posed a great risk,” explains Lungleavin’ Day party, Feb. 2, 2013! of year. Teens might also sell their Please send your full name, address, Heather. “Beyond school, homes I’m having a fund-raiser for meso- gently worn items to a consignment and brief comments to myrnahaskell@ proved to be a contaminated en- thelioma research. I’m giving back shop and use the proceeds to pur- gmail.com, or visit www.myrnahaskell. vironment as wives and children to the community that has been so chase gifts for family and friends. com. cheerfully welcomed dads and fa- wonderful to me.” Incorporate technology. Teens Myrna Beth Haskell is a feature thers home from a hard day’s work. Danielle Sullivan, a mom of three, enjoy using technology to help out writer, columnist and author of the newly Mothers who taught or secretaries has worked as a writer and editor in the at home. After the holidays, ask your released book, “Lions and Tigers and who aided in those contaminated parenting world for more than 10 years. teen to create a spreadsheet of your Teens: Expert advice and support for the schools likewise were greeted with Sullivan also writes about pets and par- holiday card list (sent and received) conscientious parent just like you,” avail- hugs from family members whom enting for Disney’s Babble.com. Find her — a big time saver! Teens can also able at Amazon.com and www.unlimit- they unknowingly placed at risk.” on Facebook and Twitter @DanniSull- help set up new electronics or game edpublishing.com/haskell/. For details, Heather Von St. James and her daughter, Lily. Anyone who has been exposed Writer, or on her blog, Just Write Mom. systems. visit www.myrnahaskell.com. December 2012 • QUEENS Family 39 HEALTHY EATING QUEENS Bake up memories oms are about making holi- Problem solving if taste and texture flags go up. day memories, and there’s What happens when you run out s &OR LIQUIDS CONSIDER SUBSTITUTING M no better activity for in- of an ingredient? Perhaps you can 1/4 to 1/3 cup of pumpkin, cooked stilling them than baking with your substitute another similar ingredi- sweet potato or squash, grated car- children. Revel in this sweet-smelling ent. Or you may lack the exact sized rot, apple or zucchini, or pureed activity and invite the aunties and pan the recipe recommends. Your banana. cousins over for even more fun. child will learn how to solve these s !DD DRIED FRUITS TO ALMOST ANY little problems, which is practice for thing including yeast or quick breads GOOD SENSE Benefits of baking tackling bigger ones later in life. and cookies. with children s 3PRINKLE TOASTED NUTS ON TOP OF EATING If you’re worried about your chil- Healthful ingredients pancakes or muffins, or knead into CHRISTINE M. PALUMBO, RD dren’s literacy and math skills, break included yeast breads. out the mixing bowls. Baking helps Davis says a higher nutrition pro- reinforce what they’re learning every file is one of the principal reasons Tips for getting day. It also covers a wide array of life people bake at home. Take sodium, started skills including shopping for ingredi- for example. 1. Pick out a recipe and read it ents, sequence of steps, measuring, “In general, food companies are together during story time the night and even cleaning up. trying to reduce it in soups [and] before. Reading baked goods.” She suggests using 2. Get tools that are easy to use “Your kids will actually become unsalted butter and halving the salt with young children. Look for large If you like the magazine more literate just by reading and in most recipes with the exception of numbers, visible lines, and sturdy going thru the recipe,” explains Sha- yeast breads. SPOON HANDLES ! WHISK TWO BAK ron Davis, a family and consumer s 0ORTION CONTROL IS EASIER AT HOME ing sheet pans, three nested mixing sciences educator who teaches for Davis says, “They’ll see an option bowls, nine-by-13-inch cake pan, nine- HomeBaking.org and WheatFoods. [that is] not like what they see when inch square cake pan, 12-cup muffin you’ll love the site. org. they’re eating out. You can cut that tin, and two bread loaf pans can get Science and math skills piece of pie into the right size.” YOU STARTED ! ROLLING PIN IS HELPFUL Explain the role of baking soda s !NY RECIPE YOU MAKE YOURSELF but a one-inch by one-foot dowel rod and powder in baked goods and how can be made with whole grains. works just as well for kids. they differ from yeast. Recipes may In addition to wheat, whole grains 3. Store the tools in a low cup- involve multiplication or fractions. include oatmeal and whole-grain board or drawer and let the children Check us out! Self-sufficiency cornmeal. It’s easy to substitute HELP YOU GET THEM OUT !LLOW TIME TO You can prepare your own baked whole grain for half the flour. Con- read the recipe together and assem- goods, and they can be better for sider white whole-wheat flour or the ble the ingredients and pans before you. new ultra-grain whole-wheat flours you start. 4. Teach your children the differ- ence between dry and liquid measur- Country Fruit mixture of ½ cup sugar, cornstarch ing cups. Measure liquids flat on the and cinnamon. In a separate medium counter with a liquid measuring cup. nyparenting.com Cobbler mixing bowl, combine remaining To measure dry ingredients, fluff into ½ cup sugar, whole wheat flour, dry measure cups, then level off. PREP TIME: 30 minutes all-purpose flour, cornmeal, bak- BAKING TIME: 50 minutes 5.The website www.homebaking. ing powder, and salt. Combine and org provides over 130 “how-tos” for Makes eight servings add milk and melted butter to dry getting started baking, ingredients, INGREDIENTS mixture. Blend just until all dry ingre- dients are moistened. Pour or spoon methods and pans. 4 cups sliced fresh or frozen peaches Baking is about making memo- (about 8) batter over peach mixture. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until crust is crisp ries, which is reason enough to risk ½ cup fresh or frozen blackberries and golden brown. Serve hot with getting flour onto your kitchen floor. 1 cup sugar, divided whipped cream or ice cream. Yet it’s also about literacy and life 1 tablespoon corn starch SKILLS !ND NOTHING BEATS THE SMELL OF NUTRITION FACTS: Each 6 freshly baked goods emanating from ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ounce/174 gram serving provides 257 your kitchen — especially during ½ cup whole wheat flour calories, 4 grams protein, 48 grams this magical time of year. Where every family matters ¼ cup all-purpose flour carbohydrate, 3.5 grams dietary fiber, 6 grams fat (4 grams saturated), 72 Christine Palumbo is a dietitian from ¼ cup yellow cornmeal, whole grain Naperville, Ill., who plans to bake her 2 teaspoons baking powder DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350° milligram calcium, 182 milligram F. Grease or spray a 13- by nine-inch potassium, 229 milligram sodium. usual repertoire of ethnic Christmas ¼ teaspoon salt pan, baking dish or cast iron skil- cookies using real butter. Follow her on and where New York parents Source: Adapted from “Baking with Friends: Recipes, Facebook at Christine Palumbo Nutri- 1 cup 1 percent milk let. In a large mixing bowl, combine Tips and Fun Facts for Teaching Kids to Bake” by ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted peaches and blackberries with a Sharon Davis and Charlene Patton. tion, on Twitter @PalumboRD or Chris@ ChristinePalumbo.com. find help, info and support. 40 QUEENS Family • December 2012 HEALTHY EATING QUEENS Bake up memories oms are about making holi- Problem solving if taste and texture flags go up. day memories, and there’s What happens when you run out s &OR LIQUIDS CONSIDER SUBSTITUTING M no better activity for in- of an ingredient? Perhaps you can 1/4 to 1/3 cup of pumpkin, cooked stilling them than baking with your substitute another similar ingredi- sweet potato or squash, grated car- children. Revel in this sweet-smelling ent. Or you may lack the exact sized rot, apple or zucchini, or pureed activity and invite the aunties and pan the recipe recommends. Your banana. cousins over for even more fun. child will learn how to solve these s !DD DRIED FRUITS TO ALMOST ANY little problems, which is practice for thing including yeast or quick breads GOOD SENSE Benefits of baking tackling bigger ones later in life. and cookies. with children s 3PRINKLE TOASTED NUTS ON TOP OF EATING If you’re worried about your chil- Healthful ingredients pancakes or muffins, or knead into CHRISTINE M. PALUMBO, RD dren’s literacy and math skills, break included yeast breads. out the mixing bowls. Baking helps Davis says a higher nutrition pro- reinforce what they’re learning every file is one of the principal reasons Tips for getting day. It also covers a wide array of life people bake at home. Take sodium, started skills including shopping for ingredi- for example. 1. Pick out a recipe and read it ents, sequence of steps, measuring, “In general, food companies are together during story time the night and even cleaning up. trying to reduce it in soups [and] before. Reading baked goods.” She suggests using 2. Get tools that are easy to use “Your kids will actually become unsalted butter and halving the salt with young children. Look for large If you like the magazine more literate just by reading and in most recipes with the exception of numbers, visible lines, and sturdy going thru the recipe,” explains Sha- yeast breads. SPOON HANDLES ! WHISK TWO BAK ron Davis, a family and consumer s 0ORTION CONTROL IS EASIER AT HOME ing sheet pans, three nested mixing sciences educator who teaches for Davis says, “They’ll see an option bowls, nine-by-13-inch cake pan, nine- HomeBaking.org and WheatFoods. [that is] not like what they see when inch square cake pan, 12-cup muffin you’ll love the site. org. they’re eating out. You can cut that tin, and two bread loaf pans can get Science and math skills piece of pie into the right size.” YOU STARTED ! ROLLING PIN IS HELPFUL Explain the role of baking soda s !NY RECIPE YOU MAKE YOURSELF but a one-inch by one-foot dowel rod and powder in baked goods and how can be made with whole grains. works just as well for kids. they differ from yeast. Recipes may In addition to wheat, whole grains 3. Store the tools in a low cup- involve multiplication or fractions. include oatmeal and whole-grain board or drawer and let the children Check us out! Self-sufficiency cornmeal. It’s easy to substitute HELP YOU GET THEM OUT !LLOW TIME TO You can prepare your own baked whole grain for half the flour. Con- read the recipe together and assem- goods, and they can be better for sider white whole-wheat flour or the ble the ingredients and pans before you. new ultra-grain whole-wheat flours you start. 4. Teach your children the differ- ence between dry and liquid measur- Country Fruit mixture of ½ cup sugar, cornstarch ing cups. Measure liquids flat on the and cinnamon. In a separate medium counter with a liquid measuring cup. nyparenting.com Cobbler mixing bowl, combine remaining To measure dry ingredients, fluff into ½ cup sugar, whole wheat flour, dry measure cups, then level off. PREP TIME: 30 minutes all-purpose flour, cornmeal, bak- BAKING TIME: 50 minutes 5.The website www.homebaking. ing powder, and salt. Combine and org provides over 130 “how-tos” for Makes eight servings add milk and melted butter to dry getting started baking, ingredients, INGREDIENTS mixture. Blend just until all dry ingre- dients are moistened. Pour or spoon methods and pans. 4 cups sliced fresh or frozen peaches Baking is about making memo- (about 8) batter over peach mixture. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until crust is crisp ries, which is reason enough to risk ½ cup fresh or frozen blackberries and golden brown. Serve hot with getting flour onto your kitchen floor. 1 cup sugar, divided whipped cream or ice cream. Yet it’s also about literacy and life 1 tablespoon corn starch SKILLS !ND NOTHING BEATS THE SMELL OF NUTRITION FACTS: Each 6 freshly baked goods emanating from ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ounce/174 gram serving provides 257 your kitchen — especially during ½ cup whole wheat flour calories, 4 grams protein, 48 grams this magical time of year. Where every family matters ¼ cup all-purpose flour carbohydrate, 3.5 grams dietary fiber, 6 grams fat (4 grams saturated), 72 Christine Palumbo is a dietitian from ¼ cup yellow cornmeal, whole grain Naperville, Ill., who plans to bake her 2 teaspoons baking powder DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350° milligram calcium, 182 milligram F. Grease or spray a 13- by nine-inch potassium, 229 milligram sodium. usual repertoire of ethnic Christmas ¼ teaspoon salt pan, baking dish or cast iron skil- cookies using real butter. Follow her on and where New York parents Source: Adapted from “Baking with Friends: Recipes, Facebook at Christine Palumbo Nutri- 1 cup 1 percent milk let. In a large mixing bowl, combine Tips and Fun Facts for Teaching Kids to Bake” by ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted peaches and blackberries with a Sharon Davis and Charlene Patton. tion, on Twitter @PalumboRD or Chris@ ChristinePalumbo.com. find help, info and support. December 2012 • QUEENS Family 41 CalendarDecember
A place to play with clay
on’t know what to do when the children are home for D the holidays? Take them to the Museum of the Moving Image for a Claymation workshop, running from Dec. 22 through Jan. 1, 2013. Children 9 years old and up can create their own claymation monster figure and learn all about how to cre- ate a stop-action film. The workshop culminates in a screening of the chil- dren’s short videos. Claymation workshop at the mu- seum, Dec. 22 through Jan. 1, 2013 at 2:45 and 3:45 pm. Admission is $10; $5 for family members. Tickets may be reserved in advance. No work- shop on Dec. 25. Museum of the Moving Image [36-01 35th Ave. in Astoria, (718) 777–6888; www.movingimage.us].
42 QUEENS Family • December 2012 Calendar Read the classic children’s story, then Submit a listing enjoy holiday treats and activities. “A Christmas Carol”: Trinity Epis- Going Places is dedicated to copal Church, 130 Main St. (631) 732- bringing our readers the most 2926; www.minstrelplayers.org; 8 pm; comprehensive events calen- $15 ($12). dar in your area. But to do so, The classic is performed by the Min- we need your help! strel Players of Northport. Send your listing request to queens[email protected] — and we’ll take care of the rest. Sat, Dec. 8 Please e-mail requests more Kwanzaa celebration: Langston than three weeks prior to the Hughes Public Library, 100-01 Northern event to ensure we have enough Blvd. (718) 651-1100; www.queensli- time to get it in. And best of all, brary.org; 10 am–4 pm; Free. it’s FREE! Learn all about the holiday and enjoy folktales, storytelling, crafts and music. Wilderness survival: Alley Pond Tues, Dec. 4 Park Adventure Center, Alley Pond Park; Snowflakes: Theodore Roosevelt (718) 217-6034; www.nyc.gov/parks/ Nature Center, Jones Beach, Bay Park- rangers; 1 pm; Free. way; (516) 785-3614; 10:30–11:30 am Urban Park Rangers lead workshop or 1:30–2:30 pm; $4 (children under 3 on how to survive almost any disaster, free), plus parking fee. whether in the wild or at home. Let’s Discover Nature allows children “Madagascar”: Museum of the 3 to 5 years old to explore the environ- Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave. (718) ment through hands-on activities. Res- 777-6888; www.movingimage.us; 1 ervation required. pm; Free with museum admission. Language workshop: Long Island Together with the exhibit of The Art Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave. at of the “Rise of the Guardians,” the West Road; (516) 224-5800; www.licm. museum will screen various animated org; 11:30 am–noon; $3 with museum films. admission($2 for members). Circus Renaldo: Long Island Chil- Children 3 to 5 years old get a crash dren’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave. at West course in a new language. Road; (516) 224-5800; www.licm.org; 1 Cup o’ snow: Long Island Children’s and 3 pm; $4 with museum admission Museum, 11 Davis Ave. at West Road; ($3 for members), $10 theatre only. (516) 224-5800; www.licm.org; 2:30–4 Witness the juggling, pranks, and pm; Free with museum admission. magic of the Remarkable Renaldo. For Build your own snowman and take children 3 years old and up. it home. St. Nicholas Day Celebration: Church of the Ressurection, 85-09 Wed, Dec. 5 118th St. (718) 847-2649; 6:30 pm. All children and adults welcome. Language workshop: 11:30 am– noon. Long Island Children’s Museum. “A Christmas Carol”: 8 pm. Trinity See Tuesday, Dec. 4. Episcopal Church. See Friday, Dec. 7. Cup o’ snow: 2:30–4 pm. Long Is- Family Day: Jamaica Center for the land Children’s Museum. See Tuesday, Arts & Learning, 153rd Street and Ja- Dec. 4. Three chances to see maica Avenue; (718) 658-7400; www. jcal.org; Noon–2 pm; Free. Thurs, Dec. 6 Arts and crafts, music and more for ‘A Christmas Carol’ children 4 to 10 years old and parents. Language workshop: 11:30 am– on’t be scrooged — come Cratchit; Tiny Tim; and the whole noon. Long Island Children’s Museum. Sun, Dec. 9 See Tuesday, Dec. 4. on down to the Trinity Cratchit family in this feel-good D Episcopal Church and presentation of the classic holi- Chaukah: Long Island Children’s Mu- Cup o’ snow: 2:30–4 pm. Long Is- see a production of Charles Dick- day tale. seum, 11 Davis Ave. at West Road; (516) land Children’s Museum. See Tuesday, ens’s classic, “A Christmas Carol,” Tickets are $15 at the door 224-5800; www.licm.org; 1–3 pm; $3 Dec. 4. on Dec. 7, 8 and 9. for adults, $12 for seniors and with museum admission ($2 members). The Minstrel Players of North- children. Performance times are Children of all ages learn all about Fri, Dec. 7 port presents its annual produc- Dec. 7 and 8 at 8 pm and Dec. 9 the festival of lights and make a wooden menorah. Cup o’ snow: 2:30–4 pm. Long Is- tion of the classic “get your come- at 3 pm. land Children’s Museum. See Tuesday, uppance” story of Ebeneezer The Trinity Episcopal Church [130 “Madagascar”: 1 pm. Museum of Dec. 4. Scrooge; the ghostly Spirits of Main St. in Northport, Long Island, the Moving Image. See Saturday, Dec. 8. “Polar Express”: Barnes & Noble, Christmas Past, Christmas Pres- (631) 732-2926; www.minstrelplay- 176-60 Union Tpke. (718) 380-7077; 7 ent, and Christmas Future; Bob ers.org]. Circus Renaldo: 1 and 3 pm. Long pm; Free. Continued on page 44 December 2012 • QUEENS Family 43 Calendar
Continued from page 43 Island Children’s Museum. See Satur- day, Dec. 8. Holiday wreath: Theodore Roosevelt Dream it, build it Nature Center, Jones Beach, Bay Park- way; (516) 785-3614; 1:30–3 pm; $4 uild a bridge, a sky- Children of all ages are in- (children under 3 free), plus parking fee. scraper, or even a castle vited to come in to look at the Using fresh grasses, seed pods, and with KEVA at the Long Is- exhibit, then create their own dried flowers, make a home decora- B land Children’s Museum through masterpieces. tion. One wreath per family. Reserva- tions required. Jan. 6. The exhibit is open Tuesday The newest traveling exhibit, through Sunday, from 10 am to 5 Chanukah celebration: Flushing Building Boom features KEVA pm. Admission is free with mu- Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd.; (718) planks — a construction sys- seum admission; general admis- 463-7700; www.flushingtownhall.org; 2 pm; $16 ($12 members). tem that uses gravity, not glue, sion is $11, and $10 for seniors Traditional holiday music. to build structures using preci- and children under 1. Members sion-cut identically sized wood are free. Flushing Historic Houses: Flushing planks that become stable when The Long Island Children’s Mu- Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd.; (718) 463-7700; www.flushingtownhall.org; stacked together. The planks en- seum [11 Davis Ave. at West Road in 1 pm; $10 adults (free for children un- courage children to use their Garden City, (516) 224-5800; www. der 12). imaginations. licm.org]. Celebrate the holidays with a tour of Flushing’s historic sites, including Queens Historical Society at the King- timelines. Registration required. his winter workshop. Each child will Winter arts and crafts: Theodore sland Homestead, the Flushing Quaker meet Santa — who wants to know Roosevelt Nature Center, Jones Beach, Meeting House, Flushing Town Hall, Fri, Dec. 14 whether you’ve been naughty or nice Bay Parkway; (516) 785-3614; 1:30–3 the Voelker Orth Museum, Lewis H. — and everyone gets a picture, gift, pm; $4 (children under 3 free), plus Latimer House, and Bowne House. Visi- Chanukah celebration: Jewish and candy! parking fee. tors will have access to all exhibitions Center of Oak Hills, 50-35 Cloverdale Children 6 to 12 years old make a “Kung Fu Panda”: Museum of the at each site, holiday refreshments and Blvd.; (718) 631-0100; oakhillsnews@ winter-themed scrapbook. Reservations Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave. (718) family activities. aol.com; 5 pm. required. 777-6888; www.movingimage.us; 1 A catered dinner following Shabbat “A Christmas Carol”: 3 pm. Trinity pm; Free with museum admission. services. RSVP with the center. Episcopal Church. See Friday, Dec. 7. Together with the exhibit of The Art Mon, Dec. 17 of the “Rise of the Guardians,” the Sat, Dec. 15 Jingle bell swing: Ridgewood Public Mon, Dec. 10 museum will screen various animated Library, 20-12 Madison St. at Forest Av- films. Polish and Romanian carols: Story days: Voelker Orth Museum, enue; (718) 821-4770; www.queensli- Ridgewood Public Library, 20-12 Madi- 149-19 38th Ave. (718) 359-6227; “The Nutcracker”: Laguardia Per- brary.org; 6 pm; Free. son St. at Forest Avenue; (718) 821- www.vomuseum.org; 11 am–noon; $2. forming Arts Center, 31-10 Thomason Bring the whole family for a night of 4770; www.queenslibrary.org; 5–6 pm Karyn Mooney and Dr. Marge Hen- Ave. (718) 482-7206; www.lagcc.cuny; Holiday carols and cheer. and 6–8 pm; Free. dler read stories to children 6 years old 3–6 pm; $20. Polish-American musician Piotr Rudz- and younger, plus, kids enjoy an art Classic holiday production. Tues, Dec. 18 inski and Romanian-American singer activity. Lia Lungu perform holiday selections. Moving Image workshop: Mu- Moving Image workshop: Mu- Sun, Dec. 16 seum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Holiday concert: Barnes & Noble, seum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Winter Solstice Celebration: Ave.; (718) 777-6888; www.movingim- 176-60 Union Tpke. (718) 380-7077; 6 Ave. (718) 777-6888; www.movingim- Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main age.us; noon–5 pm; Free with museum pm; Free. age.us; Noon–5 pm; Free with museum Street; (718) 539-5296; oakhillsnews@ admission. admission. Students from Jamaica Day School aol.com; www.queensbotanical.org; 11 Children 7 and older accompanied of St. Demetrios perform seasonal Children 7 and older accompanied am–4:30 pm. by an adult (12 on their own) visit the selections. by an adult (12 on their own) visit the Ring in the holiday season with this museum and learn all about moving museum and learn all about moving annual family-friendly event. There are images. images. Wed, Dec. 12 activities scheduled throughout the day Holiday origami: Woodside Library Decorate the Manor: King Manor including children’s crafts, vendors and Thurs, Dec. 20 Museum in Rufus King Park, Jamaica refreshments all day, a garden tour, 54-22 Skillman Ave. in Woodside; (718) Christmas karaoke: Lefferts Public 429-4700; www.queenslibrary.org; Avenue at 150th Street; (718) 206- music and storytelling. 0545 X 13; www.nycgovparks.org; Library, 103-34 Lefferts Blvd. at 103rd 5:30 pm; Free. Santaland: 12 pm. The Secret The- Avenue; (718) 843-5950; www.queen- Noon–3 pm; Free. Learn how to make tree decorations atre. See Saturday, Dec. 15. slibrary.org; 4:30 pm; Free. Children learn all about when King from artist Nesta Wu. Sing along and have a ball. Manor was home to Rufus and his Kwanzaa celebration: Flushing Roadmap to college admissions: family. Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd.; (718) Kwanzaa with Aletta Seales: Hol- The Princeton Review, 104-70 Queens 463-7700; www.flushingtownhall.org; lis Public Library, 20205 Hillside Ave. Santaland: The Secret Theatre, 44- Blvd. at Yellowstone Boulevard; (800) 1 pm; $5 (free members). (718) 465-7355; www.queenslibrary. 273-8439; www.princetonreview.com; 02 23rd St.; (718) 392-0722; www. Children listen to Tammy Hall spin org; 4:30 pm; Free. 7 pm; Free. secrettheatre.com; 12 pm; $10. yarns in the tradition of the African- Children learn about the seven prin- Santa and his elf are coming to Long An admissions expert will advise stu- inspired holiday. ciples of the holiday, listen to folktales, Island College’s Secret Theatre and dents and parents on the college ad- and participate in an African chant. they want you to come and take a pic- “Kung Fu Panda”: 1 pm. Museum missions process, including topics such Suitable for all ages. as admissions factors, selectivity, col- ture with them! For one weekend only of the Moving Image. See Saturday, lege searching, standardized tests, and Santa will welcome the kids to his to Dec. 15. Arts and crafts: Astoria Public 44 QUEENS Family • December 2012 Calendar Library, 14-01 Astoria Blvd. at 14th Fri, Dec. 28 Street; (718) 278-2220; www.queensli- brary.org; 5:30 pm; Free. Critter careers: Caleb Smith State Create fun holiday projects. Park, W. Jericho Turnpike; (631) 265- 1054; 10–11:30 am; $4 ($3 children; Free for children under 3), $8 parking Sat, Dec. 22 fee per car. Moving Image workshop: Mu- Children 5 years old and up have seum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th hands-on fun learning all about what Ave. (718) 777-6888; www.movingim- critters do. Reservations required. age.us; Noon–5 pm; Free with museum Holiday open house: Noon–4 pm. admission. Queens County Farm Museum. See Children 7 and older accompanied by Wednesday, Dec. 26. an adult (12 on their own) visit the mu- seum and learn about moving images. “Monsters vs. Aliens”: 1 pm. Mu- seum of the Moving Image. See Satur- “The Nutcracker”: Flushing Town day, Dec. 22. Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd.; (718) 463- 7700; www.flushingtownhall.org; 1 Twilight tour: 7–9 pm. The Vander- pm; $16 ($12 members). bilt Mansion Courtyard. See Wednes- The holiday favorite features Tchaik- day, Dec. 26. ovsky’s classic music. “Monsters vs. Aliens”: Museum Sat, Dec. 29 of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave. (718) 777-6888; www.movingimage. Watercolor workshop: Caleb us; 1 pm; Free with museum admission. Smith State Park, W. Jericho Turnpike; (631) 265-1054; 10–11:30 am; $4 ($3 Together with the exhibit of The Art Thrilling Chanukah children; Free for children under 3), $8 of the “Rise of the Guardians,” the museum will screen various animated parking fee per car. films. Make a watercolor collage. Tracing celebration and cutting involved, recommended for children older than 7 years old. Reser- Sun, Dec. 23 t’s a high-octane mix of not-so Turkish music. vations required. “Monsters vs. Aliens”: 1 pm. Mu- traditional Chanukah music Come for dance lessons at 1 at Flushing Town Hall on Dec. pm and stay for a fantastic mu- Moving Image workshop: Mu- seum of the Moving Image. See Satur- I seum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th 9 when Shtreiml performs. sical celebration of the festival day, Dec. 22. Ave. (718) 777-6888; www.movingim- Led by harmonica innovator of lights. age.us; noon–5 pm; Free with museum Mon, Dec. 24 and vocalist Jason Rosenblatt, Shtreiml at Flushing Town admission. the eclectic group — which Hall on Dec. 9 at 2 pm. Tickets Children 7 and older accompanied “Monsters vs. Aliens”: 1 pm. Mu- features Rachel Lemisch on are $16 for non-member adults, by an adult (12 on their own) visit the seum of the Moving Image. See Satur- trombone, Thierry Arsenault $12 for member adults; $12 for museum and learn all about moving day, Dec. 22. on drums, Joel Kerr on bass, non-member children and $10 images. Michael Winograd on clarinet, member children. Wed, Dec. 26 “Puss in Boots”: Museum of the and Ismail Fencioglu on oud and Flushing Town Hall [137-35 North- Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave. (718) Holiday open house: Queens vocals — performs a mix of ern Blvd. in Flushing, (718) 463-7700; 777-6888; www.movingimage.us; 1 County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Eastern-European Jewish and www.flushingtownhall.org]. pm; Free with museum admission. Neck Pkwy. (718) 347-3276; www. Together with the exhibit of The Art queensfarm.org; noon–4 pm; Free. of the “Rise of the Guardians,” the Come to the farmhouse, make a camp, which includes a behind-the- Holiday open house: Noon–4 pm. museum will screen various animated craft, have some warm cider and tour scenes tour, arts and crafts, and excit- Queens County Farm Museum. See films. the historic farmhouse all dressed up ing animal presentations. Wednesday, Dec. 26. for the holidays. Sun, Dec. 30 “Monsters vs. Aliens”: 1 pm. Mu- “Monsters vs. Aliens”: 1 pm. Mu- Thurs, Dec. 27 seum of the Moving Image. See Satur- Wilderness survival: Forest Park seum of the Moving Image. See Satur- day, Dec. 22. Visitor Center, Woodhaven Boulevard day, Dec. 22. Let’s celebrate winter: Caleb at Forest Park Drive; (718) 846-2731; Smith State Park, W. Jericho Turnpike; Copper creations: Caleb Smith Twilight tour: The Vanderbilt Man- www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers; 1 pm; (631) 265-1054; 10–11 am; $4 ($3 State Park, W. Jericho Turnpike; (631) sion Courtyard, 180 Little Neck Rd.; Free. children; Free for children under 3), $8 265-1054; 2 pm; $4 ($3 children; Free (631) 854-5579; www.vanderbiltmu- Urban Park Rangers lead a workshop parking fee per car. for children under 3; $8 parking fee seum.org; 7–9 pm; $10 ($9 students/ on how to survive almost any disaster, Let’s Discover Nature offers chil- per car). seniors: $5 children under 12). whether in the wild or at home. dren 3 to 5 years old the opportu- Children can make a wind chime. Take a guided twilight tour of the nity to explore the natural world with Children must be older than 7 years old “Puss in Boots”: 1 pm. Museum of mansion while it’s decorated in all its fun, hands-on activities. Reservations in order to participate. Reservations are the Moving Image. See Saturday, Dec. holiday finery. required. required. 29. Winter Zoo Camp: Queens Zoo, 53- Alley Pond Environ- Winter wildlife: Twilight tour: 7–9 pm. The Vander- 51 111th St. (718) 271-1500; queen- mental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd. bilt Mansion Courtyard. See Wednes- Mon, Dec. 31 szoo.com; 10–3 pm; $125 members, (718) 229-4000; 10 am–noon; $15 ($21 day, Dec. 26. $150 nonmembers. non-members). “Puss in Boots”: 1 pm. Museum of Children will discover the natural Children 3 to 7 years old learn how Winter Zoo Camp: 10–3 pm. the Moving Image. See Saturday, Dec. 29. world around them in this two-day animals survive the winter. Queens Zoo. See Wednesday, Dec. 26. Continued on page 46 December 2012 • QUEENS Family 45 Calendar
Continued from page 45 Fair: Soho, 100 Varick St. (914) 295- Central Park West at 79th Street; (212) www.queenslibrary.org; Mondays – Tues, Jan. 1 4794; [email protected]; www. 769-5200; [email protected]; www. Thursdays, 3 pm, beginning Mon, Dec. BY CYNTHIA WASHAM meetup.com/varicks; Daily, 10 am–4 amnh.org; Daily, 10 am–5:45 pm; $24, 3; Free. It figures “Puss in Boots”: 1 pm. Museum of pm; Now – Sat, Dec. 29; $55/Space. $14 children, $18 seniors and students. Teens learn how to use a laptop. the Moving Image. See Saturday, Dec. Enjoy shopping and schmoozing in The annual exhibition “Tropical But- 29. the all day market. terflies Alive in Winter” returns and cel- Story time: Barnes & Noble, 176-60 ebrates its 15th year. Winged Tapestries Moths at Union Tpke. (718) 380-7077; Wednes- Long-running Large: American Museum of Natu- Rocket mini-golf: New York Hall of days, 11 am, Now – Wed, Jan. 30, George Balanchine’s “The Nut- ral History, Central Park West at 79th Science, 47-01 111th St., at Avenue of 2013; Free. Season’s snippets cracker”: Lincoln Center; (212) 875- Street; (212) 769-5200; www.amnh. Science; (718) 699-0005 X 353; www. Each week children enjoy a selection 5374; $29 and up. org; Daily, 10 am–5:45 pm; $24($14 nyscience.org; Saturdays and Sundays, from a different author. This acclaimed holiday tradition fea- children, $18 seniors and students). 10 am–6 pm, Now – Mon, Dec. 31; $6 tures a one-ton Christmas tree that This exhibition features 34 striking ($5 children and seniors) plus museum Claymation workshop: Museum grows from 12 to 40 feet, an onstage and dramatic images of moths, display- admission. of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave. snowstorm, and hundreds of elabo- ing the arresting beauty and surprising Putt your way through a nine-hole (718) 777-6888; www.movingimage. rate costumes, as well as more than 60 diversity of moths from Ottawa-based course and learn all about spaceflight. us; Saturday, Dec. 22, 2:45 and 3:45 children from the School of American photographer Jim des Rivières. Runs Build it with KEVA: Long Island pm; Sunday, Dec. 23, 2:45 and 3:45 Ballet, the official school of New York through September 2013. City Ballet. Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave. at pm; Monday, Dec. 24, 2:45 and 3:45 Creatures of Light: American Mu- West Road; (516) 224-5800; www.licm. pm; Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2:45 and Science Playground: New York Hall seum of Natural History, Central Park org; Tuesdays – Sundays, 10 am–5 pm, 3:45 pm; Thursday, Dec. 27, 2:45 and of Science, 47-01 111th St. at Avenue of West at 79th Street; (212) 769-5200; now to Sun, Jan. 6, 2013; Free with mu- 3:45 pm; Friday, Dec. 28, 2:45 and 3:45 Science; (718) 699-0005 X 353; www. [email protected]; www.amnh.org; seum admission. pm; Saturday, Dec. 29, 2:45 and 3:45 nyscience.org; $4 per person, plus gen- Daily, 10 am–5:45 pm; Now – Sun, Jan. Children of all ages explore the eral admission. 6, 2013; $24, $14 children, $18 seniors possibilities of construction in Build- pm; Sunday, Dec. 30, 2:45 and 3:45 Weather permitting. The nation’s and students. ing Boom with KEVA planks. Try a pm; Monday, Dec. 31, 2:45 and 3:45 largest science playground features This interactive exhibit explores organ- sky scrapper, bridge, castle or even pm; Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2:45 and 3:45 pm; 60,000 square feet of exhibits for chil- isms that produce light, from the flicker- a plane. You are only limited by your $10 ($5 members). dren of all ages. Slides, seesaws, climb- ing fireflies to alien deep-sea fishes. imagination. ing webs, a water play area, drums, Create your own animated creature mirrors, sand boxes and more allow The Butterfly Conservatory: Laptop time: Hollis Public Library, out of clay. For children 9 years old kids to explore science by playing. American Museum of Natural History, 202-05 Hillside Ave; (718) 465-7355; and up.
Percent of Percent of Americans likely Percent of adults who 16: spending on 83:to watch a Christmas movie 23:named “Silent Night” as holiday decorations during the holiday season. their favorite Christmas song. that goes for inflatable Santas, penguins, and Percent likely to attend a Percent who named “The polar bears. 66: religious service. 6:Chipmunk Song.”
Percent of 1:Americans who Number of books leave their holiday More than 1 million: Barnes & Noble decorations up all year. collected and donated to needy children during the 2010 holiday season.
Cost of a Nerf N-Strike Stampede ECS soft-dart gun, ranked Minutes the average adult spends $45.99: 2011’s hottest Christmas gift by The Perfect Toys website. 147:wrapping Christmas presents.
Percent of Percent of families $2,255,750,000 10:American 60:who open gifts on Approximate amount Americans spend families who celebrate Christmas morning. each Christmas season on photos of another December holiday along with Percent who their children visiting a shopping-mall Christmas, such as open them on Santa. 27: Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Christmas Eve.
Sources: Men’s Health, Professional Services Close-Up, ThePerfectToys.com, Amazon.com, Squidoo.com, Uberreview.com, Facts.about.org, The Huffington Post.
46 QUEENS Family • December 2012 It figures BY CYNTHIA WASHAM Season’s snippets
Percent of Percent of Americans likely Percent of adults who 16: spending on 83:to watch a Christmas movie 23:named “Silent Night” as holiday decorations during the holiday season. their favorite Christmas song. that goes for inflatable Santas, penguins, and Percent likely to attend a Percent who named “The polar bears. 66: religious service. 6:Chipmunk Song.”
Percent of 1:Americans who Number of books leave their holiday More than 1 million: Barnes & Noble decorations up all year. collected and donated to needy children during the 2010 holiday season.
Cost of a Nerf N-Strike Stampede ECS soft-dart gun, ranked Minutes the average adult spends $45.99: 2011’s hottest Christmas gift by The Perfect Toys website. 147:wrapping Christmas presents.
Percent of Percent of families $2,255,750,000 10:American 60:who open gifts on Approximate amount Americans spend families who celebrate Christmas morning. each Christmas season on photos of another December holiday along with Percent who their children visiting a shopping-mall Christmas, such as open them on Santa. 27: Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Christmas Eve.
Sources: Men’s Health, Professional Services Close-Up, ThePerfectToys.com, Amazon.com, Squidoo.com, Uberreview.com, Facts.about.org, The Huffington Post.
December 2012 • QUEENS Family 47 theMarketplace
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48 QUEENS Family • December 2012 Party Planners
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December 2012 • QUEENS Family 49 New & Noteworthy BY LISA J. CURTIS Fit for a Sweet read tart a new family more patient, queen tradition this De- older child S cember with the to pop them f your little diva help of Bakerella’s “Cake on the lol- has been very Pops Holidays” cookbook. Bak- lipop sticks I good this year, erella, aka Angie Dudley, takes and help you why not give her a these balls of crumbled cake transform these holiday dress fit for a and frosting coated with candy confections into queen? Queen Eliza- melts to amazing holiday heights. the fantastic polar beth I, that is. And you can, too, with the help of bears, ornaments, The pleated bodice her clear, encouraging instructions snowmen, or dreidels depicted of Laura Ashley’s red on how to form, store, decorate, in the gorgeous photographs. taffeta dress evokes display, and wrap your pops. Even “Cake Pops Holidays” book, by none other than the small children will enjoy helping Bakerella, $14.95, www.barnesand- British Tudor queen, to roll the balls, but it will take a noble.com. fruit cake, and Christ- mas crackers. With lovely de- tails such as velvet ribbon at the waist, Merry mix hits high note your little one will be anta will be Cane Jane” and short-but- the belle of the yule- filling those sweet “Christmas Lights.” tide ball in this dress, S stockings a All are sure to win the which comes in sizes little faster this year hearts of little ones who 2T, 3T, 6, and 6X. with the help of Lau- will recognize Berkner’s Pleated bodice with rie Berkner’s new voice from her music vid- velvet ribbon toddler Christmas CD. Her eos that play on the Nick dress, by Laura Ash- renditions of 15 holi- Jr. television channel. Do ley, $52, www.laura- day classics like “Jingle you hear what I hear? ashleyusa.com. Bells,” “Little Drummer The sounds of an even Boy,” and “Rudolph merrier Christmas! the Red-Nosed Rein- “A Laurie Berkner Christmas” CD, by deer” are joined by three original Laurie Berkner. $10.79, www.amazon. Keep them forever warm tracks, such as the lively “Candy com. andmade gifts are often the best, especially when H it comes to accessories Share the joy of ‘One’ story that keep little ones warm and healthy, like the infinity scarf for arents are their child’s children knitted by Julie Giustino first storytellers, so why for her Frayd Clothing Company P not be the best you can on Etsy.com. Because the Massa- be with the “Little One Inch chusetts-based textile artist uses Story Box.” Designed by educa- a “super soft” yarn to crochet the tor-artist Steve Light, the keep- thick, chunky V-pattern stitch, sake wooden box (measuring Giustino’s scarves are both styl- 8-inches wide by 11.25-inches ish and practical. The scarves deep by 3-inches high) holds are available in pink or purple a story booklet and five hand- marble, but the designer can ac- painted, resin characters that commodate requests for your enable the storyteller to act out little fashionista’s favorite hue. the classic Japanese folktale, And don’t despair, Frayd Cloth- “Little One Inch,” about a little ing Company sells them in Mom’s boy who is short on stature but size, too, for $38. long on courage as he battles Children’s Infinity Cowl Scarf by his way out of the belly of the “oni,” or it’s done. For ages 4 and older. Frayd Clothing Company, $28, www. demon. Visit www.guidecraft.com/Ste- Little One Inch Story Box by Guide- etsy.com. veLight to watch Light show you how craft, $50, www.cricketmag.com.
50 QUEENS Family • December 2012 COME & VISIT OUR New & Noteworthy STOREWIDE BY LISA J. CURTIS CLEARANCE SALE Fit for a Sweet read tart a new family more patient, queen tradition this De- older child S cember with the to pop them f your little diva help of Bakerella’s “Cake on the lol- has been very Pops Holidays” cookbook. Bak- lipop sticks I good this year, erella, aka Angie Dudley, takes and help you why not give her a these balls of crumbled cake transform these holiday dress fit for a and frosting coated with candy confections into queen? Queen Eliza- melts to amazing holiday heights. the fantastic polar beth I, that is. And you can, too, with the help of bears, ornaments, The pleated bodice her clear, encouraging instructions snowmen, or dreidels depicted of Laura Ashley’s red on how to form, store, decorate, in the gorgeous photographs. taffeta dress evokes display, and wrap your pops. Even “Cake Pops Holidays” book, by none other than the small children will enjoy helping Bakerella, $14.95, www.barnesand- British Tudor queen, to roll the balls, but it will take a noble.com. fruit cake, and Christ- mas crackers. With lovely de- tails such as velvet ribbon at the waist, Merry mix hits high note your little one will be anta will be Cane Jane” and short-but- the belle of the yule- filling those sweet “Christmas Lights.” tide ball in this dress, S stockings a All are sure to win the which comes in sizes little faster this year hearts of little ones who 2T, 3T, 6, and 6X. with the help of Lau- will recognize Berkner’s Pleated bodice with rie Berkner’s new voice from her music vid- velvet ribbon toddler Christmas CD. Her eos that play on the Nick dress, by Laura Ash- renditions of 15 holi- Jr. television channel. Do ley, $52, www.laura- day classics like “Jingle you hear what I hear? ashleyusa.com. Bells,” “Little Drummer The sounds of an even Boy,” and “Rudolph merrier Christmas! Sofa & the Red-Nosed Rein- “A Laurie Berkner Christmas” CD, by Love Seat deer” are joined by three original Laurie Berkner. $10.79, www.amazon. Keep them forever warm tracks, such as the lively “Candy com. $ and up andmade gifts are often 499 the best, especially when while supplies H it comes to accessories Share the joy of ‘One’ story last that keep little ones warm and healthy, like the infinity scarf for arents are their child’s children knitted by Julie Giustino first storytellers, so why for her Frayd Clothing Company P not be the best you can on Etsy.com. Because the Massa- be with the “Little One Inch chusetts-based textile artist uses Story Box.” Designed by educa- a “super soft” yarn to crochet the tor-artist Steve Light, the keep- thick, chunky V-pattern stitch, sake wooden box (measuring Giustino’s scarves are both styl- 8-inches wide by 11.25-inches ish and practical. The scarves deep by 3-inches high) holds are available in pink or purple a story booklet and five hand- marble, but the designer can ac- painted, resin characters that WE CARRY ALL NAME BRAND FURNITURE Great commodate requests for your enable the storyteller to act out GUARANTEED TO BEAT ANY COMPETITORS PRICE! Gift Ideas! FREE Delivery little fashionista’s favorite hue. the classic Japanese folktale, UP And don’t despair, Frayd Cloth- “Little One Inch,” about a little INTEREST FREE FINANCING TO 36 MONTHS* or Mattress ing Company sells them in Mom’s boy who is short on stature but *With credit approval. Cannot be combined with other offers, coupons, discounts or prior purchases. size, too, for $38. long on courage as he battles Offer expires 12/31/12. Excludes fl oor sample & clearance packages. with Bedroom Children’s Infinity Cowl Scarf by his way out of the belly of the “oni,” or it’s done. For ages 4 and older. Set Purchase Frayd Clothing Company, $28, www. demon. Visit www.guidecraft.com/Ste- Little One Inch Story Box by Guide- 631.608.8636 Coupon must be present at time etsy.com. veLight to watch Light show you how craft, $50, www.cricketmag.com. of purchase. *Not to be combined with 3UNRISE (WY s #OPIAGUE .9 any other offer. Expires 12/31/12 (OURS - & AM PM s 3AT AM PM s 3UN PM December 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 75 Kohl’s Wing
Monday - Saturday 10am-1pm 7 2-5pm 7 6-9pm Sunday 10am-2pm 7 3-7pm Santa will leave at 5pm on December 24
Photos of You, Your Pet and Santa Tuesday Nights 7 6pm-9pm November 27, December 4, 11 and 18 Domestic, well-behaved pets only. Pets must be on leashes or crated when transported through the mall
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76 BROOKLYN Family • December 2012