Hidden Danger Driveway Backovers in Suburbia

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Head of the class Get smarter about school Hidden danger Driveway backovers in suburbia

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e own a three-bedroom his cell — whoops, I mean bedroom been established (toy train tracks house. Therefore, simple — and one of us take the 3-year-old to ran from one end of the room to the W mathematics (and believe his. Once they were each in bed, that other) and a full-court Fisher Price me, that’s all the math I can handle) was it. Nighty-night, sleep-tight, don’t basketball court was seeing some fu- dictates that our two boys should let the bedbugs bite, and my wife and rious “little boys can’t jump” action. Newbie DaD have their own rooms. Lucky dudes, I had the rest of the night off. The brothers’ teamwork didn’t Brian KanTz I know. And that’s the way it was — But was this routine denying our stop there. Their first night together until recently. We just couldn’t leave boys essential bonding time? Were — and pretty much every night since well enough alone. they missing out on vital life lessons? — they collaborated on some world- You see, one day, some friends Would it be our fault if our two boys class bedtime stall tactics. Gotta began extolling the virtues of having grew up as perfect strangers? read one more story. Gotta go to the younger children share a bedroom. How could we be so cruel, forcing bathroom again. Gotta get a drink of Their kids loved the set up, they them to have their own bedrooms! water. Then the other one starts — said. Sharing a bedroom allowed We also began thinking of he’s gotta read one more story, go to the space benefits that such the bathroom again and get a drink a move would provide. We of water. could use the third bedroom Once the lights go out and my wife as a nice guest room. Or out- and I go downstairs, the late-night fit it as a home office. It could comedy routine begins. I must admit, be a very utilitarian space. it’s better than Conan. Knock-knock So, after mulling the idea jokes are a favorite, even though 99 around a bit — and envisioning percent of them make no sense what- our boys bonding blissfully over soever. Knock-knock. Who’s there? their shared estate — my wife and Pillow. Pillow who? Pillow who drinks I decided that we should orange juice. (Wild laughter ensues.) give it a try. They would Knock-knock. Who’s there? Blanket. share a bedroom. Blanket who? Blanket who drinks “Boys, your mom and orange juice. (More laughter.) I think it would be a great Once the boys finally do fall asleep, idea if you…,” I couldn’t even stranger things happen. When even get the sentence we check on them in the middle of the out of my mouth before night, we’ll find that they’ve switched pandemonium erupted. beds, or one is in bed and the other The kids began jumping is on the floor, or they are in bed up and down and, get this, together stacked up like firewood, hugging. They absolutely loved or they are in bed together with one the idea. Little did I realize at sleeping with his head on the pillow that moment what was to come. I and the other one turned around the children to bond, to respect each should have seen it in their schem- with his dirty feet on the same pillow. other’s stuff, and to cut room cleanup ing eyes. When I see this, I just shake my head time in half. The arrangement had The next day, we moved the older and go back to bed. wonderful benefits for the parents, boy’s bed into the younger one’s My dad used to have a saying too, our friends claimed. In sharing room. Despite our strict, no jump- about me and my three brothers: a bedroom, the kids practically put ing on the bed — except in a hotel “You’re good boys when you’re themselves to sleep each night and — rule, Thing 1 and Thing 2 imme- sleeping, but when you’re awake, the siblings comforted each other — diately hopped onto their respec- you’re rascals.” instead of automatically hightailing it tive mattresses, bounced straight Well, I suppose I need to revise into mom and dad’s bedroom when up and down a few times, and then that one for my own kids: they heard a bump in the night. started jumping from bed to bed. “You’re good boys when you’re Although our “state penitentiary” Back and forth, back and forth, back awake, but when you’re sleeping, approach to the bedtime routine had and forth… and back and forth. you’re rascals.” been working like a charm, my wife Next, the pair sprinted into the mo- Brian Kantz has to admit it: using a and I let a tiny little shadow of pa- mentarily spare bedroom and quickly spare bedroom for full-court mini-bas- rental doubt creep in. We had suc- put dibs on the space as their new ketball is way better than using it for a cessfully negated any opportunity for playroom. They started hauling their home office. Visit Brian online at www. nighttime mischief by having one of stuff in like a couple of squatters. briankantz.com or drop him a note at us take our 5-year-old boy directly to Pretty soon, an infrastructure had [email protected].

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September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 3 Parenting Post-grad minefield Get a handle on your teen’s college search

y son is now a junior in terested in. Students should keep in high school. You know mind their odds of getting a schol- M what that means — it’s arship are best when they are at or time to start thinking about college. near the top of the applicant pool.” I’m overwhelmed, plain and simple. Lions and My son even knows what he is Make the most visits going into, and I’m still frazzled. Try to narrow down the list to tigers and It’s a daunting task and one I’d love about seven to 10 colleges. Be sure to to find reason to avoid, but my son include colleges where acceptance teens needs my assistance and support seems certain. Campus visits are the Myrna Beth haskell with his search. next step. You might find that your I’ve learned that a good place teen just doesn’t like the vibe at a to start is with other parents and particular school, but this is what students who have already gone the college visit is all about! Talk to through the process. There is a students on campus and ask them plethora of information on the Inter- what they like most (and least) about net, so one can easily get more con- the school. fused. Find out the sources others “Students should take a compara- deemed most beneficial. tive approach to college visits,” ad- vises Hammond. “Identify a few im- Put it in perspective portant criteria, and look for the Your teen’s search should be an same things at each place. Record exciting and gratifying experience, so your impressions soon after you don’t put too much pressure on him. leave.” “When parents cannot control The college search can be tough, their anxiety, the college search pro- but following these steps can make cess becomes miserable for every- it a lot easier. one,” says Bruce G. Hammond, coau- thor of “Fiske Guide to Getting into tips and tales the Right College” and “Fiske What to “Students should close their eyes Do When for College” (Sourcebooks, and picture an ideal college campus. Inc. 2007). “Parents must remember course of study, look at schools with Is it a large or small campus? Is it that attending a particular college a variety of choices in majors, rather near a big city or in a small college will not make or break a young per- than colleges that specialize in a few town? If they know what they want son’s future. A young person’s life areas. Don’t get stuck in cyberspace, to study, are there special opportuni- trajectory will have much more to either. Consult a variety of sources ties offered?” do with what happens after they get — counselors, teachers, alumni, and Marisa Merlino, Director of Guid- to college than with which one they guides. ance, Hyde Park Central District attend.” “Search for information on high Financial restrictions school websites under ‘Guidance’ — narrow it down Don’t automatically disregard col- not just your local school’s website! Many believe that narrowing leges which you deem “unafford- Check out video tours on websites — down your choices by location is a able” at first glance. For instance, try youniversitytv.com.” necessary first step. Does your teen you might consider a community col- Patty Johnson, Salt Point, NY want to be close to home or does he lege for the first two years. Success- want to experience life someplace ful community college graduates are Share your ideas else? Will he want to be part of a often offered scholarships for their Upcoming topic: large school community or a small next two years at some universities. What to do if your teen doesn’t one? Does he prefer a serene, rural As you look into financial aid, want to be seen with you in public. environment or an urban lifestyle? don’t forget to pursue merit scholar- Please send your full name, address, You’d be surprised how much you ships. and brief comments to: myrnahaskell@ can narrow your choices just on lo- “The vast majority of money for gmail.com or visit: http://home.roadrun- cation alone. college comes via the institution ner.com/~haskellfamily/myrna/ Next, find the right academic fit. where the student chooses to en- Myrna Beth Haskell is a feature writer Many websites provide you with var- roll,” Hammond explains. “Colleges and columnist specializing in parenting ious search options, such as specific use scholarships to offer discounts issues and children’s development. She majors. If your teen is unsure of his to students they are particularly in- is the mother of two teenagers.

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September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 5 Education Heading back! By Caroline a. Shearer up that early,” explains kindergar- “Have one spot where your child Get smarter ten teacher Cathy Kietlinski, who puts their papers for you to see or he first day of school brings knows a few things about the first their agenda for you to sign, and about back with it big changes from the day of school — she has brought in then you’ll always know to look for it. T carefree times of summer. a new school year for her students Little things like that can really help Days that were filled with swimsuits, 26 times. out,” says Patricia Detrich, an 11-year to school picnics in the park and cartoons On the first day of school, it’s very teaching veteran. now will be stacked with classroom important that parents notify their The third grade teacher says par- routines, after-school activities, and children’s new teachers how they ents need to help kids learn organi- this year homework. With all the upcoming will be getting home the first day and zation skills. energy and excitement that are sure all subsequent days. “Students need a lot of help at to be part of a brand new school “As long as we know where they the beginning of the year to stay year, we’ve laid out a few tips to help are supposed to be, we will get them on top of this. Once school starts, kids and parents prepare. to the right place,” says Kietlinski. kids have materials and folders and For home preparation, she says it books and papers that need to be day in, day out is beneficial for parents to create a signed. The kids who are the most Transition kids to the new school space strictly for children’s school successful with that have parents year by starting a new bedtime at items — like backpacks and lunch who check their backpack every day least two weeks before school. It boxes — so kids can get everything or ask them for papers that need to also can be helpful to practice the ready to go the night before, includ- be signed,” she explains. morning routine, particularly if kids ing the next day’s clothing. In addition to organizational con- will have trouble eating a healthy “It will save a lot of stress on the cerns, Detrich thinks it is important breakfast. parents if they have everything pre- to prepare kids for some of the social “A lot of children don’t feel like pared.” issues they may face. having breakfast in the morning be- Having a set location for school “One of the most important mes- cause they are not used to getting items helps you in the long run. sages parents can convey is to help your child learn personal responsibility. It is very important for stu- right. So many times we don’t pay dents to learn that they can make Focusing on safety attention to that or downplay it. decisions for themselves, to do the We need to cultivate that instinct right thing, to not get involved in cer- hether kids are walking something feels uncomfortable or trust in our children. tain behaviors they might see, and to the bus stop or to not right, kids should be taught to With children who stay home to not prolong conflicts. I have found W school or riding a bi- distance themselves, even if po- alone after school, it is important that, for some students, it is difficult cycle, one of the most basic safety tential danger doesn’t seem physi- they be taught to lock the door im- to take responsibility for their own rules is never to travel alone. There cally close. If your child is waiting mediately upon arrival and that it actions. They want to blame other is strength in numbers, even in for the bus and there is a guy wait- is never okay to open the door or kids; they try to point fingers.” small kids. Predators look for the ing on the other side of the street window. Children also should be Another way to keep kids pre- lone sheep, the most vulnerable and your child feels uncom- taught how to use 911 and pared for school through the sum- person. Lots of times they will by- fortable, that is enough. should know to call from mer is to ensure they continue to pass a group of kids to get to one That is when the child a home phone, rather read. that is walking alone. needs to go home or than a mobile phone. “Reading needs to be all summer While “Stranger Danger” is often go somewhere and tell Top This is because home long,” says Detrich. “Kids who don’t used as a catch phrase, it can be an adult. There is no phones are more likely read during the summer don’t keep better to teach about situations. set distance — the dis- Tips to automatically show up with certain reading skills — they Try to show kids to be aware of tance is when the child a location when 911 is might be starting out the next grade situations and actions that are out feels uncomfortable. He called. level a little bit behind their peers. of the ordinary. Is it normal for an needs to learn to listen to his When kids get sick, a par- Some parents think it’s time to take adult to ask a child for help? No, inner voice. ent or a designated adult will need a break from reading in the summer, it’s not. If kids are approached by Parents, in response, must to pick them up from school. Make but research shows that kids who someone asking for directions, for listen to children’s concerns. If sure there are several contacts read a lot tend to be the best read- example, they should go back the they’ve got a fear about a person, listed for students, and be sure ers,” and, in turn, tend to be the most opposite way. it’s usually legitimate. The instinct to keep work, home, and mobile successful at performance tests. She It’s also important to teach chil- is to have natural fear or a natural phone numbers updated at the says kids should read a variety of dren to follow their instincts. If inclination that something is not school office. texts — fiction and non-fiction books and also children’s magazines.

6 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 they need to leave. Otherwise, the parents’ body language is saying are able to dream a little Young ones they are worried and unsure about bit more, especially if they’ve had a Kietlinski says there are certain leaving the child in the classroom.” rough year the year before — with preparations younger kids — like her “Any good teacher is going to kids picking on them or if they had kindergarteners — need to make. contact you immediately if there is a a rough time with grades. They can “Children should practice dress- major problem.” overcome those limitations when ing themselves so they can learn they get that break. Kids can transi- to manage snaps, buttons and zip- A fresh start tion to thinking, ‘I can have a new pers,” she says. “Also, they should The end of summer is the perfect mindset about me.’” She says many get too competitive for them.” be able to take care of all their own opportunity for kids to transition times, kids will live up to their ex- “Be careful about pushing your toileting needs, including washing themselves to a better year. pectations. kid too hard. I see a lot of kids who their hands with soap after they go “Summer break, I like a clean slate get pushed too hard in junior high to the restroom.” so you can start fresh in the new Extracurriculars and high school so they can get a To make things smoother in the school year and leave behind the A question many parents and kids scholarship, but by the time senior cafeteria, children should practice stuff that didn’t really work well for face with a new school year is how year comes around, they are burned opening the containers or baggies you in the last year. August is always many sports and extracurricular ac- out and no longer want to play,” he they plan to use in their school a really cool transition time, when tivities to juggle. cautions. lunches. they are gearing up to think about Parents should let kids participate And sports do more for kids than And Kietlinski says it is good to school in a new way and just getting in as many as they can handle — to a just get them physically active. prepare kids to leave at home any out of the relaxation frame of mind,” certain extent. “It’s always my belief that an ac- sentimental items they may be used says Annie Drake, a licensed mar- “You want them to participate in tive kid gets many benefits academi- to carrying. riage and family therapist. as many different things as possible. cally and socially. They’ve shown “They may have a cuddly or Once kids reach about fourth That way they can find out what that sports actually help stimulate stuffed animal they like to carry, grade, Drake suggests taking them their interests are and what they are the brain, and the kids who are more but the child needs to learn to leave on an out of town trip in August and good at — you never know until you active tend to make better grades,” their special toys or cuddlies at asking them, “If there was a rumor try,” suggests Middle School Athletic the football, basketball, track and home. That can be a really difficult about you this year at school, what Coordinator Josh Brevard. tennis coach says. hurdle for some children.” Kietlinski would you like the rumor to be?” Brevard does feel, however, that “Their social interaction with the also suggests parents label personal Keeping in mind rumors can be kids should be involved in only one other kids is huge. A lot of them get items that will be brought or worn positive, their answers may range activity at a time. discipline, and they learn responsi- to school, such as lunch kits, back- from, “She is really sweet” to “He’s “Where I see kids get in to trouble bility. They also learn teamwork, and packs, jackets, and sweaters. not as geeky as last year” to “She’s so is if they are involved in three differ- they learn leadership. That is the Parents should let the teacher smart or getting such good grades.” ent things at a time.” When they have main benefit of sports — we try to take care of the child’s needs at this Parents then can talk with their kids a full day of school, then football get them healthy and fit, but also our point. about how they might achieve this. from four to six, followed by a bite to goal is to mold them to be young men “There will occasionally be a It can be shedding the glasses, work- eat, and then soccer from seven to and women who are beneficial to so- few tears at the beginning of a new ing out a study plan, finding ways to nine, that may be too much, he says. ciety. If they are active and involved, school year,” she says of young kids. make new friends, or trying a new Instead, activities should be at then they are being healthy, instead “Parents should give their child a style of haircut or clothing. a level “where the kids do not get of being somewhere and doing some- reassuring hug and a kiss, and then “By taking them out of town, they burned out on sports and so it doesn’t thing they shouldn’t be.”

September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 7 HealtHy eating Panic at the table Food allergies less common than thought

he alarm over food allergies has changed day care and Q: Just how many kids T schools enormously. “No are affected by peanut al- peanut zones” are commonplace lergies? in the lunchroom, while snack a: The percentage of chil- Good sense ingredient lists are subject to scru- dren with peanuts allergies tiny by wary parents and teachers. more than tripled — from 0.4 eatinG Yet, the number of children with percent to 1.4 percent — since Christine M. PaluMbo, rD food allergies may not be as large as 1997, according to a new sur- we think. vey of 5,300 households pub- According to a federally commis- lished in the Journal of Allergy sioned study published in the May 10 and Clinical Immunology. issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, the true inci- dence of food allergies is only about allergic reactions. Luckily, many eight percent in children. It’s even children outgrow allergies to milk less in adults — less than five per- and eggs. But severe allergies cent. Yet, about 30 percent of people to foods like peanuts, some believe they have food allergies. fish, and shrimp can last all Researchers from VA Palo Alto their lives. Healthcare System and Stanford Please note that I am University pored over more than not stating that par- 12,000 allergy research studies, pub- ents are making up lished between January 1988 and the symptoms and September 2009. Surprisingly, they severity of their chil- concluded that only 72 studies were dren’s food allergies. I properly conducted to yield accurate am simply reporting on a surprising conclusions. a diagnosis. But no one test is sensi- peer-reviewed study published in a Other findings in the study: tive or specific enough to be recom- respected medical journal. • Despite popular belief, breast- mended over the other tests. Raising a child with food allergies fed infants do not suffer fewer al- • W h i l e elimination diets are the adds even more expense and effort lergies. mainstay of treatment, researchers to your role as parents. Very soon, • Using probiotics along with could only find one randomized conan expert panel of the National In- breast milk, hypoallergenic formula, trolled trial — one of the most reli- stitute of Allergy and Infectious Dis- or both, may help prevent food aller- able study types — of an elimination eases will provide guidelines defin- gies. But their effects on their own diet. Part of the problem is that a ing food allergies and giving criteria are not clear. randomized, controlled trial for se- for diagnosis and management. • Withholding eggs during the first rious life-threatening food allergy Hopefully, this will make your life year of life is not necessary. reactions is not only unnecessary, just a little easier. • Fo o d challenges, skin prick test- but unethical. The information provided in this ing and blood tests for IgE antibod- • It’s not clear whether or not food article is not intended to substitute ies all have a role to play in making allergies are increasing. for the advice of a medical doctor. Why is there so much confusion? Food allergy and food intolerance Helpful websites Watermelon-Blueberry ice Pops often get mixed up. Only allergies Kids with Food allergies: Makes about 10 three ounce pops. blueberries among small paper cups involve the immune system. Food kidswithfoodallergies.org or freezer-pop molds. top with the intolerance is more common than Food allergy initiative: faiusa.org INGREDIENTS watermelon mixture. insert sticks and food allergy and occurs when the di- Food allergy and anaphylaxis 3 ¾ cups chopped seedless freeze until completely firm, about gestive tract cannot properly break network: foodallergy.org watermelon 6 hours. dip the molds briefly in hot down food. For example, the inabil- 2 tablespoons lime juice water before unmolding. ity to digest the milk sugar, lactose, Christine M. Palumbo is a registered 1-2 tablespoons sugar NUTRITION FACTS: 30 calories, 0 is an intolerance. dietitian in suburban Chicago. She is 1 cup fresh blueberries grams fat and cholesterol, 8 grams The most common food allergies a mother of three, only one of whom INSTRUCTIONS: Puree watermelon, carbohydrate, 0 grams protein, 1 are to proteins in cow’s milk, eggs, suffers from food allergies. Send your lime juice and sugar in a food proces- gram fiber, 1 milligram sodium peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish questions and column ideas to her at sor or blender until smooth. divide Recipe from eatingwell.com and tree nuts. Peanuts and tree nuts [email protected] or call are the leading cause of severe food (630) 369-8495.

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September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 9 couples Baby makes stress How does a child affect you and your spouse?

new baby plus a new marriage A equals major stress for both partners — and yet there’s no Our guide available for first- time parents to help deal relatiOnships with this joyous and dif- Joan EmErson ficult time. Until now. From watching and hearing about these situations with family, friends, and clients — while remembering my own experience — I have seen that, along with the love, joy and wonder of watching a new life begin, stresses on the relationships between new mom and new dad are typical. Yet, I also get the sense that it takes everyone by surprise. It will be the goal of this column to discuss the conflicts that typically emerge cessful marriages. But there is noth- riage in the meanwhile? during this time, and provide some ing dedicated to the difficulties of One of the upsides that can evolve of the tools needed to keep couples’ new parenthood. during this young-family phase of connection intact and help new par- In the “Raising Your Children” sec- marriage is that partners will, for ents: tion, there are the “What to Expect…” better and worse, really get to know • C r e a te a safe, loving place to books along with topics like “how to new each other, as that time of eu- reveal themselves and learn about talk to your child,” and “advice to phoria during which we saw each their partner. dad to let mom sleep and learn how other through the rosiest of colored • B u i l d a solid, reliable, loving re- to change diapers.” But there is noth- glasses has passed. Instead, we can lationship. ing directed at safeguarding a mar- use this time to create a safe en- • Maturely work through the riage after a child is born. vironment in which to reveal our throes of the inevitable periods of We all know that along with the hopes, fears, difficulties, secrets, dis- disappointment and anger. warmth and pleasure associated appointments, and wishes. The July 12 edition of New York with the new baby, there’s a ‘hold on Sharing these most private vul- Magazine cover story “I Love My for dear life’ experience for at least nerabilities with each other and re- Children. I Hate My Life,” described the first six months: a period plagued ceiving empathy and reassurance study upon study showing the stress with worry, lack of sleep, total unpre- are the building blocks of a strong of raising kids and the effect those dictability of the baby’s behaviors bond between partners and lead children have on the relationships and needs, insecurities, postpartum into a stage of mature, safe and de- of the married individuals. Indeed, emotionality, differences in parent- pendable love. studies show that children reduce ing approach, changes in roles, sur- Next time we’ll discuss one of the marital satisfaction and adversely prises and sometimes disappoint- most basic rules for successful com- affect relationships, with the hardest ments with the other parent’s coping munication: being effective in ex- period being the baby-toddler stage. style. pressing one’s feelings, while giving A walk to a nearby Barnes and Noble It isn’t until the child reaches the your partner the feeling that they’ve helped explain why that is the case. 6- to 12-year-old stage that marriages really been heard and understood. In the “Relationships” section, begin to bounce back to mom and Joan Emerson is a New York psychol- there are shelves of books by the- dad remembering that they are also ogist who specializes in couples therapy. orists whose names we all know husband and wife. You can learn more about her by visiting about how to work on creating suc- So what can we do about the mar- her Web site at www.JoanEmerson.com

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September 2010 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 11 Around Town Message in the music

By Helen Klein angeburg in Rockland County. But, them scrupulously — intended. The City kids seek the trip is worth it, he said. youngsters, he said, “Learned music Bronx-based group of inspi- “I didn’t know what path to take. not just as an industry but as a min- to empower rational young people from Music With a Message made me a istry,” during far-ranging outings that A around New York City spent better person and made me a man at took them to Madison Square Gar- their summer vacation bringing the same time,” Harris added. den, the U.S. Open and other venues, their peers music, dance, and poetry to kids and For some, though, Music With performing in front of both small adults in the five boroughs through a Message’s headquarters is right groups and huge crowds. a new performance program that around the corner. “They had an opportunity to through song aims to change the world “one song Eight-year-old Lauren Bryant, who change how people feel,” Harris at a time.” lives in Parkchester in the Bronx and stressed. “Through entertainment, The 18 youths, who range in goes to PS 106 and is the youngest they were able to socially develop age from 8 to 22, put on close the community and social develop to 60 performances at camps, themselves.” senior centers and the like as part All the songs the group performs of Music With a Message’s goal of are original, with subjects ranging providing positive environments from local pride to asthma to the for both participants low-slung pants worn by many urban young men. Their common goal is empowering people not only to do the right thing, but be comfortable in their own skins and their own communities. “Music opens up all these doors,” Harris added. “When we perform ‘Pull Your Pants Up,’ everyone in the audience is pulling their pants up.” One particularly poignant song, “I Remember You,” takes on the grim subject of death, and was written, said Harris, because so many youngsters expressed a need for it, having known another young person who died violently at an early age. “Kids are murdered at 12, 14, 16 years old, and no one was processing the deaths of these young people,” Harris said. Whenever Music With a Arthur De Gaeta Message performs this song, he went One of the troupe’s most popular num- and their audience. member of the troupe. on, “We tell people to think about bers is “Keep Your Pants Up,” a mes- Being a part of the troupe has “It’s really fun,” she said. “I like someone they lost, and remember a sage members clearly take to heart. made her feel as if she can make seeing people smile. I like seeing touch, remember a hug, remember a difference, said 18-year-old Ariel people having fun.” loving. People laugh and cry.” Miles, who lives in East New York But, being part of Music With a Music With A Message is an off- and attends New York University. To Message is more than that. shoot of Renaissance E.M.S., a Bronx- explain exactly what participating The songs, said her mom, Elaine, based non-profit organization that has meant to her, she quoted Gan- “Send a message. Look at things Harris founded with Darren Quinlan, dhi: “Be the change you wish to see differently. Think outside the box, to fill the gap in musical education in the world.” not with the crowd. If you teach just for public school students whose “I love performing and I love one person, you’re really doing your schools don’t have music programs, spreading the message,” Miles job.” and which also provides athletic added, noting that she thrives in The kids benefit as much as any- programs for urban youngsters. the close-knit atmosphere. “We have one else, Bryant added. Further information on Music With a come to form a family and we are all “I have seen the kids really grow, Message, and a calendar of the group’s committed. I think there should be musically, mentally, socially.” September performances, can be found more programs like this for youth.” That’s exactly what Bervine Har- at www.musicwam.org, or call (718) Some kids travel from outside the ris — who the professional musi- 450-3466. For more information on Re- city to be part of the action. cian who developed the group, au- naissance E.M.S. can be found at www. Ronald Harris, 17, comes from Or- ditioned all participants, and trains renaissance-ems.org.

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September 2010 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 13 Parenting

on a Saturday night. We knew two of the couples very well, and the third couple had just moved into our neighborhood, and we wanted to get Brat attack! acquainted. When I called the third couple, I invited the wife and husband, saying it would be a late dinner, What to do when your best and to arrive at 9 pm for cocktails before dinner. Well, everyone arrived at friends’ kids misbehave 9, but to my astonishment, the third couple brought their two boys, dear Twins, ages 7 and 9! I didn’t know what My husband and I have to say, and I wasn’t prepared twice the been best friends with an- for children! My OWN children other couple since high were in bed, and these two go advice school, and now they have rushing into their bedrooms Jacqueline and two children and we have trying to wake them. It became Kerry donelli three. They quite often invite a madhouse, and the dinner our entire family over for din- was a fiasco. What should I ner, and of course, we recipro- have done? cate. The difference is that we — Angry Neighbor have taught our children to Jacqueline says: Why peo- have table manners, and you’d ple would bring kids to an in- think their kids were raised vite-only dinner is beyond me. in a barn. They scream and Perhaps they assumed that, yell at the table, fight, reach since you have kids, theirs across other people’s plates were welcome. Whatever the for food, spit, and even throw case, when they showed up food! And their parents barely at the door with them, there say a word! We’re such close wasn’t much you could do. friends with the parents that The polite thing would be to I don’t want to make waves. allow the boys to join you after How do I handle this? letting the parents know you — Boiling Mad weren’t expecting kids. But Kerry says: I would sug- making a scene at that point gest one of three things. Op- — or asking them to leave — is tion one: tell your friend that far worse. Don’t be a doormat, because the kids (it is not either. Let their children know necessary to point out it’s your kids’ bedrooms are off only hers) get rambunctious, limits. Enjoy the evening and why don’t the adults have din- go with the flow. What’s the ner alone from now on; thus point of being uptight? They whosever’s turn it is to bring the your friends raise brats, and main- may even become good friends if you kids, will instead hire a babysitter, taining your friendship can often be don’t throw them out. However, for and whoever is serving will feed the hindered by them. The “Who raised the next invite — if there is another kids in advance. Option two: go out these kids?” syndrome will invari- — let them know it’s adults-only. to dinner; after all, you are adults ably continue to the end of time. If Kerry says: I agree with Jacque- and can’t possibly always want to you tell your friends that they are line. It’s petty to still be spewing have adult conversations in front of not raising their kids properly, it will over the couple that brought their your children (and I bet the children invariably end up in a fight and could kids over for dinner. Aren’t there don’t much care for it either). Op- end your friendship. So it’s just not more serious things to be worried tion three: tell your friend you think worth it. I would take some of Ker- about? Yes, they are complete mo- it’s a better idea for the kids to eat ry’s suggestions, especially the last. rons for not realizing that this was together at a separate table in a dif- Have the food-throwing youngsters not a function for kids and that their ferent room so you can enjoy each sit at another table in another room children were clearly not invited; other’s company in peace. even. Make general announcements nonetheless, couldn’t you just go Jacqueline says: The truth is, to all the kids like, “OK troop, food with the flow and order a pizza and there is not much you can do when stays on the table tonight,” to open let the kids play upstairs? Out of a up the eyes of the kids — and the variety of disasters that would hor- parents — that it is not OK to have a rify me, this one’s at the bottom of Jacqueline and Kerry donelli, twin sisters, are multi- award winning food fight in your home. the list. If you ever decide to invite filmmakers. They are currently getting their Masters in Mental Health and have a radio show on WBcr-aM also called, “Twice the advice” — where • • • this couple again, which I doubt you one twin gives advice and, often, the other completely disagrees! Please dear Twins, will, let them know it’s a dinner for email them at [email protected]. My husband and I invited three adults only. Now stop sweating the couples over for a sit-down dinner small stuff.

14 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 5LYHQGHOO6FKRROSURYLGHVDZDUP FUHDWLYHHQYLURQPHQWZKHUHFKLOGUHQ GHYHORSLQGHSHQGHQFHUHVSHFWIRUHDFK RWKHUDQGDOLIHORQJORYHRIOHDUQLQJ

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September 2010 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 15 Finances When fees go undercover

By Candy sparks pay more than $160 in penalties be- charge did she learn that her mem- Getting savvy fore closing it and, although her ac- bership automatically renews and ew York sure is “the city that count was closed, and the fees were deducts the fee on her membership about hidden never sleeps” — thanks to paid off, her credit report shows anniversary. N our financial problems. that the account had gone into col- She wanted to keep the mem- Whether we’re single or married, lections. This will stay on her credit bership but wasn’t ready to make charges can a parent or an empty nester, we report for the next seven years. She the payment at the time she was are all wondering, “Where did my had no way to prove that she did not charged. She later found out that save you big money go?” It doesn’t help that some get the notices and said it was not even if she had the option to delay credit card companies charge “hid- worth the time or trouble it was tak- the renewal, it would cost her the den” fees, big-box stores hit us with ing her to fight with the bank and the same amount and would extend over yearly renewals, and local supermar- three credit reporting agencies. the same 12-month period. kets are prone to overcharging us at Some money market account must “The membership goes from the the register. With all these unwanted maintain a certain balance to qualify date you started and runs for 12 (and sometimes unknown) expenses for a special interest rate. If the ac- months,” a manager told her. “We reaching into our pockets, how can count goes below the minimum bal- are only supposed to give you 12 we possibly balance our budgets? ance, the monthly fee could be as months from your start date when We can start by paying a little more much as $40 just to maintain the you renew, no matter how much later attention to these budget busters: account. If your accounts are vulner- you renew.” able to going into overdraft or insuf- When she looked into canceling Busted by the bank ficient funds, it would be wise to find to avoid the renewal fee, she was Since the beginning of the Great a bank that charges low bounced- told she would have had to do it two Recession in 2008, we’ve learned check fees. Unfortunately, no bank months in advance. that banks are not going to handle will advertise that. “I was really frustrated at being our money for free. Banks are receiv- We should all keep in mind that forced to pay that amount. But they ing bad press for increasing service the bank is in business to make said it was my own fault because I fees, and to counter this, are ad- money — by using our money to turn signed the contract,” she said. vertising free checking or free cell a profit. Find out when you have to renew phone application to check on ac- or can cancel any memberships that counts — but someone has to pay for Time is money would cause a financial hardship — the “freebies.” Most of us forget our monthly or especially for health club and gym Bronx resident Juanita needed yearly membership anniversary at memberships for which you do not to use her money market account gyms, shopping clubs or websites, get any of that money back. for an emergency, and her balance but the gyms and shopping clubs “Lost time is lost money,” warned dipped under the minimum required don’t — and some automatically Maria. to qualify for free services. renew our contracts and charge our Then she moved, and her monthly credit cards on, at, or near the an- avoid getting statements were not forwarded to her niversary. sandbagged new address. Meanwhile, monthly Whitestone resident Maria noticed Supermarket shopper beware! A service fees on her otherwise dor- a charge of an additional $175 on her year-long city-wide investigation of mant account were racking up — so credit card for her annual shopping 1,000 New York supermarkets con- much so, she owed the bank money! club membership, but didn’t know ducted by the Department of Con- When Juanita went to get money out what it could be for — she had not sumer Affairs indicated that one out of her account, she learned that it been shopping at the store recently. of every two had violations. was overdrawn. She was forced to Only after she looked into the In low-income communities, 64

16 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 percent of the stores failed the city’s puter are even designed to become call may be free, but any necessary Keep in mind that the inspections. The top violations were obsolete after a certain amount of replacement parts could bear an ad- improper prices on items, improper years. Or, they require periodic up- ditional cost. bank is in business to taxes on non-taxable items, inaccu- grades to continue functioning. Re- To get the most out of your stuff make money — by using rate checkout scanners, unavailabil- member just last year when analogue and your money, check your war- ity of scales for customers, improp- TV became obsolete? Your old TV ranties for the expiration date and our money to turn a profit. erly weighed food, and leaving off became useless and you had to buy find out whether any of the warran- the last date of sale. an adapter or a brand new TV. ties can be extended on the stuff The best thing to do now is to “Companies don’t make money you like and want to keep. check out the prices in circular by making good products,” says • • • and what is on your receipt when Ben, a computer specialist from These hidden fees and surprise you checkout. Check food items for Flushing. “They make money when charges are disappointing, but with freshness and weigh food items that you have to get an upgrade. They an awareness of what could happen, are priced per pound. Otherwise, make a profit if you have to replace we can proactively stay on top of you could be getting sandbagged or fix it.” The last time I had to have situations as needed. Be aware of without knowing it. my computer fixed I, thankfully, had what is going on in your budget, but gotten an extended warranty on it. take care of yourself — after all, it’s Updates and Keep in mind that a manufac- a balancing act. upgrades turer’s warranty is limited, but ex- Candi Sparks is the author of the “Can Just as fashions come and go, so tended warranties are available for I Have Some Money?” book series. You does technology. The newest iPod, an extra price. Depending on the can follow her on Twitter and Facebook cellphone, video camera and com- terms of the warranty, the service as Candi Sparks (writer).

September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 17 Hey moms and dads! We are looking for essays from local parents. Write to us at [email protected] or call (718) 260-2587 and let us know if you’d like to contribute something about your community, history or First Person family life in the borough of Brooklyn. Brooklyn bouillabaisse The benefits of raising a family in Flatbush

By Helen Klein

or over 21 years, I’ve been a Brooklyn mom. F That’s meant lots of things — kids who could recite every stop on the Brighton line, in order, by the age of 2-and-a-half; kids whose coming of age took place in blacktop playgrounds where broken bottles in the tree pits played the role of buried treasure; and, most of all, kids who became citizens of the world, with all its shades and nuances, at a very young age. Even before either of my two kids headed off to pre-K, and plunged into the borough’s public school system, they got to know and play with kids who didn’t look at all like them at a drop-in center at a local church. They don’t remember the gorgeous Tiffany windows in the church’s sanctuary, but they do remember the friends they made. And, because they got to know youngsters of so many different ethnicities, creeds and cultures at a very young age, they didn’t even notice superficial differences. Truly, they imbibed a sense of international- ism naturally, almost with their earliest gulps of mother’s milk. And it was amazing not just for them, but for all of us who had the privilege of sharing their The author’s son, Jeremy (second from right) clowns around with (from left) Karen, Eli and Gary upbringing. Our house took on the appearance of a mini- where Pakistani bakeries are cheek-by-jowl while she saw things she liked at all, something United Nations every time they had a party or a with Mexican groceries, where glatt kosher always seemed to be missing. play date, a resemblance that only increased as falafel places are located across the street from Ultimately, she opted for a branch of the City elementary school segued into middle school, halal groceries, and in stores where the bread University. Why? Visits to two very desirable and then into high school. When they visited aisle alone shows the breadth of diversity, pita schools upstate, and another in Washington, friends’ homes, they were immersed in vastly bread next to chapatis, next to Russian brown D.C,, made the advantages of living in the city different cultures, tasting foods they had never bread, next to foccaccia. clear to her. imagined, and sharing their own unique per- There is no question that being in the heart “I just couldn’t go to a school that wasn’t spectives on it all. of the borough’s melting pot shaped my chil- as diverse as Murrow,” she confessed before My daughter never stopped singing the dren’s perceptions, their expectations and deciding on Hunter College where, for the past praises of the exotic things she tasted at friends’ their values. Equality was their birthright. three years, she has extended her Brooklyn homes; she sampled it all — hearty Russian They have gone into the world knowing how experience. soups, Asian noodle dishes with ingredients large it is, and their horizons have continued to She’s not yet 22, and already she has visited she couldn’t identify, jerk chicken grilled up by expand as they have grown. five continents. And, with her Brooklyn back- our next-door neighbors, who never hesitated But, exactly how important my children’s ground to sustain her, I know she is just at the to stop by with a container of curried chicken upbringing was became clear when it was time beginning of a long journey in which she will for me because they knew how much I like the for my daughter, who graduated several years see and experience many new things as she scent and savor of the spices they used. ago from Edward R. Murrow High School, to strives to make the world just a little bit more A metaphor for the experience we all shared select a college. compact, and perhaps just a little bit more like could easily be found on almost every street As the date of her decision neared, we the world in which she was privileged to grow corner near our Flatbush home — on blocks visited a bevy of campuses out of town, and, up — Brooklyn.

18 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL       where children and grown-ups learn and play together At Brooklyn For 8 months - 3 1/2 years Friends, we now registering have all the makings of For Fall Programs At our Bayside Location a great education. Join Us For Fun • Arts & Crafts “Just For Me” • Music • Stories • Creative Movement 2½ - 3½ • Playtime Join us for a Fall Tour to learn about the opportunities your • Narrow Age Spans Separation Program • Maximum 10 Children child has to excel academically and to become part of our Per Class Partial Separation Classes • 1 1/2 Hour Classes dynamic learning community. • Professional Staff Also Available

Infant Classes and ABC Enrichment Classes Also Available For Information Call 1-800-404-2204 or 516-433-0003 375 Pearl Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Or Log Onto Our Website: www.justweetwo.com 718.852.1029 brooklynfriends.org/tours Other Locations: Park Slope & Brooklyn Heights, Plainview & Manhasset, Greenwich & North Stamford, CT

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September 2010 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 19 Profile Square tactics Brooklyn By Helen Klein wo Brooklyn toy designers design team who monkey around with T ideas in a hip Gowanus studio appear to be headed toward the big time, thanks to a litter of cuddly toying with stuffed cats with hug appeal for adolescent girls. success Moon-eyed Squaredy Cats are the brainchild of Park Slope-based husband-and-wife duo Kurt Mar- quart and Elaine de la Mata, who say they revel in the artsy vibes in the old warehouse building where they work, and where several dozen other artists have studios. “It’s really cool to be part of a creative community,” de la Mata said, who once worked in the newspaper business as a paste-up artist for a local weekly. “There are so many artistic people around here following different directions. It makes a great creative stew. For years, we worked

out of our apart- Bob Hacken ment, and there Designers Kurt Marquart and Elaine de la Mata display their “Squardey Cats.” were times when, for a whole week, we didn’t pretty cool to see how much they Squared to Act Silly — two of nine leave the apartment.” love them.” Squaredy Cats that will be on store The pair played around The appeal of the winsome shelves by November.’ with many concepts before Squaredy Cats — a conscious play “I can’t wait till I walk into a store piquing the interest of interna- on the concept of the scaredy cat — on Fifth Avenue and see our cats,” tionally renowned toymaker Gund, lies in their ability to channel young de la Mata remarked. “It’s going to which has licensed the line. girls’ aspirations, and allow them to be awesome.” Marquart and de la Mata, who experiment with different attitudes, The critters have a Japanese count approximately 3,700 enthusi- said de la Mata. look, kind of Pokemon-Meets-Sailor- astic fans on Squaredy Cats’ Face- “Tweens really respond to them Moon. “It’s the trendy look right book page, are hopeful that the tran- because they are cute but cool,” she now, and it’s adorable,” remarked sition of the Squaredy Cats from two explained. Girls between the ages de la Mata. to three dimensions will open the of eight or nine and 12, “are not The duo has several other toy door to fame and fortune for their kids anymore, but they’re not really designs in the hopper. Some already fledgling company, Monkey Doodle teenagers yet and the Squaredy Cats have an on-line presence, and Mar- Dandy. help them express their personality. quart said that young iPhone own- So far, the young fans have been They empower them to take pride in ers can download a free application able to feed their frenzy for the cud- who they are. It’s a time in life when from ShakyPlanet that enables them dly critters only by purchasing stick- they are trying to figure out, Who to purchase snow globe-like digi- ers from vending machines that they am I? The cats help them try on dif- tal collectibles featuring two of the use to cover notebooks and the like. ferent personalities.” team’s other designs, GirlMonsters “The girls keep asking for them A shy girl might gravitate toward and Scarey Monsters. on line, so we are hoping we make a Not Squared to Make Waves, while For more information, log onto www. huge splash,” de la Mata noted. “It’s a studious one might opt for Not monkeydoodledandy.com.

20 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BROOKLYN Now in our new location in Carroll Gardens!

• Preschool & Elementary School • International Baccalaurate - Primary Years Program • French and Spanish Immersion Accepting applications for Nursery- 5th Grade for 2011-2012 • After School Classes - French & Spanish, Circus Arts, Drama, Yoga, Science, Chess, Robotics, Soccer & Basketball!

Établissement homologué par l’Éducation Nationale Française

477 Court Street (at Nelson St) Brooklyn, NY 11231 718.369.3023 • www.isbrooklyn.org

SAINT SAVIOuR ELEMENTARy SCHOOL Shotokan 701 Eighth Avenue Brooklyn Ny 11215 718-768-8000 • www.stsaviourschool.org Karate Center Family-Owned and Operated with Over 30 Years of Martial Arts and Teaching Experience Saint Saviour Elementary School is 20% OFF delighted to announce the addition of a 1st Month Tuition Nursery Program for 3-Year-Olds with this ad $29.95 beginning in September. Introductory Program Includes: uniform, intro class and group Our Three year old class will take place in a class. newly renovated room fully equipped with age- appropriate materials. Professional teachers • Pre-K to Adult Karate/Self-Defense will develop a child-centered curriculum Fun-Filled • Cardio-Kick/Fitness Programs which will give children the opportunity Birthday to play, explore and learn in a nurturing • Customized Personal Training environment. We are offering a choice of either Parties Children and Teens: Adults: full or part time programming. Through our character building programs, Enjoy a clean, fully-equipped facility, re- children attain higher levels of confidence duced stress, increased endurance and Limited spaces are available. and self-esteem, physical fitness, disci- muscle tone, quicker reflexes, practical pline, self-control, the ability to focus, re- self-defense skills and most importantly, a Come tour our school. spect for authority and the tools necessary greater sense of well being. For more information please call to live healthy lives. No Contracts. No Obligations. Maura Lorenzen, Principal at 718 768-8000. 718-253-0303 • 5212 Avenue N, Brooklyn, NY Read student and parent testimonials @ www.brooklynmartialartscenter.com

September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 21 EntErtainmEnt Family time Returning to Brooklyn, Tom Chapin’s music appeals to moms, dads and kids

By Helen Klein The songs don’t have to be simple, but they have to be clear and interesting.” rammy-winner and Brook- And, he stressed, he expects to lyn native Tom Chapin is see parents sitting next to their kids G coming back home to per- when he sings, getting into the music form, and he’s taking requests. as enthusiastically as their offspring. “Guess what? I’m playing Brook- “I’m not a babysitter,” Chapin said. lyn. It’s very cool,” said Chapin, who “It’s you and your children enjoying will bring his special brand of family- the music together.” friendly music to the Brooklyn Center Every concert he does is a col- for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn laboration with the audience, Chapin College on Sunday, Oct. 3 at 2 pm. added. There, he will weave a lyrical spell “You learn ‘Family Tree’ in Ameri- that enchants not only his youngest can sign language, and you learn listeners, but their parents as well. what a didgeridoo does,” he said. “It’s And anyone can log onto his Web a fun, interactive event,” site, in advance of the concert, to Indeed, as a true folk artist, collab- ask for songs they oration is key to Chap- or their kids want in’s musical style. For to hear played. “It’s you and your the past 22 years, he And, they have said, he has worked plenty to choose children enjoying with John Forster, Mi- from. Since 1988, chael Mark and Jon when he first rec- the music together.” Cobert to build a body ognized his call- of music with family ing — writing kids’ appeal. songs that grown-ups like just as And, well before that, he cut his much as their offspring — Chapin musical teeth as one of the Chapin has cut 11 family albums, with a Brothers, singing with his late older 12th on the way. brother, Harry, renowned for such The music, he said, gives him as classic songs as “Cat’s in the Cradle” much pleasure as it does his listen- and “Taxi,” and their brother Steven, ers. at Brooklyn Heights’ Grace Church, “It’s fun to write, kid-friendly and where he was a choirboy, and at adult-safe, and people can play it in Brooklyn Tech High School, where their car over and over and over he and his brothers formed a folk again,” Chapin told Family Magazines. music club. As Chapin tells it, it was his own He’s traveled a long road, Chapin parenting experience that made him added, since those early days. realize that music for kids just didn’t “It’s been an amazing journey,” he cut it for all age groups — thanks to said. “How blessed I feel that this is his then- 6-year-old and 8-year-old where I have placed my marbles.” who enjoyed listening to the Beatles, Tom Chapin in concert [Brooklyn Cen- Eagles and Bob Marley. ter for the Performing Arts, Walt Whitman “They understand humor. They Theatre at Brooklyn College, Campus understand a story. And they aren’t Road and Hillel Place. (718) 951-4500, interested in little duckies anymore,” Oct. 3 at 2 pm. Tickets $6 in advance, $7 he said. “So, I said it would be nice to at the door. For info or to purchase tick- write a record that I would like as a ets on line, visit BrooklynCenterOnline. parent and yet my kids would like as org. To request a song during the perfor- well. I tell stories, play word games. mance, visit tomchapin.com.

22 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 (/(0(17$/$5760217(6625, • For children 2.6 – 5.6 years old • 1/2 Day Programs or Full Day • Early Morning Drop-off Available • Program is 5 Days a Week St. Mark’S day School Ideal for Your Bright and Creative Child! • SMAll ClASS SizE • WArM, NurturiNg ENviroNMENt

Pre-School & Early Childhood Elementary Middle School Your child’s learning environment is adapted to Grades N-K Grades 1-8 their individual developmental needs. 1435 Union Street 1346 President Street 718-756-4617 718-756-6602 EAM offers a unique experience for your child. Our mission is to have fun through exploration Applications for 2010/2011 School Year Are Now Available and discovery, allowing each child to fully • Toddler Program/Full Day Kindergarten • Before and Afterschool Programs experience their natural joy for learning. • Small Class Size • High Standards and Overall Performance Payment Plans are available. Achievement • Full Academic Curriculum 364 Argyle road, Brooklyn NY A Learning Community Based on Respect and Dignity for All 718.484.0942 1346 President Street at Brooklyn Avenue | 718-756-6602 www.elementalartsmontessori.com

Paerdegat Day School Free 2-1/2 Hour Program Come In For Open House Discounts Now Accepting Registration For Open HOuse Universal saturday, september 18th — noon-3pm After School Pre-Kindergarten School Program Program • Ages 2-5 • Ages 5-12 Years Old • Licensed Teachers & Staff Program 2010/2011 • Extended Hours 7AM-7PM • 2, 3, 5 Days 3- 6PM • Transportation Available • Transportation A.C.D., Begin, Union Vouchers Accepted • Hot Breakfast & Lunch • Homework Assistance • Snacks • Gymnastics Program • Snacks • Sports Free adult Health Club • Daily Sports Activities • Swimming All day school programs are licensed by the Board of Health, teachers are certified and membership. Call For Details all programs feature the famous Kidsports Gymnasium and Adventure Challenge. Infant & Toddler Center - Ages 6 Wks.-24 Mos. Limited Space Available 1500 Paerdegat avenue North • 718-531-1111

September 2010 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 23 EntErtainmEnt Decision restores devoted friendship Diary of a

Wimpy Kid Rated PG

ecisions, decisions! With the start of school, your daugh- D ter is faced with so many new choices. Soccer or gymnastics? Laura Gray Band or chorus? Cheerleading squad or science club? The possibilities seem endless, but she is frozen with indecision. In fact, she may miss some opportunities if she doesn’t choose soon. Drawing on your own experience, you remind her that our choices make us who we are. You recount some of the major decisions in your life — college, career, spouse — and share the positive and not-so-positive results. It’s just enough to re- Rob McEwan Rowley and Greg meet a new friend, Angie, in middle school. store her confidence, and she makes the right decisions for herself. Those life-shaping choices are Greg and Rowley seem to have that, legend has it, has been stuck what drive the story of “Diary of a found their niche when they make on the basketball court forever. No Wimpy Kid,” now available on DVD. the school’s student security patrol. one dares to even touch the cheese. Watch it at home with your kids They wear their badges proudly as When their classmates gather to and discuss the consequences of they escort kindergarteners home watch, Greg grabs the cheese away “wimpy” Greg’s decisions in his first after school. But one rainy after- from Rowley and claims to have been year of middle school. Our Talk To- noon, Greg — clad in Rowley’s dis- the one to eat it. The students run gether points can help get the con- tinctive red poncho — must carry away, screaming. Rowley is touched versation going. Then, keep a “Deci- out the task alone. Along the way, he by Greg’s willingness to take on the sion Diary” to discover the impact of gets scared by some teens who have “curse” of the cheese. Greg may be your everyday choices. been terrorizing him and Rowley. shunned by his peers, at least for a In “Diary of Wimpy Kid,” 11-year- Panicked, he orders the kindergar- while, but with Rowley at his side, he old Greg and his geeky best friend, teners into a hole at a construction is content with the choice he made. Rowley, approach middle school site and runs away. A neighbor mis- with the usual anxiety. What should takes Greg for Rowley (because of Talk together they wear? Which clubs should they the poncho) and reports him to the Greg worries that his friendship join? Where will they end up on school. with Rowley may affect his own pop- Greg’s “popularity” scale? The next day, Rowley is baffled ularity in middle school. Why? What when he is dismissed from the pa- does Rowley do that Greg thinks isn’t trol squad for endangering the chil- appropriate in middle school? Play together: Decision Diary dren. Greg finally explains what hap- What happens to make Rowley you will need: At the end of the week, sit pened to Rowley, but Greg won’t suddenly popular? How does he • Notebook down with your family and share take responsibility for his actions. react? How does Greg react? Is pop- • P e n or pencil your entries. Discuss how your Deeply disappointed, Rowley ends ularity at school something that is For one week, keep a diary of decisions turned out. How would their long friendship and soon finds important to you? Why or why not? all the decisions you make. Be you have handled them differ- a new best bud. Greg is miserable sure to include everything from ently? Remember the advice without Rowley. Plan a family movie night this fall! what you eat for breakfast to how Greg’s mom gave him? How did Then, one day, Greg and Row- Check out our archives at www.Cinemat- you respond to the classroom your choices this week make you ley are confronted by the teen bul- ters.com and get some great ideas for rules at school. who you are? lies on the school playground. They fun with your favorite films. force Rowley to eat the moldy cheese © 2010, Cinematters. 24 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 When you have more of the best doctors in Brooklyn, you have the best hospital in Brooklyn.

That’s not us bragging. That’s the experts at HealthGrades After all, a hospital is only as good as its doctors. And in this doing their homework. important area, Maimonides is a winner as well. In the most recent They recently notiﬁ ed us that we are one of the recipients of Castle Connolly Top Doctors Guide, Maimonides has more doctors the 2010 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence. Of listed than any other hospital in Brooklyn. the nearly 5,000 hospitals in the country surveyed, only 269 were In fact, our only quibble is that they didn’t list even more of our considered worthy of this recognition. In fact, Maimonides is one doctors. You see, we believe that our doctors are at the very top of of only two New York City hospitals to receive this coveted award. their respective specialties. And while this bit of good news ﬁ lls us with a At Maimonides, we’ve always felt we’re the best hospital great deal of pride, it by no means comes to us as a in Brooklyn. Apparently, a lot of knowledgeable people agree complete surprise. with us.

�aimonides has more doctors in Castle Connolly’s �op �octors: �ew �ork �etro �rea Passionate about medicine. guide than any other hospital in �rooklyn. Compassionate about people.

For more information, visit www.maimonidesmed.org. To ﬁ nd the right doctor for you, call (��) MMC�DOCS ��.

September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 25 HealtH Ease the transition to back to school

How can I help my child transition from the swimming pool to study hall? Family HealtH Dr. PramoD Narula, mD hether it’s the first day of Chairman of Pediatrics kindergarten or the first New York methodist Hospital W year of high school, a few simple back-to-school preparations can help make the start of a new school year easier for your child. Although many childhood dis- eases that were prevalent 50 years ago are no longer common, it’s still necessary to have your child vac- cinated. In fact, all states require children to be immunized before they can attend school. Most states require that children receive the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DPT), polio and measles, mumps and rubella vaccines. Children en- tering middle school should receive a second DPT and measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Check with your child’s doctor to update im- munizations. It’s also important that students receive regular physical exams, and the end of summer is a good time to schedule eye and dental exams, as well as allergy checkups. If your child suffers from chronic conditions or must regularly take a prescription medicine, it is a good idea to talk with the school nurse before school starts. Children who participate in sports will also need an athletic physical because it can help identify any conditions that may limit her ability or fore the first day. Middle schools and can make it difficult to ensure that lead to injury. high schools may offer similar pro- your child eats a healthy meal, but Starting a new grade or a new grams, in which new students can parents can prepare simple, nutri- school can be somewhat unsettling find their lockers and classrooms, tious breakfasts that children can for some children. They may be meet teachers and learn about ex- eat while waiting for the bus. Sliced nervous about finding their class- tra-curricular activities. Encourage fruit and bagels with cream cheese; room or making new friends. How- your children to make friends with whole-grain banana muffins; English ever, parents can do a few simple neighborhood children who attend muffins with peanut butter or shred- things to help their children adjust their school. Participating in sum- ded cheese; and yogurt with gra- to these changes, including visiting mer sports and other activities may nola topping are great easy, healthy the school before the opening of the also facilitate friendships. meals. school year. In addition, studies have shown For more information about making Many elementary schools offer that children who eat breakfast are the transition back to school easier for kindergarten orientation programs more attentive in class, earn higher your children, contact the nurse or guid- that allow students to meet their math grades and have fewer be- ance counselor at your children’s school, teachers and see the classroom be- havioral problems. Hectic schedules or your family physician.

26 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 What’s your EQ? Are you an energy champ, an energy guzzler or an energy snoozer? To fi nd out, take the Con Edison Energy Quotient Quiz at conEd.com/EQ or at facebook.com/powerofgreen

The Smart Grid will help all New Yorkers Chargers for cell phones, MP3 players and become energy champs because it will: PDAs use energy:

A. allow us to charge A. only when charging electric cars B. even when the devices B. incorporate wind and are not connected to solar energy sources the chargers

C. turn your appliances C. even when they’re not on and off when you’re plugged into the wall away from home

D. all of the above

answer: B answer: answer: D answer:

How much more efﬁ cient are What should you do if you smell gas? compact ﬂ uorescent bulbs than regular incandescent bulbs? A. leave the area immediately, then call Con Edison at A. they last twice as long 1- 800-75-CONED and use half as much B. do not use electrical energy devices, including B. they last fi ve times as fl ashlights long and use 60% C. all of the above less energy

C. they last ten times as long and use 75%

less energy

September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 27 HealtH Can book bags cause scoliosis? By Dr. Diana D’angelo and homework — starts, it’s impor- help decrease stress on your child’s What to watch tant to look for signs of scoliosis in spine: hose years of puberty we our children, as it’s now known that • M a ke sure your child wears both for in the new fondly (or not-so fondly!) re- early detection is the key to treating straps of the backpack at all times. T call can have a huge impact this condition. • A backpack should weigh no school year on a child’s spine, where changes Scoliosis is a condition which af- more than 10 to 15 percent of his in hormones cause ligaments and fects a person’s nerves, muscles body weight. If the child has sco- tissues to become more relaxed and skeleton. Symptoms can include liosis, the bag should weigh no more in preparation for growth. Add lower back pain, neck pain, head- than five percent of his body weight. to this an overweight back- aches, fatigue, digestive issues, and For example, if a child weighs 80 pack — like many kids much more. pounds and does not have scoliosis, will be strapping on this Usually, the first sign of scoliosis then the bag should weigh between school year — and the is abnormal posture. For a child with eight and 12 pounds. spine can become normal posture, the ears, shoulders, • I f the child needs to carry a large compressed. hips, and knees should be even when number of books in the bag, try to And that could looking at the individual from the limit as many extra items as pos- lead to scoliosis. front. From the side, the ears, shoul- sible. Have the child carry a book As school — ders, middle of pelvis, knees and an- or two underneath his arm. Some kles should follow one straight line children are using new bags with down. Any deviation from this could wheels, which are ideal because they indicate scoliosis. Current research place no stress on the spine. shows that the prevalence of scolio- • I f the backpack has a strap sis in our country is anywhere from around the lower half of it, then have 4.5 to 15 percent of the population. the child buckle the strap. This will These days, children often wear cause more stability of the bag. backpacks that weigh up to half of • Te a c h the child how to bend at their weight. When this extra weight the knees so to use her legs for lift- is placed on the shoulders, the ing. weight’s force pulls the child back- Unfortunately, scoliosis cannot be ward. The body will try to compen- treated by merely avoiding backpack sate for the added pressure — caus- abuse. However, proper use can sig- ing the child to bend forward at the nificantly reduce unnecessary pres- hips, arch the bag and jet his neck sure and stress on the spine. Sco- forward — placing abnormal stress liosis is a progressive disease that, and force on the developing spine. without proper detection and treat- Some children don’t even use both ment, can worsen. Advancements in straps of the bag, and instead sling non-invasive scoliosis treatment per- one strap over a shoulder. Others formed by specialized chiropractors wear their bags so low that, as they have had promising results. walk, the bag bounces off of their Start the school year off right by tailbone with every step they take. getting your child checked for sco- Repetitive stress like this can ad- liosis today! versely affect the spine. For children Dr. Diana D’Angelo is a chiropractor who have had previous spinal inju- at Buckley Family Chiropractic in Green- ries that have gone unnoticed or un- lawn, NY. Buckley Family Chiropractic treated, abnormal backpack use and specializes in advanced scoliosis treat- abuse can cause their spinal condi- ment. You can reach Dr. Diana at (631) tion or scoliosis to worsen. 754-4333 or at info@buckleyfamilychiro- Here are five simple guidelines to practic.com.

28 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 Over 40 Yrs of Quality LEIF ERICSON Education DAY SCHOOL PRE-SCHOOL - GRADE 8 Your Child’s Future Begins Today! s Small Class Size Academic s Professional, Excellence Caring Staff

A vibrant educational environment s State Approved for your child Curriculum Spiritual Member of NAIS | Accredited by AMS s Advanced Music & Formation Technology Programs Dyker Heights Location 1037 72nd Street REGISTER MIDDLE SCHOOL ELEMENTARY PRESCHOOL TWOS AFTERSCHOOL SUMMER 718-748-9023 NOW 185 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 T 718.858.5100 bhmsny.org http://leds.home.mindspring.com Brooklyn Heights Montessori School has an institutional commitment to the principles of diversity.

THE DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN SAINT SAVIOUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 701 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215 • 718-768-8000 SPEECH-LANGUAGE Accredited by the Middle StAteS ASSociAtion of collegeS And SchoolS HEARING CLINIC Pre K to 8 Full Academic Program Music • Library • Computer A STATE-OF-THE-ART CLINICAL FACILITY Physical Education • Art At Elective Program of Study, LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY Grades 6 to 8 MAIN BUILDING - 2ND FLOOR “ Educating and nurturing the CORNER OF DEKALB AND FLATBUSH AVENUES Classes such as: minds, hearts and souls of Drama • Chess • Newspaper students for over 100 years” • Enrichment Program for Grades 5 to 8 A FULL RANGE OF DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS • State of the Art Computer Lab including OF ALL AGES: Wireless Laptops Limited • French Language in Grades 2 to 8 Spaces •s3PEECH ,ANGUAGEAND Speech-Language and s"ILINGUAL3PANISH• Bilingual Spanish • Title I Program in Reading and Math Available (EARING%VALUATIONSHearing Evaluations AND2USSIANand Russian • Guidance Counselor, Full Time Nurse •s!UDITORY PROCESSINGEVALUATIONS Auditory-processing evaluationss3LIDINGFEESCALE• Sliding fee scale • Early Bird and After School Program •s/RAL MOTORTREATMENT Oral-motor treatment s(OURSFROMAMTOPM• Hours from 9:00 am •s&LUENCY Fluency STUTTERING SPECIALIST (stuttering) specialist s#ONTEMPORARYTREATMENTFORto 8:00 pm For more information call 718-768-8000 •s0OST STROKEREHABILITATION Post-stroke rehabilitation !UTISMDISORDERS• Contemporary treatments or visit out website at www.stsaviourschool.org

Call For Tour Dates For More Information or to Schedule an Appointment Maura Lorenzen, Principal Please Contact: Gail Harvey, Assistant Principal Jeri Weinstein Blum, Clinical Director Mrs. Marcia McKenzie, Director of Admissions At 718-488-3480

September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 29 HealtH Kids & radiation What you By Helene Pavlov, MD all it the X-ray factor. need to know With kids spending more C time playing outside during the summer and fall months, trips about X-rays to the emergency room for sprained ankles, pulled muscles and broken for your child bones rise. And with them come requests by doctors for the use of internal imaging like X-rays, which subject the patient to radiation. As such, parents need to understand the potential harmful effects of radiation. In 2009, the President’s Cancer Panel published a controversial report stating cancer caused by environmental exposures had been “grossly underestimated,” specifi- cally citing the overuse of X-rays during childhood as a potential threat. So, if your son has what appears to be a broken arm, do you let doctors take the X-ray? Well, yes and ‘know.’ Just as you need inoculations to prevent disease, doctors need X-rays to diagnose a suspected problem. But they shouldn’t overuse them. For years I‘ve spoken of the im- portance of reducing exposure to radiation when it comes to internal imaging. The Food and Drug Admin- istration takes a similar stance — and has recently proposed requiring safety devices that will stop an examination if radiation levels register above the acceptable range. Here’s a few things to keep in mind about X-rays and internal imaging of children: on the age of the child, general an- ologists and technologists are well • S p e a k to your physician about esthesia may be needed for an MRI versed in radiation and exposure your concerns and ask if the X-ray is examination.w levels. absolutely needed. • I f a child must have an X-ray, ask Even though some considered the • A sk how many exposures are if the exposure levels are being mini- Cancer Panel report as fearmonger- needed — in most instances, two mized. Make sure shields are used ing, public warnings about potential views at 90 degrees to each other to protect areas of the body that are health risks are necessary to in- are the minimum number of expo- not being imaged. crease awareness and ensure appro- sures required to properly evaluate • D o not let the technologist re- priate precautionary measures. They an area, and additional views may peat an X-ray because of movement are also an incentives to look for and not be needed. Taking comparison or a “dark image.” Instead, ask to find solutions and alternatives to un- views of the opposite arm are rarely have a radiologist review the image necessarily risky procedures. needed. and determine if it truly needs to be Dr. Helene Pavlov is the Radiologist • A sk if an MRI or ultrasound — repeated. in Chief at Hospital for Special Surgery, both of which don’t use radiation • D o n’ t be afraid to ask as many an orthopedic hospital that specializes — can be used as an alternative. questions as you need until you get in treating children and adults suffering Remember, however, that depending answers that satisfy you. Most radi- from bone and joint conditions. 30 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 KID’S EAT FREE EVERY NIGHT!

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September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 31 safety Hidden danger in the suburbs Preventing By Risa C. DoheRty ach time a child is run over and killed in a driveway, it is the tragedy E a tragedy. Whenever I read about it, like most people, my heart breaks, I cringe, and wonder how of driveway the family members of the precious child manage to move on with their lives. backovers Driveway backovers are all too common in suburban America, and New York is no exception. Yes, it happens here. And it keeps happen- ing here, as well as throughout the country. Fifty children are backed over each week in the United States, according to KidsandCars.org, a national Kansas-based organization dedicated to preventing injuries and death to children in and around motor vehicles. “A young child does not possess the cognitive ability to know daddy can’t see him,” says Janette Fen- nell, the group’s founder and president. “People need to grab onto [the fact] that they literally can’t avoid hitting something [they] can’t see.” With sport utility vehicles and mini vans seemingly getting bigger and bigger — statistics show that the bigger they are, the larger the blind zone. With most big cars, the average blind zone is 7- to 8-feet wide and 20- sleeping, but had left the house un- to 30-feet long. Good Morning Amer- Case studies beknownst to his parents. ica tested the span of the blind zone In 2002, 2-year-old Cameron Gul- In 2004, Bill Nelson and Adriann and found that 24 toddlers could be bransen was killed when his father Rashdorf-Nelson, of Dix Hills, Long behind a car at the same time, com- accidentally ran him over as he Island, lost their son, Alex, when he pletely undetected. Fennell finds it backed out of his driveway in Syos- was backed over by a relative. paradoxical that most people would set in Long Island. Dr. Greg Gul- “It is every parent’s nightmare not buy a car if they could not see bransen, a pediatrician, checked his to see their child die,” says Nelson. 20- or 30-feet in front, but would mirrors and turned to look over his When asked how he deals with peo- drive a vehicle with such a large rear shoulder, but still could not see his ple who blame the parents and-or blind zone. son, who Gulbransen thought was the driver for the child’s death, he

32 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 it is a serious problem. Several significant laws have come out of these tragedies. Alec’s Law, first passed in Suffolk County in 2006 and then in Nassau County shortly thereafter, requires that the county government have a website on which it posts child safety information in relation to SUVs, and requires car dealers to distribute pamphlets with such information. The Nassau County website is not currently running. According to Leg- islator Wayne Wink’s office, there have been technical difficulties and A rear camera can help you see anyone he will continue to follow up. who may be in your blind zone. In February of 2008, after a little more than three years of work by calmly indicates “it is human na- dedicated safety advocates, Pres- ture to place blame on someone ident Bush signed the Cameron because [of the fear] that it will Gulbransen Kids Transportation happen to you.” He tries not to sec- Safety Act of 2007, which will re- ond guess the choices that were quire safety technology that ex- made that day. pands the driver’s field of view be “We are not calling these ac- standard in all cars. The Act will cidents anymore,” says Rashdorf- also require the Secretary of Trans- Nelson. “Children are impulsive.” portation to provide the public Are you pregnant, The Nelsons created their own with information about the danger website, alecsrunli.com, and hold to children in regards to cars even but have no insurance? an annual run in their son’s mem- in a non-crash, non-traffic situa- ory, which attracts almost one tion. But, until the Department of DON’T FEAR, MPP is Available thousand participants and specta- Transportation has completed its At tors each year. The Nelsons also work in this area, there are no new used money they raised to build rearview safety requirements. EAST NEW YORK DIAGNOSTIC the Alec William Nelson Memorial Playground in Huntington Station. Protect yourself AND TREATMENT CENTER In 2005, Susan Auriemma put her There are quite a few ways in car in reverse and started to back which you can protect your and out of her driveway, in Manhasset, other people’s children. Long Island, but stopped when she Backup cameras come standard Medicaid heard her daughter, Kate, scream- in many high-end model cars. For ing. Kate, who miraculously sur- those who do not already have vived, had gotten out of the house one, a backup camera, costing less and away from the babysitter and than $100 or a “rear view safety Prenatal placed herself right in the blind zone lens” costing about $20, are avail- in the split second after Auriemma able online, But safety specialists had gotten out of the car just to stress that this technology does check that no one was behind her. not take the place of getting out Program Now Auriemma, co-chair of the and walking around your vehicle. Coalition for a Safer Manhasset, Teach your child that a parked wants people to know that if it can car might move and the driver 2094 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11207 happen to her, it could happen to might not be able to see him, to anyone. never play near vehicles and keep For information, please call our MPP She believes that redundant lay- the toys and sports equipment off ers of safety will keep children of the driveway. Representatives are available safer. She recommends keeping Many people feel so terrible when vigilant, utilizing available technol- hearing about the loss of these chil- 718-240-0469 ogy, and educating parents and dren, but can do something very children alike about the dangers simple to help others: they can talk of moving vehicles. She believes about this with friends and neigh- people need to understand that it bors to raise their awareness. Peo- is not just about supervision, but ple need reminding. And people like Find online at about the issue of rear visibility. Fennell, the Nelsons, and Auriemma Family are making great efforts to save New legislation lives and by sharing their informa- After looking at the list of drive- tion with others. www.webfamilyny.com way backovers, I noticed the seem- You can join their ranks. ingly higher rate of occurrences on For more information, visit www. Long Island. Auriemma agreed that KidsandCars.org. September 2010 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 33 Technology Keep kids focused

oncentration is the ability — will begin to understand that atten- school when the lessons of the day to focus your own attention, tion, like money, is a finite resource. are still fresh while others will do C and everyone agrees it’s cru- You can squander it on shiny doodads better after a snack or a sports prac- cial to success at school and work. that don’t mean much, or you can tice or even a session of social net- Now educators are worried that save it to spend on something that re- working. Still others will get home- the ability to concentrate is erod- ally matters. Often, our culture sends work done in half the time if they get ing under the relentless barrage of kids the message that distraction is up early and do it first thing in the GrowinG Up random messages from cellphones fun and concentration is drudgery. morning. Help your child identify — and social media. They are right to Parents have to counter that with the and protect — the time when he or online be concerned. Brain research shows idea that concentration puts a person she is most able to concentrate. Carolyn Jabs that the hippocampus, the part of in control of what his brain is doing the brain devoted to storing and while distraction turns that control chunk the work recalling information, isn’t engaged over to others. Here are other ways Although it may be obvious to when a person is distracted. to get that message across: parents, students often don’t know Smart parents won’t necessarily how to divide homework into man- try to discourage a child’s enthusi- Budget tech time ageable portions. The idea of writing asm for interactive media. Instead, Obviously, video games, social an entire report may be paralyzing. the beginning of the school year is networking and other interactive It’s easier to focus if you limit your a great time to establish routines pastimes have an important place in attention to a paragraph about a that promote concentration — even the lives of kids. They just shouldn’t specific topic. Older students may do be available 24/7. better with a timetable that includes • Establish tech-free times when incentives — 30 minutes of home- kids do homework and engage in work earns 10 minutes of social net- other activities that require concen- working. Just be sure to set a timer, tration. so homework resumes again after 10 • Encourage older children to minutes! post an away message that says they won’t be available. Make a humor- Make a game of it ous sign — “Student at work. Quiet Many classic, offline games re- Please!!” — to minimize interrup- quire focused attention. Remember tions from other family members. Memory, the matching game that • F i n d your own off-line tasks so requires players to remember where you can work side-by-side with your to find pairs of cards? Or, try the old child. party game of assembling a tray full • M a ke a point of turning off your of random objects. Have everyone own cell-phone so you can write a look at the tray, then cover it and thank you note, balance the check- write down as many things as you book or read a report. can remember. Scrabble and card • Design a tech free work space. games are also enjoyable family ac- Be sure your child has access to a tivities that reward concentration. workspace where the tools needed Technology isn’t the only reason for schoolwork (paper, dictionaries) children have trouble concentrating. for kids who love the distraction of are close at hand and distractions Health problems, lack of sleep, too media in all its many forms. One of (video games, snacks) aren’t visible. little exercise, stressful relationships the best ways to help children grasp • Provide good lighting and a chair and even poor nutrition can also the value of attention is to give them that’s the right size for your child. make it hard for kids — and adults yours. When you’re doing something Many children will protest that they — to pay attention. Still, encouraging with your child, don’t allow yourself need the Internet for every assign- your children to make deliberate de- to be distracted by your cell-phone ment, but that’s not usually the full cisions about how to allocate brain or computer. Focus full attention on story. Some work — math problems, power is one of the best ways to you what your child is saying or what reading — will actually go faster if can assure their success during the you are doing together. Make delib- the child is away from the screen. school year — and beyond. erate decisions about when you’re Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writ- available for phone calls, when the Find ‘prime time’ ing about families and the Internet for television is on and how long you’ll Most adults know when they are over 15 years. She is the mother of three spend on social media. sharpest during the day. Encourage computer-savvy kids. Other Growing Up Children who grow up with the your child to experiment with dif- Online columns appear on her website, benefits of parental attention — and ferent study times. Some children www.growing-up-online.com. limits on attention-draining activities will be most able to focus right after @ Copyright, 2010, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

34 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 Simply Speaking Speech & Language Center Beautiful, spacious & professional office located in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn • Language Therapy • Oral Motor Therapy • Feeding Therapy • Articulation Therapy Where potential blooms • Speech-Language Evaluations into success & Therapy FREE 15 Minute Consultation Occupational and Physical Therapy services are also available on-site 718-238-0377 • www.SimplySpeakingSpeechTherapy.com Accepting NYC Dept. of Ed. Preschool Contract and RSA • ViSA/MC

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September 2010 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 35 TRAVEL Buddy makes the boat!

BY ELIZABETH BELL Buddy and Siobhan, age 7, After four agonizing hours, Cu- sailing out of Brooklyn aboard nard officials told the family that if local vetrinary clinic the QM2. the chip could not be read by 4:30 used the latest tech- pm, the dog couldn’t travel. Mrs. Bell A nology to ensure refused to give up. smooth sailing for a fam- Buddy] had a 10-digit “This is America. With the Statue ily who were being told to chip licensed and en- of Liberty looking at me,” she said. leave their dog behind as they dorsed by the American “As an American, I know Americans cruised the Atlantic. Kennel Club. The nine- NEVER give up, we keep on fighting When the Bell family planned digit reader picked up and we figure out a way to get the their trip to the United King- the chip, but could not job done.” dom aboard the Queen Mary give the number, and With the help of Liz Basalto, who II, their first step was to make declared him unfit to works at the terminal, Bell was put sure the family dog, Buddy, a travel,” explains Mrs. in touch with the Cobble Hill Animal 1-year-old golden lab, had the Bell. Clinic. The clinic had the proper proper paperwork and the re- Naturally, the Bells chip reader, and rushed down to the quired microchip installed — were stunned and terminal. Buddy’s chip was read and which they took care of months scrambled to figure out the Bells and their pooch were free before their voyage, embarking line didn’t have how they could get Buddy on the ship. to travel! from the Brooklyn Cruise Termi- the proper equipment to read his They made frantic calls to their vet The Bells boarded the QM2 with nal in Red Hook. microchip. in Colorado, who, with some phone 10 minutes to spare while they cried, But once they arrived at the termi- “They [the Cunard cruise line] calls, discovered that Cunard only “God bless America, the Brooklyn nal at 11 am recently, Buddy wasn’t have a nine-digit microchip reader needed a newer microchip reader … Cruise Terminal Staff and The Cob- allowed to board because the cruise and a 15-digit microchip reader, [but but time was running out. ble Hill Animal Clinic!”

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September 2010 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 37 HealtH

Cavities Slide’s Sixth Watch and hidden graders’ your body fat danger obesity glucose Surprising health facts According to a new study, By Kathy Sena adults. In children, the measurement has worked with children in both used is a percentile of body mass clinical and research settings. nearly seven percent of Sixth grade obesity index (BMI) for age and sex. For While no simple answer exists, sixth-graders across the Severe obesity becoming more this study, researchers considered “Parents need to talk to their chil- common in sixth graders — and children with a BMI in the 99th per- dren’s doctors and seek treatment U.S. are severely obese. many parents don’t recognize it. centile to be severely obese — and for children with severe obesity,” Nearly seven percent of sixth- 6.9 percent of students fell into this Marcus says. graders across the U.S. are severely category. obese, according to a new study “The findings of this study are Insulin sensitivity appearing online in the Journal of alarming because it shows there are and high blood sugar Adolescent Health, which tested even more children than we real- during pregnancy 6,365 middle-school children dur- ized at medical risk due to excess Children of mothers whose blood ing health screenings at 42 middle weight,” says Marlene Schwartz, glucose level was high during preg- schools in across the country. PhD, deputy director of the Rudd nancy are more likely to have low The increasing rate of severe obe- Center for Food Policy and Obesity insulin sensitivity — a risk factor for sity in children requires particular at- at Yale University. type-two diabetes — even after tak- tention “because it is associated with “In both situations, I have been sur- ing into consideration the children’s high rates of risk for diabetes and prised that some children who are se- body weight, a new study shows. cardiovascular disease as children verely obese according to their BMIs The results were presented recently get older,” says Marsha Marcus, PhD, do not always look heavy. As a cul- at the Endocrine Society’s 92nd An- lead study author and head of the ture, we have become used to seeing nual Meeting. Eating Disorders Program at Western heavier children so the visual norm “We know that children born to Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Uni- has shifted. Because of this, many women with type-two diabetes or versity of Pittsburgh Medical Center. children are at risk of not receiving gestational diabetes, or who have Doctors define severe obesity dif- help since their parents do not see high blood sugar during pregnancy, ferently in children than they do in them as obese,” adds Schwartz, who are at risk of becoming diabetic

38 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 themselves,” says study co-author eral population and, regardless Paula Chandler-Laney, PhD, a post- of weight, are more likely to con- doctoral fellow at the University sume too many calories, a new Looking for fun of Alabama at Birmingham. “This study indicates. study suggests that the children’s “Poor eating habits may play a increased risk appears to be due, role in both tooth decay and obe- with the kids? at least in part, to their prenatal ex- sity in preschoolers,” the study’s posure to relatively high maternal lead author, Kathleen Bethin, MD, blood glucose.” PhD, says. Chandler-Laney and her col- “Dental decay is the most com- leagues studied children ages 5–10 mon chronic disease of childhood, WIN and measured the children’s sen- and obesity in youth is a growing sitivity to insulin, the hormone problem. To prevent these prob- that regulates sugar in the blood. lems, the dentist’s office may be They also evaluated the pregnancy an important place to educate TICKETS medical records of the children’s families about nutrition,” says mothers to determine maternal Bethin, a pediatrician at Women blood-sugar concentration during and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo For you & the oral glucose-tolerance test. and an associate professor of pe- The researchers found that the diatrics at the University of Buf- your family (4) higher the mother’s blood sugar falo in New York. levels during pregnancy, the lower With funding from the New her child’s insulin sensitivity. Low York State Department of Health, to local insulin sensitivity is a major risk the doctors at the Women and factor for type-two diabetes. Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and family friendly Obesity lowers insulin sensitiv- University of Buffalo studied the ity, but the children’s reduced in- relationship between poor den- shows sulin sensitivity was independent tal health and excess weight in Visit our website of their amount of body fat, the 65 children ages 2 to 5 years. All authors reported. children needed dental work due www.webfamilyny.com None of the children had high to decay and had their dental pro- blood sugar, but puberty would cedure and blood work performed and register to win further lower their insulin sensitiv- while they were under anesthe- ity, she notes. sia. “High maternal blood glucose Each child’s height and weight during pregnancy may have lasting were measured before the proce- effects on children’s insulin sen- dure to calculate the BMI. Also, sitivity and secretion, potentially the child’s parent or guardian Attention All Writers! raising the risk for type-two dia- completed a questionnaire about betes,” Chandler-Laney says. “Ob- the child’s recent average daily We’re looking for stetricians, pediatricians and preg- food consumption. nant women should all be aware of Almost 28 percent of the chil- personal essays the potential far-reaching conse- dren were overweight or obese, quences that elevated blood sugar compared with an estimated 21.2 about you, your family and life during pregnancy can have on chil- percent in the general U.S. popu- dren’s health.” lation. Those children, who’s BMI in your community. was high for their age (at the Unforeseen 85th percentile or above), already playground dangers had much higher total cholesterol Partner with us and share your I’m betting most of us have done levels than their healthy-weight it: gone down a playground slide counterparts, Bethin reports. stories and your memories. with our child on our lap. What’s The questionnaire showed the harm, right? that both the normal-weight and But according to a new study overweight children consumed Email [email protected] to published in the Journal of Pediat- more calories per day than rec- ric Orthopaedics, 13.8 percent of ommended for their age (1,440 have your piece included in our tibia (shin) fractures in U.S. kids and 1,570 calories respectively). were the result of the child going Seventy-one percent of the chil- magazine and on our website. down a slide on an adult’s lap. The dren consumed more than 1,200 injury occurs when the child’s leg calories per day, although the gets stuck in one place while the daily recommended caloric intake adult and child continue to move ranges from 1,000 to 1,400 calories down the slide. depending on age and gender of the child. Cavities and Kathy Sena is a freelance journalist body fat specializing in health and parenting Preschool children with tooth issues and is the mother of a 14-year- decay may be more likely to be old son. Visit her blog at www.parent- overweight or obese than the gen- talktoday.com.

SeptemberMonth 2010 •2010 BROOKLYN • XXXXX Fami Familyly 39 37 Improvisation Fall Activity Transformation Directory Acting

“I used to be shy, then Acting/ theAter I took an acting class After School and now I have much acting Out more conﬁdence.” Acting Classes 718-236-6494 or www.actingoutonline.com Young Actors Workshop Acting Out boasts professional teacher and actress with over 20 years expe- student, quoted in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn New York Newsday rience offering classes in drama, film and television. Special summer classes will be held in several Brooklyn locations. Voice lessons are also available. YOUNGACTORSBROOKLYNCOMs Roberta’s classes are fun and cool. Your kids will have a blast. Registration is ongoing for fall classes. StageCoach Theatre arts School MUSIC LESSONS FOR ALL AGES! In Brooklyn Heights; 718-852-3208 or www.stagecoachschools.com The award winning part-time Theatre School Network, is now registering

C . e c for fall classes. StageCoach, which has over 500 thriving schools and 30,000 LESSON n n JOIN ANY t I e , enthusiastic students attending each week, has an enviable reputation for REGISTRATION r s OF THESE rt GOING ON & A GREAT stretching children’s imagination and building their confidence through Pe g NOW! rformin CLASSES! classes in drama, dance and singing. The Brooklyn Heights StageCoach begins fall classes for 4-16 year olds on September 15th. The schools run Kindermusik • Guitar • Vocal Ensembles • Adult Classes • Piano • Voice • Guitar • Violin • Viola for three hours every Saturday and students are grouped by age. For more Cello • Bass • Flute • Clarinet • Saxophone • Oboe • French Horn • Trumpet • Trombone • Baritone information contact Principal Richard Padro. Tuba • Percussion • Drums • Dance & More! (30% of our Students and Adults / 10% OFF for Senior Citizens) WWW.JOESMUSICCENTER.ORG JOE’S MUSIC ACADEMY LOCATIONS ActiVity / AFter-school / Plus 114-15 Mexico St. 545 Brooklyn Ave Joe’s Music Store St, Albans, NY 11412 Brooklyn, NY 11225 114-04 Farmers Blvd. 718-454-3036 718-774-0700 St. Albans, NY 11412 | 718-454-3036 Beansprouts after-School Program 453 Sixth Avenue, 718-965-8573 or www.beansproutsnurseryschool.com A Park Slope tradition since 1980, provides a warm, supportive, child- centered pre-school, where children play and grow together. They offer part –full- time nursery school for children 2-5 years. Their specially selected staff provides a caring environment that does wonders in helping children grow. They also offer an Early Childhood After-School program for grades Pre-K - 3rd. Pickup is offered for after school at various local locations. Activities include swimming, arts & crafts, sports, cooking, music, movement and a large outdoor play space. Congregation Beth Elohim after-School Center 8th Avenue and Garfield Place, 718-768-3814 extension 210 or www.congregationbethelohim.org Congregation Beth Elohim After-School Center offers a variety of instructional classes and recreational activities, allowing each child to develop at his Continued on page 42 STRING MUSIC SPECIALISTS VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO LESSONS Affordable Rates - FREE TRIAL Over 20 years of teaching ~ALL LEVELS~ CONCERTS & MUSIC for PRIVATE EVENTS Call Now! 917.202.2992 Questions? [email protected] Info: www.PrivateMusicArtists.com

40 BROOKLYN FamiLY • September 2010 September 2010 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 41 2/<13E/D3 Fall Activity Directory 1:/AA3AAB/@BA3>B3;03@ B6 Continued from page 40 or her own pace. Supervised by a highly qualified staff, the program operates B/2>=:3 on a trimester basis and caters to children in grades K-6. Pick-up from area 2/<13@A schools is available; call for details. Swimming is on-site in a spacious heated >@=5@/; pool. Children in kindergarten - sixth grade can sign up for a different course #;=A!G@A each day of attendance: examples are instructional swim, gymnastics, art, cooking, theater, video, dance, music, sewing and computers. 2O\QS[]dS[S\bQZOaaSaT]` QVWZR^O`S\bUcO`RWO\ The Little Gym of Bay Ridge / Bensonhurst 1`SObWdS;]dS[S\b 8681-18th Ave, 718-259-6878 or www.tlgbayridgebensonhurstny.com & $[]a %!$[]a AW\UAeW\UeWbV0OPg A feeling of success is one of the many benefits your child receives at the Little #'[]a Gym. The Little Gym provides gymnastics-based motor skill development pro- B]RRZS`BW[S &[]a grams for children 4 months to 12 years old. Through sequential skill- building, movement, gymnastics, exercise, music and games, our curriculum builds student’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual skills. All classes taught in a =>3<6=CA3 fun, safe and nurturing environment. Classes are offered in the morning, eve- B/93/4@33 ning and weekends. Call to schedule your free trial class. Celebrate your child’s A/;>:31:/AA birthday at The Little Gym. Reserve your birthday bash today! BC3A2/GA3>B3;03@ "B6 '(!/; >; Marks JCH of Bensonhurst 1OZZ% &# "$'$]`S[OWZ 7802 Bay Parkway, 718-943-6345 XSa].RO\QSeOdS]`U Robbins Corenman after School Center at Marks JCH of Bensonhurst offers a safe and fun place for you child Monday through Friday after school. 1]\bOQbcaT]`[]`SW\T]`[ObW]\( "#4]c`bV/dS\cSOb2SO\Ab`SSb0`]]YZg\

First 10 Students to Enroll Will Receive a Art $100 Scholarship Barking Cat Studio 65 Bond Street, 718-855-8050 or www.barkingcatstudio.net Noel Pointer Foundation Barking Cat Studio is a uniquely equipped art studio dedicated to promot- Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration ing creativity, discovery and independent thinking. Our studio provides the 1368 Fulton Street perfect environment for nurturing and encouraging young artists to explore For more information: their imaginations and inspirations by creating fun, age-appropriate projects that focus on the basics of the visual arts while using a variety of materials. email: [email protected] We do Birthday Parties too!!! Call or visit our website for more information. website: www.npsom.org 718-230-4825 Creative Arts Studio 310 Atlantic Avenue; 718-797-5600 119 Union Street in Carroll Gardens; 718-243-0658 www.creativeartsstudio.com Elite Family Fitness, 111 Union St., 718-596-0006 or www. elitetrainingandfitness.com Be creative, be fit, & be healthy! Creative Arts Studio (performing arts studio in Boerum Hill) (CAS) Director, Sherri Hellman &David Cascia, Director of Continued on page 44 42 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 Brooklyn College of The City University of New York Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts

The Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College is an exciting, nurturing environment where children can develop their skills and a life-long love for music, theater and dance.

 Suzuki Programs for Violin, Cello, Recorder, and Flute  Beginner to advanced instrument and voice lessons for children and adults; audition prep  Musicianship Classes and Ensembles  Theater Classes  Creative Arts Program for ages 3–4  Dance Classes for ages 5 & up; Pre-Ballet for 3–4 year olds  Adults are welcome too! Private lessons in music, theater, and dance OPEN HOUSE and SUZUKI INTERVIEWS ON SEPTEMBER 11 FOR FALL, 2010 Please call 718-951-4111 for information on fall classes and registration or visit our website www.bcprepcenter.org The Brooklyn College Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts 234 Roosevelt Hall, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11210

September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 43 Fall Activity Directory

Continued from page 42 Elite Family Fitness are coordinating a unique environment rich with classes and activities your whole family can enjoy. CAS families will have access to Elite Family Fitness, the exercise & fitness facility next door with its wide and Where can you take diverse range of classes and workshops. Each member of your family will be able to find, pursue, and participate in the arts, as well as a wide range of instructive activities in health & fitness, exercise, weight management and fashion design on Tuesday, more! For more information check out our websites. join The CiRCUs on Wednesday, Dance sWiM on Thursday and April’s Dance-N-Feet 4626 Flatlands Ave.; (Bet. Schenectady Ave. & E. 46th St.) 718-692-4809 9411 Avenue L (Bet E. 94th & 95th Sts.) 718-272-1813 LaUnCh a RoCKeT on friday? 1866 Flatbush Ave. (Bet. Ave. K & E 38th St.) 718-258-2340 April’s Dance-N-Feets celebrating its 16th year, offering classes in tap, ballet, CONGREGATION BETH ELOHIM’S jazz, hip-hop, pointe, gymnastics, hip hop competition, Caribbean dance, karate and boys classes, for beginners to advanced students. Adult classes are available as well. Private lessons or leveled classes are given for ages 2 - AFTER SCHOOL adult for reasonable prices. Their senior tap company and boys’ troupe have performed with tap legends. They have also danced in other Manhattan professional theater venues. The school’s students have been accepted to CENTER LaGuardia High School (School of Performing Arts), Alvin Ailey School, and have performed in commercials. fall semester Begins Brooklyn Dance Centers th 2106 West 6th Street; 718-996-0319 and 6720 20th Avenue; 718-256-5320 or Monday, september 20 email [email protected] Brooklyn Dance Centers have been serving the community for over 24 Kindergarten through sixth years. These schools for professional dance offer training for all ages and levels, beginner through advanced. Classes are available in ballet, pointe, grade instructional classes jazz, modern, hip-hop, tap, acrobatics, break dancing, belly dancing, salsa, ballroom, hustle, Pilates, and yoga. Boys’ only classes are also offered. in a wide variety of areas: Competition classes are by audition only. Please call for their registration dates and for more information. • Computers • sports • Theater Brooklyn Dance Project • Photography • art • Chess 495 3rd Avenue, corner of 11thStreet in Park Slope • Cooking • dance • Karate 718-499-5402 or www.brooklyndanceproject.com The premier studio for performing arts in Park Slope, believes in teaching • Video • swim the proper dance technique from the beginning, whether your dream is to become a professional dancer or simply just want to dance for the fun of it. Children of all religious and ethnic backgrounds are welcome. They believe in correcting, not criticizing, students from the start so no bad habits are formed and they also believe in learning while having fun, helping Please call Bobbie finkelstein at: your child develop a true love of dance. Classes for adults and children include Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Boys Hip 768-3814 x210 for more information Hop, Toddler dance, Dance Hall, Tap, Belly Dancing and Yoga. Children ‘s www.congregationbethelohim.org classes start at 2 years with an adult and 3 years old on their own. From movies to T.V. and Broadway, they’ve done it all and are excited to pass on their knowledge and experience to all. Mini CaMPs Also take a look at their PRE PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM: In this amazing program, dancers will learn all styles of dance to make a well-rounded pro- aVaiLaBLe fessional dancer. All ages and levels are accepted, children will be auditioned in order to be placed in the appropriate classes. during school Vacation Weeks All classes will be taught as always by our highly trained professional instructors including Karine Newborn, school director and owner. If you’d like free samples classes you can come to their open house on Continued on page 46 44 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 The New Adventures After School Center For Children of Working Parents Grades K-6 • 2:30 - 6:30 PM • Flexible Schedules Available • Snacks Provided Daily • Homework Assistance • Creative & Performing Arts Classes • Specialized Activities • Sports Activities (indoor and outdoor) • Karate, Art, Chess, Dance Program Starts Monday, September 13, 2010 Located at PS 222 3301 Quentin Road & PS 207 4011 Fillmore Ave. Director - Richard Smuckler [email protected] Call For Info 718-965-4757 TWU, 1199 And ACD Vouchers Accepted

September 2010 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 45 Bay Ridge: Union Church Playgroup Fall Activity (Corner of 80th St. & Ridge Blvd.) Open HOuse Directory

RegistRatiOn Continued from page 44 will be September 20th, September 11th, but it is highly recommended not to wait and to sign up 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 2010 now, as classes fill up quickly. Check on line for the schedule at www.brooklyndanceproject.com and if new sessiOn you want the open house schedule click studio news. begins the week of There is no registration fee. September 27th, 2010 CBTB Dance Academy An Opportunity for Toddlers to Build Social Skills and 2085 Coney Island Avenue, between King Hwy and Avenue R; Make Friends While Enjoying: 718-891-6199 or www.covenantballet.org • free Play • Snack and Story Time Formerly known as Covenant Dance Studio and Covenant Dance Theatre. • Weekly Craft • Music and instrument activity CBTB introduces children to the beauty of ballet and nurtures precision and artistry in the technique. The dedicated professional instructors inspire a Morning ToddlerS love of dance in the students and cultivate a solid foundation that has car- Mondays through Thursdays ried students into professional careers. Founded and directed by accomplished dance instructor and choreogra- early afTernoon 3-4 year oldS pher, Marla Hirokawa, the school also offers Modern/Jazz and Yoga/Pilates Weekly 2-hour Program: instruction, Flamenco and workshops as well as summer programs for chil- Tuesdays or Thursdays from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm dren and adults. adults: network with other parents/caregivers while your children play Cynthia King Dance Studio tHe CaRetakeR is expeCted tO stay and supeRvise 1256 Prospect Avenue, 718-437-0101 or www.cynthiakingdance.com His/HeR Own CHild and Help at Cleanup time Cynthia King Dance Studio provides a fertile training ground for students of For more information or to attend a free class during our open house all ages and abilities, embracing traditional to emerging styles. Ballet, Hip please call Jennifer at (718) 745-0438 or email [email protected] Hop, Jazz, B-Boy/Break Dance, Tap, Modern Dance, and Salsa are taught by experienced professional dancers. The dance seasons culminate with original, unique student concerts with additional performance opportunities throughout the year. The spacious and lively studio has grown to include a working Junior Dance Company and special residencies with master teachers and choreographers. Visit the website for a schedule of classes, faculty bios, registration information, listings of special events and auditions.

A Park Slope Tradition Since 1980 Dancewave Inc. A Park Slope Tradition Since 1980 Classes in Park Slope at The Dancewave Center, Salsa Salsa Dance Studio or The Old First Reformed Church 718-522-4696 or www.dancewave.org After School Program Dancewave Inc. offers the community after school classes, programs in the HighHigh qualityquality afterafter school program, servingserving schools, Kids Cafe Festival, and a summer dance intensive. Performance opportunities are available for Kids Company, Kids Company II, and Young Pre-KPre-K throughthrough 3rd GradeGrade Movers Ensemble pre-professional teen dance troupes. Programs serve ❍ ❍ young people from a diverse spectrum of backgrounds. Fall after-school Swimming Creative Movement/Music classes include Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Tango, Tap, Yoga and Sing & ❍ Arts & Crafts ❍ Nutritious Snacks Swing. After-school scholarship auditions and Kids Company Auditions are ❍ Karate ❍ Homework Help in early September. Reservations are required for all auditions. ❍ Great Outdoor Space ❍ Club Day Great Outdoor Space Club Day Fitness Underground ❍ Nature Activities ❍ Science Workshops Nature Activities Yoga 724 Avenue U, 718-375-9795 ❍ Well Stocked Classrooms ❍ Half-Day Coverage Well Stocked Classrooms Half-Day Coverage Brooklyn’s Authorized Dealer for Quality Dance Wear. No need to shop in Mini Camp Coverage Manhattan. We carry name brand dance, yoga, gymnastics and exercise apparel. Discounts for church and school groups. All major credit cards 2, 3, 4 or 5 day/week option accepted. We will ship to you wherever you are located. Open six days a LicensedLicensed andand experienced staff week. Closed on Saturdays and the High Holidays. Pick-up from most Park Slope schools & local bus stops The School at Dancewave Tadpole Dancers 718-965-8573 Program 718-965-8573 45 Fourth Avenue at Dean Street Downtown Brooklyn B, D, Q, N, M, www.beansproutsnurseryschool.com R, W, 2, 3, 4, 5 to Atlantic/Pacific Street 718 522-4696 phone 718 522- Continued on page 48 46 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 47 Fall Activity DANCEWAVE Directory

Start the year Continued from page 46 4769 fax www.dancewave.org with DanCewave! Dancewave announces the Tadpole Dancers Program, parent/guardian & child movement & discussion group classes for 0 mos-3 yrs. Begin feeding ClaSSeS in Ballet, MoDern, hip hop, Jazz, Street Jazz, Creative MoDern, Creative Ballet, your young dancer in these dynamic & nurturing classes. Start your child ChoreolaB & perforManCe opportunitieS off with Monday Morning Moms (0-8 mos), Busy Babies (9-12 mos), Sing & Swing with Baby (5-9 mos) & Toddler Time (12-20 mos). This program grows with the child as they venture into our Creative Movement series divided Fall into three age groups from 20 mos-3 yrs. semester Vicky Simegiatos Performing Arts Center classes 7110-12 Third Avenue, 718.680.0944 (weekdays after 5:00 p.m. - all start day Saturdays), www.vspac.com september The Vicky Simegiatos Performing Arts Center offers the finest education in th all styles of dance and musical theatre for boys and girls of all ages, from 20 pre-school to adult. Our award winning teams have competed throughout the tri-state area and were chosen to perform at Madison Square Garden. In business for 35 years with three locations in Brooklyn, the VSPAC boasts Open a faculty of top flight professionals. Our students have gone on to enjoy successful careers and acceptance to elite schools. We will be offering HOuse workshops for young students who want to dance in our company’s presen- Kids & teens tation of The Nutcracker, a full length ballet. saturday, september 11th Young Dancers in Repertory 10am-1pm 345 Ovington Avenue bet 3rd and 4th at the Salma Church Photography: Tom Rawe 347-702-7155 or email us at [email protected] YDR has been training dance students and offering educational dance tH programming to the Brooklyn community since 1985. Co founders Carol $5 weeK! septemBer 13-18 Mezzacappa and Craig Gabrian started the organization with an ensemble of teenage dancers performing for the community at various neighbor- take any class for $5 hood venues. Today YDR serves students 4-18 and offers classes in Modern and Creative Dance, Ballet, Tap, Theater Dance, Jazz and Hip Hop. YDR’s dancewaVe cOmpanY auditiOns! current Teenage Ensemble continues it’s tradition of performing at dozens of community and concert events. YDR’s Educational Programs provide in- learn the work of renowned modern choreographers school residencies at New York Public Schools and after school programs. professional performance opportunities for all 3 companies Registration is now going on for our September classes. Dancewave Company young Movers ensemble & Dancewave Company ii Ages 10-13yrs with some Ages 13yrs & up with 2yrs dance experience Early Childhood Foreign dance experience Saturday, September 11th Tuesday, September 14th Language Programs 1pm-2:30pm 4pm-5pm Wednesday, September 15th Brooklyn Beanstalk 5pm-6:30pm Email: [email protected] or www.brooklynbeanstalk.com CAll or EmAil [email protected] to rEsErVE your spot! Our mission is to offer to the children of our community the opportunity to integrate another language as a natural extension of their understanding of others and the world. Through our background in education, visual arts, new tHis Fall performance and dance we created a curriculum that made learning fun Ballet cOncentratiOn and engaging. Because we believe that a language is more than words but Take a professionally-based ballet a full living experience, we give our children the chance to have their hands curriculum 7-18 yrs. on their new linguistic world. Free! Kickoff presentation & performance El Pequeno Artista Saturday, September 11th at 2:45pm 249 20th St. at 5th Ave., 718-965-1406 or www.elpequenoartista.com (To follow company audition) El Pequeno Artista is the first bilingual arts center for children in New York. The ground-breaking art haven offers workshops for children between the Contact us for more information: ages of 5 months and 9 years that includes arts, percussion, music, and an 45 Fourth Avenue (at Dean Street) Brooklyn NY 11217 international cooking program. (718) 522-4696 • www.dancewave.org [email protected] Classes are complemented by an array of Latin American toys, instruments, and hard-to-find Spanish-language children’s books for sale. Birthday parties Continued on page 50 48 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 REGIStER ON Tues, Sept. 7, Wed, Sept. 8, Mon, Sept. 13, Weekend Discounts 5–8pm. & Sunday For Siblings & Classes Classes Begin on Tues, Sept. 14. Available 2nd Program

CHILDREN foR MoDELING Ages 6-16 years (girls only - no boys at this time) NOVA GYMNAStICS NOVA MARtIAL ARtS CENtER ACADEMY INTERVIEWS HELD ONE DAY ONLY • Recreational Classes For Boys & Girls Karate, Kung-Fu, Grappling & Ju-Jitsu • Team Programs For Chidren & Adults • Artistic & Rhythmic Gymnastics Sunday, September 19, 2010 • Tumbling & Cheerleading Classes Teaches Self-Defense And Discipline Barbizon Modeling is looking for children to train for TV, runway and print work. NOVA DANCE OUtStANDING Barbizon graduates have worked with The Gap, Macy’s, Toys ‘R’ Us, Pepsi, ACADEMY CHILDREN’S BIRtHDAY Basic Through Advanced PARtIES the Today Show,Broadway Shows and Films. Techniques Ballet, Jazz & Ballroom At A GREAt PRICE! BY APPOINTMENT ONLY | CALL: 212-239-1110 Interviews will be held at THE NEW YORKER HOTEL 8th Avenue at 34th Street (Across from Penn Station) AwARD 3701 Surf Avenue wINNING SeAGATe PRivATe SeASiDe CommuniTy • 1 BloCK FRom The BeACh On Going Under 18 must be accompanied by your parent. PROGRAMS FOR INFORMAtION CALL 718.996.2229 Beginner www.freewebs.com/novagym Registration Through AFter Sept. BARBIZON MODELING OF MANHATTAN Advanced 14th Licensed by NYS Ed. Dept. RUSSIAN SPEAKING COACHES AVAILABLE

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September 2010 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 49 YOUNG DANCERS IN REPERTORY, INC. Fall Activity CENTER FOR DANCE STUDIES Sharing, Educating, Impacting … Since 1985 Directory Classes For Children, Youth, And Teenagers Continued from page 48 Teenage Touring Ensemble can be organized around any of the workshop themes. * Ballet * taP * Pointe * theater danCe Martial Arts * Creative MoveMent * Jazz/ REGISTER AmeriKick Karate Studios * Modern danCe hiP-hoP NOW 529 5th Avenue (14th Street); 718-768-8200 5815 5th Avenue (58th Street); 718-567-7860 or www.amerikick.com A nationally renowned karate school for 40 years, has come to Park Slope. Under the direction of Alex Davydov, a 3rd degree black belt in Tae-Kwon Do, NYC wrestling champion, and four-time karate world champion, AmeriKick Brooklyn offers an array of programs. Young students will find after school programs ranging from acrobatics and self-defense to karate, kickboxing, and extreme martial arts as well as varied seminars, private lessons, demonstrations and tournament competition. Tiny tots and their parents have the AmeriKick Child Safety Program, which teaches aware- Classes are held at 345 Ovington Avenue ness and self-protection from strangers. Teens and adults are offered Mixed Between 3rd & 4th Avenue, Brooklyn (Salam Church) Martial Arts programs from World Champion instructors. Call about a free 347-702-7155 trial lesson.

www.youngdancersinrep.org • [email protected] Shotokan Karate Center 5212 Avenue N, Brooklyn, NY 11234 OPEN HOUSE Sat, Sept. 11, 2010 718-253-0303 or www.brooklynmartialartsandfitnesscenter.com Shotokan Karate Center is family owned and operated by Sensei James and Founding Directors: Carol Mezzacappa and Craig Gabrian Sensei Jaimie Esopo, who together have over 30 years of martial arts and teaching experience. Their school is acknowledged by both the Amateur Athletic Union and the United States National Karate-Do Federation, which is the National Governing Body for the sport of karate, as recognized by Start Your the US Olympic Committee. Both Senseis are 5th degree Black Belts as well as former US National Team members with impressive resumes consisting School Year of many national and international titles. Sensei Jaimie also has 10 years of teaching experience with the NYC Board of Education. With SucceSS! Through character building programs, children and teens will learn how to reach their full potential and attain the discipline needed to success, not With One-On-One Tutoring In Your Home! only in school, but in all aspects of their lives. The curriculum is based on practical self-defense skills that will bullyproof your children and help them • All Subjects • PreK-Adult cope with the enormous amount of stress that they experience in schools • Study Skills • Math today. • English Language Arts • Sciences They also accommodate adults of all ages. Whether you want to become • Foreign Languages • ESL a competitive athlete, learn practical self-defense maneuvers or simply • SAT/ACT/SHSAT/ISEE/GED/Regents Exam Prep become more physically fit, they have a variety of programs to fit your spe- • Your Child’s Curriculum cific goals. No Obligations, No Contracts, No Hidden Fees!!! Visit their web- • Individualized Learning Plans site to read students and parent testimonials: • Homework Help • Affordable Rates • Certified Teachers Modeling Instruction $50 OFF Barbizon School of New York *Use coupon code-BF201009. 16 Penn Plz Ste 1205, New York, NY 10001 (212) 239-1110 or www.barbizonnyc.com For over 71 years Barbizon Modeling and Acting has been training young people in the skills necessary in these exciting industries. Located in mid- Call Now town NYC, Barbizon Manhattan has been linked to so many successful To Reserve Your models and actors. Barbizon graduates have worked with top designers and Tutor! major players including: Disney, Pepsi, Macy’s, ANTM, Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers, Toys R Us, Broadway Shows and Film. Recognized as the industry leader, Barbizon Modeling and Acting helps young people reach *Coupon Must Be 718-483-8506 their full potential, whether their goals are in the entertainment field or not. Presented At Enrollment www.clubz.com/brooklyn Give your child the Barbizon Advantage. Barbizon Manhattan is licensed by Continued on page 52 50 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 51 Fall Activity RegisteR Now Directory Serving the Community for Over 26 Years • Ballet • Pointe • Tap • Jazz • Lyrical • Modern Continued from page 50 • Acrobatics • Hip Hop • Break Dancing the NYS Dept. of Education and a proud member of both the Metro Region • Belly Dancing • Latin • Yoga • Pilates Better Business Bureau and The Greater New York Chamber of Commerce.

Music

Registration The Brooklyn Youth Chorus Academy Dates 179 Pacific Street, Brooklyn, 718-243-9447 ext.221 or www. September brooklynyouthchorus.org, email: [email protected] th, 9th, The Brooklyn Youth Chorus Academy is a performance-based vocal music 8 th th, 11 education program serving 250 students annually. Choristers receive voice 10 training and music theory instruction and also gain performance experience from 2 to 7pm in BYCA’s own concerts and in appearances with prominent orchestras and artists such as the NY Philharmonic and Elton John. BYCA students reflect Learn from only the highest quality dance teachers, specializing the city’s economic, racial and ethnic diversity. A scholarship program in all ages beginnner thru advanced. ensures access for all who wish to study. BYCA’s four treble voice choruses range from ages 7 to 18, and the young men’s ensemble, for males with The Brooklyn Dance Centers changed voices, includes singers ages 14 to 21. 2106 West 6th St., 2nd Fl. • 718-996-0319 6720 20th Avenue • 718-256-5320 Music Together of Bay Ridge 8425 7th Avenue • 718-833-2910 275 90th Street, 1072 80th Street Contact Us At 7603 3rd Avenue and 6209 20th Avenue www.TheBrooklynDanceCenter.com 718-499-2866 or www.musictogetherbr.com 2010 1st Place Platinum Champions – Top Choreography Award Share the joy of singing, dancing, and playing instruments with your child. Join Our Award Winning Competition Team & Dance Company Music Together is a nationwide educational program founded on the belief that all children are musical, and that music is a perfect way for even the youngest child to learn, create, communicate, connect, and grow. You’ll sing songs and chants together, dance, & play drums and other instruments, in an informal and supportive atmosphere. Classes, for age birth-5, are limited to 12 children, with a parent or caregiver. Musical Bridge of Brooklyn 386 1st Street, Park Slope; 718-369-3099 or www. musicalbridgeofbrooklyn.com Offering group classes to children ages 4-6. Super Grooves Percussion: A drop-off percussion class. The Music Makers Dalcroze Class: A drop-off, movement based, theory class. Music for Little Mozarts: A group piano class requires adult participation. Classes offered in Park Slope: The Music Together Center. Bridging the gap from family classes to private lessons. The Noel Pointer Foundation Program 1368 Fulton Street, 3rd Floor, 718-230-4825 Music Classes For The Noel Pointer Foundation Program offers extra curricular activities for after school programs in violin, viola, cello, piano and theory. Their daily program runs Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, they offer an Children Ages 4-6 extended program for working parents. The Noel Pointer School of Music is a string music program to teach violin, cello, viola and bass to elementary, th middle and upper school students. The school is offering this valuable train- Classes Begin October 14 ! ing to the youth of the city to encourage and nurture creativity and musical literacy in children who might otherwise not have the opportunity or expo- Check Website For Demo and Regular Class Schedule: sure. The Noel Pointer School of Music is a feast of quality musical training. www.musicalbridgeofbrooklyn.com Learning to play a string instrument is a wonderful activity that opens up a whole new world for children. Join them this fall for a world of musical fun. GROUP CLASSES OFFERED IN: Strings Music Lessons Piano, Percussion, Dalcroze Music Theory 917-202-2992 or www.privatemusicartists.com All Classes Held at 386 1st Street (just above 6th Avenue) If you’re looking for a String specialist you have come to the right place. We offer; Violin, Viola, Cello, Chamber Music, Orchestra lessons. We have (718) 369-3099 affordable rates. Over 20 years of teaching and performing experience in Continued on page 54 52 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 Expanded Pre-K Program New Teen and Adult Classes Acclaimed Children’s Dance Company Go gracefully green with 100% Ballet • Modern/Contemporary cruelty free ballet slippers Tap • Hip Hop • Jazz by Cynthia King B-Boy/B-Girl • Toddler Dance

NOW ACCEPTING STUDENTS FOR OUR 2010-11 SCHOOL YEAR Visit and Register: September 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 5pm-8pm • September 4 10am-1pm Alternate times by appointment • CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 11

cynthiakingdance.com • 1256 Prospect Avenue • Brooklyn NY 11218 • 718.437.0101

September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 53 Save NOW Fall Activity $25 OFF ANY Test Prep Directory $50 OFF Full Academic Assessment K thru 12th grade Continued from page 52 leading music schools and concert halls in Europe and the US. Math • Reading • PerForming Arts Writing • Preparatory Center For The Performing arts at SAT Prep • Brooklyn College SHSAT, TACHS PREP • 234 Roosevelt Hall 2900 Bedford Ave., 718-951-4111 or www. bcprepcenter.org Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College is an excit- GRADES ing, nurturing environment where children can develop a life-long love for music, theater and dance and gain skills that will give them confidence. K-12 Faculty are skilled in teaching beginning to advanced students. Music classes include private instruction, musicianship, and ensembles as well as Suzuki programs in Violin, Cello and Flute. Traditional Theater, Musical Unlock Your Child’s Full Potential Theater, Ballet, Tap and other Dance classes are offered for children 5 and up. Beginning music, theater, and dance classes for very young children are We help students available during the school year. improve their confidence, Young actors Workshop motivation to learn, 347-492-0521 Christ’s Church (Corner of Clinton & Kane Sts in Cobble Hill) and overall academic 8508 5th Avenue • 3rd Floor 718 624-4604 or www.youngactorsbrooklyn.com BROOKLYN Young Actors Workshop offers age appropriate acting classes from grades SUCCESS! www.fivepointslearning.com 3 through High School, a Musical Theater Workshop, a Comedy Workshop, and an Audition Prep class for admission to the Performing Arts High Schools. Our teachers have performed on and off Broadway, in feature films and on network television, and have taught young actors for leading programs in New York. We all care deeply about cultivating young talent. If Working together you’re looking for classes where your children access their innate creativity as a team, we can and spontaneity, where they acquire self confidence and develop interper- sonal skills you’ve come to the right place. Please call for more information succeed and achieve! or visit our website.

ALL ABOUT KIDS™ PlAygrouP Bay Ridge union Church Playgroup Corner of 80th St. & Ridge Blvd, 718-745-0438 or TUTORING Email: [email protected] Serving Grades k-12 Mornings for toddlers and early afternoons for 3-4 year olds. New session begins the week of September 27th. Our programs provides an opportunity for toddlers to build social skills and make friends while enjoying free play, Free SES Tutoring Home Tutoring weekly crafts, snack and story time, music and instrument activity. The For Eligible Children caretaker is expected to stay and supervise his/her own child and help at cleanup time. Small Group Private Tutoring with Tutoring At School Reasonable Rates The Gym Park NYS Certiﬁed Teachers 81 Oak Street, Greenpoint, 718-349-6627 or www.thegympark.com One Tutoring Become a Gymparkian at The Gym Park! We offer many Mommy & Me, One-on- Mathematical Skills Todders Tumble, Gymnastics, and Movement classes for infants, toddlers At Community and children (ages 6 months - 12 yrs old). We have a full schedule to accom- Reading Comprehension modate different times and days of the week. We also offer a great Open Centers & Libraries Playtime program that is available up to 5-6 days a week. Use The Gym Park Writing Skills as an open indoor play ground. Its padded, clean, safe, and there is equipment to use for play. We are a great social environment for children and Serving parents to become friends and have a great time. 1.888.Kids.577 Nassau, Suffolk, (1.888.543.7577) The Gym Park is the perfect place for your child’s next fun and exciting All 5 NYC Boroughs & Westchester [email protected] birthday party! Continued on page 56 54 BROOKLYN FamiLY • September 2010 Free Sports Clinics On Open Open House Days

Housesth Sat., Sept. 18 & 50% th OFF Sun., Sept. 19 Registration Fee 12noon - 3pm Call For Details

All of Our Lessons in recreation Education or Sports Will Help Your Child Excel in Their Development. This Will Give Your Child More Confidence, Boosting School Performance - Physical & Mental Health. Indoor Turfed Soccer fIeld & KIdSporT GymnaSTIcS cenTer

Party Packages Available: Kids Multisports, Gymnastics, Soccer, Swim And Basketball • 30 Minutes Of Activities • 30 Minutes In Your Private Party Room • 30 Minutes In The Adventures Challenge • Costume Characters, Magicians; Clowns & Artists Available CALL NOW...Enrollment Is Limited! Call For More Details. paerdegat athletic club 1500 paerdegat ave. n., canarsie, Brooklyn For Directions go to: 718.531.1111 www.paerdegat.com

September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 55 Fall Activity Directory

Continued from page 54 Sports Brooklyn Fencing Center 62 Fourth Street, corner Hoyt Street in Carroll Gardens; 917-541-8902 or www.brooklynfencing.com Brooklyn Fencing Center is Brooklyn’s first competitive fencing club. Their mission is to make the excitement and joy of Olympic-style fencing more accessible to Brooklynites of all ages. They offer beginner classes for ages 6 and up – and the great thing about fencing is, you can keep it at 60 and beyond! Ideal for people who “hate sports” but want to get active, fencing entertains your brain as much as your body. Get in touch with your inner swash-buckler at Brooklyn Fencing this winter. The Brooklyn Sports Club 1540 Van Siclen Avenue, 718 642-2720 or www.brooklynsportsclub.com For five years, the Brooklyn Sports Club (easily reachable from southeast Queens) has taught neighborhood children and adults from six months and up to swim, taking them from blowing bubbles to racing on the Swordfish Team. Despite a rising number of participants, the weekly classes are held to a limited number so that each is given the maximum of one-on-one instruction. Registration for weekday and weekend slots for the nine-week fall session, beginning Sept. 14, opens to the public on August 27, five to eight pm on a first come, first serve basis. All skill levels are welcome—experienced certified instructors with competitive swimming backgrounds will teach their students to feel safe in the water as well as to master all four strokes. For more information, call 718-642-2721. Nova Athletics 3701 Surf Ave. and at Adelphi Academy in Bay Ridge 86th Street and Ridge Boulevard; 718-996-2229 or www.novaathletics.com Nova Athletics is a non-profit sports club serving Brooklyn for over 29 years. The school’s students have consistently captured countless State and Regional gymnastic championship title. Nova students have competed at venues from Madison Square Garden to those in Europe, Asia and South America. In 2005, their Artistic Gymnastic gymnasts won honors; the Rhythmic Gymnastics program produced championship athletes. At present, Nova boasts the #1 gymnast in the USA. Nova offers classes in Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Martial Arts and Dance for beginner through advanced, from ages 3 to adult. Paerdegat Sports Center 1500 Paerdegat Avenue North, 718-531-1111 or www.paerdegat.com Paerdegat Sports Center offers an after school program in which a staff member will pick-up your child after school and safely bring your child to the center. They enjoy healthy snacks and help with their homework and then…the fun begins. Licensed teachers supervise this program. A.C.D., Begin, and Union vouchers are welcome. The Paerdegat Sports Program offers lessons that are educational, recreational and help your child excel in their development while enhancing confidence. Activities available include gymnastics, swimming, soccer, basketball plus teen & pre-teen fitness.

Tutor/Learning Center All About Kids Tutoring 1-888-543-7577, www.allaboutkidsny.com or Continued on page 58 56 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 MARKS JCH OF BENSONHURST Two great programs one great place

Robbins Corenman SUNDAY After School Center CAMPFUN • Homework help, swimming, sports, Choose from arts & crafts, computers, dance over 20 different classes and more • Swimming • Table Tennis • Professional and caring staff • Soccer • Computers • Programs for children with special needs • Gymnastics • Cooking available. • Arts & Crafts • Science Pick up from many local Schools • Basketball • Volleyball P.S. 97, 101, 128,177, 186, 200, 212, 215, 229, 247, 226, 682 • Chess • And More

Monday -Thursday: 2:30pm-6:30pm Let your child develop new skills and Friday: 2:30pm-6:00pm master their abilities Sundays: 11am-4pm

7802 Bay Parkway Call for more information Brooklyn, NY 11214 718-943-6345

September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 57 Park Slope’s Fall Activity Finest Performing Arts Directory Sign Up Now, Center Continued from page 56 Classes Are Filling Up Quickly!! Ages E-mail [email protected] Since 1988, All About Kids Tutoring has helped students, parents, and edu- • Ballet • Boys 2 Years to Adults cators achieve their very best results at every stage of the educational jour- • Jazz Hip Hop • Tap • Belly ney. All About Kids Tutoring provides superior tutoring services for all stu- • Hip Hop Dancing dents grades d-12. We tutor children and support their families in schools • Summer • Pre Professional and homes across Long Island, the 5 Boroughs of NYC, and Westchester. Camp Program Your child will be on the path to a positive learning experience with our dynamic teachers. All About Kids’ tutors are all New York State Certified Teachers with fingerprint clearance, who maintain a high level of profes- OPEN HOUSE SEPTEMBER 11TH sionalism. Our outstanding faculty has taught all over the world and has performed on All About Kids Tutoring offers small group tutoring services in schools with Broadway, movies and TV shows. rd th their peers, and one-on-one instruction in homes, community centers 495 3 Ave. at the corner of 11 St. • You can reach us at 718-499-5402 and libraries. We offer both Private Tutoring Services and Supplemental Visit us at: brooklyndanceproject.com Educational Services (SES, as defined in the Federal “No Child Left Behind Act”. All About Kids Tutoring curriculum includes reading comprehension, writing skills, basic and complex math, and testing skills and we also specialize in English Language Learners (ELL) and Special Education. Working together as a team, we can help your child succeed and achieve.

® Club Z! In-Home Tutoring A Class Above. Guaranteed.™ 718-483-8506 or www.clubztutoring.com. Club Z! is successful because we provide highly individualized, one-on-one instruction. Sessions may be conveniently scheduled at home, school, afterschool facilities or libraries. Club Z! tutors are experienced, degreed professionals and/or state certified instructors with impeccable credentials, and a heartfelt enthusiasm for teaching. Unlike many other tutoring services, our tutors use students’ own school curricula. We work together with schools 24 years and families to help provide the essential support students of all levels and of success abilities need perform at their best. We guarantee increased confidence in the classroom, higher grades, stronger study skills, and enhanced motiva- Our cOre prOgrams are: tion. We serve all ages, Pre-Kindergarten through adult. Tutoring is available Reading • Math • WRiting • Study SkillS in all subjects. Our reading program’s format is the one Five Points Learning selected by the NYC Board of Ed. 8508 5th Avenue, 3rd Floor, 347-492-0521 or www.fivepointslearning.com Our beginning reading program “Five Points Learning is a results-driven learning program currently serving is open to 5-year-olds and up. the greater New York City area. We specialize in providing K-12 students with academic assistance, standardized test preparation and admissions We offer test prep for SAT, TACHS, counseling. SSHSAT, ISEE, SSAT, and GED. Continued on page 60 718-74-TUTOR Bay Ridge Center • 7811 3rd Ave. • Brooklyn Bringing 24 years of success to Brooklyn

Find Family online at www.webfamilyny.com

58 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 Classes and Playgroups in Spanish & French Play Groups Drop Off Classes Little Seeds 18 mos. to 2.5 years Bean Stalks 3.5 to 6 years 45 minutes 1 hour Green Beans 2.5 to 4 years Little Giants 4 to 6 years 1.5 hours 2.5 hours Our classes are lead in full immersion through songs, movements activities and art projects. We encourage parents/caregivers to participate to our playgroups BROOKLYN because at this young age children learn and see the world with grown-up guidance. BEANSTALK Your interest will become theirs and will encourage their participation. Contact for schedules and locations - [email protected] or check website brooklynbeanstalk.com

OPEN The lessons your child learns HOUSE th at The Little Gym will ﬁll you Sunday, Sept. 19 both with pride: How to reach 1:30-4:30PM higher. How to listen better. In-gym activities, demos, prizes! FREE!! How to tackle challenges with conﬁdence and a smile.

Call or schedule a free introductory class online. Learn more at TheLittleGym.com.

Take $25.00 Off Fall 2010 Tuition! Offer expires: 9/30/10 (Note: not valid with any others)

Bay Ridge-Bensonhurst They always leave a little taller. 8681 18th Avenue, Bklyn., NY 11214 · (718) 259-6878 www.TLGBayRidgeBensonhurstNY.com parent/ preschool/ grade sports parents’ birthday child kindergarten school skills karate dance cheerleading camp survival parties classes gymnastics gymnastics development night

September 2010 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 59 Fall Activity & , ( 6 1 6FLHQFHLV&RRO Directory H & ( Continued from page 58 K At Five Points Learning, we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to W teaching or learning. Our instructors are passionate educators that genuinely BUUIFB care about the success and performance of all students. We work hard to &260,& identify and understand the needs of our students, before recommending &$50(/2 a solution that achieves the goals of not only our parents, but students as well. &29( Our approach emphasizes positive learning delivered by an enthusiastic and ) capable instructor who will not only help your student with their academic needs, but also work to improve your students overall confidence and love ( : of learning.” / / 2 The Tutoring Club of Bay Ridge Carmelo Piazza 7811 3rd Avenue, 718-748-8867 AKA: ‘Carmelo the Marshmallo The Tutoring Club of Bay Ridge is dedicated to helping children from ele- w’ mentary grades through high school learn better study skills and gain self- esteem. They utilize the most advanced curricula in tutoring and guarantee exciting hands–on to raise the student’s academic level one grade in 32 hours. They do this by The Science Fellow for an maintaining a low student-to-tutor ratio, pinpointing problems and correct- Join Carmelo ing them, motivating each student to keep trying, conferencing with the After school classes are offered for 5–11 experience. parents on each student’s progress, and providing qualified instructors, cer- learning tified in the use of the program and committed to ensuring each child’s suc- year olds and to our mini–scientists ages 3–4. e cess. Their core programs are: · RX Reading provides students practice in all Cove. We can mak RegisteringRegistering Now Now for for Summer Fall basic language and reading skills. · Amazing Math allows students to build osmic rties happen at the C eird moving Mega Call for a FREE Demonstration Class the foundations they need for better comprehension and advancement. The Pa work with w Write Way covers sentence structure, grammar, punctuation and spelling. Our Science silly putty and slime andM evenealworms! Fall Registration The Gym Park Is Open Now! : We Offer In Greenpoint rties Science Pa For infants, toddlers Science Camps & children Daily After School or more info: (ages 6 months-12 yrs old) f Avenue 300 Atlantic NY 11201 • Mommy & Me • Toddlers Tumble Brooklyn, 718.722.0000 • Gymnastics • Movement Classes 718.344.4631 Classes begin the week of • Open Playtime Available September 13th, 2010 • Birthday Parties .com www.thegympark.com • 718-349-6627 • 81 Oak Street photos by heatherweston.com design by luistentindo www.carmelothesciencefellow.com 60 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 & , ( 6 1 6FLHQFHLV&RRO H & K ( W BUUIFB &$50(/2 &260,& &29( ) ( / / 2 : Carmelo Piazza AKA: ‘Carmelo the Marshmallo w’

exciting hands–on The Science Fellow for an Join Carmelo er school classes are offered for 5–11 erience. Aft learning exp year olds and to our mini–scientists ages 3–4. e . We can mak osmic Cove Parties happen at the C eird moving Mega Our Science work with w silly putty and slime andM evenealworms!

: We Offer rties Science Pa Science Camps Daily After School or more info: f Avenue 300 Atlantic NY 11201 Brooklyn, 718.722.0000 718.344.4631

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photos by heatherweston.com design by luistentindo www.carmelothesciencefellow.com September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 61 wwwwww.webfamilyny.comwww.fam.familyrilyresoesouurcrceny.comeny.com

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62 BROOKLYN FamiLY • September 2010 Going Places

Long-running Race to the End of the Earth: Submit a listing American Museum of Natural History, Going Places is dedicated to Central Park West at 79th Street; (212) bringing our readers the most 769-5100; www.amnh.org; Daily, 10 comprehensive events calendar am–5:45 pm; Donations suggested. in your area. But to do so, we The exhibit recounts the most stir- need your help! ring tales of Antarctic exploration: the All your have to do is send contest to reach the South Pole in 1911- your listing request to calendar@ 1912. Highlights include photographs, cnglocal.com — and we’ll take paintings, and rare historical artifacts care of the rest. Please e-mail as well as actual items of clothing and requests more than three weeks prior to the event to ensure we tools; life-sized models of portions of have enough time to get it in. Amundsen’s and Scott’s base camps; And best of all, it’s FREE! and a diorama featuring the largest of all penguin species alive today, the em- peror penguin. There are also interactive and hands-on activities for all ages. Nintendo Wii sports night: Moxie Spot, 81 Atlantic Ave. between Hicks Storytime with Emily: Moxie Spot, and Henry streets; (718) 923-9710; 81 Atlantic Ave. between Hicks and themoxiespot.com; Thursdays, 6 pm, Henry streets; (718) 923-9710; themox- Now – Sat, Nov. 20. iespot.com; Wednesdays, 1 pm, Fridays, Weekly event. 11:30 am, Now – Sat, Nov. 20. Twig playground Movie night: Moxie Spot, 81 Atlantic Weekly event. Ave. between Hicks and Henry streets; “Illuscination”: Coney Island Board- wirling towers of willow Garden’s Plant Family Collection (718) 923-9710; themoxiespot.com; Fri- walk, Surf Avenue at West 21st Street; saplings create sanctuary area, the sculpture will last for days, 6:15 pm, Now – Sat, Nov. 20. (800) 745-3000; www.ringling.com/ and inspire play in one of one year, enduring all of Brook- Weekly event. coneyisland; Wednesday, Sep. 1, 3 pm; S the most ambitious pieces in lyn’s seasons. Wednesday, Sep. 1, 7 pm; Thursday, Story time for kids: Greenlight Brooklyn right now — a site-spe- Sep. 2, 3 pm; Thursday, Sep. 2, 7 pm; Last month, the artist and a Bookstore, 686 Fulton St. between Friday, Sep. 3, 3 pm; Friday, Sep. 3, 7 cific sculpture of fantastical nest team of volunteers spent two South Elliott Place and South Portland pm; Saturday, Sep. 4, 1 pm; Saturday, houses constructed solely out of weeks weaving branches into spi- Avenue; (718) 246-0200; abookstor- Sep. 4, 5 pm; Sunday, Sep. 5, 1 pm; tree saplings and branches at the raling structures and build the einbrooklyn.blogspot.com; Saturdays, Sunday, Sep. 5, 5 pm; Monday, Sep. 6, Brooklyn Botanic Garden. sculpture on site. 10:30 am. 1 pm; Monday, Sep. 6, 5 pm; $10-$50. “It’s a sculpture for feral chil- Dougherty poses that the 20- Science power hour: Prospect Park Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s dren and wayward adults,” said foot-tall sculpture’s organic form new summer circus. Audubon Center, Enter park at Lincoln artist Patrick Dougherty, who beckons to man’s primordial pro- Road and Ocean Avenue; (718) 287- Word Play - Imaginative Story- allowed the Garden’s milieu to pensity for sticks and weaving. 3400; www.prospectpark.org/audubon; telling: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 drive his creative aspirations for “No one teaches kids how to Saturdays and Sundays, 1:30 pm. West 17 Street, between 6th and 7th his piece, called “Natural His- play with sticks,” said the artist. Learn about nature. avenues; (212) 620-5000 X 344. www. tory.” “It fits the Garden’s air of “They just do. It’s innate.” rmanyc.org; Wednesdays, 4–5 pm, $10 “Frog Prince”: Galli’s Fairytale The- discovery.” Patrick Dougherty’s “Natural His- ($5 for museum members children; Ac- ater, 38 West 38th St. between Fifth companying adult free). Dougherty is known through- tory” sculpture at Brooklyn Botanic and Sixth avenues; (212) 731-0668; Children ages four to six can travel out the world for his iconic stick Garden [1000 Washington Ave. at www.gallitheaterny.com; Saturdays and to the Himalayas with their imagination works, but this is the artist’s first Montgomery Street in Crown Heights, Sundays, 3 pm, Sat, Sep. 4 – Sun, Sep. through a series of fun and interactive city installation. Located in the (718) 623-7200]. 26; $20, ($15, 2-17 years old $15; $20 stories perfect for the whole family. after-show workshop; $15 for siblings). Modern take on Grimm Fairytale. Exercise workout: McCarren Park t, Lorimer St., between Driggs Avenue walks, squat jumps, mountain climbers, Free. Training Group: The Animal Medical and Bayard Street; www.punkrope. and high knees. Each set lasts for 20 The Historic Aircraft Restoration Pro- Center, 510 East 62nd St. (854)-230- com; Tuesdays, 7 –7:45 am, Thursdays, seconds and is followed by 20 seconds gram (H.A.R.P.) provides tours of his- 6406; [email protected]; 7–7:45 am, Now – Thurs, Oct. 28; $10 of recovery. Registration suggested. toric planes. www.volunteer.guidingeyes.org; Free. per class. Students are required to complete a Guiding Eyes for the Blind seeks vol- one-time waiver. Classes are held rain Dance around with Nat: Moxie Beast-a-netics is a new fitness class unteers to foster future guide dog pup- or shine. Spot, 81 Atlantic Ave. between Hicks led by Tim Haft and based on the Ta- pies. All training, support and veterinary bata protocol method. Class starts with Airplane tour: Hangar B, Floyd Ben- and Henry streets; (718) 923-9710; expenses are provided free of charge. a warm-up and consists of four sets of nett Field, Flatbush Avenue and Aviation themoxiespot.com; Thursdays, 11 am, Pre-placement classes are held at the six aerobically demanding, body weight Road; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Satur- Now – Sat, Nov. 20. Dog Spa in Chelsea at 32 West 25th exercises such as burpees, sprints, bear days, 10 am–4 pm, Now – Sat, Oct. 30; Weekly event. Continued on page 64 September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 63 Going Places

Continued from page 63 lynpubliclibrary.org; 11:30 am; Free. Street. Required weekly raiser classes Music and crafts for kids with and are held on Sunday evenings at the without disabilities. Center. Call for specific location & time. World passport workshop: Brook- Singalong with Lloyd: Moxie Spot, lyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn 81 Atlantic Ave. between Hicks and Ave. at St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735- Henry streets; (718) 923-9710; themox- 4400; www.brooklynkids.org; 11:30 iespot.com; Tuesdays, 11:30 am, Now – am–12:30 pm; $7.50 (members, children Sat, Nov. 20. under 1 free). Children six and older discover the Weekly event. world. Toddler Time: Clinton Hill Library, 90th Birthday Deno’s Wonder- 380 Washington Avenue; (718) 398- wheel: The Wonder Wheel, The 8713; www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; Boardwalk at West 12th St. (718) 372- Tuesday, Sep. 7, 11:30 am; Tuesday, Sep. 2592; www.www.WonderWheel.com; 14, 11:30 am; Tuesday, Sep. 21, 11:30 4–8 pm; Free. am; Tuesday, Sep. 28, 11:30 am; Tues- Music, great performance and prizes, day, Oct. 5, 11:30 am; Tuesday, Oct. 12, plus Clowns, Face painters and stilt 11:30 am; Free. walkers. Reading fun ages 18 to 36 months. Jewelry making: Gerritsen Beach Sun, Sep. 5 Library, 2808 Gerritsen Avenue; (718) Hang out with trees 368-1435; www.brooklynpubliclibrary. Birding: Salt Marsh Nature Center, org; Tuesdays, 2 pm, Now – Tues, Sep. ut on a Limb is fun new clamoring to move out to the 3302 Avenue U; (718) 421-2021; 2010; 28; Free. way for children to ex- country just so they can have a Free. Get creative with beads. O plore the natural world. big old tree of their own. Discover the birds of Gerritsen Creek. Family Disco Night: Moxie Spot, 81 The fun begins as children Out on a Limb at the Brooklyn Blooming Babies: Brooklyn Chil- Atlantic Ave. between Hicks and Henry enter the exhibit through a series Children’s Museum, runs from Sept. dren’s Museum. See Friday, Sep. 3. streets; (718) 923-9710; themoxiespot@ of tree houses featuring virtual 25th through Jan. 2nd, 2011; Sundays Walking Tour: McCarren Park, Bed- gmail.com; themoxiespot.com; Satur- aerial views. Children five to 12 10 am–5 pm, Wednesdays 11 am–5 ford Avenue and North 12th Street; 311; day, Sep. 11, 6 pm; Saturday, Oct. 9, 6 help build bird nests and learn pm, Thursdays 11 am–5 pm, Fridays www.gov/parks/rangers; 1 pm; Free. pm; Saturday, Nov. 13, 6 pm; Saturday, Dec. 11, 6 pm; Free with Dinner. how birds care for their young, 11 am–7:30 pm, and Saturdays 10 Take a journey through time and climb a tree tower, make and dec- am–5pm. The exhibit is free with Mu- traverse from McCarren to McGolrick Babies and Books: Flatlands Library, orate a club house, weave a sculp- seum admission, $7.50, free for mem- Park. 2064 Flatbush Avenue; (718) 253-4409; ture or build a chair with willow bers and children one and under. www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; Mon- Ice cream, you scream: Brooklyn bark and bamboo. Children also Brooklyn Children’s Museum [145 days, 10:30 am and 12:30 pm, Mon, Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. Sep. 13 – Mon, Oct. 25; Free. read and role play stories of na- Brooklyn Ave at St. Marks Avenue in at St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735-4400; www.brooklynkids.org; 1:30–2:30 pm; Reading, songs and rhymes - birth to ture and study and draw objects Crown Heights, (718) 735-4400]. For $7.50 (members, children under 1 free). 18 months. in nature in their very own tree more information visit their Website naturalist journal. Kids will be at www.BrooklynKids.org. Children six and older learn chemistry The Doll Club: St. James Lutheran basics in the kitchen. Church, 2776 Gerritson Ave. at Florence Street. (718) 373-7990. Tues, Sep. 7 The First Doll Club of Brooklyn is for Crafts, snacks, music and giveaways. Sat, Sep. 4 all doll enthusiasts. Arts and crafts: Leonard Library, 81 Blooming Babies: Brooklyn Chil- Nature workshop: Fort Greene Park Devoe St. between Lorimar and Leonard dren’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at Visitor Center, Enter park at Myrtle Av- streets; (718) 486-3365; www.brook- Wed, Sep. 1 St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735-4400; enue and Washington Park; (718) 723- lynpubliclibrary.org; 3:30 pm; Free. PlayStation gaming: Rugby Library, www.brooklynkids.org; 11:30 am–12:30 3218; 11 am; Free. 1000 Utica Ave. between Snyder and pm; $7.50 (members, children under 1 Where in the World is Ranger Robin? Help her find her way out by learning Wed, Sep. 8 Tilden avenues; (718) 566-0054; www. free). brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 3:30 pm; to use a compass. Toddler Time: Sunset Park Library, Free. Children 18 months to two and one- 5108 Fourth Ave. between 51st and Frogs, Turtles and Snakes: Pros- half years celebrate Caribbean carnival. 52nd streets; (718) 567-2806; www. Play video games. pect Park Wollman Rink, Ocean Ave. brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 10:30 am and Author of The Do’Bees children’s at Parkside Avenue; (718) 965-8999; 12:30 pm; Free. Thurs, Sep. 2 book series Kyle Donovan: Brook- www.prospectpark.org; 11 am; Free. Origami: Rugby Library, 1000 Utica lyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Bring your hiking boots and look for Karaoke: Rugby Library, 1000 Utica Ave. between Synder and Tilden ave- Ave. at St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735- reptiles at the park. Ave, between Synder and Tilden avenues; (718) 566-0054; www.brooklyn- nues; (718) 566-0054; www.brooklyn- 4400; www.brooklynkids.org; 12:30 Brooklyn “Caribbean Carnival”: publiclibrary.org; 3:30 pm; Free. publiclibrary.org; 3:30 pm; Free. pm. Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. For teens. at St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735-4400; DIY Teens: Pacific Library, 25 Fourth Family Camping: Salt Marsh Nature www.brooklynkids.org; 11:30 am. Ave. between Flatbush and Fourth av- Fri, Sep. 3 Center, 3302 Avenue U; (718) 421-2021; Look at traditional headdresses from enues; (718) 638-1531; www.brooklyn- 6 pm; Free. different Caribbean islands. Create your publiclibrary.org; 3:30 pm; Free. Back-to-school party: Brooklyn Enjoy a cookout, night hike and own headdress to take home. Projects. Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735-4400; campfire. Bring your own sleeping Story time: Leonard Library, 81 De- Computers for kids: Mill Basin www.brooklynkids.org; 10 am–2 pm; bags, tents will be provided. Pre-regis- voe St. between Lorimar and Leonard Library, 2385 Ralph Ave. between Av- $7.50 (members, children under 1 free). tration required. streets; (718) 486-3365; www.brook- enues M and N; (718) 241-3973; www. 64 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 Parents TICKETS START helping Parents AT $15! (Additional Fees May Apply) www.phponline.org

Tickets: Box Ofﬁce • outlets 800-745-3000 • ticketmaster.com • Find a list of upcoming parent workshops

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September 2010 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 65 Going Places

Continued from page 64 Family friendly. brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 4 pm; Free. Camping: Prospect Park Wollman Rink, Ocean Ave. at Parkside Avenue; Thurs, Sep. 9 (718) 965-8999; www.prospectpark. org; 6 pm; Free. Wii gaming: Mill Basin Library, 2385 Cookout dinner, night hike and Ralph Ave. between Avenues M and N; campfire. Bring your own sleeping (718) 241-4973; www.brooklynpublicli- bags, tents will be provided. Registra- brary.org; 4 pm; Free. tion required.

Fri, Sep. 10 Sat, Sep. 18 “Winged Migration”: Salt Marsh Falling into Fall: Brooklyn Children’s Nature Center, 3302 Avenue U; (718) Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. 421-2021; 8 pm; Free. Marks Avenue; (718) 735-4400; www. Lawn chair theater, bring a lawn chair brooklynkids.org; 11:30am–12:30 pm; or blanket. $7.50 (members, children under 1 free). Children five and under learn the Sat, Sep. 11 changing seasons. Arts and crafts: Brooklyn Public Out on a Limb: Brooklyn Children’s Library’s Central branch, Flatbush Av- Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. enue at Eastern Parkway in Grand Army Marks Avenue; (718) 735-4400; www. Plaza; (718) 230-2100; www.brooklyn- brooklynkids.org; 2:30–3:30 pm; $7.50 publiclibrary.org/branch_library_detail. (members, children under 1 free). jsp?branchpageid=265; 11:30 am; Free. Story Pirates get silly Children five and under investigate Story-time, movies and art activities birds. for children three to five. ith the Story Pirates, duction, complete with costumes, silliness reigns. puppets, dance sequences and Sun, Sep. 19 “One, Two, Tres”: Gumbo, 493 At- Described as “Monty songs. lantic Ave. between Nevins Street and W Python meets Schoolhouse Rock,” Story Pirates was founded in Falling into Fall: 11:30 am–12:30 Third Avenue; (718) 855-7808; 11:45 the musical sketch comedy group 2003 with a desire to get children pm. Brooklyn Children’s Museum. See am–12:15 pm; $10, (child, $5 and, $5 Saturday, Sep. 18. siblings). taps into kids’ imaginations, help- invested and involved in the arts Bilingual puppet show for toddlers, ing them write stories and then by showing them that their ideas, Textile exhibit: Lefferts Historic three years old. staging them in big, loud outra- words and stories are important. Homestead, 452 Flatbush Ave. between geous fashions. Through the group’s regular Empire Boulevard and Eastern Parkway; Harvest day: Lefferts Historic Home- On Oct. 2, they bring their workshops, one day your child (718) 789-2822; www.prospectpark. stead, 452 Flatbush Ave. between Em- org; 2–5 pm; Free. highly creative, relentlessly en- could see his own story brought pire Boulevard and Eastern Parkway; Examine the fibers and fabrics in use tertaining live show to Symphony to life on stage. (718) 789-2822; www.prospectpark. in the 1800s. org; 1–4 pm; Free. Space in Manhattan. Story Pirates at Symphony Space Reap, cook and eat this year’s crop of Past performances have [2537 Broadway at 95th Street in Out on a limb: 2:30–3:30 pm. Brook- spuds, work the press and drink fresh brought to life such stories as Manhattan, (212) 864-5400], Oct. 2 lyn Children’s Museum. See Saturday, Sep. 18. apple cider, churn butter, and run a po- “Tickle Monsters are Robots” and at 11 am. Tickets are $19 for adults, tato sack race. “The Do-Do Bird and the Dead $20 day of show, and $13 for kids, Kids concert: Carroll Park, President Book signing: PowerHouse Arena, People“ — imaginative tales that $14 day of show. For info, visit www. St. at Smith Street; carrollparkconcerts@ 37 Main St. at Water Street; (718) 666- are equally creative in their pro- storypirates.com. gmail.com; www.carrollparkbrooklyn. 3049; [email protected]; org; 3:30 pm; Free. www.powerhousearena.com; 4–5 pm; Audra Rox performs as part of the Free. annual Carroll Park Kids’ Concert Series. Park, One Beard St. enviromediamobile. Books, songs and rhymes with ba- Nerds: Book Two, M is for Mama’s blogspot.com; 1–5 pm; Free. bies, birth to 18 months. Carroll Park Concert Series: Car- Boy, by Michael Buckley, for children Live Music, Environmental roll Street Park, Carroll Street, between ages three to seven. RSVP required. The Piping Plover: Salt Marsh Nature Awareness,Waterfront Recreation and Court and Smith streets; 4 pm; Free. Center, 3302 Avenue U; (718) 421-2021; Stargazing: Fort Greene Park Visitor Maritime Cultural Enrichment. AudraRox. 7 pm; Free. Center, Enter park at Myrtle Avenue Enviromedia Mobile Summer Earth Book signing: PowerHouse Arena, and Washington Park; (718) 723-3218; Fest: IKEA/Erie Basin Park, One Beard Learn about the endangered bird and 37 Main St. at Water Street; (718) 666- 8 pm; Free. Street; enviromediamobile.udec@gmail. how to protect it. 3049; [email protected]; Observe Mars, Venus and Saturn com; www.ikea.com/us/en/store/brook- www.powerhousearena.com; 4–5 pm; with the Amateur Astronomers Asso- lyn/activities; 1 pm; Free. Thurs, Sep. 16 Free. ciation of New York.(Rain or cloud date, Waterfront recreation, maritime cul- Movie: Rugby Library, 1000 Utica Ave. 8/7/10). tural enrichment and live music. ”How Rocket Learned to Read” by between Snyder and Tilden avenues; Tad Hills. For children three to seven. Harvest day: 1–4 pm. Lefferts His- (718) 566-0054; www.brooklynpublicli- RSVP required. Sun, Sep. 12 toric Homestead. See Saturday, Sep. 11. brary.org; 3:30 pm; Free. Fanning the Flames: Fort Greene Family friendly films. Mon, Sep. 20 Park Visitor Center, Enter park at Myrtle Mon, Sep. 13 Avenue and Washington Park; (718) Fri, Sep. 17 Story play: Gerritsen Beach Library, 723-3218; 11 am; Free. Babies and Books: Gerritsen Beach 2808 Gerritsen Ave. between Gotham Library, 2808 Gerritsen ave. between Movie: Pacific Library, 25 Fourth Ave. Avenue and Bartlett Place; (718) 368- View photos and films of famous Gothman Avenue and Bartlett Place; between Flatbush and Fourth avenues; 1435; www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; fires. Sample authentic Firehouse chili. (718) 368-1435; www.brooklynpublicli- (718) 638-1531; www.brooklynpublicli- 10:30 am; Free. End of Summer Fest: Ikea/Erie Basin brary.org; 10:30 am and 12:30 pm; Free. brary.org; 4 pm; Free. Continued on page 68 66 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 FREE NEW YORK Winter 2010 FREE NEW YORK SPECIAL C SPECIAL CHILD www.familyresourceny.com HILD www.webfamilyny.com Over 50 8 Resources ways to heal S.M.A.R.T. through IEP Goals music Advocating for your child Yoga works Service Making school as therapy dogs for sense-ational children

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September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 67 Going Places

Continued from page 66 Children ages 18 months to two For toddlers, birth to five years old. and one-half years learn about the five senses. Tues, Sep. 21 Arts and crafts: 3:30 pm. Leonard Sat, Oct. 2 Library. See Tuesday, Sep. 7. The Story Pirates: Leonard Nimoy Teen time: Brooklyn Public Library’s Thalia, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street; Central branch, Flatbush Avenue at (212) 864-5400; 11 am; $19, ($16 mem- Eastern Parkway in Grand Army Plaza; bers day of show, $13 children, $11 (718) 230-2100; www.brooklynpub- members, day of show $14. liclibrary.org/branch_library_detail. Musical sketch comedy comprised en- jsp?branchpageid=265; 4 pm; Free. tirely of stories written by kids. Enjoy books, games and music. Family Days: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 West 17 Street, between 6th and Wed, Sep. 22 7th avenues; (212) 620-5000 X 344. Toddler Time: 10:30 am and 12:30 www.rmanyc.org; 11 am; $10 per child pm. Sunset Park Library. See Wednes- ($5 member children; free for accompa- day, Sep. 8. nying adult; children under 12 months and cool culture members). Thurs, Sep. 23 Join in this all day International Day of Non-Violence by making a personal Arts and crafts: Rugby Library, 1000 peace flag for display. Utica Ave. between Snyder and Tilden avenues; (718) 566-0054; www.brook- Rubin Museum for kids World passport workshop: 11:30 lynpubliclibrary.org; 3:30 pm; Free. arly Childhood and Fam- are offered throughout the year. am–12:30 pm. Brooklyn Children’s Mu- For teens. ily Learning Programs Children must be accompanied seum. See Saturday, Sep. 4. Thalia Kids’ Book Club: Zombies vs. E at the Rubin Museum of by at least one adult at all times. Blooming Babies: 11:30 am–12:30 Unicorns: Leonard Nimoy Thalia, 2537 Art in Manhattan allow children Tickets are $10 per child ($5 for pm. Brooklyn Children’s Museum. See Broadway at 95th Street; (212) 864- and parents to experience art children of RMA members); Free Friday, Oct. 1. 5400; 6 pm; $15, ($12 members). together. for accompanying adults, children Fundraiser: Oceanside High School, An all-star line-up of children’s book Family Days at the museum 1-year and younger, and Cool Culture authors. Ages 10 and up. 3160 Skillman Ave; (516) 603-5520 or are held twice a year. This year’s members. Tickets include gallery ad- (516) 594-2336; 7:30 pm; $25. International Day of Non-Vio- mission; Gallery admission is free Concert performed by the Strawberry Fri, Sep. 24 lence celebrates the birthday of every Friday from 6-10 pm. Fields Tribute Band. Babies and Books: Windsor Terrace Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi, Gallery admission is free for se- Library, 160 East Fifth St. between Ft. leader of the Indian indepen- niors (65 and older) on the first Mon- Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue; dence movement and pioneer of day of every month. Sun, Oct. 3 (718) 686-9707; www.brooklynpublicli- the philosophy and strategy of Rubin Museum of Art, 150 West 17 Talons and Birds of Prey: Prospect bary.org; 10 am; Free. nonviolence. Street, between 6th and 7th avenues; Park Audubon Center, Enter park at For babies birth to 18 months. Word Play and Gallery Explora- (212) 620-5000 X 344. For more infor- Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue; (718) Arts and crafts: Gerritsen Beach tion, for children 1- to 6-years-old, mation visit www.rmanyc.org; 287-3400; www.prospectpark.org/ Library, 2808 Gerritsen Ave., between audubon; 10 am–5 pm; Free. Gotham Avenue and Bartlett Place; Up-close-and-personal with live birds (718) 368-1435; www.brooklynpublicli- 5400; 1 pm; $15, ($12 members). Children three to eight hear a story of prey like hawks and raptors from the brary.org; 4 pm; Free. talons. For children ages 8 - 13. and take a home a free book. Sat, Sep. 25 Sweet and Savory: Lefferts Historic Infant and child CPR: Still Hip, 283 Homestead, 452 Flatbush Ave. between Tues, Sep. 28 Grand Ave. between Clifton Place and “Timbalooloo”: Highline Ballroom, Empire Boulevard and Eastern Parkway; Lafayette Avenue; (718) 398-0008; cle- 431 West 16th Street; www.highline- Teen time: 4 pm. Brooklyn Public (718) 789-2822; www.prospectpark. [email protected]; 11 am–2 pm; ballroom.com ; www.oranetkin.com/ Library’s Central branch. See Tuesday, org; 3–5 pm; $1 suggested donation. Sep. 21. $75 per couple. wakeupclarinet.htm; Noon; $10 ad- Dr. Philip Graham leads class. Regis- vance($12 day of show, $30 family of Enjoy treats from the handwritten tration required. four pack). cookbook of Mrs. Lefferts created in Thurs, Sep. 30 Oran Etkin celebrates the release of the 1800s. Thalia Kids’ Book Coub: Clemen- Arts and crafts: Mill Basin Library, “Wake Up, Clarinet”. tine Series: Leonard Nimoy Thalia, 2537 2385 Ralph Ave. between Avenues M Children’s hour: Salt Marsh Nature Mon, Sep. 27 and N; (718) 241-3973; www.brooklyn- Broadway at 95th Street; (212) 864- Center, 3302 Avenue U; (718) 421-2021; Babies and Books: 10:30 am and publiclibrary.org; 4 pm; Free. 5400; 1 pm; $15 ($12 members). 1 pm; Free. 12:30 pm. Gerritsen Beach Library. See For teens. Author and illustrator Sara Panny- Crafts and stories. Materials pro- Monday, Sep. 13. packer and Marla Frazee. For children vided. Ages 12 and under. 7 -10. Ezra Jack Keats story time: Brook- Fri, Oct. 1 Tom Chapin: Brooklyn Center for the lyn Public Library’s Central branch, Blooming Babies: Brooklyn Chil- Sun, Sep. 26 Flatbush Avenue at Eastern Parkway dren’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at Performing Arts at Brooklyn College, Thalia Kids’ Book Club: Pseud- in Grand Army Plaza; (718) 230-2100; St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735-4400; 2900 Campus Rd. at Hillel Place; (718) onymous Bosch’s This Isn’t What It www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/branch_ www.brooklynkids.org; 11:30 am–12:30 951-4500; www.brooklyncenteronline. Looks Like: Leonard Nimoy Thalia, 2537 library_detail.jsp?branchpageid=265; pm; $7.50 (members, children under 1 org; 2 pm; $6, ($7 at the door). Broadway at 95th Street; (212) 864- 7:30 pm; Free. free). Recommended for ages four and up. 68 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 community marketplace

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September 2010 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 69 It figures By Cynthia Washam Digital Data

Percent Percent of 34:of video- 8.5:children game players who believed to be are adult women. addicted to video games to the degree Percent who that it disrupts 18:are boys their ability to ages 12-17 function socially, academically and in other ways.

Average number of Percent of parents with a 1,956:text messages sent 63:gaming console who consider or received each month by an video-game playing a positive activity American teen for their children School StatS

Percent of U.S. school children 26: who consider physical education their favorite subject.

Percent who feel the same way 3: about a foreign language.

Percent of higher students who’ve had four or more years of 19: a foreign language score on the reading, writing and math sections of the SAT, compared to students with a half year or less.

Percent of American high-school students who study any 44:foreign language. Percent of 33:American children, ages 6-11, who take after- more than 90: school lessons in such Percent of European high-school students disciplines as dance, art, who study at least one foreign language. computers and religion.

Number of years more than 1,200: 10:since they’ve been Number of state legislators nationwide who visit doing so under the America’s classrooms each year to discuss the legislative Legislators Back to School Source: 1UP, Marketingvox.com, The Oregonian, Scho- process with students. Program. lastic, Early-advantage.com, Euractiv.com, Districtadmin- istration.com, Infoplease.com, National Conference of State Legislatures 70 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 ~ Party Planners ~ Moscow Circus Performer Carmini the magiCian Rico The Clown For All Occasions: ★ Best prices in town Magician As seen Clown Your audience will laugh and have a Comical Nerd on TV ★ Juggler great time at a fun-filled show with ★ Magician magic, comedy, audience participation, • Magic • Balloon Sculpting Rico is a fun for young and old • Comedy • Roasting University ★ Balloons Professor of ★ Live Dog Show • Educational Shows Speech and magic, Clowns, Ventriloquists, Balloons, • Adults/Kids Communication ★ Face Painting Face Painting and Characters Free Candy & Prize Giveaways 718-434-9697 • 917-318-9092 917-804-0822 wwwArlekinA.com 718.633.9137 • 917.754.5755 Best Clowns Clowns • Costume Characters All At A ReAsonAble PRice (718) 441-5764 Princess Parties • Magicians (718) 441-7796 www.allinoneentertainment.com Face Painters • Balloon Art Clowns • Magicians • Cartoon Characters Brand New DJ Service • Arts & Crafts Caricaturists • Toddler Games PARTY ROOM All Types of Bounce • Face Painting Sand/ w/Soft Play Area Spin Art • Balloon Artists Cotton Candy & More Private Events • and much more!!! WEEkdAy SPEciAl STArTS 1-800-75-CLOWN or 212-614-0988 AT $ 00 90 Bi-Lingual Performers Available * Private & Corporate Events 95-25 Jamaica Ave, Woodhaven, NY 11421 All Boros, L.I. & Westchester

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Shows include live To place an ad in this section, Birds & Rabbits Let Joe the Magic Man make your next event a memorable one with please call 718.260.2587 comedy magic fun for everyone. call 917-723-0460 www.joethemagicman.com September 2010 • BROOKLYN Family 71 New & Noteworthy For your next game night Keep this one in mind for the next for the next week’s game night. family game night. Although the Qwirkel is all about strat- game is quickly egy, wherein players mix and learned, it soon match colors and shapes to becomes appar- score and win. ent that strate- The quirkily named game gic thinking is consists of 108 crucial to scoring thick wooden high. The challenge blocks with of Qwirkle is logical six shapes and clear enough to en- in six col- gage kids, but complex ors. Play- enough to keep adults ers score points in the game. And since by building lines the simple play requires that share a com- no reading, the whole mon attribute — either a color or a gang can play. shape. The player with the highest Qwirkel is for two-four players, ages score after all of the tiles are placed 6 and up. For info, visit www.readers- wins the game, and bragging rights catalog.com.

Building their ABCs This toy is perfect for blockheads. for all the pieces. With the ABC Flyer, your little one Each multicolored letter block is can build while learning the letters handcrafted and include a different of the alphabet. animal picture. They’re made from The toys are Michigan basswood and brightly col- not just great ored with child-safe inks, and are the fun, but perfect size for small hands. a great The sets come in eight different way to languages, including English, Rus- develop sian, Hebrew, Greek, Italian, French, language, Spanish and Chinese, so no matter Things are shaping up arithmetic, fine motor the language, you can likely find If your child can think it, he can you can easily start over again. skills and more. Keep your alphabet. probably make it with PlayShapes. For those who need a little inspi- them all together on the pull-toy For information on the ABC flyer, visit The geometric wooden shapes ration, each set of 74 blocks comes wagon, which provides tidy storage www.readerscatalog.com. can be arranged or stacked to pro- with a sheet for copying pre-made duce hundreds of 3D creations. designs, from clowns to monkeys The simplicity of the product to genies. Whatever floats your — made from rubberwood — and boat (you can make that, too). Art that sticks clarity of design enables children For more information on Play- Sometimes a wall just needs to be and adults alike to fully engage Shapes, e-mail [email protected] or dressed up a bit, and LTL Prints have in the joy of the creative process. visit www.millergood- the perfect art for the job. And, if you make a mistake, man.com. Yiying Lu, whom Twitter fans may recognize as the illustrator of the site’s famous “Fail Whale” icon, has in the morning crafted colorful, fanciful wall art that Chalk fun wishing good can be stuck to walls, windows and Waiting for dinner has luck on a test or a even ceilings. never been more fun. happy birthday. The cartoon-ish designs range The sets are self-adhesive and can With Chalk It To Me’s chalkboard The items come from whales spouting birds into a be removed and rehung many times placemats, your child can doodle in a set of four, per- heart-shape formations to round el- without damaging walls, so don’t away as you prepare his meals. And fect for parties or playdates, and ephants with jester-like prings to worry if your little one keeps chang- they can be used every meal — just come with 12 pieces of chalk and a even a giant light bulb — a con- ing his mind where to hang it. draw, wipe off and draw again. You sponge eraser. stant encouragement for your child For more information on Yiying Lu’s too can get in on the fun by playing For more information, visit www. to think big. wall art, visit www.ltlprints.com/yiying. tic-tac-toe, or leaving message for uncommongoods.com. 72 BROOKLYN Family • September 2010 At Health rst, all the pieces t. With more than 20,000 doctors and specialists, and all of New York’s top hospitals to choose from, Health rst provides you with the quality healthcare you deserve.

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