Right Bites! Eat Your Way to Better Health

July 2010 Long Island FREE

Familywww.webfamilyny.com

Right bites! Eat your way to better health

Where to go in July? Check out our Going Places

Long Island Family July 2010 Letter from the publisher Here’s to health! he debate goes on about good health T and how to keep it. For me, the reality is clear. I believe that eating “real food” is an essential to building the foundation of good health for all members of our families. As a result, I have the utmost concern about the “processing of our food supply” and all the additives, hormones, anti- biotics and other means of mass production Features columns of food that have made us not only unhealthy, but obese. 8 Remember: you are what you eat 2 Newbie Dad We must give credibility to the concept that In a confusing food culture, why bother ‘going green’? By Brian Kantz “we are what we eat”, and return to whole By Risa C. Doherty foods, leaving behind the manufactured non- 4 Good Sense Eating foods that populate the aisles of our supermar- 10 When the diet hits a wall by Christine M. Palumbo, RD kets. We have to train our youngsters to eat New struggles as I get closer to my weight-loss goal right and not give in to the mass marketing and By Kathy Sena 6 Lions and Tigers and Teens past 50 years of the food industry that have fat- Myrna Beth Haskell tened up America and shortsighted our good 18 Mom power plugs into the Web health. We have to read the labels and choose Social media is creating a digital back fence 8 Parents Helping Parents carefully what is real and what is manipulated. By Kathy Sena by Sharon C. Peters We have to stop buying the hype. 10 Family Health The result of new trends in thinking is that 22 Healthy kids take their vitamins By Ivan Hand, MD a lot of emphasis is being given these days to So says the conventional wisdom. But should they? promoting healthy ways to eat, cook and ob- By Laura J. Varoscak 16 Growing Up Online tain the right ingredients to make real health by Carolyn Jabs happen. Our local writer, Risa Doherty, has contributed an article to this issue focusing calendAr of events 20 Cinematters on the many greenmarkets and organic food by Laura Gray choices becoming more prevalent in every 26 Going Places community. The partnership between local Take the family out and find out what’s going 28 New & Noteworthy farmers and the consumers of our metropoli- on in your town The hottest new products tan area is ongoing and growing. Proudly we promote this in our magazines and more will be written about this as the Staff contact information months go by. This is a wonderful time of year Publisher: Clifford Luster ADVERTISING SALES Address when a great assortment of fresh fruits and 718 260-2587 Family Publications New York/CNG vegetables are readily and deliciously avail- publisher/Managing editor: [email protected] or 1 MetroTech Center North Susan Weiss able. Make sure your family gets to enjoy them. [email protected] 10th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 Happy cooking and happy eating! Editor: Vince DiMiceli Circulation Thanks for reading and have a Happy Fourth Creative Director: Leah Mitch 718 260-8336 www.webfamilyny.com [email protected] of July! Art Director: On Man Tse Editorial Advertising Sales: 718 260-4551 Sharon Noble, [email protected] Barbra Wineburg Brooklyn Family, Queens Family, Bronx/Riverdale Family and Long Island SPECIAL ASSISTANT: Family are published monthly. Copyright©2010. No part of our contents may Susan Weiss-Voskidis, Publisher Tina Felicetti be reproduced without permission from the publisher. July 2010 • LONG ISLAND Family 1 Parenting The rocket boys or my 37th birthday, my brother began tearing at the box a scholarship to college, a job with 5-year-old son picked out the like a couple of Gollums going after NASA and the respect of his father. F exact present that he wanted the ring. They had faithfully kept the Not bad. I fast-forwarded to a thrill- to give me. Wait a second, let’s be rocket under wraps for two whole ing scene late in the movie when the perfectly honest here. Those last weeks, and couldn’t last one more boys launch one of their rockets. My three words are completely unnec- second — they wanted to see what sons watched in awe, then asked ex- essary. The first sentence of this col- that bad boy really looked like. citedly, “Can we go launch our rocket Newbie DaD umn should read: For my 37th birth- What it looked like initially — now?” Brian KanTz day, my 5-year-old son picked out to their disappointment — was a With blue skies overhead and still, the exact present that he wanted. bunch of small plastic parts and warm air, it was a perfect day for Which is A-OK by me. a long list of instructions. Appar- launch. We set up the pad in the mid- Heck, I think the little guy caught on ently, they thought a fully assembled dle of a local baseball field complex. to my own present-buying schemes. Space Shuttle Atlantis was going to I inserted the engine into the base of Like the pair of primo baseball tick- drop out of the box. Quickly, I tried the rocket and connected the wiring. ets I bought my wife for her birthday. to rally the troops. We were go for launch. My wife duti- Or the surround-sound speakers she “C’mon, guys, this is going to be fully videotaped the proceedings for received last Christmas. great! What an awesome present! later review by mission control. So, what did my son buy him- Building the rocket together will be My 5-year-old counted, slow and half the fun,” I said, only half-believ- steady, “TEN… NINE… EIGHT… ing that myself. SEVEN… SIX… FIVE… FOUR… Turns out, building the rocket was THREE… TWO… ONE…” Pressing his pretty fun. I waited until my 3-year- finger on the black-and-white striped old went on a playdate (I was pretty launch button, the rocket jumped sure that he would just run off with from the pad with a THHHSSSTTT key parts and hide them behind the noise and climbed into the sky. We couch if allowed to help) and then sat followed it with our eyes as it ac- down with the older boy to piece the celerated, went into its climb phase, rocket together. I read the instruc- reached its apogee… and failed to tions and he did the mechanical eject its parachute. work. We talked about whether the The rocket crashed back to earth rocket could make it past the clouds and the recovery team — whooping and all the way to the moon. We with sheer joy despite the glitch — joked about strapping the 3-year-old sprinted across the field to assess to the rocket. Slowly but surely, we the flight. built that rocket and pride beamed After I loosened the parachute in- from our faces. side the body of the rocket, we tried As advised, we left the rocket’s en- again. This time, our 3-year-old sent gine — an insert the size of a crayon the rocket on its way with the touch that is filled with who-knows-what of a button and the vehicle performed kind of propellant — inside its pack- its task — all systems nominal, in aging until launch time — T-minus- NASA-speak. 21-hours. A thrilling lift-off turned into a ma- The next morning, the boys, who jestic flight, which turned into a soft, became interested in rockets and parachute-aided descent. space thanks to their Grandparent’s That night, when the boys went to proximity to Cape Canaveral (and bed, they each rolled over on their the fact that Grandma always buys back, whispered the countdown self? A rocket. An honest-to-good- them space-themed toys) popped sequence, and knifed their hands ness “Model Rocket!” with “Quick out of bed ready, in their words, to up toward the ceiling, replaying the Assembly!,” a “Real Rocket Engine “light that candle.” launch. Soon, they would close their — Sold Separately!” and, by the On this special day, I figured you eyes and dream about the day they way, “!WARNING: Product Contains can never have too much of a good became the Rocket Boys. Lead.” (You know a product is super- thing. So, I popped in my DVD of “Oc- Brian Kantz’s only previous experi- cool when it can get away with plac- tober Sky,” the real-life tale of a boy ence launching model rockets came with ing an exclamation point after the named Homer Hickam who grew up those pump-and-shoot water rockets that words “sold separately” and before a in a West Virginia mining town and went about 20 feet in the air, then broke. warning about a poisonous metal). built a rocket with the help of some Remember those? Visit Brian online As soon as I unwrapped the gift, friends (the self-proclaimed “Rocket at www.briankantz.com or drop him a my 5-year-old and his 3-year-old Boys”), which eventually earned him note at [email protected].

2 LONG ISLAND Family • July 2010

I have

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Infant Classes and ABC Enrichment Classes Also Available • Quality health coverage for For Information Call 516-433-0003 children under 19 Or Log Onto Our Website: www.justweetwo.com Other Locations: Bayside, Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Greenwich & North Stamford, CT • Checkups with your child’s own doctor • 37,000 doctors and hospitals Are You the statewide • Dental and eye care Parent of a • Prescription drug coverage Gifted Child? • Hospital and emergency care, Fall Saturday Classes and more! October 2 – December 11, 2010 New Technology Spring Saturday Classes: Infusion Februray 5 – April 23, 2011 FREE or LOW-COST health coverage The LIU Center for Gifted Youth announces its 32nd annual Fall from Fidelis Care. Program for gifted children at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, and Medicaid Island University. Managed Care are New York State-sponsored health insurance programs offered by Fidelis Care. The ten-week Saturday program runs from October 2 – December Call 1-888-FIDELIS; TTY: 1-800-421-1220. 11, 2010 and is opened to gifted children entering grades K-6 in September 2010. The major focus of the program is to expand students’ knowledge and develop creative and critical thinking skills. The program offers children the opportunity to learn in an Proof of age, income, and innovative and exciting environment. address necessary to enroll. Admission is highly selective and enrollment is limited.

For info call: (516) 299-2160 or write: Dr. Madelon Solowey, LIU Center for Gifted Youth, School of Education, 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) C.W. Post Campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville, NY 11548-1300 fideliscare.org email:[email protected] • website: www.liu.edu/GiftedYouth

July 2010 • LONG ISLAND FAmILy 3 HealtHy eating Too tired to cook? Finding time for parents to cook healthy meals

oo crazed to eat right? Face it. If you’re a parent, Q: h ow important are T you’re busy. There may be snacks in my child’s diet? days so jam-packed with everything A: Active children need to Good sense you need to accomplish, that your adequately fuel their bodies well-intentioned healthy diet takes and a good way to supplement eatinG a hit. Big time. Those hoped-for nu- their meals is by supplying Christine M. PaluMbo, rD tritious meals are often replaced by them with nutritious snacks. meals you’d be embarrassed to show Try offering your child “good your in-laws. Or you’re eating out — stuff” like fruit and veggies again. with dip, yogurt, smoothies, “The challenge is great for most cheese, oatmeal cookies, as working parents to put a meal on the well as popcorn and nuts (if table, much less a healthy meal, even age-appropriate). with the best of intentions,” says Dallas-based registered dietitian and culinary expert Robin Plotkin. The the control of the ingredients used number one reason she hears is “no and its nutritional value. time,” which she says translates into A Cornell University study last “lack of planning.” fall found that being employed can Other excuses include: result in unhealthy eating habits. • To o tired Lead researcher Carol Devine found • Overscheduled children that long hours and shift work were • L a c k of cooking skills associated with mothers and fathers • D o n’ t enjoy cooking depending on mealtime coping strat- Although health and nutrition egies. Fathers tended to skip family may be important to you, conve- meals, eat while working, or feed and store properly for easy access. nience often wins. Surveys show their families take-out meals. Moth- 4. Prepare in bulk. For example, if even though fewer people are eating ers were more likely to skip break- you are cooking chicken breasts on out during this recession, they’re not fast and buy restaurant or prepared the grill tonight, throw on two, four, necessarily cooking at home more. entrees instead of cooking. Overeat- or eight more. Freeze and store for Instead, they’re bringing in prepared ing after a missed meal and eating in later in the week as the main ingredi- food and warming it in their mi- the car were two additional strate- ent for chicken salads, chicken pizza, crowave ovens. What’s the problem gies. and chicken and pasta. While the with this? Total strangers are pre- Watching your weight? Late last grill is on, grill extra veggies. Freeze paring much of our food, and we lose year, a study found that well-edu- and store. They’re great for toppings cated women too busy to focus on on pizza, added to pastas, tossed food, as well as guilt-ridden diet- into salads and veggie fajitas. ers and impulsive eaters, are the 5. Dig out the slow cooker. It can Shredded Chicken most likely to show signs of obesity. be your best friend all year round. Enough said. Juggling work and family life can and avocado Pizza Plotkin, who is a mother of one, challenge even the most nutrition- IngredIents in small bowl, combine pizza sauce provides some simple tips for busy ally-aware parents to provide health- 1 12-inch Boboli ready-made pizza and tabasco. parents to put a nourishing, yet in- ful meals to their families and them- crust spread pizza with sauce; top with expensive meal on the table for their selves. By investing a little time and 1/2 cup pizza sauce chicken, avocado and cheese. families: effort, your family will eat better 1. Take 15 minutes on a Sunday 1/4 teaspoon chipotle tabasco Bake until crust is crisp on the bot- now and enjoy health benefits in the and plan at least three or four meals tom, 4 to 6 minutes longer. future. 1 cup cooked shredded chicken for the family. Make the shopping list Christine M. Palumbo, MBA, RD is a 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese serves 4. and hit the store. mother of three from Naperville, Illinois. 1 fully ripened avocado from Mexico, nutrItIon facts per servIng: 2. Stock up on proteins that can be She is an adjunct faculty member of halved pitted, peeled and sliced 247 calories, 13 grams protein, 26.5 frozen for use throughout the week. Benedictine University. She swears by InstructIons: Heat oven to grams fat, 10 grams carbohydrate Pick simple veggies and starches to meal planning and keeping her pantry 425°F. Place pizza crust on a baking Courtesy of Avocados from Mexico, available at round out the meal. stocked with staples for those busier- sheet; bake crust 7 minutes. www.theamazingavocado.com 3. Prepare fresh produce as soon than-normal days. She can be reached at as you bring it home. Wash, chop 630-369-8495 or ChristinePalumbo.com.

4 LONG ISLAND Family • July 2010 Pat Kam School & Early Childhood Center 705 Nassau Road • Uniondale • NY 11553 • Year Round Education • Before/After School Program • Pre-K through Fifth Grade • Approved By NYS In addition to Education Department • All Students Welcome, regular subjects: Including Gifted • Swimming Instructions in the summer State-Of-The-Art: Field Trips: • Computer Lab • NY Hall Of Science • Science Lab and other Museums • Air Conditioned Classrooms Contact: Phone 516-486-7887 or Fax 516-486-7905 Email: [email protected] • Website: www.patkamschool.com

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July 2010 • LONG ISLAND Family 5 Parenting Riding with a teen behind the wheel he big day arrived this April. Control and Prevention, “Motor ve- portation Consulting Services at the My son turned 16 and wanted hicle crashes are the leading cause Liberty Mutual Research Institute Lions and T to register for his learner’s of death for U.S. teens. Per mile for Safety in Hopkinton, Mass., says, permit. Years ago, I remember joking driven, teen drivers ages 16–19 are “Our expectations of how our kids tigers and with other parents about the future. four times more likely than older drive must be very clear. Put expec- Can you just imagine so-and-so driv- drivers to crash.” tations in writing and remind your teens ing? Then we’d all laugh. Now D-Day Reports by the CDC also conclude teens of them regularly.” Melton en- Myrna Beth haskell was here and it didn’t seem quite that teens are more likely than older courages parents to be good role as funny. The slip of paper with his drivers to underestimate danger- models. “Your teens will expect you name on it induced a flashback for ous or potentially hazardous situ- to exhibit the same safe driving be- me — my mom telling everyone who ations. The National Highway Traf- haviors as you require of them.” would listen that I used to go on red fic Safety Association provides yet and stop on green. another shocking analysis: “Among Life-long safety I still took the leap. I drove him 15 to 20-year-old drivers involved behind the wheel in fatal crashes in 2008, Melton explains, “Just because 31 percent of the drivers your teen has obtained his license, who were killed in motor doesn’t mean he has the experience vehicle crashes had been he needs to cope with the driving drinking.” situations he’ll face. Talk to your teen Then, there is the lat- about driving safety, and do it often. est hazard: texting while We know from years of research that driving. teens who say they have regular con- State laws have versations with their parents about changed in response to driving safety are less likely to exhibit these statistics. There are destructive behaviors, like speeding new graduated driver li- and driving under the influence.” censing laws in New York Driving safety should be an ongo- that require teens to fol- ing discussion. It’s good for every- low a more-strict protocol one to be reminded of safe driving before a senior license is strategies. Defensive driving courses issued. These laws have are for experienced drivers, too, and a supervised learning they lower insurance rates. period and an intermedi- ate license period before tips and tales teens can get their full- “It’s the braking that freaks us privilege license. There parents out. Once they get a handle are also more restrictions on that, you will feel much better for new drivers. about going out on road.” The latest hazard: to a quiet neighborhood on the way Kathy Anderson, Poughkeepsie, NY home from the motor vehicle office First time out “I paid for individual driving les- texting while driving. so he could practice using the brake Some parents say that it is best sons for my son because I think it is and accelerator. Except for the whip- to have a driving expert teach their really difficult for a parent to do. I lash, he did pretty well. The hardest teens. However, if you feel up to the think one really good thing is to give part came later when we ventured challenge, you should keep the fol- them words of encouragement.” onto the main roads. The problem lowing in mind. Linda Witherwax, Hyde Park, NY with main roads is that there are Your teen needs to get comfort- things in the way – other cars, con- able with the basics. Take him to Share your ideas fused squirrels, road crews, etc. It’s a parking lot to practice using the Upcoming topic: enough to cause the calmest of par- accelerator, brake and steering College Prep: Tips to navigate the ents to have a conniption! wheel. Then, gradually take him to mire roads where he will encounter traf- Please send your full name, address, Why worry? fic lights, pedestrian walkways, and and brief comments to: myrnahaskell@ The statistics are alarming. Ac- higher speed limits. gmail.com. Or visit: http://home.road- cording to the Centers for Disease David Melton, Director of Trans- runner.com/~haskellfamily/myrna/

6 LONG ISLAND Family • July 2010 Is Your Child Suffering From ADD/ADHD/LD, Health Autistic Spectrum Disorders - Autism/PDD Now there’s a way to help your child using advanced technologies to eliminate or reduce the many problems associated with these disorders. Directory NEUROTHERAPY PROVEN NON-MEDICATION TREATMENT Joan Dorfman Cohen ing battery of tests to evaluate the Documented in Science/Medical Literature 3AFE 0AINLESSs4IME,IMITEDs%FFECTIVE0ERMANENT2ESULTS Ph.D., APRN, BC efficiency of the auditory system. Dr. Cohen and Special Education Professionals Work Directly With Your Auditory Processing is a term used to 350 Northern Blvd. Ste. 310 Child, Family, & Teachers as Part of a Comprehensive Individualized describe what happens when your 516-482-3312 Program That Includes: brain recognizes and interprets the Dr. Cohen has been in the health 4UTORINGs&AMILY#OUNSELINGs.EUROTHERAPY sounds around you. 0ARENTING3TRATEGIESs)NDIVIDUAL4HERAPYs%DUCATIONAL0LANNING care field for more than 35 years. Caring for children and adults for over 30 years She specializes in counseling and Auditory Processing Deficit occurs psychotherapy for children and ado- when something adversely affects JOAN DORFMAN COHEN PH.D., APRN, BC lescents. In addition, if your child the way the brain processes and .EUROTHERAPYs0SYCHOTHERAPYs"RAINMAPPING is struggling with ADD/ADHD and interprets information. At East .ORTHERN"LVD 3UITE 'REAT.ECK you’re looking for an alternative to Meadow Hearing and Speech Center Ritalin or other stimulant medica- all of our programs are designed to tions, EEG Biofeedback (neurother- help provide the best results for the apy) may be the answer. individual needs of our clients. Dr. Cohen also specializes in treat- Long IsLand ing children with these disorders, as FIDELIS Become well as those with various learning 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or disabilities. This revolutionary, non- visit fideliscare.org a fan of Family on medication treatment is a form of Fidelis Care, the New York State operant conditioning where kids use Catholic Health Plan, is the larg- a computer software program that est government programs-based provides “rewards” for focusing and health insurance company in New concentrating in such a way as to York State. With more than 620,000 produce brain waves necessary for members in 50 counties statewide, normal cognitive functions. The child Fidelis Care was founded on the learns to reduce slow (theta) brain belief that all New Yorkers should waves and increase fast (beta) brain have access to affordable, quality waves by viewing puzzles and games health insurance. Facebook Search: Long Island Family on a computer. The effects of Ritalin are short term and can cause side Fidelis Care offers free or low-cost effects whereas neurotherapy results health insurance through New York are permanent with no known side State’s Child Health Plus, Family effects. Health Plus, and Medicaid Managed Does Your Child... Care programs. Fidelis Care also Many behavior problems seen with offers quality, affordable coverage ADD/ADHD disappear with this treat- for seniors through our Medicare “Tune You Out?” ment and the child’s overall ability to control his/her own behavior signifi- Advantage and Dual Advantage Normal Kids? Or is something else going on? cantly improves. programs, and Fidelis Medicaid Advantage Plus helps members live • Is your child easily distracted? Dr. Cohen and special education safely in their homes for as long as • Are noisy environments professionals work directly with you, possible. Fidelis Care members are upsetting? Boost your child and teachers as part of an covered for regular checkups, pre- • Does your child have difficulty your child’s individualized program. ventive care, hospital and emergency following directions? learning capacity - This proven treatment is for ages care, and more, and have access to • Is abstract information difficult Register Now 5-adult and includes parenting strat- a provider network of more than to interpret? for our Summer egies, family counseling, individual 40,000 health care professionals • Does your child have speech, Programs therapy, educational planning and statewide. spelling, writing, or other tutoring. Call for more information. learning difficulties? Health Plus • Is your child disorganized East Meadow Hearing & 335 Adams Street and forgetful? Speech Center 1-888-809-8009 Variety of listening therapies to address 576 Merrick Avenue, East Meadow Website www.healthplus-ny.org auditory processing issues that can affect 516-489-9EAR or visit www. Established in 1984, Health Plus -- speech/language and learning such as: thelisteninglab.com • Auditory Integration Therapy • Earobics® one of the New York area’s largest ® Was first established in 1989, and providers of state-sponsored health • Fast ForWord • Interactive Metronome • Phonemic Synthesis and other programs specializes in the diagnosis and insurance -- is the plan of choice treatment of Auditory Processing for over 300,000 New Yorkers. The EAST MEADOW Disorders. not-for-profit offers free or low cost HEARING & SPEECH CENTER The individuals seen in this office health insurance to all who qualify. Shelley L. Francis, M.S., F.A.A.A. Audiologist have been diagnosed with various Health Plus has four comprehen- Has been specializing in the diagnosis & treatment of Auditory Processing for over 20 years. disorders such as learning disabili- sive plans: Child Health Plus, Family ties, speech and language impair- Health Plus, Medicaid, and Medicare, 516-489-9327 • 576 Merrick Ave., East Meadow, NY 11554 ments, attention deficits, dyslexia, and works to ensure that every eli- www.thelisteninglab.com autism etc. Evaluations begin with a gible child and adult in the five bor- Audiology comprehensive audio logical evalu- oughs and Nassau County has access Complete Hearing Health Care Center ation including an auditory process- to affordable, quality healthcare. July 2010 • LONG ISLAND Family 7 HealtHy eating Remember: you are what you eat

By Risa C. DoheRty interactive experiences. Even adults ture, sold within 18 to 20 hours of In a confusing are often unaware of the incredible di- being harvested,” explains Hurwitz. ill your child still be eat- versity of products and the hundreds It’s also better for you. Hurwitz says food culture, ing chicken nuggets, pizza of varieties available at farmer’s mar- “there is no better value,” referring W and bagels by the time she kets. Your child can taste many vari- not only to the reasonable prices, gets to college? Are you concerned eties of a fruit or a vegetable and will but to the longer shelf life associated why bother about your child’s diet now and are either find a new favorite, or learn to with the produce from the farmer’s looking to do something about it? eat something that she did not think market. ‘going green’? Childhood obesity is a serious she’d ever like, as different varieties As consumers, we now have more problem in our country. Whether of the same item tend to have differing information than ever before on food or not your child is currently obese, flavors. Given more choices, children labels and even calorie and ingredi- most parents would like to give their can select the variety that most ap- ent composition at some restaurants children the best and set them on peals to their palate. and fast food establishments. And the road to a healthy lifestyle. Par- When children visit a farmer’s yet, we gravitate to whatever seems ents can shape their children’s pal- market for the first time, the rich col- quick and easy. ates for the rest of their lives. ors and flavors of such a vast array Walk reminds us that fast foods The reason so many don’t is of incredibly fresh produce astonish are fast in more than one way — they simple — it seems so inconve- most kids and they really have fun. A are readily available and they are nient and more expensive. And, knowledgeable staff teaches the chil- eaten fast. Fast food requires very if you are anything like me, you dren how the food is raised and how little chewing, unlike, for example, might think, “Why bother?” to make the best use of it. an apple. So, not only are fast foods That was my attitude; I was a These days we are all in a hurry unhealthy because of their content, “Doubting Thomas.” When Me- and have gotten used to the conve- but we are often guilty of mindlessly lissa, my then pre-teen daughter, nience of pre-packaged and fast food consuming them. Consequently, we asked me to buy organic foods, that is so readily available. But these eat more than we should. I thought it was a waste of money, foods are laden with hidden calories Walk says that when children, like but I indulged her. To my surprise, and invariably higher in sugar, salt Melissa, ask to eat healthy, they are the apples were meatier, the carrots and fat, explains Ellen Walk, a reg- exhibiting a respect for food and tasted better, and so did the milk. istered dietician at Jacobi Medical pride in what they put in their body, When I was growing up, I thought Center. Even when we are trying “to and parents should be responsive. vegetables grew in the freezer, but I be good” and eat healthy, we buy Still, there is more to eating healthy also knew that an assortment of fruit 100-calorie packages of snack food, than eating organic produce. Accord- and vegetables came in cans. They pre-cut fruit in containers and pre- ing to Hurwitz, by purchasing pro- were mostly tasteless, or in the case cut salad in bags. Of course, these duce at a farmer’s market we are of fruit, covered in sweet, sugary are not the worst choices we can addressing three separate health con- syrup. We did have Red Delicious make, and yet, surprisinlgy, they are cerns — personal, community and apples, carrots, melon, bananas and also not the healthiest. The pre-cut environmental. Personal health in- occasionally some other fresh veg- salad greens may have been washed volves eating the freshest fruits and etables or berries in the summer, but with chemicals to keep them looking vegetables, as part of a balanced I was just not interested. fresh. Even the fruit that may have diet. Farmlands are often replaced Kids growing up today in New York been cut at your local market cannot by housing developments, and not City have a disconnect as to where the be as fresh without its natural cover- vice versa, and by community health, food on their plates originates, according or rind, and often sits in the store we are demonstrating the virtue of ing to Michael Hurwitz, Director of the for days. According to Walk, this is building a local economy. For him, Greenmarket Program at GrowNYC. not the freshest or healthiest way environmental health includes not GrowNYC offers programs to educate to eat. only the smaller carbon footprint to children with respect to nutrition, as However, food purchased at the which “locavores” (people who eat well as growing practices, through farmer’s market is “nutritionally ma- locally raised food and produce) as- 8 LONG ISLAND Family • July 2010 roasting vegetables in the oven with a little bit of salt and olive oil. Finger foods can include fresh carrots, green beans, celery and sliced apple. Today “going green” is more ac- cessible than you think. To find a farmer’s market near you in the five boroughs, or on Long Island, go to www.agmkt.state.ny.us/AP/Commu- nityFarmersMarkets.asp. to learn about Greenmarkets, their locations, and even request one in your neighborhood. In addition, more and more people are becoming more participatory in the going green movement and are joining “CSAs” (Community Sup- ported Agriculture groups). There is The Garden of Eve in Carroll Gar- dens, the Chelsea CSA, Biophilia Or- ganic Farm in Jamestown, NY, and the Long Island City CSA. Check out www.localharvest.org. for a more complete listing and information. When you buy shares for a season in a CSA, you have an opportunity to visit the farm it is affiliated with and can agree to work for a set number of hours on the farm. When kids go to the farm and put their hands in the dirt, they create a personal relationship with the earth. It becomes more than just a fun outing and they may have a more positive relationship with food as they grow up. You may instead opt to join a food co-op, like the Park Slope Food Coop, which boasts 14,000 members. Queens will get its first food co-op in the Fall of 2011. Go to www.queensharvetscoop.com or visit them on Facebook. Core group members at food co-ops and CSAs often get discounts. You can also check out the Greenfest in Mattituck, Long Island, on July 24 and 25 by going to www. eastendgreenfest.com or calling (631) 734-5894. Don’t do it just because it is po- litically correct right now. Your job as a parent is to open doors for your child. If you don’t want to commit pire, but biodiversity in growing, to and protecting NYC water, explains kale, lettuce, peaches, sweet pep- to a CSA or food co-op, start by just keep the land healthy and fertile. Hurwitz. He says that their farmers pers, raspberries, blueberries, mel- eating some organic, locally grown Produce from foreign markets is often limit chemical use and do not “blan- ons, cabbage and cauliflower. produce and make a few healthier treated with chemical preservatives, ket spray” their fields. Part of the mis- Walk was eager to note that the meals each week. See how your fam- and, as Walk indicated, may come sion of GrowNYC is to educate “the healthier, local, organic foods taste ily reacts. Fresh does taste better and from countries which do not have the next generation of stewards [environ- better and can be prepared simply. you may be surprised when your chil- same standards and regulations with mental leaders].” It can be easier and healthier to cook dren’s palates become accustomed to respect to pesticides. GrowNYC farm- This month, check out the wide with just a touch of seasoning to fresher, healthier food, and they scoff ers work to preserve the water shed, selection of apples, tomatoes, Kirby bring out the the fresh flavor, without at frozen and canned produce. evidencing a true sense of responsi- cucumbers, zucchini blossoms, adding heavy sauces or using com- Risa C. Doherty is an attorney and bility with the ecological community squash, cherries, scallions, spinach, plicated recipes. She recommends freelance writer.

July 2010 • LONG ISLAND Family 9 HealtH When the diet hits a wall New struggles as I get closer to my weight-loss goal

By Kathy Sena OK, enough of the ing up with a plan to pity party. Time to get handle those inevita- lateau” is a lovely word back on the horse. I’m ble relapses: that dieters despise. going to walk more • Remember that “P After four months of fol- this month, drink you don’t need to be lowing a weight-loss plan, I have to more water and pay perfect. Did you in- admit that I’ve hit the wall. My moti- more attention to reg- dulge a bit too much vation isn’t as strong as it was when istered dietitian and on vacation? Get I started, and I need a boost. Food Network star back on your plan The bad news? I lost only 1.2 Ellie Krieger’s “usu- Weighing in again when you get pounds this month. ally,” “sometimes” Part 5 of a series home. Did work dead- The good news? I and “rarely” food lines keep you from went on vacation and lists. I know that one night’s garlic exercising last week? Start again didn’t gain weight bread-and-pasta fest isn’t going to this week. overall for the month. put me — permanently, at least — • K e e p stress at bay. If you’re I’m sure I gained some on the road to ruin. Also, I’m back to feeling whipped by stress (and if the week I was gone, keeping my food diary. it’s sending you to the fridge a bit but I was able to stick Here’s my weight loss so far: too often) do some yoga, medita- to my plan the rest of • Weigh-in number one: 147.0 (my tion, stretching or deep-breathing the month for a net starting weight) exercises. Stress can make any of loss — but just by the • Weigh-in number two: 144.6 (lost us overeat. Concentrate on slowing skin of my teeth! 2 pounds total) down and getting back to eating But, how could • Weigh-in number three: 139.0 mindfully. I not with all those (lost 8 pounds total) • C u t yourself some slack. Don’t restaurant meals? • Weigh-in number four: 135.6 beat yourself up when you fall off I wasn’t able to just (lost 11.4 pounds total) the wagon. What purpose does that do Raisin Bran, ba- • Weigh-in number five: 134.4 (lost serve? Just get back on track and nana and skim milk 12.6 pounds total) move on. every morning when Looking at the big picture, I’m re- • L o o k at your life. If you’re slip- there were ranchero ally happy with how this is going. I’ve ping back into old habits, ask your- omelets to be had. lost 12.6 pounds and I’ve gone from a self what’s going on in your life to And not every dinner size 12 to a size 10. Would I like to be derail your progress — is it work? was fish and steamed a six? Sure! But I wasn’t even a size Family? Try to figure out why you veggies. (Does veggie six in high school, so a number of are struggling. pizza count? At least years and a baby later, I’m guessing • M a ke a new plan — and stick I skipped the pepper- that’s not in the cards. with it. Deciding, “I’ll walk for 10 oni!) But, a size eight? Bring it on! minutes tonight after work” beats And, isn’t it mad- That’s a goal I can reasonably work doing nothing. Tomorrow, make it dening how one over- toward, and a size I can expect to 20. Before you know it, you’ll be back the-top restaurant maintain if I stay vigilant over the on track. meal seems to be long haul. And, let’s get real: That’s PS: I recently found this photo Kathy as an active kid. enough to set you on the true challenge, as we all know, of myself when I was a kid, happily your heels? I can be “good” for many to keep up the healthy eating and messing around on the swing set meals in a row, but one night out workouts as time goes on — even in our backyard. It made me real- with too much fat and salt and it re- through plateaus like the one I’m ize that I once viewed being active ally sets me back. (Just multiply that on now. as something fun, not a chore on a on vacation...) Fortunately, Krieger, author of to-do list. I’m going to put that photo Fortunately, a friend told me she “Small Changes, Big Results,” has on the fridge to remind myself that it liked this column because I took a worked with many clients who have still can be fun! share-the-warts-and-all approach to felt the same pressure regarding Kathy Sena is a freelance journalist my weight-loss experience. “Other maintenance as they started to get specializing in family-health issues. Her women can relate to your ups and close to their goal weight. And they writing has appeared in the Los Angeles downs,” she said, knowing that some weren’t any more perfect at this Times, Newsweek, Woman’s Day and weeks would be easier than others. than you and I are. many other publications. Visit her par- “So you need to blog about your Here are Krieger’s suggestions for enting blog, Parent Talk Today, at www. weight gains as well as losses.” dealing with these fears — and com- parenttalktoday.com. 10 LONG ISLAND Family • July 2010 “A GREAT SHOW IS ALWAYS IN FASHION!” New Yo rk 1

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July 2010 • LONG ISLAND Family 11 Parenting Explaining healthy eating to children

Parents Dear Sharon, I want my kids to be helPing healthy and I am deter- mined to beat the “peer Parents and social pressure” of Sharon C. PeterS, Ma eating processed foods. Can you advise a parent, like me, how I can convince my children to follow our good eating program (not boring but fresh and real food)? A parent of my son’s friend told my son that we were “depriving” our kids of trips to McDonald’s, etc., which really annoyed me.

Dear Mom, portantly, clear, calm and relatively particularly complicated. Many par- Confusing messages about food brief in their explanation. ents I know who have been in similar are everywhere. Many people, in- Getting input from your children situations have offered this simple cluding Michelle Obama, are trying about foods they might enjoy can but usually effective explanation: to change some of these messages, also be helpful so that conversations “Our family is different than others but change often comes more slowly don’t become power battles, which and that is OK.” than we would like. usually don’t end well, between adult I think one key to having “limit Generally, I think it is important and child. A child might want to setting” conversations go well, is the for parents to be as clear as possible make a list of things he particularly strength of a parent’s relationship about what they think should hap- likes to eat, select some items at with her child. If there is already a pen in their home. Since our environ- the grocery store or be given some communicative and loving relation- ment is full of processed foods that leeway about food on special occa- ship between parent and child, then many children like, our little ones sions. All of these things can help a conversation about diet is likely to often get upset with our requests for reduce tension. go relatively smoothly. healthier choices. It can also be good to have some- If a parent and child argue often, Parents set guidelines and limits one outside of the immediate family then decisions about diet will be on many issues. When convincing a offer perspective if things at home get harder to put in place. I often tell child to agree to something difficult repeatedly argumentative. A trusted parents to spend some time enjoy- to do (avoiding processed food is pediatrician, relative or babysitter ing their children before tackling difficult for most children) it is use- can sometimes play a helpful role. difficult topics such as food choices. ful for parents to be sympathetic to As with many parental decisions, It is usually much easier for parents the difficulty, ready for the possible there will often be mothers or fa- to successfully help their children complaints that ensue and most im- thers who think differently. That, of when they are feeling relaxed and course, is annoying, but to be ex- pleased with them. Sharon C. Peters is a mother and director of Parents helping Parents, pected, especially if your thoughts Setting healthy eating patterns in 669 President St., Brooklyn (718) 638-9444, www.PhPonline.org. are different than those of the fami- a family is usually not easy for chil- If you have a question about a challenge in your life (no issue is too big lies around you. In your case, an dren or adults, but I believe it can be or too small) e-mail it to Dear Sharon at [email protected]. adult’s personal reaction was shared done thoughtfully over time and can with your child. That makes things work well for everyone.

12 LONG ISLAND Family • July 2010 Party Kitchen Time’s Party Place Directory 2 hr. parties for boys • girls • adults

Kitchen Time’s Party magic Rabbits Place 917-514-0551 or www. Cooking baking Candy 691 Broadway, Massapequa magicrabbits.net Making 516-795-4980 or 515-735-6919 or From the very first magic trick when the professor produces a live dove on www.kitchentime.net 516.795.4980 516.735.6919 Create memories and celebrate your the palm of his hand, to the last illu- child’s birthday! sion when your boy or girl, dressed in a magician’s hat, waves his/her www.KitchenTime.net We’re cooking up a delicious time very own wand and produces the with little chefs who make cookies, famous Rabbits From Fire, your child 691 Broadway, Massapequa bake soft pretzels, lick chocolate and will be the star of the show. create full meals. Children love magic but you’ve got Hands-on is the concept: sticky to make them laugh. Magic Brenda fingers part of the recipe! 2-hour takes care of that ad she torments birthday cooking parties include a the Professor with her very own cake decorating session; icing tattoos magic and juggling. The children are the rewards for a job well done! roll with laughter as she steals the 2 PONIES, WAGON & PETTING ZOO AT YOUR LOCATION Professor’s show. What’s more FUN? Birthday and Block Parties, Fairs, Camps, Nursery Schools Parents will tell you they love the In its classic style, Magic Rabbits will entertain both the children and • Choo Choo • Ball Pitt, Dunk Tank organization, cleanliness, and experi- trackless train adults. After the show the children • Popcorn, Cotton Candy ence of 30 years in the kitchen with • Moonbouncers Snow Cone Machines get to pet the rabbits and hold one teacher-hostesses who attend to • Obstacle Courses • Magicians of the doves. The can twist balloons every detail. Scout leaders agree! • Carousel Whip Ride • Clowns so that each child takes home a Ask about summer programs, colorful souvenir to remember the Home Children’s Parties our Specialty! classes, scouting parties and adult party. Balloons are extra and extend recreational classes! the length of the show to an hour WWW.LAUGHINGPONYPARTIES.COM Call Terry for the details to tour our and a half. Face Painting is also avail- | kitchen; it’s what the chef ordered! able. 631.491.5867 516.241.4171

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July 2010 • LONG ISLAND FAmILy 13 HealtH Fats and your child Family HealtH Instilling healthy eating from the beginning By Ivan Hand, Md, FaaP, ediatricians and parents are director of neonatology, increasingly concerned over Queens Hospital Center P the current wave of childhood obesity. If you’re concerned about your child becoming obese, you might be tempted to offer only low-fat foods to help keep weight at normal levels, but fats are a very important component of any infant’s diet. Fats are critical to the growth of your baby’s brain and body, as well as immune function and wound heal- ing. Fats should not be restricted in the first two years of a baby’s life, so do not put your baby on a diet of skim milk. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with later addition of complementary foods, is the best way to give your infant a healthy diet and prevent childhood obesity. After the age of 2 it is acceptable to reduce the number of fat calories in the diet. Many families can be transitioned from whole cow’s milk to skim or fat-free milk by gradually changing from whole milk to two percent, then to one percent, and then to skim milk. Some mothers even mix these together to make the changes imperceptible to their children. As your child reaches the ages of 4 to 5, you should reach a level where your child is getting fewer fat calories and your entire family can now be eating the same diet. At this time, most of your family’s mix, your child will grow up to have (from ages one to six). Remember, calories (about 55 to 60 percent) a healthy weight. this is 100 percent juice, not juice should come from carbohydrates, What kind of fat-reducing changes drinks. with more modest amounts of fat can you be making? • Fo r snacks, rely on low-fat and protein. Consistently good nutri- • Sw i tc h your preschooler from choices like pretzels, fresh fruit, air- tion, meal after meal, is a foundation whole milk to skim or two percent popped popcorn, or fat-free yogurt. for a healthy childhood. milk (which the rest of the fam- • W h e n preparing food, use cook- You should focus on a wholesome ily may already be consuming). She ing methods like steaming, broil- lifestyle for everyone in your fam- should be drinking two cups a day of ing, and roasting that don’t require ily, no matter what each member fat-free or low-fat milk (or equivalent fat during cooking, or use only a weighs. milk products). small amount of olive oil or nonstick Establish some structure to your • S e l e c t grilled or broiled fish or spray. family’s eating — three well-thought- lean meats. • L i m i t the amounts of fast foods out meals and two snacks a day. If • S e r v e cheese only in modest your family eats. Make healthy you take steps to minimize the junk portions. choices with low fat salads and food in your family’s diet, eliminate • G i v e your child whole fruit to grilled, not fried foods. sugared beverages like soft drinks, meet her recommended fruit intake, Source: A Parent’s Guide to Child- pay attention to portion sizes, and limiting fruit juice consumption to no hood Obesity: A Road Map to Health add some physical activity to the more that four to six ounces per day Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Pediatrics

14 LONG ISLAND Family • July 2010 HealtH Moscow Circus Performer For All Occasions: ★ Clown ★ Juggler ★ Magician Fats and your child ★ Balloons Instilling healthy eating from the beginning ★ Live Dog Show Family HealtH ★ Face Painting By Ivan Hand, Md, FaaP, ediatricians and parents are director of neonatology, increasingly concerned over 917-804-0822 Queens Hospital Center P the current wave of childhood wwwArlekinA.com obesity. If you’re concerned about your child becoming obese, you might be tempted to offer only low-fat foods to help keep weight at normal levels, but fats are a very important component of any infant’s diet. Fats are critical to the growth of All At A ReAsonAble PRice your baby’s brain and body, as well (718) 441-5764 as immune function and wound heal- (718) 441-7796 ing. Fats should not be restricted in www.allinoneentertainment.com the first two years of a baby’s life, Clowns • Magicians • Cartoon Characters so do not put your baby on a diet of Brand New DJ Service • Arts & Crafts All Types of Bounce • Face Painting Sand/ skim milk. Exclusive breastfeeding PARTY ROOM w/Soft Play Area Spin Art • Balloon Artists for the first six months of life, with Private Events • and much more!!! later addition of complementary WEEkdAy SPEciAl STArTS AT $ 00 foods, is the best way to give your 90 infant a healthy diet and prevent 95-25 Jamaica Ave, Woodhaven, NY 11421 childhood obesity. After the age of 2 it is acceptable to reduce the number of fat calories in the diet. Many families can be transitioned from whole cow’s milk Party Perfection chilibeans to skim or fat-free milk by gradually changing from whole milk to two Professionals percent, then to one percent, and Premier Children’s entertainment Craft then to skim milk. Some mothers We Will Work With You To Customize The even mix these together to make Parties! the changes imperceptible to their Right Party Package To Suit Your Budget Costumed Characters • Fairytale Princess Parties children. Private Music, Fun As your child reaches the ages Popcorn Carts • Cotton Candy • Snow Cones 103 Meade Street For All! of 4 to 5, you should reach a level Bounce Houses • Sand/Spin Art • Magicians Parties for Hempstead, NY 11550 Decorated where your child is getting fewer Pop Star Parties • Happy Clowns • & Lots More Fun Children fat calories and your entire family www.partyperfectionprofessionals.vpweb.com Party Room! can now be eating the same diet. 347-255-0558 516-680-3024 At this time, most of your family’s mix, your child will grow up to have (from ages one to six). Remember, www.chilibeans.com calories (about 55 to 60 percent) a healthy weight. this is 100 percent juice, not juice should come from carbohydrates, What kind of fat-reducing changes drinks. with more modest amounts of fat can you be making? • Fo r snacks, rely on low-fat and protein. Consistently good nutri- • Sw i tc h your preschooler from choices like pretzels, fresh fruit, air- tion, meal after meal, is a foundation whole milk to skim or two percent popped popcorn, or fat-free yogurt. for a healthy childhood. milk (which the rest of the fam- • W h e n preparing food, use cook- Children’s Parties You should focus on a wholesome ily may already be consuming). She ing methods like steaming, broil- lifestyle for everyone in your fam- should be drinking two cups a day of ing, and roasting that don’t require H Cute Clowns H MusICAl GAMes ily, no matter what each member fat-free or low-fat milk (or equivalent fat during cooking, or use only a H CARtoon H PICtuRe weighs. milk products). small amount of olive oil or nonstick CHARACteRs tIMe Establish some structure to your • S e l e c t grilled or broiled fish or spray. H BAlloon H MAGIC family’s eating — three well-thought- lean meats. • L i m i t the amounts of fast foods Designer Customized Birth Annoncements, out meals and two snacks a day. If • S e r v e cheese only in modest your family eats. Make healthy sCulPtInG H Cotton you take steps to minimize the junk portions. choices with low fat salads and H FACe PAIntInG CAnDY MACHIne Invitations, Cards and much more...... food in your family’s diet, eliminate • G i v e your child whole fruit to grilled, not fried foods. We Come to You and Bring Smiles to Your Children! sugared beverages like soft drinks, meet her recommended fruit intake, Source: A Parent’s Guide to Child- (718) 683-1739 • (516) 987-9288 pay attention to portion sizes, and limiting fruit juice consumption to no hood Obesity: A Road Map to Health vIsIt ouR weB sIte At 3CPARtIes.CoM! add some physical activity to the more that four to six ounces per day Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Pediatrics

July 2010 • LONG ISLAND Family 15 Technology Bully-proofing your child this summer he end of the past school year ations. Music and movies often re- these networks bring out the worst was marred by several high volve around violence or the threat in kids. Formspring, for example, has T profile suicides that seem to of violence. In this context, it’s not garnered a lot of attention because it GrowinG Up have been caused by online bully- surprising that young people are lets people post anonymous answers ing. At the time, school officials were confused about how to create re- to questions, a practice that seems online criticized because they hadn’t taken warding relationships. designed to encourage viciousness. Carolyn Jabs action to stop the harassment. Dur- Summer is a good time to regroup. Fortunately, there are also social net- ing the summer, when school is out, Think about the friendships that have works that are specifically designed kids will have more time for social been meaningful in your own life. to encourage creativity or commu- networking, and parents become the How can you help your child develop nity service. Encourage your teen to ones responsible for intervening to the same kind of warm, supportive investigate sites like www.crowdrise. stop the mean behavior that has be- network both online and off? com, a site that encourages teens to come epidemic online. Here are some suggestions: network for good causes. Obviously, most parents worry • l ook in the mirror. You, of course, • Monitor as needed. The best most about how to keep their own are the most important role model for monitoring technique is a conversa- your child, so a little self-examination tion with your child about what he is in order. How do you behave to- or she is doing online. If you’re wor- wards other people? How do you talk ried that your child isn’t being can- to your child when you’re angry? How did about online activities, consider do you argue with your spouse? What subscribing to www.Safetyweb.com, do you say about neighbors, politi- a new service that monitors every cians or opinions you don’t like? If crevice of the social Web and alerts your children sees you behaving re- to what’s being said about your child spectfully towards others — even as well as what your child says about under trying circumstances — they others. will have a repertoire of strategies to • reiterate old rules. Don’t worry use in on and offline relationships. about sounding like your own par- • brush up on the basics. Com- ents. The Golden Rule definitely ap- cast and McAfee have teamed up to plies online. It’s also worth repeating produce two succinct and up-to-date another old-fashioned chestnut — if family Internet contracts that cover you can’t say something nice, don’t basic rules for safe and responsible say anything at all. Simply following online fun. Even the most Web savvy this rule would eliminate most of the parents and kids will benefit from hurtful remarks about everything reviewing these rules. One contract from bad hair days to weight and kids from becoming victims of online is for teens and one for younger chil- sexuality. harassment. That’s a very legitimate dren. Each includes pledges for both It would be nice to think that concern, given a recent study from parents and kids. Find them at www. summer could be a vacation from the Cyber bullying Research Center alturl.com/okdk. problems like cyber bullying. Since showing that victims of cyber bul- • strengthen offline networks. that’s not a realistic option, par- lying are more likely to contemplate Summer is an ideal time to help kids ents should take advantage of the suicide. Still, protecting victims is develop face-to-face friendships. extra time with their kids to find out only part of the equation. Parents Look for settings in which kids have what’s actually happening in their need to expand their vision to help fun that doesn’t involve belittling online lives. Then they can help kids kids create and participate in online other people. In particular, pay at- enjoy the latest social networking networks that reinforce what’s best tention to the tone set by adult lead- trends without abandoning the old- about young people—and not what’s ers including coaches, camp coun- fashioned family values of respect, worst. selors and even church youth group fair play and kindness. Unfortunately, online communi- leaders. Be sure they model the kind Carolyn Jabs, MA, has been writing ties take their cue from offline cul- of fairness, decency and respect you about families and the Internet for over ture which is awash with meanness. want from your kids. 15 years. She is the mother of three Political talk show hosts regularly • Diversify online networks. computer-savvy kids. Other Growing Up demean those who disagree with Facebook still dominates but some Online columns appear on her Web site them. Reality TV shows thrive on teens are migrating to other social www.growing-up-online.com. putting people in humiliating situ- networks. Unfortunately, some of @ Copyright, 2010, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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July 2010 • LONG ISLAND FAmILy 17 Technology When mom power plugs into the Web

By Kathy Sena says Poth. media to help their children — and Social media If you’re not already tweeting in the process they help a lot of other hen U.S. Air flight 1549 away, you’re probably wondering — families, too. Boston-area mom Jen- is creating a landed in the Hudson what exactly is Twitter? It’s a free so- nifer B., who has two kids ages 8 and W River, Gwen Poth wanted cial-networking and micro-blogging 5, started her blogs, Free to Enjoy to be glued to the TV. “We live in service that allows users to send and Baseball — Peanut-Free and More digital back Charlotte, North Carolina (where the read other users’ updates, known as (www.peanutfreebaseball.com) and plane was originally headed) and I tweets. Tweets are text-based posts Food Allergy Buzz (www.foodaller- knew there was a good chance we of up to 140 characters. gybuzz.com), because her youngest fence for knew people on the plane — and it child is allergic to peanuts. She also ended up that we did,” she says. “But The digital back co-founded the Facebook group You today’s moms I didn’t want to risk my 3- and 4-year fence Don’t Need Nuts to Fly with another olds seeing the plane on TV.” Blogs, Facebook, Twitter — there food-allergy mom blogger. So she did what many moms are are many ways for moms to connect On her blog, A Deaf Mom Shares doing these days: She turned to Twit- these days that weren’t even around Her World (deafmomworld.com), ter (www.twitter.com), where she when today’s middle schoolers were Karen Putz, a mom of three deaf could follow the story, find news born. (Boy, could I have used Twit- and hard-of-hearing kids, has made links and see the amazing photo of ter back then! Probably would have friends all over the world, and has the passengers on the plane’s wing. shared way too many adorable baby helped educate other parents about Through Twitter (as opposed to just pics on Facebook, too.) issues such as hearing-aid insurance going to an online news site), Poth “Social media is raising the back coverage and coming out of what was able to be in the virtual com- fence for moms once again by giv- she calls the “deaf/hard-of-hearing pany of other moms as the whole ing them a place to commiserate, closet.” country held its breath, waiting to kvetch and compare notes — vir- There’s a lot of trust that builds learn the fate of the passengers — tually,” says Jen Singer, creator of among moms on social media as the while she was also at home with her MommaSaid.net, and author of “Stop tweets fly, communities spring up preschoolers. Second Guessing Yourself — The around popular blogs and Facebook “It’s something I’m surprised peo- Toddler Years” (HCI, 2009). The two- keeps us not only involved in favorite ple don’t talk about more — the way nature of social media “com- causes, but in touch with other moms value of Twitter to moms who are bines the camaraderie of the local at times when we may be struggling very tied to the house because of playground with the practicality of to work (or these days, perhaps, to their children, but who want to still the community parenting class — find a job), keep hearth and home to- keep up on current events without minus the carpool,” she adds. gether and have some family time. scaring their kids with newscasts,” Sometimes moms turn to social Kindred spirits — most of the time Of course, it’s not all hearts, Moms go green with social media flowers and mom bloggers sitting San Pedro, California mom Jen- amazing green-blogging women,” and her fellow mom bloggers around singing “Kumbaya” by a vir- nifer Taggart is passionate about says Taggart. “Once a month, have brought their voices to- tual campfire. Why, you may be won- green and non-toxic issues, par- we have a topic-specific blogging gether to demand BPA-free prod- dering, does Jennifer B. keep mum ticularly when they relate to kids. day, where we unite our voices ucts and to get a children’s cloth- about her last name, both The mother of a 6-year-old son to focus on a particular subject,” ing manufacturer to respond to here and online? She has received and a 4-year-old daughter blogs she adds. “We are also active moms’ concerns about the issue nasty comments from some moms at The Smart Mama (www.thes- on Twitter as a group and won of skin burns caused by tagless who say she’s raising her peanut- martmama.com). the Shorty Award for best green tags. allergic child in a bubble and that “I’m a founding member of the content.” Want to learn more? Visit she should just “give him peanuts Green Moms Carnival, a group of Among other things, Taggart healthygreenmoms.com/blog. and see what happens.” “I’m just amazed at how emotional

18 LONG ISLAND Family • July 2010 people can get in a discussion with a total stranger on the internet,” Jen- nifer says. If you’ve ever followed the sometimes-heated comments following a controversial blog post (on either side of the issue) on home schooling, breastfeeding or childhood vaccinations, you know what she means. Moms on social media definitely will let you know when they disagree with you — sometimes in large numbers. When Facebook recently tried to ban the posting of breastfeeding photos, several moms from the U.S., England and Australia teamed up to create a Facebook group: Hey Face- book, Breastfeeding is Not Obscene! Apparently its more than 225,000 members agree. Social- media moms demand change, find lost shoes — and even try wine tasting It’s amazing how social media has grown in so many unexpected directions. “TwitterMoms (www. twittermoms.com) are a pow- erful bunch,” says Megan Cal- houn, founder of this social-networking site where moms come together to connect on a wide range of topics and to share their expertise. has nearly 400 members so far. That’s ter. Home with a sick preschooler “TwitterMoms organized a peti- some virtual girls’ night out! (And no — and not feeling so hot yourself? Moms on social media tion (containing 12,853 signatures) babysitter required.) Pop on over to Facebook for a little definitely will let you know to get Chris Brown removed from the Some of the best uses of social pity-party status update. Wondering when they disagree with Kid’s Choice Awards and were suc- media are local, however. “I subscribe if anyone else ever wanted to ship cessful,” Calhoun adds. (Brown was to a Yahoo! group called Hoboken her ‘tude-laden ‘tween to Siberia? you — sometimes in large charged with two felony counts of Moms,” says Rosemary Ostmann, Come on over to my blog, Parent numbers. assault and making criminal threats the mom of a 20-month-old daughter Talk Today (www.parenttalktoday. following his alleged altercation with from Hoboken, New Jersey. “While com), and you’ll know you’re not girlfriend Rihanna on the eve of this our town is just one square mile, alone. year’s Grammy Awards.) After the there are 2,500 moms actively posting Jen Singer probably sums it up petition was created, “Chris with- about everything from breastfeeding best for many of the Twittering, blog- drew his name from the nomina- and potty training to a lost shoe ging, Facebook-loving moms out tions,” she says. and stroller-friendly restaurants,” she there: “Social media makes it easy Wine Tasting on Twitter? Why not? adds. “There are usually about 2,000 to find and keep up with like-minded (I will admit to a bit of confusion, at messages posted each month.” moms,” she says. “Best of all, nobody first, as to how this would actually sees the grape jelly on your sleeve!” work.) The Twitter Wine Moms (twit- Designed to fit your Kathy Sena is a mom, a blogger termoms.ning.com/group/twitterwin- day (www.parenttalktoday.com) and a free- emoms) on TwitterMoms select a rea- One of the best things about so- lance journalist who frequently covers sonably priced bottle of wine that cial media is that it works around a parenting and social-media topics. Fol- everyone cracks open at the same mom’s crazy schedule. Up with the low her on Twitter at @kathysena. She time. Members’ tasting notes — and baby at 2 am? It might be too late to also covers consumer issues of interest lots of other fun comments — are phone a friend, but there’s always to moms for Consumer Reports on Twit- then shared on Twitter. The group another mom to chat with on Twit- ter at @CReporter.

July 2010 • LONG ISLAND Family 19 EntErtainmEnt Spy hiding behind suburban screen The Spy Next Door Rated PG

our beach vacation gets cut short when your daughter Y plops down on a broken bottle hidden in the sand. Almost worse than the wound itself is its location on Laura Gray her body; it’s a little more information than she wants to share. So when her friends ask what happened, she be- gins to “embellish” the story. Soon, she’s forgetting what she told whom, and mass confusion en-

sues! Rumors fly, feelings get hurt Colleen Hayes. Lionsgate Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. and your daughter has some fences Bob tracks down his young charge, Nora, when she gets lost in the mall. to mend. She finds that telling the truth is sometimes more painful — mission; then he is retiring from the moves, Bob rescues the children but it’s all worth it in the end. spy business. from the terrorists’ clutches. Being truthful is always the best When Gillian must leave home to To protect Gillian’s children, Bob choice, as the characters in “The Spy help her ailing father, Bob offers to thinks he must keep his true iden- Next Door” learn at the conclusion of watch the children. There’s only one tity — and the threat of the Russian their harrowing adventure. Watch it problem: they hate him! The kids terrorists — to himself. But Gillian is with your family and discuss it with — rebellious teen Farren, awkward so angry and upset that he has en- our Talk Together points. Then, play ‘tween Ian and cutie-pie Nora — plot dangered her kids she ends their re- “Truth Detectives” to reinforce this to get rid of Bob once and for all. And lationship. By now, the children have valuable lesson. Bob, who has no experience dealing seen a different side of Bob, one that Now available on DVD, “The Spy with children, quickly finds himself inspires love and respect. So much Next Door” features a Chinese spy, in over his head. so that they join forces to help Bob Bob, who is on loan to the U.S. gov- At Bob’s house, Ian downloads a when the terrorists trap him in an ernment. As part of his cover, he file off Bob’s computer. He thinks it’s abandoned building. The bad guys lives in a suburban neighborhood a concert that will impress the bul- are caught, the formula is recovered where he has fallen for Gillian, the lies at school. Actually, it’s a formula and Bob and Gillian — with her kids’ single mom who lives next door with created by a Russian terrorist to help encouragement — form a new family. her three kids. Bob keeps his real job him take over the world’s oil supply. Their relationship is now based on a secret, so Gillian thinks he’s just a When the terrorists discover their honesty, not deceitfulness. nice, geeky guy. Bob wants to move file has been intercepted, they trace to the next step in their relationship it to Bob and set out to get it back, talk together as soon as he completes one last at all costs. Using his impressive spy Farren, Ian and Nora seem to dis- like Bob right from the start. Why? What do they hate about him? Is there anything Bob could have done Play together: truth detectives to change their opinion before their Become a super snooper to dis- also write it on a strip of tape and yes-or-no questions of the snoop- adventure? cover the truth! put it on the object.) Choose one ee to discover the whereabouts of Bob sees his babysitting job as a you will need: person to be the snooper and one the truth stone. For example, “Is chance to “make” Gillian’s kids like • S to n e , block or other small person to be the snoop-ee. Blind- the truth in this room?” Take turns him. Can you really make someone object fold the snooper while the snoop- looking for and hiding “the truth.” like you? Why not? • M a r ke r ee hides the truth stone in the Your family will get a not-so-subtle Take a break from the summer heat • Blindfold room. When the object is hidden, reminder that it’s much easier to with a family movie night! Check out our Write the word “thruth” on the remove the snooper’s blindfold. find “the truth” when it is right out archives at www.Cinematters.com and stone and set it aside. (You may The snooper may then ask up to 25 in the open! get some great ideas for fun with your favorite films! © 2010, Cinematters.

20 LONG ISLAND Family • July 2010 Coming in August & September

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July 2010 • LONG ISLAND Family 21 HealtH Healthy kids take all their vitamins So says the conventional wisdom. But should they?

By Laura J. Varoscak

ll parents want their Companies that promote vitamins and children to eat a minerals target worried parents looking A healthy, well-balanced diet. Nutritious food is vital for a magic pill to make up for the missing to maintaining optimal growth and development. nutrients in their children’s diets. Mothers who breastfeed ensure their baby receives enough at each feeding. When and Adolescent Med- chidlren, including nausea, vomiting, solid foods are introduced, par- icine,” one-third of abdominal pain, liver abnormalities ents read labels and choose American chil- and nerve problems. products that are all natural or dren between If a dietary supplement is recom- organic. Eventually, more variety the ages of 2 mended, parents must be careful is added as children experiment and 18 take of their selection. Many kid-friendly with selections from the five food a daily dietary products are advertised without groups. Children who enjoy trying supplement even having been tested. Unlike medica- new healthy foods, including whole though the American Academy of Pe- tions, dietary supplements are not grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, diatrics (AAP) does not recommend held to any set of federal standards dairy products, lean meats and fish them for children, especially under to ensure purity and quality. Some benefit from the many vitamins and 12 years old. companies claim their products help minerals they contain. Those who The Academy advocates a diet to treat specific childhood disorders fats, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins cereals) vealed that children and adolescents refuse to sample foreign cuisine and based on the Food Guide Pyramid like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyper- C and E. Vitamin D is also important, • Z i n c is an important mineral, es- who were more active, ate a healthier limit their diet to fistfuls of Cheerios as the best source of nutrition for activity Disorder). A safe, natural especially for children who do not pecially for adolescents, because it diet and had better access to health or Mac-n-Cheese may not take in as healthy children, but also recognizes alternative to prescription drugs ap- drink milk or have limited exposure helps with growth and sexual matu- care were more likely to take multi- many nutrients as the more daring, special situations where vitamins peals to parents who wish to avoid to sunlight. Surprisingly, most over- ration (shellfish, wheat germ, wheat vitamins and minerals. Ironically, but are they in danger of becoming may be necessary. Children who are the side effects of medication. Re- the-counter multivitamin-mineral bran, All Bran cereal, pine and pecan those who faced the greatest risk undernourished? exclusively breastfed or suffer from placing a proven effective drug like supplements do not contain this nuts) for vitamin and mineral deficiencies, The vitamin industry would like eating disorders often need supple- Ritalin with a natural dietary supple- combination of essential vitamins • V i t a m i n C can support a healthy those with less healthy nutrition and parents to believe they are in danger. ments. Dietary supplements are vital ment may cause more damage than and minerals! immune system and connective tis- activity patterns, higher levels of It knows how important vitamins to support children with liver disease good. Natural does not necessarily Why are these vitamins impor- sue (fresh fruits and veggies, es- obesity, lower income, poor health and minerals are to satisfy the nu- or other chronic medical problems. mean safe. Parents must be cau- tant? pecially oranges, cantaloupe, straw- and less health care access, were tritional needs of children’s grow- Parents with concerns about deficien- tious of any product claiming to be a • O m e g a - 3 fats are beneficial to berries, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage those who took supplements less. ing bodies. It also understands that cies should always consult a health scientific breakthrough or a miracle brain development and nervous sys- and sweet red peppers) Despite the money parents spend changes in eating patterns, including care provider before selecting a vita- pill. Promoters may succeed in luring tem function (tuna, pumpkin seeds, • V i t a m i n D is crucial in building to enhance their child’s well being, the rejection of wholesome foods, min for their child. Pediatricians can innocent parents to buy their fraudu- walnuts, canola and flax oils) strong bones and maintaining the no research exists which proves are common throughout childhood screen individual children and de- lent cure-alls by bombarding them • C a l c i u m is necessary for the de- immune system (milk, salmon, tuna, supplements can lead to improved and adolescence. Companies that termine whether or not supplements with medical terms that cannot be velopment of strong, healthy bones cheese and egg yolks) health. While it is true that vitamins promote vitamins and minerals tar- are needed and in what dosage. Too supported by scientific evidence or (milk, cheese and yogurt) • V i t a m i n E assists with maintain- and minerals are essential, espe- get worried parents looking for a many yummy-gummy vitamins that undocumented success stories. • Iron contributes to the devel- ing a healthy immune system (aspar- cially for growing children, a diet magic pill to make up for the missing claim good health may not only prove Dr. William Sears, a pediatric opment of strong muscles and the agus, avocado, egg, nuts and seeds, consisting of a variety of wholesome nutrients in their children’s diets. ineffective but harmful. An accidental practitioner for over 30 years, rec- production of blood (meats, poultry, vegetable oils and whole grains) foods, not pills, is the safest and According to a report in the October overdose of vitamin and mineral sup- ommends a multivitamin containing fish, leafy greens, legumes, iron-en- In 2002, the National Health and most effective way to maintain good 2007 issue of “Archives of Pediatrics plements can cause adverse effects in the following ingredients: omega-3 riched white bread, pasta, rice and Nutrition Examination Survey re- health. 22 LONG ISLAND Family • July 2010 fats, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins cereals) vealed that children and adolescents C and E. Vitamin D is also important, • Z i n c is an important mineral, es- who were more active, ate a healthier especially for children who do not pecially for adolescents, because it diet and had better access to health drink milk or have limited exposure helps with growth and sexual matu- care were more likely to take multi- to sunlight. Surprisingly, most over- ration (shellfish, wheat germ, wheat vitamins and minerals. Ironically, the-counter multivitamin-mineral bran, All Bran cereal, pine and pecan those who faced the greatest risk supplements do not contain this nuts) for vitamin and mineral deficiencies, combination of essential vitamins • V i t a m i n C can support a healthy those with less healthy nutrition and and minerals! immune system and connective tis- activity patterns, higher levels of Why are these vitamins impor- sue (fresh fruits and veggies, es- obesity, lower income, poor health tant? pecially oranges, cantaloupe, straw- and less health care access, were • O m e g a - 3 fats are beneficial to berries, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage those who took supplements less. brain development and nervous sys- and sweet red peppers) Despite the money parents spend tem function (tuna, pumpkin seeds, • V i t a m i n D is crucial in building to enhance their child’s well being, walnuts, canola and flax oils) strong bones and maintaining the no research exists which proves • C a l c i u m is necessary for the de- immune system (milk, salmon, tuna, supplements can lead to improved velopment of strong, healthy bones cheese and egg yolks) health. While it is true that vitamins (milk, cheese and yogurt) • V i t a m i n E assists with maintain- and minerals are essential, espe- • Iron contributes to the devel- ing a healthy immune system (aspar- cially for growing children, a diet opment of strong muscles and the agus, avocado, egg, nuts and seeds, consisting of a variety of wholesome production of blood (meats, poultry, vegetable oils and whole grains) foods, not pills, is the safest and fish, leafy greens, legumes, iron-en- In 2002, the National Health and most effective way to maintain good riched white bread, pasta, rice and Nutrition Examination Survey re- health. July 2010 • LONG ISLAND Family 23 Going Places Long-running History of heroes: Francis X. Pendl Submit a listing Nassau Nassau County Firefighters Mu- Going Places is dedicated to seum, 1 Davis Ave. between Mitch- Giraffe bringing our readers the most ell Field and Railroad Avenue; (516) comprehensive events calendar 572-4177; www.ncfiremuseum.org; in your area. But to do so, we Tuesdays – Sundays, 10 am to 5 pm, $4 sticks his need your help! ($3.50 children). All your have to do is send your listing request to calendar@ Hands-on showcase featuring a cnglocal.com — and we’ll take gooseneck handdrawn and operated neck out care of the rest. Please e-mail waterpump dating back to 1832. requests more than three weeks Creatures of the deep: Cold Spring ack is wack — and Jack is prior to the event to ensure we Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 back. have enough time to get it in. Route 25A; (516) 692-6768; info@cshfha. J The Long Island Game And best of all, it’s FREE! org; www.cshfha.org; Weekdays, 10 am Farm welcomes Jack the Giraffe to 5 pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am to just in time for the summer sea- 6 pm, $6 ($4 children three to 12). Exhibits cover a wide range of inter- son. Northeasts’s largest living collection of ests and include a little bit of everything. New York State-native fish, reptiles and Joining Jack are black-and- white-ruffed lemurs, gibbons and Water Workshop Wednesdays: amphibians. Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum, violet Turaco birds. Sailing away: Long Island Maritime 279 Main Street; (631) 367-3418 X17; Jack’s a friendly dude and ac- Museum, 86 West Ave. near Shore www.cshwhalingmuseum.org; Wednes- Road; (631) 447-8679; limm@limaritime. cording to owner Melinda Novak days, 2:30 pm, Wed, July 7 – Wed, Aug. org; www.limaritime.org; Mondays – “…is very beautiful.” 25; Call for fees. Saturdays, 10 am to 4 pm, Sundays, “Jack will enjoy spending the Families and children can stop by for 12–4 pm, $4 ($2 children and seniors). summer here because of the Long Admission to the zoo for chil- art, discover, and watery wonders. Comprehensive history lesson into Island weather.” Who wouldn’t? dren (3-11) $15.45 + tax, adults Family Night: Barnes & Noble, Long Island’s seafaring and shipwrecked The black-and-white ruffed le- $17.45 + tax, handicapped per- 1542 Northern Blvd. (516) 365-6723; past. murs, the gibbons and the turaco sons $9.95 plus tax, senior citi- Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, Free. Orientation Meeting: Suffolk birds will all welcome new and zens $15.45 plus tax. Children For children - enjoy an evening of County Department of Social Services, returning visitors. under 3 are free. Tickets include Bingo every Wednesday evening at the 455 Veteran’s Memorial Highway,; (631) Jack and his friends can be rides, shows and attractions. An- Manhasset Barnes & Noble. Call prior to 854-9335. visited throughout the summer tique carousel and pony rides the event to confirm. Meeting for prospective foster par- season, now through September are extra. Support Group: Parkway Commu- ents, who wish to share their home 6, seven days a week. Mondays Long Island Game Farm, [638 nity Church, 95 Stewart Ave; (516)-395- with children in need. Become a Suffolk 8303; Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, $7. County Foster parent. Foster parents re- through Fridays, 10 am to 4:30 Chapman Boulevard in Manorville, pm, (gates close at 5 pm) and Sat- (631) 878-6644]. For more informa- A dynamic discussion and support ceive a stipend, are reimbursed for ex- group for 40 plus individuals, who are urdays and Sundays from 10 am tion visit their Web site at www.Long- penses, can be single parents, can work, widowed,divorced or single. receive free training, are supported by to 5:30 pm (gates close at 6pm) IslandGameFarm.com. caring caseworkers, help reunite fami- Flying high: American Airpower Mu- lies and may be able to adopt children seum, 1230 New Highway; (631) 293- who cannot go home. Three dates each penguin. There are also interactive and Friendship Group: Friedberg JCC, 15 6398; info@americanairpowermuseum. month are offered for orientation. Call hands-on activities for all ages. Neil Court; (516) 766-4341; www.fried- com; www.americanairpowermuseum. com; Thursdays – Sundays, 10:30 am–4 631-853-KIDS for more information. berg.org; Daily, 2–3 pm. Special Needs Summer Camp: pm. Race to the End of the Earth: Friendship Group of Middle School Friedberg JCC, 15 Neil Court; (516) 766- Preserved vintage aircrafts in the origi- American Museum of Natural History, meets daily for students with Disabilities 4341; www.friedbergjcc.org; Weekdays, nal hangar where they were readied for Central Park West at 79th Street; (212) and provides an opportunity for Disabled 10 am–3 pm, Mon, July 5 – Fri, Aug. 13; war. 769-5100; www.amnh.org; Daily, 10 Middle School children in the community Call for fees. am–5:45 pm; Donations suggested. meet and enjoy events at the JCC. Come Sandcastle contest: Hither Hills The exhibit recounts the most stir- Summer camp experience focusing on swim in the indoor pool, hang out in the State Park-Beachhouse, Old Montauk ring tales of Antarctic exploration: the socialization and life skills building for renovated teen lounge and participate in Highway; (631) 668-2554; www.nys- contest to reach the South Pole in 1911- ages 10-13 with special needs. exciting art projects. parks.com; Thursdays, 9:30–10:30 am, 1912. Highlights include photographs, Now – Thurs, Aug. 26; Free. Long Island Game Farm: 638 paintings, and rare historical artifacts Kid power: Children’s Museum of Sand sculptors may use sand, water, as well as actual items of clothing and Chapman Boulevard; (631) 878-6670; the East End, 376 Bridgehampton Sag and any other natural materials native tools; life-sized models of portions of www.longislandgamefarm.com. Daily, Harbor Turnpike; (631) 537-8250; www. to the beach. Each week’s prizes will Amundsen’s and Scott’s base camps; 10 am–6 pm; Now – Mon, Oct. 11; Call cmee.org; Mondays and Wednesdays – be awarded for the best sculptors and and a diorama featuring the largest of all for fees. Saturdays, 9 am–5 pm, Sundays, 10 am castles in several categories. Registra- penguin species alive today, the emperor Petting zoo and activities. to 5 pm, $7 (free under one year old). tion is held each Thursday from 9:30am- 24 LONG ISLAND Family • July 2010 Going Places 10:30am at the Hither Hills State Park 351-3250; 11 am–3 pm; Free. Beachhouse. Enjoy the exhibitions along with tradi- tional 1920’s fare – lemonade, cake and Moms Club: West Babylon Library, family activities. Please bring non-perish- 211 Farmingdale Road; (631) 539-4419; able people and pet food for The Harry [email protected]; www. Chapin Food Bank. Rain date, July 11. meetup.com/momscluborg; Thursdays, 10:30 am–12:30 pm, Free. Jester Jim: Heckscher State Park, At-home mothers of any age children Heckscher State Parkway; (631) 321- are welcome. Bring your children too if 3510; www.nysparks.com; 3 pm; Free. their not yet in school, this is a playdate Juggling show. for them. High School Reunion: JFK Holiday “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: Inn; (678) 520-1925; (516) 849-3090; Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, [email protected] 180 Little Neck Road; ((631) 854-5579; [email protected]; 7 pm–Mid- www.vanderbiltmuseum.org; Fridays, 8 night; Call for fees. pm, Sundays, 7:30 pm, Fri, July 2 – Sun, Hempstead HS is looking for the grad- Aug. 29; $15 adults and seniors (62 and uates of the class of 1990 and alumni to older); $10 students and children 12 and join in this reunion. under. Arena Players perform one of the “Annie Get Your Gun”: Heckscher Bard’s most well known comedy. Park, Main Street; (631) 271-8423; www. Outdoors. plazatheatrical.com; 8:30 pm; Free. Custer Institute and Observa- tory: Custer Institute, 1115 Main Sun, July 11 Bayview Road; (631) 765-2626; Family Sunday at the Museum: [email protected]; www.custer- Nassau County Museum of Art, One observatory.org; Saturdays, 5 pm–mid- Museum Drive; (516) 484-9337; 1 pm; night, $5 ($3 children under 14). It’s bubble-rific! Free for museum admission ($10 for Frequent lectures, classes, concerts, adults, $4 children 4-12). art exhibits and other special events. here’s a science behind ev- be able to test different bubbles Docent-led family walk and supervised “Alice in Wonderland”: Vanderbilt erything, even bubbles! solutions. art activities after the walk through. For Museum and Planetarium, 180 Little T On July 25, the Cold And of course you can’t go to all ages. Neck Road; ((631) 854-5579; www. Spring Harbor Whaling Museum an event called Bubblefest with- Sea Ink: Cold Spring Harbor Whaling vanderbiltmuseum.org; Saturdays and takes some time off from its ex- out blowing your own bubbles, Museum, 279 Main Street; (631) 367- Sundays, 2 pm, Sat, July 3 – Sun, Aug. ploration of the largest mammal and they’ll be plenty of opportu- 3418 X17; www.cshwhalingmuseum. 29; $10 all seats. to focus on one of the tiniest cre- nity to do just that! org; 2 pm; $8 (Members free). The Arena Players perform Lewis Car- ations — bubbles. Bubblefest at Cold Spring Harhor Explore the science behind body art, roll’s children’s classic. and learn how tattoos are linked with At its annual Bubblefest, chil- Whaling Museum [279 Main St. in Training Group: The Animal Medical seafaring. Crush leaves and flowers for dren can explore the fun science Cold Spring Harbor, (631) 367-3418 their pigment and tint and go home Center, 510 East 62nd St. (854)-230- and art behind bubbles through ext. 17], July 25 at 2 pm. Admission 6406; [email protected]; with your own henna tattoo design. For $6 adults, $5 children. For info, visit www.volunteer.guidingeyes.org; Free. experiment stations and by cre- children 5-95. ating bubble prints. They’ll also www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.] Guiding Eyes for the Blind seeks vol- “Annie Get Your Gun”: East Rock- unteers to foster future guide dog pup- away Memorial Park, Atlantic Avenue; pies. All training, support and veterinary (718) 887-6304; www.plazatheatrical. expenses are provided free of charge. Erwin J. Ernst Marine Conservation singles of all ages through old time fa- com; 7 pm; Free. Pre-placement classes are held at the Center, Trustee’s Road; (631) 751-2244; vorite steps and new ones - come alone Dog Spa in Chelsea at 32 West 25th www.wmho.org; Mondays, 9 am–1:30 or with a friend. (No class April 5 or May Mon, July 12 Street. Required weekly raiser classes are pm, Tuesdays – Thursdays, Mon, July 12 31.) No long term commitment required. held on Sunday evenings at the Center. – Thurs, Aug. 12; Call for fees. Open Auditions: Ovations Dance “The Last Night of Ballyhoo”: Call for specific location & time. High school students experience Academy, 620 Johnson Avenue; (631) Hofstra University - Monroe Lecture Cen- 218-0315; (ovationsdance@optoline. Southold Indian Museum: 1080 hands-on learning about marine science. ter Theater, South Campus, California Av- net; www.ovationsdance.com; 4–5:30 Main Bayview Road; (631) 765-5577; College credit given. enue; (516) 463-6644; www.hofstra.edu/ pm; Free. [email protected]; www. Monday Minnows: Cold Spring Har- HofstraEntertainment; Fridays – Sundays, Disney’s The Jungle Book, for children southoldindianmuseum.org; Sundays, bor Whaling Museum, 279 Main St Cold 8 pm, Fri, July 16 – Sun, Aug. 1; $25, $20 1:30–4:30 pm, $2 (50 cents children). ages 5 and up. (Ages 5-7 at 4 pm; 8-10 Spring Harbor; (631) 367.3418; www. (seniors, over 65 and $18 for matriculated at 4:45 pm and 10 and over, 5:30 pm). Largest collection of Algonquin ce- cshwhalingmuseum.org; Mondays, 2:30 Hofstra students with ID. ramic pottery and impressive array of pm, Mon, July 5 – Mon, Aug. 30; $3 Tues, July 13 soapstone pots and bowls. (adult & tot pair; Members free). Wed, July 7 Science is fun: Long Island Science Stories, fun crafts, and playtime about From Moo to You: Caumsett State Center, 11 West Main St. near Peconic the ocean & nature for preschoolers. “Sleeping Beauty”: Forest Park, Park, Lloyd Harbor Road; (631) 321- Avenue; (631) 208-8000; programs@li- Ages 3-5. RSVP required. Myrtle Avenue and Woodhaven AV- 3510; www.nysparks.com; 10 am; Free. sciencecenter.org; www.lisciencecenter. enue; (718) 235-0815; www.plazatheat- Making ice cream. Ballroom Dance Lessons: Suf- org‎; Sundays, 11 am–4 pm. rical.com; 7 pm; Free. folk Y JCC, 74 Hauppauge Road; (631) “From Moo to You”: Caumsett Interactive museum dedicated to fos- 462-9800; www.syjcc.org; Mondays, State Historic Park, 25 Lloyd Harbor tering a love of math, science and tech- 8–9:45 pm, Now – Mon, Oct. 4; $8 ($7 Sat, July 10 Road; (631) 423-1770; (631) 321-3510; nology in young people. members). Anniversary celebration: Heck- www.nysparks.com; 10 am; Free, (but a Summer Science workshop: Dr. Instructor Norma Granofsky leads scher Museum, 2 Prime Avenue; (631) Continued on page 26 July 2010 • LONG ISLAND Family 25 Going Places

Continued from page 25 321-3510; www.nysparks.com; 2 pm; vehicle use charge in effect). Free. Bring your own beach chairs, seating Puppet show. is on a first come, first saved basis. “Whodunnit”: 3 pm. See Saturday, “The Jungle Book”: BroadHollow July 24. Theatre, 700 Hempstead Turnpike; (631) 581-2700; www.broadhollow.org; 10 am; $10. Mon, July 26 Classic Kipling. “Annie Get Your Gun”: Bellmore Theatre, 222 Petit Avenue; (516) 599- Wed, July 14 6870; www.plazatheatrical.com; 12:30 pm; $15 (includes popcorn and soda). “The Jungle Book”: BayWay Arts Center, 265 East Main Street; (631) 581- 2700; 11 am; $10. Tues, July 27 Classic Kipling. “Alice in Wonderland”: BroadHol- low Theatre, 700 Hempstead Turnpike; Thurs, July 15 (631) 581-2700; www.broadhollow.org; 10 am; $10. “Annie Get Your Gun”: Islip Grange, Children’s Classic. Braodway; (631) 224-5430; www.plazatheatrical.com; 7:30 pm; Free. From Fleece to Fabric: Caumsett State Park, Lloyd Harbor Road; (631) 321-3510; www.nysparks.com; 10 am; Fri, July 16 Free. Ice Cream workshop: Long Island Children create wool items. Museum, 1200 Route 25A; (631) 751- 0066; www.lnogislandmuseum.org; 2 Wed, July 28 pm; $9 for adults,( $7 seniors; $4 students six to 17. Members and children “Sleeping Beauty”: Bellmore The- under six free). atre, 222 Pettit AVenue; (516) 599- Children in grades two through five 6870; www.plazatheatrical.com; 10:30 make their own old fashioned ice cream. am and 12:30 pm; $10 (includes popcorn and soda). Sat, July 17 Go get your ‘Gun’ Fri, July 30 The Funny Man Show: Caumsett t’s the rootin’ tootinest musi- Even if you haven’t seen the State Park, Lloyd Harbor Road; (631) 321- cal around. show, you probably know some of Bari Koral Family Band: The Com- 3510; www.nysparks.com; 10 am; Free. The Bellmore Theatre the classic songs that came from mon Ground, Gillette Avenue and One man show including stories, I Candee Avenue; (631) 664-4230; www. puts on the sharpshooting show it, including “There’s No Business songs and dance. barikoral.com; 6:30 pm; Free. “Annie Get Your Gun” this month, Like Show Business” and “Any- Rock songs for kids. Sun, July 18 in a fully stage production of the thing You Can Do.” You know Broadway favorite. the rest. Sat, July 31 Family Fun Day: Long Island Mu- In case you’ve forgotten, the “Annie Get Your Gun” at the Bell- seum, 1200 Route 25A; 631-751-0066; story follows a fictionalized ver- more Theatre [222 Pettit Ave. at Camp Special Kids Day: West Hills Day www.longislandmuseum.org. 12–5 pm; sion of the life of Annie Oakley, a Avenue in Lynbrook, (516) 599-6870], Camp, 21 Sweet Hollow Road; dennis@ Call for fees. sharpshooter from Ohio during July 27 at 12:30 pm. Tickets $15 (in- specialdayforspecialkids.com; www.spe- Activities for kids and family. cialdayforspecialkids.com; 10 am–5 pm; the late 19th century, and her cludes popcorn and soda). For info, $12 adults ($6 children). Family Sunday at the Museum: 1 husband, Frank Butler. visit www.plazatheatrical.com. pm. See Sunday, July 11. Children with special needs enjoy the day of fun in a safe environment. Chip Bryant: Valley Stream, Valley Stream Park Road and Rockaway Park- Fri, July 23 Performed by The Minstrel Players of “Whodunnit”: 8 pm. See Saturday, way; (631) 321-3510; www.nysparks. Northport. July 24. “Annie Get Your Gun”: Eisenhower com; 2 pm; Free. Park, Hempstead Turnpike; (516) 572- Silent vaudeville clown. 0348; www.plazatheatrical.com; 7:30 Sun, July 25 Sun, Aug. 1 pm; Free. Family Sunday at the Museum: 1 “Whodunnit”: 3 pm. See Saturday, Tues, July 20 pm. See Sunday, July 11. July 24. “Cinderella”: BroadHollow Theatre, Sat, July 24 Bubble Mania: Cold Spring Harbor 700 Hempstead Turnpike; (631) 581- Magic of Amore: Heckscher State Whaling Museum, 279 Main Street; Mon, Aug. 2 2700; www.broadhollow.org; 10 am; Park, Heckscher State Parkway; (631) 321- (631) 367-3418 X17; www.cshwhaling- $10. Bari Koral Family Band: Harry Tap- 3510; www.nysparks.com; 2 pm; Free. museum.org; 2 pm; Members free (oth- Classic fairy tale. pen Beach, Shore Road; (516) 674-7100; Magic show. ers free with admission). www.barikoral.com; 10:30 am; Free. It’s bubbles, bubbles and more bub- Rock songs for kids. Wed, July 21 “Whodunnit”: Houghton Hall The- bles at this year’s bubblefest - explore atre - Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main the science and art behind bubbles. For “Cinderella”: 12:45 pm. See Tuesday, “Cinderella”: BayWay Arts Center, Street; 631-732-2926; www.minstrelp- children ages 5 plus. July 20. 265 East Main Street; (631) 581-2700; layers.org; 8 pm; $15, ($12 Seniors/Chil- 11 am; $10. dren. Group rates (10 or more) $10 paid Punch and Judy: Hempstead Lake, “Sleeping Beauty”: 1 pm. See Classic fairy tale. in advance). Southern State Parkway Loop; (631) Wednesday, July 28. 26 LONG ISLAND Family • July 2010 wwwwww.webfamilyny.com.familyresourceny.com

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July 2010 • LONG ISLAND FAmILy 27 New & Noteworthy Bee-autiful party favors Jazz up that next birth- to toy-like robots. day party with these When expecting, Toys that adorable paper good- choose from among ies. stork-adorned invita- snap! The Art Of Joy tions and favor tags specializes in origi- with a baby theme. nal illustrations for If you’re planning party favors, stickers at the last minute, and invitations. even better: upon pur- For your little one’s chase, the designs are big day, go with customized e-mailed to you, so you can favors that have all the guests’ print as many as you need. names on them, with designs For more information, go to www. ranging from sweet bumblebees etsy.com/TheArtOfJoy.

Easy fun with EZ Fort Rather than let the kids make a mess of your living room building a fort this summer, have They’re turtles by design! them do it outside. “Reptangles” are geometric- With EZ Fort, your their Reptangles in over 80 different shaped tortoises that snap together children can build ways, from circles to squares to rect- to form different shapes. Connect- their own fort or play- angles to truncated octahedrons. able building blocks, they can give house that’s more Light enough to travel, pack them children a colorful toy to play with, permanent than along on the next car ride for hours while also helping them explore ge- one constructed of stimulating entertainment. ometry and design. from sheets and pil- Reptangles are for children ages 6 With the help of an activity book, lows — and there’s no and up. For more info, visit www.fat- or just by using their own imagina- cleanup. braintoys.com. tions, children can snap and slide Part of the fun is making it, and the EZ Fort kit comes with 54 pieces cated, so your child can be at play An egg-cellent new toy that can be used for a number of in no time. creations. All you then need to EZ Fort is geared towards children They’re egg-dorable! wool, so they’re super soft, sturdy supply is the sheet. ages 3-7. For more, visit www.ez-fort. These plump, egg-shaped toys by and fun. With a variety of differ- Construction isn’t that compli- com. Asher Jasper are made from pure ent wool people to choose from, a merino and mohair needle-felted favorite is the Alice in Wonderland set, featuring characters from the beloved story, including Alice and For little drummer kids the Chesire Cat. Does your little one These simple toys are a great Other themes include like to make a lot of way to introduce chil- fairy tales, animals and noise? Then trade the dren to playing holidays like Hallow- pots and wooden music, as well een. For little ones not spatula for a minia- as develop yet ready for imagina- ture drum set, cour- sensory percep- tive play, there’s also tesy of PlanToys. tion, fine motor skills, a monkey rattle ball. With the Musical eye-hand coordination These little toys Band toys, kids can show and cognitive de- are so precious, you their musical apprecia- velopment. Plus, just might want one tion from an early age, it’ll help keep your for yourself. with instruments in- pots and pans in the For more info, go cluding a drum, as well kitchen, where they belong. to www.asherjasper. as tambourine, clatter and oval For more information, visit www. etsy.com. xylophone. plantoys.com. 28 LONG ISLAND Family • July 2010 FREE LONG ISLAND Winter 2010 FREE LONG ISLAND SPECIAL SPECIAL CHILD www.familyresourceny.com CHILD www.webfamilyny.com Over 40 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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